Imagine you’re baking a pie and you want to check its progress. You can use a toothpick to poke the pie and see if it’s still gooey inside or fully baked, right? Well, in this study, researchers were trying to find their own ‘toothpick’ for measuring cognitive decline in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). They turned to a protein called cystatin C, which has been linked to cognitive impairment in other neurodegenerative diseases. And guess what? They found that higher levels of cystatin C in patients with MSA were associated with worse cognitive function not just at the start but also after one year! It’s like finding out that the more gooey the middle of your pie, the less baked it is overall. By measuring cystatin C concentrations, doctors might have a way to predict how much cognitive decline a person with MSA can expect. This could be really helpful for developing interventions or treatments to slow down or prevent cognitive decline in these patients. If you want to dig deeper into the research findings, give the full article a read!
BackgroundAccumulating evidence has suggested that cystatin C is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. However, the association between cystatin C and cognitive decline in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) remains largely unknown.ObjectivesThe objective was to determine whether cystatin C was independently associated with cognitive decline in patients with early-stage MSA.MethodsPatients with MSA underwent evaluation at baseline and the 1-year follow-up. Cognitive function was evaluated with Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Changes in the MoCA score and the absolute MoCA score at the 1-year assessment were considered the main cognitive outcome. The cystatin C concentrations in patients with MSA and age, sex, and body mass index matched-healthy controls (HCs) were measured. A multiple linear regression model was used to test the association between cystatin C and cognitive decline.ResultsA total of 117 patients with MSA and 416 HCs were enrolled in the study. The cystatin C levels were significantly higher in patients with MSA than in HCs (p < 0.001). Cystatin C levels were negatively correlated with MoCA score at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Multiple linear regression model adjusted for potential confounders showed that baseline cystatin C levels were significantly associated with the MoCA score (p = 0.004) or change in the MoCA score (p = 0.008) at 1-year follow-up.ConclusionOur results suggested that cystatin C may serve as a potential biomarker of cognitive decline in patients with early-stage MSA.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.