Cardiovascular Risk Burden Assessed by China-PAR Score and Its Link to Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Cardiovascular risk burden has been linked to cognitive impairment, yet evidence on the association between cardiovascular risk estimated using models developed specifically for the Chinese population and multidomain cognitive performance remains limited. This study examined the association between the China-PAR score and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Using cluster random sampling, 733 adults aged below 85 years from Tianjin, China, were included in this cross-sectional study. Ten-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk was estimated using the China-PAR model. Cognitive function was assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Revised in China (WAIS-RC), including FIQ, VIQ, PIQ, and 11 subtests. Multiple linear regression models evaluated associations between the China-PAR score and cognitive performance, adjusting for years of education, body mass index, and APOE ε 4 carrier status. Results Higher China-PAR scores were consistently associated with lower FIQ, VIQ, and PIQ. In the fully adjusted model, the higher China-PAR score was associated with lower FIQ, VIQ, and PIQ: FIQ, − 0.153 (− 0.226 to − 0.081), p < 0.001; VIQ, − 0.110 (− 0.174 to − 0.047), p = 0.001; PIQ, − 0.185 (− 0.270 to − 0.099), p < 0.001. Significant negative associations were also observed for Information, Comprehension, Arithmetic, Vocabulary, Digit Symbol, Picture Completion, Block Design, Picture Arrangement, and Object Assembly, but not for Similarities or Digit Span. Conclusions Higher China-PAR scores were associated with lower global and domain-specific cognitive performance in community-dwelling older adults. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings, establish causality, and clarify the underlying biological mechanisms and pathways.