scholarly journals Does bilingualism protect against cognitive aging?

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 590-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Wei-Ming Watson ◽  
Jennifer J. Manly ◽  
Laura B. Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Confounding Factors ◽  
Cognitive Level ◽  
Structural Variables ◽  
Level Versus

Abstract Recent studies of bilingualism as a protective factor in cognitive aging have reported conflicting findings, and researchers have begun to explore the methodological complications that may explain differences across studies. This article details the current research landscape and addresses several issues relevant to the study of bilingualism and late-life cognitive function: study design, establishing causal relationships, confounding factors, operationalizing bilingualism, predicting cognitive level versus cognitive change, and incorporating brain structural variables to interrogate cognitive reserve.

Cognitive reserve in neuropsychiatry

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 1053-1064 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. BARNETT ◽  
C. H. SALMOND ◽  
P. B. JONES ◽  
B. J. SAHAKIAN
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Head Injury ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cognitive Failure ◽  
History Of

Background. The idea that superior cognitive function acts as a protective factor against dementia and the consequences of head injury is well established. Here we suggest the hypothesis that cognitive reserve is also important in neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression.Method. We review the history of passive and active models of reserve, and apply the concept to neuropsychiatric disorders. Schizophrenia is used as an exemplar because the effects of premorbid IQ and cognitive function in this disorder have been extensively studied.Results. Cognitive reserve may impact on neuropsychiatric disorders in three ways: by affecting the risk for developing the disorder, in the expression of symptoms within disorders, and in patients' functional outcome. Cognitive failure below a certain threshold may alone, or in combination with common psychiatric symptoms, produce neuropsychiatric syndromes.Conclusions. Consideration of cognitive reserve may considerably improve our understanding of individual differences in the causes and consequences of neuropsychiatric disorders. For these reasons, the concept of cognitive reserve should be incorporated in future studies of neuropsychiatric disorder. It may be possible to enhance cognitive reserve through pharmacological or non-pharmacological means, such as education, neurocognitive activation or other treatment programmes.

scholarly journals Mechanisms of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Cognitive Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 780-781
Author(s):  
Andrea Rosso ◽  
Jennifer Manly
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Abstract Racial and ethnic disparities in age-related cognitive function and dementia risk in the US are well recognized. However, the psychosocial drivers of these disparities and underlying mechanisms are less well studied. This symposium will highlight novel research regarding our current understanding of racial/ethnic differences in brain and cognitive aging and the underlying mechanisms of the disparities. Frist, two papers will describe results regarding racial/ethnic differences in cognitive function and brain aging markers. Few studies have assessed racial/ethnic differences in cognitive function across age groups. Indira Turney will utilize data from a multigenerational study to explore how age impacts racial/ethnic differences in cognitive function. Underlying brain mechanisms of racial/ethnic differences in cognitive outcomes are also not well defined. Sara Godina will present a systematic review of racial/ethnic differences in structural markers of brain aging and neuropathology. Second, three papers will explore how various risk factors may explain the racial/ethnic disparities in cognitive outcomes. Melissa Lamar will demonstrate the differential associations of various blood pressure indicators with cognitive change among black older adults. B. Gwen Windham will present data from two studies that illustrate differential effects of common risk factors by race and region, highlighting inherent difficulties in race-place disparity research. Finally, Laura Zahodne will present results on how psychosocial factors, beyond socioeconomic status, contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in cognitive function. Jen Manly will lead a discussion on the implications of these results for the future of dementia prevention efforts for an increasingly diverse older US population.

scholarly journals Cognitive Aging and Dementia: A Life-Span Perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliot M. Tucker-Drob
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Dementia Research ◽  
Diagnosis And Classification ◽  
Diagnostic Approaches ◽  
Child Cognitive Development

This review summarizes empirical findings and theoretical concepts in cognitive aging and late-life dementia research, with emphases on ( a) person-to-person heterogeneity in trajectories of cognitive change over time, ( b) how trajectories of child cognitive development determine peak levels of adult cognitive function from which aging-related cognitive declines occur, and ( c) how lifelong trajectories of cognitive function relate to the timing of severe cognitive impairments characteristic of dementia. I consider conceptual issues surrounding categorical versus dimensional models of late-life dementia and discuss how current diagnostic approaches affect inferences in the empirical study of disease progression. Together, the incomplete current understanding of the biological foundations of aging-related cognitive declines and the continuous nature of many biomarkers commonly used in dementia diagnosis and classification pose both opportunities and challenges in the current research landscape. Future research will benefit from accurately measuring and analyzing continuous variation in longitudinal trajectories of cognitive function.

Central Obesity, Cardiometabolic Risk, and Cognitive Change in the Study of Latinos: Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Ariana M. Stickel ◽  
Wassim Tarraf ◽  
Kevin A. Gonzalez ◽  
Carmen R. Isasi ◽  
Robert Kaplan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Central Obesity ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Neurocognitive Aging

Background: The relationships between obesity and cognitive decline in aging are mixed and understudied among Hispanics/Latinos. Objective: To understand associations between central obesity, cognitive aging, and the role of concomitant cardiometabolic abnormalities among Hispanics/Latinos. Methods: Participants included 6,377 diverse Hispanics/Latinos enrolled in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) and SOL-Investigation for Neurocognitive Aging (SOL-INCA). Participants were 45 years and older at the first cognitive testing session (Visit 1). Cognitive outcomes (z-score units) included global composite and domain specific (learning, memory, executive functioning, processing speed) measures at a second visit (SOL-INCA, on average, 7 years later), and 7-year change. We used survey linear regression to examine associations between central obesity (waist circumference≥88 cm and≥102 cm for women and men, respectively) and cognition. We also tested whether the relationships between obesity and cognition differed by cardiometabolic status (indication of/treatment for 2 + of the following: high triglycerides, hypertension, hyperglycemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Results: Central obesity was largely unassociated with cognitive outcomes, adjusting for covariates. However, among individuals with central obesity, cardiometabolic abnormality was linked to poorer cognitive function at SOL-INCA (ΔGlobalCognition =–0.165, p < 0.001) and to more pronounced cognitive declines over the average 7 years (ΔGlobalCognition = –0.109, p < 0.05); this was consistent across cognitive domains. Conclusion: Central obesity alone was not associated with cognitive function. However, presence of both central obesity and cardiometabolic abnormalities was robustly predictive of cognition and 7-year cognitive declines, suggesting that in combination these factors may alter the cognitive trajectories of middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos.

Physical activity and cognitive function in older persons

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Critical Challenge

Strategies to improve cognitive aging are highly needed. Among those, promotion of exercise and physical activity appears as one of the most attractive and beneficial intervention. Indeed, results from basic and clinical studies suggest that exercise and physical activity have positive effects on cognition in older persons without cognitive impairment, as well as in those with dementia. Despite inconsistent results, aerobic exercise appears to have the strongest potential to enhance cognition. However, even limited periods of walking (45 minutes, three times a week, over a 6-month period) have also been shown to enhance cognition, particularly executive functions. Changing long-term lifestyle habits in these older persons remains a critical challenge and attractive programs susceptible to gain adherence are needed to succeed in achieving improved cognitive aging.

Accelerated Epigenetic Age in Normal Cognitive Aging of Korean Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 109980042098389
Author(s):  
Jongmin Park ◽  
Chang Won Won ◽  
Leorey N. Saligan ◽  
Youn-Jung Kim ◽  
Yoonju Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Epigenetic Age ◽  
Epigenetic Age Acceleration ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Epigenetic age acceleration has been studied as a promising biomarker of age-related conditions, including cognitive aging. This pilot study aims to explore potential cognitive aging-related biomarkers by investigating the relationship of epigenetic age acceleration and cognitive function and by examining the epigenetic age acceleration differences between successful cognitive aging (SCA) and normal cognitive aging (NCA) among Korean community-dwelling older adults (CDOAs). Methods: We used data and blood samples of Korean CDOAs from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. The participants were classified into two groups, SCA (above the 50th percentile in all domains of cognitive function) and NCA. The genome-wide DNA methylation profiling array using Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip was used to calculate the following: the DNA methylation age, universal epigenetic age acceleration, intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (IEAA), and extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (EEAA). We also used Pearson correlation analysis and independent t-tests to analyze the data. Results: Universal age acceleration correlated with the Frontal Assessment Battery test results ( r = −0.42, p = 0.025); the EEAA correlated with the Word List Recognition test results ( r = −0.41, p = 0.027). There was a significant difference between SCA and NCA groups in IEAA ( p = 0.041, Cohen’s d = 0.82) and EEAA ( p = 0.042, Cohen’s d = 0.78). Conclusions: Epigenetic age acceleration can be used as a biomarker for early detection of cognitive decline in Korean community-dwelling older adults. Large longitudinal studies are warranted.

scholarly journals Serum sodium in relation to various domains of cognitive function in the elderly US population

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sohyae Lee ◽  
Jin-young Min ◽  
Beom Kim ◽  
Sang-Won Ha ◽  
Jeohng Ho Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Serum Sodium ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
P Value ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Recent evidence suggests that sodium imbalances may be associated with cognitive impairment; however, the association between specific domains of cognition remains unclear. This study examines the association between serum sodium levels and immediate and delayed verbal memory as measured by the CERAD Word Learning Test (CERAD WLT), executive function as measured by the Animal Fluency test (AFT), and sustained attention, working memory, and processing speed as measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST) in the elderly population of the US aged 60 and older who participated in the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (n = 2,541). Methods Cognitive function tests were performed by trained interviewers and sodium levels were measured using indirect ion selective electrode methodology. Results After adjusting for all covariates, quintiles of CERAD WLT scores showed significant positive associations with log-transformed sodium levels (Immediate recall (IR) β = 4.25 (SE = 1.83, p-value 0.027); Delayed recall (DR) β = 6.54 (SE = 1.82, p-value 0.001)). Compared to normal sodium levels, hyponatremia was significantly associated with lower CERAD WLT-IR (β = -0.34, SE = 0.15, p-value 0.035) and CERAD WLT-DR scores (β -0.48, SE = 0.10, p-value < 0.001) and showed borderline significance with AFT scores (β = = -0.38, SE = 0.19, p-value 0.052). Hypernatremia did not show any significant relationships with cognitive test scores, compared to normal sodium levels. Conclusions Our cross-sectional study showed that lower sodium levels were associated with cognitive change, especially regarding memory and executive function.

scholarly journals Weight Change and Cognitive Function: Findings From the Women's Health Initiative Study of Cognitive Aging

Obesity ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 1595-1600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ira Driscoll ◽  
Mark A. Espeland ◽  
Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller ◽  
Sarah A. Gaussoin ◽  
Jingzhong Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Women’S Health ◽  
Women's Health ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Women's Health Initiative ◽  
Women’S Health Initiative ◽  
Health Initiative ◽  
The Women’S Health Initiative

Relationships between nasal obstruction, observed apnea, and daytime sleepiness

2007 ◽  
Vol 137 (4) ◽  
pp. 669-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsuyoshi Udaka ◽  
Hideaki Suzuki ◽  
Takeyuki Fujimura ◽  
Nobuaki Hiraki ◽  
Teruo Shiomori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Nasal Obstruction ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness ◽  
Daytime Sleepiness ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Epworth Sleepiness Scale ◽  
Sleep Disordered Breathing ◽  
Confounding Factors ◽  
Working Population

Objective We administered a questionnaire survey to a working population in an attempt to clarify the relationships between self-reported nasal obstruction, observed apnea during sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Study Design A total of 7980 daytime workers were asked to complete questionnaires about nasal obstruction, apnea during sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Of the 7702 responses, the data from 4818 subjects were analyzed. Nasal obstruction and observed apnea were graded into 3 categories. Daytime sleepiness was assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Results Subjects with chronic nasal obstruction had 5.22 and 2.17 times higher odds for having habitual observed apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), respectively, compared with those without nasal obstruction ( P < 0.001). After adjusting for 3 potential confounding factors (age, sex, and body mass index) and the presence of habitual observed apnea, odds ratios for having EDS decreased, but still remained significant. Conclusion Nasal obstruction is likely to cause daytime sleepiness, at least in part, by causing sleep-disordered breathing including apnea during sleep.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Standards for Mid-life Cognitive Performance: Identifying Abnormal Within-Person Changes in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L. Koscik ◽  
Erin M. Jonaitis ◽  
Lindsay R. Clark ◽  
Kimberly D. Mueller ◽  
Samantha L. Allison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Education ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Verbal Ability ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Consensus Conference ◽  
Past Performance ◽  
Conditional Models ◽  
Low Performance

AbstractObjectives: A major challenge in cognitive aging is differentiating preclinical disease-related cognitive decline from changes associated with normal aging. Neuropsychological test authors typically publish single time-point norms, referred to here as unconditional reference values. However, detecting significant change requires longitudinal, or conditional reference values, created by modeling cognition as a function of prior performance. Our objectives were to create, depict, and examine preliminary validity of unconditional and conditional reference values for ages 40–75 years on neuropsychological tests. Method: We used quantile regression to create growth-curve–like models of performance on tests of memory and executive function using participants from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention. Unconditional and conditional models accounted for age, sex, education, and verbal ability/literacy; conditional models also included past performance on and number of prior exposures to the test. Models were then used to estimate individuals’ unconditional and conditional percentile ranks for each test. We examined how low performance on each test (operationalized as <7th percentile) related to consensus-conference–determined cognitive statuses and subjective impairment. Results: Participants with low performance were more likely to receive an abnormal cognitive diagnosis at the current visit (but not later visits). Low performance was also linked to subjective and informant reports of worsening memory function. Conclusions: The percentile-based methods and single-test results described here show potential for detecting troublesome within-person cognitive change. Development of reference values for additional cognitive measures, investigation of alternative thresholds for abnormality (including multi-test criteria), and validation in samples with more clinical endpoints are needed. (JINS, 2019, 25, 1–14)

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