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Elevated natriuretic peptide levels and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults
Lori B Daniels1, Gail A Laughlin, Donna Kritz-Silverstein
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, USA. lbdaniels@ucsd.edu
The American Journal of Medicine
|June 21, 2011
Summary
Elevated N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels are linked to poorer cognitive function in older adults. This finding suggests NT-proBNP may serve as a biomarker for cognitive decline in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Natriuretic peptides are established prognostic markers in cardiovascular diseases.
- These peptides may predict cognitive dysfunction, even without a prior stroke.
- The association between natriuretic peptides and cognitive function in community-dwelling adults is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and cognitive function.
- The study focused on community-dwelling, ambulatory older adults.
Main Methods:
- 950 men and women aged 60+ were studied.
- Medical history, examination, and blood samples for NT-proBNP and risk factors were collected.
- Cognitive function was assessed using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail-Making Test B (Trails B), and Category Fluency.
Main Results:
- Higher NT-proBNP levels were associated with older age and increased prevalence of coronary heart disease and stroke.
- Elevated NT-proBNP levels independently predicted poorer performance on MMSE and Trails B after adjusting for multiple factors.
- This association remained significant even after excluding participants with a history of stroke.
Conclusions:
- NT-proBNP levels show a strong, independent association with impaired cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.
- These findings highlight NT-proBNP as a potential biomarker for cognitive decline in aging populations.
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