Search

Background: Skeletal muscle is the main source of circulating irisin, both at rest and during physical activity. Previous studies have suggested that irisin can improve cognitive abilities. Aims: We explored whether six months of Tai Chi (TC) practice can modulate such a relationship in healthy older persons. Methods: This is a prospective clinical study to evaluate the effects of TC practice as compared with low intensity exercise (LI) and no exercise (NE) control groups on plasmatic irisin levels and cognitive performance. Forty-two healthy older persons were stratified into three groups according to physical activities. Biochemical assay and cognitive functions were assessed at the baseline and after six months. Results: A significant change was found in circulating irisin levels in TC as compared with NE group (p= 0.050) across time. At six months in TC group irisin levels significantly correlated with a verbal memory test (p= 0.013) controlled by age and education. Conclusion: Our results suggest the potential benefits for cognitive health of TC practice by irisin levels modulation.

Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between dysglycemia - also known as pre-diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance- and cognitive abilities in an older population living Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and stratified by gender. Study design: This is a retrospective study with data gathered from a large Italian clinical-based database. Main outcome measures: The evaluation of cognitive performances by the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised rating scale as tests of screening and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation of several cognitive areas. Results: The study comprised 682 subjects (445 F/237 M) with a mean age of 76.08 ± 9.03 (range: 66–93) years. In all population, subjects with dysglycemia 193 (28.3%) had significantly poorer performance in memory (p= 0.006) and logic reasoning (p= 0.007) when compared with subjects without dysglycemia. The linear regression analyses revealed significant differences in the correlates of cognitive domains between gender groups. Independent of multiple covariates, women with dysglycemia showed worse performances in attention and short-term memory domains as compared with men. Even in the absence of dysglycemia women were more likely to show lower score in screening test of general cognition and attention. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dysglycemia in older individuals with MCI is associated with declines in specific cognitive domains, potentially influenced by gender. Implementing a comprehensive approach involving risk stratification and preventive strategies may be more effective in averting further cognitive decline in this high-risk population.