title: QT dispersion in mild cognitive impairment: a possible tool for predicting the risk of progression to dementia?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this research was to investigate relationships between cognitive function and non-invasive, repeatable cardiac parameters in elderly subjects suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred and twenty-four community-living elderly subjects, 31 AD patients, 77 MCI patients, and 116 cognitively normal subjects (CNS), were evaluated for cognitive abilities (Mini Mental State Examination score (MMSE)) and for electrocardiographic [corrected heart rate QT interval dispersion (QTcD)] and echocardiographic [Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)] parameters.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean values of LVEF were not significantly different between the three groups; QTcD mean values were significantly lower in CNS group than in subjects with MCI and AD. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation test, carried out in the three study groups, showed a significant inverse correlation between QTcD and MMSE score (r = -0.357; p < 0.01) in the group of MCI patients, only. In multivariable-adjusted linear regression tests, QTcD (p = 0.030) and education (p = 0.021) are associated with MMSE score in MCI group. Only the parameter of education appears to predict MMSE in CNS group; none of these parameters appear to predict MMSE in the group of patients with AD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The association between QTcD and MMSE requires cautious interpretation and further extensive investigation. However, if confirmed by longitudinal studies, the finding could play a role in the management of the subjects with MCI.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatric and Metabolic Disease, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. ludovico.coppola@unina2.it
authors.forename: Ludovico
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Coppola
authors.forename: Luigia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mastrolorenzo
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coppola
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Biase
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Adamo
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Forte
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fiorente
authors.forename: Rosanna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Orlando
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Caturano
authors.forename: Arcangelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cioffi
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Riccardi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology