Association between vascular aging and cognitive function in Chinese adults.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Neuroscience
• Gerontology

Background:

• Vascular health is increasingly recognized as a factor influencing cognitive function.
• Existing evidence on this association in Chinese populations is limited.
• This study investigates vascular aging and blood pressure's impact on cognition in China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between arterial stiffness and blood pressure with cognitive function.
• To assess vascular aging indicators in relation to cognitive performance in a Chinese cohort.
• To identify potential predictors of impaired cognitive function within this population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Tianning Cohort (N=5158).
• Measured arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index) and blood pressure (pulse pressure, systolic, diastolic).
• Assessed cognitive function using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and employed regression analyses.

Main Results:

• Higher pulse pressure (PP) was significantly associated with lower MMSE scores and increased risk of cognitive impairment.
• Increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) per standard deviation was linked to lower MMSE scores and higher odds of impairment.
• No significant associations were found for other measured vascular parameters.

Conclusions:

• Blood pressure, specifically pulse pressure and systolic blood pressure, is associated with cognitive function in Chinese adults.
• Pulse pressure emerges as a potential predictor for impaired cognitive function.
• Findings highlight the importance of vascular health monitoring for cognitive well-being in this demographic.