Body Mass Index and subjective cognitive decline among cancer survivors in the US: a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative survey.

OBJECTIVE

Despite the strong evidence suggesting significant relationships between Body Mass Index (BMI) and cognitive functioning in the general population, there is a dearth of research on this potential association in the cancer survivor sub-population. Therefore, utilizing a nationally representative sample, the current study seeks to examine the cross-sectional association between BMI and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in adult cancer survivors in the US.

METHODS

The 2020, 2021, and 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys were used for the analysis. Logistic regression was performed to examine the odds of SCD in a sample of 20,739 cancer survivors, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, level of education, employment status, general health status, and cigarette smoking status. All analyses were weighted to account for the complex study design and to produce nationally representative population estimates.

RESULTS

The prevalence of SCD among cancer survivors in this study was approximately 15%. Significant associations between BMI and SCD were found; compared to cancer survivors with normal weight, the odds of experiencing SCD were significantly greater for those with overweight (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.49) and obesity (AOR  1.24, 95%CI 1.02-1.51).

CONCLUSION

Among cancer survivors in this study, unhealthy weight is associated with a higher risk of subjective cognitive decline. Underscoring the need for evidence-based interventions that support the cognitive health of adult cancer survivors, with a focus on those with unhealthy weight.