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Oken BS, Kaplan J, Klee D, Gallegos AM. Contributions of loneliness to cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults are independent of other risk factors and Alzheimer's pathology: a narrative review. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1380002. [PMID: 38873650 PMCID: PMC11169707 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1380002] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Loneliness significantly contributes to cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. Loneliness is a distressing feeling resulting from a perceived lack of social connection (i.e., a discrepancy between desired and actual social relationships), while social isolation is a related term that can be defined by number and type of social relationships. Importantly, loneliness is distinct from social isolation in that it is associated with a distressing self-perception. The primary focus of this narrative review is the impact of chronic loneliness on cognitive impairment and dementia among older adults. Loneliness has a significant association with many factors that are related to worse cognition, and therefore we include discussion on health, mental health, as well as the physiological effects of loneliness, neuropathology, and potential treatments. Loneliness has been shown to be related to development of dementia with a hazard ratio (HR) risk comparable to having a single APOE4 gene. The relationship of dementia to loneliness appears to be at least partially independent of other known dementia risk factors that are possibly associated with loneliness, such as depression, educational status, social isolation, and physical activity. Episodic memory is not consistently impacted by loneliness, which would be more typically impaired if the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia was due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. In addition, the several longitudinal studies that included neuropathology showed no evidence for a relationship between loneliness and AD neuropathology. Loneliness may decrease resilience, or produce greater cognitive change associated with the same level of AD neuropathology. Intervention strategies to decrease loneliness in older adults have been developed but need to consider key treatment targets beyond social isolation. Loneliness needs to be assessed in all studies of cognitive decline in elders, since it significantly contributes to the variance of cognitive function. It will be useful to better define the underlying mechanism of loneliness effects on cognition to determine if it is similar to other psychological factors related to excessive stress reactivity, such as neuroticism or even depression, which are also associated with cognitive decline. It is important from a health perspective to develop better strategies to decrease loneliness in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry S. Oken
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Josh Kaplan
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Daniel Klee
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Autumn M. Gallegos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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Jin E, Hwang SSH. A preliminary study on the neurocognitive deficits associated with loneliness in young adults. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1371063. [PMID: 38680939 PMCID: PMC11046705 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1371063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The experience of loneliness is universal and may have an adverse effect on neurocognitive functioning even at a younger age. Using a comprehensive neurocognitive functioning test (NCFT) battery, we examined the possible negative effects of loneliness on neurocognitive functioning in young adults. The high-loneliness and low-loneliness groups were screened using the UCLA Loneliness Scale v. 3, and measures pertaining to the domains of intelligence, attention, memory, executive function, and psychomotor functioning were tested and compared. As depression and anxiety were significantly higher in the high-loneliness group, an analysis of covariance was conducted. As a result, the high-loneliness group showed significantly poor performance on measures of executive function and attention prior to controlling for depression and anxiety, and executive function retained its significance even after controlling for these variables. Additional analysis showed that depression and anxiety did not significantly mediate the relationship between loneliness and neurocognitive functioning. Such results suggest that loneliness is likely to negatively affect executive functioning and attention in early adulthood and then progressively spread to other domains of cognitive functioning, as reported in the older adult population. The limitations and implications of the present study were considered and addressed.
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Cunha C, Rodrigues P, Voss G, Martinez-Pecino R, Delerue-Matos A. Association between formal social participation and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal study using SHARE data. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38402630 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2024.2315769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Formal social participation significantly impacts health and well-being, potentially mitigating cognitive decline, although not consistently across all studies. Existing research often focuses solely on baseline participation levels, and age-related differences have primarily been explored among the Asian population. Therefore, this longitudinal study aims to assess the association between formal social participation and cognition across different age groups in individuals aged 50+ living in Europe and Israel, while capturing the dynamic nature of formal social participation. We use data from three waves (four, six, and eight) of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), comprising 85,601 respondents. Linear mixed-effects models were applied. The results show that participation in formal social activities mitigates cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults, especially among those aged 70 to 79 and 80+. These findings support the need for social policies promoting formal social activities, for lasting cognitive health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Cunha
- Communication and Society Research Centre, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Paula Rodrigues
- Communication and Society Research Centre, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Gina Voss
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Alice Delerue-Matos
- Communication and Society Research Centre, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Department of Sociology, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Jensen KHR, Urdanibia-Centelles O, Dam VH, Köhler-Forsberg K, Frokjaer VG, Knudsen GM, Jørgensen MB, Ip CT. EEG abnormalities are not associated with poor antidepressant treatment outcome - A NeuroPharm study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 79:59-65. [PMID: 38128462 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
EEG brain abnormalities, such as slowing and isolated epileptiform discharges (IEDs), has previously been associated with non-response to antidepressant treatment with escitalopram and venlafaxine, suggesting a potential need for treatment with anticonvulsant property in some patients. The current study aims to replicate the reported association of EEG abnormality and treatment outcomes in an open-label trial of escitalopram for major depressive disorder (MDD) and explore its relationship to mood and cognition. Pretreatment, 6 min eyes-closed resting-state 256-channel EEG was recorded in 91 patients with MDD (age 18-57) who were treated with 10-20 mg escitalopram for 12 weeks; patients could switch to duloxetine after four weeks. A certified clinical neurophysiologist rated the EEGs. IED and EEG slowing was seen in 13.2%, and in 6.6% there were findings with unclear significance (i.e., Wicket spikes and theta activity). We saw no group-difference in remission or response rates after 8 and 12 weeks of treatment or switching to duloxetine. Patients with EEG abnormalities had higher pretreatment mood disturbances driven by greater anger (p=.039) and poorer verbal memory (p=.012). However, EEG abnormality was not associated with improved mood or verbal memory after treatment. Our findings should be interpreted in light of the rarity of EEG abnormalities and the sample size. While we cannot confirm that EEG abnormalities are associated with non-response to treatment, including escitalopram, abnormal EEG activity is associated with poor mood and verbal memory. The clinical utility of EEG abnormality in antidepressant treatment selection needs careful evaluation before deciding if useful for clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian H Reveles Jensen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Olalla Urdanibia-Centelles
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibeke H Dam
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristin Köhler-Forsberg
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibe G Frokjaer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte M Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Martin B Jørgensen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cheng T Ip
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
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Zainal NH, Newman MG. Elevated Anxious and Depressed Mood Relates to Future Executive Dysfunction in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Network Analysis of Psychopathology and Cognitive Functioning. Clin Psychol Sci 2022; 11:218-238. [PMID: 36993876 PMCID: PMC10046395 DOI: 10.1177/21677026221114076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Vulnerability models posit that executive-functioning (EF) problems centrally affect future common (vs. rare) psychopathology symptoms. Conversely, scar theory postulates that depression/anxiety (vs. other psychopathology) symptoms centrally influence reduced EF. However, most studies so far have been cross-sectional. We used cross-lagged panel network analysis to determine temporal and component-to-component relations on this topic. Community older adults participated across four time points. Cognitive tests and the caregiver-rated Neuropsychiatric Inventory assessed nine psychopathology and eight cognitive-functioning nodes. Nodes with the highest bridge expected influence cross-sectionally were agitation and episodic memory. Episodic memory had the strongest inverse relation with age. Agitation had the strongest negative association with global cognition. EF nodes tended to be centrally affected by prior depressed and anxious moods rather than influential on any future nodes. Heightened anxious and depressed mood (vs. other nodes) centrally predicted future decreased EF-related (vs. non-EF-related) nodes in older adults, supporting scar (vs. vulnerability) theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hani Zainal
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
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Daly JM, Xu Y, Crockett SD, Schmidt ME, Kim P, Levy BT. Clock-Drawing Test as a Screening Tool for Cognitive Impairment Associated With Fecal Immunochemical Test Collection Errors. Ann Fam Med 2022; 20:452-459. [PMID: 36228064 PMCID: PMC9512558 DOI: 10.1370/afm.2855] [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: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purposes of this study were to determine if (1) certain demographic characteristics (potential predictors) of participants, and (2) clock-drawing test results (as a screening test for cognitive impairment) were associated with fecal immunochemical test (FIT) sample collection errors. METHODS Patients scheduled for an upcoming colonoscopy were asked to collect stool samples using 5 different FITs. Patients completed a questionnaire that included the clock-drawing test. Errors included mistakes or omissions in recording the stool collection date and errors in stool collection. Each clock drawing was scored by 2 reviewers using 2 established methods. RESULTS Of the 1,448 participants with a clock drawing, 63% were female with a mean age of 63 years. In this population there were 83% White, 6% Black, and 24% Hispanic persons. Cognitive impairment was found in 292 patients by the Mendes-Santos method. Kappa coefficient for the 2 clock-drawing scores was 0.79 (P <.001). The multivariable generalized linear mixed model for FIT collection errors indicated being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.64; 95% CI, 1.09-2.48), having an 8th grade or less education (AOR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.87-6.18), and having an abnormal Mendes-Santos method clock score (AOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.08-2.54) were associated with significantly more errors. CONCLUSION Among the participants who do not have dementia, FIT collection errors were made not only by those who had abnormal clock drawing, but also, by those with normal clock drawings. Subjects being female, having 8th grade education or less, and having an abnormal clock drawing scored by Mendes-Santos's method were associated with FIT collection errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette M Daly
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Yinghui Xu
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Seth D Crockett
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Megan E Schmidt
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Peter Kim
- Genesis Family Medicine Residency Program, Davenport, Iowa
| | - Barcey T Levy
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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Enhanced Cognition and Neurogenesis in miR-146b Deficient Mice. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132002. [PMID: 35805086 PMCID: PMC9265316 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The miR-146 family consists of two microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-146a and miR-146b, which are both known to suppress a variety of immune responses. Here in this study, we show that miR-146b is abundantly expressed in neuronal cells, while miR-146a is mainly expressed in microglia and astroglia of adult mice. Accordingly, miR-146b deficient (Mir146b-/-) mice exhibited anxiety-like behaviors and enhanced cognition. Characterization of cellular composition of Mir146b-/- mice using flow cytometry revealed an increased number of neurons and a decreased abundancy of astroglia in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, whereas microglia abundancy remained unchanged. Immunohistochemistry showed a higher density of neurons in the frontal cortex of Mir146b-/- mice, enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis as evidenced by an increased proliferation, and survival of newly generated cells with enhanced maturation into neuronal phenotype. No microglial activation or signs of neuroinflammation were observed in Mir146b-/- mice. Further analysis demonstrated that miR-146b deficiency is associated with elevated expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf) mRNA in the hippocampus, which might be at least in part responsible for the observed neuronal expansion and the behavioral phenotype. This hypothesis is partially supported by the positive correlation between performance of mice in the object recognition test and Gdnf mRNA expression in Mir146b-/- mice. Together, these results show the distinct function of miR-146b in controlling behaviors and provide new insights in understanding cell-specific function of miR-146b in the neuronal and astroglial organization of the mouse brain.
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Executive Functioning Constructs in Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Related Disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:871-880. [PMID: 36401677 PMCID: PMC9676877 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01390-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We synthesize theories proposing complex relations between cognitive functioning and anxiety-related concepts. We evaluate vulnerability theories suggesting that deficits in various cognitive functioning domains predict future anxiety-associated concepts. We examine scar theories asserting the opposite direction of effects (i.e., anxiety predicting cognitive dysfunction). Furthermore, we examine more novel frameworks on this topic. RECENT FINDINGS Reliable evidence exists for the scar and vulnerability theories. This includes mounting data on diverse anxiety symptoms predicting cognitive dysfunction (and conversely) unfolding at between- and within-person levels (dynamic mutualism theory). It also includes data on the stronger effects or central influence of anxiety (versus non-anxiety) symptoms on executive functioning (EF; i.e., higher-order cognitive control governing myriad thinking and action repertoires) versus non-EF domains and vice versa (network theory). In addition, it reviews emerging evidence that enhanced cognitive control can correlate with higher anxiety among children (overgeneralized control theory). The generally inverse relations between anxiety symptoms and cognitive dysfunction are bidirectional and complex within and between persons. Plausible mediators and moderators merit more attention, including immune, metabolism, and neural markers and the social determinants of health.
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