Markers of left atrial cardiopathy and cognitive function trajectories in adults aged ≥ 45 years without atrial fibrillation: a population-based study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The study aims to investigate associations between markers of atrial cardiopathy and cognitive function trajectories in adults without prior AF. Methods The study included 4,486 participants from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Markers of atrial cardiopathy included atrial premature complexes and N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT pro-BNP). Cognitive status was measured using the Six-Item Screener (SIS). Cognitive status trajectories were identified using latent class growth models. Results Three unique cognitive trajectories over the 8-year follow-up were identified: 86.7% showed a normal and stable trajectory of SIS score, 7.6% showed a progressively decreasing trajectory, and 5.7% showed a dramatic decreasing trajectory. Age, black participants, and antidepression drugs were significantly associated with the “dramatic decrease” trajectory. Elevated NT pro-BNP was significantly associated with the “dramatic decrease” trajectory. Discussion Markers of left atrial cardiopathy may have implications for early diagnosis and prevention of cognitive impairment.