Language

English

Publication Date

7-1-2025

Journal

Alzheimer's & Dementia

DOI

10.1002/alz.70216

PMID

40667673

PMCID

PMC12265023

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

7-16-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Introduction: Validation of the primary cognitive composite and baseline cognitive characteristics are presented for the US-Study-to-Protect-Brain-Health-Through-Lifestyle-Intervention-to-Reduce-Risk (US POINTER).

Methods: US POINTER is a multicenter, randomized clinical trial of two lifestyle interventions testing cognitive benefit in older adults without significant cognitive impairment but at-risk for decline due to well-established factors. Cognition is measured using a global cognitive composite (US POINTER modified Neuropsychological Test Battery-PmNTB).

Results: The PmNTB is a valid cognitive composite, exhibiting good psychometric properties and tracking with other established outcomes. Among the 2111 enrolled participants (mean age = 68.2 years, 69% women, 31% from race and ethnic minoritized groups), demographic characteristics alone (age, sex, education, race, ethnicity) explained more variance in cognition measured using the PmNTB (25.94%) compared with cardiovascular and family history risk factors combined (added < 3% explained variance).

Discussion: In a large diverse older adult cohort, demographic features rather than well-established risks for cognitive decline correlate with baseline global cognition.

Clinical trial registration number: NCT03688126 HIGHLIGHTS: Demographic characteristics explain baseline cognition in at-risk older adults. The POINTER Modified Neuropsychological Test Battery (PmNTB) is a valid measure. Worse cognition tracks with E4+, high HbA1c, current smoking, Framingham heart risk.

Keywords

Humans, Female, Male, Aged, Neuropsychological Tests, Life Style, Cognition, Cognitive Dysfunction, United States, Risk Factors, Heart Disease Risk Factors, Middle Aged, Cardiovascular Diseases, Psychometrics, clinical trials, healthy aging, lifestyle interventions, risk factors

Published Open-Access

yes

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