Cognitive Function In Middle-aged Adults Research Articles

Relationship of Self-Reported Physical Activity with Cognition in Middle- Aged Adults.

The increasing prevalence of age-related cognitive decline highlights the importance of physical activity for cognitive health. Regular exercise has been associated with improved mental health and reduced risk of cognitive decline. This study investigated the connection between self-reported physical activity and cognitive function in middle-aged adults. This cross-sectional study included 56 Indian adults aged 30-55, selected based on a health screening questionnaire. Participants reported their physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), which categorized them into low, moderate, and high activity levels. Cognitive functions, including visual memory, executive function, and attention, were assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Testing Battery (CANTAB). Results were statistically analyzed for relationships between cognitive domains and physical activity parameters using Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis. The study showed a significant positive correlation of attention with moderate and vigorous physical activity, while sedentary behavior negatively impacted attention. Linear regression showed that attention is affected by moderate-intensity activity whereas executive function and visual memory are affected by age. This study supports the view that moderate and vigorous intensity activities may positively affect attention in middle-aged adults highlighting the benefits of physical activity.

The influence of intergenerational support on cognitive functioning among middle-aged Chinese: Moderation by personal income

ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of personal income on the relationship between intergenerational support (IS) and cognitive functioning. MethodsData were obtained from four waves of nationally representative surveys of the 2011–2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), involving 8,207 participants aged 45 ∼ 60 at baseline. Multivariate linear regression models using generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the effects of three forms of intergenerational mutual supports on cognitive functioning in middle-aged adults, and subgroup regressions were used to analyze the moderating role of personal income in this relationship. ResultsThe results showed that financial and caregiving support from children impaired the cognitive functioning of their parents; whereas providing financial support to children and mutual emotional support with them positively affected their cognition; however, childcare was not significantly associated with cognitive levels in middle-aged adults. Moreover, the effect of IS on the cognitive level of Chinese middle-aged people disappeared or was attenuated by having pensions or earning their own post-tax income. ConclusionIS has a significant effect on cognitive functioning in middle-aged adults, but this effect is moderated by personal income. These results are informative for the development of intergenerational relationship intervention programs for the prevention of cognitive decline in middle-aged adults with different personal income.

Abstract 17097: Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis and Mid-Life Cognitive Function: Evidence From Bogalusa Heart Study

Background: Little is known about the relationship between carotid plaque formation and cognitive function in a middle-aged population. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that there will be an association between carotid atherosclerotic burden and cognitive function in middle-aged adults. Aim: The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship between carotid artery (CA) plaque and cognitive function in middle-aged white and black men and women from the Bogalusa Heart Study (BHS) cohort. Methods: We included a total of 1,107 BHS participants with echocardiography and carotid ultrasound performed between 2013 and 2016. Cognitive function was quantified in a global cognitive score (GCS) comprised of the z standardized sum of 7 neuropsychiatric tests. CA plaque was defined by carotid intima media thickness ≥1.5mm in any segment of the CA including right and left common artery (RCC/LCC), bulbs (RCB/LCB) as well as right and left internal carotid artery (RIC/LIC). We compared demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics in participants with or without CA plaque and used linear regression analysis for the association between CA and GCS adjusted for age, sex, race and education. Results: Among all, 373 (33.7%) of participants had one or more CA plaque. The most common locations of CA plaque formation differed according to laterality, with 230 (61.7%), 189 (50.7%), 108 (29.0%), 92 (24.7%), 83 (22.3%), 10 (2.7%) participants having plaque in the RCB, LCB, LCA, RIC, LIC, and RCA, respectively. Participants with CA plaque were likely to be older (49.9 vs. 47.2 years), male (52 vs.38.9%), white (70.2 vs.63.4%,), have larger left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume (97.4 vs.94 ml) and LV mass index (83.4 vs.76.3 g/m 2 , all p -value<0.01), but similar LV ejection fraction (60.1 vs.60.0%) as compared to those without CA plaque. Moreover, CA is associated with poorer cognitive function (GCS, standardized β coefficient=-0.07; p =0.02) adjusted for age, sex, and race. However, the association was attenuated after adjusting for education. Conclusion: CA plaque was highly prevalent and inversely associated with cognitive function. The association was attenuated by education emphasizing the importance of social determinants in cognitive health.

Physical activity and cognitive function in middle-aged adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the PATH through life study.

Investigate the independent associations of objectively measured or self-reported physical activity at different intensities with cognitive performance in middle-aged adults. Cross-sectional. 156 middle-aged adults (age: 40.6 ± 1.5, 58.3% female) participated in the physical activity sub-study of the Personality and Total Health through life (PATH) project. Physical activity was measured objectively with the SenseWear™ armband (SWA), worn for seven consecutive days, and measured via self-report with a Physical Activity Recall survey (PAR). Cognitive performance was assessed with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Digit Span Backwards, and an Immediate and Delayed Recall task. Associations between physical activity intensity and cognitive function were investigated in general linear models, controlling for age, sex, and education. Neither objectively measured nor self-reported physical activity were associated with cognitive function at light-, moderate-, vigorous-, or combined moderate-to-vigorous intensity in this cohort of well educated, healthy middle-aged adults. Sensitivity analyses with additional moderators (e.g., body mass index, hypertension, alcohol intake) and the use of composite cognitive measures did not alter the results. In this cohort of middle-aged adults, objectively measured and self-reported physical activity do not appear to be associated with cognitive function. Longitudinal follow-ups utilising objective physical activity measures may be important in determining the impact of mid-life behaviours on the trajectory of cognitive changes into older age.

MidCog study: a prospective, observational cohort study investigating health literacy, self-management skills and cognitive function in middle-aged adults

IntroductionThe lack of definitive means to prevent or treat cognitive impairment or dementia is driving intense efforts to identify causal mechanisms. Recent evidence suggests clinically meaningful declines in cognition might...

Gait Characteristics and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Data from ENBIND.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in midlife is associated with a greater risk of dementia in later life. Both gait speed and spatiotemporal gait characteristics have been associated with later cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults. Thus, the assessment of gait characteristics in uncomplicated midlife T2DM may be important in selecting-out those with T2DM at greatest risk of later cognitive decline. We assessed the relationship between Inertial Motion Unit (IMUs)-derived gait characteristics and cognitive function assessed via Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)/detailed neuropsychological assessment battery (CANTAB) in middle-aged adults with and without uncomplicated T2DM using both multivariate linear regression and a neural network approach. Gait was assessed under (i) normal walking, (ii) fast (maximal) walking and (iii) cognitive dual-task walking (reciting alternate letters of the alphabet) conditions. Overall, 138 individuals were recruited (n = 94 with T2DM; 53% female, 52.8 ± 8.3 years; n = 44 healthy controls, 43% female, 51.9 ± 8.1 years). Midlife T2DM was associated with significantly slower gait velocity on both slow and fast walks (both p < 0.01) in addition to a longer stride time and greater gait complexity during normal walk (both p < 0.05). Findings persisted following covariate adjustment. In analyzing cognitive performance, the strongest association was observed between gait velocity and global cognitive function (MoCA). Significant associations were also observed between immediate/delayed memory performance and gait velocity. Analysis using a neural network approach did not outperform multivariate linear regression in predicting cognitive function (MoCA) from gait velocity. Our study demonstrates the impact of uncomplicated T2DM on gait speed and gait characteristics in midlife, in addition to the striking relationship between gait characteristics and global cognitive function/memory performance in midlife. Further studies are needed to evaluate the longitudinal relationship between midlife gait characteristics and later cognitive decline, which may aid in selecting-out those with T2DM at greatest-risk for preventative interventions.

Current and long‐term trajectories of high BMI are associated with poorer cognitive functioning in middle‐aged adults at high Alzheimer’s risk due to a maternal family history

The deleterious impact of adiposity on cognition in older adults is well-established. Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology begins accumulating decades prior to symptoms so investigation of associations of adiposity with cognition in middle-aged adults may illuminate pathways underlying the earliest stages of cognitive decline. We examined the relationship of body mass index (BMI) with cognitive functioning in middle-aged adults at high AD risk due to a parental family history. We also investigated whether this association differs by maternal (FHm) versus paternal (FHp) family history. Participants are offspring of AD patients from the Israel Registry of Alzheimer's Prevention (IRAP Study; N=271). We examined the association of BMI at the time of cognitive assessment, and of long-term trajectories of BMI, with global cognition and specific cognitive domains. Linear regressions assessed the associations of BMI and cognition adjusting for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors. An interaction term assessed whether associations of BMI with cognition differed by FHm/FHp. ANCOVAs examined the association of trajectories of BMI ("normal" BMI, N=154; "overweight/obese" N= 86), with cognition. For the whole sample, higher BMI was associated with worse language functioning (p=.045). Interactions of BMI with parental history of AD were significant for episodic memory (p=.023), language (p=.027), working memory (p=.006), and global cognition (p=.008), such that the associations of BMI with cognition were consistently stronger among FHm than for FHp. For the BMI trajectories, no significant differences in cognition were identified between normal and overweight/obese trajectories for the entire sample, but the interactions of BMI trajectories with parental history of AD were significant for episodic memory (p=.017), language (p=.013), working memory (p=.001), and global cognition (p=.005), with stronger associations for FHm than for FHp. Higher BMI and ∼20 years of trajectories of overweight/obesity were associated with poorer cognitive function in cognitively normal middle-aged adults with a maternal history of AD, but not in those with a paternal history of AD. Exposure to greater adiposity over time may have a detrimental impact on the brain already in midlife. Investigation of genetic and environmental contribution of maternal history of AD to these associations is merited.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cognitive function in middle-aged adults: the CARDIA study

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors that have been linked to cognitive decline. Whether NAFLD is associated with cognitive performance in midlife remains uncertain.MethodsCoronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study participants with CT examination and cognitive assessment at Y25 (2010–2011; n = 2809) were included. Cognitive function was reassessed at Y30. NAFLD was defined according to liver attenuation and treated both continuously and categorically (using ≤ 40 and ≤ 51 Hounsfield units to define severity) after exclusion for other causes of liver fat. Cognitive tests including the Digit Symbol Substitution (processing speed), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning (verbal memory), and Stroop (executive function) were analyzed with standardized z-scores. Linear models were constructed to (a) examine the cross-sectional associations of NAFLD with cognitive scores and (b) evaluate its predictive role in 5-year change in cognitive performance.ResultsParticipants’ mean age (Y25) was 50.1 (SD 3.6) years (57% female; 48% black), with 392 (14%) having mild NAFLD and 281 (10%) having severe NAFLD. NAFLD was positively associated with CVD risk factors and inversely associated with cognitive scores. However, after adjustment for CVD risk factors, no associations were shown between NAFLD and cognitive scores (all βs ≈ 0). Similarly, no associations were observed with 5-year cognitive decline. CVD history, hypertension, smoking, diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia showed stronger associations with baseline cognitive scores and were predictive of subsequent cognitive decline (all P ≤ .05).ConclusionAmong middle-aged adults, inverse associations between NAFLD and cognitive scores were attenuated after adjustment for CVD risk factors, with the latter predictive of poorer cognitive performance both at baseline and follow-up.

An Exploratory Study of Cognitive Functioning and Psychological Well-Being in Middle-Aged Adults with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased level of blood sugar for a prolonged period of time. Apart from its impact on the bodily functions, the disorder has its own psychological consequences, commonly in terms of stress reaction, anxiety, and depression. Diabetes is also known to affect cognitive functions, but it is less studied in the Indian population and relatively ignored in the management plan. Discerning the cognitive functions in middle-aged adults diagnosed with diabetes can give valuable insight into comprehensive management of the disorder. With this background, the study attempted to explore the cognitive functioning and psychological well-being of middle-aged adults with diabetes and compared with healthy individuals. Methods A total of 30 middle-aged adults of both sexes diagnosed with diabetes type 2 were undertaken for the study and compared with 30 healthy adults regarding measures of cognitive functioning and psychological well-being. The measures were also explored for relationship if any with illness duration. Results Middle-aged adults with diabetes differed significantly in terms of response inhibition and processing speed compared with healthy controls. The groups significantly differed on subjective Psychological well-being in terms of self-control, anxiety and depression, and vitality. Duration of illness was found to be related to anxiety symptoms. Conclusion Diabetes affects response inhibition and processing speed in middle-aged adults. Assessing and addressing impairment in cognitive functions is recommended for a comprehensive management of diabetes in middle-aged adults.

Abstract P422: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cognitive Function in Middle-aged Adults: The CARDIA Study

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an obesity-related condition associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its major risk factors. The latter have been linked to accelerated cognitive decline. Whether NAFLD is associated with decreased cognitive performance in midlife remains uncertain. Methods: Participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study with CT-measured NAFLD and cognitive function assessment at year 25 (2010-2011; n=2,835) were included. Cognitive function was reassessed at year 30 (2015-2016; n=2,388). NAFLD was defined according to liver attenuation and categorized into 3 groups: none [&gt;51 Hounsfield Units (HU)], probable (&gt;40-51 HU), and definite (≤40 HU). Cognitive tests, including the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and Stroop were analyzed with standardized z scores. Linear models were constructed to examine (a) the cross-sectional association between NAFLD and cognitive scores (year 25) and (b) the predictive role of NAFLD in subsequent (year 30) cognitive scores. Results: The mean age at baseline was 50.1 (SD, 3.6) years (58% women; 48% blacks), with 398 (14%) and 286 (10%) having probable and definite NAFLD, respectively. In unadjusted models, an inverse association was shown between NAFLD and all cognitive tests. For DSST ( P interaction =.047) and RAVLT ( P interaction =.033), the association was stronger in whites than blacks. The association was attenuated after age and sex adjustment, and practically eliminated after further adjustment for sociodemographic and CVD risk factors (Table). NAFLD was not predictive of subsequent cognitive performance in any of the measures once baseline scores were adjusted for (all P &gt;.10). Using liver attenuation as a continuous variable yielded similar results. Conclusion: Among middle-aged adults, an inverse association of NAFLD with cognitive function -evident in whites only- was attenuated by sociodemographic and CVD risk factor adjustment.

Abstract P426: Cumulative 30-year Alcohol Use From Young Adulthood and Mid-life Cognitive Function: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Introduction: Alcohol use is common in the United States. Most studies describe a J-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and cognitive function: frequent heavy consumption alters brain functions and decreases cognitive performance; regular light and moderate consumption may have protective impact. We are unaware of any reports utilizing longitudinally collected data to derive a cumulative exposure of alcohol use and assess its association with cognitive function. Hypothesis: Cumulative 30-year exposure to alcohol has a J-shaped association with mid-life cognitive function. Methods: We included 3,068 participants aged 18-30 years at the baseline examination (1985-86) and having up to 8 follow-up exams at 2- to 5-year intervals including at 30 years (2015-16). Cumulative “drink-years” exposure to alcohol was estimated at each exam by multiplying the usual number of drinks/day reported by the number of years since last exam, and then summing across exams. We used multivariable adjusted linear regression models to assess the independent associations of number of drink-years with 6 measures of cognitive function studied at Year 30: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Stroop Test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Category Fluency Test, and Letter Fluency Test. We used inverse probability of censoring weighting to account for potential informative censoring. Linear regression models estimated standardized mean test scores for the cumulative alcohol use categories (drink-years: &gt;0 and &lt;15, 15-29.9, 30+). Too few participants were available for assessment of higher categories of use. Results: Compared with never drinking, the 3 categories of cumulative exposure were unassociated with any of the cognitive function measures. Conclusions: Cumulative 30-year alcohol use is not associated with cognitive function in middle-aged adults in the CARDIA study.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis score and cognitive function in middle-aged adults: The Framingham Study.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common and has been recently related to brain health. We aimed to assess the relationships of NAFLD and its severity, using the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), with cognitive performance. Framingham study Offspring and 3rd generation participants were included if they attended exams 9 (2002-2008) and 2 (2008-2011), respectively, were free of dementia and stroke, and did not have excessive alcohol intake. Between 2008 and 2011, participants underwent Multi-detector computed tomography scans of the abdomen to determine NAFLD diagnosis and the NFS was used to categorize the severity of fibrosis. Cross-sectional relationships of NAFLD and the NFS with cognitive testing of memory, abstract reasoning, visual perception, attention and executive function were assessed, while adjusting for multiple cardiometabolic variables including visceral adipose tissue, diabetes and insulin resistance. Of the 1287 participants (mean age=61±12years, 48% men), 378 (29%) had NAFLD. The presence of NAFLD was not associated with cognitive function. However, among those with NAFLD (mean age=61±12years; 58% men), high compared to low risk of advanced fibrosis was associated with poorer performance on similarities (β=-2.22±0.83; P=0.009) and trail-making B minus A (β=-0.11±0.05; P=0.028), independently of potential confounders. Participants with high risk of advanced fibrosis may have poorer cognitive function compared to those with low risk, particularly in executive function and abstract reasoning. Future findings are necessary to evaluate the value of the NFS as a biomarker that predicts cognitive impairment and dementia and to explore the role of hepatic fibrosis in brain health.

Sensory Impairments and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults.

Hearing, visual, and olfactory impairments have been associated with cognitive impairment in older adults but less is known about associations with cognitive function in middle-aged adults. Sensory and cognitive functions were measured on participants in the baseline examination (2005-2008) of the Beaver Dam Offspring Study. Cognitive function was measured with the Trail Making tests A (TMTA) and B (TMTB) and the Grooved Peg Board test. Pure-tone audiometry, Pelli-Robson letter charts, and the San Diego Odor Identification test were used to measure hearing, contrast sensitivity, and olfaction, respectively. There were 2,836 participants aged 21-84 years with measures of hearing, visual, olfactory, and cognitive function at the baseline examination. Nineteen percent of the cohort had one sensory impairment and 3% had multiple sensory impairments. In multivariable adjusted linear regression models that included all three sensory impairments, hearing impairment, visual impairment, and olfactory impairment were each independently associated with poorer performance on the TMTA, TMTB, and Grooved Peg Board (p < .05 for all sensory impairments in all models). Participants with a sensory impairment took on average from 2 to 10 seconds longer than participants without the corresponding sensory impairment to complete these tests. Results were similar in models that included adjustment for hearing aid use. Hearing, visual and olfactory impairment were associated with poorer performance on cognitive function tests independent of the other sensory impairments and factors associated with cognition. Sensory impairments in midlife are associated with subtle deficits in cognitive function which may be indicative of early brain aging.

Cardiovascular risk factors contribute differentially to cognitive functioning in middle-aged adults (P6.323)

Cardiovascular risk factors contribute differentially to cognitive functioning in middle-aged adults (P6.323)

Statin use and cognitive function in middle-aged adults with type 1 diabetes.

AIMTo test associations between statin use and cognitive impairment in adults with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D).METHODSIn 2010-13, n = 108 middle-aged participants from ongoing observational Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study underwent neurocognitive assessment (mean age and T1D duration of 49 and 41 years, respectively). All were diagnosed with childhood-onset (i.e., prior to age 18) T1D between 1950 and 1980 and were seen within one year of diagnosis at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Self-reported statin use (yes/no and if yes, name of statin) was collected biennially from parent study baseline (1986-1988) to time of neurocognitive testing. Logistic regression models tested associations between statin use groups and cognitive impairment (defined as having two or more cognitive test scores 1.5SD or worse than published norms) while linear regression models tested associations between statin use groups and cognitive domain z-scores (domains: Verbal IQ, memory, executive function, psychomotor speed, and visuo-construction). All models controlled for education and age. To address confounding by indication, models were repeated using a propensity score for statin use.RESULTSOf the 108 participants, 51 reported never using statins. Median duration of statin use among the 57 ever users was 6 years. These 57 ever statin users were split to create two groups (≤ or > median years of statin use): 1-6 years (n = 25), and 7-12 years (n = 32). Compared with never users, using statins 1-6 years tripled the odds of cognitive impairment (OR = 3.16; 95%CI: 0.93-10.72; P = 0.06) and using statins 7-12 years almost quintupled the odds of cognitive impairment (OR = 4.84; 95%CI: 1.63-14.44; P = 0.005). Compared with never users, using statins 1-6 or 7-12 years was related to worse performance in the memory domain (β = -0.52; P = 0.003, and -0.39; P = 0.014, respectively). Adjusting for coronary artery disease, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and Apo E4 status did not substantially alter results, and none of these covariates were significantly related to cognitive outcomes (all P > 0.05). Propensity score analyses support that associations between poor cognitive outcomes and statin use were not due merely to confounding by indication.CONCLUSIONStatin use was associated with cognitive impairment, particularly affecting memory, in these middle-aged adults with childhood-onset T1D, whom at this age, should not yet manifest age-related memory deficits.

Social Network Size and Cognitive Functioning in Middle-Aged Adults: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations

The objective of the present study was to examine relations between social network size and three cognitive abilities (episodic memory, semantic memory, visuospatial ability) in middle-aged adults. We analyzed cross-sectional data on social network size and cognitive functioning that were available for 804 participants aged 40–60 years. In addition, we examined 5- and 10-year follow-up measurements of cognitive functioning that were available for 604 and 255 participants, respectively. Cross-sectional analyses revealed a positive association between social network size and each of the three cognitive abilities. Baseline network size was positively related to 5-year changes in semantic memory, and to 10-year changes in semantic as well as episodic memory, but was unrelated to changes in visuospatial performance. A minor portion of the sample (n = 131) had 10-year follow-up data on network size. Cross-lagged panel correlations revealed that baseline network size was associated with follow-up measurement in cognitive functioning (episodic memory, semantic memory), whereas baseline cognitive performance was unrelated to future network size. Together, the results demonstrate a small but positive relation between network size and declarative memory abilities, in line with models proposing a cognitive reserve built up by factors such as the increased cognitive stimulation associated with a more extensive social network.

Pro-Inflammatory Substances and Cognition in the Dallas Heart Study

Cognitive decline in late adulthood might be partially mediated by subclinical generalized vascular disease. If so, atherogenic factors such as pro-inflammatory cytokines might be mid-life targets for prevention or treatment. Dallas Heart Study subjects (n = 997; mean age = 42.94 ± 10.2 yrs) underwent blood assays of pro-inflammatory biomarkers associated with atherosclerosis and 8 years later completed a cognitive outcome measure, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Markers included C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-18 (IL-18), Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase (LP-PLA2), and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein (MCP-1), with Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) as a potential modifier. We found weak evidence for LP-PLA2 and CRP as predictors of cognitive scores. No relationship was found between elevated MCP-1, IL-18 and cognition. Presence of the ApoE4 allele did not impact the relationship between biomarkers and cognitive function. Levels of atherogenesis-related pro-inflammatory blood biomarkers did not predict cognitive function in middle-aged adults after an interval of 8 years.

Acute effects of a wild green-oat (Avena sativa) extract on cognitive function in middle-aged adults: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects trial

Objectives: A wild green-oats extract (Neuravena®) containing a range of potentially bioactive components, including flavonoids and triterpene saponins, has previously been shown to enhance animal stress responses and memory, and improve cognitive performance in humans at a dose of 1600 mg.Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced cross-over study assessed the effects of single doses of the green-oat extract (GOE) across a broad range of cognitive domains in healthy adults aged 40–65 years who self-reported that they felt that their memory had declined with age. Participants attended on six occasions, receiving a single dose of either placebo, 800, or 1600 mg GOE on each occasion, with the counterbalanced order of treatments repeated twice for each participant. Cognitive function was assessed with a range of computerized tasks measuring attention, spatial/working/episodic memory, and executive function pre-dose and at 1, 2.5, 4, and 6 hours post-dose.Results The results showed that 800mg GOE increased the speed of performance across post-dose assessments on a global measure including data from all of the timed tasks. It also improved performance of a delayed word recall task in terms of errors and an executive function task (Peg and Ball) in terms of decreased thinking time and overall completion time. Working memory span (Corsi blocks) was also increased, but only on the second occasion that this dose was taken.Discussion These results confirm the acute cognitive effects of GOE seen in previous research, and suggest that the optimal dose lies at or below 800 mg.

Occupational Complexity and Cognitive Reserve in a Middle-Aged Cohort at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease.

Higher occupational attainment has previously been associated with increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology when individuals are matched for cognitive function, indicating occupation could provide cognitive reserve. We examined whether occupational complexity (OCC) associates with decreased hippocampal volume and increased whole-brain atrophy given comparable cognitive function in middle-aged adults at risk for AD. Participants (n = 323) underwent structural MRI, cognitive evaluation, and work history assessment. Three complexity ratings (work with data, people, and things) were obtained, averaged across up to 3 reported jobs, weighted by years per job, and summed to create a composite OCC rating. Greater OCC was associated with decreased hippocampal volume and increased whole-brain atrophy when matched for cognitive function; results remained substantively unchanged after adjusting for several demographic, AD risk, vascular, mental health, and socioeconomic characteristics. These findings suggest that, in people at risk for AD, OCC may confer resilience to the adverse effects of neuropathology on cognition.

Subclinical atherosclerosis and subsequent cognitive function

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between measures of subclinical atherosclerosis and subsequent cognitive function. MethodParticipants from the Dallas Heart Study (DHS), a population-based multiethnic study of cardiovascular disease pathogenesis, were re-examined 8 years later (DHS-2) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); N = 1904, mean age = 42.9, range 8–65. Associations of baseline measures of subclinical atherosclerosis (coronary artery calcium, abdominal aortic plaque, and abdominal aortic wall thickness) with MoCA scores measured at follow-up were examined in the group as a whole and in relation to age and ApoE4 status. ResultsA significant linear trend of successively lower MoCA scores with increasing numbers of atherosclerotic indicators was observed (F(3, 1150) = 5.918, p = .001). CAC was weakly correlated with MoCA scores (p = .047) and MoCA scores were significantly different between participants with and without CAC (M = 22.35 vs 23.69, p = 0.038). With the exception of a small association between abdominal AWT and MoCA in subjects over age 50, abdominal AWT and abdominal aortic plaque did not correlate with MoCA total score (p ≥ .052). Cognitive scores and atherosclerosis measures were not impacted by ApoE4 status (p ≥ .455). ConclusionIn this ethnically diverse population-based sample, subclinical atherosclerosis was minimally associated with later cognitive function in middle-aged adults.