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Gao W, Zhu WW, Yu YH, Wang J. Plasma homocysteine level, estradiol level, and brain atrophy: a Mendelian randomization study. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae112. [PMID: 38517173 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Observational studies link elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) with vascular disease. Our aim was to assess the gender difference in the association between the plasma tHcy level and brain atrophy and identify the possible influencer. We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causal relationship between plasma tHcy level, estradiol level, and brain atrophy. METHODS A total of 687 patients with brain atrophy were included, and gender-specific subgroup analyses in association between tHcy and brain atrophy are conducted. From genome-wide association studies, we selected genetic variants (P < 5 × 10-8) for the plasma tHcy level and estradiol level. We investigated the degree of brain atrophy (including gray matter volume and total brain volume) in the UK biobank (n = 7,916). The inverse variance-weighted and several sensitivity MR regression analyses were carried out. RESULTS The plasma tHcy level was significantly associated with brain atrophy for females, but not for males. An MR study showed that there was little evidence of the causal link between elevated plasma tHcy and brain atrophy. On the other hand, we found evidence to support causality for genetically decreased estradiol with higher risk of brain atrophy. Furthermore, genetic predisposition to elevated plasma tHcy was associated with a lower estradiol level. CONCLUSIONS The influence of estradiol on the association between tHcy and brain atrophy deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Wei-Wen Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Ya-Huan Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
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Dougherty RJ, Wang H, Gross AL, Schrack JA, Agrawal Y, Davatzikos C, Cai Y, Simonsick EM, Ferrucci L, Resnick SM, Tian Q. Shared and Distinct Associations of Manual Dexterity and Gross Motor Function With Brain Atrophy. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2024; 79:glad245. [PMID: 37837441 PMCID: PMC10876075 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glad245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor motor function is associated with brain atrophy and cognitive impairment. Less is known about the relationship between motor domains and brain atrophy and whether associations are affected by cerebrovascular burden and/or physical activity. METHODS We analyzed data from 726 Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants (mean age 70.6 ± 10.1 years, 56% women, 27% Black), 525 of whom had repeat MRI scans over an average of 5.0 ± 2.1 years. Two motor domains, manual dexterity and gross motor, were operationalized as latent variables. Associations between the latent variables and cortical and subcortical brain volumes of interest were examined using latent growth curve modeling, adjusted for demographics, white matter hyperintensities, and physical activity. RESULTS Both higher manual dexterity and gross motor function were cross-sectionally associated with smaller ventricular volume and greater white matter volumes in the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes (all p < .05). Manual dexterity was also cross-sectionally associated with parietal gray matter (B = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.23), hippocampus (B = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.20), postcentral gyrus (B = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.20), and occipital white matter (B = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.21) volumes, and gross motor function with temporal gray matter volume (B = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.26). Longitudinally, both higher manual dexterity and gross motor function were associated with less temporal white matter and occipital gray matter atrophy (all p < .05). Manual dexterity was also associated with a slower rate of ventricular enlargement (B = -0.17; 95% CI: -0.29, -0.05) and less atrophy of occipital white matter (B = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.71). CONCLUSIONS Among cognitively normal middle- and older-aged adults, manual dexterity and gross motor function exhibited shared as well as distinct associations with brain atrophy over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Dougherty
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hang Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alden L Gross
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer A Schrack
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yuri Agrawal
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christos Davatzikos
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yurun Cai
- Department of Health and Community Systems, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eleanor M Simonsick
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan M Resnick
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Qu Tian
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Tian Q, An Y, Resnick SM, Ferrucci L. Presymptomatic Profiles of Cognitive Impairment with Prior Mobility Impairment. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:480-487.e2. [PMID: 38307123 PMCID: PMC10951864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify cognitive and health profiles of cognitively impaired older adults with the presence of prior mobility impairment, which may represent a specific pathway to the development of cognitive impairment or dementia. DESIGN Retrospective longitudinal study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS In adults aged ≥65 years who developed cognitive impairment or dementia, we compared cognitive and health profiles of those who did (n = 57) and did not (n = 86) experience slow gait up to 14 years before symptom onset. Measures of cognitive and biomarkers assessed longitudinally over an average of 7 years before symptom onset were compared between groups using linear mixed effects models, adjusted age, sex, race, and additionally adjusted for education for cognitive outcomes. RESULTS Compared to those without prior slow gait, those with slow gait had lower Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Pegboard dominant and nondominant hand performance. The slow gait group also had greater body mass index (BMI), waist, systolic blood pressure, lower high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein, and lower lysophosphatidylcholine 18:2, a lipid associated with mitochondrial function, and showed greater increases in 2-hour glucose levels of an oral glucose tolerance test. The slow gait group was more likely to take medication for hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS During the presymptomatic stage, cognitively impaired older persons who experience prior slow gait are more likely to have deficits in psychomotor speed and manual dexterity, an unfavorable metabolic and vascular profile, and lower lipid levels related to mitochondrial function. Older persons who exhibit mobility impairment should be evaluated for metabolic and vascular dysfunction at an early stage, and successful treatment of these conditions may slow down the progression of cognitive impairment or dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qu Tian
- Longitudinal Studies Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Yang An
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Susan M Resnick
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Tian Q, Bilgel M, Walker KA, Moghekar AR, Fishbein KW, Spencer RG, Resnick SM, Ferrucci L. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial function predicts cognitive impairment and is associated with biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and neurodegeneration. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4436-4445. [PMID: 37530130 PMCID: PMC10592411 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathophysiology of many chronic diseases. Whether it is related to cognitive impairment and pathological markers is unknown. METHODS We examined the associations of in vivo skeletal muscle mitochondrial function (post-exercise recovery rate of phosphocreatine [kPCr] via magnetic resonance [MR] spectroscopy with future mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, and with positron emission tomography (PET) and blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease [AD] and neurodegeneration (i.e., Pittsburgh Compound-B [PiB] distribution volume ratio [DVR] for amyloid beta [Aβ], flortaucipir (FTP) standardized uptake value ratio [SUVR] for tau, Aβ42 /40 ratio, phosphorylated tau 181 [p-tau181], neurofilament light chain [NfL], and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]). RESULTS After covariate adjustment, each standard deviation (SD) higher kPCr level was associated with 52% lower hazards of developing MCI/dementia, and with 59% lower odds of being PiB positive with specific associations in DVR of frontal, parietal, and temporal regions, and cingulate cortex and pallidum. Higher kPCr level was also associated with lower plasma GFAP. DISCUSSION In aging, mitochondrial dysfunction may play a vital role in AD pathological changes and neuroinflammation. Highlights Higher in vivo mitochondrial function is related to lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/dementia. Higher in vivo mitochondrial function is related to lower amyloid tracer uptake. Higher in vivo mitochondrial function is related to lower plasma neuroinflammation. Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qu Tian
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Murat Bilgel
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Keenan A. Walker
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Abhay R. Moghekar
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Kenneth W. Fishbein
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Richard G. Spencer
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Susan M. Resnick
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21224
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Tian Q, Lee PR, Walker KA, Ferrucci L. Energizing Mitochondria to Prevent Mobility Loss in Aging: Rationale and Hypotheses. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2023; 51:96-102. [PMID: 37057904 PMCID: PMC10258139 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Based on recent studies from our group and others, we hypothesize that mitochondrial dysfunction during aging may be the root cause of mobility decline through deficits in the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. Mitochondrial dysfunction could be a therapeutic target to prevent mobility decline in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qu Tian
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Philip R. Lee
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Keenan A. Walker
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224
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Tian Q, An Y, Kitner-Triolo MH, Davatzikos C, Studenski SA, Ferrucci L, Resnick SM. Associations of Olfaction With Longitudinal Trajectories of Brain Volumes and Neuropsychological Function in Older Adults. Neurology 2023; 100:e964-e974. [PMID: 36460474 PMCID: PMC9990434 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Olfactory function declines with aging, and olfactory deficits are one of the earliest features of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease. Previous studies have shown that olfaction is associated with brain volumes and cognitive function, but data are exclusively cross-sectional. We aimed to examine longitudinal associations of olfaction with changes in brain volumes and neuropsychological function. METHODS In the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, we chose the first assessment of olfaction to examine the associations with retrospective and prospective changes in neuropsychological performance and brain volumes in participants aged 50 years or older using linear mixed-effects models, adjusted for demographic variables and cardiovascular disease. Olfaction was measured as odor identification scores through the 16-item Sniffin' Sticks. RESULTS We analyzed data from 567 (58% women, 42% men, 27% Black, 66% White, and 7% others) participants who had data on odor identification scores and brain volumetric MRI (n = 420 with retrospective repeats over a mean of 3.7 years, n = 280 with prospective repeats over a mean of 1.2 years). We also analyzed data from 754 participants (56% women, 44% men, 29% Black, 65% White, and 6% others) with neuropsychological assessments (n = 630 with retrospective repeats over a mean of 6.6 years, n = 280 with prospective repeats over a mean of 1.5 years). After adjustment, higher odor identification scores were associated with prior and subsequent slower brain atrophy in the entorhinal cortex (β ± SE = 0.0093 ± 0.0031, p = 0.0028 and β ± SE = 0.0176 ± 0.0073, p = 0.0169, respectively), hippocampus (β ± SE = 0.0070 ± 0.0030, p = 0.0192 and β ± SE = 0.0173 ± 0.0066, p = 0.0089, respectively), and additional frontal and temporal areas (all p < 0.05). Higher odor identification scores were also associated with prior slower decline in memory, attention, processing speed, and manual dexterity and subsequent slower decline in attention (all p < 0.05). Some associations were attenuated after exclusion of data points at and after symptom onset of cognitive impairment or dementia. DISCUSSION In older adults, olfaction is related to brain atrophy of specific brain regions and neuropsychological changes in specific domains over time. The observed associations are driven, in part, by those who developed cognitive impairment or dementia. Future longitudinal studies with longer follow-ups are needed to understand whether olfactory decline precedes cognitive decline and whether it is mediated through regionally specific brain atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qu Tian
- From the Translational Gerontology Branch (Q.T., S.A.S., L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., M.H.K.T., S.M.R.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Radiology (C.D.), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
| | - Yang An
- From the Translational Gerontology Branch (Q.T., S.A.S., L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., M.H.K.T., S.M.R.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Radiology (C.D.), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
| | - Melissa H Kitner-Triolo
- From the Translational Gerontology Branch (Q.T., S.A.S., L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., M.H.K.T., S.M.R.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Radiology (C.D.), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Christos Davatzikos
- From the Translational Gerontology Branch (Q.T., S.A.S., L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., M.H.K.T., S.M.R.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Radiology (C.D.), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Stephanie A Studenski
- From the Translational Gerontology Branch (Q.T., S.A.S., L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., M.H.K.T., S.M.R.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Radiology (C.D.), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- From the Translational Gerontology Branch (Q.T., S.A.S., L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., M.H.K.T., S.M.R.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Radiology (C.D.), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Susan M Resnick
- From the Translational Gerontology Branch (Q.T., S.A.S., L.F.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (Y.A., M.H.K.T., S.M.R.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Radiology (C.D.), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia
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Kuo PL, An Y, Gross AL, Tian Q, Zipunnikov V, Spira AP, Wanigatunga AA, Simonsick EM, Ferrucci L, Resnick SM, Schrack JA. Association between walking energy utilisation and longitudinal cognitive performance in older adults. Age Ageing 2022; 51:afac240. [PMID: 36571773 PMCID: PMC9792087 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human motor function is optimised for energetic efficiency, however, age-related neurodegenerative changes affects neuromotor control of walking. Energy utilisation has been associated with motor performance, but its association with cognitive performance is unknown. METHODS The study population included 979 Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants aged $\ge$50 years (52% female, mean age: 70$\pm$10.2 years) with a median follow-up time of 4.7 years. Energy utilisation for walking was operationalised as a ratio of the energy cost of slow walking to peak walking energy expenditure during standardised tasks ('cost-ratio'). Cognitive functioning was measured using the Trail Making Tests, California Verbal Learning Test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), letter and category fluency and card rotation tests. Linear mixed models adjusted for demographics, education and co-morbidities assessed the association between baseline cost-ratio and cognitive functioning, cross-sectionally and longitudinally. To investigate the relationship among those with less efficient energy utilisation, subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS In fully adjusted models, a higher cost-ratio was cross-sectionally associated with poorer performance on all cognitive tests except WAIS (P < 0.05 for all). Among those with compromised energy utilisation, the baseline cost-ratio was also associated with a faster decline in memory (long-delay free recall: β = -0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [-0.8, -0.02]; immediate word recall: β = -1.3, 95% CI = [-2.7, 0.1]). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest cross-sectional and longitudinal links between energy utilisation and cognitive performance, highlighting an intriguing link between brain function and the energy needed for ambulation. Future research should examine this association earlier in the life course to gauge the potential for interventive mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Lun Kuo
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yang An
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alden L Gross
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Qu Tian
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vadim Zipunnikov
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adam P Spira
- Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amal A Wanigatunga
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eleanor M Simonsick
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Susan M Resnick
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer A Schrack
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Dougherty RJ, Liu F, An Y, Wanigatunga AA, Tian Q, Davatzikos C, Simonsick EM, Ferrucci L, Resnick SM, Schrack JA. Energetic Cost of Walking and Brain Atrophy in Mid-to-Late Life. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:2068-2076. [PMID: 34628503 PMCID: PMC9536456 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher energetic costs for mobility are associated with declining gait speed, and slow gait is linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. However, the physiological underpinnings of gait and brain health have not been well explored. We examined the associations of the energetic cost of walking with brain volume in cognitively unimpaired adults from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. METHODS We used brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 850 participants (mean baseline age 66.3 ± 14.5 years), of whom 451 had longitudinal MRI data (2.8 ± 1.0 MRI scans over 4.0 ± 2.0 years). The energetic cost of walking was assessed as the average energy expended (V̇O2) during 2.5 minutes of customary-paced overground walking. Multivariable linear mixed-effects models examined the associations between baseline energetic cost of walking and regional brain volumes adjusting for covariates. RESULTS At baseline, higher energetic cost of walking was cross-sectionally associated with lower gray and white matter volumes within the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, as well as hippocampal, total brain, and larger ventricular volumes (all false-discovery rate [FDR] p < .05). A baseline energetic cost of walking × time interaction demonstrated that participants with higher energetic cost of walking had faster annual decline in hippocampal volume (FDR p = .02) and accelerated annual increase in ventricular volumes (FDR p = .02). CONCLUSIONS The energetic cost of walking is associated with gray and white matter volumes and subsequent hippocampal atrophy and ventricular enlargement. Collectively, these data suggest the energetic cost of walking may be an early marker of neurodegeneration that contributes to the gait brain connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Dougherty
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fangyu Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yang An
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amal A Wanigatunga
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Qu Tian
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christos Davatzikos
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eleanor M Simonsick
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan M Resnick
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer A Schrack
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Kim HJ, Chung JH, Eun Y, Kim SH. Cortical Thickness and White Matter Hyperintensity Changes Are Associated With Sarcopenia in the Cognitively Normal Older Adults. Psychiatry Investig 2022; 19:695-701. [PMID: 36059059 PMCID: PMC9441464 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2022.0200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the impact of sarcopenia on the cortical thickness, white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and subcortical volumes in the cognitively normal older adults. METHODS Sixty cognitively normal older adults with and without sarcopenia were enrolled in the study. They underwent T1 and FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging. Information on muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle function were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, handgrip strength and 5 time-chair stand test (CST) respectively. Structural magnetic resonance images were analyzed and processed using Freesurfer v6.0. RESULTS Compared to the control group, the sarcopenia group demonstrated reduced cortical thickness in left superior frontal, precentral, right post central, inferior parietal, rostral middle frontal superior parietal and both lateral occipital and paracentral gyrus. Volumes of left hippocampus, and periventricular WMH were also reduced in the Sarcopenia group. In addition, we found a significant positive correlation between the left precuneus thickness and muscle mass. Periventricular WMH volumes were also positively correlated with the 5CST score. CONCLUSION Sarcopenia affects cortical and subcortical structures in the cognitively normal older adults. These structural changes might be associated with underlying neurobiological mechanisms of sarcopenia in the cognitively normal older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Graduate School of The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hye Chung
- Department of Family Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmi Eun
- Department of Family Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Hong Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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de Mélo Silva Júnior ML, Diniz PRB, de Souza Vilanova MV, Basto GPT, Valença MM. Brain ventricles, CSF and cognition: a narrative review. Psychogeriatrics 2022; 22:544-552. [PMID: 35488797 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The brain ventricles are structures that have been related to cognition since antiquity. They are essential components in the development and maintenance of brain functions. The aging process runs with the enlargement of ventricles and is related to a less selective blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier and then a more toxic cerebrospinal fluid environment. The study of brain ventricles as a biological marker of aging is promissing because they are structures easily identified in neuroimaging studies, present good inter-rater reliability, and measures of them can identify brain atrophy earlier than cortical structures. The ventricular system also plays roles in the development of dementia, since dysfunction in the clearance of beta-amyloid protein is a key mechanism in sporadic Alzheimer's disease. The morphometric and volumetric studies of the brain ventricles can help to distinguish between healthy elderly and persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Brain ventricle data may contribute to the appropriate allocation of individuals in groups at higher risk for MCI-dementia progression in clinical trials and to measuring therapeutic responses in these studies, as well as providing differential diagnosis, such as normal pressure hydrocephalus. Here, we reviewed the pathophysiology of healthy aging and cognitive decline, focusing on the role of the choroid plexus and brain ventricles in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mário Luciano de Mélo Silva Júnior
- Medical School, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.,Medical School, Centro Universitário Maurício de Nassau, Recife, Brazil.,Neurology Unit, Hospital da Restauração, Recife, Brazil
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11
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Wang Y, Jiang Y, Lu H, Tian W, Li P, Xu K, Fan M, Zhao X, Dong Q, Jin L, Chen J, Cui M, Chen X. Cross-sectional associations between cortical thickness and independent gait domains in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:2610-2620. [PMID: 35510857 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the prevalence of gait disturbance is increasing with population aging, our understanding of its underlying neural basis is still limited. The precise brain regions linked to specific gait domains have not been well defined. In this study, we aim to investigate the associations of cortical thickness and different gait domains, and to explore whether these associations could be explained by cerebral small vessel disease. METHODS A total of 707 community-dwelling participants from the Taizhou Imaging Study (mean age: 60.2 ± 3.0 years, 57.4% female) were involved. All participants underwent brain MRI and gait assessment. We obtained quantitative gait parameters using wearable devices and then summarized them into three independent gait domains through factor analysis. Cortical thickness was analyzed and visualized using FreeSurfer and Surfstat. RESULTS Three independent domains (pace, rhythm, and variability) were summarized from 12 gait parameters. Among gait domains, poorer pace was associated with the thinner cortical thickness of multiple regions, which included areas related with motor function (e.g., the primary motor cortex, premotor cortex, and supplementary motor area), sensory function (e.g., the postcentral gyrus and paracentral lobule), visuospatial attention (e.g., the lateral occipital cortex and lingual gyrus), and identification and cognition (e.g., the fusiform gyrus and entorhinal cortex). Such a relationship was only slightly attenuated after adjustment for cerebrovascular risk factors and cerebral small vessel disease. No statistically significant association was found between cortical thickness and the rhythm or variability domains. CONCLUSIONS Poorer pace is independently associated with thinner cortical thickness in areas important for motor, sensory, cognitive function, and visuospatial attention. Our study emphasizes the importance of cortical thickness in gait control and adds value in investigating neural mechanisms of gait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, China
| | - Yanfeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, China
| | - Heyang Lu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weizhong Tian
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, China.,Department of Medical Imaging, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Peixi Li
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kelin Xu
- Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, China.,Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, and the Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Fan
- Taixing Disease Control and Prevention Center, Taizhou, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhao
- Taizhou Disease Control and Prevention Center, Taizhou, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, China
| | - Jinhua Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, China.,Department of Medical Imaging, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Mei Cui
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingdong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, China.,Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Yiwu Research Institute of Fudan University, Yiwu, China
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12
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Qiao Y, Wanigatunga AA, An Y, Liu F, Spira AP, Davatzikos C, Tian Q, Simonsick EM, Ferrucci L, Resnick SM, Schrack JA. Longitudinal associations between energy utilization and brain volumes in cognitively normal middle aged and older adults. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6472. [PMID: 35440799 PMCID: PMC9018828 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10421-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Peak energy capacity of the whole person is associated with neurodegeneration. However, change in ability to utilize energy manifests as combination of declining peak energy capacity and rising energetic costs of mobility in mid-to-late life. We examined longitudinal associations between change in energy utilization and brain volumes. Cognitively normal participants from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (N = 703, age = 70.4 ± 12.1 years, 54.1% women, 30% black) had concurrent data on brain volumes and energy utilization (defined as ratio of energetic cost of walking to peak energy capacity ("cost-to-capacity ratio") at ≥ 1 visit between 2008 and 2018. We performed linear mixed-effect models, adjusting for demographics, medical history and walking engagement. Average baseline cost-to-capacity ratio was 0.55 ± 0.16, with average annual increase of 0.04 ± 0.13 over 3.9 follow-up years. A 10% higher baseline cost-to-capacity ratio was associated with 2.00 cm3 (SE = 0.44) larger baseline ventricular volume (p < 0.001), and 0.10 cm3 (SE = 0.03) greater annual increase in ventricular volume (p = 0.004) after adjustment. Longitudinal change in cost-to-capacity ratio was not associated with brain volumes. These findings highlight, among cognitive-normal adults, poorer baseline energy utilization is associated with subsequent ventricular enlargement, an indirect measure of central brain atrophy. Future studies should explore whether early detection of worsening energy utilization may act as a marker of underlying brain atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Qiao
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Amal A Wanigatunga
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yang An
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fangyu Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adam P Spira
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Qu Tian
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eleanor M Simonsick
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Susan M Resnick
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer A Schrack
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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13
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Pupo DA, Small BJ, Deal JA, Armstrong NM, Simonsick EM, Resnick SM, Lin FR, Ferrucci L, Tian Q. Hearing and Mobility in Aging-The Moderating Role of Neuropsychological Function. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2022; 77:2141-2146. [PMID: 35226729 PMCID: PMC9536448 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In older persons, neuropsychological function, especially sensorimotor function, is strongly associated with mobility. Hearing impairment is related to poor mobility, and we hypothesize that such relationships would be stronger in persons with compromised sensorimotor function than those with preserved sensorimotor function. METHODS We analyzed 601 cognitively normal (Mini-Mental State Examination ≥24 or free of cognitive impairment/dementia) Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants aged 50 or older with concurrent data on hearing (better ear pure-tone average [PTA]), mobility (6 m usual gait, 400 m endurance walk), and neuropsychological function including attention via Trail Making Test (TMT)-A, executive function via the difference between TMT-A and B, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test, and manual dexterity via Pegboard performance. We examined the association of PTA, each cognitive measure, and their interaction with mobility using multivariable linear regression, adjusted for covariates. RESULTS After covariate adjustment, there were significant interactions between PTA and all cognitive measures in the association with 400 m endurance walking speed as the outcome. There was also a significant interaction between PTA and pegboard nondominant hand performance in the association with 6 m gait as the outcome. In all these cases, the PTA-mobility relationship was stronger among participants with lower cognition. CONCLUSION Impaired hearing more strongly relates to poor mobility among those with compromised neuropsychological performance, especially manual dexterity reflecting the motor-cognitive interface and sensorimotor function, than those with preserved neuropsychological performance. Future longitudinal studies are needed to test whether hearing impairment more strongly predicts mobility decline over time in older persons with compromised neuropsychological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Pupo
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Brent J Small
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jennifer A Deal
- Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole M Armstrong
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Eleanor M Simonsick
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan M Resnick
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Frank R Lin
- Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Qu Tian
- Address correspondence to: Qu Tian, PhD, MS, Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 100, RM04B316, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. E-mail:
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14
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Tian Q, Mitchell BA, Zampino M, Fishbein KW, Spencer RG, Ferrucci L. Muscle mitochondrial energetics predicts mobility decline in well-functioning older adults: The baltimore longitudinal study of aging. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13552. [PMID: 35048491 PMCID: PMC8844110 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Muscle mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with poor mobility in aging. Whether mitochondrial dysfunction predicts subsequent mobility decline is unknown. Methods We examined 380 cognitively normal participants aged 60 and older (53%women, 22%Black) who were well‐functioning (gait speed ≥ 1.0 m/s) and free of Parkinson's disease and stroke at baseline and had data on baseline skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and one or more mobility assessments during an average 2.5 years. Muscle oxidative capacity was measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy as the post‐exercise recovery rate of phosphocreatine (kPCr). Mobility was measured by four walking tests. Associations of baseline kPCr with mobility changes were examined using linear mixed‐effects models, adjusted for covariates. In a subset, we examined whether changes in muscle strength and mass affected these associations by adjusting for longitudinal muscle strength, lean mass, and fat mass. Results Lower baseline kPCr was associated with greater decline in all four mobility measures (β, p‐value: (0.036, 0.020) 6‐m usual gait speed; (0.029, 0.038) 2.5‐min usual gait speed; (0.034, 0.011) 6‐m rapid gait speed; (−0.042, <0.001) 400‐m time). In the subset, further adjustment for longitudinal muscle strength, lean mass, and fat mass attenuated longitudinal associations with changes in mobility (Δβ reduced 26–63%). Conclusion Among initially well‐functioning older adults, worse muscle mitochondrial function predicts mobility decline, and part of this longitudinal association is explained by decline in muscle strength and mass. Our findings suggest that worse mitochondrial function contributes to mobility decline with aging. These findings need to be verified in studies correlating longitudinal changes in mitochondrial function, muscle, and mobility performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qu Tian
- Translational Gerontology Branch National Institute on Aging National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Brendan A. Mitchell
- Translational Gerontology Branch National Institute on Aging National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Marta Zampino
- Translational Gerontology Branch National Institute on Aging National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Kenneth W. Fishbein
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation National Institute on Aging National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Richard G. Spencer
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation National Institute on Aging National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Translational Gerontology Branch National Institute on Aging National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland USA
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15
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Yamashita M, Suzuki M, Kawagoe T, Asano K, Futada M, Nakai R, Abe N, Sekiyama K. Impact of Early-Commenced and Continued Sports Training on the Precuneus in Older Athletes. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:766935. [PMID: 34955788 PMCID: PMC8692267 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.766935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervention studies on sedentary older adults have demonstrated that commencing physical exercise at an older age has a positive effect on brain structure. Although this suggests that older athletes with lifelong sports training have larger gray matter volume (GMV) in some brain regions compared to age-matched non-athletes, evidence in the literature is scarce. Moreover, it remains unclear whether a larger GMV is associated with training intensity or period of training in life. To address these gaps in the literature, we compared regional brain GMV between 24 older athletes (mean age, 71.4 years; age at the commencement of sports training, 31.2 years, continuous sports training, 40.0 years; current training time, 7.9 h/week) and 24 age-matched non-athletes (mean age, 71.0 years). The period of sports training and the current training time of the athletes were assessed. Both groups were evaluated for physical activity intensity as well as cognitive and motor performance. Although no group differences were noted in cognitive and motor performance, athletes reported higher physical activity intensity than non-athletes. Whole-brain structural analysis revealed a significantly larger GMV in several brain regions in athletes. Notably, the GMV of the precuneus in athletes was positively correlated with earlier commencement of sports training and training duration but was negatively correlated with current training time. Our findings demonstrate that early-commenced and continued sports training predicts structural maintenance of the precuneus in old age. Our results also suggest that excessive training time in old age may have a negative impact on the GMV of the precuneus; thereby delineating how the precuneus is associated with lifelong sports training in older athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Yamashita
- Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Maki Suzuki
- Department of Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, Osaka University United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka, Japan.,Faculty of Letters, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Kawagoe
- Faculty of Letters, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,Liberal Arts Education Center, Kyushu Campuses, Tokai University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kohei Asano
- Faculty of Child Care and Education, Osaka University of Comprehensive Children Education, Osaka, Japan.,Kokoro Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Ryusuke Nakai
- Kokoro Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobuhito Abe
- Kokoro Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kaoru Sekiyama
- Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Faculty of Letters, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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16
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Impact of Long-Rope Jumping on Monoamine and Attention in Young Adults. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11101347. [PMID: 34679411 PMCID: PMC8534060 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown that rope jumping improves physical health; however, little is known about its impact on brain-derived monoamine neurotransmitters associated with cognitive regulation. To address these gaps in the literature, the present study compared outcomes between 15 healthy participants (mean age, 23.1 years) after a long-rope jumping exercise and a control condition. Long-rope jumping also requires co-operation between people, attention, spatial cognition, and rhythm sensation. Psychological questionnaires were administered to both conditions, and Stroop task performance and monoamine metabolite levels in the saliva and urine were evaluated. Participants performing the exercise exhibited lower anxiety levels than those in the control condition. Saliva analyses showed higher 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (a norepinephrine metabolite) levels, and urine analyses revealed higher 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (a serotonin metabolite) levels in the exercise condition than in the control. Importantly, urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid level correlated with salivary and urinary 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol levels in the exercise condition. Furthermore, cognitive results revealed higher Stroop performance in the exercise condition than in the control condition; this performance correlated with salivary 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol levels. These results indicate an association between increased 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol and attention in long-rope jumping. We suggest that long-rope jumping predicts central norepinephrinergic activation and related attention maintenance.
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17
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Osawa Y, Tian Q, An Y, Studenski SA, Resnick SM, Ferrucci L. Longitudinal Associations Between Brain Volume and Knee Extension Peak Torque. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 76:286-290. [PMID: 32333769 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glaa095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle strength and brain volume decline with aging; changes in the brain manifested as change in volume may play a role in age-related strength loss, but this hypothesis has never been tested longitudinally. We examined longitudinal associations between brain volume changes and knee extension peak torque change in participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. METHODS Brain volumes and isokinetic concentric knee extension peak torque at 30 deg/s were measured in 678 participants (55.2% women; baseline age, 50.1-97.2 years; median follow-up time in those who visited two or more times (n = 375, 4.0 [interquartile range {IQR}, 2.3-5.0] years). Correlations between longitudinal changes in brain volumes and knee extension peak torque were examined using bivariate linear mixed-effects models, adjusted for baseline age, sex, race, education, and intracranial volume. RESULTS Greater decline in muscle strength was associated with greater atrophies in global gray matter, temporal lobe, frontal gray matter, temporal gray matter, superior frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, and occipital pole (r ranging from .30 to .77, p < .05). After multiple comparison adjustment, only larger decrease in middle temporal gyrus remained significantly related to larger decrease in muscle strength (q = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS In older adults, declines in knee extension muscle strength co-occurred with atrophies in frontal, temporal, and occipital gray matter. These findings support the idea that age-related knee extension muscle strength is linked with atrophy in some specific brain regions related to motor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Osawa
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Qu Tian
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yang An
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stephanie A Studenski
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Susan M Resnick
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Longitudinal Studies Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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18
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Clark BC, Carson RG. Sarcopenia and Neuroscience: Learning to Communicate. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 76:1882-1890. [PMID: 33824986 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the common definition for sarcopenia was age-related loss of skeletal muscle, and low levels of muscle mass were central to sarcopenia diagnosis. In more recent consensus definitions, however, low muscle strength displaces low muscle mass as a defining feature of sarcopenia. The change stems from growing evidence that muscle weakness is a better predictor of adverse health outcomes (e.g., mobility limitations) than muscle mass. This evidence accompanies an emerging recognition that central neural mechanisms are critical determinants of age-related changes in strength and mobility that can occur independently of variations in muscle mass. However, strikingly little practical attention is typically given to the potential role of the central nervous system in the aetiology or remediation of sarcopenia (i.e., low muscle function). In this article, we provide an overview of some mechanisms that mediate neural regulation of muscle contraction and control, and highlight the specific contributions of neural hypoexcitability, dopaminergic dysfunction, and degradation of functional and structural brain connectivity in relation to sarcopenia. We aim to enhance the lines of communication between the domains of sarcopenia and neuroscience. We believe that appreciation of the neural regulation of muscle contraction and control is fundamental to understanding sarcopenia and to developing targeted therapeutic strategies for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Clark
- Ohio Musculoskeletal & Neurological Institute and the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Richard G Carson
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
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19
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Rasmussen LJH, Caspi A, Ambler A, Broadbent JM, Cohen HJ, d’Arbeloff T, Elliott M, Hancox RJ, Harrington H, Hogan S, Houts R, Ireland D, Knodt AR, Meredith-Jones K, Morey MC, Morrison L, Poulton R, Ramrakha S, Richmond-Rakerd L, Sison ML, Sneddon K, Thomson WM, Hariri AR, Moffitt TE. Association of Neurocognitive and Physical Function With Gait Speed in Midlife. JAMA Netw Open 2019; 2:e1913123. [PMID: 31603488 PMCID: PMC6804027 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.13123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Gait speed is a well-known indicator of risk of functional decline and mortality in older adults, but little is known about the factors associated with gait speed earlier in life. OBJECTIVES To test the hypothesis that slow gait speed reflects accelerated biological aging at midlife, as well as poor neurocognitive functioning in childhood and cognitive decline from childhood to midlife. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study uses data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a population-based study of a representative 1972 to 1973 birth cohort in New Zealand that observed participants to age 45 years (until April 2019). Data analysis was performed from April to June 2019. EXPOSURES Childhood neurocognitive functions and accelerated aging, brain structure, and concurrent physical and cognitive functions in adulthood. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Gait speed at age 45 years, measured under 3 walking conditions: usual, dual task, and maximum gait speeds. RESULTS Of the 1037 original participants (91% of eligible births; 535 [51.6%] male), 997 were alive at age 45 years, of whom 904 (90.7%) had gait speed measured (455 [50.3%] male; 93% white). The mean (SD) gait speeds were 1.30 (0.17) m/s for usual gait, 1.16 (0.23) m/s for dual task gait, and 1.99 (0.29) m/s for maximum gait. Adults with more physical limitations (standardized regression coefficient [β], -0.27; 95% CI, -0.34 to -0.21; P < .001), poorer physical functions (ie, weak grip strength [β, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.46], poor balance [β, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.34], poor visual-motor coordination [β, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.30], and poor performance on the chair-stand [β, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.40] or 2-minute step tests [β, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.39]; all P < .001), accelerated biological aging across multiple organ systems (β, -0.33; 95% CI, -0.40 to -0.27; P < .001), older facial appearance (β, -0.25; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.18; P < .001), smaller brain volume (β, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.23; P < .001), more cortical thinning (β, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.16; P = .01), smaller cortical surface area (β, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.21; P = .003), and more white matter hyperintensities (β, -0.09; 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.02; P = .01) had slower gait speed. Participants with lower IQ in midlife (β, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.44; P < .001) and participants who exhibited cognitive decline from childhood to adulthood (β, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.17; P < .001) had slower gait at age 45 years. Those with poor neurocognitive functioning as early as age 3 years had slower gait in midlife (β, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.32; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Adults' gait speed is associated with more than geriatric functional status; it is also associated with midlife aging and lifelong brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Jee Hartmann Rasmussen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Avshalom Caspi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antony Ambler
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Harvey J. Cohen
- Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tracy d’Arbeloff
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Maxwell Elliott
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Robert J. Hancox
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - HonaLee Harrington
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sean Hogan
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Renate Houts
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David Ireland
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Annchen R. Knodt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kim Meredith-Jones
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Miriam C. Morey
- Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Lynda Morrison
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richie Poulton
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sandhya Ramrakha
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Leah Richmond-Rakerd
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | - Maria L. Sison
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kate Sneddon
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - W. Murray Thomson
- Department of Oral Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ahmad R. Hariri
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Terrie E. Moffitt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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