A recent study presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting explored the association between arterial stiffness and cognitive performance in a racially and ethnically diverse group of older adults. The researchers utilized pulse-wave velocity, measured using arterial tonometry, as the gold standard for assessing vascular stiffness. The study included 1,290 participants from the Northern Manhattan Study, who underwent MRI scans, neuropsychological assessments, and had estimated pulse-wave velocity calculated. The findings revealed a significant link between estimated pulse-wave velocity and cognitive function across various age and race/ethnic groups. The study emphasized the importance of estimated pulse-wave velocity as a potential clinical marker for cognitive decline in aging individuals, even before the onset of noticeable symptoms. The results contribute valuable insights into the relationship between arterial stiffness and cognitive abilities, shedding light on potential indicators and preventive measures for cognitive impairment.
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