Associations between heart failure and risk of dementia: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis

Malignant left ventricular hypertrophy and risk of cognitive impairment in SPRINT MIND trial

BACKGROUND

The association of malignant left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), a specific subphenotype of LVH characterized by elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnT) or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), with cognitive decline remains understudied.

METHODS

This post-hoc analysis included a total of 8,027 (67.9 ± 9.3 years) SPRINT MIND trial participants who had with at least 1 follow-up cognitive assessment. Participants were classified into 6 groups on the basis of LVH status on electrocardiogram (ECG), and elevations in levels of hs-cTnT ≥14 ng/L or NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL at baseline visit. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association of LVH/biomarker groups with incident probable dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and a composite of MCI/probable dementia.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up period of 5 years, there were 306, 597, and 818 incidents of MCI, probable dementia and a composite of MCI/probable dementia, respectively. Compared with participants without LVH and normal biomarker levels, those with concomitant LVH and elevated levels of both biomarkers were associated with a higher risk of probable dementia (HR, 2.50; 95% CI (1.26-4.95), MCI (HR, 1.78; 95% CI (0.99-3.23) and the composite of MCI/ probable dementia (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.16-3.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Among SPRINT participants, malignant LVH is associated with incident probable dementia and mild cognitive impairment. These findings underscore the potential utility of measuring hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP levels when LVH is detected on ECG, aiding in the differentiation of individuals with a favorable risk for cognitive impairment from those with a higher risk.

DASC-21 score and the risk of in-hospital death in elderly patients with heart failure

AIM

We investigated whether the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community-based Integrated Care System-21 Items (DASC-21), a questionnaire that assesses cognitive function, including activities of daily living (ADL), was predictive of in-hospital death and prolonged hospital stay in elderly patients hospitalized for heart failure.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed the DASC-21 score at the time of admission, in-hospital death, length of hospital stay, and change in the Barthel index in 399 patients hospitalized for heart failure between 2016 and 2019.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 85.8 ± 7.7 years (61.3% women). The median DASC-21 score was 38 (64.7% higher than 31). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, a higher DASC-21 score was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death (odds ratio [OR] = 1.045 per 1 point increase, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.010-1.081, P = 0.012), even after adjusting for confounding factors, including atrial fibrillation, ejection fraction, and B-type natriuretic peptide. Difficulties (3 or 4) with the self-management of medication in instrumental ADL inside the home (OR = 3.28, 95% CI: 1.05-10.28, P = 0.042), toileting (OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.19-11.29, P = 0.024), grooming (OR = 6.47, 95% CI: 2.00-20.96, P = 0.002), eating (OR = 7.96, 95% CI: 2.49-25.45, P < 0.001), and mobility in physical ADL (OR = 5.99, 95% CI: 1.85-19.35, P = 0.003) were identified as risk factors for in-hospital death. Patients in the highest tertile of the DASC-21 score had a significantly longer hospital stay (P = 0.006) and a greater reduction in the Barthel index (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In elderly patients hospitalized for heart failure, higher DASC-21 scores were associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death, prolonged hospital stay, and impaired ADL. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 546-553.

Comorbidities in patients with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease with Neuropsychiatric symptoms

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to examine baseline risk factors in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Vascular dementia (VaD) patients with neuropsychiatry symptoms (NPS), and determine whether specific risk factors differ by subtypes of dementia for AD and VaD patients with NPS.

METHODS

A retrospective data analysis was conducted to evaluate similarities and differences in the risk factors for AD and VaD with NPS. The analysis included 2949 patients with VaD and 6341 patients with clinical confirmation of AD and VaD with or without NPS collected between February 2016 and August 2021. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors associated with AD and VaD with NPS, by predicting the increasing odds (odds ratios (ORs) of an association of a specific baseline risk factor with AD or VaD with NPS. The validity of the regression models was tested using a Hosmer-Lemeshow test, while the Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) was used to test the sensitivity of the models.

RESULTS

In the adjusted analysis TSH (OR = 1.781, 95 % CI, p = 0.0025) and CHF (OR = 1.620, 95 %, p = 0.016) were associated with VaD with NPS, while a history of emergency department(ED) admission (OR = 0.277, 95 % CI, p = 0.003) likely to be associated with VaD patients without NPS. For AD patients, a history of CVA (OR = 1.395, 95 % CI, p = 0.032) and cancer (OR = 1.485, 95 % CI, p = 0.013) were associated with AD patients with NPS.

DISCUSSION

The findings of this study indicate that an abnormal thyroid gland and CHF were linked to VaD patients with behavioral disturbances, while CVA and cancer were linked to AD patients with behavioral disturbances. These findings suggest the need to develop management strategies for the care of patients with AD and VaD with NPS.

Increased risk of dementia differs across cardiovascular diseases and types of dementia - Data from a nationwide study

AIMS

Dementia is a major health problem. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and risk factors are associated with incident dementia. However, whether there is an association among CVD, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) at the population level remains unclear.

METHODS

We analysed the association between CVD (heart failure [HF], atrial fibrillation [AF], myocardial infarction [MI], peripheral arterial disease, stroke and transient ischemic attack) and the incidence of dementia using nationwide FinnGen data of 218,192 individuals. The last follow-up information on dementia was available from October 2021.

RESULTS

The age at the end of the follow-up was 61.7 ± 17.1 years, and 53% were women. Overall, we observed 9701 (4.4%) dementia, 6323 (2.9%) AD and 1918 (0.7%) VD cases. Individuals with CVD had a higher risk of developing dementia than unexposed individuals. In the multivariable-adjusted Cox models, stroke was most strongly associated with dementia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-1.8). CVD was more strongly associated with VD than with AD. Individuals with HF and MI had an increased risk of AD (HF: HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.19; MI: HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.18). AF was associated with VD (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.42-1.77), but not with AD (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.97-1.09). Clinical characteristics, such as diabetes, smoking and alcohol abuse, were associated with both types of dementia.

CONCLUSION

All major CVDs were associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, particularly VD. Therefore, CVD onset should prompt an assessment of cognitive decline and possible preventive measures.

Disparities in Access to Diagnostic Evaluation for Alzheimer's Disease in Individuals Dually Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid: A Modeling Study

Background

Individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (duals) may face greater obstacles to access to disease-modifying Alzheimer's treatments in spite of their higher disease burden, because of clinicians' reluctance to accept Medicaid and the so-called "lesser of" policy, under which Medicaid may pay providers lower rates.

Objective

To project differential wait times for duals compared to Medicare-only beneficiaries by state.

Methods

We used State Medicaid payment policy and Medicare enrollment data and a Markov model to predict differential wait times for duals and non-duals from 2023 to 2050. We estimated available diagnostic appointments by state for both groups based on reluctance of clinicians to accept Medicaid and the "lesser of" policy for each year.

Results

We estimate overall average wait times of almost two years (22.9 months) but almost three times as long for duals (59.8 months) than non-duals (20.7 months) because of higher disease burden. The effects of Medicaid payment policy would increase average wait times for duals to 89 months with 20 states having wait times of 99 months or more, which would effectively deprive duals of access.

Conclusions

The added average wait times in many states would effectively deprive duals from access to treatment and translate into avoidable disease progression and mortality. Policy interventions to reduce financial and nonfinancial obstacles are dearly needed to avoid deepening disparities. Examples are coverage arrangements that integrate Medicare and Medicaid coverage, covering the co-payment for physician services in full, and stricter network adequacy requirements for Medicaid Managed Care plans.

Association between Coronary Heart Disease, Heart Failure, and Risk of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure (HF), and stroke have been linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, previous studies have reported inconsistent results. The study aimed to investigate the association between CHD, HF, and the risk of AD using a meta-analysis.

Methods

STATA 12.0 software is used to compute odds ratios (ORs)/relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between CHD, HF, and the risk of AD.

Results

A total of 12 studies (including N = 36,913 individuals with AD and N = 1,701,718 participants) investigated the association between CHD and the risk of AD. Meta-analysis indicated that CHD was associated with an increased risk of AD with a random effects model (OR/RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.00-1.48, I2 = 97.2%, P < 0.001). Additionally, seven studies (including N = 5,119 individuals with AD and N = 1,231,399 participants) investigated the association between myocardial infarction (MI) and the risk of AD. Our meta-analysis demonstrated no significant association between MI and the risk of AD with a fixed effects model (RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.91-1.30, I2 = 42.8%, P = 0.105). Finally, six studies (including N = 83,065 individuals with AD and N = 2,414,963 participants) examined the association between HF and the risk of AD. Our meta-analysis revealed that HF was associated with an increased risk of AD using a random effects model (RR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.05-2.24, I2 = 96.8%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests that CHD and HF are associated with an increased risk of developing AD. Nonetheless, more large-scale prospective studies are necessary to further investigate the associations between CHD, HF, and the risk of AD.

Dementia risk in patients with heart disease and depression

The high prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia is a growing concern for healthcare systems and patients.

Objective

The primary objective of our study was to assess the association of depression and heart disease on the risk of dementias like Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia in patients.

Methods

This retrospective study used electronic health records data that was provided by the HealthVerity™ Marketplace. The characteristics of the patient population were recorded and the risk of dementia was examined using adjusted logistic regression models.

Results

The analysis included 49,735 participants and revealed that patients who have heart disease or depression had a higher risk of dementia. Patients who had both heart disease and depression were over three times more likely to have dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and over five times more likely to have vascular dementia compared to patients who only have a diagnosis of heart disease. Depression was associated with a fourfold increase in the risk of dementia. Participants with a diagnosis of most types of heart disease as well as depression had increased risk for developing dementia.

Conclusion

This study revealed that patients with both heart disease and depression had increased odds of having dementia as well as vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. These findings may serve to support policies and healthcare decision-making to increase preventive measures for dementia and Alzheimer's disease among patients with both depression and heart disease.

Cognitive trajectories and incident dementia after a cardiovascular event in older adults

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a recognized risk factor for dementia. Here we determined the extent to which an incident CVD event modifies the trajectory of cognitive function and risk of dementia.

METHODS

19,114 adults (65+) without CVD or dementia were followed prospectively over 9 years. Incident CVD (fatal coronary heart disease, nonfatal myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, hospitalization for heart failure) and dementia (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria) were adjudicated by experts.

RESULTS

Nine hundred twenty-two participants had incident CVD, and 44 developed dementia after CVD (4.9% vs. 4.4% for participants without CVD). Following a CVD event there was a short-term drop in processing speed (-1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.57 to -1.41), but there was no significant association with longer-term processing speed. In contrast, faster declines in trajectories of global function (-0.56, 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.36), episodic memory (-0.10, 95% CI: -0.16 to -0.04), and verbal fluency (-0.19, 95% CI: -0.30 to -0.01) were observed.

DISCUSSION

Findings highlight the importance of monitoring cognition after a CVD event.

The neurocognitive disorder cohort RIFADE: Aims, methods, first results showing cognitive improvement in a subgroup

BACKGROUND

The NCD cohort study RIFADE (RIsk FActors of DEmentia) investigates the interaction of risk factors and neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) due to Alzheimer's disease (NCD-AD) and NCD of vascular type (NCD-vascular). Retrospective recruitment referred to a period from 2007 to 2018 in a single centre. In addition to the baseline visit, follow-up visits took place at 3, 6, 12 months followed by yearly visits. Visit times varied in part depending on adherence. The study also comprises an EEG bank and a bank with cerebral MRI (c-MRI).

METHODS

Inclusion criteria were broad in order to cover a wide range of patterns of NCD. At baseline, patients underwent a large panel of assessments, e.g. including clinical history, diagnostic evaluation for NCD according to DSM-IV and NINDS AIREN criteria, a cognitive test battery including the DemTect, the clock drawing test and the Instrumental-Activities-of-Daily-Living-scale of Lawton and Brodie, EEG and c-MRI. At each follow-up visit, cognitive tests were repeated, in most cases also EEGs and in some cases c-MRIs. Numerous risk factors (RF) including vascular RF, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, sleep apnoea and lifestyle factors such as sedentary lifestyle, low cognitive style and smoking were evaluated for presence and for correction status at each visit, and modulation of uncorrected RF was initiated.

RESULTS

Overall, 126 subjects with a clinical diagnosis of NCD were included (52% female, mean age 71 ± 10.6 years (range 35e86)), number of follow-up visits per subject 2.9 ± 2.4, observation time per subject 3.4 ± 2.8 years). Of these, 55/28/17% presented with the clinical stages subjective cognitive decline (SCD)/mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/dementia (major NCD). Clinical diagnoses, retrospectively re-evaluated according to DSM-5, were 5/21/68/6% Alzheimer´s disease (NCD-AD)/vascular NCD (NCD-vascular) / mixed NCD (NCD-AD + NCD-vascular)/unspecified NCD. First longitudinal results revealed a mean DemTect score at baseline 12.6 ± 4.2 vs last visit 12.0 ± 4.8 (p = 0.08) and a clock drawing test score at baseline 1.9 ± 1.3 vs last visit 2.3 ± 1.5 (p < 0.0001). Of all subjects with MCI or major NCD (n = 57), 19 improved in the clinical stage from baseline to last visit (33.3%). Sixteen subjects progressed from SCD or MCI (n = 104) to major NCD (15.4%).

CONCLUSION

The German NCD cohort RIFADE comprises patients with all clinical stages of NCD. A considerable subgroup improved in clinical stage. Further analysis is needed to answer the question of whether modulation of multiple risk factors provides a favourable effect on cognitive outcome in NCD.

The Impact of Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Strategies on Cognitive Function

There is increasing evidence to suggest that atrial fibrillation is associated with a heightened risk of dementia. The mechanism of interaction is unclear. Atrial fibrillation-induced cerebral infarcts, hypoperfusion, systemic inflammation, and anticoagulant therapy-induced cerebral microbleeds, have been proposed to explain the link between these conditions. An understanding of the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation-associated cognitive decline may enable the development of treatment strategies targeted towards the prevention of dementia in atrial fibrillation patients. The aim of this review is to explore the impact that existing atrial fibrillation treatment strategies may have on cognition and the putative mechanisms linking the two conditions. This review examines how components of the 'Atrial Fibrillation Better Care pathway' (stroke risk reduction, rhythm control, rate control, and risk factor management) may influence the trajectory of atrial fibrillation-associated cognitive decline. The requirements for further prospective studies to understand the mechanistic link between atrial fibrillation and dementia and to develop treatment strategies targeted towards the prevention of atrial fibrillation-associated cognitive decline, are highlighted.

Understanding Cognitive Deficits in People with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the main cardiovascular diseases that can cause disability and death across the globe. Although previous research explored the links between CHD and cognitive deficits, only a subset of cognitive abilities was analyzed and a small clinical sample size was used. Thus, the aim of the current study is to assess how CHD can affect the cognitive domains of episodic memory, semantic verbal fluency, fluid reasoning, and numerical ability in a large cohort of participants from the United Kingdom. Results revealed that episodic memory, semantic verbal fluency, fluid reasoning, and numerical ability are negatively affected by CHD. Prevention and intervention should be developed to preserve cognitive abilities in people with CHD, but more studies should explore specific ways of doing so.

Cardiovascular disease, associated risk factors, and risk of dementia: An umbrella review of meta-analyses

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been associated with an increased risk of dementia; yet the evidence is mixed. This review critically appraises and synthesises current evidence exploring associations between dementia risk and CVD and their risk factors, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and arterial stiffness.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to identify systematic reviews with meta-analyses investigating the association between at least one of the CVDs of interest and dementia risk. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews was used to assess methodological quality.

Results

Twenty-five meta-analyses published between 2007 and 2021 were included. Studies largely consisted of cohorts from North America and Europe. Findings were variable, with coronary heart disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation consistently associated with increased risk for all-cause dementia, but results were inconsistent for Alzheimer's disease. Hypertension was more frequently associated with dementia during mid-life compared to late life. Findings concerning cholesterol were complex, and while results were inconsistent for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol, there appeared to be no associations between triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. All meta-analyses investigating hypercholesterolaemia showed significant increases in dementia risk. There was a paucity of research on the association between arterial stiffness and dementia risk.

Conclusion

Targeted CVD dementia prevention strategies could reduce dementia prevalence. Future research should determine the underpinning mechanisms linking heart and brain health to determine the most effective strategies for dementia risk reduction in CVD populations.

Incidence, Clinical Correlates, and Prognostic Impact of Dementia in Heart Failure: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background

Heart failure (HF) may increase the risk of dementia via shared risk factors.

Objectives

The authors investigated the incidence, types, clinical correlates, and prognostic impact of dementia in a population-based cohort of patients with index HF.

Methods

The previously territory-wide database was interrogated to identify eligible patients with HF (N = 202,121) from 1995 to 2018. Clinical correlates of incident dementia and their associations with all-cause mortality were assessed using multivariable Cox/competing risk regression models where appropriate.

Results

Among a total cohort aged ≥18 years with HF (mean age 75.3 ± 13.0 years, 51.3% women, median follow-up 4.1 [IQR: 1.2-10.2] years), new-onset dementia occurred in 22,145 (11.0%), with age-standardized incidence rate of 1,297 (95% CI: 1,276-1,318) per 10,000 in women and 744 (723-765) per 10,000 in men. Types of dementia were Alzheimer's disease (26.8%), vascular dementia (18.1%), and unspecified dementia (55.1%). Independent predictors of dementia included: older age (≥75 years, subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR]: 2.22), female sex (SHR: 1.31), Parkinson's disease (SHR: 1.28), peripheral vascular disease (SHR: 1.46), stroke (SHR: 1.24), anemia (SHR: 1.11), and hypertension (SHR: 1.21). The population attributable risk was highest for age ≥75 years (17.4%) and female sex (10.2%). New-onset dementia was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted SHR: 4.51; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

New-onset dementia affected more than 1 in 10 patients with index HF over the follow-up, and portended a worse prognosis in these patients. Older women were at highest risk and should be targeted for screening and preventive strategies.

Heart failure and late-onset Alzheimer's disease: A Mendelian randomization study

Some observational studies suggested that heart failure (HF) is associated with increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). On the other hand, a recently published Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization (2SMR) study was reported as inconclusive but the estimated odds ratios (ORs) were less than one indicating a potential causal association between genetically predicted HF and lowered risk of AD. Both HF and AD are quite common among elderly persons and frequently occur together resulting in a series of severe medical challenges and increased financial burden on healthcare. It is of great medical and financial interest to further investigate the statistical significance of the potential causal associations between genetically predicted HF and lowered risk of AD using large independent cohorts. To fill this important knowledge gap, the present study used the 2SMR method based on summary data from a recently published large genome-wide association study (GWAS) for AD on subjects with European ancestry. The 2SMR analysis provided statistically significant evidence of an association with ORs less than one between genetically predicted HF and late-onset AD (Inverse Variance Weighted, OR = 0.752, p = 0.004; MR Egger, OR = 0.546, p = 0.100; Weighted Median, OR = 0.757, p = 0.014). Further investigations of the significant associations between HF and late-onset AD, including specific genes related to the potential protective effect of HF-related medications on cognitive decline, are warranted.

Cognitive Dysfunction in Heart Failure: Pathophysiology and Implications for Patient Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is increasing recognition of the prevalence and impact of cognitive dysfunction (CD) in heart failure (HF) patients. This contemporary review appraises the evidence for epidemiological association, direct pathophysiological links and emerging pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Furthermore, we present evidence for care models that aim to mitigate the morbidity and poor quality of life associated with these dual processes and propose future work to improve outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

CD disproportionately affects heart failure patients, even accounting for known comorbid risk factors, and this may extend to subclinical left ventricular dysfunction. Neuroimaging studies now provide evidence of anatomical and functional differences which support previously postulated mechanisms of reduced cerebral blood flow, micro-embolism and systemic inflammation. Interventions such as multidisciplinary ambulatory HF care, education and memory training improve HF outcomes perhaps to a greater degree in those with comorbid CD. Additionally, optimisation of standard heart failure care (cardiac rehabilitation, pharmacological and device therapy) may lead to additional cognitive benefits. Epidemiological, neuroimaging and intervention studies provide evidence for the causal association between HF and CD, although evidence for Alzheimer's dementia is less certain. Specific reporting of cognitive outcomes in HF trials and evaluation of targeted interventions is required to further guide care provision.

Prevalence and Incidence of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Heart Failure - A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

INTRODUCTION

The burden of cognitive impairment in HF patients is significant and leads to longer hospital stay, higher readmission rates, and increased mortality. This review seeks to synthesize the available studies to determine the prevalence and incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia in HF patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, PsychoINFO and Cochrane databases were systematically searched from their inception through to 3 May 2021. Study and population characteristics, total patients with HF, prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia in HF patients and cognitive assessment tool were abstracted by two reviewers.

RESULTS

In heart failure patients, overall prevalence for cognitive impairment and dementia was 41.42% (CI) and 19.79% (dementia) respectively. We performed a meta-regression analysis which demonstrated that the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia increased with age.

DISCUSSION

Further research should investigate whether HF accelerates the rate of cognitive decline and the progression of dementia.

Sex differences in the association between cardiovascular diseases and dementia subtypes: a prospective analysis of 464,616 UK Biobank participants

BACKGROUND

Whether the association of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with dementia differs by sex remains unclear, and the role of socioeconomic, lifestyle, genetic, and medical factors in their association is unknown.

METHODS

We used data from the UK Biobank, a population-based cohort study of 502,649 individuals. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate sex-specific hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and women-to-men ratio of HRs (RHR) for the association between CVD (coronary heart diseases (CHD), stroke, and heart failure) and incident dementia (all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VD)). The moderator roles of socioeconomic (education, income), lifestyle (smoking, BMI, leisure activities, and physical activity), genetic factors (APOE allele status), and medical history were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared to people who did not experience a CVD event, the HRs (95%CI) between CVD and all-cause dementia were higher in women compared to men, with an RHR (Female/Male) of 1.20 (1.13, 1.28). Specifically, the HRs for AD were higher in women with CHD and heart failure compared to men, with an RHR (95%CI) of 1.63 (1.39, 1.91) and 1.32 (1.07, 1.62) respectively. The HRs for VD were higher in men with heart failure than women, with RHR (95%CI) of 0.73 (0.57, 0.93). An interaction effect was observed between socioeconomic, lifestyle, genetic factors, and medical history in the sex-specific association between CVD and dementia.

CONCLUSION

Women with CVD were 1.5 times more likely to experience AD than men, while had 15% lower risk of having VD than men.

The relationship between isolated hypertension with brain volumes in UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a well-established risk factor for cognitive impairment, brain atrophy, and dementia. However, the relationship of other types of hypertensions, such as isolated hypertension on brain health and its comparison to systolic-diastolic hypertension (where systolic and diastolic measures are high), is still relatively unknown. Due to its increased prevalence, it is important to investigate the impact of isolated hypertension to help understand its potential impact on cognitive decline and future dementia risk. In this study, we compared a variety of global brain measures between participants with isolated hypertension to those with normal blood pressure (BP) or systolic-diastolic hypertension using the largest cohort of healthy individuals.

METHODS

Using the UK Biobank cohort, we carried out a cross-sectional study using 29,775 participants (mean age 63 years, 53% female) with BP measurements and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. We used linear regression models adjusted for multiple confounders to compare a variety of global, subcortical, and white matter brain measures. We compared participants with either isolated systolic or diastolic hypertension with normotensives and then with participants with systolic-diastolic hypertension.

RESULTS

The results showed that participants with isolated systolic or diastolic hypertension taking BP medications had smaller gray matter but larger white matter microstructures and macrostructures compared to normotensives. Isolated systolic hypertensives had larger total gray matter and smaller white matter traits when comparing these regions with participants with systolic-diastolic hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide support to investigate possible preventative strategies that target isolated hypertension as well as systolic-diastolic hypertension to maintain brain health and/or reduce dementia risk earlier in life particularly in white matter regions.

Clustering of indicators of the cognitive status in cardiac surgery patients to assess the risk of postoperative decline

The aim of the study. To determine the informational value of psychometric indicators used for the integral assessment of cognitive status in cardiac patients, and to find those that would help differentiate the individual sensibility to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).

Materials and methods. The clustering methods were analyzed the extended psychometric testing data in 256 cardiac surgery patients. The psychometric testing carried out 3–5 days before and on days 7–10 after surgery using the psychophysiological complex program “Status PF”.

Results. The cluster analysis revealed that the most informative tests for a screening risk assessment of POCD are the testing the speed of response to visual stimuli with feedback of changes in the stimuli exposition according to the individual reaction time and the testing short-term memory (memorized words). While the analysis of postoperative psychometric indicators, the patients in a modified clustering group were characterized by a deterioration of verbal memory and a decrease of the time reaction to visual stimuli whereas that its observed acceleration in the general “stable” group.

Conclusion. The clustering methods enabled the identification of cardiac surgery patients in the preoperative stage who had less cognitive reserve for recovery after surgery. The changes in the relationship of complex visual and motor response, attention, and memory indicators, which depended on the belonging to the identified clusters, suggest that the preoperative period is characterized by the dedifferentiation of cognitive functions indicating a cognitive deficit. 

Lung function impairment in relation to cognition and vascular brain lesions: the Rotterdam Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (PRISm) with cognitive performance and presence of vascular brain lesions (VBL).

METHODS

We determined both cross-sectional and longitudinal association of lung function impairment with cognition, as well as cross-sectional association of lung function impairment with VBL, in the general population. Between 2009 and 2014 we included 3,941 participants from the Rotterdam Study with spirometry tests, brain MRI scans and cognition tests, of whom 1815 had follow-up data on cognition.

RESULTS

Our finding indicated that cross-sectionally, participants with PRISm or COPD GOLD2-4 had a worse global cognitive performance. We did not find differences in cognition over time between those with normal spirometry versus those with lung function impairment. In addition, PRISm and COPD GOLD2-4 were associated with a higher prevalence of lacunar infarcts compared to normal spirometry.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that persons with COPD GOLD2-4 or restrictive lung function, defined as PRISm, are characterized by poorer global cognitive function and a higher prevalence of lacunar infarcts.

Economic Burden of Dementia Caused by Cardiovascular Disease in Australia

Background: The established link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dementia may provide new insights into dementia prevention. Objective: It aims to quantify the burden of dementia attributable to people with CVD. Methods: A Markov microsimulation model was developed to simulate the lifetime cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) related to people with and without CVD in Australia. A de-novo systematic review was undertaken to identify all evidence around the association between CVD [i.e., stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), atrial fibrillation (AF), and heart failure (HF)] and the risk of developing dementia. Incremental costs and QALY losses were estimated for people by type of CVD compared to the general Australian population without CVD. Results: Of the comprehensive literature search, 19 observational studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Patients who had CVD incurred both higher healthcare costs over their lifetime (ranging from $73,131 for patients with AF to $127,396 for patients with HF) and fewer QALYs gains (from –1.099 for patients with MI to –5.163 for patients with stroke), compared to people who did not have CVD. The total incremental economic burden of dementia from patients aged 65 years and over with CVD was $6.45 billion (stroke), $11.89 billion (AF), $17.57 billion (MI), or $7.95 billion (HF) over their remaining life expectancy. Conclusion: The results highlighted the importance of CVD prevention to reduce the CVD burden and decrease the prevalence of dementia. Interventions that target patients with dementia risk factors like CVD may prove to be effective and cost-effective strategies.

New Molecular and Organelle Alterations Linked to Down Syndrome Heart Disease

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by a trisomy of the human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). Overexpression of Hsa21 genes that encode proteins and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) can disrupt several cellular functions and biological processes, especially in the heart. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are present in 45–50% of individuals with DS. Here, we describe the genetic background of this condition (Hsa21 and non-Hsa21 genes), including the role of ncRNAs, and the relevance of these new players in the study of the pathophysiology of DS heart diseases. Additionally, we discuss several distinct pathways in cardiomyocytes which help maintain a functional heart, but that might trigger hypertrophy and oxidative stress when altered. Moreover, we highlight the importance of investigating how mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction could eventually contribute to understanding impaired heart function and development in subjects with the Hsa21 trisomy. Altogether, this review focuses on the newest insights about the gene expression, molecular pathways, and organelle alterations involved in the cardiac phenotype of DS.

Is Greenness Associated with Dementia? A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We assessed the relation between environmental greenness and risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis up to March 30, 2022, characterizing whenever possible the shape of the association using dose-response meta-analysis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Twelve studies were included in this review, either using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) or land use/cover (LU/LC) methodology to assess greenness. Comparing the highest versus lowest exposure categories of greenness assessed using the NDVI (6 studies) or LU/LC (6 studies), we found no association with dementia. Dose-response meta-analysis of the association between greenness measured by LU/LC and dementia, based on only 3 studies, indicated a U-shaped association, but estimates were imprecise. Our systematic review and meta-analysis provided some evidence of a slight inverse association between greenness and dementia at intermediate exposure levels, but not at high levels. Potential methodological limitations, such as exposure misclassification and unmeasured confounding, may have affected the results.

Cognitive decline and risk of dementia in individuals with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To determine the association between heart failure (HF) and cognitive change and dementia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Systematic search of three electronic databases was performed and 29 eligible studies involving approximately 3 million participants were identified. Twelve studies examined dementia and 20 cognitive change, but only a subset of studies could be included in the meta-analysis. These findings indicated that HF was not significantly associated with dementia (n=8, hazard ratio [HR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.93, 1.50]), but increased the risk of cognitive impairment (n=3, HR 1.80, 95%CI [1.14,2.86]) . Additionally, HF was associated with poorer mean cognitive performance in global cognition (Hedges' g -0.73, 95%CI [-1.12, -0.35]), memory (Hedges' g -0.57, 95%CI [-0.72, -0.42]), executive function (Hedges' g -0.58, 95%CI [-0.72, -0.43]), attention/speed (Hedges' g -0.50, 95%CI [-0.63, -0.37]) and language (Hedges' g -0.61, 95%CI [-1.05, -0.17]).

CONCLUSION

Patients with HF perform worse on all cognitive tests, and have an increased risk of cognitive impairment. These findings highlight the need for clinicians to consider cognition as part of routine care for patients with HF.

Factors Influencing the Development of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Community-Dwelling People Aged 75 Years and Older

In Asia, including Japan, dementia incidence peaks in older adults over ≥75 years; it is therefore important to detect mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and prevent its onset in this age group. Our study hypothesized that physical and psychological status would be associated with MCI incidence among community-dwelling people aged 75 years and older. The study population comprised 291 such individuals. Participants with a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 28 or more were considered non-MCI, and those with a score of less than 28 and greater than 24 were considered to have MCI. Several other measures were also evaluated, including information about their current medical visits due to diseases, depressive symptom severity, various physical functions (trunk function, 30 s chair-stand test, one-legged stance test, timed up and go test time, 5 m walking time, grip strength, knee-extension strength, and toe-grip strength), and body composition (body fat and skeletal muscle mass). Participants suspected of having MCI had significantly shorter educational histories, higher rates of medical visits due to hypertension, and poorer balance abilities. The results suggest that these indices can be considered screening indicators for detecting MCI in people aged 75 years and older, which may be useful for planning intervention programs for this population.

Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator Vericiguat Enhances Long-Term Memory in Rats without Altering Cerebral Blood Volume

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is characterized by impairments in cerebral blood flow (CBF), endothelial function and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. These processes are all physiologically regulated by the nitric oxide (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cGMP signaling pathway. Additionally, cGMP signaling plays an important role in long-term potentiation (LTP) underlying memory formation. Therefore, targeting the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway may be a therapeutic strategy for treating VCI. Hence, in this study we investigated whether sGC stimulator vericiguat has potential as a cognitive enhancer. The effects of vericiguat on long-term memory were measured in rats using an object location task. Due to the low brain-penetrance of vericiguat found in this study, it was investigated whether in the absence of BBB limitations, vericiguat enhanced hippocampal plasticity using an ex vivo memory acquisition-like chemical LTP model. Finally, peripheral effects were measured by means of blood pressure and cerebral blood volume. Vericiguat successfully enhanced long-term memory and increased hippocampal plasticity via enhanced translocation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors to the cell membrane, while blood pressure and cerebral blood volume were unaltered. Although the memory enhancing effects in this study are likely due to peripheral effects on the cerebral microvasculature, sGC stimulation may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating VCI, especially when BBB integrity is reduced.

Improving Health for People Living With Heart Failure: Focus Group Study of Preconditions for Co-Production of Health and Care

Background

Co-production of health and care involving patients, families of patients, and professionals in care processes can create joint learning about how to meet patients’ needs. Although barriers and facilitators to co-production have been examined previously in various health care contexts, the preconditions in Swedish chronic cardiac care contexts are yet to be explored. This study is set in the health system of the Swedish region of Jönköping County and is part of system-wide efforts to promote better health for persons with heart failure (HF).

Objective

The objective of this study was to test the usefulness of the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behavior (COM-B) model when assessing the barriers to and facilitators of co-production of health and care perceived by patients with HF, family members of patients with HF, and professionals in a Swedish chronic cardiac care context as a guide for subsequent initiatives.

Methods

Data collection involved 1 focus group interview (FGI) with patients with HF (n=5), 1 FGI with family members of patients with HF (n=5), 1 FGI with professionals in primary care (n=7), and 1 FGI with professionals in cardiac care (n=4). In addition, patients with HF kept diaries of their thoughts regarding co-production. Using a deductive approach to content analysis, underpinned by the COM-B model, barriers and facilitators were categorized into capabilities, opportunities, and motivations to co-produce health and care.

Results

The participants showed limited understanding of co-production as a practice. They appeared to view it as a privilege to be offered to patients on top of traditional care and rarely as an approach for improving health care processes. The interviews revealed the limited health literacy among patients and the struggle of professionals to convey health information to these patients. Co-production was considered to be more resource-intensive than traditional care. Different expectations of stakeholders’ roles were revealed: professionals expected older patients not to want to co-produce health and care, and all participants expected professionals to be in charge of health care services. The family members’ position involved trying to balance their desire to support their relatives with understanding when, how, and with whom to co-produce. Presumed benefits motivated stakeholders: co-production was recognized to motivate patients to improve self-care. However, the participants recognized that motivation to get involved in health and care decisions varies over time among stakeholders.

Conclusions

Co-production can be facilitated by the stakeholders’ motivation. However, varying levels of understanding of co-production, patients’ limited health literacy, unease with power sharing between patients and professionals, and resource constraints are barriers that need to be managed to promote co-produced care and better health for persons living with HF. Further research is warranted to explore how to co-produce health care services with patients with HF and how leaders can facilitate the inevitable cultural change it requires and represents.

Association between the nurse-led program with mental health status, quality of life, and heart failure rehospitalization in chronic heart failure patients

ABSTRACT

The nurse-led program is associated with a short-term improvement of mental health status (MHS) and quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Nonetheless, the long-term effect of this program is undetermined. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the 1-year effects of the nurse-led program on MHS, QOL, and heart failure (HF) rehospitalization among patients with CHF.CHF patients in the control group received standard care, and patients in the treatment group received standard care plus telehealth intervention including inquiring patients' medical condition, providing feedbacks, counseling and providing positive and emotional talk with the patients. At the third, sixth, and twelfth month's follow-up, patients were called by registered nurses to assess the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) scores. HF rehospitalization was also assessed.A total of 300 patients were included and 46% (n = 138) of the patients were in the treatment group. There were no significant between-group differences in the MHI-5 and KCCQ scores at baseline. In the control group, the MHI-5 score was gradually decreased with follow-up and the score was significantly lower than that in the treatment group since the third month's follow-up (63.5 ± 10.6 vs 73.6 ± 10.3). Compared with the treatment group, KCCQ score was lower in the control group from the third month's follow-up (64.3 ± 10.6 vs 73.5 ± 12.3) until the end of the twelfth months' follow-up (45.3 ± 11.2 vs 60.8 ± 11.1). During 12 months' follow-up, the proportion of patients who experienced HF rehospitalization was lower in the treatment group (19.6% vs 24.1%). After adjusting for covariates, the utilization of the nurse-led program, and increase of MHI-5 and KCCQ scores were associated with reduced risk of HF rehospitalization.The nurse-led program is beneficial for the improvement of MHS and QOL for CHF patients, which might contribute to the reduction of HF rehospitalization.

The Relationship between Subjective Cognitive Decline and Health Literacy in Healthy Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Few studies have examined the effects of health literacy on people at risk of developing dementia; its effects on the pathogenesis of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are particularly unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between health literacy and SCD in a population of healthy community-dwelling older adults. SCD status was assessed using the Cognitive Function domain of the Kihon Checklist (KCL-CF). Health literacy, in turn, was evaluated using the Communicative and Critical Health Literacy (CCHL) scale. Global cognitive function and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a five-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-5), respectively. Participants who were suspected of having SCD were significantly older than their non-SCD peers, and scored significantly worse on the CCHL, MMSE, and GDS-5. In addition, SCD status was found to be associated with CCHL and GDS-5 scores, as well as age, according to a logistic regression analysis. These findings suggest that low health literacy is linked to SCD morbidity in healthy community-dwelling older adults and should prove useful in the planning of dementia prevention and intervention programs for this population.