Body mass, blood pressure, and cognitive functioning among octogenarians and centenarians

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the association among body mass, blood pressure (BP), and cognitive functioning for octogenarians and centenarians. Methods: A total of 300 participants (221 centenarians and 79 octogenarians) from the Georgia Centenarian Study were included in this study. Demographic variables included age, gender, and ethnicity. Body mass was measured with the body mass index (BMI), and systolic and diastolic BP, as well as mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) were assessed. Results: Results showed age differences indicating that centenarians had lower BMI and MMSE scores when compared to octogenarians. Women had lower cognitive functioning scores compared to men. Black Americans had higher BMI and BP as well as lower MMSE scores. Participants with low BMI values (< 18.5 kg/m2) and normal BP had a significantly lower MMSE score when compared to those with elevated BMI values (≥ 25 kg/m2 to < 30 kg/m2) and high BP. Multiple regression analyses determined that age, gender, ethnicity, and BMI were significantly associated with cognitive function in very late life. Conclusions: The results suggest that extreme values of body mass (low and high) in combination with normal BP (< 130 mmHg) are potential risk factors for compromised cognition.