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Does extracranial arterial pathology play a role in late-onset psychiatric disorders?

Frank M M A van der Heijden1, Clark J Zeebregts, Michel M P J Reijnen

  • 1GGZ Noord en Midden-Limburg, Department of Psychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands.

Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology : Official Journal of the Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology
|September 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerotic lesions in carotid and vertebral arteries may impact late-onset psychiatric disorders. Interventions for carotid artery disease might benefit patients with these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Carotid interventions aim to prevent stroke and death.
  • Cognitive functions can be affected by carotid interventions.
  • Elderly mental disorders are linked to brain pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between carotid/vertebral artery atherosclerosis and late-onset psychiatric disorders.
  • To explore the impact of atherosclerotic lesions on psychiatric conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review conducted using Pubmed and Cochrane databases.
  • Focused on articles addressing carotid and vertebral artery disease in relation to psychiatric disorders.

Main Results:

  • Increased cardiovascular risk factors observed in late-onset mania, depression, and schizophrenia.
  • Cerebral infarctions, particularly right-sided, are associated with psychiatric disorders.
  • Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion may induce psychiatric disease, potentially resolving post-reconstruction.

Conclusions:

  • An association exists between occlusive carotid/vertebral disease and late-onset psychiatric disorders.
  • Thromboembolic events and chronic cerebral hypoperfusion are potential contributors.
  • Intervention may offer benefits for affected patients.
Abstract

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