Relationship of orthostatic blood pressure to white matter hyperintensities and subcortical volumes in late-life depression

Orthostatic hypotension, cognition and structural brain imaging in hemodynamically impaired patients

BACKGROUND

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is associated with an increased risk of dementia, potentially attributable to cerebral hypoperfusion. We investigated which patterns and characteristics of OH are related to cognition or to potentially underlying structural brain injury in hemodynamically impaired patients and healthy reference participants.

METHODS

Participants with carotid occlusive disease or heart failure, and reference participants from the Heart-Brain Connection Study underwent OH measurements, neuropsychological assessment and brain MRI. We analyzed the association between OH, global cognitive functioning, white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and brain parenchymal fraction with linear regression. We stratified by participant group, severity and duration of OH, chronotropic incompetence and presence of orthostatic symptoms.

RESULTS

Of 337 participants (mean age 67.3 ± 8.8 years, 118 (35.0%) women), 113 (33.5%) had OH. Overall, presence of OH was not associated with cognitive functioning (β: -0.12 [-0.24-0.00]), but we did observe worse cognitive functioning in those with severe OH (≥ 30/15 mmHg; β: -0.18 [-0.34 to -0.02]) and clinically manifest OH (β: -0.30 [-0.52 to -0.08]). These associations did not differ significantly by OH duration or chronotropic incompetence, and were similar between patient groups and reference participants. Similarly, both severe OH and clinically manifest OH were associated with a lower brain parenchymal fraction, and severe OH also with a somewhat higher WMH volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe OH and clinically manifest OH are associated with worse cognitive functioning. This supports the notion that specific patterns and characteristics of OH determine its impact on brain health.

Brain white matter changes and their associations with non-motor dysfunction in orthostatic hypotension in α-synucleinopathy: A NODDI study

BACKGROUND

The specific non-motor symptoms associated with α-synucleinopathies, including orthostatic hypotension (OH), cognitive impairment, and emotional abnormalities, have been a subject of ongoing controversy over the mechanisms underlying the development of a vicious cycle among them. The distinct structural alterations in white matter (WM) in patients with α-synucleinopathies experiencing OH, alongside their association with other non-motor symptoms, remain unexplored. This study employs axial diffusivity and density imaging (NODDI) to investigate WM damage specific to α-synucleinopathies with concurrent OH, delivering fresh evidence to supplement our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and pathological rationales behind the occurrence of a spectrum of non-motor functional impairments in α-synucleinopathies.

METHODS

This study recruited 49 individuals diagnosed with α-synucleinopathies, stratified into an α-OH group (n = 24) and an α-NOH group (without OH, n = 25). Additionally, 17 healthy controls were included for supine and standing blood pressure data collection, as well as neuropsychological assessments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized for the calculation of NODDI parameters, and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) were employed to explore differential clusters. The fibers covered by these clusters were defined as regions of interest (ROI) for the extraction of NODDI parameter values and the analysis of their correlation with neuropsychological scores.

RESULTS

The TBSS analysis unveiled specific cerebral regions exhibiting disparities within the α-OH group as compared to both the α-NOH group and the healthy controls. These differences were evident in clusters that indicated a decrease in the acquisition of the neurite density index (NDI), a reduction in the orientation dispersion index (ODI), and an increase in the isotropic volume fraction (FISO) (p < 0.05). The extracted values from these ROIs demonstrated significant correlations with clinically assessed differences in supine and standing blood pressure, overall cognitive scores, and anxiety-depression ratings (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with α-synucleinopathies experiencing OH exhibit distinctive patterns of microstructural damage in the WM as revealed by the NODDI model, and there is a correlation with the onset and progression of non-motor functional impairments.

Orthostatic hypotension and its association with cerebral small vessel disease in a memory clinic population

BACKGROUND

Orthostatic hypotension (OH), an impaired blood pressure (BP) response to postural change, has been associated with cognitive decline and dementia, possibly through cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). We hypothesized that longer duration of BP drop and a larger BP drop is associated with increased risk of CSVD.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 3971 memory clinic patients (mean age 68 years, 45% female, 42% subjective cognitive complaints, 17% mild cognitive impairment, 41% dementia) from the Amsterdam Ageing Cohort and Amsterdam Dementia Cohort. Early OH (EOH) was defined as a drop in BP of ±20 mmHg systolic and/or 10 mmHg diastolic only at 1 min after standing, and delayed/prolonged OH (DPOH) at 1 and/or 3 min after standing. Presence of CSVD [white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes, microbleeds] was assessed with MRI ( n  = 3584) or CT brain (n = 389).

RESULTS

The prevalence of early OH was 9% and of delayed/prolonged OH 18%. Age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that delayed/prolonged OH, but not early OH, was significantly associated with a higher burden of WMH (OR, 95%CI: 1.21, 1.00-1.46) and lacunes (OR, 95%CI 1.34, 1.06-1.69), but not microbleeds (OR, 95%CI 1.22, 0.89-1.67). When adjusting for supine SBP, these associations attenuated (ORs, 95%CI for WMH 1.04, 0.85-1.27; for lacunes 1.21, 0.91-1.62; for microbleeds 0.95, 0.68-1.31). A larger drop in SBP was associated with increased risk of WMH and microbleeds, however, when adjusted for supine SBP, this effect diminished.

CONCLUSIONS

Among memory clinic patients, DPOH is more common than EOH. While longer duration and larger magnitude of BP drop coincided with a higher burden of CSVD, these associations were largely explained by high supine BP.

Adverse effects of hypertension, supine hypertension, and perivascular space on cognition and motor function in PD

Dilated perivascular space (dPVS) has recently been reported as a biomarker for cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, comprehensive interrelationships between various clinical risk factors, dPVS, white-matter hyperintensities (WMH), cognition, and motor function in PD have not been studied yet. The purpose of this study was to test whether dPVS might mediate the effect of clinical risk factors on WMH, cognition, and motor symptoms in PD patients. A total of 154 PD patients were assessed for vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia), autonomic dysfunction (orthostatic hypotension and supine hypertension [SH]), APOE ε4 genotype, rapid eye movement sleep-behavior disorder, motor symptoms, and cognition status. The degree of dPVS was evaluated in the basal ganglia (BG) and white matter using a 5-point visual scale. Periventricular, deep, and total WMH severity was also assessed. Path analysis was performed to evaluate the associations of these clinical factors and imaging markers with cognitive status and motor symptoms. Hypertension and SH were significantly associated with more severe BGdPVS, which was further associated with higher total WMH, consequently leading to lower cognitive status. More severe BGdPVS was also associated with worse motor symptoms, but without mediation of total WMH. Similar associations were seen when using periventricular WMH as a variable, but not when using deep WMH as a variable. In conclusion, BGdPVS mediates the effect of hypertension and SH on cognitive impairment via total and periventricular WMH, while being directly associated with more severe motor symptoms.

Effects of Antihypertensive Drugs on Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients with Hypertension: A Review

Hypertension is a common comorbidity that contributes to the development of various cardiovascular disorders in elderly patients. Moreover, hypertension has been associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Cognitive impairment leads to increased morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with hypertension. However, previous studies investigating the association between blood pressure (BP), BP variability (BPV), and antihypertensive drug use and the risk of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with hypertension have reported inconsistent findings. Given the global burden of hypertension, the aging population, and the low quality of life associated with cognitive impairment, a more comprehensive understanding of the association between hypertension and cognitive decline is needed. In this review, we summarized the current preclinical evidence and clinical research regarding the association of BP control, BPV, and antihypertensive drug use and cognitive function. We particularly focused on the differences among categories of antihypertensive drugs. We concluded that the correlation of BP and risk of cognitive function is non-linear and dependent on a patient's age. Intensive BP control is generally not recommended, particularly for the oldest-old. Increased BPV and characteristics of orthostatic hypotension in the elderly also increase the risk of cognitive decline. The current evidence does not support one category of antihypertensive drugs as superior to others for preventing dementia in elderly patients with hypertension.

Orthostatic hypotension in older people: considerations, diagnosis and management

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is very common in older people and is encountered daily in emergency departments and medical admissions units. It is associated with a higher risk of falls, fractures, dementia and death, so prompt recognition and treatment are essential. In this review article, we describe the physiology of standing (orthostasis) and the pathophysiology of orthostatic hypotension. We focus particularly on aspects pertinent to older people. We review the evidence and consensus management guidelines for all aspects of management. We also tackle the challenge of concomitant orthostatic hypotension and supine hypertension, providing a treatment overview as well as practical suggestions for management. In summary, orthostatic hypotension (and associated supine hypertension) are common, dangerous and disabling, but adherence to simple structures management strategies can result in major improvements.

Volumetric brain differences in clinical depression in association with anxiety: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Structural differences associated with depression have not been confirmed in brain regions apart from the hippocampus. Comorbid anxiety has been inconsistently assessed, and may explain discrepancies in previous findings. We investigated the link between depression, comorbid anxiety and brain structure.

METHODS

We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42018089286). We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, PubMed and Scopus, from database inception to Sept. 13, 2018, for MRI case-control studies that reported brain volumes in healthy adults and adults with clinical depression. We summarized mean volumetric differences using meta-analyses, and we assessed demographics, depression factors and segmentation procedure as moderators using meta-regressions.

RESULTS

We included 112 studies in the meta-analyses, assessing 4911 healthy participants and 5934 participants with depression (mean age 49.8 yr, 68.2% female). Volume effects were greater in late-onset depression and in multiple episodes of depression. Adults with depression and no comorbidity showed significantly lower volumes in the putamen, pallidum and thalamus, as well as significantly lower grey matter volume and intracranial volume; the largest effects were in the hippocampus (6.8%, p < 0.001). Adults with depression and comorbid anxiety showed significantly higher volumes in the amygdala (3.6%, p < 0.001). Comorbid anxiety lowered depression effects by 3% on average. Sex moderated reductions in intracranial volume.

LIMITATIONS

High heterogeneity in hippocampus effects could not be accounted for by any moderator. Data on symptom severity and medication were sparse, but other factors likely made significant contributions.

CONCLUSION

Depression-related differences in brain structure were modulated by comorbid anxiety, chronicity of symptoms and onset of illness. Early diagnosis of anxiety symptomatology will prove crucial to ensuring effective, tailored treatments for improving long-term mental health and mitigating cognitive problems, given the effects in the hippocampus.

Is there an association between orthostatic hypotension and cerebral white matter hyperintensities in older people? The Irish longitudinal study on ageing

Introduction

Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) is an abnormal drop in blood pressure (BP) that occurs following orthostatic challenge. OH is associated with increased risk of falls, cognitive impairment and death. White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH) on MR Brain are associated with vascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and age. We examined whether extent White matter intensities were associated with presence of OH detected in a community dwelling population of older people.

Methods

Individuals from the MR sub-study of the Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing underwent a 3 Tesla MR Brain scan to assess WMH severity (Schelten’s Score). The scans were performed during the Wave 3 TILDA health assessment phase when the subjects also underwent assessment for OH with an active stand protocol. Data was analysed for association between WMH and vascular risks and orthostatic change in BP 10 second intervals during the OH evaluation.

Results

440 subjects were investigated; median age 72 years (65–92 years) and 228 (51.5%) female. Range of Scheltens’ Scores was 0–32. Mean score was 9.72 (SD 5.87). OH was detected in 68.4% (301). On linear regression, positive associations were found between Scheltens’ Score and age, hypertension, prior history of stroke and TIA, and with OH at 30, 70, 90 and 100 seconds following standing (p < 0.05, O.R. 1.9–2.5).

Conclusion

WMD is associated with OH detected at multiple time points using active stand in community dwelling older subjects. Further research is necessary to evaluate the direction of this association.

Association of Antidepressants With Recurrent, Injurious and Unexplained Falls is Not Explained by Reduced Gait Speed

OBJECTIVE

To examine if antidepressants at baseline are associated with falls and syncope over 4 years follow-up and if any observed associations are explained by baseline gait speed.

DESIGN

Longitudinal study (three waves).

SETTING

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a nationally representative cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Two thousand ninety-three community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Antidepressants (ATC code "N06A") were identified. Recurrent falls (≥2 falls), injurious falls (requiring medical attention), unexplained falls, and syncope were reported at either Wave 2 or 3. Usual gait speed was the mean of two walks on a 4.88 m GAITRite walkway. Poisson regression analysis was used to examine associations between baseline antidepressant use and future falls adjusting for sociodemographics, physical, cognitive and mental health, and finally, gait speed.

RESULTS

Compared to non-antidepressant users, those on antidepressants at baseline were more likely to report all types of falls (24.8-40.7% versus 9.8-18%) at follow-up. Antidepressants at baseline were independently associated with injurious falls (incidence risk ratio: 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.21, 2.06, z = 3.38, p = 0.001, df = 32) and unexplained falls (incidence risk ratio: 1.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 2.15, z = 2.17, p = 0.030, df = 32) independent of all covariates including gait speed.

CONCLUSION

There was little evidence to support the hypothesis that gait would (partly) explain any observed associations between baseline use of antidepressants and future falls. The underlying mechanisms of the observed relationships may be related to depression, vascular pathology, or direct effects of antidepressants. Clinicians should identify the best treatment option for an individual based on existing risk factors for outcomes such as falls.

Confining the Concept of Vascular Depression to Late-Onset Depression: A Meta-Analysis of MRI-Defined Hyperintensity Burden in Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder

Background: The vascular depression hypothesis emphasizes the significance of vascular lesions in late-life depression. At present, no meta-analytic model has investigated whether a difference in hyperintensity burden compared to controls between late-life and late-onset depression is evident. By including a substantial number of studies, focusing on a meaningful outcome measure, and considering several moderating and control variables, the present meta-analysis investigates the severity of hyperintensity burden in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). A major focus of the present meta-analysis refers to the role of age at illness onset. It is analyzed whether late-onset rather than late-life depression characterizes vascular depression. Method: In total, 68 studies were included in the meta-analysis and a multilevel random effects model was calculated using Hedges' g as the effect size measure. Results: The severity of hyperintensity burden was significantly greater in the patient group compared to the control group. This effect was evident regarding the whole patient group (g = 0.229) as well as both depression subgroups, with a significantly greater effect in BD (g = 0.374) compared to MDD (g = 0.189). Hyperintensity burden was more pronounced in late-onset depression than in early-onset depression or late-life depression. A considerable heterogeneity between the included studies was observed, which is reflected by the large variability in effects sizes. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present meta-analysis underscores the association of hyperintensities with MDD and BD. Especially late-onset depression is associated with an increased hyperintensity burden, which is in line with the vascular depression hypothesis. The results suggest that it might be more feasible to confine the concept of vascular depression specifically to late-onset depression as opposed to late-life depression. Further research is needed to understand the causal mechanisms that might underlie the relation between hyperintensity burden and depression.

Depressive Symptomatology, Racial Discrimination Experience, and Brain Tissue Volumes Observed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Not much is known about brain structural change in younger populations and minorities. The cross-sectional relationship between depressive symptomatology and racial discrimination with structural measures of brain tissue volume was investigated using magnetic resonance images of 710 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults CARDIA Study in 2010. Those reporting depressive symptoms and racial discrimination had lower total brain matter volume compared with those who reported neither (-8.8 mL, 95% confidence interval (CI): -16.4, -1.2), those who reported depressive symptoms only (-10.9 mL, 95% CI: -20.4, -1.4), and those who reported racial discrimination only (-8.6 mL, 95% CI: -16.5, -0.8). Results were similar for total normal white matter. There were 103% higher odds (odds ratio = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.32, 3.14) of being in the highest quartile of white matter hyperintensities in those with depressive symptoms only compared to those without. Although tests for interaction by race were not statistically significant, sensitivity analyses stratified by race revealed inverse associations with total brain matter and total white matter volumes only among black participants with combined depressive symptomatology and experience of racial discrimination, and positive associations only among white participants with depressive symptoms with presence of white matter hyperintensities, suggesting future studies may focus on race.

Orthostatic hypotension and dementia incidence: links and implications

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common condition, particularly in patients with α-synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease, and has a significant impact on activities of daily living and quality of life. Recent data suggest an association with cognitive impairment. Herein, we review the evidence that OH increases the odds of incident mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Potential mechanisms underlying the putative relationship are discussed, including cerebral hypoperfusion, supine hypertension, white matter hyperintensities, and neurodegeneration. Finally, we highlight the challenges with respect to treatment and the negative impact on the quality of life and long-term prognosis presented by the coexistence of OH and dementia. Large population-based studies have reported that OH is associated with about a 20% increased risk of dementia in the general population, while smaller cohort studies suggest an even greater effect in patients with α-synucleinopathies (3- to 7-fold higher than controls). Ultimately, OH exposure is difficult to quantify, predominantly limited to pressure regulation during a one-time orthostatic challenge, and the causative association with dementia may turn out to be bidirectional, especially in α-synucleinopathies. Early diagnosis and treatment of OH may improve long-term prognosis.

Orthostatic hypotension in patients with late-life depression: Prevalence and validation of a new screening tool

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension (OH) in a sample of late life depression (LLD) patients and to determine the validity of a standardized questionnaire, the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ). Secondarily, we wished to assess variables associated with OH.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 82 consecutive geriatric outpatients presenting with LLD. OH was defined as a fall in systolic blood pressure of greater than 20 mm Hg and/or 10 mm Hg on diastolic blood pressure on an orthostatic stress test from sitting to standing. Logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with OH.

RESULTS

The prevalence of OH as measured on the orthostatic stress test and on the OHQ was 28% and 57%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the OHQ were 69.6% (95% CI 47%-87%), 47.5% (95%CI 34%-61%), 0.54 (95% CI: 0.43-0.64), 34% (95%CI 21%-49%), and 80% (95%CI 63%-92%), respectively. Females were more likely to have OH (OR: 3.96, 95%CI 1.06-14.89, P = .041), and those married or in a common-law relationship were less likely to have OH (OR: 0.25, 95% CI 0.08-0.72, P = .011).

CONCLUSIONS

OH is common in patients with LLD conferring them a risk of gait instability and falls. Females had a higher risk of having OH while participants who were married or in a common-law relationship were less likely to have OH. Although the OHQ is a quick to administer paper-based screening test, it did not show adequate diagnostic accuracy in patients with LLD seen in a routine psychiatry clinic.

[Diagnostic of prodromal dementia with Levy bodies]

The issues of diagnosis of prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies are considered. Despite numerous studies using international diagnostic criteria, clinical and diagnosis are often inconsistent. Early and more accurate detection of dementia with Lewy bodies is needed for prognosis, optimal management and effective pharmacotherapy.

Late-Life Depression, Hippocampal Volumes, and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Regulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the association of late-life depression (LLD) with hippocampal volume (HCV) and total brain volume (TBV), and of cortisol levels with HCV, including subgroup analyses of depression characteristics and methodological aspects.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase for original studies that examined the cross-sectional relationship between LLD and HCV or TBV, and 46 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) between LLD and control subjects were calculated from crude or adjusted brain volumes using random effects. Standardized Fisher transformations of the correlations between cortisol levels and HCVs were calculated using random effects.

RESULTS

We included 2702 LLD patients and 11,165 control subjects from 35 studies examining HCV. Relative to control subjects, patients had significantly smaller HCVs (standardized mean difference = -0.32 [95% confidence interval, -0.44 to -0.19]). Subgroup analyses showed that late-onset depression was more strongly associated with HCV than early-onset depression. In addition, effect sizes were larger for case-control studies, studies with lower quality, and studies with small sample size, and were almost absent in cohort studies and studies with larger sample sizes. For TBV, 2523 patients and 7880 control subjects from 31 studies were included. The standardized mean difference in TBV between LLD and control subjects was -0.10 (95% confidence interval, -0.16 to -0.04). Of the 12 studies included, higher levels of cortisol were associated with smaller HCV (correlation = -0.11 [95% confidence interval, -0.18 to -0.04]).

CONCLUSIONS

While an overall measure of LLD may be associated with smaller HCVs, differentiating clinical aspects of LLD and examining methodological issues show that this relationship is not straightforward.

Nonmotor Symptoms in Vascular and Other Secondary Parkinsonism

Vascular parkinsonism (VP) is a relatively frequent variant of secondary parkinsonism caused by ischemic or hemorrhagic lesions of basal ganglia, midbrain, or their links with frontal cortex. According to different investigations, various forms of cerebrovascular disease cause 1%-15% of parkinsonism cases. Nonmotor symptoms are frequently found in VP and may negatively influence on quality of life. However, nonmotor symptoms such as hallucinations, orthostatic hypotension, REM-sleep behavior disorder, and anosmia are rarely revealed in VP, which may be noted to another diagnosis or mixed pathology. Clinical value of nonmotor symptoms in normal pressure hydrocephalus, toxic, and drug-induced parkinsonism is also discussed.

Association of Microvascular Dysfunction With Late-Life Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

The etiologic factors of late-life depression are still poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that microvascular dysfunction is associated with depression, which may have implications for prevention and treatment. However, this association has not been systematically reviewed.

Objective

To examine the associations of peripheral and cerebral microvascular dysfunction with late-life depression.

Data Sources

A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE for and longitudinal studies published since inception to October 16, 2016, that assessed the associations between microvascular dysfunction and depression.

Study Selection

Three independent researchers performed the study selection based on consensus. Inclusion criteria were a study population 40 years of age or older, a validated method of detecting depression, and validated measures of microvascular function.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

This systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered at PROSPERO (CRD42016049158) and is reported in accordance with the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Data extraction was performed by an independent researcher.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The following 5 estimates of microvascular dysfunction were considered in participants with or without depression: plasma markers of endothelial function, albuminuria, measurements of skin and muscle microcirculation, retinal arteriolar and venular diameter, and markers for cerebral small vessel disease. Data are reported as pooled odds ratios (ORs) by use of the generic inverse variance method with the use of random-effects models.

Results

A total of 712 studies were identified; 48 were included in the meta-analysis, of which 8 described longitudinal data. Data from 43 600 participants, 9203 individuals with depression, and 72 441 person-years (mean follow-up, 3.7 years) were available. Higher levels of plasma endothelial biomarkers (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1: OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.28-1.96), white matter hyperintensities (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.19-1.39), cerebral microbleeds (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.34), and cerebral (micro)infarctions (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.21-1.39) were associated with depression. Among the studies available, no significant associations of albuminuria and retinal vessel diameters with depression were reported. Longitudinal data showed a significant association of white matter hyperintensities with incident depression (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09-1.30).

Conclusions and Relevance

This meta-analysis shows that both the peripheral and cerebral forms of microvascular dysfunction are associated with higher odds of (incident) late-life depression. This finding may have clinical implications because microvascular dysfunction might provide a potential target for the prevention and treatment of depression.

Microstructural integrity of white matter tracts amongst older fallers: A DTI study

Objectives

This study assesses the whole brain microstructural integrity of white matter tracts (WMT) among older individuals with a history of falls compared to non-fallers.

Methods

85 participants (43 fallers, 42 non-fallers) were evaluated with conventional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequences of the brain. DTI metrics were obtained from selected WMT using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) method. This was followed by binary logistic regression to investigate the clinical variables that could act as confounding elements on the outcomes. The TBSS analysis was then repeated, but this time including all significant predictor variables from the regression analysis as TBSS covariates.

Results

The mean diffusivity (MD) and axial diffusivity (AD) and to a lesser extent radial diffusivity (RD) values of the projection fibers and commissural bundles were significantly different in fallers (p < 0.05) compared to non-fallers. However, the final logistic regression model obtained showed that only functional reach, white matter lesion volume, hypertension and orthostatic hypotension demonstrated statistical significant differences between fallers and non-fallers. No significant differences were found in the DTI metrics when taking into account age and the four variables as covariates in the repeated analysis.

Conclusion

This DTI study of 85 subjects, do not support DTI metrics as a singular factor that contributes independently to the fall outcomes. Other clinical and imaging factors have to be taken into account.

Strategies for dementia prevention: latest evidence and implications

Dementia is a common and debilitating syndrome with enormous impact on individuals and societies. Preventing disease onset or progression would translate to public health and societal benefits. In this review, we discuss the latest evidence on interventions that may show promise for the prevention of cognitive decline. We appraise existing evidence primarily drawn from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, but also highlight observational studies in humans and relevant work in model organisms. Overall, there is currently limited evidence to support a cause-effect relationship between any preventive strategy and the development or progression of dementia. However, studies to date suggest that a multifactorial intervention comprising regular exercise and healthy diet, along with the amelioration of vascular risk factors, psychosocial stress, and major depressive episodes may be most promising for the prevention of cognitive decline. We discuss the challenges, future directions, and implications of this line of research.

Orthostatic Hypotension Predicts Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly: Findings from a Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a known risk factor for cerebral ischemia, but its correlation with cognitive impairment (CI) is not well established.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between OH and CI in the elderly.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 44 OH patients who presented with drowsiness, vertigo, and fatigue between January 2009 and December 2011 (OH group). Eighty-eight healthy elderly were paired with those in the OH group in a 1:2 based on their education levels (NOH group). Baseline sociodemographic information and cognition-related measures were collected for both groups. Cognitive function was assessed 4 years later using MMSE.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of CI was 14.0% among the 114 subjects who completed the follow-up assessment. There was a significant difference in the incidence of CI between the OH group (23.7%) and the NOH group (9.2%) (χ² = 4.399, P = 0.036). After excluding the influence of age (OR = 1.199, 95% CI: 1.072-1.340, P = 0.001) and education years (OR = 0.568, 95% CI: 0.371-0.869, P = 0.009), OH (OR = 4.047, 95% CI: 1.144-14.313, P = 0.030) became an independent risk factor for CI.

CONCLUSION

OH can lead to CI. We suggest that future studies, with a larger sample size, use OH exposure time instead of OH exposure population to verify the conclusion of this study.

Sub-clinical orthostatic hypotension is associated with greater subjective memory impairment in older adults

INTRODUCTION

Orthostatic blood pressure (BP) is a measure of cardiovascular autonomic function. Orthostatic BP dysregulation may lie on the causal pathway to dementia. Subjective memory impairment (SMI) is commonly reported by older people some of whom may progress to dementia. We hypothesised that sub-clinical orthostatic hypotension would be associated with SMI and explored these associations according to sex.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of data from 4340 participants aged 50 and over collected during the first wave (2009-2011) of the cohort study, The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Subjective memory was rated according to a 5-point scale ranging from 'poor' to 'excellent'. BP was measured during orthostatic stress using continuous non-invasive beat-to-beat recording over 2 min.

RESULTS

2% reported 'poor' subjective memory, 12.3% 'fair' , 38% 'good', 33% 'very good' and 14.6% 'excellent'. After controlling for several potential confounding factors including cardiovascular risk, objective cognition, and depressive symptoms mean systolic orthostatic BP was lowest in those with poor subjective memory: 92.2 mmHg (CI95% = 87.1, 97.3) versus excellent 99.3 mmHg (CI95% = 97.4, 101.2); p = 0.011. Further adjustment for supine systolic BP suggested that men with poor subjective memory reached the lowest average systolic orthostatic BP and had the greatest impairment in systolic orthostatic BP stabilisation to baseline levels at 10 s post-stand (-6.64 mmHg; CI95% = -11.49, -1.79; p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Sub-clinical orthostatic hypotension is associated with SMI, and there are sex-specific relationships evident in this population-based cohort. Subtle cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction may represent a modifiable risk marker at an early stage of cognitive decline in older adults. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The prevalence and risk factors of cerebral microbleeds in patients with Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are frequently observed in patients with cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. CMBs that are located in the deep or infratentorial regions and those that are present strictly in the lobar regions reflect hypertensive vasculopathy and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, respectively. The development of CMBs can be accelerated by clinical factors. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) has been reported to be associated with cerebral small vessel disease, such as white matter lesions in Parkinson's disease (PD). We investigated the prevalence, location and risk factors, including OH, for CMBs in patients with PD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with PD who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine between January 2010 and July 2014. One hundred and sixty-seven patients with PD who underwent gradient echo T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were included in the present study. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the associations between risk factors and the presence of CMBs.

RESULTS

CMBs were detected in 29 (17.4%) patients. Among the patients with CMBs, 19 (65.5%) had deep or infratentorial CMBs and 10 (34.5%) had strictly lobar CMBs. Hypertension, OH and a history of ischemic stroke were independently associated with deep or infratentorial CMBs, whereas antiplatelet use was independently associated with strictly lobar CMBs.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PD, deep or infratentorial CMBs were more frequent than strictly lobar CMBs, and were associated with hypertension, OH and a history of ischemic stroke.

Cortical Morphology in Patients with Orthostatic Intolerance

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the cortical morphology in patients with orthostatic intolerance.

METHODS

Thirty patients with orthostatic intolerance, as well as age- and sex-matched normal controls, were enrolled in this study. We divided the patients into orthostatic hypotension (n = 22) and postural tachycardia syndrome (n = 8) groups based on their response to a head-up tilt table test. We analyzed whole-brain T1-weighted MRI images using FreeSurfer 5.1. The measures of cortical morphology were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The cortical thickness in the right hemisphere, including the medial orbitofrontal, peri-calcarine, post-central, inferior temporal, and lateral occipital cortex, and in the peri-calcarine cortex of the left hemisphere was thinned in patients with orthostatic hypotension compared to normal controls. The other measures of cortical morphology, including the surface area, volume, and curvatures, did not differ between patients with orthostatic hypotension and normal controls. However, none of the measures of cortical morphology differed between patients with postural tachycardia syndrome and normal controls.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that the cortical morphology significantly changed in patients with orthostatic hypotension but not in patients with postural tachycardia syndrome compared to normal controls. These findings support the hypothesis that orthostatic intolerance is a heterogeneous syndrome.

Highlights in clinical autonomic neurosciences: Brain volume and autonomic regulation

Advances in volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology are beginning to provide structural correlates to functional dysautonomic syndromes in the brain. This paper highlights several interesting recent discoveries in which measurable variations in general or regional subcortical or cortical brain volume corresponded to changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Although these MRI findings currently lack diagnostic value in routine clinical practice, they may provide important clues to the pathophysiology of autonomic disorders and to links between autonomic and cognitive disorders. If validated by further studies, they also have potential implications for the management of orthostatic hypotension, particularly when combined with hypertension.

What are the causes of late-life depression?

Although depression in old age is less common than depression in younger populations, it still affects more than 1 million community-living older adults. Depression in late life has been associated with reduced quality of life and increased mortality from both suicide and illness. Its causes are multifactorial but are prominently related to both biologic and social factors. Psychological factors, although less studied in elders, are also important in understanding its cause. In this article, multiple facets of late-life depression are reviewed, including its clinical presentation, epidemiology, and biopsychosocial causes.

Oscillometric measure of blood pressure detects association between orthostatic hypotension and depression in population based study of older adults

BACKGROUND

White matter hyperintensities may contribute to depression by disrupting neural connections among brain regions that regulate mood. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) may be a risk factor for white matter hyperintensities and accumulating evidence, although limited suggests it may play a role in the development of late-life depression. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between an oscillometric measure of orthostatic hypotension and depression in population based sample of older adults.

METHODS

We analysed data on adults aged 60 and over from the first wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies--Depression (CES-D) scale and OH was assessed by a sit-to-stand orthostatic stress test; two seated blood pressure measurements were followed by a single standing blood pressure measurement. Participants self reported whether they felt dizzy, light-headed or unsteady on standing.

RESULTS

Participants with symptomatic OH (SOH, n=20) had the highest mean CES-D score (mean 8.6, SE 1.6) when compared to participants with asymptomatic OH (AOH) (mean 5.6, SE .48) and participants with no OH (mean 5.2, SE .14) and this difference was significant for both comparisons (p<0.001). Linear regression analysis adjusted for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics showed that SOH was associated with higher CES-D scores (unstandardised B coefficient = 2.24; 95% CI .301 - 4.79; p =0.05) compared to participants without OH. AOH was not associated with higher CES-D scores (unstandardised B coefficient =.162; 95% CI -.681, 1.00; p= 0.70).

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic orthostatic hypotension is associated with depression in older adults and needs to be considered in studies examining the relationship between vascular disease and depression in older adults.

Insights into the clinical management of the syndrome of supine hypertension--orthostatic hypotension (SH-OH): the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

Background

Our previously proposed morphological classification of orthostatic hypotension (MOH) is an approach to the definition of three typical orthostatic hemodynamic patterns using non-invasive beat-to-beat monitoring. In particular, the MOH pattern of large drop/non-recovery (MOH-3) resembles the syndrome of supine hypertension–orthostatic hypotension (SH-OH), which is a treatment challenge for clinicians. The aim of this study was to characterise MOH-3 in the first wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TILDA), with particular attention to concurrent symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (OI), prescribed medications and association with history of faints and blackouts.

Methods

The study included all TILDA wave 1 participants who had a Finometer® active stand. Automatic data signal checks were carried out to ensure that active stand data were of sufficient quality. Characterisation variables included demographics, cardiovascular and neurological medications (WHO-ATC), and self-reported information on comorbidities and disability. Multivariable statistics consisted of logistic regression models.

Results

Of the 4,467 cases, 1,456 (33%) were assigned to MOH-1 (small drop, overshoot), 2,230 (50%) to MOH-2 (medium drop, slower but full recovery), and 781 (18%) to MOH-3 (large drop, non-recovery). In the logistic regression model to predict MOH-3, statistically significant factors included being on antidepressants (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.50 – 2.64, P < 0.001) and beta blockers (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.26 – 2.04, P < 0.001). MOH-3 was an independent predictor of OI after full adjustment (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.25 – 1.73, P < 0.001), together with being on hypnotics or sedatives (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.31 – 2.54, P < 0.001). In addition, OI was an independent predictor of history of falls/blackouts after full adjustment (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09 – 1.48, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Antidepressants and beta blockers were independently associated with MOH-3, and should be used judiciously in older patients with SH-OH. Hypnotics and sedatives may add to the OI effect of MOH-3. Several trials have demonstrated the benefits of treating older hypertensive patients with cardiovascular medications that were not associated with adverse outcomes in our study. Therefore, the evidence of benefit does not necessarily have to conflict with the evidence of potential harm.

Vascular risk factors and depression in later life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Reports of the association between cardiovascular risk factors and depression in later life are inconsistent; to establish the nature of their association seems important for prevention and treatment of late-life depression. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for relevant cohort or case control studies over the last 22 years; 1097 were retrieved; 26 met inclusion criteria. Separate meta-analyses were performed for Risk Factor Composite Scores (RFCS) combining different subsets of risk factors, Framingham Stroke Risk Score, and single factors. We found a positive association (odds ratio [OR]: 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-1.75) between RFCS and late-life depression. There was no association between Framingham Stroke Risk Score (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: .99-1.57), hypertension (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: .94-1.40), or dyslipidemia (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: .91-1.28) and late-life depression. The association with smoking was weak (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.00-1.81), whereas positive associations were found with diabetes (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.30-1.76), cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.52-2.04), and stroke (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.61-2.77). Moderate to high heterogeneity was found in the results for RFCS, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and stroke, whereas publication bias was detected for RFCS and diabetes. We therefore found convincing evidence of a strong relationship between key diseases and depression (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke) and between composite vascular risk and depression but not between some vascular risk factors (hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia) and depression. More evidence is needed to be accumulated from large longitudinal epidemiological studies, particularly if complemented by neuroimaging.

Organic bases of late-life depression: a critical update

Late-life depression (LLD) is frequently associated with cognitive impairment and increases the risk of subsequent dementia. Cerebrovascular disease, deep white matter lesions, Alzheimer disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) have all been hypothesized to contribute to this increased risk, and a host of studies have looked at the interplay between cerebrovascular disease and LLD. This has resulted in new concepts of LLD, such as "vascular depression", but despite multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in this field, the relationship between structural changes in human brain and LLD is still controversial. While pathological findings of suicide in some elderly persons revealed multiple lacunes, small vessel cerebrovascular disease, AD-related lesions or multiple neurodegenerative pathologies, recent autopsy data challenged the role of subcortical lacunes and white matter lesions as major morphological substrates of depressive symptoms as well as poorer executive function and memory. Several neuropathological studies, including a personal clinico-pathological study in a small cohort of elderly persons with LLD and age-matched controls confirmed that lacunes, periventricular and deep white matter demyelination as well as AD-related lesions are usually unrelated to the occurrence of LLD. In the same line, neuropathological data show that early-onset depression is not associated with an acceleration of age-related neurodegenerative changes. Very recent data on the critical role of glia-modulating neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in depression are discussed.

Relationship between orthostatic hypotension and white matter hyperintensity load in older patients with mild dementia

Background/Objectives

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain, and orthostatic hypotension (OH) are both common in older people. We tested the hypothesis that OH is associated with WMH.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Secondary care outpatient clinics in geriatric medicine and old age psychiatry in western Norway.

Participants

160 older patients with mild dementia, diagnosed according to standardised criteria.

Measurements

OH was diagnosed according to the consensus definition, measuring blood pressure (BP) in the supine position and within 3 minutes in the standing position. MRI scans were performed according to a common protocol at three centres, and the volumes of WMH were quantified using an automated method (n = 82), followed by manual editing. WMH were also quantified using the visual Scheltens scale (n = 139). Multiple logistic regression analyses were applied, with highest vs. lowest WMH quartile as response.

Results

There were no significant correlations between WMH volumes and systolic or diastolic orthostatic BP drops, and no significant correlations between Scheltens scores of WMH and systolic or diastolic BP drops. In the multivariate analyses, only APOEε4 status remained a significant predictor for WMH using the automated method (p = 0.037, OR 0.075 (0.007–0.851)), whereas only age remained a significant predictor for WMH scores (p = 0.019, OR 1.119 (1.018–1.230)).

Conclusion

We found no association between OH and WMH load in a sample of older patients with mild dementia.

Relationship between cognition, magnetic resonance white matter hyperintensities, and cardiovascular autonomic changes in late-life depression

OBJECTIVES

To explore the relationship between specific aspects of cognition, white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), and cardiovascular autonomic parameters in late-life depression (LLD).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING

Secondary care psychiatry.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-one individuals older than 60 years, with current or previous history of major depression, and 32 age-matched comparison subjects.

MEASUREMENTS

Cognition was assessed by a standardized computer battery of tasks (Cognitive Drug Research) that measured processing speed, attention, episodic memory, and working memory. Cardiovascular autonomic parameters were estimated by a noninvasive device that calculated blood pressure, heart rate variability, and baroreflex sensitivity (Task Force Monitor). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging system, and WMH volume was estimated using an automated validated method.

RESULTS

As expected, cognitive deficits in all tested domains were present in LLD subjects compared with comparison subjects. In the LLD group, processing speed was correlated with scores on memory and working memory tasks. Attentional deficits were correlated with total and periventricular WMH volume, and episodic memory was associated with heart rate variability. There were no associations between cognitive variables and traditional vascular risk factors or between cognitive variables and any of these parameters in the comparison subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that processing speed may be an important factor underlying deficits in LLD, but it also indicates that other factors, including those related to vascular disease, are important and thus provide further support for the vascular depression hypothesis.

The influence of subcortical ischemic lesions on cognitive function and quality of life in late life depression

OBJECTIVES

Subcortical ischemic lesions (SIL) are known to contribute to the pathogenesis of late life depression. The present study examined the influence of SIL on cognitive function and quality of life in elderly Koreans with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS

MDD patients (n=86) underwent CT scans and were classified as having SIL if they had a score of 2 or above on age-related white matter changes (ARWMC) scale. Demographic data, psychiatric, medical history, neuropsychological test, quality of life, and depressive symptomatology were compared between MDD patients with and without SIL.

RESULTS

SIL with grade 2 or above were found in deep white matter of 22 (25.6%) depressed patients and in basal ganglia of 9 (10.5%) depressed patients. Depressed patients with deep white matter lesions showed poor performance on MMSE-KC and decreased quality of life, particularly in physical function and physical role limitation, as compared to depressed patients without deep white matter lesions.

CONCLUSION

These data support that SIL may cause general cognitive dysfunction and poor physical health. More attention should be paid to detection and management of SIL in late life depression in clinical setting.