1
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Logue E, Hilsabeck RC, Melamed E. Gender differences in the associations of psychosocial trauma and acute medical stressors with immune system activation and dementia risk. Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 38:1313-1333. [PMID: 38567869 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2024.2335115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024]
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide a narrative review synthesizing the literature on differences between women and men in relationships among certain stressors associated with immune system activation and their relationship to cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Method: We review the cycle of stress leading to neuroinflammation via cortisol and neurochemical alterations, cell-mediated immune system activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and how this is implicated in the development of dementia. We follow this by discussing sex differences in stress physiology and immune function. We then review the work on early life adversity (ELA) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), post-traumatic stress disorder, acute medical stressors, and their associations with cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Throughout, we emphasize women's presentations and issues unique to women (e.g. trauma disorder prevalence). Conclusions: There is a need for more mechanistic and longitudinal studies that consider trauma accumulation, both physical and emotional, as well as a greater focus on traumas more likely to occur in women (e.g. sexual abuse), and their relationship to early cognitive decline and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Logue
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Robin C Hilsabeck
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Esther Melamed
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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2
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Ahn S, Kim S, Zhang H, Dobalian A, Slavich GM. Lifetime adversity predicts depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the United States. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1031-1049. [PMID: 38294127 PMCID: PMC11216061 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although life stress and adversity are well-known risk factors for mental health problems and cognitive impairment among older adults, limited research has comprehensively examined the impact of both childhood and adulthood adversity on psychiatric and cognitive impairment symptoms over a prolonged period. To address this issue, we investigated how lifetime adversity exposure is related to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in a nationally representative, longitudinal sample of older adults in the United States. METHOD We analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study (1992-2016). The sample included 3496 individuals (59.9% female), aged ≥64 years old (Mage = 76.0 ± 7.6 years in 2016). We used the individual-level panel data and ordinary least squares regressions to estimate associations between childhood and adulthood adversities, and later-life depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. RESULTS Many participants experienced a significant early life (38%) or adulthood (79%) stressor. Moreover, experiencing one childhood adversity (vs. none) was associated with a 17.4% increased risk of adulthood adversity. Finally, as hypothesized, childhood adversity exposure was related to experiencing more depression and anxiety symptoms in later life, whereas adulthood stressor exposure predicted more cognitive impairment as well as more depression and anxiety symptoms. DISCUSSION These findings demonstrate significant associations between lifetime adversity and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment in older adults. Screening for lifetime stressors may thus help healthcare professionals and policymakers identify individuals who could potentially benefit from interventions designed to reduce stress and enhance resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- SangNam Ahn
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Population Health and Aging, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Seonghoon Kim
- School of Economics, Singapore Management University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Aram Dobalian
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - George M. Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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3
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Reynolds A, Greenfield EA, Williams-Butler A. Early life adversity, race, and childhood socioeconomic status: intersecting drivers of later life cognition. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:511-519. [PMID: 37572032 PMCID: PMC10859546 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2242296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research on associations between early life adversity (ELA) and later life cognition has yielded mixed results and generally have not considered how broader societal systems of stratification potentially influence associations. The current study addresses this gap by exploring if racialized identity and childhood socioeconomic status (cSES) moderate associations between ELA exposure and later life cognition. METHODS Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (Waves 2010-2018), we used growth curve modeling to examine if the confluence of ELA, cSES, and racialized identity is associated with cognition. RESULTS Among White participants, greater exposure to ELA was associated with poorer baseline cognitive functioning, and higher cSES buffered against this association. Among Black participants, exposure to ELA was not associated with baseline cognitive functioning, regardless of cSES. We did not find evidence of any associations between main predictors nor their interactions with change in cognition over time. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that associations between ELA and later life cognition is contingent upon multiple social positions in the United States. These findings support the importance of integrating insights on intersecting social positions within life-course-oriented efforts to reduce racialized cognitive disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Addam Reynolds
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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4
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Victor TS, Jacquet B, El Massioui F. Exploring stress response's role in executive function impairments among adults with early adverse childhood experiences. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4081. [PMID: 38374227 PMCID: PMC10876952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53819-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are recognised as precursors to numerous physical and mental health challenges. However, research on their impact on inhibitory control and working memory, particularly among healthy young adults, remains limited. The role played by the stress response as a moderator in these effects is likewise underexplored. Our study addresses this gap by examining cognitive impairments in non-clinical adults with early childhood trauma, specifically trauma before the age of 13 years, and by assessing the influence of the stress response on these effects. A total of 15 participants with early ACEs were compared with a control group (n = 18) using the Corsi Block Tapping Test (CBTT) and Stroop Word Colour Test (SCWT). Results showed that participants with early ACEs exhibited lower scores on the SCWT but not the CBTT. The stress response emerged as a potential factor in the relationship between early ACEs and cognitive performance. The implications of these findings are then discussed in relation to the existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taïna Steevine Victor
- Université Paris 8, UFR Psychologie, 93200, Saint-Denis, France.
- Laboratoire Cognition Humaine et Artificielle (CHArt, RNSR 200515259U), 93322, Aubervilliers, France.
| | - Baptiste Jacquet
- Université Paris 8, UFR Psychologie, 93200, Saint-Denis, France
- Laboratoire Cognition Humaine et Artificielle (CHArt, RNSR 200515259U), 93322, Aubervilliers, France
| | - Farid El Massioui
- Université Paris 8, UFR Psychologie, 93200, Saint-Denis, France
- Laboratoire Cognition Humaine et Artificielle (CHArt, RNSR 200515259U), 93322, Aubervilliers, France
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5
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De Looze C, McCrory C, O'Halloran A, Polidoro S, Anne Kenny R, Feeney J. Mind versus body: Perceived stress and biological stress are independently related to cognitive decline. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:696-704. [PMID: 37977246 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress may increase risk of age-related cognitive decline. 'Stress', however, is a multidimensional construct and few studies have investigated the inter-relationship of subjective stress and biological stress with cognitive decline. In this study, we examine the relationship between perceived stress and two measures of biological stress - allostatic load, indexing stress at the physiological level and leukocyte telomere length, indexing stress at the cellular level - with cognitive decline over a 12-year period in adults aged 50 and older. 3,458 participants (aged ≥ 50) from The Irish Longitudinal study on Ageing with measurements of allostatic load, telomere length and perceived stress at baseline and repeated measures of cognitive function were included. Hierarchical linear regression models with adjustment for multiple potential confounders were applied, and repeated stratified by sex in sensitivity analyses. Higher perceived stress at baseline was associated with lower cognitive function (β = -0.10, 95 % CI -0.12, -0.07, p <.001), with similar strength of associations across waves. There were significant interactions between measures of biological stress and wave; higher allostatic load was associated (X2(18) = 64.4; p <.001), and telomere length was borderline (X2(18) = 9.4; p =.09) associated with cognitive decline from 4-year follow-up onward. Sex stratified analyses revealed that the association between telomere length and cognitive decline was present in women only. Mutual adjustment did not attenuate associations in either case. The interactions between allostatic load and telomere length with perceived stress were not significant. Our findings suggest that subjective measures of stress and biological metrics may be independently related to cognitive function over time in older adults, hinting at the potential for different underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline De Looze
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Cathal McCrory
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling O'Halloran
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Rose Anne Kenny
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing (MISA), St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanne Feeney
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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6
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MacRae A, Berkovic D, Ryan J, Hatzikiriakidis K, Ayton D. Trauma-informed care within residential aged care settings: A systematic scoping review. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 38:e6028. [PMID: 38038652 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The importance of trauma-informed care (TIC) within residential aged care (RAC) settings has been increasingly recognised. TIC would ensure that older people who have experienced trauma over their lifetime have their needs better understood and accommodated. This scoping review examined the extent to which TIC has been applied within RAC settings. METHODS A scoping review was conducted according to Cochrane recommendations and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A systematic search of six databases (Embase, Emcare, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsychInfo and Medline) was performed in July 2022 and March 2023 and peer-reviewed primary research, in English and involved RAC staff or residents (aged 65 years and over) providing or receiving TIC were eligible for inclusion. Studies focused on trauma intervention, assessment, screening, or treatment were excluded. Thematic synthesis was performed to extract themes relating to trauma-informed practice, barriers and enablers to TIC, and outcomes from the application of TIC approaches. RESULTS Five articles were included. There was little evidence of the implementation of TIC interventions in RAC settings. Only one study examined the application of a TIC framework in a RAC setting. However, there was some evidence that approaches that consider resident's experience of trauma have emerged from practice experience and been used in RAC as an extension of person-centred care. CONCLUSIONS Whilst trauma-informed approaches to resident care are emerging through practice experience, and despite policy recommendations to do so, there is little evidence that formal TIC interventions or frameworks have been applied to RAC internationally. This study highlights a gap in research and practice and makes several recommendations for further research and implementation of TIC in RAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann MacRae
- Health and Social Care Unit, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danielle Berkovic
- Musculoskeletal Health and Wiser Healthcare Unit, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Southeastern Australian, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Southeastern Australian, Australia
| | - Kostas Hatzikiriakidis
- Health and Social Care Unit, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darshini Ayton
- Health and Social Care Unit, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Patel P, Oremus M. The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Late-Life Cognition: A Systematic Review of Cross-Sectional and Case-Control Studies. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:1087-1103. [PMID: 35323913 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a recognized risk factor for unfavorable health outcomes. No prior systematic review has explored the association between ACEs and cognition in late life, a critical period for cognitive fluctuation. The objective of this review is to address the following research question: What is the association between ACEs and late-life cognition? RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Articles were obtained from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The last search was performed in May 2021. Eligible articles examined the association between exposure to at least 1 ACE and the outcome of late-life cognition, measured either by cognitive testing or the presence/absence of a neurocognitive disorder. Data were synthesized narratively using the synthesis without meta-analysis guidelines, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Adapted NOS. RESULTS Twenty articles representing 18 unique studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Associations with lower late-life cognition were reported for: childhood maternal death, parental divorce, physical neglect, emotional neglect, physical abuse, and combinations of ACEs. However, most results were statistically nonsignificant, and many were unlikely to be clinically important. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS We found an association between ACEs and late-life cognition. However, the direction and magnitude of association varied between and within types of ACEs and measures of cognitive function. Most included articles had a moderate risk of bias. This review is the first attempt to synthesize the literature on this topic and it outlines the next steps to improve the evidence base in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Patel
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Oremus
- School of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Rosa M, Scassellati C, Cattaneo A. Association of childhood trauma with cognitive domains in adult patients with mental disorders and in non-clinical populations: a systematic review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1156415. [PMID: 37425159 PMCID: PMC10327487 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1156415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the association between cognitive performances and the onset of psychiatric disorders has been widely investigated, limited research on the role of childhood trauma or early life stress (CT/ELS), and whether this role differs between clinical and non-clinical cohorts is available. This systematic review aims at filling this gap, testing whether the occurrence of CT/ELS and its subtypes are associated with cognitive domains (general cognitive ability, executive functions, working memory, attention, processing speed, verbal/visual memory) in patients with psychiatric disorders and in non-clinical populations. This study followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for quality assessment. The search was performed until May 2022. Seventy-four studies were classified as eligible. The graphical representations of the results reported an association between exposure to CT/ELS and worse general cognitive ability, verbal/visual memory, processing speed and attention in patients affected by anxiety, mood and psychotic disorders, and that specific CT/ELS subtypes (physical neglect, physical/sexual abuse) can differentially influence specific cognitive abilities (executive functions, attention, working memory, verbal/visual memory). In non-clinical cohorts we found associations between CT/ELS exposure and impairments in executive functions, processing speed and working memory, while physical neglect was related to general cognitive ability and working memory. Concerning the emotional abuse/neglect subtypes in both populations, the results indicated their involvement in cognitive functioning; however, the few studies conducted are not enough to reach definitive conclusions. These findings suggest an association of CT/ELS with specific cognitive deficits and psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Rosa
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Catia Scassellati
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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9
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Künzi M, Sieber S, Joly-Burra E, Cullati S, Bauermeister S, Stringhini S, Draganski B, Ballhausen N, Kliegel M. Adversity specificity and life period exposure on cognitive aging. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8702. [PMID: 37248321 PMCID: PMC10227009 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35855-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This study set out to examine the role of different adversities experienced at different life course stages on cognitive aging (i.e., level and change). Data from the longitudinal study: Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) with the selection of participants over 60 years were used (N = 2662, Mdnage = 68, SDage = 5.39) in a Structural Equation Modeling. In early life, the experience of hunger predicted lower delayed recall (β = - 0.10, p < 0.001) and verbal fluency (β = - 0.06, p = 0.001) performance in older age, whereas financial hardship predicted lower verbal fluency (β = - 0.06, p = 0.005) performance and steeper decline in delayed recall (β = - 0.11, p < 0.001). In early adulthood, financial hardship and stress predicted better delayed recall (financial hardship: β = 0.08, p = 0.001; stress: β = 0.07, p = 0.003) and verbal fluency performance (financial hardship: β = 0.08, p = 0.001; stress β = 0.10, p < 0.001), but no adversities were associated with a change in cognitive performance. In middle adulthood, no adversities were associated with the level of cognitive performance, but financial hardship predicted lower decline in delayed recall (β = 0.07, p = 0.048). This study highlights the importance of disentangling the period effect from the specific effect of the adversity experienced in the association between adversity and cognition in older age. Moreover, differential results for delayed recall and verbal fluency measures suggest that it is also important to consider the cognitive outcome domains examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Künzi
- Dementias Platform UK, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability (CIGEV), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- LIVES, Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspective, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - S Sieber
- LIVES, Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspective, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland
| | - E Joly-Burra
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability (CIGEV), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- LIVES, Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspective, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland
- Cognitive Aging Lab (CAL), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Cullati
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Readaptation and Geriatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Bauermeister
- Dementias Platform UK, Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
| | - S Stringhini
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - B Draganski
- Laboratory of Research in Neuroimaging (LREN), Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Neurology Department, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - N Ballhausen
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability (CIGEV), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - M Kliegel
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability (CIGEV), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- LIVES, Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspective, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland
- Cognitive Aging Lab (CAL), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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10
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Felt J, Harrington K, Ram N, O’Donnell K, Sliwinski M, Benson L, Zhang Z, Meaney M, Putnam F, Noll J, Shenk C. Receptive Language Abilities for Females Exposed to Early Life Adversity: Modification by Epigenetic Age Acceleration at Midlife in a 30-Year Prospective Cohort Study. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:585-595. [PMID: 36190812 PMCID: PMC10066744 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Deviations from normative trajectories of receptive language abilities following early life adversity (ELA) may indicate an elevated risk for advanced cognitive aging and related morbidities. Accelerated epigenetic aging at midlife may further identify those at greatest risk for advanced cognitive aging following ELA. We examined whether accelerations in epigenetic aging at midlife can identify those individuals who demonstrated the greatest change in receptive language abilities following ELA. METHODS Data were drawn from the Female Growth and Development Study (n = 86), a 30-year prospective cohort study of females exposed to substantiated child sexual abuse (CSA), a severe ELA, and a non-CSA comparison condition. The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) measured receptive language abilities on 6 occasions from childhood to mid-life. Interindividual differences in PPVT-R trajectories were examined in relation to CSA exposure and across 5 independent measures of epigenetic age acceleration derived from first (Horvath DNAmAge, Hannum DNAmAge) and second (GrimAge, PhenoAge, Dunedin Pace of Aging) generation epigenetic clocks. RESULTS Quadratic growth models revealed that PPVT-R scores were significantly lower at age 25 for females exposed to CSA. Specifically, CSA exposed females had lower intercepts when GrimAge was accelerated and a smaller quadratic trend when PhenoAge was accelerated. DISCUSSION ELA is associated with significant differences in development of receptive language abilities with the most pronounced differences observed for females with accelerated epigenetic ages at mid-life. These findings suggest that epigenetic age acceleration could serve as an indicator of differences in cognitive aging and portend to later adulthood cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Felt
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Karra D Harrington
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nilam Ram
- Department of Communications, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kieran J O’Donnell
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- The Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Child and Brain Developmental Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin J Sliwinski
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lizbeth Benson
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael J Meaney
- The Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Child and Brain Developmental Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Singapore Institute of Clinical Sciences, Singapore
| | - Frank W Putnam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennie G Noll
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chad E Shenk
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Lakkireddy SP, Balachander S, Dayalamurthy P, Bhattacharya M, Joseph MS, Kumar P, Kannampuzha AJ, Mallappagari S, Narayana S, Alexander AC, Muthukumaran M, Sheth S, Puzhakkal JC, Ramesh V, Thatikonda NS, Selvaraj S, Ithal D, Sreeraj VS, Mahadevan J, Holla B, Venkatasubramanian G, John JP, Murthy P, Benegal V, Reddy YCJ, Jain S, Viswanath B. Neurocognition and its association with adverse childhood experiences and familial risk of mental illness. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 119:110620. [PMID: 35995305 PMCID: PMC7615105 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may affect neurocognition, an endophenotype for several mental illnesses. This study examines the effect of ACEs on neurocognitive performance in first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with severe mental illness to determine whether familial risk has a moderating effect on the relationship between ACEs and neurocognition. Unaffected FDRs from multiplex families with severe mental illnesses (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or alcohol use disorder) (n = 324) and healthy controls (with no familial risk) (n = 188) underwent neurocognitive tests for processing speed, new learning, working memory and Theory of Mind. ACEs were measured using the WHO ACE-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). Regression models were done to predict each neurocognitive domain by the effect of familial risk, ACE-IQ Score and their interaction (familial risk*ACE-IQ score). The main effect of familial risk predicted poor performance in all domains of neurocognition (p < 0.01), and the interaction had a negative association with global neurocognition (β = -0.093, p = 0.009), processing speed (β = -0.109, p = 0.003) and working memory (β = -0.092, p = 0.01). Among the ACEs sub-domains, only maltreatment (specifically the main effect of physical neglect and the interaction effect of sexual abuse with familial risk) predicted poorer neurocognition. In FDRs of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, only the main effects of familial risk were significantly associated with poorer neurocognition. We conclude that there is a relationship between ACEs (especially maltreatment) and neurocognitive functioning, which is moderated by the familial risk of mental illnesses. Genetic/familial vulnerability may have a stronger association with neurocognition in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Priya Lakkireddy
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Srinivas Balachander
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
| | - Pavithra Dayalamurthy
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Mahashweta Bhattacharya
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Mino Susan Joseph
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Anand Jose Kannampuzha
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sreenivasulu Mallappagari
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Shruthi Narayana
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Alen Chandy Alexander
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Moorthy Muthukumaran
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sweta Sheth
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Joan C Puzhakkal
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vinutha Ramesh
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Navya Spurthi Thatikonda
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sowmya Selvaraj
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Dhruva Ithal
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vanteemar S Sreeraj
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayant Mahadevan
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Bharath Holla
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ganesan Venkatasubramanian
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - John P John
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Pratima Murthy
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vivek Benegal
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Y C Janardhan Reddy
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sanjeev Jain
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Biju Viswanath
- Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells (ADBS), Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with an increased risk for dementia, but this relationship and modifying factors are poorly understood. This study is the first to our knowledge to comprehensively examine the effect of ACE on specific cognitive functions and measures associated with greater risk and resiliency to cognitive decline in independent community-dwelling older adults. METHODS Verbal/nonverbal intelligence, verbal memory, visual memory, and executive attention were assessed. Self-report measures examined depression, self-efficacy, and subjective cognitive concerns (SCC). The ACE questionnaire measured childhood experiences of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. RESULTS Over 56% of older adults reported an adverse childhood event. ACE scores were negatively associated with income and years of education and positively associated with depressive symptoms and SCC. ACE scores were a significant predictor of intellectual function and executive attention; however, these relationships were no longer significant after adjusting for education. Follow-up analyses using the PROCESS macro revealed that relationships among higher ACE scores with intellectual function and executive attention were mediated by education. CONCLUSIONS Greater childhood adversity may increase vulnerability for cognitive impairment by impacting early education, socioeconomic status, and mental health. These findings have clinical implications for enhancing levels of cognitive reserve and addressing modifiable risk factors to prevent or attenuate cognitive decline in older adults.
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Stebbins RC, Maselko J, Yang YC, Plassman BL, Edwards JK, Aiello AE. Lifecourse Traumatic Events and Cognitive Aging in the Health and Retirement Study. Am J Prev Med 2022; 63:818-826. [PMID: 35798618 PMCID: PMC10493076 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Much of the heterogeneity in the rate of cognitive decline and the age of dementia onset remains unexplained, and there is compelling data supporting psychosocial stressors as important risk factors. However, the literature has yet to come to a consensus on whether there is a causal relationship and, if there is, its direction and strength. This study estimates the relationship between lifecourse traumatic events and cognitive trajectories and predicted dementia incidence. METHODS Using data on 7,785 participants aged ≥65 years from the Health and Retirement Study, this study estimated the association between lifecourse experience of 10 traumatic events (e.g., losing a child) and trajectories of Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status from 2006 to 2016 using linear mixed-effects models and predicted incident dementia from 2006 to 2014 using cumulative incidence functions (data analysis was in 2020-2022). Inverse probability weights accounted for loss to follow-up and confounding by sex, education, race/ethnicity, and age. RESULTS Experiencing 1 or more traumatic events over the lifecourse was associated with accelerated decline compared with experiencing no events (e.g., β= -0.05 [95% CI= -0.07, -0.02] Health and Retirement Study-Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status units/year; 1 vs 0 events). In contrast, experiencing traumatic events was associated with better cognitive function cross-sectionally. Furthermore, the impact of trauma on cognitive decline was of greater magnitude when it occurred after the age of 64 years. However, the magnitude and direction of association varied by the specific traumatic event. There were no associations with predicted incident dementia. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that researchers and clinicians should not aggregate traumatic events for understanding the risk of accelerated cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Stebbins
- Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Joanna Maselko
- Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Y Claire Yang
- Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Brenda L Plassman
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jessie K Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Allison E Aiello
- Carolina Population Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Künzi M, Gheorghe DA, Kliegel M, Ballhausen N, Gallacher J, Bauermeister S. Cumulative life course adversity, mental health, and cognition in the UK biobank. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14700. [PMID: 36038622 PMCID: PMC9424182 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18928-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between adversity and cognition varies according to the specific adversity, when the adversity was experienced, and the cognitive domains investigated. Disentangling the effect of adversity and the underlying mechanistic pathway is therefore difficult. The association between adversity (i.e., maltreatment) accumulated over the life course and cognitive flexibility, as well as two potential mediators (i.e., intra-individual variability in reaction time and depression) of this association, were investigated. Data stem from the baseline population of the UK Biobank study (N = 73,489, Mdnage = 56, SDage = 7.628, 55.740% of women). Cumulative life course adversity (specifically maltreatment) was measured with items based on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTS-5) and items adapted from the British Crime Survey. Depression was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Intra-individual variability in reaction time was measured with a reaction time test "snap game" and the Trail Making Test A and B were used as a measure of cognitive flexibility. A path analysis was performed on these data. Higher cumulative adverse experiences were associated with lower performance in cognitive flexibility (β = .016, p < .001, 95% CI [0.009, 0.024]), and this effect was partly mediated by the level of depression (22.727% of the total effect of cumulative life course adversity on cognitive flexibility was mediated by depression (β = .005, p < .001, 95% CI [0.004, 0.007])). No association between cumulative life course adverse experiences and intra-individual variability in reaction time was found, nor was any indirect association between cumulative life course adversity and performance in cognitive flexibility via intra-individual variability in reaction time. The association between cumulative life course adversity, depression, and performance in cognitive flexibility has been highlighted. In contrast, no indirect effect between cumulative life course adversity and performance in cognitive flexibility via intra-individual variability in reaction time was found, suggesting that it is not a potential mechanism underlying the association between cumulative life course adversity and executive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Künzi
- Cognitive Aging Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Boulevard du Pont d'Arve 28, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- LIVES, Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspective, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - D A Gheorghe
- Department of Experimental and Theoretical Neuroscience, Transylvanian Institute of Neuroscience, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Dementias Platform UK, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - M Kliegel
- Cognitive Aging Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Boulevard du Pont d'Arve 28, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- LIVES, Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspective, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - N Ballhausen
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - J Gallacher
- Dementias Platform UK, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - S Bauermeister
- Dementias Platform UK, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Xiang X, Cho J, Sun Y, Wang X. Childhood adversity and cognitive impairment in later life. Front Psychol 2022; 13:935254. [PMID: 36051218 PMCID: PMC9424901 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.935254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study examined the association between childhood adversity and cognitive impairment in later life and explored the potential moderation effect of gender and race. Methods The study sample included 15,133 participants of the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2016 surveys) who had complete data on key study measures and were more than 50. The outcome variable is a dichotomous indicator of cognitive impairment as assessed by the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status for self-respondents and the 16-item Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly for proxies. A total of six childhood adversity indicators included grade retention, parental substance abuse, physical abuse, trouble with the police, moving due to financial hardship, and receipt of help due to financial hardship in early life. The estimation of the association between childhood adversity and cognitive impairment involved Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Grade retention had the largest effect on incident cognitive impairment (HR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.23-1.38, p < 0.001), followed by physical abuse by a parent (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.00-1.20, p = 0.001). The impact of grade retention was more detrimental to women than men (interaction term HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.80-1.00, p = 0.048, female as the reference). Parental substance abuse was associated with a lower risk of incident cognitive impairment for most racial groups (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.83-0.95, p = 0.001), but this association was reversed in "non-Hispanic other" race, consisting mainly of Asians (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.05-2.26, p = 0.025). Discussion Some aspects of childhood adversity continue to harm cognitive functioning in later life, while some events may have the opposite effect, with evidence of heterogeneity across gender and race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Xiang
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Joonyoung Cho
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Yihang Sun
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xiafei Wang
- School of Social Work, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Syracuse University, New York, NY, United States
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Adverse Childhood Experiences and Neurocognition in Borderline Personality Disorder: A Call-to-Action Perspective Review. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2022; 30:248-260. [PMID: 35849742 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to the development of personality traits leading to adult borderline personality disorder (BPD). Neurocognitive changes could partly mediate the association between ACEs and BPD. We discuss how exposure to ACEs could induce alterations in neurocognition, which, in turn, would contribute to the development of BPD. We conducted a review of MEDLINE articles through 2021, documenting a link between ACEs, neurocognitive impairments, and BPD, and also focusing on the pairwise associations. ACEs appear to have a strong impact on neurocognition and are a predictive factor for BPD. Maltreated, abused, and emotionally invalidated children are more likely to present BPD traits. Neurocognitive impairments in adults exposed to ACEs and in patients with BPD arise from similar brain alterations in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These impairments seem to be linked with clinical dimensions of BPD: increased impulsivity to altered inhibitory control; dissociative experiences to nonspecific autobiographical memory; and emotionally biased facial recognition to unstable interpersonal relationships. This perspective review highlights the contributory role of neurocognition in the association between ACEs and BPD. Additional research is needed, however, on the interconnections among ACEs, neurocognition, and BPD. Future studies could also focus on developing tools to assess early adversity in BPD specifically and on psychotherapeutic approaches to promptly remedy neurocognitive impairments.
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Tjoelker FM, Jeuring HW, Aprahamian I, Naarding P, Marijnissen RM, Hendriks GJ, Rhebergen D, Lugtenburg A, Lammers MW, van den Brink RHS, Oude Voshaar RC. The impact of a history of child abuse on cognitive performance: a cross-sectional study in older patients with a depressive, anxiety, or somatic symptom disorder. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:377. [PMID: 35484493 PMCID: PMC9052677 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child abuse is a major global burden with an enduring negative impact on mental and physical health. A history of child abuse is consistently associated with worse cognitive performance among adults; data in older age groups are inconclusive. Since affective symptoms and cognitive functioning are interrelated among older persons, a synergistic effect can be assumed in patients with affective symptoms who also have suffered from child abuse. This study examines the association between a history of child abuse and cognitive performance in such patients. METHODS Cross-sectional data were collected from the 'Routine Outcome Monitoring for Geriatric Psychiatry & Science' project, including 179 older adults (age 60-88 years) with either a unipolar depressive, any anxiety, or somatic symptom disorder referred to specialized geriatric mental health care. A history of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, and emotional neglect was assessed with a structured interview. Cognitive functioning was measured with three paper and pencils tests (10-words verbal memory test, Stroop Colour-Word test, Digit Span) and four tests from the computerized Cogstate Test Battery (Detection Test, Identification Test, One Card Learning Test, One Back Test). The association between a history of child abuse and cognitive performance was examined by multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for covariates. RESULTS Principal component analyses of nine cognitive parameters revealed four cognitive domains, i.e., visual-verbal memory, psychomotor speed, working memory and interference control. A history of child abuse was not associated with any of these cognitive domains. However, when looking at the specific types of child abuse separately, a history of physical abuse and emotional neglect were associated with poorer interference control. A history of physical abuse was additionally associated with better visual-verbal memory. CONCLUSIONS The association between a history of child abuse and cognitive performance differs between the different types of abuse. A history of physical abuse might particularly be a key determinant of cognitive performance in older adults with a depressive, anxiety, or somatic symptom disorder. Future studies on the impact of these disorders on the onset of dementia should take child abuse into account. TRIAL REGISTRATION ROM-GPS is registered at the Dutch Trial Register ( NL6704 at www.trialregister.nl ).
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Tjoelker
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Rob Giel Research Center (RGOc), PO Box 30.001, 9700 HB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - H W Jeuring
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Rob Giel Research Center (RGOc), PO Box 30.001, 9700 HB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - I Aprahamian
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Rob Giel Research Center (RGOc), PO Box 30.001, 9700 HB, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Group of Investigation on Multimorbidity and Mental Health in Aging (GIMMA), Geriatrics Division, Internal Medicine Department, Jundiaí Medical School, Jundiaí, Brazil
| | - P Naarding
- GGNet Mental Health, Division of Old Age Psychiatry, Warnsveld & Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - R M Marijnissen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Rob Giel Research Center (RGOc), PO Box 30.001, 9700 HB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - G J Hendriks
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University & Pro Persona Institute for Integrated Mental Health Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - D Rhebergen
- Mental Health Center GGZ Centraal, Ermelo, The Netherlands & Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - A Lugtenburg
- Mental Health Center GGZ Drenthe, Assen, The Netherlands
| | - M W Lammers
- Mediant Mental Health Center, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - R H S van den Brink
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Rob Giel Research Center (RGOc), PO Box 30.001, 9700 HB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R C Oude Voshaar
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Rob Giel Research Center (RGOc), PO Box 30.001, 9700 HB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Cations M, Keage HAD, Laver KE, Byles J, Loxton D. Intimate Partner Violence and Risk for Mortality and Incident Dementia in Older Women. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP2605-NP2625. [PMID: 32713246 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520943712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the long-term risk for mortality and incident dementia associated with exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) at any time over the life course. Data were taken from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health, a population-based cohort study initiated in 1996. Analysis is based on 12,085 community-dwelling women aged 70 to 75 years at baseline from all states and territories. Self-reported exposure to violence was separated into historical (any time before baseline), current (past 12 months), or both. Date of death was obtained from the National Death Index, and dementia status was self-reported or obtained from administrative data. We modeled mortality risk using Cox regression, and risk for incident dementia using Fine-Gray proportional hazards modeling with death as a competing risk. Follow up continued to December 2017. At baseline, 728 women (6.0%) reported historical IPV, 121 (1.0%) reported current violence, and 38 reported both (0.3%). Historical IPV increased 20-year mortality risk after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle variables (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval = [1.00, 1.20]). There was no relationship between current violence and mortality (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval = [0.85, 1.29]). There was also no association between IPV and risk for incident dementia (hazard ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval = [0.89, 1.17]). Older women who self-report exposure to IPV over the lifespan die significantly earlier than women who do not. Further research that considers the mediating role of psychological trauma is needed to examine the relationship between IPV and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Cations
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Kate E Laver
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Julie Byles
- The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deborah Loxton
- The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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Early life adversity and age acceleration at mid-life and older ages indexed using the next-generation GrimAge and Pace of Aging epigenetic clocks. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 137:105643. [PMID: 34999481 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This retrospective cross-sectional study was designed to explore whether the experience of childhood adversity was associated with epigenetic age acceleration in mid-life and older ages using the next generation GrimAge and Pace of Aging DNA methylation clocks. METHOD The study involved a sub-sample of 490 individuals aged 50-87 years of age participating in the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA); a large nationally representative prospective cohort study of aging in Ireland. Childhood adversity was ascertained via self-report using 5-items that were deemed to indicate potentially nefarious childhood exposures, including growing up poor, death of a parent, parental substance abuse in the family, childhood physical abuse, and childhood sexual abuse. RESULTS Only childhood poverty was associated with significant epigenetic age acceleration according to the GrimAge and Pace of Aging clocks, hastening biological aging by 2.04 years [CI= 1.07, 3.00; p < 0.001] and 1.16 years [CI= 0.11, 2.21; p = 0.030] respectively. Analysis of the dose-response pattern revealed each additional adversity was associated with 0.69 years of age acceleration [CI= 0.23, 1.15; p = 0.004] according to the GrimAge clock. Mediation analysis suggested that lifetime smoking explains a substantial portion (>50%) of the excess risk of age acceleration amongst those who experienced childhood poverty. CONCLUSIONS This study adds to the growing body of evidence which implicates early life adversity, particularly deprivation as a potential precipitant of earlier biological aging, and implicates smoking-related changes to DNA methylation processes as a candidate pathway and mechanism through which the social environment gets transduced at a biological level to hasten the aging process.
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McHugh Power JE, Feeney J, Fowler E, McMichael AJ, Hyland P, Lawlor BA, Cruise S, Potter C, Young I, McGuinness B, Kee F. Exposure to the troubles in Northern Ireland, memory functioning, and social activity engagement: results from NICOLA. Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:1099-1109. [PMID: 36692739 PMCID: PMC9729674 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-022-00683-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the potential impact of a cohort traumatic exposure, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, on memory functioning in later life, and the potential moderating effect of social activity engagement. Using data from 6571 participants aged 60 + in the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA) cohort, we used a structural equation modelling framework to explore associations between traumatic exposure during the Troubles and memory functioning. As expected, social activity engagement was positively associated with memory functioning, β = .102. Traumatic exposure was also positively associated with memory functioning, β = .053. This association was stronger at low levels of social activity engagement; among those with higher levels, there was little association, interaction β = - 0.054. The positive association between traumatic exposure during the Troubles and memory functioning was not moderated by the age at which the exposures occurred (based on analysis of a subsample with available data), interaction β = - 0.015. We conclude that superior memory functioning was associated with higher levels of traumatic exposure during the Troubles, particularly among those with lower levels of social activity engagement, and regardless of the age at which the exposures occurred. Future longitudinal analyses are required to build on these results, which potentially have implications for life-course epidemiology, in relation to critical periods for traumatising experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna E McHugh Power
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Education House, Co Kildare, Republic of Ireland ,Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Joanne Feeney
- School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Fowler
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Alan J. McMichael
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Education House, Co Kildare, Republic of Ireland
| | - Brian A. Lawlor
- School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Sharon Cruise
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Claire Potter
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Ian Young
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | | | - Frank Kee
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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21
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Roberts AL, Sumner JA, Koenen KC, Kubzansky LD, Grodstein F, Rich-Edwards J, Weisskopf MG. Childhood Abuse and Cognitive Function in a Large Cohort of Middle-Aged Women. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2022; 27:100-113. [PMID: 33161764 PMCID: PMC10281011 DOI: 10.1177/1077559520970647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive function at middle age is of particular public health interest, as it strongly predicts later dementia. Children who have experienced abuse subsequently have worse cognitive function than those who have not. However, it remains unclear whether the association of abuse with cognitive function persists into middle age. In 2014-2016, 14,151 women ages 49-69 years who had previously responded to a childhood abuse questionnaire completed a cognitive battery. In models adjusted for childhood socioeconomic status and head trauma, combined physical, emotional, and sexual abuse was associated with lower scores on both Learning/Working Memory (severe abuse, lower scores similar to that observed in women 4.8 years older in our data) and Psychomotor Speed/Attention (severe abuse, lower scores similar to that observed in women to 2.9 years older in our data). Adjustment for adulthood socioeconomic status and health factors (e.g., smoking, hypertension) slightly attenuated associations. In exploratory analyses further adjusted for psychological distress, associations were attenuated. Women exposed versus unexposed to childhood abuse had poorer cognitive function at mid-life. Associations were particularly strong for learning and working memory and were not accounted for by adulthood health factors. Childhood abuse should be investigated as a potential risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Roberts
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Karestan C Koenen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura D Kubzansky
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francine Grodstein
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Janet Rich-Edwards
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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23
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Letkiewicz AM, Funkhouser CJ, Shankman SA. Childhood maltreatment predicts poorer executive functioning in adulthood beyond symptoms of internalizing psychopathology. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 118:105140. [PMID: 34098377 PMCID: PMC8292220 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A history of childhood maltreatment predicts poorer functioning in several domains during childhood, including executive function (EF). While there is also evidence of poorer EF in adults with a history of childhood trauma, results are mixed. Notable limitations of previous research are (a) the use of single indicators of EF, and/or (b) not consistently assessing whether childhood maltreatment predicts poorer EF beyond internalizing psychopathology. OBJECTIVE We sought to overcome limitations of prior work by examining relationships between childhood maltreatment and EF in adulthood by using a latent factor of EF derived from multiple indicators and including psychopathology covariates in our analyses. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The present study included a large sample of community adults (n = 489) who were oversampled for internalizing psychopathology symptoms. METHODS Primary analyses examined whether childhood maltreatment (cumulative and subtypes) predicted EF using a latent factor approach and linear mixed effects models. Follow-up analyses assessed the impact of childhood maltreatment on EF beyond internalizing psychopathology symptoms and assessed whether gender moderated relationships between EF and childhood maltreatment. RESULTS Greater cumulative maltreatment predicted poorer EF (B = -0.15), and emotional neglect emerged as a unique predictor of EF (B = -0.18). These results remained after controlling for psychopathology symptoms. Gender moderated the relationship between physical abuse and EF, with physical abuse predicting poorer EF among males (B = 0.30), but not females (B = -0.04). CONCLUSIONS Overall, results indicate that general EF deficits are related to a history of childhood maltreatment, which is not accounted for by internalizing psychopathology symptoms. Potential implications and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Letkiewicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Carter J Funkhouser
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stewart A Shankman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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24
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Ferrer A, Soria V, Salvat-Pujol N, Martorell L, Armario A, Urretavizcaya M, Gutiérrez-Zotes A, Monreal JA, Crespo JM, Massaneda C, Vilella E, Palao D, Menchón JM, Labad J. The role of childhood trauma, HPA axis reactivity and FKBP5 genotype on cognition in healthy individuals. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 128:105221. [PMID: 33866068 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment has been associated with both childhood adversity and abnormalities of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. An interaction exists between the functional polymorphism rs1360780 in the FKBP5 gene and childhood maltreatment, influencing a variety of clinical outcomes. Our goal was to study the relationship between different types of childhood trauma, HPA axis functionality, rs1360780 genotype and cognitive function in 198 healthy individuals who participated in the study. We obtained clinical data, childhood maltreatment scores and neurocognitive performance by clinical assessment; HPA negative feedback was analysed using the dexamethasone suppression test ratio (DSTR) after administration of 0.25 mg of dexamethasone; and the FKBP5 rs1360780 polymorphism was genotyped in DNA obtained from blood samples. The results showed a significant influence of physical neglect on measures of neurocognition as well as an interaction between the DSTR and physical and emotional neglect. Regarding social cognition, a significant association was found with sexual and physical abuse as well as with rs1360780 risk-allele carrier status. Moreover, an interaction between the rs1360780 genotype and the presence of physical abuse was significantly associated with social cognition results. Our results suggest a specific impact of different kinds of childhood maltreatment on measures of neurocognition and social cognition, which might be influenced by HPA axis reactivity and genetic variants in HPA axis-related genes such as FKBP5. Disentangling the relationship between these elements and their influence on cognitive performance might help identify susceptible individuals with higher stress vulnerability and develop preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Ferrer
- Department of Psychiatry, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Virginia Soria
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group-Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Neus Salvat-Pujol
- Department of Psychiatry, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group-Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lourdes Martorell
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.
| | - Antonio Armario
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Animal Physiology Unit (Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology), Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Neurociències, Spain, Physiology and Immunology), Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Mikel Urretavizcaya
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group-Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Zotes
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.
| | - José Antonio Monreal
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Universitat de Barcelona, Terrassa, Spain.
| | - José Manuel Crespo
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group-Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Clara Massaneda
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group-Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Elisabet Vilella
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.
| | - Diego Palao
- Department of Psychiatry, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| | - José Manuel Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group-Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Labad
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Mataró, Spain; Institut de Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Barcelona, Spain.
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25
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Salvat-Pujol N, Labad J, Urretavizcaya M, de Arriba-Arnau A, Segalàs C, Real E, Ferrer A, Crespo JM, Jiménez-Murcia S, Soriano-Mas C, Menchón JM, Soria V. Childhood maltreatment interacts with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis negative feedback and major depression: effects on cognitive performance. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1857955. [PMID: 33796230 PMCID: PMC7968873 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1857955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis negative feedback and cognitive dysfunction, resembling those abnormalities linked to major depressive disorder (MDD). Objectives: We aimed to assess the potential modulating effects of MDD diagnosis or HPA axis function in the association between different types of CM and cognitive performance in adulthood. Methods: Sixty-eight MDD patients and 87 healthy controls were recruited. CM was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. We obtained three latent variables for neuropsychological performance (verbal memory, visual memory and executive function/processing speed) after running a confirmatory factor analysis with cognitive tests applied. Dexamethasone suppression test ratio (DSTR) was performed using dexamethasone 0.25 mg. Results: Different types of CM had different effects on cognition, modulated by MDD diagnosis and HPA axis function. Individuals with physical maltreatment and MDD presented with enhanced cognition in certain domains. The DSTR differentially modulated the association between visual memory and physical neglect or sexual abuse. Conclusions: HPA axis-related neurobiological mechanisms leading to cognitive impairment might differ depending upon the type of CM. Our results suggest a need for early assessment and intervention on cognition and resilience mechanisms in individuals exposed to CM to minimize its deleterious and lasting effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Salvat-Pujol
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Department of Mental Health, I3PT, Sabadell, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Labad
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Department of Mental Health, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Mataró, Spain
| | - Mikel Urretavizcaya
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aida de Arriba-Arnau
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cinto Segalàs
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Real
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alex Ferrer
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Department of Mental Health, I3PT, Sabadell, Spain
| | - José M Crespo
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carles Soriano-Mas
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - José M Menchón
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Soria
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department. Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Montoya-Arenas DA, Londoño-Guzmán D, Franco JG, Gaviria AM. Effect of Exposure to Socio-Political Violence and Abuse During Childhood on Executive Planning in Adult Life. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:693741. [PMID: 35242058 PMCID: PMC8886120 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.693741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The exposure to unfavorable environments during childhood negatively affects the development of the executive planning abilities in adult life. In countries with sociopolitical conflicts, children are exposed to traumatic events as a result of child abuse and sociopolitical violence. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the exposure to both forms of adverse childhood experiences on the executive planning abilities in adults from the general population. METHOD The history of child abuse and sociopolitical violence during childhood was assessed, as well as the executive planning abilities, in 59 adults older than 49 without cognitive impairment or depressive disorder. RESULTS Of the sample, 88.1% experienced at least one child abuse event and 47.5% was exposed to sociopolitical violence. Sexual abuse and physical abuse (child abuse) were associated with reduced performance in executive planning. Forced displacement and extortion (sociopolitical violence) had a mixed relationship with planning ability, improving some aspects, and worsening some others. Kidnapping was associated with increased capacity and control of the working memory and executive planning. CONCLUSIONS The traumatic events during childhood have differential effects on the executive planning skills in the adult life. The exposure to sexual and physical abuse negatively affects executive skills; on the other hand, sociopolitical violence has a mixed or positive impact. Specifically, kidnapping favors the executive planning processes, probably under an evolutionary adaptive mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Andrés Montoya-Arenas
- Grupo de Investigación Emoción, Cognición y Conducta, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Daniel Londoño-Guzmán
- Grupo de Investigación Psicología y Neurociencias, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Medellín, Colombia
| | - José G Franco
- Grupo de Investigación en Psiquiatría de Enlace (GIPE), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana M Gaviria
- Grupo de Investigación Psique y Sociedad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Fundación Universitaria María Cano, Medellín, Colombia
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27
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Ward M, Turner N, Briggs R, O'Halloran AM, Kenny RA. Resilience does not mediate the association between adverse childhood experiences and later life depression. Findings from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). J Affect Disord 2020; 277:901-907. [PMID: 33065832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.08.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resilience has been found to moderate the association between childhood trauma and later depression. We examined whether resilience mediates the association between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and later life depression among older adults. METHODS Data were from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a prospective study of 8,500 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 50 years. Negative binomial regressions were used to examine the relationships between ACEs, resilience, and depression and path analysis was conducted to test the potential mediating effect of resilience on the association between ACEs and depressive symptoms. RESULTS Mean CES-D8 depression score was 3.3 from a maximum of 24. The average resilience score from a maximum of 15 was 8.9. 26.0% of participants had experienced at least one ACE before the age of 18. A history of ACEs was associated with increased depressive symptomology. The strongest association was between physical abuse and depressive symptoms followed by sexual abuse, parental drug or alcohol use, and childhood poverty. Our path analyses showed that there was no evidence that resilience mediated the association between ACEs and depressive symptoms among this cohort. LIMITATIONS Information on ACEs was collected retrospectively. The resilience measure depended on experience of stressful life events in the last five years and therefore some participants were excluded. CONCLUSIONS ACEs were associated with an increased likelihood of late-life depressive symptoms. Higher resilience was associated with decreased likelihood of late-life depressive symptoms. A history of ACEs is associated with lower resilience. The association between ACEs and late-life depressive symptoms is not mediated by resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Ward
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Lincoln Gate, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Niall Turner
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Lincoln Gate, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert Briggs
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Lincoln Gate, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling M O'Halloran
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Lincoln Gate, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Lincoln Gate, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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Early-Life Conditions and Cognitive Function in Middle-and Old-Aged Chinese Adults: A Longitudinal Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103451. [PMID: 32429157 PMCID: PMC7277849 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A range of previous studies have suggested that early-life conditions (ELCs) are associated with various health problems throughout life in Western societies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether, and how, early-life conditions predicted the level and trajectory of cognitive function in middle- and old-aged Chinese adults. Data were obtained from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study which comprised 16,258 adults at baseline. Cognitive function was assessed using mental intactness and episodic memory and ELCs were measured by early parental death, childhood socioeconomic status (SES), food deprivation, and childhood health. Growth curve modeling was used to examine the trajectory of cognitive function (three waves in a 6-year period)with particular attention paid to the effects of ELCs on cognition. The results show that early maternal death is associated with the baseline cognitive level among middle- and old-aged Chinese adults (β range between −0.44 and −0.35, p < 0.05), but that this association is also largely attenuated by adulthood education. Higher childhood SES predicts an enhanced level of baseline cognition in both age groups (β range between 0.08 and 1.27, p < 0.001), but only protects against cognitive decline at baseline in middle-aged adults. Participants who were less healthy during childhood tended to have lower cognitive performance than those who had enjoyed good health (β range between −0.36 and −0.14, p < 0.05). The results of this study highlight the detrimental impact of deleterious ELCs on cognitive function throughout later life.
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29
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Marques NM, Belizario GO, Rocca CCDA, Saffi F, de Barros DM, Serafim ADP. Psychological evaluation of children victims of sexual abuse: development of a protocol. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03552. [PMID: 32211541 PMCID: PMC7082511 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual abuse (SA) is associated with significant psychological problems in childhood, making it increasingly important to develop evaluation protocols. This study examined clinical aspects and cognitive measures of 49 children (24 with SA history and 25 controls). It employed a SA assessment questionnaire, clinical evaluations of posttraumatic stress disorder, risk indicators and neuropsychological tests in order to elaborate a specific forensic psychological evaluation protocol for this population. Conflicting couples (80%), separated parents (68%) and parents' alcohol/drug abuse (76%) were revealed as major risk factors. Fathers represented the primary perpetrator (24%). The main cognitive complaint was difficulty concentrating. Regarding the association between clinical and cognitive variables, it was observed that children who were anxious or referred to having fear, difficulties with operational memory and difficulty sleeping, had more trouble performing tasks that required attention and memory (operational, immediate and late). Children with SA history demonstrated inferior performance in visual attention/task switching and memory; with an emphasis in the loss of set in the Wisconsin test. The findings suggest the possibility of a primary attention deficit in children with SA history, possibly influencing the performance of other cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natali Maia Marques
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Forensic Psychology Program, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Okawa Belizario
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Bipolar Disorder Research Program (PROMAN), University of São Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fabiana Saffi
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Forensic Psychology Program, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins de Barros
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Forensic Psychology Program, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio de Pádua Serafim
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Neuropsychology Unit, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Psychology, Methodist University of São Paulo, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
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Gong J, Wang Y, Liu J, Fu X, Cheung EFC, Chan RCK. The interaction between positive schizotypy and high sensitivity C-reactive protein on response inhibition in female individuals. Psychiatry Res 2019; 274:365-371. [PMID: 30852429 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.02.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to measure the associations between high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), childhood maltreatment (CM), schizotypy and response inhibition, and to explore the interactions between hsCRP, CM and schizotypy on response inhibition. Two hundred and fourteen participants completed the Stop-Signal Task (SST), the Schizotypy Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ), which measured response inhibition, schizotypy and history of CM respectively. The level of hsCRP was also measured. The high schizotypy group (n = 114) had higher scores on SPQ and CTQ, higher hsCRP levels and longer SST reaction times (SSRTs) than the low schizotypy group (n = 100). In female participants, SSRT had a positive correlation with the SPQ positive factor and the disorganized SPQ factor and a positive correlation with physical neglect. HsCRP was positively correlated with the SPQ negative factor and positive SPQ factor. In male participants, SSRT was negatively correlated with emotional neglect and physical neglect. The majority of correlations between CTQ and SPQ variables were significant in both female and male participants. In female participants, hsCRP significantly predicted SSRT, and hsCRP significantly interacted with positive schizotypy in predicting SSRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Gong
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan university of Chinese medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- Mental Health Institute of The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xiaogao Fu
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan university of Chinese medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Eric F C Cheung
- Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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31
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Rose EJ, Picci G, Fishbein DH. Neurocognitive Precursors of Substance Misuse Corresponding to Risk, Resistance, and Resilience Pathways: Implications for Prevention Science. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:399. [PMID: 31258493 PMCID: PMC6586742 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of substance misuse prevention generally focus on characteristics that typify risk, with the assumption that the prevalence of the problem will be optimally reduced by identifying, targeting, and reducing or eliminating risk factors. However, this risk-centered approach neglects variations in individual-level and environmental characteristics that portend differential pathways that are distinguishable by timing of substance use initiation (e.g., early versus delayed), the likelihood of use escalation versus eventual desistance, and enduring abstinence, despite exposure to significant risk factors. Considering the various underpinnings of these distinct substance use trajectories is critical to a more nuanced understanding of the effects, potency, and malleability of factors that are known to increase risk or confer protection. Here, we discuss three pathways relative to substance use patterns and predictors in the context of adversity, a well-known, highly significant influence on propensity for substance misuse. The first pathway is designated as "high risk" based on early onset of substance use, rapid escalation, and proneness to substance use disorders. Individuals who defy all odds and eventually exhibit adaptive developmental outcomes despite an initial maladaptive reaction to adversity, are referred to as "resilient." However, another categorization that has not been adequately characterized is "resistant." Resistant individuals include those who do not exhibit problematic substance use behaviors (e.g., early onset and escalation) and do not develop substance use disorders or other forms of psychopathology, despite significant exposure to factors that normally increase the propensity for such outcomes (e.g. trauma and/or adversity). In this paper, we apply this conceptualization of risk, resistance, and resilience for substance misuse to a more fine-grained analysis of substance use pathways and their corresponding patterns (e.g., non-use, initiation, escalation, desistance). The significance of the progression of neurocognitive functioning over the course of development is discussed as well as how this knowledge may be translated to make a science-based determination of intervention targets. This more encompassing theoretical model has direct implications for primary prevention and clinical approaches to disrupt risk pathways and to optimize long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Jane Rose
- Program for Translational Research on Adversity and Neurodevelopment (P-TRAN), The Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Giorgia Picci
- Program for Translational Research on Adversity and Neurodevelopment (P-TRAN), The Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Diana H Fishbein
- Program for Translational Research on Adversity and Neurodevelopment (P-TRAN), The Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.,Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Petkus AJ, Lenze EJ, Butters MA, Twamley EW, Wetherell JL. Childhood Trauma Is Associated With Poorer Cognitive Performance in Older Adults. J Clin Psychiatry 2018; 79:16m11021. [PMID: 29228518 PMCID: PMC6959209 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.16m11021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood trauma is common and associated with both worse cognitive performance and disruption to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in younger adults. The extent to which these associations persist into older adulthood remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported childhood trauma in relation to cognitive performance, and the extent to which cortisol explained this association, in 2 independent samples of older adults. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, participants in the discovery sample (N = 76) consisted of older adults with a DSM-IV diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (N = 57) and age-equated psychiatrically healthy comparison subjects (N = 19) who were referred largely through primary care clinics between 2004-2006. The replication sample (N = 48) consisted of older adults with DSM-IV anxiety or depressive disorders recruited between 2012-2013. Participants were administered the Early Trauma Inventory Self-Report-Short Form and a neuropsychological assessment (primary outcome). RESULTS Across both samples, childhood trauma was significantly associated with worse performance on measures of processing speed, attention, and executive functioning. The effect of trauma exposure was stronger when general, physical, and sexual traumatic events were examined specifically (all P < .05). Childhood trauma was not associated with cortisol levels, and cortisol did not explain the association between trauma and cognitive functioning. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported traumatic events experienced in childhood are associated with poorer cognitive performance in anxious and depressed older adults. Findings demonstrate a deleterious impact of childhood trauma on brain health in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric J. Lenze
- Healthy Mind Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis
| | | | - Elizabeth W. Twamley
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
| | - Julie Loebach Wetherell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego,VA San Diego Healthcare System
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33
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Watt MJ, Weber MA, Davies SR, Forster GL. Impact of juvenile chronic stress on adult cortico-accumbal function: Implications for cognition and addiction. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 79. [PMID: 28642080 PMCID: PMC5610933 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to stress during childhood is associated with increased risk for neuropsychiatric illness, substance use disorders and other behavioral problems in adulthood. However, it is not clear how chronic childhood stress can lead to emergence of such a wide range of symptoms and disorders in later life. One possible explanation lies in stress-induced disruption to the development of specific brain regions associated with executive function and reward processing, deficits in which are common to the disorders promoted by childhood stress. Evidence of aberrations in prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens function following repeated exposure of juvenile (pre- and adolescent) organisms to a variety of different stressors would account not only for the similarity in symptoms across the wide range of childhood stress-associated mental illnesses, but also their persistence into adulthood in the absence of further stress. Therefore, the goal of this review is to evaluate the current knowledge regarding disruption to executive function and reward processing in adult animals or humans exposed to chronic stress over the juvenile period, and the underlying neurobiology, with particular emphasis on the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. First, the role of these brain regions in mediating executive function and reward processing is highlighted. Second, the neurobehavioral development of these systems is discussed to illustrate how juvenile stress may exert long-lasting effects on prefrontal cortex-accumbal activity and related behavioral functions. Finally, a critical review of current animal and human findings is presented, which strongly supports the supposition that exposure to chronic stress (particularly social aggression and isolation in animal studies) in the juvenile period produces impairments in executive function in adulthood, especially in working memory and inhibitory control. Chronic juvenile stress also results in aberrations to reward processing and seeking, with increased sensitivity to drugs of abuse particularly noted in animal models, which is in line with greater incidence of substance use disorders seen in clinical studies. These consequences are potentially mediated by monoamine and glutamatergic dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, providing translatable therapeutic targets. However, the predominant use of male subjects and social-based stressors in preclinical studies points to a clear need for determining how both sex differences and stressor heterogeneity may differentially contribute to stress-induced changes to substrates mediating executive function and reward processing, before the impact of chronic juvenile stress in promoting adult psychopathology can be fully understood.
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Anderson EL, Heron J, Ben-Shlomo Y, Kuh D, Cooper R, Lawlor DA, Fraser A, Howe LD. Adversity in childhood and measures of aging in midlife: Findings from a cohort of british women. Psychol Aging 2017; 32:521-530. [PMID: 28891666 PMCID: PMC5592847 DOI: 10.1037/pag0000182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Very few studies have assessed whether socioeconomic and psychosocial adversity during childhood are associated with objective measures of aging later in life. We assessed associations of socioeconomic position (SEP) and total psychosocial adversity during childhood, with objectively measured cognitive and physical capability in women during midlife. Adverse childhood experiences were retrospectively reported at mean ages 28-30 years in women from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents And Children (N = 2,221). We investigated associations of childhood SEP and total psychosocial adversity, with composite measures of cognitive and physical capability at mean age 51 years. There was evidence that, compared with participants whose fathers had professional occupations, participants whose fathers had managerial/technical, skilled nonmanual, skilled manual, and partly or unskilled manual occupations had, on average, lower physical and cognitive capability. There was a clear trend for increasing magnitudes of association with lowering childhood SEP. There was also evidence that greater total psychosocial adversity in childhood was associated with lower physical capability. Total psychosocial adversity in childhood was not associated with cognitive capability. Lower SEP in childhood is detrimental to cognitive and physical capability in midlife, at least in part, independently of subsequent SEP in adulthood. Greater psychosocial adversity in childhood is associated with poorer physical capability, independently of social disadvantage in childhood. Our findings highlight the need for interventions to both identify and support children experiencing socioeconomic or psychosocial of adversity as early as possible. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Anderson
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol
| | - Jon Heron
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol
| | - Yoav Ben-Shlomo
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol
| | - Diana Kuh
- Medical Research Council Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London
| | - Rachel Cooper
- Medical Research Council Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London
| | - Debbie A Lawlor
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol
| | - Abigail Fraser
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol
| | - Laura D Howe
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol
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Dannehl K, Rief W, Euteneuer F. Childhood adversity and cognitive functioning in patients with major depression. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2017; 70:247-254. [PMID: 28633060 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Major depression is often accompanied by deficits in cognitive functioning and lowered executive functions. However, not all depressed patients show impairments in these domains. The aim of this study was to examine whether different kinds of childhood adversity might account for cognitive deficits in patients with major depression. METHODS Ninety-one patients with major depression (DSM-IV) and 40 healthy controls completed a neuropsychological test battery assessing memory, processing speed and executive functions. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used to measure the severity and number of incidences of sexual, physical and emotional abuse and physical and emotional neglect. RESULTS Patients with major depression had a significantly higher number of traumas and reported more severe emotional abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect than healthy controls. Patients performed less well in memory tasks, general knowledge and processing speed than healthy controls. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that the overall number of traumas was significantly associated with poorer general knowledge, lower processing speed and impaired executive functions in patients with major depression. A second model including all CTQ-subscales simultaneously demonstrated an association between physical neglect and poorer verbal learning, and physical abuse and diminished executive functions. CONCLUSION A higher number of childhood adversities may influence general knowledge, processing speed and executive functions in patients with major depression. In addition, physical abuse and neglect seemed to be associated with verbal learning deficits and poorer executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Dannehl
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Frank Euteneuer
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.
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Saleh A, Potter GG, McQuoid DR, Boyd B, Turner R, MacFall JR, Taylor WD. Effects of early life stress on depression, cognitive performance and brain morphology. Psychol Med 2017; 47:171-181. [PMID: 27682320 PMCID: PMC5195852 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716002403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood early life stress (ELS) increases risk of adulthood major depressive disorder (MDD) and is associated with altered brain structure and function. It is unclear whether specific ELSs affect depression risk, cognitive function and brain structure. METHOD This cross-sectional study included 64 antidepressant-free depressed and 65 never-depressed individuals. Both groups reported a range of ELSs on the Early Life Stress Questionnaire, completed neuropsychological testing and 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neuropsychological testing assessed domains of episodic memory, working memory, processing speed and executive function. MRI measures included cortical thickness and regional gray matter volumes, with a priori focus on the cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), amygdala, caudate and hippocampus. RESULTS Of 19 ELSs, only emotional abuse, sexual abuse and severe family conflict independently predicted adulthood MDD diagnosis. The effect of total ELS score differed between groups. Greater ELS exposure was associated with slower processing speed and smaller OFC volumes in depressed subjects, but faster speed and larger volumes in non-depressed subjects. In contrast, exposure to ELSs predictive of depression had similar effects in both diagnostic groups. Individuals reporting predictive ELSs exhibited poorer processing speed and working memory performance, smaller volumes of the lateral OFC and caudate, and decreased cortical thickness in multiple areas including the insula bilaterally. Predictive ELS exposure was also associated with smaller left hippocampal volume in depressed subjects. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest an association between childhood trauma exposure and adulthood cognitive function and brain structure. These relationships appear to differ between individuals who do and do not develop depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Saleh
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37212
| | - Guy G. Potter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710
| | - Douglas R. McQuoid
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710
| | - Brian Boyd
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37212
| | - Rachel Turner
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37212
| | - James R MacFall
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710
| | - Warren D. Taylor
- The Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
- The Center for Cognitive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37212
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Dunn EC, Busso DS, Raffeld MR, Smoller JW, Nelson CA, Doyle AE, Luk G. Does developmental timing of exposure to child maltreatment predict memory performance in adulthood? Results from a large, population-based sample. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2016; 51:181-91. [PMID: 26585216 PMCID: PMC4713298 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2015.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Although maltreatment is a known risk factor for multiple adverse outcomes across the lifespan, its effects on cognitive development, especially memory, are poorly understood. Using data from a large, nationally representative sample of young adults (Add Health), we examined the effects of physical and sexual abuse on working and short-term memory in adulthood. We examined the association between exposure to maltreatment as well as its timing of first onset after adjusting for covariates. Of our sample, 16.50% of respondents were exposed to physical abuse and 4.36% to sexual abuse by age 17. An analysis comparing unexposed respondents to those exposed to physical or sexual abuse did not yield any significant differences in adult memory performance. However, two developmental time periods emerged as important for shaping memory following exposure to sexual abuse, but in opposite ways. Relative to non-exposed respondents, those exposed to sexual abuse during early childhood (ages 3-5), had better number recall and those first exposed during adolescence (ages 14-17) had worse number recall. However, other variables, including socioeconomic status, played a larger role (than maltreatment) on working and short-term memory. We conclude that a simple examination of "exposed" versus "unexposed" respondents may obscure potentially important within-group differences that are revealed by examining the effects of age at onset to maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C. Dunn
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT
| | | | | | - Jordan W. Smoller
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Charles A. Nelson
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University
| | - Alysa E. Doyle
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT
| | - Gigi Luk
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA
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