Carotid atherosclerosis and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Aim of the study was to explore the correlation between the progression of carotid atherosclerosis and the evolution of cognitive impairment in 66 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). They underwent cognitive status evaluation and ultrasonography (US) to investigate carotid arteries intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque index (PI). After a 12-month follow-up period, neuropsychological and US examinations were repeated to assess the progression of carotid atherosclerosis and of cognitive decline [in terms of changes in Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores]. MMSE score changes were related to baseline IMT (p=0.018), changes in IMT (p<0.001) and PI (p=0.006), and "antihypertensive drug intake" (p<0.001). While the first three variables correlated with increased cognitive impairment, the last one was associated with a reduced extent of MMSE score decline. Results show a link between progression of carotid wall changes and of cognitive decline, and suggest a possible protective role of antihypertensive therapy. Given the potential clinical implications, our preliminary findings could stimulate further investigations into the role of vascular impairment in patients with AD.
Silvestrini
Mauro
M
Neurological Clinic, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy. m.silvestrini@univpm.it
Gobbi
Beatrice
B
Pasqualetti
Patrizio
P
Bartolini
Marco
M
Baruffaldi
Roberto
R
Lanciotti
Chiara
C
Cerqua
Raffaella
R
Altamura
Claudia
C
Provinciali
Leandro
L
Vernieri
Fabrizio
F
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents