scholarly journals The Impact of Vascular Risk Factors on Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment: The Nor-COAST Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stina Aam ◽  
Mari Nordbø Gynnild ◽  
Ragnhild Munthe-Kaas ◽  
Ingvild Saltvedt ◽  
Stian Lydersen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Vascular Risk Factors ◽  
Vascular Risk ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is common, but evidence on the impact of vascular risk factors is lacking. We explored the association between pre-stroke vascular risk factors and PSCI and studied the course of PSCI.Materials and Methods: Vascular risk factors were collected at baseline in stroke survivors (n = 635). Cognitive assessments of attention, executive function, memory, language, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were performed at 3 and/or 18 months post-stroke. Stroke severity was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). PSCI was measured with global z; MoCA z-score; and z-score of the four assessed cognitive domains. Mixed-effect linear regression was applied with global z, MoCA z-score, and z-scores of the cognitive domains as dependent variables. Independent variables were the vascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, previous stroke), time, and the interaction between these. The analyses were adjusted for age, education, and sex. There were between 5 and 25% missing data for the variables for PSCI.Results: Mean age was 71.6 years (SD 11.7); 42% were females; and the mean NIHSS score at admittance was 3.8 (SD 4.8). Regardless of vascular risk factors, global z, MoCA, and all the assessed cognitive domains were impaired at 3 and 18 months, with MoCA being the most severely impaired. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was associated with poorer language at 18 months and coronary heart disease (CHD) with poorer MoCA at 18 months (LR = 12.80, p = 0.002, and LR = 8.32, p = 0.004, respectively). Previous stroke was associated with poorer global z and attention at 3 and 18 months (LR = 15.46, p < 0.001, and LR = 16.20, p < 0.001). In patients without AF, attention improved from 3 to 18 months, and in patients without CHD, executive function improved from 3 to 18 months (LR = 10.42, p < 0.001, and LR = 9.33, p = 0.009, respectively).Discussion: Our findings indicate that a focal stroke lesion might be related to pathophysiological processes leading to global cognitive impairment. The poorer prognosis of PSCI in patients with vascular risk factors emphasizes the need for further research on complex vascular risk factor interventions to prevent PSCI.

scholarly journals Hypertension, dietary salt and cognitive impairment

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 2112-2128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica M Santisteban ◽  
Costantino Iadecola
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Alzheimer Disease ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Vascular Risk Factors ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Vascular Risk ◽  
Dietary Salt ◽  
The Impact

Dementia is growing at an alarming rate worldwide. Although Alzheimer disease is the leading cause, over 50% of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer disease have vascular lesions at autopsy. There has been an increasing appreciation of the pathogenic role of vascular risk factors in cognitive impairment caused by neurodegeneration. Midlife hypertension is a leading risk factor for late-life dementia. Hypertension alters cerebrovascular structure, impairs the major factors regulating the cerebral microcirculation, and promotes Alzheimer pathology. Experimental studies have identified brain perivascular macrophages as the major free radical source mediating neurovascular dysfunction of hypertension. Recent evidence indicates that high dietary salt may also induce cognitive impairment. Contrary to previous belief, the effect is not necessarily associated with hypertension and is mediated by a deficit in endothelial nitric oxide. Collectively, the evidence suggests a remarkable cellular diversity of the impact of vascular risk factors on the cerebral vasculature and cognition. Whereas long-term longitudinal epidemiological studies are needed to resolve the temporal relationships between vascular risk factors and cognitive dysfunction, single-cell molecular studies of the vasculature in animal models will provide a fuller mechanistic understanding. This knowledge is critical for developing new preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for these devastating diseases of the mind.

The Spectrum of Cerebrovascular Disease and Associated Cognitive Decline

2019 ◽  
pp. 574-599
Author(s):  
Victoria J. Williams ◽  
Steven E. Arnold ◽  
David H. Salat
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cerebrovascular Disease ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Vascular Dementia ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Vascular Risk Factors ◽  
Vascular Health ◽  
Vascular Risk ◽  
And Function

Throughout the lifespan, common variations in systemic health and illness contribute to alterations in vasculature structure and function throughout the body, significantly increasing risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). CVD is a prevalent cause of mortality in late life; it also promotes brain alterations, contributing to cognitive decline and, when severe, vascular dementia. Even prior to diseased states, individual variation in CVD risk is associated with structural and functional brain alterations. Yet, how cumulative asymptomatic alterations in vessel structure and function contribute to more subtle changes in brain tissue integrity and function that emerge in late life is unclear. Finally, vascular risk factors are associated with the clinical progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, recent theory posits that vascular degeneration may serve a contributory role in these conditions. This chapter reviews how lifespan changes in vascular health contribute to degenerative changes in neural tissue and the subsequent development of cognitive impairment and/or vascular dementia. It first discusses associations between vascular risk factors and cognition and also how declining vascular health may lead to cognitive impairment and dementia. Next, it identifies basic aspects of cerebrovascular anatomy and physiology sustaining tissue health and discusses how vulnerabilities of this system contribute to neurodegenerative changes. Finally, it reviews evidence of vascular contributions to AD and presents ideas for future research to better understand the full spectrum of cerebrovascular contributions to brain aging, cognitive decline, and dementia.

scholarly journals The impact of vascular risk factors on the thickness and volume of the choroid in AMD patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Krytkowska ◽  
Aleksandra Grabowicz ◽  
Katarzyna Mozolewska-Piotrowska ◽  
Zofia Ulańczyk ◽  
Krzysztof Safranow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vascular Risk Factors ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vascular Risk ◽  
Average Volume ◽  
Central Ring ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Wet Amd

AbstractDisturbances in choroidal microcirculation may lead to the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We aimed to assess changes in the choroidal volume and thickness in the macular region in AMD eyes and to investigate whether coexisting vascular risk factors alter choroidal status. We enrolled 354 AMD patients (175 dry, 179 wet AMD) and 121 healthy controls. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination and assessment of choroidal thickness and volume. A multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, and smoking status revealed that wet AMD was an independent factor associated with higher average thickness of the central ring area (ATC) and average volume of the central ring area (AVC) and lower choroidal vascularity index (CVI) compared to controls (β =  + 0.18, p = 0.0007, β =  + 0.18, p = 0.0008, respectively) and to dry AMD (β =  + 0.17, p = 0.00003 for both ATC and AVC and β =  − 0.30 p < 0.0001 for CVI). ATC, AVC and average volume (AV) were lower in AMD patients with hypertension and ischaemic heart disease (IHD). The duration of hypertension was inversely correlated with ATC, AVC and AV (Rs =  − 0.13, p < 0.05; Rs =  − 0.12; p < 0.05, Rs =  − 0.12; p < 0.05, respectively) while IHD duration negatively correlated with AV (Rs =  − 0.15, p < 0.05). No such associations were observed in the control group. Our findings show that the choroidal vascular system in eyes with AMD is much more susceptible to damage in the presence than in the absence of systemic vascular disease.

scholarly journals Vascular risk factors and cognitive impairment in a stroke-free cohort

Neurology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (19) ◽  
pp. 1729-1736 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. W. Unverzagt ◽  
L. A. McClure ◽  
V. G. Wadley ◽  
N. S. Jenny ◽  
R. C. Go ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Vascular Risk Factors ◽  
Vascular Risk

scholarly journals Mild cognitive impairment: Incidence and vascular risk factors in a population-based cohort

Neurology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 80 (23) ◽  
pp. 2112-2120 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ganguli ◽  
B. Fu ◽  
B. E. Snitz ◽  
T. F. Hughes ◽  
C.-C. H. Chang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Vascular Risk Factors ◽  
Vascular Risk

CARE MANAGEMENT TO PROMOTE TREATMENT ADHERENCE IN PATIENTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND VASCULAR RISK FACTORS: A DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
L.M. Bonner ◽  
A. Hanson ◽  
G. Robinson ◽  
E. Lowy ◽  
S. Craft
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Care Management ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Vascular Risk Factors ◽  
Vascular Risk ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Dementia Prevention ◽  
Management Protocol

Dementia prevention is highly important. Improved control of vascular risk factors has the potential to decrease dementia risk, but may be difficult. Therefore, we developed and piloted a care management protocol for Veterans at risk for dementia. We enrolled 32 Veterans with diabetes and hypertension, at least one of which was poorly controlled, and cognitive impairment. Participants were randomly assigned to a 6-month care management intervention or to usual care. At enrollment, 6-months and 12-months, we assessed cognitive performance, mood, and diabetes and hypertension control. At follow-up, diastolic blood pressure was lower in intervention participants at 6 months (p=.041) and 12 months (p=.022); hemoglobin A1c, global mental status and mood did not differ between groups. Recall of a distractor list (p=.006) and logical memory long-delay recall (p=.036) were better at 6 months in the intervention group (p=.006). Care management may contribute to improved control of dementia risk factors.

scholarly journals Aggregation of Vascular Risk Factors Modulates the Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuation in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liying Zhuang ◽  
Huafu Ni ◽  
Junyang Wang ◽  
Xiaoyan Liu ◽  
Yajie Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Vascular Risk Factors ◽  
Vascular Risk ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Spontaneous Brain Activity ◽  
Main Effect

Background: Several vascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, body mass index, and smoking status are found to be associated with cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to investigate whether an aggregation of vascular risk factors modulates the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods: Forty-three MCI patients and twenty-nine healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state functional MRI scans, and spontaneous brain activity was measured by the ALFF technique. The vascular risk profile was represented with the Framingham Heart Study general cardiovascular disease (FHS-CVD) risk score, and each group was further divided into high and low risk subgroups. Two-way ANOVA was performed to explore the main effects of diagnosis and vascular risk and their interaction on ALFF.Results: The main effect of diagnosis on ALFF was found in left middle temporal gyrus (LMTG) and left superior parietal gyrus (LSPG), and the main effect of risk on ALFF was detected in left fusiform gyrus (LFFG), left precuneus (LPCUN), and left cerebellum posterior lobe (LCPL). Patients with MCI exhibited increased ALFF in the LMTG and LSPG than HCs, and participants with high vascular risk showed increased ALFF in the LFFG and LCPL, while decreased ALFF in the LPCUN. An interaction between diagnosis (MCI vs. HC) and FHS-CVD risk (high vs. low) regarding ALFF was observed in the left hippocampus (LHIP). HCs with high vascular risk showed significantly increased ALFF in the LHIP than those with low vascular risk, while MCI patients with high vascular risk showed decreased ALFF in the LHIP than HCs with high vascular risk. Interestingly, the mean ALFF of LHIP positively correlated with word recall test in HCs with high vascular risk (rho = 0.630, P = 0.016), while negatively correlated with the same test in MCI patients with high vascular risk (rho = −0.607, P = 0.001).Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence highlighting that the aggregation of vascular risk factors modulates the spontaneous brain activity in MCI patients, and this may serve as a potential imaging mechanism underlying vascular contribution to AD.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document