Delay Cognitive Decline Research Articles

Leisure Activity Variety and Brain Volume Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Analysis of the Neuron to Environmental Impact Across Generations Study Data.

Background: Recent findings indicate that leisure activity (LA) delays cognitive decline and reduces the risk of dementia. However, the association between LA and brain volume remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between LA variety and brain volume with a focus on the hippocampus and gray matter.Methods: Data were obtained from the baseline survey of the Neuron to Environmental Impact across Generations study, which had targeted community-dwelling older adults living in Niigata, Japan. We divided LAs into 10 categories, and counted the number of categories of activities in which the participants engaged. We classified them as follows: 0 (i.e., no activity), 1, 2, or ≥ 3 types. Brain volume was assessed through magnetic resonance imaging, and hippocampal and gray matter volumes were ascertained.Results: The sample size was 482. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that hippocampal and gray matter volumes were significantly greater among participants with ≥ 3 types of LAs than among their no-activity counterparts. Hippocampal volume was significantly greater among those who engaged in one type of LA than among those who engaged in no such activity. Sex-stratified analysis revealed that hippocampal volumes were significantly greater among males who engaged in ≥ 3 types of LAs and one type of LA. However, no such association was found among females.Conclusion: The present findings suggest that engaging in a wide range of LAs is related to hippocampal and gray matter volumes. Furthermore, there was a sex difference in the association between LA variety and brain volume.

THE EFFECT OF ATTENTION PROCESS TRAINING (APT-II) ON COGNITIVE AND DAILY LIFE FUNCTIONING IN PATIENTS WITH A MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Introduction. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are at increased risk of developing dementia even if they do not meet the criteria for dementia. Executive control of working memory, which is implicated in divided attention, is often impaired in this population, and such impairment is a strong predictor of dementia. Slowing the development of dementia by enhancing cognitive and brain plasticity represents a current and future challenge for clinicians and researchers. Cognitive rehabilitation allows patients to compensate for cognitive deficits with the ultimate goal of reducing the impact of such deficits on everyday life. We aim to examine the effectiveness and generalization of an attention and working memory training program (Attention Process Training or APT-II) in improving cognitive and everyday functioning in patients with MCI by means of a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Methods. Twenty-two MCI patients will be randomly assigned to either a "Cognitive Training with APT-II" group or a "Standard Care" group. Initially, patients will be administered a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests to ensure that they meet MCI criteria. The intervention will consist of a cognitive training program (APT-II) and will last 8 weeks (two sessions per week). One of the strengths of APT-II training is that it emphasizes the transfer of cognitive gains from training sessions to everyday life. To evaluate the treatment's effectiveness in improving cognitive and daily life functioning, cognitive and functional outcomes will be assessed just before, immediately after, 3 months after, and 6 months after the intervention program. A divided attention memory task performed in virtual reality will also be administered to evaluate the effects of APT-II training on the management of attentional resources in a relatively ecological situation. Perspective. If our results indicate an improvement in the cognitive and daily life performance of older adults with MCI, this non-invasive, low-cost technique may deserve increased consideration as a therapeutic intervention to delay or reverse cognitive decline an diminish the risk of developing dementia in this population. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT04606953, Registered on 28 October 2020. Keywords. Working memory training (WMT), Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Dementia, Cognitive rehabilitation, Attention

Can specific nutrients, foods, or dietary patterns modulate cognitive function in (older) adults? Latest evidence from randomized controlled trials.

Epidemiological findings and results of randomized clinical trials in the last two decades have identified diet as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, a predementia stage that is increasing worldwide as population ages. The literature on this critical association is expanding, making this review relevant and timely. Data from 15 trials and several systematic reviews/meta-analyses indicate that, in healthy older adults, isolated nutrients or antioxidant-rich foods usually fail to improve cognition. However, studies targeting populations at risk of cognitive decline tend to have positive results. There is ample epidemiological evidence of cognitive benefit from plant-based dietary patterns (i.e., Mediterranean diet), but more clinical trials are needed. Long-term multicomponent trials, simultaneously targeting several risk factors in patients with early dementia stages, offer promising evidence. A long-term multinutrient intervention in patients at risk for dementia appears as a sound preventive strategy. This review summarizes the latest evidence on nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns as tools to improve cognition and promote brain health. Dietary changes are important to help delay cognitive decline, particularly in populations more at risk. Large-scale strategies based on healthy diets combined with other health-promoting lifestyle changes should be a public health priority.

Understanding Benefits of Curcumin on Cognitive Function from Molecular Aspect: A Review

Cognitive function has a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life. Over time, human cognitive function tends to decline. The importance of cognitive function in everyday life has led many researchers to seek alternative treatments to maintain and improve cognitive function. Some studies show that curcumin can improve cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline in humans. This review focuses on the benefits of curcumin on cognitive function and the mechanism of how it works from molecular aspect. According to some studies, one of the factors leading to cognitive decline is chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. This review will focus on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective effects, and β amyloid aggregation inhibition properties of curcumin that can improve cognitive function or delay cognitive decline. It is important to understand the basic reasons why curcumin can have benefits on cognitive function, this can be seen from the mechanisms that are reflected in the biomolecular aspect.

Food Insecurity and Cognitive Impairment in the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) Cohort

Food insecurity is a social determinant of health associated with cognitive impairments in older adults and people living with HIV (PLWH). Few studies have examined this relation longitudinally, and no studies have explored how the frequency of food insecurity over time may impact cognitive impairment. This study aimed to examine the impact of food insecurity on cognitive impairment over a 2-y follow-up period in a cohort of people living with and without HIV. This was a 2-y longitudinal analysis of primarily economically disadvantaged, middle-aged, Black, and Hispanic participants from the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort. Food insecurity was assessed with the USDA Household Food Security Module at baseline and 12- and 24-mo follow-ups. Food insecurity in all 3 assessments was considered persistent food insecurity. Cognitive impairment was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination. Statistical analyses consisted of logistic regressions. A total of 394 participants (247 HIV positive) with 2-y follow-up data were included in this analysis. At baseline, 104 (26.4%) were food-insecure and 58 (14.7%) had cognitive impairment. Very low food security was associated with cognitive impairment at baseline (OR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.08, 9.65). PLWH not virally suppressed had higher risk for cognitive impairment compared with HIV-uninfected participants (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.15, 7.18). Additionally, baseline food insecurity (OR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.08, 4.81) and the frequency of food insecurity over time (OR: 1.50 per year; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.10), particularly persistent food insecurity (OR: 3.69; 95% CI: 1.15, 11.83), were associated with cognitive impairment at 2-y follow-up; the results were consistent after excluding cognitively impaired participants at baseline. Food insecurity is a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment, particularly among individuals who experience food insecurity frequently or persistently. Screening for food insecurity and interventions to secure access to sufficient, nutritious foods may help delay cognitive decline among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals.

Donepezil Combined with DL-3-n-Butylphthalide Delays Cognitive Decline in Patients with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: A Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study.

Vascular factors and mitochondria dysfunction contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) has an effect in protecting mitochondria and improving microcirculation. The aim was to investigate the effect of donepezil combined NBP therapy in patients with mild-moderate AD. It was a prospective cohort study. 92 mild-moderate AD patients were classified into the donepezil alone group (n = 43) or the donepezil combined NBP group (n = 49) for 48 weeks. All patients were evaluated with Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog), Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change plus caregiver input (CIBIC-plus), Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) every 12 weeks. All patients were monitored for adverse events (AEs). The efficacy was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the changes of ADAS-cog score (OR = 2.778, 95% CI: [1.087, 7. 100], p = 0.033) and ADCS-ADL score (OR = 2.733, 95% CI: [1.002, 7.459], p = 0.049) had significant difference between donepezil alone group and donepezil combined NBP group, while the changes of NPI (OR = 1.145, 95% CI: [0.463, 2.829], p = 0.769), MMSE (OR = 1.563, 95% CI: [0.615, 3.971], p = 0.348) and CIBIC-plus (OR = 2.593, 95% CI: [0.696, 9.685], p = 0.156) had no significant difference. The occurrence of AEs was similar in the two groups. Over the 48-week treatment period, donepezil combined NBP group had slower cognitive decline and better activities of daily living in patients with mild to moderate AD. These indicated that the multi-target therapeutic effect of NBP may be a new choice for AD treatment.

Cognitive neuroscience of aging: present research status and future prospect

<p indent=0mm>Population aging has become a serious social problem for China and the world. Researchers have focused on the study of cognitive neuroscience in aging, revealing the underlying mechanisms and laws of brain aging from cognition, brain structure and brain function, exploring and developing effective intervention approaches and tools to delay cognitive decline. It is of great significance to maintain the brain health and improve quality of life. In this manuscript, we overviewed the neural mechanisms of cognitive aging according to the evidence of brain structure aging, brain function aging, cerebral blood flow and brain aging. Multiple cognitive aging theories and hypotheses have been constructed from the perspective of compensation and dedifferentiation, however, these theories and hypotheses take less account of findings from studies on brain structure aging, resting-state neuroimaging as well as brain blood flow. Adhering to regular exercise, engaging in more cognitive activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet pattern could help older adults improve cognitive function and delay cognitive decline. We predicted the future directions of cognitive neuroscience of aging from development of cognitive aging theory, studies on cognitive aging from the perspective of lifespan development, functional networks of aging brain and brain plasticity, and the effect of gene on brain aging. Finally, we discussed the future prospect focusing on the construction of the behavior-gene-brain database of adult lifespan development in China, using and developing new techniques to study cognitive aging and explore effective brain function improvement training methods, and conducting studies on rural older adults and clinical older populations.

Structural MRI of the basal forebrain as predictor of cognitive response to galantamine in healthy older adults-A randomized controlled double-blinded crossover study.

IntroductionCholinesterase inhibitors can enhance cognitive functions in healthy elderly and delay cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer`s disease (AD). However, not everyone benefits from this treatment (non‐responders). Current studies show clinical meaningful improvements only in one third of AD patients treated with cholinesterase inhibitors.MethodsHere we investigate structural magnetic resonance imaging of the basal forebrain cholinergic system volume (BFvol) as a potential predictor of cognitive response to a single dose of galantamine in healthy adults (n = 18; 59 to 75 years).ResultsWe observed that the cognitive response to galantamine, more specifically the attention‐dependent filtering performance in a delayed match‐to‐sample working memory task, correlated with BFvol: Only participants with high BFvol showed a significant positive effect of galantamine on the ability to filter out distracting information during the working memory encoding process.DiscussionFuture studies need to assess whether BFvol may serve as a predictor of the galantamine response in AD patients, too.

Effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on cognitive function among non-demented African American and Latino older adults in the USA: a scoping review

ABSTRACT Objective African Americans and Latinos/Hispanics have a higher prevalence of dementia compared to non-Latino Whites. This scoping review aims to synthesize non-pharmaceutical interventions to delay or slow age-related cognitive decline among cognitively healthy African American and Latino older adults. Design A literature search for articles published between January 2000 and May 2019 was performed using the databases PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Relevant cited references and grey literature were also reviewed. Four independent reviewers evaluated 1,181 abstracts, and full-article screening was subsequently performed for 145 articles. The scoping review consisted of eight studies, which were evaluated according to the peer-reviewed original manuscript, non-pharmaceutical intervention, cognitive function as an outcome, separate reporting of results for African American and Latinos, minimum age of 40, and conducted in the US. A total of 8 studies were considered eligible and were analyzed in the present scoping review. Results Eight studies were identified. Four studies focused on African Americans and four focused on Latinos. Through the analysis, results indicated cognitive training-focused interventions were effective in improving memory, executive function, reasoning, visuospatial, psychological function, and speed among African Americans. Exercise interventions were effective in improving cognition among Latinos. Conclusion This scoping review identified effective non-pharmaceutical interventions among African American and Latinos. Effective interventions focused on cognitive training alone for African Americans and exercise combined with group educational sessions for Latinos. Future research should explore developing culturally appropriate non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce disparities and to enhance cognition among older African American and Latinos.

Pre-symptomatic Caspase-1 inhibitor delays cognitive decline in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease and aging

Early therapeutic interventions are essential to prevent Alzheimer Disease (AD). The association of several inflammation-related genetic markers with AD and the early activation of pro-inflammatory pathways in AD suggest inflammation as a plausible therapeutic target. Inflammatory Caspase-1 has a significant impact on AD-like pathophysiology and Caspase-1 inhibitor, VX-765, reverses cognitive deficits in AD mouse models. Here, a one-month pre-symptomatic treatment of Swedish/Indiana mutant amyloid precursor protein (APPSw/Ind) J20 and wild-type mice with VX-765 delays both APPSw/Ind- and age-induced episodic and spatial memory deficits. VX-765 delays inflammation without considerably affecting soluble and aggregated amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) levels. Episodic memory scores correlate negatively with microglial activation. These results suggest that Caspase-1-mediated inflammation occurs early in the disease and raise hope that VX-765, a previously Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for human CNS clinical trials, may be a useful drug to prevent the onset of cognitive deficits and brain inflammation in AD.

Specific occupational profiles as proxies of cognitive reserve induce neuroprotection in dementia with Lewy bodies.

Cognitive reserve (CR) delays cognitive decline due to neurodegeneration. Heterogeneous evidence suggests that education may act as CR in Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). No data, however, are currently available on the role of occupation as proxy of CR in this neuropathology. Thirty-three patients with probable DLB were retrospectively included. We performed regression analyses models (TFCE p< 0.05) and seed-based interregional correlation analyses (p= 0.001, FWE-corrected at cluster-level) with brain metabolism. We aimed at exploring the relationship between brain metabolic connectivity, as assessed by FDG-PET, in the relevant resting-state networks and CR proxies (education, 6-levels occupation, and the specific O*Net occupational profiles). Education modulates executive (ECN), attentive (ATTN) and posterior default mode (PDMN) networks in the highly educated DLB subjects, as shown by an increased metabolic connectivity, acting as a compensatory mechanism. High scores of the 6-levels occupation scale were associated with a decreased connectivity in the anterior default mode (ADMN) and high visual network (HVN), suggesting brain reserve mechanisms. As for the specific O*Net occupational profiles, these modulated ADMN, PDMN, ATTN, ECN, HVN and primary visual network (PVN) connectivity according to different neuroprotection mechanisms, namely neural reserve and compensation against neurodegeneration. This study highlights the relevance of life-long occupational activities at individual level in the neural expression of compensatory and neuroprotective mechanisms in DLB.

Role of nurses in addressing modifiable risk factors for early Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.

A multidisciplinary advisory group of health professionals involved in dementia care assessed the current evidence base regarding modifiable risk factors (MRFs) for early Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Based on evidence from the published literature and clinical experience, MRFs in four areas were identified where there is evidence to support interventions that may help delay cognitive decline or reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease: medical (eg cardiovascular risk factors), psychosocial (eg depression, anxiety, social isolation), lifestyle (eg lack of physical activity, smoking) and nutrition (eg poor diet, lack of micronutrients). Practical guidance on how health professionals, but in particular nurses, may actively seek to address these MRFs in clinical practice was also developed. Nurses are at the forefront of patient care and, as such, are ideally placed to offer advice to patients that may proactively help mitigate the risks of cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Characterization of the effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist for Alzheimer's disease

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (cGRP) receptor antagonists effectively treat migraine through reducing neuroinflammation, vasoconstriction and possibly neruogenesis. Since neuroinflammation is also involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's diseases (AD), we hypothesized and tested if a cGRP receptor antagonist, BIBN 4096 BS (BIBN), has effects on AD pathology. Using an AD mouse model, 5XFAD, with different ages, here we report that the BIBN treatment significantly increased the brain expression of PSD95, a postsynaptic protein, in both young and old AD mice. In parallel, BIBN improved learning and memory in the behavior test in the young, but not old, AD mice. The BIBN treatment reduced α-synuclein aggregation in both young and old AD mice. BIBN significantly decreased neuroinflammatory markers of ionized calcium binding adapter molecules-1 (Iba-1) and the p38 MAPK and NFκB signaling pathways in young, but not old, AD mice. The treatment also reduced the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ), and decreased tau phosphorylation through the pathway of CDK5/p25 in young mice only. Our study provides the evidence and suggests that the cGRP antagonists might be a therapeutic target to attenuate the pathological cascade and delay cognitive decline of AD in humans.

Physical fitness and physical activity association with cognitive function and quality of life: baseline cross-sectional analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus trial

Physical activity (PA) has been hypothesized to be effective to maintaining cognitive function and delay cognitive decline in the elderly, but physical fitness (PF) could be a better predictor of cognitive function. We aimed to study the association between PA and PF with cognitive function and quality of life using cross-sectional data from 6874 participants of the PREDIMED-Plus trial (64.9 ± 4.9 years, 48.5% female). PF and PA were measured with a Chair Stand Test, the REGICOR and Rapid Assessment Physical Activity questionnaires. Cognitive function was measured with Mini-mental State Examination, Control Oral Word Association Test, Trail Making Test and Digit Span tests; whereas health-related quality of life was assessed with the SF36-HRQL test. Cognitive and quality of life scores were compared among PF quartiles and PA levels (low, moderate and high) with ANCOVA and with Chair Stand repetitions and energy expenditure from total PA with multivariable linear regression adjusted for confounding factors. PF associated with higher scores in phonemic and semantic verbal fluency tests and with lower TMT A time. However, PA was not associated with the neurocognitive parameters evaluated. Both PF and PA levels were strongly associated with a better quality of life. We concluded that PF, but not PA, is associated with a better cognitive function. This trial was retrospectively registered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial (ISRCTN89898870, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN89898870?q=ISRCTN89898870&filters=&sort=&offset=1&totalResults=1&page=1&pageSize=10&searchType=basic-search) on 07/24/2014.

The Association Between the Changes in General, Family, and Financial Aspects of Quality of Life and Their Effects on Cognitive Function in an Elderly Population: The Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, 2008-2016.

Background The growing aging population is a global phenomenon and a major public health challenge. Among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, Korea is the fastest aging country. We aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in quality of life (QOL) and cognitive function in older adults. Method: Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging collected from 2008 to 2016 were used. In 3453 participants (men: 1943; women: 1541), QOL was measured by three aspects: general, financial, and familial. Changes in QOL status were assessed by four categories: remained poor, worsened, improved, and remained good. The level of cognitive function was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination score (MMSE, normal range cut-off value: 24 or above). For the statistical analysis, the generalized equation model (GEE) was performed. Results: For all three aspects of QOL measured, participants whose QOL score remained poor were associated with cognitive decline that their odds ratios (OR) were statistically significant (general: OR = 1.33; familial: OR = 1.39; financial: OR = 1.40). For subgroup analysis by gender, the highest OR in men was the financial aspect of QOL (OR = 1.45); in women, the highest OR was the familial aspect of QOL (OR = 1.75). Conclusion: This study showed an association between QOL and cognitive function in a Korean elderly population. Our findings suggest that QOL measurements with a gender-specific approach can be used as a tool to detect cognitive changes in older adults and help prevent or delay cognitive decline.

TELEPHONE-BASED COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS IN A LARGE, MULTISITE RCT: THE COSMOS-MIND STUDY

Identifying safe, affordable, and well-tolerated interventions that prevent or delay cognitive decline in older adults is of critical importance. There is growing evidence from basic science and small randomized trials that cocoa flavanols may provide protection against this decline. Funded by the NIA, COSMOS-Mind is an ancillary study of COSMOS and was designed to add cognitive outcomes to the parent study, a 2x2 factorial randomized controlled trial testing the effects of cocoa flavanols (600 mg/d) and a multivitamin with matching placebo on cardiovascular disease and cancer endpoints. A validated telephone-based protocol conducted at baseline and then annually for three years measures attention, memory, language, executive function, and global cognitive functioning in 2,262 women and men, ages 65 and older without insulin-dependent diabetes. Cases of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s and related dementias will be centrally adjudicated. For participants who score below a pre-specified threshold on a test of global cognition, a study partner is interviewed to obtain additional information regarding cognitive and functional status. With >5,000 interviews completed, this presentation will describe the cognitive battery, operational procedures used to ensure high data fidelity, and strategies employed that have maintained retention at >90%. Our experiences in COSMOS-Mind can inform the design and implementation of other large, multi-site RCTs and epidemiological studies. Telephone-based assessments of cognitive function are a cost-efficient method for assessing cognitive function.

Pathophysiological Mechanisms Linking Type 2 Diabetes and Dementia: Review of Evidence from Clinical, Translational and Epidemiological Research.

Type 2 diabetes represents an increasing health burden world-wide and its prevalence in particularly higher in elderly population. Consistent epidemiological evidence suggests an increased risk of dementia associated to type 2 diabetes; the mechanisms underlying these associations, however, remain unclear. The study aims to review epidemiological, clinical and pre-clinical data that weigh on pathophysiological links, mechanisms of disease and associations between type 2 diabetes and dementia to identify areas of opportunity for future research. We searched the following electronic bibliographic databases: PUBMED, EMBASE, SCIELO, MEDLINE and OVID for clinical, translational and epidemiological research literature that summarize diabetes-related risk factors for dementia, metabolic and neurological changes associated to T2D, evidence of therapeutic approaches in type 2 diabetes and its pathophysiological implications for dementia. Type 2 diabetes mellitus increases risk for all-cause dementia, vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The most evaluated mechanisms linking both disorders in pre-clinical studies include an increase in neuronal insulin resistance, impaired insulin signaling, pro-inflammatory state, mitochondrial dysfunction and vascular damage which increase deposition of β-amyloid, tau proteins and GSK3β, leading to an earlier onset of dementia in individuals with impairment in the glucose metabolism. Neuroimaging and neuropathology evidence linking cerebrovascular lesions, neurodegeneration and particularly small-vessel disease in the onset of dementia is consistent with the increased risk of incident dementia in type 2 diabetes, but consistent evidence of AD-related pathology is scarce. Epidemiological data shows increased risk of dementia related to hypoglycemic episodes, glycemic control, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and genetic predisposition, but the evidence is not consistent and statistical analysis might be affected by inconsistent covariate controlling. Therapeutic approaches for T2D have shown inconsistent result in relation to dementia prevention and delay of cognitive decline; lifestyle intervention, particularly physical activity, is a promising alternative to ameliorate the impact of disability and frailty on T2D-related dementia. Vascular disease, inflammation and impaired brain insulin signaling might occur in T2D and contribute to dementia risk. Evidence from epidemiological studies has not consistently reported associations that could integrate a unified mechanism of disease in humans. Evaluation of the effect of antidiabetic medications and non-pharmacological interventions in dementia prevention in type 2 diabetes is promising but has thus far offered inconsistent results.

Effect Of An Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Intake On The Delay Of Cognitive Decline: Role Of Secoiridoid Oleuropein?

Currently, there is an increase in the number of the world’s aging population. This aging process is often connected with cognitive decline of some functions such as memory or speed processing loss. Since Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured yet, considerable efforts are being made to at least delay this cognitive decline among elderly in order to maintain and prolong the quality of their life. This can also be achieved by non-pharmacological approaches such as performing physical activities, cognitive training, or adhering to a Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet). One of the components of MedDiet – extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) – has considerable health benefits. The purpose of this review is to examine the effect of EVOO intake on the delay of cognitive decline among the elderly. The methodology is based on a literature review of available sources found on the research topic in three acknowledged databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the regular intake of EVOO is associated with enhanced cognitive functions, which means that this oil may have a neuroprotective effect and could positively prevent the development of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s dementia. It is believed that secoiridoid oleuropein is responsible for this effectiveness. Furthermore, there is also a need of more randomized controlled studies or longitudinal observational studies to be performed to confirm the efficacy of the beneficial health effect of EVOO on the delay of cognitive decline.

Efficacies of Cognitive Interventions in the Elderly with Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Prospective, Three-Arm, Controlled Trial.

Background and PurposeA cognitive intervention (CI) is thought to improve cognition and delay cognitive decline via neuronal plasticity and cognitive resilience. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) might be the first symptomatic stage of Alzheimer's disease, but few studies have examined the beneficial effect of CIs in SCD. We aimed to determine the efficacy of a 12-week, small-group-based, multidomain CI in elderly patients with SCD.MethodsParticipants diagnosed with SCD (aged 55–75 years) were consecutively allocated to three groups: group 1, which received group-based CI implementation with lifestyle modifications; group 2, which received home-based lifestyle modifications without CI; and group 3, in which no action was taken. The primary outcome variables were the scores on computerized tests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). The secondary outcomes included scores on tests evaluating general cognition, memory, visuospatial, and executive functions, as well as scores for the quality of life (QoL), anxiety, depression, and degree of subjective complaints. Changes in scores during the study period were compared between groups.ResultsThe study was completed by 56 SCD participants. The baseline characteristics did not differ among the groups. The primary outcomes (CANTAB scores) did not differ among the groups. However, the outcomes for phonemic word fluency, verbal memory, QoL, and mood were better for group 1 than for the other two groups. Improvements in verbal memory function and executive function were related to the baseline cognitive scores and group differences.ConclusionsCI in SCD seems to be partially beneficial for executive function, memory, QoL, and mood, suggesting that CI is a useful nonpharmacological treatment option in this population.

Alzheimer's Disease: Physical Activities as an Effective Intervention Tool - A Mini-Review.

There are a few risk factors which definitely have an impact on the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Those include genetics, gender, age, diabetes, head injuries, and lifestyle. Physical activity together with a healthy diet is part of people's lifestyle. At present, there exist several research studies showing that the physical activities can be a good intervention tool in the delay of cognitive decline in AD. The aim of this study is to discuss a relationship between the physical activities and the delay and/or maintenance of cognitive decline in AD and the types of physical activities which are especially suitable for this delay. The method of this review study consists of a method of literature review analysing the data contained in the world's prestigious scientific databases: PubMed, Springer, Web of Science and Scopus in the period of 2010 - 2015. In addition, a method of comparison of different research studies discussing various aspects and factors of the correlation of physical activities and AD is used. The findings of this review confirm that in most cases, physical activities have a positive effect on the improvement of cognitive decline in AD. Although physical activities seem to be beneficial for people with AD, more convincing results, particularly in the area of specific types of exercises and their impact on slowing down the cognitive decline, respectively AD, are needed.