Association of Long-Term Vascular Risk Factor Variability from Childhood and Midlife Cognitive Function: The Bogalusa...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Vascular risk factor (VRF) variability in adulthood is linked to increased dementia risk.
• The impact of VRF variability from childhood on midlife cognitive function (CF) remains unclear.
• This study investigates the association between long-term VRF variability from childhood and midlife CF, independent of average levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association of long-term VRF variability from childhood with midlife cognitive function.
• To determine if VRF variability influences cognitive performance independently of mean VRF levels.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Bogalusa Heart Study, including VRF measurements from childhood to midlife.
• Assessed VRF variability using standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), deviation from age-predicted values (DEV), and residual SD (RSD).
• Measured midlife cognitive function using a global cognitive score (GCS) and domain-specific performances, analyzing associations with VRF variability tertiles via multivariable linear regression.

Main Results:

• Higher variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and glucose was associated with poorer global cognitive scores.
• Increased SBP and glucose variability correlated with diminished episodic memory and executive function.
• Non-HDL cholesterol variability showed a non-linear association with executive function, while BMI variability had bidirectional effects on cognitive function.

Conclusions:

• VRF variability from early life is a significant factor influencing midlife cognitive function.
• Managing VRF fluctuations from childhood may be a target for preventing late-life cognitive dysfunction.
• Early life interventions addressing VRF variability could have long-term benefits for cognitive health.