An Investigation of the Relationship Between Vascular Markers and Cognitive Functions in Early Hypertension

Background/Objectives: Controlling hypertension may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. A marker for the identification of hypertensive patients who are more likely to suffer cognitive impairment would be of clinical benefit. In our research, 105 patients with newly diagnosed primary hypertension were assessed at the Department of Neurology, the University of Debrecen. Methods: The available data covered detailed medical history and data, the results of different tests, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the intima-media thickness, the flow-mediated dilatation, the augmentation index, the pulse wave velocity, and neuropsychological evaluation. Multiple linear regression models were created to evaluate the associations found in simple analyses (Spearman's rank correlation and Pearson's chi-squared test). Results: The flow-mediated dilatation showed significant correlations with working memory, attention, learning, and executive functions. The intima-media thickness showed significant correlations with attention and reaction time. The composite flow-mediated dilatation/IMT ratio showed a significant relationship with the overall index of cognitive functions. Based on our results, a flow-mediated dilatation/IMT ratio of 15 represents a cut-off value. The pulse wave velocity showed a significant correlation with working memory and attention. The augmentation index showed significant relationships with reaction time and executive functions. Conclusions: Based on our results, the intima-media thickness, flow-mediated dilatation, and their ratio are suitable for the identification of a particularly vulnerable subgroup of patients for whom a detailed cognitive examination is required for the early detection and treatment of functional disorders. The assessment of attention, executive functions, working memory, and reaction time is required in early hypertension.