Background: Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. However, it remains unclear whether cardiovascular risk scores can effectively predict cognitive outcomes and whether sex influence this association. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the NORRISK2 score, a cardiovascular risk score widely used in Norway, and the development of dementia or cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia) in males and females over a 22-year follow-up period.
Methods: Participants from The Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), a longitudinal, population-based health study in central Norway, were included. NORRISK2 score was calculated based on data from The HUNT2 survey (1995-1997). Cognitive status was assessed in the sub study HUNT4 70+ (2017-2019), and categorized as normal, MCI or dementia. Logistic regression with NORRISK2 score as predictor and cognitive status 22 years later as dependent variable was used to investigate the associations.
Results: The study sample consisted of 6971 participants, including 42.4% males (mean age 55.4 years, SD 5.8) and 57.6% females (mean age 56.5, SD 6.6). At HUNT4 70+, 14.0% of the participants had developed dementia, and 34.6% had developed MCI. Per one unit increase in NORRISK2 score, the odds of developing dementia increased by 12% for males (OR=1.12; 95% CI 1.10-1.14) and 22% for females (OR=1.22; 95% CI 1.20-1.25). Odds for developing cognitive impairment increased by 6% for men (OR=1.06; 95% CI 1.05-1.08) and 16% for women (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.14-1.18).
Conclusion: A higher NORRISK2 score was associated with increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment in both males and females, with the strongest associations being found in females. The findings suggest that the NORRISK2 score could be used in clinical practice not only to predict future risk of CVD, but also as a predictor of risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.