High pulse pressure trajectories predicted lower restricted isotropic diffusion compared to low pulse pressure, mediating impaired executive function, with stronger effects in APOE-ε4 carriers.
Cohort (n=146)
Do long-term trajectories of high pulse pressure predict brain microstructural abnormalities and impaired executive function in community-dwelling older adults?
Prolonged elevated pulse pressure is associated with brain microstructural abnormalities and impaired executive function, with APOE-ε4 carriers being particularly vulnerable.
INTRODUCTION: Effects of chronic arterial stiffness on brain aging remain unclear. We, therefore, examined whether long-term trajectories of pulse pressure (PP) predicted brain microstructure, microstructure mediated PP-executive function associations, and APOE genotype modified PP-microstructure associations. METHODS: We examined associations of PP trajectories with brain microstructure measured using restriction spectrum imaging in 146 community-dwelling older adults, whether microstructure mediated PP trajectory-executive function associations, and whether PP-restriction spectrum imaging correlations were modified by APOE-ε4 status. RESULTS: Participants with trajectories of high PP had lower restricted isotropic diffusion (RI) compared to those with low PP trajectories and PP-executive function associations were mediated by subcortical and white matter RI. High PP more strongly correlated with lower RI and higher hindered diffusion among APOE-ε4 carriers than non-carriers. DISCUSSION: Prolonged elevated PP predicts microstructural abnormalities which may contribute to impaired executive function. APOE-ε4 carriers may be most vulnerable to the adverse effects of PP on brain microstructure.
Parada et al. (Tue,) conducted a cohort in Brain aging (n=146). High pulse pressure trajectories vs. Low pulse pressure trajectories was evaluated on Brain microstructure measured using restriction spectrum imaging. High pulse pressure trajectories predicted lower restricted isotropic diffusion compared to low pulse pressure, mediating impaired executive function, with stronger effects in APOE-ε4 carriers.