Abstract 47: Subclinical Atherosclerosis and 20-Year Cognitive Decline: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Neurocognitive Study

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk factors are reportedly predictive of cognitive decline and dementia but the association between the extent and severity of subclinical atherosclerosis with cognitive decline remains understudied. Hypothesis: The systemic burden of atherosclerosis measured non-invasively is associated with the rate of decline in domain-specific (memory, executive function and language) and global cognition from mid-life to late life. Methods: Members of the ARIC cohort (N=12313; 58% women, 24% African American (AA), 76% white) aged 46-70 years at their 1990-1992 examination were followed through 2011-2013. Participants with prevalent stroke, myocardial infarction or coronary heart disease were excluded. Atherosclerosis at baseline (n=5217) was assessed by carotid artery b-mode ultrasound (presence and number of plaques, bilaterally) and by ankle-brachial index u003c0.9 measured with an oscillometric device. Tests of memory (Delayed Word Recall Test), executive function (Digit Symbol Substituti...