Abstract WP570: Associations Between Stroke Symptoms and Cognition in Nepal

Introduction: Low and middle income countries have the largest burden of stroke, accounting for more than 85% of stroke deaths globally. As many low- and middle-income countries, including Nepal, transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the impact of stroke on cognition becomes increasingly important.

Methods: Data on cardiovascular risk factors and cognition were collected as part of the Dhulikhel Heart Study, a longitudinal study to evaluate risk factors for heart disease and stroke in Dhulikhel, a community outside of Kathmandu, Nepal. In Phase 1 of the baseline exam, 252 randomly-selected adults age 50 and older completed the Mini-Mental Exam (MMSE) and Digit Spans ( DST) forward and backward as part of a home interview. Mild stroke symptoms were collected by self-report the Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status (QVSFS). Multiple linear regression evaluated associations between stroke symptoms and cognition adjusted for demographics (age, sex, education, religion, and ethnicity) and CVD risk factors (smoking, exercise, BMI, blood pressure, hypertension, and diabetes).

Results: Mean age of study participants was 62.4 years (SD 9.2) and 57.5% were women. The mean MMSE score (weighted for illiteracy) was 18.7 (SD 6.4) and 19% reported to have had at least one of five stroke symptoms (sudden one-sided numbness or weakness, sudden vision-loss, inability to express oneself or inability to understand). An increased risk of lower memory score was found with report of a previous episode of numbness (DST backward: B=-1.17, SE=0.34, p=0.001). Borderline associations (.05 < p<.10) were found between any stroke symptoms and Digit Span forward, numbness and MMSE, and numbness and DST forward. When adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors, significant associations were found between having experienced any stroke symptom and Digit Span backward (B=-1.46, SE=0.66, p=.03) as well as numbness (B=-1.75, SE=0.72, p=0.02).

Conclusions: Associations between previous stroke symptoms and reduced cognition emphasize the need to screen and treat persons with undiagnosed stroke or TIAs in low-resource settings. A reduction in modifiable vascular risk factors is also needed to reduce CVD and associated dementia.

Barriers and facilitators to treatment among patients with newly diagnosed hypertension in Nepal

Objective

Hypertension is a significant and rising burden in Nepal. The disease remains undetected and inadequately managed. However, no studies have been conducted to understand the inhibiting and facilitating factors to hypertension treatment among newly diagnosed cases. This qualitative study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to treatment among patients with newly diagnosed hypertension aged ≥18 years in Dhulikhel, Nepal.

Methods

We conducted seven focus group discussions with 35 patients with newly diagnosed hypertension identified through community surveillance of the Dhulikhel Heart Study, an observational cohort of Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University. Audiotaped discussions were transcribed, inductively coded and analysed by the thematic framework method using Atlas.ti V.7.

Results

Hypertension was viewed as a rising problem in the community. Participants had limited knowledge and many misbeliefs regarding hypertension and its treatment. The major barriers included absence of symptoms, reluctance to take medicine, low perceived seriousness of the disease, challenges in behaviour change (diet and exercise), lack of family support, and lack of communication and trust with the provider. The major reported facilitating factors were fear of consequences of the disease, and family support in controlling diet and adhering to treatment.

Conclusions

A number of factors emerged as barriers and facilitators to hypertension treatment. This information can be useful in designing appropriate health interventions to improve hypertension management.

Apolipoproteins and Alzheimer's pathophysiology

Introduction

Apolipoproteins of demonstrated importance to brain cholesterol and ß-amyloid metabolism may serve as novel risk markers for Alzheimer's pathology.

Methods

We measured apolipoproteins (apoE, apoJ, apoA-I, and apoC-III and their uniquely defined subspecies) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in plasma collected in 2000 and 2008 from 176 dementia-free participants of the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study and related these to ß-amyloid on positron emission tomography scans, hippocampal volume, and white matter lesion volume in 2009.

Results

Higher apoE was associated with lower ß-amyloid deposition. Despite apoA-I being unrelated to hippocampal volume, subspecies of apoA-I containing or lacking apoJ or apoC-III showed opposite associations with hippocampal volume. Higher apoJ and apoE lacking apoJ were associated with higher hippocampal volume and higher white matter lesion volume, respectively. Associations were similar in participants without cognitive impairment or APOE ε4 noncarrier and when analyzing apolipoproteins in 2000–2002.

Discussion

Apolipoproteins may be important minimally invasive biomarkers indicative of Alzheimer's pathology.

Study of 300,486 individuals identifies 148 independent genetic loci influencing general cognitive function

General cognitive function is a prominent and relatively stable human trait that is associated with many important life outcomes. We combine cognitive and genetic data from the CHARGE and COGENT consortia, and UK Biobank (total N = 300,486; age 16-102) and find 148 genome-wide significant independent loci (P < 5 × 10-8) associated with general cognitive function. Within the novel genetic loci are variants associated with neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, physical and psychiatric illnesses, and brain structure. Gene-based analyses find 709 genes associated with general cognitive function. Expression levels across the cortex are associated with general cognitive function. Using polygenic scores, up to 4.3% of variance in general cognitive function is predicted in independent samples. We detect significant genetic overlap between general cognitive function, reaction time, and many health variables including eyesight, hypertension, and longevity. In conclusion we identify novel genetic loci and pathways contributing to the heritability of general cognitive function.

Dental enamel defects predict adolescent health indicators: A cohort study among the Tsimane' of Bolivia

OBJECTIVES

Bioarchaeological findings have linked defective enamel formation in preadulthood with adult mortality. We investigated how defective enamel formation in infancy and childhood is associated with risk factors for adult morbidity and mortality in adolescents.

METHODS

This cohort study of 349 Amerindian adolescents (10-17 years of age) related extent of enamel defects on the central maxillary incisors (none, less than 1/3, 1/3 to 2/3, more than 2/3) to adolescent anthropometrics (height, weight) and biomarkers (hemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and blood pressure). Risk differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using multiple linear regression. Enamel defects and stunted growth were compared in their ability to predict adolescent health indicators using log-binomial regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROCs).

RESULTS

Greater extent of defective enamel formation on the tooth surface was associated with shorter height (-1.35 cm, 95% CI: -2.17, -0.53), lower weight (-0.98 kg, 95% CI: -1.70, -0.26), lower hemoglobin (-0.36 g/dL, 95% CI: -0.59, -0.13), lower glycated hemoglobin (-0.04 %A1c , 95% CI: -0.08, -0.00008), and higher white blood cell count (0.74 109 /L, 95% CI: 0.35, 1.14) in adolescence. Extent of enamel defects and stunted growth independently performed similarly as risk factors for adverse adolescent outcomes, including anemia, prediabetes/type II diabetes, elevated WBC count, prehypertension/hypertension, and metabolic health.

CONCLUSIONS

Defective enamel formation in infancy and childhood predicted adolescent health outcomes and may be primarily associated with infection. Extent of enamel defects and stunted growth may be equally predictive of adverse adolescent health outcomes.

Relationship of Lipids and Lipid-Lowering Medications With Cognitive Function: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Studies on the relationship of cholesterol concentrations and lipid-lowering medications with dementia risk have yielded inconsistent findings. Therefore, we investigated the association of lipid concentrations and lipid-lowering medications with cognitive function in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis across 3 different cognitive domains assessed by means of the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI; version 2), the Digit Symbol Coding (DSC) Test, and the Digit Span (DS) Test in 2010-2012. After adjustment for sociodemographic and confounding factors, including concentrations of other lipids and use of lipid-lowering medication, higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non-high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were modestly associated with higher DS Test scores. None of the lipid parameters were associated with CASI or DSC Test scores. Similarly, changes in lipid concentrations were not associated with any cognitive function test score. Using treatment effects model analysis and after adjusting for confounding factors, including lipid concentrations, the use of any lipid-lowering medication, especially statins, was associated with higher scores on the CASI and backward DS tests but not on the DSC and forward DS tests. Our study does not support a robust association between lipid concentrations and cognitive function or between the use of lipid-lowering medication, especially statins, and worse cognitive function.

Demographic-Specific Rates for Life Events in the Cardiovascular Health Study and Comparisons With Other Studies

Purpose of the Study

(1a) We use the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), a multi-site heterogeneous sample of Medicare enrollees (N = 5,849) to provide rates for specific life events experienced within 6 months; (1b) We present rates for 29 other studies of community-residing older adults (N = 41,308); (2) For the CHS, we provide demographic-specific rates and predicted probabilities for age [young-old (65-75) vs old-old (≥75)], gender, race, marital status, and education.

Design/Methods

The CHS sample is 57.6% women, 84.2% white (15.8% black), and 66.3% married. Mean age is 72.8 years (standard deviation [SD] = 5.6, range = 65-100) and education is 13.7 years (SD = 4.8). Life events were interviewer-assessed. Regressions estimated associations of life event rates with demographic groups (e.g., age), controlling for other demographic variables (e.g., gender, etc.).

Results

(1a) CHS rates ranged from 44.7% (death of someone close) to 1.1% (retirement/work changes). (1b) Most life event studies used total scores and only 5 that met our inclusion criteria used time intervals <1 year; longer intervals were associated with higher rates. (2) In the CHS, the life event for illnesses was related to 5 demographic variables (net the other 4 demographic variables), difficulties caregiving to 4, and worse relationships to 3 demographic variables. Race was related to 8 life events, marital status to 7, education to 6, and age to 4 events.

Implications

By identifying demographic groups at highest risk for life events, this research focuses on older adults at greatest risk for health problems. These data are necessary for translating research into interventions, practice, and policy.

Neighborhood built environment and cognition in non-demented older adults: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Preliminary studies suggest that neighborhood social and built environment (BE) characteristics may affect cognition in older adults. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the neighborhood environment due to a decreasing range of routine travel with increasing age. We examined if multiple neighborhood BE characteristics are cross-sectionally associated with cognition in a diverse sample of older adults, and if the BE-cognition associations vary by individual-level demographics. The sample included 4539 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the associations between five BE measures and four cognitive measures, and effect modification by individual-level education and race/ethnicity. In the overall sample, increasing social destination density, walking destination density, and intersection density were associated with worse overall cognition, whereas increasing proportion of land dedicated to retail was associated with better processing speed. Effect modification results suggest that the association between urban density and worse cognition may be limited to or strongest in those of non-white race/ethnicity. Although an increase in neighborhood retail destinations was associated with better cognition in the overall sample, these results suggest that certain BE characteristics in dense urban environments may have a disproportionately negative association with cognition in vulnerable populations. However, our findings must be replicated in longitudinal studies and other regional samples.

The association of estimated salt intake with blood pressure in a Viet Nam national survey

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of salt consumption with blood pressure in Viet Nam, a developing country with a high level of salt consumption.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Analysis of a nationally representative sample of Vietnamese adults 25-65 years of age who were surveyed using the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to Surveillance protocol. Participants who reported acute illness, pregnancy, or current use of antihypertensive medications were excluded. Daily salt consumption was estimated from fasting mid-morning spot urine samples. Associations of salt consumption with systolic blood pressure and prevalent hypertension were assessed using adjusted linear and generalized linear models. Interaction terms were tested to assess differences by age, smoking, alcohol consumption, and rural/urban status.

RESULTS

The analysis included 2,333 participants (mean age: 37 years, 46% male, 33% urban). The average estimated salt consumption was 10g/day. No associations of salt consumption with blood pressure or prevalent hypertension were observed at a national scale in men or women. The associations did not differ in subgroups defined by age, smoking, or alcohol consumption; however, associations differed between urban and rural participants (p-value for interaction of urban/rural status with salt consumption, p = 0.02), suggesting that higher salt consumption may be associated with higher systolic blood pressure in urban residents but lower systolic blood pressure in rural residents.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was no evidence of an association at a national level, associations of salt consumption with blood pressure differed between urban and rural residents in Viet Nam. The reasons for this differential association are not clear, and given the large rate of rural to urban migration experienced in Viet Nam, this topic warrants further investigation.

Quit Intentions and Attempts among Smokers in Sub-urban Nepal: Findings from the Dhulikhel Heart Study

Background The most effective way for smokers to avoid or minimize the harmful effects is to quit smoking. Smoking cessation has been attributed to multiple factors operating at physiological, psychological, environmental and social level. There is common consensus that smoking cessation programs should be tailored for specific populations. However, there has been lack of data regarding factors that influence smoking cessation in Nepal, which has hindered the development of effective smoking-cessation interventions. Objective To assess the prevalence of quit attempts, successful quitting and the factors associated with them in a randomly selected, population-based adult participants in sub-urban Nepal. Method This cross-sectional study utilized data from the first wave of the baseline survey of the Dhulikhel Heart Study (DHS). A total of 2225 households of Dhulikhel city were enumerated and a third of the households (n=735) were randomly selected. Questions on tobacco use were ascertained using the questions based on the WHO STEPS survey questionnaire and questions on past quit attempts. Result Out of 1073 participants, 248 (23.1%) were current smokers and 99 (9.2%) were former smokers. Only 58% of the current smokers mentioned that they had attempted to quit smoking. When asked if they were interested in quitting if helped, almost 90.5% mentioned they were willing. Brahmins were less likely to have quit smoking (former smoker) compared to Newars (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.18-0.90). We also observed that those who had high alcohol consumption were less likely to have quit smoking (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.17-0.76). We didn't find any meaningful significant association between socio-demographic factors or other CVD risk factors and the quit attempts. Conclusion As the country braces to address the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nepal, it is crucial to incorporate tobacco cessation programs in the national health system to meet the global target of bringing tobacco consumption to less than 5% by 2040. We recommend future studies to get a broader understanding of quit effort and factors associated with thereby supporting the development of evidence-based strategies to address tobacco cessation.

Concordance With Prevention Guidelines and Subsequent Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, and Mortality: A Longitudinal Study of Older Adults

Reports on the associations between multiple clinical and behavioral health indicators and major health outcomes among older adults are scarce. We prospectively examined concordance with guidelines from the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association for disease prevention in relation to cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality among Cardiovascular Health Study enrollees aged 65-98 years who, at baseline assessment in 1989-1996 (n = 3,491), were free of CVD and cancer. Total and cause-specific mortality, as well as incidence of cancer and CVD, were lower with higher guideline concordance. Independent of body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose, better health behaviors (diet, physical activity, and alcohol consumption) were associated with lower mortality (2-sided P < 0.0001). Among individuals with ideal levels for 3-4 of these 4 cardiometabolic biomarkers, those with poor concordance with health behavior recommendations had higher mortality compared with those who had the highest concordance with these behavioral recommendations (adjusted mortality hazard ratio = 1.82, 95% confidence interval: 1.25, 2.67). Older adults who are concordant with recommendations for cancer and CVD prevention have reduced rates of chronic disease and mortality. Interventions to achieve and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviors may offer benefits both in the presence and absence of adverse traditional clinical risk factors.

The added value of a mobile application of Community Case Management on referral, re-consultation and hospitalization rates of children aged under 5 years in two districts in Northern Malawi: study protocol for a pragmatic, stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial

Background

There is evidence to suggest that frontline community health workers in Malawi are under-referring children to higher-level facilities. Integrating a digitized version of paper-based methods of Community Case Management (CCM) could strengthen delivery, increasing urgent referral rates and preventing unnecessary re-consultations and hospital admissions. This trial aims to evaluate the added value of the Supporting LIFE electronic Community Case Management Application (SL eCCM App) compared to paper-based CCM on urgent referral, re-consultation and hospitalization rates, in two districts in Northern Malawi.

Methods/design

This is a pragmatic, stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial assessing the added value of the SL eCCM App on urgent referral, re-consultation and hospitalization rates of children aged 2 months and older to up to 5 years, within 7 days of the index visit. One hundred and two health surveillance assistants (HSAs) were stratified into six clusters based on geographical location, and clusters randomized to the timing of crossover to the intervention using simple, computer-generated randomization. Training workshops were conducted prior to the control (paper-CCM) and intervention (paper-CCM + SL eCCM App) in assigned clusters. Neither participants nor study personnel were blinded to allocation. Outcome measures were determined by abstraction of clinical data from patient records 2 weeks after recruitment. A nested qualitative study explored perceptions of adherence to urgent referral recommendations and a cost evaluation determined the financial and time-related costs to caregivers of subsequent health care utilization. The trial was conducted between July 2016 and February 2017.

Discussion

This is the first large-scale trial evaluating the value of adding a mobile application of CCM to the assessment of children aged under 5 years. The trial will generate evidence on the potential use of mobile health for CCM in Malawi, and more widely in other low- and middle-income countries.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02763345. Registered on 3 May 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2213-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of Freeze-thaw Cycles and Storage Time on Plasma Samples Used in Mass Spectrometry Based Biomarker Discovery Projects

Mass spectrometry approaches to biomarker discovery in human fluids have received a great deal of attention in recent years. While mass spectrometry instrumentation and analysis approaches have been widely investigated, little attention has been paid to how sample handling can impact the plasma proteome and therefore influence biomarker discovery. We have investigated the effects of two main aspects of sample handling on MALDI-TOF data: repeated freeze-thaw cycles and the effects of long-term storage of plasma at –70°C. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles resulted in a trend towards increasing changes in peak intensity, particularly after two thaws. However, a 4-year difference in long-term storage appears to have minimal effect on protein in plasma as no differences in peak number, mass distribution, or coefficient of variation were found between samples. Therefore, limiting freeze/thaw cycles seems more important to maintaining the integrity of the plasma proteome than degradation caused by long-term storage at –70°C.

Prevalence and Correlates of Tobacco Use in a Suburban community of Nepal: Findings from the Dhulikhel Heart Study

Background Smoking and oral tobacco use are important risk factors for cancer and other chronic diseases. The distribution of tobacco consumption in Nepal varies across the population subgroups. There is little information on the correlates of tobacco use among suburban population in Nepal. Objective To estimate the prevalence of smoking and oral tobacco use; and determine the socio-demographic and other CVD risk factors associated with them in a suburban population of Dhulikhel, Nepal. Method This cross sectional study utilized data from the first wave of the baseline survey of the Dhulikhel Heart Study (DHS). A total of 2225 households of Dhulikhel city were enumerated and a third of the households (n=735) were randomly selected. Questions on tobacco use were ascertained from 1073 adults age 18 years and older using the questions based on the WHO STEPS survey questionnaire. Result More than a third (36%) of the men were current smokers and 12% reported regular use of oral tobacco. About 14% of the women were current smokers and only 0.5% reported to use oral tobacco regularly.In the multivariate analysis, sex, ethnicity, education, alcohol consumption and body mass index were significantly associated with tobacco use. Males were 2.6 times as likely as females to smoke (95%: 1.53-4.59; p<0.001). Brahmin/Chhetri were 2.8 times more likely to smoke compared to Newars (95% Ci: 1.53-5.18; p=0.001). Education reduced the odds of smoking; compared to those with no formal education, those with up to high school and those with a high school degree or higher were 0.50 (95% CI: 0.27-0.92; p=0.02 ) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.16-0.91; p=0.03) percent less likely to smoke, respectively. Moderate drinkers were 8 times more likely (95% CI: .54 - 18.40; p<0.001) and high drinkers were 13 times (95% CI: 6.63 - 24.26; p<0.001) compared to non-drinkers. Regarding oral tobacco use males were 15 times as likely as females to use oral tobacco (95% CI: 4.1-58.8; p<0.001). Compared to Newars, Brahmin/Chhetri were 2.7 times as likely to use oral tobacco (95% CI: 1.08 - 6.66; p=0.03). Conclusion Although Nepal has made some progress in passing progressive laws for tobacco control, and national surveys have shown slight reduction on tobacco use, this is far from satisfactory to meet the global target of bringing tobacco consumption to less than 5% by 2040. We recommend future studies to focus on socio-cultural, gender and behavioral aspects of tobacco use in addition to the epidemiological aspects.

Rare coding variants in PLCG2, ABI3, and TREM2 implicate microglial-mediated innate immunity in Alzheimer's disease

We identified rare coding variants associated with Alzheimer's disease in a three-stage case-control study of 85,133 subjects. In stage 1, we genotyped 34,174 samples using a whole-exome microarray. In stage 2, we tested associated variants (P < 1 × 10-4) in 35,962 independent samples using de novo genotyping and imputed genotypes. In stage 3, we used an additional 14,997 samples to test the most significant stage 2 associations (P < 5 × 10-8) using imputed genotypes. We observed three new genome-wide significant nonsynonymous variants associated with Alzheimer's disease: a protective variant in PLCG2 (rs72824905: p.Pro522Arg, P = 5.38 × 10-10, odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, minor allele frequency (MAF)cases = 0.0059, MAFcontrols = 0.0093), a risk variant in ABI3 (rs616338: p.Ser209Phe, P = 4.56 × 10-10, OR = 1.43, MAFcases = 0.011, MAFcontrols = 0.008), and a new genome-wide significant variant in TREM2 (rs143332484: p.Arg62His, P = 1.55 × 10-14, OR = 1.67, MAFcases = 0.0143, MAFcontrols = 0.0089), a known susceptibility gene for Alzheimer's disease. These protein-altering changes are in genes highly expressed in microglia and highlight an immune-related protein-protein interaction network enriched for previously identified risk genes in Alzheimer's disease. These genetic findings provide additional evidence that the microglia-mediated innate immune response contributes directly to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Malnutrition-related early childhood exposures and enamel defects in the permanent dentition: A longitudinal study from the Bolivian Amazon

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the relationship between early childhood malnutrition-related measures and subsequent enamel defects in the permanent dentition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cohort study included 349 Amerindian adolescents (10-17 years, 52% male) from the Bolivian Amazon. Exposures included: stunted growth (height-for-age z-scores), underweight (weight-for-age z-scores), anemia (hemoglobin), acute inflammation (C-reactive protein) and parasitic infection (hookworm). We measured the occurrence (no/yes) and extent (<1/3, 1/3-2/3, >2/3) of enamel defects. We estimated associations between childhood exposures and enamel defect measures using log-binomial and multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of an enamel defect characterized by an orange peel texture on a large central depression on the labial surface of the central maxillary incisors was 92.3%. During childhood (1-4 years), participants had a high prevalence of stunted growth (75.2%), anemia (56.9%), acute inflammation (39.1%), and hookworm infection (49.6%). We observed associations between childhood height-for-age (OR = 0.65; P = 0.028 for >2/3 extent vs. no EH) and gastrointestinal hookworm infection (OR = 3.43; P = 0.035 for >2/3 extent vs. no defects or <1/3 extent) with enamel defects.

DISCUSSION

The study describes a possibly novel form of enamel hypoplasia and provides evidence for associations of malnutrition-related measures in early childhood, including stunted growth and parasitic helminth infection, with the observed enamel defects.

Coronary Artery Calcium and Risk of Dementia in MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)

BACKGROUND

Studies suggest a link between vascular injuries and dementia. Only a few studies, however, examined a longitudinal relation of subclinical vascular disease with dementia. We tested whether baseline coronary artery calcium (CAC), a biomarker of subclinical vascular disease, is associated with incident dementia independent of vascular risk factors and APOE-ε4 genotype in a community-based sample.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed 6293 participants of MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), aged 45 to 84 years at baseline (2000-2002), initially free of cardiovascular disease and noticeable cognitive deficit. Dementia cases were identified using hospital and death certificate International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes. Cox models were used to obtain hazard ratios according to CAC category, or per 1 SD log2[CAC+1], adjusted for vascular risk factor, APOE-ε4, with or without exclusion of interim stroke or cardiovascular disease. We observed 271 dementia cases in a median follow-up of 12.2 years. Baseline CAC had a graded positive association with dementia risk. Compared with no CAC, CAC score of 1 to 400, 401 to 1000, and ≥1001 had increased risk of dementia by 23%, 35%, and 71%, respectively, (P_trend=0.026) after adjustment. 1 SD higher log2[CAC+1] was associated with 24% (95% confidence interval, 8%-41%; P=0.002) increase in dementia risk. Although the association was partially explained by interim stroke/cardiovascular disease, it remained significant even after excluding the interim events, or regardless of baseline age.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher baseline CAC was significantly associated with increased risk of dementia independent of vascular risk factor, APOE-ε4, and incident stroke. This is consistent with a hypothesis that vascular injuries play a role in the development of dementia.

Inflammatory Biomarkers Predict Domain-Specific Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Vascular risk factors, including inflammation, may contribute to dementia development. We investigated the associations between peripheral inflammatory biomarkers and cognitive decline in five domains (memory, construction, language, psychomotor speed, and executive function).

METHODS

Community-dwelling older adults from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study (n = 1,159, aged 75 or older) free of dementia at baseline were included and followed for up to 7 years. Ten biomarkers were measured at baseline representing different sources of inflammation: vascular inflammation (pentraxin 3 and serum amyloid P), endothelial function (endothelin-1), metabolic function (adiponectin, resistin, and plasminogen activating inhibitor-1), oxidative stress (receptor for advanced glycation end products), and general inflammation (interleukin-6, interleukin-2, and interleukin-10). A combined z-score was created from these biomarkers to represent total inflammation across these sources. We utilized generalized estimating equations that included an interaction term between z-scores and time to assess effect of inflammation on cognitive decline, adjusting for demographics (such as age, race/ethnicity, and sex), cardiovascular risk factors, and apolipoprotein E ε4 carrier status. A Bonferroni-adjusted significance level of .01 was used. We explored associations between individual biomarkers and cognitive decline without adjustment for multiplicity.

RESULTS

The combined inflammation z-score was significantly associated with memory and psychomotor speed (p < .01). Pentraxin 3, serum amyloid P, endothelin-1, and interleukin-2 were associated with change in at least one cognitive domain (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that total inflammation is associated with memory and psychomotor speed. In particular, systemic inflammation, vascular inflammation, and altered endothelial function may play roles in domain-specific cognitive decline of nondemented individuals.

Dementia and co-occurring chronic conditions: a systematic literature review to identify what is known and where are the gaps in the evidence?

OBJECTIVE

The challenges posed by people living with multiple chronic conditions are unique for people with dementia and other significant cognitive impairment. There have been recent calls to action to review the existing literature on co-occurring chronic conditions and dementia in order to better understand the effect of cognitive impairment on disease management, mobility, and mortality.

METHODS

This systematic literature review searched PubMed databases through 2011 (updated in 2016) using key constructs of older adults, moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment (both diagnosed and undiagnosed dementia), and chronic conditions. Reviewers assessed papers for eligibility and extracted key data from each included manuscript. An independent expert panel rated the strength and quality of evidence and prioritized gaps for future study.

RESULTS

Four thousand thirty-three articles were identified, of which 147 met criteria for review. We found that moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment increased risks of mortality, was associated with prolonged institutional stays, and decreased function in persons with multiple chronic conditions. There was no relationship between significant cognitive impairment and use of cardiovascular or hypertensive medications for persons with these comorbidities. Prioritized areas for future research include hospitalizations, disease-specific outcomes, diabetes, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, depression, falls, stroke, and multiple chronic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes that living with significant cognitive impairment or dementia negatively impacts mortality, institutionalization, and functional outcomes for people living with multiple chronic conditions. Our findings suggest that chronic-disease management interventions will need to address co-occurring cognitive impairment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Telomeres and the natural lifespan limit in humans

An ongoing debate in demography has focused on whether the human lifespan has a maximal natural limit. Taking a mechanistic perspective, and knowing that short telomeres are associated with diminished longevity, we examined whether telomere length dynamics during adult life could set a maximal natural lifespan limit. We define leukocyte telomere length of 5 kb as the 'telomeric brink', which denotes a high risk of imminent death. We show that a subset of adults may reach the telomeric brink within the current life expectancy and more so for a 100-year life expectancy. Thus, secular trends in life expectancy should confront a biological limit due to crossing the telomeric brink.

Changes in metabolic risk factors over 10 years and their associations with late-life cognitive performance: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Background

We examined whether changes in metabolic factors over 10 years were associated with cognitive performance.

Methods

Participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis were followed since baseline (2000–2002) with five clinical examinations. At exam 5 (2010–2012), they received a short cognitive battery (Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument [CASI], Digit Symbol Coding [DSC], and Digit Span [DS]). We examined associations between baseline metabolic factors and their changes over time before cognitive testing.

Results

Among 4392 participants, baseline metabolic disorders (fasting glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressures) were significantly associated with poorer CASI, DSC, and DS scores measured 10 years later. Increases in blood pressure were associated with lower cognitive performance. Results did not differ by race/ethnicity and were stronger among those without the APOE ε4 allele.

Conclusions

Cognitive performance was associated with antecedent abnormalities in glucose metabolism and blood pressure increases. Findings appeared stronger among APOE ε4-negative participants.

Reproducibility and relative validity of food group intake in a food frequency questionnaire developed for Nepalese diet

We developed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) designed to measure the dietary practices of adult Nepalese. The present study examined the validity and reproducibility of the FFQ. To evaluate the reproducibility of the FFQ, 116 subjects completed two 115-item FFQ across a four-month interval. Six 24-h dietary recalls were collected (1 each month) to assess the validity of the FFQ. Seven major food groups and 23 subgroups were clustered from the FFQ based on macronutrient composition. Spearman correlation coefficients evaluating reproducibility for all food groups were greater than 0.5, with the exceptions of oil. The correlations varied from 0.41 (oil) to 0.81 (vegetables). All crude spearman coefficients for validity were greater than 0.5 except for dairy products, pizzas/pastas and sausage/burgers. The FFQ was found to be reliable and valid for ranking the intake of food groups for Nepalese dietary intake.