REVIEW article
Front. Microbiol.
Sec. Microorganisms in Vertebrate Digestive Systems
Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1564928
Gut-Brain Axis and Vascular Dementia: a review on mechanisms and Chinese herbal medicine therapeutics
Provisionally accepted
Dexiu Wang1
Huiying Yao2
Luoqi Wang1Bowen Lu2Wenkai Liu1Jinghan Li2Yujin Gong2Yuhao Cai2Yuehan Li2Xinxiao Han1
Xin Cai1*- 1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
- 2School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
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Vascular dementia (VD), the second most prevalent form of dementia among the elderly population, is a cerebrovascular disorder characterized primarily by cognitive impairment. Emerging evidence has revealed that intestinal flora dysbiosis may be implicated not only in gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies but also in central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including VD. The gut-brain axis (GBA) serves as a critical bidirectional pathway through which intestinal flora influences brain physiology and function. Notably, accumulating studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in VD management via modulation of gut microbial composition. This review synthesizes current understanding of the VD-intestinal flora relationship mediated by the GBA, while systematically evaluating evidence for CHM interventions that ameliorate VD through intestinal flora regulation. These insights may offer novel perspectives and methodological approaches for both fundamental research and clinical management of VD.Vascular dementia (VD) is a progressive cognitive disorder caused by chronic cerebral ischemia, recognized as the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease (AD). Clinically, VD is characterized by cognitive decline, memory impairment, executive dysfunction, reduced processing speed, and impaired activities of daily living, frequently accompanied by mood disturbances and personality changes (Smith, 2017). Global demographic trends indicate a rapidly aging population, driven by socioeconomic development, cultural advancements, and improved healthcare. Like AD, the prevalence of VD increases significantly with age, contributing to the growing burden of dementia worldwide. Epidemiological data reveal that VD accounts for approximately 15-20% of dementia cases in North America and Europe, while estimates in Asia and
Keywords: Vascular Dementia, gut-brain axis, intestinal flora, Chinese herbal medicine, Pathogenesis
Received: 23 Jan 2025; Accepted: 28 Apr 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Wang, Yao, Wang, Lu, Liu, Li, Gong, Cai, Li, Han and Cai. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Xin Cai, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
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