scholarly journals The Association of Meteorological Factors with Cognitive Function in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5981
Author(s):  
Yuehong Qiu ◽  
Kaigong Wei ◽  
Lijun Zhu ◽  
Dan Wu ◽  
Can Jiao
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Meteorological Factors ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
International Exchange ◽  
Logical Sequence ◽  
Two Factors

Individual and meteorological factors are associated with cognitive function in older adults. However, how these two factors interact with each other to affect cognitive function in older adults is still unclear. We used mixed effects models to assess the association of individual and meteorological factors with cognitive function among older adults. Individual data in this study were from the database of China Family Panel Studies. A total of 3448 older adults from 25 provinces were included in our analysis. Cognitive functions were measured using a memory test and a logical sequence test. We used the meteorological data in the daily climate dataset of China’s surface international exchange stations, and two meteorological factors (i.e., average temperature and relative humidity) were assessed. The empty model showed significant differences in the cognitive scores of the older adults across different provinces. The results showed a main impact of residence (i.e., urban or rural) and a significant humidity–residence interaction on memory performance in older adults. Specifically, the negative association between humidity and memory performance was more pronounced in urban areas. This study suggested that meteorological factors may, in concert with individual factors, be associated with differences in memory function in older adults.

The Long Arm of Childhood in China: Early-Life Conditions and Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 1319-1344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenmei Zhang ◽  
Jinyu Liu ◽  
Lydia Li ◽  
Hongwei Xu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Word Recall ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Urban Residence ◽  
Childhood Conditions ◽  
Early Life Conditions ◽  
Childhood Socioeconomic Status ◽  
With Memory

Objective: This study examined the association between childhood conditions and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults in China. Method: We analyzed data from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study ( N = 11,868). Cognitive function was measured by word recall, a test of episodic memory. We examined the association between childhood conditions and cognitive function among the middle-aged (45-59 years) and the older (60 years and older) adults separately, using multilevel linear regressions. Results: Indicators of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and nutrition were significantly associated with memory performance among the middle-aged and the older adults in China. Adulthood SES, education in particular, accounted for some but not all the associations. The protective effect of childhood urban residence was stronger for middle-aged women than for middle-aged men. Discussion: Childhood conditions are significantly associated with mid- to late-life cognitive function in China. The strengths of the associations may vary by gender and cohort.

scholarly journals LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM 25 HYDROXY VITAMIN D AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG ICELANDIC OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S484-S484
Author(s):  
Hrafnhildur Eymundsdottir ◽  
Milan Chang ◽  
Olof Geirsdottir ◽  
Maria Jonsdottir ◽  
Palmi V Jonsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
High Tendency ◽  
25 Hydroxy Vitamin D ◽  
Longitudinal Associations ◽  
Low Levels

Abstract Studies have indicated that low levels of serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) are associated with lower cognitive function among older adults while longitudinal studies have revealed controversial results. The aim was to investigate the longitudinal associations between 25OHD and cognitive function among older adults with 5-years follow up. The Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility (AGES)-Reykjavik Study (N=3411) assessed cognitive function measuring memory function, speed of processing and executive function. 25OHD was measured using the Liaison chemiluminescence immunoassay and used as a continuous variable. Multivariate linear analysis, adjusting for numerous confounding factors, was used to calculate the longitudinal associations. All analyses were performed separated by gender. There was a high tendency for low levels of 25OHD i.e. 29.6% men and 37.7% women had hypovitaminosis D (<50 nmol/l). Both men and women had significantly lower scores in all aspects of cognitive function at the follow-up time period. Unadjusted correlations between 25OHD and cognitive functions showed a stronger correlation for women, whereas women had lower scores in all aspects of cognitive function associated with low 25OHD. After adjusting for potential confounders, e.g. age, education, lifestyle and health-related factors, 25OHD and cognitive function were not significantly associated. Observational studies indicate that lower levels of vitamin D are associated with lower cognitive function. Intervention studies are yet to show a clear benefit from vitamin D supplementation. More longitudinal- and interventional studies, with longer follow-up duration, are needed.

scholarly journals Polypharmacy Is Associated with Lower Memory Function in African American Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shervin Assari ◽  
Cheryl Wisseh ◽  
Mohammed Saqib ◽  
Mohsen Bazargan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
African American ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Continuous Variable ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Future Research

Although previous research has linked polypharmacy to lower cognitive function in the general population, we know little about this association among economically challenged African American (AA) older adults. This study explored the link between polypharmacy and memory function among AA older adults. This community-based study recruited 399 AA older adults who were 65+ years old and living in economically disadvantaged areas of South Los Angeles. Polypharmacy (taking 5+ medications) was the independent variable, memory function was the outcome variable (continuous variable), and gender, age, living arrangement, socioeconomic status (educational attainment and financial strain), health behaviors (current smoking and any binge drinking), and multimorbidity (number of chronic diseases) were the covariates. Linear regression was used for data analyses. Polypharmacy was associated with lower scores on memory function, above and beyond covariates. Among AA older adults, polypharmacy may be linked to worse cognitive function. Future research should test the mechanisms by which polypharmacy is associated with lower levels of cognitive decline. There is a need for screening for memory problems in AA older adults who are exposed to polypharmacy.

scholarly journals An increase in VGF expression through a rapid, transcription-independent, autofeedback mechanism improves cognitive function

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Jye Lin ◽  
Yan Zhao ◽  
Zhe Li ◽  
Shuyu Zheng ◽  
Jin-lin Zou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
General Mechanism ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Translational Efficiency ◽  
Truncation Mutant ◽  
Reporter Assays ◽  
Dependent Learning

AbstractThe release of neuropeptides from dense core vesicles (DCVs) modulates neuronal activity and plays a critical role in cognitive function and emotion. The granin family is considered a master regulator of DCV biogenesis and the release of DCV cargo molecules. The expression of the VGF protein (nonacronymic), a secreted neuropeptide precursor that also belongs to the extended granin family, has been previously shown to be induced in the brain by hippocampus-dependent learning, and its downregulation is mechanistically linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other mood disorders. Currently, whether changes in translational efficiency of Vgf and other granin mRNAs may be associated and regulated with learning associated neural activity remains largely unknown. Here, we show that either contextual fear memory training or the administration of TLQP-62, a peptide derived from the C-terminal region of the VGF precursor, acutely increases the translation of VGF and other granin proteins, such as CgB and Scg2, via an mTOR-dependent signaling pathway in the absence of measurable increases in mRNA expression. Luciferase-based reporter assays confirmed that the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of the Vgf mRNA represses VGF translation. Consistently, the truncation of the endogenous Vgf mRNA 3′UTR results in substantial increases in VGF protein expression both in cultured primary neurons and in brain tissues from knock in mice expressing a 3′UTR-truncation mutant encoded by the modified Vgf gene. Importantly, Vgf 3′UTR-truncated mice exhibit enhanced memory performance and reduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Our results therefore reveal a rapid, transcription-independent induction of VGF and other granin proteins after learning that are triggered by the VGF-derived peptide TLQP-62. Our findings suggest that the rapid, positive feedforward increase in the synthesis of granin family proteins might be a general mechanism to replenish DCV cargo molecules that have been released in response to neuronal activation and is crucial for memory function and mood stability.

Characteristics of Healthy Older Adults that Influence Self-rated Cognitive Function

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryce P. Mulligan ◽  
Colette M. Smart ◽  
Sidney J. Segalowitz ◽  
Stuart W.S. MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Function

AbstractObjectives: We sought to clarify the nature of self-reported cognitive function among healthy older adults by considering the short-term, within-person association (coupling) of subjective cognitive function with objective cognitive performance. We expected this within-person coupling to differ between persons as a function of self-perceived global cognitive decline and depression, anxiety, or neuroticism. Methods: This was an intensive measurement (short-term longitudinal) study of 29 older adult volunteers between the ages of 65 and 80 years without an existing diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Baseline assessment included neuropsychological testing and self-reported depression, anxiety, and neuroticism, as well as self- and informant-reported cognitive decline (relative to 10 years previously). Intensive within-person measurement occasions included subjective ratings of cognitive function paired with performance on a computerized working memory (n-back) task; each participant attended four or five assessments separated by intervals of at least one day. Statistical analysis was comprised of multilevel linear regression. Results: Comparison of models suggested that both neuroticism and self-rated cognitive decline explained unique variance in the within-person, across-occasion coupling of subjective cognitive function with objective working memory performance. Conclusions: Self-ratings of cognition may accurately reflect day-to-day variations in objective cognitive performance among older adults, especially for individuals lower in neuroticism and higher in self-reported cognitive decline. Clinicians should consider these individual differences when determining the validity of complaints about perceived cognitive declines in the context of otherwise healthy aging. (JINS, 2018, 24, 57–66)

scholarly journals The association of betaine, homocysteine and related metabolites with cognitive function in Dutch elderly people

2007 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 960-968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone J. P. M. Eussen ◽  
Per M. Ueland ◽  
Robert Clarke ◽  
Henk J. Blom ◽  
Willibrord H. L. Hoefnagels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Combined Supplementation ◽  
The One

The importance of the one-carbon metabolites, choline and homocysteine, to brain function is well known. However, the associations between the one-carbon metabolites choline, betaine, methionine and dimethylglycine with cognition in elderly are unclear. We therefore examined the associations of these metabolites with cognition in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Individuals (n 195) were randomized to receive daily oral capsules with either 1000 μg cobalamin (vitamin B12), or 1000 μg cobalamin plus 400 μg folic acid, or placebo for 24 weeks. Concentrations of homocysteine, methionine, choline, betaine and dimethylglycine were assessed before and after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Cognitive function, including domains of attention, construction, sensomotor speed, memory and executive function, was assessed before and after 24 weeks of treatment. At baseline, elevated plasma homocysteine was associated with lower performance of attention, construction, sensomotor speed and executive function. In addition, betaine was positively associated with better performance of construction, sensomotor speed and executive function, whereas elevated concentrations of methionine were positively associated with sensomotor speed. Daily combined supplementation with cobalamin plus folic acid decreased total homocysteine concentrations by 36 %, and increased betaine concentrations by 38 %. Participants with the largest increases in betaine concentrations showed a borderline significant (P = 0·07) higher memory performance compared to those without it. Although this trial observed associations of homocysteine and betaine with cognitive domains prior to supplementation, decreased concentrations of homocysteine were not related to improved cognitive performance. There was a tendency of participants with the largest increases in betaine concentrations to show the greatest improvement in memory function.

scholarly journals Maintained Frontal Activity Underlies High Memory Function Over 8 Years in Aging

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 3111-3123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Didac Vidal-Piñeiro ◽  
Markus H Sneve ◽  
Lars H Nyberg ◽  
Athanasia M Mowinckel ◽  
Donatas Sederevicius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Cortical Atrophy ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Memory Experiment ◽  
Frontal Activity

AbstractAging is characterized by substantial average decline in memory performance. Yet contradictory explanations have been given for how the brains of high-performing older adults work: either by engagement of compensatory processes such as recruitment of additional networks or by maintaining young adults’ patterns of activity. Distinguishing these components requires large experimental samples and longitudinal follow-up. Here, we investigate which features are key to high memory in aging, directly testing these hypotheses by studying a large sample of adult participants (n > 300) with fMRI during an episodic memory experiment where item-context relationships were implicitly encoded. The analyses revealed that low levels of activity in frontal networks—known to be involved in memory encoding—were associated with low memory performance in the older adults only. Importantly, older participants with low memory performance and low frontal activity exhibited a strong longitudinal memory decline in an independent verbal episodic memory task spanning 8 years back (n = 52). These participants were also characterized by lower hippocampal volumes and steeper rates of cortical atrophy. Altogether, maintenance of frontal brain function during encoding seems to be a primary characteristic of preservation of memory function in aging, likely reflecting intact ability to integrate information.

scholarly journals Gender Differences in the Association between Childhood Socioeconomic Status and Cognitive Function in Later Life

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiyoung Lyu
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Growth Curve Models ◽  
Childhood Socioeconomic Status ◽  
The Impact

Objectives. This study was aimed to explore the gender differences in the association between childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and cognitive function in later life. Methods. Using a nationally representative sample from the Health and Retirement Study, 5,544 females and 3,863 males were analyzed separately. Growth curve models were used to examine memory status and change in memory from 1998 to 2010. Results. The results showed that SES disadvantage in childhood was associated with lower memory at baseline controlling for adult SES and other covariates. In addition, cumulated disadvantage in SES was associated with poor memory in both genders. Statistically, the impact of cumulative SES on memory function at baseline was significantly different by gender. Discussion. These findings suggest that childhood SES has long-term effects on cognitive function among both men and women, and cumulative SES from childhood to adulthood may be more important for men than women with respect to their memory performance.

Effects of Smartphone-based Memory Training for Older Adults with Subjective Memory Complaints

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S176-S176 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.S. Shin ◽  
S.J. Oh ◽  
S. Seo ◽  
J.H. Lee ◽  
M.J. Song
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Subjective Memory Complaints ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Memory Complaints

IntroductionBrain health has garnered increasing attention as a requisite condition for healthy aging. The rapid growth in mobile health and increasing smartphone ownership among older adults has paved the way for smartphones to be utilized as effective tools for improving mental fitness.ObjectivesThere are few studies that have explored the efficacy of smartphone-based cognitive training. The present study examined the memory-enhancing effects of smartphone-based memory training for older adults.AimsWe explored whether newly developed application “Smartphone-based brain Anti-aging and memory Reinforcement Training (SMART)” improved memory performance in older adults with subjective memory complaints.MethodsA total of 53 adults (mean age: 59.3 years) were randomised into either one of two smartphone-based intervention groups (SMART vs. Fit Brains®) or a wait-list group. Participants in the intervention groups underwent 15–20 minutes of training per day, five days per week for 8 weeks. We used objective cognitive measures to evaluate changes with respect to four domains: attention, memory, working memory (WM), and executive function (inhibition, fluency, etc.). In addition, we included self-report questionnaires to assess levels of subjective memory complaints.ResultsThe performance on WM test increased significantly in the SMART group (t[17] = 6.27, P < 0.0001) but not in the control groups. Self-reports of memory contentment, however, increased in the Fit Brains® group only (t[18] = 2.12, P = 0.048).ConclusionsUse of an 8-week smartphone-based memory training program may improve working memory function in older adults. However, objective improvement in performance does not necessarily lead to decreased subjective memory complaints.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Differential effects of the interaction between the education and APOE ε4 allele on amyloid-beta retention and memory performances in cognitively normal older adults and Alzheimer's disease patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Woo Kang ◽  
Sheng-Min Wang ◽  
Hae-Ran Na ◽  
Chang Uk Lee ◽  
In-Ho Baek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Cognitively Normal ◽  
Apoe Ε4 ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Ε4 Allele

Background: Despite the effect of education and APOE ε4 allele on amyloid-beta (Aβ) retention and memory, previous studies have not dealt with an interaction between two factors on Aβ deposition and memory function in the course of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: To evaluate education by APOE ε4 allele interactions for Aβ retention and neuropsychological test scores in cognitively normal older adults without Aβ deposition [CN(Aβ-), n=45] and Alzheimer’s disease patients with Aβ retention [AD(Aβ+), n=33]. Methods: Multiple regression analyses (adjusted for age, gender) were conducted to examine the effects of education, APOE ε4 allele, and the interaction between the two factors on global, regional Aβ load quantified using [18F]flutemetamol standardized uptake value ratio with the pons as a reference region, and on neuropsychological test scores in each group. Results: The interaction between education and APOE ε4 allele had an effect on amyloid load in parietal lobes (uncorrected p < 0.05) and striatum (Bonferroni corrected p < 0.05) in each CN(Aβ-) and AD(Aβ+). There was also an interaction effect of education and APOE ε4 allele on the memory performance in each CN(Aβ-) and AD(Aβ+) (uncorrected p < 0.05). APOE ε4 carriers of both groups showed opposing slopes with each other in the correlation between the education years and Aβ load, memory performance. Conclusions: The current results suggest a possible explanation of the differential effects of education and APOE ε4 allele interactions on AD pathology and memory function at the beginning and end of AD progress. However, further study with a validating cohort is needed for confirming this explanation.

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