Age at menopause relates to later‐life hippocampal volume in an APOE4‐specific manner

This study was based on a prospective cohort of university staff in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (the Estudo Pró-Saúde). In this article the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) earlier and later in life and age at menopause is investigated. The main indicators investigated were for earlier SEP: mother's and father's schooling; stature; leg and trunk length. For later SEP they were: schooling; home and/or car ownership. Median age at menopause was estimated and survival curves were generated by the Kaplan–Meier method, while the association between indicators of SEP and age at menopause was explored by means of Cox semiparametric models. Associations were found between earlier SEP – represented by trunk length – and earlier menopause and between later SEP – represented by the indicator ‘present schooling’ – and earlier menopause. The association between earlier and later SEP was confirmed. Adverse situations over the life course can impact age at menopause and related health outcomes.

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Abstract P219: Association Of Age At Menopause And Reproductive Years With Arterial Stiffness And Its 5-year Change: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities - Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS)

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.143.suppl_1.p219 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Shantal Jayawickreme ◽

Alison N Bonner ◽

Angela M Malek ◽

Catherine J Vladutiu ◽

Clare Oliver-Williams ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Arterial Stiffness ◽

Later Life ◽

Early Age ◽

Bilateral Oophorectomy ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

Natural Menopause ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽

Age At Menopause ◽

Surgical Menopause

Introduction: Early age at menopause is posited to increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, studies examining the association with arterial stiffness, a predictor of CVD, are inconsistent and cross-sectional. Hypothesis: Earlier age at menopause and shorter reproductive years in women are associated with higher arterial stiffness and greater 5-year change at later life. Methods: We included 1,084 women in ARIC-NCS (mean 74 years at visit 5) with measures of arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV)) at visit 5 (2011-13) and visit 6 or 7 (2016-19). At visits 1-4, women self-reported age at first menses, age at menopause, and hysterectomy with and without bilateral oophorectomy. We defined menopause type as natural, surgical, and unknown, which included women with a hysterectomy, but unknown ovarian status. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate associations of age at menopause, early age at menopause (<45 years vs. ≥45 years), and reproductive years (age at menopause - age at first menses) with visit 5 cfPWV and cfPWV change between visit 5 and 6 or 7, adjusting for demographics and cardiometabolic risk factors. Results: The average age at menopause was 46.2 years, and 319 (29.4%) women had early age at menopause. No statistically significant associations were observed for age at menopause and reproductive years with either visit 5 cfPWV or cfPWV change. However, the associations with cfPWV change differed by menopause type (Table). Age at menopause and reproductive years were inversely associated with cfPWV change in women with natural menopause but were positively associated with cfPWV change in women with surgical menopause. Conclusion: At later life, age at menopause and reproductive years are not strongly associated with arterial stiffness, although the change in arterial stiffness differs by menopause type. Longitudinal arterial stiffness measures among women at mid-life is needed to understand the effect of natural versus surgical menopause on arterial stiffness.

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Imprinting methylation predicts hippocampal volumes and hyperintensities and the change with age in later life

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-78062-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marlene Lorgen-Ritchie ◽

Alison D. Murray ◽

Roger Staff ◽

Anne C. Ferguson-Smith ◽

Marcus Richards ◽

...

Keyword(s):

White Matter ◽

Multiple Testing ◽

Grey Matter ◽

Later Life ◽

Brain Structures ◽

Amplicon Sequencing ◽

Hippocampal Volume ◽

Cognitive Outcomes ◽

Permutation Methods ◽

And Function

AbstractEpigenetic imprinting is important for neurogenesis and brain function. Hippocampal volumes and brain hyperintensities in late life have been associated with early life circumstances. Epigenetic imprinting may underpin these associations. Methylation was measured at 982 sites in 13 imprinted locations in blood samples from a longitudinal cohort by bisulphite amplicon sequencing. Hippocampal volumes and hyperintensities were determined at age 64y and 72y using MRI. Hyperintensities were determined in white matter, grey matter and infratentorial regions. Permutation methods were used to adjust for multiple testing. At 64y, H19/IGF2 and NESPAS methylation predicted hippocampal volumes. PEG3 predicted hyperintensities in hippocampal grey matter, and white matter. GNASXL predicted grey matter hyperintensities. Changes with age were predicted for hippocampal volume (MEST1, KvDMR, L3MBTL, GNASXL), white matter (MEST1, PEG3) and hippocampal grey matter hyperintensities (MCTS2, GNASXL, NESPAS, L3MBTL, MCTS2, SNRPN, MEST1). Including childhood cognitive ability, years in education, or socioeconomic status as additional explanatory variables in regression analyses did not change the overall findings. Imprinting methylation in multiple genes predicts brain structures, and their change over time. These findings are potentially relevant to the development of novel tests of brain structure and function across the life-course, strategies to improve cognitive outcomes, and our understanding of early influences on brain development and function.

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Investigating the Relationship Between IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP-3 Concentrations and Later-Life Cognition and Brain Volume

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/clinem/dgab121 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Antoine Salzmann ◽

Sarah-Naomi James ◽

Dylan M Williams ◽

Marcus Richards ◽

Dorina Cadar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Processing Speed ◽

Brain Volume ◽

Later Life ◽

Hippocampal Volume ◽

White Matter Hyperintensity ◽

Molar Ratio ◽

Cognitive State ◽

Igf I ◽

Using Data ◽

Igfbp 3

Abstract Background The insulin/insulin-like signaling (IIS) pathways, including insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), vary with age. However, their association with late-life cognition and neuroimaging parameters is not well characterized. Methods Using data from the British 1946 birth cohort, we investigated associations of IGF-I, IGF-II and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3; measured at 53 and 60-64 years of age) with cognitive performance [word-learning test (WLT) and visual letter search (VLS) at 60-64 years and 69 years of age] and cognitive state [Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Exam III (ACE-III) at 69-71 years of age], and in a proportion, quantified neuroimaging measures [whole brain volume (WBV), white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), hippocampal volume (HV)]. Regression models included adjustments for demographic, lifestyle, and health factors. Results Higher IGF-I and IGF-II at 53 years of age was associated with higher ACE-III scores [ß 0.07 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.02, 0.12); scoreACE-III 89.48 (88.86, 90.1), respectively). IGF-II at 53 years of age was additionally associated with higher WLT scores [scoreWLT 20 (19.35, 20.65)]. IGFBP-3 at 60 to 64 years of age was associated with favorable VLS score at 60 to 64 and 69 years of age [ß 0.07 (0.01, 0.12); ß 0.07 (0.02, 0.12), respectively], higher memory and cognitive state at 69 years of age [ß 0.07 (0.01, 0.12); ß 0.07 (0.01, 0.13), respectively], and reduced WMHV [ß −0.1 (−0.21, −0.00)]. IGF-I/IGFBP-3 at 60 to 64 years of was associated with lower VLS scores at 69 years of age [ß −0.08 (−0.15, −0.02)]. Conclusions Increased measure in IIS parameters (IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP-3) relate to better cognitive state in later life. There were apparent associations with specific cognitive domains (IGF-II relating to memory; IGFBP-3 relating to memory, processing speed, and WMHV; and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratio related to slower processing speed). IGFs and IGFBP-3 are associated with favorable cognitive function outcomes.

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Abstract P271: Women’s Reproductive History and Peripheral Arterial Disease in Late Life: The San Diego Population Study

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.137.suppl_1.p271 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Yamnia I Cortes ◽

Nisha Parikh ◽

Matthew A Allison ◽

Michael H Criqui ◽

Natalie Suder ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oral Contraceptive ◽

Population Study ◽

San Diego ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Reproductive Factors ◽

Later Life ◽

Reproductive History ◽

Age At Menopause ◽

Oral Contraceptive Use ◽

Surgical Menopause

Background: Total population burden of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is higher for women than men age ≥40 years. Reproductive factors (e.g., early menarche, parity, early menopause) have been linked with later-life cardiovascular risk in women, but whether they influence PAD has been understudied. Objective: To evaluate associations between reproductive factors with later-life ankle-brachial index (ABI), femoral artery intima-media thickness (fIMT), and femoral plaques. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 707 multiethnic women who participated in a follow-up exam of the San Diego Population Study conducted in 2007-2011. Reproductive exposures included age at menarche, number of live births, age at menopause, surgical menopause, and history of oral contraceptive use. Dependent variables were ABI and Doppler ultrasound measurements of common fIMT and any femoral plaque presence. We performed multiple linear and logistic regression adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and cardiometabolic factors. Since 30% (n=201) of women reported surgical menopause, we tested for interactions with reproductive factors and stratified by menopause type (natural vs. surgical). Results: Women were on average 70.6 years old (SD=9.6) and 56% were White. There were no significant associations in the overall sample after adjusting for covariates. We found interactions between surgical menopause and oral contraceptive use (p=0.03) for ABI, and with parity (p=0.05) and age at menopause (p=0.05) for fIMT. Among women with natural menopause, oral contraceptive use was associated with higher ABI (β:0.03, p=0.007) and older age at menopause was related to greater fIMT (β:0.009, p=0.06) ( Table 1 ). Among women with surgical menopause, parity (0 vs. 2) was marginally associated with greater fIMT (β:0.33, p=0.07). Conclusions: Findings suggest that reproductive history may be associated with later-life development of PAD in women. Studies are necessary to confirm findings and examine pregnancy-related exposures in relation to PAD.

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Investigating the relationship between IGF-I, -II and IGFBP-3 concentrations and later-life cognition and brain volume

10.1101/2020.10.09.20209833 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Antoine Salzmann ◽

Sarah-Naomi James ◽

Dylan M. Williams ◽

Marcus Richards ◽

Dorina Cadar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Processing Speed ◽

Brain Volume ◽

Later Life ◽

Hippocampal Volume ◽

White Matter Hyperintensity ◽

Molar Ratio ◽

Cognitive State ◽

Igf I ◽

Using Data ◽

Igfbp 3

AbstractBackgroundThe insulin/insulin-like signalling (IIS) pathways, including Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs), varies with age. However, their association with late-life cognition and neuroimaging parameters is not well characterised.MethodsUsing data from the British 1946 birth cohort we investigated associations of IGF-I, -II and IGFBP-3 (measured at 53 and 60-64 years) with cognitive performance (word learning test (WLT) and visual letter search (VLS) – at 60-64y and 69y) and cognitive state (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Exam-III (ACE-III) - at 69-71y), and in a proportion, quantified neuroimaging measures (whole brain volume (WBV); white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV); hippocampal volume (HV)). Regression models included adjustments for demographic, lifestyle and health factors.ResultsHigher IGF-I and IGF-II at 53y was associated with higher ACE-III scores (ß 0.07 95%CI [0.02,0.12]; scoreACE-III 89.48 [88.86,90.1], respectively). IGF-II at age 53y was additionally associated with higher WLT scores (scoreWLT 20 [19.35,20.65]). IGFBP-3 at 60-64y was associated with favourable VLS score at 60-64y and 69y (ß 0.07 [0.01,0.12]; ß 0.07 [0.02,0.12], respectively), higher memory and cognitive state at 69y (ß 0.07 [0.01,0.12]; ß 0.07 [0.01,0.13], respectively) and reduced WMHV (ß −0.1, [-0.21,-0.00]). IGF-I/IGFBP-3 at 60-64y was associated with slower VLS scores at 69y (ß −0.08, [-0.15,-0.02]).ConclusionsIncreased measure in IIS parameters (IGF-I, -II and IGFBP-3) relate to better cognitive state in later life. Furthermore, there were apparent associations with specific cognitive domains (IGF-II relating to memory; IGFBP-3 to memory, processing speed and WMHV; and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratio with slower processing speed). IGFs and IGFBP-3 are associated with favourable cognitive function outcomes.

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Annie Jamieson, Sarah Harper and Christina Victor (eds.), Critical Approaches to Ageing and Later Life, Milton Keynes: Open University Press, 1997, £45.00 (paperback £14.99), x+195 pp. (ISBN 0-33519-725-6).

Sociology ◽

10.1017/s0038038598290134 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 613-637

Author(s):

GERALDINE LEE-TREWEEK

Keyword(s):

Later Life ◽

Open University ◽

Critical Approaches ◽

Milton Keynes

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Current Strategies in the Management of Spinal Metastatic Disease

Swiss Surgery ◽

10.1024/1023-9332.9.2.55 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 55-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Bartanusz ◽

Porchet

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Cord Compression ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Surgical Approaches ◽

Spinal Stabilization ◽

Management Algorithm ◽

Specific Manner ◽

Extensive Surgery ◽

Selection Of

The treatment of metastatic spinal cord compression is complex. The three treatment modalities that are currently applied (in a histologically non-specific manner) are surgery, radiotherapy and the administration of steroids. The development of new spinal instrumentations and surgical approaches considerably changed the extent of therapeutic options in this field. These new surgical techniques have made it possible to resect these tumours totally, with subsequent vertebral reconstruction and spinal stabilization. In this respect, it is important to clearly identify those patients who can benefit from such an extensive surgery. We present our management algorithm to help select patients for surgery and at the same time identifying those for whom primary non-surgical therapy would be indicated. The retrospective review of surgically treated patients in our department in the last four years reveals a meagre application of conventional guidelines for the selection of the appropriate operative approach in the surgical management of these patients. The reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.

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Leisure Activities and the Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults in Croatia

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000179 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 31-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ljiljana Kaliterna Lipovčan ◽

Tihana Brkljačić ◽

Zvjezdana Prizmić Larsen ◽

Andreja Brajša-Žganec ◽

Renata Franc

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Leisure Activity ◽

Later Life ◽

Perceived Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Financial Status

Abstract. Research shows that engagement in leisure activities promotes well-being among older adults. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between subjective well-being (flourishing) and leisure activities (total number of different activities in the previous year) in a sample of older adults in Croatia, thereby considering the variables of sex, marital status, financial status, and self-perceived health. The differences in the examined variables between the groups of older adults who reported to be engaged in new activities with those who did not were also examined. The sample of N = 169 older adults aged 60 years and above was drawn from a convenience sample of adult internet users in Croatia. Participants reported their self-perceived health and the number of leisure activities they engaged in over the previous year as well as completing the Flourishing Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that older adults who were engaged in more various leisure activities, who perceived better financial status, and who were married reported higher levels of flourishing. A comparison of the two groups of older adults with and without engagement in leisure activities showed that those engaged in at least one leisure activity were more likely to be women, reported higher levels of flourishing, and perceived their own financial status as better. This study indicated that engaging in leisure activities in later life might provide beneficial effects for the well-being of older adults.

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Images of Aging in the Psychotherapeutic Context

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000129 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 47-55 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Eva-Marie Kessler ◽

Catherine E. Bowen

Keyword(s):

Old Age ◽

Diagnostic Tests ◽

Aging Process ◽

Developmental Psychology ◽

Mental Representations ◽

Later Life ◽

Future Research ◽

Psychotherapeutic Process ◽

Images Of Aging ◽

Client Communication

Both psychotherapists and their clients have mental representations of old age and the aging process. In this conceptual review, we draw on available research from gerontology, social and developmental psychology, and communication science to consider how these “images of aging” may affect the psychotherapeutic process with older clients. On the basis of selected empirical findings we hypothesize that such images may affect the pathways to psychotherapy in later life, therapist-client communication, client performance on diagnostic tests as well as how therapists select and apply a therapeutic method. We posit that interventions to help both older clients and therapists to reflect on their own images of aging may increase the likelihood of successful treatment. We conclude by making suggestions for future research.

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