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The association between individual and composite inflammation biomarkers and cognitive function
Fanli Yi1, Reddy Ananya2, Kasra Moazzami3
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|November 18, 2025
Summary
Chronic inflammation is linked to cognitive decline in older adults. This study found that persistent inflammation accelerates memory loss and reduces cognitive function, particularly in those aged 75 and above.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease cause significant cognitive decline in aging populations.
- Chronic inflammation is suspected to play a role in these neurodegenerative diseases, but the exact relationship requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal associations between key inflammatory biomarkers and cognitive function over time.
- To determine if chronic inflammation contributes to cognitive decline in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 4228 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Aging with two- and ten-year follow-ups.
- Employed mixed-effects models to analyze C-reactive protein, ferritin, fibrinogen, and white blood cell count against measures of memory, executive function, processing speed, and overall cognition.
Main Results:
- A significant association was observed between cumulative inflammation and accelerated cognitive decline.
- This decline was particularly pronounced in adults aged 75 years and older.
Conclusions:
- Chronic inflammation is a contributing factor to cognitive decline in the aging population.
- Inflammatory processes may represent a target for interventions aimed at preserving cognitive health in older adults.
