Decline In Speed Research Articles

Exploring the dynamic interplay between learning and working memory within various cognitive contexts.

The intertwined relationship between reinforcement learning and working memory in the brain is a complex subject, widely studied across various domains in neuroscience. Research efforts have focused on identifying the specific brain areas responsible for these functions, understanding their contributions in accomplishing the related tasks, and exploring their adaptability under conditions such as cognitive impairment or aging. Numerous models have been introduced to formulate either these two subsystems of reinforcement learning and working memory separately or their combination and relationship in executing cognitive tasks. This study adopts the RLWM model as a computational framework to analyze the behavioral parameters of subjects with varying cognitive abilities due to age or cognitive status. A related RLWM task is employed to assess a group of subjects across different age groups and cognitive abilities, as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool (MoCA). Analysis reveals a decline in overall performance accuracy and speed with differing age groups (young vs. middle-aged). Significant differences are observed in model parameters such as learning rate, WM decay, and decision noise. Furthermore, among the middle-aged group, distinctions emerge between subjects categorized as normal vs. MCI based on MoCA scores, notably in speed, performance accuracy, and decision noise.

Association of dietary protein intake, inflammation with muscle mass, physical performance and incident sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older adults

ObjectivesInflammation and impaired muscle synthesis are important factors of sarcopenia. Plant protein may reduce inflammation but may not be as efficient as animal protein in providing essential amino acids. We therefore examined the associations between dietary protein intake and changes in muscle mass and physical performance, incident sarcopenia, and the interaction effect of inflammation. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingThe Mr. OS and Ms. OS (Hong Kong) cohort. ParticipantsA total of 2,811 sarcopenia-free participants and 569 sarcopenia participants aged ≥65 years were recruited from communities. MeasurementsDietary protein intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured. Linear regression examined the associations between dietary protein intake and 4-year changes in muscle mass and physical performance. Cox regression examined the association between dietary protein intake and incident sarcopenia. ResultsHigher plant protein intake, but not total and animal protein, was associated with less decline in muscle mass and gait speed among sarcopenia-free participants. Conversely, higher ratio of animal-to-plant protein was associated with reduced muscle mass loss among participants with sarcopenia. The highest tertile of plant protein intake was associated with lower incident sarcopenia risk (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57−0.98; P-trend = 0.034) compared to the lowest tertile. Notably, this association was observed among participants with higher serum hs-CRP levels (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34−0.95), but not in those with lower hs-CRP levels. ConclusionDietary animal and plant protein intake have differential associations with muscle mass and physical performance in older adults with and without sarcopenia. The role of plant protein in preventing sarcopenia involves modulation of inflammation.

Associations of Neurological Biomarkers in Serum With Gait Measures: The Cardiovascular Health Study.

Gait impairment leads to increased mobility decline and may have neurological contributions. This study explores how neurological biomarkers are related to gait in older adults. We studied participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a population-based cohort of older Americans, who underwent a serum biomarker assessment from samples collected in 1996-1997 for neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein, ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1, and total tau (n = 1959, mean age = 78.0 years, 60.8% female). In a subsample (n = 380), cross-sectional associations with quantitative gait measures were explored. This subsample was assessed on a mat for gait speed, step length, double support time, step time, step length variability, and step time variability. Gait speed was also measured over a 15-ft walkway annually from 1996-1997 to 1998-1999 for longitudinal analyses. Linear regression models assessed cross-sectional associations of biomarkers with gait measures, whereas mixed effects models assessed longitudinal gait speed change from baseline to 1998-1999. Neurofilament light chain was significantly associated with annual gait speed decline (standardized β = -0.64 m/s, 95% CI: [-1.23, -0.06]) after adjustment for demographic and health factors. Among gait mat-assessed phenotypes, NfL was also cross-sectionally associated with gait speed (β = 0.001 m/s [0.0003, 0.002]) but not with other gait measures. None of the remaining biomarkers were significantly related to gait in either longitudinal or cross-sectional analyses. Higher NfL levels were related to greater annual gait speed decline. Gait speed decline may be related to axonal degeneration. The clinical utility of NfL should be explored.

Effects of acute cannabis inhalation on reaction time, decision-making, and memory using a tablet-based application

BackgroundAcute cannabis use has been demonstrated to slow reaction time and affect decision-making and short-term memory. These effects may have utility in identifying impairment associated with recent use. However, these effects have not been widely investigated among individuals with a pattern of daily use, who may have acquired tolerance. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of tolerance to cannabis on the acute effects as measured by reaction time, decision-making (gap acceptance), and short-term memory.MethodsParticipants (ages 25–45) completed a tablet-based (iPad) test battery before and approximately 60 min after smoking cannabis flower. The change in performance from before to after cannabis use was compared across three groups of cannabis users: (1) occasional use (n = 23); (2) daily use (n = 31); or (3) no current use (n = 32). Participants in the occasional and daily use group self-administered ad libitum, by smoking or vaping, self-supplied cannabis flower with a high concentration of total THC (15–30%).ResultsThe occasional use group exhibited decrements in reaction time (slowed) and short-term memory (replicated fewer shapes) from before to after cannabis use, as compared to the no-use group. In the gap acceptance task, daily use participants took more time to complete the task post-smoking cannabis as compared to those with no use or occasional use; however, the level of accuracy did not significantly change.ConclusionsThe findings are consistent with acquired tolerance to certain acute psychomotor effects with daily cannabis use. The finding from the gap acceptance task which showed a decline in speed but not accuracy may indicate a prioritization of accuracy over response time. Cognitive and psychomotor assessments may have utility for identifying impairment associated with recent cannabis use.

Associations Between Prior Head Injury, Physical Functioning, and Frailty in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Older adults have the highest rates of head injury and are at the greatest risk for subsequent dysfunction, yet research on subsequent physical decline is limited. We sought to examine cross-sectional and prospective associations of head injury with physical functioning and frailty among older adults. A total of 5598 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study participants from Visit 5 (2011-13) underwent assessments of physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB], comprised of gait speed, chair stands, and balance) and frailty (defined using established criteria) were followed through Visit 7 (2018-19). Head injury was self-reported or based on ICD-9 codes. Adjusted linear and multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate associations. Prospective models incorporated inverse probability of attrition weights to account for death or attrition. Participants were a mean age of 75 years, 58% were women, 22% were Black, and 27% had a prior head injury. Compared to individuals without head injury, individuals with head injury had worse physical functioning (SPPB total score, β-coefficient = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.35 to -0.09) and were more likely to be pre-frail (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.35) or frail (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.80) compared to robust. Prospectively, head injury was associated with a 0.02 m/s greater decline (95% CI: -0.04 to -0.01) in gait speed over a median of 5 years. Among baseline robust individuals (n = 1847), head injury was associated with increased odds of becoming pre-frail (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.67) or frail (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.51) compared to robust. Older adults with prior head injury had worse physical functioning and greater frailty at baseline and were more likely to become frail and walk slower over time, compared to individuals without head injury.

Associations Between Walking Speed and Gut Microbiome Composition in Older Men From the MrOS Study.

Gut dysbiosis has been linked to frailty, but its association with early mobility decline is unclear. First, we determined the cross-sectional associations between walking speed and the gut microbiome in 740 older men (84 ± 4 years) from the MrOS cohort with available stool samples and 400 m walking speed measured in 2014-2016. Then, we analyzed the retrospective longitudinal associations between changes in 6 m walking speed (from 2005-2006 to 2014-2016, calculated by simple linear equation) and gut microbiome composition among participants with available data (702/740). We determined gut microbiome composition by 16S sequencing and examined diversity, taxa abundance, and performed network analysis to identify differences in the gut microbiome network of fast versus slow walkers. Faster 400 m walking speed (m/s) was associated with greater microbiome α-diversity (R = 0.11; p = .004). The association between a slower decline in 6 m walking speed and higher α-diversity (R = 0.07; p = .054) approached borderline significance. Faster walking speed and less decline in walking speed were associated with a higher abundance of genus-level bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, and possess anti-inflammatory properties, including Paraprevotella, Fusicatenibacter, and Alistipes, after adjusting for potential covariates (p < .05). The gut microbiome networks of participants in the first versus last quartile of walking speed (≤0.9 vs ≥1.2 m/s) exhibited distinct characteristics, including different centrality measures (p < .05). Our findings suggest a possible relationship between gut microbiome diversity and mobility function, as indicated by the associations between faster walking speed and less decline in walking speed over 10 years with higher gut microbiome diversity in older men.

Relationship between Gait Speed and Balance Among Older Adults Residing in Long Term Care Settings

Introduction: Studies have documented that a decrease in gait speed is linked to an increased risk of falling among older adults residing in the community. However, there is a lack of research examining the correlation between gait speed and balance in older adults who reside in long-term care settings (LTCS). Objective: To determine the relationship between balance using a four-square step test (FSST) and gait speed using a 10-m walk test among older adults residing in LTCS in and around Udupi-Manipal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults residing in six LTCS. The residents above 60 years, either gender, able to follow commands, with functional vision and duration of stay &gt; 6 months were included, and those who were bed or wheelchair-bound, use assistive devices for mobility, any acute cardiovascular events in the past 3 months, any orthopaedic or neurological conditions that affect mobility, and with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo were excluded. The participants were asked to perform the FSST and gait speed test. The demographic characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics. Linear regression analysis was carried out keeping balance as the outcome variable and gait speed as the independent variable. Results: A total of ninety-four residents were screened, and thirty-five (n=35) were included in the study. The mean age of participants was 74.94 ± 7.54 years, with an average duration of stay in LTCS being 5.37 years. The participant's average gait speed was 0.994 ± 0.325 m/s, and the average time taken to complete the balance test was 12.75 ± 4.41 sec. The regression analysis revealed that for every second decline in gait speed, the dynamic balance assessed by the FSST reduced by 0.036 seconds (r2 =0.443; p = 0.008; 95% CI: -.062, -.010). Conclusion: This study showed that with an increase in gait speed, the time taken to complete the balance test decreased. This suggests older adults have better balance abilities when they can walk at a faster speed.

Theoretical and experimental study of primary cocoon processing

This study is aimed at studying the influence of basic parameters such as the power of ultrasonic waves, the power of infrared radiation, the drying temperature, the drying time and the drying kinetics of cocoons. We used two special methods to kill and dry the cocoons: infrared and combined (infrared-ultrasound). The results obtained indicate that the cocoon drying process as a whole can be controlled by the period of speed decline. With the infrared method, the drying speed increased with increasing temperature, while the power of infrared radiation did not have a strong effect on the killing process. Ultrasound has shown its positive potential in the primary cocoon processing.

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN WALKING SPEED AND GUT MICROBIOME DIVERSITY IN OLDER MEN FROM THE MROS STUDY

Abstract While gut dysbiosis has been linked to frailty in aging, its association with early mobility impairments is unclear. Here, our primary goal was to determine the cross-sectional associations between walking speed and gut microbiome in 740 older men (84±4y) from MrOS with available stool samples and 400m walking speed measured in 2014–16. We also analyzed the retrospective longitudinal associations between changes in 6-meter walking speed (from 2005-06 to 2014-16) and gut microbiome composition among participants with available data (702/740). The gut microbiome composition was determined by 16S sequencing (DADA2 and SILVA). We examined diversity, taxa abundance (by ANCOM-BC), and performed network analysis (by NetCoMi) to uncover microbial communities interactions by walking speed levels. Higher walking speed (m/s) was associated with greater microbiome Shannon α-diversity (R=0.11; P=0.004). Decline in walking speed was associated with lower Shannon α-diversity (R=0.07; P=0.054). Faster walking speed and less decline in walking speed were associated with higher abundance of genus-level bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, and possess anti-inflammatory properties, including Paraprevotella, Fusicatenibacter, and Alistipes, adjusting for age, race, site, education, health, marital status, weight, height, physical activity, batch, medications, energy, and fiber intake (P&amp;lt; 0.05). The gut microbiome networks of participants in the first vs. last quartile of walking speed (≤0.9 vs. ≥1.2 m/s) exhibited distinct characteristics, including different cluster numbers, hubs, and centrality measures (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Faster walking speed and its less decline were associated with higher gut microbiome diversity, suggesting potential role of microbiome in preserving mobility in aging.

SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE CONCERNS AND 5-YEAR NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TRAJECTORIES IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Abstract Subjective cognitive concerns (SCC) are often associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related cognitive declines in cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals. However, it is unknown whether the same is true for CU individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Therefore, this study examined relationships between SCC and 5-year neuropsychological trajectories in CU individuals with newly-diagnosed PD (mean age=60.45 years; 35.2% female) in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort. Participants were classified as having SCC (n=52) or no SCC (n=204) based on participant or caregiver report for item 1 on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, part 1. First, baseline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers were examined by SCC group. Next, linear mixed effects models, adjusting for age, education, sex/gender, APOE genotype, psychiatric factors, and motor symptoms examined 5-year trajectories of individual neuropsychological measures by SCC status. Relative to participants without SCC, those with SCC had worse levels of CSF tau (p=.011), p-tau (p=.016), and p-tau/amyloid ratio (p=.003), but not amyloid or alpha synuclein. SCC was associated with faster rates of decline in learning (β=-.059, p=.018), memory (β=-.050, p=.035), and processing speed (β=-.052, p=.031), but not in semantic fluency, visuoperceptual abilities, working memory, or on a global cognition screening measure. Overall, SCC was associated with learning/memory and processing speed declines, but not other measures that may be more PD-specific (e.g., working memory, visuoperceptual). Given the elevated AD biomarkers, SCC may be particularly related to early changes due to co-occurring AD and PD pathology. Future work should investigate longitudinal AD and PD-related biomarker trajectories by SCC status.

RACE DIFFERENCES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIGH AND VARIABLE BLOOD PRESSURE AND DOMAIN-SPECIFIC COGNITIVE CHANGE

Abstract Elevated blood pressure (BP), or hypertension, is a risk factor for several health conditions including Alzheimer’s disease. High BP in early- and mid-life is associated with cognitive decline, whereas research is mixed regarding BP and cognition in late-life. Moreover, hypertension disproportionately affects minority populations. Consequently, the effects of hypertension on cognition may differ by race. The present study investigates the relationship between BP and cognition. 4419 older adults (Black, n=1189; White, n= 3230), with 32116 follow-ups for a maximum of 10-years were included from the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Results reveal individuals with high BP exhibit significantly greater declines in global cognition compared to normal BP, regardless of race. When stratifying high BP by race, Blacks exhibit greater declines in working memory and perceptual speed, whereas Whites exhibit greater declines in episodic memory, semantic memory, and visuospatial ability compared to normal BP. Blacks with high BP exhibit greater decline in perceptual speed compared to variable BP, whereas no cognitive domain was worse in Whites with high BP compared to variable. When stratifying variable BP by race, Blacks exhibited greater decline in working memory compared to normal BP. Alternatively, Whites exhibited greater decline in episodic memory, semantic memory, working memory, and global cognition compared to normal and high BP counterparts. Our findings reveal racial differences in the relationship between BP and cognitive decline. Specifically, Blacks and Whites with high and variable BP experience cognitive decline in different cognitive domains, which may give insight into differences in disease trajectory and cognitive outcomes.

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN COGNITIVE CHANGE AND OBJECTIVE CHANGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS: THE LIFE STUDY

Abstract Objective To investigate the associations between domain-specific cognitive change and objectively measured change in physical activity in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. We hypothesized that domain-specific changes in cognition are associated with longitudinal changes in physical activity levels. Methods We used data from 955 participants from The LIFE Study, a multi-center randomized clinical trial. Longitudinal relationships between cognitive domains (i.e., memory, attention, processing speed, executive function) and accelerometer-measured change in daily minutes of physical activity were examined using multivariable linear regression. Cognitive tests included Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE), Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT), Digital Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Task Switching Test, Eriksen Flanker Test and N-Back Test. Physical activity was measured longitudinally using an accelerometer and was categorized to total, light, and moderate to vigorous according to standardized activity count cut points. Results Our results showed an association between cognitive change in the processing speed domain and change in minutes of total (β = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.89; p = 0.034) and light (β = 0.42; 95%CI: 0.03, 0.80; p= 0.033) physical activity. Relationships between all other cognitive assessments and physical activity categories were not statistically significant. Conclusions This study demonstrates an association between a decline in processing speed and a decline in the duration of total and light daily physical activity in older adults with low to moderate physical function.

METABOLOMIC PROFILES OF DEMENTIA RISK AND MOBILITY DECLINE IN A BIRACIAL COHORT OF OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Age-related mobility decline precedes future cognitive impairment and dementia. Blood biomarkers underlying this connection are less clear. This study aims to examine metabolomic profiles of dementia risk and mobility decline in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Dementia diagnosis was determined by race-specific decline in Modified Mini-Mental State Examination scores, medication use, and hospital records. 2450 participants were free of dementia at year 2 and had 613 targeted plasma metabolites. 534(22%) developed dementia during a mean follow-up of 9.3(SD=4.1) years. 2028 participants had repeated 20-meter usual gait speed up to 10 years follow-up. We performed Cox regression and linear regression with LASSO models to determine which metabolites would predict dementia risk and gait speed decline, respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, race, and education, 30 metabolites were significant predictors of incident dementia. Top-ranked metabolites included glyceric acid, niacinamide, androsterone 3- glucuronide, phosphatidylcholine (P-34:4)/PC(O-34:5), aminobutyric acid, xanthine, sphingomyelin (d18:1/14:0) (hazard ratios&amp;lt; 1), suberic acid, lysophosphatidylethanolamine (18:1), threitol, and andrenic acid (hazard ratios&amp;gt;1). These metabolites were enriched in arginine biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism(p&amp;lt; 0.05). Of these metabolites, threitol, sphingomyelin (d18:1/14:0), adrenic acid, and phosphatidylethanolamine (P-36:0)/PE(O-36:1) were also significant predictors of mobility decline in a consistent direction. This longitudinal study reveals unique and shared metabolomic risk profiles for dementia and mobility decline. Several metabolites in amino-acid pathways and urea may be important in the development of dementia and certain sugar and lipids with long-chain and very long-chain fatty acids also predict mobility decline.

The Impact of Aging on Neurological Function and Cognitive Decline

This comprehensive analysis delves into the multifaceted impact of aging on neurological function and cognitive decline, incorporating insights from studies on music, video games, and mindfulness. It explores significant alterations in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) as individuals age, highlighting changes in nerve fibers, signal transmission, muscle strength, and sensory discrimination. The study also examines the brain's structural and functional evolution with age, particularly in the hippocampus and frontal lobe, and the resultant effects on cognitive abilities. It discusses the concept of brain resistance and resilience in the context of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that certain individuals show a heightened ability to withstand or adapt to neurological pathologies. Investigating various lifestyle factors, the hypothesis presented is that an active lifestyle and specific activities, including musical engagement and video game training, can mitigate age-related cognitive decline. The study finds that musical activities improve mood, memory, and quality of life in people with dementia, while customized video games enhance multitasking abilities and cognitive control in older adults. However, mindfulness-based interventions, such as stress reduction and exercise, did not show significant improvement in cognitive functions in older adults. Intriguingly, cognitive abilities are impacted differently by age, with certain functions like vocabulary improving, while others such as memory and processing speed decline. The study also contrasts brain aging in humans with chimpanzees, revealing significant differences in brain structure changes over the lifespan, likely due to longer human lifespans. This research underscores the complex interplay of genetic, lifestyle, health, and intervention factors in aging and emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions such as using music therapy, video games, and life style changes to preserve neurological and cognitive health in older adults.

Study on the Physical Health Status and Optimization Path of College Students from the Perspective of Healthy China

Health is an inevitable requirement for promoting comprehensive human development and a fundamental condition for economic and social development. Improving the development level of physical and mental health among young people and college students in China, promoting the deepening reform of school physical education teaching, and promoting the development of physical health among college students are particularly crucial. At present, the overall physical health level of college students nationwide is showing a positive trend, and their physical form level continues to improve. However, there is still a serious phenomenon of overweight and obesity, and their physical fitness continues to decline, with a particularly significant decline in speed and strength indicators. This article aims to optimize the teaching path of physical education in universities and promote the healthy development of college students' physical fitness.

Socioeconomic position, modifiable dementia risk and cognitive decline: results of 12‐year Maastricht Aging Study

AbstractBackgroundEvidence of modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia is accumulating, showing the potential of dementia risk reduction via lifestyle modification and cardiovascular risk management. People with low socioeconomic status (SES) have increased dementia risk and on average worse health. This study investigated whether the association between a modifiable dementia risk score and rate of cognitive decline differs across SES strata.MethodData were used from Maastricht Aging Study (MAAS), a prospective cohort study with a 12‐year follow‐up. Participants aged ≥40 years with complete dementia risk profiles were included (n = 1223). The validated ’LIfestyle for BRAin health’ (LIBRA) index was used to assess the modifiable dementia risk fraction. Cognitive performance was serially assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 years and measured in the domains of information processing speed, executive functioning and verbal memory function. A SES compound score was calculated from equivalent income and educational level and divided into tertiles (low, middle, high). Linear mixed models were used to study the association between LIBRA, SES and their interaction on the rate of cognitive decline.ResultParticipants in the lowest SES tertile displayed more decline in information processing speed (vs. middle SES: X2 = 7.08, p = 0.029; vs. high SES: X2 = 9.49, p = 0.009) and verbal memory (vs. middle SES: X2 = 9.28, p&lt;0.001; vs. high SES: X2 = 16.68, p&lt;0.001) compared to their middle‐ and high‐SES counterparts. Higher (unhealthier) LIBRA scores were also associated with more decline in information processing speed (X2 = 12.66, p = 0.002) and verbal memory (X2 = 4.63, p = 0.032). No consistent effect modification by SES on the association between LIBRA and cognition was found.ConclusionThis study shows that lower SES and higher modifiable dementia risk predict faster decline in information processing speed and verbal memory function over 12 years. Results suggest that lifestyle is an important determinant of cognitive decline across SES groups. Yet, people with low SES had a more unfavourable modifiable risk score suggesting more potential for lifestyle‐based interventions. LIBRA could be useful as a participant selection tool or as a surrogate outcome measure in lifestyle intervention trials, and can inform people about individual risk behaviours as part of public health initiatives.

Longitudinal Associations of Social Support and Gait Speed Decline

AbstractBackgroundSocial support predicts functional and cognitive decline and is associated with brain regions that are important for both cognitive, and motor functions. Gait speed declines years before dementia onset, but the associations between social support and gait speed decline in aging is not well understood. This study examined longitudinal associations between social support and gait speed in older adults without dementia.MethodSocial support and gait data from 592 older adults without dementia (Mdn age 75 years, IQR 71,80, 55.3% female, 79.1% Caucasian) enrolled in the Central Control of Mobility in Aging (CCMA) study was examined. Overall support, emotional support, tangible support, affectional support, and positive social interactions, from the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey at baseline were the predictors of interest. Annual change in simple (walking at normal pace) and complex (walking while reciting alternate letters of the alphabet) gait speed (cm/s) were the primary outcomes. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the associations between change in single and complex gait speed and baseline social support, adjusting for gender, race, depression, overall cognition, comorbidities, and marital status.ResultThe mean annual change in gait speed was 1.9 cm/s during the simple walking condition and 1.07 cm/s during the complex walking condition. Tangible support was the only social support measure that predicted decline in simple and complex gait speed over a median follow up of 3 years. The annual decline in gait speed was 0.52 cm/s (p = 0.008, CI ‐0.91, ‐0.13) and 0.51 cm/s (p = 0.02, CI ‐0.95, ‐0.07) greater among those with low tangible support than among those with high tangible support during simple and complex walking conditions, respectively.ConclusionTangible support is a potentially modifiable risk factor for gait speed decline Further study is needed to examine the mechanisms behind the observed associations and potentials for intervention.This research was supported by NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) Einstein‐Montefiore CTSA Grant Number KL2 TR002558

Suboptimal sleep efficiency and duration predict faster cognitive decline in cognitively unimpaired older adults

AbstractBackgroundResearch indicates a role for suboptimal sleep, in cognitive ageing. An increasing, though inconsistent body of evidence has associated aspects of suboptimal self‐reported sleep quality with poorer cognitive performance. The current study investigated whether self‐reported sleep quality parameters predict the slope of domain specific cognitive performance.MethodParticipants were drawn from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study of ageing. Linear mixed effect model (LMM) analyses were conducted on 525 cognitively unimpaired, older adults (M = 74.1, SD = 5.5, 56.4% female), characterised by apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status, with baseline self‐reported sleep characteristics. Comprehensive cognitive assessments were conducted over a minimum 3 timepoints (range 29.64 ‐ 98.16 months). All models included random slopes, random intercepts, interaction effects for time, and APOE ε4 carriage, with each model adjusted based on the model of best fit for each cognitive outcome variable of interest.ResultFollowing Bonferroni correction, sleep duration &lt;6 hours and sleep efficiency &lt;65% in the whole cohort, and in APOE ε4 non‐carriers, forecasted accelerated decline in attention and speed of processing. In the same groups, greater sleep efficiency (%) forecasted greater preservation within the attention and speed of processing domain. No associations were observed for other sleep variables or cognitive domains of interest.ConclusionThese findings suggest a role for self‐reported suboptimal sleep efficiency and duration in the early stages of cognitive decline, represented by declining attention and speed of processing performance, in cognitively unimpaired individuals. Additionally, short sleep duration and poor sleep efficiency may increase future risk of cognitive decline independent of APOE ε4 carriage. Our findings also suggest the potential utility of self‐report screening for sleep efficiency and duration as a marker for increased risk of declining attention and speed of processing performance. Individuals with suboptimal sleep may benefit from an intervention to improve sleep efficiency and duration to lessen future risk of cognitive decline.

In vivo tau is associated with retrospective change in memory and processing speed, but not reasoning, in cognitively unimpaired older adults.

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship between tau accumulation and cognitive decline in cognitively unimpaired older adults is still unclear. The tau PET tracer 18F‐MK‐6240 has shown favorable imaging carachteristics to identify early tau accumulation in older adults.MethodWe evaluated the relationship between in vivo tau levels (18F‐MK‐6240) and retrospective cognitive change over 5 years in episodic memory, processing speed, and reasoning. For tau quantification, we created a set of regions of Interest (ROIs), selected a priori based on previous literature: 1) Total‐ROIs comprising all 16 areas selected; 2) Medial Temporal Lobe‐ROI, 3) Lateral Temporal Lobe‐ROI and Cingulate/Parietal lobel‐ROI.Result41 cognitively unimpaired older adults was included in the study, 82% classified as amyloid‐b negative. Higher tau burden in most meta‐ROIs was associated with steeper decline in memory and speed. There were no associations between tau and reasoning change.ConclusionOur finding reforces the notion that early tau accumulation in areas related tio Alzheimer’s disease is associated with cognitive decline in cognitively unimpaired individuals, even in a sample characterized with low amyloid‐b pathology. The novel contributin of this work is the relevante of tau accumulation beyond memory, particularly in processing speed decline.

Gestational Hypertension and Midlife Cognition: The CARDIA Study

AbstractBackgroundGestational hypertension (GH) increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which may contribute to worse cognitive outcomes, and yet little is known about the long‐term impact of GH on cognition. We investigated the association of GH with midlife cognitive performance and decline in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.MethodsWe studied 1,273 parous Black and White women (106 with GH and 1167 without GH) aged 18‐30 years at baseline (1985‐86) who were followed up to Year 30 (mean age 55.2±3.6 years) when five cognitive tests measuring global cognition, memory, processing speed, executive function, and verbal fluency were administered. Accelerated decline over five years was defined as a decline ≥1.5 standard deviations from the mean change on each of the three tests available at year 25, measuring processing speed, memory, and executive function. GH, defined as having new onset hypertension in pregnancy without proteinuria, was self‐reported for each pregnancy since the previous visit up to 30 years. We conducted linear and logistic regression to assess the association of GH with cognitive performance and decline.ResultsCompared with women who did not develop GH during pregnancy, those with GH were more likely to be Black (62% vs 50%) and have obesity (22% vs 11%), and lower diet quality (CARDIA A Priori Diet Quality Scores) at baseline. After adjusting for age, race, education, number of pregnancies, and baseline cardiovascular and behavior risk factors (diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and diet quality), having GH was significantly associated with lower cognitive performance (z‐standardized) at year 30 in global cognition (‐0.27, 95% CI ‐0.44 to ‐0.11), processing speed (‐0.25, 95% CI ‐0.44 to ‐0.07), and verbal fluency (‐0.20, 95% CI ‐0.38 to ‐0.02). Additional adjustment for hypertension, diabetes, and obesity up to Year 30 did not change the results. GH was also associated with higher odds of experiencing an accelerated decline in processing speed over 5 years (9.2% vs. 4.5%, odds ratio 2.48, 95% CI 1.07 to 5.74), after adjustment for all covariates.ConclusionGH is independently associated with worse cognitive performance and accelerated decline in midlife.