Effects and Thresholds of Young to Midlife Vascular Risks on Brain Health

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Vascular risk factors, especially hypertension, contribute to accelerated brain aging.
• Understanding the impact of these factors across adulthood is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the risks associated with vascular risk factors throughout adulthood.
• To assess empirical evidence for risk thresholds impacting brain health.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal data from the CARDIA study (through year 30) on blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and BMI were analyzed.
• Cognitive function and white matter hyperintensity volume were assessed at year 30.
• Mixed-effects models and cross-sectional analyses were used to link exposures to midlife brain health outcomes.

Main Results:

• Increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) was negatively associated with cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores).
• SBP exposure was significantly linked to midlife cognitive performance and white matter hyperintensity volume.
• A SBP threshold of 111 mm Hg was identified, below which no harmful cognitive effects were observed.

Conclusions:

• Early adulthood SBP is a key vascular risk factor impacting midlife cognitive performance and brain structure.
• Maintaining SBP at or below 111 mm Hg may be a critical threshold for preserving cognitive health.