The correlation between levels of serum neurofilaments light and cognitive performance in older adults within the United States

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to ascertain the association between sNfL levels and cognitive function. METHODS: In order to perform our analysis, we used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2013 to 2014. 502 elderly persons (older than 60) were the subject of our investigation. Using a variety of measures, including the CERAD Word List Learning Test (WLLT), Word List Recall Test (WLRT), Intrusion Word Count measures (WLLT-IC and WLRT-IC), Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), the main goal was to assess cognitive performance. We utilized multiple linear regression and cubic spline analyses, correcting for a number of factors. RESULTS: The inverse association between sNfL and DSST was found to be statistically significant (β: -2.3, p = .045), indicating a detrimental impact on the DSST score. There was no indication that this connection had a plateau effect. CONCLUSIONS: There was a notable inverse correlation observed between sNfL levels and processing speed, sustained attention, and working memory in older adults aged 60 years and above.