Is Memory Decline Associated With Inflammatory Response?

Objective: To examine whether changes in memory over a 10-year period could predict a change in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Method: A mixed model analysis was first conducted to obtain the estimates for change in memory over the 10-year period using data from the Health and Retirement Study. Then a multivariate regression to determine whether a change in episodic memory could predict subsequent CRP levels was conducted. Furthermore, a general linear model was conducted to determine differences in CRP levels among different rates of change in episodic memory. Results: Greater declines in episodic memory were associated with higher levels of subsequent CRP (Estimate = −0.32, SE = 0.12, β = −.03, p =.008). The general linear model revealed that those with greater memory declines were more likely to have higher levels of CRP, F = 26.50, p <.001. Discussion: These results highlight the notion that memory decline and inflammation may be intertwined, and we discuss various avenues that warrant further investigation.