Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet Research Articles

Correlation analysis between subtest scores of CERAD-K and a newly developed tablet computer-based digital cognitive test (Inbrain CST).

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias is increasing; therefore, identifying individuals at risk for dementia is crucial. Traditional neuropsychological assessments are expensive and time-consuming; however, computerized cognitive testing is becoming popular in clinical and research settings, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the computerized cognitive test, Inbrain cognitive screening test (CST), and the traditional neuropsychological battery, the consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer's disease assessment packet (CERAD-K). We enrolled 166 participants from five districts in Republic of Korea, including cognitively unimpaired individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosed by experienced neurologists. We used the Inbrain CST and CERAD-K to evaluate the cognitive function of the participants, and the scores of each subtest of the Inbrain CST and CERAD-K were compared. A significant correlation was found between the Inbrain CST and CERAD-K subtests. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between the Inbrain CST and the CERAD-K test pairs after adjusting for age, educational level, and sex. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the Inbrain CST is a reliable tool for detecting cognitive impairment in cognitively unimpaired individuals and patients with MCI, because it has a high correlation and agreement with CERAD-K. Therefore, the Inbrain CST can be a useful, time-efficient, and cost-effective computer-based cognitive test for individuals at risk for cognitive impairment.

Effect of Tablet-based Cognitive Intervention on Cognition in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study.

Growing evidence has shown that cognitive interventions can mitigate cognitive decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, most previous cognitive interventions have been group-based programs. Due to their intrinsic limitations, group-based programs are not widely used in clinical practice. Therefore, we have developed a tablet-based cognitive intervention program. This preliminary study investigated the feasibility and effects of a 12-week structured tablet-based program on cognitive function in patients with MCI. We performed a single-arm study on 24 patients with MCI. The participants underwent a tablet-based cognitive intervention program 5 times a week over a 12-week period. The primary outcome was changes in cognitive function, measured using the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD-K). Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, within two weeks of the last program (post-intervention), and at the six-month follow-up session. The completion rate of the tablet-based program was 83.3% in patients with MCI. The program improved cognitive function based on the CERAD-K total score (p=0.026), which was maintained for at least three months (p=0.004). There was also an improvement in the depression scale score (p=0.002), which persisted for three months (p=0.027). Our 12-week structured tablet-based program is feasible for patients with MCI. Furthermore, although further studies with a double-arm design are required, the program appears to be an effective strategy to prevent cognitive decline in patients with MCI.

Geriatric assessment predicts nonfatal toxicities and survival for intensively treated older adults with AML

AbstractGiven that there are only a few prospective studies with conflicting results, we investigated the prognostic value of multiparameter geriatric assessment (GA) domains on tolerance and outcomes after intensive chemotherapy in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In all, 105 newly diagnosed patients with AML who were older than age 60 years and who received intensive chemotherapy consisting of cytarabine and idarubicin were enrolled prospectively. Pretreatment GA included evaluations for social and nutritional support, cognition, depression, distress, and physical function. The median age was 64 years (range, 60-75 years), and 93% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score <2. Between 32.4% and 69.5% of patients met the criteria for impairment for each domain of GA. Physical impairment by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and cognitive dysfunction by the Mini-Mental State Examination in the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) Assessment Packet (MMSE-KC) were significantly associated with nonfatal toxicities, including grade 3 to 4 infections (SPPB, P = .024; MMSE-KC, P = .044), acute renal failure (SPPB, P = .013), and/or prolonged hospitalization (≥40 days) during induction chemotherapy (MMSE-KC, P = .005). Reduced physical function by SPPB and depressive symptoms by the Korean version of the short form of geriatric depression scales (SGDS-K) were significantly associated with inferior survival (SPPB, P = .027; SGDS-K, P = .048). Gait speed and sit-and-stand speed were the most powerful measurements for predicting survival outcomes. Notably, the addition of SPPB and SGDS-K, gait speed and SGDS-K, or sit-and-stand speed and SGDS-K significantly improved the power of existing survival prediction models. In conclusion, GA improved risk stratification for treatment decisions and may inform interventions to improve outcomes for older adults with AML. This study was registered at the Clinical Research Information Service as #KCT0002172.

Loss of Functional Dentition is Associated with Cognitive Impairment.

Although tooth loss is known to increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, few studies have investigated the association between functional teeth including rehabilitated lost teeth and cognitive functionObjective:We investigated the associations of the numbers of functional teeth and functional occlusal units with cognitive impairment and cognitive function in late life. The current study was conducted as a part of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia (KLOSCAD), a community-based elderly cohort study. We analyzed 411 participants who have agreed with the additional dental exam. Geriatric psychiatrists and neuropsychologists administered the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease Assessment Packet Clinical and Neuropsychological Assessment Battery to all participants, and dentists examined their dental status. Higher number of functional teeth (OR = 0.955, 95% CI = 0.914-0.997, p = 0.037) and higher number of functional occlusal units (OR = 0.900, 95% CI = 0.813-0.996, p = 0.042) were associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment. When we analyzed these relationships separated by the location of teeth, only the numbers of functional teeth (OR = 0.566, 95% CI = 0.373-0.857, p = 0.007) and functional occlusal units (OR = 0.399, 95% CI = 0.213-0.748, p = 0.004) in the premolar area were associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment. Loss of functional teeth and functional occlusal units (especially in the premolar region) were associated with increased cognitive impairment.

Changes in the Hippocampal Volume and Shape in Early-Onset Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the change in the hippocampal volume and shape in early-onset mild cognitive impairment (EO-MCI) associated with the APOE ε4 carrier state. Methods This study had 50 subjects aged 55–63 years, all of whom were diagnosed with MCI at baseline via the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Packet. The EO-MCI patients were divided into the MCI continued (MCIcont) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) converted (ADconv) groups 2 years later. The hippocampal volume and shape were measured for all the subjects. The local shape analysis (LSA) was used to conduct based on the 2-year-interval magnetic resonance imaging scans. Results There was a significant correlation between APOE ε4 allele and hippocampal volume atrophy. Over two years, the volume reduction in the left hippocampus was found to be faster than that in the right hippocampus, especially in the APOE ε4 carriers. LSA showed that the 2 subfields were significantly affected in the left hippocampus. Conclusion These results suggest that the possession of APOE ε4 allele may lead to greater predilection for left hippocampal atrophy in EO-MCI, and some specific subfields of the hippocampus may be more prominently involved.

The effect of exercise combined with a cognitive-enhancement group training program on cognition and depression in the community-dwelling elderly.

[Purpose] In this study, we investigated the effects of combining exercise with a cognitive-enhancement group program on cognition and depression in a group of community-dwelling elderly people. [Subjects and Methods] The study’s subjects consisted of 30 community-dwelling elderly people of both genders, whose average age was 78 years. They participated in a program of physical exercise combined with a cognitive-enhancement group training program. This consisted of sessions lasting 60 minutes that took place once a week over 3 months. To assess the participants’ levels of cognition and depression, we conducted batteries of tests using, respectively, the Korean versions of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease assessment packet (CERAD-K) and the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF). [Results] The Verbal Fluency test, Word List Memory test, Modified Boston Naming test, Mini Mental Status Examination (Korean Version) (MMSE-KC), Constructional Praxis task and Constructional Recall task showed significant improvement, but improvement in the Word List Recall and Word List Recognition tests did not achieve significant levels. Meanwhile, the symptoms of depression were shown to decrease significantly. [Conclusion] Physical exercise combined with a cognitive-enhancement group training program was effective in improving, some of the components of cognition, as well as alleviating depression. This program should be used for the prevention of dementia in community-dwelling elderly, through the intervention should be complemented in order to improve more of the components of cognition.

The Correlations among Depressive Symptoms, Cognitive Performance and Serum BDNF Levels in the Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Objective In the current study, we investigated whether there are relations among depressive symptoms, cognitive performance and serum BDNF levels in the patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods Sixty patients with CKD and 65 healthy controls participated. Depressive symptoms were evaluated with Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Mini-Mental State Examination included in the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s disease (MMSE-KC) assessment packet was used for the evaluation of overall cognitive function. To assess memory function, the Korean version of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (K-HVLT) was used. BDNF levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results The CKD patients showed more depressive symptoms when compared with controls. The depressive symptoms and cognitive function were not associated with serum BDNF levels in the CKD patients. Conclusion In the current study, CKD patients had more depressive symptoms when compared controls. However, the serum BDNF levels of CKD patients were not associated with depressive symptoms and cognitive functions. These findings suggested that the serum BDNF levels may not be reflect the cognitive function and depressive mood state in the CKD patients.

A Comparison of the Severe Cognitive Impairment Rating Scale With the Mini-Mental State Examination and Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 for Delirium: A Cross-sectional Study

Cognitive impairment including attention deficits, disorientation, memory impairment, language disturbance, and impaired visuospatial ability are core symptoms of delirium. The Severe Cognitive Impairment Rating Scale (SCIRS) was developed to assess cognition in patients with severe dementia, but may also be useful in elderly people with delirium. We investigated the use of the SCIRS to assess cognition in elderly patients with delirium. We recruited 147 participants, aged ≥65 years, referred for psychiatric consultation at a tertiary-care university hospital. The diagnosis and severity of delirium were assessed using the Korean version of the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (K-DRS-98). Cognitive function was assessed using the SCIRS and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) Assessment Packet (MMSE-KC). There was a strong correlation of SCIRS scores with K-DRS-98 cognition domain (r = -0.796), severity scores (r = -0.742), total scores (r = -0.734), and the MMSE-KC (r = 0.905). Analysis of variance incorporating the severity of delirium suggested that while the MMSE showed a floor effect, the SCIRS could discriminate between moderate and severe delirium. The SCIRS is a useful instrument to assess cognitive function in elderly patients with moderate to severe delirium.

Effects of Education on Differential Item Functioning on the 15-Item Modified Korean Version of the Boston Naming Test.

ObjectiveEducation is expected to have an effect on differential item functioning (DIF) on the 15-item Modified Boston Naming Test in the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (BNT-KC). However, no study has examined DIF in the BNT-KC.MethodsWe used the item response theory to investigate the impact of education on the DIF in the BNT-KC among elderly individuals with or without dementia (n=720). A two-parameter item response model was used to determine the difficulty and discrimination parameters of each item. The Benjamini-Hochberg procedure was used to address the risk of Type I errors on multiple testing.ResultsFour items, “mermaid,” “acorn,” “compass,” and “pomegranate” continued to demonstrate DIF after controlling for multiple comparisons. Those with low education levels were more likely to error on “mermaid” and “compass,” while those with high education levels were more likely to error on “acorn” and “pomegranate.” “Hand” and “red pepper” were too easily identified to be used for detecting dementia patients. “Monk's hat” and “pomegranate” were less discriminating than other items, limiting their usefulness in clinical setting.ConclusionThese findings may provide useful information for the development of a revised version of the BNT-KC to help clinicians make diagnostic decisions more accurately.

The role of depression in the insomnia of people with subjective memory impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia in a community sample of elderly individuals in South Korea.

This study investigates the relationship between insomnia and cognitive dysfunctions including, subjective memory impairment (SMI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia, by considering depression in a community sample of elderly individuals. Data for 1,740 elderly individuals aged 65 years and over were obtained from a nationwide dementia epidemiological study conducted in South Korea. Cognitive functional status was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet Clinical Assessment Battery. Insomnia was defined as the presence of at least one of the four sleep complaints (difficulty in initiating sleep, difficulty in maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, and non-restorative sleep), accompanied by moderate to severe daytime consequences. Depression was evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale. The prevalence of insomnia in the patients with SMI, MCI, and dementia was found to be 23.2%, 19.6%, and 31.0%, respectively. The patients with SMI, MCI, and dementia were significantly more likely to have insomnia and the four sleep complaints than the normal comparison patients. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, the significant relationships between cognitive dysfunctional status and insomnia remained. However, after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and depression, no significant relationships with any of the sleep complaints or insomnia remained. Insomnia is a very common complaint in the elderly with SMI, MCI, and dementia. Depression might play an important factor in the relationship between insomnia and cognitive dysfunctional status in the elderly.

A Comparative Study of Computerized Memory Test and The Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet for Assessing Memory Function in the Elderly.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the concurrent validity of a newly developed computerized memory diagnostic system (MDS) with the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD-K).MethodsSubtests of the MDS and CERAD-K, including the auditory-verbal, visuo-spatial, and working memory tests, were administered to 43 adults aged 60 to 74 years. We calculated the correlations between the subtest scores of the MDS and CERAD-K to examine the concurrent validity of the MDS.ResultsWe found significant correlations between the subtest scores in the verbal-auditory memory, including immediate recall, delayed recall, and delayed recognition. The working memory subtest scores between the MDS and CERAD-K also showed a significant positive correlation.ConclusionWe verified the concurrent validity of the memory subtests in the MDS for the elderly. The results of the present study suggest that the MDS could be a valuable tool for an efficient and valid assessment of memory function.

Impact of White Matter Lesions on Depression in the Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

ObjectiveComorbid depression is common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). An increase in white matter lesions (WMLs) has been associated with depression in both elderly individuals with normal cognition and patients with Alzheimer's disease. We investigated whether the severity and location of WMLs influence the association between WMLs and comorbid depression in AD.MethodsWe enrolled 93 AD patients from Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. We administered both the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory (MINI) and the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD-K) clinical and neuropsychological battery. Subjects also underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We diagnosed AD according to the criteria of the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association. We diagnosed depressive disorders according to the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, and evaluated the severity of depressive symptoms using the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-K). We quantified the WML volumes from the brain MRI using a fully automated segmentation algorithm.ResultsThe log of the WML volume in the frontal lobe was significantly associated with depressive disorders (odds ratio=1.905, 95% CI=1.027-3.533, p=0.041), but not with the severity of depressive symptoms as measured by the GDS-K.ConclusionThe WML volume in the frontal lobe conferred a risk of comorbid depressive disorders in AD, which implies that comorbid depression in AD may be attributed to vascular causes.

노인 하지불안증후군에서의 인지기능 저하

목 적: 하지불안증후군에서의 인지기능 저하는 흔히 동반되는 수면박탈, 불안, 우울 등에 의해 영향을 받는다. 본 연구의 목적은 투약 받지 않고 있는 한국 노인 인구에서 하지불안증후군과 인지기능 저하와의 관련성을 동반 증상의 영향을 배제하고 살펴보는 것이다. 방 법: 연구대상은 25명의 투약 받고 있지 않은 한국 노인 하지불안증후군 환자군과 나이, 성별, 교육연한에 따라 짝지은 50명의 대조군이다. 모든 연구대상에 대해 CERAD-K 신경심리평가, 중증인지감퇴평가 척도, 전두엽 기능 평가, 그리고 시계 그리기 검사(CLOX)를 포함한 광범위한 인지기능 평가를 시행하였다. 또한 수면의 질 평가를 위해 피츠버그 수면의 질 지수(Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), 우울증의 평가를 위해 노인우울척도(Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS)를 사용하였다. 결 과: 환자군과 대조군 사이의 PSQI와 GDS 점수의 차이는 없었다. 구성 재인 검사에서 환자군이 대조군에 비해 더 낮은 점수를 보였으며(t=-2.384, p=0.02), 이를 제외한 모든 영역의 인지기능 평가에서 환자군과 대조군의 유의미한 차이는 관찰되지 않았다. 우울감이 있는 대상(<TEX>$GDS{\geq}10$</TEX>)은 그렇지 않은 군에 비해 언어 유창성, 간이 정신상태 검사, 단어목록기억, 길 만들기 검사, 전두엽 기능 평가의 영역에서 유의한 인지기능 저하를 보였다. 수면의 질이 낮은 대상(PSQI>5)은 그렇지 않은 군에 비해 인지기능 평가의 전 영역에서 차이를 보이지 않았다. 결 론: 본 연구에서 하지불안증후군 환자군을 대조군과 비교한 결과 환자군은 불면과 우울의 영향을 배제하면 비교적 인지기능이 보존된 것으로 관찰되었다. 환자군에서 관찰되었던 시각 인지 영역의 저하는 하지불안증후군에서의 도파민 신경전달계의 장애와 연관하여 해석해 볼 수 있다. Objectives: Cognitive impairment in restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients can be affected by sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression, which are common in RLS. The objective of this study is to investigate relationship between cognitive impairment and RLS in the non-medicated Korean elderly with controlling for psychiatric conditions. Method: The study sample for this study comprised 25 non-medicated Korean elderly RLS patients and 50 age-, sex-, and education- matched controls. All subjects were evaluated with comprehensive cognitive function assessment tools- including the Korean version of Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD-K), severe cognitive impairment rating scale (SCIRS), frontal assessment battery (FAB), and clock drawing test (CLOX). Sleep quality and depression were also assessed with Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and geriatric depression scale (GDS). Results: PSQI and GDS score showed no difference between RLS and control group. There was no significant difference between two groups in nearly all the cognitive function except in constructional recognition test, in which subjects with RLS showed lower performance than control group (t=-2.384, p=0.02). Subjects with depression (<TEX>$GDS{\geq}10$</TEX>) showed significant cognitive impairment compared to control in verbal fluency, Korean version of Mini Mental Status Examination in the CERAD-K (MMSE-KC), word list memory, trail making test, and frontal assessment battery (FAB). In contrast, no difference was observed between subjects who have low sleep quality (PSQI>5) and control group. Conclusions: At the exclusion of the impact of insomnia and depression, cognitive function was found to be relatively preserved in RLS patients compared to control. Impairment of visual recognition in RLS patients can be explained in terms of dopaminergic dysfunction in RLS.

Neuropsychological correlates of the P300 in patients with Alzheimer's disease

The P300 is a useful psychophysiological index that reflects cognitive functions; however, the relationship between P300 indices and neuropsychological tests in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients is unclear. Thirty-one AD patients and 31 elderly normal control (NC) subjects were recruited. Age and education level were matched between the two groups. The relationship between the P300 and the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD-K) assessment packet (including 11 neuropsychological tests) was examined in AD patients. Compared to the NC subjects, the AD patients exhibited significantly decreased P300 amplitudes; however, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of P300 latency. After a permutation-based correction for multiple tests, P300 amplitudes at the Cz and Pz electrodes were significantly correlated with performance on the word list recognition, constructional praxis, and word fluency neuropsychological tests in the AD patients. Additionally, P300 latencies at the Pz and C6 electrodes were also significantly correlated with performance on the Mini-Mental State Examination, CERAD-K version (MMSE-K), and Trail Making Test part A (TMT-A) neuropsychological tests in the AD patients. The results suggest that the P300 is responsive to the deterioration of language, memory, and executive functions observed in AD patients. Although there was no significant difference between the AD patients and NC subjects in the P300 latency, P300 latency has been shown to reflect impaired global cognition and attention deficits associated with AD. Our results suggest that P300 indices could be used as biological markers that indicate impaired neuropsychological functions in AD patients.

Clinical Implications of Quantitative Electroencephalography and Current Source Density in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

This study examined whether quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) and current source density (CSD) can be used to evaluate symptom severity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Thirty AD patients (13 mild and 17 moderate severity) and 30 normal control (NC) subjects were recruited. The Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet and the Global Deterioration Scale were measured. qEEG and CSD data were analyzed in five frequency bands: delta (1-3Hz), theta (4-7Hz), alpha (8-12Hz), beta (13-25Hz), and gamma (30-50Hz). Compared with the NC subjects, the moderate AD patients had significantly increased theta and decreased beta power. Compared with the mild AD patients, the moderate AD patients had significantly decreased beta power. In the AD patients, the theta power was significantly correlated with a poor performance for global cognition; however, beta power was positively correlated with a good performance for global cognition, attention, memory, visuospatial function, and executive function. The CSD of the theta band in the superior temporal gyrus, transverse temporal gyrus, insula, postcentral gyrus, cuneus, and lingual gyrus was significantly different between NC subjects and moderate AD patients and between mild and moderate AD patients. The theta CSD of these regions was significantly correlated with a poor performance for global cognition, memory, visuospatial function, execution, and language. The results suggest that qEEG and the CSD of the theta and beta bands are useful biological markers in AD patients.

Interactive influences of demographics on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the demographics-adjusted norms for MMSE in elderly Koreans

The influences of demographics, culture, language, and environmental changes on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores are considerable. Using a sample of 7452 healthy, community-dwelling elderly Koreans, aged 55 to 94 years, who participated in the four ongoing geriatric cohorts in Korea, we investigated demographic influences on MMSE scores and derived normative data for this population. Geropsychiatrists strictly excluded subjects with cognitive disorders according to the protocol of the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD-K) Clinical Assessment Battery (CERAD-K-C). Education (standardized β = 0.463), age (standardized β = -0.303), and gender (standardized β = -0.057) had significant effects on MMSE scores (p < 0.001). The score of MMSE increase 0.379 point per 1-year education, decrease 0.188 per 1-year older, and decrease 0.491 in women compared to men. Education explained 30.4% of the scores' total variance, which was much larger than the variances explained by age (8.4%) or gender (0.3%). Accordingly, we present normative data for the MMSE stratified by education (0, 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, and ≥ 13 years), age (60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 years), and gender. We provide contemporary education-, age-, and gender-stratified norms for the MMSE, derived from a large, community-dwelling elderly Korean population sample, which could be useful in evaluating individual MMSE scores.

BT-11 is effective for enhancing cognitive functions in the elderly humans

Roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow have been used in humans for centuries because of its sedative effects. We previously reported that BT-11, extracted from the roots of the plant, improved memory impairments in rats, enhanced memory in normal humans, and inhibited acetylcholinesterase activities in vitro. The present study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison study to investigate whether BT-11 could enhance memory in the elderly humans. We used the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). In the elderly, the total CERAD scores were much more significantly increased in the BT-11-treated group (n=28) than in the placebo-treated group (n=25). Especially, the mean scores of word list recognition, constructional recall and praxis, and modified Boston naming test were markedly improved in BT-11-treated group than in placebo-treated group. In conclusion, BT-11 could enhance some cognitive functions including memory in the elderly humans and therefore may be used as nutraceuticals that provide health benefits, including disease prevention and/or treatment.

P2-180: Regional cerebral metabolic differences of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by delayed recall impairment degree

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is one of the widely used concepts indicative of the transitional cognitive condition between normal aging and dementia. However, there have been no standardized indices defining memory impairment of MCI. This study was to elucidate the cerebral metabolic differences between MCI groups divided by the degree of delayed recall impairment. All candidates were examined by neuropsychiatrists according to the protocol of the Korean Version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD–K). They also underwent [18F] fluoro–deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F–FDG PET) scan. 63 right–handed MCI (Total MCI; T–MCI) patients were recruited by diagnostic criteria, which were cognitive impairment necessarily including memory impairment; essentially preserved general cognitive function; largely intact functional activities; not demented. Among them 55 MCI patients over 60 years were divided into two subgroups according to the presence of impairment in any of two delayed recall measures in the CERAD–K neuropsychological battery: 20 MCI patients with impaired delayed recall (DR+MCI); and 35 MCI patients with intact delayed recall (DR–MCI). Delayed recall impairment is performance of 1.5 or more SDs below the age, sex, and education norm on CERAD Word list recall or Constructional recall test. 25 healthy control subjects (NC) were recruited. The differences in the regional cerebral glucose metabolic rate between each MCI and NC group were tested on a voxel–by–voxel basis using the Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) 99 software (p < 0.05, corrected). Compared to the NC subjects, the bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and right splenium of cingulum in T–MCI patients showed hypometabolism. DR+MCI patients showed hypometabolism in the bilateral PCC and right splenium of cigulum, while the right splenium of cingulum in DR–MCI patients showed decreased metabolism compared to NC. Additionally, compared to DR–MCI patients, DR+MCI patients showed a hypometabolic trend in right parahippocampal gyrus (p < 0.001, uncorrected). These investigations generally have emphasized that brain functional differences were found according to the degree of delayed recall impairment in MCI which may prove useful for clinicians in early detection and determining the diagnostic index of MCI.

P.5.a.004 Validity of the Korean version of the Mini-Cog

The P300 is a useful psychophysiological index that reflects cognitive functions; however, the relationship between P300 indices and neuropsychological tests in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients is unclear.Thirty-one AD patients and 31 elderly normal control (NC) subjects were recruited. Age and education level were matched between the two groups. The relationship between the P300 and the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD-K) assessment packet (including 11 neuropsychological tests) was examined in AD patients.Compared to the NC subjects, the AD patients exhibited significantly decreased P300 amplitudes; however, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of P300 latency. After a permutation-based correction for multiple tests, P300 amplitudes at the Cz and Pz electrodes were significantly correlated with performance on the word list recognition, constructional praxis, and word fluency neuropsychological tests in the AD patients. Additionally, P300 latencies at the Pz and C6 electrodes were also significantly correlated with performance on the Mini-Mental State Examination, CERAD-K version (MMSE-K), and Trail Making Test part A (TMT-A) neuropsychological tests in the AD patients.The results suggest that the P300 is responsive to the deterioration of language, memory, and executive functions observed in AD patients. Although there was no significant difference between the AD patients and NC subjects in the P300 latency, P300 latency has been shown to reflect impaired global cognition and attention deficits associated with AD. Our results suggest that P300 indices could be used as biological markers that indicate impaired neuropsychological functions in AD patients.

The prevalence of dementia in older people in an urban population of Korea: the Seoul study.

To estimate prevalence of dementia and its subtypes in older people in Seoul, a metropolitan area of Korea, and compare these findings with estimates reported for other populations. The study employed a two-stage design for case identification. Initially, the Mini-Mental State Examination in the Korean version (MMSE-KC) of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) assessment packet was administered to all participants. Two hundred seventeen persons sampled from three levels of performance on MMSE-KC underwent the second-stage clinical evaluation based on the Korean Version of the CERAD assessment packet. The study was conducted in an urban community setting. Six hundred forty-three persons aged 65 and over participated in the study. Dementia was defined using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition diagnostic features of dementia. Dementia prevalence ranged from 2.6% in persons aged 65 to 69 to 32.6% in persons aged 85 and older. Age-standardized prevalence was 8.2% for dementia, 5.4% for Alzheimer's disease, and 2.0% for vascular dementia. The prevalence estimates, which excluded very mild cases (clinical dementia rating index 0.5), were approximately 5.3% for dementia and 4.3% for Alzheimer's disease. The prevalence of dementia in older people in Seoul appears to be somewhat lower than in rural areas of Korea. Considering the difficulties involved in establishing a diagnostic threshold for dementia, actual differences in dementia prevalence between Asian populations are probably minimal.