Search

Background: Evidence has emerged that altered ventricular electrocardiogram profiles are associated with dementia, but the neuropathological mechanisms underlying their associations are poorly understood. Objective: To investigate the interrelationships of ventricular electrocardiogram profiles with dementia and plasma Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers among older adults. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 5,153 participants (age ≥65 years; 57.3% women) living in rural communities in China; of these, 1,281 had data on plasma amyloid-β (Aβ)40, Aβ42, total-tau, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) protein. The QT, QTc, JT, JTc, QRS intervals, and QRS axis were derived from the 10-second electrocardiogram recording. The DSM-IV criteria were followed for clinical diagnosis of dementia, the NIA-AA criteria for AD, and the NINDS-AIREN criteria for vascular dementia (VaD). Data were analyzed using general linear models, multinomial logistic models, and restricted cubic splines. Results: Of the 5,153 participants, 299 (5.8%) were diagnosed with dementia, including 194 with AD and 94 with VaD. Prolonged QT, QTc, JT, and JTc intervals were significantly associated with all-cause dementia, AD, and VaD (p < 0.05). Left QRS axis deviation was significantly associated with all-cause dementia and VaD (p < 0.01). In the subsample of plasma biomarkers (n = 1,281), prolonged QT, JT, and JTc intervals were significantly associated with a lower Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and higher plasma NfL concentrations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Alterations in ventricular repolarization and depolarization are independently associated with all-cause dementia, AD, VaD, and AD plasma biomarkers in older adults (age ≥65 years). Ventricular electrocardiogram parameters may be valuable clinical markers for dementia and the underlying AD pathologies and neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: According to the national wind power plan in China, seven wind power bases, each with an installed capacity of more than 10,000MW, will be built by 2020. In this work, based on the output characteristics of Jiuquan wind power base—a typical case among the seven wind power bases, a definition of STC duration curve is presented, and the relative costs and transmission benefits of co-operating thermal units and wind power bases are studied. The capacity optimization model for thermal units combined with a wind power base is proposed, in order to maximize the net transmission profit of transmitting wind power and thermal power. Furthermore, a two-layer optimization method is introduced to solve the model. In Jiuquan wind power base, the net profit from the wind power plant combined with the optimal thermal units is about 51.2% higher than that of wind power plant alone. The influences of the coal price and electricity price on the net profit are analyzed, and the impact of CO2 price on the optimal schemes is also studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The longitudinal associations of sleep timing and time in bed (TIB) with dementia and cognitive decline in older adults are unclear. Methods: This population‐based cohort study used data from 1982 participants who were aged ≥60 years, free of dementia, and living in rural communities in western Shandong, China. At the baseline (2014) and follow‐up (2018) examinations, sleep parameters were assessed using standard questionnaires. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Dementia was diagnosed following the DSM‐IV criteria, and the NIA‐AA criteria for Alzheimer disease (AD). Data were analyzed using restricted cubic splines, Cox proportional‐hazards models, and general linear models. Results: During the mean follow‐up of 3.7 years, dementia was diagnosed in 97 participants (68 with AD). Restricted cubic spline curves showed J‐shaped associations of sleep duration, TIB, and rise time with dementia risk, and a reverse J‐shaped association with mid‐sleep time. When sleep parameters were categorized into tertiles, the multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of incident dementia was 1.69 (95%CI 1.01–2.83) for baseline sleep duration >8 hours (vs. 7–8 h), 2.17 (1.22–3.87) for bedtime before 9 p.m. (vs. 10 p.m. or later), and 2.00 (1.23–3.24) for mid‐sleep time before 1 a.m. (vs. 1–1.5 a.m.). Early bedtime and mid‐sleep time were significantly associated with incident AD (HR range: 2.25–2.51; p < 0.05). Among individuals who were free of dementia at follow‐up, baseline long TIB, early bedtime and mid‐sleep time, early and late rise time, and prolonged TIB and advanced bedtime and mid‐sleep time from baseline to follow‐up were associated with a greater decline in MMSE score (p < 0.05). These associations with cognitive decline were statistically evident mainly among men or participants who were aged 60–74 years. Conclusions: Long TIB and early sleep timing are associated with an increased risk of dementia, and the associations with greater cognitive decline are evident only among older people aged 60–74 years and men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have examined occurrence and progression of cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND) in rural China.Objective: To determine the prevalence and incidence of CIND in rural-dwelling Chinese older adults, and to examine risk and protective factors associated with progression to CIND and dementia.Methods: This population-based study included 2,781 dementia-free participants (age≥65 years) who were examined at baseline (2014) and followed in 2018. Demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and neuropsychological data were collected following a structured questionnaire. We defined CIND according to subjective cognitive complaints and the age- and education-specific Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. Data were analyzed with the multinomial logistic regression models.Results: The overall prevalence of CIND was 10.54% and the incidence was 28.26 per 1,000 person-years. CIND at baseline was associated with the multi-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.06 (95% confidence interval = 1.23-3.47) for incident dementia. Multinomial logistic regression analysis suggested that compared with no CIND, the multi-adjusted OR of incident CIND was 2.21 (1.51-3.23) for women and 0.62 (0.38-0.99) for high social support, whereas the multi-adjusted OR of incident dementia was 1.14 (1.09-1.18) for older age, 0.29 (0.16-0.53) for high education, and 2.91 (1.47-5.74) for having a stroke history.Conclusion: CIND affects over one-tenth of older adults living in rural communities of western Shandong province. People with CIND are twice as likely to progress to dementia as people without CIND. Female sex, low education, stroke history, and low social support are associated with an increased risk of progression from normal cognition to CIND or dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may provide reliable neuroimaging markers for defining amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).Objective: We sought to characterize global and regional brain structures of aMCI among rural-dwelling older adults with limited education in China.Methods: This population-based study included 180 participants (aged≥65 years, 42 with aMCI and 138 normal controls) in the Shandong Yanggu Study of Aging and Dementia during 2014-2016. We defined aMCI following the Petersen's criteria. Global and regional brain volumes were automatically segmented on MRI scans and compared using a region-of-interest approach. Data were analyzed using general linear regression models.Results: Multi-adjusted β-coefficient (95% confidence interval) of brain volumes (cm3) associated with aMCI was -12.07 (-21.49, -2.64) for global grey matter (GM), -18.31 (-28.45, -8.17) for global white matter (WM), 28.17 (12.83, 44.07) for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and 2.20 (0.24, 4.16) for white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Furthermore, aMCI was significantly associated with lower GM volumes in bilateral superior temporal gyri, thalamus and right cuneus, and lower WM volumes in lateral areas extending from the frontal to the parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, as well as right hippocampus (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Brain structure of older adults with aMCI is characterized by reduced global GM and WM volumes, enlarged CSF volume, increased WMH burden, reduced GM volumes in bilateral superior temporal gyri, thalamus, and right cuneus, and widespread reductions of lateral WM volumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The relationships of neutrophils and cytokines with cognitive dysfunction are poorly defined. We aimed to investigate the association of peripheral blood absolute neutrophil count (ANC) with cognitive function in older adults and to further explore the mediating role of serum cytokines in this association. Methods This population-based cohort study included 1 666 dementia-free participants (age ≥60 years) derived from baseline examinations (March–September 2018) of the Multimodal Intervention to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China (MIND-China); of these, 1 087 participants completed follow-up examinations in October–December 2019. We used a neuropsychological test battery to assess episodic memory, verbal fluency, attention, and executive function at the baseline and follow-up examinations. We used Mindray BC-6800 automated hematology analyzer to measure ANC and Meso Scale Discovery to measure serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and eotaxin-3. Results The linear regression analysis of cross-sectional data at baseline (n  = 1 666) suggested that increased ANC was significantly associated with a lower episodic memory z score (β coefficient: −0.149, 95% CI: −0.274 to −0.023) and lower long-delayed free recall z score (−0.216, −0.361 to −0.070). Serum IL-6 and eotaxin-3 could mediate 16.16% to 20.21% and 7.55% to 9.35%, respectively, of these associations. The analysis of longitudinal data (n  = 1 087) showed a J-shaped relationship of ANC with decline in episodic memory z score (p for nonlinear = .049), and a U-shaped relationship between ANC and decline in long-delayed free recall z score (p for nonlinear = .043). Conclusions Increased neutrophils are associated with poor cognitive performance and accelerated decline in episodic memory, and the cross-sectional association is partly mediated by serum cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross-sectional association between late-life obesity and dementia is often explained by the obesity paradox. We assessed the potential differential associations of various adiposity indices with dementia and subtypes of dementia in rural Chinese older adults. A population-based cross-sectional study. A total of 5277 participants (age ≥60 years; 57.23% female) who were living in rural communities and were examined in March–September 2018 for MIND-China. We used weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) to calculate 6 adiposity indices: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), and Conicity Index (ConI). Dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) were clinically diagnosed following the international criteria. Data were analyzed with logistic regression models. Of the 5277 participants, 303 were diagnosed with dementia, including 193 with AD and 99 with VaD. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of dementia associated with the highest (vs lowest) quintile of adiposity index was 2.32 (1.40–3.85) for WWI, 1.56 (1.03–2.36) for ABSI, and 1.40 (0.92–2.11) for ConI. Similarly, higher levels of these 3 adiposity indices were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of AD, whereas a higher BMI was associated with a decreased likelihood of AD. None of the 6 examined adiposity indices was significantly associated with VaD when adjusting for multiple confounders. The adiposity index WWI is linearly associated with the likelihood of dementia and AD. An increased WWI may be a clinical marker for the dementia syndrome and Alzheimer's dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Early-life educational attainment contributes to cognitive reserve (CR). We investigated the associations of lifelong CR with dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among older people with limited formal education. Methods: This population-based cohort study included 2,127 dementia-free participants (≥60 years; 59.4% women; 81.5% with no or elementary school) who were examined at baseline (August-December 2014) and follow-up (March-September 2018). Lifelong CR score at baseline was generated from six lifespan intellectual factors. Dementia, MCI, and their subtypes were defined according to the international criteria. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional-hazards models. Results: During the total of 8,330.6 person-years of follow-up, 101 persons were diagnosed with dementia, including 74 with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 26 with vascular dementia (VaD). The high (vs. low) tertile of lifelong CR score was associated with multivariable-adjusted hazards ratios (95% confidence interval) of 0.28 (0.14–0.55) for dementia and 0.18 (0.07–0.48) for AD. The association between higher CR and reduced AD risk was significant in people aged 60–74 but not in those aged ≥75 years (p for interaction = 0.011). Similarly, among MCI-free people at baseline (n = 1,635), the high (vs. low) tertile of lifelong CR score was associated with multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of 0.51 (0.38–0.69) for MCI and 0.46 (0.33–0.64) for amnestic MCI. Lifelong CR was not related to VaD or non-amnestic MCI. Discussion: High lifelong CR is associated with reduced risks of dementia and MCI, especially AD and amnestic MCI. It highlights the importance of lifelong CR in maintaining late-life cognitive health even among people with no or limited education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few community-based studies have examined occurrence and progression of subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Objective: To investigate prevalence and progression of SCD among rural-dwelling Chinese elderly people. Methods: This cohort study included 2,488 cognitively unimpaired adults (age≥65 years) who were examined at baseline (2014-2015) and followed in 2018. Demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and neuropsychological data were collected via in-person interviews and clinical examinations following a structured questionnaire. At baseline, SCD was assessed using the self-rated Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire. At follow-up, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) were clinically diagnosed following the international criteria. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of SCD was 40.07%. SCD at baseline was associated with the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.51 (95% confidence interval 1.10–2.07) for incident cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND) and 3.11 (1.64–5.93) for incident AD. Among people with SCD at baseline, the multivariable-adjusted OR of incident CIND was 0.55(0.32–0.96) for hyperlipidemia; the multivariable-adjusted OR of incident AD was 1.21 (1.14–1.30) for older age, 0.32 (0.12–0.88) for high education, 2.60 (1.11–6.08) for carrying APOEɛ4 allele, and 0.34 (0.13–0.86) for high social support, whereas the multivariable-adjusted OR of incident VaD was 6.30 (1.71–23.18) for obesity. Conclusion: SCD affects over 40% of rural-dwelling cognitively unimpaired older adults in China. SCD is associated with accelerated progression to CIND and AD. Older age, lack of school education, APOEɛ4 allele, and low social support are associated with an increased risk of progression from SCD to AD, whereas obesity is related to accelerated progression to VaD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microvascular dysfunction (MVD) may contribute to cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, but evidence is limited. Objective: To investigate the association of composite and organ-specific MVD burden with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and cognition among rural-dwelling Chinese older adults. Methods: In this population-based cross-sectional study, we assessed MVD makers using optical coherence tomographic angiography for retinal microvasculature features, brain magnetic resonance imaging scans for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and serum biomarkers for MVD. A composite MVD score was generated from the aforementioned organ-specific parameters. We used a neuropsychological test battery to assess memory, verbal fluency, attention, executive function, and global cognitive function. MCI, amnestic MCI (aMCI), and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI) were diagnosed following the Petersen's criteria. Data was analyzed with the linear and logistic regression models. Results: Of the 274 dementia-free participants (age≥65 years), 56 were diagnosed with MCI, including 47 with aMCI and 9 with naMCI. A composite MVD score was statistically significantly associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.70 (95% confidence interval 1.12–6.53) for MCI and β-coefficient of –0.29 (–0.48, –0.10) for global cognitive score after adjustment for socio-demographics, lifestyle factors, APOE genotype, the Geriatric Depression Scale score, serum inflammatory biomarkers, and cardiovascular comorbidity. A composite score of retinal microvascular morphology was associated with a multivariable-adjusted OR of 1.72 (1.09–2.73) for MCI and multivariable-adjusted β-coefficient of –0.11 (–0.22, –0.01) for global cognitive score. A composite CSVD score was associated with a lower global cognitive score (β= –0.10; –0.17, –0.02). Conclusion: Microvascular dysfunction, especially in the brain and retina, is associated with MCI and poor cognitive function among rural-dwelling older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• WWC1 rs17070145 was marginally associated with AD and VaD in older adults. • WWC1 exonic SNPs rs3822660 and rs3822659 are in strong LD with rs17070145. • The strong LD may explain the association of WWC1 rs17070145 C allele with AD. • Stroke may partly explain the association of rs17070145 CC genotype with VaD. We sought to examine the associations of common WWC1 variants with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) among rural-dwelling older adults in China. This population-based study used data from the baseline assessments (March –September 2018) of MIND-China. AD and VaD were diagnosed following the international criteria. Of the 5455 participants (age≥60 years, 57.27% women), 182 were diagnosed with AD and 88 with VaD. Logistic regression analysis suggested that WWC1 rs17070145 C allele (vs. T) was associated with multivariable-adjusted odds ratio of 1.23 (95% confidence interval 0.96–1.58) for AD, and that CC genotype (vs. TT) was associated with multivariable-adjusted odds ratio of 2.19(1.10–4.39) for VaD, but the association with VaD became non-significant when further adjusting for stroke history. Furthermore, exonic SNPs rs3822660 and rs3822659 were in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) with rs17070145 (D' = 0.88). These results suggest that the strong LD between rs17070145 and 2 exonic SNPs may explain the association of WWC1 rs17070145 C allele with AD and that stroke may partly explain the association of WWC1 rs17070145 CC genotype with VaD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are two kinds of chlorites occurred in Anshan area, among which the hydrothermal Fe-chlorite with longer Fe-OH wavelength is spatially related to the high-grade magnetite ore, meaning that wavelength mapping of chlorites can be used to target the BIF-hosted high grade iron ore. In this article, quadratic polynomial, cubic spline, and quartic polynomial method were used to interpolate the absorption wavelength near 2250 nm of China ZY1-02D satellite hyperspectral image. The result of quadratic polynomial is continuous without data overlapping or intervals, thus most suitable for discrimination of the chlorites. The field truth shows that the spatial distribution of Fe-chlorite, validated by XRD analysis, is not only in accordance with that of high grade magnetite ore bodies, but also consistent with the recently discovered concealed iron bonanza. The study shows that hyperspectral remote sensing techniques can play significant role in the exploration of magnetite iron ore in east Liaoning Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Little is known about whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with dementia or the role of serum proinflammatory cytokines in the association. We aimed to investigate the interrelationships of NAFLD, serum cytokines, and dementia among rural‐dwelling older adults. Methods: This population‐based cross‐sectional study included 5129 participants (aged ≥60 years; 61.79% women) who were living in rural communities and examined in March 2018–September 2018. NAFLD was defined through transabdominal ultrasound examination in the absence of hepatitis B or excessive alcohol consumption. Serum cytokines were measured in a subsample (n = 1686). Dementia, Alzheimer disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) were diagnosed following international criteria. Data were analyzed with logistic regression and mediation models. Results: Of the 5129 participants, 455 (8.87%) were detected with moderate‐to‐severe NAFLD, and 292 (5.69%) were diagnosed with dementia (188 with AD and 96 with VaD). The multivariable adjusted odds ratios associated with moderate‐to‐severe (vs. no‐to‐mild) NAFLD were 2.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41–3.49) for all‐cause dementia, 1.88 (95% CI = 1.01–3.50) for AD, and 2.62 (95% CI = 1.33–5.17) for VaD. In the cytokine subsample, controlling for multiple potential confounders, moderate‐to‐severe NAFLD was significantly associated with higher levels of serum monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, interleukin‐17A, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (P < 0.05). The mediation analysis showed that IL‐6 mediated 12.56% of the association between NAFLD and VaD. Conclusions: Moderate‐to‐severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with dementia and AD, especially with VaD, among rural‐dwelling Chinese older adults, in which the association with VaD is partly mediated by serum inflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid progress of urbanization strategies in China has led to a significant increase in sewage sludge production. Sewage sludge contains organic compounds, pathogens, and heavy metals, making the effective utilization of its organic components a crucial concern in sludge treatment. Anaerobic digestion is widely recognized as a viable method for converting the organic components of sewage sludge into methane, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and soil fertilizer. Co-digestion, which involves the simultaneous digestion of sewage sludge with other organic wastes, holds great promise for renewable methane production. This review provides an overview of anaerobic co-digestion, focusing on the production of methane through the utilization of sewage sludge and other organic wastes. The kinetics and process parameters involved in co-digestion are discussed, along with the mechanisms underlying the synergistic effect on methane production. These mechanisms include the modulation of the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, dilution of toxic compounds, and the bioaugmentation effect on enzymes and microbial communities. Various methods for improving co-digestion, such as pretreatment and additive techniques, are explored. Furthermore, the industrial application of co-digesting sewage sludge with other organic wastes is highlighted to showcase the commercial feasibility of this technology for methane production. • An assessment was conducted on the co-digestion of sewage sludge with other organic wastes. • Mechanism and improvement for the co-digestion process were discussed. • Industrial application demonstrated the commercialization feasibility of co-digestion technology. • Future challenges associated with co-digestion technology were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep characteristics associated with dementia are poorly defined and whether their associations vary by demographics and APOE genotype among older adults are unclear.Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 4742 participants (age ≥ 65 years, 57.1% women) living in rural China. Sleep parameters were measured using the self-rated questionnaires of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Global cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Dementia was diagnosed following the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria, and the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Data were analysed using multiple logistic and general linear regression models.Results: Dementia was diagnosed in 173 participants (115 with AD). Multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of dementia was 1.71 (95%CI, 1.07-2.72) for sleep duration ≤4 h/night (vs. > 6-8 h/night), 0.76 (0.49-1.18) for > 4-6 h/night, 1.63 (1.05-2.55) for > 8 h/night, 1.11 (1.03-1.20) for lower sleep efficiency (per 10% decrease), and 1.85 (1.19-2.89) for excessive daytime sleepiness. Very short sleep duration (≤4 h/night), lower sleep efficiency, and excessive daytime sleepiness were significantly associated with being diagnosed with AD (multivariable-adjusted OR range = 1.12-2.07; p < 0.05). The associations of sleep problems with dementia and AD were evident mainly among young-old adults (65-74 years) or APOE ε4 carriers. Among dementia-free participants, these sleep characteristics were significantly associated with a lower MMSE score.Conclusions: Self-reported sleep problems in dementia are characterized by very short or long sleep duration, low sleep efficiency, and excessive daytime sleepiness, especially among young-old people and APOE ε4 carriers.Trial Registration: ChiCTR1800017758 (Aug 13, 2018). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence has emerged that anemia is associated with dementia, but data on the relationships of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) with dementia and cognitive function in older adults are sparse.Objective: We sought to investigate the associations of RDW with dementia and global cognitive performance among rural-dwelling Chinese older adults and further to examine their associations by anemia status.Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 5,115 participants (age≥65 years, 57.0%women) in the baseline examination (March-September 2018) of the Multimodal Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in rural China (MIND-CHINA). We collected data through face-to-face interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests. Global cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We defined dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) following the respective international criteria. Data were analyzed using multinomial logistic and general linear regression models.Results: Of all participants, 300 were diagnosed with dementia, including 195 with AD and 95 VaD. The multiple-adjusted odds ratio of dementia associated with quartiles of RDW were 1.45 (95%CI: 0.87-2.44), 1.00 (reference), 1.77 (1.07-2.93), and 2.28 (1.40-3.72). Similar J-shaped patterns existed for the association of RDW with odds ratio of AD and VaD. Anemia was not significantly associated with dementia. The J-shaped associations of RDW with dementia and subtypes were statistically evident only among participants without anemia. There was an inverted J-shaped relationship between RDW quartiles and β-coefficients of MMSE score.Conclusion: There is a J-shaped association between RDW level and likelihood of dementias among rural-dwelling Chinese older adults, especially among people without anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Current evidence supports the involvement of lipids in brain aging. A range of serum lipids is explored in association with brain structure and cognitive function amongst rural‐dwelling older adults. Methods: This population‐based cross‐sectional study included 184 rural‐dwelling adults (age ≥ 65 years, 39.1% women) in Shandong, China. In 2014–2016, data on demographics, lifestyle, health conditions and serum lipids were collected. Volumes of gray matter, white matter, ventricles, hippocampus and white matter hyperintensity were automatically estimated on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Global cognitive function was assessed with the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was defined according to Petersen's criteria. Data were analyzed using the general linear regression, logistic regression and mediation models. Results: Of the 184 participants, 47 were defined with MCI. Low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C; <1.55 vs. ≥1.55 mmol/l) was significantly associated with reduced volumes of total white matter (multi‐adjusted β = −9.77, 95% confidence interval −19.48–0.06) and hippocampus (−0.23, −0.46–0.01), a lower MMSE score (−1.49, −2.67–0.31) and a higher likelihood of MCI (multi‐adjusted odds ratio 3.21, 95% confidence interval 1.42–7.29). The mediation effects of structural brain measures on the associations between a low level of HDL‐C and MMSE score or MCI were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that low HDL‐C may be involved in structural brain aging and cognitive dysfunction amongst rural‐dwelling older adults in China, but the association of low HDL‐C with cognitive aging phenotypes appears not to be mediated by brain structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A favorable CVH profile was associated with better physical function among rural chinese older adults. • The association was partially mediated via low chronic systemic inflammation. • This has implications for understanding the mechanisms linking CVH profile with physical function. We examined the association of modifiable cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics with physical function among rural older adults in China and the potential role of inflammatory mechanisms in the association. This study included 3733 stroke- and dementia-free participants (age ≥65 years; 56.9% women) in the baseline survey of a multimodal intervention study in rural China. From March-September 2018, data were collected via face-to-face interviews, clinical assessments, and laboratory tests. The Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB) test was performed to assess physical function. We defined six modifiable CVH metrics according to the modified American Heart Association's recommendations. Serum interleukin (IL)-6 was measured in a subsample (n = 1156). Data were analyzed with multiple general linear and logistic regression models and structural equation modeling. Poor physical function (SPPB score ≤9) was defined in 1443 participants. Ideal CVH (vs. poor CVH) was associated with multivariable-adjusted odds ratio of 0.60 (95%CI 0.48–0.75) for poor physical function. Ideal CVH was significantly associated with higher scores on balance, chair stand, and walking speed tests (all p < 0.05). Moreover, ideal CVH profile was associated with lower serum IL-6 (multivariable-adjusted β=-0.04; 95% CI -0.06, -0.01). Mediation analysis revealed that serum IL-6 accounted for 14% of the association of CVH with total SPPB score and 10% of the association with walking speed score (p < 0.05). This study suggests that an ideal CVH profile is associated with better physical function among stroke- and dementia-free older adults, partly via inflammatory mechanisms. The preventive implications of these findings warrant further investigation in cohort studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]