High systolic and pulse pressure levels are associated with better cognitive performance in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease: a cross-sectional observational study in a geriatric outpatient population.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases with age. A number of studies have demonstrated an association between AD and cardiovascular risk factors and disease. However, data are inconsistent.


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational study in a geriatric outpatient population. Analysis of data from 327 patients diagnosed with probable AD in a geriatric outpatient clinic. Comparison of blood pressure levels, cardiovascular diagnoses, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between the patients.


RESULTS
MMSE score decreased with age (beta = -0.25; 95% CI: -0.35 to 0.15), and a positive correlation was found with systolic blood pressure (beta = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.003-0.06), pulse pressure (beta = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01-0.08) and hypertension (beta = 1.56; 95% CI: 0.05-3.07). An increase in cardiovascular disease load had a negative effect on cognitive performance. After adjustment for duration of dementia (data present for 216 patients), results were slightly changed.


CONCLUSIONS
Higher systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were associated with a better cognitive test performance. Patients with probable AD and 2 or more cardiovascular diagnoses had lower MMSE scores.
Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Rozemarijn L
RL
van Bruchem-Visser
Francesco U S
FU
Mattace-Raso
Tischa J M
TJ
van der Cammen
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010045:Outpatients; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*