Dietary patterns and trajectories of global and domain-specific cognitive decline in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

Abstract Healthy dietary patterns may protect against age-related cognitive decline but results of studies have been inconsistent and few have had extensive longitudinal follow-up with comprehensive cognitive testing. The aim of the present study was to determine associations of dietary patterns with trajectories of global and domain-specific cognitive change over a 12-year period. Data from 863 community-dwelling, dementia-free participants from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 study of ageing completed a food frequency questionnaire at baseline (aged 70) and underwent cognitive testing at baseline, age 73, 76, 79, and 82. Composite cognitive scores were constructed for four cognitive domains (visuospatial ability, processing speed, memory, and verbal ability) and global cognitive function. A Mediterranean-style pattern and a traditional pattern were derived using principal component analysis of self-reported dietary intakes. In fully-adjusted latent growth curve models, higher baseline adherence to the Mediterranean-style dietary pattern (β = 0.056, P = 0.009) and lower baseline adherence to the traditional dietary pattern (β = -0.087, P < 0.001) were cross-sectionally associated with better verbal ability. A slightly steeper decline in verbal ability over 12 years was observed in those with higher Mediterranean-style diet scores at baseline (β = -0.003, P = 0.008). All other associations were non-significant. Our findings in this well-characterised Scottish cohort indicate that adherence to a healthy Mediterranean-style diet is associated cross-sectionally with better verbal (crystallised) ability, with the converse being true for the traditional diet. A healthier baseline diet did not predict a reduced risk of global or domain-specific cognitive decline.

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Associations of Dietary Pattern and Sleep Duration with Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Seven-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-201329 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Xianwen Shang ◽

Allison M. Hodge ◽

Edward Hill ◽

Zhuoting Zhu ◽

Mingguang He

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Decline ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Dietary Pattern ◽

Positive Association ◽

Relative Increase ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Dietary Factors ◽

Z Score ◽

Nutrition Survey

Background: A few studies have linked dietary patterns and sleep to cognitive decline. Objective: To examine the independent and joint associations of dietary patterns and sleep with cognitive decline. Methods: Our analysis included 2,307 participants aged 55– 89 years at baseline from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Dietary intake was assessed using weighing methods in combination with 24 h dietary recalls for three consecutive days. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to identify major dietary factors. Cognition was assessed in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, and 2015. Results: Five dietary patterns were identified: dairy-fruits-fast foods, grains-vegetables-pork, plant-based food, beans-mushroom, and beverages-nuts patterns. Beans-mushroom pattern and sleep duration of 8 h/day were defined as healthy habits. There was a positive association between the beans-mushroom pattern and change in the global cognitive Z-score over seven years (β (95% CI) for quintile 5 versus quintile 1:0.17 (0.05, 0.30)). Compared to individuals with sleep duration of 8 h/day, those with sleep duration of≤5 h/day (β (95% CI): – 0.23 (– 0.45, – 0.00)) or > 10 h/day (– 0.52 (– 0.73, – 0.32)) had a greater decrease in global cognitive Z-score. Compared to individuals with no healthy patterns, those with a healthy dietary pattern only (β (95% CI): 0.18 (0.08, 0.28)), healthy sleep pattern only (0.13 (0.04, 0.23), and both healthy dietary and sleep patterns (0.19 (0.08, 0.31)) had a relative increase in global cognitive Z-score. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of involving both diet and sleep as intervention priorities for the potential prevention of cognitive decline.

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Dietary factors and biomarkers of systemic inflammation in older people: the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s000711451500210x ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 114 (7) ◽

pp. 1088-1098 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Janie Corley ◽

Janet A. M. Kyle ◽

John M. Starr ◽

Geraldine McNeill ◽

Ian J. Deary

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Birth Cohort ◽

Systemic Inflammation ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Dietary Pattern ◽

Dietary Factors ◽

Fruit Intake ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Food Components ◽

Lothian Birth Cohort

Epidemiological studies have reported inverse associations between various single healthy diet indices and lower levels of systemic inflammation, but rarely are they examined in the same sample. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential relationships between biomarkers of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen) and overall foods (dietary patterns), single foods (fruits and vegetables), and specific nutritive (antioxidants) and non-nutritive (flavonoids) food components in the same narrow-age cohort of older adults. The dietary intake of 792 participants aged 70 years from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 was assessed using a 168-item FFQ. Models were adjusted for age, sex, childhood cognitive ability, lifestyle factors and history of disease. Using logistic regression analyses, CRP (normal v. elevated) was favourably associated (at P< 0·05) with the ‘health-aware’ (low-fat) dietary pattern (unstandardised β = (0·200, OR 0·82, 95 % CI 0·68, 0·99) and fruit intake (unstandardised β = (0·100, OR 0·91, 95 % CI 0·82, 0·99), including flavonoid-rich apples (unstandardised β = (0·456, OR 0·63, 95 % CI 0·439, 0·946). Using linear regression analyses, fibrinogen (continuous) was inversely associated (at P< 0·05) with the Mediterranean dietary pattern (standardised β = (0·100), fruit intake (standardised β = (0·083), and combined fruit and vegetable intake (standardised β = (0·084). We observed no association between food components (antioxidant nutrients or specific flavonoid subclasses) and inflammatory markers. In the present cross-sectional study, nutrient-dense dietary patterns were associated with lower levels of systemic inflammation in older people. The results are consistent with dietary guidelines that promote a balanced diet based on a variety of plant-based foods.

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Supplemental Material for Brain White Matter Tract Integrity and Cognitive Abilities in Community-Dwelling Older People: The Lothian Birth Cohort, 1936

Neuropsychology ◽

10.1037/a0033354.supp ◽

2013 ◽

Keyword(s):

White Matter ◽

Older People ◽

Birth Cohort ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

White Matter Tract ◽

Brain White Matter ◽

Lothian Birth Cohort ◽

Community Dwelling Older People

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Abstract 22: Visit-to-Visit Variability in Blood Pressure is Related to Late-Life Cognitive Decline

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.131.suppl_1.22 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Bo Qin ◽

Anthony J Viera ◽

Linda S Adair ◽

Brenda L Plassman ◽

Lloyd J Edwards ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cognitive Testing ◽

Cognitive Test ◽

Nutrition Survey

Introduction: Recent studies suggest higher visit-to-visit variability of blood pressure (BP) is associated with worse cognitive function, but evidence based on longitudinal cognitive testing has not been reported. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that higher visit-to-visit variability in BP, but not mean BP, would be associated with faster decline in cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This prospective cohort study comprised 1213 adults who had two or more waves of BP measurements as part of the China Health and Nutrition Survey from 1991, up to their first cognitive tests, and completed a cognitive screening test at two or more waves in 1997, 2000 or 2004. Mean (SD) age at first cognitive test was 64 (6) y. Outcomes were repeated measures of global cognitive scores (baseline mean ± SD: 19 ± 6 points), standardized composite cognitive and verbal memory scores (standardized units [SU]). Visit-to visit BP variability was expressed as the standard deviation [SD] or as the variation independent of mean (SD/mean^x, with x derived from curve fitting) in BP measures obtained at a mean interval of 3.6 years. Multivariable-adjusted linear mixed-effects models were used to determine the association of changes in cognitive scores with visit-to visit BP variability. Results: Higher visit-to-visit variability in systolic BP, but not mean systolic BP, was associated with a faster decline of cognitive function (adjusted mean difference [95% CI] for high vs. low tertile of SD in variability (Figure): global score -0.23 points/y [-0.41 to -0.04], composite scores -0.029 SU/y [-0.056 to -0.002] and verbal memory -0.044 SU/y [-0.075 to -0.012]). Higher visit-to-visit variability in diastolic BP was associated with a faster decline of global cognitive function only among adults 55-64 years, independent of mean diastolic BP. Conclusion: Higher long-term BP visit-to-visit variability predicted a faster rate of cognitive decline among older adults.

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Serum cholesterol and cognitive functions: the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610214001197 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 439-453 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Janie Corley ◽

John M. Starr ◽

Ian J. Deary

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Ability ◽

Birth Cohort ◽

Old Age ◽

Serum Cholesterol ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Verbal Ability ◽

Older Age ◽

Lothian Birth Cohort ◽

Statin Use

ABSTRACTBackground:We examined the associations between serum cholesterol measures, statin use, and cognitive function measured in childhood and in old age. The possibility that lifelong (trait) cognitive ability accounts for any cross-sectional associations between cholesterol and cognitive performance in older age, seen in observational studies, has not been tested to date.Methods:Participants were 1,043 men and women from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 Study, most of whom had participated in a nationwide IQ-type test in childhood (Scottish Mental Survey of 1947), and were followed up at about age 70 years. Serum cholesterol measures included total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, and cholesterol:HDL cholesterol ratio. Cognitive outcome measures were age 70 IQ (using the same test as at age 11 years), general cognitive ability (g), processing speed, memory, and verbal ability.Results:Higher TC, higher HDL-C, and lower triglycerides were associated with higher age 70 cognitive scores in most cognitive domains. These relationships were no longer significant after covarying for childhood IQ, with the exception a markedly attenuated association between TC and processing speed, and triglycerides and age 70 IQ. In the fully adjusted model, all conventionally significant (p < 0.05) effects were removed. Childhood IQ predicted statin use in old age. Statin users had lower g, processing speed, and verbal ability scores at age 70 years after covarying for childhood IQ, but significance was lost after adjusting for TC levels.Conclusions:These results suggest that serum cholesterol and cognitive function are associated in older age via the lifelong stable trait of intelligence. Potential mechanisms, including lifestyle factors, are discussed.

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The Association Between Dietary Pattern Adherence, Cognitive Stimulating Lifestyle, and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults From the Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging

The Journals of Gerontology Series B ◽

10.1093/geronb/gbaa178 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Matthew D Parrott ◽

Pierre-Hugues Carmichael ◽

Danielle Laurin ◽

Carol E Greenwood ◽

Nicole D Anderson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Dietary Pattern ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Primary Effect ◽

Western Dietary Pattern ◽

Global Cognition

Abstract Objectives This study examined the effect of dietary patterns and engagement in cognitive stimulating lifestyle (CSL) behaviors on the trajectory of global cognition, executive function (EF), and verbal episodic memory (VEM). Methods Western and prudent dietary patterns were empirically derived using food frequency questionnaire responses from 350 community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 73.7 years) participating in the Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging. CSL was represented by a binary composite indicator based on education, occupational complexity, and social engagement. Global cognition, EF, and VEM were assessed prospectively. Results Primary effect models revealed an association between higher Western dietary pattern score and a greater rate of decline in global cognition and EF. Higher Western dietary pattern adherence was also associated with poorer baseline VEM. Primary effect models also revealed that CSL was independently associated with baseline global cognition and EF. Effect modification models suggested an interactive effect between Western dietary pattern and CLS on global cognition only. No associations were found for prudent dietary pattern score. Discussion Contributing to existing research supporting the negative impact of consuming an unhealthy diet on cognitive function, the current study suggests increased vulnerability among older adults who do not engage in a CSL. These findings can inform the development of lifestyle intervention programs that target brain health in later adulthood.

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Association between plasma phospho-tau181 and cognitive change from age 73 to 82: Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

10.1101/2021.11.24.469836 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tyler S Saunders ◽

Amanda Heslegrave ◽

Declan King ◽

Sarah Harris ◽

Craig W Ritchie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Decline ◽

Cognitive Change ◽

Synaptic Function ◽

Blood Biomarker ◽

Array Tomography ◽

Age Related ◽

Lothian Birth Cohort ◽

Synapse Degeneration ◽

Age Related Cognitive Decline ◽

The Brain

INTRODUCTION: Plasma phospho-tau 181 (p-tau181) is a promising blood biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. However, its predictive validity for age-related cognitive decline without dementia remains unclear. Several forms of p-tau have been shown to contribute to synapse degeneration, but it is unknown whether p-tau181 is present in synapses. Here, we tested whether plasma p-tau181predicts cognitive decline and whether it is present in synapses in human brain. METHODS: General cognitive ability and plasma p-tau181 concentration were measured in 195 participants at ages 72 and 82. Levels of p-tau181 in total homogenate and synaptic fractions were compared with western blot (n=10-12 per group), and synaptic localisation was examined using array tomography. RESULTS: Elevated baseline plasma p-tau181 and increasing p-tau181 over time predicted steeper general cognitive decline. We observe p-tau181 in neurites, presynapses, and post-synapses in the brain. DISCUSSION: Baseline and subsequent change in plasma p-tau181 may represent rare biomarkers of differences in cognitive ageing across the 8th decade of life and may play a role in synaptic function in the brain.

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Dual-task gait speed and mobility are positively associated with declarative memory

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3175 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 879-879

Author(s):

Michelle Gray ◽

Sally Paulson ◽

Joshua Gills ◽

Erica Madero ◽

Jennifer Myers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

Physical Function ◽

Sex Education ◽

Dual Task ◽

Declarative Memory ◽

Peak Velocity ◽

Paired Comparison ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cognitive Testing

Abstract In the US, it is not recommended to perform routine screening assessments for cognitive function or impairment among older adults, due to the lack of effective pharmacological treatments. These common practices result in delayed identification and treatments for slowing cognitive decline progression. Thus, the purpose of the present investigation was to determine the ability to predict cognition from common measures of physical function. Seventy-five community-dwelling older adults (80.7±5.4 years) completed physical function and cognitive assessments. Physical function was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), peak velocity during a power sit-to-stand task, and dual-task walking test. Cognition (declarative memory) was assessed using a validated Visual Paired Comparison test. 38% of the variance in cognition was accounted for by the predictor variables (age, sex, education, SPPB, dual-task, peak velocity). Significant predictors included dual-task walking (p = .03), SPPB (p = .02), and education (p = .02). For each 1 second faster during the dual-task performance, cognition increased by 4 percentile units. Likewise, each 1 unit increase in SPPB resulted in an increase of 4 percentile points in cognition. The results indicate more than a third of the variance in declarative memory can be predicted by commonly assessed measures of physical function. This information is useful when identifying older adults that may have cognitive impairment before overt signs are realized. With the lack of recommended cognitive testing, using physical function declines to identify possible cognitive decline is promising. These results are preliminary in nature and longitudinal determination is warranted.

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Plasma MCP-1 and changes on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults

Alzheimer s Research & Therapy ◽

10.1186/s13195-021-00940-2 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Juan Luis Sanchez-Sanchez ◽

Kelly V. Giudici ◽

Sophie Guyonnet ◽

Julien Delrieu ◽

Yan Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

Continuous Variable ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Clinical Dementia Rating ◽

Delayed Recall ◽

Domain Specific

Abstract Background Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), a glial-derived chemokine, mediates neuroinflammation and may regulate memory outcomes among older adults. We aimed to explore the associations of plasma MCP-1 levels (alone and in combination with β-amyloid deposition—Aβ42/40) with overall and domain-specific cognitive evolution among older adults. Methods Secondary analyses including 1097 subjects (mean age = 75.3 years ± 4.4; 63.8% women) from the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial (MAPT). MCP-1 (higher is worse) and Aβ42/40 (lower is worse) were measured in plasma collected at year 1. MCP-1 in continuous and as a dichotomy (values in the highest quartile (MCP-1+)) were used, as well as a dichotomy of Aβ42/40. Outcomes were measured annually over 4 years and included the following: cognitive composite z-score (CCS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) sum of boxes (overall cognitive function); composite executive function z-score, composite attention z-score, Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT - memory). Results Plasma MCP-1 as a continuous variable was associated with the worsening of episodic memory over 4 years of follow-up, specifically in measures of free and cued delayed recall. MCP-1+ was associated with worse evolution in the CCS (4-year between-group difference: β = −0.14, 95%CI = −0.26, −0.02) and the CDR sum of boxes (2-year: β = 0.19, 95%CI = 0.06, 0.32). In domain-specific analyses, MCP-1+ was associated with declines in the FCSRT delayed recall sub-domains. In the presence of low Aβ42/40, MCP-1+ was not associated with greater declines in cognitive functions. The interaction with continuous biomarker values Aβ42/40× MCP-1 × time was significant in models with CDR sum of boxes and FCSRT DTR as dependent variables. Conclusions Baseline plasma MCP-1 levels were associated with longitudinal declines in overall cognitive and episodic memory performance in older adults over a 4-year follow-up. How plasma MCP-1 interacts with Aβ42/40 to determine cognitive decline at different stages of cognitive decline/dementia should be clarified by further research. The MCP-1 association on cognitive decline was strongest in those with amyloid plaques, as measured by blood plasma Aβ42/40.

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