Framingham risk score but not framingham stroke risk profile is an independent predictor of impaired cognitive function among older people, free of cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Background: Vascular risk factors contribute to cognitive impairment, which may be the earlier manifestation of vascular brain injury. This study examined the relationship between 10-year risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke and cognitive function in older people, free of cardiovascular disease. Methods: Participants were consecutive attenders of a “primary vascular prevention clinic”, between 2009 -2010. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP) were used to assess 10-year risk of CHD and stroke, respectively. Cognitive function was measured with Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). Cognitive status (CS) was categorized as impaired (MoCA<=21) vs. normal as previously validated in the Turkish population. Correlations between cognitive status and FRS or FSRP were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analyses. Age, gender, education level, other potential correlates of cognitive ability (depression, physical activity, obesity, alcohol consumption, family history of dementia) and treatment for hyperlipidemia and diabetes were included in the analyses. Results: The sample consisted of 167 individuals (40 men and 127 women). Mean age was 68 (SD: 6 Range: 28). Mean FRS and FSRP were 8(3-20) and 7(4-11) respectively. Fifty five individuals (%33) had impaired CS. Individuals with higher FRS (increment by 10% in FRS) had more impaired CS (adjusted OR:1,669, 95%CI 1,038.to2,682). No association was shown between FSRP and CS. Higher age, lower education level, absence of alcohol consumption and absence of treatment for hyperlipidemia were the other independent predictors of impaired CS. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that in older individuals, free of cardiovascular disease, global vascular risk is associated with impaired cognitive function which was accounted for by FRS rather than FSRP. This association was demonstrated with the use of a simple and standard neuropsychological test in routine clinical setting.