Relationship between Inflammation and Oxidative Stress and Cognitive Decline in the Institutionalized Elderly

Abstract

Objective. Cognitive impairment reduces quality of life and is related to vascular and neurodegenerative disorders. However, there is also a close relationship between these diseases and oxidative stress. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess whether inflammation and oxidative damage are associated with low cognitive performance in the elderly with different housing conditions. Methods. The study groups consisted of 32 institutionalized and 25 noninstitutionalized Brazilian elderly subjects. Oxidative damage, inflammation markers, and cognitive function were evaluated. Results. The results demonstrated pronounced oxidative stress in the institutionalized elderly group, which also had a lower antioxidant status compared to noninstitutionalized subjects. High levels of proinflammatory cytokines were also observed in the institutionalized elderly. Furthermore, the raised levels of inflammatory markers were correlated with increased oxidative stress, and both were associated with low cognitive performance. However, based on multiple linear regression analysis, oxidative stress appears to be the main factor responsible for the cognitive decline. Conclusions. The findings suggest that individuals with lower antioxidant status are more vulnerable to oxidative stress, which is associated with cognitive function, leading to reduced life quality and expectancy.

The role of adult vitamin D deficiency in cognition and brain function in mice

“…There is increasing evidence from epidemiological studies that vitamin D deficiency is associated with cognitive impairments, particularly in older individuals (Balion et al, 2012). Furthermore, epidemiological studies have shown that a decrease in cognitive performance and decline is associated with increased oxidative stress in the elderly (Berr et al, 2000;Pratico et al, 2002;Baierle et al, 2015). For example, a study in elderly patients from Brazil reported a significant association between markers of oxidative stress and cognitive parameters, as measured by the MMSE, Verbal fluency and the Boston Naming Test (Baierle et al, 2015).…”

“…Furthermore, epidemiological studies have shown that a decrease in cognitive performance and decline is associated with increased oxidative stress in the elderly (Berr et al, 2000;Pratico et al, 2002;Baierle et al, 2015). For example, a study in elderly patients from Brazil reported a significant association between markers of oxidative stress and cognitive parameters, as measured by the MMSE, Verbal fluency and the Boston Naming Test (Baierle et al, 2015). Another study showed that cognitive decline over a four-year period was associated with increased markers of oxidative stress and a lower antioxidant status (Berr et al, 2000).…”

“…Alterations in glutathione homeostasis that lead to greater oxidative stress have been implicated in a range of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, including cognitive impairment (Zhao & Zhao, 2013;Baierle et al, 2015;Black et al, 2015). Furthermore, increased oxidative stress can lead to an elevated stress response, and stimulation of apoptosis pathways, resulting in 'sick' cells and ultimately cell death (Townsend et al, 2003).…”

“…Human studies have shown significant associations between cognitive impairments and cognitive decline with systemic oxidative stress and lower antioxidant status (Berr et al, 2000;Berr, 2002;Baierle et al, 2015). Although many different tests are used to examine cognition in humans, the MMSE is used frequently, which measures global cognition including aspects of attention and hippocampal-dependent learning (Folstein et al, 1975;Berr et al, 2000).…”

“…Furthermore, we have established that AVD deficiency impacts on glutathione synthesis leading to a reduction in glutathione levels within the brain, which would potentially increase exposure to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been identified as a risk factor for a number of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders (Zhao & Zhao, 2013;Baierle et al, 2015;Black et al, 2015) and therefore, this may be one key mechanism for the effects of AVD deficiency.…”