Mapping the hematopoietic-brain axis: longitudinal association between clonal hematopoiesis and cognitive function.

  Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is an age-related process linked to inflammation, vascular disease, and 
frailty, all of which may influence cognitive decline, yet human evidence remains limited and inconsistent. 
We aim to investigate longitudinal associations between CH and domain-specific cognitive trajectories 
in older adults. In Lifelines participants aged ≥60, CH (presence, acquisition, expansion, mutation type) 
will be repeatedly assessed alongside multidomain cognitive tests. Using longitudinal analyses, we will 
examine whether CH dynamics precede cognitive decline, preservation, or protection, while accounting 
for frailty, multimorbidity, and quality of life, and exploring heterogeneity by mutation characteristics.