Author:
King Deborah L. O.,Henson Richard N.,Kievit Rogier,Wolpe Noham,Brayne Carol,Tyler Lorraine K.,Rowe James B.,Bullmore Edward T.,Calder Andrew C.,Cusack Rhodri,Dalgleish Tim,Duncan John,Matthews Fiona E.,Marslen-Wilson William D.,Shafto Meredith A.,Campbell Karen,Cheung Teresa,Davis Simon,Geerligs Linda,McCarrey Anna,Mustafa Abdur,Price Darren,Samu David,Taylor Jason R.,Treder Matthias,van Belle Janna,Williams Nitin,Mitchell Daniel,Fisher Simon,Eising Else,Knights Ethan,Bates Lauren,Emery Tina,Erzinçlioglu Sharon,Gadie Andrew,Gerbase Sofia,Georgieva Stanimira,Hanley Claire,Parkin Beth,Troy David,Auer Tibor,Correia Marta,Gao Lu,Green Emma,Henriques Rafael,Allen Jodie,Amery Gillian,Amuntse Liana,Barcroft Anne,Castle Amanda,Dias Cheryl,Dowrick Jonathan,Fair Melissa,Fisher Hayley,Goulding Anna,Grewale Adarsh,Hale Geoff,Hilton Andrew,Johnson Frances,Johnston Patricia,Kavanagh-Williamson Thea,Kwasniewska Magdalena,McMinn Alison,Norman Kim,Penrose Jessica,Roby Fiona,Rowland Diane,Sargeant John,Squire Maggie,Stevens Beth,Stoddart Aldabra,Stone Cheryl,Thompson Tracy,Yazlik Ozlem,Barnes Dan,Dixon Marie,Hillman Jaya,Mitchell Joanne,Villis Laura,Tsvetanov Kamen A.,
Abstract
AbstractCardiovascular ageing contributes to cognitive impairment. However, the unique and synergistic contributions of multiple cardiovascular factors to cognitive function remain unclear because they are often condensed into a single composite score or examined in isolation. We hypothesized that vascular risk factors, electrocardiographic features and blood pressure indices reveal multiple latent vascular factors, with independent contributions to cognition. In a population-based deep-phenotyping study (n = 708, age 18–88), path analysis revealed three latent vascular factors dissociating the autonomic nervous system response from two components of blood pressure. These three factors made unique and additive contributions to the variability in crystallized and fluid intelligence. The discrepancy in fluid relative to crystallized intelligence, indicative of cognitive decline, was associated with a latent vascular factor predominantly expressing pulse pressure. This suggests that higher pulse pressure is associated with cognitive decline from expected performance. The effect was stronger in older adults. Controlling pulse pressure may help to preserve cognition, particularly in older adults. Our findings highlight the need to better understand the multifactorial nature of vascular aging.
Funder
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Medical Research Council
NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre
Wellcome Trust
Guarantors of Brain
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC