Circulating neurodegeneration biomarkers neurofilament light protein and p‐tau181 are increased in individuals with heart failure at risk for vascular cognitive impairment

Systemic inflammation, which is present in heart failure (HF), is known to increase risk for dementia and development of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Both neurofilament light protein (NfL) and tau phosphorylated at threonine‐181 (p‐tau181) are well known biomarkers of neurodegeneration in both Alzheimer’s disease and non‐Alzheimer’s disease neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of the present study was to determine if blood levels of NfL and p‐tau181 are increased in HF patients at risk for VCID.