This career development application proposes an integrated research and training plan to develop expertise in assessing mild cognitive impairment and measuring brain structures, particularly the hippocampus, in older adults.
The specific aims of the application are to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is related to worse cognitive performance, depressive symptoms and/or decreased hippocampal volumes. The long-term objectives are to provide training and education to facilitate the applicant's transition to an independent patient-oriented investigator. The proposed research and training will provide the applicant with skills in designing and implementing longitudinal studies and with valuable techniques in stereological estimation methods to measure brain volumes. Upon completion of the award, the applicant will have the necessary skills to design, obtain funding, and implement original research studies to understand biologic mechanisms important in cognitive function in older adults. As Alzheimer's disease continues to be a major medical and social challenge, research in this field increasingly focuses on detecting the very earliest signs of cognitive impairment. As many investigate approaches to diagnose and prevent mild cognitive impairment in older adults, the relationship between depressive symptoms and mild cognitive impairment has been less studied. Recent data find an association between depression and very mild cognitive impairment. The combination of cognitive and depression increases the likelihood of institutionalization, increases caregiver burden and decreases survival. It is therefore important to identify risk factors that may affect both cognition and mood. One potential risk factor is vitamin D deficiency, which is associated with falls and fractures, affective disorders, and also has roles in neuroprotection and brain development. Vitamin D is a potent inducer of nerve growth factor and in animal studies has reversed brain injury due to various insults. Although more than half of older adults have vitamin D deficiency, few are treated. This is partly due to the lack of data supporting a role for vitamin D in nonbone related disorders. This application will investigate important relationships between vitamin D deficiency, cognitive function and mood all of which result in excess disability in the elderly.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23)
Project #
5K23AG026768-02
Application #
7287403
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAG1-ZIJ-9 (M1))
Program Officer
Wagster, Molly V
Project Start
2006-09-15
Project End
2011-06-30
Budget Start
2007-07-15
Budget End
2008-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$162,189
Indirect Cost
Name
Washington University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
068552207
City
Saint Louis
State
MO
Country
United States
Zip Code
63130
Skinner, Jeannine S; Abel, Willie Mae; McCoy, Katryna et al. (2017) Exploring the ""Obesity Paradox"" as a Correlate of Cognitive and Physical Function in Community-dwelling Black and White Older Adults. Ethn Dis 27:387-394
Wilkins, Consuelo H; Roe, Catherine M; Morris, John C et al. (2013) Mild physical impairment predicts future diagnosis of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. J Am Geriatr Soc 61:1055-9
Wilkins, Consuelo H; Roe, Catherine M; Morris, John C (2010) A brief clinical tool to assess physical function: the mini-physical performance test. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 50:96-100
Wilkins, Consuelo H; Mathews, Jose; Sheline, Yvette I (2009) Late life depression with cognitive impairment: evaluation and treatment. Clin Interv Aging 4:51-7
Wilkins, Consuelo H; Birge, Stanley J; Sheline, Yvette I et al. (2009) Vitamin D deficiency is associated with worse cognitive performance and lower bone density in older African Americans. J Natl Med Assoc 101:349-54