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Frequency of subclinical heart disease in elderly persons with dementia

Christiane Reitz1, Adam M Brickman, José A Luchsinger

  • 1Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.

The American Journal of Geriatric Cardiology
|May 8, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia patients show higher rates of structural heart issues like aortic valve thickening and hypertrophy. Stroke patients also exhibit distinct cardiac abnormalities, highlighting the need for clinical attention to heart health in these populations.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are increasing public health concerns.
  • Cardiac abnormalities may be associated with neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases.
  • Early detection of heart conditions is crucial for managing patients with dementia and stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the prevalence of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities in patients with AD, VaD, stroke, and healthy controls.
  • To identify specific echocardiographic findings associated with each neurological condition.
  • To emphasize the clinical significance of cardiac screening in at-risk populations.

Main Methods:

  • Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess cardiac structure and function.
  • Patients with AD, VaD, stroke, and age-matched healthy controls were included.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare abnormality frequencies across groups.

Main Results:

  • Alzheimer's disease patients exhibited higher frequencies of aortic valve thickening, aortic valve regurgitation, left ventricular hypertrophy, and reduced ejection fraction compared to controls.
  • Vascular dementia patients showed increased aortic valve regurgitation, mitral valve thickening, and tricuspid valve regurgitation.
  • Stroke patients without dementia had more frequent mitral valve calcifications than controls.

Conclusions:

  • Structural heart disease is more prevalent in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
  • Specific echocardiographic abnormalities are associated with AD, VaD, and stroke.
  • Clinicians should consider cardiac screening for patients with dementia and stroke to address associated heart conditions.

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