Carotid stenosis and the cognitive function

• Published in: Journal of the neurological sciences 2009-08, Vol.283 (1), p.36-40
• Main Authors: Sztriha, Laszlo K, Nemeth, Dezso, Sefcsik, Tamas, Vecsei, Laszlo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Carotid stenosis; Carotid Stenosis - epidemiology; Carotid Stenosis - psychology; Carotid Stenosis - therapy; Cognition; Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; Cognition Disorders - epidemiology; Cognition Disorders - physiopathology; Cognitive function; Embolization; Endarterectomy; Humans; Hypoperfusion; Medical sciences; Neurology; Neuropsychological Tests; Neuropsychology; Neurosurgery; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Risk Factors; Skull, brain, vascular surgery; Stent; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases
• ISSN: 0022-510X; 1878-5883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2009.02.307

Abstract While stroke is a known cause of a cognitive impairment, the relationship between a carotid artery stenosis and the cognitive function in individuals without a history of stroke is less clear. A number of risk factors for vascular disease are related to a cognitive impairment. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, and dyslipidemia are also associated with an increased risk of carotid artery disease. Some studies have suggested that a stenosis of the internal carotid artery may be an independent risk factor for a cognitive impairment. A high-grade stenosis of the internal carotid artery may be associated with a cognitive impairment even without evidence of infarction on magnetic resonance imaging. On the other hand, it is fairly common that patients display a normal cognition despite severe carotid artery disease, highlighting the important role of an efficient collateral blood supply. The possible pathomechanisms of a cognitive impairment include silent embolization and hypoperfusion. Carotid endarterectomy or stenting may lead to a decline in the cognitive function in consequence of microembolic ischemia or intraprocedural hypoperfusion. Conversely, perfusion restoration could improve a cognitive dysfunction that might have occurred from a state of chronic hypoperfusion. It is unclear whether these complex interactions ultimately result in a net improvement or a deterioration of the cognitive function. The evidence available at present does not seem strong enough to include consideration of a loss of cognition as a factor in determining the balance of the risks and benefits of therapy for a carotid stenosis.