BACKGROUND: Hemodynamic control was compared in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild Alzheimer\'s dementia (AD) as well as in healthy elderly subjects. METHODS: Noninvasive, continuous hemodynamic recordings were obtained from 14 patients and 48 controls during supine rest (tilt of 30 and 70 degrees ). Cardiac output, end-diastolic volume, total peripheral resistance, heart rate variability (HRV), systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV), and baroreceptor sensitivity were calculated. RESULTS: At 70 degrees tilt, the HRV indices differed significantly, with higher high-frequency (HF) variability as well as lower low-frequency (LF) variability and LF/HF ratios in the patients. The patients had significantly lower SBPV in the LF range at 30 degrees tilt. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a poorer sympathetic response to orthostatic stress in MCI and mild AD. (c) 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.