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Peripheral inflammatory markers in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Salman Karim1, Steve Hopkins, Nitin Purandare
1Division of Psychiatry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Objective:
To prospectively monitor plasma inflammatory marker concentrations in peripheral blood, over 12 months, in subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and to determine the relationship between peripheral inflammatory markers and cognitive decline.
Methods:
Seventy patients with amnestic MCI were recruited from two sites providing specialist memory assessment services in Manchester. The baseline assessment included physical examination, neuro-psychological testing and venous blood samples for C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations. Sixty two participants were followed up after 12 months and the assessments were repeated.
Results:
Data analysis revealed a significant rise in CRP, but not IL-6 concentrations over 12 months, which was not confounded by demographic variables. The neuro-psychological test scores had no association with CRP or IL-6 concentrations at baseline or 12 months follow-up.
Conclusion:
This study adopted the unique approach of prospectively investigating peripheral inflammatory markers in a cohort with amnestic MCI. A significant rise in CRP concentrations over 12 months, but lack of significant association with cognition, provide no evidence for a relationship between systemic inflammation and cognitive decline in amnestic MCI.
Insights
This study tracked inflammatory markers in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) over 12 months. While C-reactive protein (CRP) levels increased, no link was found between these markers and cognitive decline in MCI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a precursor to dementia, and understanding its underlying mechanisms is crucial.
- Systemic inflammation is increasingly implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Peripheral inflammatory markers offer a potentially accessible biomarker for cognitive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively monitor plasma inflammatory markers in subjects with amnestic MCI over 12 months.
- To investigate the relationship between peripheral inflammatory markers and cognitive decline in this cohort.
- To assess changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Seventy patients with amnestic MCI were recruited from specialist memory clinics.
- Baseline assessments included physical examination, neuropsychological testing, and blood samples for CRP and IL-6.
- Sixty-two participants completed a 12-month follow-up with repeated assessments.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in CRP concentrations was observed over 12 months, independent of demographic factors.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations did not show a significant change over the study period.
- Neuropsychological test scores were not associated with CRP or IL-6 levels at baseline or follow-up.
Conclusions:
- This prospective study found a significant rise in CRP in individuals with amnestic MCI over 12 months.
- However, no association was found between peripheral inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) and cognitive decline.
- The findings suggest that systemic inflammation, as measured by these markers, may not be directly related to cognitive decline in amnestic MCI.
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