Think of cognitive function as a bustling city. But what happens when some of the roads are closed? In this study, researchers explored the impact of blockages in the carotid artery on cognition. They found that not only does the severity of the blockage directly affect cognitive abilities, but it can also indirectly impede them through the presence of leukoaraiosis (white matter changes in the brain) and infarcts (areas of tissue damage). When the blockage occurred on the left side, it primarily affected verbal abilities. Conversely, blockages on the right side impacted non-verbal abilities. This suggests that different regions of the brain are associated with specific cognitive tasks, and when blood flow is disrupted, those tasks suffer. Further research is needed to fully understand how these various factors relate to each other and ultimately impact cognition. To learn more about this fascinating study, check out the full article!
Background and objectivesLeukoaraiosis and infarcts are common in patients with carotid artery stenosis (CAS), and CAS severity, leukoaraiosis and infarcts all have been implicated in cognitive impairments. CAS severity was not only hypothesized to directly impede specific cognitive domains, but also transmit its effects indirectly to cognitive function through ipsilateral infarcts as well as periventricular leukoaraiosis (PVL) and deep white matter leukoaraiosis (DWML). We aimed to delineate the contributions of leukoaraiosis, infarcts and CAS to different specific cognitive domains.Materials and methodsOne hundred and sixty one participants with unilateral CAS (>50%) on the left (n = 85) or right (n = 76) side and 65 volunteers without significant CAS (<50%) were recruited. The PVL, DWML, and infarct severity were visually rated on MRI. A comprehensive cognitive battery was administered and standardized based on age norms. Correlation and mediation analyses were adopted to examine the direct and indirect influence of CAS, leukoaraiosis, and infarct on specific cognitive domains with adjustment for education, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia.ResultsCarotid artery stenosis severity was associated with ipsilateral leukoaraiosis and infarct. Left CAS had direct effects on most cognitive domains, except for visual memory and constructional ability, and transmitted its indirect effects on all cognitive domains through ipsilateral PVL, and on constructional ability and psychomotor through infarcts. Right CAS only had negative direct effects on visual memory, psychomotor, design fluency and color processing speed, and transmitted its indirect effects on visual memory, word and color processing speed through ipsilateral infarcts. The trends of direct and indirect cognitive effects remained similar after covariate adjustment.ConclusionLeft and right CAS would predominantly lead to verbal and non-verbal cognitive impairment respectively, and such effects could be mediated through CAS-related leukoaraiosis and infarct. Given that cognition is subject to heterogeneous pathologies, the exact relationships between markers of large and small vessel diseases and their composite prognostic effects on cognition requires further investigation.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.