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Daulatzai MA. Neurotoxic Saboteurs: Straws that Break the Hippo’s (Hippocampus) Back Drive Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease. Neurotox Res 2013; 24:407-59. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-013-9407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Rosnick CB, Rawson KS, Butters MA, Lenze EJ. Association of cortisol with neuropsychological assessment in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder. Aging Ment Health 2013; 17:432-40. [PMID: 23336532 PMCID: PMC3625449 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2012.761673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Older adults with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have elevated diurnal cortisol patterns and show an increased cortisol stress response, which may increase risk for cognitive dysfunction. The current secondary data analysis examined how neuropsychological assessment as a possible laboratory stressor affects cortisol levels in late-life GAD and, in turn, how cortisol levels affect cognitive performance. METHODS The current sample consisted of 69 individuals with late-life GAD and 39 psychiatrically healthy group-matched comparison participants. Cognitive performance was measured with a neuropsychological battery and salivary cortisol was collected at several time points. Hierarchical regressions were performed to assess the moderating role of cortisol in the relationship between GAD status and cognitive performance. RESULTS The results revealed that older adults with GAD showed significantly lower cortisol levels during neuropsychological assessment, compared to their baseline levels. Further, there was a significant interaction between post-neuropsychological assessment cortisol levels and GAD status on several measures of cognitive performance. The interaction indicated that there is a significant negative relationship between cortisol level and cognitive performance in the GAD participants and no such relationship in the comparison participants. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that participating in a neuropsychological assessment was associated with reduced cortisol in GAD participants, suggesting that refocusing attention such as engaging in cognitive tasks had a cortisol-lowering effect. Further, a higher cortisol level appears to have a detrimental effect on cognitive performance for individuals with GAD, but not psychiatrically healthy comparison participants. The methodological and treatment implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Rosnick
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology Box 1121, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois, 62026, phone 1-618-650-5351, fax 1-618-650-5087,
| | | | - Meryl A. Butters
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eric J. Lenze
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Neubauer AB, Wahl HW, Bickel H. Depressive symptoms as predictor of dementia versus continuous cognitive decline: a 3-year prospective study. Eur J Ageing 2013; 10:37-48. [PMID: 28804281 PMCID: PMC5549226 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-012-0246-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research including meta-analytic efforts supports the assumption that depression is able to predict dementia. The mechanisms of this association still remain to be revealed. Some possible explanations as, for example, the glucocorticoid cascade hypothesis assumes that there are underlying changes at the cortical level that drive the association. Therefore, gradual levels of depressive symptoms may also predict gradual change (decline) in cognitive performance. However, testing both of these predictions (depressive symptoms lead to dementia, and depressive symptoms lead to cognitive decline, respectively) with the same data has to our knowledge not been done in the previous literature. A sample of 562 participants aged 65 or older was examined four times over a period of 3 years. Study participants completed established measures of depression and cognitive functioning. Results based on Cox regression analysis showed that depressive symptoms were not able to predict the conversion to dementia during the following 3 years. Additionally, structural equation models as well as latent change score models did not support the assumption that depressive symptoms predict cognitive decline, measured as a continuous variable. We discuss several possibilities to explain these findings including the potential and possible limits of the glucocorticoid cascade hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas B. Neubauer
- Institute of Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Bergheimer Strasse 20, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Werner Wahl
- Institute of Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Bergheimer Strasse 20, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Horst Bickel
- Department of Psychiatry, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Relationship between cortisol level and prevalent/incident cognitive impairment and its moderating factors in older adults. Int Psychogeriatr 2013; 25:252-62. [PMID: 23088830 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610212001706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objectives of this study were to examine the factors modifying the relationship between cortisol level and prevalent/incident cognitive impairment in older adults and to verify whether these relationships were non-linear. METHODS Data were collected from 1,226 individuals aged 65 and older by two in-home interviews separated by 12 months. Cortisol level was measured using saliva samples taken at the beginning of the baseline interview before cognitive, mental, and physical health evaluations. Prevalent and incident cognitive impairment were defined using the Mini-Mental State Examination scores according to normative data for age, education level, and sex. RESULTS High morning cortisol level increased the risk of incident cognitive impairment in participants with anxiety or depressive episode while low cortisol level increased the risk in participants without anxiety or depressive episode. In high educated participants, but not in low educated participants, high morning cortisol level was associated with prevalent cognitive impairment and high afternoon cortisol level increased the risk of incident cognitive impairment. The results also suggested that lower morning cortisol values could increase the risk of incident cognitive impairment in individuals with few chronic diseases. A curvilinear relationship was observed between morning cortisol and the probability of incident cognitive impairment, but further analyses suggested that it was likely explained by anxiety and depressive episode. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that cognitive impairment in older adults is linked to higher or lower cortisol level depending on characteristics such as anxiety, depressive episode, education level, and physical health.
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Almela M, van der Meij L, Hidalgo V, Villada C, Salvador A. The cortisol awakening response and memory performance in older men and women. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:1929-40. [PMID: 22579682 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Revised: 04/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The activity and regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis has been related to cognitive decline during aging. This study investigated whether the cortisol awakening response (CAR) is related to memory performance among older adults. The sample was composed of 88 participants (44 men and 44 women) from 55 to 77 years old. The memory assessment consisted of two tests measuring declarative memory (a paragraph recall test and a word list learning test) and two tests measuring working memory (a spatial span test and a spatial working memory test). Among those participants who showed the CAR on two consecutive days, we found that a greater CAR was related to poorer declarative memory performance in both men and women, and to better working memory performance only in men. The results of our study suggest that the relationship between CAR and memory performance is negative in men and women when memory performance is largely dependent on hippocampal functioning (i.e. declarative memory), and positive, but only in men, when memory performance is largely dependent on prefrontal cortex functioning (i.e. working memory).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Almela
- Laboratory of Social Neuroscience, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
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Geoffroy MC, Hertzman C, Li L, Power C. Morning salivary cortisol and cognitive function in mid-life: evidence from a population-based birth cohort. Psychol Med 2012; 42:1763-1773. [PMID: 22130249 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291711002704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hormone 'cortisol' has been associated with cognitive deficits in older ages, and also with childhood cognition. The extent to which the associations of cortisol with cognitive deficits in later life reflect associations with childhood cognition ability is unclear. This study aimed to assess associations between adult cortisol levels and subsequent cognitive functions, while considering childhood cognition and other lifetime covariates. METHOD Data are from the 1958 British Birth Cohort. Two morning salivary cortisol samples were obtained at 45 years: 45 min after waking (t1) and 3 h later (t2). Standardized tests assessing immediate and delayed verbal memory, verbal fluency and speed of processing were administered at 50 years. Information on cortisol, cognitive outcomes and covariates [e.g., birthweight, lifetime socio-economic position (SEP), education, smoking and drinking habits, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, and depression/anxiety] was obtained for 4655 participants. RESULTS Worse immediate and delayed verbal memory and verbal fluency at 50 years were predicted by elevated t2 cortisol at 45 years. For instance, for 1 standard deviation (s.d.) increase in t2 cortisol, individuals scored -0.05 s.d. lower on verbal memory and fluency tests. Childhood cognition explained about 30% of these associations, but associations with adult cognition remained. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that higher cortisol levels in late morning at 45 years are associated with poorer verbal memory and fluency at 50 years, with a contribution from childhood cognition to these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Geoffroy
- MRC Centre of Epidemiology for Child Health, Centre for Paediatric Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK
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van der Werf-Eldering MJ, Riemersma-van der Lek RF, Burger H, Holthausen EAE, Aleman A, Nolen WA. Can variation in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis activity explain the relationship between depression and cognition in bipolar patients? PLoS One 2012; 7:e37119. [PMID: 22606339 PMCID: PMC3351438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is thought to be associated with more mood symptoms and worse cognitive functioning. This study examined whether variation in HPA axis activity underlies the association between mood symptoms and cognitive functioning. Methodology/Principal Findings In 65 bipolar patients cognitive functioning was measured in domains of psychomotor speed, speed of information processing, attentional switching, verbal memory, visual memory, executive functioning and an overall mean score. Severity of depression was assessed by the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-self rating version. Saliva cortisol measurements were performed to calculate HPA axis indicators: cortisol awakening response, diurnal slope, the evening cortisol level and the cortisol suppression on the dexamethasone suppression test. Regression analyses of depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning on each HPA axis indicator were performed. In addition we calculated percentages explanation of the association between depressive symptoms and cognition by HPA axis indicators. Depressive symptoms were associated with dysfunction in psychomotor speed, attentional switching and the mean score, as well as with attenuation in diurnal slope value. No association was found between HPA axis activity and cognitive functioning and HPA axis activity did not explain the associations between depressive symptoms and cognition. Conclusions/Significance As our study is the first one in this field specific for bipolar patients and changes in HPA-axis activity did not seem to explain the association between severity of depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning in bipolar patients, future studies are needed to evaluate other factors that might explain this relationship.
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Lenze EJ, Dixon D, Mantella RC, Dore PM, Andreescu C, Reynolds CF, Newcomer JW, Butters MA. Treatment-related alteration of cortisol predicts change in neuropsychological function during acute treatment of late-life anxiety disorder. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2012; 27:454-62. [PMID: 21681817 PMCID: PMC4601802 DOI: 10.1002/gps.2732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Older adults with anxiety disorders are burdened by impairment in neurocognition, which may be mediated by elevated circulating cortisol levels. In a randomized controlled trial of acute serotonin-reuptake inhibitor treatment for late-life anxiety disorder, we examined whether change in salivary cortisol concentrations during treatment predicted improvements in measures of memory and executive function. METHODS We examined 60 adults aged 60 years and older, who took part in a 12-week trial of escitalopram versus placebo for generalized anxiety disorder. All subjects had pre-treatment and post-treatment assessments that included monitoring of peak and total daily cortisol and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. RESULTS Salivary cortisol changes during treatment showed significant associations with changes in immediate and delayed memory but no association with executive tasks (measures of working memory and set shifting). Analyses suggested that a decrease in cortisol due to serotonin-reuptake inhibitor treatment was responsible for the memory changes: memory improvement was seen with cortisol reduction among patients receiving escitalopram but not among patients receiving placebo. CONCLUSION Serotonin-reuptake inhibitor-induced alteration in circulating cortisol during treatment of generalized anxiety disorder predicted changes in immediate and delayed memory. This finding suggests a novel treatment strategy in late-life anxiety disorders: targeting hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal axis dysfunction to improve memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Lenze
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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McDougall GJ, Morgan S, Vaughan PW. Sixteen-month evaluation of depressive symptomatology in older adults. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2012; 26:e13-21. [PMID: 22449566 PMCID: PMC3314220 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2011.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms over time in a sample of community-residing older adults at baseline, 2 months, 6 months, and 14 months. The nonprobability sample (N = 222) was 90% female, 87% Caucasian, 15% Hispanic, and 12% African American with an average age of 75 years. If depressive symptoms had been measured at only one time, 19% of the sample would have scored above the cutoff versus 39% scoring above the cutoff when measured at all 4 periods. The findings provide evidence that depressive symptoms in older adults are variable and fluctuate over time. The significance of this research was the longitudinal evaluation of depressive symptoms in community-residing elders.
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Abstract
Neurodevelopmental changes over the lifespan, from childhood through adulthood into old age, have important implications for the onset, presentation, course, and treatment of anxiety disorders. This article presents data on anxiety disorders as they appear in older adults, as compared with earlier in life. In this article, we focus on aging-related changes in the epidemiology, presentation, and treatment of anxiety disorders. Also, this article describes some of the gaps and limitations in our understanding and suggests research directions that may elucidate the mechanisms of anxiety disorder development later in life. Finally we describe optimal management of anxiety disorders across the lifespan, in "eight simple steps" for practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Lenze
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
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Maggio M, Dall'Aglio E, Lauretani F, Cattabiani C, Ceresini G, Caffarra P, Valenti G, Volpi R, Vignali A, Schiavi G, Ceda GP. The hormonal pathway to cognitive impairment in older men. J Nutr Health Aging 2012; 16:40-54. [PMID: 22238001 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-012-0002-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In older men there is a multiple hormonal dysregulation with a relative prevalence of catabolic hormones such as thyroid hormones and cortisol and a decline in anabolic hormones such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, testosterone and insulin like growth factor 1 levels. Many studies suggest that this catabolic milieu is an important predictor of frailty and mortality in older persons. There is a close relationship between frailty and cognitive impairment with studies suggesting that development of frailty is consequence of cognitive impairment and others pointing out that physical frailty is a determinant of cognitive decline. Decline in cognitive function, typically memory, is a major symptom of dementia. The "preclinical phase" of cognitive impairment occurs many years before the onset of dementia. The identification of relevant modifiable factors, including the hormonal dysregulation, may lead to therapeutic strategies for preventing the cognitive dysfunction. There are several mechanisms by which anabolic hormones play a role in neuroprotection and neuromodulation. These hormones facilitate recovery after brain injury and attenuate the neuronal loss. In contrast, elevated thyroid hormones may increase oxidative stress and apoptosis, leading to neuronal damage or death. In this mini review we will address the relationship between low levels of anabolic hormones, changes in thyroid hormones and cognitive function in older men. Then, giving the contradictory data of the literature and the multi-factorial origin of dementia, we will introduce the hypothesis of multiple hormonal derangement as a better determinant of cognitive decline in older men.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Maggio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Section of Geriatrics, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Elevated cortisol in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder is reduced by treatment: a placebo-controlled evaluation of escitalopram. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2011; 19:482-90. [PMID: 20808146 PMCID: PMC3424606 DOI: 10.1097/jgp.0b013e3181ec806c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common disorder in older adults, which has been linked to hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in this age group. The authors examined whether treatment of GAD in older adults with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) corrects this HPA axis hyperactivity. METHODS The authors examined adults aged 60 years and older with GAD in a 12-week randomized controlled trial comparing the SSRI escitalopram with placebo. The authors collected salivary cortisol at six daily time points for 2 consecutive days to assess peak and total (area under the curve) cortisol, both at baseline and posttreatment. RESULTS Compared with placebo-treated patients, SSRI-treated patients had a significantly greater reduction in both peak and total cortisol. This reduction in cortisol was limited to patients with elevated (above the median) baseline cortisol, in whom SSRI-treated patients showed substantially greater reduction in cortisol than did placebo-treated patients. Reductions in cortisol were associated with improvements in anxiety. Additionally, genetic variability at the serotonin transporter promoter predicted cortisol changes. CONCLUSIONS SSRI treatment of GAD in older adults reduces HPA axis hyperactivity. Further research should determine whether these treatment-attributable changes are sustained and beneficial.
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Ooi CP, Loke SC, Yassin Z, Hamid T. Carbohydrates for improving the cognitive performance of independent-living older adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011; 2011:CD007220. [PMID: 21491398 PMCID: PMC7388979 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007220.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate state between normal cognition and dementia in which daily function is largely intact. This condition may present an opportunity for research into the prevention of dementia. Carbohydrate is an essential and easily accessible macronutrient which influences cognitive performance. A better understanding of carbohydrate-driven cognitive changes in normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment may suggest ways to prevent or reduce cognitive decline. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of carbohydrates in improving cognitive function in older adults. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched ALOIS, the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group Specialized Register on 22 June 2010 using the terms: carbohydrates OR carbohydrate OR monosaccharides OR disaccharides OR oligosaccharides OR polysaccharides OR CARBS. ALOIS contains records from all major healthcare databases (The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS) as well as from many trial databases and grey literature sources. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised controlled trials (RCT) that have examined the efficacy of any form of carbohydrates in normal cognition and MCI. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS One review author selected and retrieved relevant articles for further assessment. The remaining authors independently assessed whether any of the retrieved trials should be included. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. MAIN RESULTS There is no suitable RCT of any form of carbohydrates involving independent-living older adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There are no suitable RCTs on which to base any recommendations about the use of any form of carbohydrate for enhancing cognitive performance in older adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment. More studies of many different carbohydrates are needed to tease out complex nutritional issues and further evaluate memory improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheow Peng Ooi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaEndocrine Unit, Department of MedicineSerdangSelangor DEMalaysia43400
| | - Seng Cheong Loke
- Universiti Putra MalaysiaInstitute of GerontologySerdangSelangor DEMalaysia43400
| | - Zaitun Yassin
- University Putra MalaysiaDepartment of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences43400 UPM SerdangSelangorMalaysia
| | - Tengku‐Aizan Hamid
- Universiti Putra MalaysiaInstitute of GerontologySerdangSelangor DEMalaysia43400
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Béracochéa D, Tronche C, Coutan M, Dorey R, Chauveau F, Piérard C. Interaction between Diazepam and Hippocampal Corticosterone after Acute Stress: Impact on Memory in Middle-Aged Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2011; 5:14. [PMID: 21516247 PMCID: PMC3079857 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines (BDZ) are widely prescribed in the treatment of anxiety disorders associated to aging. Interestingly, whereas a reciprocal interaction between the GABAergic system and HPA axis has been evidenced, there is to our knowledge no direct evaluation of the impact of BDZ on both hippocampus (HPC) corticosterone concentrations and HPC-dependent memory in stressed middle-aged subjects. We showed previously that an acute stress induced in middle-aged mice severe memory impairments in a hippocampus-dependent task, and increased in parallel hippocampus corticosterone concentrations, as compared to non-stressed middle-aged controls (Tronche et al., 2010). Based on these findings, the aims of the present study were to evidence the impact of diazepam (a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor) on HPC glucocorticoids concentrations and in parallel on HPC-dependent memory in acutely stressed middle-aged mice. Microdialysis experiments showed an interaction between diazepam doses and corticosterone concentrations into the HPC. From 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg, diazepam dose-dependently reduces intra-HPC corticosterone concentrations and in parallel, dose-dependently increased hippocampal-dependent memory performance. In contrast, the highest (1.0 mg/kg) diazepam dose induces a reduction in HPC corticosterone concentration, which was of greater magnitude as compared to the two other diazepam doses, but however decreased the hippocampal-dependent memory performance. In summary, our study provides first evidence that diazepam restores in stressed middle-aged animals the hippocampus-dependent response, in relation with HPC corticosterone concentrations. Overall, our data illustrate how stress and benzodiazepines could modulate cognitive functions depending on hippocampus activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Béracochéa
- UMR-CNRS 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Universités de Bordeaux Talence, France
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Marin MF, Lord C, Andrews J, Juster RP, Sindi S, Arsenault-Lapierre G, Fiocco AJ, Lupien SJ. Chronic stress, cognitive functioning and mental health. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2011; 96:583-95. [PMID: 21376129 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2011.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2010] [Revised: 02/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to discuss the evidence supporting the link between chronic stress, cognitive function and mental health. Over the years, the associations between these concepts have been investigated in different populations. This review summarizes the findings that have emerged from older populations as well as from populations suffering from pathological aging, namely Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease. Although older adults are an interesting population to study in terms of chronic stress, other stress-related diseases can occur throughout the lifespan. The second section covers some of these stress-related diseases that have recently received a great deal of attention, namely burnout, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Given that chronic stress contributes to the development of certain pathologies by accelerating and/or exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities that vary from one individual to the other, the final section summarizes data obtained on potential variables contributing to the association between chronic stress and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-France Marin
- Center for Studies on Human Stress, Fernand-Seguin Research Center, Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital, Canada
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Evans P, Fredhoi C, Loveday C, Hucklebridge F, Aitchison E, Forte D, Clow A. The diurnal cortisol cycle and cognitive performance in the healthy old. Int J Psychophysiol 2011; 79:371-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2010.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Nebes RD, Pollock BG, Halligan EM, Houck P, Saxton JA. Cognitive slowing associated with elevated serum anticholinergic activity in older individuals is decreased by caffeine use. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2011; 19:169-75. [PMID: 20808111 PMCID: PMC3000871 DOI: 10.1097/jgp.0b013e3181e4490d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined whether some of the age-associated decrements in basic cognitive resources (information-processing speed and working memory) result from anticholinergic medication use (as measured by serum anticholinergic activity [SAA]) and whether such decrements are lessened by caffeine. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING University medical center. PARTICIPANTS One hundred fifty-two normal-elderly community volunteers. MEASUREMENTS Two tests each of information-processing speed and of working memory were administered, and blood samples were drawn before and after cognitive testing to determine serum levels of anticholinergic activity and of paraxanthine-a caffeine metabolite. RESULTS Elevated SAA was associated with a significant but modest slowing in information-processing time but only in those individuals who had low levels of serum paraxanthine. SAA did not correlate with performance on tests of working memory. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that anticholinergic medications are a relatively minor contributor to the decrements in basic processing resources commonly found in studies of normal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Nebes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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