Relationship between cognitive impairment and arterial stiffness in elderly patients

VernacularTitle:老年患者认知功能障碍与动脉僵硬度关系
Author: Xiangyang FANG ; Mei LU ; Jinling WU ; Hongyu NIU ; Chunying GAO ; Miaobing LIU
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Cognition disorders; Pulsatile flow
From: Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2009;28(5):374-376
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective To explore the relationship between cognitive impairment and arterial stiffness in elderly patients. Methods A total of 142 elderly patients were enrolled. Cognitive function was assessed by mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and arterial stiffness was assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV). A full score on the MMSE was 30, and cognitive impairment was defined as a score less than 24. All subjects underwent the measurement of PWV and MMSE . The subjects were divided into 2 groups: 93 were assigned to the normal cognitive function group (MMSE score 24), and the remainders (n=49) were assigned to the cognitive impairment group (MMSE score 24). Results The PWV was significantly increased in the cognitive impairment group than in the normal cognitive function group [(13.3±2.4) m/s vs. (11.8±2.2) m/s, t=3. 775, P=0. 000]. Logistic regression analysis showed that the PWV was also independently and significantly associated with the MMSE score. Conclusions The increase of arterial stiffness is an important risk factor for impaired cognitive function in elderly patients.