Association of ischemic heart disease with long‐term risk of cognitive decline and dementia: A cohort study

Abstract INTRODUCTION The independent and joint effect of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and coexisting atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) on dementia risk is largely unknown. METHODS This population‐based cohort study included 2568 dementia‐free participants (age ≥60 years) in SNAC‐K, who were regularly examined from 2001–2004 through 2013–2016. Dementia was diagnosed following the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM‐IV) criteria. Global cognitive function was assessed using a global cognitive composite z‐score derived from five cognitive domains. Data were analyzed using Cox, Fine‐Gray, and linear mixed‐effects models. RESULTS Overall, IHD at baseline was associated with multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.39 (95% confidence interval = 1.06−1.82) for dementia and multivariable‐adjusted β‐coefficient of −0.02 (−0.03 to −0.01) for annual changes in global cognitive z‐score, independent of AF, HF, and cerebrovascular disease. Coexisting AF or HF did not add further risk to dementia and cognitive decline. DISCUSSION IHD is independently associated with dementia and cognitive decline in older adults, whereas coexisting AF/HF is not associated with an increased risk. Highlights Is a history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) associated with a risk for dementia? How do coexisting heart diseases affect this association? IHD was an independent risk factor for dementia in older adults. This association was independent of coexisting heart and cerebrovascular diseases. The coexistence of heart diseases did not confer additional risk for dementia.