NORRISK 2 score is associated with dementia and MCI-the HUNT study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are linked to cognitive decline and dementia.
• Composite CVD risk scores may reflect cumulative CVD burden relevant to cognitive health.
• Long-term associations between CVD risk scores and cognitive outcomes, including sex differences, require further study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the long-term association between the NORRISK 2 cardiovascular disease risk score and subsequent dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
• To investigate potential differences in these associations between males and females over 22 years.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from The Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), a longitudinal, population-based cohort.
• NORRISK 2 scores were calculated from HUNT2 (1995-1997) data.
• Cognitive status (cognitively unimpaired, MCI, dementia) was assessed in HUNT4 70+ (2017-2019) using multinomial logistic regression.

Main Results:

• A 1% increase in NORRISK 2 score correlated with a 14% higher dementia risk in males and 28% in females.
• The risk of developing MCI increased by 4% in men and 10% in women per 1% increase in NORRISK 2 score.
• Stronger associations between NORRISK 2 scores and both dementia and MCI were observed in females compared to males.

Conclusions:

• Elevated NORRISK 2 scores are associated with increased risks of dementia and MCI.
• The association between CVD risk scores and cognitive decline is sex-dependent, with females exhibiting stronger links.
• These findings underscore the importance of managing CVD risk factors for cognitive health, particularly in women.