Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS for Memory Enhancement
Published on: September 18, 2021
Effector memory CD4(+) T cells are associated with cognitive performance in a senior population.
Cláudia Serre-Miranda1, Susana Roque1, Nadine Correia Santos1
1Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS) (C.S.-M., S.R., N.C.S., C.P.-N., P.C., J.A.P., N.S., M.C.-N.), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory (C.S.-M., S.R., N.C.S., C.P.-N., P.C., J.A.P., N.S., M.C.-N.), Braga/Guimarães; and Clinical Academic Center-Braga (C.S.-M., S.R., N.C.S., C.P.-N., P.C., J.A.P., N.S.), Braga, Portugal.
Specific immune cell populations are linked to cognitive function in aging adults. Lower effector memory CD4(+) T cells and higher naive CD8(+) T cells and B cells correlate with better cognitive performance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Immunosenescence and cognitive decline are hallmarks of aging.
- Aging exhibits significant heterogeneity.
- Emerging evidence links lymphocytes to cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between alterations in lymphocytic populations and cognitive performance in healthy aging adults.
- To explore specific immune cell phenotypes related to cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood immunophenotyping of innate and adaptive immune systems using flow cytometry.
- Study cohort comprised 114 cognitively healthy adults with diverse neurocognitive patterns.
Main Results:
- Better cognitive performance correlated with reduced effector memory CD4(+) T cells.
- Higher numbers of naive CD8(+) T cells and B cells were associated with enhanced cognition.
- Effector memory CD4(+) T cells predicted general cognition, executive function, and memory, independent of age, sex, education, and mood.
Conclusions:
- This study establishes the first human association between specific immune cell phenotypes and distinct cognitive performance in healthy aging.
- Identifies potential immune biomarkers for cognitive health in older adults.
More Related Videos
15:57Application of Long-term cultured Interferon-γ Enzyme-linked Immunospot Assay for Assessing Effector and Memory T Cell Responses in Cattle
Published on: July 11, 2015
07:01Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory