Arterial pulse wave velocity and cognition with advancing age

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Neuroscience
• Gerontology

Background:

• Arterial stiffness, indicated by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), is a recognized marker of cardiovascular health.
• Age-related changes in vascular function can potentially influence cognitive decline.
• Understanding the interplay between arterial stiffness and cognitive function across the lifespan is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between arterial stiffness (PWV) and age on cognitive performance.
• To determine if the association between PWV and cognition is amplified with increasing age.
• To assess this interaction after controlling for various demographic, hemodynamic, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured using applanation tonometry.
• Linear regression analyses were employed in a cross-sectional design.
• Cognitive performance was assessed using a global composite score, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Similarities test, and four specific cognitive domains.

Main Results:

• Significant PWV-by-age interactions were observed for global cognitive function, visual-spatial organization and memory, scanning and tracking, verbal episodic memory, and abstract reasoning.
• Higher PWV and older age were cumulatively associated with lower cognitive performance.
• These findings persisted after adjustments for demographic variables, mean arterial pressure, cardiovascular risk factors, and other potential confounders.

Conclusions:

• Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) interacts multiplicatively with age to negatively affect cognitive performance.
• Interventions aimed at reducing arterial stiffness may be important for preserving cognitive function, particularly in aging populations.
• This study highlights the critical role of vascular health in maintaining cognitive abilities throughout life.