| 121. |
- Hoff, Maria, 1981, et al.
(author)
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Hearing loss and cognitive function in early old age: comparing subjective and objective hearing measures.
- 2023
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In: Gerontology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1423-0003 .- 0304-324X. ; 69:6, s. 694-705
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Population-based research has consistently shown that people with hearing loss are at greater risk of cognitive impairment. We aimed to explore the cross-sectional association of both subjective and objective hearing measures with global and domain-specific cognitive function. We also examined the influence of hearing aid use on the relationship.A population-based sample (n=1105, 52% women) of 70-year-olds that were representative of the inhabitants of the city of Gothenburg, Sweden completed a detailed cognitive examination, pure-tone audiometry and a questionnaire regarding perceived hearing problems. A subsample (n=247, 52% women) also completed a test of speech-recognition-in-noise (SPRIN). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the association of hearing with cognitive function adjusting for sex, education, cardiovascular factors, and tinnitus.Global cognitive function was independently associated with the better ear pure-tone average across 0.5-4 kHz (PTA4, β=-0.13, 95% CI, -0.18, -0.07), the better ear SPRIN score (β=0.30, 95% CI, 0.19, 0.40), but not with the self-reported hearing measure (β=-0.02, 95% CI, -0.07, 0.03). Both verbally loaded and non-verbally loaded tasks, testing a variety of cognitive domains, contributed to the association. Hearing aid users had better global cognitive function than non-users with equivalent hearing ability. The difference was only significant in the mild hearing loss category.In a population-based sample of 70-year-old persons without dementia, poorer hearing was associated with poorer global and domain-specific cognitive function, but only when hearing function was measured objectively and not when self-reported. The speech-in-noise measure showed the strongest association. This highlights the importance of including standardized hearing tests and controlling for hearing status in epidemiological geriatric research. More research is needed on the role that hearing aid use plays in relation to age-related cognitive declines.
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| 122. |
- Hoff, Maria, 1981, et al.
(author)
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Improved hearing in Swedish 70-year olds—a cohort comparison over more than four decades (1971–2014)
- 2018
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In: Age and Ageing. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0002-0729 .- 1468-2834. ; 47:3, s. 437-444
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective the world population is ageing rapidly. In light of these demographic changes, it is of interest to generate current data regarding the prevalence and characteristics of age-related hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to investigate hearing acuity and the prevalence of hearing loss in a contemporary age-homogenous cohort of old adults, and to assess secular trends in hearing function during the last half-century (1971–2014). Methods we performed a prospective population-based cohort comparison study of unscreened populations. As part of a geriatric population-based study (H70), a new cohort of 70-year olds (n = 1,135) born in 1944 was tested with computerised automated pure-tone audiometry. The hearing thresholds were compared to three earlier born cohorts of 70-year olds, born in 1901–02 (n = 376), 1906–07 (n = 297) and 1922 (n = 226), respectively. Results significant improvements in median pure-tone thresholds were seen at several frequencies in both men (range: 5–20 dB, P < 0.01) and women (range: 5–10 dB, P < 0.01). When investigating the effect of birth cohort on hearing in a linear regression, significant trends were found. Men’s hearing improved more than women’s. The prevalence of hearing loss declined in the study period (1971–2014) from 53 to 28% for men and 37 to 23% for women (P < 0.01). Conclusions these results indicate that the hearing acuity in Swedish 70-year olds has improved significantly over more than four decades. The largest improvements were seen at 4–6 kHz in men, possibly reflecting a decrease in occupational noise exposure. Further studies are required to pinpoint the reasons for improved hearing-health among older people.
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| 123. |
- Hoogendijk, Emiel O., et al.
(author)
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Gait speed as predictor of transition into cognitive impairment: Findings from three longitudinal studies on aging
- 2020
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In: Experimental Gerontology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0531-5565 .- 1873-6815. ; 129
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- © 2019 The Authors Objectives: Very few studies looking at slow gait speed as early marker of cognitive decline investigated the competing risk of death. The current study examines associations between slow gait speed and transitions between cognitive states and death in later life. Methods: We performed a coordinated analysis of three longitudinal studies with 9 to 25 years of follow-up. Data were used from older adults participating in H70 (Sweden; n = 441; aged ≥70 years), InCHIANTI (Italy; n = 955; aged ≥65 years), and LASA (the Netherlands; n = 2824; aged ≥55 years). Cognitive states were distinguished using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Slow gait speed was defined as the lowest sex-specific quintile at baseline. Multistate models were performed, adjusted for age, sex and education. Results: Most effect estimates pointed in the same direction, with slow gait speed predicting forward transitions. In two cohort studies, slow gait speed predicted transitioning from mild to severe cognitive impairment (InCHIANTI: HR = 2.08, 95%CI = 1.40–3.07; LASA: HR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.01–1.75) and transitioning from a cognitively healthy state to death (H70: HR = 3.30, 95%CI = 1.74–6.28; LASA: HR = 1.70, 95%CI = 1.30–2.21). Conclusions: Screening for slow gait speed may be useful for identifying older adults at risk of adverse outcomes such as cognitive decline and death. However, once in the stage of more advanced cognitive impairment, slow gait speed does not seem to predict transitioning to death anymore.
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| 124. |
- Huang, J. N., et al.
(author)
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Cerebral microinfarcts revisited: Detection, causes, and clinical relevance
- 2024
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In: International Journal of Stroke. - 1747-4930. ; 19:1, s. 7-15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cerebral microinfarcts (CMIs) are small ischemic lesions invisible to the naked eye at brain autopsy, while the larger ones (0.5-4 mm in diameter) have been visualized in-vivo on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CMIs can be detected on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) as incidental small DWI-positive lesions (ISDPLs) and on structural MRI for those confined to the cortex and in the chronic phase. ISDPLs may evolve into old cortical-CMIs, white matter hyperintensities or disappear depending on their location and size. Novel techniques in neuropathology and neuroimaging facilitate the detection of CMIs, which promotes understanding of these lesions. CMIs have heterogeneous causes, involving both cerebral small- and large-vessel disease as well as heart diseases such as atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. The underlying mechanisms incorporate vascular remodeling, inflammation, blood-brain barrier leakage, penetrating venule congestion, cerebral hypoperfusion, and microembolism. CMIs lead to clinical outcomes, including cognitive decline, a higher risk of stroke and mortality, and accelerated neurobehavioral disturbances. It has been suggested that CMIs can impair brain function and connectivity beyond the microinfarct core and are also associated with perilesional and global cortical atrophy. This review aims to summarize recent progress in studies involving both cortical-CMIs and ISDPLs since 2017, including their detection, etiology, risk factors, MRI correlates, and clinical consequences.
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| 125. |
- Hägglin, Catharina, 1955, et al.
(author)
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Dental anxiety in relation to mental health and personality factors. A longitudinal study of middle-aged and elderly women.
- 2001
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In: European journal of oral sciences. - : Wiley. - 0909-8836 .- 1600-0722. ; 109:1, s. 27-33
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Little is known about the longitudinal course of dental anxiety in relation to age, mental health and personality factors. In 1968 69 a representative sample of 778 women aged 38 to 54 yr took part in a psychiatric examination. Three hundred and ten were followed up in 1992-93. A phobia questionnaire, including assessment of dental fear, and the Eysenck Personality Inventory were distributed to the participants at both occasions. High dental fear was reported by 16.8% of the women at baseline and was associated with a higher number of other phobias, a higher level of neuroticism, more psychiatric impairment, more social disability due to phobic disorder, and a higher anxiety level. Among women who reported high dental fear in 1968 69 (n=36), 64% remitted and 36% remained fearful. Among women with low dental fear in 1968 69 (n = 274), 5% reported high dental fear in 1992-93. Chronicity was associated with higher neuroticism, lower extraversion, and more psychiatric impairment at base-line. Remission was associated with higher extraversion at baseline. Dental anxiety increased or decreased over time in concert with the number of other fears.
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| 126. |
- Höglund, Kina, 1976, et al.
(author)
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Preclinical amyloid pathology biomarker positivity: effects on tau pathology and neurodegeneration
- 2017
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In: Translational Psychiatry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2158-3188. ; 7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Brain autopsy and biomarker studies indicate that the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is initiated at least 10-20 years before clinical symptoms. This provides a window of opportunity to initiate preventive treatment. However, this emphasizes the necessity for biomarkers that identify individuals at risk for developing AD later in life. In this cross-sectional study, originating from three epidemiologic studies in Sweden (n = 1428), the objective was to examine whether amyloid pathology, as determined by low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of the 42 amino acid form of beta-amyloid (A beta 42), is associated with biomarker evidence of other pathological changes in cognitively healthy elderly. A total of 129 patients were included and CSF levels of A beta 42, total tau, tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-tau), neurogranin, VILIP-1, VEGF, FABP3, A beta 40, neurofilament light, MBP, orexin A, BDNF and YKL-40 were measured. Among these healthy elderly, 35.6% (N=46) had CSF A beta 42 levels below 530 pg ml(-1). These individuals displayed significantly higher CSF concentrations of t-tau (P < 0.001), p-tau (181) (P < 0.001), neurogranin (P = 0.009) and FABP3 (P = 0.044) compared with amyloid-negative individuals. Our study indicates that there is a subpopulation among healthy older individuals who have amyloid pathology along with signs of ongoing neuronal and synaptic degeneration, as well as tangle pathology. Previous studies have demonstrated that increase in CSF tau and p-tau is a specific sign of AD progression that occurs downstream of the deposition of A beta. On the basis of this, our data suggest that these subjects are at risk for developing AD. We also confirm the association between APOE epsilon 4 and amyloid pathology in healthy older individuals.
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| 127. |
- Hörder, Helena M, et al.
(author)
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A Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the ICECAP-O : Test–Retest Reliability and Item Relevance in Swedish 70-Year-Olds
- 2016
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In: Societies. - : MDPI. - 2075-4698. ; 6:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: While there is a plethora of Quality of Life (QoL) measures, the Investigating Choice Experiments for the Preferences of Older People—CAPability index (ICECAP-O) is one of the few that taps into the concept of capability, i.e., opportunities to 'do' and 'be' the things that one deems important in life. We aimed to examine test–retest reliability of the ICECAP-O in a Swedish context and to study item relevance.Methods: Thirty-nine 70-year-olds who took part in a population-based health study completed the Swedish version of the ICECAP-O on two occasions. We analyzed the test–retest reliability for the index and for the individual items. Participants also rated the relevance of each item on a visual analogue scale (0–100).Results: Test–retest reliability for the index score was in good agreement with an ICC of 0.80 (95% CI 0.62–0.90). However, Kappa was low for each item and ranged from 0.18 (control) to 0.41 (role). For attachment, we found a systematic disagreement with lower ratings at the second test occasion. Participants gave their highest relevance rating to attachment and lowest to enjoyment.Conclusion: The Swedish version of the ICECAP-O had good test–retest agreement, similar to that observed for the English version. Item level agreement was problematic, however, highlighting a need for future research.
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| 128. |
- Hörder, Helena M, et al.
(author)
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Health-related quality of life in relation to walking habits and fitness: a population-based study of 75-year-olds
- 2013
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In: Quality of Life Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0962-9343 .- 1573-2649. ; 22:6, s. 1213-23
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: To assess health-related quality of life (HRQL) in relation to walking habits and fitness status in older persons. A second aim was to examine fitness status as a mediator in the relation between walking habits and HRQL. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based sample of 75-year-olds from Gothenburg, Sweden, was examined (n = 698, response rate 61 %). Walking habits were assessed as weekly frequency and duration. HRQL was assessed with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and fitness with maximal and self-selected gait speed, chair-stand, stair-climbing capacity, grip strength and one-leg stance. RESULTS: The proportion of 75-year-olds who attained recommended levels of moderate physical activity (≥ 150 min/week), described as walking, was 60 %. This was positively associated with most subscales of SF-36 and with all fitness tests except grip strength. Maximal gait speed was the fitness test with the highest correlations to all SF-36 subscales. Fitness, described with maximal gait speed, was a partial mediator in most relations between walking habits and SF-36. After adjustment for confounders, associations between regular walking and SF-36 were no longer significant, except for Role Physical, General Health and Role Emotional in women. CONCLUSIONS: Attaining recommended levels of walking, as well as a high fitness status, is positively associated with several aspects of HRQL in older persons. Fitness, described with maximal gait speed, seems to have a partial role in the relation between walking habits and HRQL, suggesting that other mechanisms are also involved.
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| 129. |
- Hörder, Helena M, et al.
(author)
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Midlife cardiovascular fitness and dementia A 44-year longitudinal population study in women
- 2018
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In: Neurology. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0028-3878 .- 1526-632X. ; 90:15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective To investigate whether greater cardiovascular fitness in midlife is associated with decreased dementia risk in women followed up for 44 years. A population-based sample of 1,462 women 38 to 60 years of age was examined in 1968. Of these, a systematic subsample comprising 191 women completed a stepwise-increased maximal ergometer cycling test to evaluate cardiovascular fitness. Subsequent examinations of dementia incidence were done in 1974, 1980, 1992, 2000, 2005, and 2009. Dementia was diagnosed according to DSM-III-R criteria on the basis of information from neuropsychiatric examinations, informant interviews, hospital records, and registry data up to 2012. Cox regressions were performed with adjustment for socioeconomic, lifestyle, and medical confounders. Compared with medium fitness, the adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause dementia during the 44-year follow-up was 0.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03-0.54) among those with high fitness and 1.41 (95% CI 0.72-2.79) among those with low fitness. High fitness delayed age at dementia onset by 9.5 years and time to dementia onset by 5 years compared to medium fitness. Among Swedish women, a high cardiovascular fitness in midlife was associated with a decreased risk of subsequent dementia. Promotion of a high cardiovascular fitness may be included in strategies to mitigate or prevent dementia. Findings are not causal, and future research needs to focus on whether improved fitness could have positive effects on dementia risk and when during the life course a high cardiovascular fitness is most important.
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| 130. |
- Hörder, Helena M, et al.
(author)
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Secular trends in frailty: a comparative study of 75-year-olds born 1911-12 and 1930
- 2015
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In: Age and Ageing. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0002-0729 .- 1468-2834. ; 44:5, s. 817-822
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: while there is a trend towards a compression of disability, secular trends in physiological frailty have not been investigated. The aim of this paper was to report physiological frailty in two cohorts of 75-year olds examined in 1987 and 2005. METHODS: a repeated cross-sectional study : Two population-based birth cohorts of community-dwelling 75-year olds from Gothenburg, Sweden, born in 1911-12 (n = 591) and 1930 (n = 637) were examined with identical methods in 1987 and 2005. Measures were three frailty criteria from Fried's frailty phenotype: low physical activity, slow gait speed and self-reported exhaustion. RESULTS: seventy-five-year olds examined in 2005 were less frail according to the criteria low physical activity compared with those examined in 1987 (3 versus 18%, P
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