Abstract
Aims: We aimed to assess the associations of sarcopenia and cognitive function decline (CFD) with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in the Elderly. Methods: A total of 4,562 subjects aged ≥60 (n=4562) participating in the Third National Health and Nutritional Health Survey was analyzed prospectively, with baseline measures in 1988–1994 and followed by December 31, 201. Sarcopenia was classified using a bioelectrical impedance formula validated by magnetic resonance imaging-measured skeletal mass. A standard short cognitive function index (SICF) was constructed to classify CFD. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 4.9%, 8.6%, and 14.3% in those aged 60–69, 70–79, and ≥80 (p<.0001), and the prevalence of CFD was 8.6%, 10.2%, and 15.5% in the corresponding age groups (p<.0001). Within a 12.4-year (ranged 0.1 to 23 yrs.) follow-up, 1164 died from CVD (25.5%) and 3390 from all-causes (74.3%). After adjustment for key covariates, the hazards ratios (HR, 95%CI) of sarcopenia and CFD for the risks of CVD mortality were 1.34 (1.06–1.70, p=0.02), and 1.45 (1.19–1.75, p<.001), and for the risk of all-causes were 1.07 (0.94–1.22, p=0.34), and 1.23 (1.10–1.37, p<.001). After a further adjustment for baseline CVD, it did not significantly change the associations between the two risk factors and the outcomes of interest. Significant interaction effects of ageing and CFD on CVD were observed (p=0.03), but did not observe on all-cause mortality (p=0.71). In conclusion, patients with sarcopenia and/or CFD significantly predict the risk of CVD mortality and all-cause mortality. These associations are modified by ageing.