Journals
2026 EN
FernandezGamez Beatriz · SolisUrra Patricio · CocaPulido Andrea
+17 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION The Active Gains in Brain Using Exercise During Aging (AGUEDA) trial examined the effects of a 24 week resistance exercise (RE) intervention on executive function (EF) and other cognitive domains in cognitively normal older adults. METHODS Ninety participants (mean age, 71.8 years; 57.8% female) were randomized to an RE or control group. At baseline and 24 weeks, EF and other cognitive domains were assessed. RESULTS The RE group showed significant improvements in overall EF (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.39, 95% confidence interval = 0.14, 0.65), with no significant between‐group difference (SMD = 0.13, p = 0.37). The RE group showed a significant improvement in attentional/inhibitory control (SMD = 0.43, p < 0.001) compared to the control group, while no effects were observed in other domains (all p > 0.12). Moderation by age, education, and subjective cognitive decline was observed. DISCUSSION Although no overall EF benefit was observed, RE improved attentional/inhibitory control in cognitively normal older adults. RE may yield greater benefits in vulnerable subgroups. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05186090). Highlights Cognitive effects of resistance exercise (RE) may vary across different cognitive domains in cognitively healthy older adults. Twenty‐four week RE produced selective improvements in attention/inhibitory control. RE did not improve executive function (EF), or other cognitive domains (episodic memory, processing speed, visuospatial processing, and working memory). RE improved muscular strength, which were associated with gains in EF, episodic memory and working memory. There is value in personalized exercise interventions tailored to individual risk populations, such as those with higher subjective cognitive decline.
Journals
2026 EN
Li Joanne M. · Gauen Abigail M. · Zmora Rachel
+33 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION Dementia prevalence is associated with modifiable factors. We quantified the contribution of dementia risk factors in midlife (45–64 years) and late life (≥ 65 years) in the United States. METHODS Data from six community‐based cohorts in the Dementia Risk Prediction Project (DRPP) were used. We estimated risk factor prevalence using nationally representative data. Cohort‐specific Cox regression models were used to estimate the association between modifiable risk factors and incident dementia in midlife and late life. Hazard ratios were pooled using meta‐analysis then used to calculate population attributable fractions (PAFs) and potential impact fractions. RESULTS Midlife and late‐life risk factors contributed to 22.7% and 16.5% of total dementia cases, respectively. Midlife obesity (PAF: 7.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.9%–10.5%), lower education (PAF: 8.1%; 95% CI: 5.2%–11.1%), and late‐life physical inactivity (PAF: 10.4%; 95% CI: 6.2%–14.5%) were the greatest contributors. DISCUSSION Midlife and late‐life modifiable risk factors contribute to dementia risk, highlighting a need for interventions across the life course. Highlights Our sample included 37,931 participants across six pooled, longitudinal US cohorts. We observed midlife and late‐life risk factors contributed to 22.7% and 16.5% of dementia cases, respectively. Midlife obesity, late‐life physical inactivity, and lower education appear to be the greatest contributors to dementia risk.
Journals
2026 EN
Zhang Xinyue · Yang Linfeng · Wang Na
+8 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION The alterations of regional brain iron in patients with metabolic syndrome (Mets) and its relationship with cognitive function remain unclear. METHODS These analyses utilized data from two prospective cohorts, from the UK Biobank (UKB) (21,346 participants) and from Jinan, China (224 participants). We capitalized brain iron in the striatum and thalamus of UKB. Then voxel‐based analysis of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) was used to detect regional susceptibility value alteration in our cohort and their relationship with cognitive function was assessed using linear regression. RESULTS Mets patients exhibited iron deposition in the striatum and thalamus, which was mainly associated with hyperglycemia and elevated triglycerides among the risk factors in UKB. Mets patients exhibited iron deposition in the right caudate nucleus, which was associated with cognitive decline in the Jinan cohort. DISCUSSION Regional brain iron deposition might serve as a neuroimaging biomarker of Mets severity and a potential mechanism for cognitive decline. Highlights Iron deposition in deep gray matter nuclei was found in patients with metabolic syndrome (Mets) in both UK Biobank (UKB) and Jinan cohort. Iron deposition in the deep gray matter nuclei of Mets in UKB was mainly related to hyperglycemia and elevated triglycerides among metabolic risk factors. The UKB longitudinal study found that the susceptibility values of the caudate nucleus and putamen of Mets patients increased significantly with age compared to healthy controls. Patients with Mets exhibited poorer cognitive function, which was closely associated with iron deposition in the right caudate nucleus in the Jinan cohort. The association between iron deposition and cognition was more concentrated in the elderly, smokers and drinkers, and those with low years of education.
Journals
2026 EN
Martinez Jairo E. · Lopez Kelly A. · Properzi Michael J.
+10 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION Research examining Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuroimaging markers of brain pathology and cognition in older Latino adults remains limited. We compared neuroimaging and cognitive profiles between cognitively unimpaired older Latino and non‐Latino adults from the greater Boston area. METHODS Twenty Latino and 230 non‐Latino cognitively unimpaired older adults from the Harvard Aging Brain Study were included. Participants underwent neuroimaging to assess amyloid beta (Aβ), inferior temporal tau and hippocampal volume, as well as cognitive testing with the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite‐5. Associations between ethnicity and these outcomes were examined using linear regressions adjusted for age, education attainment, and sex. RESULTS Latino participants had higher levels of inferior temporal tau ( p = 0.02) and lower cognitive performance ( p < 0.001) compared to non‐Latinos, but comparable Aβ deposition and hippocampal volume (all p s > 0.05). DISCUSSION These results highlight potential differences in vulnerability to cognitive decline between Latinos and non‐Latinos, underscoring the need for further investigation.
Journals
2026 EN
Park Chan Wook · Choi Youngseok · Sun Yeeun
+6 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to define cognitive subtypes of early‐stage Parkinson's disease (PD) based on temporal evolutionary patterns of domain‐specific decline. METHODS We retrospectively enrolled 474 patients with early‐stage PD who underwent detailed neuropsychological testing at initial assessment. Age‐ and education‐specific z‐ scores from 13 neuropsychological subtests were used to apply Subtype and Stage Inference (SuStaIn) to identify distinct cognitive subtypes. We compared the risk of developing dementia between subtypes. RESULTS SuStaIn analysis delineated three pd subtypes with cognitive impairment: Subtype 1 ( n = 121) with early verbal memory impairment; Subtype 2 ( n = 108) with early visuospatial dysfunction; and Subtype 3 ( n = 87) with early frontal/executive dysfunction. The remaining 158 patients were classified as a cognitively intact subtype (Subtype 0). Time‐dependent Cox regression models showed that the risk of dementia after 3.5 years was highest in Subtype 2. DISCUSSION Visuospatial dysfunction may be a potential cognitive profile for predicting the risk of rapid dementia conversion in PD. Highlights Cognitive profile associated with early dementia conversion in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear. This study applied the SuStaIn algorithm to delineate three cognitive subtypes of PD. PD subtype with early visuospatial dysfunction had a higher risk of dementia. Visuospatial dysfunction indicates an imminent risk of dementia conversion in PD.
Journals
2026 EN
Salmon David P. · Ede Caytre · Gigliotti Christina
+7 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION Relatively low rates of Latino participation in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) research makes it difficult to determine whether identified disease mechanisms, risk factors, or novel treatments generalize to this population. METHODS We introduced ADRD research opportunities through a model cognitive screening program in primary care and neurology specialty care clinics in areas with high proportions of Latino residents. RESULTS Out of 523 Latino adults (mean age = 72.1 years, mean education = 6.8 years, 62.1% female, 88.1% tested in Spanish), 520 allowed the use of screening data for research, and high percentages agreed to a research registry with contact about ADRD research opportunities (primary care: 91.9%, neurology: 86.6%). Registrants supported 368 referrals to 45 studies (21% successfully recruited). Thirty‐one individuals participated in ≥1 study, producing 79 enrollments across 15 ADRD studies. DISCUSSION Results demonstrate that combining a needed clinical service with recruitment efforts can enhance participation of older Latino adults in ADRD research.
Journals
2026 EN
Hammers Dustin B. · Eloyan Ani · Thangarajah Maryanne
+36 more
INTRODUCTION Recent work has identified unique cognitive profiles for early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) relative to late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), however, examination has been limited in determining whether the association between age and cognitive severity at presentation also differs across conditions. METHODS A series of linear spline regression models was conducted across baseline cognitive data from 325 EOAD and 314 LOAD participants, after accounting for education, sex, and apolipoprotein ε4 status. RESULTS Significant differences existed in the relationship between baseline age and cognitive performance between EOAD and LOAD samples for Processing Speed/Attention, Executive Functioning, and Episodic Immediate Memory. Younger participants from both EOAD and LOAD groups performed disproportionately worse on non‐amnestic cognitive domains, with this occurring to a greater extent in EOAD than LOAD. DISCUSSION In the age of disease‐modifying treatments, results highlight the importance of assessing for cognitive declines in individuals starting much earlier than age 65. Highlights Early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) and late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) participants each displayed cognitive impairments relative to same‐aged peers across most domains. Both groups displayed positive relationships between impairment among non‐amnestic cognitive domains and baseline age. This relationship displayed a significantly greater effect in EOAD than LOAD, with domains of Processing Speed/Attention and Executive Functioning skills being the most pronounced. Of those participants developing AD, age displayed a disproportionate impact on their symptom onset.
Journals
2026 EN
Lor Yi · Colbeth Hilary · ChantiKetterl Marianne
+8 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION Volunteering is linked to cognitive benefits in aging, but evidence in diverse populations is limited. METHODS We examined volunteering and cognition in Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences Study/Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans participants ( N = 2789) with unimpaired cognition at baseline. Volunteering and frequency of volunteering in the past year at baseline were self‐reported, and cognition (executive function [EF], verbal episodic memory [VEM]) was assessed with the Spanish and English Neuropsychological Assessment Scale across 4 waves (range of follow‐up: 2–6 years). Linear mixed‐effect models adjusted for demographics. RESULTS Participants were 73.8 ± 7.8 years on average; 62% women; 45% Black, 21% White, 18% Asian, and 17% Hispanic/Latin(x); and 47% reported volunteering. Volunteers had higher baseline EF and VEM than non‐volunteers, with the largest gains among those volunteering a few times per week. Volunteering was not associated with rates of cognitive decline. DISCUSSION Volunteering was associated with better baseline cognition but not slower decline, suggesting immediate cognitive benefits for racially and ethnically diverse older adults. Highlights Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences Study and Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans are a racially/ethnically diverse cohort (18% Asian, 47% Black, 17% Latin[x], 21% White) reporting volunteering within 12 months prior to baseline. Late‐life (55+ years) volunteering is associated with better executive function ( β = 0.173, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.114–0.232) and verbal episodic memory (β = 0.132, 95% CI: 0.071–0.192) after adjusting for age, gender/sex, education, race/ethnicity, instrumental activities of daily living, and self‐rated health. Volunteering in late life, a few times per week, is associated with the highest magnitude of executive function ( β = 0.216, 95% CI: 0.128–0.305) and once per week with verbal episodic memory ( β = 0.189, 95% CI: 0.082–0.297) versus no volunteering, but the magnitude did not increase with more frequent volunteering. Those who volunteered had similar domain‐specific cognitive decline compared to those who did not.
Journals
2026 EN
Chen Shuai · Hao Xiaodi · Ma Kai
+16 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION We evaluated a pragmatic screening strategy combining brief cognitive assessment with plasma phosphorylated tau217 ( p ‐tau217) in an elderly health screening cohort. METHODS Participants completed the Memory and Executive Screening (MES) test and plasma biomarker assessment. Cognitive impairment was defined using individualized residual norms derived from an internal reference sample. The p ‐tau217 thresholds were positive predictive value (PPV) ‐oriented and anchored to age‐ and cognitive status‐specific prior probabilities of amyloid‐ β (A β ) pathology. RESULTS MES‐defined cognitive impairment (≤−2 standard deviation [SD] deviation after adjustment for demographics) was identified in 12.4% of participants. In cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals, age‐specific thresholds targeting a PPV of 0.7 yielded an overall p ‐tau217 positivity rate of 11.8%, increasing from 3.5% (< 60 years) to 6.3% (60–70 years) and 25.9% (≥70 years). Among cognitively impaired (CI) participants, 26.6% were p ‐tau217 positive. DISCUSSION This framework supports practical integration of plasma biomarkers into community‐based screening, with longitudinal follow‐up needed to further refine threshold selection. Highlights Regression‐based residual method reduced education bias, identifying 12.4% with cognitive impairment individuals. Fully automated chemiluminescent assay enabled practical, large‐scale biomarker implementation. Brief screening strategy supports early detection, clinical trial recruitment, and resource allocation in under‐resourced regions.
Journals
2026 EN
Baez Sandra · Marquez Sebastian Rodriguez · Rosická Anna Marie
+1 more
Abstract INTRODUCTION Public health efforts promote dementia knowledge to reduce risk, but it is unclear whether knowledge predicts lower risk compared to social determinants like education and socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS We analyzed cross‐sectional data from 1730 adults to examine how age, sex, education, SES, family history of dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) knowledge predicted behavioral and health‐related dementia risk. We used linear regressions and machine learning to compare the explanatory and predictive value of each factor. RESULTS Lower SES and education were the strongest predictors of increased behavioral risk. Health‐related risk was associated only with SES. AD knowledge accuracy and confidence were not significantly associated with either index. Machine learning confirmed these patterns, with SES and education emerging as key features. DISCUSSION Low SES and education were more strongly linked to dementia risk than AD knowledge. Findings underscore the need for equity‐focused strategies beyond public awareness campaigns to improve knowledge.