Arterial stiffness relates to executive dysfunction in later life.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiology
• Neuropsychology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older adults is frequently associated with cognitive impairment, especially in executive function and processing speed.
• Subtle cognitive changes may precede overt decline, highlighting the need for early detection markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness, and executive function and processing speed in older adults.
• To determine if PWV can serve as an early marker for cognitive decrements in individuals with subjective cognitive concerns.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-six older adults with subjective cognitive or mood concerns were assessed.
• Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured.
• Neuropsychological tests, including Trail Making Test Part A (processing speed) and Delis Kaplan Executive Function System Stroop Task and Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B; executive functioning), were administered.

Main Results:

• Individuals with high PWV (≥12.0 m/s) demonstrated poorer performance on the TMT-B compared to those with low PWV (<12.0 m/s).
• A moderate negative correlation (r = -0.38, p = 0.004) was observed between PWV and TMT-B performance, indicating that higher arterial stiffness is linked to reduced executive function.
• These findings suggest PWV is associated with subtle deficits in rapid set-shifting, a component of executive function.

Conclusions:

• Early markers of cardiovascular disease, such as elevated PWV, are associated with subtle executive function deficits in older adults at risk for cognitive decline.
• These findings support the early detection of CVD as a potential secondary prevention strategy to mitigate cognitive decline in older populations.