NOS3 and Mental deterioration: Additionally, De Montgolfier et al. demonstrated that in the same LDLr − / − ;hApoB100 + / + model, the presence of systolic hypertension induces neurovascular unit disruption by reducing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and decreasing collagen IV content in the cerebrovascular basement membrane, further compromising vascular integrity and potentially exacerbating cognitive decline in atherosclerosis model mice [93].