Relationship between alterations in central obesity indices and cognitive decline: evidence from China Health and...

To analyze the relationship between changes in central obesity-related indices and cognitive decline in middle-aged and elderly populations.

Using 2011 and 2015 data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 2,144 participants aged ≥45 were included. Changes in 5 indices (body roundness index (BRI), a body shape index (ABSI), weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), relative fat mass (RFM), conicity index (CI)) over 4 years were calculated. Cognitive function was assessed via episodic memory and mind status. Logistic regression (with sensitivity analysis), restricted cubic spline models (for non-linear relationships/threshold effects), and gender-stratified subgroup analysis were used.

Participants with stable/moderately increased indices had lower cognitive decline risk than those with significant decreases. vs. Q1, Q3 ORs for overall cognitive decline were 0.70 (95%CI:0.55-0.89), 0.77 (0.61-0.98), 0.76 (0.59-0.96), 0.69 (0.54-0.88), 0.78 (0.61-0.98) for the 5 indices. A U-shaped association was found; the association existed in men but not women.

Moderate increase in men's central obesity indices may reduce cognitive decline risk (excessive increase may raise it), suggesting monitoring these indices in middle-aged/elderly men to prevent cognitive decline.