Association of a novel nutritional index with cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults: a cross-sectional analysis from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Guotao Liu Jianyuan Zhang ^*

• Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China

The triglyceride-cholesterol-body weight index (TCBI), a novel and easily computable nutritional index, incorporates serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and body weight (BW). This study explored the association between TCBI and cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly Chinese populations.: This cross-sectional study employed data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) baseline survey, including 7,145 participants. TCBI was calculated as TG (mg/dL) × TC (mg/dL) × BW (kg) / 1000. Cognitive function was assessed based on mental status and episodic memory, with a total score below 11 indicating cognitive impairment. The relationship between TCBI and cognitive impairment was examined using multiple logistic regression, smooth curve fitting, and subgroup analyses.Results: After full adjustment, each 1-unit increase in log-transformed TCBI (Lg TCBI) was associated with a 29.7% reduction in cognitive impairment risk (odds ratio[OR] = 0.703, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.529-0.933; p = 0.015). When Lg TCBI was categorized into quartiles, the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups exhibited a reduced risk of cognitive impairment by 19.9%, 16.3%, and 22.9%, respectively (p for trend = 0.043), compared to the Q1 group. Smooth curve fitting revealed a consistent decrease in cognitive impairment risk with higher Lg TCBI levels. Subgroup analysis indicated that the association was stronger among participants aged ≥ 60 years (OR = 0.655, 95%CI: 0.438-0.979), non-current drinkers (OR = 0.643, 95%CI: 0.451-0.917), and those who engaged in socializing (OR = 0.568, 95%CI: 0.371-0.871).TCBI was significantly and negatively associated with cognitive impairment in Chinese middle-aged and elderly individuals, with the effect more pronounced in those aged ≥ 60 years, non-current drinkers, and socially active participants.