Key result
Higher NT-proBNP is linked to ~32% higher dementia risk per log increase.
Why the study?
Although the heart-brain connection is increasingly recognized, few meta-analyses have systematically quantified whether circulating cardiac biomarkers independently predict cognitive decline and incident dementia.
Do elevated circulating cardiac biomarkers (NT-proBNP, troponin, GDF-15) predict cognitive decline and incident dementia in prospective cohorts?
Meta-Analysis (n=78,432)
Yes
Do elevated circulating cardiac biomarkers (NT-proBNP, troponin, GDF-15) predict cognitive decline and incident dementia in prospective cohorts?
Elevated NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT independently predict incident dementia and cognitive decline, supporting the potential use of cardiac biomarkers for brain health risk stratification.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Cardiac biomarkers may identify higher dementia risk in practice; leaves open whether measurement improves prevention or risk stratification in trials.
Introduction: The heart-brain connection is increasingly recognized, yet few meta-analyses have systematically quantified how cardiac biomarkers predict cognitive outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes available evidence to determine whether circulating cardiac biomarkers independently predict cognitive decline and incident dementia, addressing a critical gap in cardiovascular brain health research. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane (inception-June 2026) for prospective studies examining cardiac biomarkers (e.g., NT-proBNP, troponin) and cognitive decline or incident dementia. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed bias (QUIPS tool). Random-effects meta-analyses pooled hazard ratios using Stata 18.0. Results: We screened 1,847 citations; 18 prospective studies (78,432 participants; 8,214 incident dementia cases; mean follow-up 8.3 years) met inclusion criteria. Twelve studies reported NT-proBNP (n = 54,126), nine reported hs-cTnT/hs-cTnI (n = 43,897), and four reported GDF-15 (n = 12,405). Meta-analysis showed higher NT-proBNP associated with incident dementia (pooled adjusted HR per log increase: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.21-1.44; p < 0.001; I 2 = 62%; τ 2 = 0.031) and cognitive decline (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.18-1.39; p < 0.001; I 2 = 58%). For hs-cTnT, dementia HR was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.09-1.28; p < 0.001; I 2 = 41%); for hs-cTnI, HR was 1.09 (95% CI: 0.98-1.21; p = 0.11; I 2 = 29%). Excluding four high-bias studies (n = 12,847) yielded similar NT-proBNP HR: 1.28 (95% CI: 1.17-1.40). In subgroups, associations were stronger among CVD-prevalent cohorts (HR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.29-1.63) vs community-based (HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.12-1.31). Publication bias was suggested for NT-proBNP (Egger’s p = 0.04). GDF-15 was not significant (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.95-1.20; I 2 = 33%). Conclusion: Elevated NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT independently predict dementia and cognitive decline, positioning cardiac biomarkers as promising tools for heart-brain risk stratification. These findings strengthen the cardiovascular contribution to brain aging. GDF-15 was not significant. Routine incorporation of such biomarkers into clinical practice could enable earlier dementia risk detection.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Murugavel et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Cognitive decline and incident dementia (n=78,432). Circulating cardiac biomarkers (NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT, hs-cTnI, GDF-15) vs. Lower biomarker levels (per log increase) was evaluated on Incident dementia (associated with higher NT-proBNP per log increase) (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21-1.44, p=<0.001). Higher NT-proBNP (HR 1.32; 95% CI 1.21-1.44; p<0.001) and hs-cTnT (HR 1.18; 95% CI 1.09-1.28; p<0.001) significantly predicted incident dementia.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: