scholarly journals Postural Hypotension and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 233372141773321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth J. McLeod ◽  
Teesta Jain
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Soleus Muscle ◽  
Postural Hypotension ◽  
Cerebral Hypoperfusion ◽  
Muscle Stimulation ◽  
Cognitive Responses ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Quiet Sitting

Background: Cognitive decline in the elderly is associated with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. While many forms of exercise can slow or reverse cognitive decline, compliance in unsupervised exercise programs is poor. Objective: We address whether passive exercise, that is, muscle stimulation, is capable of reversing postural hypotension in an older adult population sufficiently to significantly improve cognitive function as measured by executive function tests. Subjects and Methods: In this study, 50- to 80-year-old women underwent cognitive testing, long-duration cardiac hemodynamic recordings during quiet sitting, and 60 min of soleus muscle stimulation with continued hemodynamic recording. Results: Two thirds of our subjects were hypotensive (diastolic blood pressure [DBP] < 70 mmHg) after 30 min of quiet sitting. Cognitive performance was significantly better in individuals with higher DBPs (0.79 s per 1-mmHg increase in DBP). Soleus muscle stimulation resulted in an average increase in DBP of 6.1 mmHg, which could translate into a 30% or greater improvement in cognitive performance. Conclusions: Incongruent Stroop testing provides high statistical power for distinguishing differential cognitive responses to resting DBP levels. These results set the stage to investigate whether regular use of calf muscle pump stimulation could effectively reverse age-related cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals Multimodal measurement approach to identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment: study protocol for a cross-sectional trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e046879
Author(s):  
Bernhard Grässler ◽  
Fabian Herold ◽  
Milos Dordevic ◽  
Tariq Ali Gujar ◽  
Sabine Darius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Classification Accuracy ◽  
Multimodal Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline

IntroductionThe diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), that is, the transitory phase between normal age-related cognitive decline and dementia, remains a challenging task. It was observed that a multimodal approach (simultaneous analysis of several complementary modalities) can improve the classification accuracy. We will combine three noninvasive measurement modalities: functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), electroencephalography and heart rate variability via ECG. Our aim is to explore neurophysiological correlates of cognitive performance and whether our multimodal approach can aid in early identification of individuals with MCI.Methods and analysisThis study will be a cross-sectional with patients with MCI and healthy controls (HC). The neurophysiological signals will be measured during rest and while performing cognitive tasks: (1) Stroop, (2) N-back and (3) verbal fluency test (VFT). Main aims of statistical analysis are to (1) determine the differences in neurophysiological responses of HC and MCI, (2) investigate relationships between measures of cognitive performance and neurophysiological responses and (3) investigate whether the classification accuracy can be improved by using our multimodal approach. To meet these targets, statistical analysis will include machine learning approaches.This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first study that applies simultaneously these three modalities in MCI and HC. We hypothesise that the multimodal approach improves the classification accuracy between HC and MCI as compared with a unimodal approach. If our hypothesis is verified, this study paves the way for additional research on multimodal approaches for dementia research and fosters the exploration of new biomarkers for an early detection of nonphysiological age-related cognitive decline.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the local Ethics Committee (reference: 83/19). Data will be shared with the scientific community no more than 1 year following completion of study and data assembly.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04427436, registered on 10 June 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04427436.

scholarly journals Behavioral interventions to benefit cognition (Intervenciones cognitivas para beneficiar la cognición)

Retos ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 197-202
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Etnier ◽  
Chia-Hao Shih ◽  
Aaron Piepmeier
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related

With the growing population of older adults, the identification of treatment strategies to prevent or ameliorate age-related cognitive decline has been an important topic in recent years. After reviewing cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimentally designed studies, as well as evidence from narrative and meta-analytic reviews, the authors concluded that behavioral approaches such as physical activity, cognitive training, and dietary interventions show promising results. In addition, given the likelihood that multiple underlying mechanisms support cognitive function, research is currently focusing on how to combine lifestyle factors into multi-component interventions to generate greater and more meaningful effects. Though evidence for these enhanced benefits exists from animal studies, few multi-component studies have been performed with humans. However, the findings from these studies are promising and a continued pursuit of multi-component behavioral interventions to benefit cognitive performance is warranted. Given the world’s aging population and accompanying age-related health issues such as cognitive decline and dementia, future research should focus on understanding the biological mechanisms responsible for these effects in order to allow for the development of behavioral lifestyle prescriptions to benefit cognitive performance.Keywords. aging, cognitive function, exercise intervention, oxidative stress, cognitive engagement.Resumen. Con la creciente población de adultos mayores, la identificación de las estrategias de tratamiento para prevenir o mejorar el deterioro cognitivo relacionado con la edad ha sido un tema importante en los últimos años. Después de revisar estudios con diseños transversales, longitudinales y experimentales, así como la evidencia de revisiones de literatura narrativa y meta-analítica, los autores concluyen que los enfoques conductuales como la actividad física, el entrenamiento cognitivo y las intervenciones dietéticas muestran resultados prometedores. Además, dada la probabilidad de que múltiples mecanismos subyacentes apoyan la función cognitiva, las investigaciones se enfocan actualmente en la manera de cómo combinar factores del estilo de vida en las intervenciones con múltiples componentes para generar efectos mayores y más significativos. Aunque existe evidencia de estos beneficios a partir de estudios en animales, se han realizado pocos estudios de componentes múltiples en humanos. Sin embargo, los resultados de estos estudios son prometedores y se garantiza un seguimiento continuo de las intervenciones conductuales de componentes múltiples para beneficiar el rendimiento cognitivo. Teniendo en cuenta el envejecimiento de la población mundial y los problemas de salud relacionados con la edad que la acompañan, tales como el deterioro cognitivo y la demencia, la investigación futura debería centrarse en la comprensión de los mecanismos biológicos responsables de estos efectos con el fin de permitir el desarrollo de las prescripciones de comportamiento de estilo de vida para beneficiar el rendimiento cognitivo.Palabras claves. envejecimiento, funcionamiento cognitivo, intervención con ejercicio, estrés oxidativo, participación cognitiva.

scholarly journals Elevated HDL Levels Linked to Poorer Cognitive Ability in Females With Parkinson’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan C. Bakeberg ◽  
Anastazja M. Gorecki ◽  
Jade E. Kenna ◽  
Alexa Jefferson ◽  
Michelle Byrnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related

IntroductionCholesterol levels have been associated with age-related cognitive decline, however, such an association has not been comprehensively explored in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). To address this uncertainty, the current cross-sectional study examined the cholesterol profile and cognitive performance in a cohort of PD patients.MethodsCognitive function was evaluated using two validated assessments (ACE-R and SCOPA-COG) in 182 people with PD from the Australian Parkinson’s Disease Registry. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and Triglyceride (TRG) levels were examined within this cohort. The influence of individual lipid subfractions on domain-specific cognitive performance was investigated using covariate-adjusted generalised linear models.ResultsFemales with PD exhibited significantly higher lipid subfraction levels (TC, HDL, and LDL) when compared to male counterparts. While accounting for covariates, HDL levels were strongly associated with poorer performance across multiple cognitive domains in females but not males. Conversely, TC and LDL levels were not associated with cognitive status in people with PD.ConclusionHigher serum HDL associates with poorer cognitive function in females with PD and presents a sex-specific biomarker for cognitive impairment in PD.

scholarly journals Individual variation in brain microstructural-cognition relationships in aging

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raihaan Patel ◽  
Clare E. Mackay ◽  
Michelle G. Jansen ◽  
Gabriel A. Devenyi ◽  
M. Clare O’Donoghue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Semantic Fluency ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Brain Microstructure ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline

AbstractWhile all individuals are susceptible to age-related cognitive decline, significant inter- and intra-individual variability exists. However, the sources of this variation remain poorly understood. Here, we examined the association between 30-year trajectories of cognitive decline and multimodal indices of brain microstructure and morphology in older age. We used the Whitehall II Study, an extensively characterised cohort using 3T brain magnetic resonance images acquired at older age (mean age = 69.52 ± 4.9) and 5 repeated cognitive performance assessments between mid-life (mean age = 53.2 ± 4.9 years) and late-life (mean age = 67.7 ± 4.9). Using non-negative matrix factorization, we identified 10 brain microstructural components that integrate measures of cortical thickness, surface area, fractional anisotropy, and mean and radial diffusivities. We observed two modes of variance that describe the association between cognition and brain microstructure. The first describes variations in 5 microstructural components associated with low mid-life performance across multiple cognitive domains, decline in reasoning abilities, but a relative maintenance of lexical and semantic fluency from mid-to-late life. The second describes variations in 5 microstructural components that are associated with low mid-life performance in lexical fluency, semantic fluency and short-term memory performance, but a retention of abilities in multiple domains from mid-to-late life. The extent to which a subject loads onto a latent variables predicts their future cognitive performance 3.2 years later (mean age = 70.87 ± 4.9). This data-driven approach highlights a complex pattern of brain-behavior relationships, wherein the same individuals express both decline and maintenance in function across cognitive domains and in brain structural features.Significance StatementAlthough declines in cognitive performance are an established aspect of aging, inter- and intra-individual variation exists. Nevertheless, the sources of this variation remain unclear. We analyse a unique sample to examine associations between 30-year trajectories of cognitive decline and multimodal indices of brain anatomy in older age. Using data-driven techniques, we find that age-related cognitive decline is not uniform. Instead, each individual expresses a mixture of maintenance and decline across cognitive domains, that are associated with a mixture of preservation and degeneration of brain structure. Further, we find the primary determinants of late-life cognitive performance are mid-life performance and higher brain surface area. These results suggest that early and mid-life preventative measures may be needed to reduce age-related cognitive decline.

scholarly journals Hypertension, Prehypertension, and Hypertension Control

Hypertension ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 672-681
Author(s):  
Sara Teles de Menezes ◽  
Luana Giatti ◽  
Luisa Campos Caldeira Brant ◽  
Rosane Harter Griep ◽  
Maria Inês Schmidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Blood Pressure Control ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
Young Cohort ◽  
Cognitive Score

Hypertension, particularly in middle age, has been associated with worse cognitive function, but evidence is inconclusive. This study investigated whether hypertension, prehypertension, age, and duration of diagnosis, as well as blood pressure control, are associated with a decline in cognitive performance in ELSA-Brasil participants. This longitudinal study included 7063 participants, mean age 58.9 years at baseline (2008–2010), who attended visit 2 (2012–2014). Cognitive performance was measured in both visits and evaluated by the standardized scores of the memory, verbal fluency, trail B tests, and global cognitive score. The associations were investigated using linear mixed models. Hypertension and prehypertension at baseline were associated with decline in global cognitive score; being hypertension associated with reduction in memory test; and prehypertension with reduction in fluency test. Hypertension diagnose ≥55 years was associated with lower global cognitive and memory test scores, and hypertension diagnose <55 years with lower memory test scores. Duration of hypertension diagnoses was not associated with any marker of cognitive function decline. Among treated individuals, blood pressure control at baseline was inversely associated with the decline in both global cognitive and memory test scores. In this relatively young cohort, hypertension, prehypertension, and blood pressure control were independent predictors of cognitive decline in distinct abilities. Our findings suggest that both lower and older age of hypertension, but not duration of diagnosis, were associated with cognitive decline in different abilities. In addition to hypertension, prehypertension and pressure control might be critical for the preservation of cognitive function.

scholarly journals Cognitive Function and Atrial Fibrillation: From the Strength of Relationship to the Dark Side of Prevention. Is There a Contribution from Sinus Rhythm Restoration and Maintenance?

Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (9) ◽  
pp. 587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuele Gallinoro ◽  
Saverio D’Elia ◽  
Dario Prozzo ◽  
Michele Lioncino ◽  
Francesco Natale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Cerebral Hypoperfusion ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
White Matter Hyperintensity ◽  
The Impact

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common chronic cardiac arrhythmia with an increasing prevalence over time mainly because of population aging. It is well established that the presence of AF increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, sudden death, and cardiovascular morbidity. In the last two decades several reports have shown an association between AF and cognitive function, ranging from impairment to dementia. Ischemic stroke linked to AF is a well-known risk factor and predictor of cognitive decline. In this clinical scenario, the risk of stroke might be reduced by oral anticoagulation. However, recent data suggest that AF may be a predictor of cognitive impairment and dementia also in the absence of stroke. Cerebral hypoperfusion, reduced brain volume, microbleeds, white matter hyperintensity, neuroinflammation, and genetic factors have been considered as potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AF-related cognitive dysfunction. However, a cause-effect relationship remains still controversial. Consequently, no therapeutic strategies are available to prevent AF-related cognitive decline in stroke-free patients. This review will analyze the potential mechanisms leading to cognitive dysfunction in AF patients and examine the available data on the impact of a sinus rhythm restoration and maintenance strategy in reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Do Professors Better Maintain Cognitive Functioning in Older Age?

GeroPsych ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-17
Author(s):  
Damaris Aschwanden ◽  
Vera Schumacher ◽  
Kathrin Zimmermann ◽  
Christina Werner ◽  
Mathias Allemand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Perceptual Speed ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
Intellectual Engagement ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Average Education ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline

Abstract. Research on cognitive aging demonstrates age-related cognitive decline. Education is a protective factor against cognitive decline, but few studies have examined the cognitive development of highly educated individuals. This study compared the cognitive performance and intellectual engagement of retired professors ( N = 47, Mage = 72.9) and individuals with average education ( N = 236, Mage = 72.7) over 5 years. Although the highly educated sample showed better performance in perceptual speed and working memory, cognitive performance was rather stable over time in both samples. Interestingly, high intellectual engagement enabled individuals with average education to keep up with the performance of the highly educated sample on perceptual speed. These findings raise the question whether intellectual engagement is more beneficial than years of education in perceptual speed.

Abstract MP88: Fetuin-A, a Vascular Biomarker of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail A Laughlin ◽  
Linda K McEvoy ◽  
Elizabeth Barrett-Connor ◽  
Lori B Daniels ◽  
Joachim H Ix
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Vascular Disease ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Fetuin A ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Age Related

Objectives: The contribution of vascular disease to neurocognitive decline is now widely recognized. Fetuin-A is an abundant plasma protein known to predict vascular disease. Prior studies have shown that fetuin-A levels are lower in patients with Alzheimer’s disease in direct proportion to the severity of cognitive impairment; however, their association with normal cognitive aging is unknown. We evaluated the association of serum fetuin-A levels with cognitive function in relatively high-functioning, community-dwelling older adults from the Rancho Bernardo Study. Methods: This is a population-based study of 1382 older adults (median age 75) who had plasma fetuin-A levels and cognitive function evaluated in 1992-96; 855 had repeat cognitive function assessment a median of 4 years later. Results: Adjusting for age, sex, education, and depression, higher levels of fetuin-A were associated with better baseline performance on the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) (P=0.012) and a tendency for better Trails Making B scores (P=0.066). In longitudinal analyses, the likelihood of a major decline (highest decile of change) in Trails B was 29% lower (P=0.010) for each SD higher baseline fetuin-A level; odds of major decline in MMSE was 42% lower (P=0.005) per SD higher fetuin-A for individuals with no known CVD, but were not related to fetuin-A in those with CVD (P=0.33). Fetuin-A was not related to Category Fluency performance. Results did not vary by sex and were not explained by numerous vascular risk factors and comorbidities. Conclusions: Higher plasma fetuin-A concentrations are associated with better performance on tests of global cognitive function and executive function and with reduced likelihood of major decline in these cognitive abilities over a 4-year period. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that higher fetuin-A protects against cognitive decline in relatively high functioning older adults, although this may be less apparent in those with established vascular disease. Fetuin-A may serve as a biological link between vascular disease and normal age-related cognitive decline.

Racial segregation and cognitive function among older adults in the United States: Findings from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Bohyun Jang ◽  
Margaret T Hicken ◽  
Megan Mullins ◽  
Michael Esposito ◽  
Ketlyne Sol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
High School ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
The United States ◽  
High School Education ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Regards Study

Abstract Objectives Residential segregation is one of the fundamental features of health disparities in the United States. Yet little research has examined how living in segregated metropolitan areas is related to cognitive function and cognitive decline with age. We examined the association between segregation at the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) level and trajectories of age-related cognitive function. Method Using data from Black and White older adults in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study (n=18,913), we employed linear growth curve models to examine how living in racially segregated MSAs at baseline, measured by the degree of Non-Hispanic Black [NHB] isolation and NHB dissimilarity, was associated with trajectories of age-related cognitive function and how the associations varied by race and education. Results Living in MSAs with greater levels of isolation was associated with lower cognitive function (b=-0.093, p&lt;0.05) but was not associated with rates of change in cognitive decline with age. No effects of living in isolated MSAs were found for those with at least a high school education, but older adults with less than a high school education had lower cognitive function in MSAs with greater isolation (b=-0.274, p&lt;0.05). The degree of dissimilarity was not associated with cognitive function. The association between segregation and cognitive function did not vary by race. Discussion Metropolitan segregation was associated with lower cognitive function among older adults, especially for those with lower education living in racially isolated MSAs. This suggests complex associations between individual socioeconomic status, place, and cognitive health.

IMPACT OF DIETARY FACTORS AND INFLAMMATION ON COGNITION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
E.P. Handing ◽  
B.J. Small ◽  
S.L. Reynolds ◽  
N.B. Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Plasma Homocysteine ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Age Related

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the influence of age, nutrition (as measured through food diaries and serum/plasma biomarkers) and inflammatory markers on cognitive performance in adults 60 years of age and older. DESIGN: A cross-sectional population based study, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2001-2002 wave). PARTICIPANTS: This study included 1,048 adults who had valid dietary data, blood biomarkers, were 60 years or older, completed the cognitive test, and had complete demographic information. METHOD: A series of regression models were used to examine the relationship between cognitive function as measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution Task (DSST), dietary factors/biomarkers and inflammation. Mediation analyses were then utilized to examine whether individual nutrients accounted for the relationships between age and DSST performance. RESULTS: Dietary fat intake, serum vitamin E, serum folate, serum iron, plasma homocysteine, and serum vitamin D were significantly associated with better DSST performance. Elevated fibrinogen and C-reactive protein, were significantly associated with poorer cognitive function, but did not remain statistically significant after controlling for age, gender, education, ethnicity, income, and total calorie intake. Serum vitamin D and plasma homocysteine accounted for a portion of age-related variance in DSST. Specifically, higher levels of vitamin D were related to better DSST performance, while higher homocysteine resulted in poorer cognitive performance. CONCLUSION: Diet and nutrition are important modifiable factors that can influence health outcomes and may be beneficial to remediate age-related declines in cognition. Adequate nutrition may provide a primary preventive approach to healthy aging and maintenance of cognitive functioning in older adults.

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