Higher arterial stiffness is associated with lower cognitive performance in patients with hypertension

Abstract

Cognitive impairment and elevated arterial stiffness have been described in patients with arterial hypertension, but their association has not been well studied. We evaluated the correlation of arterial stiffness and different cognitive domains in patients with hypertension compared with those with normotension. We evaluated 211 pa-

Is it time to utilize measurement of arterial stiffness to identify and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment?

“…Cognitive function was been assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and a neuropsychological evaluation battery. Higher PWV significantly correlated with poorer cognitive performance in all cognitive domains, with statistical differences in global cognitive function, episodic memory, visuospatial abilities, attention, and processing speed …”

“…Dissecting out the relative contribution of hypertension and the interrelated factor of vascular stiffness is of considerable importance because of the increasing prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia as our population ages and the limited therapeutic options once dementia has developed. The data from Muela and colleauges contend that “higher arterial stiffness is related to cognitive impairment at different levels of hypertension.” Furthermore, two different but related measures of arterial stiffness, specifically pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index, as well as structural properties of the carotid artery—its intimal medial thickness—are associated with lower cognitive performances . Cognitive function was been assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and a neuropsychological evaluation battery.…”

“…The study by Muela and colleagues indicates the depth of the cognitive impairment that can be attributed to vascular stiffness. Impairment in language, processing speed, and visuospatial ability can be profound, even after considering other factors . While this kind of observation study does not have the same power of persuasion as prospective cohort studies or clinical trials with a randomized intervention, it nevertheless adds another piece of evidence to the case that it may now be appropriate to utilize measurement of arterial stiffness to identify individuals at high risk for accelerated cognitive decline.…”

“…Furthermore, two different but related measures of arterial stiffness, specifically pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index, as well as structural properties of the carotid artery-its intimal medial thickness-are associated with lower cognitive performances. 1 Cognitive function was been assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and a neuropsychological evaluation battery. Higher PWV significantly correlated with poorer cognitive performance in all cognitive domains, with statistical differences in global cognitive function, episodic memory, visuospatial abilities, attention, and processing speed.…”

“…Higher PWV significantly correlated with poorer cognitive performance in all cognitive domains, with statistical differences in global cognitive function, episodic memory, visuospatial abilities, attention, and processing speed. 1 The study builds on a well-defined and usually consistent base of knowledge that links arterial stiffness to impairment in cognitive function and dementia. 2 Although there are some studies that do not demonstrate a strong relationship, 3 it is useful to consider a few of the previous investigations as a background.…”