beta-Amyloid is associated with reduced cognitive function in healthy older adults.
Though elevated beta-amyloid deposition is associated with Alzheimer's disease, recent evidence suggests beta-amyloid is elevated in healthy older adults prior to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. No study has yet investigated whether reduced cognitive function is related to beta-amyloid elevation in healthy older adults. Thirty-five healthy older adults underwent neuropsychological testing and fasting blood draw with subsequent serum beta-amyloid 1-40 level quantification. beta-amyloid was negatively correlated with several aspects of cognition. Findings indicate that beta-amyloid level is associated with cognitive function in healthy older adults in a pattern similar to early Alzheimer's disease. Further work investigating possible mechanisms is needed.
Gunstad
John
J
Center for Neuropsychological Studies, Summa Health System, Department of Psychiatry, Akron, OH 44310, USA.
Spitznagel
Mary Beth
MB
Glickman
Ellen
E
Alexander
Thomas
T
Juvancic-Heltzel
Judi
J
Walter
Kristen
K
Murray
Leigh
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000097:blood*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012649:Self Concept
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C078592:amyloid beta-protein (1-40)