Vascular and cognitive functions associated with cardiovascular disease in the elderly

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2009 Jan;31(1):96-110. doi: 10.1080/13803390802014594. Epub 2008 Jun 16.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between systemic vascular function, neurocognitive performance, and structural brain abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among geriatric outpatients with treated, stable cardiovascular disease and no history of neurological illness (n = 88, ages 56-85 years). Vascular function was assessed by cardiac ejection fraction and output, sequential systolic and diastolic blood pressures, flow mediated brachial artery reactivity (BAR), and carotid intima media thickness (IMT). White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI were quantified and examined relative to cognitive and vascular function. Principal component analysis revealed two primary vascular components: one associated with cardiac function, the other with atherosclerotic burden/endothelial dysfunction. Both factors were significantly associated with cognitive function and WMH volume. Reduced systolic variability and increased IMT were most strongly related to reduced attention, executive function, and information-processing speed. These findings suggest the possibility that systemic vascular indices may provide proxy measures of cerebrovascular dysfunction and reinforce the importance of achieving greater understanding of interaction between systemic vascular disease and brain dysfunction among elderly people with cardiovascular disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / complications*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / psychology*
  • Cognition Disorders / complications*
  • Cognition Disorders / pathology
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Echocardiography / methods
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment*
  • Humans
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Mental Processes / physiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Principal Component Analysis