Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases · Oct 26, 2021

Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

By Dao E, Barha CK, Santos M et al.

OBJECTIVE: To examine potential sex differences in the relationship between arterial stiffness and global cognitive function and executive functions. METHODS: Baseline data from 80 older adults were included from two randomized controlled trials (NCT02669394 and NCT02737878). Arterial stiffness was measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Cognitive function assessment included global cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]) and executive functions (set shifting [Trail Making Test Part B minus A], inhibition [Stroop Test], and working memory [Verbal Digit Span Backwards Test]). Separate statistical models were constructed to assess the effect of cf-PWV on each cognitive outcome for females and males. Each statistical model controlled for Framingham cardiovascular disease risk score and education. RESULTS: Higher cf-PWV was associated with impaired MMSE performance in males (β = -0.48; p = 0.018), but not females (p ≥ 0.389). For executive processes, higher cf-PWV was associated with impaired Trail Making Test Part B minus A (β = 0.56; p = 0.005) and Stroop Test (β = 0.59; p = 0.004) in males, but not in females (ps ≥ 0.108). cf-PWV was not significantly associated with Verbal Digit Span Forward minus Backward Test in males or females (ps ≥ 0.108). CONCLUSIONS: Arterial stiffness is more strongly associated with cognitive impairment in males than females. These results further elucidate the interplay between vascular health and cognitive function by providing support for sex-specific mechanisms.

doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106175PubMed 34715522Biomarkers