Impact of mid-life cardiovascular health on cognitive change in a bi-ethnic cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular risk factors contribute to cognitive decline and dementia; however, research across populations remains scarce. METHODS: We included 402 participants (mean age 57.9±3.8, 58.5% female, 52% Mexican American). Midlife cardiovascular health was assessed using the AHA Life's Simple 7 (LS7). General cognition was measured four times over a period of 9.5 years. We used generalized estimating equations to assess the association of LS7 scores and its factors with cognitive change, overall and by ethnicity. RESULTS: Meeting intermediate or ideal physical activity goals mitigated cognitive decline, particularly in Mexican Americans, and maintaining blood glucose below 125 mg/dL was associated with slower cognitive decline among non-Hispanic Whites. Additionally, Mexican Americans with a BMI <30 kg/m2 showed an accelerated cognitive decline. No associations were observed between total LS7 scores and cognitive decline. DISCUSSION: Physical activity, blood glucose, and BMI have distinct contributions to cognitive change across different ethnicities.