Symbol Substitution Research Articles

Associations of Allostatic Load with Level of and Change in Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Hispanic/Latino Adults: The Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (SOL-INCA).

Higher allostatic load (AL), a multi-system measure of physiological dysregulation considered a proxy for chronic stress exposure, is associated with poorer global cognition (GC) in older non-Hispanic white adults. However, evidence of these associations in middle-aged and older US-based Hispanic/Latino adults is limited. To examine associations of AL with level of cognition, performance in cognition 7 years later, and change in cognition over 7 years among middle-aged and older US-based Hispanic/Latino adults. We used data (n = 5,799, 45-74 years at baseline) from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) and SOL-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (SOL-INCA). The AL score comprised 16 biomarkers representing cardiometabolic, glucose, cardiopulmonary, parasympathetic, and inflammatory systems (higher scores = greater dysregulation). Cognitive outcomes included GC and individual tests of verbal learning and memory, world fluency (WF), Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS), and Trail Making (Parts A & B). Survey-linear regressions assessed associations of AL with performance in cognition at baseline, 7 years later, and via 7-year cognitive change scores adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and depressive symptoms. Higher AL was associated with lower baseline performance in GC and WF; and lower 7-year follow-up performance in these same measures plus DSS and Trail Making Parts A & B. Higher AL was associated with more pronounced 7-year change (reduction) in GC and on WF and DSS tests. Findings extend previous evidence in predominantly older non-Hispanic white cohorts to show that AL is related to level of and change in GC (as well as WF and DSS) among middle-aged and older US-based Hispanic/Latino adults.

Association of the oral microbiome with cognitive function among older adults: NHANES 2011–2012

BackgroundAn association between the gut microbiome and cognitive function has been demonstrated in prior studies. However, whether the oral microbiome, the second largest microbial habitant in humans, has a role in cognition remains unclear. Design, setting, participantsUsing weighted data from the 2011 to 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined the association between oral microbial composition and cognitive function in older adults. The oral microbiome was characterized by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Cognitive status was assessed using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease immediate recall and delayed recall, Animal Fluency Test, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Subjective memory changes over 12 months were also assessed. Linear and logistic regression models were conducted to quantify the association of α-diversity with different cognitive measurements controlling for potential confounding variables. Differences in β-diversity were analyzed using permutational analysis of variance. ResultsA total of 605 participants aged 60–69 years were included in the analysis. Oral microbial α-diversity was significantly and positively correlated with DSST (β, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.01–4.84). Participants with higher oral microbial α-diversity were more likely to have better cognitive performance status based on DSST (adjusted odds ratio, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.28–4.30) and were less likely to experience subjective memory changes (adjusted odds ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.25–0.74). In addition, β-diversity was statistically significant for the cognitive performance status based on DSST (P = 0.031) and subjective memory changes (P = 0.023). ConclusionsOral microbial composition was associated with executive function and subjective memory changes among older adults among older U.S. adults in a nationally representative population sample. Oral dysbiosis is a potential biomarker or therapeutic target for cognitive decline. Further work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning the association between the oral microbiome and cognitive function.

The circulating proteome and brain health: Mendelian randomisation and cross-sectional analyses

Decline in cognitive function is the most feared aspect of ageing. Poorer midlife cognitive function is associated with increased dementia and stroke risk. The mechanisms underlying variation in cognitive function are uncertain. Here, we assessed associations between 1160 proteins’ plasma levels and two measures of cognitive function, the digit symbol substitution test (DSST) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in 1198 PURE-MIND participants. We identified five DSST performance-associated proteins (NCAN, BCAN, CA14, MOG, CDCP1), with NCAN and CDCP1 showing replicated association in an independent cohort, GS (N = 1053). MRI-assessed structural brain phenotypes partially mediated (8–19%) associations between NCAN, BCAN, and MOG, and DSST performance. Mendelian randomisation analyses suggested higher CA14 levels might cause larger hippocampal volume and increased stroke risk, whilst higher CDCP1 levels might increase intracranial aneurysm risk. Our findings highlight candidates for further study and the potential for drug repurposing to reduce the risk of stroke and cognitive decline.

Development and first-stage validation of a digital version of the Digit Symbol Substitution test for use in assessing cognitive function in older people with diabetes.

To describe the development and report the first-stage validation of a digital version of the digit symbol substitution test (DSST), for assessment of cognitive function in older people with diabetes. A multidisciplinary team of experts was convened to conceptualize and build a digital version of the DSST and develop a machine-learning (ML) algorithm to analyse the inputs. One hundred individuals with type 2 diabetes (aged ≥ 60 years) were invited to participate in a one-time meeting in which both the digital and the pencil-and-paper (P&P) versions of the DSST were administered. Information pertaining to demographics, laboratory measurements, and diabetes indices was collected. The correlation between the digital and P&P versions of the test was determined. Additionally, as part of the validation process, the performance of the digital version in people with and without known risk factors for cognitive impairment was analysed. The ML model yielded an overall accuracy of 89.1%. A strong correlation was found between the P&P and digital versions (r = 0.76, p < 0.001) of the DSST, as well as between the ML model and the manual reading of the digital DSST (r = 0.99, p < 0.001). This study describes the development of and provides first-stage validation data for a newly developed digital cognitive assessment tool that may be used for screening and surveillance of cognitive function in older people with diabetes. More studies are needed to further validate this tool, especially when self-administered and in different clinical settings.

Anticholinergic burden and the cognitive functions in elderly and senile patients with arterial hypertension

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of anticholinergic load (AHN) on cognitive functions (CF) in elderly and senile multimorbid patients with arterial hypertension (AH).Materials and methods. 330 patients aged 60 years and older with essential AH were included in the study (median age 79 [72; 84] years, 158 (51 %) of women). All the patients were underwent the assesment of CF using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Mini-Mental Status Scale (MMS), Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-cog), Trial Making Test (TMT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Verbal Association Test (literal (letter) and categorical (animal) associations), Boston Naming Test (BNT), Word-Color Interference Test, Stroop colorword conflict test. The anticholinergic load was determined using the anticholinergic load scale (Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale, ACB).Results. Compared with patients who do not take anticholinergic drugs, multimorbid elderly and senile hypertensive patients with 2 or more points on the ACB scale had significantly lower final scores on the MoCA test (23 [21; 24.3] versus 24 [22; 25] points, respectively, p=0.042) and on MMSE (26 [24; 29] vs. 27.5 [25; 29] points, respectively, p=0.015), they spent statistically more time completing part B of the TMT test (217.5 [187.3; 246.3] vs. 204 [166.8; 247.3] seconds, respectively, p=0.038). The difference between the execution time of part B and part A of the TMT test in patients with 2 or more points on the ACB scale was statistically significantly greater than in patients with 0 points on this scale (141 [103.8; 168.5] versus 124 [83.8; 162] sec, respectively, p=0.034). Age, gender, education, and the structure of concomitant diseases did not differ between the groups.Conclusion. The results obtained indicate the adverse effect of аnticholinergic вurden on CF of multimorbid elderly and senile hypertensive patients and dictate the need to optimize pharmacotherapy in this category of patients.

Association of low muscle mass with cognitive function and mortality in USA seniors: results from NHANES 1999–2002

BackgroundSarcopenia and cognitive impairment have been linked in prior research, and both are linked to an increased risk of mortality in the general population. Muscle mass is a key factor in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. The relationship between low muscle mass and cognitive function in the aged population, and their combined impact on the risk of death in older adults, is currently unknown. This study aimed to explore the correlation between low muscle mass and cognitive function in the older population, and the relationship between the two and mortality in older people.MethodsData were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002. A total of 2540 older adults aged 60 and older with body composition measures were included. Specifically, 17–21 years of follow-up were conducted on every participant. Low muscle mass was defined using the Foundation for the National Institute of Health and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia definitions: appendicular lean mass (ALM) (< 19.75 kg for males; <15.02 kg for females); or ALM divided by body mass index (BMI) (ALM: BMI, < 0.789 for males; <0.512 for females); or appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) (< 7.0 kg/m2 for males; <5.4 kg/m2 for females). Cognitive functioning was assessed by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). The follow-up period was calculated from the NHANES interview date to the date of death or censoring (December 31, 2019).ResultsWe identified 2540 subjects. The mean age was 70.43 years (43.3% male). Age-related declines in DSST scores were observed. People with low muscle mass showed lower DSST scores than people with normal muscle mass across all age groups, especially in the group with low muscle mass characterized by ALM: BMI (60–69 years: p < 0.001; 70–79 years: p < 0.001; 80 + years: p = 0.009). Low muscle mass was significantly associated with lower DSST scores after adjusting for covariates (ALM: 43.56 ± 18.36 vs. 47.56 ± 17.44, p < 0.001; ALM: BMI: 39.88 ± 17.51 vs. 47.70 ± 17.51, p < 0.001; ASMI: 41.07 ± 17.89 vs. 47.42 ± 17.55, p < 0.001). At a mean long-term follow-up of 157.8 months, those with low muscle mass were associated with higher all-cause mortality (ALM: OR 1.460, 95% CI 1.456–1.463; ALM: BMI: OR 1.452, 95% CI 1.448–1.457); ASMI: OR 3.075, 95% CI 3.063–3.088). In the ALM: BMI and ASMI-defined low muscle mass groups, participants with low muscle mass and lower DSST scores were more likely to incur all-cause mortality ( ALM: BMI: OR 0.972, 95% CI 0.972–0.972; ASMI: OR 0.957, 95% CI 0.956–0.957).ConclusionsLow muscle mass and cognitive function impairment are significantly correlated in the older population. Additionally, low muscle mass and low DSST score, alone or in combination, could be risk factors for mortality in older adults.

Changes in cognitive function after a 12-week POWER rehabilitation in older adults with schizophrenia and frailty.

The effectiveness of isolated resistance training (RT) on cognitive function among older adults with schizophrenia is insufficiently investigated. This study investigated the effectiveness of 12-weeks POWER rehabilitation, a novel RT regimen, on cognitive function among older patients with schizophrenia and frailty. Thirty-two older adults with schizophrenia and frailty were enrolled and randomized to receive either a 12-week, twice weekly POWER rehabilitation, or without add-on training. Cognitive functioning was assessed using mini-mental state examination (MMSE), digit symbol substitution test, color trail task (CTT), and digit span task (DST). Physical performance was assessed by walking speed and hand grip strength. The generalized estimating equations was used to compare pre- and post-training outcome measure between groups. Between-group analysis revealed significant improvement in CTT1 and hand grip strength in the intervention group compared to the controls. Subgroup analyses showed CTT1 performance significantly improved after 12 weeks of POWER rehabilitation in the intervention group (time, p < .001), independent of age, educational level, global cognition, depressive symptoms, and psychotropic medication use. Increased hand grip strength was significantly associated with improved performance in MMSE, CTT1, and DST forward at study endpoint. A 12-week POWER rehabilitation for older patients with schizophrenia and frailty is safe and feasible, and may benefit physical and some domains of cognitive functioning.

Prediction and mediation analysis for treatment responses to combined cognitive and physical training for older adults

Diminished cognitive and physical functions negatively affect the daily functions of individuals. Although combined cognitive and physical training prevents instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability in older adults, no predictive model or mediation analysis of IADL after combined training exists. This study aims to employ prediction and mediation analysis to identify the predictors of IADL performance and to elucidate the mediators of the association between baseline global cognition and subsequent IADL performance following combined cognitive and physical training. This study involved 177 participants aged 60 years and older who underwent combined training. Cognitive function was measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Color Trails Test, Word List, and a dual task; physical function with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test; daily function with the Lawton IADL Scale. We conducted regression analyses to identify the predictors of IADL performance, and mediation analysis to examine whether DSST and TUG mediate the relationship between MoCA and IADL. The pre-intervention DSST and TUG were significant independent predictors of post-intervention IADL. The association between the pre-intervention MoCA and post-intervention IADL was mediated by pre-intervention DSST and TUG. This study highlighted the importance of measuring and improving processing speed and functional mobility before and during interventions to enhance IADL outcomes.Trial registration: NCT03619577, 23/07/2018; NCT04689776, 29/12/2020.

Handgrip strength is associated with cognitive function in older patients with stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease: results from the NHANES

In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and cognitive performance in stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients aged ≥ 60 years. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database 2011–2014. Three tests were used to assess the cognitive performance, including consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer’s disease (CERAD), animal fluency test (AFT), and digit symbol substitution test (DSST). The multivariate linear regression analyses adjusting for confounding factors were utilized to evaluate the association of HGS with cognitive performance. A total of 678 older stage 3-5 CKD patients were included in this study. After adjusting for multiple factors, a higher HGS was positively associated with a higher CERAD-delayed recall and DSST score. In addition, our analysis indicated that HGS probably correlated with better performance of immediate learning ability in male, while working memory, sustained attention, and processing speed in female. HGS may be an important indicator for cognitive deficits in stage 3-5 CKD patients, especially for learning ability and executive function. Further research to explore the sex-specific and domain-specific and possible mechanisms are required.

Association between plasma long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids concentrations and cognitive function: findings from NHANES III.

With increased life expectancy, cognitive decline has emerged as a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. This study aimed to examine the correlation between concentrations of Plasma long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and cognitive performance in elderly Americans. Data were analyzed from older adults enrolled in two NHANES cycles. Participants completed four cognitive assessments, including the Immediate Recall Test (IRT), Delayed Recall Test (DRT), Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Linear regression and restricted cubic spline modeling examined associations between plasma LCPUFAs levels and cognitive test outcomes. The cohort included 610 adults aged 69 years on average, 300 (49.2%) males and 310 (50.8%) females. The median LCPUFAs concentration was 309.4 μmol/L, with an interquartile range of 244.7-418.9 μmol/L. In unadjusted and adjusted generalized linear regression model analyses, circulating LCPUFAs exhibited significant positive correlations with DRT performance. No relationships were detected among those with chronic conditions (chronic heart failure, stroke, diabetes). A significant association between LCPUFAs levels and DRT scores was evident in males but not females. Plasma LCPUFAs concentrations were significantly associated with DRT performance in males free of chronic illnesses, including heart failure, stroke, and diabetes.

Comparison of Effects of Propofol Combined with Different Doses of Esketamine for ECT in the Treatment of Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mood disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a significant effect on treatment-resistant MDD. Esketamine may have potential advantages in improving the efficacy of ECT, and the strong affinity of this compound for NMDAR renders it a viable therapeutic option for the management of depression. This study aims to compare the effects of different doses of esketamine combined with propofol anesthesia versus propofol anesthesia alone in ECT, aiming to provide further insights for optimizing ECT and enhancing comprehensive treatment outcomes for depression. This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial involving subjects and evaluators. One hundred eleven patients scheduled for ECT were randomly assigned to three groups. In Group P, propofol at 1mg/kg was administered intravenously. In Group P+E, propofol at a dosage of 0.5mg/kg and esketamine at a dosage of 0.5mg/kg was administered intravenously. Patients in Group P+SE received propofol at a dosage of 0.75mg/kg and esketamine at a dosage of 0.25mg/kg. The same anesthesia protocol was used for the same patient until the end of the last treatment. The primary outcome measures were the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), and the Digit symbol substitution test (DSST). Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, readmission rate, hemodynamic status, recovery, and adverse events. This study aimed to compare the effects of propofol combined with different doses of esketamine for ECT. The results may provide a better choice for ECT anesthesia.

Gender differences in the association between physical activity and cognitive subdomains among elders with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the gender differences in the correlation between physical activity (PA) and cognitive subdomains in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and...

The association of insulin responses and insulin sensitivity with cognition in adults with pre-diabetes: The Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study

ObjectiveDysglycemia is a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment. However, which pathophysiologic determinant(s) of dysglycemia, impaired insulin sensitivity (ISens) or the islet β-cell's response (IResp), contribute to poorer cognitive function, independent of dysglycemia is not established. Among 1052 adults with pre-diabetes from the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS), we investigated the relationship between IResp, ISens and cognitive function. Research design and methodsIResp was estimated by the insulinogenic index (IGI; pmol/mmol) and ISens as 1/fasting insulin from repeated annual oral glucose tolerance tests. The mean IResp and mean ISens were calculated over approximately 12 years of follow-up. Verbal learning (Spanish-English Verbal Learning Test [SEVLT]) and executive function (Digital Symbol Substitution Test [DSST]) were assessed at the end of the follow-up period. Linear regression models were run for each cognitive outcome and were adjusted for dysglycemia and other factors. ResultsHigher IResp was associated with poorer performance on the DSST (−0.69 points per 100 unit increase in IGI, 95 % CI: −1.37, −0.01). ISens was not associated with DSST, nor were IResp or ISens associated with performance on the SEVLT. ConclusionsThese results suggest that a greater β-cell response in people at high risk for type 2 diabetes is associated with poorer executive function, independent of dysglycemia and ISens.

Association of physical activity and vitamin D deficiency with cognitive impairment in older adults: a population based cross-sectional analysis.

The global aging situation is becoming increasingly critical and cognitive impairment in the elderly has become a public health burden of concern. Physical activity (PA) and vitamin D may play a key role in improving cognitive impairment. However, little studies have examined the interaction between these two. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of PA and vitamin D with cognitive impairment in older adults, as well as the interactions of PA and vitamin D. This study was conducted by multi-stage random sampling of elderly people ≥60 years old, and a total sample of 2,492 (1,207 male and 1,285 female, mean age of 69.41 ± 6.75 years) with complete data was included in the analysis. PA was assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and < 600 MET-min/week was used as the division criteria. Serum vitamin D was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2/D3 concentration < 20 ng/mL was used as a vitamin D deficiency criterion. Cognitive function was assessed by three subtests: the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease word learning test (CERAD-WL) for immediate and delayed learning, the Animal Fluency Test (AFT) for verbal fluency; and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) for information processing speed and switching attention. All three subtests were scored at less than the lowest quartile of the score as a criterion for cognitive impairment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for chi-square test, rank sum test, interaction analysis, subgroup analysis, and regression analysis. Lower level of PA is associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment (CERAD W-L: OR = 1.596, 95% CI: 1.338-1.905, p < 0.001; AFT: OR = 1.833, 95% CI: 1.534-2.190, p < 0.001; DSST: OR = 1.936, 95% CI: 1.609-2.329, p < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency has significant effects in AFT (OR = 1.322, 95% CI: 1.103-1.584, p = 0.003) and DSST (OR = 1.619, 95% CI: 1.345-1.948, p < 0.001). After adjusted for covariates, PA and vitamin D have multiplicative interaction on AFT (OR = 0.662, 95% CI: 0.448-0.977, p = 0.038) and DSST (OR = 0.775, 95% CI: 0.363-0.868, p = 0.009). The interaction between PA and vitamin D was not significant in the CERAD W-L (OR = 0.757, 95% CI: 0.508-1.128, p = 0.172). The results showed that lower level of PA and vitamin D deficiency were associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment in the elderly population and that there was a multiplicative interaction between PA and vitamin D on cognitive function, with a significant effect of vitamin D on cognitive impairment in high PA conditions.

Cognitive Functions and Subjective Hearing in Cochlear Implant Users.

A cochlear implant (CI) is an effective prosthetic device used to treat severe-to-profound hearing loss. The present study examined cognitive function in CI users by employing a web-based cognitive testing platform, i.e., BrainCheck, and explored the correlation between cognitive function and subjective evaluation of hearing. Forty-two CI users (mean age: 58.90 years) were surveyed in the subjective evaluation of hearing, and 20/42 participated in the BrainCheck cognitive tests (immediate recognition, Trail Making A, Trail Making B, Stroop, digit symbol substitution, and delayed recognition). As controls for cognitive function, young normal-hearing (YNH, mean age=23.83 years) and older normal-hearing (ONH, mean age=52.67 years) listener groups were subjected to Brain-Check testing. CI users exhibited poorer cognitive function than the normal hearing groups in all tasks except for immediate and delayed recognition. The highest percentage of CI users who had "possible" and "likely" cognitive impairment, based on BrainCheck scores (ranging from 0-200), was observed in tests assessing executive function. The composite cognitive score across domains tended to be related to subjective hearing (p=0.07). The findings of the current study suggest that CI users had a higher likelihood of cognitive impairment in the executive function domain than in lower-level domains. BrianCheck online cognitive testing affords a convenient and effective tool to self-evaluate cognitive function in CI users.

Non-linear relationship of serum albumin-to-globulin ratio and cognitive function in American older people: a cross-sectional national health and nutrition examination survey 2011-2014 (NHANES) study.

Inflammation and liver function are associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Little is known about the serum albumin-to-globulin ratio on cognitive function. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between albumin-to-globulin ratio and cognitive function among the American older people. The public data available on the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2014 was used for this cross-sectional study. Participants aged ≥60 years completed the cognitive function assessments, including word learning and recall modules from the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD), the animal fluency (AF) test, and the digit symbol substitution test (DSST). A composite cognition score was calculated to evaluate global cognition. The univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis, curve fitting, a threshold effect, along with a subgroup analysis and interaction tests were conducted. Serum albumin-to-globulin ratio (per 0.1 unit) was positively associated DSST score (β = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.51), AF score (β = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.16) and global cognition score (β = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.07), after being fully adjusted, while albumin-to-globulin ratio was not related to CERAD score (β = 0.05, 95% CI: -0.02, 0.12). A non-linear was observed in the dose-response relationship between albumin-to-globulin ratio and global cognition (P for non-linearity < 0.001). The subgroup analysis was overall stable, yet the interaction test was significant for age on global cognition (P for interaction = 0.036). The findings of this cross-sectional study suggested a positive and non-linear association between albumin-to-globulin ratio and cognitive function in the American older people. Maintaining albumin-to-globulin ratio with an appropriate range may be one of the therapeutic strategies to limit the progression of cognitive decline for the older people.

The Relationship between Visceral Fat and Cognitive Function in Medical Students

During COVID-19, there was a change in student lifestyle, which triggered visceral fat accumulation. The accumulation of visceral fat is one of the causes of systemic inflammation, which is dangerous for the integrity of the brain and can potentially reduce cognitive function. This study aimed to determine the relationship between visceral fat and cognitive function among medical students. This study used a cross-sectional design towards 73 Faculty of Medicine Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta students who met the criteria and were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The measurement of visceral fat was done using the Tanita Body Composition Analyzer, while the measurement of cognitive function was done using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test questionnaire. The study showed differences in sex and body mass index between normal and high visceral fat groups. There were no differences in age, consumption of junk food, and physical activity between the visceral fat groups. The Spearman test results showed a relationship between visceral fat and cognitive function (p-value equal 0.000; r equal -0.561). The higher the visceral fat, the lower the cognitive function.

Chronic kidney disease and cognitive performance: NHANES 2011–2014

PurposePrevious studies suggest an association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cognitive impairment. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between the diverse stages of CKD and the cognitive performance of elderly American adults.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 were used. Multivariate adjusted logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and the restricted cubic spline model were used to assess the associations of CKD stage and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with cognitive performance. The measures used to evaluate cognitive function included the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) test, the Animal Fluency test, and the Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST).ResultsThis study included 2234 participants aged ≥ 60 years. According to the fully adjusted model, stages 3–5 CKD were significantly associated with the CERAD test score (OR = 0.70, 95% CI [0.51, 0.97], p = 0.033), the Animal Fluency test score (OR = 0.64, 95% CI [0.48, 0.85], p = 0.005), and the DSST score (OR = 0.60, 95% CI [0.41, 0.88], p = 0.013). In addition, the incidence of poor cognitive function increased with decreasing eGFR, especially for individuals with low and moderate eGFRs. Both the DSST score (p nonlinearity < 0.0001) and the Animal Fluency test score (p nonlinearity = 0.0001) had nonlinear dose–response relationships with the eGFR. However, a linear relationship was shown between the eGFR and CERAD test score (p nonlinearity = 0.073).ConclusionsCKD, especially stages3–5 CKD, was significantly associated with poor cognitive performance in terms of executive function, learning, processing speed, concentration, and working memory ability. All adults with CKD should be screened for cognitive impairment.

The association between waist-to-height ratio and cognitive function in older adults

ABSTRACT Objectives The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a simple, practical, and effective tool used to assess central obesity. Despite its usefulness, few studies have investigated the association between WHtR and cognitive function among older adults in the United States. This study aims to investigate the associations between WHtR and cognitive function. Methods The study sample comprised adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2014. WHtR was calculated from measured waist circumference and height. Cognitive function was assessed using the digit symbol substitution test. A weighted multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between WHtR and cognitive function, with smooth curve fitting applied to detect non-linearities. Results Our analysis included 1709 participants over the age of 65. After adjusting for potential confounders, WHtR was found to have a negative association with cognitive function (β = −36.91, 95% CI: −54.54 to −19.29, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyzes stratified by sex and race showed that the negative correlation of WHtR with cognitive function remained in both men and women, as well as in non-Hispanic white and other races. Among women, the association between WHtR and cognitive function followed an inverted U-shaped curve, with an inflection point of 0.68. Conclusion This study provides evidence of a negative association between WHtR and cognitive function in older adults. These findings suggest that in advanced age, central obesity may have negative implications for cognitive function.

Association Between Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index and Cognitive Function Among Aging Americans from NHANES 2011-2014.

Antioxidant diets are considered to be protective factors for cognitive function. However, comprehensive measures of antioxidant diets are lacking. To examine the association between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and cognitive function in the elderly. This cross-sectional study included a total of 2,456 participants (≥60 years old) from NHANES 2011-2014. Calculation of CDAI based on 6 minerals and vitamins (manganese, selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E). Cognitive function was measured by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) Word Learning sub-test, Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). We also created a composite cognitive z-score to represent global cognition. The statistical analyses we used included multiple linear regression analyses, subgroup analyses, curve-fitting analyses, and threshold effects analyses. After controlling for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and disease history, multivariate linear regression analyses showed that increased CDAI was positively associated with scores on global cognitive function and each cognitive domain (p < 0.05), with subgroup analyses suggesting that this association was more pronounced in stroke patients (p for interaction < 0.05). Curve-fitting analyses and threshold effect analyses showed saturation effects between CDAI and CREAD Test, AFT, and composite Z-score, and an inverted U-shaped relationship with DSST, with inflection points of -1.89, 0.79, 1.13, and 1.77, respectively. Our findings support that higher levels of CDAI are correlated with significantly elevated cognitive function. Maintaining CDAI in an appropriate range may contribute to cognitive health in elderly.