scholarly journals Tea consumption and measures of attention and psychomotor speed in the very old: The Newcastle 85+ Longitudinal Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Jonathan Okello ◽  
Nuno Mendonça ◽  
Blossom Stephan ◽  
Graciela Muniz-Terrera ◽  
Keith Wesnes ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: A number of studies have indicated a beneficial effect of tea consumption on the reduction of risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in older aged populations. However, there is a paucity of data on these associations in the very old, defined as individuals aged 85 years and over. We investigated the relationship between tea consumption in the very old and measures of global cognitive function, memory, attention and psychomotor speed.Method: Longitudinal (5-years), population-based cohort study of individuals aged 85+ years in the North East of England, United Kingdom. Participants were community-dwelling and institutionalized men and women recruited through general medical practices (n=676). Baseline tea consumption and longitudinal measures of global and domain specific (memory, speed and attention) cognitive function were assessed. Linear mixed models, controlling for demographic (e.g. age, sex and education) and health variables were used to determine whether tea consumption was protective against cognitive decline.Results: Tea consumption was not associated with cognitive function at baseline on any measure (unadjusted and adjusted analyses). In the linear mixed effects models adjusted for age, sex, education and disease co-morbidity, higher tea consumption was associated with significantly better attention (focused and sustained attention), and psychomotor speed (complex tasks only) over five-years follow-up. However, there was no association between tea consumption and global cognitive function, memory or performance on simple speed tasks over time.Conclusions: In this cohort study of non-demented very old adults we found that higher (vs. lower) tea consumption was associated with better performance over time on measures of focused and sustained attention and some psychomotor speed tasks. No associations with global cognition, memory or easy speed tasks (simple Reaction Time or Word Recognition) were detected. The results have implications for the development of possible diet-based interventions focused on improving cognitive function in the very old age group. These findings need to be confirmed in a sufficiently powered and well-designed RCT with non-demented very old adults.

BMC Nutrition ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Jonathan Okello ◽  
Nuno Mendonça ◽  
Blossom Stephan ◽  
Graciela Muniz-Terrera ◽  
Keith Wesnes ◽  
...  

Abstract Background A number of studies have indicated a beneficial effect of tea consumption on the reduction of risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in older aged populations. However, there is a paucity of data on these associations in the very old, defined as individuals aged 85 years and over. We investigated the relationship between tea consumption in the very old and measures of global cognitive function, memory, attention and psychomotor speed. Method Longitudinal (5-years), population-based cohort study of individuals aged 85+ years in the North East of England, United Kingdom. Participants were community-dwelling and institutionalized men and women recruited through general medical practices (n = 676). Baseline tea consumption and longitudinal measures of global and domain specific (memory, speed and attention) cognitive function were assessed. Linear mixed models, controlling for demographic (e.g. age, sex and education) and health variables were used to determine whether tea consumption was protective against cognitive decline. Results Tea consumption was not associated with cognitive function at baseline on any measure (unadjusted and adjusted analyses). In the linear mixed effects models adjusted for age, sex, education and disease co-morbidity, higher tea consumption was associated with significantly better attention (focused and sustained attention), and psychomotor speed (complex tasks only) over five-years follow-up. However, there was no association between tea consumption and global cognitive function, memory or performance on simple speed tasks over time. Conclusions In this cohort study of non-demented very old adults we found that higher (vs. lower) tea consumption was associated with better performance over time on measures of focused and sustained attention and some psychomotor speed tasks. No associations with global cognition, memory or easy speed tasks (simple Reaction Time or Word Recognition) were detected. The results have implications for the development of possible diet-based interventions focused on improving cognitive function in the very old age group. These findings need to be confirmed in a sufficiently powered and well-designed RCT with non-demented very old adults.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Jonathan Okello ◽  
Nuno Mendonça ◽  
Blossom Stephan ◽  
Graciela Muniz-Terrera ◽  
Keith Wesnes ◽  
...  

Abstract Background A number of studies have indicated a beneficial effect of tea consumption on the reduction of risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in older aged populations. However, there is a paucity of data on these associations in the very old defined as individuals aged 85 years and over. We investigated the relationship between tea consumption in the very old and measures of global cognitive function, memory, attention and psychomotor speed. Method: Longitudinal (5-years), population-based cohort study of individuals aged 85 + years in the North East of England, United Kingdom. Participants were community-dwelling and institutionalized men and women recruited through general medical practices (n = 676). Baseline tea consumption and longitudinal measures of global and domain specific (memory, speed and attention) cognitive function, linear mixed models, controlling for demographic (e.g. age, sex and education) and health variables were used to determine whether tea consumption was protective against cognitive decline. Results Tea consumption was not associated with cognitive function at baseline on any measure (unadjusted and adjusted analyses). In the linear mixed effects models adjusted for age, sex, education and disease co-morbidity, higher tea consumption was associated with significantly better attention (focused and sustained attention), and psychomotor speed (complex tasks only) over five-years follow-up. However, there was no association between tea consumption and global cognitive function, memory or performance on simple speed tasks over time. Conclusions In this cohort study of the very old and non-demented (85 + years) we found that higher (vs. lower) tea consumption was associated with better performance over time on measures of focused and sustained attention and some psychomotor speed tasks. No associations with global cognition, memory or easy speed tasks (simple Reaction Time or Word Recognition) were detected. The results have implications for the development of possible diet-based interventions focused on improving cognitive function in the very old age group.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Yoon Kong ◽  
Jin Sug Kim ◽  
Min Hye Kang ◽  
Hyeon Seok Hwang ◽  
Chang Won Won ◽  
...  

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S657-S657
Author(s):  
Jinhee Shin ◽  
Eunhee Cho

Abstract Objective This study aims to explore predictors to longitudinal decline of cognitive function in old adults in Korean. Methods The data were derived from the information system of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) which performed nationwide aging panel survey for adults aged over 45 years between 2006 and 2016. The sample consisted of 1,262 older adults who completed K-MMSE. Of the total 1,262 participants, 752 had normal cognition, 243 had mild cognitive impairment, and the rest 267 had dementia. Variables from diverse dimensions were derived from the KLoSA. The linear mixed models were used to predict and explain predictors affecting cognitive function decline over time. Results The ADL and IADL, depression, exercise, and social activity were time-varying variables significantly related to the cognitive function of the older adults. Over time, difference in change of the K-MMSE score between three groups was significant. Conclusions This study identified predictors influencing decrease of cognitive function over time in older adults in Korea. Tailored intervention needs to be developed and implemented in order to delay the cognitive function decline. Improving physical function through regular exercise, increasing social activity, and managing depression by early detection and treatment are recommended according to the cognitive function status. Keywords: old adults, cognitive function, K-MMSE, predictor


2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuno Mendonça ◽  
Andrew Kingston ◽  
Antoneta Granic ◽  
Carol Jagger

Abstract Objectives To examine the association of protein intake with frailty progression in very old adults. Design The Newcastle 85+ study, a prospective longitudinal study of people aged 85 years old in Northeast England and followed over 5 years. Setting and Participants 668 community-dwelling older adults (59% women) at baseline, with complete dietary assessment and Fried frailty status (FFS). Measures Dietary intake was estimated with 2 × 24-h multiple pass recalls at baseline. FFS was based on five criteria: shrinking, physical endurance/energy, low physical activity, weakness and slow walking speed and was available at baseline and 1.5, 3 and 5 years. The contribution of protein intake (g/kg adjusted body weight/day [g/kg aBW/d]) to transitions to and from FFS (robust, pre-frail and frail) and to death over 5 years was examined by multi-state models. Results Increase in one unit of protein intake (g/kg aBW/d) decreased the likelihood of transitioning from pre-frail to frail after adjusting for age, sex, education and multimorbidity (hazard ratios [HR]: 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25–0.77) but not for the other transitions. Reductions in incident frailty were equally present in individuals with protein intake ≥0.8 (HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43–0.84) and ≥1 g/kg aBW/d (HR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44–0.90) from 85 to 90 years. This relationship was attenuated after adjustment for energy intake, but the direction of the association remained the same (e.g. g/kg aBW/d model: HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.36–1.41). Conclusion High protein intake, partly mediated by energy intake, may delay incident frailty in very old adults. Frailty prevention strategies in this age group should consider adequate provision of protein and energy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E Lacy ◽  
Paola Gilsanz ◽  
Chloe W Eng ◽  
Michal S Beeri ◽  
Andrew J Karter ◽  
...  

IntroductionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes. DKA is associated with poorer cognition in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), but whether this is the case in older adults with T1D is unknown. Given the increasing life expectancy in T1D, understanding the role of DKA on brain health in older adults is crucial.Research design and methodsWe examined the association of DKA with cognitive function in 714 older adults with T1D from the Study of Longevity in Diabetes. Participants self-reported lifetime exposure to DKA resulting in hospitalization; DKA was categorized into 0 hospitalization, 1 hospitalization or ≥2 hospitalizations (recurrent DKA). Global and domain-specific cognition (language, executive function/psychomotor speed, episodic memory and simple attention) were assessed. The association of DKA with cognitive function was evaluated via linear and logistic regression models.ResultsTwenty-eight percent of participants (mean age=67 years; mean age at diagnosis=28 years; average duration of diabetes=39 years) reported a lifetime history of DKA resulting in hospitalization (18.5% single DKA; 9.7% recurrent DKA). In fully adjusted models, those with recurrent DKA had lower global cognitive function (β=−0.13; 95% CI −0.22 to 0.02) and lower scores on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain (β=−0.34; 95% CI −0.51 to 0.17). Individuals with recurrent DKA were also more likely to have the lowest level of cognitive function on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain (defined as 1.5 SD below the population mean; OR=3.26, 95% CI 1.43 to 7.42).ConclusionsAmong 714 older adults with T1D, recurrent DKA was associated with lower global cognitive function, lower scores on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain and 3.3 times greater risk of having the lowest level of cognitive function in our sample on the executive function/psychomotor speed domain. These findings suggest that recurrent DKA may negatively impact the brain health of older patients with T1D and highlight the importance of DKA prevention.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah Palapar ◽  
Ngaire Kerse ◽  
Anna Rolleston ◽  
Wendy P J den Elzen ◽  
Jacobijn Gussekloo ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To determine the physical and mental health of very old people (aged 80+) with anaemia. Methods Individual level meta-analysis from five cohorts of octogenarians (n = 2,392): LiLACS NZ Māori, LiLACS NZ non-Māori, Leiden 85-plus Study, Newcastle 85+ Study, and TOOTH. Mixed models of change in functional ability, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health over time were separately fitted for each cohort. We combined individual cohort estimates of differences according to the presence of anaemia at baseline, adjusting for age at entry, sex, and time elapsed. Combined estimates are presented as differences in standard deviation units (i.e. standardised mean differences–SMDs). Results The combined prevalence of anaemia was 30.2%. Throughout follow-up, participants with anaemia, on average, had: worse functional ability (SMD −0.42 of a standard deviation across cohorts; CI -0.59,-0.25); worse cognitive scores (SMD -0.27; CI -0.39,-0.15); worse depression scores (SMD -0.20; CI -0.31,-0.08); and lower ratings of their own health (SMD -0.36; CI -0.47,-0.25). Differential rates of change observed were: larger declines in functional ability for those with anaemia (SMD −0.12 over five years; CI -0.21,-0.03) and smaller mean difference in depression scores over time between those with and without anaemia (SMD 0.18 over five years; CI 0.05,0.30). Conclusion Anaemia in the very old is a common condition associated with worse functional ability, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health, and a more rapid decline in functional ability over time. The question remains as to whether anaemia itself contributes to worse outcomes or is simply a marker of chronic diseases and nutrient deficiencies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 474-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Drew M Altschul ◽  
Ian J Deary

Abstract Objectives Playing analog games may be associated with better cognitive function but, to date, these studies have not had extensive longitudinal follow-up. Our goal was to examine the association between playing games and change in cognitive function from age 11 to age 70, and from age 70 to 79. Method Participants were 1,091 nonclinical, independent, community-dwelling individuals all born in 1936 and residing in Scotland. General cognitive function was assessed at ages 11 and 70, and hierarchical domains were assessed at ages 70, 73, 76, and 79 using a comprehensive cognitive battery of 14 tests. Games playing behaviors were assessed at ages 70 and 76. All models controlled for early life cognitive function, education, social class, sex, activity levels, and health issues. All analyses were preregistered. Results Higher frequency of playing games was associated with higher cognitive function at age 70, controlling for age 11 cognitive function, and the majority of this association could not be explained by control variables. Playing more games was also associated with less general cognitive decline from age 70 to age 79, and in particularly, less decline in memory ability. Increased games playing between 70 and 76 was associated with less decline in cognitive speed. Discussion Playing games were associated with less relative cognitive decline from age 11 to age 70, and less cognitive decline from age 70 to 79. Controlling for age 11 cognitive function and other confounders, these findings suggest that playing more games is linked to reduced lifetime decline in cognitive function.


2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Lin ◽  
Ding-Geng Chen ◽  
David E. Vance ◽  
Karlene K. Ball ◽  
Mark Mapstone

ABSTRACTBackground: The present study examined the prospective relationships between subjective fatigue, cognitive function, and everyday functioning.Methods: A cohort study with secondary data analysis was conducted using data from 2,781 community-dwelling older adults without dementia who were enrolled to participate in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) randomized intervention trial. Measures included demographic and health information at baseline, and annual assessments of subjective fatigue, cognitive function (i.e. speed of processing, memory, and reasoning), and everyday functioning (i.e. everyday speed and everyday problem-solving) over five years.Results: Four distinct classes of subjective fatigue were identified using growth mixture modeling: one group complaining fatigue “some of the time” at baseline but “most of the time” at five-year follow-up (increased fatigue), one complaining fatigue “a good bit of the time” constantly over time (persistent fatigue), one complaining fatigue “most of the time” at baseline but “some of the time” at five-year follow-up (decreased fatigue), and the fourth complaining fatigue “some of the time” constantly over time (persistent energy). All domains of cognitive function and everyday functioning declined significantly over five years; and the decline rates, but not the baseline levels, differed by the latent class of subjective fatigue. Except for the decreased fatigue class, there were different degrees of significant associations between the decline rates of subjective fatigue and all domains of cognitive function and everyday functioning in other classes of subjective fatigue.Conclusion: Future interventions should address subjective fatigue when managing cognitive and functional abilities in community-dwelling older adults.


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