Childhood Cognitive Function Research Articles

Gender differences in the association between childhood trauma, clinical symptoms, and cognitive function in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia.

This study investigates the gender-specific associations between childhood trauma, clinical symptoms, and cognitive function in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia. A total of 601 patients with chronic schizophrenia were evaluated using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Correlation and regression analyses were performed to explore the relationships between childhood trauma and clinical symptoms and cognitive function, considering gender differences. Childhood trauma prevalence showed no gender differences. In male patients, physical neglect predicted PANSS Positive symptoms (β = 0.123), and physical abuse was linked to lower Visuospatial Construction scores (β = -0.103). In female patients, emotional neglect predicted PANSS Positive (β = 0.225) and Excitement factors (β = 0.197), and emotional abuse predicted Depressive symptoms (β = 0.186). Sexual abuse was associated with lower language scores (β = -0.204), and physical neglect with deficits in Immediate (β = -0.261) and Delayed Memory (β = -0.157). The findings highlight distinct gender-specific patterns in the impact of childhood trauma on clinical symptoms among patients with chronic schizophrenia. This suggests the necessity for gender-specific therapeutic interventions to address these differences effectively.

Impact of childhood trauma on cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder.

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) frequently exhibit cognitive impairments. However, the association between childhood trauma as a risk factor for BD and cognitive deficits remains ambiguous. To investigate the relationship between childhood trauma and cognitive function among patients with BD. The study included 90 patients with BD and 94 healthy controls (HC). Childhood trauma was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and cognitive function was evaluated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). The relationships between childhood trauma and cognitive function. In BD group, childhood abuse and neglect were more prevalent than in HC group. Mood stabilizer use was positively associated with language abilities, while antipsychotic use negatively impacted attention. Emotional abuse predicted impaired immediate memory, with the number of episodes and valproate dosage negatively correlating with total RBANS scores, whereas education and mood stabilizer use showed positive correlations. The incidence of childhood trauma was higher among BD than HC, and different types of childhood trauma had varying effects on different aspects of cognition. These studies will deepen the understanding of the complexity of BD and support the development of more effective treatment methods.

Prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with alterations in offspring DNA methylation at genes involved in neurodevelopment, across the life course.

Prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) is of increasing concern globally, due to the potential impact on offspring neurodevelopment, and its association with childhood and adolescent brain development and cognitive function. However, there is currently a lack of research addressing the molecular impact of PCE, that may help to clarify the association between PCE and neurodevelopment. To address this knowledge gap, here we present epigenome-wide association study data across multiple time points, examining the effect of PCE and co-exposure with tobacco using two longitudinal studies, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) and the Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS) at birth (0 y), 7 y and 15-17 y (ALSPAC), and ~27 y (CHDS). Our findings reveal genome-wide significant DNA methylation differences in offspring at 0 y, 7 y, 15-17 y, and 27 y associated with PCE alone, and co-exposure with tobacco. Importantly, we identified significantly differentially methylated CpG sites within the genes LZTS2, NPSR1, NT5E, CRIP2, DOCK8, COQ5, and LRP5 that are shared between different time points throughout development in offspring. Notably, functional pathway analysis showed enrichment for differential DNA methylation in neurodevelopment, neurotransmission, and neuronal structure pathways, and this was consistent across all timepoints in both cohorts. Given the increasing volume of epidemiological evidence that suggests a link between PCE and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in exposed offspring, this work highlights the need for further investigation into PCE, particularly in larger cohorts.

Childhood Neighborhood Disadvantage and Cognitive Function among Veterans Recovering from Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract Objective Identifying risk factors and interventions for chronic symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important area of research for Veterans. Growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with poorer health outcomes. We examined the relationship between childhood neighborhood disadvantage and cognitive outcomes among symptomatic Veterans with history of mild TBI. Method 58 Participants completed neuropsychological tests (CVLT-3, TMT A&B, COWA, Category Test), NSI, and PCL-5. The Neighborhood Atlas was used to derive disadvantage scores using childhood addresses. Global deficit scores were calculated as described by Heaton (2004). Results Neighborhood disadvantage was significantly correlated with CVLT-3 Total Learning (r = −0.26, p = 0.046), but not the overall global deficit or deficit performance across CVLT-3 Delayed Recall, TMT-A, TMT-B, COWA, and Category Test. There was a significant difference in neighborhood disadvantage between participants scoring in the deficit and normal ranges on CVLT-3 Total Learning (p = 0.046). There were no other differences in neighborhood disadvantage across other neuropsychological tests. There was a significant difference in PTSD symptoms between participants scoring within the deficit and normal ranges on the COWA (p = 0.002). There were no other significant group differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms or PTSD symptom severity. Conclusions Among Veterans in this sample, neighborhood disadvantage was not associated with cognitive function or cognitive deficits. Although neighborhood disadvantage is an important psychosocial risk factor for poor outcomes in the civilian literature, these results suggest that it may not be an important contributing factor in recovery from mild TBI for military Veterans.

Longitudinal association of adverse childhood experiences with cognitive function trajectories among middle-aged and older adults: group-based trajectory modeling.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact cognitive function, but the relationship remains unclear. We aim to identify cognitive function trajectories and scrutinize the correlation between ACEs and cognitive function. To identify cognitive trajectories, we employed a group-based trajectory model, and influential factors were determined using multinomial unordered logistic regression analysis. Three cognitive decline subgroups emerged: low-start decline, high-start stability, and mid-start decline. There is no dose-response relationship between cumulative adverse childhood experiences and cognitive function. The high-start stability group had specific residence and education traits, while sibling death affected them. The mid-start decline group was vulnerable to parental death, physical abuse, and domestic violence. The low-start decline group should consider age structure and childhood friendships. No dose-response association between cumulative ACEs and cognitive decline. Still, specific ACE metrics are correlated with cognitive trajectories. We can incorporate patients' ACEs into cognitive function assessments for early risk factor identification and tailored interventions. Moreover, recognizing the influence of early-life experiences on cognitive function, we can advocate for nurturing positive family and societal environments to optimize cognitive function.

Adverse childhood experiences and cognitive function in later life: the sequential mediating roles of education level and adult loneliness.

This study assesses the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the cognitive function of older adults. Furthermore, it examines the potential underlying mechanism involving education level and the subjective "feeling of loneliness" (FOL). Analyzing a population-based cohort sample from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study database, 8,365 subjects aged 45 or older were interviewed in 2018. Ten ACEs indicators were measured using life history questionnaires assessed at 2014. FOL was assessed using a single item from 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). Cognitive function was assessed using a structured questionnaire comprising four dimensions: memory, orientation, computation, and visuospatial abilities. In the fully adjusted model, which accounted for age, gender, marital status, smoke, drink, rural residence, and education levels of both mothers and fathers, the linear regression analysis indicated that ACEs were inversely associated the lower education level (B = -0.058, 95% CI = -0.090, -0.026, p < 0.001), and ACEs were found to be linked to an elevated risk of FOL (B = 0.072, 95% CI = 0.056, 0.089, p < 0.001). In addition, ACEs was not significantly associated with cognitive function (B = -0.047, 95% CI = -0.108, 0.015, p = 0.136), but FOL was significantly associated with cognitive function (B = -0.483, 95% CI = -0.561, -0.404, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that education level and FOL sequentially and partially mediated the association between ACEs and the total cognitive score, with a proportion mediated of 52.58%. The evaluation of ACEs exposure was based on binary response options. This method limited our ability to explore various dimensions of adversity, such as ages of occurrence, severity, frequency, duration, and the extent of psychological effects at the time. Furthermore, the assessment of loneliness relied on a single item from the CESD-10, introducing a potential source of measurement error. Our study unveils a substantial association between ACEs and education level, as well as with FOL and cognitive function in the older adults. Moreover, education level and FOL serve as sequential mediating factors in the relationship between ACEs and cognitive function.

Associations of childhood, adolescence, and midlife cognitive function with DNA methylation age acceleration in midlife.

Prior studies showed increased age acceleration (AgeAccel) is associated with worse cognitive function among old adults. We examine the associations of childhood, adolescence and midlife cognition with AgeAccel based on DNA methylation (DNAm) in midlife. Data are from 359 participants who had cognition measured in childhood and adolescence in the Child Health and Development study, and had cognition, blood based DNAm measured during midlife in the Disparities study. Childhood cognition was measured by Raven's Progressive Matrices and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT). Adolescent cognition was measured only by PPVT. Midlife cognition included Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR), Verbal Fluency (VF), Digit Symbol (DS). AgeAccel measures including Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge and DunedinPACE were calculated from DNAm. Linear regressions adjusted for potential confounders were utilized to examine the association between each cognitive measure in relation to each AgeAccel. There are no significant associations between childhood cognition and midlife AgeAccel. A 1-unit increase in adolescent PPVT, which measures crystalized intelligence, is associated with 0.048-year decrease of aging measured by GrimAge and this association is attenuated after adjustment for adult socioeconomic status. Midlife crystalized intelligence measure WTAR is negatively associated with PhenoAge and DunedinPACE, and midlife fluid intelligence measure (DS) is negatively associated with GrimAge, PhenoAge and DunedinPACE. AgeAccel is not associated with VF in midlife. In conclusion, our study showed the potential role of cognitive functions at younger ages in the process of biological aging. We also showed a potential relationship of both crystalized and fluid intelligence with aging acceleration.

Childhood Book Availability Helps to Preserve Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Low Education: Results From the NEIGE Study.

It is well known that low educational attainment is associated with cognitive function decline in older age. Childhood book availability may help to preserve cognitive function in older adults with low education. The study objective was to examine the association between childhood book availability and cognitive function among older adults with low educational attainment, and to investigate the mediating effect of the volume of reading-related brain regions (e.g., superior temporal cortex). A cross-sectional study of community-dwelling older Japanese adults aged 65-84 years was conducted (n = 474). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Childhood book availability was assessed using a retrospective questionnaire. Brain region volume was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Multivariate regression modeling and structural equation modeling were used for analysis. Both high educational attainment and childhood book availability were independently associated with high MMSE score. Stratification of educational level showed that childhood book availability was positively associated with MMSE score among participants with low educational attainment (coefficient = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31 to 2.66), but not among those with moderate or high educational attainment (coefficient = -0.01, 95% CI: -1.44 to 1.42 and -1.21, 95% CI: -3.85 to 1.42, respectively). Among participants with low educational attainment, left superior temporal cortex volume mediated the association between childhood book availability and MMSE score. The availability of books in childhood helps to preserve cognitive function in older adults with low education via left superior temporal cortex volume. Further research is needed to replicate these findings.

Early-life cumulative exposure to excess bodyweight and midlife cognitive function: longitudinal analysis in three British birth cohorts

Excess bodyweight (BMI >25 kg/m2) in midlife (age 40-65 years) has been linked to future cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. Whether chronic exposure to excess bodyweight in the early decades of life (<40 years) is associated with compromised cognitive function by midlife, however, remains unclear. This study therefore aimed to test potential bidirectional direct and indirect pathways linking cumulative exposure to excess bodyweight and cognitive function in the early decades of life. In this longitudinal analysis, harmonised measures of BMI and cognitive function were available in 19 742 participants aged 47-53 years recruited to the 1946 National Survey of Health and Development (n=2131), the 1958 National Child Development Study (n=9385), and the 1970 British Cohort Study (n=8226). Individual BMI trajectories spanning three decades from age 10-40 years were created for each participant and excess bodyweight duration, BMI change between ages, and cumulative excess bodyweight exposure were calculated. Harmonised measures of verbal and non-verbal ability, mathematical ability, and reading ability were used to create a latent factor for childhood cognitive function, and immediate and delayed recall, animal naming, and letter-search speed tests were used for midlife cognitive function. Multivariable linear regression and structural equation models (SEM) were used to test for potential bidirectional relationships between cognition and excess bodyweight in both individual cohorts and pooled datasets while accounting for other potential early-life confounders. Increases in BMI during adolescence and greater cumulative exposure to excess bodyweight across early life were associated with lower midlife cognitive function in all cohorts (eg, pooled difference in cognitive function per 10 years excess bodyweight duration -0·10; 95% CI -0·12 to -0·08; p<0·001). Further adjustment for childhood cognitive function attenuated many of these associations towards the null (eg, pooled difference in cognitive function per 10 years excess bodyweight duration -0·04; 95% CI -0·06 to -0·02; p=0·001), however, with any remaining associations then fully attenuating once further adjusted for other early-life factors (eg, pooled difference in cognitive function per 10 years excess bodyweight duration 0, -0·03 to 0·01; p=0·38). In the reverse direction, low childhood cognition was associated with greater cumulative exposure to excess bodyweight over the next four decades, although much of this relationship was found to probably be explained via other potentially modifiable upstream early-life factors such as childhood disadvantage. SEM in all cohorts suggested the presence of modest direct and indirect pathways connecting earlier cognitive function to later excess bodyweight, but scarce evidence for an effect of early-life excess bodyweight on cognitive function by midlife. The association between cumulative exposure to excess bodyweight in early life and lower cognitive function in midlife is probably confounded by a persistently lower cognitive function from childhood. Initiatives to improve early-life factors such as childhood disadvantage and education, however, might exert dual but independent benefits on both of these factors before old age. Alzheimer's Research UK, Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation, Diabetes UK, British Heart Foundation, and Medical Research Council.

Childhood and life‐course socioeconomic position and cognitive function in adult population of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

AbstractBackgroundThe Hispanic/Latino population experiences extensive socioeconomic adversity across the lifespan and is at greater risk of cognitive decline. Yet little is known about the role of life‐course socioeconomic position (SEP) and cognitive function in this population. We assessed the association between childhood SEP and cognitive function in Hispanic/Latino adults, whether this association is mediated by midlife SEP, and whether socioeconomic mobility is associated with cognitive function.MethodWe used baseline data (2008‐2011) from 9556 adults aged 45‐74 years of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latino (HCHS/SOL), a multi‐center cohort study conducted in four major U.S cities. We determined childhood SEP using parental educational attainment. Midlife SEP was determined through an index combining participants’ education and household income. We classified participants into socioeconomic mobility categories from childhood to adulthood (e.g., persisting low, upward mobility). Cognitive function was ascertained using neurocognitive tests, including the Six‐Item Screener; Brief‐Spanish English Verbal Learning Test Sum and Recall, Controlled Oral Word Association (or Word Frequency), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Using confirmatory factor analysis and these tests we created a global cognition score. We also standardized z‐score of these neurocognitive measures. Survey linear regression models were performed adjusting for age, sex, Hispanic background, U.S born, smoking, depression, and cardiovascular factors. We also conducted mediation analysis to decompose the direct effect of childhood SEP on cognition and the indirect effect through midlife SEP.ResultChildhood SEP showed a graded association with cognitive function in adulthood with a dose‐response relationship across levels of parental education (β and [95% Confidence Interval (CI)]): Elementary/middle school vs. No schooling 0.34 [0.25‐0.43]; High school (HS) vs. No schooling: 0.53 [0.42‐0.64]; and &gt;HS vs. No schooling: 0.68 [0.57‐0.79]). High midlife SEP was also associated with greater cognitive function relative to low midlife SEP. 37% (95% CI 32%‐44%) of the association between childhood SEP and cognition was mediated through midlife SEP. Holding a high SEP over the life‐course was associated with greater cognitive performance (β: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.79‐1.00) as compared with a persisting low SEP.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that childhood and life‐course SEP influence cognitive performance in adulthood

Childhood Emotional Neglect and Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Mediating Role of Social Engagement.

Studies have demonstrated that childhood maltreatment and adverse experiences lead to impaired cognitive function. However, relatively few studies have examined the independent effect of childhood emotional neglect on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults, and the role of social engagement in this relationship. Using a sample from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, the current study examined the mediating role of social engagement in the association between childhood emotional neglect and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults. Participants were 32,540 middle-aged and older adults (Mage = 63.45, SD = 8.83). Data were analyzed using a fixed effects model for panel data and bootstrap resampling method. Results showed that participants who experienced emotional neglect had poorer cognitive function (β = -.068, p < .001). Social engagement mediated 7.55% of the association between emotional neglect and cognitive function (β = -.004, 95% CI [-0.006, -0.002], p < .05). The results indicated that interventions are required to improve awareness of emotional neglect and facilitate healthy parenting practices. Further research on how to motivate adults who experienced emotional neglect to engage in social activities is necessary.

Childhood and Life-Course Socioeconomic Position and Cognitive Function in the Adult Population of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

The Hispanic/Latino population experiences socioeconomic adversities across the lifespan and is at greater risk of cognitive impairment, yet little is known about the role of life-course socioeconomic position (SEP) in cognitive function in this population. Using baseline data (2008-2011) from adults (aged 45-74 years) of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, we assessed the association between childhood SEP and socioeconomic mobility with cognitive function, and whether this association was mediated by midlife SEP. Childhood SEP was assessed using parental education. An index combining participants' education and household income represented midlife SEP. Socioeconomic mobility was categorized as stable low, downward or upward mobility, and stable high-SEP. Cognitive function measures were modeled using survey linear regression with inverse-probability weighting, accounting for covariates. We used mediation analysis to estimate the indirect effect of childhood SEP on cognition through midlife SEP. High childhood SEP was associated with global cognition in adulthood (coefficient for parental education beyond high school vs. less than high school = 0.26, 95% confidence interval: 0.15, 0.37). This association was partially mediated through midlife SEP (indirect effect coefficient = 0.16, 95% confidence interval: 0.15, 0.18). Low SEP through the life course was associated with the lowest cognitive function. This study provides evidence that life-course SEP influences cognitive performance in adulthood.

Testing the cognitive function model of patients with bipolar disorder in relation to traumatic experiences in childhood by the mediating role of affective lability emotion and expressed emotion

Introduction: Previous studies suggest that the severity of alterations in cognitive functions in people with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder are directly related to the deterioration in overall functioning and life quality. Aim: The present study aimed to test the cognitive functional model of patients with bipolar disorder regarding childhood traumatic experiences based on the mediating role of emotional instability and expressed emotion. Method: The research method is descriptive-correlational modeling of structural equations. The sample population included all patients with bipolar disorder who were admitted to Yahyanejad hospital in Babol, Iran during 17 months (from March/April 2010 until mid-September 2020). In total, 379 subjects were selected by convenience sampling. Data collection tools were The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) by Bernstein and Fink (1998), the Emotional Instability Scale by Oliver and Simpson (2004), the Expressed Emotion Level by Hall &amp; et al. (2007), and the Cognitive Abilities Questionnaire by Nejati (2013). Data analysis was performed by structural equation modeling (SEM) in SPSS version 24 and Lisrel version 8.8. Results: The findings showed that childhood traumatic experiences directly affect emotional instability, expressed emotion, and cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder (P&lt;0.5). Further, emotional instability and expressed emotion play a mediating role in the correlation between childhood traumatic experiences and cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder (P&lt;0.5). Conclusion: According to the results, emotional instability and expressed emotion have a mediating role in the correlation between childhood traumatic experiences and cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder. Therefore, in order to improve the cognitive function of people with bipolar disorder, instrumented variables of stability and emotion should be taken into consideration.

The Natural History of Motor, Cognitive Development and Mood in Early Onset Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias (S34.001)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To study the natural history of motor, cognitive development and mood in early onset hereditary spastic paraplegias herein called e-HSP. <h3>Background:</h3> e-HSP is a heterogeneous group of ultra-rare genetic diseases with the uniting clinical feature of lower limb spasticity and weakness presenting in childhood. However, little is known of the early development and psychological manifestations of e-HSP. Here we outline 87 patients with e-HSP and their early childhood development, cognitive function and mood. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Retrospective analysis of 87 genetically confirmed e-HSP patients, the majority with SPG4 and SPG3A mutations. Patients were consented and clinical information was collected at each clinic visit including developmental history, school performance and mood. Patients and families were contacted or met with in person to validate missing data points. <h3>Results:</h3> Two thirds of patients with e-HSP were found to have average to high cognitive function and perform well academically. Even 50% of patients who also had a confounding diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental or learning disorder were able to enroll in regular and advanced placement courses in school. 25% of patients had attention deficit disorder. Many of the patients had reported experiencing sadness around their diagnosis and 25% of patients reported being diagnosed with an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression. Within SPG3A, 8/18 required assistance with long distances including a walker or wheelchair. Within SPG4, patients with de novo mutations showed a severe early developmental disorder. However, no genetic differences could be discerned in patients who had motor progression to walker or wheelchair use. Other mutations of SPG were included in this cohort but limited n-values confounded analysis on specific mutations. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> For the majority of e-HSP patients, motor disorder is the predominant disease feature, but patients should be screened for attention deficit, anxiety, and depression. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Christie has nothing to disclose. Ms. Marvel has nothing to disclose.

FAMILY FLYNN EFFECTS AND LINKS TO MIDDLE-AGE HEALTH OUTCOMES

Abstract The Flynn effect (Flynn, 1984; 1987) refers to increases in cognitive performance, for later-born cohorts. It has been documented globally, occurring for more than a century. In a meta-analysis, Pietschnig and Voracek (2015) noted that the effect may be even stronger in adults than in children, though little research has addressed this topic (or its implications) for aging adults. Similarly, overall life-time health has improved, and incidences of cognitive impairment have decreased during the last two decades (Clouston et al., 2021). Using multilevel growth curve models, we found family Flynn effects in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth; children in families with later-born mothers, and later-born first children, had higher PIAT math scores, and steeper developmental slopes. Although the link from childhood and adolescent cognitive function to later life outcomes has been well studied, research that takes advantage of the Flynn effect to facilitate interpreting that link is lacking. Clouston et al. (2021) emphasized the value of the Flynn effect in investigating links between childhood cognitive functioning and later adult Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) risks. We linked our family level results to middle-age maternal health outcomes (factors that are related to ADRD risks). Canonical correlation analyses showed that mothers (at ages 40+ and 50+) from families with higher score levels and slopes tended to have better mental and physical health. Our results, showing a Flynn effect in child and adolescence scores, at the family level, with links to adult health, persisted after controlling for a known selection bias.

Relationship between childhood maltreatment and cognitive function in medication-free patients with major depressive disorder.

This study aimed to elucidate the contribution of childhood maltreatment (CM) and the disease of major depressive disorder (MDD) on cognitive function in medication-free patients in a current depressive episode, and to examine the effect of CM on the improvement of cognitive function after treatment with antidepressants. One hundred and fifty-three unmedicated patients with MDD and 142 healthy controls (HCs) underwent clinical interviews. CM assessment was performed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and a battery of comprehensive neurocognitive tests was used to assess the participants' executive function, processing speed, attention, and memory. After 6months of treatment with antidepressants, the neurocognitive tests were reperformed in patients with MDD and HCs. There was a significant main effect of MDD on all four cognitive domains, while the main effect of CM was only significant on memory. No significant interactive effect was found between MDD and CM on any of the cognitive domains. In the MDD group, higher CTQ total score was predictive of poorer memory performance. After treatment, significant main effects of treatment and MDD were found on all four cognitive domains in remitted patients with MDD. No significant main effect of CM or three-way interaction effect of treatment × MDD × CM was found on any of the cognitive domains. The disease of MDD contributed to impairments in all four cognitive domains. CM independently contributed to memory impairment in patients in a current depressive episode, with higher severity of CM predictive of poorer memory performance.

Adverse childhood experiences and cognitive function in adulthood: examining the roles of depressive symptoms and inflammation in a prospective cohort study

PurposeAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with cognitive decline in adulthood. However, the underlying mechanisms implicated remain unclear. This study investigated depressive symptoms and systemic inflammation as potential mediators of the association between ACEs and later cognitive function.MethodsParticipants were adults aged 50 + from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (N = 3029; 54.8% female). Measures included self-reported ACEs at wave 3 (2006–2007), C-reactive protein (CRP) and depressive symptoms at wave 4 (2008–2009), and cognitive function at waves 3 and 7 (2014–2015). Mediation analyses examined the direct associations between ACEs and cognitive function at wave 7 and the indirect associations via depressive symptoms and CRP at wave 4. In a first set of analyses, models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and baseline cognitive function. In a second set of analyses, models were additionally adjusted for BMI and health behaviours (n = 1915).ResultsCumulative ACEs exposure positively predicted depressive symptoms (b = 0.184, s.e. = 0.034, p < .001), which in turn predicted poorer cognitive function at wave 7 (b = − 0.035, s.e. = 0.008, p < .001). ACEs also positively predicted systemic inflammation as measured by CRP (b = 0.031, s.e. = 0.01, p = 0.0016). However, CRP did not mediate the association between ACEs and later cognitive function (b = − 0.0002, 95% CI: − 0.002, 0.002).ConclusionThese findings suggest that ACEs may be related to cognitive decline partly via depressive symptoms and corroborate prior research linking ACEs with systemic inflammation in adulthood.

Childhood socioeconomic status interacts with cognitive function to impact scam susceptibility among community-dwelling older adults

Objectives We examined whether childhood socioeconomic status (SES) is related to scam susceptibility in old age and tested the hypothesis that childhood SES interacts with cognitive function to impact scam susceptibility. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional design. All data were collected in participants’ community-based residences. Participants were 1071 older adults (mean age = 81.05 years, SD = 7.53) without dementia (median MMSE score = 28.29, IQR = 27.86–30.00). Participants completed assessments of childhood SES, cognitive function, and scam susceptibility. We used linear regression models to examine the associations of childhood SES and cognitive function with scam susceptibility. Results In a regression model adjusted for age, gender, and education, poorer cognitive function was associated with higher scam susceptibility, but childhood SES was not. However, in an additional model that included the interaction of childhood SES and cognitive function, the interaction was significant, such that lower childhood SES was associated with higher scam susceptibility among participants with lower cognitive function. Conclusion Lower childhood SES is associated with higher scam susceptibility among older adults with lower levels of cognitive function. Thus, older adults who experienced limited resources in childhood and have lower cognitive function may represent a specific group for interventions to increase scam awareness and prevent financial exploitation.

Childhood trauma and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia: mediation by orbitofrontal cortex H-shaped sulci volume.

Background:A line of evidence has shown that childhood trauma and patterns of H-shaped sulci in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) are associated with cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia. Studies have also suggested that childhood trauma is associated with OFC volumetrics. This study investigated the interrelationship between childhood trauma, OFC H-shaped sulci volume and cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. We hypothesized that OFC H-shaped sulci volume would mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.Methods:We recruited patients with first-episode schizophrenia (n = 63) and healthy controls (n = 48), and quantified OFC H-shaped sulci volumes with 3.0 T high-resolution MRI. We assessed cognitive function and childhood trauma experiences using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ).Results:Patients with first-episode schizophrenia had smaller left OFC H-shaped sulci volumes, more severe childhood trauma experiences and worse cognitive function than healthy controls. CTQ total score and emotional and physical neglect subscores were negatively correlated with left OFC H-shaped sulci volume. CTQ total score and emotional neglect and sexual abuse subscores were negatively correlated with cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. Interestingly, the CTQ total score and physical neglect subscore were positively correlated with cognitive function in healthy controls. Left OFC H-shaped sulci volume played a mediating role in CTQ emotional neglect subscore, CTQ total score and MCCB composite score.Limitations:The small sample size and retrospective design need to be considered.Conclusion:Childhood trauma might contribute to cognitive deficits in patients with first-episode schizophrenia by affecting left OFC H-shaped sulci volume. This finding can help in the design of strategies to improve cognitive function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

Heterogeneous adverse childhood experiences and cognitive function in an elderly Chinese population: a cohort study

ObjectiveTo identify the heterogeneity of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as well as their association with cognitive function in an elderly Chinese population.DesignA retrospective cohort study.ParticipantsThe data were from the latest...