Attention as the primary cognitive domain affected in post-myocardial infarction cognitive impairment: a prospective multicenter study

We analysed cognitive impairment (CI) during the peri-myocardial infarction (MI) period and after 6 months. The study included 326 patients. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT). Routine laboratory and echocardiography data were collected. We distinguished 4 groups of patients: 1 - CI present peri-infarction and after 6 months; 2 - CI present only peri-infarction; 3 - CI present only after 6 months; 4 - without CI. Groups constituted 8.9%, 16.3%, 7.7% and 67.1% of participants (as assessed by MMSE), respectively. In those who improved (group 2) or with worsened cognitive function (group 3), analogous changes in attention function occurred. There was a group of patients with CI on the MMSE who performed the CDT correctly, 12% peri-infarct and 11% at 6-month follow-up, respectively. Patients with a normal CDT score but CI found in the MMSE had impaired attention function. Cognitive function improves in some patients, and deteriorates in others after MI. The uniform type of impaired cognitive function allows us to assume a uniform etiology of CI. Performing the CDT and using the MMSE component assessing attention could prove sufficient for the initial assessment of cognitive functions in patients after MI.

Cardiac Biomarkers, Subclinical Brain Vascular Changes, and Cognitive Decline: Post Hoc Analysis of the SPRINT Trial

BACKGROUND

The association between subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cognitive decline in hypertensive adults and the underlying brain pathologies remain unclear. It is also undetermined whether intensifying blood pressure (BP) treatment slows down cognitive decline associated with subclinical CVD.

METHODS

We conducted a post hoc analysis of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial. Subclinical CVD at baseline was identified by elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT ≥ 14 ng/L) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP ≥ 125 pg/mL). Global cognitive function and domain-specific measures (memory, processing speed, language, and executive function) were assessed at baseline and follow-up (years 2, 4, and 6) in 2 733 participants. White matter lesions, cerebral blood flow, and brain tissue volume were assessed by MRI at baseline and year 4 in a subset of 639 participants.

RESULTS

Both elevated hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP levels at baseline were associated with accelerated cognitive decline across all domains after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The group with elevated levels of both cardiac biomarkers showed the fastest decline, with a larger annual decline rate of 0.033 (95% CI: 0.024-0.041) in the z-score of global cognitive function compared with the group with normal levels. Elevated levels of both biomarkers were also associated with a faster progression in white matter lesions, but not with changes in total brain tissue volume or cerebral blood flow. Intensive BP treatment did not attenuate these associations compared with standard treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Subclinical CVD may contribute to faster white matter lesion progression and accelerated cognitive decline in patients with hypertension, regardless of intensive BP treatment.

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and risk of dementia: 25-year longitudinal study in the Whitehall II cohort

Objective

We hypothesise that subclinical myocardial injury during midlife, indexed by increases in cardiac troponin I, is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, smaller structural brain volume, and higher risk of dementia.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Civil service departments in London (Whitehall II study).

Participants

5985 participants aged 45-69 had cardiac troponin I measured by high-sensitivity assay at baseline (1997-99) for prospective cohort analyses. A nested case-control sample of 3475 participants (695 dementia cases and 2780 matched controls) was used for backward cardiac troponin I trajectory analysis. 641 participants provided magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for brain volume analysis.

Main outcome measures

Incident dementia cases were ascertained from national hospital episode statistics, mental health and mortality registers until 2023. Cognitive testing was performed at six waves over 25 years (1997-99, 2002-04, 2007-09, 2012-13, 2015-16, 2019-22). Brain volume metrics were derived from structural MRI scans (2012-16).

Results

For prospective cohort analyses, 606 (10.1%) incident cases of dementia were recorded over a median follow-up of 24.8 years. Doubling of cardiac troponin was associated with 11% higher risk of dementia (HR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.19). Participants with increased cardiac troponin at baseline had a faster decline of cognitive function with age. Compared to participants with concentrations below the limit of quantitation (<2.5 ng/L), those in the upper third (>5.2 ng/L) had similar global cognitive z score at age 60, but had 0.10 (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.18) standard deviations lower score at age 80, and 0.19 (0.03 to 0.35) standard deviations lower score at age 90. Participants with dementia had increased cardiac troponin concentrations compared with those without dementia between 7 and 25 years before diagnosis. Compared to those with low cardiac troponin level (<2.5 ng/L at baseline) those with concentrations >5.2 ng/L had lower grey matter volume and higher hippocampal atrophy 15 years later, equivalent to ageing effects of 2.7 and 3 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Subclinical myocardial injury at midlife was associated with higher dementia risk in later life.

High-Sensitivity Troponin T, NT-proBNP, and Cognitive Outcomes in SPRINT

BACKGROUND

Hs-cTnT (cardiac troponin T measured with a highly sensitive assay) and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) may identify adults with hypertension who derive greater cognitive benefits from lower systolic blood pressure targets.

METHODS

In the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) MIND study, participants were categorized as having both hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP in the lower 2 tertiles (n=4226), one in the highest tertile (n=2379), and both in the highest tertile (n=1506). We assessed the effect of intensive versus standard treatment on the composite of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or probable dementia (PD) across biomarker categories.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 5.1 years, 830 of 8111 participants (10.2%) developed MCI or PD. Participants in the highest biomarker category were at higher risk of MCI or PD compared with those in the lowest category (hazard ratio, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.00-1.56]). The effect of intensive treatment on reducing the risk of MCI or PD was greater among participants in the lowest biomarker category (hazard ratio, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.50-0.81]) than those in the intermediate (hazard ratio, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.80-1.28]) or highest categories (hazard ratio, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.72-1.13]; Pinteraction=0.02). The 5-year absolute risk differences in MCI or PD with intensive treatment were -2.9% (-4.4%, -1.3%), -0.2% (-3.0%, 2.6%), and -1.9% (-6.2%, 2.4%) in the lowest, intermediate, and highest biomarker categories, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In SPRINT, the relative effect of intensive systolic blood pressure lowering on preventing cognitive impairment appears to be stronger among participants with lower compared with higher cardiac biomarker levels, though the absolute risk reductions were similar.

Exploring the possible causal effects of cardiac blood biomarkers in dementia and cognitive performance: a Mendelian randomization study

Prospective cohort studies have implied associations between blood levels of troponin T, troponin I, NT-proBNP, GDF15, dementia, and cognitive function, without providing evidence favoring possible causality. We aimed to assess the causal associations of these cardiac blood biomarkers with dementia and cognition using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Independent genetic instruments (p < 5e-7) for troponin T and I, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and growth-differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) were obtained from previously-performed genome-wide association studies of predominantly European ancestry. Summary statistics for gene-outcome associations in European-ancestry participants, for the two-sample MR analyses, were obtained for general cognitive performance (n = 257,842) and dementia (n = 111,326 clinically diagnosed and "proxy" AD cases, and 677,663 controls). Two-sample MR analyses were performed using inverse variance-weighted (IWV) analyses. Sensitivity analyses to evaluate horizontal pleiotropy included weighted median estimator, MR-Egger, and MR using cis-SNPs only. Using IVW, we did not find evidence for possible causal associations between genetically influenced cardiac biomarkers with cognition and dementia. For example, per standard deviation (SD) higher cardiac blood biomarker, the odds ratio for risk of dementia was 1.06 (95%CI 0.90; 1.21) for troponin T, 0.98 (95%CI 0.72; 1.23) for troponin I, 0.97 (95%CI 0.90; 1.06) for NT-proBNP and 1.07 (95%CI 0.93; 1.21) for GDF15. Sensitivity analyses showed higher GDF15 was significantly associated with higher dementia risk and worse cognitive function. We did not find strong evidence that cardiac biomarkers causally influence dementia risk. Future research should aim at elucidating the biological pathways through which cardiac blood biomarkers associate with dementia.

Circulating cardiac biomarkers, structural brain changes, and dementia: Emerging insights and perspectives

Diseases of the heart and brain are strongly linked to each other, and cardiac dysfunction is associated with cognitive decline and dementia. This link between cardiovascular disease and dementia offers opportunities for dementia prevention through prevention and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors and heart disease. Increasing evidence suggests the clinical utility of cardiac biomarkers as risk markers for structural brain changes and cognitive impairment. We propose the hypothesis that structural brain changes are the link between impaired cardiac function, as captured by blood-based cardiac biomarkers, and cognitive impairment. This review provides an overview of the literature and illustrates emerging insights into the association of markers of hemodynamic stress (natriuretic peptides) and markers of myocardial injury (cardiac troponins) with imaging findings of brain damage and cognitive impairment or dementia. Based on these findings, we discuss potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the association of cardiac biomarkers with structural brain changes and dementia. We suggest testable hypotheses and a research plan to close the gaps in understanding the mechanisms linking vascular damage and neurodegeneration, and to pave the way for targeted effective interventions for dementia prevention. From a clinical perspective, cardiac biomarkers open the window for early identification of patients at risk of dementia, who represent a target population for preventive interventions targeting modifiable cardiovascular risk factors to avert cognitive decline and dementia.

Inflammageing and Cardiovascular System: Focus on Cardiokines and Cardiac-Specific Biomarkers

The term "inflammageing" was introduced in 2000, with the aim of describing the chronic inflammatory state typical of elderly individuals, which is characterized by a combination of elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers, a high burden of comorbidities, an elevated risk of disability, frailty, and premature death. Inflammageing is a hallmark of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and rapid progression to heart failure. The great experimental and clinical evidence accumulated in recent years has clearly demonstrated that early detection and counteraction of inflammageing is a promising strategy not only to prevent cardiovascular disease, but also to slow down the progressive decline of health that occurs with ageing. It is conceivable that beneficial effects of counteracting inflammageing should be most effective if implemented in the early stages, when the compensatory capacity of the organism is not completely exhausted. Early interventions and treatments require early diagnosis using reliable and cost-effective biomarkers. Indeed, recent clinical studies have demonstrated that cardiac-specific biomarkers (i.e., cardiac natriuretic peptides and cardiac troponins) are able to identify, even in the general population, the individuals at highest risk of progression to heart failure. However, further clinical studies are needed to better understand the usefulness and cost/benefit ratio of cardiac-specific biomarkers as potential targets in preventive and therapeutic strategies for early detection and counteraction of inflammageing mechanisms and in this way slowing the progressive decline of health that occurs with ageing.

Association of Serum Osteoprotegerin Level With Myocardial Injury and Cardiovascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Background

Chronic kidney disease has emerged as a significant independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular calcification is an active process involving a complex interaction of inducers and inhibitors. High sensitivity cardiac troponin T assay detects troponin T with higher sensitivity and precision at an earlier point of time than the conventional assays, and is associated with poor outcomes. Serum osteoprotegerin is classed as an inhibitory factor for cardiovascular calcification. It is involved in the pathological processes of vascular damage and linked to the excess cardiovascular morbidity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the extent of cardiovascular calcification and serum high sensitivity cardiac troponin T level, and their association with serum osteoprotegerin level in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5.

Methods

90 chronic kidney disease patients were enrolled in this study, and they were divided into two groups: group (1) included 45 non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients (stages 3-5) and group (2) included 45 chronic hemodialysis patients. Each group further subdivided according to the presence of cardiovascular calcification into subgroup A and B. Vascular calcifications were assessed by lateral lumbar, pelvis and hands X-ray radiographs. Valvular calcification was assessed by echocardiography. Serum cardiac troponin T was measured by high sensitivity assay and serum osteoprotegerin was measured by ELISA.

Results

Cardiovascular calcification distribution was 22.2% in group (1) and 33.3% in group (2). Serum osteoprotegerin and troponin T in calcification groups (1A and 2A) were significantly higher than non-calcification groups (1B and 2B; P < 0.001). Osteoprotegerin correlated positively with high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (rs = 0.72, P < 0.001). cardiovascular calcification correlated positively with osteoprotegerin, troponin T, and phosphorus. osteoprotegerin and phosphorus were significant independent predictors of cardiovascular calcification at cut-off values ≥4.6 ng/L and ≥6.95 mg/dl, respectively (P < 0.001). Serum phosphorus and creatinine were independent predictors of osteoprotegerin (P < 0.001 and 0.048, respectively).

Conclusion

Osteoprotegerin is strongly associated with cardiovascular calcification and high sensitivity cardiac troponin T. In addition, there is a positive association between calcification and troponin T. This suggests a role for osteoprotegerin in the pathogenesis and risk stratification of cardiovascular calcification and myocardial injury in chronic kidney disease patients with a potential role as a therapeutic target.

Cardiac troponins and adverse outcomes in European patients with atrial fibrillation: A report from the ESC-EHRA EORP atrial fibrillation general long-term registry

BACKGROUND

Cardiac troponins (cTn) have been reported to be predictors for adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF), patients, but their actual use is still unclear.

AIM

To assess the factors associated with cTn testing in routine practice and evaluate the association with outcomes.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry were stratified into 3 groups according to cTn levels as (i) cTn not tested, (ii) cTn in range (≤99th percentile), (iii) cTn elevated (>99th percentile). The composite outcome of any thromboembolism /any acute coronary syndrome/cardiovascular (CV) death, defined as Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and all-cause death were the main endpoints.

RESULTS

Among 10 445 AF patients (median age 71 years, 40.3% females) cTn were tested in 2834 (27.1%). cTn was elevated in 904/2834 (31.9%) and in-range in 1930/2834 (68.1%) patients. Female sex, in-hospital enrollment, first-detected AF, CV risk factors, history of coronary artery disease, and atypical AF symptoms were independently associated with cTn testing. Elevated cTn were independently associated with a higher risk for MACE (Model 1, hazard ratio [HR] 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-2.16, Model 2, HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.28-2.05; Model 3 HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.37-2.26) and all-cause death (Model 1, HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.21-1.74; Model 2, HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.12-1.66; Model 3, HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12-1.71).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated cTn levels were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and adverse CV events. Clinical factors that might enhance the need to rule out CAD were associated with cTn testing.

Cardiac Troponin, Cognitive Function, and Dementia: A Systematic Review

Elevated cardiac troponin, a biomarker of myocardial injury, has been found in individuals with brain damage and lower cognitive function. We conducted a systematic review to examine the association of troponin with cognitive function, incidence of dementia and dementia-related outcomes. PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched from inception to August 2022. Inclusion criteria were: (i) population-based cohort studies; (ii) troponin measured as determinant; and (iii) cognitive function in any metric or diagnosis of any type of dementia or dementia-related measures as outcomes. Fourteen studies were identified and included, with a combined total of 38,286 participants. Of these studies, four examined dementia-related outcomes, eight studies examined cognitive function, and two studies examined both dementia-related outcomes and cognitive function. Studies report higher troponin to be associated with higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (n=1), incident dementia (n=1), increased risk of dementia hospitalization (specifically due to vascular dementia) (n=1), but not with incident Alzheimer's Disease (n=2). Majority of studies on cognitive function found elevated troponin also associated with worse global cognitive function (n=3), attention (n=2), reaction time (n=1) and visuomotor speed (n=1), both cross-sectionally and prospectively. Evidence regarding the association between higher troponin and memory, executive function, processing speed, language and visuospatial function was mixed. This was the first systematic review on the association between troponin, cognitive function, and dementia. Higher troponin is associated with subclinical cerebrovascular damage and might act as a risk-marker of cognitive vulnerability.

Blood-Based Cardiac Biomarkers and the Risk of Cognitive Decline, Cerebrovascular Disease, and Clinical Events

[Figure: see text].

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and Cognitive Function in Patients With Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose- Our study aim was to assess whether high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), a specific biomarker for myocardial injury, is associated with cognitive function in patients after mild-to-moderate first-ever ischemic stroke. Methods- We used data from PROSCIS-B (Prospective Cohort With Incident Stroke Berlin). Cognitive function was assessed by Mini-Mental-State-Examination at baseline, and Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified after 1 to 3 years of follow-up. Patients were categorized according to hs-cTnT quartiles. We performed generalized linear regression to calculate risk ratios of cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental-State-Examination <27; Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified <32). Association of hs-cTnT with cognitive function over time was estimated using a linear mixed model. Results- We included 555 patients (mean age, 67 years, 62% male, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 2 [interquartile range, 1-5], hs-cTnT above upper reference limit 40%, baseline cognitive impairment 28%). Baseline Mini-Mental-State-Examination score and rate of cognitive impairment were lower in patients in the highest versus lowest hs-cTnT quartile (median Mini-Mental-State-Examination 27 versus 29, and 15.3% versus 43.0%, adjusted risk ratio, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.07-2.90], respectively). If anything, cognition seemed to improve in all groups, yet Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified scores were consistently lower in patients within the highest versus lowest hs-cTnT quartile (adjusted β, -1.33 [95% CI, -2.65 to -0.02]), without difference in the rate of change over time. Conclusions- In patients with mild-to-moderate first-ever ischemic stroke without dementia, higher hs-cTnT was associated with higher prevalence of cognitive impairment at baseline and lower Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified during 3-year follow-up. Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01363856.

The association of kidney function and cognitive decline in older patients at risk of cardiovascular disease: a longitudinal data analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been identified as a significant direct marker for cognitive decline, but controversy exists regarding the magnitude of the association of kidney function with cognitive decline across the different CKD stages. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of kidney function with cognitive decline in older patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease, using data from the PROspective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER).

METHODS

Data of 5796 patients of PROSPER were used. Strata were made according to clinical stages of CKD based on estimated glomerular filtration rate; < 30 ml/min/1.73m² (stage 4), 30-45 ml/min/1.73m² (stage 3b), 45-60 ml/min/1.73m² (stage 3a) and ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73m² (stage 1-2). Cognitive function and functional status was assessed at six different time points and means were compared at baseline and over time, adjusted for multiple prespecified variables. Stratified analyses for history of vascular disease were executed.

RESULTS

Mean age was 75.3 years and 48.3% participants were male. Mean follow-up was 3.2 years. For all cognitive function tests CKD stage 4 compared to the other stages had the worst outcome at baseline and a trend for faster cognitive decline over time. When comparing stage 4 versus stage 1-2 over time the estimates (95% CI) were 2.23 (0.60-3.85; p = 0.009) for the Stroop-Colour-Word test, - 0.33 (- 0.66-0.001; p = 0.051) for the Letter-Digit-Coding test, 0.08 (- 0.06-0.21; p = 0.275) for the Picture-Word-Learning test with immediate recall and - 0.07 (- 0.02-0.05; p = 0.509) for delayed recall. This association was most present in patients with a history of vascular disease. No differences were found in functional status.

CONCLUSION

In older people with vascular burden, only severe kidney disease (CKD stage 4), but not mild to modest kidney disease (CKD stage 3a and b), seem to be associated with cognitive impairment at baseline and cognitive decline over time. The association of severe kidney failure with cognitive impairment and decline over time was more outspoken in patients with a history of vascular disease, possibly due to a higher probability of polyvascular damage, in both kidney and brain, in patients with proven cardiovascular disease.

High-Sensitive Troponin T, Natriuretic Peptide, and Cognitive Change

OBJECTIVES

Cardiac troponin T, measured using a high-sensitive assay (hs-cTnT), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are associated with increased stroke risk and perhaps with cognitive decline. However, few well-designed prospective studies with extended follow-up have been conducted. We aimed to estimate the association of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP with 15-year cognitive change in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Four US communities.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 9114 and 9108 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study for analyses of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP, respectively.

MEASUREMENTS

We examined association of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP with 15-year change (1996-1998 to 2011-2013) in three cognitive tests of executive function (Digit Symbol Substitution Test), verbal learning memory (Delayed Word Recall Test), and semantic fluency (Word Fluency Test), and an overall score combining the three tests using multivariable linear mixed effect models. We conducted several sensitivity analyses including multiple imputations to address bias due to missing data and attrition, and we compared associations within groups combining hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP into a three-level categorical variable.

RESULTS

At baseline (1996-1998), mean age was 63.4 (standard deviation [SD] = 5.7) years; 56.4% were women, and 17.5% were black. The hs-cTnT at baseline was not associated with cognitive change in any measure. Some evidence indicated accelerated decline in verbal learning and memory when comparing those in the highest with the lowest NT-proBNP quintiles; however, this association was not replicated when considering clinically relevant cutoffs or deciles of exposure in survivors. Sensitivity analyses were consistent with our primary analyses. There was little evidence to support effect modification by any considered factors. People with highest levels of both biomarkers had excessive decline in global z scores vs people with lowest levels (-.34; 95% confidence interval = -.63 to -.04).

CONCLUSION

Markers of myocardial injury and stretch were not associated with cognitive decline following 15 years among survivors, but when combined together they were suggestive in post hoc analysis. Whether this represents targets of intervention should be examined in the future. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2353-2361, 2019.

Cross-Sectional Associations Between Cardiac Biomarkers, Cognitive Performance, and Structural Brain Changes Are Modified by Age

Objective- NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) and cardiac troponin T (cTNT) are associated with cognitive performance. Whether this extends to individuals <60 years of age is unclear. We investigated whether age modified the associations between NT-proBNP and cTNT and cognitive performance and structural brain changes. Approach and Results- In 3011 individuals (60±8 years; 49% women), NT-proBNP and cTNT, memory, information processing speed and executive functioning, grey matter (GM) and white matter, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes were determined. We used regression, adjusted for educational level, cardiovascular factors, and lifestyle factors, to test whether cross-sectional associations between biomarkers and cognitive performance and structural brain changes were modified by age (<60 versus ≥60 years). ≥60 years, higher NT-proBNP was associated with lower memory (β [SD] per 10-fold higher level [95% confidence interval (CI)], -0.11 [-0.22 to -0.00]), information processing speed (-0.12 [95% CI, -0.21 to -0.03]), executive functioning (-0.12 [95% CI, -0.22 to -0.03]), and smaller GM (β [mL] per 10-fold higher level, -6.89 [95% CI, -11.58 to -2.20]). Additionally, higher cTNT was associated with lower memory (-0.33 [95% CI, -0.53 to -0.12]) and information processing speed (-0.17 [95% CI, -0.3 to -0.01]); with smaller GM (-16.07 [95% CI, -24.90 to -7.24]) and greater WMH (10^β WMH per 10-fold higher level, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.10-0.52]). <60 years, NT-proBNP and cTNT were not associated with cognitive performance ( P_interaction, <0.10). In contrast, higher NT-proBNP was associated with smaller GM (-7.43 [95% CI, -11.70 to -3.16]) and greater WMH (0.13 [95% CI, 0.01-0.25]; P_interaction,>0.10). Higher cTNT was associated with greater WMH (0.18 [95% CI, -0.01 to 0.37]; P_interaction,>0.10) but not with GM (0.07 [95% CI, -6.87 to 7.02]; P_interaction, <0.10). Conclusions- Biomarkers of cardiac injury are continuously associated with structural brain changes in both older and younger individuals but with poorer cognitive performance only in older individuals. These findings stress the continuous nature of the heart-brain axis in the development of cognitive impairment.

Prospective associations between cardiac stress, glucose dysregulation and executive cognitive function in Black men: The Sympathetic activity and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans study

OBJECTIVE

Glucose dysregulation is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease development through synaptic dysfunction resulting in cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to study the interplay between impaired glycaemic metabolism (hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance), cardiac stress (cardiac troponin T and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide) and executive cognitive function prospectively, in a bi-ethnic sex cohort.

METHODS

Black and White teachers (N = 338, aged 20-63 years) from the Sympathetic activity and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans study were monitored over a 3-year period. Fasting blood samples were obtained for cardiac troponin T, N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide, glycated haemoglobin and the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance for insulin resistance. The Stroop colour-word conflict test was applied to assess executive cognitive function at baseline.

RESULTS

Over the 3-year period, Black men revealed constant high levels of cardiac troponin T (⩾4.2 ng/L), pre-diabetes (glycated haemoglobin > 5.7%) and insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance >3). %Δ Glycated haemoglobin was associated with %Δ insulin resistance (p < 0.001) and increases in %ΔN-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (p = 0.02) in Black men only. In the latter, baseline Stroop colour-word conflict test was inversely associated with %Δ cardiac troponin T (p = 0.001) and %Δ insulin resistance levels (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Progressive myocyte stretch and chronic myocyte injury, coupled with glucose dysregulation, may interfere with processes related to interference control in Black men.

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and severity of cerebral white matter lesions in patients with acute ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac troponin (hs-cTnT) is a sensitive marker of myocardial injury and has been linked to incident dementia. The underlying mechanism of that observation is still unknown. Given that severity of cerebral small vessel disease is a predictor of cognitive decline, we aimed to explore whether there is an association between hs-cTnT and severity of white matter lesions (WML) as a marker of cerebral small vessel disease in patients with ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We analyzed consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to Charité-University Hospital, Berlin from 2011 to 2013. Severity of WML was graded on 3T-MRI using the age-related white matter severity score (ARWMS). Patients with hs-cTnT elevation suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were excluded (hs-cTnT > 52 ng/l or dynamic change of hs-cTnT > 50%, ESC guideline). We performed unadjusted and adjusted quantile regression models to assess the association between increased hs-cTnT (dichotomized at the 99th percentile, 14 ng/l) and severity of WML.

RESULTS

A total of 860 patients was analyzed (median age 73 years, 44.8% female, median ARWMS 6). Patients with elevated hs-cTnT had more extensive WML than those without (median ARWMS 8 vs. 5, adjusted beta for 50th percentile 1.12, 95% CI 0.41-1.84). The association between WML and hs-cTnT elevation was strongest in patients with severe WML (adjusted beta 1.77, 95% CI 0.26-3.27 for 80th WML percentile).

CONCLUSION

Elevated hs-cTnT levels were associated with extent of WML in acute stroke patients. Further studies are needed to assess whether hs-cTnT can be used to identify stroke patients at risk for cognitive decline.

High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and Cognitive Function in the Oldest Old: The Leiden 85-Plus Study

BACKGROUND

Impaired cardiac function has been related to accelerated cognitive decline in late-life.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether higher levels of high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), a sensitive marker for myocardial injury, are associated with worse cognitive function in the oldest old.

METHODS

In 455 participants of the population-based Leiden 85-plus Study, hs-cTnT was measured at 86 years. Cognitive function was measured annually during four years with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

RESULTS

Participants in the highest gender-specific tertile of hs-cTnT had a 2.0-point lower baseline MMSE score than participants in the lowest tertile (95% confidence interval (CI) (95% CI 0.73-3.3), and had a 0.58-point steeper annual decline in MMSE during follow-up (95% CI 0.06-1.1). The associations remained after adjusting for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors excluding those without a history of overt cardiac disease.

CONCLUSION

In a population-based sample of the oldest old, higher levels of hs-cTnT were associated with worse cognitive function and faster cognitive decline, independently from cardiovascular risk factors and a history of overt cardiac disease.

Relationship between Cardiac Troponin and Thrombo-Inflammatory Molecules in Prediction of Outcome after Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

In patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) without cardiovascular complications, we investigated the association of serum concentration of cardiac troponin (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T [hs-cTnT]) with thrombo-inflammatory markers.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with first-ever AIS were prospectively examined. Serum hs-cTnT was measured 6 and 24 hours after stroke, whereas S100B, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), soluble CD40 ligand, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and P-selectin were measured 6 and 72 hours after stroke. Severity of stroke was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on admission, 24 hours later, and at discharge.

RESULTS

Concentration of MCP-1 at 6 hours was higher in the serum of patients with worsened NIHSS by 24 hours (P = .009). Concentration of hs-cTnT at both 6 and 24 hours was higher, if NIHSS worsened by discharge (P = .026 and P = .001). A cutoff value for hs-cTnT measured at T24 greater than or equal to  9.4 predicted worsened NIHSS on discharge with a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 74% (area: .808, P = .002). Concentration of hs-cTnT at both 6 and 24 hours was also higher in nonsurvivors compared with survivors (P = .03, respectively), and correlated with (1) tPA levels at 6 hours (P = .001 and P = .002, respectively); (2) MCP-1 concentration at 6 hours (P = .01 and P = .015, respectively); and increased hsCRP levels at 72 hours (P = .01, respectively). Concentration of hs-cTnT at 24 hours was an independent predictor of worsened NIHSS at discharge (odds ratio: 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.063-2.370, P = .024).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated concentration of hs-cTnT measured 24 hours after AIS is an independent predictor of progressing neurologic deficit in patients without apparent myocardial damage, and also correlates with acute elevation of tPA and MCP-1.

Hemodynamic and serum cardiac markers and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac function is a key player in maintaining energy homeostasis in the brain. Heart failure is closely related to higher risk of neurocognitive disorders. Recent evidence shows that this relationship might not be limited to patients with advanced heart failure, and even suboptimal cardiac functioning is associated with accelerated brain aging. Hence, hemodynamic and serum cardiac markers may provide valuable information about the risk of dementia.

METHODS

We provide an overview on the link between cardiac markers and cognitive function by a systematic search in five databases. Furthermore, we discuss the pathophysiological aspects of this link and highlight the pertinent clinical and public health implications.

RESULTS

Increasing evidence supports the associations of hemodynamic and serum cardiac markers with accelerated cognitive decline.

DISCUSSION

Hemodynamic and serum cardiac markers are closely linked with risk of cognitive impairment. This highlights the significance of the heart-brain connection in reducing the burden of dementia.