Education level may modify the association between cardiac index and cognitive function among elders with normal ejection function

Trace elements and cognitions in elderly population: a case-control study

There have been almost no studies with trace elements and psychological battery in cognitively impaired elderly individuals. Such research is crucial to enhance diagnostic accuracy. We aim to identify significant differences in blood serum concentration levels of trace elements, Hindi Mini-Mental State Examination (HMMSE), and psychological battery as Hindi Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (HMDRS) scores between case and control groups in the elderly. A cross-sectional research design was conducted with a total of 240 subjects, comprising 120 each from the case and control groups. Trace elements were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. HMMSE and HMDRS tests were administered to assess cognition scores. The chi-square test, t-test, and appropriate statistics were utilized. Our findings indicate significant differences in demographic factors (age, gender, education level) and clinical levels (p < .001), while caste, habitat, and marital status were not significant (p < .05). Concentration levels of Iron (Fe) and Copper (Cu) was higher, Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), and Selenium (Se) were lower, significantly different (p < .001), but Magnesium (Mg) was not (p < .05). Additionally, third HMMSE and HMDRS were significant (p < .001) between the case and control groups in the elderly. The study suggested that higher levels of Fe and Cu, while lower Zn, Cr, and Se blood serum concentrations increased the risk of cognitive impairments in the elderly population, demonstrated by the HMMSE and HMDRS test scores which were lower in the case group.

Level of cognitive functioning among elderly patients in urban area of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Bangladesh is experiencing rapid urbanization and a growing elderly population, particularly in urban areas. Cognitive decline, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to dementia, is a prevalent issue among elderly populations globally. Understanding the current state of cognitive functioning in this demographic is essential for informing effective healthcare plans and programs. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of cognitive decline and its associated factors among urban-dwelling elderly adults in Bangladesh, using the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) to assess cognitive function. This cross-sectional study employed systematic random sampling among 150 elderly participants (aged 60-85 years) from the outpatient department of the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The mean age of participants was 67.41 ± 6.31 years, with a male predominance (53.3%). Cognitive function was impaired in a majority of participants, with 53.3% classified as having dementia, 38.7% with MNCD, and only 8% showing normal cognitive function. Significant predictors of cognitive function included age (r = -0.451, P < 0.001), educational level (P = 0.009), and diabetes (P = 0.038). Female participants had lower mean cognitive function scores compared to males (21.16 ± 5.25 vs. 22.03 ± 4.36, P = 0.271). Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among elderly individuals in urban Bangladesh, with age, educational level, and diabetes being key predictors. These findings highlight the need for public health interventions and policies focused on early screening and targeted healthcare for cognitive decline in this demographic.

Aortic Characteristic Impedance and Suspected Mild Cognitive Impairment in a Community-Based Healthy Population

BACKGROUND

Aging of the proximal aorta can lead to increased pressure and flow pulsatility in the cerebral microcirculation, which may cause cognitive impairment. This study investigated the association between aortic characteristic impedance (Zc), an indicator of regional stiffness of the proximal aorta, and suspected mild cognitive impairment (MCI), compared with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 1461 healthy community residents (46.4% men; age range, 35-96 years [mean±SD, 59.9±11.8 years]) without a history of cardiovascular events or stroke were included in the study. Zc was estimated using applanation tonometry and echocardiography. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Education-adjusted cut points were used to define suspected MCI. Subjects with suspected MCI (n=493 [33.7%]) had significantly higher Zc and CFPWV than those without. In multivariable analysis, both Zc and CFPWV were inversely associated with Mini-Mental State Examination score. Zc (odds ratio per 1 SD, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.09-1.37] and CFPWV (odds ratio per 1 SD, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.01-1.38]) was also significantly associated with suspected MCI, after adjusting for age, sex, education level, mean arterial pressure, hypertension, diabetes, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and smoking status. In joint analysis, Zc was significantly associated with suspected MCI, but CFPWV was not. In the age subgroups of <50 years and 50 to 70 years, only Zc was significantly associated with suspected MCI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that Zc was significantly associated with Mini-Mental State Examination score and suspected MCI, especially in younger and middle-aged adults. These findings suggest that Zc may be a useful biomarker for identifying individuals at risk for MCI.