Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and many other countries, confers substantial risk for cerebrovascular events such as stroke and vascular dementia. The neuropsychological sequelae of such conditions are well documented and can have a devastating impact on individuals’ quality of life. However, prior to the development of overt cerebrovascular complications, persons with cardiovascular disease or its risk factors may display mild to severe neuropsychological difficulties. Medical and surgical treatments for cardiovascular disease have also been found to affect neuropsychological function. This volume offers the first comprehensive overview of the neuropsychological consequences of cardiovascular disease, tracking its natural history, epidemiology and treatments. It encourages researchers and clinicians to consider all relevant facets of vascular disease processes in their evaluation, study and treatment of affected patients, and indicates a need for primary and secondary prevention efforts.
Neuropsychology of Cardiovascular Disease should be welcomed as a valuable resource by neuropsychologists, specialists in behavioural medicine, neurologists, cardiologists, epidemiologists, gerontologists and many other health professionals whose work brings them into contact with these challenging patients.