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Jensen A, Castro AW, Hu R, Drouin H, Rabipour S, Bégin-Galarneau MÈ, Stamenova V, Davidson PSR. Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire: a comparison of young and older adults. Memory 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39018424 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2024.2378870] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
The Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ; Troyer & Rich, [2002]. Psychometric properties of a new metamemory questionnaire for older adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 57(1), P19-P27) is a widely used measure of subjective memory consisting of three scales: Satisfaction, Ability, and Strategies. Although subjective memory complaints are prevalent across different age groups, the factor structure and psychometric properties of the MMQ have yet to be examined in young adults. Here, we independently replicated the original MMQ factor structure in N = 408 young adults (YA) recruited from undergraduate courses and N = 327 older adults (OA) and, for the first time, assessed the age-invariance of the scale using measurement invariance testing. YAs made significantly higher ratings than OAs on MMQ-Satisfaction and MMQ-Strategies, indicating greater satisfaction with their memory and greater use of strategies, but the groups were similar on MMQ-Ability. The original MMQ factor structure was replicated in OAs but not in YAs, and age invariance was not supported. Future studies seeking to compare young and older adults could therefore consider either requesting modification of the MMQ for use with young adults or using a different scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelaide Jensen
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Alex W Castro
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Rui Hu
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Héloïse Drouin
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sheida Rabipour
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Vessela Stamenova
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Patrick S R Davidson
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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2
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Doyle C, Andel R, Saenz J, Crowe M. Correlates of SuperAging in Two Population-Based Samples of Hispanic Older Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2024; 79:gbae058. [PMID: 38581241 PMCID: PMC11075730 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae058] [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: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES "SuperAgers" are generally defined as people 80+ years old with episodic memory performance comparable to those 20 years younger. Limited knowledge exists to describe characteristics of SuperAgers, with even less known about Hispanic SuperAgers. METHODS We examined indicators of cognitive, physical, and psychological resilience in relation to the likelihood of being a SuperAger using data from 2 population-based studies of Hispanic older adults (Puerto Rican Elderly: Health Conditions [PREHCO] Study; Health and Retirement Study [HRS]). SuperAgers were defined as (1) ≥80 years old, (2) recall scores ≥ the median for Hispanic respondents aged 55-64, and (3) no cognitive impairment during the observation period. Overall, 640 PREHCO participants and 180 HRS participants were eligible, of whom 45 (7%) and 31 (17%) met SuperAging criteria. RESULTS Logistic regressions controlling for age and sex demonstrated that higher education (PREHCO: odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, p < .001; HRS: OR = 1.14, p = .044) and fewer instrumental activities of daily living limitations (PREHCO: OR = 0.79, p = .019; HRS: OR = 0.58, p = .077; cognitive resilience), fewer activities of daily living limitations (PREHCO: OR = 0.72, p = .031; HRS: OR = 0.67, p = .068; physical resilience), and fewer depressive symptoms (PREHCO: OR = 0.84, p = .015; HRS: OR = 0.69, p = .007; psychological resilience) were associated with SuperAging, although not all results reached threshold for statistical significance, presumably due to low statistical power. Additionally, known indicators of physical health (e.g., chronic conditions and self-rated health) did not relate to SuperAging. DISCUSSION Increasing access to education and recognizing/treating depressive symptoms represent potential pathways to preserve episodic memory among older Hispanic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy Doyle
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ross Andel
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph Saenz
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Michael Crowe
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Kovacheva E, Gevezova M, Maes M, Sarafian V. Mast Cells in Autism Spectrum Disorder-The Enigma to Be Solved? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2651. [PMID: 38473898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disturbance of neurodevelopment with a complicated pathogenesis and unidentified etiology. Many children with ASD have a history of "allergic symptoms", often in the absence of mast cell (MC)-positive tests. Activation of MCs by various stimuli may release molecules related to inflammation and neurotoxicity, contributing to the development of ASD. The aim of the present paper is to enrich the current knowledge on the relationship between MCs and ASD by discussing key molecules and immune pathways associated with MCs in the pathogenesis of autism. Cytokines, essential marker molecules for MC degranulation and therapeutic targets, are also highlighted. Understanding the relationship between ASD and the activation of MCs, as well as the involved molecules and interactions, are the main points contributing to solving the enigma. Key molecules, associated with MCs, may provide new insights to the discovery of drug targets for modeling inflammation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Kovacheva
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Michael Maes
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610072, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Cognitive Fitness and Technology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Smith L, López Sánchez GF, Shin JI, Kostev K, Underwood BR, Oh H, Soysal P, Veronese N, Schuch F, Tully MA, Koyanagi A. Food insecurity and subjective cognitive complaints among adults aged ≥ 65 years from low- and middle-income countries. Eur J Nutr 2023; 62:3217-3226. [PMID: 37550594 PMCID: PMC10611875 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03226-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To date, no study has investigated the association between food insecurity and subjective cognitive complaints (SCC). Thus, the aims of the present study were to examine this association among older adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and to identify the potential mediators in this association, given the importance of SCC in dementia risk among older people, and the projected particularly large increase in dementia in this setting. METHODS Cross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) collected between 2007 and 2010 were analyzed. Two questions on subjective memory and learning complaints in the past 30 days were used to create a SCC scale ranging from 0 (No SCC) to 100 (worse SCC). Past 12 month food insecurity was assessed with two questions on frequency of eating less and hunger due to lack of food. Multivariable linear regression and mediation (Karlson-Holm-Breen method) analyses were conducted to assess associations. RESULTS Data on 14,585 individuals aged ≥ 65 years [mean (SD) age 72.6 (11.5) years; 55.0% females] were analyzed. Severe food insecurity (vs. no food insecurity) was associated with 9.16 (95% CI = 6.95-11.37) points higher mean SCC score. Sleep/energy (mediated% 37.9%; P < 0.001), perceived stress (37.2%; P = 0.001), and depression (13.7%; P = 0.008) partially explained the association between severe food insecurity and SCC. CONCLUSION Food insecurity was associated with SCC among older adults in LMICs. Future studies should assess whether addressing food insecurity among older adults in LMICs can improve cognitive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Smith
- Centre for Health Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Guillermo F López Sánchez
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Severance Underwood Meta-research Center, Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Benjamin R Underwood
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust and Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hans Oh
- Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pinar Soysal
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Section, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Felipe Schuch
- Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Chile
| | - Mark A Tully
- School of Medicine, Ulster University, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, ISCIII, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Saif-Ur-Rahman KM, Hong YJ, Li Y, Matsunaga M, Song Z, Shimoda M, Al-Shoaibi A, He Y, Mamun MR, Hirano Y, Chiang C, Hirakawa Y, Aoyama A, Tamakoshi K, Ota A, Otsuka R, Yatsuya H. Association of psychological factors with advanced-level functional competency: Findings from the Aichi workers' cohort study, 2002-2019. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21931. [PMID: 38027964 PMCID: PMC10665718 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study examined the longitudinal association of perceived stress, ikigai, and having someone one can count on in middle age with the advanced-level functional competency in older age, which is crucial for the maintenance of independent life among older adults. The issue is especially relevant in super-aged countries like contemporary Japan, where more and more older people live in a household consisting only of older people. Methods Data were collected in 2019 from a total of 1692 retirees of the Aichi Workers' Cohort Study participants in which baseline survey including psychological factors was conducted during their employment in 2002. Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence (JST-IC) was used to measure the advanced-level functional competency. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were obtained for having low JST-IC in later life by the degrees of psychological factors reported in the middle age adjusting for the presence of depressive mood in 2019. Results Those who were not sure about ikigai (OR: 2.02, 95 % CI: 1.33 to 3.08) and who have no one to count on (OR: 2.19, 95 % CI: 1.52 to 3.16) in the middle age were significantly associated with low JST-IC after retirement. Having much stress was significantly inversely associated with a low JST-IC (OR: 0.69, 95 % CI: 0.50 to 0.97). Conclusion Having ikigai and someone reliable, and stress during middle age might play a role in preventing impaired advanced-level functional competency. Improved ikigai and increased social interaction and support might improve functional competency. Further research might explore avenues for improving ikigai.
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Affiliation(s)
- KM Saif-Ur-Rahman
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Young Jae Hong
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuanying Li
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masaaki Matsunaga
- Department of Public Health, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Zean Song
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masako Shimoda
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Abubakr Al-Shoaibi
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yupeng He
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Md Razib Mamun
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yukiko Hirano
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Chifa Chiang
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Global and Community Health, Nagoya City University School of Nursing, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Hirakawa
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Health Development and Innovation, Aichi Comprehensive Health Science Center, Aichi, Japan
| | - Atsuko Aoyama
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences, Nissin, Aichi, Japan
| | - Koji Tamakoshi
- Department of Nursing, Nagoya University School of Health Sciences, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Ota
- Department of Public Health, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Rei Otsuka
- Department of Epidemiology of Aging, National Centre for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yatsuya
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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Munro CE, Boyle R, Chen X, Coughlan G, Gonzalez C, Jutten RJ, Martinez J, Orlovsky I, Robinson T, Weizenbaum E, Pluim CF, Quiroz YT, Gatchel JR, Vannini P, Amariglio R. Recent contributions to the field of subjective cognitive decline in aging: A literature review. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 15:e12475. [PMID: 37869044 PMCID: PMC10585124 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is defined as self-experienced, persistent concerns of decline in cognitive capacity in the context of normal performance on objective cognitive measures. Although SCD was initially thought to represent the "worried well," these concerns can be linked to subtle brain changes prior to changes in objective cognitive performance and, therefore, in some individuals, SCD may represent the early stages of an underlying neurodegenerative disease process (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). The field of SCD research has expanded rapidly over the years, and this review aims to provide an update on new advances in, and contributions to, the field of SCD in key areas and themes identified by researchers in this field as particularly important and impactful. First, we highlight recent studies examining sociodemographic and genetic risk factors for SCD, including explorations of SCD across racial and ethnic minoritized groups, and examinations of sex and gender considerations. Next, we review new findings on relationships between SCD and in vivo markers of pathophysiology, utilizing neuroimaging and biofluid data, as well as associations between SCD and objective cognitive tests and neuropsychiatric measures. Finally, we summarize recent work on interventions for SCD and areas of future growth in the field of SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rory Boyle
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Xi Chen
- Helen Wills Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Gillian Coughlan
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Christopher Gonzalez
- Department of PsychologyIllinois Institute of TechnologyChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Roos J. Jutten
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jairo Martinez
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Irina Orlovsky
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Emma Weizenbaum
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Celina F. Pluim
- Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Yakeel T. Quiroz
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jennifer R. Gatchel
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Patrizia Vannini
- Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Seong H, Park J. Symptom profiles and their influencing factors among people with subjective cognitive decline: a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey using latent class analysis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072236. [PMID: 37620262 PMCID: PMC10450090 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Subjective cognitive decline, self-perceived cognitive deterioration without objective impairment, is becoming a vital health indicator, especially due to its intermediate stage between normal function and mild cognitive impairment. Cognitive decline often coexists with various symptoms that may interact with each other, serve as prognostic indicators and influence the progression of cognitive decline. This study aims to identify symptom clusters among individuals with subjective cognitive decline, using latent class analysis, and to identify factors affecting these symptom clusters, offering insights into understanding and potentially preventing cognitive decline progression. DESIGN AND SETTING A secondary data analysis of the nationally representative cross-sectional data obtained from the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey. OUTCOMES We performed latent class analysis using six symptoms (pain, sleep deprivation, depression, fatigue, restlessness and apathy) to determine the distinct symptom clusters. After selecting the best latent class model, we identified factors influencing those symptom clusters using multinomial logistic regression analyses. RESULTS We found that a three-latent-class model best fitted the data: a low symptom-burden group (39.9%), a moderate symptom-burden group (44.8%) and a high symptom-burden group (15.3%). Male gender, higher age, higher perceived health status and lower perceived stress status, were strongly associated with lesser odds of being in the moderate (OR: 0.37 (95% CI: 0.33 to 0.41)) to OR: 2.20 (95% CI: 2.03 to 2.39)) and high symptom-burden groups (OR: 0.18 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.21)) to OR: 8.53 (95% CI: 7.68 to 9.49)) as compared with being in the low symptom-burden group. CONCLUSION Findings may contribute to improving clinical practitioners' understanding of the unique symptom patterns experienced by people with subjective cognitive decline and their influencing factors. Furthermore, we recommend that formal caregivers screen and manage prevalent symptoms considering the factors affecting the symptoms of people with subjective cognitive decline in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hohyun Seong
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jongmin Park
- College of Nursing, Research Institue of Nursing Science, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea (the Republic of)
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De Pue S, Gillebert C, Dierckx E, Van den Bussche E. The longer-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on wellbeing and subjective cognitive functioning of older adults in Belgium. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9708. [PMID: 37322085 PMCID: PMC10272225 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36718-9] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In earlier survey research, we observed a severe impact of the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic on the subjective wellbeing, sleep and activity of adults aged 65 years or older in Flanders, Belgium. The impact on subjective cognitive functioning, however, was limited. Since then, periods of lockdown and periods with less strict regulations alternated, but social distancing remained, especially for older adults. To study the longer-term impact of the pandemic on wellbeing and subjective cognitive functioning, we re-assessed the older adults from the first measurement moment (May-June 2020) in a second (June-July 2020) and third (December 2020) wave of the survey (n = 371, M = 72 years old, range 65-97 years old). Results indicated that wellbeing fluctuated with the severity of the pandemic. Results for self-reported cognitive functioning were mixed. While participants indicated a slightly better general subjective cognitive functioning at the end of the study, experienced problems with most cognitive subdomains significantly increased over time. The presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms were related to the longer-term impact of the pandemic on wellbeing and subjective cognitive functioning. Our study shows the long-lasting impact of the pandemic on the wellbeing and subjective cognitive functioning of older adults, without full recovery from the first wave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah De Pue
- Brain and Cognition, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | - Eva Dierckx
- Personality and Psychopathology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Psychiatric Hospital, Alexianen Zorggroep Tienen, Tienen, Belgium
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9
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Zhang Q, Sun MA, Sun Q, Mei H, Rao H, Liu J. Mental Fatigue Is Associated with Subjective Cognitive Decline among Older Adults. Brain Sci 2023; 13:376. [PMID: 36979186 PMCID: PMC10046332 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Both Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and mental fatigue are becoming increasingly prevalent as global demographics shifts indicate our aging populations. SCD is a reversible precursor for Alzheimer's disease, and early identification is important for effective intervention strategies. We aim to investigate the association between mental fatigue-as well as other factors-and SCD. A total of 707 old adults (aged from 60 to 99) from Shanghai, China, participated in this study and completed self-reported instruments covering their cognitive and mental status as well as demographic information. Mental fatigue status was assessed by using four items derived from the functional impairment syndrome of the Old Adult Self Report (OASR). SCD was assessed by using the Memory/Cognition syndrome of OASR. A total of 681 old adults were included in the current study. The means of SCD significantly differed between each group of factors (age, gender, and mental fatigue). The general linear regression models showed that SCD increased with age, females scored higher than males, and SCD was positively associated with mental fatigue factors including difficulty getting things done, poor task performance, sleeping more, and a lack of energy among old adults. The study also found that SCD is negatively associated with the high-income group among young-old (aged from 60 to 75) males and associated with good marital/living status with the companion of spouses/partners among young-old females. These results suggest that gender, income level, marital/living status, and mental fatigue are crucial factors in preventing SCD among old adults and are pivotal in developing early intervention strategies to preserve the mental health of an increasingly aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhang
- School of Nursing and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - McKenna Angela Sun
- School of Nursing and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Qiuzi Sun
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hua Mei
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Hengyi Rao
- School of Nursing and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jianghong Liu
- School of Nursing and Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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10
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Bird LJ, McCabe M, Lim YY, Cornish K. Prevalence and correlates of subjective cognitive concerns in Australian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1094497. [PMID: 36710843 PMCID: PMC9874933 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1094497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus (COVID-19) instigated unprecedented global effects on healthcare systems, economies, employment, education, travel, and social lives. In addition to increased mental health challenges, pandemic restrictions have triggered emerging cognitive concerns. University students are at particularly high risk of adverse lockdown-related effects, yet despite the substantial adaptions to learning necessitated by COVID-19, limited research has so far focused on the cognitive consequences of the pandemic among university students. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the nature, prevalence, and correlates of subjective cognitive concerns among 972 students (Median age = 22 years, 70% female) enrolled at Monash University, Australia, in December 2020. Methods Students completed the online THRIVE@Monash survey, 5 weeks following prolonged lockdown in Melbourne. Using group comparisons and hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses, we examined associations between demographic and enrolment characteristics, COVID-19-related experiences and impacts (author-developed questions), self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms (PROMIS Anxiety and Depression scales), and students' perceived changes in everyday cognitive functions (author-developed questions). Results Over 60% of students reported subjective cognitive concerns (SCCs). After controlling for anxiety and depression symptoms, students reporting more SCCs were more likely to be younger, from White/European ethnic backgrounds, and in their first year of undergraduate study. No differences in SCCs were found between male and female students. Greater worry, anxiety, or stress related to COVID-19 (e.g., infection, leaving the house, hygiene and exposure prevention, impact on physical and mental health), and time spent reading or talking about COVID-19, were generally not associated with SCCs after controlling for anxiety and depression symptoms. Discussion These findings highlight vulnerable subgroups of students who might benefit from regular monitoring, education, and interventions to support their cognitive health during the pandemic and beyond. In addition, cognitive concerns may provide additional insight into mental health problems among students, and emphasize the importance of understanding factors that impact students' long-term academic and career success.
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Breit M, Scherrer V, Blickle J, Preckel F. Students' intelligence test results after six and sixteen months of irregular schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281779. [PMID: 36888586 PMCID: PMC9994686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected schooling worldwide. In many places, schools closed for weeks or months, only part of the student body could be educated at any one time, or students were taught online. Previous research discloses the relevance of schooling for the development of cognitive abilities. We therefore compared the intelligence test performance of 424 German secondary school students in Grades 7 to 9 (42% female) tested after the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., 2020 sample) to the results of two highly comparable student samples tested in 2002 (n = 1506) and 2012 (n = 197). The results revealed substantially and significantly lower intelligence test scores in the 2020 sample than in both the 2002 and 2012 samples. We retested the 2020 sample after another full school year of COVID-19-affected schooling in 2021. We found mean-level changes of typical magnitude, with no signs of catching up to previous cohorts or further declines in cognitive performance. Perceived stress during the pandemic did not affect changes in intelligence test results between the two measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Breit
- Department of Psychology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Joshua Blickle
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Franzis Preckel
- Department of Psychology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
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12
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Titova NV, Bezdolny YN, Katunina EA. [Asthenia, mental fatigue and cognitive dysfunction]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2023; 123:38-47. [PMID: 37315240 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202312305138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Conditions associated with asthenia are usually characterized by increased fatigue, impaired activities of daily living and decreased productivity. In clinical practice it is important to distinguish between idiopathic chronic fatigue (primary or functional asthenia) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Fatigue can also be classified by neuromuscular and/or cognitive and mental fatigue. The article discusses the neuroanatomical basis and focuses on the neurocognitive theory of pathological fatigue. In addition the relationship between mental stress, fatigue and cognitive impairments such as subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are also discussed. We discuss the rationale that for treatment of asthenic conditions accompanied by cognitive dysfunction it is justified to use combination therapy - fonturacetam and a preparation containing nicotinoyl-GABA and Ginkgo Biloba.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Titova
- Federal Center of Brain and Neurotechnologies, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - E A Katunina
- Federal Center of Brain and Neurotechnologies, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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13
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Kero K, Halter CM, Moll AC, Hanna SM, Woodard JL, Giordani B, Daugherty AM, Kavcic V. Metacognition in Community-Dwelling Older Black and African American Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:301-311. [PMID: 37742635 PMCID: PMC10757653 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221140] [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] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive assessment of older adults typically includes symptom reports and objective evaluations. However, there is often poor agreement between these measures. Cultural norms, stress, and anxiety may also influence cognitive self-appraisal and performance. Little research describes how other factors affect the self-report/objective test discrepancies noted in the literature. OBJECTIVE This study investigated whether the disparity between subjective cognitive concerns and objective cognitive performance is related to measures of anxiety and stress in older Black and African American adults. METHODS Telephone screenings were administered to 206 older adults (ages 64-94) during the first year of the pandemic. Demographic data, objective memory (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status [TICS-m]), an adaptation of the subjective memory measure, the Cognitive Change Questionnaire, emphasizing executive functioning in everyday life [CCQ-e]), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS4) were measured. Metacognition Discrepancy Index (MDI) was calculated from the standardized residual after regressing TICS-m on CCQ-e scores to quantify the discrepancy between cognitive self-appraisal and objective cognitive functioning. RESULTS Neither GAD-7 nor PSS-4 moderated the relationship between TICS-m and CCQ-e, and TICS-m scores weakly predicted subjective CCQ-e scores (F(1, 197)=4.37, p = 0.038, R2 = 0.022). The MDI correlated with stress and anxiety (rs = 0.294, 0.396, ps < 0.001). CONCLUSION Discrepancies exist between objectively measured and self-evaluated cognition. Elevations in stress and anxiety are associated with greater overestimation of cognitive difficulties relative to objective performance. Pandemic-related stressors may have worsened anxiety and diminished self-appraisal of cognitive abilities for some individuals, while others may remain reluctant to acknowledge impairments. Social and emotional factors are meaningful considerations in assessing cognitive difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Bruno Giordani
- Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Voyko Kavcic
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- International Institute of Applied Gerontology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Akinci M, Sánchez-Benavides G, Brugulat-Serrat A, Peña-Gómez C, Palpatzis E, Shekari M, Deulofeu C, Fuentes-Julian S, Salvadó G, González-de-Echávarri JM, Suárez-Calvet M, Minguillón C, Fauria K, Molinuevo JL, Gispert JD, Grau-Rivera O, Arenaza-Urquijo EM, Beteta A, Cacciaglia R, Cañas A, Cumplido I, Dominguez R, Emilio M, Falcon C, Hernandez L, Huesa G, Huguet J, Marne P, Menchón T, Operto G, Polo A, Rodríguez-Fernández B, Pradas S, Sadeghi I, Soteras A, Stankeviciute L, Vilanova M, Vilor-Tejedor N. Subjective cognitive decline and anxious/depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: what is the role of stress perception, stress resilience, and β-amyloid? Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:126. [PMID: 36068641 PMCID: PMC9446623 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01068-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic may worsen the mental health of people reporting subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and therefore their clinical prognosis. We aimed to investigate the association between the intensity of SCD and anxious/depressive symptoms during confinement and the underlying mechanisms.
Methods
Two hundred fifty cognitively unimpaired participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and SCD-Questionnaire (SCD-Q) and underwent amyloid-β positron emission tomography imaging with [18F] flutemetamol (N = 205) on average 2.4 (± 0.8) years before the COVID-19 confinement. During the confinement, participants completed the HADS, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and an ad hoc questionnaire on worries (access to primary products, self-protection materials, economic situation) and lifestyle changes (sleep duration, sleep quality, eating habits). We investigated stress-related measurements, worries, and lifestyle changes in relation to SCD. We then conducted an analysis of covariance to investigate the association of SCD-Q with HADS scores during the confinement while controlling for pre-confinement anxiety/depression scores and demographics. Furthermore, we introduced amyloid-β positivity, PSS, and BRS in the models and performed mediation analyses to explore the mechanisms explaining the association between SCD and anxiety/depression.
Results
In the whole sample, the average SCD-Q score was 4.1 (± 4.4); 70 (28%) participants were classified as SCD, and 26 (12.7%) were amyloid-β-positive. During the confinement, participants reporting SCD showed higher PSS (p = 0.035) but not BRS scores (p = 0.65) than those that did not report SCD. No differences in worries or lifestyle changes were observed. Higher SCD-Q scores showed an association with greater anxiety/depression scores irrespective of pre-confinement anxiety/depression levels (p = 0.002). This association was not significant after introducing amyloid-β positivity and stress-related variables in the model (p = 0.069). Amyloid-β positivity and PSS were associated with greater HADS irrespective of pre-confinement anxiety/depression scores (p = 0.023; p < 0.001). The association of SCD-Q with HADS was mediated by PSS (p = 0.01).
Conclusions
Higher intensity of SCD, amyloid-β positivity, and stress perception showed independent associations with anxious/depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 confinement irrespective of pre-confinement anxiety/depression levels. The association of SCD intensity with anxiety/depression was mediated by stress perception, suggesting stress regulation as a potential intervention to reduce affective symptomatology in the SCD population in the face of stressors.
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15
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Tufail M, Wu C. Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Parkinson's disease patients. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09604. [PMID: 35677402 PMCID: PMC9166998 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. It causes respiratory tract infection that ranges from mild to lethal. The present study aimed to investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. A questionnaire about the emotional, physiological, and cognitive stress symptoms was designed in the present study. A total of 94 cases and 188 controls participants filled out the questionnaire. The participants include 70.2% male and 29.8% female in both cases and controls. 27.6% of the participants were aged 18–40 years old, 33.0% were aged 41–60 years old, and 39.4% were above 61 years old. In the present study, we found that the emotional symptoms of stress were common in PD patients. Fear about own and family health was significantly higher in PD patients. A significant number of PD patients were feeling depressed; the major reason was the COVID-19 and being a PD patient, While job difficulties and COVID-19 pandemic was the main reason for feeling depressed in the control group. Constant worrying due to COVID-19 was also more common in PD patients than in the control group. Among the physiological symptoms of stress, low energy, Restlessness, clenched jaw and avoiding others were significantly higher in PD patients. Among the cognitive symptoms of stress, racing thoughts, forgetfulness, and more nervous behaviours were common in PD patients. This study concludes that PD patients face a psychological burden due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which needs proper attention.
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Bakker ED, van Maurik IS, Mank A, Zwan MD, Waterink L, van den Buuse S, van den Broeke JR, Gillissen F, van de Beek M, Lemstra E, van den Bosch KA, van Leeuwenstijn M, Bouwman FH, Scheltens P, van der Flier WM. Psychosocial Effects of COVID-19 Measures on (Pre-)Dementia Patients During Second Lockdown. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 86:931-939. [PMID: 35034903 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic poses enormous social challenges, especially during lockdown. People with cognitive decline and their caregivers are particularly at risk of lockdown consequences. OBJECTIVE To investigate psychosocial effects in (pre-)dementia patients and caregivers during second lockdown and compare effects between first and second lockdown. METHODS We included n = 511 (pre-)dementia patients and n = 826 caregivers from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort and via Alzheimer Nederland. All respondents completed a self-designed survey on psychosocial effects of COVID-19. We examined relations between experienced support and psychosocial and behavioral symptoms using logistic regression. In a subset of patients and caregivers we compared responses between first and second lockdown using generalized estimating equation. RESULTS The majority of patients (≥58%) and caregivers (≥60%) reported that family and friends, hobbies, and music helped them cope. Support from family and friends was strongly related to less negative feelings in patients (loneliness: OR = 0.3[0.1-0.6]) and caregivers (loneliness: OR = 0.2[0.1-0.3]; depression: OR = 0.4[0.2-0.5]; anxiety: OR = 0.4[0.3-0.6]; uncertainty: OR = 0.3[0.2-0.5]; fatigue: OR = 0.3[0.2-0.4]; stress: OR = 0.3[0.2-0.5]). In second lockdown, less psychosocial and behavioral symptoms were reported compared to first lockdown (patients; e.g., anxiety: 22% versus 13%, p = 0.007; apathy: 27% versus 8%, p < 0.001, caregivers; e.g., anxiety: 23% versus 16%, p = 0.033; patient's behavioral problems: 50% versus 35%, p < 0.001). Patients experienced more support (e.g., family and friends: 52% versus 93%, p < 0.001; neighbors: 28% versus 66%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION During second lockdown, patients and caregivers adapted to challenges posed by lockdown, as psychosocial and behavioral effects decreased, while patients experienced more social support compared to first lockdown. Support from family and friends is a major protective factor for negative outcomes in patients and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els D Bakker
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ingrid S van Maurik
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arenda Mank
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marissa D Zwan
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lisa Waterink
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Freek Gillissen
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marleen van de Beek
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Evelien Lemstra
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karlijn A van den Bosch
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mardou van Leeuwenstijn
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Femke H Bouwman
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wiesje M van der Flier
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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17
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Theoharides TC. Could SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Be Responsible for Long-COVID Syndrome? Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1850-1861. [PMID: 35028901 PMCID: PMC8757925 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02696-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infects cells via its spike protein binding to its surface receptor on target cells and results in acute symptoms involving especially the lungs known as COVID-19. However, increasing evidence indicates that many patients develop a chronic condition characterized by fatigue and neuropsychiatric symptoms, termed long-COVID. Most of the vaccines produced so far for COVID-19 direct mammalian cells via either mRNA or an adenovirus vector to express the spike protein, or administer recombinant spike protein, which is recognized by the immune system leading to the production of neutralizing antibodies. Recent publications provide new findings that may help decipher the pathogenesis of long-COVID. One paper reported perivascular inflammation in brains of deceased patients with COVID-19, while others showed that the spike protein could damage the endothelium in an animal model, that it could disrupt an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and that it can cross the BBB resulting in perivascular inflammation. Moreover, the spike protein appears to share antigenic epitopes with human molecular chaperons resulting in autoimmunity and can activate toll-like receptors (TLRs), leading to release of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, some antibodies produced against the spike protein may not be neutralizing, but may change its conformation rendering it more likely to bind to its receptor. As a result, one wonders whether the spike protein entering the brain or being expressed by brain cells could activate microglia, alone or together with inflammatory cytokines, since protective antibodies could not cross the BBB, leading to neuro-inflammation and contributing to long-COVID. Hence, there is urgent need to better understand the neurotoxic effects of the spike protein and to consider possible interventions to mitigate spike protein-related detrimental effects to the brain, possibly via use of small natural molecules, especially the flavonoids luteolin and quercetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C Theoharides
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Suite 304, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
- School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
- Institute of Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, FL, 33759, USA.
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18
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Roh M, Dan H, Kim O. Influencing Factors of Subjective Cognitive Impairment in Middle-Aged and Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111488. [PMID: 34770002 PMCID: PMC8583411 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting subjective cognitive impairment. We analyzed data from the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey and enrolled 68,546 middle-aged adults, aged 50 to 64 years, and 74,547 older adults, aged 65 years and older, in this study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing subjective cognitive impairment. Of the participants, 11,926 (17.4%) middle-aged and 21,880 (29.4%) older adults living in the community reported subjective cognitive impairment. Major factors that influenced subjective cognitive impairment in both middle-aged and older adults were gender, subjective stress, depressive symptoms, and alcohol drinking. In contrast to middle-aged adults, the marital status of older adults affected subjective cognitive impairment. Therefore, the factors affecting subjective cognitive impairment in middle-aged and older adults need to be considered for screening and management to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia. In particular, it is necessary to evaluate and manage stress and depressive symptoms from middle age to prevent subjective cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oksoo Kim
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-02-3277-3703
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19
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Theoharides TC. Ways to Address Perinatal Mast Cell Activation and Focal Brain Inflammation, including Response to SARS-CoV-2, in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2021; 11:860. [PMID: 34575637 PMCID: PMC8465360 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to increase, but no distinct pathogenesis or effective treatment are known yet. The presence of many comorbidities further complicates matters, making a personalized approach necessary. An increasing number of reports indicate that inflammation of the brain leads to neurodegenerative changes, especially during perinatal life, "short-circuiting the electrical system" in the amygdala that is essential for our ability to feel emotions, but also regulates fear. Inflammation of the brain can result from the stimulation of mast cells-found in all tissues including the brain-by neuropeptides, stress, toxins, and viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, leading to the activation of microglia. These resident brain defenders then release even more inflammatory molecules and stop "pruning" nerve connections, disrupting neuronal connectivity, lowering the fear threshold, and derailing the expression of emotions, as seen in ASD. Many epidemiological studies have reported a strong association between ASD and atopic dermatitis (eczema), asthma, and food allergies/intolerance, all of which involve activated mast cells. Mast cells can be triggered by allergens, neuropeptides, stress, and toxins, leading to disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and activation of microglia. Moreover, many epidemiological studies have reported a strong association between stress and atopic dermatitis (eczema) during gestation, which involves activated mast cells. Both mast cells and microglia can also be activated by SARS-CoV-2 in affected mothers during pregnancy. We showed increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 and its receptor, but decreased expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-38 and its receptor IL-36R, only in the amygdala of deceased children with ASD. We further showed that the natural flavonoid luteolin is a potent inhibitor of the activation of both mast cells and microglia, but also blocks SARS-CoV-2 binding to its receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). A treatment approach should be tailored to each individual patient and should address hyperactivity/stress, allergies, or food intolerance, with the introduction of natural molecules or drugs to inhibit mast cells and microglia, such as liposomal luteolin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C Theoharides
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Suite 304, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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