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Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
10:13

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach

Published on: February 14, 2014

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Cognitive Decline in Old Age

Simin Mahinrad1, Annelotte E Vriend1, J Wouter Jukema2

  • 1Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|April 8, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), a heart condition, is linked to faster cognitive decline in older adults. This association persists even when considering other health issues, highlighting a connection between heart health and brain function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Advanced heart failure increases dementia risk.
  • Early cardiac structural changes' link to cognitive decline is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) from electrocardiograms (ECG) associates with cognitive decline in older adults at cardiovascular risk.

Main Methods:

  • 4,233 participants (mean age 75.2) from the PROSPER study.
  • LVH assessed via Sokolow-Lyon index on baseline ECGs.
  • Cognitive function (attention, processing speed, memory) measured at baseline and over 3.2 years.

Main Results:

  • No baseline association between LVH and cognitive function.
  • Higher LVH levels correlated with steeper decline in attention, processing speed, and immediate/delayed memory during follow-up.
  • Associations remained significant after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, and medications.

Conclusions:

  • ECG-assessed LVH is linked to accelerated cognitive decline in older adults.
  • This relationship is independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities.
  • Subclinical cardiac structural changes may contribute to cognitive decline in aging populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cardiovascular diseasecognitive functionelderlyleft ventricular hypertrophy

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