Abstract P224: Does Cognitive Function And C-reactive Protein Produce A Combined Effect On All-cause Mortality Risk? An Analysis Of Older Adults In The 1999-2002 NHANES

Abstract

Introduction: There is limited evidence examining the combined effects of cognitive function and C-reactive protein (CRP) on mortality risk using a large nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that cognitive function and CRP produce a combined effect in predicting all-cause mortality risk. Objective: Examine the combined effects of cognitive function and CRP in predicting all-cause mortality in a large nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Methods: The study sample (n=2,111) included older adults (≥ 60 years of age) who participated in the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A four-level variable was created based on CRP concentration and cognitive function (high cognitive function and low to average CRP; high cognitive function and high CRP; low cognitive function and low to average CRP; low cognitive function and high CRP). Results: Compared to a referent group with low to average CRP and high cognitive function, analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in risk of all-cause mortality in adults with high CRP and low cognitive function (Hazards Ratio [HR] 1.97; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.52-2.55, p<0.0001) and in adults with low to average CRP and low cognitive function (HR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.44-2.15, p<0.0001). Similar relationships were not revealed in adults with high cognitive function, regardless of CRP concentration. Conclusions: In a large nationally representative sample of older U.S. adults, low cognitive function was associated with increased all-cause mortality risk independent of CRP concentration.