A novel computer adaptive word list memory test optimized for remote assessment: Psychometric properties and associations with neurodegenerative biomarkers in older women without dementia

Introduction: This study established the psychometric properties and preliminary validity of the Stricker Learning Span (SLS), a novel computer adaptive word list memory test designed for remote assessment and optimized for smartphone use. Methods: Women enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Specialized Center of Research Excellence (SCORE) were recruited via e-mail or phone to complete two remote cognitive testing sessions. Convergent validity was assessed through correlation with previously administered in-person neuropsychological tests (n = 96, ages 55-79) and criterion validity through associations with magnetic resonance imaging measures of neurodegeneration sensitive to Alzheimer\u27s disease (n = 47). Results: SLS performance significantly correlated with the Auditory Verbal Learning Test and measures of neurodegeneration (temporal meta-regions of interest and entorhinal cortical thickness, adjusting for age and education). Test-retest reliabilities across two sessions were 0.71-0.76 (two-way mixed intraclass correlation coefficients). Discussion: The SLS is a valid and reliable self-administered memory test that shows promise for remote assessment of aging and neurodegenerative disorders

Evaluation of Plasma Lipoprotein Profiles in a Mediterranean Diet Intervention

Nonpharmacological interventions that target modifiable risk factors such as obesity, diet, sedentary lifestyle, and downstream metabolic correlates (e.g., dyslipidemia) are increasingly being investigated to prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD). The plasma lipoprotein profile is age, APOE-genotype, sex, and modifiable risk dependent.The current study used a precision medicine approach to study a potential AD biomarker and clinical intervention through a model of risk. Plasma samples were leveraged from a Mediterranean diet randomized controlled trial in a sample of female obese older adults who are predominately African American. Plasma lipoprotein profiles were quantified from pre- and post-intervention plasma samples using size exclusion chromatography and cholesterol assays. Our results indicated notable eulipidemic shifts in the plasma lipoprotein profile. There was an effect of decreased weight and adiposity on eulipidemic shifts. APOE signature profiles and patterns of lipoprotein remodeling were evident. Future work will further establish the plasma lipoprotein profiles as a biomarker with further examination of lipid/protein content and associations with cognition

A lifespan model of interference resolution and inhibitory control: Risk for depression and changes with illness progression

The cognitive processes involved in inhibitory control accuracy (IC) and interference resolution speed (IR) or broadly - inhibition - are discussed in this review, and both are described within the context of a lifespan model of mood disorders. Inhibitory control (IC) is a binary outcome (success or no for response selection and inhibition of unwanted responses) for any given event that is influenced to an extent by IR. IR refers to the process of inhibition, which can be manipulated by task design in earlier and later stages through use of distractors and timing, and manipulation of individual differences in response proclivity. We describe the development of these two processes across the lifespan, noting factors that influence this development (e.g., environment, adversity and stress) as well as inherent difficulties in assessing IC/IR prior to adulthood (e.g., cross-informant reports). We use mood disorders as an illustrative example of how this multidimensional construct can be informative to state, trait, vulnerability and neuroprogression of disease. We present aggregated data across numerous studies and methodologies to examine the lifelong development and degradation of this subconstruct of executive function, particularly in mood disorders. We highlight the challenges in identifying and measuring IC/IR in late life, including specificity to complex, comorbid disease processes. Finally, we discuss some potential avenues for treatment and accommodation of these difficulties across the lifespan, including newer treatments using cognitive remediation training and neuromodulation