Enhanced External Counterpulsation and Its Effects on Vascular Hemodynamics in Cognitively Impaired Patients

Inclusion criteria

• An adult between 18 and 85 years of age.
• Has been evaluated to have a CDR (Clinical Dementia Rating) Score of 0.5
• Male or female (if female must be postmenopausal for at least 1 year, surgically sterile or using an effective form of contraception).
• Able to speak and read English.
• Willing to comply with study specific instructions, and complete all study procedures according to protocol.
• Able to understand study rationale and sign informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with glaucoma
• History of developing adverse effects to ophthalmic dilating agents (phenylephrine or tropicamide).
• Currently taking warfarin and dabigatran (Pradaxa).
• History of having arrhythmias - can interfere with EECP triggering.
• Subject has bleeding diathesis.
• Subject has active thrombophlebitis.
• Subject has severe lower extremity vaso-occlusive disease.
• Subject has a documented aortic aneurysm requiring surgical repair.
• Subject is pregnant.
• Subject with blood pressure higher than 180/110 mmHg.
• Subject with a heart rate more than 120 bpm.
• Subject with high risk of complications from increased venous return.
• Subject with clinically significant valvular disease.
• Subjects with severe vascular disease as established by the Hachinski Ischemic Index.
• Subjects with pacemakers and other metallic implantable devices.