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Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT) as a biomarker of cognitive decline at the end of life: contrasting age and time to death trajectories

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2017

Marcus Praetorius Björk  and
Boo Johansson
Marcus Praetorius Björk*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Centre for Ageing and Health, AgeCap, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
Boo Johansson
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Centre for Ageing and Health, AgeCap, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Marcus Praetorius Björk, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Box 500, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden. Phone: +46 31 786-1646. Email: [email protected].
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Abstract

Background:

A recently published study suggests that Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT) in midlife is related to an increased risk of dementia. In the present longitudinal study, we explore the effects of serum GGT on cognitive decline and dementia also in more advanced ages.

Methods:

We analyzed GGT in a sample of 452 individuals, aged 80 years and older at baseline, with the purpose to explore subsequent effects on cognitive performance. We specifically modeled GGT to cognitive change, time to death, and dementia.

Results:

Our main finding is that a higher level of GGT is associated with cognitive decline prior to death and vascular dementia in late life. These findings were evident across cognitive domains.

Conclusions:

This is the first longitudinal study to report on significant associations in late life between GGT, cognitive performance and dementia. Further research is needed to examine the underlying mechanisms of GGT as a marker of age-related cognitive decline.

Keywords

biomarkersGamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT)cognitive testinglongitudinal studiesvascular dementia
Type
Original Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 30 , Issue 7: Issue Theme: Benzodiazepines and Hypnotics , July 2018 , pp. 981 - 990
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2017 

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