bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subjective Social Status, Brain Health, and Cognitive Reserve Across Race/Ethnicity and Sex/Gender
Authors: Scambray Kiana A. , Nelson Monica E , Morris Emily P. , Palms Jordan D , Taylor Lauren , Sol Ketlyne , Schupf Nicole , Brickman Adam M. , Manly Jennifer J. , Zahodne Laura B. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundSubjective social status in the US (SSS) is related to physical, mental, and cognitive health independent of socioeconomic status, yet few studies have assessed SSS in one’s community or examined how SSS may function differentially across the intersection of race and gender. This study aimed to assess the relationships between SSS‐US, SSS‐community, brain health, and cognitive reserve utilizing an intersectional lens to extend the literature on social determinants of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) risk.MethodsParticipants were 867 older adults from the Washington Heights‐Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP). SSS relative to the US and one’s community were based on the MacArthur Scale of SSS. Brain health was operationalized as total volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), total gray matter volume, total hippocampal volume, and mean cortical thickness across nine AD signature regions. Cognitive reserve was operationalized as residual variance in an episodic memory composite after accounting for all brain health measures. Separate multiple linear regressions assessed unique relationships between the two SSS predictors and the brain health and cognitive reserve outcomes while adjusting for sociodemographics. Multiplicative interaction terms examined whether associations involving SSS were moderated by sex/gender, race/ethnicity, and their intersection.ResultsThere were no relationships between SSS‐community or SSS‐US and brain health across the full sample. Among White women, higher SSS‐community was associated with lower WMH (B = ‐0.33, p = 0.047). Among Black men, higher SSS‐community was associated with lower hippocampal volume (B = ‐0.31, p = 0.04). In sensitivity analyses, higher SSS‐community was associated with lower hippocampal volume among older (B = ‐0.30, p = 0.048), but not younger (B = ‐0.21, p = 0.37) Black men. Neither SSS‐US nor SSS‐community was associated with cognitive reserve.ConclusionsThis study highlights the value of assessing community standing in addition to US standing to understand social determinants of ADRD risk, as community standing may be more predictive of brain health. From an intersectional lens, community standing may be most strongly related to cerebrovascular health among White women, who appeared more sensitive to both low and high community standing. Counterintuitive findings among Black men likely reflect selective survival. Further research should explore longitudinal relationships between community standing and brain health.
Cardiac Biomarkers, Subclinical Brain Vascular Changes, and Cognitive Decline: Post Hoc Analysis of the SPRINT Trial
Authors: Zhang Wenxin , Ascher Simon B. , Dolui Sudipto , Nasrallah Ilya M. , Lu Yuan , Neitzel Julia , Toledo Estefanía , Glodzik Lidia , Hughes Timothy M. , Berry Jarett D , Ma Yuan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundSubclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), assessed by high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), is linked to cognitive decline, but the associations in hypertensive adults and the underlying brain pathologies remain unclear. It is also undetermined whether an intensive blood pressure treatment compared to a standard treatment may slow down cognitive decline associated with subclinical CVD.MethodWe conducted a post hoc analysis of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial, where older adults with hypertension were randomized to an intensive treatment (systolic blood pressure (SBP) target of < 120 mm Hg) or standard treatment (< 140 mm Hg). Serum hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP concentrations were measured at baseline, with elevated levels defined as ≥ 14 ng/L for hs‐cTnT and ≥ 125 pg/mL for NT‐proBNP. Global and domain‐specific (memory, processing speed, language, and executive function) cognitive function was assessed using a battery of neuropsychological tests at baseline and during the follow‐up (year 2, year 4, and year 6) in 2733 participants with biomarker measurements. White matter lesions, cerebral blood flow, and brain tissue volume were assessed by brain MRI at baseline and 4 years of follow‐up in a subset of 639 participants.ResultElevated levels of both hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP were associated with accelerated decline in cognitive function across all four domains after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The group with elevated levels of both cardiac biomarkers showed the fastest decline, with a greater annual decline rate of 0.033 (95% CI, 0.024 to 0.041) in standardized z‐score of global cognitive function compared to the group with normal hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP. Elevated levels of both cardiac biomarkers were also associated with a faster progression in white matter lesions, but not with changes in total brain tissue volume and cerebral blood flow. Intensive SBP treatment did not attenuate these associations compared to standard treatment (all P for interaction > 0.05).ConclusionElevated hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP levels were associated with accelerated cognitive decline and progression of white matter lesions regardless of SBP treatment assignment. Subclinical CVD may contribute to the progression of white matter lesions and thus leads to accelerated cognitive decline.
High Pesticide Exposure Events and Subjective Cognitive Decline among U.S. Farmers
Authors: Yuan Yaqun , Plassman Brenda L , Song Shengfang , Luo Zhehui , Parks Christine G , Fleenor Julie , Madsen Corrine , MacDonald Heather , Davis Scott , Li Chenxi , Hofmann Jonathan N , Freeman Laura E. Beane , Sandler Dale P. , Chen Honglei 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundPesticide exposure may contribute to cognitive decline, but empirical evidence is limited. We examined high pesticide exposure events (HPEE) in relation to subjective cognitive decline among farmers in the Pesticide and Sense of Smell Study (PASS), a sub‐cohort of the Agricultural Health Study (AHS).MethodThis analysis included 2365 predominantly white male farmers from Iowa and North Carolina (aged 70±10 years) who enrolled in AHS from 1993‐1997 and participated in PASS in 2020‐2021. Subjective cognitive decline was assessed in the PASS sub‐cohort using the 14‐item Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), and significant decline was defined as a CFI score ≥ 4. HPEEs were assessed in 1993‐1997, 1999‐2003, and 2005‐2010 in the AHS cohort and in 2020‐2021 in PASS. We estimated the association of HPEE on SCD using a doubly robust, weighted least‐square method, accounting for study design, sampling, non‐response, and multiple covariates, including demographics, lifestyle factors, and major chronic diseases.ResultA history of HPEE was associated with significant subjective cognitive decline across all HPEE assessments in the AHS and PASS. Using the HPEE reported in PASS as an example, compared with those who never had any event, the risk ratio (RR) for those who reported HPEE was 1.57 (95% confidence interval: 1.35, 1.89). The association appeared stronger for more HPEE events (RR: 1.89 vs. 1.45 for ≥3 vs. 1‐2 events), longer delay in washing with soap and water (RR: 1.74 vs. 1.51 for waiting >1 vs. ≤ 1 hour), HPEE exposure via the respiratory/digestive tract (RR: 1.84 vs. 1.33 for dermal contact only), HPEE with subsequent symptoms (2.04 vs. 1.36 for ≥2 vs. no symptoms). Data on HPEE exposure to specific pesticides are limited, but we found significant associations of HPEE with SCD for alachlor, atrazine, 2,4‐D, and glyphosate.ConclusionThis study provides preliminary evidence that high pesticide exposure may contribute to subjective cognitive decline among older farmers.
Behavioral Reaction to Amyloid β Status Disclosure Among Research Participants with High‐AD Risk in Israel
Authors: Golan Sapir , Beeri Michal S , Zadok Maya , Ben‐Meir Mery , Rozen Yael , Shutsberg Revital , Bem‐Moshe Ariela , Heymann Anthony , Azuri Yossi , Ganmore Ithamar , Ravona‐Springer Ramit , Hoffmann Chen , Domachevsky Liran , Lesman‐Segev Orit H. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAmyloid beta (Aβ) deposition marks an early stage in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), detectable in‐vivo years before symptoms emerge and targeted by recently FDA‐approved drugs. This has propelled advancements in understanding, measuring, and treating AD, paving the way for disease prevention in those at risk. However, the psychological impact of disclosing Aβ status to cognitively unimpaired individuals remains underexplored. Our study aimed to evaluate the behavioral responses to Aβ status disclosure in this population.MethodTwo observational studies and two clinical trials incorporating Aβ‐PET were conducted, involving research participants who received information on Aβ‐PET scans, results, and interpretation. Questionnaires were administered before the scan and four‐to‐six months post‐disclosure to assess anxiety, depression, subjective memory complaints, and motivation for risk‐reduction behaviors. Bivariate analysis and mixed models were employed to analyze responses, with logistic regression used to identify predictors of unfavorable responses to negative scan disclosure.ResultAmong 178 participants with amyloid‐negative scans (mean age 64, 57% females) and 21 with amyloid‐positive scans (mean age 77, 38% females), no significant pre‐scan differences were observed. Negative amyloid disclosure correlated with reductions in all domains tested, including memory complaints, depression, anxiety, and motivation to change lifestyle (p≤0.001). Positive amyloid disclosure also resulted in decreases, particularly in anxiety and depression, albeit to a lesser extent and with greater variability (0.007<p<0.07 for pre to post PET change in amyloid positives vs. negatives). Higher education was linked to fewer memory complaints post‐negative Aβ PET disclosure (Odds ratio=0.79, CI=0.65‐0.97, p=0.02).ConclusionIn conclusion, as AD enters an era of disease‐modifying and preventive treatments, understanding how cognitively normal adults respond to AD biomarker status disclosure becomes crucial. Negative amyloid results offer a comforting effect, reflected in reduced subjective memory concerns and lower anxiety, depression, and motivation for lifestyle changes. However, caution is needed to prevent false reassurance. Positive amyloid results also provide comfort, albeit to a lesser extent and with more variability. Lower education levels may predict unfavorable responses to negative amyloid disclosures.
How does different types of exercise promote cognitive function? What do we know?
Authors: Liu‐Ambrose Teresa 
Published: January 2025

AbstractOur current understanding of how exercise promotes cognitive function largely stems from animal studies and is restricted to aerobic exercise training (AT). It is widely hypothesized that AT induces neurotrophic factor cascades (i.e., BDNF, IGF‐1, and VEGF), a central mechanism mediating exercise‐dependent benefits in cognitive performance. However, evidence regarding the effect of AT on neurotrophic factors in humans is equivocal. Notably, whether AT‐induced changes in neurotrophic factors are associated with AT‐induced changes in cognitive function is largely unknown. The dearth of mechanistic evidence is even more pronounced for resistance training (RT).Both AT and RT may also promote cognitive function by reducing peripheral cardiometabolic risk factors for neurodegeneration (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia), as well as systemic inflammation associated with these risk factors. Specifically, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are associated with chronic low‐grade systemic inflammation reflected by elevated levels of C reactive protein and cytokines. Systemic inflammation can impair neurotrophic factor signaling, exacerbate the metabolic syndrome, and accelerate cognitive decline. Similar to neurotrophic factors, the roles of cardiometabolic risk and systemic inflammation in exercise‐induced improvements in human cognitive performance are not well established.A better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of different types of exercise training will greatly advance our ability to refine and develop novel exercise (and other) strategies for dementia prevention. In this session, we will discuss/debate the selection and measurement of biomarkers in randomized controlled trials of exercise in individuals with or without cognitive impairment.
Novel Alzheimer’s disease blood‐based biomarkers in exercise trials
Authors: Karikari Thomas K , Erickson Kirk I. , Esteban‐Cornejo Irene 
Published: January 2025

AbstractRegular exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects including reducing risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, it is unclear if exercise has direct effects on AD pathophysiology. To this end, several emerging initiatives have been established to investigate plasma biomarker changes in relation to exercise among older adults. The aim of this talk is to described plasma biomarker results in two exercise‐based randomized controlled trials. The Investigating Gains in Neurocognition in an Intervention Trial of Exercise (IGNITE) is a completed multi‐site randomised dose‐response exercise trial of 12‐month duration that targeted over 600 cognitively normal 65–80‐year‐old adults in the United States. Participants were randomized into three different groups of exercise intensity. The second study is the Active Gains in brain Using Exercise During Aging (AGUEDA) is a 24‐week, single‐site two‐arm, single‐blinded trial that recrtuited n = 90 cognitively normal adults aged 65‐80 and living in Spain. In both studies, blood samples were collected at baseline as well as the end of the intervention. A mid‐study blood collection was further performed in IGNITE. Additionally, neuroimaging measures of amyloid and neurodegeneration were obtained, so were cognitive assessments using established tools. We performed measurements of plasma p‐tau217, p‐tau181, NfL, GFAP and amyloid beta 42/40 by immunoprecipiation‐mass spectrometry in all participants and at all timepoints. We will evaluate the time‐dependent profiles of these blood biomarkers, their associations with exercise intensity and neuroimaging markers, as well as potential moderating effects by demographic (e.g, sex, age, education, family history), and genetic factors (APOE e4 genotype). The results will be crucial to understanding associations between exercise and brain health.
Blood pressure variability and global cognition in Black and White older adults over 18 years: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Dhana Anisa , Decarli Charles , Dhana Klodian , Desai Pankaja , Evans Denis A , Rajan Kumar B 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundVariability in blood pressure has been associated with cerebrovascular disease independently of the adverse effects of hypertension or average blood pressure. We investigated whether visit‐to‐visit blood pressure variability is associated with global cognition in older adults.MethodThis study included 4,783 individuals aged 65 and older participating in the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a biracial population‐based study. Blood pressure was measured by a trained research assistant at each study visit, 3 years apart. Blood pressure variability was calculated as the sum of the absolute differences of blood pressure between successive measurements, divided by the number (n‐1) of assessments. Global cognition was assessed by a battery of 4 standardized cognitive tests. Linear regression model was used to evaluate the association of blood pressure variability during the study period with global cognition at the last study visit. The regression model was adjusted for age, sex, race, education, physical activity, cognitive activity, smoking, depression, co‐morbidities (hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes), baseline cognition, and the time being in the study.ResultOf 4,783 individuals, 3009 (62.9%) were women, 3146 (65.8%) were Black or African American adults, and the average age of the study population was 71.3 years. Higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability was associated with lower cognitive scores. A 1‐SD increase in systolic blood pressure variability was associated with a 0.030 SD lower global cognition (𝛽‐0.030, 95%CI ‐0.055 to ‐0.006). For African American individuals, the 𝛽 estimate was ‐0.040 (95%CI ‐0.069 to ‐0.011), and for White adults, it was ‐0.008 (‐0.052 to 0.036). Similar associations were observed for diastolic blood pressure. In the analysis stratified by antihypertensive medication use, the variability in blood pressure was associated with a lower cognitive score among people who were not on medication, respectively 𝛽 for comparing the 3rd vs. the 1st tertile was ‐0.102 (95%CI ‐0.195 to ‐0.010). There was no association among people who were receiving medication for hypertension.ConclusionElevated blood pressure variability, particularly in older African American adults, is associated with a lower global cognitive score.
Integrating Coalitions, Strategic Planning, and Road Map Implementation in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Care: A Case Study from Mississippi
Authors: White Kina L. , Kurmana Sai 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundWith Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) posing significant public health challenges globally, effective strategies that encompass policy, practice, and community engagement are essential. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has implemented an integrated approach to ADRD, focusing on three critical themes: Coalitions and Collaborations, ADRD Strategic Plans, and Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map Implementation. This case study provides valuable insights into a comprehensive public health approach towards ADRD.MethodRecognizing the power of collective action, MSDH facilitated the expansion of the Alzheimer’s State Coalition. This coalition brought together diverse stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policy experts, caregivers, and community organizations. Our analysis highlights the coalition’s role in mobilizing resources, fostering community engagement, and influencing policy decisions. By evaluating the coalition’s structure, engagement strategies, and impact on ADRD initiatives, we provide insights into the effectiveness of collaborative approaches in addressing complex public health challenges. We discuss the expansion and implementation of Mississippi’s 2020‐2025 Strategic Plan for ADRD, which integrated essential components of dementia risk reduction, early diagnosis, management of comorbidities and caregiver support. Our evaluation focuses on the plan’s alignment with national priorities, its adaptability to emerging challenges, and its role in guiding statewide ADRD efforts.ResultThe implementation of the CDC’s HBI Road Map within the MS ADRDP offers a model for integrating national guidelines into state‐level ADRD programs. We analyze how the MS ADRDP incorporated HBI Road Map actions into its strategic planning and operational activities. This assessment includes a review of successes and challenges in implementation, particularly in areas that address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, reflecting the broader goals of the CDC BOLD program.ConclusionThe Mississippi case study underscores the effectiveness of an integrated approach in addressing ADRD. Our findings highlight the significance of collaborative efforts in coalition building, strategic planning, and national guideline implementation. These elements collectively enhance the state’s capacity to manage ADRD challenges effectively. This study offers a scalable model for other regions and countries seeking to develop comprehensive, collaborative, and strategic approaches in ADRD public health policy and practice.
Recombinant zoster vaccine and reduced risk of dementia: matched‐cohort study using large‐scale electronic health records and machine learning methodology
Authors: Schwab Patrick , Widenmaier Robyn , Tahrat Halima , Littmann Maria , Anspach Bruno , Buser‐Doepner Carolyn , Georgiou Andreas , Horn Max , Kumar Sanjay , Polisky Vitaly , Triastcyn Aleksei , Van Duijn Cornelia M , Geldsetzer Pascal 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundWith the world population aging, the number of individuals living with dementia is expected to increase significantly. Vaccination against herpes zoster (HZ) with the live‐attenuated zoster vaccine (ZVL) was associated with a lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia in previous studies. We aimed to determine whether the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) immunization is also associated with a reduced risk of dementia diagnosis.MethodsThis retrospective, observational, matched‐cohort study of adults aged ≥50 years used data from the United States Optum® de‐identified Electronic Health Record data set, covering the period 01‐Oct‐2007–30‐Sep‐2023. A comparison cohort comprising adults vaccinated with the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) was created to mitigate selection bias. Matched cohorts were then formed to compare those vaccinated with ZVL vs PPSV23, RZV vs PPSV23, and RZV vs ZVL, with neither comparison arm having been exposed to the comparator vaccine. Matching (1:1) used a propensity score generated with non‐linear estimators based on 394 variables indicating past diagnoses, medication use, preventive health service uptake, and healthcare service utilization. Using the Nelson‐Aalen estimator, the relative risk (RR) for dementia diagnosis (using ICD‐9/‐10 codes) was compared between the three matched cohorts, at 3 and 5 years post‐vaccination.ResultsPost‐matching characteristics were balanced between cohorts (Table). Compared to PPSV23, ZVL significantly reduced 3‐year (RR: 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86‐0.90; p<0.0001) and 5‐year (RR: 0. 92, 95%CI: 0.89‐0.95; p<0.0001) dementia risk. RZV significantly reduced 3‐year (RR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.69‐0.84; p<0.0001) and 5‐year (RR: 0.80, 95%CI: 0.71‐0.90; p<0.0005) dementia risk, when compared to PPSV23. Compared to ZVL, RZV was also associated with a significant reduction of 3‐year (RR: 0.73, 95%CI: 0. 60‐0.89; p<0.005) and 5‐year (RR: 0.77, 95%CI: 0.64‐0.92; p<0.005) dementia risk.ConclusionHZ immunization was associated with a reduced risk of dementia at 3 and 5 years post‐vaccination compared to PPSV23 immunization. RZV was associated with a reduced risk of dementia compared to ZVL at 3 and 5 years post‐vaccination.