Atherosclerotic carotid stenosis and cognitive function

• Both symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis are associated with cognitive impairment.
• The influence of CEA and CAS on cognitive function is controversial, some studies have shown benefits, but others have not.
• There is no significant difference when CEA and CAS are compared in terms of cognitive outcome.

Atherosclerosis carotid stenosis is associated with stroke and cognitive impairment. Progressive cognitive decline may be an even greater problem than stroke, but it has not been widely recognized and therefore must be adequately addressed. Although both Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) and Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) have been proven can prevent future stroke in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis, the influence of CEA and CAS on cognitive function is not clear. In the first part of this review, we evaluated the literature concerning carotid stenosis and the risk of cognitive impairment. Studies have suggested that both symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis are associated with cognitive impairment. In the second part, we reviewed the impact of CEA and CAS on cognitive function, some studies have shown benefits, but others have not.