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Subjective Cognitive Decline Modifies the Relationship Between Cerebral Blood Flow and Memory Function in Cognitively Normal Older Adults

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 October 2017

Chelsea C. Hays ,
Zvinka Z. Zlatar ,
Laura Campbell ,
M.J. Meloy  and
Christina E. Wierenga
Chelsea C. Hays
Affiliation:
VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California
Zvinka Z. Zlatar
Affiliation:
VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California
Laura Campbell
Affiliation:
VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
M.J. Meloy
Affiliation:
VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California
Christina E. Wierenga*
Affiliation:
VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to: Christina E. Wierenga, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., MC 151B, San Diego, CA 92161. E-mail: cwierenga@ucsd.edu
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Abstract

Objectives: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), or self-reported cognitive decline despite normal neuropsychological test performance, is a risk factor for objective cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While brain mechanisms contributing to SCD are not well defined, studies show associations with vascular risk factors and altered cerebral blood flow (CBF), raising the hypothesis that those with SCD might be experiencing vascular dysregulation, or a disruption in the normal relationship between CBF and cognition. We examined whether the association between CBF and verbal memory performance differs between those with SCD (SCD+) and those without SCD (SCD-). Methods: Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate whether the voxel-wise relationship between arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI-measured CBF and verbal memory performance was modified by SCD among a group of 70 cognitively normal older adults (35 SCD+, 35 SCD-; mean age=72) matched on age, gender, and symptoms of depression. Results: Results indicated that the SCD- group exhibited positive associations between verbal memory and CBF within the posterior cingulate cortex, middle temporal gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus, whereas the SCD+ group displayed negative associations between verbal memory and CBF within the posterior cingulate cortex, middle temporal gyrus, hippocampus, fusiform gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus. Conclusions: Findings suggest that, while higher CBF is supportive of memory function in those without SCD, higher CBF may no longer support memory function in those presenting with SCD, perhaps reflecting neurovascular dysregulation. (JINS, 2018, 24, 213–223)

Keywords

Alzheimer’s diseaseAgingCognitive symptomsDementiaPerfusionBrain vascular disorderAge-related memory disordersFunctional MRI
Type
Research Articles
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 24 , Issue 3 , March 2018 , pp. 213 - 223
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2017 

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