(HealthDay)—Predictors of amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition have been identified in the oldest old, according to a study published online July 22 in Neurology.
Beth E. Snitz, Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues examined long-term predictors of avoiding Aβ deposition in a longitudinal study in the oldest old. Beginning in 2010, 100 former participants of the Gingkgo Evaluation of Memory Study completed biannual Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB)-positron emission tomography imaging and annual clinical-cognitive evaluations.
Participants had a mean age of 92 years at the last cognitive evaluation. The researchers found that the APOE*2 allele predicted last Aβ status. Cognitive status was predicted by baseline cognition. Among Aβ-positive participants only, predictors of cognitive status were baseline cognitive test scores and smoking history. Longitudinal Aβ increase was predicted by baseline pulse pressure; less cognitive decline was predicted by paid work engagement and life satisfaction.
“As advanced aging increases in developed countries and worldwide, well-designed studies are needed to better understand variability of cognitive outcomes in the 10th decade of life, particularly to determine and confirm modifiable risk and protective factors,” the authors write.
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