Non-linear association between serum spermidine and mild cognitive impairment: Results from a cross-sectional and longitudinal study

Background: Although animal studies show that spermidine (SPD) affects cognitive function, the relevant evidence among humans is limited. We aim to examine the association between serum SPD levels and cognitive performance. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional and longitudinal study including a baseline and one follow-up survey. The baseline survey was conducted from June 2019 to August 2019, while the follow-up survey was conducted from June 2021 to August 2021. We analyzed 3,774 adult participants aged >35 years, who had no history of dementia. Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 57.4 (9.8) years. Relative to the first tertile, the multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) for the second and third tertile groups were 0.78 (0.65, 0.93) and 0.80 (0.67, 0.96), respectively. Restricted cubic spline models show that there is a non-linear association between SPD and MCI. In line with cross-sectional findings, the longitudinal study showed that a high SPD concentration may indicate a lower risk of MCI [ORs (95% CIs) for the third tertile of 0.62 (0.39, 0.99)]. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SPD is favorable for cognitive function. Monitoring the SPD levels may help reduce the incidence of MCI, hence decreasing the burden of MCI.

Automated summary

This study found a non-linear association between serum spermidine (SPD) levels and cognitive performance, suggesting that a high SPD concentration may indicate a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Monitoring SPD levels may help reduce the incidence of MCI and decrease the burden of MCI.