Associations of carotid atherosclerosis with cognitive function and brain health: Findings from a UK tri-ethnic...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Cognitive function is crucial for older adults' quality of life.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is prevalent in older adults and can impair cognitive performance.
• The specific link between carotid atherosclerosis and cognitive decline remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between carotid atherosclerosis and cognitive function.
• To examine the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and neuroimaging markers of brain health.
• To analyze these associations in a multi-ethnic UK community-based sample.

Main Methods:

• Carotid plaques and intima-media thickness (cIMT) were assessed via ultrasound in 985 participants (mean age 73.2).
• Cognitive function (memory, executive function, language, CSI-D) and neuroimaging measures (brain volume, hippocampal volume, white matter lesions) were analyzed.
• Regression analyses were performed with and without adjustment for numerous potential confounders.

Main Results:

• Carotid plaque or higher cIMT correlated with lower CSI-D scores, poorer memory, and executive function.
• Poorer language function was associated with plaque presence but not cIMT.
• WM lesion volume and coalescence were higher in individuals with carotid plaque or higher cIMT.
• Associations for plaque presence persisted after full adjustment, while cIMT relationships were attenuated.

Conclusions:

• The presence of carotid plaque is associated with poorer cognitive function.
• Carotid atherosclerosis is linked to diminished brain health markers.
• This multi-ethnic cohort study underscores the impact of vascular health on cognition in aging.