The association between allostatic load and cognitive function: A systematic and meta-analytic review.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic stress can lead to physiological dysregulation, indicated by allostatic load (AL).
• Previous research suggests a link between high AL and impaired cognitive functioning.
• A systematic review and meta-analysis were needed to consolidate existing evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze studies on the association between allostatic load (AL) and cognitive performance in adults.
• To evaluate the strength and consistency of the relationship between AL and cognition.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted.
• 18 studies investigating the association between AL and cognitive tests in adults were included.
• Meta-analyses were performed on cross-sectional data.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between higher AL and poorer global cognition (r = -0.08, p < 0.001).
• Higher AL was also linked to poorer executive function (r = -0.07, p = 0.02).
• No significant association was found with memory performance (r = -0.07, p = 0.10).

Conclusions:

• Allostatic load (AL) is a robust indicator of cognitive function in adults.
• Factors like AL algorithm, biomarkers, and sample age may moderate the AL-cognition relationship.
• Further research is needed, particularly longitudinal studies, to fully understand this association.