Correlation between Head Circumference and Visuospatial Ability of Elderly in Community

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the correlation between head circumference and visuospatial function of the elderly in community.

Methods: A total of 463 subjects (170 men and 293 women) aged 60-91 years were analyzed from preliminary data of GDEMCIS (Gwangju Dementia and MCI Study). The study questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics, current and past illness history, drug history, K-MMSE, SNSB-D. We also measured head circumference and examined ApoE genotype.

Results: On regression analysis, as head circumference become smaller, visuospatial memory scores (S-Rey immediate recall & delayed recall) decreased adjusted by age, height, sex, educational level, ApoE epsilon 4 allele, current smoking and alcohol drinking (beta=0.18, p=0.002, beta=0.15, p=0.01). Presence of ApoE epsilon 4 allele has no direct correlation with head circumference and cognitive decline.

Conclusion: As head circumference become smaller, only visuospatial memory scores decreased significantly. These results suggest that visuospatial memory function might be one of the sensitive markers of brain reserve differences.