Cardiovascular Risk Profile and Cognitive Function in Young, Middle-Aged, and Elderly Subjects

• DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.111.000496
• Publication Date: 2013-05-03T07:51:22Z
• Authors: Hanneke Joosten; Marlise E.A. van ...; Ron T. Gansevoort; Henk J.G. Bilo; Joris P.J. Slaets; Gerbrand J. Izaks
• Keywords: Interquartile range; Cognitive Decline; Stroke

Background and Purpose— Cognitive decline occurs earlier than previously realized is already evident at the age of 45. Because cardiovascular risk factors are established for cognitive in old age, we investigated whether also associated with young middle-aged groups. Methods— The cross-sectional study included 3778 participants aged 35 to 82 years (mean 54 years) free disease stroke. function was measured Ruff Figural Fluency Test (RFFT; worst score, 0; best 175 points) Visual Association (VAT; 12 points). Overall assessed Framingham Risk Score (FRS) general (best −5; 33 Results— Mean RFFT score (SD) 70 (26) points, median VAT (interquartile range) 10 (9–11) mean FRS (6) points. Using linear regression analysis adjusting educational level, negatively FRS. decreased by 1.54 points (95% confidence interval, −1.66 −1.44; P <0.001) per point increase This negative association not only limited older groups, but found (35–44 years). main influencing components were ( <0.001), diabetes mellitus =0.001), smoking <0.001). Similar results as outcome measure. Conclusions— In this large population–based cohort, a worse overall profile poorer function. present adults 44 years.