Jingkai Wei1, Mohammed K Ali2,3, Tiansheng Wang4, Hanzhang Xu5,6. 1. Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC. 2. Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. 3. Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, GA. 4. Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC. 5. Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. 6. School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Subclinical atherosclerotic disease is an emerging risk factor for cognitive function among older adults, though less is known about the association between abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and cognitive function. This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional association of AAC with cognitive function in a nationally representative sample of population in the U.S. METHODS: A total of 1,209 older adults (60 years or older) in the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. AAC was obtained with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Cognitive function was examined using the CERAD Word Learning subtest (memory), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (executive function/processing speed), and Animal Fluency Test (language). Domain-specific and global cognition z-scores were created based on means and standard deviations of cognitive tests. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations between presence of AAC and severity of AAC with cognition z-scores. RESULTS: Adjusted for covariates, presence of AAC was associated with poorer global cognition (beta (β)=-0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.28, -0.06), memory (β=-0.20, 95% CI: -0.31, -0.09), and language ability (β=-0.15, 95% CI: -0.29, -0.01). More severe AAC was associated with poorer global cognition and all domains of cognitive function. The associations were significant among participants <75 years. DISCUSSION: The presence of AAC and greater severity of AAC, was associated with poorer cognitive function, particularly among older adults <75 years. Future research is expected to assess whether lowering global vascular risk can slow cognitive decline. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
OBJECTIVES: Subclinical atherosclerotic disease is an emerging risk factor for cognitive function among older adults, though less is known about the association between abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and cognitive function. This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional association of AAC with cognitive function in a nationally representative sample of population in the U.S. METHODS: A total of 1,209 older adults (60 years or older) in the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. AAC was obtained with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Cognitive function was examined using the CERAD Word Learning subtest (memory), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (executive function/processing speed), and Animal Fluency Test (language). Domain-specific and global cognition z-scores were created based on means and standard deviations of cognitive tests. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations between presence of AAC and severity of AAC with cognition z-scores. RESULTS: Adjusted for covariates, presence of AAC was associated with poorer global cognition (beta (β)=-0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.28, -0.06), memory (β=-0.20, 95% CI: -0.31, -0.09), and language ability (β=-0.15, 95% CI: -0.29, -0.01). More severe AAC was associated with poorer global cognition and all domains of cognitive function. The associations were significant among participants <75 years. DISCUSSION: The presence of AAC and greater severity of AAC, was associated with poorer cognitive function, particularly among older adults <75 years. Future research is expected to assess whether lowering global vascular risk can slow cognitive decline. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Authors: Tenielle Porter; Marc Sim; Richard L Prince; John T Schousboe; Catherine Bondonno; Wai H Lim; Kun Zhu; Douglas P Kiel; Jonathan M Hodgson; Simon M Laws; Joshua R Lewis Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Date: 2022-06-26