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

• Published in: Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders Vol. 28; no. 4; p. 320
• Main Authors: van Bruchem-Visser, Rozemarijn L, Mattace-Raso, Francesco U S, van der Cammen, Tischa J M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01-01-2009
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alzheimer Disease - physiopathology; Alzheimer Disease - psychology; Blood Pressure - physiology; Cardiovascular Diseases - physiopathology; Cognition - physiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neuropsychological Tests; Outpatients; Psychomotor Performance - physiology
• ISSN: 1421-9824
• DOI: 10.1159/000249146

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.
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.
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.
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.