scholarly journals The Promising Impact of a Virtual Music Intervention for Persons With Dementia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 129-130
Author(s):  
Cynthia McDowell ◽  
Jannell Walton ◽  
Debra Sheets ◽  
Andre Smith ◽  
Robert Stawski ◽  
...  

Abstract This study examines the within-person association between negative affect and global cognitive function for persons with dementia. Participants (n=33) engaged weekly in the Voices in Motion (ViM) sociocognitive choral intervention spanning up to 18-months and 9 individual assessments. Results revealed a significant time-varying association whereby within-person improvements in negative affect dynamically covaried with improvements on the Mini Mental State Examination (p<.05) across months of participation. These findings imply that, within-persons, reducing comorbidities associated with dementia (e.g., elevated negative affect) through participation in a lifestyle intervention, may facilitate increases in cognitive function. During the current pandemic, ViM transitioned to an online choir allowing for individuals to continue participating in the intervention and to maintain necessary social connections. The discussion focuses on the implications of this virtual choral intervention and the importance of modifiable risk factors such as negative affect and social isolation on the maintenance of cognitive health.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Nari ◽  
Bich Na Jang ◽  
Hin Moi Youn ◽  
Wonjeong Jeong ◽  
Sung-In Jang ◽  
...  

AbstractFrailty is considered a multidimensional geriatric syndrome, manifested by the accumulation of age-associated deficits. The consequences of frailty transitions are still understudied. This study evaluated the influence of frailty transitions on cognitive function in the older adult population. We used data derived from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) (2008–2018) on older adults aged ≥ 65 years. Frailty was assessed using a validated Korean frailty measure known as the frailty instrument (FI), and cognitive function was measured using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE). Transitions in frailty and their relationship with cognitive function were investigated using lagged generalized estimating equations (GEE), t-tests, and ANOVA. Respondents who experienced frailty transitions (those with ameliorating frailty), those who developed frailty, and whose frailty remained constant, were more likely to have a lower cognitive function than those who were consistently non-frail. Older age, activities of daily living (ADL) disability, and instrumental ADL disability were more negatively associated with declining cognitive function, especially in the “frail → frail” group. Changes in all individual components of the frailty instrument were significantly associated with impaired cognitive function. The results suggest an association between frailty transitions and cognitive impairment. Over a 2-year span, the remaining frail individuals had the highest rate of cognitive decline in men, while the change from non-frail to frail state in women was significantly associated with the lowest cognitive function values. We recommend early interventions and prevention strategies in older adults to help ameliorate or slow down both frailty and cognitive function decline.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 296-296
Author(s):  
Yao Yao ◽  
Huashuai Chen ◽  
Danan Gu ◽  
Yi Zeng

Abstract Existing studies have testified the neuroprotective qualities of tea. As there are several types of tea, question on which type of tea may exert substantial influence on cognitive health is intriguing and remains unknow. We aim to estimate the association between type of tea consumption and mild cognition impairment (MCI) using a nationally representative dataset of older population in China. Type of tea consumption was classified as three groups: Green, fermented (White, Oolong, Black, and Pu’eh), and flower tea. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was adopted to assess cognitive function. We conducted multivariate logistic regressions to evaluate the association between type of tea drinking and cognition outcomes (MMSE score and MCI). Potential confounders including sociodemographic factors, health conditions, dietary patterns, lifestyles, activities of daily living, mental health, and living environments. A total of 10,923 participants (mean age: 85.4 yr; female: 53.5%) included in the study. The type of current tea consumption among the participants were: 2143 for green tea, 1302 for fermented tea, and 844 for flower tea. Compared to those who had no habit of tea consumption, the odds ratio of MCI in green tea drinkers was 0.80 (0.68-0.95), in fermented tea drinkers was 1.07 (0.89-1.30), and in flower tea drinkers were 0.85 (0.67-1.09). Our study showed green tea and flower tea consumption associated with lower odds of MCI, while the association was not found among fermented tea drinkers. Future experimental and longitudinal studies are warranted to illustrate the association between varied type of tea and cognitive health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed W. Zakaria ◽  
Reem I. El-Korashy ◽  
Mostafa O. Shaheen ◽  
Samah Selim ◽  
Kwashi J. Amum

Abstract Background Cognitive dysfunction in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) is an important clinical co-morbidity that is associated with impaired lung function. The aim of the work is to assess cognitive function in major IIP and to find out the relation between cognitive dysfunction and the oxygenation parameters. Results Fifty individuals were involved in the study; 30 patients with major IIP and 20 healthy individuals. Patients with IIP had significantly lower mini mental state examination (MMSE) score compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Wechsler Deterioration Index (WDI) revealed that 33.3% (n = 10) of the patients with IIP had sure cognitive impairment and 26.6% (n = 8) had ongoing cognitive deterioration. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) had lower cognitive function than other IIP. Conclusion There is an impairment of cognitive function in patients with major IIP, particularly in IPF, as measured by WDI and MMSE. Further large studies are needed to assess the possible predictors of cognitive impairment and their effects on the patients’ outcome.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110066
Author(s):  
Man Guo ◽  
Mengting Li ◽  
Hanzhang Xu ◽  
Meredith Stensland ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study addressed two questions: (1) Is age at migration associated with cognitive function among Chinese older immigrants? and (2) what personal and environmental factors confound the above relationship? Methods: Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly ( N = 2957). Quantile and linear regressions were used to examine the associations between age at migration and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and global cognitive function, respectively. Results: Migration in late middle age (50–64) or late adulthood (65 or older) was associated with lower MMSE scores. Global cognition did not vary by age at migration. Associations between age at migration and MMSE were stronger among individuals with lower education or social engagement. Discussion: Migrating late in one’s life has important implications for cognitive health over the life course. Findings are helpful to identify vulnerable older immigrant segments and provide tailored interventions to promote their cognitive health.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlota Grossi ◽  
Kathryn Richardson ◽  
George Savva ◽  
Chris Fox ◽  
Antony Arthur ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Anticholinergic medication use is linked with increased cognitive decline, dementia, falls and mortality. The characteristics of the population who use anticholinergic medication are not known. Here we estimate the prevalence of anticholinergic use in England’s older population in 1991 and 2011, and describe changes in use by participant’s age, sex, cognition and disability. Methods: We compared data from participants aged 65+ years from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFAS I and II), collected during 1990-1993 (N=7,635) and 2008-2011 (N=7,762). We estimated the prevalence of potent anticholinergic use (Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden [ACB] score=3) and average anticholinergic burden (sum of ACB scores), using inverse probability weights standardised to the 2011 UK population. These were stratified by age, sex, Mini-Mental State Examination score, and activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental ADL (IADL) disability. Results: Prevalence of potent anticholinergic use increased from 5.7% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 5.2-6.3%) of the older population in 1990-93 to 9.9% (9.3-10.7%) in 2008-11, adjusted odds ratio of 1.90 (95%CI 1.67 – 2.16). People with clinically significant cognitive impairment (MMSE [Mini Mental State Examination] 21 or less) were the heaviest users of potent anticholinergic in CFAS II (16.5% [95%CI 12.0-22.3%]). Large increases in the prevalence of the use medication with ‘any’ anticholinergic activity were seen in older people with clinically significant cognitive impairment (53.3% in CFAS I to 71.5% in CFAS II). Conclusions: Use of potent anticholinergic medications nearly doubled in England’s older population over 20 years with some of the greatest increases amongst those particularly vulnerable to anticholinergic side-effects. Key words: cognitive impairment, anticholinergic burden, polypharmacy


Author(s):  
Minoru Yamakado

Objective: An important medical issue in both Japan and Ashikaga City is how to extend healthy life expectancy. To determine factors associated with healthy life expectancy, we established a joint study between Ashikaga City and the Ashikaga University Faculty of Nursing called the Ashikaga Longevity Study, using new biomarkers such as Diacron reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) tests as indicators of oxidative stress. In this study, factors related to cognitive function were clarified. Methods: Participants comprised 95 individuals (36 men; mean age, 91.0±5.1 years and 59 women; mean age, 92.2±5.9 years). Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: MMSE score was ≤23 in 28 subjects (29.5%) and ≥24 in 67 subjects (70.5%). MMSE score showed significant negative correlations with age (p<0.0096), plasma alkaline phosphatase (p=0.0007), and peripheral leukocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (p=0.0119), and positive correlations with plasma albumin (p=0.0096) and BAP-to-d-ROMs ratio (p=0.0427). Conclusions: These results suggest that cognitive decline may involve brain cell dysfunction due to inflammation based on a reduced ability to control oxidative stress. Not only anti-oxidative aerobic exercise but also anti-oxidative foods, may be necessary to maintain cognitive function.


2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 1115-1127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youlu Zhao ◽  
Yuhui Zhang ◽  
Zhikai Yang ◽  
Jinwei Wang ◽  
Zuying Xiong ◽  
...  

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease experience a high burden of sleep disorders, and there are associations between sleep disorders and cognitive impairment. Objectives: Based on our previous cross-sectional survey on cognitive impairment in peritoneal dialysis, we further explored the relationship between sleep disorders and cognitive impairment, and predictors for declining cognitive function. Method: We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study enrolling 458 clinically stable patients on peritoneal dialysis who were then followed up for 2 years.Demographic data, comorbidities, depression, and biochemistry data were collected at baseline. Sleep disorders including insomnia, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea syndrome, excessive daytime sleepiness, possible narcolepsy, sleep walking and nightmares, and possible rapid eye movement behavior disorders were assessed using a panel of specific sleep questionnaires at baseline and in a second survey. Global cognitive function was measured at baseline and in a second survey, using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination. Specific cognitive domains were evaluated using Trail-Making Test Forms A and B for executive function, and subtests of the Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status were used to asses immediate and delayed memory, visuospatial skills, and language ability. Results: Sleep disorders were common among peritoneal dialysis patients. The prevalence of cognitive impairment evaluated by the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) increased from 19.8 to 23.9%. Possible narcolepsy was associated with decreased Modified Mini-Mental State Examination scores at baseline. During follow-up, sleepwalking and nightmares were associated with higher risks of declined delayed memory in the longitudinal study. Conclusions: Possible narcolepsy was associated with general cognitive dysfunction, and sleep walking and nightmares were risk factors for impaired delayed memory.


2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 445-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manja Koch ◽  
Steven T. DeKosky ◽  
Matthew Goodman ◽  
Jiehuan Sun ◽  
Jeremy D. Furtado ◽  
...  

Whether HDL is associated with dementia risk is unclear. In addition to apoA1, other apolipoproteins are found in HDL, creating subspecies of HDL that may have distinct metabolic properties. We measured apoA1, apoC3, and apoJ levels in plasma and apoA1 levels in HDL that contains or lacks apoE, apoJ, or apoC3 using a modified sandwich ELISA in a case-cohort study nested within the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study. We included 995 randomly selected participants and 521 participants who developed dementia during a mean of 5.1 years of follow-up. The level of total apoA1 was not significantly related to dementia risk, regardless of the coexistence of apoC3, apoJ, or apoE. Higher levels of total plasma apoC3 were associated with better cognitive function at baseline (difference in Modified Mini-Mental State Examination scores tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.98) and a lower dementia risk (adjusted hazard ratio tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.96). Plasma concentrations of apoA1 in HDL and its apolipoprotein-defined subspecies were not associated with cognitive function at baseline or with the risk of dementia during follow-up. Similar studies in other populations are required to better understand the association between apoC3 and Alzheimer’s disease pathology.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Muhammad Aliyu Abba ◽  
Olubukola Adebisi Olaleye ◽  
Talhatu Kolapo Hamzat

Background/Aims Literature suggests that aerobic exercise improves cognitive impairments post stroke. This systematic review was conducted to analyse evidence on the effectiveness of aerobic exercise in improving post-stroke cognitive impairments. Methods Online databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science) were systematically searched from inception until 13 July 2017 using the keywords stroke/exercise/cognition. Clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for methodological quality using the PEDro scale. Extracted data were synthesised for evidence. Results A total of seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Participants in most of the studies were aged over 60 years and the majority had ischaemic stroke. The most commonly used measure for assessing cognition was the Mini Mental State Examination. The majority of studies included moderate to high intensity exercise (50–70% of VO2max) for 30–60 minutes three to five times per week. There is moderate evidence that aerobic exercise enhances global cognitive function, attention and working memory. Evidence that aerobic exercise improves memory, levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and executive function is conflicting and limited. Conclusions Aerobic exercise is moderately effective in improving post-stroke cognitive impairments. More clinical trials are needed in view of the methodological limitations and paucity of existing studies.


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