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Atherosclerotic calcification is related to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline

Daniel Bos1, Meike W Vernooij1, Renée F A G de Bruijn2

  • 1Department of Radiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|August 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerosis in arteries, especially the extracranial carotid arteries, increases dementia risk. This study links artery calcification to cognitive decline and dementia in a large, longitudinal cohort.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Limited longitudinal data exists on atherosclerosis's role in cognitive impairment across different vascular beds.
  • Existing research shows inconsistencies regarding the link between atherosclerosis and dementia etiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between atherosclerotic calcification in various arteries and the risk of developing dementia.
  • To examine the relationship between arterial calcification and cognitive decline over time.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 2364 non-demented individuals underwent computed tomography scans to quantify calcification in coronary, aortic arch, and carotid arteries (extracranial and intracranial).
  • Participants were followed for incident dementia and cognitive decline using a standardized test battery over a median of 8 years.

Main Results:

  • Increased calcification volume in most assessed vessels, excluding coronaries, correlated with a higher risk of dementia.
  • Extracranial carotid artery calcification significantly predicted increased dementia risk (HR 1.37 per SD increase) after adjusting for confounders.
  • Larger calcification volumes were also associated with accelerated cognitive decline.

Conclusions:

  • Atherosclerosis, particularly in the extracranial carotid arteries, is a significant risk factor for dementia.
  • Findings suggest a link between vascular health, specifically carotid artery atherosclerosis, and cognitive impairment progression.
Abstract

Keywords:
Arterial calcificationAtherosclerosisCognitive declineDementiaEpidemiologyImaging

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