6533b873fe1ef96bd12d4f43
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Cognitive functioning in orthostatic hypotension due to pure autonomic failure.
H. Rolf JägerHannah C HeimsNaomi H. MartinLisa CipolottiChristopher J. MathiasChristopher J. MathiasHugo D. Critchleysubject
Malemedicine.medical_specialtyAudiologyArousalOrthostatic vital signsHypotension OrthostaticBorderline intellectual functioningCognitionmedicineChronic fatigue syndromeHumansCognitive skillPsychiatryPure autonomic failureAgedAged 80 and overSettore M-PSI/02 - Psicobiologia E Psicologia FisiologicaEndocrine and Autonomic Systemsbusiness.industrypure autonomic failure cognition orthostatic hypotension autonomic nervous systemNeuropsychologyCognitionMiddle Agedmedicine.diseaseMagnetic Resonance ImagingAutonomic Nervous System DiseasesFemaleNeurology (clinical)businessTomography X-Ray Computeddescription
Psychophysiological science proposes close interactions between cognitive processes and autonomic responses, yet the consequences of autonomic failure on cognitive functioning have not been documented. This pilot study investigates, for the first time, the cognitive profile of 14 patients with Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF). Each patient was administered a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests and neuroimaging investigation. A number of patients (n = 6) presented with cognitive impairment. The two most frequent types of impairment were: deficits of speed and attention, and executive functioning. Impairments of free recall memory, intellectual functioning, nominal and calculation functions were also documented, albeit in a much lower frequency. These cognitive changes were not always associated with white matter abnormalities. We speculate that the cognitive impairments associated with PAF represent consequences of systemic hypotension with cerebral under-perfusion. However, a failure in integrated bodily arousal responses during cognitive behaviours may also contribute to some of the observed deficits.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-12-17 | Clinical autonomic research : official journal of the Clinical Autonomic Research Society |