Atherosclerotic calcification is related to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline

Background: Longitudinal data on the role of atherosclerosis in different vessel beds in the etiology of cognitive impairment and dementia are scarce and inconsistent. Methods: Between 2003-2006, 2364 nondemented persons underwent computed tomography of the coronaries, aortic arch, extracranial, and intracranial carotid arteries to quantify atherosclerotic calcification. Participants were followed for incident dementia (n = 90) until April 2012. At baseline and follow-up participants also underwent a cognitive test battery. Results: Larger calcification volume in all vessels, except in the coronaries, was associated with a higher risk of dementia. After adjustment for relevant confounders, extracranial carotid artery calcification remained significantly associated with a higher risk of dementia [hazard ratio per standard deviation increase in calcification volume: 1.37 (1.05, 1.79)]. Additional analyses for Alzheimer's disease only or censoring for stroke showed similar results. Larger calcification volumes were also associated with cognitive decline. Conclusions: Atherosclerosis, in particular in the extracranial carotid arteries, is related to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline. (C) 2015 The Alzheimer's Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.