Congestive heart failure was associated with a 0.9-point decline in CAMCOG scores over two years compared with controls (p=0.022), but changes were similar to those in patients with CAD.
Cohort (n=231)
Does congestive heart failure cause specific cognitive decline over two years compared to coronary artery disease or healthy controls?
Cognitive decline in heart failure over two years is subtle and similar to that seen in coronary artery disease, suggesting it is not specific to heart failure.
Mean Difference: -0.9
p-value: p=0.022
BACKGROUND: Congestive heart failure (CHF) has been associated with impaired cognitive function, but it is unclear if these changes are specific to CHF and if they get worse with time. We designed this study to determine if adults with CHF show evidence of cognitive decline compared with adults with and without coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: A longitudinal study was carried out of 77 adults with CHF (ejection fraction, EF 0.6, and 81 controls with no history of CAD. The Cambridge Cognitive Examination of the Elderly (CAMCOG) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary measures included the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), digit coding and copying, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the short form health survey (SF36). Endpoints were collected at baseline and after 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: The adjusted CAMCOG scores of CHF participants declined 0.9 points over two years (p = 0.022) compared with controls without CAD. There were no differences between the groups on other cognitive measures. Participants with CHF and with CAD experienced similar changes in cognitive function over two years. Left ventricular EF and six-minute walk test results could not explain the observed associations. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in cognitive function and mood associated with CHF over two years are subtle and not specific to CHF.
Almeida et al. (Fri,) conducted a cohort in Congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease (n=231). Congestive heart failure vs. Adults with CAD and healthy controls was evaluated on Cambridge Cognitive Examination of the Elderly (CAMCOG) score (0.9 point decline, p=0.022). Congestive heart failure was associated with a 0.9-point decline in CAMCOG scores over two years compared with controls (p=0.022), but changes were similar to those in patients with CAD.