Markers of left atrial cardiopathy and cognitive function trajectories in adults aged ≥45 years without atrial fibrillation: a population-based study

Introduction: The study aims to investigate associations between markers of atrial cardiopathy and cognitive function trajectories in adults without prior AF. Methods: The study included 4,486 participants from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Markers of atrial cardiopathy included atrial premature complexes and N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT pro-BNP). Cognitive status was measured using the Six-Item Screener (SIS). Cognitive status trajectories were identified using latent class growth models. Results: Three unique cognitive trajectories over the 8-year follow-up were identified: 86.7% showed a normal and stable trajectory of SIS score, 7.6% showed a progressively decreasing trajectory, and 5.7% showed a dramatic decreasing trajectory. Age, black participants, and antidepression drugs were significantly associated with the “dramatic decrease” trajectory. Elevated NT pro-BNP was significantly associated with the “dramatic decrease” trajectory. Discussion: Markers of left atrial cardiopathy may have significant implications for early diagnosis and prevention of cognitive impairment.