The variable length poly-T, rs10524523 (‘523’) located within the TOMM40 gene, was recently associated with several phenotypes of cognitive function. The short (S) allele is associated with later AD onset age and better cognitive performance, compared to the longer alleles (long and very-long (VL)). There is strong linkage disequilibrium between variants in the TOMM40 and APOE genes. In this study, we investigated the effect of ‘523’ on cognitive performance in a sample of cognitively normal Jewish elderly with type 2 diabetes, a group at particularly high risk for cognitive impairment. Using a MANCOVA procedure, we compared homozygous carriers of the S/S allele (N=179) to carriers of the VL/VL allele (N=152), controlling for demographic and cardiovascular covariates. The S/S group performed better than the VL/VL group (p=0.048), specifically in the executive function (p=0.04) and episodic memory (p=0.050) domains. These results suggest that previous findings of an association of the TOMM40 short allele with better cognitive performance, independently from the APOE variant status, are pertinent to elderly with diabetes.

Examining lifestyles associated with religiosity might shed light onto environmental risks for dementia. Mechanisms underlying these associations remain elusive.

Background Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is related to increased morbidity and mortality. However, knowledge on its association with cognitive function is lacking. In this longitudinal study, we examined the associations between UPF intake and cognitive decline in older adults with type-2 diabetes (T2D). Methods The sample included initially non-demented T2D older adults (≥65y), from the Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline (IDCD) study, who had complete information on nutrition at baseline and at least three cognitive assessments (mean follow-up 5.3±1.5y). Nutritional intake was evaluated by a validated Food-Frequency Questionnaire and foods were categorized as UPF based on NOVA classification. Percent of calories from UPF were calculated from total caloric consumption in total and specific food groups. Mixed effect models were used to examine the link between UPF intake (top vs. bottom quartiles) and change in cognitive function overall and in specific domains, adjusting for potential confounders. Results Of the total sample (N=568; mean age 71.3±4.5y, 60% men), 141 consumed >31%kcal from UPF (top quartile). Greater intake of ultra-processed meat was associated with a faster decline in executive functions and global cognition (β=-0.041±0.013; p=0.002 and β=-0.026±0.010; p=0.011, respectively). Additionally, consumption of ultra-processed oils/spreads was associated with faster decline in executive functions and global cognition (β=-0.037±0.014; p=0.006 and β=-0.028±0.010; p=0.009, respectively). Total UPF consumption and UPF derived from dairy products and bread/pastries/starch were not associated with cognitive change. Conclusions This study suggests that a high intake of ultra-processed meat and oils/spreads may be associated with accelerated cognitive decline in older individuals with T2D.

We explored the association of plasma glucose levels within the normal range with processing speed in high functioning young elderly, free of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A sample of 41 participants (mean age = 64.7, SD = 10; glucose 94.5 mg/dL, SD = 9.3), were examined with a computerized cognitive battery. Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that higher plasma glucose levels, albeit within the normal range (<110 mg/dL), were associated with longer reaction times (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that even in the subclinical range and in the absence of T2DM, monitoring plasma glucose levels may have an impact on cognitive function.