Machine-learning-derived heart and brain age are independently associated with cognition

Abstract

Background and purpose: A heart age biomarker has been developed using deep neural networks applied to electrocardiograms. Whether this biomarker is associated with cognitive function was investigated.

Methods: Using 12-lead electrocardiograms, heart age was estimated for a population-based sample (N = 7779, age 40-85 years, 45.3% men). Associations between heart delta age (HDA) and cognitive test scores were studied adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, the relationship between HDA, brain delta age (BDA) and cognitive test scores was investigated in mediation analysis.

Results: Significant associations between HDA and the Word test, Digit Symbol Coding Test and tapping test scores were found. HDA was correlated with BDA (Pearson's r = 0.12, p = 0.0001). Moreover, 13% (95% confidence interval 3-36) of the HDA effect on the tapping test score was mediated through BDA.

Discussion: Heart delta age, representing the cumulative effects of life-long exposures, was associated with brain age. HDA was associated with cognitive function that was minimally explained through BDA.

Keywords: ECG; MRI; cognitive tests; deep neural networks; dementia.