scholarly journals Association between ambient temperature and cognitive function in a community-dwelling elderly population: a repeated measurement study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e049160
Author(s):  
Yuan-Ting C Lo ◽  
Wei-Peng Su ◽  
Shu-Hsuan Mei ◽  
Yann-Yuh Jou ◽  
Han-Bin Huang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Temperature Exposure

ObjectivesEvidence on the associations between short-term and long-term air temperature exposure and cognitive function in older adults, particularly those in Asia, is limited. We explored the relationships of short-term and long-term air temperature exposure with cognitive function in Taiwanese older adults through a repeated measures survey.Design and settingWe used data the ongoing Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging, a multiple-wave nationwide survey.ParticipantsWe identified 1956, 1700, 1248 and 876 older adults in 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2007, respectively.Primary and secondary outcome measuresParticipants’ cognitive function assessment was based on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. We calculated the temperature moving average (TMA) for temperature exposure windows between 1993 and 2007 using data from air quality monitoring stations, depending on the administrative zone of each participant’s residence. Generalised linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of short-term and long-term temperature changes on cognitive function.ResultsShort-term and long-term temperature exposure was significantly and positively associated with moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment, with the greatest increase in ORs found for 3-year TMAs (OR 1.247; 95% CI 1.107 to 1.404). The higher the quintiles of temperature exposure were, the higher were the ORs. The strongest association found was in long-term TMA exposure (OR 3.674; 95% CI 2.103 to 6.417) after covariates were controlled for.ConclusionsThe risk of mild cognitive impairment increased with ambient temperature in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.

scholarly journals Short- and Long-Term Exposure to Higher Temperatures is Linked to Cognitive Impairment in Taiwanese Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Peng Su ◽  
Yuan-Ting C. Lo ◽  
Shu-Hsuan Mei ◽  
Yu-Hung Chang ◽  
Han-Bin Huang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Multiple Wave ◽  
Temperature Exposure

Abstract Background: Evidence on the associations between short-term and long-term air temperature exposure and cognitive function in older adults, particularly those in Asia, is limited. Therefore, we explored the relationships of short-term and long-term air temperature exposure with cognitive function in Taiwanese older adults through a repeated measures survey.Methods: We used data from between 1996 and 2007 from the ongoing Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (N = 1956), a multiple-wave nationwide survey. Participants’ cognitive function assessment was based on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. We calculated the temperature moving average (TMA) for temperature exposure windows between 1993 and 2007 using data from air quality monitoring stations, depending on the administrative zone of each participant’s residence. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of short-term and long-term temperature changes on cognitive function.Results: Short-term and long-term temperature exposure was significantly and positively associated with moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment, with the greatest increase in odds ratios (ORs) found for 3-year TMAs (OR = 1.247; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.107, 1.404). The higher the quintiles of temperature exposure were, the higher were the ORs. The strongest association found was in long-term TMA exposure (OR = 3.674; 95% CI: 2.103, 6.417) after covariates were controlled for.Conclusions: The risk of mild cognitive impairment increased with ambient temperature in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.

scholarly journals Air Pollution Exposure and Cognitive Function in Taiwanese Older Adults: A Repeated Measurement Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (16) ◽  
pp. 2976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan-Ting C. Lo ◽  
Ya-Chi Lu ◽  
Yu-Hung Chang ◽  
Senyeong Kao ◽  
Han-Bin Huang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Air Pollution Exposure ◽  
Pollution Exposure

Studies related to air pollution exposure and neurocognitive disorders, specifically cognitive impairment, among older adults are limited. We investigated the association between short-term and long-term exposure to ambient air pollution (i.e., particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 μm and ozone) and the effects of their interaction on cognitive function in a community-dwelling, free-living elderly population. Study participants were in a multiple-wave representative sample, namely the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (n = 2241). In four surveys between 1996 and 2007, their cognitive function was assessed using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). We estimated air pollution from 1993 to 2007, including daily concentrations of PM10 and O3 from air quality monitoring stations, based on the administrative zone of each participant’s residence. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine these associations after adjusting for covariates. We found that long-term exposure to PM10 and O3 was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (OR = 1.094, 95% CI: 1.020, 1.174 for PM10; OR = 1.878, 95% CI: 1.363, 2.560 for O3). The joint effect of exposure to PM10 and O3 was associated with cognitive impairment (p < 0.001). Co-exposure to ambient PM10 and O3 may deteriorate cognitive function in older adults.

scholarly journals Do Communication Patterns Affect the Association between Cognitive Impairment and Hearing Loss among Older Adults in Vietnam?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1603
Author(s):  
Tran Dai Tri Han ◽  
Keiko Nakamura ◽  
Kaoruko Seino ◽  
Vo Nu Hong Duc ◽  
Thang Van Vo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Communication Devices ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

This study examined the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults in central Vietnam and the roles of communication (with or without communication devices) in the association between cognitive impairment and hearing loss. This cross-sectional study was performed on 725 randomly selected community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years from Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Participants attended a face-to-face survey. Sociodemographic characteristics, social interaction with or without communication devices, health status and cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination were reported. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to quantify the association between hearing loss and cognitive function by frequency of communication with and without devices. Mild and severe cognitive impairment had prevalence rates of 23.6% and 19.3%, respectively. Cognitive impairment was more prevalent among older adults with hearing-loss, vision loss and difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment was not significant when older adults had frequent communication with others using devices. This study presented the relatively high prevalence of cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults in Vietnam. Frequent communication using devices attenuated the association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals The Role of Daily Social Interactions in Detecting Mild Cognitive Impairment

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 598-598
Author(s):  
Ruixue Zhaoyang ◽  
Stacey Scott ◽  
Eric Cerino ◽  
Martin Sliwinski
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Normal Cognitive Function ◽  
Social Markers

Abstract Social relationships play an important role in cognitive health and aging. However, it is unclear how older adult’s cognitive function affects their everyday social interactions, especially for those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study examined whether older adults with intact cognition vs. MCI differed in their daily social interactions. Community-dwelling older adults from the Einstein Aging Study (N=244, 70-91 yrs) reported their social interactions five times daily for 14 consecutive days using smartphones. Compared to those with normal cognitive function, older adults with MCI reported less frequent positive social interactions (p=0.012) and in-person social activities (p=0.006) on a daily basis. These two groups, however, did not show significant differences in their social relationships assessed by a conventional global questionnaire. The results support that, relative to global social relationships, daily social interactions are more sensitive, ecologically valid social markers that can facilitate the early detection of MCI.

scholarly journals Social Networks, Community Engagement, and Cognitive Impairment among Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 330-337
Author(s):  
Jinlei Li ◽  
Zijuan Wang ◽  
Zhiwei Lian ◽  
Zhikai Zhu ◽  
Yuanli Liu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Community Activities

Aims: To examine the association of social networks and community engagement with cognitive impairment among community-dwelling Chinese older adults. Methods: From November 2017 to May 2018, we selected 1,115 elderly individuals from 3 Chinese communities (Beijing, Hefei, and Lanzhou) using a random-cluster sampling method, and recorded data on demographics, social network characteristics, community activities, and cognitive function. The odds ratios (ORs) of these associations were adjusted for potential confounders in logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 25.7% (n = 287). An adequate social network (OR 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33–0.91) and enough social support from friends (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.29–0.62) were negatively associated with cognitive impairment. Family support was not significantly associated with cognitive impairment (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.34–1.21). Taking part in elderly group travel, communication with others using WeChat, and community activities such as Tai Chi and walking together were negatively associated with cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Social network characteristics and community engagement were found to be related to cognitive function among community-dwelling Chinese elderly adults.

Takes Two to Tango: Cognitive Impairment and Sexual Activity in Older Individuals and Dyads

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda J Waite ◽  
James Iveniuk ◽  
Ashwin Kotwal
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Probit Regression ◽  
Early Dementia

Abstract Objectives This paper examines the association between cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia (ED), and sexual activity in a large, longitudinal sample of community-dwelling older adults. We focus here on sexual activity, which includes both sexual activity with a partner and masturbation. Methods We analyzed 3777 older individuals and members of 955 intimate dyads using the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (2010 and 2015). We used ordered-probit regression, cross-lagged panels models, and probit regression. Results We find that older adults with cognitive limitations, either MCI or early dementia, are about as likely to be sexually active with a partner as those with normal cognitive function. This is the case both in the cross section and longitudinally. Both men and women with early dementia are less likely to have masturbated, however. Among married and cohabiting couples, we find no association between cognitive impairment in either the husband, the wife, or in both partners and their joint sexual activity. Women whose measured cognitive function is lower than their husband’s are less likely to report any masturbation. Discussion Sex with a partner, a fundamentally social activity, seems to be conserved in the face of cognitive limitation but masturbation, a solitary activity, does not. We argue that the intimate dyad plays an important role in conserving partnered sexual activity. Results can inform strategies to maintain sexual well-being of older adults with cognitive impairment and their partners as part of overall strategies to improve quality of life.

Long-Term Recreational Cannabis Use Is Associated With Lower Executive Function and Processing Speed in a Pilot Sample of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 089198872110491
Author(s):  
Katie Stypulkowski ◽  
Rachel E. Thayer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Bimodal Distribution ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Small Pilot Study

More older adults are using cannabis for recreational and/or medical purposes, but most studies examining cognitive function and cannabis use do not include older adults. The current small pilot study sought to compare cognitive function and emotional functioning among adults age 60 and older who were regular, primarily recreational cannabis users ( n = 28) and nonusers ( n = 10). A bimodal distribution was observed among cannabis users such that they had either initiated regular use more recently (“short-term” users; ≤7 years, n = 13) or earlier in life (“long-term” users; ≥19 years, n = 15). Nonusers, short-term, and long-term users were not different in depression, anxiety, or emotion regulation, or alcohol use. Nonusers scored significantly higher than long-term users in executive function. Short-term users scored significantly higher than long-term users in executive function, processing speed, and general cognition. Additionally, greater recent cannabis use frequency was negatively associated with working memory. The current findings suggest that short-term recreational cannabis use does not result in differences in cognitive performance compared to nonusers, which may indicate that short-term use is relatively benign in older adults. However, longer duration of use is associated with poorer processing speed and executive functioning, and more recent cannabis use is associated with poorer working memory, which may impact older adults’ overall cognitive functioning.

scholarly journals Renal dysfunction is associated with decline of cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults: Korean frailty and aging cohort study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Yoon Kong ◽  
Jin Sug Kim ◽  
Min Hye Kang ◽  
Hyeon Seok Hwang ◽  
Chang Won Won ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Renal Dysfunction ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Word List ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Global Cognitive Function ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Cognitive decline is common in older adults. Similarly, the prevalence of renal dysfunction is also increased in the elderly population. We conducted this study to clarify the relationship between renal dysfunction and decline of cognitive function in community-dwelling elderly population. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study, a nationwide cohort study. Total 2847 (1333 men, 1514 women) eligible participants were enrolled for this study. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, mL/min/1.73m2) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Global cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-mental State Examination-Korean version. Other domains of cognitive function were tested with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s disease and the Frontal Assessment Battery. Results The mean age of all participants was 76.0 ± 3.9 years and eGFR (all in mL/min/1.73 m2) was 77.5 ± 14.3. And the mean eGFR was 91.7 ± 3.2 in quartile 1, 84.9 ± 1.8 in quartile 2, 76.1 ± 3.7 in quartile 3, and 57.2 ± 10.8 in quartile 4. In baseline characteristics, participants with lower eGFR tend to have lower cognitive function scores than participant with higher eGFR. In linear regression analysis, eGFR was correlated with the word list memory (β = 0.53, P = 0.005), word list recall (β = 0.86, P < 0.001), and word list recognition (β = 0.43, P = 0.030) after adjustment of confounding variables. Moreover, after multivariate adjustment the association with cognitive impairment in quartile 2 was stronger (adjusted OR: 1.535, 95% CI: 1.111–2.120, P = 0.009), and the ORs of cognitive impairment were 1.501 (95% CI: 1.084–2.079, P = 0.014) in quartile 3 and 1.423 (95% CI: 1.022–1.983, P = 0.037) in quartile 4. Conclusion In older adults, the immediate, recent memory, and recognition domains were significantly related to renal function. Also, the mild renal dysfunction was independently associated with impairment of global cognitive function. These results suggest that the early stages of renal dysfunction could be an effective target to prevent worsening of cognitive impairment. Therefore, regular monitoring and early detection of mild renal dysfunction in elderly population might be needed.

Cognitive Dysfunction and Gait Abnormalities in CKD

2021 ◽  
pp. CJN.16091020
Author(s):  
Melanie J. Koren ◽  
Helena M. Blumen ◽  
Emmeline I. Ayers ◽  
Joe Verghese ◽  
Matthew K. Abramowitz
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Gray Matter ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Gray Matter Atrophy ◽  
Gait Abnormalities

Background and objectivesCognitive impairment is a major cause of morbidity in CKD. We hypothesized that gait abnormalities share a common pathogenesis with cognitive dysfunction in CKD, and therefore would be associated with impaired cognitive function in older adults with CKD, and focused on a recently defined gait phenotype linked with CKD.Design, setting, participants, & measurementsGait assessments and neuropsychological testing were performed in 312 nondisabled, community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥65 years). A subset (n=115) underwent magnetic resonance imaging. The primary cognitive outcome was the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) total scale score. Associations with cognitive function were tested using multivariable linear regression and nearest-neighbor matching. The risk of developing mild cognitive impairment syndrome was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsLower eGFR was associated with lower RBANS score only among participants with the gait phenotype (P for interaction =0.04). Compared with participants with neither CKD nor the gait phenotype, adjusted RBANS scores were 5.4 points (95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 9.1) lower among participants with both, who demonstrated poorer immediate memory, visuospatial ability, delayed memory, and executive function. In a matched analysis limited to participants with CKD, the gait phenotype was similarly associated with lower RBANS scores (−6.9; 95% confidence interval, −12.2 to −1.5). Neuroimaging identified a pattern of gray matter atrophy common to both CKD and the gait phenotype involving brain regions linked with cognition. The gait phenotype was associated with higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (hazard ratio, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.46 to 10.44) independent of eGFR.ConclusionsThe gait phenotype was associated with poorer function in a number of cognitive domains among older adults with CKD, and was associated with incident mild cognitive impairment independent of eGFR. CKD and the gait phenotype were associated with a shared pattern of gray matter atrophy.

Clinical and biological effects of long-term lithium treatment in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: randomised clinical trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 215 (5) ◽  
pp. 668-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orestes V. Forlenza ◽  
Márcia Radanovic ◽  
Leda L. Talib ◽  
Wagner F. Gattaz
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Lithium Treatment ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Community Dwelling

BackgroundExperimental studies indicate that lithium may facilitate neurotrophic/protective responses in the brain. Epidemiological and imaging studies in bipolar disorder, in addition to a few trials in Alzheimer's disease support the clinical translation of these findings. Nonetheless, there is limited controlled data about potential use of lithium to treat or prevent dementia.AimsTo determine the benefits of lithium treatment in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a clinical condition associated with high risk for Alzheimer's disease.MethodA total of 61 community-dwelling, physically healthy, older adults with MCI were randomised to receive lithium or placebo (1:1) for 2 years (double-blind phase), and followed-up for an additional 24 months (single-blinded phase) (trial registration at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01055392). Lithium carbonate was prescribed to yield subtherapeutic concentrations (0.25–0.5 mEq/L). Primary outcome variables were the cognitive (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale – cognitive subscale) and functional (Clinical Dementia Rating – Sum of Boxes) parameters obtained at baseline and after 12 and 24 months. Secondary outcomes were neuropsychological test scores; cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of Alzheimer's disease-related biomarkers determined at 0, 12 and 36 months; conversion rate from MCI to dementia (0–48 months).ResultsParticipants in the placebo group displayed cognitive and functional decline, whereas lithium-treated patients remained stable over 2 years. Lithium treatment was associated with better performance on memory and attention tests after 24 months, and with a significant increase in CSF amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ1−42) after 36 months.ConclusionsLong-term lithium attenuates cognitive and functional decline in amnestic MCI, and modifies Alzheimer's disease-related CSF biomarkers. The present data reinforces the disease-modifying properties of lithium in the MCI–Alzheimer's disease continuum.Declaration of interestNone.

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