Neurocognitive profiles are associated with subsequent brain integrity in a sample of Hispanics/Latinos: Findings from the SOL‐INCA‐MRI study (HCHS/SOL)

Abstract

Abstract The Hispanic/Latino population is one of the largest and most diverse ethnoracial groups in the United States at high risk for dementia. We examined cognitive constructs and associations with subsequent hippocampal volume (HV) and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV). Participants were from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos–Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study (n = 2029). We examined confirmatory factor analysis and longitudinal invariance using neurocognitive scores at Visits 1 (2008–2011) and 2 (2014–2018) and path analyses. We obtained a longitudinally invariant two‐factor episodic memory (EM) and working memory (WM) construct. Lower EM profile at both visits was associated with greater WMHV and smaller HV at Visit 2. Lower WM profile at both visits was associated with larger WMHV and smaller HV at Visit 2. Neurocognitive profiles were associated with subsequent neurodegeneration in a sample of Hispanics/Latinos. Identifying neurocognitive risk profiles may lead to early detection and intervention, and significantly impact the course of neurodegeneration. Highlights Cognitive profiles predict brain integrity up to 10 years later. We observed two‐factor latent memory constructs and longitudinal invariance. These findings were observed in a Hispanic/Latino cohort.

Keywords

• aging
• cognition
• Hispanic
• Latino
• magnetic resonance imaging
• neurodegeneration