Cognitive function in patients with peripheral artery disease: a prospective single-center cohort study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is linked to cardiovascular comorbidities and risk factors.
• Cognitive impairment is a potential complication in PAD patients.
• The relationship between cognitive function and cardiovascular outcomes in PAD requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between cardiovascular comorbidities/risk factors and cognitive function in PAD patients.
• To determine if cognitive function influences cardiovascular outcomes over a two-year follow-up period.

Main Methods:

• Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in 104 PAD patients.
• Data on Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), PAD localization, risk factors, and comorbidities were extracted from patient records.
• Logistic regression and a two-year follow-up were employed to analyze cognitive impairment and cardiovascular events.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in MMSE scores was observed between asymptomatic and symptomatic PAD patients.
• ABI and PAD localization did not correlate with cognitive function.
• Stroke, TIA, coronary artery disease (CAD), and diabetes mellitus (DM) were associated with lower MMSE scores.

Conclusions:

• PAD patients with CAD, history of stroke, TIA, or DM demonstrate reduced cognitive function.
• Cognitive function in PAD patients was not found to predict cardiovascular outcomes.