Understanding biomarkers of cognition in the elderly

Swinburne researchers have been investigating the biomarkers for cognitive ageing in healthy elderly Australians to examine whether age associated cognitive decline can be reduced.

June 25, 2020

Swinburne researchers have been investigating the biomarkers for cognitive ageing in healthy elderly Australians to examine whether age associated cognitive decline can be reduced.

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Swinburne researchers from the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology have been investigating the biomarkers for cognitive ageing in healthy elderly Australian citizens to examine whether age associated cognitive decline in the healthy elderly could be reduced.

The two main cognitive domains that show age related impairment are episodic memory (long-term memory) and processing speed (i.e. how quickly you can react and make a decision). This figure shows the changes in processing speed with age:

Swinburne Research: Cognitive Reaction Times

There is relatively little research on understanding the biomarkers of cognition in the 60+ age group. This study seeks to address this deficit.

Data was collected from approximately 500 healthy 60 – 75 year old Australian in November 2019, and approximately 350 participants completed a 12 month intervention through the Australian Research Council Longevity Intervention (ARCLI).

In late 2019, the team’s studies found that interventions that reduce oxidative stress may be important in improving episodic memory as we get older. Researchers also found that higher cholesterol, even in healthy older participants, may be a marker for poorer cognitive performance, and that interventions aimed at reducing cholesterol could improve cognitive performance. In 2020 an intriguing find suggests that having a higher Body Mass Index may increase inflammatory markers leading to poorer cognitive outcomes.

Funding from Hearts and Minds Investments has been critical in supporting these important analyses and the publishing of research examining cognitive in older Australian citizens from the ARCLI team.

To learn more about the research projects being conducted at the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology visit their website here.

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June 25, 2020

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Swinburne's Centre For Human Psychopharmacology

Swinburne researchers from the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology have been investigating the biomarkers for cognitive ageing in healthy elderly Australian citizens to examine whether age associated cognitive decline in the healthy elderly could be reduced.

The two main cognitive domains that show age related impairment are episodic memory (long-term memory) and processing speed (i.e. how quickly you can react and make a decision). This figure shows the changes in processing speed with age:

There is relatively little research on understanding the biomarkers of cognition in the 60+ age group. This study seeks to address this deficit.

Data was collected from approximately 500 healthy 60 – 75 year old Australian in November 2019, and approximately 350 participants completed a 12 month intervention through the Australian Research Council Longevity Intervention (ARCLI).

In late 2019, the team’s studies found that interventions that reduce oxidative stress may be important in improving episodic memory as we get older. Researchers also found that higher cholesterol, even in healthy older participants, may be a marker for poorer cognitive performance, and that interventions aimed at reducing cholesterol could improve cognitive performance. In 2020 an intriguing find suggests that having a higher Body Mass Index may increase inflammatory markers leading to poorer cognitive outcomes.

Funding from Hearts and Minds Investments has been critical in supporting these important analyses and the publishing of research examining cognitive in older Australian citizens from the ARCLI team.

To learn more about the research projects being conducted at the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology visit their website here.

Disclaimer: This material has been prepared by Swinburne's Centre For Human Psychopharmacology, published on Jun 25, 2020. HM1 is not responsible for the content of linked websites or content prepared by third party. The inclusion of these links and third-party content does not in any way imply any form of endorsement by HM1 of the products or services provided by persons or organisations who are responsible for the linked websites and third-party content. This information is for general information only and does not consider the objectives, financial situation or needs of any person. Before making an investment decision, you should read the relevant disclosure document (if appropriate) and seek professional advice to determine whether the investment and information is suitable for you.

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