scholarly journals Functional dedifferentiation of the brain during healthy aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 123 (4) ◽  
pp. 1279-1282
Author(s):  
Divyangana Rakesh ◽  
Kavisha B. Fernando ◽  
Sina Mansour L.
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Theoretical Approach ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Functional Specialization ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Graph Theoretical Approach ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Brain

Nonpathological aging is associated with significant cognitive deficits. Thus, the underlying neurobiology of aging-associated cognitive decline warrants investigation. In a recent study, Chong et al. (Chong JSX, Ng KK, Tandi J, Wang C, Poh J-H, Lo JC, Chee MWL, Zhou JH. J Neurosci 39: 5534–5550, 2019) provided insights into the association between cognitive decline and the loss of functional specialization in the brains of older adults. Here, we introduce the novel graph theoretical approach utilized and discuss the significance of their findings and broader implications on aging. We also provide alternate perspectives of their findings and suggest directions for future work.

scholarly journals Fear of Falling and Cognitive Decline in Healthy Aging Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 265-265
Author(s):  
Rebecca Kraut ◽  
Roee Holtzer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Composite Score ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Delayed Recall ◽  
Memory And Attention ◽  
Aging Adults

Abstract Fear of Falling (FOF) is common and associated with poor mobility in aging but whether persistence of FOF endorsement influences cognitive decline has not been reported. Here we determined the effect of FOF, measured dichotomously and after accounting for persistence, on decline in global cognitive function (GCF), memory, and attention/executive functions. Older adults with persistent FOF (n=81; mean age=77.63±6.67 yrs; %female=74.1), transient FOF (n=60; mean age=76.93±6.01 yrs; %female=61.7), and no FOF (n=286; mean age=75.77±6.42 yrs; %female=49.3) were included. FOF was assessed through yes/no responses to “do you have a fear of falling?” at baseline. GCF was assessed using RBANS; memory was assessed using a composite score comprising the immediate and delayed recall index scores from RBANS; attention/executive functions were assessed via a composite score comprising TMT A & B, letter and category fluency tasks, and digit symbol modalities. Cognitive measures were administered annually for up to six years. Linear mixed effects models revealed that persistent FOF was associated with a worse decline in GCF compared to both transient FOF (estimate=0.78, p=.022) and no FOF (estimate=0.75, p=.004). Persistent FOF was also associated with a worse decline in memory compared to those with transient FOF (estimate=0.08, p=.004) and those with no FOF (estimate=0.06, p=.006). Associations between FOF status and decline in attention/executive functions were not significant. These findings demonstrate that persistent FOF is a risk factor for cognitive decline in community-residing older adults.

Exercise Impacts Age-Related Changes in Cognitive Function and Neural Complexity

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Heisz ◽  
Ana Kovacevic
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Neural Network ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Age Related Changes

Age-related changes in the brain can compromise cognitive function. However, in some cases, the brain is able to functionally reorganize to compensate for some of this loss. The present paper reviews the benefits of exercise on executive functions in older adults and discusses a potential mechanism through which exercise may change the way the brain processes information for better cognitive outcomes. Specifically, older adults who are more physically active demonstrate a shift toward local neural processing that is associated with better executive functions. We discuss the use of neural complexity as a sensitive measure of the neural network plasticity that is enhanced through exercise. We conclude by highlighting the future work needed to improve exercise prescriptions that help older adults maintain their cognitive and physical functions for longer into their lifespan.

scholarly journals Impaired olfaction is associated with cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in the brain

Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 92 (7) ◽  
pp. e700-e709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina S. Dintica ◽  
Anna Marseglia ◽  
Debora Rizzuto ◽  
Rui Wang ◽  
Janina Seubert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Mixed Effects Models ◽  
Brain Volumes ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
Composite Scores ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Smell Identification

ObjectiveWe aimed to examine whether impaired olfaction is associated with cognitive decline and indicators of neurodegeneration in the brain of dementia-free older adults.MethodsWithin the Rush Memory and Aging Project, 380 dementia-free participants (mean age = 78 years) were followed for up to 15 years, and underwent MRI scans. Olfactory function was assessed using the Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) at baseline, and categorized as anosmia (B-SIT <6), hyposmia (B-SIT 6–10 in men and 6–10.25 in women), and normal (B-SIT 10.25–12 in men and 10.5–12 in women). Cognitive function was annually assessed with a battery of 21 tests, from which composite scores were derived. Structural total and regional brain volumes were estimated. Data were analyzed using linear regression and mixed-effects models.ResultsAt study entry, 138 (36.3%) had normal olfactory function, 213 (56.1%) had hyposmia, and 29 (7.6%) had anosmia. In multiadjusted mixed-effects models, hyposmia (β = −0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.05 to −0.02) and anosmia (β = −0.13, 95% CI −0.16 to −0.09) were associated with faster rate of cognitive decline compared to normal olfaction. On MRI, impaired olfaction (hyposmia or anosmia) was related to smaller volumes of the hippocampus (β = −0.19, 95% CI −0.33 to −0.05), and in the entorhinal (β = −0.16, 95% CI −0.24 to −0.08), fusiform (β = −0.45, 95% CI −0.78 to −0.14), and middle temporal (β = −0.38, 95% CI −0.72 to −0.01) cortices.ConclusionImpaired olfaction predicts faster cognitive decline and might indicate neurodegeneration in the brain among dementia-free older adults.

Reactions and Preferences for Training Among Area Agency on Aging Providers Working With Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 545-554
Author(s):  
Allison R. Warren ◽  
Ann M. Steffen
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Culturally Competent ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Gender Nonconforming ◽  
Professional Development Training ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Service Environments ◽  
Future Work

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) older adults face numerous barriers to healthy aging. These older adults may be less likely to seek out aging-focused services due to fear of discrimination and a lack of culturally competent services. There is a dearth of trainings for aging-focused professionals that would contribute to the development of affirming service environments for TGNC older adults. The current study explores providers’ responses to a professional development training made available nationwide to staff and volunteers of area agencies on aging. Participants’ ( N = 155) reflections on what would be most helpful in their future work with TGNC older adults included requests for role-plays, instructions on creating more inclusive agency documents, increased contact with TGNC older adults, and managing discriminatory language in the workplace. Future directions include creating professional development opportunities that incorporate experiences with and exposure to both other aging-focused providers and TGNC elders.

scholarly journals Therapeutic Alliance and Its Potential Application to Physical Activity Interventions for Older Adults: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Andrew Powell
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Therapeutic Alliance ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Client Relationship

Increasing the physical activity (PA) levels of inactive older adults to promote healthy aging and to reduce preventable health conditions is a public health priority. However, there remains uncertainty on what constitutes the most important components and characteristics of effective PA interventions for older adults, and previous research has largely focused on the cognitive and behavioral strategies they adopt to increase uptake and adherence to PA. This narrative review puts forward the novel idea, with supporting evidence, that the strength, quality, and collaborative nature of the professional–client relationship, a concept drawn from the field of psychotherapy and known as therapeutic alliance, may be a vital and foundational element of effective PA interventions. This article will offer a new understanding, and a new direction of research to aid the future conceptualization, design, and development of interventions that aim to increase the PA levels of older adults.

scholarly journals Edge-centric functional network representations of human cerebral cortex reveal overlapping system-level architecture

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Faskowitz ◽  
Farnaz Zamani Esfahlani ◽  
Youngheun Jo ◽  
Olaf Sporns ◽  
Richard F. Betzel
Keyword(s):  
Network Model ◽  
Sensory Input ◽  
System Level ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Human Cerebral Cortex ◽  
Functional Connections ◽  
Brain Circuits ◽  
Multiple Scan ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Brain

Network neuroscience has relied on a node-centric network model in which cells, populations, and regions are linked to one another via anatomical or functional connections. This model cannot account for interactions of edges with one another. Here, we develop an edge-centric network model, which generates the novel constructs of “edge time series” and “edge functional connectivity” (eFC). Using network analysis, we show that at rest eFC is consistent across datasets and reproducible within the same individual over multiple scan sessions. We demonstrate that clustering eFC yields communities of edges that naturally divide the brain into overlapping clusters, with regions in sensorimotor and attentional networks exhibiting the greatest levels of overlap. We go on to show that eFC is systematically and consistently modulated by variation in sensory input. In future work, the edge-centric approach could be used to map the connectional architecture of brain circuits and for the development of brain-based biomarkers of disease and development.

scholarly journals Mild Cognitive Deficits and Everyday Functioning Among Older Adults in the Community: The Monongahela-Youghiogheny Healthy Aging Team Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 836-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany F. Hughes ◽  
Chung-Chou H. Chang ◽  
Joni Vander Bilt ◽  
Beth E. Snitz ◽  
Mary Ganguli
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Everyday Functioning

scholarly journals Engagement in social activities and progression from mild to severe cognitive impairment: the MYHAT study

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 587-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany F. Hughes ◽  
Jason D. Flatt ◽  
Bo Fu ◽  
Chung-Chou H. Chang ◽  
Mary Ganguli
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Severe Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive States ◽  
Risk Of Progression ◽  
Rate Of Decline

ABSTRACTBackground: It is of considerable public health importance to prevent or delay the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to more severely impaired cognitive states. This study examines the risk of progression from mild to severe cognitive impairment in relation to engagement in social activities while mildly impaired and the concurrence of subsequent change in engagement with MCI progression.Methods: Participants were 816 older adults with cognitively defined MCI (mean age 78.0 (standard deviation or SD = 7.4) years) from the Monongahela–Youghiogheny Healthy Aging Team (MYHAT) Study – a prospective cohort study of MCI in the community. Over three years of follow-up, 78 individuals progressed from MCI to severe cognitive impairment, while 738 did not progress. Risk of progression was estimated using discrete time survival analyses. The main predictors were standardized composite measures of the variety and frequency of engagement in social activities.Results: Lower risk of progression from mild to severe cognitive impairment was associated with both a greater level of frequency of engagement in social activities while mildly impaired (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55–0.93, p = 0.01) and also with a slower rate of decline in the variety of activities over time (OR = 0.01, 95% CI: <0.001–0.38, p = 0.02).Conclusions: Greater engagement in social activities may potentially be beneficial for preventing or delaying further cognitive decline among older adults with MCI. Alternatively, lesser engagement in social activities may be a marker of impending cognitive decline in MCI.

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