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(Stroke. 2003;34:e107.)
© 2003 American Heart Association, Inc.

Letters to the Editor

Re: Pulse Pressure and Risk of Alzheimer Disease in Persons Aged 75 Years and Older

Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio

An extract of the first 100% of the full text is provided, because this article has no abstract.

To the Editor:

Qiu et al¹ conclude that an increased pulse pressure, which is a clinical indication of large-artery stiffness and severe atherosclerosis, may increase the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) and dementia. In addition, lower pulse pressure may increase the risk of AD and dementia through a deleterious effect on cerebral perfusion.

Neurobiological features are suggested by: evidence linking vasospasm and dysregulation of the microvasculature with dopamine (DA) abnormalities lateralized to the right hemisphere; the association of reduction of blood pressure with longer, less recurrent speech hesitation pauses about 2 seconds linked to prefrontal cortex modulation of DA during the delayed alternation task; and optimum response organization and working memory at intermediate DA tone in a mediofrontostriatal activation system. This hypothesis is supported by reports that the microvascular response to the onset of neuronal activity is delayed consistently about 3 seconds and is linked to increased coherence of electroencephalograph gamma-band activity (30 to 50 Hz or broader, centered on 40 Hz) associated with the execution of more complex tasks; and a 2.5- to 3-second delay period for inhibition shapes the temporal flow of information in the prefrontal cortex.²

These findings suggest confirming underlying mechanisms¹ by evaluating DA D₂ receptors, but not D₃ or D₄ receptors, involved in the rewarding effects of brain stimulation through attention to temporal signals highlighting significant stimuli.³ This strategy is supported by a study demonstrating that auditory training induces asymmetrical changes in cortical neural activity.⁴

1. Qiu C, Winblad B, Viitanen M, Fratiglioni L. Pulse pressure and risk of Alzheimer disease in persons aged 75 years and older: a community-based, longitudinal study. Stroke. 2003; 34: 594–599.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

2. Friedman EH. Neurobiology of atypical presentations among Medicare beneficiaries with unstable angina pectoris. Am J Cardiol. 2003; 91: 118–119.Readers’ comments.

3. Friedman EH. Neurobiology of the immune system and infection in the effects of psychological factors on the cardiovascular system. Can J Psychiatry. 1999; 44: 284–285.Letter.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

4. Tremblay KL, Kraus N. Auditory training induces asymmetrical changes in cortical neural activity. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2002; 45: 564–572.[Abstract/Free Full Text]