Larger left ventricular geometry predicted bigger hippocampal volume and better cognition (fluid intelligence β~0.04-0.06, reaction time β~-0.03), mediated by hippocampal volume.
Left ventricular geometry, reflecting larger myocardial mass and volumes, is independently associated with larger hippocampal volume and better cognitive performance in adults without neurodegenerative disease.
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Abstract Background and Purpose Cardiovascular (CV) diseases and dementia share common risk factors and mechanisms and often coexist in elderly. Understanding the cardiovascular-brain interaction is essential for tackling their interconnected disease burden. This study investigated the link between CV phenotypes, brain architecture and cognition. Methods In the UK-Biobank cohort, we analysed 15,519 participants free of neurodegenerative diseases and stroke (median age 64 years, 49% female). Confirmatory-factor-analysis aggregated 18 CV magnetic-resonance-imaging biomarkers into latent variables for left ventricular systolic (gSyst) function, diastolic (gDiast) function, and geometry (gGeom); arterial stiffness was measured by aortic distensibility (AoD). Multivariable-linear-regression models assessed associations between CV phenotypes and brain MRI measures, including gray matter volume, white-matter-hyperintensities, MRI-diffusion white matter microstructure, and hippocampal volume. Models were adjusted for age, body size, CV risk factors, and mean blood pressure. Mediation analysis was employed to explore indirect effects. Results gGeom, reflecting larger myocardial mass, wall thickness, and ventricular volumes, was the strongest predictor of larger hippocampal volume in females (β=0.082, P=1.12×10⁻⁸) and males (β=0.039, P=0.0109) and the only CV phenotype linked to better cognition, including higher fluid intelligence (β=0.042, P=0.004 females; β=0.060, P=2.14×10⁻⁵ males) and shorter reaction time (β=-0.034, P=0.017 females; β=-0.033, P=0.017 males). Hippocampal volume consistently mediated the positive relationship between gGeom and cognition across sexes. In contrast, gSyst, gDiast, and AoD showed weaker and inconsistent associations with brain structure and were unrelated to cognition. Conclusion Ventricular geometry emerges as the key determinant of brain architecture and cognition. Hippocampal integrity mediates the cognitive benefits associated with ventricular geometry.Figure-1.Study outline and main outcome Figure-2.Brain-Heart association
P G Masci (Sat,) reported a other. Larger left ventricular geometry predicted bigger hippocampal volume and better cognition (fluid intelligence β~0.04-0.06, reaction time β~-0.03), mediated by hippocampal volume.