A new systematic review of about 38 studies has solidified the connection between peripheral artery disease (PAD) and an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. The findings suggest that clinicians treating PAD patients should consider routine screening for cognitive decline in this high-risk group.
Republished in the journal Vascular Medicine in May 2025, the review aggregated data from 38 studies involving over 58,000 participants to assess the association between PAD—a condition marked by narrowed arteries in the limbs, typically indicated by a low ankle-brachial index (ABI) and brain health.
The comprehensive review found evidence that reduced blood flow in the legs, the cause of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), is a strong indicator of cognitive issues. Across the studies analyzed, PAD was consistently linked to poorer cognitive performance, particularly manifesting as impaired memory and slower processing speed. Critically, patients with PAD were shown to have a 1.5- to 2.4-fold increased risk of developing clinical dementia.
The review suggests that screening for cognitive impairment in individuals diagnosed with PAD may be a vital step to aid in the early diagnosis and management of cognitive decline in this particularly vulnerable population. Further research is recommended to determine if aggressive and optimal management of PAD could also provide cognitive benefits.
Read the full review here.
