Cardiovascular health and cognitive outcomes: Findings from a biracial population‐based study in the United States

Abstract INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of cardiovascular health (CVH) with cognitive outcomes, including incident Alzheimer's dementia, rate of cognitive decline, and measures of brain injury and structure. METHODS This study consisted of 1702 Black or African American and White participants living in the south side of Chicago, Illinois, and enrolled in the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a population‐based cohort since 1993. CVH was based on seven risk factors, including diet, physical activity, body mass index, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. RESULTS In a multivariable‐adjusted model, CVH was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's dementia. The hazard ratio per 1 additional point in CVH score was 0.84 (95% CI 0.76, 0.94). CVH was also associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline and less volume (injury) in white matter hyperintensities. DISCUSSION Promoting CVH in communities with Black residents may lower the future risk of Alzheimer's dementia.