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Cognitive dysfunction in chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy

Jesângeli Sousa Dias1, Amanda M Lacerda1, Rodrigo M Vieira-de-Melo1

  • 1Cardiomyopathy and Stroke Clinics, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.

Dementia & Neuropsychologia
|December 8, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cognitive dysfunction is common in Chagas disease (CD) patients, particularly affecting memory recall. This finding highlights the need to consider cognitive health in Chagas disease research and patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chagas disease (CD) is a significant cause of stroke in developing nations.
  • The cognitive impact of CD, especially in cardiomyopathy, is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare cognitive dysfunction frequency and patterns in Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CDC) versus other cardiomyopathies (OC).

Main Methods:

  • 37 CDC and 42 OC patients were assessed using cognitive tests (MMSE, Rey's Complex Figure Test).
  • Participants had similar age, education, and cardiac function.
  • Logistic regression identified predictors of cognitive dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • 24% of CDC patients and 14% of OC patients showed cognitive dysfunction on MMSE.
  • Stroke history and digoxin use predicted MMSE scores; CD showed a trend.
  • Chagas disease patients had significantly worse delayed recall on Rey's test.

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in Chagas disease.
  • Cognitive impairment should be an outcome measure in Chagas disease studies.

Keywords:
American trypanosomiasisChagas diseasecerebrovascular disorderscognition

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