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Basal cortisol levels and cognitive deficits in human aging
S Lupien1, A R Lecours, I Lussier
1Laboratoire Théophile-Alajouanine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, Canada.
Summary
Changes in cortisol levels over time predict cognitive decline in older adults. Elevated cortisol and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation are linked to impaired memory and attention in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cortisol levels vary over time in healthy elderly individuals.
- Previous research suggests a link between stress hormones and cognitive function in aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between longitudinal cortisol changes and cognitive performance in healthy elderly subjects.
- To identify specific patterns of cortisol fluctuation associated with cognitive deficits.
Main Methods:
- Neuropsychological testing battery assessing memory, attention, and language.
- Correlational analyses of corticosteroid measures and cognitive performance.
- Comparison of cognitive performance based on cortisol level trajectories.
Main Results:
- The slope of cortisol change over time predicted cognitive deficits.
- Increased cortisol levels over time and high basal cortisol were associated with impaired explicit memory and selective attention.
- Decreased cortisol levels correlated with cognitive performance comparable to young adults.
Conclusions:
- Impaired cognitive performance in aging is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and elevated basal cortisol.
- These findings align with animal studies on HPA activity and cognitive performance in aged populations.
- Hippocampal involvement is suggested in age-related HPA dysfunction and cognitive decline.