J Korean Med Sci.  2023 Jan;38(2):e11. 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e11.

Associations Between Korean Coronary Heart Disease Risk Score and Cognitive Function in DementiaFree Korean Older Adults

• Mun H
• Shim JY
• Kimm H
• Kang HC

• KMID: 2537949
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e11

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular risk is a modifiable factor that can help prevent dementia. Given the dearth of optimal treatment options, managing dementia risk factors is crucial. We examined the association between cardiovascular risk, as measured by the Korean coronary heart disease risk score (KRS), and cognitive function in dementia-free elderly individuals.
Methods
We enrolled 8,600 individuals (average age: 69.74 years; 5,206 women) who underwent a medical evaluation from the National Health Insurance Service. KRS was calculated using age, sex, blood pressure, lipid profile, diabetes, and smoking status. Cognitive function was evaluated using Korean Dementia Screening QuestionnaireCognition (KDSQ-C). Scores of ≥ 6 indicated a cognitive decline. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Weight, height, stroke history, coronary heart disease history, alcohol consumption, and physical activity engagement were adjusted.
Results
The lowest, middle, and highest groups, according to the KRS, were 5,923 (68.9%), 2,343 (27.2%), and 334 (3.9%), respectively. The highest KRS group in all participants exhibited a greater risk of cognitive decline than the lowest KRS group (OR, 1.339; 95% CI, 1.034–1.734; P = 0.027). The highest KRS female group aged 71–75 years old exhibited greater cognitive decline than the corresponding lowest KRS group (OR, 1.595; 95% CI, 1.045–2.434; P = 0.031).
Conclusion
Individuals with high cardiovascular risk were associated with poorer cognitive function than those with low risk, especially older women. Cardiovascular risk factors should be carefully managed to promote healthy mental aging in dementia-free elderly individuals.

Keyword

Korean Coronary Heart Disease Risk Score; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire-Cognition

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Study sample selection flowchart.

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