The inflammatory markers CRP, IL-6, and IL-10 are associated with cognitive function--data from the Berlin Aging Study II

Neurobiol Aging. 2016 Feb:38:112-117. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.10.039. Epub 2015 Nov 7.

Abstract

Inflammation may be an underlying mechanism in cognitive decline. The present study investigated the relationship between cognitive function and the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 in a nonclinical sample of elderly adults. Serum levels of CRP, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured in n = 1312 elderly adults (60-85 years, 50.5% females) who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted and adjusted for various demographic and clinical factors. Levels of IL-6, IL-10, and CRP were negatively associated with a composite score of executive function and processing speed, whereas the IL-6 to IL-10 ratio was not predictive for executive function and processing speed. No associations were found between inflammatory markers and verbal episodic memory. These findings suggest a relationship between higher proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activation of the innate immune system and executive function within the normal range. Further research is needed to examine the relevance of an inflammatory pathway as a potential therapeutic target.

Keywords: C-reactive protein; Cognitive function; Cytokine; Executive function; Inflammation; Memory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • C-Reactive Protein*
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Executive Function / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Inflammation Mediators / blood*
  • Interleukin-10 / blood*
  • Interleukin-6 / blood*
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukin-10
  • C-Reactive Protein