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Investigating Modifiable Factors Associated with Cognitive Decline: Insights from the UK Biobank.
Xiangge Ma1, Hongjian Gao1, Yutong Wu1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
Biomedicines
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Identifying modifiable factors is key to preventing cognitive decline. Physiological markers and social behaviors significantly impact cognitive health, offering targets for interventions in at-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Public Health
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Age-related cognitive impairment is a growing global concern.
- Identifying modifiable risk factors is essential for effective interventions.
- Large-scale studies are needed to understand complex cognitive decline patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify modifiable factors associated with cognitive decline in a large cohort.
- To quantify the impact of different risk factor categories on cognitive domains.
- To pinpoint key interventions for delaying cognitive impairment in aging populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UK Biobank data from 453,950 participants, excluding those with dementia or missing data.
- Assessed cognitive decline across four domains, identifying a 'Cognitively At-Risk Population' (top 10% decline).
- Employed Cox proportional hazards models and Population Attributable Fractions (PAFs) to analyze 83 factors.
Main Results:
- Unfavorable medical/psychiatric history significantly impacted processing speed and memory decline (HRs 1.34-1.50).
- Physiological/biochemical markers (PAF 7.03%) and social/behavioral factors (PAF 9.68%) were critical for preventing specific cognitive declines.
- Protective factors included higher education, socioeconomic status, and handgrip strength; detrimental factors included high BMI, hypertension, and depression.
Conclusions:
- This study identified a high-risk group for cognitive decline and quantified modifiable factor impacts.
- Findings offer valuable insights for targeted interventions to delay cognitive decline.
- Public health strategies can leverage these findings to improve cognitive outcomes in middle-aged and older adults.
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