Brain Function Is Linked to LDL Cholesterol in Older Adults with Cardiovascular Risk

作者：Meusel Liesel Ann C; Anderson Nicole D; Parrott Matthew D; Yuen William; Tchistiakova Ekaterina; MacIntosh Bradley J; Feldman Sid; Greenwood Carol E^*

来源：Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2017, 65(2): E51-E55.

DOI：10.1111/jgs.14663

• cognition
• aging
• imaging
• default-mode network
• Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Profile

OBJECTIVES: To determine how cardiovascular risk is associated with working memory task performance and task-related suppression of default-mode network (DMN) activity in cognitively intact older adults.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional functional magnetic resonance imaging study of older adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
SETTING: Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences.
PARTICIPANTS: Thirty older adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
MEASUREMENTS: Participants provided health information and a blood sample, and underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during a working memory task and during a breath-hold task to assess cerebrovascular reactivity.
RESULTS: Higher plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was associated with poorer working memory task performance (P = 0.008) and reduced task-related DMN suppression (P = 0.005). A composite index of cardiovascular risk, the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Profile, showed no associations with task performance or task-related DMN suppression. These findings were independent of white matter burden and cerebrovascular reactivity and thus cannot be accounted for by individual differences in neurovascular health.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a deleterious effect of elevated LDL-C on working memory task performance and task-related DMN suppression in older adults with cardiovascular risk. The relations between the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Profile, cognitive task performance, and DMN function require further study.

• 出版日期2017-2