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Salivary Cortisol and Memory Function

April 12, 2011 by  
Filed under Alzheimer's Disease

Researchers writing in the medical journal Neurobiology of Aging say their “results partially confirm previous findings that high cortisol is associated with impaired declarative memory function in non-demented older persons. In addition, our data show that high salivary cortisol concentrations predict a decline in memory function over the next 3 years.”

From the study abstract
Li G, Cherrier MM, Tsuang DW, Petrie EC, Colasurdo EA, Craft S, Schellenberg GD, Peskind ER, Raskind MA, Wilkinson CW. Salivary cortisol and memory function in human aging. Neurobiol Aging. 2006 Nov;27(11):1705-14. Epub 2005 Nov 4

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of salivary cortisol with cognitive changes in a 3 year longitudinal study. Previous studies have suggested that elevated glucocorticoid concentrations alter hippocampal neuronal morphology, inhibit neurogenesis, and impair cognition.

METHODS: Salivary cortisol samples were collected at home by 79 cognitively intact older persons (mean age 78+/-7 years) at 08:00, 15:00 and 23:00h, and collections were repeated annually for 3 years. Cognitive function was also assessed annually.

RESULTS: The mean cortisol level of samples taken at three times of day and the cortisol concentration at 23:00h were significantly associated with poorer performance on tasks of declarative memory and executive function. Of 46 subjects who completed the entire 3 year study, higher initial cortisol concentration at 23:00h predicted a decline in performance of delayed paragraph recall.

CONCLUSION: These results partially confirm previous findings that high cortisol is associated with impaired declarative memory function in non-demented older persons. In addition, our data show that high salivary cortisol concentrations predict a decline in memory function over the next 3 years.

Written by Dr. Marc Darrow, M.D.

Dr. Darrow is a world recognized specialist in many chronic disorders. He has been featured in national publications, and television and radio shows, for his innovative approach to medicine. As the medical director of the Darrow Wellness Institute in West Los Angeles, Dr. Darrow has helped create an age management program for those individuals interested in maintaining a youthful, healthy vigor for adults through “middle age” and well into the senior years.

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