Association of Cardiovascular Health and Cognition

The objective of this review is to summarize the evidence linking overall cardiovascular health (CVH) profile and modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF) with cognition.Recent FindingsWe conducted online searches for all relevant literature describing the relationship between CVDRF, overall CVH profile, and dementia. Studies have shown a positive association with the presence of clinical or subclinical CVD and accelerated cognitive decline. Individual CVH factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, physical activity, and diet are independently associated with cognition. The association is, however, less clear for dyslipidemia and obesity. The mechanisms that define these associations are complex and mainly derived from vascular and cellular pathways affecting amyloid beta burden and brain volume.SummaryThis review summarizes salient literature that highlight the role of a favorable CVH profile and optimum CVDRF levels, particularly in midlife to prevent decline in cognitive function.
Source: Current Epidemiology Reports - Category: Epidemiology Source Type: research