Cognitive Function In Elderly People Research Articles

The Efficacy of Cognitive Training for Elderly Chinese Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

The age of the population is shifting toward the elderly range, which may lead to an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aims of this study are to evaluate the cognitive function in elderly people using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), to identify the relationship between cognitive function and different characteristics, and to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention after six months of cognitive training. In this study, we included 2886 subjects aged ≧60 years in the baseline survey, and 140 subjects with MCI who participated in the baseline survey were randomly divided into an intervention group (N = 70) and a control group (N = 70). The control group was not provided any intervention measures, and the intervention group was administered cognitive training. The education level, monthly income, sleep time, exercise time, reading times, and time spent engaging in community activities and performing housework were positively correlated with MoCA scores, but age was negatively correlated with MoCA scores. The total MoCA score of the intervention group increased from 19.77 ± 2.24 points to 21.09 ± 2.20 points after six months of cognitive training, but the score of the control group decreased from 20.41 ± 2.10 points to 19.17 ± 2.57 points. The two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a very significant effect of the interaction between time and cognitive training on the total MoCA score. Seventeen participants in the intervention group improved to normal levels, and no participants progressed to dementia after six months of cognitive training. Thus, the efficacy of the intervention was statistically significant. Our study concludes that older age is associated with a cognitive decline. Factors that are more likely to protect against cognitive decline included a higher education level and monthly income, sufficient sleep time, regular physical exercise and reading, frequently engaging in community activities, and continuing to perform housework. Moreover, the cognitive training intervention is effective and may help to decrease the deterioration of cognitive function in patients with MCI, and the interaction between intervention time and cognitive training significantly improves cognitive function.

Efficacy of continuous ingestion of dewaxed brown rice on the cognitive functions of the residents of elderly welfare facilities: A pilot test using crossover trial.

Compared with regular brown rice, dewaxed brown rice (DBR), prepared by excluding only the wax layer in the outermost layer of brown rice using a new rice milling technique, has improved water absorbency, digestibility, and taste. Dewaxed brown rice has a nutritional value close to that of brown rice and contains a large amount of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are known to improve the cognitive function of mice. In this study, we examined the effect of continuous DBR ingestion on the cognitive function of elderly people. A crossover comparison test was performed, in which elderly people who moved into an elderly welfare facility were divided into two groups and ingested DBR or polished white rice for three meals a day for 6 months, followed by a change in test meals for the next 6 months. Cognitive function was assessed using Revised Hasegawa's Dementia Scale (HDS‐R) before starting the test and 6 months after ingesting each test meal. No subjects withdrew or discontinued DBR intake during the study period, and all subjects continued the test for 6 months. In subjects with low cognitive function (defined as subjects with HDS‐R total score of ≥1 but <10 at the start of the study), there was a significant association between continuous DBR ingestion and cognitive function improvement (increase in total HDS‐R score). Our findings suggest that the long‐term DBR ingestion as a staple food could be useful for preventing cognitive decline in elderly; it offers an easily implemented option as a daily diet for preventing cognitive decline.

The effect of Active Plus, a computer-tailored physical activity intervention, on cognitive functioning of elderly people with chronic illness(es) \u2013 study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPhysical activity not only is beneficial to a person’s health, but can also have a positive influence on cognitive functioning. However, elderly people with chronic illness(es) often do not meet the physical activity guidelines. Physical activity programs for the elderly exist, but these are often expensive and not easily accessible to the elderly with chronic illness(es). In addition, the beneficial effects of these physical activity programs on cognitive functioning have never been specifically tested in this target group. Hence, this randomized controlled trial aims to test whether Active Plus, a proven effective physical activity intervention, is able to improve the cognitive functioning of elderly people with chronic illness(es) or to slow down cognitive decline. In addition, it studies what kind of activity, intensity, duration and frequency of physical activity most strongly influence cognitive functioning.MethodsA randomized controlled trial is performed, comparing the Active Plus intervention group to a waiting list control group. In total 540 older adults (≥65 years) with at least one chronic illness that limits mobility are recruited from 7 municipalities. Comparable neighborhoods within a municipality are randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. Baseline and follow-up measurements after 6 and 12 months assess cognitive functioning and physical activity behavior, measured both objectively with an accelerometer and subjectively with a self-report questionnaire. Multilevel analyses are conducted to assess effects on cognitive functioning, including analyses on moderation effects for physical activity type, frequency, duration and intensity.DiscussionTo our knowledge this is the first study to investigate effectiveness of a physical activity program on cognitive functioning in elderly people suffering from a broad range of chronic illnesses. If proven effective Active Plus would be a very cost effective intervention not only to increase physical activity, but also to improve cognitive functioning or slow down cognitive decline. Up till now clear evidence is lacking on the kind of physical activity, intensity, duration and frequency needed to achieve cognitive benefits. By measuring both with accelerometers and self-report questionnaires we hope to gain insight in these processes.Trial registrationNederlands Trial Register NL6005; Date of Registration 21-03-2017.

Age-specific involutive characteristics of cognitive functions

The review article reflects the specific features of involutive cognitive functions in elderly people. Furthermore the basis of these changes is the natural physiological process of morphofunctional remodeling of the human body in general and of the central nervous system in particular. As a result, the elderly and senium people have cognitive decline, and in the presence of provoking medical and social factors and comorbid diseases they may have transient cognitive dysfunction.

Correlations of plasma homocysteine with cerebral white matter lesion severity and cognitive impairment in elderly patients with hypertension

Objective To investigate the correlations of plasma homocysteine(Hcy)levels with cerebral white matter lesion(WML)severity and cognitive impairment in elderly hypertension patients. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted.Ninty-eight elderly patients with hypertension were enrolled.Based on the presence or absence of hyperhomocysteinemia(hypertension with plasma Hcy levels ≥10 μmol/L was defined as H-type hypertension), patients were divided into two groups: a control group(n=48)and an H-type hypertension group(n=50). The degree of WML was rated by the Fazekas scale using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)analysis.Neuropsychological examinations including mini-mental state examination(MMSE)and Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)were taken to assess cognitive function.The degree of WML and cognitive impairment were compared between the two groups.Correlations of plasma Hcy levels with the degree of WML and cognitive impairment were analyzed. Results Compared with the control group, scores of the Fazekas scale(3.2±1.0 vs.2.5±1.0, P<0.05)and deep white matter hyperintensity on MRI(1.7±0.8 vs.1.3±0.7, P<0.05)increased, and scores of MMSE(24.9±3.3 vs.27.7±1.8, P<0.05)and MoCA(18.6±3.9 vs.25.0±3.0, P<0.05)decreased in the H-type hypertension group.Plasma Hcy levels were positively correlated with the degree of WML(r=0.430, P<0.01)and negatively correlated with cognitive function(r=-0.406 in MMSE and-0.663 in MoCA, P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression showed that Hcy, fasting blood-glucose, deep WML, low-density lipoprotein cholesterolin, age and systolic pressure were influencing factors for cognitive impairment(P<0.01). Conclusions WML and cognitive function are worse in elderly H-type hypertension patients than in hypertension patients with normal Hcy levels.WML and cognitive impairment are aggravated with increased plasma Hcy levels.The plasma Hcy level may be an effective clinical indicator of cognitive function in elderly people with hypertension. Key words: Hypertension; Cysteine; Leukoencephalopathies; Cognitive disorders

The Effectivity of Brain Gym and Memory Games Therapy for improving cognitive Function in Elderly People with Dementia

The Effectivity of Brain Gym and Memory Games Therapy for improving cognitive Function in Elderly People with Dementia

Pleiotropic Effects of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract to Promote Healthy Aging.

Extension of the healthy life span is of primary importance for the aging society. Among exercise, healthy nutrition, and mental training, food supplements are widely used as preventive measures to postpone the diverse symptoms of aging. The extract from the bark of the French maritime pine, Pycnogenol, rich on flavonoids, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative property, proven in in vivo studies. The extract reduces oxidative stress and improves endothelial health. Its antithrombotic properties are based on inhibition of platelet aggregation. In double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies, Pycnogenol shows diverse positive effects. With respect to cardiovascular symptoms, the extract has an antihypertensive effect, slows down the progression of atherosclerosis, and prevents venous thrombosis. As reported in studies in China and the United States, type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy is improved with Pycnogenol. The extract restores mobility of seniors in case of patients suffering from osteoarthritis, Pycnogenol reduces pain and stiffness and use of analgesics. Furthermore, cognitive functions of elderly people, especially spatial memory, are significantly ameliorated. Climacteric symptoms are significantly alleviated by the pine bark extract. Urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia are reduced by Pycnogenol. In combination with L-arginine, Pycnogenol restores erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction. The sum of these positive effects on relevant symptoms of aging suggests using Pycnogenol for a more extended period of healthy aging.

Mechanisms of carnosine-induced activation of neuronal cells.

Carnosine (β-Ala-l-His), an imidazole dipeptide, is known to have many functions. Recently, we demonstrated in a double-blind randomized controlled trial that carnosine is capable of preserving cognitive function in elderly people. In the current study, we assessed the ability of carnosine to activate the brain, and we tried to clarify the molecular mechanisms behind this activation. Our results demonstrate that carnosine permeates the blood brain barrier and activates glial cells within the brain, causing them to secrete neurotrophins, including BDNF and NGF. These results point to a novel mechanism of carnosine-induced neuronal activation. Our results suggest that carnosine should be recognized as a functional food factor that helps achieve anti-brain aging.

Effects of 5‐month interval walking training on cognitive function in elderly people

AimsDeterioration of physical fitness with advancing age is suggested to be one of the major causes for dementia. We examined whether 5‐mo interval walking training (IWT) improved cognitive function with increased physical fitness in elderly.MethodsResidents &gt;40 years old in Yurihonjo participated in this study. They were randomly divided into the control (CNT) and IWT groups. Subjects in the CNT group were instructed to maintain their sedentary lifestyle while those in the IWT group were instructed to perform IWT, repeating ≥5 sets of fast and slow walking for 3 min each at ≥70% and 40% peak aerobic capacity for walking (VO2peak), respectively, per day ≥4 days/week for 5 months from June to November, 2016. Before and after the intervention, we measured VO2peak and cognitive function with Urakami‐style Screening Test. Since 36 subjects dropped out during the intervention and additionally 24 subjects lacked ≥1 of the measurements, we analyzed the remaining 175 subjects (CNT, n=88 and IWT, n=87). Moreover, since subjects who marked ≤12 points in cognitive function were clinically defined as mild cognitive impairment, they were used for further analyses (CNT, n=17 and IWT, n=18).ResultsAfter the intervention, VO2peak and cognitive function increased by 3.0±1.1% and 3.5±3.0% in the IWT group, more than −2.0±1.3% and −7.1±2.9% in the CNT group, respectively (both, P&lt;0.01), and these effects were enhanced in the mild cognitive impairment subjects; 5.8±2.3% and 34.1±8.7% in the IWT group vs −0.4±2.3% and 11.8±12.3% in the CNT group, respectively, (both, P&lt;0.05).ConclusionThe five‐month IWT improved cognitive function with increased VO2peak in elderly, especially in the mild cognitive impairment individuals.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by a grant from by the Cabinet Office of Japan to re‐activate local communities which would lose their activity due to advanced aging.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Factors affecting cognitive function according to gender in community-dwelling elderly individuals.

OBJECTIVESThis study aimed to identify the factors affecting the cognitive function of elderly people in a community by gender.METHODSWe obtained 4,878 secondary data of people aged ≥65 years in 2016 at a dementia prevention center in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon. Data were obtained through Mini-Mental Status Examination optimized for screening dementia and a questionnaire. The data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and hierarchical regression.RESULTSThere were significant differences in cognitive function according to gender, and the differences were significant even when age was controlled, but gender differences disappeared when education was controlled. Age, education, social activities, number of comorbid diseases, and alcohol drinking affected cognitive function through interaction with gender, but interaction with gender disappeared when education was controlled. Regression analysis showed that depression, cohabitant, social activities etc., had a significant impact on both men and women under controlled education and age. In men, the effect of social activities was greater than that of women, and hyperlipidemia had the effect only in women.CONCLUSIONSThe differences in gender-related cognitive functions were due to differences in gender education period. The period of education is considered to have a great influence on cognitive function in relation to the economic level, occupation, and social activity.

The Effect of Occupational Therapy Based Multimodal Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy on Cognitive Function in Elderly People With Mild Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effect of Occupational Therapy Based Multimodal Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy on Cognitive Function in Elderly People With Mild Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Factors Related to Cognitive Function in Elderly People

Each year in the world, especially in Indonesia, many elderly people exposed to higher risk of dementia due to an increased number of the elderly population and the incidence of mild cognitive impairment in the elderly. The aim of this study is to find out what factors are related with cognitive function in the elderly population. The study used analytic method with cross sectional study design. Subjects were 60 elderly people; male or female ≥ 60 years old. Data were analysed with Chi Square Test (α = 0.05). Cognitive function was measured by MMSE test. The result were found a significant relation between age and cognitive function ( p = 0.014), level of education and cognitive function (p value = 0.000), physical activity and cognitive function (p value = 0.003), cognitive activity and cognitive function (p value = 0.002), and social interaction and cognitive function (p value = 0.000). Gender variable did not have relation with cognitive function (p value = 0.343). This study conclude that there was a relation between age, education level, physical activity, cognitive activity and social interaction with cognitive function in the elderly population. There was no relation between gender and cognitive function in the elderly population.Keywords: cognitive function, cognitive impairment, elderly, MMSE

Cognitive Function and Related Factors of the Elderly in Urban Area: With Focus on Those Who Receive Basic Care Services for the Elderly

본 연구는 일부 도시 지역 재가노인의 인지기능에 영향을 미치는 요인을 관련변수인 식습관, 일상생활수행능력, 음주를 중심으로 확인하기 위한 서술적 조사 연구이다. 연구 대상자는 D지역의 노인돌봄기본서비스를 받고 있는 재가노인 165명이다. 자료수집 기간은 2017년 3월 2일부터 2017년 5월 8일까지였다. 변수간의 관계는 Pearson s 상관계수(Pearson s correlation coefficient)를 이용하여 분석하였으며, 인지기능에 영향을 미치는 요인은 연령, 학력, 관련변수인 식습관, 일상생활수행능력, 음주를 독립변수로 하여 단계적 다중회귀분석(stepwise multiple regression)으로 분석하였다. 연구 결과 대상자의 인지기능은 평균 24.23점(30점 만점)으로 높았으며, 84.5%가 정상범위였다. 대상자의 인지기능과 일상생활수행능력 간에는 양의 관계가 있었고, 인지기능과 음주는 음의관계가 있었다. 인지기능을 예측할 수 있는 변인은 연령, 학력 및 일상생활수행능력 이었고, 이들 변인은 인지기능의 31.5%를 설명하였다. 따라서 도시지역 노인의 인지기능을 유지하고 향상시키기 위해서 인지기능에 대한 주기적 평가와 관리가 요구된다. 또한 지역사회보건의료기관인 보건소, 복지관 중심으로 인지기능향상 활동에 일상생활수행능력을 포함시켜야 한다.This study aims to identify the relationship among eating habits, ADL, CAGE and cognitive function of elderly people in an urban area. 165 people over 65 years in D area were interviewed from March 2nd to May 8th, 2017. The outcomes were measured by the Korean version mini mental state examination instrument (MMSE-K), activity of daily living (ADL), and cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye-opener (CAGE). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression. Cognitive function score of the subjects was 24.23, and 84.5% of them were within normal range. There was a positive correlation between cognitive function and ADL, but a negative correlation between cognitive function and CAGE. Age, education level, and ADL were identified as the predictors of cognitive function, which explained 31.5% of the total variance of cognitive function. For the preparation of intervention programs for elderly people in urban areas, Age, educational level, and ADL. should be considered. Furthermore, the programs for health improvement activities should be developed to maintain and increase current cognitive function.

Physical Exercise with Music Reduces Gray and White Matter Loss in the Frontal Cortex of Elderly People: The Mihama-Kiho Scan Project.

Findings from previous studies suggest that physical exercise combined with cognitive training produces more positive effects on cognitive function in elderly people than physical exercise alone. However, the brain plasticity associated with these proposed benefits of combined therapy has not yet been investigated in elderly subjects. We hypothesized that the dual task group would experience greater benefits than the physical exercise alone and non-exercise control groups with regard to both cognitive function and brain plasticity. This study investigated the effect of physical exercise with musical accompaniment on structural brain changes in healthy elderly people. Fifty-one participants performed physical exercise (once a week for an hour with professional trainers) with musical accompaniment (ExM), 61 participants performed the same exercise without music (Ex), and 32 participants made up the non-exercise group (Cont). After the 1-year intervention, visuospatial functioning of the ExM but not the Ex group was significantly better than that of the Cont group. Voxel-based morphometry analyses revealed that the ExM group showed greater right superior frontal gyrus volume and preserved volumes of the right anterior cingulate gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, and insula. These results indicate that compared with exercise alone, physical exercise with music induces greater positive effects on cognitive function and leads to subtle neuroanatomical changes in the brains of elderly people. Therefore, physical exercise with music may be a beneficial intervention to delay age-related cognitive decline.

Effects of a Virtual Reality Exercise Program(Wii) on Cognitive Function of Elderly People with Alzheimer Dementia

Effects of a Virtual Reality Exercise Program(Wii) on Cognitive Function of Elderly People with Alzheimer Dementia

국악장단을 이용한 음악치료가 치매노인의 상지기능 향상에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 국악장단을 이용한 음악치료가 치매노인의 상지기능 향상에 미치는 영향을 살펴보고자 하였다. 연구 참여자는 B시에 소재하는 요양원의 장기요양보호 적용을 받고 있는 만 65세 이상의 치매진단 환자 13명이며, 상지기능평가(MFT), 일상생활동작, 인지기능검사(관리기능)에 대해 음악치료 전 후의 점수차이를 분석하였다. 연구결과 국악장단의 청각적 자극은 치매노인의 상지기능 향상에 유의한 변화를 가져왔으며, 일상생활은 물론 치매평가의 관리기능까지 증진시킬 수 있다는 것을 확인하였다. 이는 임상현장에서 치매노인을 대상으로 국악장단을 활용한 음악중재의 타당성을 제시하는 기초자료로 활용 될 수 있으며, 또한 치매노인을 위한 음악치료프로그램의 개발 시 국악장단이 이들의 신체기능 뿐만 아니라 인지기능에도 영향을 줄 수 있다는 것을 시사한다. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of music therapy using Korean traditional rhythmic modes on the upper extremity function of elderly people with dementia. The subjects of this study were 13 patients at the age of 65 or more with dementia receiving long-term care in a nursing home in B City. It was analyzed that the effects of music therapy through the evaluation of manual function test (MFT), Activities of daily living (ADL), Korea dementia rating scale-2 test before and after the experiment. As a result, both of the scores of MFT and ADL were higher than after music therapy(p <.05) as well as Korea dementia rating scale-2 test score(management part). This indicates that the music therapy using Korean traditional rhythmic modes could improve function of the upper extremity with dementia as well as activities of daily living and management of dementia care. In conclusion, music therapy would be helpful to the improvement of not only the physical but also the cognitive function of elderly people with dementia, and it could be effectively employed in clinical settings.

Vocabulary Knowledge is Not a Predictor of General Cognitive Functioning in Elderly People with Very Low Educational Attainment.

Background and PurposeVocabulary knowledge is used as a representative index of general intelligence, and is regarded as a marker for cognitive reserve in elderly people. However, vocabulary knowledge mainly depends on formal education, hence, it may not fully represent cognitive functioning in elderly people with poor educational backgrounds. Herein, we investigated whether vocabulary knowledge is a measure of general cognitive ability among normal elderly people with few years of formal education.MethodsThe association between vocabulary knowledge and general cognitive functioning was compared between 35 elderly females with very low educational attainment and 68 elderly females with higher education.ResultsThe vocabulary knowledge was a significant predictor of general cognitive functioning in elderly individuals with more than primary education, even after controlling the effects of age and years of education. However, it was not a significant predictor of general cognitive functioning in elderly individuals with very low educational attainment.ConclusionsVocabulary assessment was effective in estimating general cognitive functioning in elderly individuals who received ≥6 years of education. Our findings suggested that vocabulary knowledge may not be an effective proxy of premorbid intelligence or cognitive reserve in people who have not completed elementary schooling.

Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Study of the Median Septum of Juglans regia in Wistar Rats.

Purpose: Median septum of Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae) with anti-diabetic effects has been used in Iranian traditional medicine. The present study estimates both oral acute and subchronic toxicities. Methods: In the oral acute toxicity study, female Wistar rats were treated with doses of 10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/ kg of the Juglans regia septum of methanol extract (JRSME), and were monitored for 14 days. In subchronic study, JRSME was administered by gavage at dose of 1000 mg/kg daily in Wistar rats for 28 days. Antioxidant status and biochemical examinations were fulfilled, and the vital organs were subjected to pathological analyses. Results: The extract did not produce any toxic signs or deaths; the medium lethal dose must be higher than 5000 mg/kg. In subchronic study, No significant morphological and histopathological changes were observed in the studied tissues. There was a significant increase in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level in treated group compared to control after 4 weeks of JRSME intake. The treatment of rats resulted in a significant reduction of serum urea level (p<0.05), kidney's xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activity (p<0.001) and elevation of aldehyde oxidase (AO) activity (p<0.05) in kidney. In the treated group, the mean diameter of glomerulus and proximal urine tube epithelium stature was slightly greater than control group. A significant increase in serum MDA level is subject for further studies. Conclusion: This study showed that the extract has no acute or subacute adverse effects with dose of 1000 mg/kg. The administration of JRSME may improve kidney structure and function and help in treatment of some chronic diseases.

Cognitive function is maintained in noninstitutionalized elderly Japanese requiring care with high levels of health-related quality of life

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been reported to be associated with cognitive function; however, whether or not this relationship involves causality is uncertain. This study aimed to determine whether HRQOL levels are associated with subsequent changes in cognitive function in elderly people requiring care. Participants were 74 community-dwelling elderly people utilizing the long-term care service (69% women) who underwent physical and psychological examinations at baseline and follow-up. The outcome was 2-year changes in Mini-Mental State Examination (∆MMSE) score. The potential predictor was HRQOL level assessed by the EuroQol 5 dimension (EQ-5D) score (utility value) at baseline; other variables were body mass index (BMI), Barthel index, grip strength, Geriatric Depression Scale, serum albumin, and serum hemoglobin. Associations between EQ-5D and ∆MMSE scores were assessed using correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of covariance(ANCOVA). Mean age, BMI, and Barthel index at baseline were 81.6years [standard deviation (SD) 8.2], 21.1kg/m2 (SD 4.0), and 79 (SD 20), respectively; the mean ∆MMSE score was -2.2 (SD 5.1). EQ-5D was significantly correlated with ∆MMSE (partial r=0.375, P=0.0012). The mean ∆MMSE values of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd EQ-5D quartiles were -4.2 (adjusted P=0.0050), -2.6 (adjusted P=0.0476), and -2.4 (adjusted P=0.0298), respectively, which were lower than the -0.1 of the reference 4th quartile. HRQOL as assessed by EQ-5D is associated with longitudinal cognitive decline in frail elderly people, and cognitive function may be maintained in individuals with high HRQOL levels.

Relation of cerebral vessel disease to Alzheimer's disease dementia and cognitive function in elderly people: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFew pathologic data are available on cerebral vessel disease, dementia, and cognition. This cross-sectional study examined associations of cerebral atherosclerosis and arteriolosclerosis neuropathology with probable and possible Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia and level of cognitive function, in a large group of older persons who came to autopsy.Methods1,143 older women or men (median age-at-death = 88.8 years; 42% with AD dementia) underwent annual clinical evaluations and agreed to brain autopsy at time-of-death, as part of one of two cohort studies of aging. Neuropsychological data proximate-to-death were used to create summary measures of global cognition and cognitive domains. Data across all years were used to determine presence of the clinical syndrome of AD dementia. Systematic neuropathologic evaluations documented severity of cerebral large (atherosclerosis) and small vessel disease (arteriolosclerosis). Using regression analyses adjusted for demographics, gross and micro-infarcts and AD pathology, we examined associations of vessel disease severity with odds of probable and possible AD dementia and level of cognition.FindingsModerate-to-severe atherosclerosis was present in 445 (39%) subjects, and arteriolosclerosis in 401 (35%). The odds of AD dementia was higher with moderate-to-severe atherosclerosis (OR=1.33; 95%CI:1.11–1.58) and arteriolosclerosis (OR=1.20; 95%CI:1.04–1.40). Atherosclerosis was associated with lower scores for global cognition (estimate= −0.10, SE=0.04; p=0.00096) and four cognitive domains (episodic memory, semantic memory, perceptual speed and visuospatial abilities; all p<0.019) but not working memory (p=0.21). Arteriolosclerosis was associated with lower scores for global cognition (estimate= −0.10, SE=0.03; p=0.0015) and four domains (all p<0.046), and a borderline/non-significant association was noted for visuospatial abilities (p=0.052). Findings were unchanged in analyses controlling for APOEε4 and vascular risk factors.InterpretationCerebral atherosclerosis and arteriolosclerosis each contribute to the odds of AD dementia by 20–30% per level increase in severity, and are associated with lower scores in most cognitive domains. Associations remain after taking into account AD and infarct pathologies, and vascular factors. Cerebral vessel pathology may be an under-recognized risk factor for AD dementia.FundingUnited States National Institutes of Health.