Cerebrovascular disease is associated with memory function in the Health and Aging in Africa Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH community in rural South Africa

• DOI: 10.1002/alz.078972
• Publication Date: 2023-12-25T11:19:52Z
• Authors: Dejania Cotton‐Sa...; Meagan T. Farrell; Ryan G. Wagner; Darina T. Bassil; Nomsa Mahlalehla; Kay C. Igwe; Daniel Ohene‐Kwofie; Jennifer J. Manly; Victor Mngomezulu; Stephen Tollman; Lisa F. Berkman; Adam M. Brickman
• Keywords: Logical address; Longitudinal Study; Memory clinic

Abstract Background Health and Aging in Africa Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH community South (HAALSI) is a sister study to the US‐based Retirement Study. The purpose HAALSI characterize social, economic, biological, physical, mental health factors population‐representative cohort older adults rural Agincourt, Africa. Beginning 2020, as part Alzheimer’s disease related disorders (ADRD) substudy, we conducted neuropsychological evaluations structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) subset participants. Here, report preliminary observations on relationship white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, marker small vessel cerebrovascular disease, hippocampal neurodegeneration, memory function group substudy Method Ninety‐nine ADRD participants with available MRI scans outcomes at time analysis (mean ± SD; age = 70.3 10.9, 87% no formal education or some primary education) were included these analyses. Participants received research‐grade, harmonized 1.5T scanning private hospital evaluated battery tests. Using in‐house developed software FreeSurfer, respectively, derived total WMH volume volume. We examined association variables function, operationalized delayed recall score Logical Memory Test, adapted for context. Result Adjusting level, increased was associated poorer performance Test (standardized β ‐0.21, p<0.05) but not 0.09, p 0.41). Associations markers did interact level. Conclusion In analyses African community, neurodegeneration are cognitive outcomes. Future work will examine pathways that give rise impairment dementia this population track trajectories over time.