Association of Changes in Intrinsic Capacity With Cognitive Decline and Dementia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Previous studies found that intrinsic capacity (IC) was an important risk factor for dementia. However, these studies focused on baseline IC, without considering the dynamic changes in IC. The study aimed to investigate the associations of changes in IC with cognitive decline and dementia and assess whether these associations varied by race. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted using data from the Health and Retirement Study. An IC deficit score was calculated by 7 factors reflecting 4 domains. Changes in IC were assessed by comparing the baseline IC status with that observed in the second survey. Cognitive decline was evaluated by computing a standardized z-score based on memory, executive function, and orientation. Dementia was diagnosed either through self-reported physician diagnosis or an alternative approach based on cognitive score. Linear mixed effects models and Cox models were performed to analyze the association of changes in IC with cognitive decline and dementia. RESULTS: for interaction = 0.011). Significantly decelerated global cognitive decline in IC deficit participants who recovered to robust status was observed exclusively among Black participants. DISCUSSION: The findings indicated that the progression of IC deficit status was associated with accelerated cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia. Conversely, recovery of IC deficit status was associated with a decelerated cognitive decline and decreased risk of dementia. Future studies with more measurement waves are warranted to validate these findings.