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Contribution of vascular risk factors to the progression in Alzheimer disease

Elizabeth P Helzner1, José A Luchsinger, Nikolaos Scarmeas

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

Archives of Neurology
|March 11, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Higher cholesterol and diabetes history predict faster Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Managing these vascular risk factors may impact cognitive decline in AD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Vascular factors like heart disease, diabetes, and lipid levels are potential predictors of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression.
  • Smoking and specific blood lipid measurements (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL-C, triglycerides) may influence AD's course.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prediagnosis vascular risk factors and the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal inception cohort study followed 156 patients with incident AD for a mean of 3.5 years.
  • Cognitive ability was assessed using a composite score, measuring changes from diagnosis.
  • Generalized estimating equation models were used for statistical analysis, adjusting for demographic factors.

Main Results:

  • Higher total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations were linked to accelerated cognitive decline in AD patients.
  • Each 10-unit increase in total cholesterol and LDL-C correlated with a 0.10-SD annual decrease in cognitive score.
  • A history of diabetes was associated with an additional 0.05-SD annual decrease in cognitive score; higher LDL-C was independently associated with faster decline.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated prediagnosis total cholesterol, LDL-C, and a history of diabetes are associated with faster cognitive decline in incident AD.
  • These findings reinforce the significant role of vascular risk factors in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Abstract

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