scholarly journals Severe Dementia Predicts Weight Loss by the Time of Death

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Maria M. Ciciliati ◽  
Izabela Ono Adriazola ◽  
Daniela Souza Farias-Itao ◽  
Carlos Augusto Pasqualucci ◽  
Renata Elaine Paraizo Leite ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Late Life ◽  
Time Of Death ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Clinical Dementia Rating ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Autopsy Examination ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Normal Cognition ◽  
Full Body

Background: Body mass index (BMI) in midlife is associated with dementia. However, the association between BMI and late-life obesity is controversial. Few studies have investigated the association between BMI and cognitive performance near the time of death using data from autopsy examination. We aimed to investigate the association between BMI and dementia in deceased individuals who underwent a full-body autopsy examination.Methods: Weight and height were measured before the autopsy exam. Cognitive function before death was investigated using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale. The cross-sectional association between BMI and dementia was investigated using linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical variables.Results: We included 1,090 individuals (mean age 69.5 ± 13.5 years old, 46% women). Most participants (56%) had a normal BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), and the prevalence of dementia was 16%. Twenty-four percent of the sample had cancer, including 76 cases diagnosed only by the autopsy examination. Moderate and severe dementia were associated with lower BMI compared with participants with normal cognition in fully adjusted models (moderate: β = −1.92, 95% CI = −3.77 to −0.06, p = 0.042; severe: β = −2.91, 95% CI = −3.97 to −1.86, p < 0.001).Conclusion: BMI was associated with moderate and severe dementia in late life, but we did not find associations of BMI with less advanced dementia stages.

Abstract P010: Mid-life Vitamin D Levels and Later Life Performance on Neuropsychological Testing: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwaseun E Fashanu ◽  
Di Zhao ◽  
Andrea L Schneider ◽  
Andreea M Rawlings ◽  
Richey A Sharrett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Age Range

Background: Prior cross-sectional studies among older adults have found associations between low vitamin D (vitD) levels and reduced cognitive performance but were unable to distinguish the temporal order between vitD and the onset of dementia. We examined the association between mid-life vitD levels, assessed by serum 25-hydroxyvitD, with later life performance on neuropsychological testing. Methods: We conducted a non-concurrent cross-sectional analysis of 5,887 white and black participants enrolled in the ARIC Neurocognitive Study. We included participants who had serum vitD concentrations measured at visit 2 (1990-1992; age range 47-69 years) and who had neuropsychological and functional testing at visit 5 (2011-2013; age range 67-91 years). Neuropsychological tests were grouped into memory, language, and executive function domains and were standardized. We categorized vitD using clinical cut points as deficient (<20 ng/mL), intermediate (20-<30 ng/mL), or sufficient (≥ 30 ng/mL). We used Poisson and linear regression models adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic factors to examine the associations between vitD with prevalent dementia and performance on neuropsychological testing. Results: In mid-life, the mean (SD) age of participants was 56 (5) years, 60% were female, and 22% black. Mean (SD) vitD was 24.6 (8.4) ng/mL; 30% had deficient, 46% intermediate, and 24% sufficient vitD levels. Compared to participants with sufficient vitD levels, the prevalence ratios (95% CI) of late-life dementia were 1.35 (0.99, 1.84) and 1.27 (0.90, 1.80) for participants with intermediate and deficient vitD levels, respectively. We found no significant association between mid-life vitD and late-life performance on neuropsychological testing ( Table ). Further adjustments for cardiovascular, genetic, and metabolic factors yielded similar results. Conclusion: In this cohort, mid-life serum vitD levels were not associated with prevalent dementia or with performance on neuropsychological testing 20 years later.

scholarly journals Physical Activity in Severe Dementia Is Associated With Agitation Rather Than Cognitive Function

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 153331751987139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daiki Ishimaru ◽  
Hiroyuki Tanaka ◽  
Yuma Nagata ◽  
Shinichi Takabatake ◽  
Takashi Nishikawa
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Clinical Dementia Rating ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Moderate Dementia

Background: The authors examined associations between physical activity, cognitive function, activities of daily living, and behavioral and psychological dementia symptoms (BPSD) in severe and moderate dementia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess severe and moderate dementia groups according to the Clinical Dementia Rating. An actigraphy measured physical activity. Other measures included Mini-Mental State Examination, Cognitive Test for Severe Dementia, Hyogo Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home. Results: Sixty-three participants were assessed (mean age = 89.3 ± 6.4). Physical activity was not associated with cognitive function among participants with severe dementia, although there was a trend-level association with cognitive function among those with moderate dementia. Physical activity was significantly associated with BPSD, specifically agitation/aggression symptoms, for participants with severe dementia, and there was a trend-level association with anxiety for participants with moderate dementia. Conclusions: Physical activity appears to be associated with BPSD among individuals in the advanced stages of dementia.

scholarly journals Linearity of Age at Cancer Onset Worldwide: 25-Year Population-Based Cancer Registry Study

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 5589
Author(s):  
Ettore Bidoli ◽  
Elda Lamaj ◽  
Tiziana Angelin ◽  
Ornella Forgiarini ◽  
Emilia De Santis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Incidence ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cancer Registries ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Population Ageing ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Using Data ◽  
One Year

Background The linear association between median age at cancer onset and median age of the underlying population has been described only for breast cancer. We quantified the shape and strength of such association for 20 cancer types using data from all population-based cancer registries (CRs) worldwide. Methods The patients’ median age at cancer onset and of the underlying population were extracted from all CRs listed in volumes VI (1983–1987 years) and XI (2008–2012 years) of Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. The association was assessed at cross-sectional level by linear regression models and longitudinally considering only the long-standing CRs active throughout the study period (i.e., 25-year span). Results During 2008–2012, each one-year increase in median population ageing was associated in men with a nearly half year increase of median age at onset of all cancers, but skin; and a 2/3 year increase in women. Variance explained by linear model was around 60%. In long-standing CRs a decrease in median age at cancer onset was observed for prostate and cervical cancers throughout the 25-year span. Conclusions Population ageing reflected 60% of the median age at cancer onset. Misinterpretation of peaks of cancer incidence in specific age groups may be avoided by examining population pyramids.

Prevalence and Severity of Dementia in Nursing Home Residents

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 166-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Sofie Helvik ◽  
Knut Engedal ◽  
Jūratė Šaltytė Benth ◽  
Geir Selbæk
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Unit Length ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Clinical Dementia Rating ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Severity Of Dementia ◽  
Single Men

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the presence and severity of dementia in two large cross-sectional samples of nursing home residents from 2004/2005 and 2010/2011. Methods: Demographic information as well as data on the type of nursing home unit, length of stay before assessment, physical health, regularly used prescribed drugs and Clinical Dementia Rating scale scores were used in the analyses. Logistic and linear regression models for hierarchical data were estimated. Results: The odds of the occurrence and of a greater severity of dementia were higher in 2010/2011 than in 2004/2005. Independent of the time of study, married men had more severe dementia than single men, and single women had more severe dementia than single men. Conclusion: The findings may reflect the increase in the need for more nursing home beds designed for people with dementia between 2004/2005 and 2010/2011.

Classifying Disfluencies in Preschool- and School-Age Spanish–English Bilinguals Who Do Not Stutter: An Exploratory Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-130
Author(s):  
Raúl Rojas ◽  
Farzan Irani
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Total Percentage ◽  
Narrative Production ◽  
Language Measures ◽  
Mean Length Of Utterance

Purpose This exploratory study examined the language skills and the type and frequency of disfluencies in the spoken narrative production of Spanish–English bilingual children who do not stutter. Method A cross-sectional sample of 29 bilingual students (16 boys and 13 girls) enrolled in grades prekindergarten through Grade 4 produced a total of 58 narrative retell language samples in English and Spanish. Key outcome measures in each language included the percentage of normal (%ND) and stuttering-like (%SLD) disfluencies, percentage of words in mazes (%MzWds), number of total words, number of different words, and mean length of utterance in words. Results Cross-linguistic, pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences with medium effect sizes for %ND and %MzWds (both lower for English) as well as for number of different words (lower for Spanish). On average, the total percentage of mazed words was higher than 10% in both languages, a pattern driven primarily by %ND; %SLDs were below 1% in both languages. Multiple linear regression models for %ND and %SLD in each language indicated that %MzWds was the primary predictor across languages beyond other language measures and demographic variables. Conclusions The findings extend the evidence base with regard to the frequency and type of disfluencies that can be expected in bilingual children who do not stutter in grades prekindergarten to Grade 4. The data indicate that %MzWds and %ND can similarly index the normal disfluencies of bilingual children during narrative production. The potential clinical implications of the findings from this study are discussed.

Diagnostics of metal samples using the results of experimental and theoretical study of positively charged microparticles formed upon sample destruction

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (10) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
D. A. Golentsov ◽  
A. G. Gulin ◽  
Vladimir A. Likhter ◽  
K. E. Ulybyshev
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Material Model ◽  
Total Charge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Mechanical And Electrical Properties ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Using Data

Destruction of bodies is accompanied by formation of both large and microscopic fragments. Numerous experiments on the rupture of different samples show that those fragments carry a positive electric charge. his phenomenon is of interest from the viewpoint of its potential application to contactless diagnostics of the early stage of destruction of the elements in various technical devices. However, the lack of understanding the nature of this phenomenon restricts the possibility of its practical applications. Experimental studies were carried out using an apparatus that allowed direct measurements of the total charge of the microparticles formed upon sample rupture and determination of their size and quantity. The results of rupture tests of duralumin and electrical steel showed that the size of microparticles is several tens of microns, the particle charge per particle is on the order of 10–14 C, and their amount can be estimated as the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the sample at the point of discontinuity to the square of the microparticle size. A model of charge formation on the microparticles is developed proceeding from the experimental data and current concept of the electron gas in metals. The model makes it possible to determine the charge of the microparticle using data on the particle size and mechanical and electrical properties of the material. Model estimates of the total charge of particles show order-of-magnitude agreement with the experimental data.

Folate Nutritional Status among Psoriasis Patients not Exposed to Antifolate Drug

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-553
Author(s):  
Luciana Y. Tomita ◽  
Andréia C. da Costa ◽  
Solange Andreoni ◽  
Luiza K.M. Oyafuso ◽  
Vânia D’Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Folate Intake ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Folic Acid Fortification ◽  
Plasma Folate ◽  
Psoriasis Severity

Background: Folic acid fortification program has been established to prevent tube defects. However, concern has been raised among patients using anti-folate drug, i.e. psoriatic patients, a common, chronic, autoimmune inflammatory skin disease associated with obesity and smoking. Objective: To investigate dietary and circulating folate, vitamin B12 (B12) and homocysteine (hcy) in psoriatic subjects exposed to the national mandatory folic acid fortification program. Methods: Cross-sectional study using the Food Frequency Questionnaire, plasma folate, B12, hcy and psoriasis severity using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Median, interquartile ranges (IQRs) and linear regression models were conducted to investigate factors associated with plasma folate, B12 and hcy. Results: 82 (73%) mild psoriasis, 18 (16%) moderate and 12 (11%) severe psoriasis. 58% female, 61% non-white, 31% former smokers, and 20% current smokers. Median (IQRs) were 51 (40, 60) years. Only 32% reached the Estimated Average Requirement of folate intake. Folate and B12 deficiencies were observed in 9% and 6% of the blood sample respectively, but hyperhomocysteinaemia in 21%. Severity of psoriasis was negatively correlated with folate and B12 concentrations. In a multiple linear regression model, folate intake contributed positively to 14% of serum folate, and negative predictors were psoriasis severity, smoking habits and saturated fatty acid explaining 29% of circulating folate. Conclusion: Only one third reached dietary intake of folate, but deficiencies of folate and B12 were low. Psoriasis severity was negatively correlated with circulating folate and B12. Stopping smoking and a folate rich diet may be important targets for managing psoriasis.

scholarly journals Social Engagement and Episodic Memory in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 343-343
Author(s):  
Abbey Hamlin ◽  
A Zarina Kraal ◽  
Laura Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Social engagement may confer cognitive benefits in older adulthood, but studies have typically been restricted to largely non-Hispanic White (NHW) samples. Levels of social engagement vary across race such that NHW report larger social networks, more frequent participation in social activities, and greater social support than non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). Associations between social engagement and cognition may also vary by race, but research is sparse. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between different aspects of social engagement and episodic memory performance, as well as interactions between social engagement and race among NHB and NHW participants in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (N = 247; 48.4% NHB; age = 64.19 ± 2.92). Social engagement (network size, activities, support) was self-reported. Episodic memory was a z-score composite of immediate, delayed, and recognition trials of a list-learning task. Separate hierarchical linear regression models quantified interactions between race and each of the three social engagement variables on episodic memory, controlling for sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. Results showed a main effect of more frequent social activity on better episodic memory, as well as an interaction between race and social support indicating a significant positive association in NHB but not NHW. These preliminary findings suggest that participating in social activities may be equally beneficial for episodic memory across NHB and NHW older adults and that social support may be particularly beneficial for NHB. Future research is needed to determine the potential applications of these results in reducing cognitive inequalities through the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

scholarly journals Burnout Determinants among Nurses Working in Palliative Care during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3358
Author(s):  
José Vítor Gonçalves ◽  
Luísa Castro ◽  
Guilhermina Rêgo ◽  
Rui Nunes
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Perceived Health Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
National Network ◽  
Work Related ◽  
High Level

Nurses working in palliative care are at risk of burnout. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was used to determine burnout levels of nurses working in the Portuguese national network of palliative care. We evaluated the contribution of personal, work, and COVID-19 variables in three burnout subclasses: personal, work, and patient-related. A cross-sectional, exploratory, and quantitative design was employed and participants were sampled using convenience and snowball technique. An online survey was conducted and 153 nurses participated in our study. Socio-demographic characterization was conducted, levels of burnout and determinants were explored through multiple linear regression models for its three dimensions. High levels of personal, working, and patient burnout were present in 71 (46%), 68 (44%), and 33 nurses (22%), respectively. Most of them agreed that COVID-19 had an impact on their activities. Significant personal and work related burnout factors found were specialization in palliative care, self-perceived health status, unit type, weekly hours of work, and allocation to COVID-19 units. Gender was found to be a significant factor in patient-related burnout. There is a high level of burnout among nurses working in the Portuguese national network of palliative care. Measures for identification and mitigation of burnout are necessary to protect health care professionals.

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