We have been collecting brain MRI and brain PET scans from participants in the Bogalusa Heart Study since 2020. Our data suggests that higher fasting blood glucose during childhood is associated with negative effects on the brain decades later, in middle age. We have also found hints that brain functional connectivity in middle may be associated with recognized indicators of heart health, including blood pressure and hemoglobin A1C. Finally, we have found race and sex differences in cognitive function and brain health measures in a number of different settings. Together, our results to date suggest that cardiovascular health throughout the lifespan, along with demographic and socioeconomic factors, have an influence on brain health in a Deep Southern community setting.
https://bogalusaheartstudy.org/Publications:
Carmichael O, Stuchlik P, Pillai S, Biessels GJ, Dhullipudi R, Madden-Rusnak A, Martin S, Hsia DS, Fonseca V, Bazzano L. High-normal adolescent fasting plasma glucose is associated with poorer midlife brain health: Bogalusa heart study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;104:4492-4500. PMCID: PMC6736207. PMID: 31058974.
De Anda-Duran I, Alonso CF, Libon DJ, Carmichael OT, Kolachalama VB, Suglia SF, Au R, Bazzano LA. Carotid intima-media thickness and midlife cognitive function: Impact of race and social disparities in the Bogalusa heart study. Neurology. 2022;98(18):e1828-e36. PMCID: PMC9109147. PMID: 35228334.
Chuang KC, Ramakrishnapillai S, Madden K, St Amant J, McKlveen K, Gwizdala K, Dhullipudi R, Bazzano L, Carmichael O. Brain effective connectivity and functional connectivity as markers of lifespan vascular exposures in middle-aged adults: The Bogalusa Heart Study. Front Aging Neurosci. 2023;15:1110434. PMID: 36998317. PMCID: PMC10043334.
De Anda-Duran I, Kolachalama VB, Carmichael OT, Hwang PH, Fernandez C, Au R, Bazzano LA, Libon DJ. Midlife Neuropsychological Profiles and Associated Vascular Risk: The Bogalusa Heart Study. J Alzheimers Dis. 2023;94(1):101-13. PMID: 37212094. PMCID: PMC10443183.
Gwizdala KL, Bazzano LA, Newton, Jr. RL, Carmichael OT. Race and sex differences in the association between lifespan glycemic status and midlife cognitive function: The Bogalusa Heart Study. Frontiers in Public Health, section Aging and Public Health. 2023;11:1200415. PMCID: PMC10684774. PMID: 38035298.
