Saliva Test Links Cortisol Patterns to Faster Cognitive Decline

A JAMA Network Open study of 3,895 adults (average age 76.7, followed up to 11 years) found that consistently high and irregular salivary cortisol levels are associated with faster cognitive decline. Black participants had lower and flatter daily cortisol patterns, yet the link to cognitive decline held in both groups.

• The study tracked 3,895 participants for up to 11 years
• Cortisol was measured in saliva in the morning, afternoon and evening
• Black participants had lower and flatter daily cortisol patterns
• The biomarker did not predict Alzheimer disease during follow-up