Analysis of the vascular risk factors for the elderly with mild cognitive impairment in community

Objective To explore the effects of vascular risk factors on cognitive function among the elderly in community. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1 269 elderly people (aged 65 and over) who were randomly selected from three communities.Through face-to-face interview, cognitive function was assessed by mini-mental state examination(MMSE), and blood samples were collected for laboratory examination.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the vascular risk factors affecting cognitive function. Results Age ((73.1±6.6), (71.3±4.9), t=4.603, P<0.05), education level (χ2=12.727, P<0.05), hypertension (χ2=9.106, P<0.05) and LDL-C (χ2=5.157, P<0.05) were significantly different in the elderly with or without mild cognitive impairment(MCI). After controlling age, gender and education, the logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension(β=0.378, P=0.006, OR(95%CI)=1.44(1.10-1.91)), systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg(β=0.350, P=0.011, OR(95%CI)=1.42(1.08-1.86), 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and high LDL-C(β=0.355, P=0.014, OR(95%CI)=1.43(1.08-1.89)) were the risk factors of MCI in the elderly in the community.Hypertension alone or high LDL-C (β=0.365, P=0.029, OR(95%CI)=1.44(1.04-2.00)) alone was risk factor for mild cognitive impairment in the elderly in the community.The risk of mild cognitive impairment in the elderly with hypertension and high LDL-C was 2.00 times higher than that in the healthy elderly (β=0.696, P<0.05, OR(95%CI)=2.00(1.36-2.97)). Conclusion Mild cognitive impairment in the elderly is closely related to hypertension and elevated LDL-C levels.Multiple vascular risk factors can further increase the risk of cognitive impairment. Key words: Cognitive impairment; Vascular risk factors; Hypertension; Elderly