Publication Date
1-1-2024
Journal
Alzheimer's & Dementia
DOI
10.1002/dad2.70039
PMID
39583649
PMCID
PMC11585168
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
11-23-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
cognitive testing, dementia, β‐hydroxybutyrate, ketone bodies, multi‐ethnic, cognitive testing, dementia, β‐hydroxybutyrate, ketone bodies, multi‐ethnic
Abstract
Introduction
Growing interest centers on the association between circulating ketone bodies (KB) and cognitive function, notably in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Methods
Associations of plasma KB with incident dementia and cognitive performances were examined among Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants. KB were measured using plasma samples collected following an overnight fasting at Exam 1 (2000–02) and detailed cognitive testing at Exam 5 (2010–2012, N = 4392), Exam 6 (2016–2018, N = 1838), and in MESA‐MIND (2019–2021, N = 2060).
Results
Over 16.7 years, a doubling of total KB was associated with a greater risk of incident dementia (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.14 [1.04–1.29]). Higher total KB was associated with worse cognitive performance in the Digit Span test at exam 5 [β: −0.30 (−0.47, −0.14)]. We also found that a higher KB was associated with greater functional impairment and a higher Quick Dementia Rating Scale (QDRS) score.
Discussion
In a diverse, cardiovascular disease‐free population, elevated KB levels were associated with incident dementia and impaired cognitive performance in specific domains.
Highlights
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A study of ketone bodies (KB) and cognitive performance and incident dementia.
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Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to measure plasma KB at baseline.
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Doubling of baseline total KB was associated with higher incident dementia.
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Higher KB was also associated with worse performance on a test of working memory.
Included in
Biochemical Phenomena, Metabolism, and Nutrition Commons, Cognition and Perception Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons, Mental and Social Health Commons, Neurology Commons, Neurosciences Commons, Nutrition Commons
