Mid-life Cardiovascular Risk Impacts Memory Function

Abstract

Introduction This study incorporates unique error response analyses with traditional measures of memory to examine the association between mid-life cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and later-life memory function. Methods The Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP), a composite score of cardiovascular risk, was assessed in 1755 Framingham Offspring participants (54% women, mean age=54±9 years) from 1991-1995. Memory tests including Logical Memory (LM) and Visual Reproductions (VR) were administered from 2005-2008. Linear and logistic regression examined the association between FSRP and memory measures. Interaction between presence of the ApoE4 allele and each FSRP component on the memory measures was also assessed. Results FSRP and the individual components of age, sex, and smoking were related to lower standard scores of memory. The new error response analyses reinforced the standard analyses and also identified new relationships. Participants with diabetes were found to make more errors on LM, and those with a history of smoking were found to make more errors on VR. Lastly, ApoE4+ smokers experienced significant verbal memory loss whereas ApoE4- smokers did not. Conclusion Middle-aged healthy adults with CVRF including diabetes, history of smoking, and ApoE4 positivity were found to have greater later-life memory impairments.

Framingham Risk Score and the Risk of Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia

“…The association between AD and high vascular scores from the Framingham study has already been studied. Jefferson et al investigated the association between FCRP and deterioration of cognitive assessment in cognitively healthy subjects and patients with MCI [35], while the Framingham Offspring Study showed a correlation between FCRP and cognitive impairment in APOE ε4 carriers with several cardiovascular risk factors [36,37]. Another relevant aspect is that, as opposed to genetic and liquoral biomarkers, vascular and metabolic alterations are modifiable factors.…”

Association of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Increased Confusion or Memory Loss and Functional Limitations Among Adults in 21 States, 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

“…In addition, cigarette smoking, a major cause of COPD, is associated with decreased cognitive function and increased cognitive decline ( 4 , 15 – 17 ); the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) showed that almost 40% of adults with COPD that year were smokers ( 18 ). Furthermore, COPD frequently co-occurs with other chronic conditions ( 19 – 21 ), many of which also can involve cognitive impairment, such as heart and vascular diseases ( 22 , 23 ), diabetes ( 24 ), and stroke ( 23 ).…”

The neuropathology and cerebrovascular mechanisms of dementia

“…83 Chronically elevated blood pressure promotes cerebrovascular remodeling, leading to a reduction in the lumen diameter by an increase in the wall-to-lumen ratio. 84 Additional consequences of prolonged systemic blood pressure include altered morphology of small cerebral arterioles that supply vulnerable brain regions necessary for cognitive function.…”