Healthy Cognitive Aging Research Articles

Commentary on “Alexa, let's train now! A systematic review and classification approach to digital and home-based physical training interventions aiming to support healthy cognitive aging”

Commentary on “Alexa, let's train now! A systematic review and classification approach to digital and home-based physical training interventions aiming to support healthy cognitive aging”

Differential impacts of healthy cognitive aging on directed and random exploration.

Deciding whether to explore unknown opportunities or exploit well-known options is a ubiquitous part of our everyday lives. Extensive work in college students suggests that young people make explore-exploit decisions using a mixture of information seeking and random behavioral variability. Whether, and to what extent, older adults use the same strategies is unknown. To address this question, 51 older adults (ages 65-74) and 32 younger adults (ages 18-25) completed the Horizon Task, a gambling task that quantifies information seeking and behavioral variability as well as how these strategies are controlled for the purposes of exploration. Qualitatively, we found that older adults performed similar to younger adults on this task, increasing both their information seeking and behavioral variability when it was adaptive to explore. Quantitively, however, there were substantial differences between the age groups, with older adults showing less information seeking overall and less reliance on variability as a means to explore. In addition, we found a subset of approximately 26% of older adults whose information seeking was close to zero, avoiding informative options even when they were clearly the better choice. Unsurprisingly, these "information avoiders" performed worse on the task. In contrast, task performance in the remaining "information seeking" older adults was comparable to that of younger adults suggesting that age-related differences in explore-exploit decision making may be adaptive except when they are taken to extremes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection Modulates Hearing Ability across the Adult Life Span.

While several studies have shown associations between hearing disorders and congenital toxoplasmosis, the present study investigated the impact of chronic, latent Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection on hearing loss. We used a regression analysis to explore whether latent T. gondii infection modulates changes in hearing thresholds over an age range from 20 to 70 years. We analyzed audiometric data of 162 T. gondii IgG-positive and 430 T. gondii-negative participants, collected in the Dortmund Vital Study (DVS, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05155397), a prospective study on healthy cognitive aging. The regression analysis indicated that latent toxoplasmosis was associated with an accelerated development in hearing loss over the observed age range. Hearing loss was less frequent in IgG-positive than in IgG-negative participants up to the age of about 40 for a low (0.125-1 kHz)-frequency range. For high (2-8 kHz) frequencies, this pattern reversed for ages above 65 years. We discuss these findings on hearing function in the context of a recently proposed model, suggesting that latent toxoplasmosis can differentially affect brain functions across a lifespan.

Mild cognitive impairment prediction and cognitive score regression in the elderly using EEG topological data analysis and machine learning with awareness assessed in affective reminiscent paradigm.

The main objective of this study is to evaluate working memory and determine EEG biomarkers that can assist in the field of health neuroscience. Our ultimate goal is to utilize this approach to predict the early signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in healthy elderly individuals, which could potentially lead to dementia. The advancements in health neuroscience research have revealed that affective reminiscence stimulation is an effective method for developing EEG-based neuro-biomarkers that can detect the signs of MCI. We use topological data analysis (TDA) on multivariate EEG data to extract features that can be used for unsupervised clustering, subsequent machine learning-based classification, and cognitive score regression. We perform EEG experiments to evaluate conscious awareness in affective reminiscent photography settings. We use EEG and interior photography to distinguish between healthy cognitive aging and MCI. Our clustering UMAP and random forest application accurately predict MCI stage and MoCA scores. Our team has successfully implemented TDA feature extraction, MCI classification, and an initial regression of MoCA scores. However, our study has certain limitations due to a small sample size of only 23 participants and an unbalanced class distribution. To enhance the accuracy and validity of our results, future research should focus on expanding the sample size, ensuring gender balance, and extending the study to a cross-cultural context.

Supplemental Material for Differential Impacts of Healthy Cognitive Aging on Directed and Random Exploration

Supplemental Material for Differential Impacts of Healthy Cognitive Aging on Directed and Random Exploration

Association study of brain structure-function coupling and glymphatic system function in patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a critical transitional phase from healthy cognitive aging to dementia, offering a unique opportunity for early intervention. However, few studies focus on the correlation of brain structure and functional activity in patients with MCI due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Elucidating the complex interactions between structural-functional (SC-FC) brain connectivity and glymphatic system function is crucial for understanding this condition. The aims of this study were to explore the relationship among SC-FC coupling values, glymphatic system function and cognitive function. 23 MCI patients and 18 healthy controls (HC) underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (fMRI). DTI analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index and SC-FC coupling values were calculated using DTI and fMRI. Correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, DTI-ALPS index, and coupling values. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was conducted on the SC-FC coupling between the whole brain and subnetworks. The correlation of coupling values with MMSE scores was also analyzed. MCI patients (67.74 ± 6.99 years of age) exhibited significantly lower coupling in the whole-brain network and subnetworks, such as the somatomotor network (SMN) and ventral attention network (VAN), than HCs (63.44 ± 6.92 years of age). Whole-brain network coupling was positively correlated with dorsal attention network (DAN), SMN, and visual network (VN) coupling. MMSE scores were significantly positively correlated with whole-brain coupling and SMN coupling. In MCI, whole-brain network demonstrated the highest performance, followed by the SMN and VAN, with the VN, DAN, limbic network (LN), frontoparietal network (FPN), and default mode network (DMN). Compared to HCs, lower DTI-ALPS index was observed in individuals with MCI. Additionally, the left DTI-ALPS index showed a significant positive correlation with MMSE scores and coupling values in the whole-brain network and SMN. These findings reveal the critical role of SC-FC coupling values and the ALPS index in cognitive function of MCI. The positive correlations observed in the left DTI-ALPS and whole-brain and SMN coupling values provide a new insight for investigating the asymmetrical nature of cognitive impairments.

COGNITIVE DISPERSION IS ASSOCIATED WITH PROTECTIVE COGNITIVE AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN MIDUS

Abstract Research examining the relationship between an individual’s levels of variability across a range of cognitive domains (dispersion) suggests that higher dispersion may be an early indicator of future cognitive impairment. However, this literature is still in its infancy and more research is needed to systematically examine the correlates of dispersion in large-scale, national samples that include individuals across the adult lifespan. Our study thus examined the relationship between cognitive dispersion across 6 tasks, mean cognitive performance, and sociodemographic characteristics in a national sample of adults from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (n=4,198; age 55±12.45). Dispersion was calculated by generating an intraindividual standard deviation across 6 unique cognitive tasks spanning several neuropsychological domains. In contrast to past research, bivariate correlations indicated that higher levels of cognitive dispersion were associated with higher levels of mean performance across cognitive tasks (r=0.28), higher education (r=0.08), higher income (r=0.04), and younger age (r=-0.07) (all ps<.05). The positive association between cognitive dispersion and mean performance was strongest for the episodic memory and working memory tasks. These results were consistent in both wave 2 and 3 of MIDUS and replicated in regression analyses that also revealed an increase in dispersion across waves 2 and 3 of MIDUS was associated with an increase in mean performance across the two waves (b=0.05, p<.001). Results of our study point to the possibility that, in certain unimpaired adult lifespan populations, dispersion may be associated with protective cognitive and sociodemographic factors linked to healthy cognitive aging.

CATALYZING CROSS-NATIONAL AGING RESEARCH: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND STRATEGIES FOR EARLY CAREERISTS

Abstract Cross-national comparisons in aging research allow for the triangulation of evidence on health outcomes across diverse populations and contexts. They allow researchers to identify policy-relevant and context-specific modifiers of health risks faced by older adults. Catalyzing cross-national comparison studies is a challenge, as researchers need to carefully consider social, cultural, political, socioeconomic differences across populations and make sure that local partners are appropriately represented and involved. This presentation will describe experiences in building a research career focused on understanding healthy cognitive aging from a global perspective, using data from diverse high-, middle-, and low-income settings. Opportunities, challenges, and strategies for early career researchers interested in catalyzing cross-national aging research will be discussed. These include the importance of advocacy for research on aging in contexts outside of the United States, theoretical and methodological approaches to cross-national research, and building diverse interdisciplinary collaborations.

THE ROLE OF PSYCHOSOCIAL AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS IN PROMOTING COGNITIVE HEALTH

Abstract This symposium will highlight the role of psychosocial and lifestyle factors in cognitive health. Across four talks, we consider a wide range of psychosocial and lifestyle factors including personality, stress, physical activity, and nutrition, and a wide range of cognitive health outcomes including subjective and objective cognitive performance, clinical diagnoses of cognitive status, and cognitive healthspan. First, Dr. Patrick Hill will share findings on links between Big Five personality traits and the degree of concordance between subjective and objective cognitive functioning. Second, Dr. Tomiko Yoneda uses longitudinal data to investigate personality trait predictors of transitions between cognitive states (no cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, dementia) and death, as well as personality effects on cognitive healthspan (i.e., years without cognitive impairment) and total longevity. Third, Nicole Stuart used ecological momentary assessment and activity trackers to investigate links among daily stress, daily physical activity, and daily cognitive performance. Finally, Dr. Julia Sheffler will discuss how we can apply our knowledge of psychosocial and lifestyle factors in cognitive health to inform the development of interventions. She will share quantitative and qualitative findings from proof-of-concept (N=9) and pilot (N=58) studies of a nutrition intervention in older adults at risk for dementia, and she will discuss implications for lifestyle intervention development more broadly. Together, this symposium showcases how a wide range of methods can be employed to reveal the importance of psychosocial and lifestyle factors for promoting healthy cognitive aging.

NINE-YEAR ASSOCIATION OF OPTIMISM AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN A COHORT OF AGING MEN

Abstract Higher levels of optimism have been linked to better physical and emotional health, and growing evidence suggests optimism may also protect against cognitive impairment and decline. However, our understanding of its prospective associations with cognitive functioning is limited. We examined 9-year associations of optimism with cognitive functioning among 793 men from the VA Normative Aging Study. Optimism was assessed via the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 in 1986 (baseline: AgeM = 60.1, SD=7.1). Cognitive functioning was measured at participants’ earliest cognitive testing occasion between 1993 and 1996. We considered both global cognition (MMSE) and three domains of cognitive functioning: executive function (verbal fluency via Animal Naming Test, working memory via WAIS-R Digit Span Backward), short-term memory (immediate and delayed CERAD Word List Recall), and visuospatial ability (CERAD and VMI spatial copying, NES-2 Pattern Comparison). Analyses used ordinary least squares regression adjusted for childhood socioeconomic status, and demographics and major diseases at baseline. Optimism was not associated with global cognition. However, higher optimism was associated with better verbal fluency (B=0.48, SE=0.19, 95% CI .11–.86, p=.01) and immediate word list recall (B=0.33, SE=0.15, 95% CI .04–.62, p=.02), and weakly associated with delayed word list recall (B=0.14, SE=0.07, 95% CI -.01–.28, p=.06). Optimism was not associated with visuospatial ability or working memory performance. Our findings suggest that optimism could be particularly important for verbally mediated aspects of executive functioning and memory in aging men. Optimism may be a valuable intervention target to promote healthy cognitive aging.

EARLY LIFE LEARNING DISABILITY, PREMATURE PARENTAL DEATH PREDICTS LATE LIFE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Abstract Recent studies have increasingly identified links between early learning difficulties and later life cognitive impairment. Additionally, the death of a parent adversely affects various outcomes across the life course, particularly when the death occurs earlier than expected. This study evaluated the impact of early learning problems and death of a parent on change in cognitive function over 10 years among older Americans enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study. Data were from respondents’ early educational experiences collected in the 2015 and 2017 Life History Mail Survey and childhood stress measures were from the aggregated childhood histories (N = 10,775). Cognitive impairment was assessed per Langa-Weir’s classification, which includes normal, cognitively impaired but not demented (CIND) and demented groups. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) regressions estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with adjustment for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Having at least one early learning problem, and death of a parent before the age of 16 were each associated with increased risk of later life cognitive impairment over time (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.45-1.76 and OR 2.02, 95%CI 1.83-2.24 respectively). However, learning problem-related differences in risk of cognitive impairment varied by parental death status over time (learning problems x death x time, p=0.05). The risk was highest, amongst those that reported both experiencing early learning problems and parental death relative to those without learning problems. Policies and interventions that enhance diagnosis of early learning problems and improve childhood social contexts are needed to promote healthy cognitive aging amongst older Americans.

Investigating the social and environmental contexts of habitual walking ACTIVities in older adult DYADs: A mixed methods protocol for the ActivDyad study

AbstractBackgroundMobility‐related ambulatory activity (e.g., walking) is essential to healthy cognitive and functional ageing. Wearable technology (e.g., accelerometers/inertial measurement units; IMUs) allows us to objectively and continuously capture digital mobility outcomes (DMOs), e.g. volume, pattern and variability of walking activities. Continuous digital mobility assessment has been shown as feasible and acceptable to older adults with and without dementia. However, interpretation of DMOs is limited as we do not yet understand the impact of different social and environmental contexts on walking activity. For example, DMOs may be influenced by the volume of walking that one’s partner participates in, or by the walkability of their local area. Understanding the impact of social and environmental contexts on DMOs will support development of socio‐ecological strategies to support mobility in ageing. We aim to conduct a feasibility study in older adults with the following objectives: (1). Objectively assess DMOs in older adult dyads using digital mobility tools (i.e., IMUs/GPS); (2). Identify key social and environmental influences on DMOs through mixed‐methods exploration; (3). Develop a novel analytical approach combining DMOs with GPS data to assess independence/interdependence in dyads’ walking activities.MethodWe will recruit 20 older adult dyads in North‐East England for an observational cross‐sectional study. Walking activities will be recorded continuously for seven days using an IMU attached to participants’ lower backs. DMOs include volume (e.g., daily steps), pattern (e.g. mean bout length) and variability (of bout length) of walking activities. Simultaneously, participants will carry a GPS device (i.e., smartphone) to monitor excursions outside the home. Questionnaires will capture information on cognition, function, falls risk, exercise motivation, wellbeing, relationship mutuality, spatial navigation, and walkability of local area. Participants will complete a “mobility diary” for the assessment period (e.g., daily journeys, motivations/perceptions/familiarity of journeys).ResultPreliminary results will be presented regarding associations between social/environmental contexts with DMOs via flexible Bayesian statistical models and thematic qualitative analysis.ConclusionThis study will assess the feasibility of the protocol and analysis strategies, with intentions of developing further research to examine the impact of social and environmental influences on DMOs in people with dementia and their carers.

The impact of self‐reported retrospective early adversity on later life biopsychosocial outcomes

AbstractBackgroundEarly adversity has been associated with several biopsychosocial outcomes later in life. Early adversity and its long‐lasting consequences may affect directly or indirectly cognitive aging and increase the risk of developing dementia in older age. Therefore, investigating the biopsychosocial outcomes associated with early adverse experiences is essential to be able to promote good development across the life course (i.e., resilience) and healthy (cognitive) aging.MethodThe goal of this study is to investigate the effect of early adversity (i.e., trauma and deprivation) on various biopsychosocial outcomes (i.e., physical and mental health, lifestyle, and cognition) in two UK cohorts (UK Biobank, N = 500,000; the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), N = 20,000). In both cohorts, adversities are self‐reported retrospectively, and only those adversities assessed in both cohorts were selected.ResultThe preliminary results showed that in both cohorts early adverse experiences have a significant detrimental effect on all the biopsychosocial outcomes investigated (i.e., physical and mental health, lifestyle, and cognition), Ps <.01.ConclusionIn line with the literature, early adverse experiences have long‐lasting detrimental effects on a variety of biopsychosocial outcomes. The results found will be replicated on longitudinal data, to gain more information about the associations found and their underlying mechanisms. The aim of this study is to identify target factors on which to base interventions to promote resilience and healthy (cognitive) aging.

Investigating the social and environmental contexts of habitual walking ACTIVities in older adult DYADs: A mixed methods protocol for the ActivDyad study

AbstractBackgroundMobility‐related ambulatory activity (e.g., walking) is essential to healthy cognitive and functional ageing. Wearable technology (e.g., accelerometers/inertial measurement units; IMUs) allows us to objectively and continuously capture digital mobility outcomes (DMOs), e.g. volume, pattern and variability of walking activities. Continuous digital mobility assessment has been shown as feasible and acceptable to older adults with and without dementia. However, interpretation of DMOs is limited as we do not yet understand the impact of different social and environmental contexts on walking activity. For example, DMOs may be influenced by the volume of walking that one’s partner participates in, or by the walkability of their local area. Understanding the impact of social and environmental contexts on DMOs will support development of socio‐ecological strategies to support mobility in ageing. We aim to conduct a feasibility study in older adults with the following objectives: (1). Objectively assess DMOs in older adult dyads using digital mobility tools (i.e., IMUs/GPS); (2). Identify key social and environmental influences on DMOs through mixed‐methods exploration; (3). Develop a novel analytical approach combining DMOs with GPS data to assess independence/interdependence in dyads’ walking activities.MethodWe will recruit 20 older adult dyads in North‐East England for an observational cross‐sectional study. Walking activities will be recorded continuously for seven days using an IMU attached to participants’ lower backs. DMOs include volume (e.g., daily steps), pattern (e.g. mean bout length) and variability (of bout length) of walking activities. Simultaneously, participants will carry a GPS device (i.e., smartphone) to monitor excursions outside the home. Questionnaires will capture information on cognition, function, falls risk, exercise motivation, wellbeing, relationship mutuality, spatial navigation, and walkability of local area. Participants will complete a “mobility diary” for the assessment period (e.g., daily journeys, motivations/perceptions/familiarity of journeys).ResultPreliminary results will be presented regarding associations between social/environmental contexts with DMOs via flexible Bayesian statistical models and thematic qualitative analysis.ConclusionThis study will assess the feasibility of the protocol and analysis strategies, with intentions of developing further research to examine the impact of social and environmental influences on DMOs in people with dementia and their carers.

The contribution of leisure activities to cognitive health in adults with chronic stroke

AbstractBackgroundStroke doubles one’s risk for dementia. Therefore, stroke survivors represent a target population in need of intervention strategies to promote cognitive function and prevent dementia. Engagement in leisure activities, such as social, physical, and cognitive enrichment activities, are beneficial for healthy cognitive aging. Thus, we hypothesize that higher levels of leisure activities are associated with better cognitive performance in adults with chronic stroke and may be a promising approach to promoting cognitive health post‐stroke.MethodA cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data from the Vitality study – a randomized controlled trial examining the effects of exercise training or complex mental and social activities on cognitive function in community dwelling older adults (aged 55+ years) living with chronic stroke (i.e., stroke sequelae ≥1 year). Our primary cognitive outcome was the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale‐Plus (ADAS‐Cog Plus: 13‐item ADAS‐Cog and additional cognitive tests). We indexed participation in leisure activities using the Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire (NLQ); this questionnaire is specific for stroke survivors. We first investigated the bivariate correlation between leisure activities and ADAS‐Cog Plus score, and then performed multiple regression analyses to examine the independent contribution of leisure activities to explain variance in ADAS‐Cog‐Plus scores, after controlling for age, sex, education, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score.ResultForty‐three females and 72 males were included in this analysis (mean age = 70.69 ±8.68, MoCA = 21.83±4.20, and NLQ = 22.84±7.26). Higher NLQ score was significantly associated with better ADAS‐Cog Plus score (r = ‐0.31; 95% CI: [‐0.47 ‐0.14]; p< 0.001). Importantly, the multiple linear regression indicated that higher NLQ scores were independently associated with better ADAS‐Cog Plus performance (b = ‐0.02 ± 0.007; p = 0.01). The adjusted R2 for the model including NLQ was significantly higher than the model without NLQ scores (F = 6.45, p<0.05).ConclusionOur findings suggest that higher levels of leisure activities are associated with better cognitive performance in adults living with chronic stroke. Future studies should explore the types of leisure activities that are most beneficial to preserve cognition and prevent dementia onset post stroke. Different physical and cognitively demanding activities may differentially affect cognitive function.

Associations between physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns and cognition: A cross‐sectional analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

AbstractBackgroundEngaging in regular physical activity (PA) and limited sedentary behaviour (SB) are critical for healthy cognitive aging. However, it is unclear what combination of PA and SB patterns (e.g., high PA and low SB, high PA and high SB, etc.) is most beneficial for cognition. We thus examined how different combinations of PA and SB were associated with cognitive performance in community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults.MethodA cross‐sectional analysis using baseline data from the Comprehensive cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA; 2010‐2015) among participants with complete PA and SB data (n = 23,125; age range 45‐86 years). PA and SB were indexed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and cognition using a three‐factor structural equation model (i.e., memory, executive function, and verbal fluency). Participants' PA and SB levels were classified as 1) low PA and high SB; 2) low PA and low SB; 3) high PA and high SB; and 4) high PA and low SB. Linear regressions assessed associations between PA and SB combinations and cognition, adjusted for age, sex, activities of daily living, income level, educational attainment, and depression. Contrasts with Bonferroni correction tested associations of combinations of PA and SB with cognition.ResultHigh PA was associated with better cognition whether combined with low or high SB. A high PA and low SB combination was associated with better executive function (Estimated mean difference = ‐0.24, 95%CI ‐0.39 to ‐0.10, p<0.001) and verbal fluency (Estimated mean difference = ‐0.29, 95%CI ‐0.42 to ‐0.16, p<0.001) vs. low PA and low SB. A combination of high PA and high SB was associated with better executive function (Estimated mean difference = 0.17, 95%CI 0.01 to 0.33, p = 0.034) and verbal fluency (Estimated mean difference = 0.20, 95%CI 0.05 to 0.34, p = 0.002) vs. high PA and low SB. Surprisingly, low PA and high SB was associated with better executive function vs. low PA and low SB (Estimated mean difference = 0.26, 95%CI 0.11 to 0.41, p<0.001) (Table 1 and Figure 1).ConclusionHigh PA, irrespective of SB, is associated with better cognition. Low PA levels may be more detrimental to cognition than high SB levels.

Early learning difficulties, childhood stress, race, and risk of cognitive impairment among US adults over age 50: A cross-sectional analysis.

Most literature linking childhood factors to cognitive health outcomes has focused on educational attainment-defined as years of education attained. However, less has been studied about the other aspects of education, such as early learning problems, and stressful family environments. This study examined whether early learning problems and childhood stressors were associated with mid- and later life cognitive impairment among US adults, and if these associations varied by race. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) along with respondents' early educational experiences from the 2015 to 2017 Life History Mail Survey (N = 9703). Early learning problems were defined as having any of the following: scholastic problems (reading, writing, mathematics), speaking/language issues, and sensorimotor issues- hearing, vision, speech, and motor-coordination. Cognitive status was classified as three levels (normal, cognitively impaired not demented [CIND], and demented) using the HRS Langa-Weir algorithm. Multinomial logistic regression models using generalized logits, estimated relative risk ratios (RRRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with adjustment for sociodemographic factors. Having at least one early learning problem was associated with increased risk of later life cognitive impairment (RRR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.34-2.29 for dementia, RRR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20-1.67 for CIND). Parental death before the age of 16 was associated with 17% higher risk of CIND in later life (RRR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01-1.34). However, learning problem-related differences in risk of cognitive impairment were dependent on race (learning problems × race, p = 0.0001). In the demented group, Blacks were 2.7 times more likely to be demented (RRR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.69-4.17) amongst older adults that experienced childhood learning problems. Early life exposures predicted risk of cognitive impairment. Policies and interventions that enhance diagnosis of early learning problems and improve childhood social contexts are needed to promote healthy cognitive aging amongst Americans, regardless of race.

Healthy brain aging and delayed dementia in Texas rural elderly.

Healthy aging is the process of preserving and enhancing one's independence, physical and mental well-being, and overall quality of life. It involves the mental, emotional, and cognitive wellness. Although biological and genetic factors have a significant influence on the process of aging gracefully, other adjustable factors also play a crucial role. Adopting positive behaviors such as maintaining a nutritious and balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, effectively managing stress and anxiety, ensuring sufficient sleep, nurturing spiritual coping mechanisms, and prioritizing overall well-being from an early stage can collectively influence both lifespan and the quality of health during advanced years. We aim to explore the potential impacts of biological, psychosocial, and environmental factors on the process of healthy cognitive aging in individuals who exhibit healthy aging. Additionally, we plan to present initial findings that demonstrate how maintaining good cognitive health during aging could potentially postpone the emergence of neurodegenerative disorders. We hypothesize that there will be strong associations between biological, environmental, and social factors that cause some elderly to be superior in cognitive health than others. For preliminary data collection, we recruited 25 cognitively healthy individuals and 5 individuals with MCI/AD between the ages of 60-90 years. We conducted anthropometric measurements, and blood biomarker testing, administered surveys, and obtained structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores and sub-scores for the healthy group were also reported. We found that at baseline, individuals exhibiting healthy cognitive aging, and those with MCI/AD had comparable measures of anthropometrics and blood biomarkers. The healthy group exhibited lower signs of brain volume loss and the ones observed were age-related. Moreover, within the healthy group, there was a significant correlation (p=0.003) between age and MoCA scores. Conversely, within the individuals with MCI/AD, the MRI scans showed disease signs of grey and white matter and loss of cerebral volume. Healthy brain aging is a scientific area that remains under-explored. Our current study findings support our hypothesis. Future studies are required in diverse populations to determine the various biological, psychological, environmental, lifestyle, and social factors that contribute to it.

Contributions of hippocampal subfields and subregions to episodic memory performance in healthy cognitive aging

In the present study we investigated whether hippocampal subfield (cornu ammonis 1–3, dentate gyrus, and subiculum) and anteroposterior hippocampal subregion (head,body, and tail) volumes can predict episodic memory function using high-field high resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We recruited 126 healthy participants (18–85 years). MRI datasets were collected on a 4.7 T system. Participants were administered the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS–IV) to evaluate episodic memory function. Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationship between studied variables. We found that the volume of the dentate gyrus subfield and posterior hippocampus (body) showed a significant direct effect on visuospatial memory performance; additionally, an indirect effect of age on visuospatial memory mediated through these hippocampal subfield/subregion was significant. Logical and verbal memory were not significantly associated with hippocampal subfield or subregion volumes.

Mammalian Models in Alzheimer's Research: An Update.

A form of dementia distinct from healthy cognitive aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex multi-stage disease that currently afflicts over 50 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, previous therapeutic strategies developed from murine models emulating different aspects of AD pathogenesis were limited. Consequently, researchers are now developing models that express several aspects of pathogenesis that better reflect the clinical situation in humans. As such, this review seeks to provide insight regarding current applications of mammalian models in AD research by addressing recent developments and characterizations of prominent transgenic models and their contributions to pathogenesis as well as discuss the advantages, limitations, and application of emerging models that better capture genetic heterogeneity and mixed pathologies observed in the clinical situation.