scholarly journals Genetic and Environmental Influences on Self-Reported Cognitive Functioning: Associations of Diverse Measures of Stress across the FMR1 CGG Repeat Range

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nell Maltman ◽  
Leann Smith DaWalt ◽  
Jinkuk Hong ◽  
Mei Wang Baker ◽  
Elizabeth M Berry-Kravis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Repeat Length ◽  
Cgg Repeat ◽  
Memory Problems ◽  
Cgg Repeats ◽  
Child With A Disability

Abstract Background: The FMR1 gene is essential for neural development and healthy synaptic function. The modal number of CGG repeats in FMR1 is 30, but the range is large with the reported copy number extending down to as few as 6 CGGs and up to over 200 CGGs. Prior work suggests that behavioral phenotypes, including cognitive function, may vary along the continuum of the FMR1 CGG repeat range. Stress also negatively influences cognitive function; however, it is not known whether FMR1-related variability (i.e., CGG repeat length), in addition to stress, independently influences cognitive function across the CGG range. Methods: Participants included 1275 mothers who had between 18 and 123 CGG repeats. Participants completed self-report measures of executive function (BRIEF-A), memory, subjective stress (i.e., perceived stress), and objective stress (i.e., number of life events, parenting a child with a disability). Stress and CGG repeat length were examined as predictors of self-reported executive function and memory difficulty. Results: Each measure of stress (i.e., perceived stress, life events, and parenting a child with a disability) significantly predicted greater self-reported difficulties in executive function and the likelihood of memory problems, net of age and level of education. Additionally, above and beyond stress effects, CGG repeat number significantly predicted executive functioning and memory difficulties. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CGG repeat length confers independent contributions to self-reported executive function difficulty and memory problems over and above indices of stress, suggesting additive effects of genetic variation and environmental exposure.

scholarly journals Genetic and Environmental Influences on Self-Reported Cognitive Functioning: Associations of Diverse Measures of Stress across the FMR1 CGG Repeat Range

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nell Maltman ◽  
Leann Smith DaWalt ◽  
Jinkuk Hong ◽  
Mei Wang Baker ◽  
Elizabeth M Berry-Kravis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Repeat Length ◽  
Repeat Number ◽  
Cgg Repeat ◽  
Memory Problems ◽  
Cgg Repeats

Abstract Background : The FMR1 gene is essential for neural development and healthy synaptic function. The modal number of CGG repeats in FMR1 is 30, but the range is large with the reported copy number extending down to as few as 6 CGGs and up to over 200 CGGs, conferring fragile X syndrome. Prior work suggests that behavioral phenotypes, including cognitive function, may vary along the continuum of the FMR1 CGG repeat range. Stress may negatively influence cognitive function; however, it is not known whether FMR1 -related variability (i.e., CGG repeat length), in addition to stress, independently influences cognitive function across the CGG range. Methods : Participants included 1275 mothers who had CGGs ranging from 18 to 123 repeats. Participants completed self-report measures of executive function (BRIEF-A), memory, subjective stress (i.e., perceived stress), and objective stress (i.e., number of life events, parenting a child with a disability). Stress and FMR1 -related variability (i.e., CGG repeat length) were examined as predictors of self-reported executive function and memory difficulty. Results : Each measure of stress (i.e., perceived stress, life events, and parenting a child with a disability) significantly predicted greater self-reported difficulties in executive function and the likelihood of memory problems, net of age and level of education. Additionally, above and beyond stress effects, CGG repeat number significantly predicted executive functioning and memory difficulties. There was a linear association of CGG repeat number with executive functioning limitations. The association of CGGs with memory difficulties was curvilinear, with participants in the premutation range having the greatest likelihood of reporting such difficulties. Conclusions : These findings suggest that CGG repeat length confers independent contributions to self-reported executive function difficulty and memory problems over and above indices of stress, suggesting additive effects of genetic variation and environmental exposure. Keywords : Stress, Cognitive Function, Executive Function, Memory, FMR1 , CGG Repeats

scholarly journals Is FMR1 CGG Repeat Number Polymorphism Associated With Phenotypic Variation in the General Population? Report From a Cohort of 5,499 Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinkuk Hong ◽  
Leann DaWalt ◽  
Mei Wang Baker ◽  
Elizabeth M. Berry-Kravis ◽  
Marsha R. Mailick
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
General Population ◽  
Fragile X ◽  
Repeat Length ◽  
College Graduation ◽  
Repeat Number ◽  
Cgg Repeat ◽  
Age At Menopause ◽  
Cgg Repeats ◽  
Biological Children

FMR1 CGG repeat length was assayed in 5499 research participants (2637 men and 2862 women) in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), a population-based cohort. Most past research has focused on clinically-ascertained individuals with expansions in CGG repeats, either those with fragile X syndrome (> 200 CGG repeats), the FMR1 premutation (55–200 repeats), or in the gray zone (variously defined as 45–54 or 41–54 repeats). In contrast, the WLS is a unique source of data that was obtained from an unselected cohort of individuals from the general population for whom FMR1 CGG repeat length was assayed. The WLS is a random sample of one-third of all high school seniors in the state of Wisconsin in 1957. The most recent round of data collection was in 2011; thus, the study spanned over 50 years. Saliva samples were obtained from 69% of surviving members of the cohort in 2008 and 2011, from which CGG repeats were assayed. With one exception, the CGG repeat length of all members of this cohort was below 100 (ranging from 7 to 84). The present study evaluated the genotype-phenotype associations of CGG repeat number and IQ, college graduation, age at menopause, number of biological children, having a child with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and the likelihood of experiencing an episode of depression during adulthood. Linear and curvilinear effects were probed. Although effect sizes were small, significant associations were found between CGG repeat length and high school IQ score, college graduation, number of biological children, age at menopause, and the likelihood of having an episode of depression. However, there was no significant association between repeat length and having a child diagnosed with an IDD condition. This study demonstrates a continuum of phenotype effects with FMR1 repeat lengths and illustrates how research inspired by a rare genetic condition (such as fragile X syndrome) can be used to probe genotype-phenotype associations in the general population.

scholarly journals Effects of physical activity on cognitive function among patients with diabetes in China: a nationally longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anying Bai ◽  
Liyuan Tao ◽  
Jia Huang ◽  
Jing Tao ◽  
Jue Liu
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Lagged Dependent Variable

Abstract Background We aimed to examine the effect of physical activity on different cognitive domains among patients with diabetes. Methods We used two waves of data from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2013–2015), a nationally representative dataset of Chinese population aged over 45. Total physical activity scores were calculated based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Executive function and episodic memory were used as measures of cognitive function. We conducted lagged dependent variable models to explore the association between physical activity and cognitive function in full sample as well as two different age groups (45–65, ≥65). Results: 862 diabetic patients were included. We found that diabetic participants who had greater level of physical activity at baseline were associated with better episodic memory function in 2 years (p < 0.05). Moreover, physical activity was significantly associated with less decline in episodic memory in fully adjusted models, and the associations were stronger among patients aged 45–65 years (p < 0.05). No statistically significant association was found between physical activity and executive function in all age groups. Conclusions Physical activity may prevent some of the potential decline in episodic memory in diabetic patients. Clinicians and public health departments should strengthen the promotion of physical activity and develop early screening tools among diabetic participants to prevent the progression of cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals Mapping of long-term cognitive and motor deficits in pediatric cerebellar brain tumor survivors into a cerebellar white matter atlas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederik Grosse ◽  
Stefan Mark Rueckriegel ◽  
Ulrich-Wilhelm Thomale ◽  
Pablo Hernáiz Driever
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Cerebellar Nuclei ◽  
Motor Deficits ◽  
Deep Cerebellar Nuclei ◽  
Cerebellar White Matter ◽  
Lesion Symptom Mapping

Abstract Purpose Diaschisis of cerebrocerebellar loops contributes to cognitive and motor deficits in pediatric cerebellar brain tumor survivors. We used a cerebellar white matter atlas and hypothesized that lesion symptom mapping may reveal the critical lesions of cerebellar tracts. Methods We examined 31 long-term survivors of pediatric posterior fossa tumors (13 pilocytic astrocytoma, 18 medulloblastoma). Patients underwent neuronal imaging, examination for ataxia, fine motor and cognitive function, planning abilities, and executive function. Individual consolidated cerebellar lesions were drawn manually onto patients’ individual MRI and normalized into Montreal Neurologic Institute (MNI) space for further analysis with voxel-based lesion symptom mapping. Results Lesion symptom mapping linked deficits of motor function to the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP), deep cerebellar nuclei (interposed nucleus (IN), fastigial nucleus (FN), ventromedial dentate nucleus (DN)), and inferior vermis (VIIIa, VIIIb, IX, X). Statistical maps of deficits of intelligence and executive function mapped with minor variations to the same cerebellar structures. Conclusion We identified lesions to the SCP next to deep cerebellar nuclei as critical for limiting both motor and cognitive function in pediatric cerebellar tumor survivors. Future strategies safeguarding motor and cognitive function will have to identify patients preoperatively at risk for damage to these critical structures and adapt multimodal therapeutic options accordingly.

scholarly journals Racial Disparities in Cognitive Function: The Roles of Cumulative Stress Exposures Across the Life Course

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 504-504
Author(s):  
Ruijia Chen ◽  
Jennifer Weuve ◽  
Laura Kubzansky ◽  
David Williams
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cumulative Stress ◽  
The Life Course

Abstract Introduction: Racial disparities in cognitive function have been well-documented in the literature, but factors driving the disparities remain under explored. This study aims to quantify the extent to which cumulative stress exposures across the life course explain Black–White disparities in executive function and episodic memory. Method: Data were drawn from the 2004–2006 wave of the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) and the MIDUS refresher study (N=5,967, 5,277 White, 690 Black). Cumulative stress exposures were assessed by using 10 domains of stressors (e.g., financial stress, childhood adversity). Cognitive function was assessed using the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone. Marginal structural models were conducted to quantify the proportion of the effect of race/ethnicity status on cognitive function that can be explained by cumulative stress exposures. Result: Blacks reported higher levels of cumulative stress exposures and lower average levels of executive function and episodic memory than Whites. Cumulative stress exposures explained 8.43% of the disparities in executive function and 13.21 % of the disparities in episodic memory. Cumulative stress exposures had stronger effects on racial disparities in cognitive function in the older age group (age≥ 55 years old) than in the younger age group (age &lt; 55 years old). Conclusion: Cumulative stress exposures explain modest proportions of racial disparities in levels of cognitive function. Interventions that focus on reducing stress exposures or improving coping resources among Blacks may help lessen racial disparities in cognitive function at the population level.

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 The Relationship of Psychiatric Symptoms with Performance-Based and Self-Reported Cognitive Function After Ischemic Stroke

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Kliem ◽  
Elise Gjestad ◽  
Truls Ryum ◽  
Alexander Olsen ◽  
Bente Thommessen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Cognitive Difficulties ◽  
Memory And Attention ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective: Findings on the relationship of psychiatric symptoms with performance-based and self-reported cognitive function post-stroke are inconclusive. We aimed to (1) study the relation of depression and anxiety to performance-based cognitive function and (2) explore a broader spectrum of psychiatric symptoms and their association with performance-based versus self-reported cognitive function. Method: Individuals with supratentorial ischemic stroke performed neuropsychological examination 3 months after stroke. For primary analyses, composite scores for memory and attention/executive function were calculated based on selected neuropsychological tests, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used. Psychiatric symptoms and self-reported cognitive function for secondary aims were assessed using the Symptom-Checklist-90 – Revised (SCL-90-R). Results: In a sample of 86 patients [mean (M) age: 64.6 ± 9.2; Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), 3–7 days post-stroke: M = 28.4 ± 1.7; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) after 3 months: M = 0.7 ± 1.6] depressive symptoms (HADS) were associated with poorer memory performance after controlling for age, sex, and education (p ≤ .01). In a subsample (n = 41; Age: M = 65.7 ± 8.1; MMSE: M = 28.4 ± 1.8; NIHSS: M = 1.0 ± 1.9), symptoms of phobic anxiety (SCL-90-R) were associated with poorer performance-based memory and attention/executive function, and symptoms of anxiety (SCL-90-R) with lower attention/executive function. Higher levels of self-reported cognitive difficulties were associated with higher scores in all psychiatric domains (p ≤ .05). Conclusion: Even in relatively well-functioning stroke patients, depressive symptoms are associated with poorer memory. The results also suggest that various psychiatric symptoms are more related to self-reported rather than to performance-based cognitive function. Screening for self-reported cognitive difficulties may not only help to identify patients with cognitive impairment, but also those who need psychological treatment.

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 Serum sodium in relation to various domains of cognitive function in the elderly US population

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sohyae Lee ◽  
Jin-young Min ◽  
Beom Kim ◽  
Sang-Won Ha ◽  
Jeohng Ho Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Serum Sodium ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
P Value ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Recent evidence suggests that sodium imbalances may be associated with cognitive impairment; however, the association between specific domains of cognition remains unclear. This study examines the association between serum sodium levels and immediate and delayed verbal memory as measured by the CERAD Word Learning Test (CERAD WLT), executive function as measured by the Animal Fluency test (AFT), and sustained attention, working memory, and processing speed as measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST) in the elderly population of the US aged 60 and older who participated in the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (n = 2,541). Methods Cognitive function tests were performed by trained interviewers and sodium levels were measured using indirect ion selective electrode methodology. Results After adjusting for all covariates, quintiles of CERAD WLT scores showed significant positive associations with log-transformed sodium levels (Immediate recall (IR) β = 4.25 (SE = 1.83, p-value 0.027); Delayed recall (DR) β = 6.54 (SE = 1.82, p-value 0.001)). Compared to normal sodium levels, hyponatremia was significantly associated with lower CERAD WLT-IR (β = -0.34, SE = 0.15, p-value 0.035) and CERAD WLT-DR scores (β -0.48, SE = 0.10, p-value < 0.001) and showed borderline significance with AFT scores (β = = -0.38, SE = 0.19, p-value 0.052). Hypernatremia did not show any significant relationships with cognitive test scores, compared to normal sodium levels. Conclusions Our cross-sectional study showed that lower sodium levels were associated with cognitive change, especially regarding memory and executive function.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document