Factors associated with morphometric brain changes in cognitively normal aging

Abstract

ObjectiveCognitive impairment is associated with reductions in brain weight and volume. The factors related to morphometric brain changes in cognitively normal aging remain unknown. We aimed to identify which clinical factors are associated with morphometric brain changes in cognitively normal aging.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 414 subjects, ≥50 years old submitted to clinical assessment and brain autopsy, after informed consent, was carried out at the São Paulo Autopsy Service, Brazil. Data on cognitive and functional evaluations were collected through structured interview applied to the next-of-kin. Brain weight (g) and volume (mL) measurements were obtained and adjusted for head circumference (cm). Associations between brain weight/volume and related factors were obtained through univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsParticipants were predominantly male (60.4%), Caucasian (69%), with mean age of 67.1 ± 10.9 years. Mean brain weight was 1219.2 ± 140.9 g, and mean brain volume was 1217.1 ± 152.3 mL. Head circumference was independently associated with low brain weight (p<0.001) and volume (p<0.001). Total and adjusted brain weight and volume decreased in some conditions. Female gender (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.009), coronary artery disease (p<0.013) and walking assistance (p<0.011) were associated with lower adjusted brain weight while schooling was associated with higher adjusted brain weight (p<0.003). Female gender (p<0.001), age (p<0.001) and hypertension (p<0.011) were associated with low adjusted brain volume.ConclusionMorphometric brain changes occur despite the absence of cognitive impairment and were predominantly associated with age, female gender, mobility impairment and cardiovascular conditions. Schooling may be a protective factor.

Factors associated with brain volume in major depression in older adults without dementia: results from a large autopsy study

“…Indeed, even neurologically asymptomatic older people prospectively followed for 6 years show brain volume reduction with time, and moreover, the older the age, the greater the volume decline that can be observed (Enzinger et al, 2005). But one should also consider that there is evidence to support that there has been an increase in height and head size of the world population in the last decade (Ferretti-Rebustini et al, 2015) as well as in brain volume (Miller and Corsellis, 1977). In our study, we also found greater brain volume in males.…”

“…The local ethics committee approved the research protocol. Methodological procedures of the BBBABSG have been described elsewhere (Grinberg et al, 2013;Suemoto et al, 2013;Ferretti-Rebustini et al, 2015).…”

Microcephaly measurement in adults and its association with clinical variables

“…Moreover, the use of informant-reported data is a concern, as informants can be unaware of some of the treatments and disorders the deceased may have had. However, we used a validated semi-structured clinical interview 16 which several other publications accept [13][14][15]37,38 . Our study assessed a community sample in Brazil.…”

“…The methodological procedures of the BAS-USP have been described elsewhere [13][14][15] . Subjects who were aged 50 years or older and who had died from natural (non-traumatic) causes were included.…”

Neuropsychological Aspects of Aging and Driving for Inclusive Automotive Interior Design

“…While it is true that cognitive changes are normal in old age, it is also true that other factors can influence the development of these changes. For example, it has been proven that morphological brain changes can vary depending on gender, motor skills, cardiovascular pathologies, cognitive reserve, and/or literacy levels [56].…”