Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2025
Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Associations of Cardiac Ventricular Repolarization with Serum Adhesion Molecules and Cognitive Function in Older
Chaoqun Wang1, Ming Mao1, Xiaolei Han2,3,4
1Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China.
Insights
Longer heart electrical intervals, like the JT interval, are linked to poorer cognitive function in older adults. Vascular endothelial dysfunction may explain this connection, especially with higher adhesion molecule levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Emerging evidence links electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters with serum adhesion molecules and cognitive function.
- The interrelationship between these factors has not been previously explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate associations between ventricular depolarization/repolarization intervals, serum adhesion molecules, and cognitive function in rural older adults.
- To explore the role of vascular endothelial dysfunction in these relationships.
Main Methods:
- Population-based study of 4,886 dementia-free participants (age ≥60 years).
- ECG parameters (QT, JT intervals, QRS duration) assessed.
- Neuropsychological tests evaluated cognitive function.
- Serum intercellular and vascular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) measured in a subsample.
Main Results:
- Longer JT and QT intervals associated with lower global cognition, verbal fluency, attention, and executive function.
- These associations persisted in the biomarker subsample, linking longer intervals with poorer executive function and higher adhesion molecules.
- Statistical interactions revealed longer JT intervals were associated with lower executive function specifically among individuals with higher ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels.
Conclusions:
- Longer ventricular depolarization and repolarization intervals are associated with worse cognitive function in older adults.
- Vascular endothelial dysfunction may mediate these associations, highlighted by the interaction with adhesion molecules.
Background:
Emerging evidence has linked electrocardiographic parameters with serum adhesion molecules and cognition; however, their interrelationship has not been explored.
Objective:
We sought to investigate the associations of ventricular depolarization and repolarization intervals with serum adhesion molecules and cognitive function among rural-dwelling older adults.
Methods:
This population-based study engaged 4,886 dementia-free participants (age ≥60 years, 56.2% women) in the baseline examination (March-September 2018) of MIND-China. Of these, serum intercellular and vascular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) were measured in 1591 persons. We used a neuropsychological test battery to assess cognitive function. Resting heart rate, QT, JT intervals, and QRS duration were assessed with electrocardiogram. Data were analyzed using general linear models adjusting for multiple confounders.
Results:
Longer JT interval was significantly associated with lower z-scores of global cognition (multivariable-adjusted β= -0.035; 95% confidence interval = -0.055, -0.015), verbal fluency (-0.035; -0.063, -0.007), attention (-0.037; -0.065, -0.010), and executive function (-0.044; -0.072, -0.015), but not with memory function (-0.023; -0.054, 0.009). There were similar association patterns of QT interval with cognitive functions. In the serum biomarker subsample, longer JT and QT intervals remained significantly associated with poorer executive function and higher serum adhesion molecules. We detected statistical interactions of JT interval with adhesion molecules (pinteraction <0.05), such that longer JT interval was significantly associated with a lower executive function z-score only among individuals with higher serum ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.
Conclusion:
Longer ventricular depolarization and repolarization intervals are associated with worse cognitive function in older adults and vascular endothelial dysfunction may play a part in the associations.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...