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Cardiovascular disease biomarkers on cognitive function in older adults: Joint effects of cardiovascular disease

Paul D Loprinzi1, Elizabeth Crush2, Chelsea Joyner2

  • 1Jackson Heart Study Vanguard Center of Oxford, Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, United States.

Preventive Medicine
|November 20, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Older adults with more cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and lower cognitive function face increased mortality risk. Managing CVD risk and maintaining cognitive health are crucial for longevity in seniors.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Previous studies show links between age, cardiovascular disease (CVD) biomarkers, and cognitive function.
  • The combined impact of CVD risk factors and cognitive function on mortality in older adults remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between CVD risk factors, cognitive function, and all-cause mortality in adults aged 60 and older.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with mortality follow-up through 2011.
  • Assessed biomarkers: mean arterial pressure (MAP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), A1C, and body mass index (BMI).
  • Cognitive function measured using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST); participants categorized into four groups based on CVD risk and cognitive status.

Main Results:

  • An inverse relationship was found: higher CVD risk factor burden correlated with lower cognitive function scores (DSST).
  • Compared to individuals with low CVD risk and high cognitive function, those with low cognitive function (regardless of CVD risk) exhibited increased mortality risk.

Conclusions:

  • Both low cognitive function and high cardiovascular disease risk are independently associated with increased mortality in older adults.
  • Interventions targeting both cognitive health and cardiovascular risk factors may be essential for improving survival in the elderly population.

Keywords:
AgingCardiovascular diseaseEpidemiology

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