Shared neural substrates of cognitive function and postural control in older adults. Issue 4 (8th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sparto, Patrick J.; Rosso, Andrea L.; Divecha, Ayushi A.; Metti, Andrea L.; Rosano, Caterina
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 16:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 621
• Page End: 629
• Publication Date: 2020-03-08
• Subjects: biomarker -- dementia -- mild cognitive impairment -- postural control; Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.12053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Poor cognitive function and postural control co‐occur in older adults. It is unclear whether they share neural substrates. Methods: Postural sway error during a novel visual tracking (VT) condition and gray matter volume (GMV) were compared between participants with normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia (n = 179, mean age 82, 56% females, 56% white). Associations between VT error, cognitive function, and GMV were examined. Results: Greater VT error was associated with having dementia compared to NC or MCI (odds ratio [95% CI] = 2.15 [1.38, 3.36] and 1.58 [1.05, 2.38]). Regions with lower GMV related to greater VT error and worse cognition were: bilateral hippocampi, parahippocampi, entorhinal, and parietal cortices (all P ≤0.05). GMV of bilateral hippocampi and left parahippocampus explained >20% of VT error between dementia and NC. Discussion: Postural control during visuospatial tasks and dementia may share neural substrates, specifically memory‐related regions.