The Association between Novel Anthropometric Indices and Cognitive Function in Iranian Older Adults: Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) Program

Background Novel anthropometric indices such as the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) have been proposed as simple markers of insulin resistance, a key risk factor for cognitive decline. This study aimed to investigate the associations between TyG, VAI, and LAP and cognitive function in Iranian older adults using data from the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program. Methods This cross-sectional analysis used data from 2,426 participants aged ≥ 60 in the Bushehr Elderly Health program. Cognitive function was assessed using functional assessment staging test (FAST), Mini-Cog, and category fluency test (CFT) questionnaires. Anthropometric indices (TyG, VAI, LAP) were calculated from clinical and laboratory measurements. Logistic regression, adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical confounders, examined associations with cognitive impairment. Results Among participants (mean age: 65.34 ± 6.40 years, 52% female), cognitive impairment was identified in 63.9% (55.0% of males, 72.1% of females). In males, higher VAI was associated with impairment in the FAST test [ Odds ratio (OR): 1.601, 95% CI: 1.164–2.203; P = 0.004)], while in females, VAI in the second quartile was linked to lower odds of impairment (OR = 0.583, 95% CI: 0.341–0.997, p = 0.049). No consistent associations were observed for TyG or LAP across cognitive tests. Conclusions Although some sex- and test-specific associations were observed, particularly with VAI, these findings highlight the complex and multifactorial interplay between metabolic health and cognitive function. This implies that factors beyond insulin resistance may contribute. Further longitudinal research is needed to clarify these relationships.