Baseline characteristics of the study subjects

Continuous variables are expressed as mean (SD), categorical variables are expressed as n (%). Significant results are shown in bold typeface.aRefers to regular use. Intermittent users (n = 2 in each group) were asked to refrain from use in the two days prior to testing;bStudent's t-test;cMann-Whitney's U-test;dChi-squared test;eFisher's exact test. NC: normal cognition (controls); MCI: mild cognitive impairment; BMI: body mass index; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; AU: alcohol units (1 AU = 10 g of alcohol); MET: metabolic equivalent (energy expenditure index, 1 MET = 1 kcal•kg−1•h−1); CAD: coronary artery disease; LDL: low density lipoprotein; HDL: high density lipoprotein; LVH: left ventricular hypertrophy; IMT: intima-media thickness; ACE-Is: angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors; ARBs: angiotensin II receptor blockers; CCBs: calcium-channel blockers; SSRIs: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; BADL: basic activities of daily living (score range 0–6, higher scores indicate greater functional independence); IADL: instrumental activities of daily living (score range 0–8, higher scores indicate greater functional independence); MMSE: mini mental state examination (score range 0–30, higher scores indicate better cognitive function); CIRS-s: cumulative illness rating scale severity (score range 1–5, higher scores indicate greater comorbidity); CIRS-m: cumulative illness rating scale morbidity (score range 0–13, higher scores indicate more severe comorbidity); STPI-T: state trait personality inventory- trait anxiety subscale (score range 10–40, higher scores indicate greater trait anxiety); GDS-s: geriatric depression scale short form (score range 0–15, higher scores indicate greater depressive symptoms).