Systemic inflammation in midlife is associated with late-life functional limitations: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Functional limitations seriously affect the quality of life of individuals. Systemic inflammation generally coexists with functional limitations. This study aims to investigate the association between systemic inflammation in midlife and the risk of functional limitations in late-life. Methods and Results A total of 10,044 participants were included in a cohort study, with an average age of 53.9 ± 5.7 years at baseline. After a median follow-up time of 9.0 years, the prevalence of impaired activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and lower limb function (LEF) was 14.7%, 21.6%, and 50.3%, respectively. The values of four inflammatory biomarkers were used to calculate the state of inflammation composite score. Compared with the lowest quartile of the inflammation composite score, the highest quartile exhibited odds of impaired ADLs (OR = 1.589, 95% CI: 1.335–1.892), impaired IADLs (OR = 1.426, 95% CI: 1.228–1.657), and impaired LEF (OR = 1.728, 95% CI: 1.526–1.957). The association between systemic inflammation and functional limitations was partly mediated by cardiac and brain functions. Conclusion The present study showed that systemic inflammation in midlife was associated with a higher risk of late-life functional limitations. Protecting vital organ functions in midlife may reduce the risk of future functional limitations. Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00005131.