Dissertation
The relationship between cerebrovascular hemodynamics and neurocognitive function in non-stroke cardiovascular disease
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00261
Abstract
There is considerable evidence to suggest that cardiovascular disease (CVD) may be a primary causal mechanism for age-related cognitive decline as well as dementia. It is thought that cerebrovascular hemodynamic disturbances are responsible, but the underlying mechanisms remain enigmatic and require further investigation. Accordingly, the aim of this thesis is to explore the relationship between cerebrovascular hemodynamic function and cognition in healthy older adults and adults with CVD, with the goals of: (a) identifying neural markers indicative of subtle cognitive changes in adults with CVD, and; (b) establishing the association between cerebrovascular hemodynamic parameters and cognitive function in healthy aging and CVD. This thesis first details findings from two meta-analytic reviews of the literature investigating the longitudinal associations among CVD subtypes and risk for clinically significant cognitive decline/dementia in the absence of symptomatic stroke. The first meta-analysis reviewed the relative risk for cognitive decline/dementia secondary to cardiovascular diagnoses, including myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and peripheral artery disease, whilst the second explored the risk associated with atherosclerotic burden. The findings from these analyses informed the study design, revealing that while all CVD states are independently associated with an increased risk for cognitive decline/dementia, persons with severe atherosclerotic burden are also at risk of cognitive decline or dementia irrespective of vascular profile and independent of stroke.
Details
- Title
- The relationship between cerebrovascular hemodynamics and neurocognitive function in non-stroke cardiovascular disease
- Authors
- Kayla B Stefanidis
- Contributors
- Mathew J Summers (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00261
- Organisation Unit
- Road Safety Research Collaboration; School of Health; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450664402621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
- Research Statement
- false
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