Exploring the threshold association between cardiometabolic index and cognitive function in U.S. adults aged ≥ 60...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Metabolic Health
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Cardiometabolic index (CMI) is a marker for visceral fat accumulation and lipid metabolism.
• CMI is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
• The relationship between CMI and cognitive function in older adults is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between CMI and global cognitive function (GCF) in US adults aged 60 and older.
• To explore potential nonlinear relationships and effect modification by diabetes status.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2014) data from 1326 adults aged 60+.
• CMI analyzed as continuous variable and by quartiles.
• Survey-weighted linear regression models adjusted for demographics and covariates; nonlinear analyses and interaction tests were performed.

Main Results:

• Initially, higher continuous CMI showed an association with lower GCF, but this was not significant after full adjustment.
• A negative trend between CMI quartiles and GCF was observed in crude and minimally adjusted models, but not fully adjusted.
• Nonlinear analysis revealed an inflection point at CMI=0.16 impacting cognitive tests, and diabetes status significantly modified the CMI-GCF relationship.

Conclusions:

• While initial analyses suggested a link, fully adjusted models did not confirm a significant association between CMI and GCF in older adults.
• Nonlinear relationships and interactions with diabetes warrant further investigation.
• Higher CMI may still indicate an increased risk for cognitive decline, particularly in individuals with diabetes.