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Updated: May 30, 2026
10:08
Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound
Published on: December 2, 2014
Arterial stiffness and cognitive decline in well-functioning older adults
Nora L Watson1, Kim Sutton-Tyrrell, Caterina Rosano
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3545, USA. norawatson@gmail.com
Summary
Central arterial stiffness, measured by aortic pulse wave velocity, is linked to cognitive decline in older adults. This association persists even without hypertension or other common vascular risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Aging central arteries may cause cerebral microvascular disease, independent of hypertension.
- Limited research exists on central arterial stiffness and cognitive decline in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between central arterial stiffness and cognitive function/decline in older adults.
- To determine if arterial stiffness impacts cognitive decline independently of other vascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- 552 participants from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study were analyzed.
- Aortic pulse wave velocity (a measure of central arterial stiffness) was assessed at baseline.
- Cognitive function (global, verbal memory, psychomotor, perceptual speed) was evaluated over 6 years.
Main Results:
- Higher aortic pulse wave velocity correlated with poorer global, psychomotor, and perceptual speed cognitive function.
- Increased aortic pulse wave velocity was associated with a greater decline in psychomotor speed.
- No significant association was found with verbal memory or longitudinal decline in global function, verbal memory, or perceptual speed.
Conclusions:
- Central arterial stiffness may contribute to cognitive decline in well-functioning older adults.
- This link appears independent of hypertension and other vascular risk factors.
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