BDNF, GDNF, NGF and Klotho levels and neurocognitive functions in acute term of schizophrenia

Background Klotho and its relationship with neurotrophic factors and cognition in schizophrenia has not yet been investigated. In this study, the hypothesis that the blood serum levels of BDNF, GDNF, NGF and Klotho in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls would be related to cognitive functions was investigated. Methods In this study, two groups were assessed: schizophrenia patients (case group) who were hospitalised in the Psychiatry Clinic of Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital and healthy volunteers (control group). The patients were evaluated on the 1st and 20th days of their hospitalisation with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the General Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI). For cognitive assessment, both groups were evaluated with the Wechsler Memory Scale-Visual Production Subtest (Wechsler Memory Scale III-Visual Reproduction Subtest) and the Stroop test. Results BDNF, GDNF, NGF and Klotho levels were lower in schizophrenia patients than in healthy controls. In the schizophrenia patients, on the 20th day of treatment, there was a statistically significant increase in BDNF compared to the 1st day of treatment. BDNF, GDNF and Klotho showed positive correlations with some cognitive functions in the healthy controls. BDNF, GDNF, NGF and Klotho levels were intercorrelated and predictive of each other in both groups. Conclusion This study suggests a relationship between cognitive functions, neurotrophic factors and Klotho. Most of the results are the first of their kind in the extant literature, while other results are either similar to or divergent from those generated in previous studies. Therefore, new, enhanced studies are needed to clarify the role of Klotho and neurotrophic factors in schizophrenia.

Statins, Enzyme CoQ10 Supplement Use, and Cognitive Functioning

Objective: The current study assessed the effects of statin and CoQ10 supplement use on changes in cognitive functioning in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention study. Methods: 1,573 subjects were administered medical histories, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Wechsler Memory Scale, Logical Memory subtest, and the Trail Making Test, Parts A (TMT-A) and B (TMT-B) 3-4 times over 5-10 years. Results: Linear mixed models did not yield significant effects for statin or CoQ10 supplement use on changes in mental status, learning and memory, psychomotor speed, and cognitive flexibility. Conclusions: Statin and/or CoQ10 supplement use was not associated with neuropsychological test performance in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention study.

A comparative analysis of the intellectual–mental disorders in patients with brain gliomas and meningiomas after surgical treatment

We performed study of 61 patients with brain glioma and meningioma. The diagnosis of the studied patients was based on clinical and laboratory data, data of radiation and instrumental methods of research. The analysis of patientsquality of life was carried out in the preoperative and early, late postoperative periods. The patient age ranged from 25 to 65 years; the median age was 56,5 year. We used the intelligence tests (Amthauer test (for persons under 60 years), Raven test); memory tests (10 word memorization test, Wechsler memory scale). Results. Regression of mnestic disorders after surgery was found in both groups. Three months after surgery — mnestic disorders were observed in 96.7 % of subjects with glioma, and in 64.5 % — of meningioma. After 3–6 months, the number of patients with high intelligence in both groups increased (from 32.3 % to 45.2 % — in patients with glioma and from 30 % to 40 % among meningioma patients). Conclusion. On examination of intelligence and memory before and resection brain glioma and meningioma, it was found that surgical intervention leads to regression of intellectual and memory impairments. English version of the article on pp. 651-659 is available at URL: https://panor.ru/articles/sravnitelnyy-analiz-intellektualno-mnesticheskikh-narusheniy-u-bolnykh-s-gliomami-i-meningiomami-golovnogo-mozga-posle-operativnogo-lecheniya/70264.html

Reliabilities of WMS–IV Discrepancy Score Comparisons for Subtests, Indexes, and Selected WAIS–IV Composites

This investigation provides internal consistency reliabilities for the Wechsler Memory Scale–Fourth Edition (WMS–IV) subtest and index discrepancy scores using the standardization samples of the Adult and Older Adult batteries. Subtest reliabilities ranged from .00 to .93 for Adults and .25 to .94 for Older Adults. Three of 91 Adult coefficients and three of 24 Older Adult coefficients reached the recommended level (≥ .90). Index reliabilities ranged from .46 to .94 for 100 Adult Battery comparisons and .19 to 93 for 36 Older Adult Battery comparisons. Each battery had 10 coefficients ≥ .90. Ability–memory discrepancies were reported using WAIS–IV VCI, PRI, WMI, and GAI as intelligence standards. Ability–memory comparisons for the Adult Battery ranged from .82 to .93 with 12 of 20 comparisons ≥ .90; Older Adult Battery reliabilities ranged from .85 to .94 with six of 16 comparisons ≥ .90. In terms of discrepancy score reliabilities, the WMS–IV represents a marked improvement over the WMS–III.

Fluid Cognitive Abilities Are Important for Learning and Retention of a New, Explicitly Learned Walking Pattern in Individuals After Stroke

Background There is significant variability in poststroke locomotor learning that is poorly understood and affects individual responses to rehabilitation interventions. Cognitive abilities relate to upper extremity motor learning in neurologically intact adults, but have not been studied in poststroke locomotor learning. Objective To understand the relationship between locomotor learning and retention and cognition after stroke. Methods Participants with chronic (>6 months) stroke participated in 3 testing sessions. During the first session, participants walked on a treadmill and learned a new walking pattern through visual feedback about their step length. During the second session, participants walked on a treadmill and 24-hour retention was assessed. Physical and cognitive tests, including the Fugl-Meyer-Lower Extremity (FM-LE), Fluid Cognition Composite Score (FCCS) from the NIH Toolbox -Cognition Battery, and Spatial Addition from the Wechsler Memory Scale-IV, were completed in the third session. Two sequential regression models were completed: one with learning and one with retention as the dependent variables. Age, physical impairment (ie, FM-LE), and cognitive measures (ie, FCCS and Spatial Addition) were the independent variables. Results Forty-nine and 34 participants were included in the learning and retention models, respectively. After accounting for age and FM-LE, cognitive measures explained a significant portion of variability in learning ( R2 = 0.17, P = .008; overall model R2 = 0.31, P = .002) and retention (Δ R2 = 0.17, P = .023; overall model R2 = 0.44, P = .002). Conclusions Cognitive abilities appear to be an important factor for understanding locomotor learning and retention after stroke. This has significant implications for incorporating locomotor learning principles into the development of personalized rehabilitation interventions after stroke.

WHAT IS NORMAL COGNITIVE AGING?

При помощи Адденбрукской когнитивной шкалы (ACE-III), теста Струпа (ТС), Шкалы памяти Векслера (WMS) и Батареи лобной дисфункции (FAB) нами были обследованы 44 респондента практически здоровой «возрастной нормы» 52-95 лет. В зависимости от возраста выборка была разделена на две группы - в 1-ю вошли лица младше 65 лет (64 года включительно), 2-ю составили испытуемые старше 65 лет. Статистически достоверные различия результатов обследования респондентов двух групп посредством ACE-III обнаружены по показателю память и общему баллу методики, при этом по мере увеличения возраста снижался уровень показателей когнитивного функционирования, измеренных посредством ACE-III. Результаты сравнения данных обследования при помощи ТС свидетельствуют о снижении темпа работы в условиях нагрузки и ослаблении гибкости организации мыслительной деятельности и концентрации внимания, а также о повышенной интерференции у лиц старшей возрастной группы, обследованной нами. Корреляционный анализ данных ТС и возраста обследованных показал, что с возрастом происходит снижение когнитивного контроля над обработкой информации, нарастают интерферирующие воздействия, снижается точность и темп деятельности, а сама деятельность становится более ригидной. Результаты корреляционного анализа показателей WMS и возраста продемонстрировали снижение уровня психического контроля над деятельностью, ухудшение памяти в зрительной модальности, нарастание снижения оперативной памяти по мере его увеличения. По мере старения у обследованных здоровых испытуемых обнаружено ухудшение лобных (регуляторных) функций, оцененных при помощи FAB. Using the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE-III), the Stroop Test (ST), the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), we examined 44 respondents of an almost healthy «age norm» from 52 to 95 years old. Depending on age, the sample was divided into 2 groups, the first group included people under the age of 65 years (64 years old inclusive), the second group consisted of subjects over 65 years old. Statistically significant differences in the results of the survey of respondents of the two groups by the ACE-III were found in Memory and Total score indicators, while the level of cognitive functioning measured by the ACE-III decreased with age. The results of comparing the survey data using the Stroop Test indicate a decrease in the pace of work under load conditions and a weakening in the flexibility of organization of mental activity and concentration of attention, as well as increased interference in individuals of a more age group examined by us. Correlation analysis of the Stroop test data and the age of the examined showed cognitive control over information processing decreases, interfering influences increase, accuracy and pace of activity decrease, and the activity itself becomes more rigidas age increases. The results of the correlation analysis of the indicators of the WMS and age demonstrated a decrease in the level of mental control over activity, a deterioration of memory in the visual modality, and a progressive working memory reduction as age increases. With the growth of age, a decrease in frontal (executive) functions of healthy subjects, evaluated by the FAB, was found.

A Pilot Study to Examine Psychological and Neuropsychological Outcomes and a Novel Detoxification Program for Gulf War Illness

ABSTRACT Introduction Exposures to environmental toxins have been associated with severe health problems for approximately one-quarter of the nearly 700,000 U.S. soldiers who served in the Gulf War between the years 1990 and 1991. Gulf War illness still affects about 30% of Gulf War veterans (GWV), causing reduced psychological wellness and neuropsychological function. Method and Materials This pilot study used a randomized wait-list control design to explore the feasibility and efficacy of a novel detoxification method for GWV exposed to toxicants such as pesticides, nerve gases, and pyridostigmine bromide. Our study included 32 GWV (67% male), with a mean age of 51 (range: 43-70, SD = 6.97), who participated in a 4- to 5-week treatment that was hypothesized to reduce the reported psychological and neuropsychological symptoms. Psychological measures used included tests given for the evaluation of neurocognitive function, including motor function for a dominant hand with the grooved pegboard test; verbal and visual immediate and delayed memory with the Wechsler Memory Scale III abbreviated subtests; executive function domains of attention, speed, and mental flexibility with trail making test parts A and B and Stroop color and word test. Psychological status was measured using the nine subscales of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Results Primary outcomes included between-group differences in self-reported psychological measures and a neuropsychological battery at 7-day and 3-month assessments. Baseline comparison revealed improvements in 16 of 19 psychological and neuropsychological measures at 7-day assessment and that 13 remained stable at 3-month assessment. Conclusions We conclude that the detoxification procedure provided improvement in psychological and cognitive function for GWV and that future study is warranted.