Cognitive function in patients with peripheral artery disease: a prospective single-center cohort study.

AIM The aim of the present study was to examine the association between cardiovascular comorbidities and risk factors, and cognitive function in PAD patients and to determine the influence of cognitive function on cardiovascular outcome in a two--year follow--up. METHODS The cognitive function of 104 PAD patients was assessed using the mini--mental test (MMSE). Ankle brachial index (ABI), Fontaine stage, PAD localisation, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities were taken from the electronic patient charts. A multiple logistic regression model, which included MI, stroke/TIA, DM, CHD and smoking was performed to compare patients with and without cognitive impairment. All study participants were followed for two years in order to evaluate their cardiovascular outcome, mortality and revascularisation rate. RESULTS There was no significant difference in mini--mental state between asymptomatic and symptomatic PAD patients. ABI and PAD localisation was not related to cognitive function. However, pre--existing stroke, transient ischemic attack, coronary artery disease (CAD) or diabetes mellitus were associated with a lower mini--mental test score. When MMSE was dichotomized in ≤ 27 and >27 points, the presence of coronary artery disease, history of cerebrovascular events and diabetes mellitus was associated with a MMSE ≤ 27 in multivariate analysis There was no association between MMSE and cardiovascular event rate. CONCLUSION PAD patients with coronary artery disease, stroke, transient ischemic attack or diabetes mellitus have worse cognitive function than those without these factors. There was no evidence that cognitive function influenced cardiovascular outcome.