Fluctuating saliva cortisol linked to faster cognitive decline in older adults

A Rush University study of 3,895 older adults (avg age ~76.7) found irregular and higher diurnal cortisol patterns in saliva were associated with faster cognitive decline over up to 11 years. Black participants showed lower overall cortisol and a flatter daily pattern than Whites, but cortisol-associated decline was similar across groups. Cortisol may be a biomarker for cognitive aging, though more long-term research is needed and it did not predict Alzheimer’s disease in this follow-up period.