Logo image
Glutathione relates to neuropsychological functioning in mild cognitive impairment
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Glutathione relates to neuropsychological functioning in mild cognitive impairment

S L Duffy, Jim Lagopoulos, I B Hickie, K Diamond, M B Graeber, S J G Lewis and S L Naismith
Alzheimer's & Dementia, Vol.10(1), pp.67-75
2014
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2013.01.005View
Published Version

Abstract

mild cognitive impairment glutathione memory spectroscopy cingulate
Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an at-risk state for Alzheimer's disease in which underlying pathophysiological mechanisms could be delineated. Oxidative stress has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease and can be measured by levels of the antioxidant glutathione. This study aims to assess in vivo levels of glutathione via proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in patients with MCI and to determine how glutathione relates to cognitive decline. Methods: Fifty-four patients with MCI and 41 healthy control subjects underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in conjunction with medical, psychiatric, and neuropsychological assessments. The concentration of glutathione was measured in the anterior and posterior cingulate, and ratios of glutathione were calculated relative to creatine. Neuropsychological performance was assessed across the domains of processing speed, learning, memory, and executive functions. Results: In comparison with control subjects, patients with MCI had significantly elevated ratios of glutathione in the anterior (t = -2.2, P =.03) and posterior (t = -2.9, P =.005) cingulate. Higher levels of anterior cingulate glutathione were related to neuropsychological decrements on tests of executive functions. Elevated posterior cingulate glutathione was associated with poorer memory consolidation. Conclusion: This study has shown for the first time that MCI is associated with increased glutathione in the cingulate, which in turn relates to neuropsychological performance. This finding may be indicative of an early compensatory or neuroprotective response, and the role of glial cells and glutathione enzymes requires delineation. Longitudinal studies examining the utility of glutathione as a marker for cognitive decline are now required. © 2014 The Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved.

Details

Metrics

6 File views/ downloads
1866 Record Views

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Web Of Science research areas
Clinical Neurology

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

Source: InCites

Logo image