Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated with cognitive performance in isolated REM sleep behavior disorder.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated with cognitive performance in isolated REM sleep behavior disorder.
Where did the research take place?
Possible study sites were matched from the text; these need review.
Time, NO · Possible study site
Longitudinal analyses were conducted in a subgroup of 38 iRBD participants followed for 2-5 years to evaluate the relationship between baseline NLR and changes in cognitive performance over time.Location evidence
Milan, IT · Author affiliation
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, Milan, 20132, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Edmondo Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097, Italy.Location evidence
San Donato, IT · Author affiliation
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, Milan, 20132, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Edmondo Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097, Italy.Location evidence
San Donato Milanese, IT · Author affiliation
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, Milan, 20132, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Edmondo Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097, Italy.Location evidence
Catanzaro, IT · Author affiliation
Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Magna Grecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.Location evidence
GR · Author affiliation · country only
Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Magna Grecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.Location evidence
A plain-language reading has not been prepared for this paper yet.
Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is the prodromal phase of α-synucleinopathies. Peripheral inflammation, indexed by the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), has been associated with cognitive dysfunctions in established α-synucleinopathies, but its role in prodromal stages remains unclear. Based on this background, we investigated the association between NLR and cognitive performance in individuals with iRBD. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 371 individuals with iRBD and 262 controls from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. Baseline assessments included demographic and clinical variables, NLR derived from peripheral blood counts, and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Cross-sectional associations between NLR and cognitive performance were examined using univariate and multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, APOE ε4 status, and motor severity. Longitudinal analyses were conducted in a subgroup of 38 iRBD participants followed for 2-5 years to evaluate the relationship between baseline NLR and changes in cognitive performance over time. RESULTS: At baseline, NLR was inversely associated with long-term verbal memory in the iRBD group, but not in the control group. In the iRBD group, higher NLR was also associated with worsening of visuospatial abilities, processing speed, and semantic fluency over time. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that peripheral inflammation may be involved in early mechanisms of cognitive vulnerability in iRBD. Further studies are needed to clarify whether this represents an epiphenomenon of the underlying pathology or plays an active role in disease progression.