Cognitive Function In Older Adults Research Articles

Optimizing the physical activity intervention for older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a factorial randomized trial.

Physical activity (PA) intervention is one of the most effective interventions to promote cognitive function of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the level of PA remains low. Based on the two core interventions (X-CircuiT and health education), this study aimed to examine the effect of three implementation strategies (viz., role modeling, goal-setting, and reminding) on the PA level among older adults with MCI using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST). Participants were randomized into one of eight conditions in a factorial design involving three factors with two levels: (i) role modeling (on vs. off); (ii) goal-setting (on vs. off); and (iii) reminding (on vs. off). The primary outcome was PA level at 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes were cognitive function, self-efficacy, and cost-effectiveness at 12 weeks. The intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was performed as the main analysis and the per-protocol (PP) analysis as the sensitivity analysis. A total of 107 participants were included and randomly assigned into three groups, each receiving different implementation strategies. The results of the multivariate regression analysis showed that the three implementation strategies, namely, reminding (B = 0.31, p < 0.01), role modeling (B = 0.21, p < 0.01), and goal-setting (B = 0.19, p < 0.01), could significantly improve PA level. Specifically, it was found that role modeling (B = 0.68, p = 0.03) could significantly improve cognitive function. There were no significant interactions among the three implementation strategies. Role modeling was the most cost-effective strategy, costing 93.41 RMB for one unit of PA. Role modeling was likely to be the best implementation strategy. The value-based and cost-effective PA intervention package could include the core intervention (X-CircuiT and health education) and implementation strategy (role modeling). https://www.chictr.org.cn, The study was retrospectively registered on 30 June 2022 (ChiCTR2200061693).

Latent Class Analysis of Sleep in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients and its Influencing Factors.

Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) frequently experience sleep disorders, which may elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Yet, sleep types in MCI patients and the factors influencing them have not been sufficiently investigated. The objective of this study was to explore potential sleep typing and its influencing factors in patients with MCI using latent class analysis. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jiangsu Province, China. Cognitive function in older adults was assessed using neuropsychological tests, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale-Beijing version (MoCA), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL), and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Latent class analysis based on PSQI scores and multinomial logistic regression analyses were employed to explore the influencing factors of sleep typing. The study included a total of 611 patients with MCI. Latent class analysis identified three latent classes to categorize the sleep patterns of MCI patients: the good sleep type (56.6%), the insufficient sleep type (29.6%), and the difficulty falling asleep type (13.7%). Potential sleep typing is influenced by gender, chronic disease, physical exercise, social activity, brain exercise, smoking, frailty, subjective cognitive status, and global cognitive function. The findings of this study underscore the notable heterogeneity in the sleep patterns of patients with MCI. Future research may provide targeted prevention and interventions to address the characteristics and influencing factors of patients with different subtypes of sleep MCI.

LEGACY EFFECT OF EXERCISE TRAINING TRIALS ON COGNITION IN OLDER ADULTS: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS Exercise training trials consistently show efficacy for improving cognitive outcome in older adults, especially when the intervention is supervised. However, whether this improvement in cognition is sustained long-term (i.e. a legacy effect) is unknown. While this is likely impacted by long-term adherence to exercise, the legacy effect of exercise training trials on cognition has not been established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the literature and investigate the legacy effect of an exercise trial on cognitive function in older adults. METHODS A systematic review of the literature published in English was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, SPORTdiscus, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials electronic databases. Study screening and data extraction were undertaken by two independent researchers. The main inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trial design with non-exercise control, older adult cohort (average age ≥50 years), supervised exercise intervention and cognitive assessments at post-trial and follow up (≥3 months). Pairwise random-effects restricted maximum likelihood meta-analysis estimated the standardised mean difference (Hedges’ g) between intervention and control groups for each cognitive function outcomes at post-trial and follow-up. RESULTS A total of 12,539 articles were screened with 21 trials (n=2,504 participants aged 75.2±6.4 and mostly (56%) female) included in a meta-analysis. After 5.2±3.2 months, a legacy effect was seen with a small-to-moderate between-group effect for the cognitive domain of executive function favouring the exercise interventions (SMD=0.30, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.49; p=0.002). No effect was observed for other cognitive domains. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2) tool identified that 73.7% of the trials had “some concerns” and 26.3% had high risk for bias. CONCLUSION In older adults who received an exercise intervention there was a small-to-moderate legacy effect for improved executive function compared to controls, five months after trial completion.

Longitudinal examination of cognitive function in older adults after the death of a child

This study examined the relationship between the death of a child and cognitive function, considering how this association varies with the timing and number of losses. Utilizing four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, linear mixed models assessed the impact of child loss on cognition, while mediation analysis was conducted using the Karlson-Holm-Breen method. Findings indicate a detrimental effect of child loss on cognitive function, particularly for losses occurring before age 30 and after age 60. A dose-response relationship was noted, suggesting greater cognitive decline with increasing instances of child loss. Mediation analysis revealed that psychological distress, physical functioning limitations, and social engagement partly explain this link. Moreover, the negative effect was more significant in mothers. These insights underscore the need for targeted support and cognitive monitoring for bereaved parents.

The Effect of Different Dual-Task Balance Training Methods on Balance and Cognitive Function of Older Adults

Background: This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of different dual-task training methods on balance and cognitive function in the elderly. Methods: The participants in this study were 36 elderly individuals aged 65 years and older who met the research entry criteria. The selected individuals were divided into three groups, 12 people each, based on the pre-test Berg balance scores. The research groups included two dual-task balance training groups, one with fixed and one with variable priority, and a control group. The Berg balance test was used to assess functional balance in the elderly, and the serial reaction time test was used to assess cognitive function. Data analysis was conducted using covariance analysis and the Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: The data analysis showed no significant difference between the control group and the dual task groups with fixed and variable priority in the balance test. The serial reaction time test results indicated a significant difference between the control group and the dual-task practice groups with fixed and variable priority. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the two dual-task practice groups post-intervention. Conclusion: This research demonstrated that dual-task training, particularly with variable priority, resulted in faster information processing in the elderly. Therefore, it appears that, in addition to the theory of limited attention capacity, other mechanisms, such as the allocated attentional ability, can effectively impact cognitive performance.

Association of hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width ratio and cognition: A cross-sectional study

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the association between hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width ratio (HRR) and cognitive function. MethodsData, including cognition assessment, general characteristics, lifestyle attributes, disease-related factors, and blood indicators, were extracted from older people from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 database. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression. ResultsA total of 2452 participants were included, with 631(25.7 %) identified as having low-level cognition. HRR was significantly lower in the lower cognition group (P < 0.001) and positively associated with cognition score (P < 0.001). Multiple linear logistic regression analysis indicated that HRR remained associated with cognition even after adjusting for general characteristics, lifestyle attributes, disease-related factors, and blood indicators (P = 0.046). ConclusionLower HRR is an independent risk factor for low cognitive performance in older adults. However, further investigation is needed to elucidate the precise mechanism underlying the impact of HRR on cognitive function.

Accelerated epigenetic age is associated with whole-brain functional connectivity and impaired cognitive performance in older adults

While chronological age is a strong predictor for health-related risk factors, it is an incomplete metric that fails to fully characterize the unique aging process of individuals with different genetic makeup, neurodevelopment, and environmental experiences. Recent advances in epigenomic array technologies have made it possible to generate DNA methylation-based biomarkers of biological aging, which may be useful in predicting a myriad of cognitive abilities and functional brain network organization across older individuals. It is currently unclear which cognitive domains are negatively correlated with epigenetic age above and beyond chronological age, and it is unknown if functional brain organization is an important mechanism for explaining these associations. In this study, individuals with accelerated epigenetic age (i.e. AgeAccelGrim) performed worse on tasks that spanned a wide variety of cognitive faculties including both fluid and crystallized intelligence (N = 103, average age = 68.98 years, 73 females, 30 males). Additionally, fMRI connectome-based predictive models suggested a mediating mechanism of functional connectivity on epigenetic age acceleration-cognition associations primarily in medial temporal lobe and limbic structures. This research highlights the important role of epigenetic aging processes on the development and maintenance of healthy cognitive capacities and function of the aging brain.

Associations of Heavy Metals with Cognitive Function: An Epigenome-Wide View of DNA Methylation and Mediation Analysis.

Exposure to heavy metals has been reported to be associated with impaired cognitive function, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This pilot study aimed to identify key heavy metal elements associated with cognitive function and further explore the potential mediating role of metal-related DNA methylation. Blood levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper, manganese, and zinc and genome-wide DNA methylations were separately detected in peripheral blood in 155 older adults. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalized regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression were used to identify metals associated with cognitive function. An epigenome-wide association study examined the DNA methylation profile of the identified metal, and mediation analysis investigated its mediating role. The MMSE scores showed a significant decrease of 1.61 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.64, -0.59) with each 1 standard deviation increase in ln-transformed arsenic level; this association was significant in multiple-metal models and dominated the overall negative effect of 6 heavy metal mixture on cognitive function. Seventy-three differentially methylated positions were associated with blood arsenic (p < 1.0 × 10-5). The methylation levels at cg05226051 (annotated to TDRD3) and cg18886932 (annotated to GAL3ST3) mediated 24.8% and 25.5% of the association between blood arsenic and cognitive function, respectively (all p < 0.05). Blood arsenic levels displayed a negative association with the cognitive function of older adults. This finding shows that arsenic-related DNA methylation alterations are critical partial mediators that may serve as potential biomarkers for further mechanism-related studies. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:87-98.

Subjective sleep more predictive of global cognitive function than objective sleep in older adults: A specification curve analysis

ObjectivesSleep is associated with cognitive function in older adults. In the current study, we examined this relationship from subjective and objective perspectives, and determined the robustness and dimensional specificity of the associations using a comprehensive modelling approach. MethodsMultiple dimensions of subjective (sleep quality and daytime sleepiness) and objective sleep (sleep stages, sleep parameters, sleep spindles, and slow oscillations), as well as subjectively reported and objectively measured cognitive function were collected from 55 older adults. Specification curve analysis was used to examine the robustness of correlations for the effects of sleep on cognitive function. ResultsRobust associations were found between sleep and objectively measured cognitive function, but not with subjective cognitive complaints. In addition, subjective sleep showed robust and consistent associations with global cognitive function, whereas objective sleep showed a more domain-specific association with episodic memory. Specifically, subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness correlated with global cognitive function, and objective sleep parameters correlated with episodic memory. ConclusionsOverall, associations between sleep and cognitive function in older adults depend on how they are measured and which specific dimensions of sleep and domains of cognitive function are considered. It highlights the importance of focusing on specific associations to ameliorate the detrimental effects of sleep disturbance on cognitive function in later life.

Biomechanics of sit-to-stand with dual tasks in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment

BackgroundThe decline in cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may contribute to a change in movement pattern during sit-to-stand transitions (STS). However, when comparing older adults with MCI to older adults without MCI, there is a lack of evidence of kinematic and kinetic data during STS. Furthermore, while significant cognitive dual-task interference has been demonstrated in older adults with MCI, studies on the effects of dual motor tasks in MCI, particularly during STS, have not been reported. Research questionAre there any differences in the movement time, joint angles, and maximum joint moments while performing STS under single- and dual-task conditions in older adults with and without MCI? MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 70 participants were divided into two groups: older adults with MCI and without MCI. Motion analysis and a force plate system were used to collect and analyze the STS movement. All participants were asked to do the STS movement alone and the STS with a dual motor task with the self-selected pattern on an adjustable bench. ResultsOlder adults with MCI had greater maximum trunk flexion during STS with a dual task than older adults without MCI and greater than STS alone. Furthermore, older adults with MCI had a greater ankle plantar flexion moment during STS with a dual task than during STS alone. SignificanceEven though the STS task is one of the simplest functional activities, different strategies to achieve the STS action with dual tasks were found among older adults with and without MCI in terms of joint angle and joint moments.

Effects of dual-task resistance exercise on cognition, mood, depression, functional fitness, and activities of daily living in older adults with cognitive impairment: a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial

BackgroundRegular exercise is emphasized for the improvement of functional capacity and independence of older adults. This study aimed to compare the effects of a dual-task resistance exercise program and resistance exercise on cognition, mood, depression, physical function, and activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults with cognitive impairment.MethodsA total of 44 older adults participated in the study. Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 22) performing a dual-task resistance exercise program for cognitive function improvement and a control group (n = 22) performing a resistance exercise program. Both groups performed the exercise for 40 min per session, three times a week, for 6 weeks (18 sessions). Cognition, mood, depression, functional fitness, and ADL were quantified before and after the intervention using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), profile of mood states (POMS), geriatric depression scale (GDS), senior fitness test (SFT), and Korean version of ADL, respectively.ResultsThere was a significant time and group interaction on the MMSE (p = 0.044). There were no significant time and group interactions in the POMS, GDS, SFT, or ADL. Cognitive function (p < 0.001), mood (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), functional fitness (p < 0.001), and ADL (p < 0.001) significantly improved after dual-task resistance exercise, and cognitive function (p < 0.001), mood (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), functional fitness (p < 0.001), and ADL (p < 0.001) significantly improved after resistance exercise.ConclusionsDual-task resistance exercise is more effective than resistance exercise in improving cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment. Both dual-task resistance exercise and resistance exercise improves mood, depression, functional fitness, and ADL after the intervention. We propose using dual-task resistance exercises for cognitive and physical health management in the older adults with cognitive impairment.Trial registrationThis study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) (Registration ID, KCT0005389; Registration date, 09/09/2020).

The association between waist-to-height ratio and cognitive function in older adults

ABSTRACT Objectives The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a simple, practical, and effective tool used to assess central obesity. Despite its usefulness, few studies have investigated the association between WHtR and cognitive function among older adults in the United States. This study aims to investigate the associations between WHtR and cognitive function. Methods The study sample comprised adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2014. WHtR was calculated from measured waist circumference and height. Cognitive function was assessed using the digit symbol substitution test. A weighted multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between WHtR and cognitive function, with smooth curve fitting applied to detect non-linearities. Results Our analysis included 1709 participants over the age of 65. After adjusting for potential confounders, WHtR was found to have a negative association with cognitive function (β = −36.91, 95% CI: −54.54 to −19.29, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyzes stratified by sex and race showed that the negative correlation of WHtR with cognitive function remained in both men and women, as well as in non-Hispanic white and other races. Among women, the association between WHtR and cognitive function followed an inverted U-shaped curve, with an inflection point of 0.68. Conclusion This study provides evidence of a negative association between WHtR and cognitive function in older adults. These findings suggest that in advanced age, central obesity may have negative implications for cognitive function.

Exploring the Relationship of Leisure Travel with Loneliness, Depression, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults.

Loneliness, depression, and cognitive decline are pressing concerns among older adults. This study examines the association between leisure travel participation and these health outcomes in older adults, aiming to provide further evidence of the benefits of leisure travel. Using nationally representative historical data from the 2006 household survey of the Health and Retirement Study, this study conducted a series of regression analyses to investigate the relationship between traveling and the three health outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, race, marital status, education, total wealth, annual income, and difficulty with daily activities. The results reveal that travel patterns in terms of distance are significantly associated with loneliness, depression, and cognitive function. Long-distance travel is positively related to higher cognitive function and a reduction in depressive symptoms, along with lower levels of loneliness, reinforcing the notion that leisure travel can potentially act as a catalyst for improved cognitive and mental health by offering opportunities for enhancing social connections and forming new relationships. The findings on the relationships between participation in leisure travel and mental and cognitive health contribute to the body of evidence supporting the therapeutic value of leisure travel in promoting healthy aging and enhancing the overall well-being in older adults.

Association between the circulating very long-chain saturated fatty acid and cognitive function in older adults: findings from the NHANES

BackgroundAge-related cognitive decline has a significant impact on the health and longevity of older adults. Circulating very long-chain saturated fatty acids (VLSFAs) may actively contribute to the improvement of cognitive function. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between arachidic acid (20:0), docosanoic acid (22:0), tricosanoic acid (23:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0) with cognitive function in older adults.MethodsThis study used a dataset derived from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 806 adults (≥ 60 years) were included who underwent comprehensive cognitive testing and plasma fatty acid measurements. Multivariable linear regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and interaction analyses were used to assess associations between VLSFAs and cognitive function. Partial Spearman’ s correlation analysis was used to examine the correlations between VLSFAs and palmitic acid (16:0), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systemic inflammatory markers, and dietary nutrients.ResultsMultivariable linear regression analysis, adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical conditions, and lifestyle factors, showed that 22:0 and 24:0 levels were positively associated with better global cognitive function (β = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01, 0.73; β = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.29, 1.2, respectively) as well as better CEARD-DR Z-score (β = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.36, 1.3 and β = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.63, 1.8, respectively). RCS analysis showed linear associations between higher 22:0 and 24:0 levels and better cognitive performance in both global cognitive function and CERAD-DR tests.ConclusionsThe study suggests that higher levels of 22:0 and 24:0 are associated with better global cognitive function in older adults. 22:0 and 24:0 may be important biomarkers for recognizing cognitive impairment, and supplementation with specific VLSFAs (22:0 and 24:0) may be an important intervention to improve cognitive function. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms between VLSFAs and cognitive function.

Depressive symptoms and cognitive decline in older adults.

Few studies have examined the impact of late-life depression trajectories on specific domains of cognitive function. This study aims to delineate how different depressive symptom trajectories specifically affect cognitive function in older adults. Prospective longitudinal cohort study. Australia and the United States of America. In total, 11,035 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 75 years. Depressive trajectories were modelled from depressive symptoms according to annual Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale 10 (CES-D-10) surveys. Four trajectories of depressive symptoms were identified: low ("nondepressed"), consistently mild ("subthreshold depression"), consistently moderate ("persistent depression"), and initially low but increasing ("emerging depression"). Global cognition (Modified Mini-Mental State Examination [3MS]), verbal fluency (Controlled Oral Word Association Test [COWAT]), processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test [SDMT]), episodic memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised [HVLT-R]), and a composite z-score were assessed over a subsequent median 2 years. Subthreshold depression predicted impaired performance on the SDMT (Cohen's d -0.04) and composite score (-0.03); emerging depression predicted impaired performance on the SDMT (-0.13), HVLT-R (-0.09), 3 MS (-0.08) and composite score (-0.09); and persistent depression predicted impaired performance on the SDMT (-0.08), 3 MS (-0.11), and composite score (-0.09). Depressive symptoms are associated with later impaired processing speed. These effects are small. Diverse depression trajectories have different impacts on cognitive function.

Perceived Stress, Blood Biomarkers, and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults.

There is a substantial gap in knowledge regarding how perceived stress may influence the relationship between serum-measured biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. This study consists of 1118 older adult participants from the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP) (60% Black participants and 63% female participants). Linear mixed effects regression models were conducted to examine the role of perceived stress in the association between three blood biomarkers: total tau (t-tau), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) on global cognitive decline. Stratified analysis by stress level was also conducted to evaluate the associations between each blood biomarker and baseline cognitive function and decline. All models adjusted for age, race, sex, education, time, and their interactions with time. The interaction of stress, NfL concentration, and time was statistically significant on global cognition ( β = -0.064 [SE = 0.028], p = .023) and on episodic memory ( β = -0.097 [SE = 0.036], p = .007). Greater stress level worsens the association between high NfL concentration and cognitive decline. Stress management interventions may be helpful to reduce the rate of cognitive decline in individuals with high concentrations of NfL.

Resistance training's impact on blood biomarkers and cognitive function in older adults with low and high risk of mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe aging brain exhibits a neuroinflammatory state, driven partly by peripheral pro-inflammatory stimuli, that accelerates cognitive deterioration. A growing body of evidence clearly indicates that physical exercise partly alleviates neuroinflammation and positively affects the aging process and cognition. In this randomized controlled trial, we aimed to observe the effect of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on peripheral biomarker levels, cognitive function changes and their interrelationship, and explore differences in those exercise-induced changes in older adults with high risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to older adults with low risk of MCI.MethodsFifty-two participants (aged 60–85 years old, 28 female) were randomly allocated to a 12 week lower limb RT program consisting of two training sessions per week or waiting list control group. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to stratify participants screened as high (< 26/30) or low risk (≥ 26/30) of MCI. We assessed serum Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), and Kynurenine (KYN) levels. Cognitive measurement consisted of and four subtests of Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM), the two-choice reaction time, go/no-go, mathematical processing, and memory search test.ResultsTwelve weeks of RT improved Go/No-go test results in older adults with high MCI risk. RT did not significantly affect blood biomarkers. However, IGF-1 level increases were associated with improvements in response time on the mathematical processing test in the exercise group, and IL-6 level increases were associated with improvements in response time on the memory search test in the total group of participants. Finally, KYN levels significantly differed between older adults with low and high MCI risk but no significant associations with performance were found.ConclusionOur study results suggest a different effect of RT on inhibitory control between older adults with low compared to high MCI risk. IGF-1 may play a role in the mechanism behind the cognitive benefit of RT and KYN may be a surrogate biomarker for neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.

Associations between cognitive function and lifestyle in community-living older people: a correlational study

BackgroundPrevious studies have examined relationship between cognitive function and lifestyle; however, the nature of this relationship is expected to vary in diverse cultural and low-income setting where lifestyle practices differ from those in high-income countries.AimThis study aims to investigate the correlation between lifestyle factors and cognitive function among individuals aged 60 years and older in 2021.MethodsThis cross-sectional, Community-based study involved 300 older adults from comprehensive urban health centers in Khorramabad, Iran, selected through stratified cluster sampling. Data were collected using the demographic information questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Lifestyle Questionnaire. Data management and analysis were performed using SPSS (version 22) and independent t-tests, Pearson's correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were used. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe study included 156 males (52%) and 144 females (48%). Findings revealed a significant correlation between cognitive function and lifestyle (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that physical health, environmental health, exercise, accident prevention, and avoidance of medication exerted the most significant positive effect on cognitive function. Conversely, social health exhibited a notable negative influence on cognitive function. (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe results suggest that specific aspects of lifestyle, such as physical health, accident prevention, and avoidance of medication are associated with cognitive function in older adults. Consequently, lifestyle promotion programs may enhance cognitive function and improve the quality of life among older adults.

Sex-difference in the association between social drinking, structural brain aging and cognitive function in older individuals free of cognitive impairment.

We investigated a potential sex difference in the relationship between alcohol consumption, brain age gap and cognitive function in older adults without cognitive impairment from the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. Self-reported alcohol consumption was collected using the food-frequency questionnaire. A battery of cognitive testing assessed performance in four different domains: attention, memory, language, and visuospatial. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted using 3-T scanners (Signa; GE Healthcare). Brain age was estimated using the Brain-Age Regression Analysis and Computational Utility Software (BARACUS). We calculated the brain age gap as the difference between predicted brain age and chronological age. The sample consisted of 269 participants [55% men (n=148) and 45% women (n=121) with a mean age of 79.2 ± 4.6 and 79.5 ± 4.7 years respectively]. Women had significantly better performance compared to men in memory, (1.12 ± 0.87 vs 0.57 ± 0.89, P<0.0001) language (0.66 ± 0.8 vs 0.33 ± 0.72, P=0.0006) and attention (0.79 ± 0.87 vs 0.39 ± 0.83, P=0.0002) z-scores. Men scored higher in visuospatial skills (0.71 ± 0.91 vs 0.44 ± 0.90, P=0.016). Compared to participants who reported zero alcohol drinking (n=121), those who reported alcohol consumption over the year prior to study enrollment (n=148) scored significantly higher in all four cognitive domains [memory: F3,268=5.257, P=0.002, Language: F3,258=12.047, P<0.001, Attention: F3,260=22.036, P<0.001, and Visuospatial: F3,261=9.326, P<0.001] after correcting for age and years of education. In addition, we found a significant positive correlation between alcohol consumption and the brain age gap (P=0.03). Post hoc regression analysis for each sex with language z-score revealed a significant negative correlation between brain age gap and language z-scores in women only (P=0.008). Among older adults who report alcohol drinking, there is a positive association between higher average daily alcohol consumption and accelerated brain aging despite the fact that drinkers had better cognitive performance compared to zero drinkers. In women only, accelerated brain aging is associated with worse performance in language cognitive domain. Older adult women seem to be vulnerable to the negative effects of alcohol on brain structure and on certain cognitive functions.

Exposure to ambient air pollution and cognitive function: an analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing cohort

BackgroundAn increasing number of studies suggest adverse effects of exposure to ambient air pollution on cognitive function, but the evidence is still limited. We investigated the associations between long-term exposure to air pollutants and cognitive function in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) cohort of older adults.MethodsOur sample included 8,883 individuals from ELSA, based on a nationally representative study of people aged ≥ 50 years, followed-up from 2002 until 2017. Exposure to air pollutants was modelled by the CMAQ-urban dispersion model and assigned to the participants’ residential postcodes. Cognitive test scores of memory and executive function were collected biennially. The associations between these cognitive measures and exposure to ambient concentrations of NO2, PM10, PM2.5 and ozone were investigated using mixed-effects models adjusted for time-varying age, physical activity and smoking status, as well as baseline gender and level of education.ResultsIncreasing long-term exposure per interquartile range (IQR) of NO2 (IQR: 13.05 μg/m3), PM10 (IQR: 3.35 μg/m3) and PM2.5 (IQR: 2.7 μg/m3) were associated with decreases in test scores of composite memory by -0.10 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.14, -0.07), -0.02 [-0.04, -0.01] and -0.08 [-0.11, -0.05], respectively. The same increases in NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 were associated with decreases in executive function score of -0.31 [-0.38, -0.23], -0.05 [-0.08, -0.02] and -0.16 [-0.22, -0.10], respectively. The association with ozone was inverse across both tests. Similar results were reported for the London-dwelling sub-sample of participants.ConclusionsThe present study was based on a long follow-up with several repeated measurements per cohort participant and long-term air pollution exposure assessment at a fine spatial scale. Increasing long-term exposure to NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 was associated with a decrease in cognitive function in older adults in England. This evidence can inform policies related to modifiable environmental exposures linked to cognitive decline.