Relationship Between Domain-Specific Cognitive Function and Speech-in-Noise Performance in Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Hearing Pilot Study

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between performance on a clinical speech-in-noise measure with a comprehensive neurocognitive battery of tests. Method A group of older adults ( N = 250, M age = 77 years, age range: 67.3–89.1 years) enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study took part in the hearing pilot study (2013) that included testing for audiometric thresholds and speech-in-noise performance (Quick Speech-in-Noise Test; Killion, Niquette, Gudmundsen, Revit, & Banerjee, 2004). This research study analyzed the associations between domain-specific cognitive function and speech-in-noise performance after adjusting for hearing thresholds and other demographic and cardiovascular factors. Results Multivariable-adjusted associations were found between all cognitive domains and speech-in-noise performance in the full sample, but the observed associations varied when participants with varying levels of moderate to moderately severe hearing loss were excluded from the analysis. Conclusions The findings are discussed in terms considering the cognitive status of older adults in relation to their speech-in-noise performance during audiological evaluation and implications for aural rehabilitation.

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Abstract P402: Aortic Stiffness and 5-year Cognitive Decline Among Community-dwelling Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (aric-ncs)

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.141.suppl_1.p402 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Jingkai Wei ◽

Priya Palta ◽

Aozhou Wu ◽

Michelle Meyer ◽

A. Richey Sharret ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

Aortic Stiffness ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk ◽

Rate Of Decline ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽

Annual Decline

Background: Vascular aging is associated with cognitive decline. Aortic stiffness is a hallmark of vascular aging. We tested the hypothesis that greater aortic stiffness is associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline over 5 years among older adults. Methods: A prospective cohort study at the 5th (2011-2013) and 6th (2016-2017) examinations of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS) was conducted to quantify the association between baseline aortic stiffness and cognitive decline over 5 years. A total of 4639 participants (mean age: 75 years, 41% men, 22% Black) with baseline measures of aortic stiffness and cognitive function were included in the analysis. Aortic stiffness was measured as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) using the Omron VP-1000 Plus device and analyzed continuously per 1 standard deviation meter/second (3.20 m/s). Elevated aortic stiffness was defined as the upper 25th percentile of cfPWV (13.39 m/s). Cognitive function was based on ten neuropsychological tests across multiple domains of cognition, including memory, executive function/processing speed, and language. A global cognitive performance factor score was estimated based on all cognitive tests at both visits. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the associations of each standard deviation (SD) increment in cfPWV and elevated cfPWV with annual cognitive decline over 5 years. Interactions with baseline cognitive status were assessed. To account for attrition (35% over 5 years), multiple imputation by chained equations was used to impute missing global cognitive performance factor scores at visit 6. Results: Each 1 SD increase in cfPWV was associated with 0.008 SD (Beta (β)=-0.008, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.010, -0.003) annual rate of decline in cognitive function after adjustment for age, sex, education, race-center and ApoE4. With additional adjustment for ever smoking, total weekly physical activity time, mean arterial pressure, diabetes, and body mass index, each SD higher cfPWV was associated with 0.005 SD (β=-0.005, 95% CI: -0.010, -0.001) annual rate of decline in cognitive function. Elevated cfPWV was associated with 0.015 SD (β=-0.015, 95% CI: -0.024, -0.005) annual decline in cognitive function, and with 0.010 SD (β=-0.010, 95% CI: -0.020, 0.0001) annual decline after additional adjustment. Conclusion: Higher aortic stiffness is associated with the rate of decline in global cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults. The hemodynamic sequelae of aortic stiffening may contribute to cognitive decline among older adults.

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1398-P: Mortality Implications of Comorbid Health Status in Older Adults with Diabetes: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Diabetes ◽

10.2337/db20-1398-p ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 69 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 1398-P

Author(s):

MARY R. ROONEY ◽

OLIVE TANG ◽

B. GWEN WINDHAM ◽

JUSTIN B. ECHOUFFO TCHEUGUI ◽

PAMELA LUTSEY ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Health Status ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk ◽

Aric Study

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Perception Versus Reality: Subjective and Objective Neighborhood Characteristics and Cognitive Function in REGARDS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2470 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 703-703

Author(s):

Jessica Finlay ◽

Philippa Clarke ◽

Lisa Barnes

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Racial Differences ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Well Being ◽

Daily Basis ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Functional Mobility ◽

Neighborhood Size ◽

Regards Study

Abstract Does the world shrink as we age? The neighborhood captures a spatial area someone inhabits and moves through on a daily basis. It reflects a balance between internal perceptions and abilities, and the external environment which may enable or restrict participation in everyday life. We frequently hear that older adults have shrinking neighborhoods given declining functional mobility. This is associated with declines in physical and cognitive functioning, depression, poorer quality of life, and mortality. Knowledge of the interplay between objective and subjective neighborhood measurement remains limited. This symposium will explore these linked yet distinct constructs based on secondary data analyses of the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a racially diverse sample of 30,000+ aging Americans. Finlay investigates how someone’s perceived neighborhood size (in number of blocks) varies by individual and geographic characteristics including age, cognitive function, self-rated health, and urban/rural context. Esposito’s analyses focus on neighborhood size in relation to race and residential segregation. Clarke compares subjective perceptions of neighborhood parks and safety from crime to objective indicators, and examines variations by health and cognitive status. Barnes will critically consider implications for how older adults interpret and engage with their surrounding environments. The symposium questions the validity of neighborhood-based metrics to reflect the perspectives and experiences of older residents, particularly those navigating cognitive decline. It informs policy-making efforts to improve physical neighborhood environments and social community contexts, which are critical to the health and well-being of older adults aging in place.

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Hearing impairment and missing cognitive test scores in a population‐based study of older adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities neurocognitive study

Alzheimer s & Dementia ◽

10.1002/alz.12339 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jennifer A. Deal ◽

Alden L. Gross ◽

A. Richey Sharrett ◽

Alison G. Abraham ◽

Josef Coresh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Hearing Impairment ◽

Test Scores ◽

Population Based ◽

Cognitive Test ◽

Population Based Study ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk

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Prevalence of Multiple Sensory Deficits in Older Adults in BLSA and ARIC Studies

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2921 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 804-805

Author(s):

Nicole Armstrong ◽

Jennifer Deal ◽

Hang Wang ◽

Jennifer Schrack ◽

Qu Tian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Vision Loss ◽

Age Groups ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽

Sensory Deficits ◽

Olfactory Loss ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk ◽

Baltimore Longitudinal Study ◽

Using Data

Abstract Individual sensory deficits have been associated with adverse outcomes, including dementia, in older adults. Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) (N=259) and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) (N=962), we examined the prevalence of one, two, or three sensory deficits (hearing, vision, and olfaction) among older adults ≥70 years. Any hearing loss was the most prevalent sensory deficit (70-79 year-olds: 41.3% [BLSA] and 51.2% [ARIC]; ≥80 year-olds: 82.6% [BLSA] and 74.2% [ARIC]), followed by vision loss and olfactory loss. Hearing and vision impairments were more prevalent than hearing and olfactory losses as well as vision and olfactory losses in both age groups and studies There were few people with deficits in all three senses (70-79 year-olds: 3.3% [BLSA] and 2.0% [ARIC]; ≥80 year-olds: 5.8% [BLSA] and 7.4% [ARIC]). Further research should investigate the potential impact of multisensory impairments on older adults.

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Hemodynamic Correlates of Blood Pressure in Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Journal of Clinical Hypertension ◽

10.1111/jch.12898 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 1222-1227 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Hirofumi Tanaka ◽

Gerardo Heiss ◽

Elizabeth L. McCabe ◽

Michelle L. Meyer ◽

Amil M. Shah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Older Adults ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk ◽

Aric Study

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Abstract 061: Long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids and congestive heart failure incidence: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.a061 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽

Author(s):

Fumiaki Imamura ◽

Rozenn N Lemaitre ◽

Lyn M Steffen ◽

Aaron R Folsom ◽

David S Siscovick ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Older Adults ◽

Fatty Acids ◽

Congestive Heart Failure ◽

Plasma Phospholipid ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk ◽

Middle Aged Adults ◽

Long Chain

Background: Animal experiments in 1970s demonstrated direct cardiotoxicity of long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid (LCMUFA, 22:1 and 24:1 fatty acids) consumption. We recently found plasma phospholipid 22:1 and 24:1 to be associated with 34% and 75% higher risk (quintiles 5 vs. 1), respectively, of congestive heart failure (CHF) among older adults in the Cardiovascular Health Study. We wished to validate these results in a second independent cohort of middle-aged adults. Methods: We evaluated 3,577 adults free of CHF at baseline (age=54.1±5.8) in the Minnesota subcohort of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) in whom plasma phospholipid LCMUFA were measured. Incident CHF was ascertained from 1988 to 2008 by annual phone contacts, hospitalization discharge codes, and death certificates. Using multivariate Cox models, we evaluated prospective association of each LCMUFA with incident CHF, and potential mediation via CHF risk factors, including ECG left ventricular hypertrophy, and incident coronary heart disease (CHD). As a negative control, we also evaluated incident stroke, given its many shared risk factors for CHF but no link to potentially direct cardiotoxicity. Results: Mean±SD plasma phospholipid levels (% of total fatty acids) of 22:1 and 24:1 were 0.01±0.03 and 0.58±0.17. Over the 64,438 person-years of follow-up, 330 CHF events occurred. After multivariable adjustment, higher levels of 22:1 and 24:1 were associated with higher risk of CHF (Figure). Hazard ratios (95%CI) for quintiles 5 vs. 1 of 22:1 and 24:1 levels were 1.57 (1.11–2.23) and 1.92 (1.22–3.03) (p trend=0.03 and 0.002), respectively. These associations were only partly attenuated by potential mediators, including incident CHD. Neither LCMUFA was associated with incident stroke (not shown). Conclusions: Higher 22:1 and 24:1 LCMUFA levels were associated with CHF risk in middle-aged adults, consistent with our prior findings in older adults. These findings support the possibility of clinical cardiotoxicity of LCMUFA in humans.

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Dietary patterns are associated with cognitive function in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort

Journal of Nutritional Science ◽

10.1017/jns.2016.27 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Keith E. Pearson ◽

Virginia G. Wadley ◽

Leslie A. McClure ◽

James M. Shikany ◽

Fred W. Unverzagt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Racial Differences ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Principal Component ◽

Word List ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Processed Meat ◽

Domain Specific ◽

Status Score

AbstractIdentifying factors that contribute to the preservation of cognitive function is imperative to maintaining quality of life in advanced years. Of modifiable risk factors, diet quality has emerged as a promising candidate to make an impact on cognition. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between empirically derived dietary patterns and cognitive function. This study included 18 080 black and white participants aged 45 years and older from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. Principal component analysis on data from the Block98 FFQ yielded five dietary patterns: convenience, plant-based, sweets/fats, Southern, and alcohol/salads. Incident cognitive impairment was defined as shifting from intact cognitive status (score >4) at first assessment to impaired cognitive status (score ≤4) at latest assessment, measured by the Six-Item Screener. Learning, memory and executive function were evaluated with the Word List Learning, Word List Delayed Recall, and animal fluency assessments. In fully adjusted models, greater consumption of the alcohol/salads pattern was associated with lower odds of incident cognitive impairment (highest quintile (Q5)v. lowest quintile (Q1): OR 0·68; 95 % CI 0·56, 0·84;Pfor trend 0·0005). Greater consumption of the alcohol/salads pattern was associated with higher scores on all domain-specific assessments and greater consumption of the plant-based pattern was associated with higher scores in learning and memory. Greater consumption of the Southern pattern was associated with lower scores on each domain-specific assessment (allP < 0·05). In conclusion, dietary patterns including plant-based foods and alcohol intake were associated with higher cognitive scores, and a pattern including fried food and processed meat typical of a Southern diet was associated with lower scores.

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Associations of Cardiac, Kidney, and Diabetes Biomarkers With Peripheral Neuropathy among Older Adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Clinical Chemistry ◽

10.1093/clinchem/hvaa051 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 66 (5) ◽

pp. 686-696 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Caitlin W Hicks ◽

Dan Wang ◽

Natalie R Daya ◽

B Gwen Windham ◽

Christie M Ballantyne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Peripheral Neuropathy ◽

Glycated Albumin ◽

Creatinine Ratio ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽

Hb A1c ◽

Urine Albumin ◽

Diabetes Status ◽

Atherosclerosis Risk ◽

Aric Study

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to assess the association of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnT) and other cardiac, kidney, hyperglycemia, and inflammatory biomarkers with peripheral neuropathy (PN) in a community-based population. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 3056 black and white participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who underwent standardized monofilament PN testing and had measures of cardiac function (hs-cTnT, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], and growth differentiation factor 15 [GDF15]), kidney function (serum creatinine, cystatin C, β-2 microglobulin, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio), hyperglycemia (fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c [Hb A1c], fructosamine, glycated albumin, 1,5-anhydroglucitol), and inflammation (C-reactive protein) assessed at visit 6 (2016–2017; age 71–94 years). We used logistic regression to assess the associations of these biomarkers (modeled in diabetes-specific tertiles) with PN in older adults with and without diabetes after adjusting for traditional risk factors. Results In total, 33.5% of participants had PN (37.3% with diabetes and 31.9% without diabetes). There was an independent association of hs-cTnT with PN regardless of diabetes status (diabetes T3 vs. T1: odds ratio [OR], 2.15 [95% CI, 1.44–3.22]; no diabetes: OR, 2.31 [95%CI, 1.76–3.03]; P = 0.72 for interaction). Among participants without diabetes, there were also significant associations of NT-proBNP (OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.08–1.81]) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.22–1.97]) with PN. Associations of hyperglycemia biomarkers including Hb A1c (OR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.22–2.54]), fructosamine (OR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.19–2.46]), and glycated albumin (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.03–2.03]) with PN were significant only among participants with diabetes. Conclusions Overall, hs-cTnT appears to be a global marker of end organ damage, including PN. Laboratory biomarkers may be able to help us identify those individuals with PN.

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