Abstract
IntroductionThe relationship of C-reactive protein (CRP) to cognition in the older old group (≥75 years) has recently been found positive on both sides of the Atlantic. We hypothesized that higher levels of CRP and fibrinogen are related to worse episodic memory throughout later life (≥50 years). MethodsData are drawn from older Britons free of dementias in the English Longitudinal Study of Aging 2004–2013. We applied growth trajectory models to repeated observations of episodic memory, CRP, and fibrinogen levels (and sociodemographic confounders). We accounted for practice effects in repeated tests of cognition. ResultsHigher levels of both inflammatory markers were associated with worse episodic memory, where a fibrinogen effect is evident throughout later life (coefficient −0.154; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.254 to −0.054). Most importantly, the CRP effect is strongly negative among the older old group (coefficient −0.179; CI −0.320 to −0.038). DiscussionHigher levels of fibrinogen are detrimental to older people's cognition, and among the older old, raised CRP levels are comparably deleterious. Repeated measures of inflammation can be considered in clinical practice as part of a response to the challenge of dementias.
Highlights
The relationship of C-reactive protein (CRP) to cognition in the older old group (75 years) has recently been found positive on both sides of the Atlantic
Two biomarkers are often used in studies of cognition and inflammation: fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP)
Severe cognitive impairment is known to be preceded by a long period of preclinical development [1,38]; and the role of repeated inflammation in this development is examined here
Summary
The relationship of C-reactive protein (CRP) to cognition in the older old group (75 years) has recently been found positive on both sides of the Atlantic. We hypothesized that higher levels of CRP and fibrinogen are related to worse episodic memory throughout later life (50 years). Results: Higher levels of both inflammatory markers were associated with worse episodic memory, where a fibrinogen effect is evident throughout later life (coefficient 20.154; 95% confidence interval [CI] 20.254 to 20.054). Systemic inflammatory markers have been investigated for this purpose in middle aged and older people and have been found to be associated with many cognitive abilities including episodic memory, executive function, and global cognition [3–12].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
