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Updated: Jun 5, 2025

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Body roundness index and cognitive function in older adults: a nationwide perspective
Feng Zhang1, Zhongxing Ning2, Can Wang1
1Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
Background:
Obesity negatively impacts cognitive function. However, the correlation between the body roundness index (BRI) and cognitive performance remains inadequately explored.
Methods:
This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected from 2011 to 2014 to examine the correlation between BRI and cognitive function in individuals aged 65 and older. Models of multiple linear regression were used to investigate the relationship between BRI and cognitive performance. Additionally, smoothed curve fittings explored potential non-linear associations. Interaction tests and subgroup analyses were also performed.
Results:
One thousand eight hundred seventy participants were taken into account, revealing an important negative relationship between BRI levels and cognitive performance. In the fully adjusted model, elevated BRI was substantially correlated with lower Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) scores (β = -0.34, 95% CI = -0.64 to -0.05, p = 0.023), indicating that the higher BRI values are linked to worse cognitive performance. Sex differences were observed, with males showing a stronger negative association (p for interaction = 0.040).
Conclusion:
Elevated BRI is related to worse cognitive function in the elderly population.
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