Digit Symbol Research Articles

Cognitive impairment across the schizophrenia spectrum: a comparative neuropsychological study

IntroductionCognitive impairment represents a core feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, predating psychosis onset and persisting throughout illness progression. This cross-sectional study systematically evaluates neurocognitive functioning across five critical populations: multi-episode chronic schizophrenia (MECS), first-episode psychosis (FEP), clinical high-risk (CHR) individuals, first-degree relatives (FDR), and healthy controls (HC).MethodsA comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered to 366 participants: 40 MECS, 94 FEP, 54 CHR, 80 FDR, and 98 HC. Assessments included: Processing speed: Trail Making Test-A (TMT-A), Digit Symbol Coding Test (DST). Attention: Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Verbal memory: Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R).Visual memory: Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R). Executive function: Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT). Group differences were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (covariates: age, education) with Bonferroni correction, supplemented by multinomial logistic regression.ResultsA stepwise gradient of impairment emerged across the schizophrenia spectrum (HC > FDR > CHR > FEP > MECS), with significant between-group differences (p<0.001) persisting after covariate adjustment. Key findings revealed: 1. MECS demonstrated cognitive deficits, showing significantly poorer verbal memory (HVLT-R:d=0.65:p<0.001) and executive function (Stroop words:d=0.56, p=0.003,Stroop color:d=0.60, p=0.006,Stroop words color:d=0.46, p=0.03) performance than FEP.2. CHR exhibited intermediate impairment: - Outperformed FEP in processing speed (TMT-A: d=0.45, p=0.009, DST: d=065, p=0.001), attention (CPT: d=0.42, p=0.03), and executive function (Stroop words color: d=0.39, p=0.03). - Underperformed FDR across all domains except visual memory (BVMT-R: d=0.16, p=0.92).3. FDR showed subtle but consistent deficits relative to HC (all tests p<0.05), with largest effects in visual memory (BVMT-R: d=0.99, <0.001).DiscussionThese findings support a stratified continuum of cognitive impairment across schizophrenia progression. While chronic patients manifest generalized deficits, at-risk populations demonstrate distinct profiles: FDR display subclinical vulnerabilities, whereas CHR show intermediate impairment exceeding familial risk but preceding acute psychosis. The differential trajectory of verbal memory and executive function deficits from FEP to MECS suggests progressive deterioration in higher-order cognitive domains. These gradient patterns may inform stage-specific cognitive interventions across the schizophrenia spectrum.

Association between relative fat mass and cognitive function among US older men: NHANES 2011–2014

BackgroundRelative fat mass (RFM) is a new metric developed to assess the entire body fat proportion in adults. The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between cognitive performance and RFM in older American males.MethodsA total of 1,321 individuals were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) that was carried out between the years 2011 and 2014. Specifically, the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Word Learning Test (CERAD-WL), the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) were used in order to achieve the objective of assessing cognitive function. The standardized scores of the three previously mentioned tests were averaged to create the Z-scores, a composite, generalized metric. RFM was ascertained by measuring waist circumference (WC) and height. The relationships that exist between RFM and cognitive performance were investigated using a variety of statistical methods, including multivariate linear regression, threshold effect analyses, smooth curve fitting, and subgroup analyses.ResultsThe study included 1,321 male volunteers aged 60 years or older, and comprehensive data was provided for each individual. Fully adjusted models indicated a negative correlation between RFM and CERAD-WL scores[-0.17, (-0.32,-0.01)], DSST scores[-0.83, (-1.16,-0.50)] and Z-scores[-0.03, (-0.05, -0.01)]. It was observed that the negative correlation that exists between RFM and Z-scores became more pronounced when RFM exceeded 35.78. Furthermore, subgroup analyses showed that the association between RFM and cognitive function was significantly impacted by education level, poverty-income ratio (PIR), smoking status, and drinking status.ConclusionsA higher RFM was linked to lower cognitive function in older men, suggesting that management of RFM may prove advantageous in mitigating cognitive decline among older male populations.

Neurocognitive function across different phases of bipolar disorder: an evaluation using the B-CATS

ObjectivesNeurocognitive dysfunction is a critical aspect of bipolar disorder (BD) and affected by multiple factors, which may serve as potential points for prevention and clinical intervention. This study aimed to compare the neurocognitive profiles of BD patients across different phases with those of healthy controls (HCs) via the Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool for Schizophrenia (B-CATS) and explore the relationship between neurocognitive impairment and mood symptom severity, advancing the applicability of the B-CATS for BD patients.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 238 BD patients, of whom 80, 78, and 80 were in the depressive, manic/hypomanic, and euthymic phases, respectively, and 80 HCs. The participants’ neurocognitive profiles were evaluated using the B-CATS, which includes 3 tests: the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and the Trail Making Test (TMT). In addition, the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) were used to assess depression symptoms, anxiety, mania, and the degree of disability.ResultsAmong the four groups, the depressive group showed the most severe neurocognitive impairment, followed by the manic group, and the euthymic group was inferior to that of the healthy control group (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed that in the depression group, depressive symptoms were inversely associated with AFT (r = -0.427, p < 0.001), DSST (r = -0.242, p = 0.030), and total scores (r = -0.248, p = 0.026). In the manic group, manic symptoms were inversely associated with B-CATS scores (r = -0.407, p < 0.001), and patients with current medication use had lower B-CATS total scores and TMT scores (r = -0.310, p = 0.006; r = -0.292, p = 0.010, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that B-CATS total score was closely related to SDS- Social life (p = 0.030) in depression, YMRS score (p < 0.001) and drugs (p < 0.001) in manic.ConclusionsNeurocognitive impairment in BD patients are present throughout the entire illness course, with the most severe deficits occurring during the depressive phase. B-CATS is a quick and simple tool for assessing neurocognitive function for BD patients.

Race, diabetes, and cognitive function: a cross-sectional analysis of intersecting disparities in the NHANES cohort

BackgroundCognitive impairment poses a considerable challenge to public health systems worldwide, and its severity often varies depending on racial disparities. Diabetes, a prevalent chronic disease, is also known to adversely affect cognitive function. However, the interaction between race and diabetes in influencing cognitive function has not been well defined. This study aims to investigate the combined effects of race and diabetes on cognitive function using a demographically diverse group of elderly individuals.MethodsData were drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2014, involving a sample of 2,586 elderly participants aged 60 and above. Multivariate regression models were employed to assess the effects of race, diabetes status, and their interaction on cognitive test scores. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) test, the Delayed Recall Test, the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).ResultsMexican Americans and Non-Hispanic Black people have the most frequent rates of diabetes. Non-Hispanic White people score the highest in all cognitive tests, while Mexican Americans and other Hispanics score the lowest (p < 0.001). Diabetic individuals score significantly lower than non-diabetics across all cognitive tests, with the most pronounced difference observed in DSST scores (p < 0.001). The negative association between diabetes status and DSST scores remained significant after adjusting for confounders (p < 0.001). Notably, the interaction between race and diabetes did not significantly influence cognitive function across the cognitive tests.ConclusionThis study found significant differences in diabetes prevalence and cognitive performance by race, along with a robust negative correlation between diabetes status and cognitive function. However, the interaction between race and diabetes does not significantly affect cognitive function.

Total and Structural Carotid Artery StiffnessAre Associated With Cognitive Decline and Structural Brain Abnormalities Related to Alzheimer Disease and AlzheimerDisease-Related Dementias Pathology: TheMulti-Ethnic Study ofAtherosclerosis.

Arterial stiffness is associated with pathological changes underlying Alzheimer disease and related dementias. Total pulse wave velocity can be subdivided into 2 main mechanisms: structural arterial stiffness (S-PWV) due to intrinsic remodeling of the artery wall and load-dependent arterial stiffness due to increased blood pressure. In this prospective cohort study, MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) participants completed B-mode carotid ultrasounds from which carotid total pulse wave velocity was calculated. S-PWV was calculated by adjusting pulse wave velocity to 120/80 mmHgusing a nonlinear pressure-diameter relationship, and load-dependent arterial stiffness was derived by subtracting S-PWV from total pulse wave velocity. Participants had repeated cognitive assessments with the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument, Digit Symbol Coding, and Digit Span combined into a global cognitive composite (N=2489). Brain magnetic resonance imaging was used to generate total gray matter volume (N=906), white matter hyperintensity volume (N=896), and total white matter fractional anisotropy (N=810). Multivariable linear fixed and mixed effects regression models related standardized pulse wave velocity components to neuroimaging and cognitive decline parameters, respectively. Greater S-PWV was associated with greater longitudinal cognitive decline in global cognitive composite score (β=-0.05, P=0.002) and subtests, whereas greater load-dependent arterial stiffness was not associated with longitudinal cognitive decline. Greater S-PWV was associated with lower gray matter volume (β=-3183.4, P=0.013) and higher log white matter hyperintensity volume (β=0.20, P<0.001), whereas load-dependent arterial stiffness was associated with lower total white matter fractional anisotropy (β=-0.004, P≤0.001). Higher structural stiffness of the carotid artery is associated with cognitive decline, whereas both structural and load-dependent stiffness are associated with brain structural abnormalities common in Alzheimer disease-related dementias.

Exploring the associations between psychiatric symptoms and cognitive functions in first-episode schizophrenia: A network analysis.

Exploring the associations between psychiatric symptoms and cognitive functions in first-episode schizophrenia: A network analysis.

Combined Effect of HF-rTMS and Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Cognitive Efficiency in Esports Players With or Without Sedentary Behaviors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The present study investigated the effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS), whole-body vibration training (WBVT), and a combination of HF-rTMS and WBVT interventions on cognitive performance in esports players with or without sedentary behaviors. A total of 128 participants, including sedentary and non-sedentary esports players, were randomly assigned to the HF-rTMS group, the WBVT group, the HF-rTMS+WBVT group, or the control group. The interventions were administered daily for 2 weeks, and pretest, mid-test, and posttest assessments were conducted. Cognitive function was assessed using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) for response time and accuracy, and gaming performance was measured using first-person shooter (FPS) scores. At baseline, sedentary players demonstrated significantly increased response time in DSST compared to non-sedentary participants. The interventions, both HF-rTMS and WBVT, significantly enhanced cognitive processing speed and accuracy, with these improvements being more pronounced in sedentary esports players compared to non-sedentary esports players. Notably, the combination of HF-rTMS and WBVT was found to be the most effective in boosting cognitive performance among these interventions. Furthermore, FPS scores showed an overall increase in all intervention groups in both sedentary and non-sedentary esports players, and the combination of HF-rTMS and WBVT showed the most pronounced effect on in gaming performance. The study demonstrated that sedentary behavior had a detrimental effect on the cognitive function in esports players. Furthermore, HF-rTMS and WBVT, especially in combination, effectively enhanced cognitive performance in esports players, with a more pronounced effect in those with sedentary lifestyles. These findings suggested potential strategies for cognitive enhancement in the esports context, highlighting the need for tailored interventions based on individual lifestyle factors.

Decreased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicted cognitive improvement in late-life depression treated with vortioxetine: Findings from an eight-week randomized controlled trial.

Decreased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicted cognitive improvement in late-life depression treated with vortioxetine: Findings from an eight-week randomized controlled trial.

Gray Matter Covariance Networks Associated with Parental Longevity - Results from the LonGenity Study.

Older adults with exceptional longevity - and their offspring - are protected from age-related diseases and have a prolonged health span. Prior research suggests that offspring of parents with exceptional longevity have larger temporal and sensorimotor cortices in mid to late-adulthood - but the association between brain health and parental longevity is not well understood in older adults. This study aimed to identify a gray matter volume pattern (or network) associated with parental longevity in older adults - and to determine if individual expressions of this gray matter pattern vary with cognitive performance. Participants consisted of one hundred and thirty-nine older adults of Ashkenazi Jewish descent from the LonGenity study (M Age 79.4±6.5 years; 56.11% women). Eighty-four (60.4%) were offspring of parents with exceptional longevity and 55 (39.6%) were offspring of parents with usual survival. A gray matter network associated with parental longevity was derived with multivariate covariance-based analyses that were adjusted for potential confounders. Participant-specific expressions of this network were then regressed against cognitive test performances. The derived gray matter covariance network associated with parental longevity was primarily composed of frontal, insular, and hippocampal regions. The extent to which older adults displayed this pattern was associated with overall cognition, Free Recall, Digit Symbol Substitution, Boston Naming and Trail Making Test A performance. Parental longevity is associated with a widespread network of brain regions in aging. This brain network also varies as a function of cognitive performance.

Effects of Carnosine Supplementation on Cognitive Outcomes in Prediabetes and Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Trends in global ageing underscore the rising burden of age-related cognitive decline and concomitant cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Carnosine, a naturally occurring dipeptide with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-glycating properties, has shown promise in animal models and limited human studies for improving cognitive function, insulin resistance and T2DM, but its therapeutic effects on cognition remain unclear. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of carnosine on cognitive function in individuals with prediabetes or well-controlled T2DM. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a double-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT), whereby 49 adults with prediabetes or early-stage well-controlled T2DM were randomised to receive 2 g of carnosine or identical placebo daily for 14 weeks. At baseline and follow-up, cognitive function was assessed as a secondary outcome using the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test, Stroop test, Trail Making Tests A &amp; B, and the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery (CANTAB). Results: In total, 42 adults (23 males and 19 females) completed the trial. There were no differences in participant anthropometry or cognitive functioning between carnosine and placebo groups at baseline (all p &gt; 0.1). After the 14-week supplementation period, there were no differences between carnosine and placebo groups in change and follow-up values for any cognitive measures including Stroop, Digit Symbol Substitution Sest, Trail Making A/B or CANTAB (all p &gt; 0.05). Adjustments for baseline cognitive scores, diabetic status, level of education, age or interaction effects with participants’ sex did not change the results. Conclusions: Carnosine supplementation did not improve cognitive measures in individuals with prediabetes or T2DM in this study. While larger trials may provide further insights, alternative factors—such as the relatively young and healthy profile of our cohort—may have contributed to the lack of observed effect. Future research should examine individuals with existing cognitive impairment or those at higher risk of cognitive decline to better define the therapeutic potential of carnosine in this context.

Association between age at first birth and cognitive function in women 60 years and older: the 2011–2014 cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study

BackgroundCognitive function is a fundamental capacity essential for maintaining independence and performing complex tasks in daily life. Cognitive abilities gradually decline with age, potentially leading to dementia. Evidence suggests that female reproductive factors may influence cognitive function in later life through various mechanisms. However, the relationship between age at first birth (AFB) and cognitive function requires further investigation.MethodsThis study utilizes data from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), including 1,057 female participants. AFB data are obtained from reproductive health questionnaire. Cognitive function is assessed using the CERAD Word Learning Test, Animal Fluency Test, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Multiple linear regression, smoothed curve fitting, threshold analyses, and subgroup analyses are conducted to evaluate the association between AFB and cognitive function.ResultsAFB is significantly and positively associated with cognitive function after adjusting for covariates. Women with AFB ≥ 20 years exhibit a 34% lower prevalence of cognitive impairment and significantly higher cognitive test scores compared to those with AFB < 20 years. A nonlinear relationship is observed, with the positive effect of increasing AFB on cognitive function being more pronounced before age 21. The association between AFB and cognitive function is stronger among individuals without a history of stroke and those with moderate to high levels of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and weight-adjusted waist index (WWI).ConclusionLater AFB is associated with a reduced prevalence of cognitive impairment and improved cognitive outcomes, particularly when the first birth occurs after age 21. Considering WHtR and WWI may further optimize the protective effects of AFB on cognitive health. These findings underscore the importance of reproductive timing for long-term cognitive health.

Performance Enhanced Cascaded Digital-Analog Radio-Over-Fiber Enabled by Digital Symbol Remapping for 6G Mobile Fronthaul

Performance Enhanced Cascaded Digital-Analog Radio-Over-Fiber Enabled by Digital Symbol Remapping for 6G Mobile Fronthaul

Acute Supplementation of Soluble Mango Leaf Extract (Zynamite® S) Improves Mental Performance and Mood: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study.

Background/Objectives: A mango (Mangifera indica) leaf extract (Zynamite®), rich in the polyphenol mangiferin, has been demonstrated to modulate brain activity, boost cognitive function, and reduce mental fatigue. Research evidence supports that improving the solubility of this extract could significantly enhance its efficacy as an active ingredient. This study examined the effects of a soluble version of Zynamite®, Zynamite® S (Zyn-S), on cognitive function and mood in young adults at low doses. Methods: A total of 119 university students were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 100 mg, 150 mg, or placebo in a double-blind crossover design. Short- and long-term memory were evaluated using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), executive functions with the Trail Making Test (TMT), processing speed with the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and selective attention with the Stroop Color and Word Test. Additionally, mood was assessed using the Spanish short version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS). All these assessments were conducted before taking the product and at 30 min, 3 h, and 5 h post-intake. Results: The results demonstrated that participants who received Zynamite® S experienced significant improvements in reduced tension, depression, and confusion, suggesting an enhancement in mental clarity and overall emotional well-being. Both interventions also improved processing speed and cognitive flexibility. However, no significant differences were observed in short- and long-term verbal memory. Conclusions: In summary, these findings support Zynamite® S as a natural nootropic capable of acutely improving key cognitive functions and emotional balance at low doses in young adults, with sustained efficacy for at least five hours.

Correlation of Visuo-Spatial Skills, Executive Function and Psychomotor Speed on Fall Risk and Overall Functional Mobility in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Background and Objectives: Spectrum of cognitive impairments, is frequently observed in early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Diminished functional mobility, often manifesting as falls, is commonly seen in conjunction with these impairments. This study aims to explore the correlation between visuospatial skills, executive function, and psychomotor speed with fall risk and overall functional mobility in patients with early Parkinson's disease. Study design: Cross sectional study with correlational analysis. Methods: 52 Parkinson’s patients in Hoehn and Yahr stage 1 and 2 were included and evaluated for Visuospatial skills and Psychomotor speed by using Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Executive functions by using Trail Making Test-A (TMT-A), Fall- risk and overall functional mobility by Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) with its subscales. Results: The data normality was established by Kolmogorov Smirnov test and Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to draw correlational analysis. Significant negative correlation was observed between Visuospatial skills, Psychomotor speed (DSST) with fall risk and overall functional mobility- TUG Normal (r=0.3284), Cognitive Dual task (r=-0.4270 and Motor Dual Task r=-0.4334) and a significant positive correlation between Executive function (TMT-A) with fall risk and functional mobility- TUG Normal (r=0.5846), Cognitive Dual task (r=0.4364) and Motor Dual Task (r=0.4039). Conclusions: Results indicate that Visuo spatial skills, Executive function and psychomotor speed have a substantial relationship with fall risk and overall functional mobility as demonstrated by significant correlation between all 3 variants of Timed up and go test.

Higher dietary vitamin D intake influences brain and mental function in elderly Americans: a cross-sectional analysis.

Vitamin D is known to have a potential impact on cognitive function and mental health. This study aims to assess the association between dietary vitamin D intake and cognitive performance, as well as depression, in an elderly U.S. population. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 were analyzed. A total of 1,344 elderly participants were categorized into three tertiles based on their dietary vitamin D intake (D2 + D3). Cognitive function was measured using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) test, Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and Animal Fluency Test, while depression was assessed through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Adjustments were made for confounding variables, including age, sex, race, education, physical activity level, and other dietary factors. After adjustment for confounders, individuals in the 3rd tertile of vitamin D intake (≥4.9 mcg/day) had significantly reduced odds of low performance on the CERAD test (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.57-0.98; p = 0.031) and Animal Fluency test (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49-0.85; p = 0.013) compared to the 1st tertile of intake (≤2.4 mcg/day). Similarly, participants in the 3rd tertile of vitamin D intake had lower odds of depression (PHQ-9 score > 4) after adjustment (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48-0.99; p = 0.046). Our findings suggest that dietary vitamin D intake is associated with improved cognitive function and depressive symptoms in elderly individuals. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Correlation of cognitive impairment with Mediterranean diet and mortality: a prospective cohort study.

Long-term adherence to the Mediterranean Diet has been shown to improve cognitive function in patients. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the impact of the Mediterranean diet and cognitive impairment on long-term mortality outcomes. This study aims to explore whether there is an interaction between the degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cognitive impairment on long-term mortality outcomes. The study included 2,520 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2011 and 2014. The adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the 9-point alternative Mediterranean diet index (aMED index). Cognitive function was assessed using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD), the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and the Digital Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). By accessing public records from the National Death Index (NDI), NHANES participants' information was linked to death certificate records to determine mortality and causes of death during the follow-up period, up to December 31, 2019, with causes specified according to ICD-10. Participants were categorized based on the median aMED score into low adherence (scores 0-3), moderate adherence (score 4), and high adherence (scores 5-9) groups. Cognitive impairment was assessed by calculating the arithmetic mean of standardized scores (Z-scores) for each cognitive test. Participants with scores below the first quartile of the arithmetic mean were considered to have cognitive impairment. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the relationship between cognitive impairment, aMED, and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality outcomes. Additionally, the interaction between cognitive impairment and aMED on these outcomes was evaluated. The study included 2,520 participants, with 481 deaths during the follow-up period, of which 129 (26.8%) were cardiovascular-related. The median aMED score in the population was 4, and 632 individuals (25.1%) were considered to have cognitive impairment. A higher aMED score was associated with a reduced risk of long-term all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related mortality (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.52-0.81, p < 0.001; HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.47-0.91, p = 0.039). Cognitive impairment was associated with an increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.46-2.18, p < 0.001; HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.22-2.64, p = 0.003). Individuals with both lower aMED scores and cognitive impairment had higher risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Subgroup analysis indicates that only in the cognitive impairment subgroup is a higher Mediterranean diet score associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality. There is an interaction between lower aMED scores and cognitive impairment in increasing cardiovascular-related mortality (p for interaction = 0.028). There is an interaction between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cognitive impairment concerning cardiovascular-related mortality, but not all-cause mortality. Among individuals with cognitive impairment, adherence to the Mediterranean diet has a more significant impact on cardiovascular-related mortality.

The impact of particulate matter exposure on global and domain-specific cognitive function: evidence from the Chinese Square Dancer Study

BackgroundThere is growing evidence that exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with impaired cognitive function. However, limited studies have specifically examined the relationship between PM exposure and domain-specific cognitive function.MethodsThis study involved 2,668 female participants from the Lifestyle and Healthy Aging of Chinese Square Dancer Study. Global cognitive function was assessed using a composite Z-score derived from four tests: the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and Trail Making Test-B (TMT-B). These tests evaluated specific cognitive subdomains: memory (AVLT), language (VFT), attention (DSST), and executive function (TMT-B). PM concentrations were estimated using a Random Forest (RF) model, which calculated the average concentrations over 1-year and 3-year periods at a high grid resolution of 1 × 1 km. Mixed linear regression was employed to explore the association between PM exposure and cognitive function.ResultsAfter adjusting for basic socio-demographic factors, a 10 mg/m3 increase in 3-year exposure to PM10 was significantly associated with a decrease in the DSST score by -0.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.11, 0) and an increase in the TMT-B score by 0.05 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.1). When further adjusting for gaseous pollutants (SO₂, NO₂, and O₃), even stronger associations were observed between 3-year exposure to either PM2.5 or PM10 and performance in both global cognition and specific cognitive subdomains. Specifically, in the DSST subdomain, a 10 µg/m³ increase in 1-year PM10 exposure was associated with a decrease in the score by -0.10 (95% CI: -0.15, -0.04). Age-stratified analyses further indicated that older participants were consistently more vulnerable to PM exposure. Notably, 3-year exposure to both PM2.5 and PM10 was linked to declines in DSST scores across both middle-aged and older age groups.ConclusionAmbient PM exposure was significantly associated with performance in global cognitive function and specific cognitive domains among Chinese females. Female populations over 65 years old were more susceptible to the adverse effects of PM2.5 and PM10. Among the four subdomains, the DSST showed the strongest association with PM exposure, even at earlier ages, suggesting that impaired attention may serve as an early warning sign of cognitive decline.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Effect of carotid artery stenting on cognitive function in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, a multimodal magnetic resonance study.

Effect of carotid artery stenting on cognitive function in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, a multimodal magnetic resonance study.

Association between Fear of Falling and Visuospatial and Executive Functions in Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Association between Fear of Falling and Visuospatial and Executive Functions in Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Healthy Dietary Pattern Improves Cognitive Function in Elderly Persons With Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES

Healthy Dietary Pattern Improves Cognitive Function in Elderly Persons With Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES