Does Exercise Improve False Episodic Memory in Dementia?

Abstract Several cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) have been associated with poor cognitive function. However, few studies have examined these factors longitudinally during midlife. We hypothesized that more midlife CVRFs would predict worse cognitive function approximately six years later. Participants were 886 men who participated in waves 2 and 3 of the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7” index was used to measure CVRFs. CVRFs were assessed at mean age 61 (range 55-66) and included smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index, cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure. Each factor was coded on a 3-point scale (0-2), ranging from poor to ideal status. These scores were then used to create a composite CVRF index (0-14). We examined several cognitive domains assessed at mean age 67 (range 61-73): abstract reasoning, episodic memory, processing speed, executive function, working memory, general verbal fluency, and semantic fluency. Analyses were adjusted for ethnicity, and education, and mean age 61. In the generalized estimating equation models, there were significant main effects indicating that the CVRF index at mean age 61 significantly predicted cognitive function at mean age 67 in episodic memory, 95% CI [.01, .08], p = .01, processing speed, 95% CI [.02, .09], p = .01, and executive function, 95% CI [.00, .06] ], p = .03. The CVRF index did not predict cognitive function in the other cognitive domains. These results suggest that poor cardiovascular health in late midlife may exacerbate cognitive decline.

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Partial Least Squares analysis of Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, modifiable health variables, and cognition in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

10.31234/osf.io/tcuhd ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jessica Stark ◽

daniela palombo ◽

Jasmeet P Hayes ◽

Kelly J. Hiersche ◽

Alexander N. Hasselbach ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Executive Function ◽

Growth Factors ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Least Squares ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Partial Least Squares Analysis

Objective: To identify novel associations between modifiable physical and health variables, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers, and cognitive function in a cohort of older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).Method: Metrics of cardiometabolic risk, stress, inflammation, neurotrophic/growth factors, AD, and cognition were assessed in 155 MCI participants (Mean age = 74.2 years) from theAlzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Partial Least Squares analysis was employed to examine associations among these physiological variables and cognition.Results: Latent variable 1 revealed a unique combination of AD biomarkers, neurotrophic/growth factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and education that were significantly associated with specific domains of cognitive function, including episodic memory, executive function, and processing speed, representing 47.9% of the covariance in thedata. Age, BMI, and metrics tapping working memory, language or premorbid IQ were not significant.Conclusions: Our data-driven analysis highlights the significant relationships between metrics associated with AD-pathology, neuroprotection, and neuroplasticity with tasks requiring fluid (episodic memory and executive function) rather than crystallized (premorbid IQ and language) ability. These data also indicate that biological metrics are more strongly associated with episodic memory, executive function, and processing speed than chronological age in older adults with MCI.

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

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10537-x ◽

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.

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

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1627 ◽

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 < 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.

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Slow Wave Sleep and EEG Delta Spectral Power are Associated with Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease

Journal of Parkinson s Disease ◽

10.3233/jpd-202215 ◽

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.

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P1-434: Is age-related variance in episodic memory mediated by processing speed or executive function?

Alzheimer s & Dementia ◽

10.1016/j.jalz.2011.05.716 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. S252-S252

Author(s):

Teresa Lee ◽

Perminder Sachdev

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Age Related

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Abstract P268: Greater Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults With Type 1 Diabetes as Compared to Non-diabetic Controls: Results From the Study of Longevity in Diabetes (SOLID)

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.141.suppl_1.p268 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mary E Lacy ◽

Paola Gilsanz ◽

Chloe Eng ◽

Michal S Beeri ◽

Andrew J Karter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Type 1 Diabetes ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Regression Models ◽

Cognitive Test ◽

Race Ethnicity

Introduction: Studies have shown poorer cognitive function in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) as compared to non-diabetic peers. However, little is known about cognitive function in older adults with T1D. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that older adults with T1D and type 2 diabetes (T2D) would have greater cognitive impairment than age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education-matched controls without diabetes. Methods: We compared baseline cognitive impairment among older adults (aged ≥60) from the Study of Longevity in Diabetes (SOLID) with T1D (n=771), T2D (=234) and no diabetes (n=253). Cognitive tests assessed three cognitive domains identified via factor analysis (language, executive function, episodic memory). All cognitive test scores were standardized and cognitive impairment was defined as 1.5 SD below the mean. In logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, and race/ethnicity, we examined the association between diabetes status (T1D, T2D or no diabetes) and cognition on each cognitive domain and on global cognition (average of scores on the 3 domains). Results: In adjusted regression models, compared to older adults without diabetes, those with T1D were more likely to have impaired cognitive function on the language (OR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.08, 4.17) and executive function domains (OR=2.66, 95% CI: 1.36, 5.22). No significant differences in global cognitive impairment or impairment on the episodic memory domain were observed for T1D and no significant differences on any domain were observed for T2D. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that older adults with T1D have greater cognitive impairment than their peers without diabetes; findings were specific to the language and executive function domains, with episodic memory being unaffected. No increase in cognitive impairment was observed for older adults with T2D. Additional research is needed to understand the causes and potentially modifiable factors associated with impaired cognition among older adults with T1D.

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXPERIENCE OF SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3406 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S936-S937

Author(s):

Stephanie M Bergren ◽

Gabriella Dong

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Historical Event ◽

Historical Events ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

Global Cognition ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Research has found relationships between experiencing stressful events and lower cognitive function in late life. However, there is little research about the cumulative experiences of significant historical events and cognitive function. Historical events may be unique compared to other life events due to their potential distal relationship to the individual. This study aims to examine the relationship between experiencing significant historical events and cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Data were drawn from the PINE Study, a cohort study of 3,126 US Chinese older adults collected from 2017-2019. Participants were asked if they experienced the Japanese invasion, famine, Great Leap Forward, Vietnam War, Cultural Revolution, and the Tian’anmen Square Protests. A composite score of 0-6 was calculated to count the number experienced. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Chinese MMSE. Linear and quantile regression were performed. Among the participants, 1908 (61.04%) were female with mean age of 75.33 (SD=8.22) years. The average number of historical events experienced was 2.36 (SD=1.44). After adjusting for covariates, every one additional historical event experience was associated with better global cognition (b=0.26, SE=0.009, p<.01), episodic memory (b = 0.045, SE=0.012, p<.001), and processing speed (b=0.383, SE=0.135, p<.01). Number of historical events was not significantly associated with working memory or C-MMSE. The positive relationship between historical events and some cognitive domains suggests a potential resilience effect after experiencing historical events. Future research should examine whether participants found events stressful and whether there are differential relationships to cognitive function.

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Mind-Body Practice, Personality Traits, and Cognitive Performance: A 10-Year Study in US Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2646 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 713-713

Author(s):

Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya ◽

Gizem Hueluer ◽

Debra Dobbs

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Personality Traits ◽

The United States ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cognitive Outcomes ◽

Future Research ◽

Big Five Personality ◽

Negative Effect

Abstract It is widely established that physical activity is associated with better cognitive outcomes, and accumulating evidence suggests that mind-body practice (MBP) may yield similar benefits. Personality is related to both daily activities and cognition, but its role in the association between MBP and cognition is not well understood. The current study examines bidirectional temporal associations between personality traits, MBP, and cognition in healthy adults. We used data from waves 2 and 3 (2004-2014) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study from a total of 2,050 individuals (age: M=64 years, SD=11, range=42 to 92; 56% women). We applied a cross-lagged regression analysis to examine bidirectional effects between MBP, Big Five personality traits, and two cognitive domains (episodic memory and executive function) and controlled for sociodemographic factors, health, and functional status covariates in wave 2. After controlling for covariates, MBP was independently associated with a more favorable change in episodic memory, but not in executive function. Regarding cross-lagged effects of cognitive function, episodic memory was related to subsequent MBP and agreeableness, and executive function was related to subsequent MBP, openness, and conscientiousness. Agreeableness had a negative effect on subsequent executive function. The findings point toward bidirectional associations between cognitive function MBP, while there was no evidence for cross-lagged associations between personality and MBP. Future research should guide us whether MBP can counteract cognitive decline as an alternative and complementary practice and the role that personality can play in such interventions.

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A Longitudinal 5-Year Follow-Up Study of Cognitive Function After First Episode Major Depressive Disorder: Exploring State, Scar and Trait Effects

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2020.575867 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Eivind Haga Ronold ◽

Marit Therese Schmid ◽

Ketil Joachim Oedegaard ◽

Åsa Hammar

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Deficits ◽

Processing Speed ◽

First Episode ◽

Follow Up Study ◽

History Of ◽

Initial Episode

Major depression (MDD) is associated with cognitive deficits in processing speed and executive function (EF) following first episode (FE). It is unclear whether deficits are state or trait related. Studies following FE MDD over longer periods are lacking, making it uncertain how cognition and symptoms develop after the initial episode. The present study assessed cognitive function and symptoms 5 years following FE MDD. In addition, the study explored relationships between MDD symptoms, rumination, and cognitive deficits with regards to the trait, state, and scar perspective. Twenty-three participants with previous FE MDD, and 20 matched control participants were compared on Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System measures of processing speed and EF, in a 5-year longitudinal follow-up study. Correlations between current symptoms- and history of MDD, rumination, cognition were investigated. Findings indicated that cognitive deficits persisted with no clear signs of exacerbation after initial episode. Inhibition appeared independent of current and previous symptoms of depression. Processing speed was related to depressive- symptoms and rumination. In conclusion, results indicated persisting, stable deficits in both EFs and processing speed. Findings further suggest that depressive symptoms could be related to deficits in processing speed, indicating state effects. There was limited support for worsening of cognition after initial episode. Some aspects of EF like Inhibition could show persistent deficits independent of depressive symptoms indicating trait effects.

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