Alzheimer’s and Blood Flow: The CATCH Hypothesis

The CATCH hypothesis—short for Critically Attained Threshold of Cerebral Hypoperfusion—offers a compelling theory: that long-term, low blood flow to the brain may initiate Alzheimer’s disease. A major player in this process is oxidative DNA damage, especially in neurons.

In one experiment, researchers found increased levels of 8-hydroxyguanosine, a marker of DNA damage, in brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patients—particularly in the hippocampus and neocortex. These findings suggest that damage isn’t just a consequence of Alzheimer’s, but could be a trigger.

Why It Matters: This highlights a potential therapeutic target—enhancing the brain’s DNA repair mechanisms to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s progression.

Source:

Zhang J et al. "Critically attained threshold of cerebral hypoperfusion: the CATCH hypothesis of Alzheimer's pathogenesis." Neurobiology of Aging, 2010.