Associations of the Lifestyle for Brain Health (LIBRA) index with cognitive functioning throughout maturity: Variation by intercourse and socioeconomic standing within the German National Cohort (NAKO)

Alzheimers Dement. 2026 May;22(5):e71477. doi: 10.1002/alz.71477.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The Lifestyle for Brain Health (LIBRA) index evaluates modifiable dementia danger, primarily in midlife and older adults. We examined the frequency of LIBRA elements and their particular person and mixed associations with cognitive functioning throughout maturity (20-75 years), contemplating age, intercourse, and socioeconomic standing (SES).

METHODS: Data got here from the population-based German National Cohort (NAKO baseline; n = 149,948). We calculated proportions for LIBRA elements, examined frequency developments, and analyzed cross-sectional associations with cognitive functioning utilizing cluster-adjusted regression controlling for confounders.

RESULTS: Behavioral and psychosocial dangers (smoking, bodily inactivity, melancholy) had been extra widespread in youthful adults, whereas cardiovascular dangers (hypertension, coronary coronary heart illness, hypercholesterolemia) predominated in older age. Men had increased LIBRA scores. Higher scores had been constantly linked to decrease cognitive functioning and decrease SES throughout age teams.

DISCUSSION: Dementia danger elements had been frequent and already related to poorer cognition in youthful adults, underscoring the necessity for early, focused, and equity-oriented prevention.

PMID:42151737 | DOI:10.1002/alz.71477