Circulating MMP-7 is associated with cognitive decline in individuals with vascular risk factors.

Cohort studyJournal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD· Aug 2026

Circulating MMP-7 is associated with cognitive decline in individuals with vascular risk factors.

Iria López-Dequidt, Yago Leira, Sergio Cinza-Sanjurjo … Manuel Rodríguez-Yáñez

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GeriatricsCohort studyQ1IF 3.2

Higher 12-month MMP-7 levels linked to greater odds of cognitive decline

Circulating MMP-7 is associated with cognitive decline in individuals with vascular risk factors.

Iria López-Dequidt … Manuel Rodríguez-Yáñez

Journal of Alzheimer's disease · Aug 2026 · Q1 in General Medicine

Background

Vascular risk factors contribute substantially to late-life cognitive impairment and interact with neurodegenerative processes underlying dementia.

Purpose

To explore the association between circulating markers of blood-brain barrier remodeling, amyloid-β (Aβ) 1-40 and longitudinal cognitive decline in individuals with vascular risk factors.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 101 individuals (mean age 71 ± 5 years; 59.4% women) with long-standing hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus underwent serial assessment of serum blood-brain barrier-related biomarkers (matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs], TIMP-1 and soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis [sTWEAK]), Aβ 1-40 , brain MRI, and standardized cognitive testing (Mini-Mental State Examination and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Version V) over a mean follow-up of 24 ± 4.9 months.

n = 101 individuals

Results

higher levels raise the odds of later cognitive decline

OR 2.13 (95% CI 1.09 to 4.13)

null 1

1.09

4.13

CI excludes the null - significant

More results

Twelve participants (11.9%) developed cognitive decline.

Baseline levels of Aβ 1-40 , MMP-9, and sTWEAK were associated with lower cognitive performance.

“

Conclusion · 1 of 2

Elevated circulating MMP-7 at 12 months was associated with cognitive decline suggesting a potential role for blood-brain barrier remodeling in vascular contributions to cognitive impairment.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

These findings should be considered exploratory and require validation in larger studies.

Circulating MMP-7 is associated with cognitive decline in individuals with vascular risk factors.

Circulating MMP-7 is associated with cognitive decline in individuals with vascular risk factors.

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