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Association of C-reactive protein with mild cognitive impairment

Rosebud O Roberts1, Yonas E Geda, David S Knopman

  • 1Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. roberts.rosebud@mayo.edu

Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|September 16, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are linked to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), especially the nonamnestic type, in older adults. This suggests inflammation plays a role in MCI development.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Inflammation is implicated in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) pathogenesis.
  • Investigating inflammatory markers in serum/plasma for association with prevalent MCI and its subtypes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between serum/plasma inflammatory markers and prevalent MCI.
  • To investigate associations with specific MCI subtypes (amnestic vs. nonamnestic).

Main Methods:

  • Population-based study of Olmsted County residents aged 70-89.
  • Diagnosis of normal cognition, MCI, or dementia by expert consensus panel.
  • Baseline measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, TNFalpha, and adiponectin.

Main Results:

  • Elevated CRP levels (upper quartile) significantly associated with MCI (OR 1.42) and nonamnestic MCI (OR 2.05).
  • No significant association found between CRP and amnestic MCI.
  • No associations observed for IL-6, TNFalpha, or adiponectin with MCI.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma CRP is associated with prevalent MCI and nonamnestic MCI in elderly, nondemented individuals.
  • Findings support a role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of MCI.

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