Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
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
Summary
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Imbalances in Cardiac Output
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
01:20Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...