Narrowing of Carotid Arteries May Lead to Problems with Memory, Thinking

According to research published in Neurology, problems with cognition, memory and decision-making could be linked to narrowing of the neck’s carotid artery — the first research to specifically link narrowing of the carotid arteries to cognitive impairment. When these arteries become narrowed, in addition to restricting the brain’s blood flow, little pieces of plaque can also be showered into the brain. In assessing patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS), as well as those with risk factors for ACS but without the condition, the patients who had ACS performed “significantly worse” on the memory and thinking tests — particularly on the tests for processing speed and language. To read the full article, click here.