Cognitive Function In Elderly Individuals Research Articles

Effectiveness of vestibular therapy as an adjunct to cognitive therapy to improve cognition in elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

The rapid global increase in aging populations is leading to a rise in age-related conditions like mild cognitive impairment (MCI), necessitating new treatment strategies. This study will conduct a double-blinded, three-arm, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of adding vestibular therapy to cognitive therapy (VT+CT) compared to cognitive therapy (CT) alone and a control group. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: VT+CT, CT only, or a control group. The VT+CT group will receive vestibular rehabilitation exercises along with a computerized brain program, while the CT group will get only the computerized brain program. Primary outcomes will include electroencephalography (EEG), the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and event-related potential (ERP-P300). Secondary outcomes will be the Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Trail-Making Test (TMT), and European Quality 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L). This research aims to determine if VT+CT improves cognitive function in elderly individuals with MCI.

Association between platelet-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and cognitive function in older americans: insights from a cross-sectional study

The main aim of this study was to explore the correlation between the platelet/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (PHR) and cognitive function in elderly individuals from the United States. This investigation leveraged data encompassing 2299 participants, all aged 60 years and above, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2011 to 2014. Inclusion criteria were based on the availability of complete datasets for PHR and cognitive function assessments. The analytical approach incorporated multivariate logistic regression to discern the association between PHR and cognitive function. Additionally, the study employed restricted cubic splines (RCS) to explore potential non-linear relationships and subgroup analyses to identify variations in the observed associations across different demographic and clinical subgroups. In the fully adjusted model, an increment of 10 units in PHR was associated with a decline of 0.014 in cognitive scores (β=-0.014, 95% CI: -0.025, -0.002; P < 0.05). Compared to the lowest quartile, participants in the highest quartile exhibited a 38.4% increased prevalence of cognitive impairment per one-unit increase in PHR (OR = 1.384, 95% CI: 1.012, 1.893; P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed consistent results regarding the relationship between PHR and cognitive impairment across all subgroups. A non-linear relationship between PHR and cognitive impairment was observed using RCS, indicating that an increase in PHR above 111.49 significantly elevated the incidence of cognitive impairment (P < 0.05). Our study demonstrates that a higher PHR is associated with a greater risk of cognitive decline in an older U.S. population, and although further validation is needed, this warrants consideration in clinical assessments and interventions.

The mediating role of individual evaluation, anxiety, and depression in the association between leisure activity and cognitive function among Chinese older adults.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the association between leisure activity and cognitive function in Chinese older adults, and to explore the mediating role of individual evaluation, anxiety and depression. Using cross-sectional data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), Pearson correlation analyses were employed to examine the relationships among various indicators. A multiple mediation model was constructed to investigate the mediating pathways through which leisure activities impact cognitive function in elderly individuals. Leisure activities, individual evaluation, anxiety, and depression were significantly correlated with cognitive function (p < 0.01). Leisure activities not only directly positively impacted cognitive function in elderly individuals (effect = 0.3780; 95% CI = [0.3459, 0.4101]), but also exerted indirect effects through five pathways. Individual evaluation, anxiety, depression, they plays a mediating role in the association between leisure activity and cognitive function in older adults in China. Leisure activities can positively impact cognitive function in elderly individuals by enhancing individual evaluation and subsequently reducing anxiety and depression.

The association between ‘weekend warrior’, regular exercise, and cognitive function in elderly individuals with and without depressive symptoms: A cross-sectional analysis from NHANES 2011–2014

BackgroundWhile previous studies have suggested that both ‘Weekend Warrior’ (WW) and Regular Exercise (RE) patterns confer health benefits, the relationship between different types of physical activity (PA) and cognitive function (CF) in elderly individuals with and without depressive symptoms remains unclear. MethodsOur study leveraged the NHANES 2011–2014 dataset, focusing on older adults. We explore the relationship between PA and CF, stratifying by depressive status. Our statistical approach included multivariable regression analysis to identify relationships between PA levels and cognitive outcomes, along with advanced techniques such as smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect analysis to examine potential nonlinear associations and identify optimal PA pattern for cognitive health. ResultsAnalysis revealed a positive correlation between PA time and CF across all participants (β-depressive symptoms = 0.03, 95 % CI: 0.01–0.05; β-non-depressive symptoms = 0.01, 95%CI: 0.00–0.02). When comparing against the inactive, non-depressed participants partaking in WW showed improved cognitive scores (β-WW = 0.22, 95 % CI: 0.05–0.39), similar to those engaging in RE (β-RE = 0.15, 95 % CI: 0.09–0.21). However, among the depressed participants, significant cognitive improvements were observed in the RE (β-RE = 0.15, 95 % CI: 0.04–0.25), with the WW showing less definitive results (β-WW = 0.22, 95 % CI: −0.02-0.47). LimitationThe cross-sectional nature limits causal inferences. ConclusionOur findings affirm the potential role of PA in enhancing CF among older subjects without depressive symptoms. However, only RE was associated with improved CF in those with depressive symptoms. These results are critical for crafting personalized PA guidelines to enhance cognitive health in the aging population.

The efficiency of Ram Thai with Nine Square dance on physical performance and cognitive functions: a model for elderly school

Age-related declines in health-related physical fitness and cognitive function can be mitigated by a multi-movement exercise program. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of Ram Thai with nine square dances on physical performance and cognitive functions in the elderly. Participants were randomly assigned into an experimental or control group. The Montreal cognitive assessment-basic (MoCA-B, Thai version) were chosen from screened volunteers and randomly assigned into 2 groups; Ram Thai with nine square dances (RTND:33) and brisk walking exercise (BWE:34) aged 65.3±2.4 years old, body mass index (BMI) 25.5±11.9 kg/m2. The physical performance parameters assessed were as follows: Back-scratch test (BST), Chair sit and reach test (CSRT), Chair stand test (CST), 30-second arm curl test (ACT), 6-minute walk test (6-WT) and timed up and go test (TUG) were conducted respectively. Our results showed the physiological revealed a reduction in body fat percentage, while significant increase in VO2max test scores observed in both groups (p≤.05). Additionally, there was an improved lower limb strength, as evidenced by statistically significant increases in scores for the CST, 6-WT, and TUG compared to pretest values (p≤.05). In terms of BST performance, the RTND group showed significantly better results compared to the BWE group (p≤.001). Moreover, we discovered that significantly superior results indicate increased variability in MoCA-B scores (24.11≈26.37) among elderly participants in the RTND group (p≤.001). The data indicates that RTND effectively enhances physiological aspects, physical performance control, and overall cognitive function in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Keywords: physical performance, cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment, elderly

Relationship between Pain and Dementia: The Mediating Effect of Depression among Chinese Elderly.

Chronic pain poses a significant problem for older adults and may potentially impact cognitive function. This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional relationship between pain severity and cognitive function in elderly individuals residing in the community. Additionally, this study sought to examine the mediating effect of depression on the relationship between pain and dementia. The study sample was derived from the 2018 China Health and Aging Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), comprising cross-sectional data from 4559 community residents aged 65 years or older. The primary outcome assessed was the occurrence of dementia, while the main independent variable was pain severity (none, little, somewhat, quite a bit, very). Depression score served as the mediating factor. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between depression and the occurrence of pain and dementia. An intermediate model was constructed by stepwise regression. The study indicates a significant association between cognitive impairment and both chronic pain and depressive symptoms in older adults living in China. Individuals who frequently report experiencing pain exhibit a higher likelihood of developing dementia when compared to those who do not report any pain (odds ratio (OR) = 1.72, p < 0.001). Moreover, depressive symptoms significantly mediate the relationship between pain and dementia, with the mediating effect accounting for 65.25%. Chronic pain not only directly impacts patients' cognitive function but also indirectly exacerbates cognitive impairment through depressive symptoms as a mediating variable. For elderly individuals experiencing depressive symptoms, it is important to provide appropriate psychological treatment in conjunction with pain management strategies.

Transcriptomic analysis to identify genes associated with hypothalamus vulnerability in aging mice with cognitive decline

The normal aging process is accompanied by cognitive decline, and previous studies have indicated the crucial role of the hypothalamus in regulating both aging and cognition. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying this relationship remains unclear. Therefore, this present study aimed to identify potential predictors of cognitive decline associated with aging specifically within the hypothalamus. To achieve this, we employed Morris water maze (MWM) testing to assess learning and memory differences between young and aged mice. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing was conducted on the hypothalamus of young and aged mice to identify potential genes. Subsequently, GO and KEGG analyses were performed to investigate the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their associated biological pathways. Finally, the results obtained from sequencing analysis were further validated using qRT-PCR. Notably, MWM testing revealed a significant decrease in spatial learning and memory ability among aged mice. According to KEGG analysis, the DEGs primarily encompassed various biochemical signaling pathways related to immune system (e.g., C3; C4b; Ccl2; Ccl7; Cebpb; Clec7a; Col3a1; Cxcl10; Cxcl2; Fosb; Fosl1; Gbp5; H2-Ab1; Hspa1a; Hspa1b; Icam1; Il1b; Itga5; Itgax; Lilrb4a; Plaur; Ptprc; Serpine1; Tnfrsf10b; Tnfsf10), neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Atp2a1; Creb5; Fzd10; Hspa1a; Hspa1b; Il1b; Kcnj10; Nxf3; Slc6a3; Tubb6; Uba1y; Wnt9b), nervous system function (e.g., Chrna4; Chrna6; Creb5; Slc6a3),and aging (e.g., Creb5; Hspa1a; Hspa1b) among others. These identified genes may serve as potential predictors for cognitive function in elderly individuals and will provide a crucial foundation for further exploration into the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Effects of square dance exercise on cognitive function in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment: the mediating role of balance ability and executive function

BackgroundSquare dancing is a kind of aerobic fitness exercise without environmental restrictions that yields many benefits for physical and mental health; this exercise is popular among middle-aged and elderly people in China and in these populations in other countries. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of square dance exercise on the overall cognitive function of elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to research its mechanisms.MethodsA total of 60 elderly people with MCI (60–69 years old) without square dance experience were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The experimental group participated in square dance exercise for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained their original lifestyle habits. One week before and after the intervention period, the overall cognitive function, physical fitness, and executive function of both groups were measured.ResultsAccording to the results, square dance exercise directly improved the overall cognitive function of elderly individuals with MCI and indirectly affected overall cognitive function through the mediating effects of balance ability and executive function.ConclusionsSquare dance exercise represents a nonpharmacological intervention for the prevention and treatment of MCI. Importantly, it is best to combine this exercise with other forms of physical exercise and comprehensive treatment programs such as cognitive training, social interaction, and psychological intervention to realize its maximum effect.

Serum neurofilament light chain and cognition decline in US elderly: A cross-sectional study.

Early identification of cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial. Neurofilament, a potential biomarker for neurological disorders, has gained attention. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between serum neurofilament light (sNfL) levels and cognitive function in elderly individuals in the United States. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from participants aged 60 and above in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2014). We collected sNfL levels, cognitive function tests, sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and other variables. Weighted multiple linear regression models examined the relationship between ln(sNfL) and cognitive scores. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) visualization explored nonlinear relationships. The stratified analysis examined subgroups' ln(sNfL) and cognitive function association. The study included 446 participants (47.73% male). Participants with ln(sNfL) levels between 2.58 and 2.81 pg/mL (second quintile) performed relatively well in cognitive tests. After adjusting for multiple factors, ln(sNfL) levels were negatively correlated with cognitive function, with adjusted β (95% CI) as follows: immediate recall test (IRT): -0.763 (-1.301 to -0.224), delayed recall test (DRT): -0.308 (-0.576 to -0.04), animal fluency test (AFT): -1.616 (-2.639 to -0.594), and digit symbol substitution test (DSST): -2.790 (-4.369 to -1.21). RCS curves showed nonlinear relationships between ln(sNfL) and DRT, AFT, with inflection points around 2.7 pg/mL. The stratified analysis revealed a negative correlation between ln(sNfL) and cognition in specific subgroups with distinct features, with an interaction between diabetes and ln(sNfL). Higher sNfL levels are associated with poorer cognitive function in the elderly population of the United States. sNfL shows promise as a potential biomarker for early identification of cognitive decline.

Effects of Exercise on Cognitive FunctionImprovement in South Korean Elderly: A Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis and investigate the impact of exercise on cognitive function in elderly individuals in South Korea. To achieve this goal, academic journals published in South Korea between January 2012 and August 2022 were analyzed comprehensively. The study selected 34 final studies and used the CMA 2.0 for meta-analysis. First, the overall effect size of exercise intervention was found to be significantly large (ES = 1.138). Second, gender and age were not statistically significant to explain effect size of exercise intervention. Third, the study found that a 16-week intervention period had the greatest effect (ES = 2.700). Lastly, the effect size of exercise intervention increased with the passage of time (p=.008). In conclusion, the study found that exercise participation among elderly individuals had a positive impact on cognitive function improvement. The effect of exercise increased with the passage of time.

Effect of dietary supplementation with multinutrient soy flour on body composition and cognitive function in elderly individuals at the risk of low protein: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Insufficient protein intake and cognitive decline are common in older adults; however, there have been few studies on low protein risk screening and complex nutrient interventions for elderly individuals in rural communities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary multinutrient soy flour (MNSF) on body composition and cognitive function in elderly individuals who are at risk of protein deficiency in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutritional interventions were given to those found to have low protein levels using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Among 733 older adults screened, 62 participants were included and randomly assigned into two groups, one taking soy flour and the other taking MNSF for 12 weeks. A previous cross-sectional survey found that 35.1% of the elderly people with an average age of 71.61 ± 5.94 years had an inadequate body protein mass proportion. After the intervention, the MNSF group demonstrated a significant improvement in protein mass, muscle mass, mineral levels, skeletal muscle mass, and fat-free mass compared with baseline (all P < 0.05), as well as a better upward trend compared with the soy flour group (P = 0.08; P = 0.07; P = 0.05; P = 0.08; P = 0.07). Regarding the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores, the MNSF group showed a significant decrease after 12 weeks (P < 0.05), which were significantly different compared with the soy flour group (P < 0.05). In the future, the application of MNSF as a food-based supplement to improve nutrition and delay cognitive decline in older adults at the risk of protein deficiency may be considered.

Effect of Sleep Disturbance on Cognitive Function in Elderly Individuals: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Many epidemiologic and clinical studies have shown significant links between the degree of sleep disturbance and severity of impairment of selective cognitive functions, including the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the sleep parameters that affect cognitive function in old age are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the association between sleep parameters and cognitive function in older patients. Patients aged above 65 years who complained of sleep-disordered breathing were enrolled consecutively. The Mini-Mental-State Examination tool was used to evaluate cognitive function. Eighty patients (normal cognitive function, n = 32 and cognitive impairment, n = 42) were included in this study. Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to explain the relationship between sleep parameters and cognitive function. We found that the body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the cognitive impairment group than in the normal cognitive function group. Additionally, the cognitive impairment group showed significantly decreased sleep efficiency and an increased apnea index compared with normal subjects. Moreover, lower BMI, reduced sleep efficiency, and high frequency of apnea events during sleep were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment.

Relationship of Blood and Urinary Manganese Levels with Cognitive Function in Elderly Individuals in the United States by Race/Ethnicity, NHANES 2011-2014.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal with a biphasic relationship with health outcomes. High-level exposure to Mn is associated with manganism, but few data explore the effects of chronic, lower-level Mn on cognitive function in adults. We sought to determine the relationship between blood/urinary manganese levels and cognitive function in elderly individuals using 2011–2014 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted multivariate regression models were used to determine correlations, adjusting for several covariates. Blood Mn was inversely associated with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) immediate learning of new verbal information (p-value = 0.04), but lost significance after adjusting for medical history (p-value = 0.09). In addition, blood Mn was inversely associated with Animal Fluency scores after adjusting for all covariates. Urinary Mn was inversely associated with CERAD immediate learning after adjusting for all covariates (p-value = 0.01) and inversely associated with the Digit Symbol Substitution Test scores (p-value = 0.0002), but lost significance after adjusting for medical history (p-value = 0.13). Upon stratifying by race/ethnicity, other Races and Non-Hispanic (NH)-Blacks had significantly higher blood Mn levels when compared to NH-Whites. Collectively, these findings suggest that increased blood and urinary Mn levels are associated with poorer cognitive function in an elderly US population.

Caspase-1 variant influencing CSF tau and FDG PET levels in non-demented elders from the ADNI cohort

BackgroundGenetic variations in the inflammatory Caspase-1 gene have been shown associated with cognitive function in elderly individuals and in predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but its detailed mechanism before the typical AD onset was still unclear. Our current study evaluated the impact of Caspase-1 common variant rs554344 on the pathological processes of brain amyloidosis, tauopathy, and neurodegeneration.MethodsData used in our study were obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort. We examined the relationship between Caspase-1 rs554344 allele carrier status with AD-related cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), PET, and MRI measures at baseline by using a multiple linear regression model. We also analyzed the longitudinal effects of this variant on the change rates of CSF biomarkers and imaging data using a mixed effect model.ResultsWe found that Caspase-1 variant was significantly associated with FDG PET levels and CSF t-tau levels at baseline in total non-demented elderly group, and especially in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subgroup. In addition, this variant was also detected associated with CSF p-tau levels in MCI subgroup. The mediation analysis showed that CSF p-tau partially mediated the association between Caspase-1 variant and CSF t-tau levels, accounting for 80% of the total effect.ConclusionsOur study indicated a potential role of Caspase-1 variant in influencing cognitive function might through changing tau related-neurodegeneration process.

β-Lactolin Enhances Neural Activity, Indicated by Event-Related P300 Amplitude, in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background:Epidemiological studies have shown that dairy product consumption is beneficial for cognitive function in elderly individuals. β-lactolin is a Gly–Thr–Trp–Tyr lacto-tetrapeptide rich in fermented dairy products that improves memory retrieval, attention, and executive function in older adults with subjective cognitive decline and prevents the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease in rodents. There has been no study on the effects of β-lactolin on neural activity in humans.Objective:We investigated the effects of β-lactolin on neural activity and cognitive function in healthy adults.Methods:In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 30 participants (45–64 years old) consumed β-lactolin or placebo for 6 weeks. Neural activity during auditory and language tasks was measured through 64-channel electroencephalography. Moreover, verbal fluency tests were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks.Results:The β-lactolin group had a significantly higher P300 amplitude at the Cp2 site (a part of the parietal lobe near the center of brain, p = 0.011), and C4 site (the area between the frontal and parietal lobe, p = 0.02) during the auditory tasks after 6 weeks than the placebo group. Thus, β-lactolin supplementation promoted neural activity in the parietal area, which increases concentration and attention during auditory cognitive tasks. Compared with the placebo group, the β-lactolin group also showed significant changes in the scores of verbal fluency test after 6 weeks (p = 0.033).Conclusion:Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the effects of β-lactolin on attention in healthy adults.

The effect of a multicomponent exercise program on cognitive function and functional ability in community dwelling older adults

Normal aging results in alterations in the structure and function of the brain, causing impairment in cognitive function and dependency in performing activities of daily living. A multicomponent physical activity program has been recommended to maintain physical and cognitive function in elderly individuals. The present study aimed at measuring the effect of such an exercise program on the cognitive function and activities of daily living(ADL) function in community dwelling elderly individuals. 52 elderly adults living in the community and ambulating independently were selected purposively and underwent a 10-week multi-component exercise program which included aerobic exercise, strength training, balance exercises and functional training. The participants were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Barthel Index(BI) at baseline and every two weeks up till 10 weeks. The data obtained was analysed usind descriptive statistics and t-test for finding the effect of the intervention program on the outcome measures. The results showed a significant difference in the pre- to post-intervention scores of both the outcome measures. A multicomponent exercise program was seen to be effective in improving the cognitive function and level of ADL activity in community dwelling elderly individuals. Such an exercise program should be recommended to all elderly adults in order to maintain their cognitive and overall functioning and to improve their productivity.

Effects of computerised cognitive training on cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis.

Computerised cognitive training (CCT) has been shown to enhance cognitive function in elderly individuals with cognitive deterioration, but evidence is controversial. Additionally, whether specific CCT is most effective and which stages of cognitive impairment benefit most is unclear. We systematically searched nine medical and technological databases to collect randomized controlled trials related to CCT primarily conducted in patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We identified 12 studies in patients with SCD and MCI. Pooled analysis showed that CCT could significantly improve cognitive function (g = 0.518, p = 0.000), especially related to memory. In terms of different types of cognitive training, specific CCT was more efficacious than non-specific CCT (g = 0.381, p = 0.007) or placebo (g = 0.734, p = 0.000) but not traditional CT (p = 0.628). In terms of stages of cognitive deterioration, the effect of CCT on SCD (g = 0.926, p = 0.002) was almost double that of its effect on MCI (g = 0.502, p = 0.000). CCT was most effective in cognitive rehabilitation, particularly in the subdomain of memory. Early intervention in SCD is better.

Association between respiratory capacity, quality of life and cognitive function in elderly individuals.

ABSTRACTObjective To investigate associations between respiratory capacity, quality of life and cognitive function in elderly individuals.Methods The sample included 386 elderly individuals (232 women). Respiratory capacity assessment was based on maximal expiratory pressure measured at peak expiratory flow. Subjects were classified according to peak expiratory flow values adjusted for sex, age and height of individuals with normal (peak expiratory flow curve <80% and >60%) or reduced (peak expiratory flow curve < 60%) respiratory capacity. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Mini-Mental State Examination were used to assess quality of life and cognitive function, respectively.Results Elderly women with reduced respiratory capacity scored lower on the Mini-Mental State Examination (p=0.048) and quality of life questionnaire (p=0.040) compared to those with normal respiratory capacity. These differences were not observed in men (p>0.05).Conclusion Reduced respiratory capacity was associated with poorer quality of life and cognitive function in elderly women. These associations were not observed in elderly men.

Arterial-spin-labeling (ASL) perfusion MRI predicts cognitive function in elderly individuals: A 4-year longitudinal study.

With the disappointing outcomes of clinical trials on patients with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), there is increasing attention to understanding cognitive decline in normal elderly individuals, with the goal of identifying subjects who are most susceptible to imminent cognitive impairment. To evaluate the potential of cerebral blood flow (CBF) as a biomarker by investigating the relationship between CBF at baseline and cognition at follow-up. Prospective longitudinal study with a 4-year time interval. 309 healthy subjects aged 20-89 years old. 3T pseudo-continuous-arterial-spin-labeling MRI. CBF at baseline and cognitive assessment at both baseline and follow-up. Linear regression analyses with age, systolic blood pressure, physical activity, and baseline cognition as covariates. Linear regression analyses revealed that whole-brain CBF at baseline was predictive of general fluid cognition at follow-up. This effect was observed in the older group (age ≥54 years, β = 0.221, P = 0.004), but not in younger or entire sample (β = 0.018, P = 0.867 and β = 0.089, P = 0.098, respectively). Among major brain lobes, frontal CBF had the highest sensitivity in predicting future cognition, with a significant effect observed for fluid cognition (β = 0.244 P = 0.001), episodic memory (β = 0.294, P = 0.001), and reasoning (β = 0.186, P = 0.027). These associations remained significant after accounting for baseline cognition. Voxelwise analysis revealed that medial frontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, part of the default mode network (DMN), are among the most important regions in predicting fluid cognition. In a healthy aging cohort, CBF can predict general cognitive ability as well as specific domains of cognitive function. 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:449-458.

Study on changes in cognitive function of elderly individuals certified for long-term care insurance.

Objectives To elucidate the changes in cognitive function in elderly individuals as observed in the results of a long-term care certification survey.Methods The data were obtained from the long-term care insurance of 121 subjects who applied for benefit renewal between 2010 and 2011, in a city in Japan. The subjects were grouped into one of three groups (improved, maintained, or worsened) according to the change in status of overall cognitive function. Analyses were completed with this grouping as the main dependent variable and with sex, age, degree of independence at the initial insurance application in 2006, and levels of seven categories of cognitive function as independent variables.Results There was a statistically significant association between age and deterioration of various cognitive functions. Sex had no significant effect on the rate of deterioration. The initial degree of independence was positively associated with the cognitive function change. Multivariate analysis (logistic regression analysis) incorporating age, sex, and initial degree of dependence as independent variables revealed that sex does not significantly influence the prognosis of cognitive function. Changes in the score of each of the seven cognitive functions were analyzed with ANOVA, with categories of functions and individuals as sources of variance. Both function category and individuals were significantly associated with deterioration. Among the seven categories of functions, "understanding daily activities" had the greatest deterioration, while "calling him/herself by his/her own name" had the least.Conclusion Cognitive function, as observed in the long-term care certification survey, is more likely to deteriorate in elderly individuals and in those who were at higher levels of dependency index at the time of initial certification, and this effect is observed equally in men and women. Our results suggest that, in providing long-term care for elderly people, it may be useful to call the clients by their names and ask them to name themselves, as well as to try to improve their understanding regarding the daily activities by articulating the components of each activity.