Association of AKAP6 and MIR2113 with cognitive performance in a population based sample of older adults

AbstractGenetic factors make a substantial contribution to inter-individual variability in cognitive function. A recent meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identified two loci, AKAP6 and MIR2113 that are associated with general cognitive function. Here, we extend this previous research by investigating the association of MIR2113 and AKAP6 with baseline and longitudinal nonlinear change across a broad spectrum of cognitive domains in community-based cohort of 1,570 older adults without dementia. Two SNPs, MIR211-rs10457441 and AKAP6-rs17522122 were genotyped in 1,570 non-demented older Australians of European ancestry, who were examined up to 4 times over 12 years. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the association between AKAP6 and MIR2113 with cognitive performance in episodic memory, working memory, vocabulary, perceptual speed and reaction time at baseline and with linear and quadratic rates of change. AKAP6-rs17522122*T was associated with worse baseline performance in episodic memory, working memory, vocabulary and perceptual speed, but it was not associated with cognitive change in any domain. MIR2113-rs10457441*T was associated with accelerated decline in episodic memory. No other associations with baseline cognitive performance or with linear or quadratic rate or cognitive changes was observed for this SNP. These results confirm the previous finding that, AKAP6 is associated with performance across multiple cognitive domains at baseline but not with cognitive decline, while MIR2113 primarily affects the rate at which memory declines over time.

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Associations Between Smoking and Cognitive Function Among Community-Dwelling U.S. Chinese Older Adults in Chicago

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.505 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 155-155

Author(s):

Shengxi Sun ◽

Nannan Zhang ◽

Mengting Li ◽

XinQi Dong

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Perceptual Speed ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Domains ◽

Global Cognition ◽

Never Smokers

Abstract Previous studies on smoking and cognition reported mixed findings. The inconsistent results are partially explained by the fact that they were limited to specific populations and using different cognitive function measurements. This association between smoking and cognition has rarely been studied in the rapidly increasing U.S. Chinese older adults. This study aims to determine if smoking status and smoking amount are associated with global cognition and cognitive domains in U.S. Chinese older adults. Data was extracted PINE. Five cognitive function tests (East Boston Memory Test, East Boston Memory Delayed Recall, Digital Backward test, Symbol digit Modality Test, and MMSE) were used to measure cognitive domains including episodic memory, working memory, and processing speed. Five cognitive tests were converted to z scores and averaged to generate global cognition. Self-reported smoking status was used for generating smoking status and smoking amount (pack-years). Linear regression was used. The results showed that former smokers had lower global cognition (b=-0.111, SE=0.053, p<.05) and perceptual speed (b=-0.185, SE=0.066, p<.01) than never smokers; current smokers had lower global cognition (b=-0.240, SE=0.060, p<.001), working memory (b=-0.340, SE=0.083, p<.001) and perceptual speed (b=-0.370, SE=0.075, p<.001) compared with never smokers. Smoking pack-years is negatively associated with global cognition (b=-0.003, SE=0.001,p<.001), episodic memory (b=-0.005, SE=0.001, p<.001), and perceptual speed (b=-0.004, SE=0.001, p<.001). Findings revealed that among all smokers, current smokers had the worst cognition and heavier smoking was associated with worse cognition. Policymakers could take measures in lowering smoking amount among U.S. Chinese older adults to protect their cognition.

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Association between tea consumption and cognitive function in cognitively healthy older adults and older adults with mild cognitive impairment

General Psychiatry ◽

10.1136/gpsych-2021-100512 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. e100512

Author(s):

Hua Xu ◽

Alexandra J Fiocco ◽

Xiaohua Liu ◽

Tao Wang ◽

Guanjun Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Tea Consumption ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Global Cognitive Function

BackgroundProspective studies suggest that tea consumption may decrease the risk for cognitive impairment in late life. However, little research has examined the association between tea consumption and cognitive performance across multiple domains. In addition, no research has examined the benefit of tea consumption on cognitive performance among older adults with existing impairment.AimsThe current study examined the association between tea consumption and performance on tasks of global cognitive function, episodic memory and executive function in cognitively healthy (CH) older adults and older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsThe analytical sample included 1849 community-dwelling older adults from the Shanghai Brain Aging Study (65.6% female, mean age of 69.50 (8.02) years). Following ascertainment of cognitive function, 816 were categorised as MCI. In addition to completion of a demographics questionnaire, participants reported their tea consumption and completed a battery of tests to measure global cognitive function, episodic memory and working memory.ResultsIndependent analyses of covariance revealed a significant association between tea consumption and measures of episodic memory; however, these associations were restricted to CH older adults but not older adults with MCI. Tea consumption was not associated with working memory performance.ConclusionsThe current study suggests that the benefit of tea consumption is restricted to cognitively healthy older adults and does not extend to older adults with MCI.

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXPERIENCE OF SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3406 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S936-S937

Author(s):

Stephanie M Bergren ◽

Gabriella Dong

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Historical Event ◽

Historical Events ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Global Cognition ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Research has found relationships between experiencing stressful events and lower cognitive function in late life. However, there is little research about the cumulative experiences of significant historical events and cognitive function. Historical events may be unique compared to other life events due to their potential distal relationship to the individual. This study aims to examine the relationship between experiencing significant historical events and cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Data were drawn from the PINE Study, a cohort study of 3,126 US Chinese older adults collected from 2017-2019. Participants were asked if they experienced the Japanese invasion, famine, Great Leap Forward, Vietnam War, Cultural Revolution, and the Tian’anmen Square Protests. A composite score of 0-6 was calculated to count the number experienced. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Chinese MMSE. Linear and quantile regression were performed. Among the participants, 1908 (61.04%) were female with mean age of 75.33 (SD=8.22) years. The average number of historical events experienced was 2.36 (SD=1.44). After adjusting for covariates, every one additional historical event experience was associated with better global cognition (b=0.26, SE=0.009, p<.01), episodic memory (b = 0.045, SE=0.012, p<.001), and processing speed (b=0.383, SE=0.135, p<.01). Number of historical events was not significantly associated with working memory or C-MMSE. The positive relationship between historical events and some cognitive domains suggests a potential resilience effect after experiencing historical events. Future research should examine whether participants found events stressful and whether there are differential relationships to cognitive function.

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Egg Consumption and Multi-Domain Cognitive Function in a Representative Sample of Older U.S. Adults (P14-004-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz052.p14-004-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Nicholas Bishop ◽

Krystle Zuniga ◽

Bailey Noon

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Representative Sample ◽

Cognitive Change ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cognitive Health ◽

Egg Consumption ◽

Whole Egg

Abstract Objectives Existing research supports a positive relationship between egg intake and cognitive function in older populations, though the impact of whole egg consumption on multi-domain cognitive function and cognitive decline in representative samples of older adults has not been described. We examined the association between egg consumption, cognitive performance, and cognitive change in a representative sample of U.S. adults age 65 and older. Methods We drew observations from the 2012 and 2014 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the recently released 2013 Health Care and Nutrition Study (HCNS). The analytic sample contained 3835 respondents, representing a weighted population of 37,806,082 community-dwelling U.S. adults age 65 and older in 2013. Path analytic models were estimated to identify the association between egg consumption groups (none, ≤1 serving per week, 2–6 servings per week, ≥7 servings per week) and cognitive performance across domains of working memory, executive function, and global mental status. First-order autoregressive models were used to assess change in cognition over the two-year observational period. Results Though bivariate analyses suggested that moderate egg consumers had the best cognitive performance at baseline, egg consumption was not associated with cognitive performance or cognitive change when adjusting models for covariates known to have a robust association with cognitive health such as race/ethnicity, education, and physical activity. Follow-up analyses suggested that overall dietary intake was not meaningfully related to egg consumption, though intake of specific nutrients contained in eggs such as cholesterol and choline generally increased with greater egg consumption. Conclusions These results suggest that egg consumption does not benefit, nor is detrimental to, the cognitive health of older adults. Further studies of whole egg consumption and cognitive performance would benefit from controlled experimental settings, extended follow-up periods to measure cognitive change, and assessment of both community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults. Funding Sources This research was supported by funding from the American Egg Board/Egg Nutrition Center.

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Is Social Network a Protective Factor for Cognitive Impairment in US Chinese Older Adults? Findings from the PINE Study

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000485616 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 64 (3) ◽

pp. 246-256 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mengting Li ◽

Xinqi Dong

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Social Network ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Network Size ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Domains ◽

Global Cognition

Background: Social network has been identified as a protective factor for cognitive impairment. However, the relationship between social network and global and subdomains of cognitive function remains unclear. Objective: This study aims to provide an analytic framework to examine quantity, composition, and quality of social network and investigate the association between social network, global cognition, and cognitive domains among US Chinese older adults. Methods: Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE), a community-engaged, population-based epidemiological study of US Chinese older adults aged 60 and above in the greater Chicago area, with a sample size of 3,157. Social network was assessed by network size, volume of contact, proportion kin, proportion female, proportion co-resident, and emotional closeness. Cognitive function was evaluated by global cognition, episodic memory, executive function, working memory, and Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE). Linear regression and quantile regression were performed. Results: Every 1-point increase in network size (b = 0.048, p < 0.001) and volume of contact (b = 0.049, p < 0.01) and every 1-point decrease in proportion kin (b = -0.240, p < 0.01) and proportion co-resident (b = -0.099, p < 0.05) were associated with higher level of global cognition. Similar trends were observed in specific cognitive domains, including episodic memory, working memory, executive function, and C-MMSE. However, emotional closeness was only significantly associated with C-MMSE (b = 0.076, p < 0.01). Social network has differential effects on female versus male older adults. Conclusion: This study found that social network dimensions have different relationships with global and domains of cognitive function. Quantitative and structural aspects of social network were essential to maintain an optimal level of cognitive function. Qualitative aspects of social network were protective factors for C-MMSE. It is necessary for public health practitioners to consider interventions that enhance different aspects of older adults' social network.

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Polyvictimization and Cognitive Function in an Ethnic Minority Aging Population

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1651 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 427-427

Author(s):

XinQi Dong ◽

Mengting Li

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Community Settings ◽

Multiple Forms ◽

Financial Exploitation ◽

Global Cognition

Abstract Globally, around 1 in 6 older adults experienced some form of elder mistreatment in community settings. However, little is known about the prevalence of polyvictimization, or experience of multiple forms of abuse, which may exacerbate negative outcomes over that of any one form of victimization in isolation. Data were drawn from the PINE study. Polyvictimization was defined as exposure to multiple forms of victimization, including psychological, physical, and sexual mistreatment, financial exploitation, and caregiver neglect. Cognitive function was evaluated by global cognition, episodic memory, executive function, working memory, and MMSE. Regression analyses were performed. Among 3153 participants, 128 experienced two forms of abuse while 12 experienced three or more forms of abuse. Polyvictimization was associated with lower global cognition (b=-0.05, SE=0.02, p<.05), episodic memory (b=-0.06, SE=0.03, p<.05), working memory (b=-0.14, SE=0.07, p<.05), and processing speed (b=-0.68, SE=0.33, p<.05). Interventions could target older adults with polyvictimization and protect their cognitive function.

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Baseline Cognition Is the Best Predictor of 4-year Cognitive Change in Cognitively Intact Older Adults

10.21203/rs.3.rs-125104/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jolien Schaeverbeke ◽

Silvy Gabel ◽

Emma Luckett ◽

Karen Meersmans ◽

Steffi De Meyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Mediation Analysis ◽

Hippocampal Volume ◽

Cognitive Change ◽

Amyloid Pet ◽

Memory Decline ◽

Amyloid Load ◽

Cognitively Intact

Abstract BackgroundWe examined in cognitively intact older adults the relative weight of cognitive, genetic, structural and amyloid brain imaging variables for predicting cognitive change over a 4-year time course. MethodsHundred-eighty community-recruited cognitively intact older adults (mean age 68 years, range 52-80 years, 81 women) belonging to the Flemish Prevent Alzheimer's Disease KU Leuven (F-PACK) longitudinal observational cohort underwent a baseline evaluation consisting of detailed cognitive assessment, structural MRI and 18F-flutemetamol PET. At inclusion, subjects were stratified based on Apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4 and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) val66met polymorphism according to a factorial design. At inclusion, 15% were amyloid PET positive (Centiloid > 23.4). All subjects underwent 2-yearly follow-up of cognitive performance for a 4-year time period. Baseline cognitive scores were analysed using factor analysis. The slope of cognitive change over time was modelled using latent growth curve analysis. Using correlation analysis, hierarchical regression and mediation analysis, we examined the effect of demographic (age, sex, education) and genetic variables, baseline cognition, MRI volumetric (both voxelwise and region-based) as well as amyloid imaging measures on the longitudinal slope of cognitive change. ResultsA base model of age and sex explained 18% of variance in episodic memory decline. This increased to 41.6\% by adding baseline episodic memory scores. Adding amyloid load or volumetric measures explained only a negligible additional amount of variance (increase to 42.2%). A mediation analysis indicated that the effect of age on episodic memory scores was partly direct and partly mediated via hippocampal volume. Amyloid load did not play a significant role as mediator between age, hippocampal volume and episodic memory decline. ConclusionIn cognitively intact older adults, the strongest baseline predictor of subsequent episodic memory decline was the baseline episodic memory score. When this score was included, only very limited explanatory power was added by brain volume or amyloid load measures. The data warn against classifications that are purely biomarker-based and highlight the value of baseline cognitive performance levels in predictive models.

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Characteristics of Healthy Older Adults that Influence Self-rated Cognitive Function

Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society ◽

10.1017/s1355617717000613 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 57-66 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Bryce P. Mulligan ◽

Colette M. Smart ◽

Sidney J. Segalowitz ◽

Stuart W.S. MacDonald

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Memory Performance ◽

Short Term ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Subjective Cognitive Function

AbstractObjectives: We sought to clarify the nature of self-reported cognitive function among healthy older adults by considering the short-term, within-person association (coupling) of subjective cognitive function with objective cognitive performance. We expected this within-person coupling to differ between persons as a function of self-perceived global cognitive decline and depression, anxiety, or neuroticism. Methods: This was an intensive measurement (short-term longitudinal) study of 29 older adult volunteers between the ages of 65 and 80 years without an existing diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Baseline assessment included neuropsychological testing and self-reported depression, anxiety, and neuroticism, as well as self- and informant-reported cognitive decline (relative to 10 years previously). Intensive within-person measurement occasions included subjective ratings of cognitive function paired with performance on a computerized working memory (n-back) task; each participant attended four or five assessments separated by intervals of at least one day. Statistical analysis was comprised of multilevel linear regression. Results: Comparison of models suggested that both neuroticism and self-rated cognitive decline explained unique variance in the within-person, across-occasion coupling of subjective cognitive function with objective working memory performance. Conclusions: Self-ratings of cognition may accurately reflect day-to-day variations in objective cognitive performance among older adults, especially for individuals lower in neuroticism and higher in self-reported cognitive decline. Clinicians should consider these individual differences when determining the validity of complaints about perceived cognitive declines in the context of otherwise healthy aging. (JINS, 2018, 24, 57–66)

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Is Midlife Metabolic Syndrome Associated With Cognitive Function Change? The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/clinem/dgaa067 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 105 (4) ◽

pp. e1093-e1105 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rasa Kazlauskaite ◽

Imke Janssen ◽

Robert S Wilson ◽

Bradley M Appelhans ◽

Denis A Evans ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Digit Span ◽

Midlife Women ◽

Perceptual Speed ◽

Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽

Prospective Longitudinal

Abstract Context Metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects cognitive function in late life, particularly in women. But longitudinal research is scarce on associations of MetS with cognitive function during midlife. Objective To determine associations between MetS exposure and cognitive function trajectories in midlife women. Design and Setting This is a 17-year prospective, longitudinal study of multiracial/ethnic women in 7 US communities, with annual/biennial assessments. Participants Participants were 2149 US women traversing menopause. Exposure Exposure consisted of MetS assessments (median 4 assessments over 4 years). Main Outcome Measures Main outcome measures were assessments of cognitive function in 3 domains: perceptual speed (symbol digit modalities test, SDMT), episodic memory (East Boston Memory Test, EBMT), and working memory (Digit Span Backward Test, DSB). Results By their first cognitive assessment (age 50.7 ± 2.9 years), 29.5% met the criteria for MetS. Women completed a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 6 (IQR 4–7) follow-up cognitive assessments over 11.2 (IQR 9.2–11.5) years. Women with MetS, compared with those without, had a larger 10-year decline in SDMT z-score (estimate –0.087, 95% confidence interval, –0.150 to –0.024; P = 0.007), after adjustment for cognitive testing practice effects, sociodemographics, lifestyle, mood, and menopause factors. As such, MetS accelerated the 10-year loss of perceptual speed by 24%. MetS did not differentially affect the rate of decline in either immediate (P = 0.534) or delayed (P = 0.740) episodic memory or in working memory (P = 0.584). Conclusions In midlife women MetS exposure was associated with accelerated decline in perceptual speed, but not episodic or working memory.

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Family Relationships and Cognitive Function Among Community-Dwelling U.S. Chinese Older Adults

Research on Aging ◽

10.1177/0164027520939250 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 37-46

Author(s):

Mengting Li ◽

Man Guo ◽

Meredith Stensland ◽

XinQi Dong

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Service Providers ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Sociocultural Factors ◽

Global Cognition

A broad literature has explored racial disparities in cognitive aging. Research incorporating sociocultural factors would provide a more comprehensive understanding of minority aging. This study aims to investigate the role of family typology in cognition among U.S. Chinese immigrants. Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Family typology included tight-knit, unobligated ambivalent, commanding conflicted, and detached typologies. Cognition was evaluated by global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, executive function, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Linear and quantile regressions were used. Older adults with detached and commanding conflicted typologies reported lower global cognition than those with unobligated ambivalent typology. Detached, commanding conflicted, and tight-knit typologies were associated with poorer performance in episodic memory, working memory and MMSE than unobligated ambivalent typology, respectively. Social service providers could be aware of multifaceted family relationships when developing interventions for cognitive function and understand family typology as a whole.

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