Cognitive Syndrome Research Articles

Associations of social connections and motoric cognitive risk syndrome: A 4-year prospective cohort study.

Associations of social connections and motoric cognitive risk syndrome: A 4-year prospective cohort study.

Social frailty and the incidence of motoric cognitive risk syndrome in older adults.

Various associations between social factors and motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) have been reported. However, whether social frailty (integrated from multiple social factors) is associated with MCR is still unclear. We included 4657 individuals without MCR at Round 1 of the NHATS as the discovery sample, and 3075 newly recruited individuals from Round 5 of the NHATS as the independent validation sample. Social frailty was assessed by five social items. MCR was defined as the presence of both subjective cognitive complaints and slow gait speed in individuals without dementia or mobility disability. Compared with normal individuals, those with social frailty had higher risk of incident MCR (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-1.84). Each additional unfavorable social item was associated with an increased risk of MCR (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.22-1.43). Social frailty was associated with an increased risk of incident MCR in older adults. Various associations between social factors and motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) have been reported. Social frailty that integrated from multiple social factors was associated with an increased risk of incident MCR. Social frailty should be included in the early screening of individuals to identify those at higher risk of MCR.

'I felt like I'd lost control of everything': An exploration of metacognition and masculinity in men experiencing suicidality.

Seventy-five per cent of UK suicides are completed by men, and associated masculinity beliefs are well researched. The self-regulatory executive functioning (S-REF) model of distress is governed by metacognitive beliefs about mental processes, such as worry and rumination. Little is known about metacognition in male suicidality and how these processes interact with masculinity beliefs, suicidal ideation and behaviour. To identify which aspects of the S-REF model were present in a sample of men experiencing suicidality, and to consider how these processes interact with masculinity beliefs, suicidal ideation and behaviour. Fifteen men experiencing suicidal ideation or behaviour were recruited from a home-based treatment team. Semi-structured interviews and self-report measures were administered to identify metacognitive processes and masculinity beliefs. Interviews were analysed using the framework approach. The S-REF model was identified across three super-ordinate themes; 'the cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS) and maladaptive coping', 'metacognitive beliefs about worry, uncontrollability and danger' and 'consequences'. Thirteen sub-ordinate themes included processes such as 'worry' and 'rumination', metacognitive beliefs such as 'worrying helps me avoid problems' and 'worry is dangerous for me' and emotional consequences such as 'overwhelm', 'emasculation' and 'escape'. Perseverative thinking and erroneous metacognitive beliefs were associated with reduced functioning, which was incompatible with masculinity beliefs about leadership and strength, and suicide was considered as re-establishing control. Further research into metacognitive processes in male suicidality would enhance theoretical understanding.

Bibliometric Trends and Thematic Areas in Research on Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome in Children: A Comprehensive Review.

This study aims to explore trends and principal research areas in the literature on Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) in children aged 0-17 from a macro perspective. A total of 236 studies, selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, formed the data source for this research. We conducted a bibliometric analysis to examine the growth of CDS literature and to identify the most productive countries, relevant journals and publications, and trending topics. Additionally, through content analysis, we identified general research themes, sample trends, and methodologies used in these studies. Our findings reveal that the relatively new field of CDS research is expanding. Our thematic analysis shows that the literature on CDS covers a broad spectrum of research topics, addressing various facets of the syndrome and identifying current research themes. The existing studies highlight the complex nature of CDS and its diverse cognitive, psychological, and neurological impacts. Our results also suggest that while research is more prevalent in certain age groups, there is a need to encompass a wider demographic range, considering CDS's potential impact across different life stages. This bibliometric analysis offers a comprehensive review of the current knowledge in the CDS field, providing a valuable resource for researchers. Our analyses and findings can guide future research in this area and suggest approaches for broader study frameworks. It is anticipated that ongoing and future research in the CDS field will incorporate these insights to more effectively address the syndrome's varied aspects and consequences.

A Multi-Method Examination of Peer Functioning in Children with and without Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome.

Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) includes excessive daydreaming, mental confusion, and hypoactive behaviors that are distinct from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder inattentive (ADHD-IN) symptoms. A growing number of studies indicate that CDS symptoms may be associated with ratings of social withdrawal. However, it is important to examine this association in children specifically recruited for the presence or absence of CDS, and to incorporate multiple methods including direct observations of peer interactions. The current study builds on previous research by recruiting children with and without clinically elevated CDS symptoms and using a multi-method, multi-informant design including recess observations and parent, teacher, and child rating scales. Participants were 207 children in grades 2-5 (63.3% male), including 103 with CDS and 104 without CDS, closely matched on grade and sex. Controlling for family income, medication status, internalizing symptoms, and ADHD-IN severity, children with CDS were observed during recess to spend more time alone or engaging in parallel play, as well as less time involved in direct social interactions, than children without CDS. Children with CDS were also rated by teachers as being more asocial, shy, and socially disinterested than children without CDS. Although children with and without CDS did not differ on parent- or self-report ratings of shyness or social disinterest, children with CDS rated themselves as lonelier than children without CDS. Findings indicate that children with CDS have a distinct profile of peer functioning and point to the potential importance of targeting withdrawal in interventions for youth with elevated CDS symptoms.

Exploring Subfactors of Adult Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome and Impact on Neuropsychological Performance

Objective: This study investigated subfactors of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS; previously referred as sluggish cognitive tempo) among adults referred for neuropsychological evaluation of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: Retrospective analyses of data from 164 outpatient neuropsychological evaluations examined associations between CDS subfactors and self-reported psychological symptoms and cognitive performance. Results: Factor analysis produced two distinct but positively correlated constructs: “Cognitive Complaints’’ and “Lethargy.” Both correlated positively with symptom reports (rs = 0.26–0.57). Cognitive Complaints correlated negatively with working memory, processing speed, and executive functioning performance (rs = −0.21 to −0.37), whereas Lethargy correlated negatively only with processing speed and executive functioning performance (rs = −0.26 to −0.42). Both predicted depression symptoms, but only Cognitive Complaints predicted inattention symptoms. Both subfactors demonstrated modest to nonsignificant associations with cognitive performance after accounting for estimated premorbid intelligence and inattention. Conclusion: Findings indicate a bidimensional conceptualization of CDS, with differential associations between its constituent subfactors, reported symptoms, and cognitive performance.

Incidence of Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome and Associated Factors in Older Adults in Türkiye.

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCRS) is characterized by slow gait and subjective cognitive decline. It is a predementia syndrome associated with an increased risk of dementia and mortality. To investigate the incidence of MCRS and its associated factors in older adults in Türkiye. A retrospective study. This study enrolled community-dwelling older adults admitted to the geriatric outpatient clinic. Participants were assessed for MCRS according to previously described criteria. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association among MCRS and demographic features, clinical status, and geriatric syndromes. Of the 1,352 older adults examined, 577 met the inclusion criteria, and the mean age was 75.2 years. The overall incidence of MCRS was 7.8%. The MCRS group was predominantly older, female, and unmarried, with polypharmacy and higher Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index and Yesavage geriatric depression scale scores than the non-MCRS group. In the multivariate model, significant associations were found between MCRS and age and polypharmacy [odds ratios (OR), 2.22; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-4.71, p = 0.039; OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.02-3.99, p = 0.043, respectively]. The overall incidence of MCRS was found in 7.8% of older adults. Advanced age and polypharmacy are risk factors associated with MCRS.

The Challenges of Distinguishing Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome from Childhood Absence Epilepsy in Clinical Settings

ABSTRACT We evaluated clinical parameters distinguishing cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) and childhood absence epilepsy (CAE). 40 children with CDS, 27 with CAE, and 41 controls aged 7-12 were compared regarding sleep problems, CDS, and ADHD symptoms. CDS-sluggishness symptoms, but not CDS-daydreaming symptoms, were significantly higher in CDS group than CAE group. CDS scale provided a weak discrimination value between CDS and CAE. Sleep problems and ADHD symptoms were similar between the two clinical entities. These findings highlight that CDS and CAE might have overlapping symptoms. ‘Daydreaming’ symptoms but not ‘sluggishness’ symptoms seem to be main overlapping manifestations between CDS and CAE.

Emotional Regulation Problems in Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (formerly Sluggish Cognitive Tempo), Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety and Depression.

Parents have reported emotional regulation problems in cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The first objective of this research was to explore the differences between the parents' ratings on CDS, ADHD, hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention, anxiety, depression and emotional dysregulation. The second one was to compare the predictive capacity of CDS and ADHD over anxiety, depression and emotional regulation problems. The third one was to analyze the mediation of emotional dysregulation in CDS, ADHD, hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention, and anxiety and depression. The sampling used was non-probabilistic. The final sample consisted of 1,070 participants (484 fathers and 586 mothers) who completed the Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC) and the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI). In relation to the first objective, first, mothers reported more emotional regulation problems in children than in fathers. Second, emotional regulation problems were more strongly correlated with hyperactivity/impulsivity. Significant differences were found in all father scores, except for anxiety and the emotional regulation subscale. Regarding mothers, significant differences were only observed in ADHD scores, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and depression. Both parents reported more problems in older children, except for hyperactivity/impulsivity scores and ADHD rated by mothers. According to the second objective, CDS scores were found to significantly predict anxiety and depression scores, but not those of inattention or emotional regulation problems. Finally, in relation to the third objective, emotional regulation problems mediated the relationships between CDS, ADHD, and anxiety and depression. In conclusion, the data support the importance of emotional regulation problems in understanding CDS and its relationship with ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

A feasibility randomized controlled trial of a community-level physical activity strategy for older adults with motoric cognitive risk syndrome.

The motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a syndrome characterized by subjective memory complaints and slow walking speeds that can identify older adults at increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia (ADRD). To date, the feasibility of community-based physical activity (PA) programs for improving outcomes in MCR have yet to be examined. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a translational randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing 24-weeks of PA to a healthy aging education (HE) control intervention delivered within the infrastructure of an urban senior center in Greater Boston (clincaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03750682). An existing senior center employee was trained to administer the multimodal group-based PA program that included moderate-intensity aerobic walking, strength, flexibility and balance training. A total of 79 older adults attended the senior center for a screening visit, of whom 29 met the MCR criteria and 25 were randomized to PA or HE (mean age: 74.4 ± 7years; BMI: 32.4 ± 7kg/m2; 85% female; 3MSE score: 92.4 ± 7; gait speed: 0.52 ± 0.1m/s; SPPB score 4.8 ± 1.9). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the study was stopped prematurely. Participants could successfully adhere to the study interventions (overall attendance rate: PA: 69% vs. HE:70% at study termination). Participants also successfully completed baseline and follow-up study assessments that included a computerized cognitive testing battery and objective tests of physical performance and functional exercise capacity. No study-related adverse events occurred. Notable trends for improved cognitive performance, gait speed and 6-min walk distance were exhibited in PA compared to HE. Our study provides important preliminary information to aid the design of larger-scale RCTs of PA that may help to preserve the independence of vulnerable older adults at high risk for ADRD in community-based settings.

Mechanisms underlying delirium in patients with critical illness.

Delirium is an acute, global cognitive disorder syndrome, also known as acute brain syndrome, characterized by disturbance of attention and awareness and fluctuation of symptoms. Its incidence is high among critically ill patients. Once patients develop delirium, it increases the risk of unplanned extubation, prolongs hospital stay, increases the risk of nosocomial infection, post-intensive care syndrome-cognitive impairment, and even death. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand how delirium occurs and to reduce the incidence of delirium in critically ill patients. This paper reviews the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of delirium in critically ill patients, with the aim of better understanding its pathophysiological processes, guiding the formulation of effective prevention and treatment strategies, providing a basis for clinical medication.

Relationship between prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases, self-reported memory loss, and self-reported depressed mood of older adults in Korea according to frailty and physical activity status

As the older population increases worldwide, frailty is the area of research that deserve further investigation and is considered a major social and public health concern. Frailty appears physically and mentally, and recently, the term cognitive frailty has been used to combine physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment syndrome. Frailty in older adults is characterized by low physical activity levels and a sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity is essential in managing mental health issues such as depression and can improve the executive function and memory of older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases, self-reported memory loss, and depression among older adults in Korea according to frailty and physical activity status. Using data from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey, this study analyzed 613 community-dwelling older males aged ≥65 years. Physical activity was measured using a Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. A health-related quality of life instrument with eight items (HINT-8) was used to assess self-reported memory loss and depressed mood. Relationships between physical activity levels, self-reported memory loss and depressed mood were analyzed using logistic regression. The incidence of HINT-8 memory (0.52 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32–0.85)) was significantly lower in the Physical Activity Level (PAL)-high/pre-frail; the incidence of HINT-8 depression (0.35 (95% CI: 0.21–0.59); 0.29 (95% CI: 0.17–0.52)) was significantly lower in the and PAL-high/pre-frail. We verified that the group with PAL-low/frail had the highest self-reported memory loss and depressed mood, suggesting that more physical activity may reduce self-reported memory loss and depressed mood among frail older males in Korea. However further research is needed to analyze the level of physical activity separately between work and leisure.

Functional transcranial dopplerography is a diagnostic tool for cognitive impairment syndrome

Functional transcranial dopplerography (FTCD) is a non-invasive ultrasound examination that allows recording the dynamics of cerebral blood flow parameters under conditions of factors stimulated the activity of the structures of the central nervous system. Judgments about the sensitivity and specificity of FTCD are based on the close connection between changes in the activity of the nervous (somatic) system and the response of regional cerebral blood flow (CBF). The technique is a portable and accessible diagnostic method used in assessing the possibility of expanding functional activity during the recovery period after a stroke. An increase in mental activity in response to the presentation of a cognitive task, accompanied by an increase in glucose and oxygen consumption and naturally requiring an increase in cerebral perfusion parameters, can also be assessed by changes in regional blood flow parameters while maintaining the reactive mechanisms of autoregulation. A search of literature sources was carried out in the electronic databases PubMed and Scopus. For the subject search, Medical Subject Headings were used. A total of 36 sources that mentioned the terms «cognitive function» and «functional transcranial Doppler» were selected for preliminary analysis. At the present stage, methodological problems are obvious, requiring the development and implementation of a standard package of targeted functional tests to assess cognitive status. Available equipment and software require technological solutions to ensure objective recording of changes in cerebral blood flow during testing and training.

Non-Controlled Clinical Efficacy Study Following Brain Six Complex Extractⓒ Administration in Dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Non-Controlled Clinical Efficacy Study Following Brain Six Complex Extract^ⓒ Administration in Dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

FEASIBILITY OF A COMMUNITY-LEVEL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY STRATEGY FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH MOTORIC COGNITIVE RISK SYNDROME

Abstract The motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a pre-dementia syndrome characterized by slow walking speeds and subjective memory complaints. To date, the feasibility of a community-based physical activity (PA) program for improving outcomes in MCR has not been examined. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a translational randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 24-weeks of PA or a healthy aging education (HE) control intervention delivered within the existing infrastructure of an urban senior center in Greater Boston. A senior center employee was trained to administer the multimodal group-based PA program that included moderate-intensity aerobic walking, strength, flexibility and balance training. A total of 79 older adults attended the senior center for a screening visit of whom 25 met the MCR criteria and were randomized to PA or HE (mean age: 74.4 ± 7 yrs; BMI: 32.4 ± 7 kg/m2; 85% female; 3MSE score: 92.4 ± 7; gait speed: 0.52 ± 0.1 m/sec; SPPB score 4.8 ± 1.9). Due to COVID-19 the study was terminated early, however participants successfully completed baseline and follow-up study assessments that included objective tests of physical function and an iPad-based cognitive testing battery. Participants could appropriately adhere to the study interventions (overall attendance rate: PA: 69.3% vs. HE:70.1% at study termination). No study-related adverse events occurred. Trends for improved executive cognitive performance were exhibited in PA compared to HE. Our study provides important preliminary information to aid the design of larger-scale RCTs to preserve the independence of vulnerable older adults with MCR in community-based settings.

TRAJECTORIES OF MOTORIC COGNITIVE RISK SYNDROME AND INCIDENT DEMENTIA IN SCOTLAND

Abstract Background Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) - objective slow gait and subjective cognitive complaints - is quick and easy to measure, making it a potentially useful clinical tool for identifying those at high risk of developing dementia. This is the first exploration of MCR syndrome’s predictive ability for incident dementia in a Scottish cohort (Lothian Birth Cohort 1936) and the first examination of the various trajectories of MCR. Method: We classified a total of 680 community-dwelling participants (mean [SD] age 76.3 [0.8] years) free from dementia into non-MCR or MCR groups. We used cox proportional hazard methods to evaluate the risk of developing all-cause dementia in the years following MCR diagnosis, adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity index, apolipoprotein E status, physical activity level, and years of education. We analysed the trajectories for everyone with MCR by tracking their outcomes over 9 years. Result: The prevalence of MCR at baseline was 5.6% (n=38/680). After 9 years of follow-up, 11.6% (n=79/680) of the total cohort developed dementia. The presence of MCR increased the risk of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio 2.37 [95%CI 1.06-5.32; p=0.0359]). The trajectories of those with MCR at baseline were: i) reverted to healthy (n=6/38), ii) ongoing MCR (n=13/38), iii) progressed to dementia (n=9/38), or iv) died (n=10/38). Conclusion MCR could identify a target group for early interventions of modifiable risk factors to prevent incident dementia. Individuals with MCR follow similar trajectories to the related predementia syndrome, Mild Cognitive Impairment.

IDENTIFYING MARKERS OF NEURODEGENERATION FOR MOTORIC COGNITIVE RISK SYNDROME

Abstract Cognitive disorders, particularly dementia, are a major cause of disability in the elderly population. Gait disturbances, decreased grip strength and memory complaints are early signs of dementia that can occur well before the disease manifests. To better understand the close interactions between the physical and cognitive domains, the concept of Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCRS) has been proposed. We had 25 older adults (10 cognitively unimpaired and 15 with MCRS) generate multiple force pulses at 15% of their maximum voluntary contraction with a fixed duration of 2 seconds for each pulse in which participants must rely on visual spatial abilities to gauge the amount force required in real-time to reach the criterion target. We also assessed neurofilament light chain levels also a blood-based marker of neuronal loss. Our results indicate the MCRS group demonstrated blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) hyperactivity in visual cortical/hippocampal regions, parahippocampal regions, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The MCRS group also demonstrated BOLD hypoactivity in primarily involved with movement, such as cerebellar lobules, supplementary motor areas, middle frontal gyrus, and prefrontal cortex areas.be useful in tracking disease progression. We also found a significant strong positive correlation (0.83) between serum NFL levels and Right BOLD coefficients only for the CI group. This finding suggests that these motor task fMRI measures may be specific in tracking neurodegeneration in MCRS group. Overall, the current preliminary findings provide novel insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying early changes in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

SOCIAL DISCONNECTION, EPIGENETIC AGING, AND MOTORIC COGNITIVE RISK SYNDROME: A CAUSAL MEDIATION ANALYSIS

Abstract Social isolation and loneliness are two different aspects of social disconnection. Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), a preclinical phase of dementia, is characterized by memory complaints and slow gait. It is unclear how social disconnection relates to MCR and its underlying mechanisms. Using data from Health and Retirement Study 2012-2020, we aimed to 1) examine the association between social isolation and loneliness and MCR and 2) investigate whether accelerated epigenetic aging mediates this association. We measured social isolation and loneliness at baseline (2012-2014) and epigenetic aging in 2016 using three DNA methylation-based measures (GrimAge, PhenoAge, and DunedinPoAm38), and recorded the incidence of MCR in 2016-2020. We used Cox proportional hazard models to investigate the association between social disconnection and MCR, and counterfactual mediation analysis to examine the role of epigenetic aging. Our sample consisted of 3,287 participants without MCR, with 678 developed MCR during follow-up. Our results showed that social isolation was significantly associated with an older GrimAge, a faster aging pace (DunedinPoAm38), and higher risks of MCR (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.10-1.68), while loneliness was associated with faster DunedinPoAm38 aging pace but not MCR (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.79-1.14). Further, GrimAge mediated 16% of the effect of social isolation (Indirect Effect HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.15), and DunedinPoAm38 mediated 11% (Indirect Effect HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10). Findings suggest that epigenetic aging is a biological mechanism that underlies the association between social isolation and MCR. Further research is necessary to identify strategies to reduce social isolation for dementia prevention.

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT, FALLS, AND DEMENTIA: NOVEL APPROACHES FOR EARLIER DETECTION AND MORE EFFECTIVE INTERVENTION

Abstract This symposium will discuss novel digital approaches for the remote assessment of cognitive status and detection of fall risk in older adults. We will then describe several emerging digital exercise, ballroom dancing, and other non-invasive intervention strategies targeted for vulnerable older populations at increased risk for falling, or developing cognitive impairment and dementia. Collectively, we posit that these innovative detection and intervention strategies hold significant potential as more effective and scalable approaches for identifying cognitive impairment, preventing falls, and mitigating cognitive decline in high-risk older adults. In presentation 1, Roque et al. examines the utility of ecological momentary cognitive assessment and its potential as a digital biomarker of cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults. In presentation 2, Mahoney et al. discusses the development and clinical potential of a novel digital health app, CatchU®, that remotely captures visual-somatosensory integration performance to detect fall propensity in older adults. In presentation 3, Bajdek et al. describes the feasibility of a 12-week digitally delivered home-based fall prevention exercise program for older adults with elevated fall risk. In presentation 4, Blumen et al. report preliminary efficacy and mechanistic findings from a randomized trial of social ballroom dancing in older adults at increased risk for dementia. In presentation 5, Reid et al. describes the feasibility of a real-world community-level physical activity intervention for older adults with motoric cognitive risk syndrome. The discussant, Dr. Verghese, will integrate the key findings from these studies, discuss their theoretical and methodological contributions, and consider future research directions.

Longitudinal Analysis of Canine Oral Microbiome Using Whole Genome Sequencing in Aging Companion Dogs.

Aged companion dogs have a high prevalence of periodontal disease and canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) and the two disorders are correlated. Similarly, periodontal disease and Alzheimer's Disease are correlated in people. However, little is known about the oral microbiota of aging dogs. The goal of this project was to characterize the longitudinal changes in oral microbiota in aged dogs. Oral swabs were taken from ten senior client-owned dogs on 2-3 occasions spanning 24 months and they underwent whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing. Cognitive status was established at each sampling time. A statistically significant increase in alpha diversity for bacterial and fungal species was observed between the first and last study visits. Bacteroidetes and proteobacteria were the most abundant bacterial phyla. Porphyromonas gulae was the most abundant bacterial species (11.6% of total reads). The species Lactobacillus gasseri had a statistically significant increase in relative abundance with age whereas Leptotrichia sp. oral taxon 212 had a statistically significant positive longitudinal association with cognition score. There is an increased fungal and bacterial alpha diversity in aging dogs over time and nearly universal oral dysbiosis. The role of the oral microbiota, particularly Leptotrichia and P. gulae and P. gingivalis, in aging and CCDS warrants further investigation.