scholarly journals Resting heart rate variability as a possible marker of cognitive decline

Kinesiology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-84
Author(s):  
Bernhard Grässler ◽  
Anita Hökelmann ◽  
Richard Halti Cabral
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Cognitive Test

Cognition is a major subject to be addressed nowadays due to the increasing number of cognitively affected people in most societies. Because of a lack of pharmaceutical therapies treating cognitive decline, its indicators should be diagnosed before it becomes prevalent. Scientific evidence indicates a relationship between cognition and the nervous system, especially its autonomic part. Heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of the autonomic nervous system functioning has been studied as a biological marker for the evaluation of cognitive performance. Therefore, HRV is a possible indicator of cognitive impairment. The aim was to provide a systematic literature review about the association between resting HRV and the cognitive performance. Five cognitive functions were analysed separately: executive functions, memory and learning, language abilities, visuospatial functioning, and processing speed. Furthermore, the global cognitive function evaluated with cognitive test batteries was considered too. An electronic database search was conducted with five databases. Three search fields comprised HRV, cognitive performance, and adult subjects. The final dataset consisted of 27 articles. Significant correlations in each cognitive function were found, except for processing speed, suggesting a positive association between resting HRV and cognitive performance. Mechanisms underlying this association between cardiovascular health and cognition are discussed. For the future, HRV could be used in diagnostics as an indicator of cognitive impairment before symptoms of dementia get apparent. With a timely diagnosis, preventative tools could be initiated at an early stage of dementia.

Abstract 51: Heart Rate Variability and its Association with Cognitive Decline Over 20 years: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities - Neurocognitive Study

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faye L Lopez ◽  
Lin Y Chen ◽  
Elsayed Z Soliman ◽  
Jennifer A Deal ◽  
Rebecca F Gottesman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Word Recall ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Low HRV is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and mortality, and risk factors for lower HRV are also linked to cognitive impairment. We assessed whether HRV measures are associated with cognitive decline in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Methods: We studied 10,623 individuals (23% African-American, 57% female, mean age 54). HRV measures were obtained from 2-minute electrocardiogram rhythm strips in 1987-89 and include the standard deviation of all normal RR intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD), low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) spectral power, and the LF/HF ratio. Cognitive function was measured in 1990-92, 1996-98 and 2011-2013 using 3 neuropsychological tests: Delayed Word Recall (DWR), Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS), and Word Fluency (WF). Scores were standardized and their average was used as a test of global cognitive function. HRV measures were log-transformed and we used linear regression models fit with generalized estimating equations to evaluate associations with cognitive performance over time, which was modeled as a linear spline with a knot at year 6 of follow-up. Results: At baseline, lower levels of HRV were significantly associated with reduced scores in all cognitive tests. Lower baseline levels of HRV measures of sympathetic activity (LF and LF/HF ratio) were associated with faster decline in tests evaluating executive function and language (DSST and WF) (table). We did not observe associations between parasympathetic nervous system measures (rMSSD and HF) and cognitive decline. Conclusion: In this large population-based study, markers of cardiac sympathetic dysfunction measured in mid-life were associated with a faster decline in executive function, which is more frequently affected in cognitive impairment of vascular origin. Additional research should explore the mechanism for this association.

scholarly journals Admission Heart Rate Variability is Associated with Depression and Cognition in Patients with Acute Mild-Moderate Ischemic Stroke

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanying he ◽  
Ronghua Xu ◽  
Jian Wang ◽  
Lili Zhang ◽  
Weiwei Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Stroke has been shown to cause cardiac autonomic dysfunction. Depression and cognitive impairment are common complications after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The relationship between poststroke depression (PSD) and cognitive impairment (PCI) and heart rate variability(HRV) was unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the decreased HRV was related to PSD and PCI in patients with mild-moderate AIS. Methods Changes in HRV after AIS were assessed using the nonlinear fractal dimension (FD) method, and patients within 72 hours of AIS were included in the study. 476 patients were included in this study. All patients underwent mood tests, cognitive test at 3 months. Cognitive and mood state were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the 15-item Stroke Specific Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), respectively. PSD was defined if GDS ≥5 and PSCI was defined if MoCA<26. We assessed the relationship between FD and PSD and PSCI at 3 months. Results 50.84% (242/476) of patients had PSD, and 33.19% (158/476) of patients had PSCI. Compared with no PSD group, the lower NIHSS and FD value,and higher prevalence of FD≤1.05 were more likely in patients with PSD (P<0.05). Compared with no PSCI group, the higher prevalence of FD≤1.05 were more likely in patients with PSCI (P<0.05).In fully adjusted models, the FD ≤1.05 was significantly associated with PSD (adjusted OR, 3.31; 95%CI, 1.81–5.43; P=0.000),and PSCI (adjusted OR,1.88; 95%CI, 1.11–3.16; P=0.018). Conclusions These results suggested that FD≤1.05 after AIS could be used as an objective tool for early prediction of PSD and PSCI, providing guidance for the treatment of PSD and PCI, and improving the prognosis of patients.

scholarly journals Prediction of Cognitive Decline Using Heart Rate Fragmentation Analysis: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madalena D. Costa ◽  
Susan Redline ◽  
Timothy M. Hughes ◽  
Susan R. Heckbert ◽  
Ary L. Goldberger
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Ethnic Study ◽  
Non Invasive

Background: Heart rate fragmentation (HRF), a new non-invasive metric quantifying cardiac neuroautonomic function, is associated with increasing age and cardiovascular disease. Since these are risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia, in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), we investigated whether disrupted cardiac neuroautonomic function, evidenced by increased HRF, would be associated with worse cognitive function assessed concurrently and at a later examination, and with greater cognitive decline.Methods: HRF was derived from the ECG channel of the polysomnographic recordings obtained in an ancillary study (n = 1,897) conducted in conjunction with MESA exam 5 (2010–2012). Cognitive function was assessed at exam 5 and 6.4 ± 0.5 years later at exam 6 (2016–2018) with tests of global cognitive performance (the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument, CASI), processing speed (Digit Symbol Coding, DSC) and working memory (Digit Span). Multivariable regression models were used to quantify the associations between HRF indices and cognitive scores.Results: The participants’ mean age was 68 ± 9 years (54% female). Higher HRF at baseline was independently associated with lower cognitive scores at both exams 5 and 6. Specifically, in cross-sectional analyses, a one-standard deviation (SD) (13.7%) increase in HRF was associated with a 0.51 (95% CI: 0.17–0.86) points reduction in CASI and a 1.12 (0.34–1.90) points reduction in DSC. Quantitatively similar effects were obtained in longitudinal analyses. A one-SD increase in HRF was associated with a 0.44 (0.03–0.86) and a 1.04 (0.28–1.81) points reduction in CASI and DSC from exams 5 to 6, respectively. HRF added predictive value to the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE-APOE-ε4) risk score and to models adjusted for serum concentration of NT-proBNP, an analyte associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.Conclusion: Increased HRF assessed during sleep was independently associated with diminished cognitive performance (concurrent and future) and with greater cognitive decline. These findings lend support to the links between cardiac neuroautonomic regulation and cognitive function. As a non-invasive, repeatable and inexpensive probe, HRF technology may be useful in monitoring cognitive status, predicting risk of dementia and assessing therapeutic interventions.

scholarly journals Phasic heart rate variability and the association with cognitive performance: A cross-sectional study in a healthy population setting

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0246968
Author(s):  
Kathrin Hilgarter ◽  
Karin Schmid-Zalaudek ◽  
Regina Csanády-Leitner ◽  
Manfred Mörtl ◽  
Andreas Rössler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Sex

Introduction Sympathovagal balance measured by heart rate variability is a core component of psychophysiological research. Through the close link of physiological and psychological aspects, often a reduced heart rate variability is associated with impaired cognitive function. A better understanding of the associations between cognitive and cardiovascular dysfunctions is necessary to prevent the manifestation of diseases. Therefore, this study investigated phasic heart rate variability using rest, anticipatory, stress, and recovery periods and the association with high and low cognitive performance in a generally healthy population setting. Methods 114 healthy individuals (40 males, 74 females) aged 20 to 70 participated in the cross-sectional study. The heart rate variability based on standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), and the root means square of successive differences (RMSSD), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and LF/HF ratio and its association with high and low cognitive performance measured by the California Verbal Learning Task II were examined. Results The results of this study indicate that the paradigm was successful in producing stress and showed a significant association between phasic heart rate variability (SDNN) and verbal episodic memory performance, irrespective of age and sex. Discussion The results of this study suggest that a reduced heart rate variability is associated with reduced cognitive function regardless of age and sex and seem to be an early indicator of sympathovagal disbalance. Conclusion This leads to the conclusion that differences between high and low cognitive performance might show differences in heart rate variability at an early stage, where no diseases are yet manifest.

scholarly journals Intellectual engagement and cognitive ability in later life (the “use it or lose it” conjecture): longitudinal, prospective study

BMJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. k4925 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger T Staff ◽  
Michael J Hogan ◽  
Daniel S Williams ◽  
L J Whalley
Keyword(s):  
Life Course ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Intellectual Engagement ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Objectives To examine the association between intellectual engagement and cognitive ability in later life, and determine whether the maintenance of intellectual engagement will offset age related cognitive decline. Design Longitudinal, prospective, observational study. Setting Non-clinical volunteers in late middle age (all born in 1936) living independently in northeast Scotland. Participants Sample of 498 volunteers who had taken part in the Scottish Mental Health Survey of 1947, from one birth year (1936). Main outcome measures Cognitive ability and trajectory of cognitive decline in later life. Typical intellectual engagement was measured by a questionnaire, and repeated cognitive measurements of information processing speed and verbal memory were obtained over a 15 year period (recording more than 1200 longitudinal data points for each cognitive test). Results Intellectual engagement was significantly associated with level of cognitive performance in later life, with each point on a 24 point scale accounting for 0.97 standardised cognitive performance (IQ-like) score, for processing speed and 0.71 points for memory (both P<0.05). Engagement in problem solving activities had the largest association with life course cognitive gains, with each point accounting for 0.43 standardised cognitive performance score, for processing speed and 0.36 points for memory (both P<0.05). However, engagement did not influence the trajectory of age related decline in cognitive performance. Engagement in intellectual stimulating activities was associated with early life ability, with correlations between engagement and childhood ability and education being 0.35 and 0.22, respectively (both P<0.01). Conclusion These results show that self reported engagement is not associated with the trajectory of cognitive decline in late life, but is associated with the acquisition of ability during the life course. Overall, findings suggest that high performing adults engage and those that engage more being protected from relative decline.

scholarly journals Autonomic Nervous System and Cognitive Impairment in Older Patients: Evidence From Long-Term Heart Rate Variability in Real-Life Setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Dalise ◽  
Raffaele Prestano ◽  
Renata Fasano ◽  
Antonio Gambardella ◽  
Michelangela Barbieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Real Life Setting

scholarly journals Assessment of cognitive impairment and related risk factors in hemodialysis patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hristos Karakizlis ◽  
Katharina Bohl ◽  
Jannis Ziemek ◽  
Richard Dodel ◽  
Joachim Hoyer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Cognitive Profile ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Regional Government

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients has been acknowledged over the last years and has been reported in up to 80% of patients. Older age, high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, such as stroke and transient ischemic attack, uremia, and multiple metabolic disturbances represent the most common factors for cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study on 408 patients from 10 hemodialysis centers in the regional government district of Middle Hesse (Germany). Patients underwent a neuropsychological test battery consisting of five tests, in addition to a phonemic fluency test, to assess cognitive profile. The patients were classified into no cognitive impairment mildly-, moderately- or severely-impaired cognitive function, depending on the degree of impairment and number of domains where the deficit was determined. We analyzed the cognitive profile and the change in performance over time in hemodialysis patients based on their cognitive status at baseline vs. 1-year follow-up. Results Of 479 eligible patients, 408 completed all tests at baseline. Only 25% (n = 102) of the patients had no cognitive impairment. Fourteen per cent (n = 57), 36.5% (n = 149), and 24.5% (n = 100) of patients showed mild, moderate, and severe impairment, respectively. In patients with cognitive impairment, all cognitive domains were affected, and impairment was significantly associated with depression and education. The most impaired cognitive performance was immediate memory recall, and the best performance was found in naming ability. No significant  change was observed after 1 year- follow up in any domain. Conclusion Our study shows that the prevalence of cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients is high and that it is affected by the presence of depression. Furthermore, education has an effect on cognitive test results. As depression has a significant influence on cognitive impairment, its early identification is essential in order to initiate treatment at an early stage, hoping to positively influence cognitive performance. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Association of Aortic Stiffness and Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Liu ◽  
Jinghuan Fang ◽  
Chaohua Cui ◽  
Shuju Dong ◽  
Lijie Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Aortic Stiffness ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
With Memory

Background: Increased aortic stiffness has been found to be associated with cognitive function decline, but the evidence is still under debate. It is of great significance to elucidate the evidence in this debate to help make primary prevention decisions to slow cognitive decline in our routine clinical practice.Methods: Electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English from January 1, 1986, to March 16, 2020, that reported the association between aortic stiffness and cognitive function. Studies that reported the association between aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and cognitive function, cognitive impairment, and dementia were included in the analysis.Results: Thirty-nine studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and 29 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. The aortic PWV was inversely associated with memory and processing speed in the cross-sectional analysis. In the longitudinal analysis, the high category of aortic PWV was 44% increased risk of cognitive impairment (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.24–1.85) compared with low PWV, and the risk of cognitive impairment increased 3.9% (OR 1.039; 95% CI 1.005–1.073) per 1 m/s increase in aortic PWV. Besides, meta-regression analysis showed that age significantly increased the association between high aortic PWV and cognitive impairment risk.Conclusion: Aortic stiffness measured by aortic PWV was inversely associated with memory and processing speed and could be an independent predictor for cognitive impairment, especially for older individuals.

Abstract 95: Nutrition and Cognitive Decline Over 21-years: Results from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC)

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L Dearborn ◽  
Aozhou Wu ◽  
Lyn M Steffen ◽  
David S Knopman ◽  
Thomas H Mosley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Word Recall ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Diet Pattern

Background: A healthy diet may be protective against cognitive decline by mechanisms that involve improved vascular risk factors such as hypertension and dysglycemia, and reduced systemic inflammation. In this population-based study, we hypothesized that midlife diet pattern would be associated with cognitive decline over 21-years. Methods: This study included 13,603 participants in the ARIC population-based cohort recruited from four U.S. sites who were aged 45 to 64 at baseline (1987-89) when diet was measured. Participants recorded diet using a 66-item food frequency questionnaire. Two dietary patterns, called “Meat and Fried” and the “Balanced Diet”, were named after the most representative foods that emerged from constructs derived from a principal component analysis of 30 food groups. A higher diet pattern score represented greater adherence. Cognitive testing, including the digit symbol substitution, the word fluency and delayed word recall tests, were combined to a z-score at each visit (visits 2, 1990-92; 4, 1996-98 and 5, 2011-2013). Test scores for participants not attending subsequent visits were imputed using Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations to account for cohort attrition. Cognitive performance at visit 2 was compared by tertile (T) of each diet pattern. Using mixed effects models with a random slope and intercept , we determined the 21-year change in cognitive function by diet pattern tertile, adjusting for demographics and medical history. Results: At visit 2, adherence to the Meat and Fried pattern was associated with lower cognitive test scores (z-score T3: -0.172, SD 0.985; T1: 0.149, SD 0.981, p-trend <0.001). Adherence to the Balanced Diet was not associated with differences in cognitive performance (z-score T3: 0.013, SD 0.988; T1 -0.036, SD 1.001, p-trend 0.10). 21-year change in cognitive function did not differ by adherence to diet pattern with adjustments (difference of the change in z-score for Meat and Fried, T3 vs. T1: 0.02, [CI -0.05 to 0.08]; Balanced Diet T3 vs. T1: -0.03, [CI -0.09 to 0.02]). Conclusion: Although participants with a diet pattern high in meat and fried foods had lower cognition at time of first assessment, diet patterns at midlife did not carry independent associations with cognitive decline.

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