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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
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Vascular risk factors and intensity of cognitive dysfunction in MCI

Joanna Siuda1, Agnieszka Gorzkowska, Grzegorz Opala

  • 1Department of Neurology, Aging, Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Silesian Medical University, Central University Hospital, ul. Medyków 14, 40-752 Katowice, Poland. neurowp@slam.katowice.pl

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|March 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) experiencing cardiovascular issues show more severe memory and learning deficits. Early detection and regular neuropsychological evaluations are crucial for those with MCI and vascular risk factors to monitor dementia progression.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients face an elevated risk of dementia compared to the general population.
  • Cardiovascular risk factors are more prevalent in individuals with MCI.
  • Understanding the link between vascular health and cognitive decline in MCI is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between cardiovascular risk factors and the severity of cognitive impairment in MCI patients.
  • To compare cognitive function in MCI patients with and without cardiovascular diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 24 MCI patients (9 women, 15 men) using Mayo Clinic Group Criteria.
  • Divided patients into two groups: MCI with cardiovascular diseases (n=16) and MCI without (n=8).
  • Assessed cognitive functions using a neuropsychological test battery including MMSE, Clock Drawing Test, TMT, Verbal Fluency, and AVLT.

Main Results:

  • MCI patients with vascular risk factors exhibited more pronounced deficits in learning new information, recall, and short-term memory.
  • Cognitive dysfunction was more distinct in the MCI group with cardiovascular pathology compared to those without.

Conclusions:

  • More significant cognitive deficits in MCI patients may signal a higher risk of progressing to dementia.
  • Patients with MCI warrant close monitoring, including annual neuropsychological evaluations, especially if they have vascular risk factors.

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