Circulation Journal
Online ISSN : 1347-4820
Print ISSN : 1346-9843
ISSN-L : 1346-9843
Clinical Investigation
Prediction of Cognitive Function by Arterial Stiffness in the Very Elderly
Masayo FukuharaKiyoshi MatsumuraToshihiro AnsaiYutaka TakataKazuo SonokiSumio AkifusaMasanori WakisakaTomoko HamasakiKiyoshi FujisawaAkihiro YoshidaKoji FujiiMitsuo IidaTadamichi Takehara
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2006 Volume 70 Issue 6 Pages 756-761

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Abstract

Background Cognitive function is impaired in elderly subjects, so the aim of the present study was to determine the role of arterial stiffness on cognitive function. Methods and Results Cognitive function and arterial stiffness were assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and measurement of the brachial - ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV), respectively. The cross-sectional association of the MMSE score and PWV was studied in 203 subjects (87 men, 116 women), all of whom were 85 years old. Sex distribution, systolic and diastolic blood pressures did not differ between the normal (MMSE score ≥24, n=128) and impaired MMSE groups (MMSE score <24, n=75). In contrast, the PWV was significantly increased in the impaired MMSE group than in the normal MMSE group (25.0±0.8 vs 22.9±0.5 m/s, p<0.05). In multiple regression analysis, the PWV was also independently and significantly associated with the MMSE score. Conclusions These results suggest that cognitive function could be predicted by arterial stiffness, as assessed by the PWV, in the very old. Preventing atherosclerosis may play an important role in preserving normal cognitive function until very old age. (Circ J 2006; 70: 756 - 761)

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© 2006 THE JAPANESE CIRCULATION SOCIETY
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