Nonlinear relationship between triglycerides and cognitive function after acute ischemic stroke among older adults

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Science
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Conflicting studies exist on triglyceride levels and cognitive function post-acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
• Investigating this relationship is crucial for understanding neurological recovery in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the nonlinear association between triglyceride levels and cognitive function in older adults following AIS.
• To identify potential threshold effects of triglyceride levels on cognitive outcomes.

Main Methods:

• An observational, cross-sectional study of 221 AIS patients in China (November 2022 - June 2023).
• Triglyceride levels measured within 24 hours of admission; cognitive function assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
• Nonlinear associations analyzed using smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis.

Main Results:

• A nonlinear association was observed between triglyceride levels and cognitive function in AIS patients.
• An inflection point was identified at 0.8 mmol/L; below this, higher triglycerides correlated with better MMSE scores (β=14.11, P=0.020).
• Above 0.8 mmol/L, the correlation between triglyceride levels and MMSE scores was not significant (β=1.04, P=0.380).

Conclusions:

• A nonlinear relationship exists between triglyceride levels and cognitive function in older adults post-AIS.
• Triglyceride levels below 0.8 mmol/L are positively associated with cognitive function.
• These findings highlight the importance of triglyceride management in stroke recovery.