Cytokines and cognition - the case for a head-to-toe inflammatory paradigm

In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and vas cular dementia cytokine-med iated inflammatory processes play a role. Cytokines are key in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis acitvation in stress and depression. Complex cognitive systems, such as those underlying religious beliefs can modulate ef fects of stress on the immune system. S leep problems , micro nutrient deficiency from appetite problems and various endocrine interactions are related to cytokines and c ytokine dys regulation with aging may be part of cognitive aging.