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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood
Published on: April 28, 2016
Serum ghrelin is inversely associated with cognitive function in a sample of non-demented elderly
Mary Beth Spitznagel1, Andreana Benitez, John Updegraff
1Kent State University Summa Health System, Ohio 44242, USA. mspitzna@kent.edu
Aim:
The orexigenic hormone, ghrelin, is linked to learning and memory in animal studies. No previous study has investigated whether cognition is related to ghrelin in the non-demented elderly.
Methods:
Thirty-five older adults underwent neuropsychological testing and fasting blood draw with subsequent serum ghrelin quantification.
Results:
Ghrelin was negatively correlated with several cognitive domains, including verbal memory, working memory, and naming.
Conclusion:
Areas of cognition associated with ghrelin level were similar to the pattern of deficits observed in early Alzheimer's disease. Findings suggest a potential moderational role of ghrelin in pathological cognitive decline. Further work investigating mechanisms is needed.
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