title: Neurocardiovascular Instability and Cognition.
abstract: Neurocardiovascular instability (NCVI) refers to abnormal neural control of the cardiovascular system affecting blood pressure and heart rate behavior. Autonomic dysfunction and impaired cerebral autoregulation in aging contribute to this phenomenon characterized by hypotension and bradyarrhythmia. Ultimately, this increases the risk of falls and syncope in older people. NCVI is common in patients with neurodegenerative disorders including dementia. This review discusses the various syndromes that characterize NCVI icluding hypotension, carotid sinus hypersensitivity, postprandial hypotension and vasovagal syncope and how they may contribute to the aetiology of cognitive decline. Conversely, they may also be a consequence of a common neurodegenerative process. Regardless, recognition of their association is paramount in optimizing management of these patients.
authors: Assistant professor of Medical Gerontology, Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: O'Callaghan
authors: Professor of Medical Gerontology, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St. James' Hospital, Hospital 4 Top Floor, Dublin 8, Ireland.
authors: Rose Anne
authors: RA
authors: Kenny
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D019518:Postprandial Period; D013575:Syncope / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology
keywords: autonomic dysfunction; carotid sinus syndrome; cognitive impairment; dementia; hypotension; neurocardiovascular instability; orthostatic hypotension; postprandial hypotension; syncope