<p>by Shiying Liu, Shi-Yan Ng</p> Neuroinflammation and vascular dysfunction are hallmarks of most neurodegenerative diseases. For organoids intended to model neurodegeneration, immune, and vascular cells should therefore be considered fundamental components, rather than optional additions. Neuroinflammation and vascular dysfunction are hallmarks of most neurodegenerative diseases. This Perspective argues that immune and vascular cells need to be fundamental components of organoids intended to model neurodegeneration, rather than optional extras.