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Circulating Cellular Adhesion Molecules and Cognitive Function: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults
Cynthia Yursun Yoon1, Lyn M Steffen1, Myron D Gross2
1Division of Epidemiology and Community Heath, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Insights
Higher levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) are linked to poorer cognitive function, including memory and executive function, in adults. This suggests endothelial dysfunction may impact brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Aging Research
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction, indicated by elevated cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs), is a marker of vascular health.
- The brain's extensive vascularization suggests a potential link between endothelial function and cognitive abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between circulating CAMs and cognitive performance in a longitudinal cohort.
- To determine if endothelial dysfunction markers predict cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CAM levels (including ICAM-1) from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study at years 7 and 15.
- Cognitive function was assessed at year 25 using tests for memory (RAVLT), processing speed (DSST), and executive function (Stroop Test).
- Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate associations, adjusting for various health and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- Higher concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) at ages 32 and 40 were significantly associated with lower scores on memory, processing speed, and executive function tests at age 50.
- Other CAMs showed minimal association with cognitive performance.
- The observed associations were partially attenuated after adjusting for mediating physical factors.
Conclusions:
- Elevated circulating ICAM-1 is a potential biomarker for impaired cognitive function later in life.
- Findings support the hypothesis that endothelial dysfunction contributes to deficits in memory, processing speed, and executive function.
Objective:
Higher circulating concentrations of cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) can be used as markers of endothelial dysfunction. Given that the brain is highly vascularized, we assessed whether endothelial function is associated with cognitive performance.
Method:
Within the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study, excluding N = 54 with stroke before year 25, we studied CAMs among N = 2,690 black and white men and women in CARDIA year 7 (1992-1993, ages 25-37) and N = 2,848 in CARDIA year 15 (2000-2001, ages 33-45). We included subjects with levels of circulating soluble CAMs measured in year 7 or 15 and cognitive function testing in year 25 (2010-2011, ages 43-55). Using multiple regression analysis, we evaluated the association between CAMs and year 25 cognitive test scores: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT, memory), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST, speed of processing), and the Stroop Test (executive function).
Result:
All CAM concentrations were greater in year 15 vs. year 7. Adjusting for age, race, sex, education, smoking, alcohol, diet, physical activity, participants in the fourth vs. the first quartile of CARDIA year 7 of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) scored worse on RAVLT, DSST, and Stroop Test (p ≤ 0.05) in CARDIA year 25. Other CAMs showed little association with cognitive test scores. Findings were similar for ICAM-1 assessed at year 15. Adjustment for possibly mediating physical factors attenuated the findings.
Conclusion:
Higher circulating ICAM-1 at average ages 32 and 40 was associated with lower cognitive skills at average age 50. The study is consistent with the hypothesis that endothelial dysfunction is associated with worse short-term memory, speed of processing, and executive function.
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