Vascular risk and FDDNP-PET influence cognitive performance

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Cerebrovascular risk and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology are known to affect cognition, particularly in pre-dementia stages.
• Quantifying cerebrovascular risk via Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP) and AD pathology using FDDNP-PET scans are established methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the independent and combined effects of cerebrovascular risk and AD neuropathology on cognitive function in non-demented individuals.
• To identify specific vascular risk factors contributing to cognitive changes in pre-dementia.

Main Methods:

• Neuropsychological testing, physical assessments, and FDDNP-PET scans were performed on 75 healthy, non-demented subjects (mean age, 63 years).
• A general linear model was used to analyze the association between FSRP scores, global FDDNP-PET binding, and cognitive performance, controlling for covariates like AD family history, education, and APOE4 status.

Main Results:

• Higher FSRP scores (indicating greater cerebrovascular risk) were associated with poorer cognitive functioning.
• Increased global FDDNP-PET binding (indicating higher amyloid-β plaques and tau tangles) was also linked to worse cognitive performance.
• Age, blood pressure, and antihypertensive medication use were significant vascular contributors to these cognitive findings.

Conclusions:

• Both cerebrovascular risk and Alzheimer's disease neuropathology independently contribute to cognitive decline in individuals at the pre-dementia stage.
• Even mild cerebrovascular risk factors, alongside amyloid-β and tau burden, can influence cognitive dysfunction.
• These findings highlight the importance of managing vascular health in preventing cognitive impairment.