Inflammation markers in relation to cognition in a healthy aging population

J Neuroimmunol. 2003 Jan;134(1-2):142-50. doi: 10.1016/s0165-5728(02)00398-3.

Abstract

The relation between serum inflammatory protein levels and cognitive performance was investigated in a healthy population. Individuals were tested during 6 years of follow-up. Serum concentrations of 10 inflammatory proteins were correlated to cognitive speed (Letter-Digit Coding Test, LDCT), attention and information processing (Stroop) and memory (Word Learning). Haptoglobin levels at baseline correlated negatively with cognitive performance on the Stroop and Word Learning Recall test over the 6 years follow-up period. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at baseline correlated negatively with performance on the Word Learning tests over the 6 years follow-up period. Thus, relatively high concentrations of haptoglobin and C-reactive protein may be indicative for impaired cognitive performance.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / immunology*
  • Aging / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • C-Reactive Protein / immunology
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Cognition Disorders / blood
  • Cognition Disorders / immunology*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Educational Status
  • Encephalitis / blood
  • Encephalitis / immunology*
  • Encephalitis / psychology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Haptoglobins / immunology
  • Haptoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / blood*
  • Inflammation Mediators / immunology
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Haptoglobins
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • C-Reactive Protein