Baseline characteristics of the study subjects.

<p>Continuous variables are expressed as mean (SD), categorical variables are expressed as n (%). Significant results are shown in bold typeface.</p>a<p> Refers to regular use. Intermittent users (n = 2 in each group) were asked to refrain from use in the two days prior to testing;</p>b<p> Student’s t-test;</p>c<p> Mann-Whitney’s U-test;</p>d<p> Chi-squared test;</p>e<p> Fisher's exact test. NC: normal cognition (controls);</p><p>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).</p><p>Baseline characteristics of the study subjects.