Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/217222

Title

Physiological mechanisms associated with cognitive impairment in heart failure patients

Author(s)

Kure, Christina;  Rosenfeldt, Franklin;  Stough, Con;  Scholey, Andrew;  Pipingas, Andrew;  Kaye, David;  Bergin, Peter;  Myers, Stephen

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in heart failure (HF), especially in older patients. CI may reduce the patient’s ability to understand and comply with therapeutic regimes, increase hospital readmissions and mortality rates. Understanding the mechanisms associated with CI in HF may facilitate development of interventions to potentially preserve cognitive function at various stages of the condition. Previous research indicates that CI may be underpinned by changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF), however the effects of inflammation and oxidative-stress have not been investigated. Objective: To investigate whether inflammation and oxidative-stress are associated with CI in older HF patients. Methods: Well established measures of memory, attention and mood were administered to HF patients and a healthy control group matched for age, sex and IQ. Biochemical measures included high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), biological antioxidant potential (BAP), determinable reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROM), CBF and arterial stiffness. Results: To date 20 of a projected 30 HF patients (67.10±6.34 years; 70% male; NYHA class II-III) and 38 healthy controls (67.13±5.29 years; 53% male) have completed the study. Preliminary results show that in patients hsCRP was significantly correlated with the following subscales of Profile of Mood States: depression/dejection (r=.595, p=.005); vigour (r=-.550; p<.001) but not in controls: depression/dejection (r=.079, p=.360), vigour (r=-.321; p=.068). d-ROM, BAP, CBF, arterial stiffness and further cognitive data are currently being analysed. Enrolment is continuing to a projected total of 30 HF patients. Conclusions: Inflammation may contribute to depression and reduced vigour in HF potentially leading to novel therapeutic regimes.

Publication type

Conference poster

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences. Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre

Source

Poster presented at 'Heart to Heart: from Access to Action", 2011 Heart Foundation Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 17-19 March 2011

Publication year

2011

Keyword(s)

Cognitive impairment;  Heart failure;  Older patients;  Physiological mechanisms

Publisher

Heart Foundation

Publisher URL

http://www.heartfoundation2011.org/abstract/30.asp

Copyright

Copyright © 2011.

Peer reviewed