Autonomic dysfunction in mild cognitive impairment: evidence from power spectral analysis of heart rate variability in a cross-sectional case-control study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is set to become a major health problem with the exponential ageing of the world's population. The association between MCI and autonomic dysfunction, supported by indirect evidence and rich with clinical implications in terms of progression to dementia and increased risk of mortality and falls, has never been specifically demonstrated.

Aim

To conduct a comprehensive assessment of autonomic function in subjects with MCI by means of power spectral analysis (PSA) of heart rate variability (HRV) at rest and during provocative manoeuvres.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 80 older outpatients (aged ≥ 65) consecutively referred to a geriatric unit and diagnosed with MCI or normal cognition (controls) based on neuropsychol

SUBMITTER: Nicolini P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4011966 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature