Lower Risk Of Cognitive Decline Research Articles

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.

Associations between Longitudinal Changes in Sleep Stages and Risk of Cognitive Decline in Older Men.

To investigate the relationships between longitudinal changes in sleep stages and the risk of cognitive decline in older men. This study included 978 community-dwelling older men who participated in the first (2003-2005) and second (2009-2012) sleep ancillary study visits of the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study. We examined the longitudinal changes in sleep stages at the initial and follow-up visits, and the association with concurrent clinically relevant cognitive decline during the 6.5-year follow-up. Men with low to moderate (quartile 2, Q2) and moderate increase (Q3) in N1 sleep percentage had a reduced risk of cognitive decline on the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination compared to those with a substantial increase (Q4) in N1 sleep percentage. Additionally, men who experienced a low to moderate (Q2) increase in N1 sleep percentage had a lower risk of cognitive decline on the Trails B compared with men in the reference group (Q4). Furthermore, men with the most pronounced reduction (Q1) in N2 sleep percentage had a significantly higher risk of cognitive decline on the Trails B compared to those in the reference group (Q4). No significant association was found between changes in N3 and rapid eye movement sleep and the risk of cognitive decline. Our results suggested that a relatively lower increase in N1 sleep showed a reduced risk of cognitive decline. However, a pronounced decrease in N2 sleep was associated with concurrent cognitive decline. These findings may help identify older men at risk of clinically relevant cognitive decline.

The association between indoor air pollution from solid fuels and cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to comprehensively and methodically evaluate the correlation between cognitive impairment and indoor air pollution from solid fuel used for cooking/heating. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to December January 2023. 13 studies from three countries with a total of 277,001 participants were enrolled. A negative correlation was discovered between solid fuel usage for cooking and total cognitive score (β=-0.73, 95 % CI: -0.90 to -0.55) and episodic memory score (β=-0.23, 95 % CI: -0.30 to -0.17). Household solid fuel usage for cooking was considerably associated with a raised risk of cognitive impairment (HR=1.31, 95 % CI: 1.09-1.57) and cognitive decline (HR=1.24, 95 % CI: 1.18-1.30). Compared to continuous solid fuel use for cooking, sustained use of clean fuel and switching from solid fuel to clean fuel were associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline (OR=0.55, 95 % CI: 0.42-0.73; OR=0.81, 95 % CI: 0.71-0.93). A negative association was found between solid fuel usage for heating and total cognitive score (β=-0.43, 95 % CI: -0.59 to -0.26) and episodic memory score (β=-0.22, 95 % CI: -0.34 to -0.10). Our research provided evidence that exposure to indoor air pollution from solid fuel is a potential cause of cognitive impairment and cognitive decline. Making the switch from solid fuels to cleaner fuels could be an important step in preventing cognitive impairment in the elderly.

The Relationship between Subjective Aging and Cognition in Elderly People: A Systematic Review.

There is a growing body of evidence on the effects of subjective aging on health, well-being and quality of life. This review aims to synthesize findings about the link between subjective aging and cognition and cognitive decline. Furthermore, it provides an examination of variation sources such as subjective aging construct, cognitive domains, measures employed, age and moderator variables. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, PsychInfo and Web of Science, as well as grey literature searches in Google Scholar, OpenGrey, WorldCat and NDLTD, which resulted in 59 reports being included. Subjective aging is a relevant construct in the explanation and prediction of cognitive aging and cognitive decline in elderly adults. More positive views about own aging and self-perceptions of aging, as well as a younger subjective age, were consistently related to better cognition and lower risk of cognitive decline. However, there were differences due to subjective aging subdimensions and cognitive domains, as well as an effect of age. Additionally, there were concerns about the content validity of some measures employed, such as the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale for subjective aging and the Mini Mental State Examination for global cognition. Further studies should employ longitudinal designs with a process-based approach to cognition and precise subjective aging measures.

Culturally relevant protective factors and relationships with cognitive decline in First Nations Australians

AbstractBackgroundFirst Nations people in Australia experience dementia prevalence 3‐5 times higher than the broader Australian population. There is strong focus on risk factors (particularly biomedical) in dementia research; yet further research is required to understand protective factors, especially psychosocial and cultural determinants. Cognitive reserve (CR) refers to the brain’s adaptability when faced with age or neurodegenerative‐related changes. CR is important for understanding cognitive outcomes and dementia onset. Psychosocial factors are thought to contribute to CR, including education and work opportunities. Yet, the appropriateness of conventional CR measures for First Nations people, and the role of culturally‐specific protective factors in CR, is unclear.MethodData were from the Koori Growing Old Well Study, a longitudinal, population‐based study with First Nations Australians aged 60+ from 5 rural/urban communities in New South Wales (N = 336 baseline; N = 165 6‐year follow‐up, n = 68 died before follow‐up). Comprehensive and holistic interviews were carried out. Dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were based on clinical assessment and consensus review. CR factors spanned education and work opportunities, sociocultural activities/connections, creative hobbies, playing sports, and social contact. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors at each life stage (early/mid/late‐life) in relation to cognitive decline (incident MCI/dementia).ResultThe analyses included 155 participants (excluding N = 10 with baseline dementia). Of the early‐life factors, singing (from the Retrospective Indigenous Childhood Enrichment Scale) (OR = 0.33; 95% CI 0.13, 0.86; p = .024) was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline in the multivariable model; and years of education (OR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.66, 0.94; p = .008) predicted cognitive decline in univariable analysis. For midlife, history of unskilled work was associated with cognitive decline (OR = 5.44; 95% CI 2.32, 12.75; p = <.001). No variables in the late‐life model were significantly associated with cognitive decline.ConclusionThis study is the first to examine factors that may contribute to CR in First Nations communities, including culturally‐specific items. These results suggest that certain life‐course experiences may protect against cognitive decline; however, revised and sensitive measures are needed to capture nuanced differences. A culturally relevant and more comprehensive CR measure is currently being piloted with First Nations people.

Digital oral health biomarkers for early detection of cognitive decline

BackgroundOral health could influence cognitive function by stimulating brain activity and blood flow. The quantified oral status from oral inflammation, frailty and masticatory performance were rarely applied to the cognitive function screening. We aimed to adopt non-invasive digital biomarkers to quantify oral health and employ machine learning algorithms to detect cognitive decline in the community.MethodsWe conducted a prospective case-control study to recruit 196 participants between 50 and 80 years old from Puzi Hospital (Chiayi County, Taiwan) between December 01, 2021, and December 31, 2022, including 163 with normal cognitive function and 33 with cognitive decline. Demographics, daily interactions, electronically stored medical records, masticatory ability, plaque index, oral diadochokinesis (ODK), periodontal status, and digital oral health indicators were collected. Cognitive function was classified, and confirmed mild cognitive impairment diagnoses were used for sensitivity analysis.ResultsThe cognitive decline group significantly differed in ODK rate (P = 0.003) and acidity from SILL-Ha (P = 0.04). Younger age, increased social interactions, fewer cariogenic bacteria, high leukocytes, and high buffering capacity led to lower risk of cognitive decline. Patients with slow ODK, high plaque index, variance of hue (VOH) from bicolor chewing gum, and acidity had increased risk of cognitive decline. The prediction model area under the curve was 0.86 and was 0.99 for the sensitivity analysis.ConclusionsA digital oral health biomarker approach is feasible for tracing cognitive function. When maintaining oral hygiene and oral health, cognitive status can be assessed simultaneously and early monitoring of cognitive status can prevent disease burden in the future.

The Relationship of Omega-3 Fatty Acids with Dementia and Cognitive Decline: Evidence from Prospective Cohort Studies of Supplementation, Dietary Intake, and Blood Markers

Previous data have linked omega-3 fatty acids with risk of dementia. We aimed to assess the longitudinal relationships of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake as well as blood biomarkers with risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia, or cognitive decline. Longitudinal data were derived from 1135 participants without dementia (mean age = 73 y) in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort to evaluate the associations of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and blood biomarkers with incident AD during the 6-y follow-up. A meta-analysis of published cohort studies was further conducted to test the longitudinal relationships of dietary intake of omega-3 and its peripheral markers with all-cause dementia or cognitive decline. Causal dose–response analyses were conducted using the robust error meta-regression model. In the ADNI cohort, long-term users of omega-3 fatty acid supplements exhibited a 64% reduced risk of AD (hazard ratio: 0.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.18, 0.72; P = 0.004). After incorporating 48 longitudinal studies involving 103,651 participants, a moderate-to-high level of evidence suggested that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids could lower risk of all-cause dementia or cognitive decline by ∼20%, especially for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake (relative risk [RR]: 0.82, I2 = 63.6%, P = 0.001) and for studies that were adjusted for apolipoprotein APOE ε4 status (RR: 0.83, I2 = 65%, P = 0.006). Each increment of 0.1 g/d of DHA or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) intake was associated with an 8% ∼ 9.9% (Plinear < 0.0005) lower risk of cognitive decline. Moderate-to-high levels of evidence indicated that elevated levels of plasma EPA (RR: 0.88, I2 = 38.1%) and erythrocyte membrane DHA (RR: 0.94, I2 = 0.4%) were associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. Dietary intake or long-term supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce risk of AD or cognitive decline.

Nutrition and cognitive health: A life course approach.

Multiple factors affect cognitive health, such as age-related changes in the brain, injuries, mood disorders, substance abuse, and diseases. While some cannot be changed, evidence exists of many potentially possibly modifiable lifestyle factors: diet, physical activity, cognitive and social engagement, smoking and alcohol consumption which may stabilize or improve declining cognitive function. In nutrition, the focus has been mainly on its role in brain development in the early years. There is a strong emerging need to identify the role of diet and nutrition factors on age-related cognitive decline, which will open up the use of new approaches for prevention, treatment or management of age-related disorders and maintaining a good quality of life among older adults. While data on effect of high protein diets is not consistent, low-fat diets are protective against cognitive decline. Several micronutrients like B group vitamins and iron, as well as many polyphenols play a crucial role in cognitive health. Mediterranean, Nordic, DASH, and MIND diets are linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The relationship between the gut microbiome and brain function through the gut-brain axis has led to the emergence of data on the beneficial effects of dietary fibers and probiotics through the management of gut microbes. A "whole diet" approach as well as macro- and micro-nutrient intake levels that have protective effects against cardiovascular diseases are most likely to be effective against neurodegenerative disorders too. Young adulthood and middle age are crucial periods for determining cognitive health in old age. The importance of cardio metabolic risk factors such as obesity and hypertension, smoking and physical inactivity that develop in middle age suggest that preventive approaches are required for target populations in their 40s and 50s, much before they develop dementia. The commonality of dementia risk with cardiovascular and diabetes risk suggests that dementia could be added to present non-communicable disease management programs in primary healthcare and broader public health programs.

New perspectives on randomized controlled trials with omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cognition: A scoping review.

Long chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to be important components in a healthy diet and contribute to healthy functioning of the heart and the brain, among other organs. Although there are epidemiological studies on the strong relationship between fish or n-3 FA consumption and lower risk of cognitive decline, results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are less consistent. Here, we performed a scoping review on RCTs with n-3 FA supplementation where cognition was evaluated. Seventy-eight RCTs published before April 2022 were included in this review. Among these RCTs, 43.6% reported a positive cognitive outcome after the consumption of n-3 FA compared to the placebo. However, there was a large diversity of populations studied (age ranges and health status), wide range of doses of EPA +DHA supplemented (79mg/day - 5200mg/day) and a multitude of tests evaluating cognition, mainly diagnostic tests, that were used to assess cognitive scores and overall cognitive status. RCTs were thereafter categorized into non-cognitively impaired middle-aged adults (n=24), non-cognitively impaired older adults (n=24), adults with subjective memory complaints (n=14), adults with mild cognitive impairments (MCI, n=9) and people with diagnosed dementia or other cognitive changes (n=7). Among these categories, 66.7% of RCTs conducted with MCI adults reported a positive cognitive outcome when supplemented with n-3 FA vs. the placebo. Therefore, this scoping review provides rationale and questions to a) strengthen the design of future RCTs with n-3 FA for cognitive outcomes, and b) generate more informative data to support clinicians in their practice in assessing cognition before and after a nutritional intervention.

Association between solid cooking fuel and cognitive decline: Three nationwide cohort studies in middle-aged and older population

BackgroundHousehold solid-fuel burning contributes to indoor air pollution and is linked to poor cognitive function, but how solid cooking fuel use leads to cognitive decline over time is not well elaborated. ObjectiveWe examine the associations of solid cooking fuel with cognitive function among three nationally representative cohorts. MethodsThis study uses data from the 2010–2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), the 2011–2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and the 2003–2015 Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) in adults over the age of 50. Time varying Cox model was conducted to measure the association between cooking fuel types and cognitive decline. Mediation analysis was used to estimate the potential mediation effects on the associations of cooking fuel types with cognitive decline risk. ResultsRespondents in CFPS, CHARLS, and MHAS relied on solid cooking fuel at baseline approximately 56 %, 51 %, and 12 %, respectively. Using solid fuel was consistently associated with higher risk of cognitive decline in three cohorts (CFPS: HR = 1.300 [95 % CI: 1.201, 1.407], CHARLS: HR = 1.179 [95 % CI: 1.059, 1.312], MHAS: HR = 1.237 [95 % CI: 1.123, 1.362]). Compared to those with persistent solid fuel, persistent clean fuel and change from solid fuel to clean fuel were associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. Hypertension, diabetes, physical activity, dyslipidemia and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) may partially mediate the cognitive decline caused by solid fuel use. Of the cognitive decline burden, 18.23 % (95 % CI: 12.21 %, 24.73 %) in CFPS, 8.90 % (95 % CI: 2.93 %, 15.52 %) in CHARLS and 2.92 % (95 % CI: 1.52 %, 4.46 %) in MHAS of cognitive decline cases attributable to solid cooking fuel use. ConclusionThe use of solid cooking fuel is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline. It is essential to promote the expanded use of clean fuel to protect cognitive health.

Characteristics of the cognitive function transition and influencing factors among Chinese older people: An 8-year longitudinal study

BackgroundCognitive impairment among older people is an important public health problem in developing countries. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the subtypes of cognitive function among older people in China, and explore the transformation patterns and influencing factors. MethodsLongitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were used, and included 2140 women and 2049 men aged over 60 years. Latent profile and latent transition analysis (LPA<A) were used to identify subgroups and transitions between the profiles over time. Influencing factors were identified by multinomial logistic regression analysis. ResultsAccording to the LPA model, three subgroups of cognitive function were identified: Cognitive Impairment, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Normal Cognitive Function. Concurrently, >50 % of participants were likely to progress to MCI after seven years, whereas participants with cognitive impairment had a probability of 54.2 % of transitioning to a better cognitive profile. Older adults are less likely to experience cognitive improvement, higher levels of education affect changes in cognition, and having depression are at a lower risk of cognitive decline. LimitationsDue to the incompleteness of the cognitive assessment and the large time span, there was a certain bias in the classification and analysis of latent cognitive profiles. ConclusionThis study identified three latent profiles among Chinese older people and showed the stability and heterogeneity. It demonstrated the effects of higher age or levels of education, and depression on changes in cognitive function in older people.

Protein intake from different sources and cognitive decline over 9 years in community-dwelling older adults.

ObjectivesTo examine the association of protein intake from different sources with cognitive decline.MethodsOur analysis included 3,083 participants aged 55–93 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Cognition was assessed in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, and 2015. Diet intake was assessed using weighing methods in combination with 24-h dietary recalls for three consecutive days at each survey.ResultsParticipants consumed 13.94% of energy intake from total protein, with 11.47 and 2.47% from plant and animal sources, respectively. During a follow-up of 9 years, participants in quintile 5 of plant protein intake (% energy) had a higher risk [odds ratio (95% CI): 3.03 (1.22–7.53)] of cognitive decline compared with those in quintile 1. Higher animal protein intake (% total protein) was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline [odds ratio (95% CI) for quintile 5 vs. quintile 1: 0.22 (0.07–0.71)]. Grains (plant source) protein intake was inversely but fish/shrimp and poultry (animal source) protein intake were positively associated with change in cognitive Z-score.ConclusionIncreasing animal protein consumption in a population with plant dominant diets may help to prevent cognitive decline.

Thebromine Targets Adenosine Receptors to Control Hippocampal Neuronal Function and Damage.

Theobromine is a caffeine metabolite most abundant in dark chocolate, of which consumption is linked with a lower risk of cognitive decline. However, the mechanisms through which theobromine affects neuronal function remain ill-defined. Using electrophysiological recordings in mouse hippocampal synapses, we now characterized the impact of a realistic concentration of theobromine on synaptic transmission and plasticity. Theobromine (30 μM) facilitated synaptic transmission while decreasing the magnitude of long-term potentiation (LTP), with both effects being blunted by adenosine deaminase (2 U/mL). The pharmacological blockade of A1R with DPCPX (100 nM) eliminated the theobromine-dependent facilitation of synaptic transmission, whereas the A2AR antagonist SCH58261 (50 nM), as well as the genetic deletion of A2AR, abrogated the theobromine-induced impairment of LTP. Furthermore, theobromine prevented LTP deficits and neuronal loss, respectively, in mouse hippocampal slices and neuronal cultures exposed to Aβ1–42 peptides, considered a culprit of Alzheimer’s disease. Overall, these results indicate that theobromine affects information flow via the antagonism of adenosine receptors, normalizing synaptic plasticity and affording neuroprotection in dementia-related conditions in a manner similar to caffeine.

Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment may has a lower risk of cognitive decline after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation: A retrospective cohort study.

BackgroundThe cognitive outcomes induced by subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) remain unclear, especially in PD patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study explored the cognitive effects of STN-DBS in PD patients with MCI.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study that included 126 PD patients who underwent STN-DBS; all patients completed cognitive and motor assessments before and at least 6 months after surgery. Cognitive changes were mainly evaluated by the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale and the seven specific MoCA domains, including visuospatial/executive function, naming, attention, language, abstract, delayed recall, and orientation. Motor improvement was evaluated by the UPDRS-III. Cognitive changes and motor improvements were compared between PD-MCI and normal cognitive (NC) patients. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore predictors of post-operative cognitive change.ResultsAt the time of surgery, 61.90% of the included PD patients had MCI. Compared with the PD-MCI group, the PD-NC group had a significantly higher proportion of cases with post-operative cognitive decline during follow-up of up to 36 months (mean 17.34 ± 10.61 months), mainly including in global cognitive function, visuospatial/executive function and attention. Covariate-adjusted binary logistic regression analyses showed that pre-operative global cognitive status was an independent variable for post-operative cognitive decline. We also found that pre-operative cognitive specific function could predict its own decline after STN-DBS, except for the naming and orientation domains.ConclusionPD-MCI patients are at a lower risk of cognitive decline after STN-DBS compared with PD-NC patients.

Afternoon Napping Durations in Chinese Population Over 60 Years Old: Longitudinal Associations With Cognitive Performance.

IntroductionPrevious studies indicated inconsistent associations between daytime napping and cognitive decline. This study aimed to examine the associations between self-reported changes in napping and longitudinal cognitive performance.MethodsA national representative sample of 4,024 participants over 60 was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011 to 2018. Afternoon napping and potential factors were collected by a questionnaire. Cognitive performance was assessed on three aspects. The generalized additive models and generalized estimating equations were used to examine relationships between daytime napping and longitudinal global cognition, and generalized linear models were used to examine the longitudinal associations between change in napping at four waves and cognition in wave 4.ResultsAfter controlling the potential confounders, participants with afternoon napping were significantly related to better global cognition than no nappers at baseline. A change from short napping to no/long napping was associated with worse cognitive performance (β = −2.593, P < 0.001). A move from no napping to short/long napping was also associated with lower cognition scores (β = −0.694, P < 0.001). For participants with moderate napping, a >30 min increase (β = −1.558, P < 0.001) in afternoon napping was associated with worse cognitive function in wave 4.ConclusionWe observed that adults over 60 years old with napping <30 min per day may be at lower risk of cognitive decline. Change in napping, especially a move to extreme napping would be a risk marker underlying health conditions that impact cognition or go along with cognitive decline.

1005 HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND FUTURE RISK OF HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG OLDER ADULTS LIVING IN AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED STATES

Abstract Introduction Poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in patient populations. However, whether HRQoL is associated with health outcomes among community-dwelling older people requires further investigation. This study aimed to examine whether HRQoL predicts cognitive decline, dementia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality in community-dwelling older people living in Australia and the United States. Method A cohort of 19,106 individuals from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study, aged 65–98 years, initially free of dementia or CVD, and who completed the HRQoL 12-item short form (SF-12, version-2) at baseline (2010–2014), were followed until June 2017. The physical (PCS) and mental component scores (MCS) of SF-12 were generated using standardized norm-based method. Results Over a median of 4.7 years, there were 2,412 cognitive declines, 574 dementia, 922 incident CVD events, and 1,052 deaths. Using Cox proportional-hazard regression adjusted for a range of covariates, every 10-unit increase in PCS was associated with a 6% lower risk of cognitive decline, a 14% lower risk of incident CVD, and 17% lower risk of all-cause mortality, but was not associated with incident dementia. In contrast, higher MCS was only associated with a 12% and 15% lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia, respectively. Findings did not differ by sex. Conclusion Our study provides some of the first evidence that HRQoL can be used in combination with clinical data to identify the future risks of health outcomes among older individuals living in the community. Our findings support the decision of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care to incorporate the SF-12 into the annual Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs assessment.

The association between long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and changes in brain volumes among older community-dwelling Japanese people

The relationship between age-related brain atrophy and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) intake is not fully understood. This study investigated the association of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (ARA) intake and brain atrophy in non-demented older Japanese people (n = 810, aged 60–89 years) using data sets of a 2-year longitudinal study. Brain volumes were measured using 3D-MRI in the baseline and follow-up periods. The associations of multivariate-adjusted changes in brain volumes with baseline LCPUFA intake were assessed using a general linear model. Higher ARA intake was associated with a smaller decrease in frontal cortex volumes, which was accompanied by a lower risk of cognitive decline among the participants. In the subgroup analysis for low DHA and EPA intake, accounting for one-third of Japanese intake, DHA and EPA intake was positively correlated with preservation of the temporal cortex volume. These findings suggest that appropriate intake of LCPUFA may decelerate age-related brain atrophy and lead to the maintenance of brain health in older people.

Higher Serum BDNF Levels are Associated with Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults :The Otassha Study

Introduction: There has been growing interest in the use of circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the blood as a biomarker in the context of patients with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Prospective data on cognitive decline in the broad older population, however, remain limited. We assessed the relationship of serum BDNF levels with short-term decline in cognitive functioning of community-dwelling older adults. Methods. Prospective study of 405 adults 65-84 years old without dementia in Tokyo, Japan. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Japanese version (MoCA-J) and its subscales were used. Linear regression assessed standardized differences in test score differences between baseline (2011) and follow-up (2013) visits, according to baseline serum BDNF quartiles, with adjustment for baseline demographics, disease indicators, and cognitive scores. Results: Among participants who performed on the MoCA-J at baseline (scores in bottom quartile), cognitive decline was .65 (95% CI: .08 - 1.2; p=.025) standard deviations (SD) more pronounced in those with lowest than highest BDNF levels. Decline in executive function, but not in other subdomains, was also most pronounced in those with lowest baseline serum BDNF levels (difference: .32 SD; 95%CI: .08-.55; p=.007) Conclusion: Lower serum BDNF levels were associated with greater 2-year cognitive decline in community-dwelling older Japanese adults. Decline varied among cognitive subdomains, and baseline cognition. Research seeking to evaluate the added-value of serum BDNF for screening and/or health promotion initiatives involving physical activity, which has been linked to increment in BDNF levels, is warranted.

Marine n‐3 fatty acids and cognitive change among older adults in the VITAL randomized trial

AbstractBackgroundHigh intake of marine omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acids has been associated with lower risk of cognitive decline; however, few large‐scale, long‐term randomized trials have been conducted. We evaluated n‐3 supplementation (1 gram/day, including 840 mg of EPA + DHA) and change in cognitive function over 2‐3 years.MethodCommunity‐dwelling participants aged 60+ years (mean[SD]=70.9[5.8]y) in the Vitamin D and Omega‐3 Trial (VITAL) were included: 3424 had cognitive function assessment by phone (VITAL‐Cog; 8 neuropsychological tests; mean follow‐up=2.8 years) and 794 were evaluated in‐person at the Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC‐Cog; 9 neuropsychological tests; mean follow‐up=2.0 years). The primary, pre‐specified outcome was a global composite score (average z‐scores across all tests) of change over two assessments. We used multivariable‐adjusted linear mixed models and meta‐analyzed the results for the two settings.ResultWe observed no significant effect of n‐3 supplementation on the global composite score: the mean difference in annual rate of change for the n‐3 versus placebo group was ‐0.01 standard units (95% CI:‐0.02,0.003) in VITAL‐Cog and ‐0.002 (95% CI:‐0.04,0.03) in CTSC‐Cog; the pooled mean difference was ‐0.01 (95%CI:‐0.02,0.003; p=0.15). For secondary outcomes of change in verbal memory, executive function/attention and general cognition, we observed null results to trends of adverse associations with n‐3 treatment versus placebo that were not statistically significant after multiple‐testing correction. In pre‐specified secondary analyses, we observed no significant interaction of the intervention with baseline plasma omega‐3 fatty acid levels for the global composite score (pooled p‐interaction=0.37).ConclusionMarine n‐3 supplementation (1 gram/day) did not confer cognitive benefits over 2‐3 years in community‐dwelling older adults.

No effect of exercise on AD‐related cognition in older African Americans: Program for African American Cognition and Exercise (PAACE)

AbstractBackgroundLower levels of physical activity (PA) are associated with greater risk of cognitive decline and AD, and some studies suggest that interventions that increase PA engagement lower risk of cognitive decline and AD. However, interventions to date have largely not included substantial representation of African Americans.MethodThe Program for African American Cognition and Exercise (PAACE) randomized 56 sedentary African American adults in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area (mean age ± s.d.: 69.2 ± 3.4 years) to a physical activity group (PAG) or successful aging group (SAG). The PAG aimed to increase moderate to vigorous PA to national guideline levels over 12 weeks by providing supervised PA 2 days per week (90‐120 minutes/week) at local YMCAs along with 30‐60 minutes/week of home‐based PA. The SAG completed one 60‐minute educational session on successful aging per week for 12 weeks. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was assessed before and after the intervention. ANOVA models assessed pre‐ to post‐intervention RBANS total scale and sub‐scale score changes, as well as differences between PA and control arms in these changes.ResultGroups were well matched by age, sex, BMI, employment, education, and income. The SAG increased scores on the RBANS overall scale and scales of visuospatial function, immediate memory, and delayed memory, along with the story memory, figure copying, coding, and figure recall sub‐scales (all p&lt;.05). The PAG increased scores on only the list learning sub‐scale (p=.047). Scores on the overall scale (p=.034) and story memory sub‐scale (p=.0008) increased significantly more in the SAG than in the PAG. No RBANS scores increased significantly more in the PAG compared to the SAG.ConclusionA 12‐week PA promotion program among community‐dwelling older African American adults provided significant cognitive benefits to an educational control group, and minimal benefits to those engaged in PA. Possible contributors to these results include inadequate PA stimulus in the PAG, and beneficial health behavior changes or cognitive stimulation in the SAG. Future research is needed to fully understand cognitive effects of PA interventions among older African Americans.