Serum albumin/globulin ratio is associated with cognitive function in community‐dwelling older people: The Septuagenarians, Octogenarians, Nonagenarians Investigation with Centenarians study

Abstract

Aim The objective of this study was to clarify the relationship between cognitive function and the serum albumin/globulin ratio (A/G ratio) in community‐dwelling Japanese older adults. Methods Randomly extracted residents in both urban and rural parts of Japan were enrolled in this study. A total of 1827 participants with a mean age of 70 or 80 years were recruited. A venue survey method was carried out with comprehensive studies, including interviews, blood collection, physical examination and cognitive function tests. Results Univariate analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the total Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score and the serum A/G ratio at the age of 70 and 80 years, in which better cognitive function was associated with a high serum A/G ratio. Multiple regression analysis with the total Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score as the dependent variable showed that the serum albumin level, serum globulin level, serum A/G ratio, C‐reactive protein, years of formal education and sex were related to the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment total score at the age of 70 years, and that the serum albumin level, serum globulin level, serum A/G ratio, C‐reactive protein, years of formal education and stroke were related at the age of 80 years. The serum A/G ratio showed a better correlation than the serum globulin levels at the age of 70 and 80 years (70 years: β = 0.131 vs –0.111, 80 years: β = 0.108 vs –0.071). Conclusions We found a correlation between cognitive function and the serum A/G ratio in community‐dwelling older people, suggesting that nutritional status and chronic inflammation might influence cognitive function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 967–971.

Associations of Serum Liver Function Markers With Brain Structure, Function, and Perfusion in Healthy Young Adults

“…Conversely, GLO has been reported to increase during chronic inflammation, which has been linked to cognitive decline (3). Serum A/G ratio, which combines ALB and GLO, has been reported to positively relate to cognitive function (22,41). Building on earlier research, it is reasonable to postulate that serum ALB and A/G ratio may serve as protective factors for cognition, while serum GLO may be a potential risk factor.…”

“…GLO is produced by the immune system and is thought to be implicated in damage response and related to the severity of liver inflammation (21). The A/G ratio takes both ALB and GLO into account, representing a sensitive index capable of detecting abnormalities of serum proteins (22). ALT and AST are enzymes that are engaged in the transfer of amino groups of alanine and aspartate to ketoglutaric acid.…”

Cognitive impairment is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of elderly population

“…The level of blood glucose was significantly higher in the MCI group, which reflected the impairment in glucose metabolism of the participants, which is highly correlated with cognitive impairment 28 . Several studies revealed that a reduction in albumin/globulin ratio and eGFR were associated with cognitive dysfunction [29][30][31] . These data indicated that our EGAT participants with MCI were older, and had higher BP and WHR, than those in normal cognition group.…”

Estimation of Tinnitus Risk in a Community: The Yakumo Study

“…Globulin includes immunoglobulins and is associated with in ammation. The serum A/G ratio represents a medium-to long-term in ammatory status and was correlated with serum CRP levels [15]. As CRP is known to be an independent explanatory factor for the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J) scores, similar to the serum A/G ratio, in ammation may be involved in the association between serum A/G ratio and cognitive function.…”