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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Understanding reported cognitive dysfunction in older adults with cardiovascular disease
John Gunstad1, Ronald A Cohen, Robert H Paul
1Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Kent OH, USA. jgunstad@kent.edu
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment
|May 5, 2009
Summary
Cognitive dysfunction in older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is often linked to depression and reduced quality of life, not just the disease itself. These factors significantly influence self-reported cognitive difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiology
- Psychology
Background:
- Older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) frequently report cognitive dysfunction, yet its link to objective testing is unclear.
- Subjective cognitive complaints in CVD patients warrant further investigation to understand their underlying causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between subjective and objective cognitive dysfunction in older adults with CVD.
- To identify factors predicting perceived cognitive dysfunction in this population.
Main Methods:
- 84 older adults with CVD underwent echocardiograms and neuropsychological assessments.
- Participants completed self-report measures for cognitive dysfunction, depression, and quality of life.
Main Results:
- Distractibility and sustained attention were the most common subjective cognitive concerns.
- Reported cognitive dysfunction correlated with depressive symptoms, quality of life, and cognitive test performance.
- Depressive symptoms, quality of life, and sustained attention predicted reported cognitive dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Subjective cognitive dysfunction in older adults with CVD may primarily reflect depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life.
- These findings highlight the importance of assessing mental health and well-being in CVD patients experiencing cognitive complaints.
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