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As rates of obesity continue to rise, so does the impact of obesity on cognitive function. Engaging in physical activity is one pathway through which individuals can help maintain cognitive function. This study examined whether any link between exercise and cognitive function was associated with weight characteristics. Data from 6,012 participants in the Health and Retirement Study were used. The association between participation in light or moderate physical activity and better cognitive function was particularly strong for overweight or obese adults and less so for those who were normal weight. Overall, the findings suggested that while being physically active is associated with better cognitive function regardless of weight, the associations were stronger for individuals who were overweight/obese compared with those who were normal weight. Given the results were particularly pronounced for waist circumference (relative to body mass index), further research should be conducted to examine if individuals with greater abdominal adiposity may benefit most from staying active in terms of their cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is initial evidence suggesting that biomarker neurogranin (Ng) may distinguish Alzheimer's disease (AD) from other neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we assessed (a) the discriminant ability of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Ng levels to distinguish between AD and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) pathology and between different stages within the same disease, (b) the relationship between Ng levels and cognitive performance in both AD and FTLD pathology, and (c) whether CSF Ng levels vary by apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism in the AD continuum. Methods: Participants with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) (n = 33), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) due to AD (n = 109), AD dementia (n = 67), MCI due to FTLD (n = 25), and FTLD dementia (n = 29) were recruited from the Czech Brain Aging Study. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) assessed Ng levels in diagnostic subgroups. Linear regressions evaluated the relationship between CSF Ng levels, memory scores, and APOE polymorphism. Results: Ng levels were higher in aMCI-AD patients compared to MCI-FTLD (F[1, 134] = 15.16, p <.001), and in AD-dementia compared to FTLD-dementia (F[1, 96] = 4.60, p =.029). Additionally, Ng levels were higher in FTLD-dementia patients compared to MCI-FTLD (F[1, 54]= 4.35, p =.034), lower in SCD participants compared to aMCI-AD (F[1, 142] = 10.72, p =.001) and AD-dementia (F[1, 100] = 20.90, p <.001), and did not differ between SCD participants and MCI-FTLD (F[1, 58]= 1.02, p =.491) or FTLD-dementia (F[1, 62]= 2.27, p =.051). The main effect of diagnosis across the diagnostic subgroups on Aβ1−42/Ng ratio was significant too (F[4, 263]=, p <.001). We found a non-significant association between Ng levels and memory scores overall (β=-0.25, p =.154) or in AD diagnostic subgroups, and non-significant differences in this association between overall AD APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers (β=-0.32, p =.358). Conclusions: In this first study to-date to assess MCI and dementia due to AD or FTLD within one study, elevated CSF Ng appears to be an early biomarker of AD-related impairment, but its role as a biomarker appears to diminish after dementia diagnosis, whereby dementia-related underlying processes in AD and FTLD may begin to merge. The Aβ1−42/Ng ratio discriminated AD from FTLD patients better than Ng alone. CSF Ng levels were not related to memory in AD or FTLD, suggesting that Ng may be a marker of the biological signs of disease state rather than cognitive deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University-based retirement communities (UBRCs) are a relatively recent addition to housing options for older adults. The case example of a new UBRC, Mirabella at Arizona State University (ASU), is presented within the context of Age-Friendly University (AFU) principles and New American University design aspirations. We provide an overview of the planning process, describe initial collaborations between Mirabella and research faculty, and outline areas of overlap and distinction between Mirabella's approach and other UBRCs, AFU principles, and the design aspirations of the New American University model. Empirical investigations are needed to identify key characteristics of UBRCs that facilitate university integration and how those characteristics impact individual, community, and university level outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complaints represent an important metric for assessing the quality of nursing home (NH) care. Using the Automated Survey Processing Environment (ASPEN) Complaints/Incidents Tracking System dataset (2017), we examined the relationships between zero-deficiency complaints (ZDCs) and zero-deficiency substantiated complaints (ZDSCs) and the proportion of residents with dementia. NHs (N = 15,339) were separated into three groups—proportion of residents with dementia in the top, two middle, and the bottom quartiles. Negative binomial regressions assessed zero-deficiency complaint patterns in relation to NHs' proportion of residents with dementia, controlling for facility characteristics, staffing, and racial pattern. We reported average marginal effects (AMEs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). NHs in the top quartile yielded higher numbers of both ZDC (AME =.189, 95% CI :.102−.276, p <.001) and ZDSC (AME =.236, 95% CI :.094−.378, p =.001), than NHs in the bottom quartile. Results suggest a need for more uniform investigation processes and staff training to promote a more valid complaint process for residents with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives "SuperAgers" are generally defined as people 80+ years old with episodic memory performance comparable to those 20 years younger. Limited knowledge exists to describe characteristics of SuperAgers, with even less known about Hispanic SuperAgers. Methods We examined indicators of cognitive, physical, and psychological resilience in relation to the likelihood of being a SuperAger using data from 2 population-based studies of Hispanic older adults (Puerto Rican Elderly: Health Conditions [PREHCO] Study; Health and Retirement Study [HRS]). SuperAgers were defined as (1) ≥80 years old, (2) recall scores ≥ the median for Hispanic respondents aged 55–64, and (3) no cognitive impairment during the observation period. Overall, 640 PREHCO participants and 180 HRS participants were eligible, of whom 45 (7%) and 31 (17%) met SuperAging criteria. Results Logistic regressions controlling for age and sex demonstrated that higher education (PREHCO: odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, p  < .001; HRS: OR = 1.14, p  = .044) and fewer instrumental activities of daily living limitations (PREHCO: OR = 0.79, p  = .019; HRS: OR = 0.58, p  = .077; cognitive resilience), fewer activities of daily living limitations (PREHCO: OR = 0.72, p  = .031; HRS: OR = 0.67, p  = .068; physical resilience), and fewer depressive symptoms (PREHCO: OR = 0.84, p  = .015; HRS: OR = 0.69, p  = .007; psychological resilience) were associated with SuperAging, although not all results reached threshold for statistical significance, presumably due to low statistical power. Additionally, known indicators of physical health (e.g. chronic conditions and self-rated health) did not relate to SuperAging. Discussion Increasing access to education and recognizing/treating depressive symptoms represent potential pathways to preserve episodic memory among older Hispanic adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Sleep disorders often predict or co-occur with cognitive decline. Yet, little is known about how the relationship unfolds among older adults at risk for cognitive decline. To examine the associations of sleep disorders with cognitive decline in older adults with unimpaired cognition or impaired cognition (mild cognitive impairment and dementia). Research Design and Methods A total of 5,822 participants (M age = 70) of the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database with unimpaired or impaired cognition were followed for 3 subsequent waves. Four types of clinician-diagnosed sleep disorders were reported: sleep apnea, hyposomnia/insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, or "other." Cognition over time was measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or an estimate of general cognitive ability (GCA) derived from scores based on 12 neuropsychological tests. Growth curve models were estimated adjusting for covariates. Results In participants with impaired cognition, baseline sleep apnea was related to better baseline MoCA performance (b  = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = [0.07, 1.23]) and less decline in GCA over time (b  = 0.06, 95% CI = [0.001, 0.12]). Baseline insomnia was related to better baseline MoCA (b  = 1.54, 95% CI = [0.88, 2.21]) and less decline in MoCA over time (b  = 0.56, 95% CI = [0.20, 0.92]). Furthermore, having more sleep disorders (across the 4 types) at baseline predicted better baseline MoCA and GCA, and less decline in MoCA and GCA over time. These results were only found in those with impaired cognition and generally consistent when using self-reported symptoms of sleep apnea or insomnia. Discussion and Implications Participants with sleep disorder diagnoses may have better access to healthcare, which may help maintain cognition through improved sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Having multiple sleep problems is common in adulthood. Yet, most studies have assessed single sleep variables at one timepoint, potentially misinterpreting health consequences of co-occurring sleep problems that may change over time. We investigated the relationship between multidimensional sleep health across adulthood and mortality. Methods Participants from the Midlife in the United States Study reported sleep characteristics in 2004–2006 (MIDUS-2; M2) and in 2013–2014 (MIDUS-3; M3). We calculated a composite score of sleep health problems across 5 dimensions: Regularity, Satisfaction, Alertness, Efficiency, and Duration (higher = more problems). Two separate models for baseline sleep health (n  = 5 140; median follow-up time = 15.3 years) and change in sleep health (n  = 2 991; median follow-up time = 6.4 years) to mortality were conducted. Cox regression models controlled for sociodemographics and key health risk factors (body mass index, smoking, depressive symptoms, diabetes, and hypertension). Results On average, 88% of the sample reported having one or more sleep health problems at M2. Each additional sleep health problem at M2 was associated with 12% greater risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–1.21), but not heart disease-related mortality (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.99–1.31). An increase in sleep health problems from M2 to M3 was associated with 27% greater risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.005–1.59), and 153% greater risk of heart disease mortality (HR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.37–4.68). Conclusions More sleep health problems may increase the risk of early mortality. Sleep health in middle and older adulthood is a vital sign that can be assessed at medical checkups to identify those at greater risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Nursing home (NH) residents' capacity to communicate deteriorates with dementia. Consequently, NHs with high proportions of people living with dementia (PLWD) may receive fewer resident complaints, and/or investigating complaints may be challenging. We assessed NHs' proportion of PLWD in relation to total and substantiated complaints. Methods: Data were from the ASPEN Complaints/Incident Tracking System and the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (2017). NHs (N = 15,499) were categorized based on high (top-10%), medium (middle-80%), and low (bottom-10%) dementia prevalence. Negative binomial Poisson regression assessed complaint patterns in relation to NHs' high/low (vs. medium) proportions of PLWD and other facility/resident characteristics. Results: Compared to NHs with medium-dementia prevalence, NHs with low proportions of PLWD had higher total (average marginal effect [AME] = 0.16, p < 0.001) and substantiated (AME = 0.30, p < 0.001) complaints, whereas NHs with high proportions of PLWD had fewer total (AME= −0.07; p < 0.05) and substantiated (AME= −0.11, p < 0.05) complaints. Also, NHs' profit status, chain-affiliation, size, staffing, and resident ethnicity were associated with total and substantiated complaints. Conclusion: The association between high proportions of PLWD and lower NH complaints suggests either that these NHs have higher overall quality or that complaints are underreported. Regardless, surveyors and families may need more involvement in monitoring higher dementia prevalence facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To examine cross-sectional differences and longitudinal changes in cognitive performance based on the presence of mild behavioral impairment (MBI) among older adults who are cognitively healthy or have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods Secondary data analysis of participants (n = 17 291) who were cognitively healthy (n = 11 771) or diagnosed with MCI (n = 5 520) from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database. Overall, 24.7% of the sample met the criteria for MBI. Cognition was examined through a neuropsychological battery that assessed attention, episodic memory, executive function, language, visuospatial ability, and processing speed. Results Older adults with MBI, regardless of whether they were cognitively healthy or diagnosed with MCI, performed significantly worse at baseline on tasks for attention, episodic memory, executive function, language, and processing speed and exhibited greater longitudinal declines on tasks of attention, episodic memory, language, and processing speed. Cognitively healthy older adults with MBI performed significantly worse than those who were cognitively healthy without MBI on tasks of visuospatial ability at baseline and on tasks of processing speed across time. Older adults with MCI and MBI performed significantly worse than those with only MCI on executive function at baseline and visuospatial ability and processing speed tasks across time. Conclusions This study found evidence that MBI is related to poorer cognitive performance cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Additionally, those with MBI and MCI performed worse across multiple tasks of cognition both cross-sectionally and across time. These results provide support for MBI being uniquely associated with different aspects of cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in virtual reality (VR) training among competitive athletes and casual sports players alike as a tool to supplement real-life play within a highly controlled, intellectually stimulating environment. We examined data from a commercially available, recently released VR software for tennis for changes in and correlates of performance. Two most frequently used tasks were evaluated-Baseline Center and Quick Volley, which include Efficiency (both), Concentration (both), and Reaction Time (Quick Volley only) subtasks. In all, 1,124 (Baseline Center) and 745 (Quick Volley) users met inclusion criteria (completed more than four trials; active sometime between November 2022 and July 2023). We found that most users were male adults and were about evenly split between advanced/pro users and intermediate/beginner users. Two or three trajectories emerged across the subtasks. Performance gains were most pronounced on movement efficiency, especially early on. Adult users generally exhibited more improvement than junior users. Additionally, women and right-handed users improved more on Baseline Center subtasks, and advanced/pro users did better than intermediate/beginner users on Quick Volley subtasks. We discuss that, despite strong performance gains within VR environment, VR training may still reflect in better real-world performance, may increase confidence and accuracy of relevant movement, lower risk of injury, and present a welcome diversion from a potential monotony of performing sport-related tasks in purely real-world settings. Future research should explore the extent to which VR training transfers to real-world performance.