Abstract P378.3: Vigorous Physical Activity And Incident Cognitive Impairment In Hypertension: Findings From The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial - Memory And Cognition In Decreased Hypertension (sprint Mind) Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension has been linked with increased risk of cognitive impairment, but fewer studies have examined the association between physical activity (PA) and incident cognitive impairment in hypertension. Objective: To examine the association between vigorous PA (VPA) and incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI), probable dementia (PD), or composite MCI/PD in SPRINT MIND. Methods: This analysis included SPRINT MIND participants with baseline self-reported PA data. VPA, defined as PA associated with sweating, increased heart rate or breathing, was grouped into low (<1 sessions/week) or high (≥1 sessions/week) VPA. Using multivariable Cox regression, we examined the association of VPA and MCI, PD and MCI/PD events. Results: This analysis included 7,669 participants (aged 70±9 years, 35% women, 59% White) (Table). After a median follow-up of 4.4 years, 571, 271 and 761 MCI, PD and MCI/PD events occurred respectively. High VPA, compared to low VPA participants, experienced lower events rates (per 1,000 person-years) of MCI (14.0 vs 19.7), PD (6.2 vs 9.1) and MCI/PD (18.5 vs 19.7). In multivariable Cox regression model, high VPA, relative to low VPA, was associated with lower risk of MCI (HR [95% CI]: 0.77 [0.64 – 0.92]), PD (0.72 [0.55 – 0.93]), and MCI/PD (0.77 [0.66 – 0.90]) (Figure). There were no significant interactions between VPA participation status and trial randomization to standard (goal systolic blood pressure (SBP) <140 mm Hg) or intensive (goal SBP <120) treatment for hypertension for any cognitive impairment outcomes. Conclusion: Among patients with high-risk hypertension, doing vigorous PA ≥ 1 sessions/week may be protective against cognitive decline.