scholarly journals Cognitive assessment in an elderly population with metabolic syndrome in Brazil

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Shigaeff ◽  
Alessandro Ferrari Jacinto ◽  
Fabio Gazelato de Mello Franco ◽  
Gabriela Chiochetta ◽  
Maysa Seabra Cendoroglo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Recall Memory ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT Chronic degenerative conditions are very common in the elderly. According to medical literature, there is a correlation between cognitive impairment among elders and arterial hypertension/hyperglycemia which in turn are common diseases among the elderly population worldwide. Nonetheless, data on the association between cognitive impairment and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) remains controversial. Objective: To compare the cognitive status of Brazilian elderly outpatients with and without MetS. Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study with 49 subjects (25 MetS and 24 controls) who underwent a global geriatric and neuropsychological assessment was carried out. The scores for cognitive abilities (sustained attention, alternating attention, immediate memory, working memory, memory - immediate recall, memory - delayed recall, memory - recognition, executive function, ideomotor praxis, constructive praxis, naming ability, verbal fluency) were compared with the data for the normal population and differences between case and control groups were analyzed using Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney test. Results: Forty-five patients (91.8%) were female, with a mean age of 73.9±5.9 years, and 3.0±1.0 years of schooling. A significant difference (p<0.01) was found between case and control groups regarding the MetS components. For cognitive abilities, no statistically significant difference was detected between the groups and all subjects presented low cognitive scores. Conclusion: The results obtained in the present study showed that MetS was not associated with cognitive impairment in this population. Further prospective studies are necessary to investigate the influence of well-controlled MetS on cognitive performance among elders.

Effect of Curcumin on Serum Cathepsin D in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-121
Author(s):  
Leila Shirmohammadi ◽  
Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan ◽  
Maryam Saberi-Karimian ◽  
Mehrdad Iranshahi ◽  
Shima Tavallaie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Cathepsin D ◽  
International Diabetes Federation ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Anthropometric Indices ◽  
Elisa Kit ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Post Trial ◽  
And Control

Background: Inflammation has been shown to accompany Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and its features. Cathepsin D is one of a proinflammatory mediator. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin supplementation on serum cathepsin D levels in patients with MetS. Methods: The current study was conducted on 18-65 years old individuals with MetS diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation guidelines. A total of 80 participants were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. The first group (n=40) was given 2 capsules containing 500 mg of phosphatidylcholine complex of curcumin, and the other group (n=40) was given two 500 mg placebo capsules for 6 weeks. Before (week 0) and after (week 6) the intervention, anthropometric indices and blood pressure were measured and blood samples were taken. Serum cathepsin D was measured using an ELISA kit. Results: There was no significant difference between treatment and control groups in terms of weight, body mass index, waist circumference and serum cathepsin D levels before and after the intervention. In addition, there was no significant difference between pre- and post-trial values of serum cathepsin D. Conclusion: The present results do not suggest any effect of curcumin on cathepsin D levels in patients with MetS.

scholarly journals Effect of an aged wearing suit on nursing student’s knowledge and attitude

BMC Nursing ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Mandegari Bamakan ◽  
Khadijeh Nasiriani ◽  
Farzan Madadizadeh ◽  
Fatemeh Keshmiri
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Background The knowledge and attitude of health care providers are important and influential factors in providing care services to the elderly and need to be considered during the training course. Simulation in geriatric nursing education can be an opportunity for learners to experience the restrictions of the elderly. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of training through simulation on the attitude and knowledge of nursing students in elderly care. Methods This study was quasi-experimental with two experimental and control groups of pre and post-test, which was conducted on 70 nursing students of the 5th semester (two groups of 35 people). For the experimental group, the elderly simulation suit was worn for two hours, which was designed by the researcher and created sensory, physical, and motor restrictions similar to the elderly for students. Before and after the study, Kogan’s attitudes toward older people scale and Palmore’s “facts on aging quiz” were completed by students. The data were analyzed using an independent t-test and paired t-test using SPSS version 16 software. Results The mean scores of students’ knowledge in the experimental and control groups had no significant difference at the beginning of the study (p < 0.05). But the mean scores of knowledge in the experimental group before and after the intervention was (9.2 ± 2.6) and (15.3 ± 3.5), respectively, and in the control group before and after the intervention was (10.4 ± 2.9) and (11.3 ± 2.6), respectively, which had a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0001). The mean scores of students’ attitudes in the experimental and control groups had no significant difference at the beginning of the study (p < 0.05). The mean scores of attitude in the experimental group before and after the intervention was (114.69 ± 8.4) and (157.31 ± 10.7), respectively and in the control group before and after the intervention was (113.34 ± 13.6) and (108.5 ± 16.6), respectively, which was significantly different (p = 0.0001). Conclusions Based on the findings, the experience of aging restrictions through simulation has improved the knowledge and attitude of nursing students towards the elderly. Nursing education requires the growth of attitudinal skills, individuals’ beliefs, and creating empathy among them, so creating simulation opportunities can assist nursing students in the educational processes.

The impact of imagery on the performance and cognitive ability in the elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1654-1657
Author(s):  
Amir Dana ◽  
Mir Hamid Salehian ◽  
Tayebeh Bani Asadi ◽  
Parinaz Ghanati
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

Background: In the future, aging becomes one of the problems of society and the problems of the country's health care system and brings many costs in the health care sector. Purpose: This study examines the effect of imagery on performance and cognitive ability in the elderly. The research method is quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design. 40 older adults were selected and divided into experimental and control groups. The subjects in the experimental group performed imagery for four weeks following the pretest. Methods: Data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance. Results: Findings showed that imagery improves the performance and cognitive ability in the elderly. Conclusion: In general, imagery may improve performance and cognitive abilities in the elderly. Keywords: Imagery, Performance, Cognitive Ability, Aging

scholarly journals Alexithymia in Alzheimer’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Eva Mª Arroyo-Anlló ◽  
Corinne Souchaud ◽  
Pierre Ingrand ◽  
Jorge Chamorro Sánchez ◽  
Alejandra Melero Ventola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Alexithymia is widely recognized as the inability to identify and express emotions. It is a construct which consists of four cognitive traits such as difficulty in identifying feelings, describing feelings to others, externally oriented thinking, and limited imaginative capacity. Several studies have linked alexithymia to cognitive functioning, observing greater alexithymia scores associated with poorer cognitive abilities. Despite Alzheimer’s disease (AD) being a neurodegenerative pathology characterized by cognitive troubles from the early stages, associated to behavioral and emotional disturbances, very few investigations have studied the alexithymia in AD. These studies have shown that alexithymia scores—assessed with Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS)—were greater in AD patients than healthy participants. The objective of the study was to investigate if the alexithymia was present in patients with mild AD. We hypothesized that the AD group would show more alexithymia features than the control group. We evaluated 54 subjects, including 27 patients diagnosed with mild AD and 27 normal healthy controls, using the Shalling Sifneos Psychosomatic Scale (SSPS-R) and a neuropsychological test battery. Using non-parametric statistical analyses—Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney U tests—we observed that the SSPS-R scores were similar in the AD and control groups. All participants showed SSPS-R scores below to 10 points, which means no-alexithymia. We did not find significant correlations between SSPS-R scores and cognitive variables in both groups (p > 0.22), but we observed a negative association between name abilities and alexithymia, but it does not reach to significance (p = 0.07). However, a significant correlation between SSPS-R score and mood state, assessed using Zerssen Rating Scale, was found in both groups (p = 0.01). Because we did not find a significant difference in the alexithymia assessment between both subject groups, pot hoc analyses were computed for each item of the SSPS-R. We made comparisons of alexithymic responses percentages in each SSPS-R item between AD and control groups, using Fisher’s test. We observed that AD patients produced more alexithymic responses in some items of SSPS-R test than the control group, particularly about difficulties to find the words to describe feelings, as well as difficulties of imagination capacity and externally oriented thinking. The present results do not confirm our hypothesis and they do not support the results of previous studies revealing great alexithymia in AD.

scholarly journals Post-infection cognitive impairments in a cohort of elderly patients with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Hui Liu ◽  
Ye-Ran Wang ◽  
Qing-Hua Wang ◽  
Yang Chen ◽  
Xian Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Post Infection ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Understanding the long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on cognitive function is essential for monitoring the cognitive decline in the elderly population. This study aims to assess the current cognitive status and the longitudinal cognitive decline in elderly patients recovered from COVID-19. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 1539 COVID-19 inpatients aged over 60 years who were discharged from three COVID-19-designated hospitals in Wuhan, China, from February 10 to April 10, 2020. In total, 466 uninfected spouses of COVID-19 patients were selected as controls. The current cognitive status was assessed using a Chinese version of the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status-40 (TICS-40) and the longitudinal cognitive decline was assessed using an Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). Cognitive assessments were performed 6 months after patient discharge. Results Compared with controls, COVID-19 patients had lower TICS-40 scores and higher IQCODE scores [TICS-40 median (IQR): 29 (25 to 32) vs. 30 (26 to 33), p < 0.001; IQCODE median (IQR): 3.19 (3.00 to 3.63) vs. 3.06 (3.00 to 3.38), p < 0.001]. Severe COVID-19 patients had lower TICS-40 scores and higher IQCODE scores than non-severe COVID-19 patients [TICS-40 median (IQR): 24 (18 to 28) vs. 30 (26 to 33), p < 0.001; IQCODE median (IQR): 3.63 (3.13 to 4.31) vs. 3.13 (3.00 to 3.56), p < 0.001] and controls [TICS-40 median (IQR): 24 (18 to 28) vs. 30 (26 to 33), p < 0.001; IQCODE median (IQR) 3.63 (3.13 to 4.31) vs. 3.06 (3.00 to 3.38), p < 0.001]. Severe COVID-19 patients had a higher proportion of cases with current cognitive impairment and longitudinal cognitive decline than non-severe COVID-19 patients [dementia: 25 (10.50 %) vs. 9 (0.69 %), p < 0.001; Mild cognitive impairment (MCI): 60 (25.21 %) vs. 63 (4.84 %), p < 0.001] and controls [dementia: 25 (10.50 %) vs. 0 (0 %), p < 0.001; MCI: 60 (25.21 %) vs. 20 (4.29 %), p < 0.001)]. COVID-19 severity, delirium and COPD were risk factors of current cognitive impairment. Low education level, severe COVID-19, delirium, hypertension and COPD were risk factors of longitudinal cognitive decline. Conclusions Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with an increased risk of long-term cognitive decline in elderly population. COVID-19 patients, especially severe patients, should be intensively monitored for post-infection cognitive decline.

scholarly journals Associations of cognitive condition with nutritional status in an elderly population: an analysis based on a 7-year database in Chongqing, the Southwest of China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wuhan Yu ◽  
Weihua Yu ◽  
Xintong Liu ◽  
Tianchi Wan ◽  
Chenxi Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Short Form ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Attention Problems ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Malnutrition is one of the health problems in the elderly population, which increases the risk of poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the nutritional status and cognitive function of an elderly Chinese population, to explore the association between malnutrition and cognitive condition as well as the cognitive domain.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2365 participants aged 60 years or above from January 2013 to September 2019. We used the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF), and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) to assess the impact of malnutrition on cognitive function. Nutrition-associated factors were analyzed.Results: 33.45% of the participants were identified as malnutrition risk and 5.54% were malnourished, while 36.74% had cognitive impairments. 48.63% had nutritional deficits and 53.65% had cognitive impairment in those over 80 years old. Malnutrition is associated with global cognition (ρ= 0.349, P < 0.0001) and the cognitive domain particularly in orientation (ρ= 0.343, P < 0.0001). The impact was extended to attention and calculation (ρ=0.310, P < 0.0001) as well as language (ρ= 0.302, P < 0.0001) of those over 80 years of age. Malnutrition is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment after adjusting for other variables (OR=2.004, 95% CI: 1.621-2.479).Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition and cognitive impairment was relatively high and increased with age. Malnutrition leads to cognitive decline and disorientation, and also contributes to attention problems, calculation problem and language impairment in the oldest old. Thus, clinicians should assess the nutritional and cognitive status of the elderly regularly to the early dictation and timely intervention.

Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil as Adjunct Therapy in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Nazli Zainuddin ◽  
Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽  
Rosdan Salim
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Coconut Oil ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Nasal Symptom ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Virgin Coconut Oil ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.

Stick Figure and Think, Talk And Write: Integrating Media With Teaching Strategy For A Better Writing Competence

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Eva Sudarwati ◽  
Shynta Amalia
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Strategy ◽  
T Test ◽  
Narrative Writing ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Stick Figure ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
And Control ◽  
Writing Competence

Abstract This study attempts to see the effect of Think, Talk, and Write strategy on the students’ narrative writing competence. Considering the importance of the use of teaching media, this study tries to integrate Stick Figure as a teaching media in Think, Talk, and Write Strategy. A quasi experimental study was conducted to see the improvement of the students’ narrative writing competence. It involved 42 students who were selected on the basis of convenience sampling and assigned into two groups; experimental and control groups. The statistical analyses of paired sample t-test in experimental group showed that there was significant improvement on the students’ writing competence before (M=5.77, SD= 2.342) and after (M= 11.79, SD= 2.342), t(21)=12.059, p<0.05.Moreover, the result of independent t-test between experimental and control groups showed a significant difference. It can be seen that the mean differences was 3.79545 and the significance value is lower than 0.05, 0.000<0.05.

Impact of intrawound vancomycin powder on prevention of surgical site infection after posterior spinal surgery

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Hiroki Ushirozako ◽  
Tomohiko Hasegawa ◽  
Yu Yamato ◽  
Go Yoshida ◽  
Tatsuya Yasuda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Spinal Surgery ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Propensity Score Model ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Surgical Data ◽  
Vancomycin Powder ◽  
Vancomycin Group ◽  
And Control

OBJECTIVESurgical site infection (SSI) after posterior spinal surgery is one of the severe complications that may occur despite administration of prophylactic antibiotics and the use of intraoperative aseptic precautions. The use of intrawound vancomycin powder for SSI prevention is still controversial, with a lack of high-quality and large-scale studies. The purpose of this retrospective study using a propensity score–matched analysis was to clarify whether intrawound vancomycin powder prevents SSI occurrence after spinal surgery.METHODSThe authors analyzed 1261 adult patients who underwent posterior spinal surgery between 2010 and 2018 (mean age 62.3 years; 506 men, 755 women; follow-up period at least 1 year). Baseline and surgical data were assessed. After a preliminary analysis, a propensity score model was established with adjustments for age, sex, type of disease, and previously reported risk factors for SSI. The SSI rates were compared between patients with intrawound vancomycin powder treatment (vancomycin group) and those without (control group).RESULTSIn a preliminary analysis of 1261 unmatched patients (623 patients in the vancomycin group and 638 patients in the control group), there were significant differences between the groups in age (p = 0.041), body mass index (p = 0.013), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (p < 0.001), malnutrition (p = 0.001), revision status (p < 0.001), use of steroids (p = 0.019), use of anticoagulation (p = 0.033), length of surgery (p = 0.003), estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), and use of instrumentation (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in SSI rates between the vancomycin and control groups (21 SSIs [3.4%] vs 33 SSIs [5.2%]; OR 0.640, 95% CI 0.368–1.111; p = 0.114). Using a one-to-one propensity score–matched analysis, 444 pairs of patients from the vancomycin and control groups were selected. There was no significant difference in the baseline and surgical data, except for height (p = 0.046), between both groups. The C-statistic for the propensity score model was 0.702. In the score-matched analysis, 12 (2.7%) and 24 (5.4%) patients in the vancomycin and control groups, respectively, developed SSIs (OR 0.486, 95% CI 0.243–0.972; p = 0.041). There were no systemic complications related to the use of vancomycin.CONCLUSIONSThe current study showed that intrawound vancomycin powder was useful in reducing the risk of SSI after posterior spinal surgery by half, without adverse events. Intrawound vancomycin powder use is a safe and effective procedure for SSI prevention.

Investigation of the Association Between Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) and Cardiac Risk Factors in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
Zahra Rezaieyazdi ◽  
Sima Sedighi ◽  
Masoumeh Salari ◽  
Mohammadreza H. Fard ◽  
Mahmoud R. Azarpazhooh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control

Background: The relationship between SLE and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular events was evaluated. Methods: The data regarding sixty patients with SLE and 30 healthy controls (age and sex matched) were gathered using SLEDAI forms. Venous blood (10mL) from all the participants was examined for hs-CRP, homocysteine, VCAM1, CBC, anti-DNA antibody, C3, C4, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, FBS and triglyceride. : The IMT of carotid arteries was determined bilaterally by ultrasound. Other measurements included insulin levels via Elisa (Linco/Millipore Corp) and the HOMA-IR index for insulin resistance. Results: The mean age (in years) in the test and control groups was 28.8±10.3 (18-52) and 33.8±9.13 (18-48), respectively. Results: The mean age (in years) in the test and control groups was 28.8±10.3 (18-52) and 33.8±9.13 (18-48), respectively. : The average IMT in the test group was directly related to serum levels of VCAM1 (p<0.001), homocysteine (p<0.001), cholesterol (p<0.009), LDL (p<0.001), TG (p<0.001), and FPG (p=0.004). The association between other risk factors, insulin resistance, carotid IMT and SLEDAI, was nonexistent. Mean insulin and insulin resistance levels in all the participants were 0.43±2.06 µU/mL and 0.09±0.44, respectively. There was no significant difference between the test and control groups regarding serum insulin and insulin resistance levels (p=0.42 and p=0.9, respectively). None of the risk factors, such as hsCRP, VCAM1, or homocysteine, were shown to be related to insulin resistance (p=0.6, p=0.6, p=0.09, respectively). Conclusion:: Our findings did not show an increase in the prevalence of atherosclerosis in patients with SLE. There was no association between IMT and insulin resistance. However, the former was associated with FPG, total cholesterol, LDL, TG, homocystein and VCAM1.

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