Effect of ageing on the pulse wave velocity and the cognitive deterioration

Abstract

The aged population of the world has been increasing and in  the case of Costa Rica, it increased from 5% in 2000 to 10% in 2020 and with it an increase in diseases of old age, including dementia. An alternative for assessing cognitive impairment is the measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV). Many factors affect this parameter: age, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. However, the research studies and meta-analysis reviews relates PWV with cognitive disorders in the elderly. Even though this is not a definitive proof, it is important to follow changes along the temporal axis, such as to determine and correlate with demential conditions of the patient.  The relationship between PWV such as cause or effect, still requires more investigation, but so far is clear that is a risk factor for developing cognitive decline and dementia in elders. However, let us keep in mind that PWV is only one factor involved in cognitive disorders, but some other factors such as genetics and life styles could be involved.  Because the measure of the PWV is an easy noninvasive laboratory test and clinical registration equipment is available, it is encouraged that all institutions dealing with older patients to perform measurements of this parameter. This would allow us to know the risk of mental condition of the patient, the evolution of the disease or the potential benefits of therapeutic treatments.