scholarly journals Discrepancy in the perception of symptoms of cognitive decline between older adults and their family members: results of the Toyama dementia survey

BMC Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobue Nakahori ◽  
Michikazu Sekine ◽  
Masaaki Yamada ◽  
Takashi Tatsuse ◽  
Hideki Kido ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Kappa Statistic ◽  
The Family ◽  
Perception Gap ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Loss Of Appetite

Abstract Background Early consultation is important to delay the onset of dementia. The present study aimed to explore the reasons for delaying a consultation of dementia while focusing on the differences in the perception of cognitive decline between older adults and their family members. Methods A group of 663 older adults aged ≥65 years and living with family members in Toyama Prefecture was surveyed. The questionnaires included items that measured changes in cognitive function noticed by older adults and their family members, and the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R). The degrees of consistency on the perception of mental changes that accompanied cognitive decline were measured using the Kappa statistic. Results Both older adults and their family members were well aware of “forgetfulness” as a symptom of cognitive decline. Only the perception of “loss of appetite” at the late stage of cognitive decline was consistent between older adults and their family (κ = 0.707). When older adults often noticed their own forgetfulness, their mean HDS-R score was 22.7, whereas that of the family members was 14.7. The combinations of perception of forgetfulness by older adults and their family members, and the mean HDS-R scores were unaware/unaware (mean HDS-R score = 27.0), aware/unaware (mean HDS-R score = 24.9), aware/aware (mean HDS-R score = 15.5), and unaware/aware (mean HDS-R score = 13.0). Conclusions There were discrepancies in the perception of cognitive decline between older adults and their family members. Cognitive decline had progressed by the time that family members had noticed the symptom of forgetfulness in their older adult relatives. The perception gap regarding cognitive decline deters consultation of dementia.

scholarly journals Exploring the Psychometric Properties of the Questionnaire on Family Members Adapting to an Older Adult’s Admission to a Nursing Home (CAFIAR-15) in a Colombian Sample

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Marta Martín-Carbonell ◽  
Antonio Riquelme-Marín ◽  
Martha Fernández-Daza ◽  
Juan Manuel Ortigosa-Quiles ◽  
Inmaculada Méndez-Mateo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Factorial Structure ◽  
The Family

Institutionalization to a nursing home can be one of the most significant and traumatic events in a senior’s life, and for their family. For this reason, it is especially important to have validated instruments that evaluate the family member’s adaptation to admitting the senior to a nursing home. The study included 139 family members recruited equally in two types of institutions (low-income nursing home (LINH) vs. high-income nursing home (HINH)). A sociodemographic questionnaire with questions to study antecedents and conditions for care and the Questionnaire for Admitting an Older Adult to a Nursing Home (CAFIAR-15) were used. Examining the communalities indicated that four of the five items in factor 3 presented communalities lower than 0.30 and differences in the factorial structure of the CAFIAR-15 were found. There were differences in the antecedents and conditions for care between the relatives of the older adults at LINH and HINH. Cultural differences and differences between LINH and HINH may be the basis for flaws in the conceptual validity of the CAFIAR-15 in the Colombian sample.

scholarly journals Social isolation, rather than loneliness, is associated with cognitive decline in older adults: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Bin Yu ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Yongjie Chen ◽  
Xiaohua Jia
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Status ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Confounding Variables

Abstract Background Social isolation and loneliness have each been associated with cognitive decline, but most previous research is limited to Western populations. This study examined the relationships of social isolation and loneliness on cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Methods This study used two waves of data (2011 and 2015) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and analyses were restricted to those respondents aged 50 and older. Social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function were measured at baseline. Follow-up measures on cognitive function were obtained for 7761 participants (mean age = 60.97, s.d. = 7.31; male, 50.8%). Lagged dependent variable models adjusted for confounding factors were used to evaluate the association between baseline isolation, loneliness, and cognitive function at follow-up. Results Loneliness was significantly associated with the cognitive decline at follow-up (episodic memory: β = −0.03, p < 0.01; mental status: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) in the partially adjusted models. These associations became insignificant after additional confounding variables (chronic diseases, health behaviors, disabilities, and depressive symptoms) were taken into account (all p > 0.05). By contrast, social isolation was significantly associated with decreases in all cognitive function measures at follow-up (episodic memory: β = −0.05, p < 0.001; mental status: β = −0.03, p < 0.01) even after controlling for loneliness and all confounding variables. Conclusions Social isolation is associated with cognitive decline in Chinese older adults, and the relationships are independent of loneliness. These findings expand our knowledge about the links between social relationships and the cognitive function in non-Western populations.

scholarly journals Effects of Participation in Social Activities on Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Korea

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jongnam Hwang ◽  
Sangmin Park ◽  
Sujin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Gender Groups

Cognitive function is a critical health issue in later life, the decline of which disrupts well-being and daily life function. Cognitive decline in older ages can also be understood in the context of the social environment such as social connectedness and engagement in personal life. This study aimed to examine: (1) whether participation in social activities contributes to preventing cognitive decline, and (2) what type of social activities are beneficial to maintaining cognitive function. Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLOSA) 2006–2014, a longitudinal survey of the household-dwelling population aged 45 and older in Korea were used. The results revealed that Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores decreased with increasing age, at a rate of approximately 0.18 units across all age-gender groups, and the decrease was steeper for adults aged 65 and over. Participation in social gatherings was likely to delay the decline in cognitive function after the age of 65. In a gender-stratified model, social activity may not have an impact on the decline of cognitive function for men, whereas participation in social gatherings was negatively related to the decline of MMSE scores in women. This study suggests the need for a gender-stratified policy for preventing the decline of cognitive function while promoting engagement in social activities in Korean older adults.

Effect of the Fungus Isaria japonica from the Silkworm on Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Decline: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-387
Author(s):  
Daisuke Furushima ◽  
Yuri Takashima ◽  
Toshiji Miyagawa ◽  
Hiroshi Fujita ◽  
Yuzuki Nomura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Blood Test ◽  
Mmse Score ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Silkworm Pupae

Several in vivo studies report that the fungus Isaria japonica grown on silkworm pupae, classified as a Cordycipitaceae, plays a role in preventing memory deficits and may have a protective role against cognitive impairment. The present study investigated the cognitive effects and safety of I. japonica in older adults with mild cognitive decline. Intervention trial was conducted in subjects over 60 years of age with mild cognitive decline (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score: 20-27). The subjects consumed the I. japonica supplements twice per day for 12 weeks. The outcome measures included the MMSE score and blood test values before and after the intervention. A total of 25 subjects (aged 64-94 years) were eligible for the study. After the intervention, the MMSE score (mean ± standard deviation) significantly increased from 25.5 ± 1.6 to 27.1 ± 2.4 (P < 0.0001). The blood test revealed no change in any of the hematological and biochemical parameters evaluated. Also, no serious adverse events were reported. Despite several limitations in the study design, the findings of the present study suggest that the fungus I. japonica is safe to consume and it may improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive decline.

Abstract 22: Visit-to-Visit Variability in Blood Pressure is Related to Late-Life Cognitive Decline

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Qin ◽  
Anthony J Viera ◽  
Linda S Adair ◽  
Brenda L Plassman ◽  
Lloyd J Edwards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Nutrition Survey

Introduction: Recent studies suggest higher visit-to-visit variability of blood pressure (BP) is associated with worse cognitive function, but evidence based on longitudinal cognitive testing has not been reported. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that higher visit-to-visit variability in BP, but not mean BP, would be associated with faster decline in cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This prospective cohort study comprised 1213 adults who had two or more waves of BP measurements as part of the China Health and Nutrition Survey from 1991, up to their first cognitive tests, and completed a cognitive screening test at two or more waves in 1997, 2000 or 2004. Mean (SD) age at first cognitive test was 64 (6) y. Outcomes were repeated measures of global cognitive scores (baseline mean ± SD: 19 ± 6 points), standardized composite cognitive and verbal memory scores (standardized units [SU]). Visit-to visit BP variability was expressed as the standard deviation [SD] or as the variation independent of mean (SD/mean^x, with x derived from curve fitting) in BP measures obtained at a mean interval of 3.6 years. Multivariable-adjusted linear mixed-effects models were used to determine the association of changes in cognitive scores with visit-to visit BP variability. Results: Higher visit-to-visit variability in systolic BP, but not mean systolic BP, was associated with a faster decline of cognitive function (adjusted mean difference [95% CI] for high vs. low tertile of SD in variability (Figure): global score -0.23 points/y [-0.41 to -0.04], composite scores -0.029 SU/y [-0.056 to -0.002] and verbal memory -0.044 SU/y [-0.075 to -0.012]). Higher visit-to-visit variability in diastolic BP was associated with a faster decline of global cognitive function only among adults 55-64 years, independent of mean diastolic BP. Conclusion: Higher long-term BP visit-to-visit variability predicted a faster rate of cognitive decline among older adults.

The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Functional Polymorphism and Hand Grip Strength Impact the Association between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels and Cognition in Older Adults in the United States

2022 ◽  
pp. 109980042110651
Author(s):  
Tingting Liu ◽  
Hongjin Li ◽  
Yvette P. Conley ◽  
Brian A. Primack ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Mental Status ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Hand Grip Strength ◽  
Hand Grip ◽  
Serum Bdnf

Introduction Aging is associated with subtle cognitive decline in attention, memory, executive function, processing speed, and reasoning. Although lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been linked to cognitive decline among older adults, it is not known if the association differs among individuals with various BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) genotypes. In addition, it is not clear whether these associations vary by hand grip strength or physical activity (PA). Methods A total of 2904 older adults were included in this study using data from the Health and Retirement Study. Associations between serum BDNF and measures of cognitive function were evaluated using multivariable linear regression models stratified by Met allele status. PA and hand grip strength were added to the model to evaluate whether including these variables altered associations between serum BDNF and cognition. Results Mean age was 71.4 years old, and mean body mass index was 28.3 kg/m2. Serum BDNF levels were positively associated with higher total cognitive score (beta = 0.34, p = .07), mental status (beta = 0.16, p = .07), and word recall (beta = 0.22, p =.04) among Met carriers, while serum BDNF levels were negatively associated with mental status (beta = −0.09, p = .07) among non-Met carriers. Furthermore, associations changed when hand grip strength was added to the model but not when PA was added to the model. Conclusions The BDNF Val66Met variant may moderate the association between serum BDNF levels and cognitive function in older adults. Furthermore, such associations differ according to hand grip strength but not PA.

Cognitive Decline and the Changing Self in Relationship

2015 ◽  
pp. 61-75
Author(s):  
Darby Morhardt ◽  
Marcia Spira
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Roles ◽  
The Family ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

When a member of a family is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the impact of the disease reverberates throughout the relationships within the family. This paper explores the challenges and strengths within one family as members manage and cope with Alzheimer's disease. The person with dementia and his family members are individually interviewed and each person explores the consequences of the disease on personal well-being as well as the relationships within the family. The family demonstrates how dementia in one family member demands flexibility in family roles as they navigate life through the challenges of living with dementia.

The Bidirectional Association Between Physical and Cognitive Function Among Chinese Older Adults: A Mediation Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502094021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohang Zhao ◽  
Lei Jin ◽  
Skylar Biyang Sun
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Vicious Cycle ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Bidirectional Association

This study investigated the bidirectional association between physical and cognitive function in later life and examined the mechanisms underlying the interrelationship. We employed cross-lagged panel models to analyze a sample of 4232 unique participants aged 65 years and older from three waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Physical activity and social participation were tested as potential mediators between physical and cognitive function. Our findings revealed a reciprocal relationship between physical and cognitive function and a reciprocal relationship between physical and cognitive decline. Moreover, physical activity was confirmed to mediate the bidirectional association between physical and cognitive function, whereas social participation did not seem to be a mediator. A vicious cycle linking physical and cognitive decline may exist in Chinese older adults. However, leading a physically active lifestyle could be an effective intervention to slow physical and cognitive aging, thereby toning down the vicious cycle.

scholarly journals Relationship Between Dietary Lutein and Cognition in an Older Adult Population (P14-030-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Krystle Zuniga ◽  
Alexandria Turner ◽  
Nicholas Bishop
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Word Recall

Abstract Objectives The dietary carotenoid lutein accumulates in the brain, and lutein supplementation has been demonstrated to improve cognitive function in older adults. The purpose of the study was to examine the association between dietary lutein intake and cognitive function in a recent and representative sample of the older adult U.S. population. Additionally, we aimed to identify the major contributors to dietary lutein intake in older adults. Methods Observations were drawn from the 2012 Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally-representative panel study of older U.S. adults, and the 2013 Health Care and Nutrition Study (HCNS), which assessed dietary intake via food frequency questionnaire in a subsample of HRS respondents. The analytic sample included 7045 respondents age 50 and older. Cognitive function was evaluated on the cognitive domain of episodic verbal memory, assessed using immediate word recall (IWR) and delayed word recall (DWR). Quartiles of lutein intake were calculated then used to compare IWR and DWR scores in 2012. Descriptive statistics and bivariate comparisons were adjusted for the complex survey design of the HRS and HCNS with results representative of community-dwelling older Americans in 2013. Results The average age of the sample was 65.6 ± 10.3 years old. Leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, dark yellow vegetables, eggs, fruit and other vegetables were significant predictors of dietary lutein intake. Lutein intake was significantly different between quartiles (P < 0.001) with lutein intakes of 720 ± 231 ug/day (Q1), 1468 ± 229 ug/day (Q2), 2394 ± 324 ug/day (Q3), and 5632 ± 3029 ug/day (Q4). Quartiles 3 and 4 had significantly higher IWR and DWR scores than quartiles 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). Conclusions Older adults may benefit from higher lutein intake through consumption of various vegetables, fruits, and eggs, as lutein may specifically protect episodic memory. Further research is needed to identify the mechanism of lutein's cognitive benefits. Funding Sources American Egg Board/Egg Nutrition Center.

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