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Executive functions in older adults with generalised anxiety disorder and healthy controls: Associations with heart rate variability, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and physical fitness.

Authors :
Sirevåg, Kristine
Stavestrand, Silje Haukenes
Specht, Karsten
Nordhus, Inger Hilde
Hammar, Åsa
Molde, Helge
Mohlman, Jan
Endal, Trygve Bruun
Halmøy, Anne
Andersson, Eva
Sjøbø, Trond
Nordahl, Hans M.
Thayer, Julian F.
Hovland, Anders
Source :
Applied Neuropsychology: Adult. Oct2024, p1-10. 10p. 1 Illustration.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

AbstractExecutive functions (EF) decline with age and this decline in older adults with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) may be influenced by heart rate variability (HRV), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and physical fitness. Understanding these relationships is important for tailored treatments in this population. In this study, 51 adults with GAD (<italic>M</italic> age = 66.46, <italic>SD =</italic> 4.08) and 51 healthy controls (<italic>M</italic> age = 67.67, <italic>SD</italic> = 4.04) were assessed on cognitive inhibition (Stroop task), shifting (Trails part 4), flexibility (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test – Perseverative errors), working memory (Digit Span Backwards), IQ (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence), high frequency HRV, serum mature BDNF levels, and VO2 max. Results indicated that participants with GAD exhibited better cognitive inhibition compared to controls, with no general reduction in EF. Cognitive inhibition was predicted by gender, HRV, and BDNF levels, while cognitive shifting was predicted by gender and IQ, and cognitive flexibility and working memory by IQ. The enhanced cognitive inhibition in GAD participants might stem from maladaptive use of this function, characteristic of GAD, or protection from EF decline due to normal HRV. Increased BDNF levels, possibly due to good fitness, or compensatory mechanisms related to the disorder, might also play a role. These findings highlight the complexity of EF and related mechanisms in GAD, highlighting the need for interventions that consider both cognitive and physiological factors for optimal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
23279095
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Applied Neuropsychology: Adult
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
180355627
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/23279095.2024.2415421