Abstract 12659: Relationship Between Cardiac Structure and Function With Neurocognition in the Hispanic Community Health Study/ Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Echocardiographic Study of Latinos (Echo-SOL) Ancillary Study

Abstract

Background: Neurocognitive impairment is an important challenge facing the growing elderly population. The heart’s effect on the brain with regard to neurocognition is less well-studied. We evaluated the association between cardiac structure and function with neurocognition measurements in a population-based cohort. Methods: The Echo-SOL Ancillary Study of Hispanic adults aged 45-74 years provided comprehensive neurocognitive and echocardiography assessments for cross-sectional analysis. Neurocognitive measures included the Word Fluency (WF) Test, the Brief-Spanish English Verbal Learning Test (SEVLT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST); lower WF, SEVLT, and DSST scores signifying worse neurocognitive function. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fit using survey statistics and accounted for sampling probabilities, age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, and BMI. Results: 1818 participants were included in the analysis: mean age 56-years, and 56% women. Higher left ventricular mass index was associated with lower SEVLT and DSST scores, whereas lower Ejection Fraction and lower peak systolic velocity were associated with lower WF scores. Lower SEVLT scores were seen with a higher prevalence of abnormal left ventricular geometry and higher relative wall thickness. Mitral annular relaxation velocities (e’) were significantly associated with lower SEVLT and WF scores. Additionally, a higher ratio of mitral inflow velocity with mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/e’) and more prevalent left ventricular diastolic dysfunction were significantly associated with lower SEVLT scores. Conclusion: Abnormalities in cardiac structure and function are associated with alterations in neurocognitive function in Hispanics/Latinos. Further study is needed to determine the mechanisms (e.g., impairment of cerebral flow, silent brain infarctions) mediating these potentially important heart-brain associations.