Abstract
Elevated inflammatory levels are linked to poorer cognition, but experimental confirmation is lacking. This report examined associations between cognitive performance and inflammation induced by exercise and vaccination. Thirty‐six (exercise N = 18, vaccination N = 18) healthy males completed a paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT), which is a multifaceted measure of cognitive function. The task was completed in placebo and elevated inflammation states. Improvements in PASAT performance were related to inflammation. In the exercise study, IL‐6 during the first PASAT negatively correlated with PASAT improvement (p = .022). In the vaccination study, increases in C‐reactive protein between PASATs correlated with reduced PASAT improvement (p < .001). Inflammation was linked to reduced improvements in cognitive performance. Further research should identify the specific cognitive functions affects and the underlying mechanisms.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 333-341 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Psychophysiology |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 4 Nov 2014 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2015 |
Keywords
- Cognitive function
- Inflammation
- Vaccination
- Eccentric exercise
- PASAT