Distinct components of cardiovascular health are linked with age-related differences in cognitive abilities

Cam-CAN

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cardiovascular ageing contributes to cognitive impairment. However, the unique and synergistic contributions of multiple cardiovascular factors to cognitive function remain unclear because they are often condensed into a single composite score or examined in isolation. We hypothesized that vascular risk factors, electrocardiographic features and blood pressure indices reveal multiple latent vascular factors, with independent contributions to cognition. In a population-based deep-phenotyping study (n = 708, age 18–88), path analysis revealed three latent vascular factors dissociating the autonomic nervous system response from two components of blood pressure. These three factors made unique and additive contributions to the variability in crystallized and fluid intelligence. The discrepancy in fluid relative to crystallized intelligence, indicative of cognitive decline, was associated with a latent vascular factor predominantly expressing pulse pressure. This suggests that higher pulse pressure is associated with cognitive decline from expected performance. The effect was stronger in older adults. Controlling pulse pressure may help to preserve cognition, particularly in older adults. Our findings highlight the need to better understand the multifactorial nature of vascular aging.

Original languageEnglish
Article number978
JournalScientific Reports
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institute for Health and Care Research
UK Research and Innovation
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research CouncilBB/H008217/1, BB/M011194/1
Guarantors of BrainG101149
Medical Research CouncilSUAG/046 G101400
Wellcome Trust220258
NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research CentreBRC-1215-20014

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