09/29/2026
Did you know Jill does salivary Cortisol testing?
A recent study shows Salivary cortisol patterns may predict cognitive decline. Higher overall daily levels of salivary cortisol predict faster cognitive decline in older adults, while moderate daily variations are linked to slower decline. Here are more details of the study.
•Participants: A JAMA Network Open study evaluated 3,895 older Black and White adults (average age 77) from the Chicago Health and Aging Project over up to 11 years.
•Method: Researchers collected saliva samples at waking, in the afternoon, and at bedtime to measure daily cortisol rhythms and total exposure.
•Key Findings: Higher cumulative cortisol exposure and overall high levels matched faster global cognitive decline. Moderate daytime variation in cortisol levels predicted slower decline.
•Racial Profiles: While Black participants tended to show lower overall cortisol levels and flatter daily patterns, the link between these cortisol patterns and cognitive decline remained identical across both racial groups.
•Alzheimer’s Risk: The study did not find a direct association between these daytime cortisol patterns and short-term or incident Alzheimer’s disease during the follow-up window.
Book your appointment with Jill today through the link in bio. 🌿🌿