DNA methylation and cognitive functioning in healthy older adults

Long-term supplementation with folic acid may improve cognitive performance in older individuals. The relationship between folate status and cognitive performance might be mediated by changes in methylation capacity, as methylation reactions are important for normal functioning of the brain. Although aberrant DNA methylation has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, the relationship between DNA methylation status and non-pathological cognitive functioning in human subjects has not yet been investigated. The present study investigated the associations between global DNA methylation and key domains of cognitive functioning in healthy older adults. Global DNA methylation, defined as the percentage of methylated cytosine to total cytosine, was measured in leucocytes by liquid chromatography-MS/MS, in 215 men and women, aged 50-70 years, who participated in the Folic Acid and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (FACIT) study (clinical trial registration number NCT00110604). Cognitive performance was assessed by means of the Visual Verbal Word Learning Task, the Stroop Colour-Word Interference Test, the Concept Shifting Test, the Letter-Digit Substitution Test and the Verbal Fluency Test. Using hierarchical linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, level of education, alcohol consumption, smoking status, physical activity, erythrocyte folate concentration and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677?C?→?T genotype, we found that global DNA methylation was not related to cognitive performance on any of the domains measured. The present study results do not support the hypothesis that global DNA methylation, as measured in leucocytes, might be associated with cognitive functioning in healthy older individuals.     

The Five-Times-Sit-to-stand test,a marker of global cognitive functioning among community-dwelling older women

Objective  

To determine whether there was an association between the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand test (FTSS) and the global cognitive function assessed with Short-Portable-Mental-State-Questionnaire (SPMSQ) among the EPIDOS cohort.     

Diabetes mellitus and cognitive performance in older women

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study sought to identify diabetes accurately in a study population of 3681 women age 75 and older and to determine the association of diabetes with cognitive performance. METHODS: A previously validated test, the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Screening-Modified (TICSm) was given to assess cognitive status. A diabetes case identification database, medical record review and self-report were used to determine diabetes cases. 489 (13.3%) of the women in the study were classified with diabetes and 3192 without diabetes. RESULTS: t-tests and linear regression analyses determined that diabetic women had a mean TICSm score 1.4 points lower (i.e. more impaired) than non-diabetic women. Using linear regression to adjust for age, education, and vascular disease, diabetic women showed a 1.1 lower score on the TICSm. Similar adjustments were made for potential confounding variables such as depression, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), high body weight, smoking, alcohol use and exercise and diabetics again showed a 1.0 lower score. CONCLUSION: This study, which utilizes highly rigorous case identification methodology, provides further evidence that diabetes is associated with significantly worse cognitive performance in the elderly.     

Cataract extraction and cognitive function in older women

BACKGROUND: Oxidative damage is critical in the etiology of cataract. Therefore, associations between cataract and other health endpoints may suggest the shared etiologic role of oxidative stress. METHODS: To assess any role of oxidative stress in cognitive function and early cognitive decline, we investigated the relation between cognition and cataract extraction in 16,197 community-dwelling women age 70-79 years from the Nurses' Health Study. Six cognitive tests were administered by telephone from 1995 to 2000; second interviews are ongoing and have been completed for 12,995 women. In total, 3,597 women reported cataract extraction prior to their baseline cognitive assessment. We used logistic regression to calculate multivariate-adjusted relative risks of a low score and of substantial decline, comparing those with and without cataract extraction. RESULTS: Using a global score that combines the results of the cognitive tests, there was no relation between cataract and either low score (RR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.87-1.13) or substantial decline from baseline to second interview (RR = 1.08; CI = 0.93-1.25). CONCLUSION: Cataract extraction does not appear to be related to cognitive function in these women.     

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and cognitive function in older women

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory processes may be involved in the development of dementia, although findings from epidemiologic studies directly examining inflammatory markers and dementia or its precursor, impaired cognitive function, are inconsistent. METHODS: We measured plasma levels of the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein, using a high-sensitivity assay (hs-CRP) in 4,231 older participants of the Women's Health Study, who provided blood samples between 1992 and 1996 when they were age 60 to 90 years. From 1998 to 2000, we administered a battery of 5 cognitive tests measuring general cognition, verbal memory, and category fluency. Using multiple linear regression, we compared mean cognitive test scores across quintiles of hs-CRP, adjusting for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: There was a wide distribution of hs-CRP levels among these women, and a large proportion had levels considered to reflect a high risk of cardiovascular disease. We observed no suggestion, however, that higher hs-CRP levels were associated with poorer cognitive performance. For example, on a global score combining results of all the cognitive tests, mean scores among women in the highest quintile of hs-CRP did not differ from those in the lowest quintile (multivariable-adjusted mean difference = 0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.02 to 0.11, P for trend across quintiles = 0.38). CONCLUSION: Overall, in these women, we found no evidence of a link between hs-CRP, a marker of inflammation, and decrements in cognitive function.     

Riboflavin requirements and exercise adaptation in older women.

The effects of exercise training on riboflavin requirements and of riboflavin intake on endurance were examined in 14 women, 50-67 y of age, who participated in a 10-wk, two-period crossover exercise study at two riboflavin intakes, 0.15 micrograms/kJ (0.6 micrograms/kcal) and 0.22 micrograms/kJ (0.9 micrograms/kcal). Subjects exercised 20-25 min/d, 6 d/wk, for 4-wk periods on a cycle ergometer at 75-85% of their maximal heart rate. Riboflavin status was assessed by measuring the erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient (EGRAC) and urinary riboflavin excretion. Physical performance was evaluated by using a walking treadmill test to determine maximal oxygen capacity (VO2max) and anaerobic threshold by gas exchange (ATGE). Exercise significantly affected riboflavin status as EGRAC increased (P less than 0.001) and riboflavin excretion decreased (P less than 0.01) in both groups. VO2max increased significantly with exercise (P less than 0.01). However, changes in VO2max (L/min) and ATGE with exercise training were not different in the two groups. Riboflavin requirements of older women increased with exercise training, but increased riboflavin intake did not enhance improvements in endurance.     

Effects of aerobic exercise on sexual functioning in depressed adults

ObjectiveExercise appears to be generally comparable to antidepressant medication in reducing depressive symptoms. The current study examines the effects of aerobic exercise, compared to antidepressant medication and placebo pill, on sexual function among depressed adults.MethodsTwo hundred clinically depressed adults, aged 40 years and over, who were sedentary and generally overweight, were randomized to 4 months of Aerobic Exercise, Sertraline (Zoloft), or Placebo pill, for the treatment of depression. Exercise condition participants engaged in walking, running, or biking, 30 min/day, 3 days/week, to 70–85% of their heart rate reserve, in either a supervised group setting or independently at home. Before and following treatment, participants completed the Arizona Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (ASEX) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). An ANCOVA was performed to test the effects of treatment on post-treatment sexual function, controlling for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, pretreatment HAM-D scores, and pretreatment ASEX scores.ResultsThe treatment group main effect was significant (p = .02); exercisers had better post-treatment ASEX scores (adjusted ASEX M = 16.6) compared to the placebo group (adjusted ASEX M = 18.3; p = .01). Exercisers had post-treatment ASEX scores that were marginally better compared to the sertraline group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (adjusted ASEX M = 17.9; p = .05).ConclusionAerobic exercise, which has been associated with reduced symptoms of depression comparable to antidepressant medication, appears to result in greater improvement in sexual function compared to placebo pill. A nonsignificant trend towards better sexual function among exercisers compared to antidepressant medication may be attributable to medication-related sexual side effects.     

Associations between physical activity and cognitive functioning among middle-aged and older adults

Objectives

To describe aerobic physical activity among middle-aged and older adults by their selfreported cognitive decline and their receipt of informal care for declines in cognitive functioning and most common type of physical activity.

Design

Cross-sectional study using data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Setting

Landline and cellular telephone survey.

Participants

93,082 respondents aged 45 years and older from 21 US states in 2011.

Measurements

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) was defined as experiencing confusion or memory loss that was happening more often or getting worse during the past 12 months. Regular care was defined as always, usually, or sometimes receiving care from family or friends because of SCD. Using the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, respondents were classified as being inactive, insufficiently active, or sufficiently active based on their reported aerobic exercise. We calculated weighted proportions and used chi-square tests for differences across categories by SCD status and receipt of care. We estimated the prevalence ratio (PR) for being inactive, insufficiently active, and sufficiently active using separate log-binomial regression models, adjusting for covariates.

Results

12.3% of respondents reported SCD and 23.1% of those with SCD received regular care. 29.6% (95%CI: 28.9-30.4) of respondents without SCD were inactive compared to 37.1% (95%CI: 34.7-39.5) of those with SCD who did not receive regular care and 50.2% (95%CI: 45.2-55.1) of those with SCD who received regular care. 52.4% (95%CI: 51.6-53.2) of respondents without SCD were sufficiently active compared to 46.4% (95%CI: 43.8-49.0) of respondents with SCD and received no regular care and 30.6% (95%CI: 26.1-35.6) of respondents with SCD who received regular care. After adjusting for demographic and health status differences, people receiving regular care for SCD had a significantly lower prevalence of meeting aerobic guidelines compared to people without SCD (PR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.69-0.93, p=0.005). The most prevalent physical activity was walking for adults aged ≥ 45 years old (41-52%) regardless of SCD status or receipt of care.

Conclusion

Overall, the prevalence of inactivity was high, especially among people with SCD. These findings suggest a need to increase activity among middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with SCD who receive care. Examining ways to increase walking, potentially by involving informal caregivers, could be a promising way for people with SCD to reduce inactivity and gain the health benefits associated with meeting physical activity guidelines.

     

Relations of mood and exercise with weight loss in formerly sedentary obese women

Objective: To assess relations of mood changes, exercise, and weight loss among formerly sedentary obese women (N=76; Mean BMI=36.6) reporting weight loss goals. Methods: At baseline and month 6, participants completed the Profile of Mood States scales of depression, tension, and total mood disturbance and were assessed on attendance in exercise sessions and changes in weight. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between weight changes and each mood factor at baseline (r=.31 to .40) and changes from baseline to month 6 (r=.41 to .47). Multiple regression analyses suggested exercise attendance and mood changes significantly contributed to explained variances in weight changes (R(2)=.22 to .28). Conclusions: Mood factors and incorporation of exercise may have implications for health behavior theory and weight loss treatments.     

SF-36 normative values according to level of functioning in older women

Quality of Life Research - The 36-item Medical Outcome Study Short Form (SF-36) survey measures health-related quality of life. Age and disease-specific normative values have been published, but a...     

Successful aging in a wellness group for older women

This paper describes a community-based group health promotion intervention for urban-dwelling, culturally diverse older women who meet the criteria of vulnerability in addition to having marked personal indicators of successful aging. The seven-year evolution of the group will be described, highlighting salient themes from evaluative data and projecting future directions. Specific recommendations for initiating small group health promotion programming are incorporated.     

团体认知行为疗法对孕妇产前焦虑的干预研究

目的:探究团体认知行为疗法干预对孕妇产前焦虑的影响分析.方法:选取60例产妇,将其随机分为试验组和对照组各30例.两组均给予常规护理方式,试验组同时接受为期4周,每周1次的团体认知行为治疗.两组分别于入院前及治疗4周接受汉密尔顿焦虑量表(HAMA)及自动思维问卷(ATQ)的评定;治疗4周后接受团体治疗效果因子问卷调查....     

Effects of exercise on stress in Thai postmenopausal women

Several researchers have investigated the impact of menopause on American and European women. Yet there is little research that has focused on the meaning of this experience in other cultural and ethnic groups. In Thailand, although there is research concerning the physical symptomotology associated with the postmenopausal period, scant data exists on psychological stress among this cohort. Exercise is important for both stress reduction and health promotion. However, no clear consensus has been reached, suggesting the need for exploration of the relationship between exercise and psychological stress. Our purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on stress in Thai postmenopausal women. A one-group pretest posttest design was utilized. Data were collected on 102 Thai postmenopausal women. The findings suggest that an exercise program may be a safe, simple, and cost beneficial intervention.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and cognitive function in older women

Homocysteine may play a causal role in cognitive decline. The authors analyzed the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotype, a correlate of plasma homocysteine levels, among 6,653 participants in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, a community-based, prospective cohort study of older women in four US states. During the years 1986-1998, the authors assessed whether the distribution of MTHFR C677T genotypes was independent of potential confounders and whether persons with the TT genotype had lower baseline performance or showed greater longitudinal declines on standard cognitive tests. Although ethnicity was associated with MTHFR genotype distribution within the entire cohort (p < 0.001), all measured confounders appeared independent of MTHFR genotype within the largest ethnically homogenous subgroup, persons of Northern and/or Central European ancestry (n = 5,668) (Kolmogorov-Smirnov p = 0.97). In this subgroup, the TT genotype was associated with lower scores on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (p = 0.034) and the Trails B test (p = 0.020) and with a small excess annual decline on a modified version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (p = 0.035). Although the strength of the observed associations was modest, these results lend some support to the theory that an elevated homocysteine level contributes to cognitive decline.     

Acute effects of physical exercise on cognitive and psychological functioning in college students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

We sought to elucidate the acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) among college students with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants were age- and sex-matched across ADHD (n = 18) and non-ADHD groups (n = 18) and both groups completed baseline (non-HIIT) and experimental sessions (HIIT). We examined within- and between-subject effects on a continuous performance task (CPT) and self-reported ADHD and internalizing symptomatology. We found that the degree of improvement on ADHD and depressive symptomatology, as well as processing speed and response variability following HIIT was significantly greater for the ADHD group than the comparison group. Further investigations such as randomized controlled trials focusing on the chronic effects of sustained HIIT interventions are needed to substantiate the potential feasibility and efficacy of HIIT as an intervention. HIIT may be a useful adjunct to psychosocial and/or pharmacological treatments for college students with ADHD because it: (a) yields immediate, acute improvements in executive functioning, ADHD, and mood; (b) promotes improved physical and mental health; (c) poses a relatively low risk of deleterious effects in apparently healthy college students. Even with the need for additional research, current data suggest a single, brief, high-intensity bout of aerobic exercise can yield immediate significant short-term improvements. These improvements may enhance functioning and improve outcomes for college students with ADHD.     

Long-term intake of nuts in relation to cognitive function in older women

Objective

Nuts contain nutrients that may benefit brain health; thus, we examined long-term intake of nuts in relation to cognition in older women.

Design

Population-based prospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic research using data from the Nurses’ Health Study.

Participants

Nut intake was assessed in a food-frequency questionnaire beginning inl980, and approximately every four years thereafter. Between 1995–2001, 16,010 women age 70 or older (mean age = 74 years) without a history of stroke were administered 4 repeated telephone-based cognitive interviews over 6 years. Our final sample included 15,467 women who completed an initial cognitive interview and had complete information on nut intake.

Main Outcome Measures

The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), a global score averaging the results of all tests (TICS, immediate and delayed verbal recall, category fluency, and attention), and a verbal memory score averaging the results of tests of verbal recall.

Results

In multivariable-adjusted linear regression models, higher long-term total nut intake was associated with better average cognitive status for all cognitive outcomes. For the global composite score combining all tests, women consuming at least 5 servings of nuts/week had higher scores than non-consumers (mean difference=0.08 standard units, 95% confidence interval 0.00–0.15; p-trend=0.003). This mean difference of 0.08 is equivalent to the mean difference we find between women 2 years apart in age. Long-term intake of nuts was not associated with rates of cognitive decline.

Conclusions

Higher nut intake may be related to better overall cognition at older ages, and could be an easily-modifiable public health intervention.     

Effects of exercise intensity on food intake and appetite in women

BACKGROUND: Increasing exercise intensity has been shown to reduce energy intake in men. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise intensity on energy intake in women. DESIGN: Thirteen moderately active (peak oxygen uptake: 44.0 +/- 4.7 mL . kg(-1) . min(-1)) women [body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 22.2 +/- 2.4; age: 22.2 +/- 2.0 y] were subjected to 3 experimental conditions: control with no exercise and 2 equicaloric (350 kcal) low- (LIE) and high- (HIE) intensity exercise sessions at 40% and 70% of peak oxygen uptake, respectively. After each session, the participants ate ad libitum from buffet-type meals at lunch and dinner and ate snacks during the afternoon and evening. Visual analogue scales were used to rate appetite. RESULTS: More energy was ingested at lunchtime after the HIE session than after the control session (878 +/- 309 and 751 +/- 230 kcal, respectively; P = 0.02). Relative energy intake (postexercise energy intake corrected for the energy cost of exercise above the resting level) at lunch was lower after the LIE session than after the control session (530 +/- 233 and 751 +/- 230 kcal, respectively; P < 0.001) and was lower after the HIE session than after the control session (565 +/- 301 and 751 +/- 230 kcal, respectively; P < 0.01). Similarly, daily energy intake tended to increase during the HIE session relative to that during the control session. No treatment effect was found for appetite scores throughout the experiment. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that HIE increases energy intake in women.     

Effect of vitamin e supplementation with exercise on cognitive functions and total antioxidant capacity in older people

Objective  

We investigated the effects of six months vitamin E administration on cognition evaluated by event-related potentials in exercising older subjects.