Key result
Better cognitive and executive function are linked to lower mortality in systolic heart failure.
Why the study?
Although global cognitive function predicts prognosis in heart failure, which specific domains of cognitive function are most relevant for prognosis remains unclear.
Cohort (n=325)
Specific cognitive domains may refine mortality risk stratification in HF; leaves open targeted interventions pending prospective validation.
BACKGROUND: The prevalence and impact of cognitive impairment in heart failure is increasingly recognized. Converging evidence points to global cognitive function as predictive of prognosis in adults with heart failure when assessed with screening tools. Additional work is needed to understand which domains of cognitive function are most relevant for prognosis. AIMS: The present study sought to examine associations between domains of cognitive function and mortality risk in adults with heart failure. METHODS: In the present prospective, observational cohort study, global cognitive function, attention, executive function, and memory were assessed by means of a comprehensive neuropsychogical battery in adults with systolic heart failure. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index (median follow-up 2.95 years). Relationships among each cognitive domain and mortality were assessed with Cox regression. Covariates included age, sex, heart failure severity, comorbidity and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Participants were 325 patients with systolic heart failure with a mean age of 68.6 years (59% men, 73% Caucasian). Following covariate adjustment, better global cognitive function, attention, and executive function were related to decreased mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS: Future research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of the association between cognitive impairment and mortality.
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Gathright et al. (2019) conducted a cohort in systolic heart failure (n=325). Cognitive function domains (global, attention, executive function, memory) was evaluated on mortality. Better global cognitive function, attention, and executive function were associated with decreased mortality risk in adults with systolic heart failure.