Decline In Mini-Mental State Examination Score Research Articles

Clinical correlates and prognostic impact of cognitive decline in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction: insights from PARAGON-HF

Abstract Background Cognitive decline is common in patients with heart failure (HF), but its clinical correlates and prognostic impact are not well understood in this population. Purpose To examine the baseline variables associated with cognitive decline and the associations between cognitive decline and HF outcomes in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods We analyzed cognitive function, as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), in 2895 patients with HFpEF enrolled in a pre-specified sub-study of PARAGON-HF. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with cognitive decline i.e., a decrease in MMSE score of ≥3 points by 48 weeks. Time-updated Cox proportional hazards regressions and semiparametric proportional rates models were used to examine the subsequent risk of clinical outcomes after a decline in MMSE scores of ≥1-, 2- and 3-points during follow-up respectively, adjusted for known prognostic variables including NT-proBNP and baseline MMSE. Results A total of 450 (15.5% of the population) patients experienced a decrease in MMSE score of ≥3 points from baseline, at any follow-up visit. The corresponding number for a decrease in MMSE score of ≥2 points and ≥1 point was 755 (26.1%) and 1231 (42.5%), respectively. Independent predictors of cognitive decline at 48 weeks included older age, living in Latin America or the Asia/Pacific region, ischemic etiology, prior HF hospitalization, history of stroke/TIA, and lower serum albumin level (Figure 1). There was a graded relationship between the size of the decrease in MMSE score from baseline and the subsequent risk of mortality. Notably, a decrease of ≥3 points was associated with a 50% increase in the subsequent risk of death from any cause (adjusted HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.10-2.11) and a 90% elevation in risk of death from cardiovascular causes (1.89, 1.25-2.86), respectively, after extensive adjustment for known prognostic variables and baseline MMSE score. By contrast, cognitive decline during follow-up was not associated with a higher risk of HF hospitalization or the composite of HF hospitalization or CV death (Figure 2). Conclusions In patients with HFpEF, a decline in MMSE score during follow-up is independently associated with a graded increase in the risk for mortality, but not of HF hospitalization.The predictors for cognitive declineRisk of outcomes after a decline in MMSE

Clinical Correlates and Prognostic Impact of Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insights From PARAGON-HF.

Cognitive impairment is common in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction but its clinical correlates and prognostic associations are poorly understood. We analyzed cognitive function, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction enrolled in a prespecified substudy of the PARAGON-HF trial (Prospective Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor With Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Global Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the variables associated with lower MMSE scores at baseline and postbaseline decline in MMSE scores at 48 weeks. Cox proportional hazards regression and semiparametric proportional rates models were used to examine the risk of clinical outcomes related to baseline MMSE scores, and decline in MMSE scores during follow-up, adjusted for prognostic variables including NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide). At baseline, cognitive function was normal (MMSE score 28-30) in 1809 of 2895 patients (62.5%), borderline (score 24-27) in 794 (27.4%), and impaired (score <24) in 292 (10.1%). Variables associated with both a lower MMSE score at baseline and a decline in score from baseline included older age, a history of stroke or transient ischemia attack, and lower serum albumin. Compared with those with baseline MMSE scores of 28 to 30, patients in the lower MMSE score categories had a stepwise increase in the risk of the composite of time to first HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.27 (95% CI, 1.06-1.53) for those with scores of 24 to 27 and 1.58 (95% CI, 1.21-2.06) for those with scores <24, respectively. These associations were also found for the individual components of the composite and all-cause death. Likewise, cognitive impairment was associated with a 50% higher risk of total (first and repeat) heart failure hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths. Examining the change in MMSE score from baseline, a decrease in MMSE score during follow-up was associated with a higher risk of death. In patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction, even modest baseline impairment of cognitive function was associated with worse outcomes, including death. A decline in MMSE score during follow-up was a strong predictor of mortality, independent of other prognostic variables.

Endothelium-related biomarkers and cognitive decline in prevalent hemodialysis patients: A prospective cohort study.

Cognitive decline is prevalent in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The blood-brain barrier has been implicated in cognitive decline. In this prospective cohort study, we investigated the associations between endothelium-related biomarkers and steeper cognitive decline in this population. Cognitive function was assessed using the Portuguese-adapted Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG) with items of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Endothelium-related biomarkers included syndecan-1, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and angiopoietin-2 (AGPT2). Patients were followed up for 4 years, and cognitive assessments were repeated. Multinomial regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between biomarkers and cognitive decline. A total of 216 patients completed the test battery at baseline. After 4 years, 102 patients had follow-up data. There was a significant decrease in cognitive function according to the CAMCOG and MMSE scores: a change of -0.39 (95% CI -0.27 to -0.51) and -0.51 (95% CI -0.27 to -0.76) standard deviation (SD) of the baseline scores. Additionally, executive function but not memory significantly decreased. Syndecan-1 level was independently associated with steeper cognitive decline; each increase in the SD of the syndecan-1 level was associated with a decrease in the CAMCOG of 0.20 (95% CI 0.07-0.33) SD from baseline. Syndecan-1 was associated with a steeper decline in MMSE score (β 0.54, 95% CI 0.28-0.81) and executive function (β 0.17, 95% CI 0.02-0.32). Syndecan-1 predicted severe cognitive impairment with an area under the curve for receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.75 (95% CI 0.64-0.83). Our findings highlight the potential of syndecan-1, a biomarker of endothelium glycocalyx derangement, as a predictor of steeper cognitive decline in prevalent hemodialysis patients.

Different meanings of a three-point decline in MMSE score in Alzheimer's disease and depressive disorder.

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a composite scale that is included in diagnostic algorithms and in procedures to assess severity of cognitive impairment and efficacy of therapeutic interventions. It is unclear, however, whether the MMSE provides information about the same deficits in different diseases. To assess patterns of MMSE scores in patients with confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or depressive disorder. We used data from a previously published cross-sectional retrospective observational clinical cohort study. The final analysis included only patients in whom biomarker analysis showed results characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (n = 167) and patients with depressive disorder in whom Alzheimer's disease had been ruled out by analysis of biomarkers (n = 69). A three-point decline in MMSE score from 30 to 27 reflected impairment of memory recall in patients with Alzheimer's disease, whereas it reflected impairments in calculation and memory recall in patients with depressive disorder. A further three-point decline in MMSE score from 27 to 24 predominantly reflected additional calculation impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Our results indicate that memory performance is the most important measure of disease severity and the main contributor to the decline in MMSE score at onset of clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease. In general, this suggests that memory should be the primary measure used in routine clinical care and the primary endpoint in clinical trials involving patients with Alzheimer's disease at onset of clinical manifestation. Changes in other measures of cognition should prompt consideration of possible comorbidities as a cause, rather than the impact of Alzheimer's disease itself.

The Sensitivity of the Mini-Mental State Examination to Detect Objective Cognitive Side Effects Induced by Electroconvulsive Therapy: Results From the Dutch ECT Consortium

BackgroundMonitoring cognitive side effects following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is crucial for balancing side effects and clinical effectiveness. Yet, evidence-based guidelines on cognitive testing following ECT are lacking. A frequently used test in global ECT practice is the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We examined the change of the MMSE score and its performance in identifying a decline in predefined neuropsychological measures sensitive to ECT-induced cognitive changes: verbal recall and verbal fluency. MethodsMean MMSE scores before and 1 week after ECT were compared using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. The Reliable Change Index was calculated for all cognitive measures to indicate whether a participant’s change in score from before to after ECT was considered statistically significant. The sensitivity and specificity of the MMSE were calculated. ResultsA total of 426 patients with depression from 5 sites were included from the Dutch ECT Consortium. Mean (SD) MMSE score increased significantly from 26.2 (3.9) before ECT to 26.8 (3.8) after ECT (p = .002). After ECT, 36 patients (8.5%) showed a significant decline in MMSE score. The sensitivity of the MMSE in identifying patients who experienced a significant decline in verbal recall or verbal fluency ranged from 3.6% to 11.1%. The specificity of the MMSE in identifying patients who did not experience a significant decline in verbal recall or verbal fluency ranged from 95.6% to 96.6%. ConclusionsGiven the very low sensitivity of the MMSE, we propose reconsidering the prominence of the MMSE in ECT practice and cognitive monitoring guidelines, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to assess ECT-induced cognitive changes.

Predicting Longitudinal Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer's Conversion in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients Based on Plasma Biomarkers.

The increasing burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) emphasizes the need for effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Despite available treatments targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, disease-modifying therapies remain elusive. Early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients at risk for AD conversion is crucial, especially with anti-Aβ therapy. While plasma biomarkers hold promise in differentiating AD from MCI, evidence on predicting cognitive decline is lacking. This study's objectives were to evaluate whether plasma protein biomarkers could predict both cognitive decline in non-demented individuals and the conversion to AD in patients with MCI. This study was conducted as part of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia (KLOSCAD), a prospective, community-based cohort. Participants were based on plasma biomarker availability and clinical diagnosis at baseline. The study included MCI (n = 50), MCI-to-AD (n = 21), and cognitively unimpaired (CU, n = 40) participants. Baseline plasma concentrations of six proteins-total tau (tTau), phosphorylated tau at residue 181 (pTau181), amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42), amyloid beta 40 (Aβ40), neurofilament light chain (NFL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-along with three derivative ratios (pTau181/tTau, Aβ42/Aβ40, pTau181/Aβ42) were analyzed to predict cognitive decline over a six-year follow-up period. Baseline protein biomarkers were stratified into tertiles (low, intermediate, and high) and analyzed using a linear mixed model (LMM) to predict longitudinal cognitive changes. In addition, Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to discern whether protein biomarkers could predict AD conversion in the MCI subgroup. This prospective cohort study revealed that plasma NFL may predict longitudinal declines in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. In participants categorized as amyloid positive, the NFL biomarker demonstrated predictive performance for both MMSE and total scores of the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD-TS) longitudinally. Additionally, as a baseline predictor, GFAP exhibited a significant association with cross-sectional cognitive impairment in the CERAD-TS measure, particularly in amyloid positive participants. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis indicated predictive performance of NFL, GFAP, tTau, and Aβ42/Aβ40 on MCI-to-AD conversion. This study suggests that plasma GFAP in non-demented participants may reflect baseline cross-sectional CERAD-TS scores, a measure of global cognitive function. Conversely, plasma NFL may predict longitudinal decline in MMSE and CERAD-TS scores in participants categorized as amyloid positive. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis suggests that NFL, GFAP, tTau, and Aβ42/Aβ40 are potentially robust predictors of future AD conversion.

Augmentation of perivascular space visualization in basal ganglia and white matter hyperintensity lesion is a meaningful finding for subsequent cognitive decline.

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) causes cognitive decline and perivascular space enlargement is one of the image markers for CSVD. To search for clinical significance in the time-course augmentation of perivascular space in basal ganglia (BG-PVS) for cognitive decline. This study population included 179 participants from a community-based cohort, aged 70 years at baseline. They had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies two or three times between 2000 and 2008. Based on the severity of BG-PVS or white matter hyperintensity lesions (WMHL) in 2000, the participants were divided into low-grade or high-grade groups, respectively. In addition, their time-course augmentation was evaluated, and we created a categorical BG-PVS WMHL change score based on their augmentation (1 = neither, 2 = BG-PVS augmentation only, 3 = WMHL augmentation only, 4 = both). Cognitive function was assessed based on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); the change was defined as the difference between scores in 2000 and 2008. We used simple or multiple regression analysis for MMSE score change according to MRI findings and clinical characteristics that were probably related to cognitive decline. In univariate analysis, MMSE score change was negatively associated with BG-PVS high grade at baseline and BG-PVS WMHL change score 4; this remained significant in multivariate analysis. In the final model based on the Akaike Information Criterion, BG-PVS WMHL change score 4 was associated with a 3.3-point decline in subsequent MMSE score. This study suggested that augmentation in both BG-PVS and WMHL was associated with subsequent cognitive decline.

Impact of incidental synucleinopathy in mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer disease.

Recent evidence suggests that the presence of α-synuclein Lewy bodies (LBs) correlates with accelerated disease progression in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) but it is unclear whether this effect is also exerted in the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) phase of AD. We sought to determine whether incidental LB pathology in patients with MCI due to AD is associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline compared to MCI controls without LB pathology. We identified patients within the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) database with MCI due to AD and stratified the cohort by the presence or absence of synucleinopathy. We utilized a repeated measures longitudinal analysis of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores to determine whether the decline in performance occurred at a greater rate in the synucleinopathy patients. A total of 206 participants were studied; 80 had coincident synucleinopathy. The rate of decline in MMSE scores between the groups did not differ. This may suggest that a synergistic effect of LB and AD neuropathology is only appreciable in the later stages of disease progression. Further investigation into the effect of mixed LB and AD pathology in the early stages of cognitive impairment is warranted to highlight opportunities for targeted early intervention in patients.

Association between abdominal adiposity and cognitive decline in older adults: a 10-year community-based study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association between abdominal adiposity and change in cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis longitudinal study included older adults aged ≥60 years without cognitive impairment who participated in the National Institute for Longevity Sciences – Longitudinal Study of Aging. MeasurementsCognitive function was evaluated biennially using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) over 10 years. Waist circumference (WC) was measured at the naval level, and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) were assessed using baseline computed tomography scans. WC, SFA, and VFA areas were stratified into sex-adjusted tertiles. A linear mixed model was applied separately for men and women. ResultsThis study included 873 older adults. In men, the groups with the highest levels of WC, SFA, and VFA exhibited a greater decline in MMSE score than the groups with the lowest levels (β [95% confidence interval]: WC, –0.12 [–0.23 to –0.01]; SFA, –0.13 [–0.24 to –0.02]; VFA, –0.11 [–0.22 to –0.01]). In women, the group with the highest level of WC and SFA showed a greater decline in MMSE score than the group with the lowest level (WC, –0.12 [–0.25 to –0.01]; SFA, –0.18 [–0.30 to –0.06]), but VFA was not associated with cognitive decline. ConclusionHigher WC, SFA, and VFA in men and higher WC and SFA in women were identified as risk factors for cognitive decline in later life, suggesting that abdominal adiposity involved in cognitive decline may differ according to sex.

Electrode position and cognitive outcome following deep brain stimulation surgery.

Subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus internus (GPI) deep brain stimulation (DBS) effectively treat motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) but may be associated with cognitive and psychiatric changes in some patients. Evaluation of changes in cognitive and psychiatric symptoms following DBS is complicated by changes in these symptoms that occur as part of the natural disease course. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether electrode position was associated with changes in neurocognitive symptoms in patients who underwent STN and GPI DBS. A single-institution retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with PD who underwent DBS from 2008 to 2019. Cognitive and psychiatric outcomes included Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) score, presence of impulsive-compulsive behavior (ICB), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and overall cognitive status grade determined by comprehensive neuropsychology testing (normal, mild impairment, moderate impairment, and dementia). Pre- and postoperative comparisons were performed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test or paired t-test. Patients with and without cognitive decline were compared using a Mann-Whitney U-test or unpaired t-test. A chi-square test was used for categorical comparisons. One hundred thirty patients were included (mean age 62.5 ± 7.9 years). At a mean postoperative follow-up from DBS of 13.0 ± 12.7 (range 6-66) months, there was an improvement in ICB (26.3% preoperatively vs 15.0% postoperatively, p = 0.017), but a decline in MMSE score (28.6 ± 1.6 vs 27.6 ± 2.0, p < 0.001) and overall cognitive status (normal: 66.2% vs 39.2%; mild: 12.3% vs 17.7%; moderate: 21.5% vs 33.1%; dementia: 0.0% vs 10.0%; p < 0.001). Patients undergoing STN DBS had a worse decline in overall cognitive status than patients who underwent GPI DBS (p = 0.006). Postoperative cognitive decline was associated with a more medial electrode position only for patients who underwent STN DBS. Cognitive change was observed in some patients with PD who underwent both GPI and STN DBS, likely due partly to underlying disease progression. Compared with GPI DBS, STN DBS was associated with a greater likelihood of cognitive decline. In STN but not GPI DBS, cognitive decline was associated with medialized electrode position, suggesting modulation of nonmotor STN divisions may contribute to cognitive changes following STN DBS.

Interaction between plant-based dietary pattern and frailty on cognitive decline: a longitudinal analysis of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey cohort.

Frailty is a risk factor for faster cognitive decline, while plant-based dietary patterns are associated with decreased risk of cognitive decline. We aimed to explore their interaction with cognitive function among older adults. We used data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey between 2008 and 2018. Frailty was evaluated based on the frailty index (FI), and the plant-based diet index (PDI) was calculated using food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Repeated measures of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were utilised to assess cognitive function. We used linear mixed models to estimate regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We included 7,166 participants with a median follow-up of 5.8years. Participants in pre-frail (β = -0.18, 95% CI: -0.24, -0.13) and frail (β = -0.39, 95% CI: -0.48, -0.30) groups experienced an accelerated decline in MMSE score compared with the robust group. The PDI modified the above association, with corresponding associations with frailty being much more pronounced among participants with a lower PDI (frail vs. robust β = -0.44, 95% CI: -0.56, -0.32), compared with those with a higher PDI (frail vs. robust β = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.40, -0.13). In addition, A combination of frailty and a low PDI was strongly associated with a faster decline in MMSE score (β = -0.52, 95% CI: -0.63, -0.41). Adherence to plant-based dietary patterns attenuates the association between frailty and cognitive decline. If the observed association is causal, promoting plant-based dietary patterns may be a strategy to reduce the effects of frailty on neurological health.

Serum autophagy-related gene 5 level in stroke patients: correlation with CD4+ T cells and cognition impairment during a 3-year follow-up.

Autophagy-related gene (ATG) 5 regulates blood lipids, chronic inflammation, CD4+ T-cell differentiation, and neuronal death and is involved in post-stroke cognitive impairment. This study aimed to explore the correlation of serum ATG5 with CD4+ T cells and cognition impairment in stroke patients. Peripheral blood was collected from 180 stroke patients for serum ATG5 and T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cell detection via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and flow cytometry. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale was completed at enrollment, year (Y)1, Y2, and Y3 in stroke patients. Serum ATG5 was also measured in 50 healthy controls (HCs). Serum ATG5 was elevated in stroke patients compared to HCs (P<0.001) and was positively correlated to Th2 cells (P=0.022), Th17 cells (P<0.001), and Th17/Treg ratio (P<0.001) in stroke patients but not correlated with Th1 cells, Th1/Th2 ratio, or Treg cells (all P>0.050). Serum ATG5 (P=0.037), Th1 cells (P=0.022), Th17 cells (P=0.002), and Th17/Treg ratio (P=0.018) were elevated in stroke patients with MMSE score-identified cognition impairment vs those without cognition impairment, whereas Th2 cells, Th1/Th2 ratio, and Treg cells were not different between them (all P>0.050). Importantly, serum ATG5 was negatively linked with MMSE score at enrollment (P=0.004), Y1 (P=0.002), Y2 (P=0.014), and Y3 (P=0.001); moreover, it was positively related to 2-year (P=0.024) and 3-year (P=0.012) MMSE score decline in stroke patients. Serum ATG5 was positively correlated with Th2 and Th17 cells and estimated cognitive function decline in stroke patients.

APOE-ε4 Alleles Modify the Decline of MMSE Scores Associated With Time-Dependent PM2.5 Exposure: Findings From a Community-Based Longitudinal Cohort Study

Limited research has explored the long-term effect of reduced PM2.5 exposure on cognitive function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of time-dependent PM2.5 exposure and the interactions of PM2.5 and aging on declines in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, in carriers and non-carriers of the APOE-ε4 allele. Participants aged over 60 were recruited for this cohort study, undergoing MMSE tests twice from the Taiwan Biobank Program from 2008 to 2020. Participants with dementia or baseline MMSE scores <24 were excluded. Annual PM2.5 levels were estimated using a hybrid kriging/land use regression model with extreme gradient boosting, treated as a time-dependent variable. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the impacts of repeated PM2.5 on MMSE decline, further stratified by the presence of APOE-ε4 alleles. After follow-up, 290 participants out of the overall 7,000 community residents in the Biobank dataset demonstrated incidences of MMSE declines (<24), with an average MMSE score decline of 1.11 per year. Participants with ε4/ε4 alleles in the APOE gene had significantly 3.68-fold risks of MMSE decline. High levels of PM2.5 across all visits were significantly associated with worsening of scores on the overall MMSE. As annual levels of PM2.5 decreased over time, the impact of PM2.5 on MMSE decline also slowly diminished. Long-term PM2.5 exposure may be associated with increased risk of MMSE decline, despite improvements in ambient PM2.5 levels over time. Validation of these results necessitates a large-scale prospective cohort study with more concise cognitive screening tools.

Association of dietary patterns with cognitive function in older people: Results from the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey

AbstractBackgroundDietary patterns are crucial for maintaining cognitive health among older people and can be modified through lifestyle interventions. We investigated the associations between dietary patterns, changes in these patterns over time, and cognitive function.MethodsThis cohort study utilized data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey conducted between 2005 and 2014. The sample included 7472 participants (mean age: 81.45 ± 10.88 years). Dietary patterns were derived using cluster analysis. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). The relationships between dietary patterns/changes, MMSE scores, changes in MMSE scores, and cognitive impairment were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation method, linear regression, and logistic regression.ResultsCluster analysis identified three major dietary patterns: balanced diet, relatively balanced diet, and unbalanced diet. Mean MMSE scores decreased from 24.71 ± 7.24 in 2005 to 22.22 ± 9.29 in 2008, then increased to 24.10 ± 7.76 in 2014. Participants who adhered to balanced diet patterns exhibited significantly higher MMSE scores (1.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.34, 1.78) than those who followed unbalanced diet patterns. This association was particularly prominent among older individuals, women, individuals with no education, and underweight individuals. Participants with relatively balanced or balanced diets showed a significantly lower risk of cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.80; OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.53, respectively) than those with unbalanced diets. Transitioning from an unhealthy diet to a healthy diet was associated with a smaller decline in MMSE scores and reduced risk of cognitive impairment.ConclusionsThese findings emphasize the importance of balanced or relatively balanced diets in preserving cognitive health in older individuals. These patterns relate to better MMSE scores and reduced cognitive impairment risk. Shifting from unhealthy to healthy diets is linked to improved MMSE scores and lower cognitive impairment risk. These results underscore the importance of dietary interventions in mitigating cognitive decline in older adults. Further research is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted strategies for promoting healthy dietary habits in this population.

Occipital Amyloid Deposition Is Associated with Rapid Cognitive Decline in the Alzheimer's Disease Continuum.

Clinical significance of additional occipital amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of regional Aβ deposition on cognition in patients on the AD continuum, especially in the occipital region. We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of 208 patients with AD across the cognitive continuum (non-dementia and dementia). Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine the effect of regional Aβ deposition on cognitive function. A linear mixed model was used to assess the effect of regional deposition on longitudinal changes in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Additionally, the patients were dichotomized according to the occipital-to-global Aβ deposition ratio (ratio ≤1, Aβ-OCC- group; ratio >1, Aβ-OCC+ group), and the same statistical analyses were applied for between-group comparisons. Regional Aβ burden itself was not associated with baseline cognitive function. In terms of Aβ-OCC group effect, the Aβ-OCC+ group exhibited a poorer cognitive performance on language function compared to the Aβ-OCC- group. High Aβ retention in each region was associated with a rapid decline in MMSE scores, only in the dementia subgroup. Additionally, Aβ-OCC+ individuals exhibited a faster annual decline in MMSE scores than Aβ-OCC- individuals in the non-dementia subgroup (β= -0.77, standard error [SE] = 0.31, p = 0.013). The present study demonstrated that additional occipital Aβ deposition was associated with poor baseline language function and rapid cognitive deterioration in patients on the AD continuum.

Associations of time in bed and sleep timing with dementia and cognitive decline among Chinese rural‐dwelling older adults: A cohort study

AbstractBackgroundThe longitudinal associations of time in bed (TIB) (a composite indicator of sleep duration, latency, and fragmentation) and sleep timing (a marker of circadian rhythms) with dementia and cognitive decline in older adults are unclear.MethodThis population‐based cohort study used data from 1982 participants in the Shandong Yanggu Study of Aging and Dementia, who were aged ≥60 years, free of dementia, and living in the rural communities in western Shandong Province, China. At the baseline (2014) and follow‐up (2018) examinations, sleep parameters were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Global cognitive function was measured using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Dementia was diagnosed following the DSM‐IV criteria, and the NIA‐AA criteria for Alzheimer disease (AD). Data were analyzed using restricted cubic splines, Cox proportional‐hazards models, and general linear models.ResultDuring the mean follow‐up of 3.7 (standard deviation = 0.3) years, dementia was diagnosed in 97 participants (68 with AD). Restricted cubic spline curves showed J‐shaped associations of sleep duration, TIB, and rise time with dementia risk, and a reverse J‐shaped association with mid‐sleep time. When continuous sleep parameters were categorized into tertiles, the multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of incident dementia was 1.69 (95%CI 1.01‐2.83) for baseline sleep duration &gt;8 hours (vs. 7‐8 hours), 2.17 (1.22‐3.87) for bedtime before 9PM (vs. 10PM or later), and 2.00 (1.23‐3.24) for mid‐sleep time before 1AM (vs. 1‐1.5AM). Early bedtime and mid‐sleep time were significantly associated with incident AD (multivariable‐adjusted HR range: 2.25‐2.51; P&lt;0.05). Among individuals who were free of dementia at follow‐up, baseline long TIB, early bedtime and mid‐sleep time, early and late rise time, and prolonged TIB and advanced mid‐sleep time from baseline to follow‐up were associated with greater decline in MMSE score (P&lt;0.05). These associations with cognitive decline were statistically evident mainly among men or participants who were aged &lt;75 years.ConclusionLong TIB and early sleep timing are associated with an increased risk of dementia and AD, and their associations with greater cognitive decline are evident only among young‐old people and men.

The Fifth Bioelectronic Medicine Summit Hosted by the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research (Manhasset, NY) and Columbia Engineering (NY, NY) at The Garden City Hotel, Garden City, NY 11530 on October 11-12th, 2022- Bioelectronic Medicine: Today’s Tools, Tomorrow’s Therapies

The Fifth Bioelectronic Medicine Summit Hosted by the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research (Manhasset, NY) and Columbia Engineering (NY, NY) at The Garden City Hotel, Garden City, NY 11530 on October 11-12th, 2022- Bioelectronic Medicine: Today’s Tools, Tomorrow’s Therapies

Circadian rest-activity rhythm and longitudinal brain changes underlying late-life cognitive decline.

The neurobiological substrates underlying the relationship of circadian rest-activity rhythm (RAR) alteration with accelerated late-life cognitive decline are not clearly understood. In the present study, the longitudinal relationship of objectively measured circadian RAR with in vivo Alzheimer disease (AD) pathologies and cerebrovascular injury was investigated in older adults without dementia. The present study included 129 participants without dementia who participated in the KBASE (Korean Brain Aging Study for Early Diagnosis and Prediction of Alzheimer's Disease) cohort. All participants underwent actigraphy at baseline and two consecutive [11 C] Pittsburgh compound-B positron emission tomography (PET), [18 F] fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, magnetic resonance imaging, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline and at a 2-year follow-up assessment. The associations of circadian RAR with annualized change in neuroimaging measures including global amyloid-beta retention, AD-signature region cerebral glucose metabolism (AD-CM), and white matter hyperintensity volume were examined. Delayed acrophase at baseline was significantly associated with greater annualized decline of AD-CM over a 2-year period, but not with that of other neuroimaging measures. In contrast, other circadian RAR parameters at baseline had no association with annualized change of any neuroimaging measures. Annualized decline of AD-CM was also significantly positively associated with the annual change in MMSE scores. Furthermore, a mediation analysis showed that greater reduction in AD-CM mediated the effect of delayed acrophase at baseline on faster decline of MMSE score. The findings indicate that delayed acrophase in late life may cause or predict hypometabolism at AD-signature brain regions, which underlies cognitive decline in the near future.

Association between Subclinical Epileptiform Discharge and the Severity of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Aging is a risk factor for both AD and seizures. Subclinical epileptiform discharge (SED) has no evident clinical manifestation in patients with AD. Therefore, SED is liable to be overlooked in these patients since electroencephalography is not routinely performed in clinical settings. Previous studies about the association between SED and AD have yielded inconsistent results. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of SED and its effect on AD severity and clinical outcomes. Patients with AD from Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-tung Hospital were included in this study. International 10-20 system scalp electroencephalography for 13 minutes was performed to detect SED. Clinical outcomes of patients with and without SED were assessed by neuropsychological tests [Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SOB)]. 288 patients (mean age 80.5 years, 60.4% female) were enrolled in this study. Fifty-seven (19.8%) out of 288 patients with AD had SED. The prevalence of SED increased with the severity of cognitive impairment. Compared with patients without SED, those with SED showed significantly greater decline in CASI (-9.32 versus -3.52 points, p = 0.0001) and MMSE (-2.52 versus -1.12 points, p = 0.0042) scores in one year. SED may play a significant role in AD progression and is a potential therapeutic target.

The effect of surgical technique on cognitive function in elderly patients with hip fractures: Proximal femoral nailing versus hemiarthroplasty.

This study aims to compare the effects of hemiarthroplasty (HA) and proximal femoral nailing (PFN) on postoperative cognitive function in elderly adults with hip fractures. Between August 2021 and January 2022, a total of 49 patients (28 males, 21 females; mean age: 78.1±9.4 years; range, 65 to 96 years) presented with a proximal femoral fracture were included. The patients were divided into two groups based on the type of surgical technique used. Group 1 consisted of 23 patients who underwent cemented HA, while Group 2 consisted of 26 patients who underwent osteosynthesis with a PFN. Preoperatively (24 h before surgery), within the first week (Days 4 to 7), and at one month following surgery, the MiniMental State Examination (MMSE) was applied. The surgery side and duration of surgery were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05); however, the length of hospital stay and estimated blood loss were significantly different (p<0.001) in favor of Group 2. When the decline in MMSE scores from preoperative to postoperative was assessed, it was shown that group 2 had a lesser decrease. Patients with hip fractures who underwent PFN surgery experienced less postoperative cognitive impairment than those who underwent HA surgery.