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. CONCLSION 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.