Muscle Bioenergetics and Cognitive Executive Function: The SOMMA Study Baseline

Abstract Better executive function has been associated with faster walking speed, but the basis for this association is unclear. Systemic factors appear to contribute mitochondrial function across multiple tissues including muscle and brain. We hypothesized that muscle-based measures of bioenergetics capacity would be associated with cognitive function at SOMMA’s baseline. MRI-based ATPMAX and muscle fiber respirometry-based max OXPHOS were correlated with scores on the MoCA (mean: 24.0; SD: 3.2); Trails B (mean: 138 seconds; SD: 73) and the Digit Symbol Coding Tests (mean: 50.8; SD: 14.9). The spearman correlations between ATPmax and the three measures were: 0.10 (p=0.29); -0.20 (p=0.03) and 0.16 (p=0.09), respectively. The association between max OXPHOS were: 0.18 (p=0.02); -0.20 (p<0.01) and 0.11 (p=0.13), respectively. Some associations appeared stronger in men than women. Gender interactions and whether energetics mediate some of the association between cognitive function and gait speed will be explored in the full baseline sample.

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Associations Between Cognitive Function, Balance, and Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With COPD

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.741 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 230-230

Author(s):

Shweta Gore ◽

Jennifer Blackwood ◽

Tyler Ziccardi

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Word Recall ◽

Measure Data ◽

Control Group ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Delayed Recall

Abstract Older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at risk for physical and cognitive impairment. Cognitive function is associated with falls in older adults however it is unknown if a relationship exists between cognitive function and falls in COPD. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between cognitive function and balance and mobility in older adults with COPD. A secondary analysis was performed using data from the 2010 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (N=4051). Cognitive (immediate and delayed recall, executive function) and physical (gait speed, tandem balance time) measure data was extracted from older adults with COPD (N=382) and an age matched control group without COPD (N=382) who met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Multivariate linear regression modeling was performed to examine associations between cognitive function and mobility or balance while controlling for age, gender, BMI, grip strength, and education. We found that in COPD, immediate word recall, delayed word recall, orientation, and executive function (β ranging from 0.004-0.02) were significantly associated with gait speed while only delayed word recall (β = 0.122, p < .05) was associated with tandem balance. These same associations did not exist in those without COPD. In older adults with COPD, cognitive function is associated with balance and mobility. Screening for cognitive function, specifically delayed recall, should be a part of the management of falls in this population.

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THE INTERPLAY OF FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND COGNITION ON WALKING SPEED RESERVE

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.606 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S170-S170

Author(s):

Nicole T Dawson ◽

Ashleigh Trapuzzano

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Executive Function ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Functional Performance ◽

Neuromuscular Control ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Digit Symbol Substitution Test

Abstract Domains of functional performance (strength, balance) and cognition (executive function, processing speed) have been shown to independently predict both comfortable and gait speed. Walking speed reserve (WSR) reflects an individual’s ability to increase their walking speed when needed to adjust to environmental demands. Increasing speed requires a higher demand of neuromuscular control and cognitive resources. Few studies have investigated WSR; however, poorer cognitive status has been shown to be associated with a smaller WSR. Understanding mechanisms in WSR could help with intervention development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interplay of functional performance and cognition on WSR. Sixty-seven community-dwelling older adults (mean age 80.57; 71% female) completed assessments including: global cognition (Mini Mental State Examination), leg strength (30 Second Chair Stand), balance (Functional Reach), executive function (Trail Making Test Part-B, clock-drawing test, Flanker Task), simple reaction time, processing speed (Digit Symbol Substitution Test), and gait speed (comfortable and fast) using the GAITRite® system. WSR (fast-comfortable gait speed) was the dependent variable. Independent variables in the regression model were selected using Pearson correlation values <0.05 (strength (r=.332, p=.006) and processing speed (r=.361, p=.003)). Linear regression revealed that the strength and processing speed explained 16.3% of the variance (adjusted r2) of WSR and were both unique predictors of WSR indicating individuals with greater strength (B=.79, p=0.036) and faster processing speed (B=.44, p=0.015) have a greater capacity to alter their gait speed. Further, the interdependence between cognition and physical performance emphasizes the importance of interprofessional care for older adults.

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Concern About Falling Is Associated With Gait Speed, Independently From Physical and Cognitive Function

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/pzz032 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 99 (8) ◽

pp. 989-997 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Kimberley S van Schooten ◽

Ellen Freiberger ◽

Myriam Sillevis Smitt ◽

Veronika Keppner ◽

Cornel Sieber ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Older People ◽

Dual Task ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk

AbstractBackgroundHigher levels of concern about falling in older people have been associated with slower walking speed and an increased risk of falls. However, it is unclear whether this relationship is independent or confounded by other fall risk factors, such as physical and cognitive function.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of concern about falling on gait speed, adjusted for physiological fall risk and cognitive function.DesignThis was an observational, cross-sectional study.MethodsA total of 204 community-dwelling older people aged 70 years or older were recruited from 2 sites (Germany, n = 94; Australia, n = 110). Walking speed was measured over 6 m under 4 conditions: preferred speed, fast speed, speed while carrying a tray (functional dual task), and speed while answering a question (cognitive dual task). The Falls Efficacy Scale–International was used to assess concern about falling, the Physiological Profile Assessment was used to assess physiological fall risk, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Trail Making Test were used to assess attention and executive function.ResultsHigher levels of concern about falling were associated with slower gait speed. Following adjustment for age, history of falls, and female sex, and further adjustment for physical and cognitive function, the association between concern about falling and walking speed remained significant, with a considerable effect size (standardized β = 0.18 ± 0.08; P = .037).LimitationsThe use of walking speed as a sole measure of gait was a limitation of this study.ConclusionsGait speed, especially under dual-task conditions, was affected by concern about falling. Concern about falling was the strongest predictor of gait speed under all 4 conditions and should be included in routine geriatric assessments.

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Combining tDCS With a Motor-Cognitive Task to Reduce the Negative Impact of Dual-Tasking on the Gait of Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.921 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 287-288

Author(s):

Jeffrey Hausdorff ◽

Nofar Schneider ◽

Marina Brozgol ◽

Pablo Cornejo Thumm ◽

Nir Giladi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Executive Function ◽

Dual Task ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Virtual Reality Environment ◽

Dual Tasking ◽

Concurrent Performance ◽

Dual Task Cost

Abstract The simultaneous performance of a secondary task while walking (i.e., dual tasking) increases motor-cognitive interference and fall risk in older adults. Combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with the concurrent performance of a task that putatively involves the same brain networks targeted by the tDCS may reduce the negative impact of dual-tasking on walking. We examined whether tDCS applied while walking reduces the dual-task costs to gait and whether this combination is better than tDCS alone or walking alone (with sham stimulation). In 25 healthy older adults (aged 75.7±10.5yrs), a double-blind, within-subject, cross-over pilot study evaluated the acute after-effects of 20 minutes of tDCS targeting the primary motor cortex and the dorsal lateral pre frontal cortex during three separate sessions:1) tDCS while walking on a treadmill in a virtual-reality environment (tDCS+walking), 2) tDCS while seated (tDCS+seated), and 3) walking in the virtual-reality environment with sham tDCS (sham+walking). The complex walking condition taxed motor and cognitive abilities. During each session, single- and dual-task walking and cognitive function were assessed before and immediately after stimulation. Compared to pre-tDCS performance, tDCS+walking reduced the dual-task cost to gait speed (p=0.004) and other gait features (e.g., variability p=0.02), and improved (p<0.001) executive function (Stroop interference score). tDCS+seated and sham+walking did not affect the dual-task cost to gait speed (p>0.17). These initial findings demonstrate that tDCS delivered during challenging walking ameliorates dual-task gait and executive function in older adults, suggesting that the concurrent performance of related tasks enhances the efficacy of the neural stimulation and mobility.

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Effects of physical activity on cognitive function among patients with diabetes in China: a nationally longitudinal study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10537-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anying Bai ◽

Liyuan Tao ◽

Jia Huang ◽

Jing Tao ◽

Jue Liu

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Executive Function ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Age Groups ◽

Screening Tools ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Patients With Diabetes ◽

Lagged Dependent Variable

Abstract Background We aimed to examine the effect of physical activity on different cognitive domains among patients with diabetes. Methods We used two waves of data from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2013–2015), a nationally representative dataset of Chinese population aged over 45. Total physical activity scores were calculated based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Executive function and episodic memory were used as measures of cognitive function. We conducted lagged dependent variable models to explore the association between physical activity and cognitive function in full sample as well as two different age groups (45–65, ≥65). Results: 862 diabetic patients were included. We found that diabetic participants who had greater level of physical activity at baseline were associated with better episodic memory function in 2 years (p < 0.05). Moreover, physical activity was significantly associated with less decline in episodic memory in fully adjusted models, and the associations were stronger among patients aged 45–65 years (p < 0.05). No statistically significant association was found between physical activity and executive function in all age groups. Conclusions Physical activity may prevent some of the potential decline in episodic memory in diabetic patients. Clinicians and public health departments should strengthen the promotion of physical activity and develop early screening tools among diabetic participants to prevent the progression of cognitive impairment.

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Mapping of long-term cognitive and motor deficits in pediatric cerebellar brain tumor survivors into a cerebellar white matter atlas

Child s Nervous System ◽

10.1007/s00381-021-05244-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Frederik Grosse ◽

Stefan Mark Rueckriegel ◽

Ulrich-Wilhelm Thomale ◽

Pablo Hernáiz Driever

Keyword(s):

Brain Tumor ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

White Matter ◽

Cerebellar Nuclei ◽

Motor Deficits ◽

Deep Cerebellar Nuclei ◽

Cerebellar White Matter ◽

Lesion Symptom Mapping

Abstract Purpose Diaschisis of cerebrocerebellar loops contributes to cognitive and motor deficits in pediatric cerebellar brain tumor survivors. We used a cerebellar white matter atlas and hypothesized that lesion symptom mapping may reveal the critical lesions of cerebellar tracts. Methods We examined 31 long-term survivors of pediatric posterior fossa tumors (13 pilocytic astrocytoma, 18 medulloblastoma). Patients underwent neuronal imaging, examination for ataxia, fine motor and cognitive function, planning abilities, and executive function. Individual consolidated cerebellar lesions were drawn manually onto patients’ individual MRI and normalized into Montreal Neurologic Institute (MNI) space for further analysis with voxel-based lesion symptom mapping. Results Lesion symptom mapping linked deficits of motor function to the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP), deep cerebellar nuclei (interposed nucleus (IN), fastigial nucleus (FN), ventromedial dentate nucleus (DN)), and inferior vermis (VIIIa, VIIIb, IX, X). Statistical maps of deficits of intelligence and executive function mapped with minor variations to the same cerebellar structures. Conclusion We identified lesions to the SCP next to deep cerebellar nuclei as critical for limiting both motor and cognitive function in pediatric cerebellar tumor survivors. Future strategies safeguarding motor and cognitive function will have to identify patients preoperatively at risk for damage to these critical structures and adapt multimodal therapeutic options accordingly.

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Racial Disparities in Cognitive Function: The Roles of Cumulative Stress Exposures Across the Life Course

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1627 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 504-504

Author(s):

Ruijia Chen ◽

Jennifer Weuve ◽

Laura Kubzansky ◽

David Williams

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Life Course ◽

Racial Disparities ◽

The United States ◽

Coping Resources ◽

Age Group ◽

Cumulative Stress ◽

The Life Course

Abstract Introduction: Racial disparities in cognitive function have been well-documented in the literature, but factors driving the disparities remain under explored. This study aims to quantify the extent to which cumulative stress exposures across the life course explain Black–White disparities in executive function and episodic memory. Method: Data were drawn from the 2004–2006 wave of the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) and the MIDUS refresher study (N=5,967, 5,277 White, 690 Black). Cumulative stress exposures were assessed by using 10 domains of stressors (e.g., financial stress, childhood adversity). Cognitive function was assessed using the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone. Marginal structural models were conducted to quantify the proportion of the effect of race/ethnicity status on cognitive function that can be explained by cumulative stress exposures. Result: Blacks reported higher levels of cumulative stress exposures and lower average levels of executive function and episodic memory than Whites. Cumulative stress exposures explained 8.43% of the disparities in executive function and 13.21 % of the disparities in episodic memory. Cumulative stress exposures had stronger effects on racial disparities in cognitive function in the older age group (age≥ 55 years old) than in the younger age group (age < 55 years old). Conclusion: Cumulative stress exposures explain modest proportions of racial disparities in levels of cognitive function. Interventions that focus on reducing stress exposures or improving coping resources among Blacks may help lessen racial disparities in cognitive function at the population level.

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Slow Wave Sleep and EEG Delta Spectral Power are Associated with Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease

Journal of Parkinson s Disease ◽

10.3233/jpd-202215 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Kimberly H. Wood ◽

Adeel A. Memon ◽

Raima A. Memon ◽

Allen Joop ◽

Jennifer Pilkington ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Slow Wave ◽

Effect Size ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Slow Wave Sleep ◽

Spectral Power ◽

Z Scores ◽

Domain Scores

Background: Cognitive and sleep dysfunction are common non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective: Determine the relationship between slow wave sleep (SWS) and cognitive performance in PD. Methods: Thirty-two PD participants were evaluated with polysomnography and a comprehensive level II neurocognitive battery, as defined by the Movement Disorders Society Task Force for diagnosis of PD-mild cognitive impairment. Raw scores for each test were transformed into z-scores using normative data. Z-scores were averaged to obtain domain scores, and domain scores were averaged to determine the Composite Cognitive Score (CCS), the primary outcome. Participants were grouped by percent of SWS into High SWS and Low SWS groups and compared on CCS and other outcomes using 2-sided t-tests or Mann-Whitney U. Correlations of cognitive outcomes with sleep architecture and EEG spectral power were performed. Results: Participants in the High SWS group demonstrated better global cognitive function (CCS) (p = 0.01, effect size: r = 0.45). In exploratory analyses, the High SWS group showed better performance in domains of executive function (effect size: Cohen’s d = 1.05), language (d = 0.95), and processing speed (d = 1.12). Percentage of SWS was correlated with global cognition and executive function, language, and processing speed. Frontal EEG delta power during N3 was correlated with the CCS and executive function. Cognition was not correlated with subjective sleep quality. Conclusion: Increased SWS and higher delta spectral power are associated with better cognitive performance in PD. This demonstrates the significant relationship between sleep and cognitive function and suggests that interventions to improve sleep might improve cognition in individuals with PD.

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The Relationship of Psychiatric Symptoms with Performance-Based and Self-Reported Cognitive Function After Ischemic Stroke

Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society ◽

10.1017/s1355617721000187 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Elisabeth Kliem ◽

Elise Gjestad ◽

Truls Ryum ◽

Alexander Olsen ◽

Bente Thommessen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Executive Function ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Cognitive Difficulties ◽

Memory And Attention ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Objective: Findings on the relationship of psychiatric symptoms with performance-based and self-reported cognitive function post-stroke are inconclusive. We aimed to (1) study the relation of depression and anxiety to performance-based cognitive function and (2) explore a broader spectrum of psychiatric symptoms and their association with performance-based versus self-reported cognitive function. Method: Individuals with supratentorial ischemic stroke performed neuropsychological examination 3 months after stroke. For primary analyses, composite scores for memory and attention/executive function were calculated based on selected neuropsychological tests, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used. Psychiatric symptoms and self-reported cognitive function for secondary aims were assessed using the Symptom-Checklist-90 – Revised (SCL-90-R). Results: In a sample of 86 patients [mean (M) age: 64.6 ± 9.2; Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), 3–7 days post-stroke: M = 28.4 ± 1.7; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) after 3 months: M = 0.7 ± 1.6] depressive symptoms (HADS) were associated with poorer memory performance after controlling for age, sex, and education (p ≤ .01). In a subsample (n = 41; Age: M = 65.7 ± 8.1; MMSE: M = 28.4 ± 1.8; NIHSS: M = 1.0 ± 1.9), symptoms of phobic anxiety (SCL-90-R) were associated with poorer performance-based memory and attention/executive function, and symptoms of anxiety (SCL-90-R) with lower attention/executive function. Higher levels of self-reported cognitive difficulties were associated with higher scores in all psychiatric domains (p ≤ .05). Conclusion: Even in relatively well-functioning stroke patients, depressive symptoms are associated with poorer memory. The results also suggest that various psychiatric symptoms are more related to self-reported rather than to performance-based cognitive function. Screening for self-reported cognitive difficulties may not only help to identify patients with cognitive impairment, but also those who need psychological treatment.

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Weight Status Influences Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Executive Function Among Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1183 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 367-368

Author(s):

Desiree Bygrave ◽

Regina Wright

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Verbal Fluency ◽

Weight Status ◽

Carotid Atherosclerosis ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Media Thickness

Abstract Carotid atherosclerosis has emerged as an early predictor of reduced cognitive function. Underlying this association are risk factors, such as overweight and obesity, that promote carotid atherosclerosis and poor cognitive outcomes. Given the prevalence of overweight and obesity among older adults, there is a critical need to better understand how atherosclerosis influences cognitive function in the context of elevated weight. To address this gap, the current study examined relations between carotid atherosclerosis (carotid intima-media thickness [IMT]), and attention (Trailmaking Test) and executive function (Verbal Fluency Test) performance, and whether they varied as a function of weight status (body mass index [BMI] classification). Data were analyzed from 162 older adults (mean age = 68.43y, 34% male, 41% African American), free of major disease. Mutliple regression and analysis of variance analyses, adjusted for age, sex, education and mean arterial pressure, showed a statistically significant IMT x BMI interaction for Verbal Fluency performance (p=.04) and a trending IMT x BMI interaction for Trailmaking A performance (p=.05). Simple effects analysis of IMT and Verbal Fluency performance showed that this association was most pronounced among those who are obese. Findings suggest atherosclerosis may influence executive function in the context of obesity among older adults. As the development of carotid atherosclerosis is strongly related to aging, our findings suggest that maintaining a healthy weight may reduce its impact on executive function in older adulthood.

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