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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:30
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Cardiovascular disease and cognitive performance in middle-aged and elderly men
M Muller1, D E Grobbee, A Aleman
1Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Atherosclerosis
|February 21, 2006
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is linked to cognitive decline in aging men. Preventing atherosclerosis early may help maintain memory and executive functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive function decline in aging may be linked to atherosclerosis.
- This study investigates the role of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in cognitive function among middle-aged and elderly men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the contribution of cardiovascular disease (CVD) to cognitive functioning.
- To assess the association between sub-clinical and prevalent CVD and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 400 men aged 40-80 years.
- Cognitive tests assessed memory, processing speed, and executive function.
- Measures of sub-clinical CVD included carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV).
Main Results:
- Increased IMT correlated with poorer memory.
- Increased PWV correlated with reduced processing capacity and executive function.
- Both sub-clinical and prevalent CVD were associated with lower memory performance and global cognitive function (MMSE scores).
Conclusions:
- Sub-clinical cardiovascular disease is related to cognitive decline in aging men.
- Preventive actions against atherosclerosis should begin before middle age to mitigate cognitive decline.
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