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Updated: Jan 29, 2026
10:18
In Vivo Gene Transfer to the Rabbit Common Carotid Artery Endothelium
Published on: May 6, 2018
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Common Carotid Artery Calcification Impacts on Cognitive Function in Older Patients
Nicola Di Daniele1, Roberto Celotto1, Danilo Alunni Fegatelli2
1Hypertension and Nephrology Unit, Department of Medicine, Policinico Tor Vergata, Universita'di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
Summary
Vascular calcification in the common carotid artery is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, even without traditional cardiovascular risks or plaque. This finding suggests arterial calcification impacts cognition independently of arterial stiffness.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive impairment and dementia are growing health concerns.
- Cardiovascular risk factors are known contributors to cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the independent effect of vascular calcification on cognitive impairment and dementia.
- To differentiate the impact of calcification from plaque and traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- 469 patients (mean age 78.6 years, 74.4% women) were assessed.
- Evaluated traditional cardiovascular risk factors, cognitive function (MMSE), and brain CT scans.
- Common carotid artery (CCA) plaque and calcification were measured using ultrasound.
Main Results:
- CCA calcification correlated with lower MMSE scores (23.7 vs. 25.5, p=0.015) after adjusting for multiple confounders.
- CCA calcification increased dementia odds (OR 1.70) independently of CCA plaque.
- This association was not significant when stratified by CCA plaque presence.
Conclusions:
- Common carotid artery calcification is independently associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.
- Arterial calcification's effect on cognition appears independent of arterial stiffness.
- Highlights vascular calcification as a distinct risk factor for cognitive decline.
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