Arterial aging impacts on the risk of late-life depressive and cognitive disorders. Is it time for prevention?

Arterial aging is a dynamic and systemic process characterized by structural and functional changes of blood vessels that exceed the physiological adaptations of the arteries over time. The chronic exposure to cardiovascular (CV) risk factors dramatically accelerates age-associated arterial burden. In Western countries, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have mounted to epidemic proportions, particularly in the older population.[1] Cognitive and depressive disorders are among the leading conditions causing disability in older individuals, as either are tightly associated with decreased quality of life, deterioration in daily living activities, social relationships reduction, sleep disorders and poorer medical outcomes.