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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
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Cardiovascular risk factors and cerebral atrophy in a middle-aged cohort

David S Knopman1, Thomas H Mosley, Diane J Catellier

  • 1Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. knopman@mayo.edu

Neurology
|September 28, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Diabetes is linked to increased brain ventricular size, a marker of brain atrophy. This finding suggests potential mechanisms for cognitive decline in individuals with diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors are linked to cognitive decline and dementia.
  • Associated CV risk factors may contribute to brain atrophy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between CV risk factors and brain atrophy markers.
  • Specifically examined ventricular size (VS) and sulcal size (SS) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Cerebral MRI scans were conducted on 1,812 middle-aged to young-elderly participants (50-73 years).
  • Ventricular size and sulcal size were rated using a semiquantitative scale.
  • Multivariate analyses assessed the independent relationship between CV risk factors and brain atrophy measures.

Main Results:

  • Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with greater ventricular size (OR=1.63, p=0.003).
  • Higher fasting blood glucose levels correlated with increased ventricular size (OR=1.07 per 10 mg/dL, p=0.001).
  • No other CV risk factors showed a significant association with VS or SS.

Conclusions:

  • Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased ventricular size in middle-aged and young-elderly individuals.
  • Potential mechanisms include microvascular, amyloidogenic, or other diabetes-related effects on brain structure.
Abstract

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