Blood Plasma Coenzyme Q₁₀ and P-Selectin Are Predictive Factors for Mild Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Women

Detection of the early phases of cognitive dysfunction is critical for identifying individuals at risk of neurodegeneration before irreversible damage occurs. High levels of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) in plasma are associated with high cognitive and executive capacities. Plasma CoQ₁₀ has been associated with the prevention of oxidative damage and maintenance of mitochondrial health in the endothelium. Maintenance of endothelial function is also an important factor in the prevention of neurodegeneration and dementia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine plasma markers of endothelial health that, in conjunction with CoQ₁₀, can effectively serve as predictors of cognitive dysfunction in a cohort of 45 elderly women (78.36 ± 8.41 years) from Seville, Spain. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, we assessed cognitive and executive capacities via the widely used MMSE-30 and FAB-E scales. Physiological health was evaluated through plasma biomarkers (including GDF-15, GFAP, BDNF, P-selectin, NfL, and p-Tau181) and the determination of CoQ₁₀ levels. Furthermore, the study also analyzed exosome levels by measuring CD63 and their content in DNA and mtDNA. Our results indicate that low plasma CoQ₁₀, elevated P-selectin (P-sel), and reduced exosomal DNA content can serve as early warning signs of neurodegeneration, appearing before traditional markers like GFAP, NfL, or p-Tau¹⁸¹. Our results indicate a link between CoQ₁₀ levels, endothelial damage, and cognitive dysfunction risk.