scholarly journals Associations Between Declining Physical and Cognitive Functions in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (7) ◽  
pp. 1393-1402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith A Okely ◽  
Ian J Deary
Keyword(s):  
Grip Strength ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Visuospatial Ability ◽  
Coupling Effects ◽  
Physical Functions ◽  
Linear Decline

Abstract Background The ageing process is characterized by declines in physical and cognitive function. However, the relationship between these trajectories remains a topic of investigation. Methods Using four data waves collected triennially between ages 70 and 79, we tested for associations between multiple cognitive ability domains (verbal memory, processing speed, and visuospatial ability) and physical functions (walking speed, grip strength, and lung function). We first tested for associations between linear declines in physical and cognitive functions over the entire 9-year study period, and then, for lead-lag coupling effects between 3-year changes in cognitive and physical functions. Results Steeper linear decline in walking speed was moderately correlated with steeper linear declines in each cognitive domain. Steeper linear decline in grip strength was moderately correlated with steeper linear declines in verbal memory and processing speed. Lead-lag coupling models showed that decline in verbal memory was preceded by declines in walking speed and grip strength. By contrast, decline in grip strength was preceded by declines in processing speed and visuospatial ability, and decline in walking speed was preceded by decline in visuospatial ability. Following additional adjustment for covariates, only coupling effects from earlier decline in processing speed to later decline in grip strength remained significant (β = 0.545, p = .006). Conclusion Our findings provide further evidence of an association between cognitive and physical declines and point to the potential order in which these changes occur. Decline in processing speed in particular may serve as a unique early marker of declining upper body strength.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Associations Between Loneliness and Cognitive Ability in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 1376-1386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith A Okely ◽  
Ian J Deary
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Visuospatial Ability ◽  
Lothian Birth Cohort ◽  
Longitudinal Associations ◽  
Reciprocal Associations

Abstract Objectives Loneliness is associated with poorer cognitive function in old age; however, the direction of this association is unknown. We tested for reciprocal associations between loneliness and the cognitive ability domains of processing speed, visuospatial ability, verbal memory, and crystallized ability. Method We used three triennial waves of longitudinal data from the Lothian Birth Cohort Study 1936, and tested for cross-lagged associations between loneliness and cognitive abilities using cross-lagged panel models. Results Better processing speed, visuospatial ability, or crystallized ability at age 73, was associated with less positive changes in loneliness between ages 73 and 76; however, these associations were not replicated between ages 76 and 79. Loneliness at ages 73 and 76 did not predict subsequent changes in cognitive abilities. Discussion Our findings indicate an association between cognitive ability and loneliness, such that individuals with lower cognitive abilities at age 73 may be at a slightly higher risk of becoming lonely. However, we did not find support for the hypothesis that loneliness causes a decline in cognitive health.

162 Walking, Thinking and Daily-Life Activity in Older People with Dementia

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv34-iv39
Author(s):  
Morag Taylor ◽  
Annika Toots ◽  
Jacqueline C T Close ◽  
Kim Van Schooten ◽  
Matthew Brodie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Visuospatial Ability ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Attention Memory

Abstract Gait has been linked with cognition in cognitively healthy and impaired older people. However, the studies in cognitively impaired people have been small, have not contrasted the strength of cognitive domain associations and have reported inconsistent findings. We examined baseline data of 309 older people with mild-moderate cognitive impairment (age 82±6 years; 47% female) who were participating in a large fall prevention randomised controlled trial. Gait speed was measured at usual pace over 2.4m and cognitive performance was assessed with the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III). The ACE-III assesses cognitive domain performance (attention; memory; verbal fluency; language; visuospatial ability). Executive function (EF) was additionally examined using the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). Each cognitive domain was associated with gait speed in separate models adjusted for confounders. EF (verbal fluency and the FAB) demonstrated the strongest association which withstood adjustment for attention, memory, language and visuospatial ability. In contrast, visuospatial ability was the only cognitive domain to withstand adjustment for EF (verbal fluency, not the FAB). These findings support higher-order gait regulation. Characterising individuals at risk of negative health outcomes can assist in identifying effective prevention strategies. Forty-five older people with mild-moderate dementia were age-sex matched to two (n=90) healthy controls and all participants (age 81±6 years, 42% female) wore triaxial accelerometers (MoveMonitor, McRoberts) on their lower back for 7-days. Daily-life gait quantity and quality were estimated from the MoveMonitor. Steady-state clinical walking speed was assessed at usual pace over 2.4 to 10.0m. Participants with dementia had reduced gait quantity, slower clinical, habitual daily-life and maximum daily-life walking speeds and multi-domain gait impairment compared to controls. In participants with dementia, clinical walking speed more closely represented habitual daily-life walking speed, whereas in controls, it more closely represented maximum daily-life walking speed. These findings have assessment, functional (e.g. crossing roads) and training/treatment implications.

Neuropsychological Profiles of Patients with Progressive Apraxia of Speech and Aphasia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Angelina J. Polsinelli ◽  
Mary M. Machulda ◽  
Peter R. Martin ◽  
Joseph R. Duffy ◽  
Heather M. Clark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Trail Making Test ◽  
Apraxia Of Speech ◽  
Visuospatial Ability ◽  
Primary Progressive ◽  
Trail Making

Abstract Objective: To characterize and compare the neuropsychological profiles of patients with primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) and apraxia of speech with progressive agrammatic aphasia (AOS-PAA). Method: Thirty-nine patients with PPAOS and 49 patients with AOS-PAA underwent formal neurological, speech, language, and neuropsychological evaluations. Cognitive domains assessed included immediate and delayed episodic memory (Wechsler Memory Scale-Third edition; Logical Memory; Visual Reproduction; Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test), processing speed (Trail Making Test A), executive functioning (Trail Making Test B; Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning Scale – Sorting), and visuospatial ability (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure copy). Results: The PPAOS patients were cognitively average or higher in the domains of immediate and delayed episodic memory, processing speed, executive functioning, and visuospatial ability. Patients with AOS-PAA performed more poorly on tests of immediate and delayed episodic memory and executive functioning compared to those with PPAOS. For every 1 unit increase in aphasia severity (e.g. mild to moderate), performance declined by 1/3 to 1/2 a standard deviation depending on cognitive domain. The degree of decline was stronger within the more verbally mediated domains, but was also notable in less verbally mediated domains. Conclusion: The study provides neuropsychological evidence further supporting the distinction of PPAOS from primary progressive aphasia and should be used to inform future diagnostic criteria. More immediately, it informs prognostication and treatment planning.

scholarly journals M54. ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN MUSICAL ABILITY SUBSCALE PERFORMANCE, PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS, AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S154-S155
Author(s):  
Yoshiki Akagawa ◽  
William Honer ◽  
Ken Sawada
Keyword(s):  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Musical Ability ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
Word Fluency ◽  
Brief Assessment ◽  
Musical Memory

Abstract Background Several studies showed that patients with schizophrenia have a lower musical ability that correlates with poorer cognitive functions and severer negative symptoms. Despite the strong relevance of musical ability to cognitive functions and psychiatric symptoms, little is known about the correlation of each subscale of musical ability to cognitive functions and psychiatric symptoms. Therefore, we sought to analyze the correlations of the subtests of musical ability to cognitive functions and psychiatric symptoms. Methods Sixty-four patients with schizophrenia (36 males, mean age = 48.6 ± 10.9 years old) and 80 healthy control subjects (44 males, mean age = 45.3 ± 12.3 years old) consented to participate. We measured musical ability, cognitive functions, and symptom severity using the Montreal Battery for Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA), Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), respectively. MBEA subscales include melody discrimination, rhythm discrimination, and musical memory. BACS subscales are comprised of verbal memory, working memory, motor speed, word fluency, attention/processing speed, and executive function. We used the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. For the BACS six subscales, and the three musical subscales, we considered p < 0.00278 to be significant (18 tests), and for PANSS three symptom subscale scores and three musical subscales, we considered p < 0.0056 to be significant (9 tests). Results All musical subscale scores of patients were significantly lower than controls. Lower musical ability subscales were correlated with lower cognitive functions in both healthy controls and patients. In schizophrenia, as previously reported, there were associations between lower musical ability subscales, lower cognitive functions, and more severe psychiatric symptoms. In patients with schizophrenia, while melody discrimination was not correlated with cognitive functions, rhythm discrimination was correlated with verbal memory (beta = 0.378, SE= 0.010, t = 3.42, p = 0.0012) and attention/processing speed (beta = 0.433, SE= 0.013, t = 3.20, p = 0.0022) adjusted for age, gender, and years of musical education. PANSS negative symptoms were correlated with melody discrimination (beta = 0.346, SE= 0.051, t = -2.82, p = 0.0066) and rhythm discrimination (beta = 0.3259, SE= 0.045, t = -2.88, p = 0.0056), but not musical memory. Discussion This study revealed an association between performance on rhythm discrimination and both verbal memory and word fluency. Furthermore, more severe negative symptoms were associated with lower abilities in melody and rhythm discrimination. Rhythm discrimination could be associated with language disturbances, possibly providing a new insight into the language and musical deficits contributing to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

scholarly journals Brain Training and Sulforaphane Intake Interventions Separately Improve Cognitive Performance in Healthy Older Adults, Whereas a Combination of These Interventions Does Not Have More Beneficial Effects: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 352
Author(s):  
Rui Nouchi ◽  
Qingqiang Hu ◽  
Toshiki Saito ◽  
Natasha Yuriko dos Santos Kawata ◽  
Haruka Nouchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Brain Training ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Double Blinded

Background: Earlier studies have demonstrated that a single-domain intervention, such as a brain-training (BT) game alone and a sulforaphane (SFN) intake, positively affects cognition. This study examined whether a combined BT and SFN intake intervention has beneficial effects on cognitive function in older adults. Methods: In a 12-week double-blinded randomized control trial, 144 older adults were randomly assigned to one of four groups: BT with SFN (BT-S), BT with placebo (BT-P), active control game (AT) with SFN (AT-S), and active control game with placebo (AT-P). We used Brain Age in BT and Tetris in AT. Participants were asked to play BT or AT for 15 min a day for 12 weeks while taking a supplement (SFN or placebo). We measured several cognitive functions before and after the intervention period. Results: The BT (BT-S and BT-P) groups showed more improvement in processing speed than the active control groups (AT-S and AT-P). The SFN intake (BT-S and AT-S) groups recorded significant improvements in processing speed and working memory performance unlike the placebo intake groups (BT-P and AT-P). However, we did not find any evidence of the combined intervention’s beneficial effects on cognition. Discussion: We discussed a mechanism to improve cognitive functions in the BT and SFN alone interventions.

Effects of urban noise variability on cognitive abilities in indoor spaces: Gender differences

2021 ◽  
pp. 095745652110307
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Masullo ◽  
Gennaro Ruggiero ◽  
Daniel Alvarez Fernandez ◽  
Tina Iachini ◽  
Luigi Maffei
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Urban Noise ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Open Window ◽  
Indoor Spaces

Previous evidence has shown that exposure to urban noise negatively influences some cognitive abilities (i.e. verbal fluency and delayed recall of prose memory) of people in indoor spaces. However, long-standing literature in the cognitive domain has reported that men and women can show different performance on cognitive tasks. Here, we aimed to investigate if and how different patterns of perceived urban noises in indoor environments could affect male and female participants’ cognitive abilities. Ambisonic sound recordings representing scenarios with varying noise patterns (low, medium and high variability) were acquired with an open window at three dwellings in a southern Italian city. As a control condition, the recordings were caught inside a quiet room. While exposed to theses four auditory conditions, participants had to perform cognitive tasks assessing free verbal memory recall, auditory–verbal recognition and working memory. The results show that male and female participants have a different tolerance to noise patterns. Women overperform men on verbal tasks, while the contrary effect emerges with men outperforming women on visuospatial working memory tasks.

Cognition in Early Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Consequences May Be Relative to Working Memory

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 938-949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay I. Berrigan ◽  
Jo-Anne LeFevre ◽  
Laura M. Rees ◽  
Jason Berard ◽  
Mark S. Freedman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Group Membership ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Disease Stages

AbstractThe Relative Consequence Model proposes multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have a fundamental deficit in processing speed that compromises other cognitive functions. The present study examined the mediating role of processing speed, as well as working memory, in the MS-related effects on other cognitive functions for early relapsing-remitting patients. Seventy relapsing-remitting MS patients with disease duration not greater than 10 years and 72 controls completed tasks assessing processing speed, working memory, learning, and executive functioning. The possible mediating roles of speed and working memory in the MS-related effects on other cognitive functions were evaluated using structural equation modeling. Processing speed was not significantly related to group membership and could not have a mediating role. Working memory was related to group membership and functioned as a mediating/intervening factor. The results do not support the Relative Consequence Model in this sample and they challenge the notion that working memory impairment only emerges at later disease stages. The results do support a mediating/intervening role of working memory. These results were obtained for early relapsing-remitting MS patients and should not be generalized to the broader MS population. Instead, future research should examine the relations that exist at other disease stages. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–12)

scholarly journals Human Nonmercaptalbumin Is a New Biomarker of Motor Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2464
Author(s):  
Sadayuki Ito ◽  
Hiroaki Nakashima ◽  
Kei Ando ◽  
Kazuyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Masaaki Machino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Locomotive Syndrome ◽  
Reduced Mobility

The ratio of human nonmercaptalbumin (HNA) and reduced albumin (HMA) may be a new marker for oxidative stress. Locomotive syndrome (LS) is reduced mobility due to impairment of locomotive organs. We investigated whether the HNA/HMA ratio could be a new biomarker of LS. This study included 306 subjects (mean age 64.24 ± 10.4 years) who underwent LS tests, grip strength, walking speed, and tests for HNA and HMA. Oxidative stress was measured by the ratio of HMA (f(HMA) = (HMA/(HMA + HNA) × 100)), and the subjects were divided into normal (N group; f[HMA] ≥ 70%) and low (L group; f[HMA] < 70%) groups. There were 124 non-elderly (<65 years) and 182 elderly subjects (≥65 years). There were no significant differences in LS, grip strength, and walking speed between the L and N groups in the non-elderly subjects. However, significant differences were found in the elderly subjects. In logistic regression analysis, there was an association between f(HMA) and the LS severity at older ages. LS in the elderly is associated with a decline in HMA and, thus, an increase in oxidative stress. Thus, f(HMA) is a new biomarker of LS.

Prospective associations of plasma growth differentiation factor 15 with physical performance and cognitive functions in older adults

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingxiao He ◽  
Philipe de Souto Barreto ◽  
Juan Luis Sánchez Sánchez ◽  
Yves Rolland ◽  
Sophie Guyonnet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cognitive Score ◽  
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
One Year ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has been associated with several age-related disorders, but its associations with functional abilities in community-dwelling older adults are not well studied. Methods The study was a secondary analysis on 1096 community-dwelling older adults (aged 69 to 94 years) recruited from the Multidomain Alzheimer’s Preventive Trial. Plasma GDF15 was measured one year after participants’ enrolment. Annual data of physical performance (grip strength and short physical performance battery [SPPB]) and global cognitive functions (mini-mental state examination [MMSE] and a composite cognitive score) were measured for four years. Adjusted mixed-effects linear models were performed for cross-sectional and longitudinal association analyses. Results A higher GDF15 was cross-sectionally associated with a weaker grip strength (β = -1.1E-03, 95%CI [-2.0E-03, -1.5E-04]), a lower SPPB score (β = -3.1E-04, 95%CI [-5.4E-04, -9.0E-05]) and worse cognitive functions (β = -2.4E-04, 95%CI [-3.3E-04, -1.6E-04] for composite cognitive score; β = -4.0E-04, 95%CI [-6.4E-04, -1.6E-04] for MMSE). Participants with higher GDF15 demonstrated greater longitudinal declines in SPPB (β = -1.0E-04, 95%CI [-1.7E-04, -2.0E-05]) and composite cognitive score (β = -2.0E-05, 95%CI [-4.0E-05, -3.6E-06]). The optimal initial GDF15 cutoff values for identifying participants with minimal clinically significant decline after one year were 2189 pg/mL for SPPB (AUC: 0.580) and 2330 pg/mL for composite cognitive score (AUC: 0.587). Conclusions Plasma GDF15 is cross-sectionally and longitudinally associated with lower-limb physical performance and global cognitive function in older adults. Circulating GDF15 alone has limited capacity of discriminating older adults who will develop clinically significant functional declines.

Bioimpedance phase angle as a marker of sarcopenia in elderly women with multiple comorbidities

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. P. Kurmayev ◽  
S. V. Bulgakova ◽  
N. O. Zakharova
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Phase Angle ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Hand Grip Strength ◽  
Bioimpedance Analysis ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Hand Dynamometry

Rationale: The progressive decline in skeletal muscle strength and function during aging can lead to disability and premature death. It is of interest to evaluate the potential of bioimpedance phase angle (PhA) as an instrumental marker of sarcopenia in clinical practice.Aim: To identify an association between the phase angles determined by the bioimpedance analysis of body composition, with functional activity parameters in elderly women with multiple comorbidities.Materials and methods: The study included 146  elderly women (aged 75 to 84  years, mean age 79.44±2.56  years). Assessments consisted of the Charlson comorbidity index, “Vozrast ne pomekha” (Age is not a hindrance) questionnaire, the Barthel index, the sit-to-stand five-repeat test, the standardized 4-meter walking speed test, and bioimpedance analysis of body composition (ABC02, Medass, Russia). Muscle strength parameters were assessed by wrist dynamometry with a mechanical wrist dynamometer. The hand dynamometry index was calculated by dividing the hand grip strength by the patient's squared height. According to the EWGSOP2 guidelines for the critical cur-off for hand dynamometry, the patients were divided into two groups: those with the hand grip strength>16 kg (n=41) and those with<16 kg (n=105).Results: There were significant correlations of PhA with age (r=-0.369; p=0.017), the results of the screening questionnaire “Vozrast ne pomekha” (Age is not a hindrance) (r=-0.359; p=0.023), Barthel index (r=0.375; p=0.018), hand dynamometry (r=0.395; p=0.014), hand dynamometry index (r=0.340; p=0.021), lean body mass (r=0.414; p=0.009), musculoskeletal mass (r=0.819; p<0.001), proportion of musculoskeletal mass (r=0.796; p<0.001), walking speed (r=0.670; p<0.001), and the results of the sit-to-stand test (r=-0.541; p<0.001). Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 61 women (41.8%). There were also significant differences in age, hand dynamometry results, hand dynamometry index, walking speed and results of the sit-to-stand test between the two groups depending on their hand grip strength.Conclusion: The use of hand dynamometry, physical activity tests, and bioimpedance phase angle can be used in clinical practice to diagnose sarcopenia.

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