Cognitive Decline, CVD Share Risk Factors
There is a link between risk factors of cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease (CVD), a new study shows.
The study—which comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched its Healthy Brain Initiative “to encourage interdisciplinary collaborations to better address cognitive functioning and impairment in communities”—was presented at the American Public Health Association’s Annual Meeting & Expo on Sunday, November 11.
IF YOU LIKE THIS, READ MORE...
What MS Treatment Best Improves Cognitive Outcomes?
Visual Impairment Linked to Cognitive Decline
To evaluate the connection between risk factors of cognitive decline and CVD, Dr Semra Aytur and colleagues analyzed results of the 2016 US Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) using their 5-factor cognitive decline risk-factor index (CDRI).
The BRFSS includes cognitive decline data on 74,362 adults from across 16 states.
According to the researchers, there is a dose-response relationship between the CDRI and increased odds of cognitive decline. And while odds ratios were slightly attenuated, multivariate models also showed a similar dose-response gradient between the CDRI and CVD.
The researchers found that 66% of those with cognitive decline had experienced pain in the past month (an independent risk factor for both cognitive decline and CVD), 43% reported falling within the past year, and 30% reported comorbid CVD.
The study also revealed that 11% of the participants aged 45 or older had reported increased confusion or memory loss in the last 12 months. Of those with cognitive decline, 11% reported having experienced social isolation, 7% having given up daily household chores, and 14% having needed help with daily activities.
While 87% of those with cognitive decline reported at least 1 risk factor, fewer than 2% reported all 5.
Nearly half of participants with cognitive decline said they had not discussed their cognitive issues with health providers.
“These findings illustrate the utility of surveillance data in supporting implementation of the Healthy Brain Initiative,” the researchers concluded.
—Colleen Murphy
Reference:
Aytur S, Campbell J, Nolte K, et al. Using data to support the Healthy Brain Initiative: assessing risk factors associated with cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease. Paper presented at: American Public Health Association 2018 Annual Meeting & Expo; November 10-14, 2018; San Diego, CA. https://apha.confex.com/apha/2018/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/418076. Accessed November 12, 2018.