Aortic elastic properties and cognitive function in elderly individuals: The Ikaria Study

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BackgroundThe aim of this work was to evaluate the association between aortic elastic properties and cognitive function in elderly individuals, permanent inhabitants of Ikaria Island. MethodsIn 535 individuals (75±6 years, 53% males) aortic distensibility (AoD) was non-invasively calculated from the aortic diameters measured with echocardiography and brachial artery pressure using the formula by Stefanadis et al.; cognitive status was evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results88% of the elders had normal values of MMSE score (i.e., ≥24). Elders who achieved MMSE score ≥24 had higher values of AoD (1.90±2.06 vs. 1.08±1.42, p<0.001), as well as were more physically active (85% vs. 69%, p=0.05), had higher educational status (8.5±2.8 years vs. 6±2 years, p=0.001), higher creatinine clearance levels (70±21 vs. 63±23, p=0.05) and lower pulse pressure (PP) values (63±16 vs. 68±18, p=0.06), as compared with those individuals with MMSE<24. Logistic regression analysis showed that for every unit increase in AoD there was a 25% higher likelihood of having MMSE≥24 (OR per 1000×mmHg−1=1.25, 95%CI 0.99–1.58), after adjustments for age, gender, current smoking, cardiovascular disease, creatinine clearance, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, physical activity status and education status. Furthermore having PP levels in the upper tertile (>70mmHg), increases by 55% the likelihood of having MMSE<24 (OR for above 70mmHg=0.45, 95%CI 0.22, 0.92), after the same adjustments were made. ConclusionArterial aging seems to affect cognitive function; a finding that states a novel research hypothesis about the pathophysiological mechanisms of mental functioning.