Relationship of Neurofilament Light (NfL) and Cognitive Performance in a Sample of Mexican Americans with Normal Cognition, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Title:Relationship of Neurofilament Light (NfL) and Cognitive Performance in a Sample of Mexican Americans with Normal Cognition, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Volume: 17 Issue: 13

Author(s): James R. Hall*, Leigh A. Johnson, Melissa Peterson, David Julovich, Tori Como and Sid E. O’Bryant

Affiliation:

• Institute for Translational Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX,United States

Keywords: Neurofilament light, mexican americans, cognition processes, normal cognition, MCI, dementia.

Abstract:

Introduction: This study characterized the relationship between plasma NfL and cognition in a community-based sample of older Mexican Americans.

Methods: 544 participants completed a battery of neuropsychological tests and were diagnosed using clinical criteria. NfL was assayed using Simoa. NfL levels across groups and tests were analyzed.

Results: Difference in NfL was found between normal and impaired groups and was related to global cognition, processing speed, executive functions and a list of learning tasks with a significant negative effect for all diagnostic groups. NfL had a negative impact on processing speed, attention, executive functions and delayed and recognition memory for both normal and MCI groups.

Conclusion: The research supports plasma NfL as a marker of cognitive impairment related to neurodegenerative processes in Mexican Americans and may be a marker of early changes in cognition in those with normal cognition and at risk for developing MCI.

Cite this article as:

Hall R. James*, Johnson A. Leigh , Peterson Melissa , Julovich David , Como Tori and O’Bryant E. Sid , Relationship of Neurofilament Light (NfL) and Cognitive Performance in a Sample of Mexican Americans with Normal Cognition, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia, Current Alzheimer Research 2020; 17(13) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1567205018666210219105949