Neurobiological findings associated with high cognitive performance in older adults: a systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1813-1825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wyllians Vendramini Borelli ◽  
Lucas Porcello Schilling ◽  
Graciane Radaelli ◽  
Luciana Borges Ferreira ◽  
Leonardo Pisani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Performing ◽  
High Performers ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Molecular Brain

ABSTRACTObjectives:to perform a comprehensive literature review of studies on older adults with exceptional cognitive performance.Design:We performed a systematic review using two major databases (MEDLINE and Web of Science) from January 2002 to November 2017.Results:Quantitative analysis included nine of 4,457 studies and revealed that high-performing older adults have global preservation of the cortex, especially the anterior cingulate region, and hippocampal volumes larger than normal agers. Histological analysis of this group also exhibited decreased amyloid burden and neurofibrillary tangles compared to cognitively normal older controls. High performers that maintained memory ability after three years showed reduced amyloid positron emission tomography at baseline compared with high performers that declined. A single study on blood plasma found a set of 12 metabolites predicting memory maintenance of this group.Conclusion:Structural and molecular brain preservation of older adults with high cognitive performance may be associated with brain maintenance. The operationalized definition of high-performing older adults must be carefully addressed using appropriate age cut-off and cognitive evaluation, including memory and non-memory tests. Further studies with a longitudinal approach that include a younger control group are essential.

scholarly journals Increased Glucose Activity in Subgenual Anterior Cingulate and Hippocampus of High Performing Older Adults, Despite Amyloid Burden

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Wyllians Vendramini Borelli ◽  
Eduardo Leal-Conceição ◽  
Michele Alberton Andrade ◽  
Nathalia Bianchini Esper ◽  
Paula Kopschina Feltes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Anterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Amyloid Deposition ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
Definition Of

Background: Individuals at 80 years of age or above with exceptional memory are considered SuperAgers (SA), an operationalized definition of successful cognitive aging. SA showed increased thickness and altered functional connectivity in the anterior cingulate cortex as a neurobiological signature. However, their metabolic alterations are yet to be uncovered. Objective: Herein, a metabolic (FDG-PET), amyloid (PIB-PET), and functional (fMRI) analysis of SA were conducted. Methods: Ten SA, ten age-matched older adults (C80), and ten cognitively normal middle-aged (C50) adults underwent cognitive testing and multimodal neuroimaging examinations. Anterior and posterior regions of the cingulate cortex and hippocampal areas were primarily examined, then subregions of anterior cingulate were segregated. Results: The SA group showed increased metabolic activity in the left and right subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sACC, p <  0.005 corrected, bilateral) and bilateral hippocampi (right: p <  0.0005 and left: p <  0.005, both corrected) as compared to that in the C80 group. Amyloid deposition was above threshold in 30% of SA and C80 (p >  0.05). The SA group also presented decreased connectivity between right sACC and posterior cingulate (p <  0.005, corrected) as compared to that of the C80 group. Conclusion: These results support the key role of sACC and hippocampus in SA, even in the presence of amyloid deposition. It also suggests that sACC may be used as a potential biomarker in older adults for exceptional memory ability. Further longitudinal studies measuring metabolic biomarkers may help elucidate the interaction between these areas in the cognitive aging process.

scholarly journals Dose-Response Relationship between Endurance Training Prescription Variables and Increases in Aerobic Performance of Healthy and Unhealthy Middle and Very Old Individuals Aged 70 Years and Older: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 121
Author(s):  
Sarah Cheour ◽  
Chouaib Cheour ◽  
Nicola Luigi Bragazzi ◽  
Liye Zou ◽  
Armin H. Paravlic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Endurance Training ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Aerobic Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Very Old ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies

Background: The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to quantify the effectiveness of endurance training (ET) on aerobic performance (i.e., peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak)) in healthy and unhealthy middle and very old adults aged 70 years and older, and to provide dose–response relationships of training prescription variables (in terms of frequency, and volume). Methods: Several scholarly databases (i.e., PubMed/MEDLINE, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect Journals, and Taylor & Francis Online—Journals) were searched, identifying randomized controlled studies that investigated the effectiveness of ET on VO2peak in older adults. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated. Results: In terms of changes differences between experimental and control group, ET produced significant large effects on VO2peak performance (SMD = 2.64 (95%CI 0.97–4.31)). The moderator analysis revealed that “health status” variable moderated ET effect onVO2peak performance. More specifically, ET produced larger SMD magnitudes on VO2peak performance in healthy compared with unhealthy individuals. With regard to the dose–response relationships, findings from the meta-regression showed that none of the included training prescription variables predicted ET effects on VO2peak performance. Conclusions: ET is an effective mean for improving aerobic performance in healthy older adults when compared with their unhealthy counterparts.

scholarly journals Clinical Evidence in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea with Oral Appliances: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Andrea Rossi ◽  
Antonino Lo Giudice ◽  
Camilla Di Pardo ◽  
Alberto Teodoro Valentini ◽  
Francesca Marradi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Sleep Apnoea ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Oral Appliances ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Definition Of

Background. Recent clinical guidelines have extended indications for oral appliances to subjects affected by moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The aim of this systematic review covering this important issue for public health is twofold: updating and summarizing the best available scientific evidence by selecting RCTs of quality only, and identifying the therapeutic pathways that can be transferred to the current clinical practice. Methods. All the abstracts which were published before February 18, 2019, have been identified in three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane). The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias was used as an assessment tool in order to evaluate the quality of the selected studies. Results. The search strategy yielded 2,260 studies. After removing duplicates and studies that did not comply with the inclusion criteria, 32 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 17 RCTs were finally included in the qualitative synthesis. The 17 selected studies were very heterogeneous in the type of included RCTs in terms of patient inclusion criteria, sample size, distribution of the two genders in the various groups, duration of treatment, and definition of primary and secondary outcomes, without any restriction on the definition of the control group. A common finding was the positive responsiveness of oral appliance treatment in subjects affected by mild-to-moderate OSA with some evidence for cases of severe OSA. Conclusion. Higher-quality studies are needed in order to provide additional useful guidelines for dental clinicians for OSA management.

scholarly journals COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE, EXERCISE, AND AMYLOID BURDEN: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S610-S610
Author(s):  
Amber Watts ◽  
Eric Vidoni ◽  
Jill Morris ◽  
Mark Perry ◽  
David Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Pet Imaging ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
Exercise Interventions

Abstract Exercise is a promising strategy for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid neuroimaging can identify individuals at risk of developing AD prior to displaying symptoms. We screened adults (65+) with Florbetapir PET imaging and a comprehensive cognitive battery. We randomized 117 participants with normal cognition into a 52-week aerobic exercise program to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive performance. We compared an intensive exercise treatment group to a standard of care control group. Cognition was assessed at baseline, 26 weeks, and 52 weeks in the domains of verbal memory, visuospatial processing, attention, and executive function. Interim results on 87 participants show cardiorespiratory fitness improved in the exercise group vs. control group (t=3.66(81), p&lt; .001). The degree of change in cardiorespiratory fitness did not differ between those with and without elevated amyloid (t=-0.37(81), p=.710). Greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness predicted better performance on cognitive tests including trailmaking test, Stroop test, and digit symbol substitution test, which did not differ by amyloid status. Elevated amyloid levels predicted lower cognitive scores in logical memory, space relations, and identical pictures test. Our findings suggest PET imaging is a valid marker of cognitive performance in non-impaired older adults, and that this pre-clinical amyloid status did not reduce the cognitive benefits of exercise for those who improved in cardiorespiratory fitness. Exercise interventions hold promise for cognitive maintenance among pre-symptomatic older adults with elevated amyloid levels. Finally, results highlight the importance of evaluating multiple cognitive domains which are associated differently with exercise and amyloid status.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of the Effect of Dietary Supplements on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Young Adults and Military Personnel

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane E. Pomeroy ◽  
Katie L. Tooley ◽  
Bianka Probert ◽  
Alexandra Wilson ◽  
Eva Kemps
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Cognitive Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cognitive Benefits

Intake of dietary supplements has increased, despite evidence that some of these have adverse side effects and uncertainty about their effectiveness. This systematic review examined the evidence for the cognitive benefits of a wide range of dietary supplements in healthy young adult samples; the aim was to identify if any might be useful for optimising cognitive performance during deployment in military personnel. Searches were conducted in 9 databases and 13 grey literature repositories for relevant studies published between January 2000 and June 2017. Eligible studies recruited healthy young adults (18–35 years), administered a legal dietary supplement, included a comparison control group, and assessed cognitive outcome(s). Thirty-seven of 394 identified studies met inclusion criteria and were included for synthesis. Most research was deemed of low quality (72.97%; SIGN50 guidelines), highlighting the need for sound empirical research in this area. Nonetheless, we suggest that tyrosine or caffeine could be used in healthy young adults in a military context to enhance cognitive performance when personnel are sleep-deprived. Caffeine also has the potential benefit of improving vigilance and attention during sustained operations offering little opportunity for sleep. Inconsistent findings and methodological limitations preclude firm recommendations about the use of other specific dietary supplements.

scholarly journals The Effects of Exercise on Appetite in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Hubner ◽  
Julie Blaskewicz Boron ◽  
Karsten Koehler
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Appetite Control

Background: The effect of physical activity and exercise on hunger and satiety has been well-studied in younger adults, but the influence of aging is less understood. While some evidence suggests that acute bouts of exercise induce a compensatory eating drive, long-term activity may improve satiety sensitivity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on appetite in older adults.Methods: We systematically reviewed available literature investigating the effect of exercise on appetite in older adults adults (CRD42020208953). PubMed, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, the Sports Medicine &amp; Education Index, and Web of Science, were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English with no date restriction. Included studies implemented a primary exercise or physical activity intervention with a control group, on a generally healthy population ≥60 years of age. Selected studies included at least one appetite outcome. Risk of bias was assessed using the 11-point Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) tool. Standardized mean difference summary statistics (Hedge's g effect sizes) and 95% confidence intervals were reported.Results: We identified 15 reports (13 studies) which met all inclusion criteria (5 resistance training, 3 aerobic, 6 mixed modalities). Studies included 443 participants (Age = 68.9 ± 5.2, 82.3% female) and had generally “good” bias scores (PEDro = 6.4 ± 0.88). Random effects meta-analyses revealed that the exercising group showed statistically significant reductions in glucose [SMD = −0.34 (95% CI: −0.67, −0.02), p &lt; 0.05, PEDro =6.4 ± 0.45] and leptin [SMD = −0.92 (95% CI: −1.28, −0.57), p &lt; 0.00001, PEDro = 6.2 ± 0.75].Discussion: This systematic review revealed that exercise and physical activity may modulate resting hunger and satiety in older adults. Decreases in fasting leptin and glucose hormones suggest that exercise promotes satiety sensitivity in adults aged 60+. This review highlights that engaging in exercise and activity programs may provide a meaningful avenue for improving chronic and functional disease burden in later life by promoting appetite control and balanced energy intake. Recommendations for future research include investigations of appetite in response to varied exercise modalities within more diverse and representative samples of older adults.

scholarly journals Interventions Adopting Body-Mind-Spirit Model to Improve the Holistic Health of Older Adults: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 951-951
Author(s):  
Xinyue Hu ◽  
Tongtong Li ◽  
Iris Chi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Cluster Randomized Trial ◽  
Holistic Health ◽  
Medium Quality ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Randomization Process

Abstract This systematic review aims to summarize 5 key information from non-pharmaceutical intervention studies which adopt Body-Mind-Spirit (BMS) model for older adults: (1) definition of BMS, (2) types and formats of the interventions, (3) background and BMS training of the interventionists, (4) activities included in the interventions, and (5) effect of these interventions on the holistic health of older adults. We conducted a systematic search of 9 databases (ProQuest, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, Cochrane, Wanfang, AIRITI, CADAL, CNKI) for studies published in English or Chinese through May 31, 2021. Inclusion criteria were: (1) Must be empirical studies; (2) Participants must be aged 55 and above; and (3) Must adopt the BMS model or contain BMS in full-text. We found 15 studies (7 RCTs, 1 cluster randomized trial, 3 mixed-method studies, and 4 qualitative studies). Ten studies (66.67%) adopted Chan’s BMS model. Thirteen studies (86.67%) adopted in-person group interventions. Only five studies (33.33%) provided BMS training to the interventionists. Six articles (40%) categorized the activities as body-, mind- or spirituality-related. Ten studies (66.67%) reported effectiveness in all 3 dimensions of BMS. Of the 7 RCTs, 5 were rated as medium-quality, and 2 were rated as low-quality according to the Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool. Most interventions based on the BMS model claimed to be effective in improving the holistic health of older adults. In order to improve the internal validity, future RCT studies should be more prudent about the randomization process and adhere to the BMS model when designing the interventions.

Effects of Meditation and Mind–Body Exercises on Older Adults’ Cognitive Performance: A Meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. e782-e790 ◽  
Author(s):  
John S Y Chan ◽  
Kanfeng Deng ◽  
Jiamin Wu ◽  
Jin H Yan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Exercise Session ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Exercise Frequency

Abstract Background and Objectives Meditation and mind–body exercises are suggested to delay decline or enhance cognitive capabilities in older adults. However, their effectiveness remains uncertain. This study assessed the effectiveness of meditation and mind–body exercises to improve cognition in elderly people aged 60 years or above. Moderator variables were also explored. Research Design and Methods A databases search (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wangfang) was conducted from the first available date to January 10, 2018. Inclusion criteria include (a) human older adults aged 60 years or above, (b) meditation, Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga intervention, (c) intervention should be structured, (d) inclusion of a control group, (e) at least one outcome measure of cognition was measured at baseline and post-training, and (f) peer-reviewed journal articles in English or Chinese. Results Forty-one studies (N = 3,551) were included in the meta-analysis. In general, meditation and mind–body exercises improve cognition in the elderly people (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.48), but the cognition-enhancing effects depend on the type of exercise. In addition, cognitive performance is only improved when the length of intervention is longer than 12 weeks, exercise frequency is 3–7 times/week, or duration of an exercise session is 45–60 min/session. Discussion and Implications This study suggests that meditation and mind–body exercises are effective to improve cognition of older adults aged 60 years or above, and exercise parameters should be considered for intervention planning.

scholarly journals Operationalized definition of older adults with high cognitive performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wyllians Vendramini Borelli ◽  
Karoline Carvalho Carmona ◽  
Adalberto Studart-Neto ◽  
Ricardo Nitrini ◽  
Paulo Caramelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Memory Ability ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Aging Theory ◽  
Aged Subjects ◽  
Definition Of

ABSTRACT Recently, there has been an increasing number of studies on exceptional cognitive aging. Herein, we aim to objectively provide the operationalized characterization of older adults with unusually high memory ability. Some authors have defined them as “SuperAgers”, individuals aged 80 years or older with memory ability similar or superior to middle-aged subjects. On the other hand, the terminology “high-performing older adults” (HPOA) seems to appropriately conceptualize these individuals without exaggeration. A threshold for age is not a reliable criterion, but may be defined as 75 and 80 years of age for developing and developed countries, respectively. We propose that HPOA may exhibit episodic memory test scores equal to or greater than those of individuals aged 50-60 years, according to the validated tables for the respective country. This group must also have global cognition scores within expected average values for age and education. Executive functioning may play a central role in the exceptional memory performance of this group. Further studies are essential to confirm existing findings and may provide important evidence for cognitive aging theory and the neurobiology of dementia.

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