Carotid Intima-media Thickness, Cognitive Performance and Cognitive Decline in Stroke-free Middle-aged and Older Adults. The Atahualpa Project

Background: Little is known on factors influencing cognitive function in rural communities. Using the Atahualpa Project cohort, we aimed to assess whether the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) – used as a surrogate of extracranial carotid atherosclerosis – is associated with cognitive performance and further decline in community-dwelling adults living in a rural setting. Methods: The study included Atahualpa residents aged greater than or equal to 40 years who had ultrasound examinati on of the extracranial carotid arteries and a baseline Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), as well as the subset of individuals who also had a follow-up MoCA at least 1 year after baseline.
Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research