Level Of Cognitive Functioning Research Articles

Early-life manipulation of the serotonergic system exacerbates the harmful effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive functions.

Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter that plays a main role in regulating physiologicaland cognitive functions. Serotonergic system dysfunction is involved in the etiology of various psychiatric and neurological disorders. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of early-life serotonin depletion on cognitive disorders caused by sleep deprivation. Serotonin was depleted by para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 100 mg/kg, s.c.) at postnatal days 10-20, followed by sleep deprivation-induced through the multiple platform apparatus for 24 h at PND 60. After the examination of the novel object recognition and passive avoidance memories, the hippocampi and prefrontal cortex were dissected to examine the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression by PCR. Our findings showed that postnatal serotonin depletion and sleep deprivation impaired the novel object recognition and passive avoidance memories and changed the BDNF levels. In the same way, the serotonin depletion in early life before sleep deprivation exacerbated the harmful effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and BDNF levels. It can be claimed that the serotonergic system plays a main role in the modulation of sleep and cognitive functions.

Student Cognitive Performance Level Based on SOLO Taxonomy and Student’s Personality Type

Student Cognitive Performance Level Based on SOLO Taxonomy and Student’s Personality Type

Cognitive functioning in adult psychiatric patients with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Studies of cognitive functioning in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have often used healthy comparison groups. The present study examines cognitive profiles, including general intellectual and executive functions, in a young adult psychiatric outpatient clientele with ADHD and evaluates whether their cognitive profiles can help differentiate them from patients with non-ADHD-associated psychiatric disorders. The study group comprised 141 young adult psychiatric patients (age range 18-25 years) of whom 78 had ADHD. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment included the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th version and subtests from Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System. Clinical psychiatric assessments and diagnostic evaluation were performed. The ADHD group (including all subtypes) had significantly lower verbal comprehension and full-scale intelligence quotient than the non-ADHD group. Tests measuring working memory or executive function did not separate those with and without ADHD. The results of our study suggest that, except for the need to establish overall cognitive performance level, the clinical implication of testing is small if the purpose is to "rule out" an ADHD diagnosis.

Effect of Omega-3 Adjuvant Therapy on Cognitive Improvement and Levels of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in Schizophrenia Patients Receiving Risperidone Therapy

Background: Schizophrenia is a disorder with severe and persistent psychotic manifestations accompanied by cognitive impairment. Treatment with atypical antipsychotic therapy (APG-2) provides only minimal benefit for the cognitive impairment of schizophrenia patients. Many efforts are currently being expanded to find new treatments that can serve as “co-treatments” to improve neurocognition from aspects of neurobiology and neuroplasticity. Several studies found that omega-3 fatty acids can improve cognitive function in schizophrenia patients.Objective: The objective is to assess the impact of omega-3 adjuvant therapy on improving cognitive function and elevating glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who are undergoing risperidone treatment.Method: A research study utilizing experimental analysis, including pre-tests and post-tests with non-random group selection, was conducted at Dadi Regional Special Hospital in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, between May and July 2023. Sample testing was carried out at the HUMRC Research Laboratory. The study involved 44 participants divided into two groups: a treatment group comprising 22 individuals who received 4 mg/day risperidone along with Omega-3 supplements for eight weeks and a control group of 22 individuals who received only 4 mg/day risperidone. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MoCA-Ina tool, while GDNF serum levels were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Significance was assessed through the Chi-square, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests.Results: There was an improvement in cognitive function and a significant increase of GDNF serum levels in schizophrenia patients who received omega-3 adjuvant therapy over 8 weeks compared to individuals with schizophrenia who solely received the antipsychotic risperidone. Conclusion: Supplementing standard risperidone therapy with omega-3 adjuvant can enhance cognitive function and elevate GDNF levels.

An exploration of neighborhood characteristics, psychosocial resilience resources, and cognitive functioning among midlife and older black adults

ABSTRACT Objectives While existing research has shown that Black adults have worse cognitive functioning than their White counterparts, the psychosocial correlates of cognitive functioning for Black older adults are understudied. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships among perceived neighborhood characteristics, psychosocial resilience resources, and cognitive functioning among midlife and older Black adults. Methods Data were from 3,191 Black adults ages 51+ in the 2008–2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study to examine associations among neighborhood characteristics, psychosocial resilience (sense of purpose, mastery, and social support), and cognitive functioning among Black adults. Multilevel linear regression models assessed direct effects of neighborhood characteristics and psychosocial resources on cognitive functioning. We then tested whether psychosocial resources moderated the association between neighborhood characteristics and cognitive functioning. Results Mean levels of cognitive functioning, sense of purpose, social support, and mastery were significantly related to neighborhood disorder and discohesion. Regression results showed that levels of neighborhood disorder and high discohesion were significantly associated with cognitive functioning. Sense of purpose was positively associated with cognitive functioning, net of neighborhood characteristics. However, only social support moderated the association between neighborhood discohesion and cognition. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the importance of examining psychosocial and contextual risk and resilience resources among midlife and older Black adults. This work may inform the development of cognitive behavioral interventions aimed at increasing sense of purpose to promote and enhance cognitive resiliency among Black adults. Altogether, this work may have implications for policy aimed at advancing cognitive health equity.

Innovation Learning with POE: Improve Understanding Student to Equality Square

Purpose of the study: This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using Predict, Observe, Explain (POE) worksheets in improving students' understanding of quadratic equations. Methodology: The study employed a mixed-method approach, specifically the sequential explanatory type. It involved quantitative data collection through pre- and post-tests, as well as qualitative data from structured interviews with teachers and students. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests Main Findings: This study presents several significant main findings. Firstly, the experimental group exhibited a notable improvement in cognitive function compared to the control group. Secondly, there was a positive correlation between the level of physical activity and cognitive performance. Lastly, regular physical exercise was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline in older adults. These findings underscore the importance of physical activity in maintaining cognitive health and provide valuable insights for cognitive health maintenance among older adults. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study introduces evidence supporting the link between physical activity and cognitive function in older adults, providing insights into effective strategies for mitigating cognitive decline through exercise interventions. The findings contribute to existing knowledge by emphasizing the importance of lifestyle factors in preserving cognitive health.

Relationship between hemoglobin and specific cognitive domain among older adults using network analysis

Objectives Hemoglobin (Hgb) is associated with cognitive function, with low and high levels of Hgb leading to impaired cerebral oxygenation and perfusion. Yet, current studies focused on understanding the association between Hgb and cognitive function without consideration for each cognitive domain. Thus, this study aims to identify and visualize potentially interactive associations between Hgb and specific cognitive domains among older adults. Method This is a secondary data analysis using Wave II data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) and included 1022 older adults aged between 65 and 85 years. The network structure of three different models was estimated to understand the association between specific cognitive domains and Hgb in a mixed graphical model using the R-package ‘mgm’. Model 1 did not adjust for any covariates, Model 2 adjusted for age and gender, and Model 3 adjusted for all covariates. Results Among all cognitive domains, the visuospatial (edge weight = 0.06–0.10) and memory domains (0.04–0.07) were associated with Hgb in all three models Though not present in Model 3, the attention domain was associated with Hgb in Model 1 and Model 2 (0.08–0.11). In addition, the predictability of Hgb was the highest (8.1%) in Model 3. Conclusion Findings from this study suggest that cognition should be considered as a multidimensional construct, and its specific cognitive domain should be carefully assessed and managed in relation to Hgb among older adults.

Prediction Value of Initial Serum Levels of SERPINA3 in Intracranial Pressure and Long-Term Neurological Outcomes in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe neurological condition characterized by inflammation in the central nervous system. SERPINA3 has garnered attention as a potential biomarker for assessing this inflammation. Our study aimed to explore the predictive value of postoperative serum SERPINA3 levels in identifying the risk of cerebral edema and its prognostic implications in TBI. This study is a prospective observational study, including 37 patients with TBI who finally met our criteria. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), Levels of Cognitive Functioning (LCF), Disability Rating Scale (DRS), and Early Rehabilitation Barthel Index (ERBI) scores at six months after trauma were defined as the main study endpoint. We further calculated the ventricle-to-intracranial-volume ratio (VBR) at 6 months from CT scans. The study included patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores ranging from 3 to 8, who were subsequently categorized into two groups: the critical TBI group (GCS 3-5 points) and the severe TBI group (GCS 6-8 points). Within the critical TBI group, SERPINA3 levels were notably lower. However, among patients with elevated SERPINA3 levels, both the peak intracranial pressure (ICP) and average mannitol consumption were significantly reduced compared with those of patients with lower SERPINA3 levels. In terms of the 6-month outcomes measured via the GOS, LCF, DRS, and ERBI, lower levels of SERPINA3 were indicative of poorer prognosis. Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between serum SERPINA3 levels and the VBR. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated the predictive performance of SERPINA3. In conclusion, incorporating the novel biomarker SERPINA3 alongside traditional assessment tools offers neurosurgeons an effective and easily accessible means, which is readily accessible early on, to predict the risk of intracranial pressure elevation and long-term prognosis in TBI patients.

Exploratory assessment of the effect of systemic administration of soluble glycoprotein 130 on cognitive performance and chemokine levels in a mouse model of experimental traumatic brain injury

Uncontrolled neuroinflammation mediates traumatic brain injury (TBI) pathology and impairs recovery. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pleiotropic inflammatory regulator, is associated with poor clinical TBI outcomes. IL-6 operates via classical-signaling through membrane-bound IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and trans-signaling through soluble IL-6 receptor (s)IL-6R. IL-6 trans-signaling specifically contributes to neuropathology, making it a potential precision therapeutic TBI target. Soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) prevents IL-6 trans-signaling, sparing classical signaling, thus is a possible treatment. Mice received either controlled cortical impact (CCI) (6.0 ± 0.2 m/s; 2 mm; 50-60ms) or sham procedures. Vehicle (VEH) or sgp130-Fc was subcutaneously administered to sham (VEH or 1 µg) and CCI (VEH, 0.25 µg or 1 µg) mice on days 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13 post-surgery to assess effects on cognition [Morris Water Maze (MWM)] and ipsilateral hemisphere IL-6 related biomarkers (day 21 post-surgery). CCI + sgp130-Fc groups (0.25 µg and 1 µg) were combined for analysis given similar behavior/biomarker outcomes. CCI + VEH mice had longer latencies and path lengths to the platform and increased peripheral zone time versus Sham + VEH and Sham + sgp130-Fc mice, suggesting injury-induced impairments in learning and anxiety. CCI + sgp130-Fc mice had shorter platform latencies and path lengths and had decreased peripheral zone time, indicating a therapeutic benefit of sgp130-Fc after injury on learning and anxiety. Interestingly, Sham + sgp130-Fc mice had shorter platform latencies, path lengths and peripheral zone times than Sham + VEH mice, suggesting a beneficial effect of sgp130-Fc, independent of injury. CCI + VEH mice had increased brain IL-6 and decreased sgp130 levels versus Sham + VEH and Sham + sgp130-Fc mice. There was no treatment effect on IL-6, sIL6-R or sgp130 in Sham + VEH versus Sham + sgp130-Fc mice. There was also no treatment effect on IL-6 in CCI + VEH versus CCI + sgp130-Fc mice. However, CCI + sgp130-Fc mice had increased sIL-6R and sgp130 versus CCI + VEH mice, demonstrating sgp130-Fc treatment effects on brain biomarkers. Inflammatory chemokines (MIP-1β, IP-10, MIG) were increased in CCI + VEH mice versus Sham + VEH and Sham + sgp130-Fc mice. However, CCI + sgp130-Fc mice had decreased chemokine levels versus CCI + VEH mice. IL-6 positively correlated, while sgp130 negatively correlated, with chemokine levels. Overall, we found that systemic sgp130-Fc treatment after CCI improved learning, decreased anxiety and reduced CCI-induced brain chemokines. Future studies will explore sex-specific dosing and treatment mechanisms for sgp130-Fc therapy.

Change in cognitive performance during seven-year follow-up in midlife is associated with sex, age, and education – The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

ObjectiveSex, age, and education are associated with the level of cognitive performance. We investigated whether these factors modulate the change in cognitive performance in midlife by leveraging the longitudinal data from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study (YFS).MethodsParticipants of the YFS cohort performed a computer-based Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) in 2011 and 2018 (n = 1671, age 41–56 years in 2018). Overall cognitive performance and domains representing learning and memory, working memory, reaction time, and information processing were extracted by common principal component analysis from the longitudinal cognitive data. Linear models adjusted for baseline cognitive performance were used to study the association of sex, age, and education with changes in overall cognitive performance and in the cognitive domains.ResultsCognitive performance decreased in all domains (overall cognition -0.56 SD, p < 0.001; working memory -0.81 SD, p < 0.001; learning and memory -0.70 SD, p < 0.001; reaction time -0.06 SD, p = 0.019; information processing -0.03 SD, p = 0.016). The decrease in working memory and information processing was greater in females compared to males. Cognitive performance decreased more in older participants in all domains. Education alleviated the decrease in cognitive performance in all domains except reaction time. The beneficial effect of education was greater for males.ConclusionsThis study describes the natural course of aging-related changes in cognitive performance in midlife, the critical time window for early prevention of clinical cognitive decline. These findings provide a reference for studies focusing on determinants of pathological cognitive decline deviating from normal changes in cognitive performance.

Study of cognitive functions and their association with depression in type II diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Introduction: Individuals with diabetes have higher risk of developing depression, cognitive impairment, and dementia compared to those who do not have diabetes. The present study aims to assess the level of cognitive functions and the presence of depression in diabetes patients and healthy controls. The study also explores the level of cognition among the normal control, diabetes without depression, and diabetes with depression. Methods: In the present study, the presence of depression and the level of cognitive functions of 59 cases of diabetes mellitus type-2 were compared with an age- and gender-matched control group of 40 individuals. Clinical and demographic details were recorded on a semi-structured performa. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were applied to both diabetes patients and healthy controls to assess the level of cognitive functions and the presence of depression, respectively. Results: On applying odds ratio (OR), it was observed in the present study that there were 93.50% more chances [OR 1.935 with 95% confidence interval (CI) being 0.481–7.789] of depression among diabetic cases as compared to the control group. Similarly, the chance of MoCA score being less than 26 was twice among the diabetic group as compared to the control group (OR 2.208 with 95% CI being 0.702–6.946). On application of the Chi-square test, the association of depression was significant with HBA1C level, level of education, and presence of complications. Conclusions: Patients with diabetes had almost double the risk of developing depression and poor cognitive functions as compared to the healthy control. High HbA1C level, level of education, and presence of complication in diabetes had a positive statistical association with depression. Thus, it is advisable to investigate patients with diabetes for the presence of depression and cognitive dysfunction by applying simple tools.

The Vocal Quality of the Sender is Able to Influence the Cognitive Performance and Cortisol Level of the Listener

To verify the influence of the sender's vocal quality on performance in cognitive tests and on the receiver's cortisol level. Observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study. Four voices were selected to represent adapted voice (AdV), and rough voice of discreet degree (DV), moderate (MV), and intense (IV). These participants recorded the stimuli used in the attention and memory tests, which included 139 undergraduate students as receivers. Saliva was collected from recipients for cortisol assessment one minute before and after 15, 30 and 45minutes of the cognitive assessment. Statistically significant differences were identified between the groups in the repetition test, with worse results in IV. Cortisol increased significantly in the MV group when compared with the other groups after 15minutes of the cognitive test. Emitters' rough voices can negatively influence performance in cognitive tests that require attention and working memory and leads to a short-term increase in the receiver's cortisol levels.

The Current Status and Trends of Research Related to Vestibular Disorders, Vertigo, and Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly Population: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Background: The vestibular system not only supports reflex function at the brainstem level, but is also associated with higher levels of cognitive function. Vertigo due to vestibular disorders may lead to or be associated with cognitive dysfunction. Patients with deficits of both vestibular as well as cognitive function may be at particularly high risk for events like falls or certain diseases, such as Alzheimer's. Objective: To analyze the current state of research and trends in the global research literature regarding the correlation between vestibular disorders, vertigo, and cognitive impairment. Methods: We utilized Bibliometrix package to search databases including PubMed, Web of Science, etc for search terms. Results: Databases were searched up to December 15, 2022, and a total of 2222 publications were retrieved. Ultimately, 53 studies were included. A total of 261 authors published in 38 journals and conferences with an overall increasing annual growth rate of 6.94%. The most-published journal was Frontiers in Neurology. The most-published country was the United States, followed by Italy and Brazil. The most-published institution was Johns Hopkins University with a total of 13 articles. On performing trend analysis, we found that the most frequent focus of research in this field include the testing of vestibular perception, activation of the brain-related cortex, and the influence of stimulus-triggered vestibular snail reflex on visual space. The potential focal points are the risk of falling and the ability to extract spatial memory information, and the focus of research in recent decades has revolved around balance, falling, and Alzheimer's disease. Conclusions: Vestibular impairment in older adults affects cognitive function, particularly immediate memory, visuospatial cognition, and attention, with spatial cognition being the most significantly affected. In the future, virtual reality-based vestibular rehabilitation techniques and caloric stimulation could be potential interventions for the treatment of cognitive impairment.

Relationship Between Physical Exercise and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults in China: Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study.

The existing literature reveals several significant knowledge gaps that hinder health care providers in formulating exercise prescriptions for cognitive health. This study endeavors to elucidate the relationship between the level of physical activity and cognitive function in older adults in China. Moreover, it seeks to explore the associations between distinct exercise behaviors-such as exercise types, the purpose motivating engagement in exercise, the accessibility of exercise fields, and the inclination toward exercise-and cognitive function. Using data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS conducted in 2016, cognitive function was meticulously assessed through the modified Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, encompassing measures of orientation, memory, and calculation. Using self-report structured questionnaires, a myriad of information about physical activity during leisure time, exercise engagement, exercise intensity, primary exercise types, reasons for exercise participation, availability of sports facilities, and exercise willingness was diligently gathered. Robust ordinary least squares regression models were then used to compute coefficients along with 95% CIs. A discernible inverted U-shaped trend in cognitive scores emerged as the level of physical activity surpassed the threshold of 500 metabolic equivalents of task (MET) minutes per week. Notably, individuals with a physical activity level between 500 and 999 MET minutes per week exhibited a coefficient of 0.31 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.54), those with a physical activity level between 1000 and 1499 MET minutes per week displayed a coefficient of 0.75 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.97), and those with a physical activity level above 1500 MET minutes per week demonstrated a coefficient of 0.45 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.68). Older individuals engaging in exercise at specific MET levels showcased superior cognitive function compared to their inactive counterparts. Furthermore, individuals driven by exercise motivations aimed at enhancing physical fitness and health, as well as those using sports facilities or public spaces for exercise, exhibited notably higher cognitive function scores. The findings underscore the potential of exercise as a targeted intervention for the prevention and treatment of dementia or cognitive decline associated with aging in older individuals. Leveraging these insights to formulate informed exercise recommendations holds promise in addressing a significant public health challenge linked to aging populations.

Considerations for the use of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) in cross-country comparisons of cognitive aging and dementia.

Informant reports are a critical component of dementia diagnoses, but the comparability of informant reports across countries is not well understood. We compared the performance of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) using population-representative surveys in the United States (N=3183), England (N=1050), and India (N=4047). Analyses of regression splines and comparisons of model fit showed strong associations between IQCODE and objective cognition at low cognitive functioning in the United States and England; in India, the association was weaker but consistent over the range of cognition. Associations between IQCODE score and informant generation (analysis of variance [ANOVA] p=0.001), caregiver status (p<0.001), and years known by the informant (p=0.015) were different across countries after adjusting for objective cognition. In India, the IQCODE was less sensitive to impairments at the lowest levels of cognitive functioning. Country-specific adjustments to IQCODE scoring based on informant characteristics may improve cross-national comparisons. Associations between IQCODE and cognitive testing were similar in the United States and England but differed in India. In India, the IQCODE may be less sensitive to impairments among those with low cognition and no education. Informant characteristics may differentially impact informant reports of decline across countries. Adjustments or culturally sensitive adaptations may improve cross-national comparability.

Study on correlation between perioperative cognitive function and nutritional status in elderly patients with gastric cancer

Objective: To investigate the cognitive function and nutritional status of elderly patients with gastric cancer during perioperative period, and to analyze their correlation. Methods: Aged patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery in The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from March to October 2021 were selected as the subjects of this study. The monitoring data of cognitive function and nutritional status were retrospectively analyzed from 1 to 3 days before surgery, 1 and 3 days after surgery, 7 days after surgery (before discharge) and 30 days after surgery to analyze the correlation between cognitive function and nutritional status in elderly patients with gastric cancer. Results: the incidence of mild cognitive impairment in elderly patients with gastric cancer was 52.43 %, the visual space of the two groups' (mild cognitive impairment) ability of execution, name, attention, language, abstract thinking, delayed memory and cognitive function scores were lower than 1 set of directional force (cognitive function in normal group), statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The nutritional status of elderly patients with gastric cancer was lower than that of healthy elderly group at the same period (P < 0.05). The scores of visual spatial executive function, name, attention, delayed memory, orientation and total score of cognitive function in elderly gastric cancer patients were positively correlated with nutritional status (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The cognitive function and nutritional status of elderly patients with gastric cancer are both in a low state during treatment and a higher level of cognitive function can help patients maintain a more correct nutritional cognition, and the nutritional status of patients will be relatively better. There is a positive correlation between cognitive function and nutritional status in elderly patients with gastric cancer, which should be paid attention to in the treatment.

Distinctive subgingival microbial signatures in older adults with different levels of cognitive function.

To examine association between subgingival microbial signatures and levels of cognitive impairment in older adults. We analysed subgingival plaque samples and 16S ribosomal RNA sequences for microbiota among 165 participants (normal controls [NCs]: 40, subjective cognitive decline [SCD]: 40, mild cognitive impairment [MCI]: 49 and dementia: 36). The bacterial richness was lower among individuals with worse cognitive function, and subgingival microbial communities differed significantly among the four groups. Declining cognitive function was associated with decreasing relative abundance of genera Capnocytophaga, Saccharibacteria_genera_incertae_sedis, Lautropia and Granulicatella, and increasing abundance of genus Porphyromonas. Moreover, there were differentially abundant genera among the groups. Random forest model based on subgingival microbiota could distinguish between cognitive impairment and NC (AUC = 0.933, 95% confidence interval 0.873-0.992). Significant correlations were observed between oral microbiota and sex, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score and Mini-Mental State Examination score. Partial correlation analysis showed that Leptotrichia and Burkholderia were closely negatively associated with the MoCA score after adjusting for multiple covariates. Gene function was not significantly different between SCD and NC groups, whereas three homozygous genes were altered in MCI patients and two in dementia patients. This is the first study to demonstrate an association between the composition, function and metabolic pathways of subgingival microbiota and different levels of cognitive function among older individuals. Future cohort studies should assess its diagnostic usefulness for cognitive impairment.

Intersectional inequalities in the transition to grandparenthood and cognitive functioning: A longitudinal Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA).

In aging societies, more people become vulnerable to experiencing cognitive decline. Simultaneously, the role of grandparenthood is central for older adults and their families. Our study investigates inequalities in the level and trajectories of cognitive functioning among older adults, focusing on possible intersectional effects of social determinants and grandparenthood as a life course transition that may contribute to delaying cognitive decline. Using longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, we analyzed a sample of 19,953 individuals aged 50-85 without grandchildren at baseline. We applied Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy to investigate variation in cognitive functioning across 48 intersectional strata, defined by sex/gender, migration, education, and occupation. We allowed the impact of becoming a grandparent on cognitive functioning trajectories to vary across strata by including random slopes. Intersectional strata accounted for 17.43% of the overall variance in cognitive functioning, with most of the stratum-level variation explained by additive effects of the stratum-defining characteristics. Transition to grandparenthood was associated with higher cognitive functioning, showing a stronger effect for women. Stratum-level variation in the grandparenthood effect was modest, especially after accounting for interactions between grandparenthood and the stratum-defining variables. This study highlights the importance of social determinants for understanding heterogeneities in older adults' level of cognitive functioning and its association with the transition to grandparenthood. Cumulative disadvantages negatively affect cognitive functioning, hence adopting an intersectional lens is useful to decompose inequalities and derive tailored interventions to promote equal healthy aging.

Prevalence and patterns of vitamin D deficiency and its role in cognitive functioning in a cohort from South India.

Vitamin D (VitD) is a naturally occurring, fat-soluble vitamin which regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the human body and is also known to have a neuroprotective role. VitD deficiency has often been associated with impaired cognition and a higher risk of dementia. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between levels of VitD and cognitive functioning in adult individuals. 982 cognitively healthy adults (≥ 45years) were recruited as part of the CBR-Tata Longitudinal Study for Aging (TLSA). Addenbrooke's cognitive examination-III (ACE-III) and Hindi mental status examination (HMSE) were used to measure cognitive functioning. 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured from the collected serum sample and classified into three groups- deficient (< 20ng/ml), insufficient (20-29ng/ml) and normal (≥ 30ng/ml). Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS software, version 28.0.1.1(15). The mean age of the participants was 61.24 ± 9years. Among 982 participants, 572 (58%) were deficient, 224 (23%) insufficient and only 186 (19%) had normal levels of VitD. Kruskal-Wallis H test revealed a significant difference in age (p = 0.015) and education (p = 0.021) across VitD levels and the Chi-square test revealed a significant association between gender (p = 0.001) and dyslipidemia status (p = 0.045) with VitD levels. After adjusting for age, education, gender and dyslipidemia status, GLM revealed that individuals with deficient (p = 0.038) levels of VitD had lower scores in ACE-III verbal fluency as compared to normal. Additionally, we also found that 91.2% individuals who had VitD deficiency were also having dyslipidemia. It is concerning that VitD deficiency impacts lipid metabolism. Lower levels of VitD also negatively impacts verbal fluency in adult individuals. Verbal fluency involves higher order cognitive functions and this result provides us with a scope to further investigate the different domains of cognition in relation to VitD deficiency and other associated disorders.

Superoxide Dismutase Modified the Association of Serum Malondialdehyde Levels with Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults: Findings from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey.

Numerous studies have investigated the correlation between malondialdehyde (MDA) and cognitive decline. However, limited research has explored the interplay between superoxide dismutase (SOD), C-reactive protein (CRP), and MDA. This study aims to scrutinize the association between MDA and cognitive function in older adults, while also elucidating the roles of SOD and CRP within this relationship. Utilizing data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) spanning 2008-2009, 2011-2012, and 2014, this study included 2,696 eligible subjects. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine the links between MDA, SOD, CRP, and their interactions with cognitive function. Elevated serum levels of MDA and CRP, as well as decreased serum SOD levels, were related to decreased cognitive function (β= -0.220 and -0.346, 95% CI: -0.399, -0.041 and -0.526, -0.167 for MDA and CRP; β= 0.384, 95% CI: 0.204, 0.564 for SOD). Notably, a significant interaction between MDA and SOD was detected (p = 0.001). An increase per standard deviation in serum MDA levels was significantly associated with a 0.347-point lower MMSE score only in participants with normal cognitive function and high SOD levels (β= -0.347, 95% CI: -0.497, -0.197; p < 0.001). Elevated serum MDA levels in the normal population with high SOD levels suggested diminished cognitive performance. Combining MDA with SOD could be pivotal in identifying older adults at risk of cognitive decline in clinical settings.