[Serum markers in relation to cognitive functioning in an aging population: results of the Maastricht Aging Study...

Little is known of the biochemical processes of cognitive decline during 'healthy' aging. Biological markers in body fluids, such as blood, could provide insight in those processes. In the present studies serum concentrations of different markers have been correlated to cognitive functioning of cognitively healthy aging individuals over a period of six years (mean age 57 years, SD 11, n = 93). Markers were related to mechanisms known to be involved in Alzheimer's disease, including inflammation, cholesterol homeostasis and homocysteine homeostasis. Domains of cognitive function addressed were cognitive speed (Letter-Digit Coding test), attention and information processing (Stroop test), and memory (Word Learning test: Total Words and Delayed Recall). Baseline concentrations of haptoglobine, homocysteine, lathosterol and lanosterol were negatively correlated with cognitive functioning on the Stroop test over the whole follow-up period of six years. Concentrations of all markers, i.e. haptoglobine, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, lathosterol and lanosterol, were also negatively correlated with functioning on the Word Learning test (Delayed Recall and for some markers also with the Total Words) over the whole six-years follow-up period. In conclusion, concentrations of serum markers related to inflammation, homocysteine and cholesterol homeostasis are not only associated with Alzheimer's disease, but also with cognitive functioning in the cognitively healthy aging population.