Multimorbidity and Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Associations between nutritional status and abdominal adiposity with cognitive domains and depressive symptoms in older persons with multimorbidity: Understanding an understudied population

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among older persons and has been linked to adverse outcomes. Limited information exists regarding its connection with cognition and depression in older persons burdened by chronic diseases, experiencing heightened nutritional and psychosocial vulnerability. In this study, we examined the association between nutritional status, cognitive performance, and depressive symptomatology, in a cohort of older persons with multimorbidity.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 114 pluripathological older persons. Nutritional status was assessed through Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), body mass index (BMI) and waist and calf circumferences. Cognition was assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and depressive symptoms were measured with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15).

RESULTS

MNA score was positively correlated with the MoCA's visuospatial score (rho=0.262) and, participants with normal nutritional status according to MNA, performed better in orientation (p=0.037) and abstraction (p=0.013) domains. MNA was also associated with depressive symptoms, with odds 8.6 times higher in malnourished participants (AOR 8.6, 95% CI 2.6-28.8, p=0.000). Abdominal obesity, meanwhile, was associated with a decrease of 3.33 points in the overall MoCA score (β -3.33, 95% CI=-5.92; -0.73, p=0.013).

CONCLUSION

In older persons with multimorbidity, abdominal obesity and malnutrition were factors associated with lower global and domain-specific cognitive performance and increased depressive symptomatology.

Independent and joint associations of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and depression on cognitive function: findings from multi-regional cohorts and generalisation from community to clinic

Background

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) and depression are often co-occurring in older adults and associated with neurodegenerative outcomes. The present study aimed to estimate the independent and joint associations of CMM and depression on cognitive function in multi-regional cohorts, and to validate the generalizability of the findings in additional settings, including clinical.

Methods

Data harmonization was performed across 14 longitudinal cohort studies within the Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC) group, spanning North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Three external validation studies with distinct settings were employed for generalization. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they had data for CMM and were free of dementia at baseline. Baseline CMM was defined as: 1) CMM 5, ≥2 among hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease and 2) CMM 3 (aligned with previous studies), ≥2 among diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Baseline depression was primarily characterized by binary classification of depressive symptom measurements, employing the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale. Global cognition was standardized as z-scores through harmonizing multiple cognitive measures. Longitudinal cognition was calculated as changes in global cognitive z-scores. A pooled individual participant data (IPD) analysis was utilized to estimate the independent and joint associations of CMM and depression on cognitive outcomes in COSMIC studies, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Repeated analyses were performed in three external validation studies.

Findings

Of the 32,931 older adults in the 14 COSMIC cohorts, we included 30,382 participants with complete data on baseline CMM, depression, and cognitive assessments for cross-sectional analyses. Among them, 22,599 who had at least 1 follow-up cognitive assessment were included in the longitudinal analyses. The three external studies for validation had 1964 participants from 3 multi-ethnic Asian older adult cohorts in different settings (community-based, memory clinic, and post-stroke study). In COSMIC studies, each of CMM and depression was independently associated with cross-sectional and longitudinal cognitive function, without significant interactions between them (Ps > 0.05). Participants with both CMM and depression had lower cross-sectional cognitive performance (e.g. β = -0.207, 95% CI = (-0.255, -0.159) for CMM5 (+)/depression (+)) and a faster rate of cognitive decline (e.g. β = -0.040, 95% CI = (-0.047, -0.034) for CMM5 (+)/depression (+)), compared with those without either condition. These associations remained consistent after additional adjustment for APOE genotype and were robust in two-step random-effects IPD analyses. The findings regarding the joint association of CMM and depression on cognitive function were reproduced in the three external validation studies.

Interpretation

Our findings highlighted the importance of investigating age-related co-morbidities in a multi-dimensional perspective. Targeting both cardiometabolic and psychological conditions to prevent cognitive decline could enhance effectiveness.

Funding

Natural Science Foundation of China and National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health.

The Impact of Multimorbidity on Labor Force Participation Among the Middle-Aged and Older Working Population in the United States

OBJECTIVES

Multimorbidity, known as multiple chronic conditions (MCC), is the coexistence of two or more chronic health conditions (CHC). The near-retirement-age population with MCC is more likely to experience discontinued labor force participation (LFP). Our objective was to evaluate the impact of MCC on LFP among adults aged 50-64 and to explore heterogeneous effects between self-employed and non-self-employed workers.

METHODS

We constructed our sample using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from 1996 to 2018. We adopted an individual fixed-effect (F.E.) model and propensity score matching (PSM) to measure the impact of MCC on the probability of being employed and changes in annual work hours.

RESULTS

50.5% of respondents have MCC. Individuals with MCC exhibit a predicted probability of being employed that is 9.3 percentage points (p < .01, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: -0.109, -0.078) lower than those without MCC. Compared with non-CHC, MCC significantly reduced annual working hours by 6.1% (p < .01, 95% CI: -0.091, -0.036) in the F.E. model and by 4.9% (p < .01, 95% CI: -0.064, -0.033) in PSM estimation. The effect is more pronounced for the self-employed with MCC, who have 13.0% (p < .05, 95% CI: -0.233, -0.026) fewer annual work hours than non-CHC based on the FE model and 13.4% (p < .01, 95% CI: -0.197, -0.070) in PSM estimation.

DISCUSSION

MCC significantly reduces LFP compared with non-MCC. MCC has a heterogeneous impact across occupational types. It is important to support the near-retirement-age working population with multimorbidity through effective clinical interventions and workplace wellness policies to help manage health conditions and remain active in the labor market.

The relationship between multimorbidity and cognitive function in older Chinese adults: based on propensity score matching

Objective

The goal of this study was to further validate the effect of multimorbidity on cognitive performance in older adults after controlling for confounders using propensity score matching (PSM).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of older adult people aged 60 years or older selected by convenience sampling was conducted in seven medical institutions, three communities, and five nursing homes in Zunyi City, Guizhou Province. The data collected included general information, health-related information, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Variables were controlled for confounders by PSM to analyze differences in cognitive ability between multimorbidity and nonmultimorbidity older adults. Logistic regression and multivariate-adjusted restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves for matched samples were used to assess the relationship between multimorbidity and cognitive decline.

Results

A total of 14,175 respondents were enrolled, and the mean age of the participants included in this study was 71.26 ± 7.1 years, including 7,170 (50. 58%) of the participants were males, 7,005 (49.42%) were females, and 5,482 participants (38.67%) were screened for cognitive decline. After PSM, logistic regression analysis revealed that multimorbidity was a risk factor for cognitive decline (OR = 1.392, 95% CI = 1.271-1.525, p < 0.001). The RCS show that the risk of cognitive decline is always greater in older adults with multimorbidity than in older adults without multimorbidity at the same age. Age, sex, marital status, educational level, monthly income, drinking status, participation in social activities, and exercise were influential factors for cognitive decline in older adults (p < 0.05). The incidence of cognitive decline in older adults with multimorbidity was also greater than that in older adults with one chronic disease (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The risk of cognitive decline in older adults with multimorbidity is greater than that in older adults without multimorbidity; therefore, the government should strengthen the prevention and treatment of multimorbidity in older adults to further protect their cognitive abilities.

Neurological hospitalisations in childhood cancer survivors treated before 2001: findings from the French Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort

PURPOSE

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) have an increased risk of developing late chronic diseases, which can be influenced by the cancer type and its treatment. These chronic diseases can be severe and disabling, typically emerging years to decades after treatment. These deficits negatively impact quality of life, intelligence quotient, and memory. This study investigated how much the cancer type and treatment could affect the neurological hospitalisations in the French Childhood Cancer Survivors Study (FCCSS).

METHODS

We included 5579 childhood cancer survivors (CCS), diagnosed with solid tumours or lymphoma between 1945 and 2000, treated before 2001 and below the age of 21 years at initial treatment. The follow-up period was from 2006 to 2018. Hospitalisation data were obtained by linkage with the National Health Data System. We calculated the relative hospitalisation rate (RHRs) and absolute excess rate (AERs). Multivariable analyses were conducted using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with a Poisson distribution to estimate the association between neurological hospitalisation and patient characteristics. The expected number of hospitalisations served as an offset to compare the risk for FCCSS survivors with that of the reference population. Risk estimates were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

The hospitalisation rate for CCS was 114.2 per 10,000 person-years (PY), compared to 48.4 in the reference population. The highest hospitalisation rates were observed for epilepsy (AER = 27.1 per 10000 PY, 95%CI: 23.5-31.2 and RHR = 5.1, 95%CI 4.4-5.7). In multivariable analyses, central nervous system (CNS) tumours survivors had the highest relative risk (RR) of hospitalisation (RR = 9.4, 95%CI: 6.7-13.1) followed by neuroblastoma survivors (RR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.7-3.7). In the whole population, survivors who received radiation to the head and neck had a significantly higher risk of hospitalisation (RR = 3.9, 95%CI: 3.3-4.7) compared to those who did not receive radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Head and neck irradiation was identified as a strong risk factor for hospitalisation. This underlines the importance of implementing specific neurologic surveillance programs for at-risk individuals.

External Validation of the Charlson Comorbidity Index-based Model for Survival Prediction in Thai Patients Diagnosed with Dementia

BACKGROUND

The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is commonly employed for predicting mortality. Nonetheless, its performance has rarely been evaluated in patients with dementia. This study aimed to examine the predictive capability of the CCI-based model for survival prediction in Thai patients diagnosed with dementia.

METHODS

An external validation study was conducted using retrospective data from adults with dementia who had visited the outpatient departments at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital between 2006 and 2012. The data obtained from electronic medical records included age, gender, date of dementia diagnosis and death, types of dementia, and comorbidities at the time of dementia diagnosis. The discriminative ability and calibration of the CCI-based model were estimated using Harrell's C Discrimination Index and visualized with calibration plot. As the initial performance did not meet satisfaction, model updating and recalibration were performed.

RESULTS

Of 702 patients, 56.9% were female. The mean age at dementia diagnosis was 75.22 (SD 9.75) year-old. During external validation, Harrell's C-statistic of the CCI-based model was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.54-0.61). The model showed poor external calibration. Model updating was subsequently performed. All updated models demonstrated a modest increase in Harrell's C-statistic. Temporal recalibration did not significantly improve the calibration of any of the updated models.

CONCLUSION

The CCI-based model exhibited fair discriminative ability and poor calibration for predicting survival in Thai patients diagnosed with dementia. Despite attempts at model updating, significant improvements were not achieved. Therefore, it is important to consider the incorporation of other influential prognostic factors.

Modifiable risk factors for mild cognitive impairment among cognitively normal community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although numerous studies have investigated modifiable risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among community-dwelling seniors, no meta-analysis has summarized these findings. Five databases were searched from January 1, 2000, to December 30, 2023. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Data were extracted and reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Relevant meta-analyses of modifiable risk factors were performed. The evidence of each factor was assessed by the GRADE for cohort studies. Of 16,651 citations, 87 studies involving 225,584 community-dwelling seniors were included. Fourteen meta-analyses involving 20 studies with 44,199 participants were performed. The analyses revealed low-to-moderate-quality evidence supporting that diabetes, 2 or more comorbidities, anxiety, apathy, depressive symptoms, and physical frailty were risk factors for incident MCI in older adults. Conversely, hypertension, agitation, and irritability might not be risk factors. Additionally, moderate-quality evidence supports the protective effect of engaging in cognitive-demanding activities on the onset of MCI. Collectively, this study constitutes the first extensive compilation of evidence regarding the various risk factors for the development of MCI in older adults. Our findings hold significant potential to guide the formulation of prevention and management strategies to either prevent or potentially reverse the onset of MCI.

Multimorbidity measures associated with cognitive function among community-dwelling older Chinese adults

INTRODUCTION

Older adults with multimorbidity are at high risk of cognitive impairment development. There is a lack of research on the associations between different multimorbidity measures and cognitive function among older Chinese adults living in the community.

METHODS

We used the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 2002 to 2018 and included data on dementia-free participants aged ≥65 years. Multimorbidity measures included condition counts, multimorbidity patterns, and trajectories. The association of multimorbidity measures with cognitive function was examined by generalized estimating equation and linear and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Among 14,093 participants at baseline, 43.2% had multimorbidity. Multimorbidity patterns were grouped into cancer-inflammatory, cardiometabolic, and sensory patterns. Multimorbidity trajectories were classified as "onset-condition," "newly developing," and "severe condition." The Mini-Mental State Examination scores were significantly lower for participants with more chronic conditions, with cancer-inflammatory/cardiometabolic/sensory patterns, and with developing multimorbidity trajectories.

DISCUSSION

Condition counts, sensory pattern, cardiometabolic pattern, cancer-inflammatory pattern, and multimorbidity developmental trajectories were prospectively associated with cognitive function.

HIGHLIGHTS

Elderly individuals with a higher number of chronic conditions were associated with lower MMSE scores in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey data. MMSE scores were significantly lower for participants with specific multimorbidity patterns. Individuals with developing trajectories of multimorbidity were associated with lower MMSE scores and a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment.

Essential New Complexity-Based Themes for Patient-Centered Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia and Predementia in Older People: Multimorbidity and Multilevel Phenomenology

Dementia is a highly prevalent condition with devastating clinical and socioeconomic sequela. It is expected to triple in prevalence by 2050. No treatment is currently known to be effective. Symptomatic late-onset dementia and predementia (SLODP) affects 95% of patients with the syndrome. In contrast to trials of pharmacological prevention, no treatment is suggested to remediate or cure these symptomatic patients. SLODP but not young onset dementia is intensely associated with multimorbidity (MUM), including brain-perturbating conditions (BPCs). Recent studies showed that MUM/BPCs have a major role in the pathogenesis of SLODP. Fortunately, most MUM/BPCs are medically treatable, and thus, their treatment may modify and improve SLODP, relieving suffering and reducing its clinical and socioeconomic threats. Regrettably, the complex system features of SLODP impede the diagnosis and treatment of the potentially remediable conditions (PRCs) associated with them, mainly due to failure of pattern recognition and a flawed diagnostic workup. We suggest incorporating two SLODP-specific conceptual themes into the diagnostic workup: MUM/BPC and multilevel phenomenological themes. By doing so, we were able to improve the diagnostic accuracy of SLODP components and optimize detecting and favorably treating PRCs. These revolutionary concepts and their implications for remediability and other parameters are discussed in the paper.

Multidimensional screening and intervention program for neurocognitive disorder in vascular and multimorbid outpatients: Study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The heightened risk of dementia resulting from multiple comorbid conditions calls for innovative strategies. Engaging in physical and cognitive activities emerges as a protective measure against cognitive decline. This protocol aims to discuss a multidomain intervention targeting individuals with dementias secondary to cerebrovascular or other medical diseases, emphasizing an often underrepresented demographic.

METHODS

This study primary objectives are: a) to identify patients affected by Neurocognitive disorder due to vascular disease or multiple etiologies (screening and diagnostic phase) and b) to evaluate the effectiveness of distinct rehabilitation protocols (intervention phase): motor training alone, paper-based cognitive rehabilitation combined with motor training, digital-based cognitive rehabilitation coupled with motor training.

DISCUSSION

Identifying cognitive impairment beyond rigid neurological contexts can facilitate timely and targeted interventions. This protocol strives to address the complex interplay of cognitive decline and comorbidities through a multidimensional approach, providing insights that can shape future interventions and enhancing overall well-being in this vulnerable population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study has been registered on July 13, 2023 with the ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05954741 registration number (https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05954741).

Blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in the community: Variation by chronic diseases and inflammatory status

INTRODUCTION

We explored the variations of blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by chronic diseases and systemic inflammation.

METHODS

We explored the association of AD blood biomarkers with chronic diseases and systemic inflammation (interleukin-6 [IL-6]), in 2366 dementia-free participants of the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care-in Kungsholmen, using quantile regression models.

RESULTS

A greater number of co-occurring chronic diseases was associated with higher concentrations of phosphorylated-tau 181 (p-tau181), total-tau (t-tau), neurofilament light chain (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (p < 0.01). Anemia, kidney, cerebrovascular, and heart diseases were associated with variations in the levels of AD blood biomarkers. Participants in the highest (vs. lowest) interleukin-6 (IL-6) tertile had higher NfL concentration. Systemic inflammation amplified the associations between several chronic diseases and p-tau181, t-tau, NfL, and GFAP.

DISCUSSION

In the community, the concentration of AD blood biomarkers varies in relation to medical conditions and systemic inflammation. Recognizing these influences is crucial for the accurate interpretation and clinical implementation of blood biomarkers.

HIGHLIGHTS

Participants with a complex clinical profile (i.e., multiple co-occurring diseases or specific disease combinations) display elevated levels of AD blood-biomarkers. Anemia, heart, cerebrovascular, and kidney diseases are associated with variations is the levels of AD blood biomarkers in cognitively intact older adults. Systemic inflammation amplifies the association between several chronic diseases and AD blood biomarkers.

Mental-somatic multimorbidity in trajectories of cognitive function for middle-aged and older adults

INTRODUCTION

Multimorbidity may confer higher risk for cognitive decline than any single constituent disease. This study aims to identify distinct trajectories of cognitive impairment probability among middle-aged and older adults, and to assess the effect of changes in mental-somatic multimorbidity on these distinct trajectories.

METHODS

Data from the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2016) were employed to estimate group-based trajectory models identifying distinct trajectories of cognitive impairment probability. Four time-varying mental-somatic multimorbidity combinations (somatic, stroke, depressive, stroke and depressive) were examined for their association with observed trajectories of cognitive impairment probability with age. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to quantify the association of sociodemographic and health-related factors with trajectory group membership.

RESULTS

Respondents (N = 20,070) had a mean age of 61.0 years (SD = 8.7) at baseline. Three distinct cognitive trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory modelling: (1) Low risk with late-life increase (62.6%), (2) Low initial risk with rapid increase (25.7%), and (3) High risk (11.7%). For adults following along Low risk with late-life increase, the odds of cognitive impairment for stroke and depressive multimorbidity (OR:3.92, 95%CI:2.91,5.28) were nearly two times higher than either stroke multimorbidity (OR:2.06, 95%CI:1.75,2.43) or depressive multimorbidity (OR:2.03, 95%CI:1.71,2.41). The odds of cognitive impairment for stroke and depressive multimorbidity in Low initial risk with rapid increase or High risk (OR:4.31, 95%CI:3.50,5.31; OR:3.43, 95%CI:2.07,5.66, respectively) were moderately higher than stroke multimorbidity (OR:2.71, 95%CI:2.35, 3.13; OR: 3.23, 95%CI:2.16, 4.81, respectively). In the multinomial logistic regression model, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic respondents had higher odds of being in Low initial risk with rapid increase and High risk relative to non-Hispanic White adults.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that depressive and stroke multimorbidity combinations have the greatest association with rapid cognitive declines and their prevention may postpone these declines, especially in socially disadvantaged and minoritized groups.

Childhood adverse life events and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function

Social stress experienced in childhood is associated with adverse health later in life. Mitochondrial function has been implicated as a mechanism for how stressful life events "get under the skin" to influence physical well-being. Using data from the Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging (n = 879, 59% women), linear models examined whether adverse childhood events (i.e., physical abuse) were associated with two measures of skeletal muscle mitochondrial energetics in older adults: (i) maximal adenosine triphosphate production (ATPmax) and (ii) maximal state 3 respiration (Max OXPHOS). Forty-five percent of the sample reported experiencing one or more adverse childhood events. After adjustment, each additional event was associated with -0.08 SD (95% confidence interval = -0.13, -0.02) lower ATPmax. No association was observed with Max OXPHOS. Adverse childhood events are associated with lower ATP production in later life. Findings indicate that mitochondrial function may be a mechanism for understanding how early social stress influences health in later life.

Association of mild and complex multimorbidity with structural brain changes in older adults: A population-based study

INTRODUCTION

We quantified the association of mild (ie, involving one or two body systems) and complex (ie, involving ≥3 systems) multimorbidity with structural brain changes in older adults.

METHODS

We included 390 dementia-free participants aged 60+ from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after 3 and/or 6 years. Using linear mixed models, we estimated the association between multimorbidity and changes in total brain tissue, ventricular, hippocampal, and white matter hyperintensities volumes.

RESULTS

Compared to non-multimorbid participants, those with complex multimorbidity showed the steepest reduction in total brain (β*time -0.03, 95% CI -0.05, -0.01) and hippocampal (β*time -0.05, 95% CI -0.08, -0.03) volumes, the greatest ventricular enlargement (β*time 0.03, 95% CI 0.01, 0.05), and the fastest white matter hyperintensities accumulation (β*time 0.04, 95% CI 0.01, 0.07).

DISCUSSION

Multimorbidity, particularly when involving multiple body systems, is associated with accelerated structural brain changes, involving both neurodegeneration and vascular pathology.

HIGHLIGHTS

Multimorbidity accelerates structural brain changes in cognitively intact older adults These brain changes encompass both neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular pathology The complexity of multimorbidity is associated with the rate of brain changes' progression.

Multimorbidity, cognitive phenotypes, and Alzheimer's disease plasma biomarkers in older adults: A population-based study

INTRODUCTION

To examine the burden and clusters of multimorbidity in association with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related plasma biomarkers among older adults.

METHODS

This population-based study included 5432 participants (age ≥60 years); of these, plasma amyloid beta (Aβ), total tau, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured in a subsample (n = 1412). We used hierarchical clustering to generate five multimorbidity clusters from 23 chronic diseases. We diagnosed dementia and MCI following international criteria. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression models.

RESULTS

The number of chronic diseases was associated with dementia (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11 to 1.33), AD (1.13; 1.01 to 1.26), vascular dementia (VaD) (1.44; 1.25 to 1.64), and non-amnestic MCI (1.25; 1.13 to 1.37). Metabolic cluster was associated with VaD and non-amnestic MCI, whereas degenerative ocular cluster was associated with AD (p < 0.05). The number of chronic diseases was associated with increased plasma Aβ and NfL (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Multimorbidity burden and clusters are differentially associated with subtypes of dementia and MCI and AD-related plasma biomarkers in older adults.

HIGHLIGHTS

We used hierarchical clustering to generate five clusters of multimorbidity. The presence and load of multimorbidity were associated with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Multimorbidity clusters were differentially associated with subtypes of dementia and Alzheimer's disease plasma biomarkers.

Factors That Influence Meeting the Recommended Weekly Physical Activity Target Among Older People With Physical Multimorbidity: Evidence From 6 Low- and Middle-Income Countries

BACKGROUND

There is a scarcity of studies on the association between physical multimorbidity and lower levels of physical activity among older adults from low- and middle-income countries, while the potential mediating variables in this association are largely unknown.

METHODS

Cross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health were analyzed. Data on 11 chronic physical conditions were collected. Scoring <150 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity physical activity per week was considered low physical activity. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analysis were done to assess associations and quality of life measures which might influence these associations.

RESULTS

Data on 14,585 people aged ≥65 years were analyzed (mean [SD] age 72.6 (11.5) y, maximum age 114 y; 55.0% women). After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with no chronic conditions, ≥3 conditions were associated with a significant 1.59 to 2.42 times higher odds for low physical activity. Finally, mobility mediated the largest proportion of the association between ≥3 chronic physical conditions and low physical activity (mediated percentage 50.7%), followed by activities of daily living disability (30.7%), cognition (24.0%), affect (23.6%), and pain/discomfort (22.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical multimorbidity was associated with higher odds for low physical activity among older adults residing in low- and middle-income countries. Mobility, disability, cognition, affect, and pain/discomfort explained the largest proportion of this association. Given the universal benefits of regular and sustained participation in physical activity, it would be prudent to implement interventions among older people with physical multimorbidity to increase levels of physical activity. Future studies should assess the impact of addressing the identified potential mediators among people with multimorbidity on physical activity levels.

Associations between vascular health, brain stiffness and global cognitive function

Vascular brain injury results in loss of structural and functional connectivity and leads to cognitive impairment. Its various manifestations, including microinfarcts, microhaemorrhages and white matter hyperintensities, result in microstructural tissue integrity loss and secondary neurodegeneration. Among these, tissue microstructural alteration is a relatively early event compared with atrophy along the aging and neurodegeneration continuum. Understanding its association with cognition may provide the opportunity to further elucidate the relationship between vascular health and clinical outcomes. Magnetic resonance elastography offers a non-invasive approach to evaluate tissue mechanical properties, providing a window into the microstructural integrity of the brain. This retrospective study evaluated brain stiffness as a potential biomarker for vascular brain injury and its role in mediating the impact of vascular dysfunction on cognitive impairment. Seventy-five participants from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging underwent brain imaging using a 3T MR imager with a spin-echo echo-planar imaging sequence for magnetic resonance elastography and T1- and T2-weighted pulse sequences. This study evaluated the effects of vascular biomarkers (white matter hyperintensities and cardiometabolic condition score) on brain stiffness using voxelwise analysis. Partial correlation analysis explored associations between brain stiffness, white matter hyperintensities, cardiometabolic condition and global cognition. Mediation analysis determined the role of stiffness in mediating the relationship between vascular biomarkers and cognitive performance. Statistical significance was set at P-values < 0.05. Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance elastography stiffness for white matter hyperintensities and cardiometabolic condition was evaluated using receiver operator characteristic curves. Voxelwise linear regression analysis indicated white matter hyperintensities negatively correlate with brain stiffness, specifically in periventricular regions with high white matter hyperintensity levels. A negative association between cardiovascular risk factors and stiffness was also observed across the brain. No significant patterns of stiffness changes were associated with amyloid load. Global stiffness (µ) negatively correlated with both white matter hyperintensities and cardiometabolic condition when all other covariables including amyloid load were controlled. The positive correlation between white matter hyperintensities and cardiometabolic condition weakened and became statistically insignificant when controlling for other covariables. Brain stiffness and global cognition were positively correlated, maintaining statistical significance after adjusting for all covariables. These findings suggest mechanical alterations are associated with cognitive dysfunction and vascular brain injury. Brain stiffness significantly mediated the indirect effects of white matter hyperintensities and cardiometabolic condition on global cognition. Local cerebrovascular diseases (assessed by white matter hyperintensities) and systemic vascular risk factors (assessed by cardiometabolic condition) impact brain stiffness with spatially and statistically distinct effects. Global brain stiffness is a significant mediator between vascular disease measures and cognitive function, highlighting the value of magnetic resonance elastography-based mechanical assessments in understanding this relationship.

Associations between cardiometabolic multimorbidity and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease pathology in cognitively intact adults: the CABLE study

BACKGROUND

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity is associated with an increased risk of dementia, but the pathogenic mechanisms linking them remain largely undefined. We aimed to assess the associations of cardiometabolic multimorbidity with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms linking cardiometabolic multimorbidity and AD.

METHODS

This study included 1464 cognitively intact participants from the Chinese Alzheimer's Biomarker and LifestylE (CABLE) database. Cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) are a group of interrelated disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases (HD), and stroke. Based on the CMD status, participants were categorized as CMD-free, single CMD, or CMD multimorbidity. CMD multimorbidity is defined as the coexistence of two or more CMDs. The associations of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and CSF biomarkers were examined using multivariable linear regression models with demographic characteristics, the APOE ε4 allele, and lifestyle factors as covariates. Subgroup analyses stratified by age, sex, and APOE ε4 status were also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 1464 individuals (mean age, 61.80 years; age range, 40-89 years) were included. The markers of phosphorylated tau-related processes (CSF P-tau181: β = 0.165, P = 0.037) and neuronal injury (CSF T-tau: β = 0.065, P = 0.033) were significantly increased in subjects with CMD multimorbidity (versus CMD-free), but not in those with single CMD. The association between CMD multimorbidity with CSF T-tau levels remained significant after controlling for Aβ42 levels. Additionally, significantly elevated tau-related biomarkers were observed in patients with specific CMD combinations (i.e., hypertension and diabetes, hypertension and HD), especially in long disease courses.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity was associated with tau phosphorylation and neuronal injury in cognitively normal populations. CMD multimorbidity might be a potential independent target to alleviate tau-related pathologies that can cause cognitive impairment.

Trajectories of quality of life and cognition in different multimorbidity patterns: Evidence from SHARE

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to observe the trajectory of quality of life (QoL) and cognition, and to a analyze the bidirectional association between cognition and QoL for diverse multimorbidity patterns.

METHODS

In total, 16,153 older participants age ≥50 years were included from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify multimorbidity patterns in the baseline population. We used linear mixed models (LMM) to examine the trajectory of cognition and QoL in different multimorbidity patterns. A cross-lagged model was employed to analyze the bidirectional association between cognition and QoL in diverse multimorbidity patterns.

RESULTS

Latent class analysis identified four multimorbidity patterns: high and low comorbidity burden (HC and LC), cardiometabolic (CA), and osteoarthrosis (OS). The HC group had the poorest cognitive function and QoL (p for trend < 0.001). Delayed and immediate episodic memory in the OS group declined at a highest rate (p for trend < 0.001). Additionally, a bidirectional association between cognition and QoL was observed. The effect of cognitive function on QoL was relatively stronger than the reverse in the CA and LC groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of decline in cognition and QoL over the time differs in diverse multimorbidity patterns, and patients with four or more chronic diseases should be specially considered. Notably, early monitoring of cognitive function and can help break the vicious cycle between cognitive deterioration and poor QoL in patients with OS or CA diseases.

Associations between multimorbidity burden and Alzheimer's pathology in older adults without dementia: the CABLE study

Studies have shown that multimorbidity may be associated with the Alzheimer's disease (AD) stages, but it has not been fully characterized in patients without dementia. A total of 1402 Han Chinese older adults without dementia from Chinese Alzheimer's Biomarker and LifestylE (CABLE) study were included and grouped according to their multimorbidity patterns, defined by the number of chronic disorders and cluster analysis. Multivariable linear regression models were used to detect the associations with AD-related cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers. Multimorbidity and severe multimorbidity (≥4 chronic conditions) were significantly associated with CSF amyloid and tau levels (pFDR < 0.05). Metabolic patterns were significantly associated with higher levels of CSF Aβ40 (β = 0.159, pFDR = 0.036) and tau (P-tau: β = 0.132, pFDR = 0.035; T-tau: β = 0.126, pFDR = 0.035). The above associations were only significant in the cognitively normal (CN) group. Multimorbidity was associated with brain AD pathology before any symptomatic evidence of cognitive impairment. Identifying such high-risk groups might allow tailored interventions for AD prevention.

Lifestyle and behavioural changes in older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic are associated with subjective cognitive complaints

Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) is a self-reported experience of persistently impaired cognitive functions which could be the earliest red flag of neurocognitive disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic and related restriction measures changed the lifestyle and behaviour of older adults. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of these changes and SCC status in Hungary. This cross-sectional study analysed the data of 359 elderly Hungarians who filled out the WW-FINGERS-SARS-CoV2 survey. A quarter of the respondents (n:88) reported SCC in connection with the pandemic. We compared sociodemographic features, health status, lifestyle, and social life parameters between subjects with reported SCC and without. To eliminate the potential interrelation across group differences, stepwise logistic regression was applied. Participants with SCC showed the following characteristics, compared to individuals without: (1) they were older; (2) they were more likely to be women; (3) they had a higher number of chronic disorders; (4) showed more prominent impairment in physical mobility; (5) had worse sleep quality; (6) spent less time with family; and (7) used internet more frequently during the pandemic (all p's < 0.001). Logistic regression highlighted that only two parameters were related to SCC status independently, the physical mobility (ability to walk 500 m without difficulties; OR = 1.186; p < 0.001; 95%CI = 1.101, 1.270) and changes in time spent with grandchildren (OR = 1.04; p = 0.015; 95%CI = 1.008, 1.073). Our study draws attention to the importance of physical mobility and quality time with family as key factors in the cognitive well-being of elderly people.

Multimorbidity, Social Engagement, and Age-Related Cognitive Decline in Older Adults from the Rancho Bernardo Study of Healthy Aging

Background

Multimorbidity is associated with increased rate of cognitive decline with age. It is unknown whether social engagement, which is associated with reduced risk of dementia, modifies associations between multimorbidity and cognitive decline.

Objective

To examine the associations of multimorbidity with longitudinal cognitive test performance among community-dwelling older adults, and to determine whether associations differed by levels of social engagement.

Methods

We used data from the Rancho Bernardo Study of Healthy Aging, a community-based prospective cohort study. Starting in 1992-1996, participants completed a battery of cognitive function tests at up to 6 study visits over 23.7 (mean = 7.2) years. Multimorbidity was defined as≥2 of 14 chronic diseases. Social engagement was assessed using items based on the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index. Multivariable linear mixed-effects models were used to test associations of multimorbidity and cognitive performance trajectories. Effect measure modification by social engagement was evaluated.

Results

Among 1,381 participants (mean age = 74.5 years; 60.8% women; 98.8% non-Hispanic White), 37.1% had multimorbidity and 35.1% had low social engagement. Multimorbidity was associated with faster declines in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; β= -0.20; 95% CI -0.35, -0.04), Trail-Making Test Part B (β= 10.02; 95% CI 5.77, 14.27), and Category Fluency (β= -0.42; 95% CI -0.72, -0.13) after adjustment for socio-demographic and health-related characteristics. Multimorbidity was associated with faster declines in MMSE among those with low compared to medium and high social engagement (p-interaction < 0.01).

Conclusions

Multimorbidity was associated with faster declines in cognition among community-dwelling older adults. Higher social engagement may mitigate multimorbidity-associated cognitive decline.

Tele neuropsychological exploratory assessment of indicators of mild cognitive impairment and autonomy level in Mexican population over 60 years old

Due to the cognitive decline associated with aging, it is necessary to determine the variables involved in this process to implement preventive actions to avoid or help slow the progression of cognitive decline to dementia in older adults. This is a priority in the current pandemic situation, due to the consequences of periods of confinement due to COVID-19. To address these challenges, this study was conducted through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), by adapting an in-person assessment protocol into an online Tele neuropsychological consultation. The correlation between autonomy and cognitive performance variables is analyzed in 47 Mexican subjects over 60 years of age. The results of the statistical analyses suggest a moderate correlation between the level of autonomy and cognitive performance (with MOCA and Clock Drawing Test), significant correlation values are outlined in some of the variables reviewed, and interesting data were found in the correlation of cognitive reserve with cognitive decline and the educational level from the participants. Finally, future analysis is proposed of the sensitivity of screening tests (CDT) to find indicators of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in this population that is not detected in classical tests (MOCA). Developing ICT-based screening protocols for the elderly may be a key tool in these coronavirus times or under any given circumstances.

Impact on physical function of the +AGIL Barcelona program in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairment: an interventional cohort study

BACKGROUND

Older adults with cognitive impairment (CI) have higher multimorbidity and frailty prevalence, lower functional status and an increased likelihood to develop dementia, non-cognitive deficits, and adverse health-related events. +AGIL, a real-world program for frail older adults in a primary care area of Barcelona, is a pragmatic, multi-component and integrated intervention implemented since 2016. It includes physical activity, nutrition, sleep hygiene, revision and adequacy of pharmacological treatment, detection of undesired loneliness and screening for CI; to improve physical function in community-dwelling older adults. We aimed to assess the + AGIL longitudinal impact on physical function among community-dwelling frail older persons with CI.

METHODS

An interventional cohort study included data from all the + AGIL consecutive participants from July 2016 until March 2020. Based on the comprehensive geriatric assessment, participants were offered a tailored multi-component community intervention, including a 10-week physical activity program led by an expert physical therapist. Physical performance was measured at baseline, three and six months follow-up. The pre-post impact on physical function was assessed by paired sample t-test for repeated samples. Linear mixed models were applied to analyze the + AGIL longitudinal impact. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

194 participants were included (82 with CI, based on previous diagnosis or the Mini-COG screening tool), 68% women, mean age 81.6 (SD = 5.8) yo. Participants were mostly independent in Activities of Daily Living (mean Barthel = 92.4, SD = 11.1). The physical activity program showed high adherence (87.6% attended ≥ 75% sessions). At three months, there was a clinically and statistically significant improvement in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and its subcomponents in the whole sample and after stratification for CI [CI group improvements: SPPB = 1.1 (SD = 1.8) points, gait speed (GS) = 0.05 (SD = 0.13) m/s, Chair stand test (CST)=-2.6 (SD = 11.4) s. Non-CI group improvements: SPPB = 1.6 (SD = 1.8) points, GS = 0.08 (SD = 0.13) m/s, CST=-6.4 (SD = 12.1) seg]. SPPB and gait speed remained stable at six months in the study sample and subgroups. CI had no significant impact on SPPB or GS improvements.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that older adults with CI can benefit from a multidisciplinary integrated and comprehensive geriatric intervention to improve physical function, a component of frailty.

Childhood adverse life events and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function

Social stress experienced in childhood is associated with adverse health later in life. Mitochondrial function has been implicated as a mechanism for how stressful life events "get under the skin" to influence physical wellbeing. Using data from the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (n=879, 59% women), linear models examined whether adverse childhood events (i.e., physical abuse) were associated with two measures of skeletal muscle mitochondrial energetics in older adults: (1) maximal adenosine triphosphate production (ATP max ) and (2) maximal state 3 respiration (Max OXPHOS). Forty-five percent of the sample reported experiencing 1+ adverse childhood event. After adjustment, each additional event was associated with -0.07 SD (95% CI= - 0.12, -0.01) lower ATP max . No association was observed with Max OXPHOS. Adverse childhood events are associated with lower ATP production in later life. Findings indicate that mitochondrial function may be a mechanism in understanding how early social stress influences health in later life.

Health status and quality of life in comorbid physical multimorbidity and depression among adults aged ⩾50 years from low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

Data on the clinical and functional significance of comorbid depression in physical multimorbidity in middle-aged and older adults and from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are lacking.

AIMS

This study aims to determine the association of comorbid depression in physical multimorbidity with health outcomes and quality of life among adults aged ⩾50 years from six LMICs.

METHODS

Cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. DSM-IV Depression was based on past 12-month symptoms. Eleven chronic physical conditions were assessed. Health status was based on scales ranging from 0 (best) to 100 (worse). The quality of life (8-item WHO Quality of Life) scale ranged from 0 (worse) to 100 (best). Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Data on 34,129 individuals aged ⩾50 years [mean (SD) age 62.4 (16.0) years; 52.1% females] were analyzed. Among people with physical multimorbidity, having comorbid depression was associated with significantly worse health status in terms of sleep/energy (β = 14.71: 95% CI [12.23, 17.20]), self-care (13.23: [8.66, 17.82]), pain/discomfort (13.03: [9.59, 16.47]), mobility (11.06: [6.91, 15.21]), cognition (10.41: [7.31, 13.50]), perceived stress (8.35: [4.71, 11.99]), interpersonal activities (7.81: [3.71, 11.91]), and lower quality of life (-8.81: [-10.74, -6.88]).

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbid depression in physical multimorbidity was associated with lower quality of life and poorer scores in multiple domains of health status. Treatment of depression in people with physical multimorbidity may potentially lead to better clinical outcomes, but future studies are needed to determine the most effective intervention to address this comorbidity in LMICs.

The Role of Bifidobacterium bifidum novaBBF7, Bifidobacterium longum novaBLG2 and Lactobacillus paracasei TJB8 to Improve Mechanisms Linked to Neuronal Cells Protection against Oxidative Condition in a Gut-Brain Axis Model

Despite the identification of several innovative targets for avoiding cognitive decline, there has yet to be a widely accepted approach that deals with minimising the deterioration of cognitive function. In this light, recent studies suggest that regulating the gut-brain axis with probiotics is a potential therapeutic strategy to support brain health. For this reason, in vitro models were used to examine the efficacy of different probiotic combinations to enhance intestinal homeostasis and positively affect the brain. Therefore, the new formulation has been evaluated for its capacity to modify intestinal barrier functions in a 3D in vitro model without any adverse effects and directly impact the mechanisms underlying cognitive function in a gut-brain axis model. According to our findings, B. bifidum novaBBF7 10 mg/mL, B. longum novaBLG2 5 mg/mL and L. paracasei TJB8 10 mg/mL may successfully modify the intestinal barrier and improve SCFA production. Successively, the probiotics studied caused no harm at the neuronal level, as demonstrated by iNOS, mitochondrial potential, and cell viability tests, confirming their safety features and enhancing antioxidant mechanisms and antineuroinflammation activity. Additionally, the damage caused by oxidative stress was also healed, and critical pathways that result in cognitive impairment were changed by synergetic action, supporting the hypothesis that brain ageing and neurodegeneration are slowed down. All these findings demonstrate the ability of probiotics to affect cognitive processes and their ability to sustain the mechanisms underlying cognitive function by acting on intestinal function.

Association between dual-task function and neuropsychological testing in older adults with cognitive impairment

INTRODUCTION

Despite the current high prevalence of dementia, more than half of older adult patients never receive an evaluation. Current evaluation methods are lengthy, cumbersome, and not viable for busy clinics. This indicates that, despite recent improvements, a quick and objective routine test for screening cognitive decline in older adults is still needed. Poor dual-task gait performance has been previously associated with decreased executive and neuropsychological function. However, gait tests are not always viable for clinics or older patients.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between a novel upper-extremity function (UEF) dual-task performance and neuropsychological test results in older adults. For UEF dual-tasks, participants performed a consistent elbow flexion and extension, while counting backwards in increments of threes or ones. Wearable motion sensors were attached to the forearm and upper-arm to measure accuracy and speed of elbow flexion kinematics to calculate a UEF cognitive score.

RESULTS

We recruited older adults at three stages: cognitively normal (CN) (n = 35), mild cognitively impaired (MCI) of the Alzheimer's type (n = 34), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 22). The results demonstrate significant correlations between UEF cognitive score and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Mini-Cog, Category fluency, Benson complex figure copy, Trail making test, and Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA) (r values between -0.2355 and -0.6037 and p < 0.0288).

DISCUSSION

UEF dual-task was associated with executive function, orientation, repetition, abstraction, verbal recall, attention and calculation, language and visual construction. Of the associated brain domains, UEF dual-task was most significantly associated with executive function, visual construction, and delayed recall. The results from this study convey potential for UEF dual-task as a safe and convenient cognitive impairment screening method.

Assessment of Joint and Interactive Effects of Multimorbidity and Chronic Pain on ADRD Risk in the Elder Population

Objective

Multimorbidity and non-cancer chronic pain conditions (NCPC) are independently linked to elevated risk for cognitive impairment and incident Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)-both - We present the study of potential joint and interactive effects of these conditions on the risk of incident ADRD in older population.

Methods

This retrospective-cohort study drew baseline and 2-year follow-up data from linked Medicare claims and Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS). Baseline multimorbidity and NCPC were ascertained using claims data. ADRD was ascertained at baseline and follow-up.

Results

NCPC accompanied by multimorbidity (vs. absence of NCPC or multimorbidity) had a significant and upward association with incident ADRD (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.72, 95% CI 1.38, 2.13, p < 0.0001). Secondary analysis by number of comorbid conditions suggested that the joint effects of NCPC and multimorbidity on ADRD risk may increase with rising number contributing chronic conditions. Interaction analyses indicated significantly elevated excess risk for incident ADRD.

Health Conditions Associated with Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia

OBJECTIVE

We examined medical records to determine health conditions associated with dementia at varied intervals prior to dementia diagnosis in participants from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA).

METHODS

Data were available for 347 Alzheimer's disease (AD), 76 vascular dementia (VaD), and 811 control participants without dementia. Logistic regressions were performed associating International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) health codes with dementia status across all time points, at 5 and 1 year(s) prior to dementia diagnosis, and at the year of diagnosis, controlling for age, sex, and follow-up length of the medical record.

RESULTS

In AD, the earliest and most consistent associations across all time points included depression, erectile dysfunction, gait abnormalities, hearing loss, and nervous and musculoskeletal symptoms. Cardiomegaly, urinary incontinence, non-epithelial skin cancer, and pneumonia were not significant until 1 year before dementia diagnosis. In VaD, the earliest and most consistent associations across all time points included abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG), cardiac dysrhythmias, cerebrovascular disease, non-epithelial skin cancer, depression, and hearing loss. Atrial fibrillation, occlusion of cerebral arteries, essential tremor, and abnormal reflexes were not significant until 1 year before dementia diagnosis.

INTERPRETATION

These findings suggest that some health conditions are associated with future dementia beginning at least 5 years before dementia diagnosis and are consistently seen over time, while others only reach significance closer to the date of diagnosis. These results also show that there are both shared and distinctive health conditions associated with AD and VaD. These results reinforce the need for medical intervention and treatment to lessen the impact of health comorbidities in the aging population. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:805-818.

Multimorbidity increases the risk of dementia: a 15 year follow-up of the SHARE study

AIMS

the literature regarding the association between multimorbidity and dementia is still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the potential association between multimorbidity at the baseline and the risk of future dementia in the SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe) study, a large European research survey, with a follow-up of 15 years.

METHODS

in this longitudinal study, multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more chronic medical conditions, among 14 self-reported at the baseline evaluation. Incident dementia was ascertained using self-reported information. Cox regression analysis, adjusted for potential confounders, was run and hazard ratios (HRs), with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), that were estimated in the whole sample and by 5 year groups.

RESULTS

among 30,419 participants initially considered in wave 1, the 23,196 included participants had a mean age of 64.3 years. The prevalence of multimorbidity at baseline was 36.1%. Multimorbidity at baseline significantly increased the risk of dementia in the overall sample (HR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.03-1.27) and in participants younger than 55 years (HR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.12-3.79), in those between 60 and 65 years (HR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.16-2.37) and in those between 65 and 70 years (HR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.19-2.00). In the overall sample, high cholesterol levels, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis increased the risk of dementia, particularly if present among participants between 60 and 70 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

multimorbidity significantly increases the risk of dementia, particularly in younger people, indicating the need for early detection of multimorbidity for preventing cognitive worsening.

Association between multimorbidity and memory-related diseases among middle-aged and older adults: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between multimorbidity and memory-related diseases (MDs) among Chinese middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

This study included 8,338 subjects who participated in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to explore the association and effect of multimorbidity on MDs.

Results

The overall prevalence of MDs was 2.52%, and the mean multimorbidity number was 1.87. In a cross-sectional analysis, compared with the no multimorbidity group, groups of multimorbidity with four or more non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were more likely to have MDs (OR: 6.49, 95%CI: 4.35–9.68). Within 2.7 years of follow-up, 82 cases of MDs (1.12%) were reported, and participants with multimorbidity were more likely to have new-onset MDs than participants without multimorbidity (HR: 2.93, 95%CI: 1.74–4.96).

Conclusion

Multimorbidity is associated with MDs among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. This relationship gradually strengthens with the severity of multimorbidity, which indicates that early prevention for people with multimorbidity may reduce the risk of MDs.

Association between multimorbidity with cognitive dysfunction in a Peruvian population

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that multimorbidity is a risk factor for cognitive dysfunction (CD).Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension (HT) are very common risk factors.The association between multimorbidity due to both diseases and CD has been understudied in low and middle-income countries, in which the strength of the association might be stronger.

AIM

To evaluate the association between multimorbidity due to T2DM and HT with CD among adults ≥50 years in Tumbes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A secondary analysis of a population-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The exposure variable was the presence of both T2DM and HT, split into categories: without HT or T2DM, only T2DM, only HT, and with T2DM and HT; whereas CD was the outcome variable, defined as a score ≤26 in the Leganes Cognitive Test. Crude and adjusted generalized linear models were used to estimate the association of interest, and prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were reported.

RESULTS

688 participants were analyzed. The prevalence of CD was 39.1%. There was a 56.1% of participants without TDM2 nor HT, 8.3% with T2DM, 28.9% with HT and 6.7% with both diseases. A significant association was found between multimorbidity and CD (PR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.04-1.97). Multimorbidity had a statistically significant association with CD in the group of participants with ≥7 years of education (PR = 2.56,95%CI 1.55-4.21), but no in the group with <7 years.

CONCLUSIONS

There is association between the morbidity of T2DM and HT, and CD among adults ≥50 years of age in Tumbes. Education was an effect modifier of the association between HT and T2DM on the presence of CD.

Multimorbid Patterns and Cognitive Performance in the Presence of Informative Dropout Among Community-Dwelling Taiwanese Older Adults

Background and Objectives

Longitudinal studies among older adults often feature elevated dropout rates and multiple chronic conditions. How Taiwanese multimorbid patterns relate to different cognitive domains remains unclear. This study aims to identify sex-specific multimorbid patterns and associate them with cognitive performance while modeling the risk for dropout.

Research Design and Methods

A prospective cohort study (2011-19) in Taiwan recruited 449 Taiwanese older adults without dementia. Global and domain-specific cognition were assessed biennially. We used exploratory factor analysis to identify baseline sex-specific multimorbid patterns of 19 self-reported chronic conditions. We utilized a joint model incorporating longitudinal and time-to-dropout data to examine the association between multimorbid patterns and cognitive performance accounting for the informative dropout via the shared random effect.

Results

At the end of the study, 324 participants (72.1%) remained in the cohort, with an average annual attrition rate of 5.5%. We found that advanced age, low levels of physical activities, and poor cognition at baseline were associated with increased dropout risks. Besides, 6 multimorbid patterns were identified, labeled Mental, Renal-vascular, and Cancer-urinary patterns in men, and Mental, Cardiometabolic, and Cancer-endocrine patterns in women. For men, as the follow-up time increased, the Mental pattern was associated with poor global cognition and attention; the Renal-vascular pattern was associated with poor executive function. For women, the Mental pattern was associated with poor memory; as follow-up time increased, and Cardiometabolic patterns were related to poor memory.

Discussion and Implications

Sex-specific multimorbid patterns identified in the Taiwanese older population showed differences (notably Renal-vascular pattern in men) from patterns found in Western countries and were differentially associated with cognitive impairment over time. When informative dropout is suspected, appropriate statistical methods should be applied.

The Relationship Between Multimorbidity and Types of Chronic Diseases and Self-Rated Memory

This study explores the impact of multimorbidity and types of chronic diseases on self-rated memory in older adults in the United States. Data were drawn from the 2011 wave of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS, N = 6,481). Logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between multimorbidity and types of chronic diseases and fair/poor self-rated memory. Compared to respondents with no or one chronic disease, respondents with multimorbidity showed 35% higher odds of reporting fair/poor self-rated memory. Also, stroke, osteoporosis, and arthritis were identified as increasing the odds of reporting fair/poor self-rated memory by 41%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. Demonstrating the importance of both multimorbidity and types of chronic diseases in self-reporting of memory, our findings suggest the need to educate older adults with multimorbidity and certain types of diseases regarding negative self-rated memory and its consequences.

Design Considerations for an Exergame-Based Training Intervention for Older Adults With Mild Neurocognitive Disorder: Qualitative Study Including Focus Groups With Experts and Health Care Professionals and Individual Semistructured In-depth Patient Interviews

BACKGROUND

Exergames have attracted growing interest in the prevention and treatment of neurocognitive disorders. The most effective exergame and training components (ie, exercise and training variables such as frequency, intensity, duration, or volume of training and type and content of specific exergame scenarios) however remain to be established for older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders (mNCDs). Regarding the design and development of novel exergame-based training concepts, it seems of crucial importance to explicitly include the intended users' perspective by adopting an interactive and participatory design that includes end users throughout different iterative cycles of development.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the capabilities, treatment preferences, and motivators for the training of older adults with mNCD and the perspectives of individuals on training goals and settings and requirements for exergame and training components.

METHODS

A qualitative study including expert focus groups and individual semistructured in-depth patient interviews was conducted. Data were transcribed to a written format to perform qualitative content analysis using QCAmap software.

RESULTS

In total, 10 experts and health care professionals (80% females) and 8 older adults with mNCD (38% females; mean age 82.4, SD 6.2 years) were recruited until data saturation was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The psychosocial consequences of patients' self-perceived cognitive deterioration might be more burdensome than the cognitive changes themselves. Older adults with mNCD prefer integrative forms of training (such as exergaming) and are primarily motivated by enjoyment or fun in exercising and the effectiveness of the training. Putting the synthesized perspectives of training goals, settings, and requirements for exergames and training components into context, our considerations point to opportunities for improvement in research and rehabilitation, either by adapting existing exergames to patients with mNCDs or by developing novel exergames and exergame-based training concepts specifically tailored to meet patient requirements and needs.

Effect of Comorbidities on Ten-Year Survival in Patients with Dementia

BACKGROUND

There is a verified association between comorbidity and survival in patients with dementia.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the ten-year survival probability of patients with dementia and to identify the impact of comorbidity.

METHODS

The prognostic retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from adults with dementia who had visited the outpatient departments at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai hospital between 2006 and 2012. Dementia was verified in accordance with standard practice guidelines. Secondary data detailing about patient age, gender, date of dementia diagnosis and death, types of dementia, and comorbidities at the time of dementia diagnosis was obtained from electronic medical records. The association between comorbidity, patients' underlying disease at dementia diagnosis, and overall survival were analyzed using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age, gender, types of dementia, and other comorbidities.

RESULTS

Of the 702 patients, 56.9% were female. Alzheimer's disease (39.6%) was the most prevalent type of dementia. Median overall survival was 6.0 years (95% CI 5.5- 6.7). The comorbidities associated with a high risk of mortality included liver disease (aHR 2.70, 95% CI 1.46- 5.00), atrial fibrillation (aHR 2.15, 95% CI 1.29- 3.58), myocardial infarction (aHR 1.55, 95% CI 1.07- 2.26), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (aHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.13- 1.74).

CONCLUSION

Overall survival rate of patients with dementia in Thailand was comparable to previous studies. Several comorbidities were associated with a ten-year survival. The prognosis of patients with dementia may be improved by appropriate care of comorbidities.

The association of physical multimorbidity with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in England: A mediation analysis of influential factors

BACKGROUND

Suicide is one of the most important causes of deaths in the United Kingdom, and the numbers are currently increasing.

AIM

There are numerous identified determinants of suicidality, and physical multimorbidity is potentially important but is currently understudied. Thus, this study aims to investigate the association of physical multimorbidity with suicidality.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007, which was conducted in England between October 2006 and December 2007 by the National Center for Social Research and Leicester University were analyzed. Respondents were asked about 20 physical health conditions, and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were assessed.

RESULTS

Out of 7,403 individuals aged 16 years or over, the prevalence of physical multimorbidity, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts were 35.1%, 4.3%, and 0.7%, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, compared to no physical conditions, 1, 2, 3, and ⩾4 conditions were associated with significant 1.79 (95% CI [1.25, 2.57]), 2.39 (95% CI [1.63, 3.51]), 2.88 (95% CI [1.83, 4.55]), and 6.29 (95% CI [4.12, 9.61]) times higher odds for suicidal ideation. Mediation analysis showed that cognitive problems (mediated percentage 39.2%) and disability (37.5%) explained the largest proportion between multimorbidity and suicidal ideation. Pain (38.0%) and cognitive problems (30.7%) explained the largest proportion between multimorbidity and suicide attempts.

CONCLUSION

In this large sample of UK adults, physical multimorbidity was associated with significantly higher odds for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Moreover, several potential mediators were identified, and these may serve as future targets for interventions that aim to prevent suicidality among people with physical multimorbidity.

Association between multimorbidity status and incident dementia: a prospective cohort study of 245,483 participants

Multimorbidity (the presence of two or more long-term conditions [LTCs]) was suggested to exacerbate the neuronal injuries. The impact of multimorbidity on dementia has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the association between multimorbidity and dementia risk. We used the prospective data from 245,483 UK Biobank participants during a 9-year follow-up. Multimorbidity status was evaluated based on the LTC counts and multimorbidity patterns. Cox regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to examine the associations of multimorbidity status with all-cause dementia (ACD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD). Participants with multimorbidity at baseline had higher risks of ACD and VD, and the risks were elevated with the increase of LTC counts (ACD: hazard ratios [HR] = 1.15, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.01-1.31 with 2 LTCs; HR = 1.18, CI = 1.01-1.39 with 3 LTCs; HR = 1.65, CI = 1.44-1.88 with ≥4 LTCs; VD: HR = 1. 66, CI = 1.24-2.21 with 2 LTCs; HR = 2.10, CI = 1.53-2.88 with 3 LTCs; HR = 3.17, CI = 2.43-4.13 with ≥4 LTCs). Participants with ≥4 LTCs also had a higher risk of AD (HR = 1.34, CI = 1.08-1.66]. Participants with the cardio-cerebrovascular/respiratory/metabolic/musculoskeletal/depressive multimorbidity were 1.46, 1.28, and 2.50 times more likely to develop ACD (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.28-1.67), AD (HR = 1.28, CI = 1.04-1.58), and VD (HR = 2.50, CI = 1.90-3.27), respectively. Those with tumor/genitourinary/digestive disorders had a 11% higher hazard of ACD (HR = 1.11, CI = 1.00-1.24) and a 73% elevated risk of VD (HR = 1.73, CI = 1.37-2.18). The prevention of LTC accumulation and the identification of specific multimorbidity patterns might be beneficial to the prevention of dementia and its subtypes, AD as well as VD.

Association of Psychological distress and Physical Health with Subjective and Objective Memory in Older Adults

ObjectivesTo investigate how indicators of psychological stress and physical health differentially influence subjective and objective memory in older adults. Methods: 404 adults aged ≥55 without cognitive impairment participated in remote assessment of physical health (PHY; multimorbidity, body-mass-index), psychological distress (PDS; perceived stress, anxiety, depression), subjective memory complaints (SM), and task-based objective memory performance (OM). Results: Separately, both PHY and PDS significantly predicted SM (p < 0.01), but only PHY was associated with OM (p = 0.05). Combined models showed that PHY and PDS maintained significant association with SM (p < 0.01, R² = 0.30), while only PHY was associated with OM (p = .07, R² = 0.03; for associative OM, p = 0.04). Discussion: SM is associated with participants' psychological profile, highlighting the importance of addressing these factors when assessing SM. The results also reveal that remotely-administered OM tasks are more immune to participants' psychological profile, and support previously-established links between physical health and objective and subjective memory function.

Multimorbidity burden and developmental trajectory in relation to later‐life dementia: A prospective study

INTRODUCTION

This study assessed the associations of multimorbidity burden and its developmental trajectory with later-life dementia.

METHODS

Among 5923 Health and Retirement Study participants, major chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, lung diseases, heart disease, stroke, psychological disorders, and arthritis were self- or proxy-reported in 1994-2008. Dementia diagnosis was self- or proxy-reported in 2008-2018. We used Cox regression to assess the associations of multimorbidity with incident dementia.

RESULTS

During follow-up (median = 8 years), 701 participants developed dementia. Each additional chronic condition in 2008 was related to 15% (confidence interval: 9% to 22%) higher hazard of dementia. Multimorbidity trajectories in 1994-2008 were classified as "rapid growth", "steady growth", "slow growth", and "no new condition" by the group-based trajectory modelling methods. Compared to "no new condition", the "rapid growth" trajectory was related to 32% (3% to 69%) higher dementia risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Both multimorbidity burden and its developmental trajectory were prospectively associated with risk of dementia.

Association of social determinants of health with frailty, cognitive impairment, and self-rated health among older adults

Background and objectives

Recently, the role of social determinants of health on frailty and dementia has received increased attention. The aim of the present study is to explore the association of social determinants on cognitive impairment, frailty, and self-rated health. As health is influenced by many factors, we also examine other health determinants including lifestyle, health seeking behaviour, socio-demographics, and multimorbidity in the analysis.

Research design and methods

Cross-sectional analysis of the Healthy Older People Everyday (HOPE) study in Singapore was carried out on 998 older adults above the age of 65. We used forward stepwise multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses to assess the association of five health determinants (social determinants, lifestyle, health seeking behaviour, socio-demographics and multimorbidity) on frailty, cognitive impairment, and self-rated health.

Results

Mean age of participants was 71.1 ± 0.2 years; 154 (15.4%) were cognitively impaired; 430 (43.1%) were pre-frail or frail; mean self-rated health was 80.4 ± 15.6. Social determinants contributed between 29% to 57% of the overall variation found in the full model with all five health determinants adjusted for. Participants with higher education had significantly lower odds of cognitive impairment and frailty. Leisure physical activity was significantly associated with lower odds of frailty and cognitive impairment, and better self-rated health.

Discussion and implications

Understanding the dynamics of different health determinants is crucial to protect the vulnerable in an ageing population. Our study highlights the need for a multidimensional, multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach in the prevention of frailty, cognitive impairment, and associated disability.

John P, Menec VH. Multimorbidity and depressive symptoms in older adults and the role of social support: Evidence using Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) data

BACKGROUND

The rising prevalence of multimorbidity poses challenges to health systems globally. The objectives of this study were to investigate: 1) the association between multimorbidity and depressive symptoms; and 2) whether social support plays a protective role in this association.

METHODS

A prospective population-based cohort study was conducted to analyze baseline and 3-year follow-up data of 16,729 community dwelling participants aged 65 and above in the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (CLSA). Multimorbidity was defined as having three or more chronic conditions. The 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CESD-10) was used to measure depressive symptoms. The 19-item Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey was employed to assess perceived social support. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between multimorbidity, social support and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Multimorbidity was very common among participants with a prevalence of 70.6%. Fifteen percent of participants had depressive symptoms at baseline. Multimorbidity was associated with increased odds of having depressive symptoms at 3-year follow-up (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.33, 1.71), and developing depressive symptoms by follow-up among those with no depressive symptoms at baseline (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.42, 1.92). Social support was consistently associated with decreased odds of depressive symptoms, regardless of level of multimorbidity.

CONCLUSION

Multimorbidity was positively associated with depressive symptoms over time, but social support served as a protective factor. As a modifiable, protective factor, emphasis should be placed in clinical practice to assess social support and refer patients to appropriate services, such as support groups. Similarly, health policy should focus on ensuring that older adults have access to social support opportunities as a way to promote mental health among older adults. Community organizations that offer social activities or support groups play a key role in this respect and should be adequately supported (e.g., with funding).

Moderated-mediation analysis of multimorbidity and health-related quality of life among the Chinese elderly: The role of functional status and cognitive function

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between multimorbidity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and explore the effects of functional status and cognitive function on Chinses elderly behind this relationship.

METHODS

The Multivariate logistic regression and Tobit regression models were used to determine the influence of multimorbidity on HRQoL. Bootstrap analysis was used to probe the mediating effects of functional status and the moderating role of cognition on multimorbidity and HRQoL.

RESULTS

Results of the 2,887 participants age  ≥ 60  years included in the analysis, 51.69% had chronic diseases. Stroke (β = -0.190; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.232, -0.149; p < 0.001) and the combination of hypertension and stroke (β = -0.210; 95% CI, -0.259, -0.160; p < 0.001) had the greatest influence on HRQoL. Functional status partially mediated the relationship between the number of non-communicable diseases (No. of NCDs) and HRQoL, while cognitive function had a moderating effect not only in the A-path (No. of NCDs to functional status, β = 0.143; t = 7.18; p < 0.001) and but also in the C-path (No. of NCDs to HRQoL, β = 0.007; t = 6.08; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Functional status partially mediated the relationship between multimorbidity and HRQoL in older adults. And cognitive function, if declined, may strengthen this relationship. These findings suggested that improving cognitive function and functional status in those who developed multimorbidity could be a viable prevention or treatment strategy to improve HRQoL in elderly patients.

Main and moderated effects of multimorbidity and depressive symptoms on cognition

OBJECTIVE

Multimorbidity, or the occurrence of two or more chronic conditions, is a global challenge, with implications for mortality, morbidity, disability, and life quality. Psychiatric disorders are common among the chronic diseases that affect patients with multimorbidity. It is still not well understood whether psychiatric symptoms, especially depressive symptoms, moderate the effect of multimorbidity on cognition.

METHODS

We used a large (n=2,681) dataset to assess whether depressive symptomatology moderates the effect of multimorbidity on cognition using structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

It was found that the more depressive symptoms and chronic conditions, the worse the cognitive performance, and the higher the educational level, the better the cognitive performance. We found a significant but weak (0.009; p = 0.04) moderating effect.

CONCLUSION

We have provided the first estimate of the moderating effect of depression on the relation between multimorbidity and cognition, which was small. Although this moderation has been implied by many previous studies, it was never previously estimated.

Association of objective and subjective socioeconomic markers with cognitive impairment among older adults: cross-sectional evidence from a developing country

OBJECTIVE

This study explored how various markers of objective and subjective socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with cognitive impairment among older Indian adults.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted using large nationally representative survey data.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANT

This study used data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2017-2018). The sample included 31 464 older adults aged 60 years and above.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcome variable was cognitive impairment, measured through broad domains of memory, orientation, arithmetic function, and visuo-spatial and constructive skills. We estimated descriptive statistics and presented cross-tabulations of the outcome. Χ2 test was used to evaluate the significance level of differences in cognitive impairment by subjective (ladder) and objective SES measures (monthly per-capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) quintile, education and caste status). Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to fulfil the objectives.

RESULTS

A proportion of 41.7% and 43.4% of older adults belonged to low subjective (ladder) and objective (MPCE) SES, respectively. Older adults with low subjective (adjusted OR (aOR): 2.04; p<0.05) and objective SES (aOR: 1.32; p<0.05) had higher odds of having cognitive impairment in comparison with their counterparts, with a stronger subjective SES-cognitive impairment association. Older adults with lower education or belonged to lower caste had higher odds of cognitive impairment than their counterparts. Interaction analyses revealed that older adults who belonged to lower subjective and objective (poorest MPCE quintile, Scheduled Castes and lowest education) SES had 2.45 (CI: 1.77 to 3.39), 4.56 (CI: 2.97 to 6.98) and 54.41 (CI: 7.61 to 388.93) higher odds of cognitive impairment than those from higher subjective and objective SES, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Subjective measures of SES were linked to cognitive outcomes, even more strongly than objective measures of SES; considering the relative ease of obtaining such measures, subjective SES measures are a promising target for future study on socioeconomic indicators of cognitive impairment.

Catastrophic health expenditure among Chinese adults living alone with cognitive impairment: findings from the CHARLS

BACKGROUND

The catastrophic health expenditure of older adults results in serious consequences; however, the issue of whether cognitive status and living situations contribute to such financial burdens is uncertain. Our aim was to compare the differences in catastrophic health expenditure between adults living alone with cognitive impairment and those adults living with others and with normal cognition.

METHODS

We identified 909 observations of participants living alone with cognitive impairment (cases) and 37,432 observations of participants living with others and with normal cognition (comparators) from the 2011/2012, 2013, 2015 and 2018 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). We used propensity score matching (1:2) to create matched cases and comparators in a covariate-adjusted logistic regression analysis. Catastrophic health expenditure was defined as an out-of-pocket cost for health care ≥40% of a household's capacity to pay.

RESULTS

In comparison with participants living with others and with normal cognition, those adults living alone with cognitive impairment reported a higher percentage of catastrophic health expenditure (19.5% vs. 11.8%, respectively, P < 0.001). When controlling for age, sex, education, marital status, residence areas, alcohol consumption, smoking status and disease counts, we found that this subpopulation had significantly higher odds of having catastrophic health expenditure (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40, 2.56). Additional analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that adults living alone with cognitive impairment in the CHARLS experienced a high burden of catastrophic health expenditure. Health care policies on social health insurance and medical assistance should consider these vulnerable adults.

Health-Related Predictors of Changes in Cognitive Status in Community-Dwelling Older Individuals

Given the rising numbers of older people living with dementia, this study focuses on identifying modifiable health-related factors associated with changes in cognitive status. The predictors of 1-year conversion from Preserved Cognitive Health (PCH) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in older adults were evaluated. Two logistic regression models were performed on data from an Italian multicenter population-based study; both included sociodemographic factors, family history of dementia (FHD), risk behaviors, and depressive symptoms. The first model considered also disease clusters, while the second one included diseases' number and biochemical parameters. The sample involved 459 participants (61.4% women, median age 75 years). Of the 80 PCH individuals at baseline, after 1 year 35 (43.8%) were stable, 44 (55.0%) progressed to MCI, none to dementia, and one to unclassified status. Of the 379 MCI participants at baseline, after 1 year 281 (74.1%) remained stable, 38 (10.0%) reverted to PCH, 15 (4.0%) progressed to dementia, and 45 (11.9%) become unclassifiable. Hypertension/bone and joint diseases cluster was the only predictor of PCH progression to MCI; age and depression were associated with MCI progression to dementia; FHD was associated with MCI reversion to PCH. More diseases and fewer white blood cells were associated with MCI progression to dementia; more diseases and lower platelets were associated with the transition from MCI to unclassifiable; higher Na and lower TSH levels were associated with MCI reversion. The treatment or management of some chronic conditions and electrolyte imbalances may help attenuate cognitive deterioration in older adults with no or MCI.

Disability and cognitive impairment are interdependent in primary antiphospholipid syndrome

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment (CI) occurs at a high frequency in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS). Its psychosocial-related factors are of interest.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine disability and perceived stress and their correlation with CI in PAPS.

METHODS

First study phase: a longitudinal study including patients with PAPS and paired controls for cardiovascular risk factors, age, and sex, determining CI with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and then repeating the measurement 1 year later. Second study phase: a cross-sectional analytical study by quantification of disability with the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) and perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficient were used.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients with PAPS and 60 controls were studied. In PAPS, age (range, 48.0 ± 13.5 years), thrombotic artery events (TAE) (44.4%), and stroke/TIA (42.8%) were found. Disability was documented in the majority of WHODAS 2.0 domains and the total score for this was higher in participation and mobility, the stress level was normal, and 65.1% had CI. PAPS exhibited greater deterioration in the WHODAS 2.0 total score (p .017) and the MoCA test (p < .0001). Personal domains and the total WHODAS 2.0 score correlated inversely with MoCA. Life activities (rho = -0.419) and self-care (rho = -0.407) were those that correlated to the greatest degree. Stroke conferred risk for CI.

CONCLUSIONS

Disability in PAPS and CI are interdependent. New treatment options and neurocognitive stimulation strategies are necessary to maintain functionality and prevent further cognitive dysfunction in PAPS patients.

Deprescribing Education vs Usual Care for Patients With Cognitive Impairment and Primary Care Clinicians: The OPTIMIZE Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Trial

Background

Individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment frequently have multiple chronic conditions (defined as ≥2 chronic medical conditions) and take multiple medications, increasing their risk for adverse outcomes. Deprescribing (reducing or stopping medications for which potential harms outweigh potential benefits) may decrease their risk of adverse outcomes.

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of increasing patient and clinician awareness about the potential to deprescribe unnecessary or risky medications among patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This pragmatic, patient-centered, 12-month cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020, at 18 primary care clinics in a not-for-profit integrated health care delivery system. The study included 3012 adults aged 65 years or older with dementia or mild cognitive impairment who had 1 or more additional chronic medical conditions and were taking 5 or more long-term medications.

Interventions

An educational brochure and a questionnaire on attitudes toward deprescribing were mailed to patients prior to a primary care visit, clinicians were notified about the mailing, and deprescribing tip sheets were distributed to clinicians at monthly clinic meetings.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The number of prescribed long-term medications and the percentage of individuals prescribed 1 or more potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Results

This study comprised 1433 individuals (806 women [56.2%]; mean [SD] age, 80.1 [7.2] years) in 9 intervention clinics and 1579 individuals (874 women [55.4%]; mean [SD] age, 79.9 [7.5] years) in 9 control clinics who met the eligibility criteria. At baseline, both groups were prescribed a similar mean (SD) number of long-term medications (7.0 [2.1] in the intervention group and 7.0 [2.2] in the control group), and a similar proportion of individuals in both groups were taking 1 or more PIMs (437 of 1433 individuals [30.5%] in the intervention group and 467 of 1579 individuals [29.6%] in the control group). At 6 months, the adjusted mean number of long-term medications was similar in the intervention and control groups (6.4 [95% CI, 6.3-6.5] vs 6.5 [95% CI, 6.4-6.6]; P = .14). The estimated percentages of patients in the intervention and control groups taking 1 or more PIMs were similar (17.8% [95% CI, 15.4%-20.5%] vs 20.9% [95% CI, 18.4%-23.6%]; P = .08). In preplanned subgroup analyses, adjusted differences between the intervention and control groups were -0.16 (95% CI, -0.34 to 0.01) for individuals prescribed 7 or more long-term medications at baseline (n = 1434) and -0.03 (95% CI, -0.20 to 0.13) for those prescribed 5 to 6 medications (n = 1578) (P = .28 for interaction; P = .19 for subgroup interaction for PIMs).

Conclusions and Relevance

This large-scale educational deprescribing intervention for older adults with cognitive impairment taking 5 or more long-term medications and their primary care clinicians demonstrated small effect sizes and did not significantly reduce the number of long-term medications and PIMs. Such interventions should target older adults taking relatively more medications.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03984396.