Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

To examine potential sex differences in the relationship between arterial stiffness and global cognitive function and executive functions.

Baseline data from 80 older adults were included from two randomized controlled trials (NCT02669394 and NCT02737878). Arterial stiffness was measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Cognitive function assessment included global cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]) and executive functions (set shifting [Trail Making Test Part B minus A], inhibition [Stroop Test], and working memory [Verbal Digit Span Backwards Test]). Separate statistical models were constructed to assess the effect of cf-PWV on each cognitive outcome for females and males. Each statistical model controlled for Framingham cardiovascular disease risk score and education.

Higher cf-PWV was associated with impaired MMSE performance in males (β = -0.48; p = 0.018), but not females (p ≥ 0.389). For executive processes, higher cf-PWV was associated with impaired Trail Making Test Part B minus A (β = 0.56; p = 0.005) and Stroop Test (β = 0.59; p = 0.004) in males, but not in females (ps ≥ 0.108). cf-PWV was not significantly associated with Verbal Digit Span Forward minus Backward Test in males or females (ps ≥ 0.108).

Arterial stiffness is more strongly associated with cognitive impairment in males than females. These results further elucidate the interplay between vascular health and cognitive function by providing support for sex-specific mechanisms.