Prospective Associations of Erythrocyte Composition and Dietary Intake of n-3 and n-6 PUFA with Measures of Cognitive Function

Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption is recommended as part of a healthy diet, but evidence of the impact of individual species and biological concentrations on cognitive function is limited. We examined prospective associations of PUFA erythrocyte composition and dietary intake with measures of cognitive function among participants of the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (aged 57 years). Erythrocyte and dietary PUFA composition were ascertained at baseline and associated with 2-year scores on the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) (n = 1032) and cognitive domain patterns derived from a battery of tests (n = 865), as well as with incidence of cognitive impairment. Erythrocyte and dietary n-3 PUFA were not significantly associated with MMSE score. However, total erythrocyte and dietary n-3 very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA), and intake of individual species, were associated with better executive function (P-trend < 0.05, for all). There was evidence that greater erythrocyte n-6 eicosadienoic acid concentration was associated with lower MMSE and executive function scores (P-trend = 0.02). Only erythrocyte arachidonic acid (ARA) concentration predicted cognitive impairment (Odds Ratio = 1.26; P = 0.01). Among Puerto Rican adults, we found that n-3 VLCFA consumption may beneficially impact executive function. Further, these findings provide some evidence that n-6 metabolism favoring greater ARA tissue incorporation, but not necessarily dietary intake, could increase the risk of cognitive impairment.

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Examination of attention, executive function, and memory as predictors of mortality risk in adults with systolic heart failure

European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing ◽

10.1177/1474515119863182 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 729-735 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Emily C Gathright ◽

Mary A Dolansky ◽

John Gunstad ◽

Richard A Josephson ◽

Shirley M Moore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Mortality Risk ◽

Systolic Heart Failure ◽

Screening Tools ◽

Cognitive Domain ◽

Mortality Data ◽

Global Cognitive Function

Background: The prevalence and impact of cognitive impairment in heart failure is increasingly recognized. Converging evidence points to global cognitive function as predictive of prognosis in adults with heart failure when assessed with screening tools. Additional work is needed to understand which domains of cognitive function are most relevant for prognosis. Aims: The present study sought to examine associations between domains of cognitive function and mortality risk in adults with heart failure. Methods: In the present prospective, observational cohort study, global cognitive function, attention, executive function, and memory were assessed by means of a comprehensive neuropsychogical battery in adults with systolic heart failure. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index (median follow-up 2.95 years). Relationships among each cognitive domain and mortality were assessed with Cox regression. Covariates included age, sex, heart failure severity, comorbidity and depressive symptoms. Results: Participants were 325 patients with systolic heart failure with a mean age of 68.6 years (59% men, 73% Caucasian). Following covariate adjustment, better global cognitive function, attention, and executive function were related to decreased mortality risk. Conclusions: Future research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of the association between cognitive impairment and mortality.

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The impact of subjective cognitive fatigue and depression on cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458517695470 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 196-204 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Daniel Golan ◽

Glen M Doniger ◽

Karl Wissemann ◽

Myassar Zarif ◽

Barbara Bumstead ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Motor Function ◽

Cognitive Testing ◽

Cognitive Domain ◽

Information Processing Speed ◽

Cognitive Fatigue ◽

The Impact ◽

Domain Scores

Background: The association between subjective cognitive fatigue and objective cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) has been studied, with conflicting results. Objective: To explore the impact of fatigue on cognitive function, while controlling for the influence of depression, disability, comorbidities, and psychotropic medications. Methods: PwMS completed a computerized cognitive testing battery with age- and education-adjusted cognitive domain scores. Disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)), cognitive fatigue, and depression were concurrently evaluated. Results: In all, 699 PwMS were included. Both cognitive fatigue and depression were significantly and negatively correlated with the same cognitive domains: information processing speed, executive function, attention, motor function, and memory (−0.15 ⩽ r ⩽ −0.14 for cognitive fatigue; −0.24 ⩽ r ⩽ −0.19 for depression). Multivariate analysis revealed significant but small independent correlations only between depression and neuropsychological test results, while cognitive fatigue had no independent correlation with objective cognitive function except for a trend toward impaired motor function in highly fatigued PwMS. Depression and cognitive fatigue accounted for no more than 6% of the variance in objective cognitive domain scores. Conclusion: Cognitive fatigue is not independently related to objective cognitive impairment. Depression may influence cognitive function of PwMS primarily when it is severe. Cognitive impairment in PwMS should not be ascribed to fatigue or mild depression.

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Associations of cognitive condition with nutritional status in an elderly population: an analysis based on a 7-year database in Chongqing, the Southwest of China

10.21203/rs.3.rs-21402/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Wuhan Yu ◽

Weihua Yu ◽

Xintong Liu ◽

Tianchi Wan ◽

Chenxi Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Elderly Population ◽

Short Form ◽

The Elderly ◽

Attention Problems ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Cognitive Domain ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Malnutrition is one of the health problems in the elderly population, which increases the risk of poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the nutritional status and cognitive function of an elderly Chinese population, to explore the association between malnutrition and cognitive condition as well as the cognitive domain.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2365 participants aged 60 years or above from January 2013 to September 2019. We used the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF), and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) to assess the impact of malnutrition on cognitive function. Nutrition-associated factors were analyzed.Results: 33.45% of the participants were identified as malnutrition risk and 5.54% were malnourished, while 36.74% had cognitive impairments. 48.63% had nutritional deficits and 53.65% had cognitive impairment in those over 80 years old. Malnutrition is associated with global cognition (ρ= 0.349, P < 0.0001) and the cognitive domain particularly in orientation (ρ= 0.343, P < 0.0001). The impact was extended to attention and calculation (ρ=0.310, P < 0.0001) as well as language (ρ= 0.302, P < 0.0001) of those over 80 years of age. Malnutrition is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment after adjusting for other variables (OR=2.004, 95% CI: 1.621-2.479).Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition and cognitive impairment was relatively high and increased with age. Malnutrition leads to cognitive decline and disorientation, and also contributes to attention problems, calculation problem and language impairment in the oldest old. Thus, clinicians should assess the nutritional and cognitive status of the elderly regularly to the early dictation and timely intervention.

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The Oxford Handbook of Adult Cognitive Disorders

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190664121.001.0001 ◽

2019 ◽

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽

Brain Aging ◽

Cognitive Disorders ◽

Diverse Range ◽

Medical Specialties ◽

Psychiatric Illnesses ◽

Medical Disorders ◽

The Impact

The prevalence of cognitive impairment caused by neurodegenerative diseases and other neurologic disorders associated with aging is expected to rise dramatically between now and year 2050, when the population of Americans aged 65 or older will nearly double. Cognitive impairment also commonly occurs in other neurologic conditions, as well as in non-neurologic medical disorders (and their treatments), idiopathic psychiatric illnesses, and adult neurodevelopmental disorders. Cognitive impairment can thus infiltrate all aspects of healthcare, making it necessary for clinicians and clinical researchers to have an integrated knowledge of the spectrum of adult cognitive disorders. The Oxford Handbook of Adult Cognitive Disorders is meant to serve as an up-to-date, scholarly, and comprehensive volume covering most diseases, conditions, and injuries resulting in impairments in cognitive function in adults. Topics covered include normal cognitive and brain aging, the impact of medical disorders (e.g., cardiovascular, liver, pulmonary) and psychiatric illnesses (e.g., depression and bipolar disorder) on cognitive function, adult neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), as well as the various neurological conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, concussion). A section of the Handbook is also dedicated to unique perspectives and special considerations for the clinicians and clinical researchers, covering topics such as cognitive reserve, genetics, diversity, and neuroethics. The target audience of this Handbook includes: (1) clinicians, particularly psychologists, neuropsychologists, neurologists (including behavioral and cognitive neurologists), geriatricians, and psychiatrists (including neuropsychiatrists), who provide clinical care and management for adults with a diverse range of cognitive disorders; (2) clinical researchers who investigate cognitive outcomes and functioning in adult populations; and (3) graduate level students and post-doctoral trainees studying psychology, clinical neuroscience, and various medical specialties.

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The impact of early life factors on cognitive function in old age: The Hordaland Health Study (HUSK)

BMC Psychology ◽

10.1186/2050-7283-1-16 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jens Christoffer Skogen ◽

Simon Øverland ◽

A David Smith ◽

Arnstein Mykletun ◽

Robert Stewart

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Old Age ◽

Early Life ◽

Health Study ◽

Early Life Factors ◽

The Impact

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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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Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Cognitive Function Among Hispanic/Latino Adults in San Diego, California

Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease - Alzheimer’s Disease and Air Pollution ◽

10.3233/aiad210025 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sindana D. Ilango ◽

Kevin Gonzalez ◽

Linda Gallo ◽

Matthew A. Allison ◽

Jianwen Cai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Mental Status ◽

Verbal Fluency ◽

San Diego ◽

Survey Design ◽

Ambient Air Pollution ◽

Health Study ◽

Latino Adults

Background: Hispanics/Latinos in the United States are more likely to live in neighborhoods with greater exposure to air pollution and are projected to have the largest increase in dementia among race/ethnic minority groups. Objective: We examined the associations of air pollution with performance on cognitive function tests in Hispanic/Latino adults. Methods: We used data from the San Diego site of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, an ongoing cohort of Hispanics/Latinos. This analysis focused on individuals ≥45 years of age who completed a neurocognitive battery examining overall mental status, verbal learning, memory, verbal fluency, and executive function (n = 2,089). Air pollution (PM2.5 and O3) before study baseline was assigned to participants’ zip code. Logistic and linear regression were used to estimate the associations of air pollution on overall mental status and domain-specific standardized test scores. Models accounted for complex survey design, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics. Results: We found that for every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, verbal fluency worsened (β: −0.21 [95% CI: −0.68, 0.25]). For every 10 ppb increase in O3, verbal fluency and executive function worsened (β: −0.19 [95% CI: −0.34, −0.03]; β: −0.01 [95% CI: −0.01, 0.09], respectively). We did not identify any detrimental effect of pollutants on other domains. Conclusion: Although we found suggestions that air pollution may impact verbal fluency and executive function, we observed no consistent or precise evidence to suggest an adverse impact of air pollution on cognitive level among this cohort of Hispanic/Latino adults.

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The effects of acute dopamine reuptake inhibition on cognitive function during passive hyperthermia

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2020-0869 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Phillip J. Wallace ◽

Ricardo S Martins ◽

Jake S Scott ◽

Scott W Steele ◽

Matthew Greenway ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Thermal Strain ◽

Maze Learning ◽

Test Battery ◽

Cognitive Test ◽

Set Shifting ◽

Heart Rates ◽

The Impact

Dopamine activity can modulate physical performance in the heat, but less is known about its effects on cognition during thermal stress. Twelves males completed a randomized, double-blinded protocol consisting of oral ingestion of 20 mg of methylphenidate (MPH) or placebo (lactose pill) during passive heating using a water-perfused suit (water temperature ~49°C). To identify the impact of peripheral versus central thermal strain, a cognitive test battery was completed at four different thermal states: baseline (BASE; 37.2±0.6˚C core, 32.9±0.7˚C skin), neutral core-hot skin (NC-HS; 37.2±0.3˚C, 37.4±0.3˚C), hyperthermic core-hot skin (HC-HS; 38.7±0.4˚C, 38.7±0.2˚C), and hyperthermic core-cooled skin (HC-CS; 38.5±0.4˚C, 35.1±0.8˚C). The cognitive test battery consisted of the 2-back task (i.e. working memory), set-shifting (i.e. executive function), Groton Maze Learning Task (i.e. executive function) and detection task (i.e. psychomotor processing). MPH led to significantly higher heart rates (~5-15 b·min-1) at BASE, NC-HS, and HC-HS (all p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of errors made on each task (all p<0.05). Participants were significantly faster (p<0.05) on the set-shifting task in the HC-HS timepoint, irrespective of drug condition (p>0.05). In summary, we demonstrated that 20 mg of MPH did not significantly alter cognitive function during either normothermia or moderate hyperthermia. Novelty: ● 20 mg of MPH did not significantly alter cognitive function during passive heat stress ● MPH led to significant higher heart rates (~5-15 bmin-1) in thermoneutral and during passive heat stress ● Future studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of why MPH improves physical but not cognitive performance during heat stress

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Corpus callosal atrophy and associations with cognitive impairment in Parkinson disease

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000003764 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 88 (13) ◽

pp. 1265-1272 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Jennifer G. Goldman ◽

Ian O. Bledsoe ◽

Doug Merkitch ◽

Vy Dinh ◽

Bryan Bernard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Executive Function ◽

Corpus Callosum ◽

Parkinson Disease ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Cognitive Domain ◽

Intracranial Volume ◽

Volume Loss ◽

Cognitive Domains

Objective:To investigate atrophy of the corpus callosum on MRI in Parkinson disease (PD) and its relationship to cognitive impairment.Methods:One hundred patients with PD and 24 healthy control participants underwent clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and structural MRI brain scans. Participants with PD were classified as cognitively normal (PD-NC; n = 28), having mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI; n = 47), or having dementia (PDD; n = 25) by Movement Disorder Society criteria. Cognitive domain (attention/working memory, executive function, memory, language, visuospatial function) z scores were calculated. With the use of FreeSurfer image processing, volumes for total corpus callosum and its subsections (anterior, midanterior, central, midposterior, posterior) were computed and normalized by total intracranial volume. Callosal volumes were compared between participants with PD and controls and among PD cognitive groups, covarying for age, sex, and PD duration and with multiple comparison corrections. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate relationships between callosal volumes and performance in cognitive domains.Results:Participants with PD had reduced corpus callosum volumes in midanterior and central regions compared to healthy controls. Participants with PDD demonstrated decreased callosal volumes involving multiple subsections spanning anterior to posterior compared to participants with PD-MCI and PD-NC. Regional callosal atrophy predicted cognitive domain performance such that central volumes were associated with the attention/working memory domain; midposterior volumes with executive function, language, and memory domains; and posterior volumes with memory and visuospatial domains.Conclusions:Notable volume loss occurs in the corpus callosum in PD, with specific neuroanatomic distributions in PDD and relationships of regional atrophy to different cognitive domains. Callosal volume loss may contribute to clinical manifestations of PD cognitive impairment.

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The Impact of Household Chaos and Dietary Intake on Executive Function in Young Children

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13124442 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 4442

Author(s):

Samantha Iwinski ◽

Sharon M. Donovan ◽

Barbara Fiese ◽

Kelly Bost

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Birth Cohort Study ◽

Moderation Effect ◽

Household Chaos ◽

Behavior Rating Inventory ◽

Independent Association ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time

Children’s executive functions (EFs) emerge over time and can be shaped by household environments and dietary intake. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how these factors influence EFs in children aged 18–24 months. This study tested a model exploring the relations between parent-reported dietary intake, household chaos, and child EF. The sample consisted of 294 families participating in the STRONG Kids2 birth cohort study of nutrition and child health. Caregivers completed the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), the Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale (CHAOS), and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function®-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) to assess model variables. Regression analyses revealed a significant and independent association between assorted snacks and processed foods and two EF subscales. There were also significant associations between household chaos and each EF subscale. There was no significant moderation effect. These findings suggest that family households characterized by dysregulation are associated with children’s EF difficulties during early childhood and that the role of unhealthy dietary intake in child EF should be explored further. Future longitudinal studies that include multi-method approaches are needed to document the mechanisms through which household chaos impacts child EF over time.

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