Open AccessAmyloid β–associated cognitive decline in the absence of clinical disease progression and systemic illness
Author(s) -
Harrington Karra D.,
Lim Yen Ying,
Ames David,
Hassenstab Jason,
Laws Simon M.,
Martins Ralph N.,
RaineySmith Stephanie,
Robertson Joanne,
Rowe Christopher C.,
Salvado Olivier,
Doré Vincent,
Villemagne Victor L.,
Snyder Peter J.,
Masters Colin L.,
Maruff Paul
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: diagnosis, assessment and disease monitoring
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.497
H-Index - 37
ISSN - 2352-8729
DOI - 10.1016/j.dadm.2017.05.006
Subject(s) - amyloid (mycology) , disease , cognitive decline , cognition , medicine , dementia , psychology , psychiatry , pathology
High levels of amyloid β (Aβ) are associated with cognitive decline in cognitively normal (CN) older adults. This study investigated the nature of cognitive decline in healthy individuals who did not progress to mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Method Cognition was measured over 72 months and compared between low (Aβ−) and high (Aβ+) CN older adults ( n = 335) who did not progress to mild cognitive impairment or dementia and who remained free of severe or uncontrolled systemic illness. Results Compared to the Aβ− group, the Aβ+ group showed no cognitive impairment at baseline but showed substantial decline in verbal learning, episodic memory, and attention over 72 months. Discussion Moderate cognitive decline, particularly for learning and memory, was associated with Aβ+ in CN older adults in the absence of clinical disease progression and uncontrolled or serious comorbid illness.