Aim: A large body of evidence indicates that cardiovascular risk factors are related to neurodegenerative processes leading to cognitive decline and eventually dementia. The aim of this study was to investigate birth cohort differences in the effects of cardiovascular risk on cognitive performance and rate of cognitive change.

Method: We used data from three cohorts born in 1901-02, 1906-07, and 1930 measured at ages 70, 75, and 79 years on two fluid cognitive measures (i.e. spatial ability and logical reasoning). We used the Framingham Risk Score based on simple office-based non-laboratory predictors (age, systolic blood pressure, BMI, smoking and diabetes status) to calculate cardiovascular risk.

Findings: Estimates from multiple-group latent growth curve models (LGCM) revealed higher levels of cognitive performance but faster rate of decline in later born cohorts compared with earlier born cohorts. But most importantly, the results indicated no association between the Framingham risk score and cognitive performance or change.

Conclusion: Our findings suggests either no association between cardiovascular risk and cognition in old age, or  that the Framingham Risk Score, based on simple office-based non-laboratory predictors, may not be suitable for predicting cognitive functioning in old age.