Montreal cognitive assessment and analysis of related factors for cognitive impairment in patients with chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency

Abstract

Background

Chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency (CCCI) refers to cerebral dysfunctions that lead to cerebral vascular pathological changes. Our aim is to identify factors related to cognitive impairment in CCCI.

Methods

CCCI patients (n = 102) were assessed with the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) to analyze cognitive impairment. Patients were divided into two groups according to MoCA scores: (1) cognitive dysfunction and (2) normal cognitive function. We compared the clinical information with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and identified major risk factors related to cognitive impairment in CCCI.

Results

Age (p = 0.007, OR = 3.768, χ²= 7.173), leukoaraiosis (p = 0.002, OR = 6.231, χ²= 9.478), a history of hypertension (p = 0.021, OR = 3.078, χ²= 5.307), a history of hyperlipidemia (p = 0.016, OR = 3.429, χ²= 5.795), and the number of vascular risk factors (p = 0.019, χ²= 9.921) were related to cognitive impairment by univariate analysis. Age (p = 0.070, OR = 2.689, 95% CI = 0.923 ± 7.837) and leukoaraiosis (p = 0.012, OR = 4.531, 95% CI = 1.401 ± 14.667) were significant by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Age (r = −0.585, p < 0.01) had a marked negative correlation with MoCA scores. There were significant differences in the MoCA subscale scores, including visuospatial and executive capacity (p < 0.01), attention and calculation (p < 0.01), and delayed recall (p < 0.01), in patients with different degrees of leukoaraiosis. Patients with CCCI had a higher incidence of cognitive impairment (78.4%).

Conclusions

Changes in visuospatial and executive capacity, delayed recall, and language function represent cognitive manifestations in CCCI. Age and leukoaraiosis have the strongest effects on cognitive impairment morbidity and can aggravate cognitive impairment.