Cardiovascular Risk Scales Association with Cerebrospinal Fluid Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Low Cardiovascular Risk Regions

Background

Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) development. However, few studies compare the overall cardiovascular risk with AD biomarkers, and when done, they are mainly performed in moderate cardiovascular risk regions.

Objectives

To determine whether cardiovascular risk in older adults is associated with pathological cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of AD in a low cardiovascular risk population.

Design

This is a cross-sectional study performed between 2017 and 2020.

Participants

The present work included patients between 50 and 75 years old who were negative for CSF AD biomarkers and had minimum cognitive alterations (controls) and patients with positive CSF AD biomarkers and in early stages of AD (cases).

Measurements

CSF biomarkers included total tau, phosphorylated tau 181 and amyloid β42 (Aβ42). Analytical variables were obtained. ERICE, SCORE2 and Framingham scales were used to calculate the overall patient’s cardiovascular risk. The Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and neurofilaments were explored when available.

Results

Two hundred and thirty-three patients were included. Nearly 76% of the sample had AD. AD patients had higher cardiovascular risk than controls (p-value < 0.05). ERICE and SCORE2 were associated with AD presence. Framingham was not. A correlation between elevated cardiovascular risk and higher total tau and NfL levels was observed when adjusted by age.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular risk assessment may be helpful in neurodegenerative disorders detection, as it is associated with CSF total tau and NfL. ERICE and SCORE2 may be useful scales in low cardiovascular risk regions to improve cardiovascular control and prevent neurodegenerative pathologies.