Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1): relation with cognitive functioning and neuroimaging marker of brain damage in a sample of hypertensive elderly subjects.
IGF-1 decline has been related to age-dependent cognitive impairment and dementia. No study examined IGF-1 levels in subjects with a risk factor for brain damage such as hypertension. We investigated the relationship between IGF-1, cognitive functioning and neuroimaging in a sample of 75 hypertensive elderly subjects aged > 65. Cognitive performance were tested by mini mental state examination (MMSE), Cambridge cognitive examination (CAMDEX-R), and the frontal assessment battery (FAB). Among other indices, free IGF-1 in serum was assayed. The radial width of the temporal horn (rWTH) evaluates medial cerebral temporal lobe atrophy. Significant correlations between IGF-1 levels and both total and sub-domain scores of cognition were found. IGF-1 level was significantly lower in cognitively declined group. The lowest IGF-1 -percentile subgroup was significantly cognitively impaired. A statistically non-significant, but lower IGF-1 level was found in the sub-sample with pathologically wider rWTH. Levels of IGF-1 below 79.4 microg/l are associated with cognitive decline, whereas a level above 118 microg/l seems to be a marker of normal cognitive performance. A decreasing of IGF-1 related to a widening of the rWTH suggests an involvement of this hormone in hippocampus atrophy.
Angelini
A
A
Modena and Reggio Emilia University, Department of Geriatrics, NOCSAE (Nuovo Ospedale Civile S. Agostino-Estense), Baggiovara (MO), Italy. annapinaagelini@fastwebnet.it
Bendini
C
C
Neviani
F
F
Bergamini
L
L
Manni
B
B
Trenti
T
T
Rovati
R
R
Neri
M
M
D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D015415:Biomarkers; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I