Waist circumference as a mediator in the association between sarcopenia and cognitive function

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Sarcopenia and obesity synergistically impact cognitive function.
• Understanding the interplay between sarcopenia, obesity, and cognition is crucial for aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mediating role of waist circumference (WC) in the relationship between sarcopenia and cognitive function.
• To explore the combined effects of central obesity and sarcopenia on cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 5577 older adults (≥60 years) in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).
• Assessed cognitive function (episodic memory, mental integrity), sarcopenia (AWGS 2019 criteria), and WC.
• Employed general linear regression, mediation analysis, and restricted cubic spline models to analyze associations.

Main Results:

• Central obesity alone was linked to better cognitive function.
• Participants with central obesity and severe sarcopenia exhibited the lowest cognitive scores (β = -3.22).
• Waist circumference mediated 16.95% of the association between sarcopenia and cognitive scores.

Conclusions:

• Central obesity's effect on cognition is complex, depending on sarcopenia status.
• The combination of central obesity and sarcopenia negatively impacts cognitive function in older adults.
• Waist circumference plays a significant mediating role in the sarcopenia-cognition relationship, varying by sarcopenia severity.