Abstract
Background
While increased water intake is frequently recommended for the prevention of brain infarction, there is limited evidence available on this topic. This study aimed to investigate the association between non-alcoholic fluid (NAD) intake and the prevalence of brain infarction in community-dwelling older adults.
Methods
This study was conducted as a sub-analysis of a longitudinal cohort study of community-dwelling healthy adults, the KOBE study. From the participants in the 2016–2017 survey (n = 1013), we included 120 individuals who underwent brain MRI in 2021–2023; men/women: 55/65, aged ≥ 75 years. We identified the lower segment of NAD intake based on the lowest tertile of the cohort distribution. Logistic regression models were then used to examine the association between this threshold and MRI-defined brain infarction.
Results
The mean age at the time of MRI was 78.5 ± 2.2 years. Brain infarction was identified in 18 participants (15.0%). The lower-third boundary of daily NAD intake within the cohort distribution was found to be approximately 1,300 ml/day. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower NAD intake was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of MRI-defined brain infarction (odds ratio (OR) = 5.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-20.86; p = 0.024), after adjusting for age, sex, survey season, water intake awareness, smoking history, drinking history, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, hematocrit, and serum osmolality.
Conclusions
Although this preliminary study is limited by its small sample size and cross-sectional assessment of water intake at a single time point, our findings suggest that even temporary periods of insufficient hydration during late adulthood may be associated with an increased risk of brain infarction. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the long-term impact of fluid consumption habits.
Key messages
• This preliminary study suggests lower non-alcoholic drink intake habits may be associated with brain ischemic changes in the elderly
• Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the long-term impact of fluid consumption habits.