Trajectory of Cardiogenic Dementia: A New Perspective

Abstract

The functions of the heart and brain are closely linked and essential to support human life by the heart-brain axis, which is a complex interconnection between the heart and brain. Also, cardiac function and cerebral blood flow regulate the brain's metabolism and function. Therefore, deterioration of cardiac function may affect cognitive function and may increase the risk of dementia. Cardiogenic dementia is defined as a cognitive deterioration due to heart diseases such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation. The prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with heart failure was 29%. In addition, coronary artery disease (CAD) is also associated with the development of cognitive impairment. CAD and reduction of myocardial contractility reduced cerebral blood flow and increased the risk of dementia in CAD patients. Furthermore, myocardial infarction and subsequent systemic haemodynamic instability promote the development and progression of cardiogenic dementia. These findings indicated that many cardiac diseases are implicated in the development and progression of cognitive impairment. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism for the development of cardiogenic dementia was not fully elucidated. Consequently, this review aims to discuss the potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of cardiogenic dementia.