Neuropsychology of Cardiovascular Disease
📘 About This Book
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 landmark 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 will be welcomed as an invaluable resource by neuropsychologists, specialists in behavioral medicine, neurologists, cardiologists, epidemiologists, gerontologists, and many other health professionals whose work brings them into contact with these challenging patients.
📖 Summary
Neuropsychology of Cardiovascular Disease, edited by Shari R. Waldstein and published in 2001, stands as a landmark volume offering the first comprehensive overview of the intersection between heart health and cognitive function. Across its 385 pages, the book tackles a critical public health reality: cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and many other countries, bringing with it substantial risks for severe cerebrovascular events like stroke and vascular dementia. These severe cerebrovascular events carry well-documented neuropsychological sequelae that can devastate an individual's quality of life. Yet, the scope of the text extends far beyond overt clinical complications, delving deeply into the subtle cognitive shifts that occur before major events manifest. The book carefully outlines how individuals dealing with cardiovascular disease or its associated risk factors may display a spectrum of difficulties ranging from mild to severe cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the text addresses the complex ways in which medical and surgical treatments designed to manage heart conditions can inadvertently or directly affect neuropsychological functioning. By tracking the natural history and progression of these cognitive impacts, Waldstein brings together essential insights for understanding how the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system are inextricably linked. The volume serves as an exhaustive resource for professionals seeking to comprehend the multifaceted psychological and cognitive outcomes tied to cardiac health, bridging a crucial gap in clinical literature.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Serves as a landmark, pioneering overview of a vital clinical intersection
Thoroughly documents both severe events and early subtle cognitive difficulties
Addresses the cognitive side effects of cardiovascular medical and surgical treatments
Provides a comprehensive resource for understanding quality of life impacts
⚠️ Cons
Published in 2001, so it may lack newer technological and pharmacological updates
Focuses primarily on academic and clinical perspectives rather than general audiences
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Neuropsychology of Cardiovascular Disease? +
The book was edited by Shari R. Waldstein.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 2001.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The volume contains 385 pages.
What core topic does the book address? +
It covers the neuropsychological consequences of cardiovascular disease, its risk factors, and its treatments.
Does the book only discuss major strokes? +
No, it also explores mild cognitive difficulties that appear before overt cerebrovascular complications develop.







