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Brain Function Is Linked to LDL Cholesterol in Older Adults with Cardiovascular Risk
Liesel-Ann C Meusel1, Nicole D Anderson1,2, Matthew D Parrott1,3
1Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Objectives:
To determine how cardiovascular risk is associated with working memory task performance and task-related suppression of default-mode network (DMN) activity in cognitively intact older adults.
Design:
A cross-sectional functional magnetic resonance imaging study of older adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
Setting:
Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences.
Participants:
Thirty older adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
Measurements:
Participants provided health information and a blood sample, and underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during a working memory task and during a breath-hold task to assess cerebrovascular reactivity.
Results:
Higher plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was associated with poorer working memory task performance (P = 0.008) and reduced task-related DMN suppression (P = 0.005). A composite index of cardiovascular risk, the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Profile, showed no associations with task performance or task-related DMN suppression. These findings were independent of white matter burden and cerebrovascular reactivity and thus cannot be accounted for by individual differences in neurovascular health.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest a deleterious effect of elevated LDL-C on working memory task performance and task-related DMN suppression in older adults with cardiovascular risk. The relations between the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Profile, cognitive task performance, and DMN function require further study.
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