scholarly journals Obesity Measures in Relation to Cognition in the Northern Manhattan Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 1653-1660
Author(s):  
Hannah Gardener ◽  
Michelle Caunca ◽  
Chuanhui Dong ◽  
Ying Kuen Cheung ◽  
Tatjana Rundek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Over Time

Background: Mid-life obesity is associated with cognitive impairment, though the relationship for late-life obesity is equivocal, and may depend on the anthropometric measure. Objective: We examined the relationship between adiposity and cognition across age categories, cognitive domains, and by measures of obesity in a multi-ethnic population-based cohort. Methods: The study included 1,179 Northern Manhattan Study participants with obesity measures at baseline (44% overweight, 30% obese), an initial neuropsychological assessment conducted within 7 years (mean age = 70), and a second cognitive assessment conducted on average 6 years later. Z-scores were derived for cognitive domains (episodic and semantic memory, executive function, processing speed) and averaged to calculate global cognition. Body mass index (BMI) and waist:hip ratio (WHR) were examined in relation to cognitive performance and change over time, stratified by age, using linear regression models adjusting for vascular risk factors. Results: Among those age<65 years at baseline, greater WHR was associated with worse global cognitive performance at initial assessment and directly associated with decline in performance between assessments. The association with initial performance was strongest for non-Hispanic Whites (beta = –0.155/standard deviation, p = 0.04), followed by non-Hispanic Black/African Americans (beta = –0.079/standard deviation, p = 0.07), and Hispanics (beta = –0.055/standard deviation, p = 0.03). The associations were most apparent for the domains of processing speed and executive function. There was no association for BMI among those <65 years. Among those age ≥65, there was no association for BMI or WHR with cognitive performance at initial assessment nor decline over time. Conclusion: Our results support the detrimental effect of mid-life rather than later life obesity, particularly abdominal adiposity, on cognitive impairment and decline.

537 Insomnia Symptoms and Subsequent Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: Are Depressive Symptoms and Vascular Disease Mediators?

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A212-A212
Author(s):  
Afsara Zaheed ◽  
Adam Spira ◽  
Ronald Chervin ◽  
Laura Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Falling Asleep ◽  
Function Language ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are growing public health concerns, and poor sleep may represent a modifiable risk factor. However, there is limited research on insomnia as a predictor of subsequent performance in different cognitive domains and mechanisms that might underlie domain-specific associations. The current study examined: (1) which insomnia symptoms predicted performance across five cognitive domains 14 years later, and (2) whether depressive symptoms and/or vascular diseases mediated these associations. Methods Participants included 2,496 adults aged 51+ in the Health and Retirement Study. Insomnia symptoms in 2002 (i.e., “baseline”) were quantified by four self-reported items on frequency of trouble falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, early awakenings, and feeling rested upon awakening. Cognition was assessed in 2016 as part of the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol and operationalized with five factor scores corresponding to episodic memory, executive function, language, visuoconstruction, and processing speed. Multiple regressions examined associations between baseline insomnia symptoms and subsequent cognitive performance, controlling for sociodemographics and baseline global cognitive performance. Mediation models tested whether associations were explained by self-reported depressive symptoms and/or vascular diseases (i.e., hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and/or stroke) in 2014, controlling for baseline values. Results Only trouble falling asleep in 2002 was associated with cognition in 2016. Specifically, more frequent trouble falling asleep predicted poorer episodic memory, executive function, language and processing speed performance, but not visuoconstruction. These associations were mediated by depressive symptoms and vascular diseases in 2014 for all domains except episodic memory; only depressive symptoms mediated the association involving memory. After accounting for these mediators, direct effects of trouble falling asleep remained for episodic memory, executive function and language, but not processing speed. Conclusion Difficulty with sleep initiation may be more consequential for later-life cognition than other insomnia symptoms. Depressive symptoms and vascular diseases may partially drive these associations. We speculate that sleep-onset insomnia could mean less total sleep, immune dysfunction, or endocrine effects that worsen mood, vascular health, and cognition. Remaining associations indicate that additional research is needed to characterize other mechanisms through which sleep initiation problems could contribute to later impairments in frontal and temporal cognitive systems, which are implicated early in ADRD. Support (if any):

Targeted Cognitive Game Training Enhances Cognitive Performance in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated With Interferon Beta 1-a

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shay Menascu ◽  
Roy Aloni ◽  
Mark Dolev ◽  
David Magalashvili ◽  
Keren Gutman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Interferon Beta ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Information Processing Speed

Abstract BackgroundPrevention of cognitive decline in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is of major importance. We explored the effect of short-term computerized game training on cognitive performance in MS patients with mild cognitive impairment.MethodsWe enrolled in this prospective study 100 eligible MS patients treated with Interferon-beta-1a (Rebif). All had mild cognitive impairment in either executive function or information processing speed. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either use the cognitive games platform byHappyNeuron (HN) or receive no intervention. Executive function and information processing speed scores were measured at 3 and 6 months from baseline to evaluate the effect of game training on cognitive scores.ResultsIn both executive function and information processing speed, the game Training group showed significant improvement after 3 and 6 months. The Non-Training group showed mild deterioration in both domains at 3 months, and further deterioration that became significant at 6 months in executive function. Furthermore, at 6 months, the percent of patients in the Training group that improved or remained stable in both cognitive domains was significantly higher compared to the Non-Training group.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that cognitive game training has a beneficial effect on cognitive performance in MS patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment. While further evaluation is required to assess the longevity of that effect, we nonetheless recommend to MS patients to be engaged in cognitive gaming practice as part of a holistic approach to treating their condition.

Abstract P349: Association of Lower Fasting Glucose and Visit-to-visit Glucose Variability With Cognitive Performance: The Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher L Schaich ◽  
Michael Bancks ◽  
Jingzhong Ding ◽  
Kathleen M Hayden ◽  
Susan Heckbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Fasting Glucose ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Glucose Variability ◽  
Ethnic Study ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for dementia. Despite emerging evidence that higher glucose variability is associated with cognitive decline and hypoglycemia is associated with increased risk for dementia, few studies have investigated the relationship of lower fasting glucose and glucose variability with cognitive performance in the general population. Hypothesis: Diabetic and lower levels of fasting glucose and higher visit-to-visit glucose variability over 10 years are associated with worse cognitive performance. Methods: Participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (N = 4,591; mean age 69.7 ± 9.4 years) completed a cognitive assessment at Exam 5 including the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), Digit Symbol Coding (DSC), and Digit Span (DS, Forward and Backward combined) tests measuring global cognitive performance, executive function/processing speed, and working memory, respectively. We defined fasting glucose categories as low (<80 mg/dL), normal (80-99 mg/dL), impaired (100-125 mg/dL), and diabetic (≥126 mg/dL). Participants with diabetes were included in the diabetic category. We examined the relationship of Exam 1 and Exam 5 fasting glucose categories and visit-to-visit glucose variability (coefficient of variation across Exams 1-5) to scores on the CASI (0-100), DSC (0-133), and DS (0-28). We report regression coefficients ( β [95% confidence limits]) from regression models adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, cardiovascular risk factors, and APOE genotype. Results: Relative to normal glucose, participants with diabetic fasting glucose performed significantly worse on the CASI (Exam 1 β = -0.75 [-1.36, -0.15]; Exam 5 β = -0.30 [-0.83, 0.23]), DSC (Exam 1 β = -2.97 [-4.20, -1.74]; Exam 5 β = -1.26 [-2.34, -0.18]), and DS (Exam 1 β = -0.39 [-0.72, -0.07]; Exam 5 β = -0.29 [-0.58, -0.003]). In contrast, participants with low Exam 1 fasting glucose performed significantly better on the DSC (Exam 1 β = 1.55 [0.45, 2.65]) and similarly on the CASI and DS compared to those with normal fasting glucose. Adjusting for glucose lowering medication attenuated associations with the DSC and DS but not the CASI. Accounting for heterogeneity in the low glucose category by hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL) did not significantly alter results. Higher visit-to-visit glucose variability from Exam 1 to Exam 5 was associated with worse performance on the CASI ( β = -0.36 [-0.60, -0.12]) and DSC ( β = -1.14 [-1.63, -0.65]). Associations were consistent across race and sex. Conclusions: Results support the hypothesis that hyperglycemia and higher glucose variability are associated with worse cognitive performance. Despite previous suggestion of a link between hypoglycemia and incident dementia, lower antecedent fasting glucose may be associated with better executive function/processing speed in this population-based sample.

scholarly journals Targeted cognitive game training enhances cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferon beta 1-a

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shay Menascu ◽  
Roy Aloni ◽  
Mark Dolev ◽  
David Magalashvili ◽  
Keren Gutman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Interferon Beta ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Information Processing Speed

Abstract Background Prevention of cognitive decline in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is of major importance. We explored the effect of a 6 months computerized game training program on cognitive performance in MS patients with mild cognitive impairment. Methods This was a single-center, randomized prospective study. We enrolled in this study 100 eligible MS patients treated with Interferon-beta-1a (Rebif). All had mild cognitive impairment in either executive function or information processing speed. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either use the cognitive games platform by HappyNeuron (HN) or receive no intervention. Executive function and information processing speed scores were measured at 3 and 6 months from baseline to evaluate the effect of game training on cognitive scores. Results In both executive function and information processing speed, the game Training group showed significant improvement after 3 and 6 months. The Non-Training group showed mild deterioration in both domains at 3 months, and further deterioration that became significant at 6 months in executive function. Furthermore, at 6 months, the percent of patients in the Training group that improved or remained stable in both cognitive domains was significantly higher compared to the Non-Training group. Conclusions Our findings suggest that cognitive game training has a beneficial effect on cognitive performance in MS patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment. While further evaluation is required to assess the longevity of that effect, we nonetheless recommend to MS patients to be engaged in cognitive gaming practice as part of a holistic approach to treating their condition.

scholarly journals Cardiorespiratory Fitness Mediates Cognitive Performance in Chronic Heart Failure Patients and Heart Transplant Recipients

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8591
Author(s):  
Florent Besnier ◽  
Béatrice Bérubé ◽  
Christine Gagnon ◽  
Miloudza Olmand ◽  
Paula Aver Bretanha Ribeiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Transplant Recipients ◽  
Memory Processing ◽  
Heart Failure Patients ◽  
Heart Transplant Recipients ◽  
The Relationship

We compared cognitive profiles in chronic heart failure patients (HF), heart transplant recipients (HT) and healthy controls (HC) and examined the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (V˙O2peak), peak cardiac output (COpeak) and cognitive performance. Stable HT patients (n = 11), HF patients (n = 11) and HC (n = 13) (61.5 ± 8.5 years) were recruited. Four cognitive composite scores targeting different cognitive functions were computed from neuropsychological tests: working memory, processing speed, executive functions and verbal memory. Processing speed and executive function scores were higher, which indicates lower performances in HF and HT compared to HC (p < 0.05). V˙O2peak and first ventilatory threshold (VT1) were lower in HF and HT vs. HC (p < 0.01). COpeak was lower in HF vs. HT and HC (p < 0.01). Processing speed, executive function and verbal memory performances were correlated with V˙O2peak, VT1 and peak cardiac hemodynamics (p < 0.05). Mediation analyses showed that V˙O2peak and VT1 mediated the relationship between group and processing speed and executive function performances in HF and HT. COpeak fully mediated executive function and processing speed performances in HF only. V˙O2peak and COpeak were related to cognitive performance in the entire sample. In addition, V˙O2peak and VT1 fully mediated the relationship between group and executive function and processing speed performances.

scholarly journals Staging and stratifying cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 135245852110113
Author(s):  
Curtis Wojcik ◽  
Tom A Fuchs ◽  
Hoan Tran ◽  
Michael G Dwyer ◽  
Dejan Jakimovski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Neurological Disability ◽  
Disease Evolution ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Consensus Standard

Background: The sequence in which cognitive domains become impaired in multiple sclerosis (MS) is yet to be formally demonstrated. It is unclear whether processing speed dysfunction temporally precedes other cognitive impairments, such as memory and executive function. Objective: Determine the order in which different cognitive domains become impaired in MS and validate these findings using clinical and vocational outcomes. Methods: In a longitudinal sample of 1073 MS patients and 306 healthy controls, we measured performance on multiple, consensus-standard, neurocognitive tests. We used an event-based staging approach to model the sequence in which cognitive domains become impaired. Linear and logistic mixed-effects models were used to explore associations between stages of impairment, neurological disability, and employment status. Results: Our model suggested that the order of impairments was as follows: processing speed, visual learning, verbal learning, working memory/attention, and executive function. Stage of cognitive impairment predicted greater neurological disability, β = 0.16, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001, and probability of unemployment, β = 1.14, SE = 0.001, p < 0.001. Conclusion: This is the first study to introduce a cognitive staging and stratification system for MS. Findings underscore the importance of using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test in routine screening for cognitive impairment and memory testing to assess patients later in disease evolution.

scholarly journals Associations Between Cognitive and Gait Performance During Single- and Dual-Task Walking in People With Parkinson Disease

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (6) ◽  
pp. 757-766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth L. Stegemöller ◽  
Jonathan P. Wilson ◽  
Audrey Hazamy ◽  
Mack C. Shelley ◽  
Michael S. Okun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Parkinson Disease ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Overground Walking ◽  
The Relationship

Background Cognitive impairments in Parkinson disease (PD) manifest as deficits in speed of processing, working memory, and executive function and attention abilities. The gait impairment in PD is well documented to include reduced speed, shortened step lengths, and increased step-to-step variability. However, there is a paucity of research examining the relationship between overground walking and cognitive performance in people with PD. Objective This study sought to examine the relationship between both the mean and variability of gait spatiotemporal parameters and cognitive performance across a broad range of cognitive domains. Design A cross-sectional design was used. Methods Thirty-five participants with no dementia and diagnosed with idiopathic PD completed a battery of 12 cognitive tests that yielded 3 orthogonal factors: processing speed, working memory, and executive function and attention. Participants completed 10 trials of overground walking (single-task walking) and 5 trials of overground walking while counting backward by 3's (dual-task walking). Results All gait measures were impaired by the dual task. Cognitive processing speed correlated with stride length and walking speed. Executive function correlated with step width variability. There were no significant associations with working memory. Regression models relating speed of processing to gait spatiotemporal variables revealed that including dual-task costs in the model significantly improved the fit of the model. Limitations Participants with PD were tested only in the on-medication state. Conclusions Different characteristics of gait are related to distinct types of cognitive processing, which may be differentially affected by dual-task walking due to the pathology of PD.

scholarly journals Relationships between Gait Regularity and Cognitive Function, including Cognitive Domains and Mild Cognitive Impairment, in Community-Dwelling Older People

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1571
Author(s):  
Takasuke Miyazaki ◽  
Ryoji Kiyama ◽  
Yuki Nakai ◽  
Masayuki Kawada ◽  
Yasufumi Takeshita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Older People ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Vertical Component ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Community Dwelling Older People

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the correlations between gait regularity, cognitive functions including cognitive domains, and the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community-dwelling older people. This study included 463 older adults (63.4% women, mean age: 74.1), and their step and stride regularity along the three-axis components was estimated from trunk acceleration, which was measured by inertial measurement units during a comfortable gait. Four aspects of cognitive function were assessed using a tablet computer: attention, executive function, processing speed, and memory, and participants were classified into those with or without MCI. The vertical component of stride and step regularity was associated with attention and executive function (r = −0.176–−0.109, p ≤ 0.019), and processing speed (r = 0.152, p < 0.001), after it was adjusted for age and gait speed. The low vertical component of step regularity was related to the MCI after it was adjusted for covariates (OR 0.019; p = 0.016). The results revealed that cognitive function could affect gait regularity, and the vertical component of gait regularity, as measured by a wearable sensor, could play an important role in investigating cognitive decline in older people.

General Measures of Cognition

2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (S1) ◽  
pp. 215-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven H. Ferris
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Vascular Dementia ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Reasonable Approach

A general cognitive performance battery is needed as a primary outcome in vascular dementia clinical trials. Because there is considerable overlap between vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the pattern of cognitive impairment, a reasonable approach to developing an optimal vascular dementia battery is to begin with a widely used AD measure and improve its sensitivity to the cognitive domains that are more prominent in vascular dementia. Thus the VaDAS-cog has evolved, which comprises the ADAS-cog with additional frontal lobe subtests covering attention, working memory, executive function, and verbal fluency. Validation of this new cognitive instrument will be supported by its successful use in vascular dementia clinical trials.

scholarly journals Slow Wave Sleep and EEG Delta Spectral Power are Associated with Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Kimberly H. Wood ◽  
Adeel A. Memon ◽  
Raima A. Memon ◽  
Allen Joop ◽  
Jennifer Pilkington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Slow Wave ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Slow Wave Sleep ◽  
Spectral Power ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Domain Scores

Background: Cognitive and sleep dysfunction are common non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective: Determine the relationship between slow wave sleep (SWS) and cognitive performance in PD. Methods: Thirty-two PD participants were evaluated with polysomnography and a comprehensive level II neurocognitive battery, as defined by the Movement Disorders Society Task Force for diagnosis of PD-mild cognitive impairment. Raw scores for each test were transformed into z-scores using normative data. Z-scores were averaged to obtain domain scores, and domain scores were averaged to determine the Composite Cognitive Score (CCS), the primary outcome. Participants were grouped by percent of SWS into High SWS and Low SWS groups and compared on CCS and other outcomes using 2-sided t-tests or Mann-Whitney U. Correlations of cognitive outcomes with sleep architecture and EEG spectral power were performed. Results: Participants in the High SWS group demonstrated better global cognitive function (CCS) (p = 0.01, effect size: r = 0.45). In exploratory analyses, the High SWS group showed better performance in domains of executive function (effect size: Cohen’s d = 1.05), language (d = 0.95), and processing speed (d = 1.12). Percentage of SWS was correlated with global cognition and executive function, language, and processing speed. Frontal EEG delta power during N3 was correlated with the CCS and executive function. Cognition was not correlated with subjective sleep quality. Conclusion: Increased SWS and higher delta spectral power are associated with better cognitive performance in PD. This demonstrates the significant relationship between sleep and cognitive function and suggests that interventions to improve sleep might improve cognition in individuals with PD.

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