Relationship between sensorimotor peripheral nerve function and indicators of cardiovascular autonomic function in older adults from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study

Abstract

Background Age-related peripheral nervous system (PNS) impairments are highly prevalent in older adults. Although sensorimotor and cardiovascular autonomic function have been shown to be related in persons with diabetes, the nature of the relationship in general community-dwelling older adult populations is unknown. Methods Health, Aging and Body Composition participants (n=2,399, age=76.5±2.9 years, 52% women, 38% black) underwent peripheral nerve testing at the 2000/01 clinic visit. Nerve conduction amplitude and velocity were measured at the peroneal motor nerve. Sensory nerve function was assessed with vibration detection threshold and monofilament (1.4-g/10-g) testing at the big toe. Symptoms of lower-extremity peripheral neuropathy were collected by self-report. Cardiovascular autonomic function indicators included postural hypotension, resting heart rate (HR), as well as HR response to and recovery from submaximal exercise testing (400m walk). Multivariable modeling adjusted for demographic/lifestyle factors, medication use and comorbid conditions. Results In fully adjusted models, poor motor nerve conduction velocity (<40 m/sec) was associated with greater odds of postural hypotension, (OR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.0–2.5), while poor motor amplitude (<1 mV) was associated with 2.3 beats/min (p=0.003) higher resting HR. No associations were observed between sensory nerve function or symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and indicators of cardiovascular autonomic function. Conclusions Motor nerve function and indicators cardiovascular autonomic function remained significantly related even after considering many potentially shared risk factors. Future studies should investigate common underlying processes for developing multiple PNS impairments in older adults.

Swallowing impairment in older adults: association with sensorimotor peripheral nerve function from the Health, Aging and Body Composition study

“…Additionally, poor sensorimotor peripheral nerve function is related to slower endurance walking and greater slowing longitudinally [28]. A recent study indicated that there is an association with indicators of cardiovascular autonomic function and sensorimotor peripheral nerve impairments [29]. The current study adds to these findings in demonstrating a greater risk of swallowing difficulties in older persons with sensorimotor peripheral nerve impairments.…”

Peripheral Nerve Conduction And Sympathetic Skin Response Are Reliable Methods to Detect Diabetic Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy

“…For example, parallel involvement of peripheral neuropathy and DCAN may principally affect the more vulnerable large nerve fibers ( 34 ). Parallel development of DCAN and peripheral neuropathy is thought to involve vulnerable large nerve fibers, with recent evidence pointing to an association between parasympathetic nervous system impairment and reduced peroneal motor nerve CV ( 35 ).…”

Impairments in Hemodynamic Responses to Orthostasis Associated with Frailty: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

“…OH has been associated with poor peripheral motor nerve function in older adults. 35 It has also been associated with greater white matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging, which is thought to reflect cerebral small vessel disease, in late life depression. 36 A number of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have linked these brain changes to mobility decline.…”