Microvascular Endothelial Function and Neurocognition among Adults with Major Depressive Disorder

Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and subclinical vascular disease are increasingly recognized as important contributors to cognitive decline and incident dementia.1 CVRFs, particularly hypertension, are among the most modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.2 In addition, CVRFs have been associated with subclinical cognitive decrements far preceding the development of clinically significant cognitive impairment.3 –7 Although the precise mechanisms underlying the association of CVRF and cognitive impairment have not been fully elucidated, microvascular disease has been suggested to play a central role in the pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment,8 and recent studies have therefore begun to incorpora te peripheral microvascular markers as predictors of neurocognitive performance.

Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - July 2, 2018 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Smith PJ, Blumenthal JA, Hinderliter AL, Watkins LL, Hoffman BM, Sherwood A Tags: Regular Research Articles Source Type: research