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Weiss J, Beydoun MA, Beydoun HA, Georgescu MF, Hu YH, Noren Hooten N, Banerjee S, Launer LJ, Evans MK, Zonderman AB. Pathways explaining racial/ethnic and socio-economic disparities in brain white matter integrity outcomes in the UK Biobank study. SSM Popul Health 2024; 26:101655. [PMID: 38562403 PMCID: PMC10982559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathways explaining racial/ethnic and socio-economic status (SES) disparities in white matter integrity (WMI) reflecting brain health, remain underexplored, particularly in the UK population. We examined racial/ethnic and SES disparities in diffusion tensor brain magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) markers, namely global and tract-specific mean fractional anisotropy (FA), and tested total, direct and indirect effects through lifestyle, health-related and cognition factors using a structural equations modeling approach among 36,184 UK Biobank participants aged 40-70 y at baseline assessment (47% men). Multiple linear regression models were conducted, testing independent associations of race/ethnicity, socio-economic and other downstream factors in relation to global mean FA, while stratifying by Alzheimer's Disease polygenic Risk Score (AD PRS) tertiles. Race (Non-White vs. White) and lower SES predicted poorer WMI (i.e. lower global mean FA) at follow-up, with racial/ethnic disparities in FAmean involving multiple pathways and SES playing a central role in those pathways. Mediational patterns differed across tract-specific FA outcomes, with SES-FAmean total effect being partially mediated (41% of total effect = indirect effect). Furthermore, the association of poor cognition with FAmean was markedly stronger in the two uppermost AD PRS tertiles compared to the lower tertile (T2 and T3: β±SE: -0.0009 ± 0.0001 vs. T1: β±SE: -0.0005 ± 0.0001, P < 0.001), independently of potentially confounding factors. Race and lower SES were generally important determinants of adverse WMI outcomes, with partial mediation of socio-economic disparities in global mean FA through lifestyle, health-related and cognition factors. The association of poor cognition with lower global mean FA was stronger at higher AD polygenic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Weiss
- Stanford Center on Longevity, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - May A. Beydoun
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Hind A. Beydoun
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Michael F. Georgescu
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Yi-Han Hu
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Nicole Noren Hooten
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Sri Banerjee
- Public Health Doctoral Programs, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lenore J. Launer
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Michele K. Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
| | - Alan B. Zonderman
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, USA
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Beydoun MA, Noren Hooten N, Beydoun HA, Weiss J, Maldonado AI, Katzel LI, Davatzikos C, Gullapalli RP, Seliger SL, Erus G, Evans MK, Zonderman AB, Waldstein SR. Plasma neurofilament light and brain volumetric outcomes among middle-aged urban adults. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 129:28-40. [PMID: 37257406 PMCID: PMC10524231 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.04.013] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Elevated plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) is associated with dementia though underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We examined cross-sectional relationships of time-dependent plasma NfL with selected brain structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) prognostic markers of dementia. The sample was drawn from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Life Span (HANDLS) study, selecting participants with complete v1 (2004-2009) and v2 (2009-2013) plasma NfL exposure and ancillary sMRI data at vscan (2011-2015, n = 179, mean v1 to vscan time: 5.4 years). Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models were conducted, overall, by sex, and race, correcting for multiple testing with q-values. NfL(v1) was associated with larger WMLV (both Loge transformed), after 5-6 years' follow-up, overall (β = +2.131 ± 0.660, b = +0.29, p = 0.001, and q = 0.0029) and among females. NfLv2 was linked to a 125 mm3 lower left hippocampal volume (p = 0.004 and q = 0.015) in reduced models, mainly among males, as was observed for annualized longitudinal change in NfL (δNfLbayes). Among African American adults, NfLv1 was inversely related to total, gray and white matter volumes. Plasma NfL may reflect future brain pathologies in middle-aged adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- May A Beydoun
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Nicole Noren Hooten
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hind A Beydoun
- Department of Research Programs, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA, USA
| | - Jordan Weiss
- Department of Demography, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ana I Maldonado
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Catonsville, MD, USA
| | - Leslie I Katzel
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christos Davatzikos
- Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Imaging Laboratory (AIBIL), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rao P Gullapalli
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen L Seliger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guray Erus
- Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Imaging Laboratory (AIBIL), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michele K Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alan B Zonderman
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shari R Waldstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Catonsville, MD, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Roseborough AD, Saad L, Goodman M, Cipriano LE, Hachinski VC, Whitehead SN. White matter hyperintensities and longitudinal cognitive decline in cognitively normal populations and across diagnostic categories: A meta-analysis, systematic review, and recommendations for future study harmonization. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:194-207. [PMID: 35319162 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The primary aim of this paper is to improve the clinical interpretation of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and provide an overarching summary of methodological approaches, allowing researchers to design future studies targeting current knowledge gaps. METHODS A meta-analysis and systematic review was performed investigating associations between baseline WMHs and longitudinal cognitive outcomes in cognitively normal populations, and populations with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and stroke. RESULTS Baseline WMHs increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia across diagnostic categories and most consistently in MCI and post-stroke populations. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and domain-specific cognitive changes relating to strategic anatomical locations, such as frontal WMH and executive decline, represent important considerations. Meta-analysis reliability was assessed using multiple methods of estimation, and results suggest that heterogeneity in study design and reporting remains a significant barrier. DISCUSSION Recommendations and future directions for study of WMHs are provided to improve cross-study comparison and translation of research into consistent clinical interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austyn D Roseborough
- Vulnerable Brain Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Saad
- Vulnerable Brain Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maren Goodman
- Western Libraries, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren E Cipriano
- Ivey Business School and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vladimir C Hachinski
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn N Whitehead
- Vulnerable Brain Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Torres JM, Glymour MM. Future Directions for the HRS Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol. Forum Health Econ Policy 2022; 25:7-27. [PMID: 35254747 DOI: 10.1515/fhep-2021-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In the absence of effective pharmacological treatment to halt or reverse the course of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs), population-level research on the modifiable determinants of dementia risk and outcomes for those living with ADRD is critical. The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP), fielded in 2016 as part of the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and multiple international counterparts, has the potential to play an important role in such efforts. The stated goals of the HCAP are to improve our ability to understand the determinants, prevalence, costs, and consequences of cognitive impairment and dementia in the U.S. and to support cross-national comparisons. The first wave of the HCAP demonstrated the feasibility and value of the more detailed cognitive assessments in the HCAP compared to the brief cognitive assessments in the core HRS interviews. To achieve its full potential, we provide eight recommendations for improving future iterations of the HCAP. Our highest priority recommendation is to increase the representation of historically marginalized racial/ethnic groups disproportionately affected by ADRDs. Additional recommendations relate to the timing of the HCAP assessments; clinical and biomarker validation data, including to improve cross-national comparisons; dropping lower performing items; enhanced documentation; and the addition of measures related to caregiver impact. We believe that the capacity of the HCAP to achieve its stated goals will be greatly enhanced by considering these changes and additions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M Torres
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UC San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - M Maria Glymour
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UC San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Beydoun MA, Hossain S, MacIver PH, Srinivasan D, Beydoun HA, Maldonado AI, Katzel LI, Davatzikos C, Gullapalli RP, Seliger SL, Erus G, Evans MK, Zonderman AB, Waldstein SR. Red Cell Distribution Width, Anemia, and Brain Volumetric Outcomes Among Middle-Aged Adults. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 81:711-727. [PMID: 33814435 PMCID: PMC10088435 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anemia and red cell distribution width (RDW) have been linked to poor cognitive performance, pending studies of underlying mechanisms. OBJECTIVE We examined cross-sectional relationships of initial RDW status (v1), RDW change (δ), and anemia with brain structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) markers, including global and cortical brain and hippocampal and white matter lesion (WML) volumes, 5-6 years later. METHODS Data were used from three prospective visits within the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Life Span (HANDLS) study with complete v1 (2004-2009) and v2 (2009-2013) exposures and ancillary sMRI data at vscan (2011-2015, n = 213, mean v1 to vscan time: 5.7 years). Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models were conducted, overall, by sex, by race, and within non-anemics, correcting for multiple testing with q-values. RESULTS In minimally adjusted models (socio-demographics and follow-up time), anemiav1 and RDWv1 were consistently associated with smaller bilateral hippocampal volumes overall, and among females (q < 0.05), without significant sex differences. RDWv1 was related to smaller select regional cortical brain gray and white matter volumes in hematological measure-adjusted models; anemiav1 was associated with larger WML volumes only among whites. CONCLUSION In summary, baseline anemia and RDW were consistently associated with smaller bilateral hippocampal volumes, particularly among females, while anemia was linked to larger WML volume among Whites. In hematological measure-adjusted models, baseline RDW was linked to smaller regional gray and white matter volumes. Pending studies with sMRI repeats, randomized controlled trials are needed, demonstrating associations of anemia and elevated RDW with reduced brain volumes and cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- May A Beydoun
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sharmin Hossain
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter H MacIver
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Catonsville, MD, USA
| | - Dhivya Srinivasan
- Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Imaging Lab, Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics (CBICA), Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hind A Beydoun
- Department of Research Programs, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA, USA
| | - Ana I Maldonado
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Catonsville, MD, USA
| | - Leslie I Katzel
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christos Davatzikos
- Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Imaging Lab, Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics (CBICA), Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rao P Gullapalli
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen L Seliger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guray Erus
- Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Imaging Lab, Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics (CBICA), Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michele K Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alan B Zonderman
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shari R Waldstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Catonsville, MD, USA.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Beydoun MA, Shaked D, Hossain S, Weiss J, Beydoun HA, Maldonado AI, Katzel LI, Davatzikos C, Gullapalli RP, Seliger SL, Erus G, Evans MK, Zonderman AB, Waldstein SR. Red cell distribution width, anemia and their associations with white matter integrity among middle-aged urban adults. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 105:229-240. [PMID: 34120091 PMCID: PMC8338752 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Anemia (blood hemoglobin [Hb] <13 g/dL among males; <12 g/dL among females) and elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) are potential risk factors for reduced brain white matter integrity (WMI), reflected by lower fractional anisotropy or increased mean diffusivity. Cross-sectional data with exposure-outcome lag time was used, whereby hematological exposures (RDW and Hb) and covariates were compiled from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study with available visit 1 (v1; 2004-2009) and/or v2 (2009-2013) data; while diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) outcome data were collected at HANDLS SCAN visit (vscan: 2011-2015, n = 214, mean follow-up from v1 ±SD: 5.6 ± 1.8 year). Multivariable-adjusted linear regression analyses were conducted, overall, stratifying by sex, and further restricting to the nonanemic for RDW exposures in part of the analyses. Among males, RDW(v1) was linked with lower global mean fractional anisotropy (standardized effect size b = -0.30, p= 0.003, q < 0.05; basic model), an association only slightly attenuated with further covariate adjustment. Anemia was not a risk factor for poor WMI, independently of RDW. Ultimately, pending further longitudinal evidence, initial RDW appears to be associated with poorer WMI among males.
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Affiliation(s)
- May A Beydoun
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Danielle Shaked
- Department of Psychology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sharmin Hossain
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jordan Weiss
- Department of Demography, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Hind A Beydoun
- Department of Research Programs, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA, USA
| | - Ana I Maldonado
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Catonsville, MD, USA
| | - Leslie I Katzel
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christos Davatzikos
- Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Imaging Lab, Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics (CBICA), Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rao P Gullapalli
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen L Seliger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guray Erus
- Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Imaging Lab, Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics (CBICA), Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michele K Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alan B Zonderman
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shari R Waldstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Catonsville, MD, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Hernandez Saucedo H, Whitmer RA, Glymour M, DeCarli C, Mayeda ER, Gilsanz P, Miles SQ, Bhulani N, Farias ST, Olichney J, Mungas D. Measuring cognitive health in ethnically diverse older adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:261-271. [PMID: 33842969 PMCID: PMC8824686 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding racial/ethnic disparities in late-life cognitive health is a public health imperative. We used baseline data from the Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences (KHANDLE) study to examine how age, education, gender, and clinical diagnosis, a proxy for brain health, are associated with cross-sectional measures of cognition in diverse racial/ethnic groups. METHOD Comprehensive measures of cognition were obtained using the Spanish and English Neuropsychological Assessment Scales and the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Health Battery in a sample of 1695 KHANDLE participants (Asians 24%, Blacks 26%, Latinos 20%, Whites 29%). A 25% random subsample was clinically evaluated and diagnosed with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia. Cognitive test scores were regressed on core demographic variables and diagnosis in the combined sample and in multiple group analyses stratified by racial/ethnic group. RESULTS Race/ethnicity and education were variably associated with test scores with strongest associations with tests of vocabulary and semantic memory. Older age was associated with poorer performance on all measures, and gender differences varied across cognitive tests. Clinical diagnosis of MCI or dementia was associated with average decrements in test scores that ranged from -0.41 to -0.84 SD, with largest differences on tests of executive function and episodic memory. With few exceptions, associations of demographic variables and clinical diagnosis did not differ across racial/ethnic groups. DISCUSSION The robust associations of cognitive test results with clinical diagnosis independent of core demographic variables and race/ethnicity supports the validity of cognitive tests as indicators for brain health in diverse older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel A Whitmer
- University of California Davis, Public Health Sciences.,Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland
| | - Maria Glymour
- University of California San Francisco, Epidemiology and Biostatistics
| | | | | | | | | | - Nihal Bhulani
- University of California Davis, Department of Neurology
| | | | - John Olichney
- University of California Davis, Department of Neurology
| | - Dan Mungas
- University of California Davis, Department of Neurology
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Perspective: Treatment for Disease Modification in Chronic Neurodegeneration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040873. [PMID: 33921342 PMCID: PMC8069143 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Symptomatic treatments are available for Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. An unmet need is cure or disease modification. This review discusses possible reasons for negative clinical study outcomes on disease modification following promising positive findings from experimental research. It scrutinizes current research paradigms for disease modification with antibodies against pathological protein enrichment, such as α-synuclein, amyloid or tau, based on post mortem findings. Instead a more uniform regenerative and reparative therapeutic approach for chronic neurodegenerative disease entities is proposed with stimulation of an endogenously existing repair system, which acts independent of specific disease mechanisms. The repulsive guidance molecule A pathway is involved in the regulation of peripheral and central neuronal restoration. Therapeutic antagonism of repulsive guidance molecule A reverses neurodegeneration according to experimental outcomes in numerous disease models in rodents and monkeys. Antibodies against repulsive guidance molecule A exist. First clinical studies in neurological conditions with an acute onset are under way. Future clinical trials with these antibodies should initially focus on well characterized uniform cohorts of patients. The efficiency of repulsive guidance molecule A antagonism and associated stimulation of neurogenesis should be demonstrated with objective assessment tools to counteract dilution of therapeutic effects by subjectivity and heterogeneity of chronic disease entities. Such a research concept will hopefully enhance clinical test strategies and improve the future therapeutic armamentarium for chronic neurodegeneration.
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