Serum Ghrelin Is Associated with Verbal Learning and Adiposity in a Sample of Healthy, Fit Older Adults

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the relationship between serum ghrelin concentrations, adiposity, and verbal learning in a group of healthy, fit older adults. Participants were 28 healthy older adults (age: 70.8 ± 9.3 yrs, BMI: 27.3 ± 5.7). Participants reported to the laboratory and basic anthropometric data were collected, followed by a blood draw to quantify serum ghrelin. Participants then underwent cognitive testing that included the revised Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT), as well as the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE). The results of the MMSE test revealed that the volunteers were cognitively intact (MMSE 27.6 ± 1.8). A significant correlation emerged between serum ghrelin concentrations, 2 trials of the HVLT (Trial 1: r = 0.316, P = 0.05; Trial 2: r = 0.395, P = 0.03), and the sum of three-site skinfold analysis (r = 0.417, P = 0.015). Based upon the aforementioned relationships, it appears that fasting levels of serum ghrelin are related to both verbal learning and adiposity in healthy, fit older adults.