This Article Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 0891988708328218v1 0891988708328218v2 22/1/46    most recent References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Takahashi, P. Y. Articles by Targonski, P. V. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Takahashi, P. Y. Articles by Targonski, P. V. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

The Association of Transient Ischemic Attack Symptoms With Memory Impairment Among Elderly Participants of the Third US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, takahashi.paul{at}mayo.edu

Liselotte N. Dyrbye, MD

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota

Kris G. Thomas, MD

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota

Onelis Quirindongo Cedeno, MD

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota

Frederick North, MD

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota

Robert J. Stroebel, MD

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota

Ramona S. DeJesus, MD

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota

Paul V. Targonski, MD, PhD

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota

Background and Purpose: Stroke is a well-known risk factor for vascular dementia. However, the association of transient ischemic attacks with cognitive impairment is less well-established.

Methods: Records from Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were abstracted for demographic and medical information for participants with an age !60 years who reported being free of stroke. Five self-reported symptoms (weakness, numbness, loss of vision, inability to speak, and severe dizziness) were used as surrogates representing transient ischemic attacks. Information on conventional risk factors for vascular dementia was also obtained. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine risk factors for memory impairment. Results: 4617 participants were included with a sample-weighted prevalence of memory impairment of 6.6% (1417 participants). The final multivariable analysis revealed a significant association between transient weakness and memory impairment (odds ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.11-2.07). The other 4 transient ischemic attacks symptoms were not significantly associated with memory impairment in the final model. Systolic blood pressure >140 was most strongly associated with prevalent memory impairment (odds ratio, 9.78, 95% CI 1.49-64.3). Other associated risk factors included non-white race, male gender, age, education 12 years, and history of any alcohol use.

Conclusion: Among transient ischemic attacks symptoms, self-reported weakness in the face, arm, or leg was significantly associated with memory impairment. This study indicates that transient ischemic attacks symptoms are, even in the absence of stroke, associated with memory impairment. Aggressive risk factor modification in patients with TIA symptoms may be warranted to prevent potential future memory loss.

Key Words: transient ischemic attack • memory impairment • NHANES III

This version was published on March 1, 2009

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, Vol. 22, No. 1, 46-51 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0891988708328218


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?