A - 94 Comparing Framingham Risk Score and Cognitive Performance in a Black/African American Cohort

Abstract Objective Past research indicates that higher Framingham Cardiovascular Disease Risk Scores (FCVDRS) is associated with decreased cognitive function. Cardiovascular risk factors are strongly associated with cognitive decline, and previous research shows that individuals with a greater number of risk factors have increased levels of cognitive impairment that may manifest well in advance before apparent clinical symptoms. Despite a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Black/African Americans (B/AA), research on FCVDRS in this group is lacking. This study explores potential links between FCVDRS and cognitive function in B/AA older adults. Method 76 B/AA’s (37 female) from a Registry for African American Older Adults at the University of Miami were studied. Data on Framingham Hard Coronary Heart Disease (10-year-risk) and demographic variables were collected. FCVDRS was categorized as low (20%). Cognitive performance was assessed across multiple measures. Results There were statistically significant correlations between FCVDRS and performance on 9 of 17 measures of cognition. Specifically, results showed high-risk FCVDRS scores were related to poor performance on measures of general cognition, structured and unstructured verbal memory, processing speed, working memory, phonemic fluency, and visuo-constructional tests. Conclusion Previous studies have shown that FCVDRS could be a predictive tool for cognitive decline. However, most research has focused on non-Hispanic White subjects with a higher socioeconomic status. Understanding the association between FCVDRS and cognition across various ethnic groups can inform screening protocols for heterogeneous populations. This study adds to the limited literature on the relationship between FCVDRS and cognition in underserved communities.