Is there a link between cognitive impairment and cardiovascular disorders in elderly?

Background: Mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease appear to also be relevant for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which is altered in the AD brain, is also perturbed in platelets in AD. The objective of this study was to determine if impaired cognition is associated with hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, or altered platelet function. Methods: A retrospective clinical study that evaluated cognitive function, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease in the elderly was performed. In addition, platelet characteristics were compared among patients with normal and impaired cognitive function. Results: Patients with hyperlipidemia or cardiovascular disease scored more poorly on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and on the Global Deterioration Scale than controls. MMSE scores correlated with platelet ROS levels and there was an association between platelet ROS levels and membrane fluidity. Conclusions: These data suggest that impaired cognitive function is associated with hyperlipidemia and altered platelet function.