Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Biomarkers in the Prediction of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults—A Narrative Review

Background

Cognitive decline is a major health concern in older adults and results from a complex interaction between neurodegenerative, vascular, metabolic and inflammatory processes. Cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors may contribute to cognitive impairment through mechanisms including endothelial dysfunction, cerebral hypoperfusion, microvascular damage, oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation. Circulating biomarkers reflecting these processes may provide additional information regarding cognitive vulnerability in older adults. In this context, the present narrative review aims to summarize current evidence on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors and peripheral biomarkers associated with cognitive decline in older adults, with particular emphasis on their potential role in risk stratification and preventive strategies.