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Albuminuria And Cognitive Performance: New Evidence For Consideration Of A Risk Factor Precursor Model From The Maastricht Study, Merrill F. Elias, Rachael V. Torres, Adam Davey Feb 2017

Albuminuria And Cognitive Performance: New Evidence For Consideration Of A Risk Factor Precursor Model From The Maastricht Study, Merrill F. Elias, Rachael V. Torres, Adam Davey

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

No abstract provided.


Challenging The “Jolly Fat” Hypothesis Among Older Adults: High Body Mass Index Predicts Increases In Depressive Symptoms Over A 5-Year Period, Peter J. Dearborn Ma, Michael A. Robbins Ph.D., Merrill F. Elias Ph.D., Mph Nov 2016

Challenging The “Jolly Fat” Hypothesis Among Older Adults: High Body Mass Index Predicts Increases In Depressive Symptoms Over A 5-Year Period, Peter J. Dearborn Ma, Michael A. Robbins Ph.D., Merrill F. Elias Ph.D., Mph

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Several investigators have observed lowered risk of depression among obese older adults, coining the “jolly fat” hypothesis. We examined this hypothesis using baseline and a 5-year follow-up body mass index, depressive symptoms, and covariates from 638 community-based older adults. High objectively measured body mass index and functional limitations predicted increased future depressive symptoms. However, symptoms did not predict future body mass index. Self-reported body mass index showed similar associations despite underestimating obesity prevalence. Results did not differ on the basis of gender. Results for this study, the first longitudinal reciprocal risk analysis between objectively measured body mass index and depressive …


Habitual Chocolate Intake And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study: (1975-2010): Prospective Observations, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Peter J. Dearborn Ma, Michael A. Robbins Oct 2016

Habitual Chocolate Intake And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study: (1975-2010): Prospective Observations, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Peter J. Dearborn Ma, Michael A. Robbins

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Compounds in cocoa and chocolate have established cardiovascular benefits, including beneficial effects on insulin resistance, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aims of this study was to investigate relations between habitual chocolate intakes and diabetes mellitus. Cross-sectional and prospective analyses were undertaken on 953 community-dwelling participants (mean age 62 years, 59% women) from the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study (MSLS). Habitual chocolate intakes, measured using a food frequency questionnaire, were related to prevalence of diabetes mellitus (cross-sectionally) and with risk of diabetes measured approximately five years later (prospectively). We also examined the relation between diabetes (the predictor) and chocolate …


Relation Of Habitual Chocolate Consumption To Arterial Stiffness In A Community-Based Sample: Preliminary Findings, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Ala’A Alkerwi, Walter P. Abhayaratna Jul 2016

Relation Of Habitual Chocolate Consumption To Arterial Stiffness In A Community-Based Sample: Preliminary Findings, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Ala’A Alkerwi, Walter P. Abhayaratna

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

No abstract provided.


Chocolate Intake Is Associated With Better Cognitive Function: The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Ala’A Alkerwi May 2016

Chocolate Intake Is Associated With Better Cognitive Function: The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Ala’A Alkerwi

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Chocolate and cocoa flavanols have been associated with improvements in a range of health complaints dating from ancient times, and has established cardiovascular benefits. Less is known about the effects of chocolate on neurocognition and behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chocolate intake was associated with cognitive function, with adjustment for cardiovascular, lifestyle and dietary factors. Cross-sectional analyses were undertaken on 968 community-dwelling participants, aged 23e98 years, from the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study (MSLS). Habitual chocolate intake was related to cognitive performance, measured with an extensive battery of neuropsychological tests. More frequent chocolate consumption was significantly associated …


Daily Chocolate Consumption Is Inversely Associated With Insulin Resistance And Liver Enzymes In The Observation Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Study, Ala’A Alkerwi, Nicolas Sauvegeot, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Saverio Stranges May 2016

Daily Chocolate Consumption Is Inversely Associated With Insulin Resistance And Liver Enzymes In The Observation Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Study, Ala’A Alkerwi, Nicolas Sauvegeot, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Saverio Stranges

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

This study examined the association of chocolate consumption with insulin resistance and serum liver enzymes in a national sample of adults in Luxembourg. A random sample of 1153 individuals, aged 18–69 years, was recruited to participate in the cross-sectional Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg study. Chocolate consumption (g/d) was obtained from a semi-quantitative FFQ. Blood glucose and insulin levels were used for the homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Hepatic biomarkers such as serum γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase (γ-GT), serum aspartate transaminase and serum alanine transaminase (ALT) (mg/l) were assessed using standard laboratory assays. Chocolate consumers (81·8 %) were more …


Risk For Cognitive Impairment Across 22 Measures Of Cognitive Ability In Early-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease, Rachael V. Torres, Merrill F. Elias, Stephen L. Seliger, Adam Davey, Michael A. Robbins Mar 2016

Risk For Cognitive Impairment Across 22 Measures Of Cognitive Ability In Early-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease, Rachael V. Torres, Merrill F. Elias, Stephen L. Seliger, Adam Davey, Michael A. Robbins

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

No abstract provided.


Association Between Depressive Symptoms, Use Of Antidepressant Medication And The Metabolic Syndrome: The Maine-Syracuse Study, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Michael A. Robbins Jan 2016

Association Between Depressive Symptoms, Use Of Antidepressant Medication And The Metabolic Syndrome: The Maine-Syracuse Study, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Michael A. Robbins

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

No abstract provided.


Sugar-Sweetened Soft Drinks Are Associated With Poorer Cognitive Function In Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Rachael V. Torres Jan 2016

Sugar-Sweetened Soft Drinks Are Associated With Poorer Cognitive Function In Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study, Georgina E. Crichton, Merrill F. Elias, Rachael V. Torres

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

The importance of adequate nutrition on cognitive performance is well recognised. Greater intakes of soft drinks are associated with a higher risk for type 2 diabetes, as well as other cardiometabolic diseases. A few studies have specifically examined whether the intake of soft drinks may be related to cognitive function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether soft drink intakes, including both sugar-sweetened and diet beverages, are associated with cognitive function, with adjustment for cardiovascular, lifestyle and dietary factors, and stratified according to type 2 diabetes status. Cross-sectional analyses were undertaken using 803 community-dwelling participants, aged 23–98 years, …


The Eye Is The Window To The Kidney And Brain, Merrill F. Elias, Rachael V. Torres, Adam Davey Jan 2016

The Eye Is The Window To The Kidney And Brain, Merrill F. Elias, Rachael V. Torres, Adam Davey

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

No abstract provided.


Hypertension And Cognitive Functioning: A Perspective In Historical Context, Merrill F. Elias, Amanda L. Goodell, Gregory A. Dore Jul 2012

Hypertension And Cognitive Functioning: A Perspective In Historical Context, Merrill F. Elias, Amanda L. Goodell, Gregory A. Dore

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Our objective is to characterize the development of the literature on hypertension and cognitive functioning from a historical perspective. This goal was stimulated by the review on “Historical Trends and Milestones in Hypertension Research” in the October 2012 issue of Hypertension. Our specific aims are threefold: (1) to trace and describe the history of this area of research; (2) to identify milestones in knowledge and methods; and (3) to discuss briefly how this literature translates into patient care. The topic is of major relevance to research and practice because hypertension is a well-known risk factor for decline in cognitive performance …


From Blood Pressure To Physical Disability: The Role Of Cognition, Merrill F. Elias, Gregory A. Dore, Adam Davey, Michael A. Robbins, Penelope K. Elias Apr 2010

From Blood Pressure To Physical Disability: The Role Of Cognition, Merrill F. Elias, Gregory A. Dore, Adam Davey, Michael A. Robbins, Penelope K. Elias

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

We examined the hypothesis that lowered cognitive performance plays a role in the relation between elevated blood pressure and physical disability in performing basic physical tasks. A community-based sample (N = 1025) free from stroke and dementia (mean age: 61.1 years; SD: 13.0 years; 59.8% women) was used. Using path analysis, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (predictor variable) measured over multiple longitudinal examinations were averaged and related to multiple measures of cognition (intermediate variable) and physical ability (PA; outcome variable) measured at wave 6 of the Maine-Syracuse Study. PA was indexed by time required to execute standing, walking, and turning …


Arterial Pulse Wave Velocity And Cognition With Advancing Age, Merrill F. Elias, Michael A. Robbins, Marc M. Budge, Walter P. Abhayaratna, Gregory A. Dore, Penelope K. Elias Feb 2009

Arterial Pulse Wave Velocity And Cognition With Advancing Age, Merrill F. Elias, Michael A. Robbins, Marc M. Budge, Walter P. Abhayaratna, Gregory A. Dore, Penelope K. Elias

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

We hypothesized that carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), a marker of arterial stiffness, interacts with age such that the magnitude of associations between PWV and cognitive performance are greater with increasing age and that this interaction is observed despite adjustments for demographic variables, mean arterial pressure, and cardiovascular risk factors. PWV was estimated using applanation tonometry in 409 dementia- and stroke-free participants of the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study (24 to 92 years of age; 62.3% women). Using linear regression analyses in a cross-sectional design, associations between PWV and age and the interaction of PWV and age were examined in relation to …


Chronic Kidney Disease, Creatinine And Cognitive Functioning, Merrill F. Elias, Penelope K. Elias, Stephen L. Seliger, Sriram S. Narsipur, Gregory A. Dore, Michael A. Robbins Jan 2009

Chronic Kidney Disease, Creatinine And Cognitive Functioning, Merrill F. Elias, Penelope K. Elias, Stephen L. Seliger, Sriram S. Narsipur, Gregory A. Dore, Michael A. Robbins

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Background. Non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney dis- ease (CKD) is related to cognitive impairment. Previous studies have not explored the extent of impairment across multiple cognitive domains. We examined the range of specific cognitive abilities affected by CKD and whether the associations of CKD with cognition were eliminated by statistical control for cardiovascular disease correlates of CKD. Methods. We performed a community-based cross-sectional study with 923 individuals free from dementia and end-stage renal disease. Two groups were defined based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): eGFR/min/1.73 m2 versus eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Out- come measures were scores from multiple clinical tests of specific …


Relation Between Central Adiposity And Cognitive Function In The Maine–Syracuse Study: Attenuation By Physical Activity, Gregory A. Dore, Merrill F. Elias, Michael A. Robbins, Marc M. Budge, Penelope K. Elias Jan 2008

Relation Between Central Adiposity And Cognitive Function In The Maine–Syracuse Study: Attenuation By Physical Activity, Gregory A. Dore, Merrill F. Elias, Michael A. Robbins, Marc M. Budge, Penelope K. Elias

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Background. Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between central adiposity and cognitive function. However, only some of these studies have adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease, and none have also adjusted for physical activity level. Purpose. The purpose of the study was to examine the association between anthropometric measures of central adiposity (waist circumference and waist/hip ratio) and cognitive functioning with adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors and physical activity. Methods. Participants were 917 stroke- and dementia-free community-dwelling adults (59% women) in the Maine– Syracuse Study. The design was cross-sectional. Outcome measures included tests from …


Homocysteine, Folate, And Vitamins B6 And B12 Blood Levels In Relation To Cognitive Performance: The Maine-Syracuse Study, Merrill F. Elias, Michael A. Robbins, Marc M. Budge, Penelope K. Elias, Suzanne L. Brennan, Carole Johnston, Zsuzsanna Nagy, Christopher J. Bates Jan 2006

Homocysteine, Folate, And Vitamins B6 And B12 Blood Levels In Relation To Cognitive Performance: The Maine-Syracuse Study, Merrill F. Elias, Michael A. Robbins, Marc M. Budge, Penelope K. Elias, Suzanne L. Brennan, Carole Johnston, Zsuzsanna Nagy, Christopher J. Bates

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Objective: Our objective was to examine associations among plasma homocysteine concentrations (tHcy), the tHcy-cofactors (folate, vitamins B6 and B12), and multiple domains of cognitive performance, with statistical adjustment for possible confounds, including cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVD-RF) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Subjects were 812 partici- pants (58% women) of the Maine-Syracuse study who were free of dementia and stroke. Employing a cross-sectional design and multiple regression analyses, fasting concentrations of tHcy and its vitamin cofactors (folate, B6, and B12) were related to multiple domains of cognitive performance. Results: With adjustment for age, education, gender, ethnicity, and the …


Blood Pressure And Cognitive Function In An African-American And A Caucasian-American Sample: The Maine-Syracuse Study, Michael A. Robbins, Merrill F. Elias, Penelope K. Elias, Marc M. Budge Apr 2005

Blood Pressure And Cognitive Function In An African-American And A Caucasian-American Sample: The Maine-Syracuse Study, Michael A. Robbins, Merrill F. Elias, Penelope K. Elias, Marc M. Budge

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to examine associations between indices of blood pressure (BP) and cognitive function for African-American participants in the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study (MSLS). Corresponding data for the Caucasian-American MSLS participants were included to provide a basis for comparison. Interactions of age with BP indices were also assessed in relation to cognitive function. Methods: Data were drawn from the baseline MSLS questionnaires, medical interviews and examinations, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale subtests, and measurements of BP for 1563 participants, of whom 147 were African American. Multiple linear regression analyses were employed to examine the relationship between …


Serum Cholesterol And Cognitive Performance In The Framingham Heart Study, Penelope K. Elias, Merrill F. Elias, Ralph B. D'Agostino, Lisa M. Sullivan, Philip A. Wolf Jan 2005

Serum Cholesterol And Cognitive Performance In The Framingham Heart Study, Penelope K. Elias, Merrill F. Elias, Ralph B. D'Agostino, Lisa M. Sullivan, Philip A. Wolf

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between total cholesterol (TC) and cognitive performance within the context of the Framingham Heart Study, a large, community-based, prospective investigation of cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: Participants were 789 men and 1105 women from the Framingham Heart Study original cohort who were free of dementia and stroke and who received biennial TC determinations over a 16- to 18-year surveillance period. Cognitive tests were administered 4 to 6 years subsequent to the surveillance period and consisted of measures of learning, memory, attention/ concentration, abstract reasoning, concept formation, and organizational abilities. Statistical …


Homocysteine, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, And Cognitive Performance: The Maine-Syracuse Study, Michael A. Robbins, Merrill F. Elias, Marc M. Budge, Suzanne L. Brennan, Penelope K. Elias Jan 2005

Homocysteine, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, And Cognitive Performance: The Maine-Syracuse Study, Michael A. Robbins, Merrill F. Elias, Marc M. Budge, Suzanne L. Brennan, Penelope K. Elias

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and higher total plasma homocysteine concentrations are each associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and with diminished cognitive performance. Relations between homocysteine concentrations and cardiovascular disease incidence are stronger in the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, we hypothesized that relations between homocysteine concentrations and cognitive performance would be stronger in the presence of type 2 diabetes. We related homocysteine concentrations and cognitive performance on the Mini-Mental State Examination in 817 dementia- and stroke-free participants of the Maine-Syracuse Study, 90 of whom were classified with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Regardless of statistical adjustment …


New Norms For A New Generation: Cognitive Performance In The Framingham Offspring Cohort, Rhoda Au, Sudha Seshadri, Philip A. Wolf, Merrill F. Elias, Penelope K. Elias, Lisa Sullivan, Alexa Beiser, Ralph B. D'Agostino Jan 2004

New Norms For A New Generation: Cognitive Performance In The Framingham Offspring Cohort, Rhoda Au, Sudha Seshadri, Philip A. Wolf, Merrill F. Elias, Penelope K. Elias, Lisa Sullivan, Alexa Beiser, Ralph B. D'Agostino

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

A previous publication presented normative data on neuropsychological tests stratified by age, gender, and education based on the Original Cohort of the Framingham Heart Study. Many contemporary investigations include subject samples with higher levels of education, a factor known to affect cognitive performance. Secular change in education prompted the reexamination of norms in the children of the Original Cohort. The study population consisted of 853 men and 988 women from the Offspring Study, free of clinical neurological disease, who underwent a neuropsychological examination, which included tests given to their parents in 1974 to 1976 as well as additional newer tests …


Low Blood Pressure And Depression: Comorbidity And Competing Outcomes, Michael A. Robbins, Penelope K. Elias, Merrill F. Elias Jan 2000

Low Blood Pressure And Depression: Comorbidity And Competing Outcomes, Michael A. Robbins, Penelope K. Elias, Merrill F. Elias

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

No abstract provided.


Relationship Of Age And Hypertension To Neuropsychological Test Performance, Clyde A. Pentz Iii, Merrill F. Elias, W Gibson Wood, Norman A. Schultz, John Dineen Jan 1979

Relationship Of Age And Hypertension To Neuropsychological Test Performance, Clyde A. Pentz Iii, Merrill F. Elias, W Gibson Wood, Norman A. Schultz, John Dineen

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Young adult (X- = 29) and middle aged (X- =50) hypertensive and normotensive subjects were compared with respect to seven neuropsychological test scores derived from tests on the Halstead-Reitan battery. Age main effects, with inferior performance for the middle aged subjects, were observed for the localization and time portions of the Tactile Performance Test (TPT) and for the Trail Making A test. The multivariate age effect was significant for the composite of seven scores. A multivariate blood pressure main effect was obtained and main effect blood pressure was significant for the category test; hypertensives made more errors than normotensives. A …