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Changes in Adiposity and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The REGARDS Study
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Changes in Adiposity and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The REGARDS Study

Wenfei Zhu, Yanbing Li, Chenxi Zhao, Virginia J Howard, Virginia G Wadley, Suzanne E Judd, Natalie Colabianchi, Leslie A McClure, Steven P Hooker and Yuliang Sun
The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences, v 79(3), gbad184
01 Mar 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbad184
PMID: 38134240
url
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10873843View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Open Access (License Unspecified),  Open
url
https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbad184View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

Executive function Adiposity Mild cognitive impairment Memory
Adiposity may have a role in the risk of dementia. Fewer studies have focused on the relationship between change in adiposity and cognitive decline. Our study aimed to explore the association between the change in adiposity and cognitive function in Black and White older adults. The participants were 12,204 older adults without cognitive impairment (62.8 ± 8.0 years) in the U.S. The percent body mass index change (%BMI change) and percent waist circumference change (%WC change) were measured at two in-home visits (first: 2003-2007, second: 2013-2016). Cognitive status was assessed by the Six-Item Screener annually. Memory and executive function were measured by word list learning, MOCA recall and orientation, and letter and animal fluency every two years. Logistic regression or linear regression models were used to estimate the relationship between percent change in adiposity and cognitive function. After 12.7±1.7 years, a greater decrease in %BMI change or %WC change was significantly associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment. Compared to older adults with -5%≤change≤5% from baseline, a significantly higher risk of cognitive impairment and greater loss in memory and executive function were found among those who experienced more than a 10% decline in %BMI change or %WC change. Older adults experienced a 5% to 10% decrease in %BMI change had a higher risk of cognitive impairment and greater loss in memory compared to those with -5%≤change≤5%. A greater decrease in %BMI (>5%) and %WC (>10%) change was associated with greater cognitive loss observed over time.

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