Cerebral small vessel disease - Genetic risk assessment for prevention and treatment

Cerebrovascular disease is a major burden to individuals and their communities worldwide. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability, and the prevention and treatment of stroke can be improved with a better understanding of its causation. Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a subset of cerebrovascular disease, and has an equally large impact on an individual's quality of life. Although many risk factors are involved, we propose that genetics has a significant role in the pathogenesis of SVD through a complex interplay of environmental and multigenetic factors. Advances in molecular technology have enabled the human genome to be investigated both at a population and, more recently, an individual level. A better understanding of the molecular basis of SVD will enable the development of therapies to help in its prevention and treatment. This review assesses the molecular genetics underlying cerebral SVD.Lam, Ada; Hamilton-Bruce, M Anne; Jannes, Jim; Koblar, Simon Ahttp://adisonline.com/moleculardiagnosistherapy/Abstract/2008/12030/Cerebral_Small_Vessel_Disease__Genetic_Risk.2.asp