The relationship between structural change of neck vessels and cognitive functions in patients with metabolic syndrome
Background. Carotid atherosclerosis is closely connected with the development of stroke, cognitive deficits and dementia. The impact of the localization of carotid atherosclerosis on the development of cognitive deficits remains unclear. Objective. To analyze the relationship between the indicators of cognitive functions and structural changes of the carotid arteries in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). Design and methods. The study included 178 patients divided into 2 groups. The first group included 80 patients (44,94 %) with MS without cognitive impairment. The second group consisted of 98 patients (55,06 %) with MS and cognitive disorders. All patients underwent neuropsychological testing, cognitive evoked potential (EP) for the assessment of cognitive functions, and the thickness of intima-media (TIM) of the carotid arteries was determined. Results. There was an increase in TIM of the internal carotid artery (p < 0,01) and bifurcations (p < 0,01) in the group of patients with MS and cognitive deficit compared to the group without cognitive disorders. The correlation was established between the TIM of the internal carotid artery and bifurcations and the results of Mini-Mental State Examination test (p < 0,01), as well as responsiveness and concentration (p<0.01), an indicator of memory, storage and display of information (p < 0,01). We also have found a significant relationship between TIM of the internal carotid artery, bifurcation and the cognitive EP latency period (p < 0,01). Conclusions. According to the neuropsychological testing and cognitive evoked potentials the increase of TIM in the internal carotid artery and bifurcations is associated with the development of cognitive impairment.