Open AccessThe progression of carotid atherosclerosis and imaging markers of dementia
Author(s) -
Baradaran Hediyeh,
Demissie Serkalem,
Himali Jayandra J.,
Beiser Alexa,
Gupta Ajay,
Polak Joseph F.,
DeCarli Charles,
Seshadri Sudha,
Romero Jose R.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1002/trc2.12015
Subject(s) - medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , cardiology , framingham risk score , intima media thickness , neuroimaging , brain size , carotid arteries , radiology , disease , psychiatry
Abstract Introduction We studied the association of carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) with hippocampal volume (HV) in community dwelling individuals, testing the hypothesis that persons with carotid atherosclerosis progression would have lower HV. Methods We studied 1376 Framingham Offspring participants with two carotid ultrasounds and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs). We used multivariable linear regression analyses to relate CIMT progression and HV and total brain volume. Regression models were adjusted for demographics and vascular risk factors, time interval between imaging examinations, and baseline CIMT. We assessed effect modification by hypertension treatment (HRx). Results Participants with higher ICA IMT progression had significantly lower HV after adjustment for vascular risk factors and baseline IMT (standardized beta ± standard error: −0.067 ± 0.027, P = .01). We observed weaker association between ICA IMT change and HV among subjects treated for hypertension (β = −0.047, P = .19 vs β = −0.096, P = .026). Discussion Cumulative vascular risk factor exposure, reflected by CIMT progression, may increase the risk of neurodegeneration.