Abstract
Background
The American Heart Association(AHA) recently redefined cardiovascular health(CVH) with the introduction of Life's Essential 8(LE8). This study explores the relationships between both the aggregate and individual CVH metrics, as defined by Life's Essential 8, and cognitive function in older adults in the United States.
Methods
This cross-sectional, population-based study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2011 and 2014, focusing on individuals aged 60 years and older. CVH was categorized as low(0–49), moderate(50–79), or high(80–100). Cognitive function was assessed through the CERAD tests, Animal Fluency test, and Digit Symbol Substitution test. Multivariable logistic models and restricted cubic spline models were employed to investigate these associations.
Results
This study included a total of 2,279 older adults in the United States. Only 11% of adults achieved a high total CVH score, while 12% had a low score. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, higher LE8 scores were significantly associated with higher scores on CERAD: delayed recall score(0.02[0.01, 0.03]; P < 0.001), CERAD: total score(3 recall trials)(0.04[0.02, 0.06]; P < 0.001), animal fluency: total score(0.09[0.05, 0.12]; P < 0.001), and digit symbol: score(0.29[0.18, 0.41]; P < 0.001), demonstrating a linear dose-response relationship. Similar patterns were also observed in the associations between health behavior and health factor scores with cognitive function tests.
Conclusion
LE8 scores exhibited positive linear associations with cognitive function. Promoting adherence to optimal CVH levels may prove beneficial in maintaining higher levels of cognitive function in older adults in the United States.