Neck scan could predict risk of developing cognitive decline

A five-minute scan of blood vessels in the neck during mid-life could predict cognitive decline ten years before symptoms appear, claims new UCL research funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The findings were presented at the AHA Scientific Sessions conference in Chicago. If confirmed in larger studies, the scan could become part of routine screening programme for people at risk of developing dementia. As the heart beats, blood leaves the heart muscle at force and travels around the body. Healthy, elastic arteries near the heart cushion the pumping blood to ensure that, once it reaches the brain, the blood flows smoothly and at a constant speed through the fragile blood vessels. Factors like ageing and high blood pressure cause stiffening of these blood vessels, diminishing their protective effect. As a result, a progressively stronger physical 'pulse' can travel deep into the fragile vessels which supply the brain.