Browsing by Author "Portugal-Nunes, C"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Effector memory CD4(+) T cells are associated with cognitive performance in a senior populationPublication . Serre-Miranda, C; Roque, S; Santos, NC; Portugal-Nunes, C; Costa, P; Palha, JA; Sousa, N; Correia-Neves, MOBJECTIVE: Immunosenescence and cognitive decline are common markers of the aging process. Taking into consideration the heterogeneity observed in aging processes and the recently described link between lymphocytes and cognition, we herein explored the possibility of an association between alterations in lymphocytic populations and cognitive performance. METHODS: In a cohort of cognitively healthy adults (n = 114), previously characterized by diverse neurocognitive/psychological performance patterns, detailed peripheral blood immunophenotyping of both the innate and adaptive immune systems was performed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Better cognitive performance was associated with lower numbers of effector memory CD4(+) T cells and higher numbers of naive CD8(+) T cells and B cells. Furthermore, effector memory CD4(+) T cells were found to be predictors of general and executive function and memory, even when factors known to influence cognitive performance in older individuals (e.g., age, sex, education, and mood) were taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in humans associating specific phenotypes of the immune system with distinct cognitive performance in healthy aging.
- The role of sex and sex-related hormones in cognition, mood and well-being in older men and womenPublication . Castanho, TC; Moreira, PS; Portugal-Nunes, C; Novais, A; Costa, PS; Palha, JA; Sousa, N; Santos, NCAlterations in hormone levels during aging impact on cognition and mood. Serum concentration levels of testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and prolactin (PRL) were assessed in 120 community-dwellers (51+ years of age, males and females), in a cross-sectional approach. Performance clusters based on executive functioning (GENEXEC), memory (MEM), mood and well-being were obtained. In males, higher PRL levels associated with worse cognitive performance, lower well-being, and higher scores in depression scales, and lower E2 with poorer cognition and higher depressive mood. DHEAS positively associated with GENEXEC and MEM. Nutritional status significantly associated with PRL (positively) and with DHEAS (negatively). Findings indicate that besides the more exhaustively studied E2 and TT, variations in the levels of sex-related hormones such as PRL, FSH, LH and DHEAS are of interest for the mental health aging profile particularly in men.