Comparing Memory and Executive Function Performance in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Dichotomized into Low and High Cortisol Groups over 1 year of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Year: 2011
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Cognitive impairment in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients can predict poorer quality of life, dementia, and increased mortality. This study aimed to determine the association between long-term cortisol elevations and cognitive function in CAD patients. Participants were recruited at the beginning of a 1 year cardiac rehabilitation program and followed forward. Composite Z-scores were computed from tests measuring memory and executive function at baseline and 1 year. Cortisol deposition (3 months) was measured from a 20 mg, 3 cm hair sample. Analyses of covariance showed less improvement in memory function (F1,50=4.721, p=0.035) but not executive function (F1,49=0.318, p=0.575) in patients dichotomized into a high cortisol group based on a previously established reference range. Prolonged cortisol elevation may be associated with cognitive changes in subjects with CAD.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Mahwesh Saleem
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2587773443