scholarly journals Association Between Dual-Task Gait and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 162-162
Author(s):  
Jessie VanSwearingen ◽  
Mark Redfern ◽  
Ervin Sejdic ◽  
Andrea Rosso ◽  
Anisha Suri
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Task Effects ◽  
Community Mobility ◽  
Gait Quality ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Global Cognition ◽  
Pearson Correlations

Abstract Community mobility involves walking with physical and cognitive challenges. In older adults (N=116; results here from initial analyses: N=29, Age=75±5 years, 51% females), we assessed gait speed and smoothness (harmonic-ratio) while walking on even and uneven surfaces, with or without an alternate alphabeting dual-task (ABC). ANOVA assessed surface and dual-task effects; Pearson correlations compared gait with global cognition and executive function composite z-scores. The four conditions (even, uneven, even-ABC and uneven-ABC) affected speed(m/s) (0.97±0.14 vs 0.90±0.15 vs 0.83±0.17 vs 0.79±0.16). Smoothness (2.19±0.48 vs 1.89±0.38 vs 1.92±0.53 vs 1.7±0.43) was affected by only surface (controlled for speed). Greater speed was associated with better global cognition(ρ=0.47 to 0.49, p<0.05) for all conditions and with better executive function for even-ABC(ρ=0.39, p=0.04) and uneven-ABC(ρ=0.40, p=0.03). Executive function was associated with smoothness during even(ρp=-0.42, p=0.03) and uneven(ρp=-0.39, p=0.04) walking. Type of walking challenge differentially affects gait quality and associations with cognitive function.

Abstract 29: Olfactory Function and Neurocognitive Outcomes in Old Age: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS)

Circulation ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 135 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Palta ◽  
Honglei Chen ◽  
Jennifer A Deal ◽  
David Knopman ◽  
Michael Griswold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Sense Of Smell ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Olfactory Impairment ◽  
Global Cognition ◽  
Domain Scores

Introduction: Impairment in the sense of smell is associated with plaques and tangles in the olfactory region of the brain, which connects to the hippocampus where neuropathologic changes related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease are first sited. Olfactory impairments may thus be a marker for poor cognitive function and MCI. We assessed olfaction and cognitive function in 6055 White and Black men and women aged 60-99 years. Methods: Sense of smell was measured in ARIC-NCS participants (2011-2013) by the 12-item Sniffin’ Sticks screening test (score range: 0-12, median: 10). A clinically validated threshold (smell score <6) defined olfactory impairment (OI). A multidimensional neuropsychological assessment (10 tests) ascertained performance in domains of memory, language, executive function/processing speed, and global cognition. For relative comparisons across the tests, raw cognitive test scores were standardized to z scores and averaged to yield domain scores. Following review of neuropsychological assessments, medical history, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, and physical examinations, MCI was classified by a neurologist and neuropsychologist, and adjudicated by a third reviewer. Multivariable linear regression estimated the mean difference in domain-specific z scores among participants with and without OI. Logistic regression was used to quantify the prevalence odds of MCI in participants with vs. those without OI. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, education, ARIC study center, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and ApoE4. Race and sex were explored as effect modifiers. Results: The participants’ mean age was 76 years; 41% were male and 23% Black. The prevalence of olfactory impairment was 14%. Compared to participants with no OI, those with OI had a statistically significantly lower mean z score across all cognitive domains [memory: Beta= -0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.45, -0.30); language: Beta= -0.39 (95% CI: -0.46, -0.33); executive function/processing speed: Beta= -0.24 (95% CI: -0.32, -0.17); global cognition: Beta= -0.34 (95% CI: -0.41, -0.26). Effect modification by race was observed in the domain of language. Blacks with OI had a greater mean difference in language z score compared to Blacks without OI (Beta= -0.57 (95% CI: -0.70, -0.44)). OI was associated with MCI in Whites, but not Blacks: white participants with OI had greater odds of MCI (Odds Ratio [OR] =1.76, 95% CI: 1.40, 2.21). Sex did not modify these associations. Conclusions: Compared to average cognitive aging (annual rate of decline of 0.04-0.05 standard deviation units/year) relatively large differences in standardized cognitive domain scores are observed between those with and without olfactory impairment among older adults. An impaired sense of smell may serve as a readily accessible early marker of neurodegeneration.

scholarly journals US Older Adults That Consume Avocado or Guacamole Have Better Cognition Than Non-consumers: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feon W. Cheng ◽  
Nikki A. Ford ◽  
Matthew K. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
National Health ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Nutrition Examination Survey ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Special Cases ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Global Cognition ◽  
Mean Differences

Purpose: The goal of this study is to examine how avocado relates to cognitive function among older adults.Methods: A total of 2,886 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014 participants aged 60 or older met the eligibility criteria and were included of our cross-sectional study. Participants were binarily classified as avocado consumers (i.e., reported consuming any avocado/guacamole in either 24-h dietary recalls) or non-consumers. Cognitive performance was evaluated with: Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD)—immediate and delayed recall (IWR/DWR), the Animal Fluency test, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. We calculated the education-dependent z-scores for each subject because education level can impact cognitive function. Global cognitive score, an average of the z-scores for each cognitive test, was calculated in participants who had completed all four tests. To account for relevant covariates, we tested for mean differences in cognition between consumers and non-consumers using independent sample t-tests and ANCOVA, special cases of ordinary least squares regression.Results: Avocado consumers had significantly better cognitive scores across all cognitive tests and the global cognition score (p &lt; 0.05) in the unadjusted model. Some mean differences attenuated after adjusting for potential confounders, but others remained significant. Compared to non-consumers, avocado consumers had significantly higher z-scores of 0.15, 0.15, and 0.11 for CERAD IWR and DWR, and global cognition score, respectively (all p &lt; 0.05 in adjusted models).Conclusion: Avocado consumption was associated with significantly better IWR, DWR, and the overall global cognition score, which remained significant when controlling for all relevant confounders.

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

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&lt;0.001) executive function (Stroop interference score). tDCS+seated and sham+walking did not affect the dual-task cost to gait speed (p&gt;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.

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

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.

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

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.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Different Types of Exercise on Cognitive Function in People With MCI or Dementia: A Network Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 293-293
Author(s):  
Qiaoqin Wan ◽  
Xiuxiu Huang ◽  
Xiaoyan Zhao ◽  
Bei Li ◽  
Ying Cai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Exercise Treatment ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Global Cognition

Abstract With the accelerating progress of population aging, cognitive dysfunction is becoming increasingly prevalent. Exercise, as a promising non-pharmaceutical therapy, showed favorable effects on cognitive function. But which type is the most effective exercise treatment is still unclear. This study compared the efficacy of different types of exercise interventions based on network meta-analysis and aimed to explore the optimal exercise treatment for cognitive decline. The electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfoy, and OpenGrey were searched from inception to September 2019. We only included randomized controlled trials that examined the effectiveness of exercise interventions in people with MCI or dementia. Primary outcomes were global cognition, executive function and memory function. Standard mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to estimate the effect sizes. Finally, 73 articles with 5748 participants were included. The results showed all kinds of exercise interventions were effective on global cognition and resistance exercise was probably the most effective exercise treatment to prevent the decrease of global cognition (SMD=1.05, 95%CI 0.56-1.54), executive function (SMD=0.85, 95%CI 0.21-1.49) and memory function (SMD=0.32, 95%CI 0.01-0.63) for people with cognitive dysfunction. Subgroup analysis revealed multi-component exercise showed more favorable effects on global cognition (SMD=0.99, 95%CI 0.44-1.54) and executive function (SMD=0.72, 95%CI 0.06-1.38) in people with MCI. In conclusion, resistance exercise tended to be the optimal exercise type for people with cognitive dysfunction, especially for people with dementia. And multi-component exercise also should be recommended for people with MCI.

Mild Cognitive Impairment Affects Obstacle Negotiation in Older Adults: Results from “Gait and Brain Study”

Gerontology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederico Pieruccini-Faria ◽  
Yanina Sarquis-Adamson ◽  
Manuel Montero-Odasso
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Gait Control ◽  
Dual Tasking ◽  
Brain Study

Background: Older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are at higher risk of falls and injuries, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Inappropriate anticipatory postural adjustments to overcome balance perturbations are affected by cognitive decline. However, it is unknown whether anticipatory gait control to avoid an obstacle is affected in MCI. Objective: Using the dual-task paradigm, we aim to assess whether gait control is affected during obstacle negotiation challenges in older adults with MCI. Methods: Seventy-nine participants (mean age = 72.0 ± 2.7 years; women = 30.3%) from the “Gait and Brain Study” were included in this study (controls = 27; MCI = 52). In order to assess the anticipatory control behaviour for obstacle negotiation, a 6-m electronic walkway embedded with sensors recorded foot prints to measure gait speed and step length variability, during early (3 steps before the late phase) and late (3 steps before the obstacle) pre-crossing phases of an ad hoc obstacle, set at 15% of participant’s height. Participants walked under single- and dual-task gait (counting backwards by 1’s from 100 while walking) conditions. Three-way mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance models examined differences in gait performance between groups when transitioning between pre-crossing phases towards an obstacle during single- and dual-task conditions. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, years of education, lower limb function, fear of falling, medical status, depressive symptoms, baseline gait speed and executive function. Results: A significant three-way interaction among groups, pre-crossing phases and task showed that participants with MCI attenuated the gait deceleration (p = 0.02) and performed fewer step length adjustments (p = 0.03) when approaching the obstacle compared with controls while dual-tasking. These interactions were attenuated when executive function performance was added as a covariate in the adjusted statistical model. Conclusion: Older adults with MCI attenuate the anticipatory gait adjustments needed to avoid an obstacle when dual-tasking. Deficits in higher-order cognitive processing may limit obstacle negotiation capabilities in MCI populations, being a potential falls risk factor.

Abstract P268: Greater Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults With Type 1 Diabetes as Compared to Non-diabetic Controls: Results From the Study of Longevity in Diabetes (SOLID)

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E Lacy ◽  
Paola Gilsanz ◽  
Chloe Eng ◽  
Michal S Beeri ◽  
Andrew J Karter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Race Ethnicity

Introduction: Studies have shown poorer cognitive function in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) as compared to non-diabetic peers. However, little is known about cognitive function in older adults with T1D. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that older adults with T1D and type 2 diabetes (T2D) would have greater cognitive impairment than age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education-matched controls without diabetes. Methods: We compared baseline cognitive impairment among older adults (aged ≥60) from the Study of Longevity in Diabetes (SOLID) with T1D (n=771), T2D (=234) and no diabetes (n=253). Cognitive tests assessed three cognitive domains identified via factor analysis (language, executive function, episodic memory). All cognitive test scores were standardized and cognitive impairment was defined as 1.5 SD below the mean. In logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, and race/ethnicity, we examined the association between diabetes status (T1D, T2D or no diabetes) and cognition on each cognitive domain and on global cognition (average of scores on the 3 domains). Results: In adjusted regression models, compared to older adults without diabetes, those with T1D were more likely to have impaired cognitive function on the language (OR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.08, 4.17) and executive function domains (OR=2.66, 95% CI: 1.36, 5.22). No significant differences in global cognitive impairment or impairment on the episodic memory domain were observed for T1D and no significant differences on any domain were observed for T2D. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that older adults with T1D have greater cognitive impairment than their peers without diabetes; findings were specific to the language and executive function domains, with episodic memory being unaffected. No increase in cognitive impairment was observed for older adults with T2D. Additional research is needed to understand the causes and potentially modifiable factors associated with impaired cognition among older adults with T1D.

scholarly journals SAT-LB115 Metformin-Use Is Associated With Slowed Cognitive Decline and Reduced Incident Dementia in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Sydney Memory and Ageing Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Samaras ◽  
Steve Makkar ◽  
John D Crawford ◽  
Nicole A Kochan ◽  
Wei Wen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Older People ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Incident Dementia ◽  
Ageing Study ◽  
Global Cognition ◽  
Rate Of Decline

Abstract Background Metformin use in diabetes has been associated with both increased and decreased dementia rates in observational studies of people with diabetes. Objective: To examine changes in global cognition and specific cognitive domains over 6 years in older adults with diabetes treated with metformin, compared to other glucose lowering medications, and to people without diabetes. Methods Data were examined from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study, a prospective observational study of 6 years duration of 1037 non-demented community-dwelling elderly aged 70-90 at baseline, derived from a compulsory electoral roll. Neuropsychological testing was performed every 2 years with domain measures of memory, executive function, language, visuospatial function, attention and processing speed and a composite of global cognition. Data were analysed by linear mixed modelling, including age, sex, education, body mass index, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, smoking and apolipoprotein E ε4 carriage as covariates. Results: At baseline, 123 participants had diabetes (DM) with 67 receiving metformin (DM+MF) who were similar in demographics to those not receiving metformin (DM-noMF) and those without diabetes (no-DM). Participants with diabetes had higher BMI, lower HDL- and LDL-cholesterol and more prevalent heart disease, hypertension and smoking, compared to no-DM. Over 6-years, DM+MF participants had significantly slower rates of decline in global cognition and executive function, compared to DM-noMF, adjusted for covariates. The rate of decline for each cognitive domain was similar between DM+MF and controls. No impact was found in analyses examining interactions with sex, ApoEε4 carriage or hyperlipidemia. No difference was found in the rate of decline in brain volumes between the groups over 2 years. Incident dementia was significantly higher in DM-noMF, compared to DM+MF (adjusted OR 5.29 [95% CI 1.17-23.88], p,0.05), whereas risk of incident dementia was similar between DM+MF and participants without diabetes. Conclusions: In older people with diabetes receiving metformin, rates of cognitive decline and dementia were similar to that found in people without diabetes and significantly less than that found in people with diabetes not receiving metformin. Large randomized studies in people with and without diabetes are required to determine whether these associations can be attributed to metformin alone or if other factors explain these observations. Future studies will clarify if this cheap and safe medication can be repurposed for prevention of cognitive decline in older people.

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