Dataset Information

Predictors of maintaining cognitive function in older adults: the Health ABC study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although several risk factors for cognitive decline have been identified, much less is known about factors that predict maintenance of cognitive function in advanced age.

Methods

We studied 2,509 well-functioning black and white elders enrolled in a prospective study. Cognitive function was measured using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination at baseline and years 3, 5, and 8. Random effects models were used to classify participants as cognitive maintainers (cognitive change slope > or = 0), minor decliners (slope < 0 and > 1 SD below mean), or major decliners (slope < or = 1 SD below mean). Logistic regression was used to identify domain-specific factors associated with being a maintainer vs a minor decliner.

Results

Over 8 years, 30% of the participants maintained cognitive function, 53% showed minor decline, and 16% had major cognitive decline. In the multivariate model, baseline variables significantly associated with being a maintainer vs a minor decliner were age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.77 per 5 years), white race (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.30-2.28), high school education level or greater (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 1.78-4.26), ninth grade literacy level or greater (OR = 4.85, 95% CI 3.00-7.87), weekly moderate/vigorous exercise (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.06-1.62), and not smoking (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.14-2.97). Variables associated with major cognitive decline compared to minor cognitive decline are reported.

Conclusion

Elders who maintain cognitive function have a unique profile that differentiates them from those with minor decline. Importantly, some of these factors are modifiable and thus may be implemented in prevention programs to promote successful cognitive aging. Further, factors associated with maintenance may differ from factors associated with major cognitive decline, which may impact prevention vs treatment strategies.

SUBMITTER: Yaffe K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2692177 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Predictors of maintaining cognitive function in older adults: the Health ABC study.

Yaffe K K Fiocco A J AJ Lindquist K K Vittinghoff E E Simonsick E M EM Newman A B AB Satterfield S S Rosano C C Rosano C C Rubin S M SM Ayonayon H N HN Harris T B TB

Neurology 20090601 23

<h4>Background</h4>Although several risk factors for cognitive decline have been identified, much less is known about factors that predict maintenance of cognitive function in advanced age.<h4>Methods</h4>We studied 2,509 well-functioning black and white elders enrolled in a prospective study. Cognitive function was measured using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination at baseline and years 3, 5, and 8. Random effects models were used to classify participants as cognitive maintainers (cognit ...[more]

PMID: 19506226

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Project description:ObjectivesTo evaluate and compare the associations between microvascular and macrovascular abnormalities and cognitive and physical functionDesignCross-sectional analysis of the Cardiovascular Health Study (1998-1999).SettingCommunity.ParticipantsIndividuals with available data on three or more of five microvascular abnormalities (brain, retina, kidney) and three or more of six macrovascular abnormalities (brain, carotid artery, heart, peripheral artery) (N = 2,452; mean age 79.5).MeasurementsStandardized composite scores derived from three cognitive tests (Modified Mini-Mental State Examination, Digit-Symbol Substitution Test, Trail-Making Test (TMT)) and three physical tests (gait speed, grip strength, 5-time sit to stand)ResultsParticipants with high microvascular and macrovascular burden had worse cognitive (mean score difference = -0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.37 to -0.24) and physical (mean score difference = -0.32, 95% CI = -0.38 to -0.26) function than those with low microvascular and macrovascular burden. Individuals with high microvascular burden alone had similarly lower scores than those with high macrovascular burden alone (cognitive function: -0.16, 95% CI = -0.24 to -0.08 vs -0.13, 95% CI = -0.20 to -0.06; physical function: -0.15, 95% CI = -0.22 to -0.08 vs -0.12, 95% CI = -0.18 to -0.06). Psychomotor speed and working memory, assessed using the TMT, were only impaired in the presence of high microvascular burden. Of the 11 vascular abnormalities considered, white matter hyperintensity, cystatin C-based glomerular filtration rate, large brain infarct, and ankle-arm index were independently associated with cognitive and physical function.ConclusionMicrovascular and macrovascular abnormalities assessed using noninvasive tests of the brain, kidney, and peripheral artery were independently associated with poor cognitive and physical function in older adults. Future research should evaluate the usefulness of these tests in prognostication.

Dataset Information

Predictors of maintaining cognitive function in older adults: the Health ABC study.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Predictors of maintaining cognitive function in older adults: the Health ABC study.

Similar Datasets

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