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The inverted U-shaped association between body roundness index and cognitive function among Chinese older adults
Yuyan Ding1, Junhao Huo1, Lili Cui1
1Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health at Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
Background:
While existing evidence supports an association between BMI and cognitive function, research on the relationship between Body Roundness Index (BRI) and cognition remains scarce, especially among older adults. This study examines the association between BRI and cognitive function in older adults from Ningxia Province, Northwest China.
Method:
This cross-sectional study enrolled participants aged 60 or older from Ningxia. Data collection involved structured interviews and standardised physical examinations. BRI was computed from height and waist circumference. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Chinese MMSE. Multivariate linear regression models investigated the association between BRI and MMSE scores. The nonlinear association was analysed using restricted cubic splines (RCS). A two-segment linear regression model was constructed for both sides of the inflection point.
Result:
Multivariate models adjusted for covariates showed MMSE scores increased by 0.54 (β = 0.54, 95 % CI: 0.01-1.07, P < 0.05) and 0.58 (β = 0.58, 95 % CI: 0.03-1.13, P < 0.05) units in the second and third BRI tertiles, respectively, versus the lowest. RCS revealed an inverted U-shaped association (P for nonlinearity = 0.024) with threshold 4.88. A two-segment linear regression model showed that above this threshold (BRI > 4.88), the association was nonsignificant; below (BRI < 4.88), it was significantly positive (β = 0.412, 95 % CI: 0.109-0.715, P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Results suggest an inverted U-shaped relationship between BRI and MMSE scores in older adults, with threshold 4.88. This threshold might guide interventions to reduce cognitive impairment risk.
