scholarly journals Social support and cognitive function in middle- and older-aged adults: descriptive analysis of CLSA tracking data

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1084-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Oremus ◽  
Candace Konnert ◽  
Jane Law ◽  
Colleen J Maxwell ◽  
Megan E O’Connell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Global Cognitive Function ◽  
High Cognitive Function ◽  
Region Of Residence ◽  
Learning Test

Abstract Background Cognitive function is important for healthy aging. Social support availability (SSA) may modify cognitive function. We descriptively examined the association between SSA and cognitive function in a population-level sample of middle- and older-aged adults. Methods We analyzed the tracking dataset of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Participants aged between 45 and 85 years answered questions about SSA and performed three cognitive tests (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Animal Fluency Test and Mental Alternation Test) via telephone. We divided global SSA and global cognitive function scores into tertiles and generated contingency tables for comparisons across strata defined by sex, age group, region of residence, urban vs. rural residence and education. Results The proportion of participants with low global cognitive function was often greater among persons who reported low global SSA. The proportion of persons with high cognitive function was greater in participants with high SSA. The findings were most pronounced for females, 45- to 54-year olds, all regions (especially Québec) except Atlantic Canada, urban dwellers and persons with less than high school education. Conclusions Our results can help public health officials focus on providing social supports to subgroups of the population who would benefit the most from policy interventions.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Effects of Severe Depression on Global Cognitive Function and Memory

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 304-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn M. McClintock ◽  
C. Munro Cullum ◽  
Mustafa M. Husain ◽  
A. John Rush ◽  
Rebedca G. Knapp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Multicenter Trial ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Depression Severity ◽  
Delayed Recall ◽  
Global Cognitive Function ◽  
Learning Test

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is thought to negatively impact cognitive function; however, the relationship has not been well explored.Objective: This study examined the association between depression severity and global cognitive function and memory in subjects with severe, treatment-resistant MDD.Methods: We enrolled 66 subjects with Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition diagnosed unipolar MDD in a multicenter trial to assess the efficacy and neurocognitive effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We measured depression severity with the 24 item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD24). Neuropsychologic measures included the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and the Complex Figure Test (CFT). Correlational and regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between depression severity and cognitive function.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 53.6 years (SD=15.8), 65% were female, and mean HRSD24 was 33.9 (SD=6.7). Mean demographic-corrected T-scores for each neurocognitive measure were in the average to borderline range, and HRSD24 values were unrelated to performance on the MMSE, RAVLT immediate and delayed recall, and CFT immediate and delayed recall.Conclusion: In this sample of severely depressed subjects referred for ECT, depression severity was unrelated to global cognitive function or memory. Future research should examine the interactions between other depressive characteristics and neurocognitive function.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Associations of Midlife Accelerometer Determined Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity With Cognitive Function: The CARDIA Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara M. Whitaker ◽  
Dong Zhang ◽  
Kelley Pettee Gabriel ◽  
Monica Ahrens ◽  
Barbara Sternfeld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
Digit Symbol ◽  
Auditory Verbal Learning Test ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution ◽  
Auditory Verbal Learning ◽  
Symbol Substitution ◽  
Learning Test

Background To determine if accelerometer measured sedentary behavior (SED), light‐intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate‐to‐vigorous–intensity physical activity (MVPA) in midlife is prospectively associated with cognitive function. Methods and Results Participants were 1970 adults enrolled in the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study who wore an accelerometer in 2005 to 2006 (ages 38–50 years) and had cognitive function assessments completed 5 and/or 10 years later. SED, LPA, and MVPA were measured by an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer. Cognitive function tests included the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and Stroop Test. Compositional isotemporal substitution analysis examined associations of SED, LPA, and MVPA with repeated measures of the cognitive function standardized scores. In men, statistical reallocation of 30 minutes of LPA with 30 minutes of MVPA resulted in an estimated difference of SD 0.07 (95% CI, 0.01–0.14), SD 0.09 (95% CI, 0.02–0.17), and SD −0.11 (95% CI, −0.19 to −0.04) in the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and Stroop scores, respectively, indicating better performance. Associations were similar when reallocating time in SED with MVPA, but results were less robust. Reallocation of time in SED with LPA resulted in an estimated difference of SD −0.05 (95% CI, −0.06 to −0.03), SD −0.03 (95% CI, −0.05 to −0.01), and SD 0.05 (95% CI, 0.03– 0.07) in the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and Stroop scores, respectively, indicating worse performance. Associations were largely nonsignificant among women. Conclusions Our findings support the idea that for men, higher‐intensity activities (MVPA) may be necessary in midlife to observe beneficial associations with cognition.

scholarly journals Diet quality and cognitive function in an urban sample: findings from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regina S Wright ◽  
Shari R Waldstein ◽  
Marie Fanelli Kuczmarski ◽  
Ryan T Pohlig ◽  
Constance S Gerassimakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Poor Diet ◽  
Poverty Status

AbstractObjectivePoor diet quality contributes to morbidity, including poor brain health outcomes such as cognitive decline and dementia. African Americans and individuals living in poverty may be at greater risk for cognitive decrements from poor diet quality.DesignCross-sectional.SettingBaltimore, MD, USA.SubjectsParticipants were 2090 African Americans and Whites (57 % female, mean age=47·9 years) who completed two 24 h dietary recalls. We examined cognitive performance and potential interactions of diet quality with race and poverty status using baseline data from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study. Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) scores were calculated and interpreted using federal guidelines. A neurocognitive test battery was administered to evaluate cognitive function over several domains.ResultsLinear regression analyses showed that lower HEI-2010 scores were associated with poorer verbal learning and memory (P<0·05) after adjustment for covariates. Diet quality within the sample was poor. Significant interactions of HEI-2010 and poverty status (allP<0·05) indicated that higher diet quality was associated with higher performance on tests of attention and cognitive flexibility, visuospatial ability and perceptual speed among those below the poverty line. No significant race interactions emerged. Higher diet quality was associated with better performance on two measures of verbal learning and memory, irrespective of race and poverty status.ConclusionsFindings suggest that diet quality and cognitive function are likely related at the population level. Future research is needed to determine whether the association is clinically significant.

scholarly journals Relationship between antipsychotic medication, obesity and cognitive functions

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-278
Author(s):  
Urszula Łopuszańska ◽  
Marta Makara-Studzińska
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Abdominal Obesity ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
The Body ◽  
Typical Antipsychotic ◽  
Antipsychotic Medications ◽  
Learning Test

AbstractIntroduction: The purpose of this study was to examine whether the combination of atypical and typical antipsychotic medications is related with metabolism and cognitive functions in the same manner and degree as taking medications of one kind only, i.e. atypical or typical.Material and methods: The participants of the study comprised of 91 adults with diagnosed mental illness (F-20-F69). The participants were divided into groups on the basis of the kind of administered medications: T+A (typical and atypical medications), A (atypical medications), T (typical medications), P (antidepressants, sedatives, normothymic/antiepileptic drugs). In the study, Short Test of Mental Status (STMS), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) were used for the purpose of examining cognitive functions.Results: The kind of antipsychotic medications taken by the patients did not differentiate the group in relation to BMI (p<0.13), nor in relation to the level of general cognitive function (p<0.72) or verbal fluency (p<0.34). Both atypical antipsychotic medications and the combination of atypical and typical medications were related to the occurrence of abdominal obesity (p<0.01). An increase in waist circumference decreased an ability of abstract reasoning (p<0.005). When it comes to the body mass index, waist circumference negatively correlated with the delayed memory (p< 0.03, p<0.004).Discussion: Both the combination of atypical and typical antipsychotic medications and atypical medications are associated with the occurrence of abdominal obesity. The deposition of fat tissue in the abdomen negatively correlated with an ability to learn.Conclusions: The future studies might explain the interactions between antipsychotic medications, obesity and cognitive function.

WED 162 Cognitive impairment in a greek ms patient cohort using bicams

2018 ◽  
Vol 89 (10) ◽  
pp. A20.1-A20
Author(s):  
Kalatha T ◽  
Koutsouraki E ◽  
Arnaoutoglou M
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Visuospatial Memory ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Early Management ◽  
Learning Test

IntroductionCognitive impairment (CI) can present in 40%–70% of MS patients and in the early stages of the disease. The Brief International Cognitive assessment for MS (BICAMS) is a brief, practical and potentially universal battery for cognitive assessment in MS.AimTo correlate cognitive function with clinical parameters as disease type, EDSS, and disease durationMethodsThe cognitive function was measured with the validated to the Greek population BICAMS tool, which consists of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), the Greek Verbal Learning Test (GVLT) and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R). Results36% patients classified as impaired according to the BICAMS battery. Progressive types of disease had worst scores than the relapsing in the SDMT (MD=1.73; 95% CI: 0.46, 3.0; p=0.009), GVLT (MD=1.77; 95% CI: 0.82, 2.72; p=0.001) and BICAMS z-score (MD=1.39; 95% CI: 0.54, 2.24; p=0.002). The two groups were also different in EDSS (p<0.001). EDSS showed correlation with BICAMS test. Disease duration did not correlate with CI. Age was identified as a risk factor of CI.DiscussionEarly management of CI can lead to improvement in the patient’s quality of life. Progressing types of the disease might benefit from early cognitive assessment in the disease course.

scholarly journals A validation study for remote testing of cognitive function in multiple sclerosis

2020 ◽  
pp. 135245852093738
Author(s):  
Lisa F Barcellos ◽  
Mary Horton ◽  
Xiaorong Shao ◽  
Kalliope H Bellesis ◽  
Terrence Chinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
California Verbal Learning Test ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Remote Testing ◽  
Remote Assessment ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Objectives: Determine the validity and reliability of a remote, technician-guided cognitive assessment for multiple sclerosis (MS), incorporating the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II). Methods: In 100 patients, we compared conventional in-person testing to remote, web-assisted assessments, and in 36 patients, we assessed test–retest reliability using two equivalent, alternative forms. Results: In-person and remote-administered SDMT ( r = 0.85) and CVLT-II ( r = 0.71) results were very similar. Reliability was adequate and alternative forms of SDMT ( r = 0.92) and CVLT-II ( r = 0.81) produced similar results. Conclusions: Findings indicate remote assessment can provide valid, reliable measures of cognitive function in MS.

Effect of Hypertension Duration and Blood Pressure Control During Early Adulthood on Cognitive Function in Middle Age

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Haobin Zhou ◽  
Zongyuan Zhu ◽  
Changsong Liu ◽  
Yujia Bai ◽  
Qiong Zhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Early Adulthood ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Stroop Test ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
Learning Test

Background: Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Objective: We aim to explore the association between the duration of hypertension in early adulthood, with cognitive function in midlife. Furthermore, we investigate whether this asssociation is altered among participants with controlled BP. Methods: This prospective study included 2,718 adults aged 18–30 years without hypertension at baseline who participated in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. Duration of hypertension was calculated based on repeat measurements of BP performed at 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years after baseline. Cognitive function was assessed at Year-25 using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and Stroop test. Results: After multivariable adjustment, a longer hypertension duration was associated with worse verbal memory (RAVLT, p trend = 0.002) but not with processing speed (DSST, p trend = 0.112) and executive function (Stroop test, p trend = 0.975). Among subgroups of participants with controlled (BP < 140/90 mmHg) and uncontrolled (SBP≥140 mmHg or DBP≥90 mmHg) BP at the time of cognitive assessment (i.e., Year-25 BP), longer duration of hypertension was associated with worse verbal memory. Similar results were observed in subgroups with controlled and uncontrolled average BP prior to cognitive assessment. Conclusion: Longer duration of hypertension during early adulthood is associated with worse verbal memory in midlife regardless of current or long-term BP control status. The potential risk of hypertension associated cognitive decline should not be overlooked in individuals with a long duration of hypertension, even if BP levels are controlled.

scholarly journals NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS AS PREDICTORS OF CONVERSION TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN BETA-AMYLOID POSITIVE INDIVIDUALS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Gonçalves ◽  
Isadora Ribeiro ◽  
Thamires Magalhães ◽  
Christian Gerbelli ◽  
Luciana Pimentel- Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Neuropsychological Tests ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Recognition Task ◽  
Amyloid Peptide ◽  
Clinical Dementia Rating ◽  
Assessment Time ◽  
Learning Test

Background: amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) refers to a possibletransitional stage between healthy aging and dementia and has an increased chance of converting to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objectives: to assess whether neuropsychological tests can predict the conversion to AD in patients with aMCI and altered CSF amyloid peptide (βA+). Methods: 48 individuals underwent neuropsychological assessment (time 0 and time 1), being 18 healthy controls and 30 aMCI βA+, who performed a single CSF collection (time 0). All subjects with aMCI scored 0.5 in the Memory category of the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) test, and we considered the conversion to AD if the overall score changed from 0.5 to 1. We performed different additional univariate analyses with MANOVAs to differentiate between groups. Results : 8 subjects converted to AD (converters), and 22 remained stable (non-converters). The converters performed worse in the sub-item test Recognition of Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) compared to controls and non-converters (F = 14,58, p <0,001). Conclusions: the Recognition task of the RAVLT was able to differentiate aMCI βA+ individuals who converted to AD in our sample, which was not observed in the other investigated tests. We suggest additional studies with larger sample sizes and validation cohorts to contribute to our findings.

scholarly journals The presence of emphysema on chest imaging and mid-life cognition

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 00048-2021
Author(s):  
Benjamin E. Henkle ◽  
Laura A. Colangelo ◽  
Mark T. Dransfield ◽  
Lifang Hou ◽  
David R. Jacobs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Airflow Obstruction ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Ct Imaging ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Learning Test

BackgroundAirflow obstruction is associated with cognitive dysfunction but studies have not assessed how emphysema, a structural phenotype of lung disease, might be associated with cognitive function independent from pulmonary function measured by spirometry. We aimed to determine the relationship between the presence of visually detectable emphysema on chest computed tomography (CT) imaging and cognitive function.MethodsWe examined 2491 participants, mean age of 50 years, from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study who were assessed for the presence of emphysema on chest CT imaging and had cognitive function measured 5 years later with a battery of six cognitive tests.ResultsOf those assessed, 172 (7%) had emphysema. After adjusting for age, sex, height, study centre, race, body mass index, education and smoking, visual emphysema was significantly associated with worse performance on most cognitive tests. Compared to those without emphysema, participants with emphysema performed worse on cognitive testing: 0.39 sd units lower (95% CI −0.53– −0.25) on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, 0.27 sd units lower (95% CI −0.42– −0.12) on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, 0.29 sd units lower (95% CI −0.43– −0.14) on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test and 0.25 sd units lower (95% CI −0.42– −0.09) on letter fluency. Further adjustment for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), peak FEV1 and annualised FEV1 decline did not attenuate these associations.ConclusionsThe presence of emphysema on chest CT is associated with worse cognitive function, independent of airflow obstruction. These data suggest that emphysema may be a novel risk factor for cognitive impairment.

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