Digit Cancellation Test Research Articles

Effects of 25-Min Nap Opportunity during Ramadan Observance on the 5-m Shuttle Run Performance and the Perception of Fatigue in Physically Active Men.

We aimed to investigate the effects of a 25-min nap opportunity on physical performance during the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT), feelings (i.e., evaluated by the feeling scale), attention (i.e., evaluated by the digit cancellation test) and the perception of fatigue (i.e., recorded by the rating of perceived exertion (RPE)) during Ramadan observance. Twelve physically active men (age: 21.1 ± 3.2 yrs, height: 1.76 ± 0.05 m, body-mass: 71.2 ± 9.3 kg) voluntarily participated in five test sessions: 15 days before Ramadan (BR), the first 10 days of Ramadan (FR), the last 10 days of Ramadan (ER), 10 days after Ramadan (10AR) and 20 days after Ramadan (20AR). During each test session, participants performed the digit cancellation test, a 5-min standard warm-up, the 5mSRT (6 × 30-s with 35-s intervals-between) and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after no-nap (N0) and 25-min nap opportunity (N25) conditions. Participants also completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) during each period. The total distance covered during the 5mSRT did not differ significantly before, during or after Ramadan, but was significantly greater after N25 compared to N0 at 10AR (687.5 ± 23.0 m vs. 725.6 ± 41.1 m; p = 0.018) and 20AR (698.3 ± 19.8 m vs. 742.6 ± 58.3 m; p = 0.003). The attention scores were higher after N25 in comparison with N0 at 10AR (p = 0.04) and 20AR (p = 0.02). RPE scores were not significantly different between N25 and N0 conditions. Feelings scores were higher after N25 compared to N0 during both FR (p = 0.007) and 20AR (p = 0.04). A significant deterioration of sleep quality was recorded during Ramadan (i.e., PSQI scores were significantly higher during and after compared to BR (p < 0.0005)). A 25-min nap opportunity was beneficial for physical and cognitive performance after Ramadan observance; however, any effect is insufficient to show significant beneficial impacts during Ramadan.

Multiple component analysis of attention early after complicated mild traumatic brain injury: a prospective cohort study.

To analyse disorders and components of attention in patients with complicated mild traumatic brain injury. This information is needed to enable clinical workers to evaluate and provide training for attention deficits in patients with mild traumatic brain injury. Randomized controlled trial. In-patient and community recruitment. In-patients with mild traumatic brain injury (n = 44) and community-recruited healthy subjects (n = 45). All participants used a battery of attention tests including the Digit Span Test (DST), Digit Cancellation Test (D-CAT1 and D-CAT2), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). There were no differences in the results of the D-CAT between the patient and control groups (p > 0.05); however, there were significant differences in the DST, SDMT and PASAT (p < 0.01). Patients with mild traumatic brain injury were found to have normal sustained attention and selective attention, but impaired attention span, divided attention, shifting attention and information processing speed, requiring clinical workers to focus more on these deficits.

Handedness difference in cognitive performance decline from middle aged: Evidence from the Yakumo Study

Handedness difference in the age-related cognitive decline was examined. Participants were healthy middle aged left-handed (n = 22, 10 men and 12 women) and right-handed (22 men and 56 women). Digit cancellation performance decline ratios were calculated by the longitudinal Digit Cancellation Test data with an interval of 10 years. Performance decline ratios were compared for handedness and sex concerning to D-CAT1 (1-digit cancellation condition) and D-CAT3 (3-digits cancellation condition) performances. The results indicated first that the performance decline ratio in the left-handed was significantly larger than that in the right-handed both in D-CAT1 and D-CAT3, suggestive of low aging tolerance of executive function in left-handed people. Moreover, there was a significant sex difference such that men demonstrated a larger decline in D-CAT3, which demands more considerable cognitive resources, compared to D-CAT1, whereas this was not observed in women. Possible executive function mechanisms during aging were discussed in relation to handedness and sex.

Zhishen Tiaosui acupuncture on the unilateral spatial neglect after stroke: a randomized controlled trial

To evaluate the clinical curative effect of Zhishen Tiaosui acupuncture on unilateral spatial neglect (USN) after stroke. Sixty-four patients with left hemiplegia after the first stroke and diagnosed with unilateral spatial neglect after stroke in the right hemisphere were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 32 cases in each group. In the control group, conventional acupuncture was used at Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Shousanli (LI 10), Waiguan (TE 5), Hegu (LI 4), Huantiao (GB 30), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on the affected side. In the observation group, Zhishen Tiaosui acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Fengfu (GV 16), Fengchi (GB 20), Xuanzhong (GB 39) and Niesanzhen. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times as one course for 4 courses in both groups. The cancellation test, digit cancellation test, bisection line test, clock drawing test, and copying drawing test were used to assess the degree of unilateral spatial neglect, and the Fugl-Meyer motor function scores and the modified Barthel index (MBI) scores were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. After treatment, the scores of cancellation test, digit cancellation test, bisection line test, clock drawing test and copying drawing test were significantly lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05), and the scores of the above unilateral spatial neglect after treatment in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.01). After treatment, the scores of Fugl-Meyer motor function and MBI in the two groups were significantly higher than before treatment (all P<0.05), and the difference of MBI scores before and after treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). Zhishen Tiaosui acupuncture can improve the cognition of unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients with unilateral spatial neglect, improve the degree of bilateral spatial neglect and the motor function of hemiplegic limbs, and positively promote the improvement of cognitive impairment and self-care ability in daily life.

Evolution of Attention During A Teaching Lesson of “Anatomy” in Physical Education Degree’ Students: The Time of Day Effect

: The aim of the present study was to examine the evolution of the attention during a lesson of teaching anatomy of the humerus in physical education degree’ students (PES). Sixty-one students (32 males and 29 females), registered in the 1st year PES in the High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax (University of Sfax, Tunisia) voluntarily participated in the present study. They performed the digit cancellation test at the beginning and at the end of a 90 min teaching session of anatomy at two time-of-day: between 08h00 and 09h30 and between 15h30 and 17h00. The results showed that there is no difference between the males and females groups for the attention (P > 0.05). However, the present study showed that the attention decreased at the end compared to the beginning of the teaching session (P < 0.05). Also, the attention was significantly better in the morning compared to the afternoon hours (P < 0.05). For PES, anatomy requires good attention capacities and the scheduling of these lessons in the morning is better than the afternoon hours.

Short-term maximal performance, alertness, dietary intake, sleep pattern and mood states of physically active young men before, during and after Ramadan observance.

PurposeTo assess changes in short-term maximal performance, alertness, dietary intake, sleep pattern and mood states of physically active young men before (BR), during and after Ramadan observance.MethodsTwelve physically-active men (age: 21.9±2.4yrs, height:1.77±0.09m, body-mass: 72.6±7.8kg, exercising: ≥3h/week) performed the 5-jump and the digit-cancellation (alertness) tests 15-days BR, on the first (FR) and last 10-days of Ramadan (ER) and 10-days (AR10) and 20-days (AR20) after Ramadan. During each period, sleep pattern (Pittsburgh-Sleep-Quality-Index (PSQI)), mood states (Profile-of-Mood-States (POMS)) and dietary intake were recorded.ResultsNo significant changes in the 5-jump, digit-cancellation test and POMS parameters appeared during and after Ramadan relative to BR. However, the PSQI total score was lower during FR compared to AR10 (p<0.001). Specifically, the subjective sleep quality was lower (i) at BR compared to FR (p<0.05), AR10 (p<0.01) and AR20 (p<0.01) and (ii) at ER and AR20 compared to FR (p<0.05). The sleep duration (i) increased at FR (p<0.05) and (ii) decreased at AR10 (p<0.01) and AR20 (p<0.05) compared to BR. Sleep disturbances were significantly greater (i) at BR compared to FR (p<0.01), ER (p<0.01), AR10 (p<0.05) and AR20 (p<0.05) and (ii) at AR10 and AR20 compared to FR and ER (p<0.05). In terms of diet, the fractional contribution of carbohydrate (%) was lower and the dietary fat content (g) was higher during ER than AR10 and AR20 (p<0.05). Further, the dietary protein (in %) was significantly lower during FR compared to BR (p<0.01), ER (p<0.05), AR10 (p<0.05) and AR20 (p<0.05).ConclusionRamadan had no-adverse effects on the 5-jump performance, alertness, or mood states in physically active young men. However, the sleep duration was shorter and the sleep quality was improved following compared to during Ramadan. The fractional intake of fat also increased at the expense of carbohydrate during Ramadan, and the protein intake was lower at the beginning of Ramadan than before, at the end of and after Ramadan.

Sleep Patterns, Alertness, Dietary Intake, Muscle Soreness, Fatigue, and Mental Stress Recorded before, during and after Ramadan Observance.

Ramadan is one of the pillars of the Islamic creed. Its observance commonly causes chrono-biological changes. The present study examined sleep and alertness during Ramadan observance relative to data collected before and after Ramadan in a sample of young, physically active men. Information was also collected on dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress over the three periods. Fourteen physically active men (age: 21.6 ± 3.3 years, height: 1.77 ± 0.06 m, body-mass: 73.1 ± 9.0 kg) completed the Hooper questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and responded to the digit cancellation test (DCT) fifteen days before Ramadan, during the last ten days of Ramadan and 20 days after Ramadan. The PSQI results indicated that sleep duration was significantly longer before Ramadan (p = 0.003) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04) compared to during Ramadan and was longer before Ramadan than after Ramadan (p = 0.04). In addition, the sleep efficiency was lower during Ramadan in comparison to before Ramadan (p = 0.02) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04). The daytime dysfunction score increased during Ramadan in comparison with before Ramadan (p = 0.01) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04), and the sleep quality score was higher during (p = 0.003) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04) as compared to before Ramadan. The sleep disturbance score increased during Ramadan relative to before Ramadan (p = 0.04). However, Ramadan observance had no significant effect on sleep latency. Mental alertness also decreased at the end of Ramadan compared to before (p = 0.003) or after Ramadan (p = 0.01). Dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress as estimated by the Hooper questionnaire remained unchanged over the three periods of the investigation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan observance had an adverse effect on sleep quantity and on mental alertness, but not on sleep quality. However, dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress remained unaffected.

Evolution of Attention During A Teaching Lesson of “Anatomy” in Physical Education Degree’ Students: The Time of Day Effect

The aim of the present study was to examine the evolution of the attention during a lesson of teaching anatomy of the humerus in physical education degree’ students (PES). Sixty-one students (32 males and 29 females), registered in the 1st year PES in the High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax (University of Sfax, Tunisia) voluntarily participated in the present study. They performed the digit cancellation test at the beginning and at the end of a 90 min teaching session of anatomy at two time-of-day: between 08h00 and 09h30 and between 15h30 and 17h00. The results showed that there is no difference between the males and females groups for the attention (P &gt; 0.05). However, the present study showed that the attention decreased at the end compared to the beginning of the teaching session (P &lt; 0.05). Also, the attention was significantly better in the morning compared to the afternoon hours (P &lt; 0.05). For PES, anatomy requires good attention capacities and the scheduling of these lessons in the morning is better than the afternoon hours.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of cognitive impairment in frontotemporal dementia: an open-label pilot study.

BackgroundFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is one of the most frequent dementia types in patients under 65 years of age. Currently, no therapy can effectively improve the cognitive deficits associated with FTD. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive method of inducing brain plasticity with therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of rTMS on cognitive, behavioral, and emotional function in FTD.MethodsNine patients (seven women, four men, mean age 61.7±10.1 years) with the behavioral variant of FTD, one with nonfluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia, and one with progressive nonfluent aphasia (subtypes of FTD) underwent 10 daily sessions of 10 Hz rTMS over the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Cognitive and behavioral assessments were administered before and after therapy.ResultsAfter rTMS, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and letter and digit cancellation test scores, as well as reading time and error number in the Stroop test improved. The caregivers’ impression of the daily functioning of patients improved in the Frontal Behavioral Inventory scores. These changes were not paralleled by an improvement of mood.ConclusionThe results indicate that rTMS may improve the cognitive performance of patients with FTD and warrant sham-controlled trials.

Psychological assessment of visual hemispatial neglect: standardization and approbation of the modified digit cancellation test

To study the phenomena of visual-hemispatial neglect in healthy people and patients with brain diseases of different genesis. Eighty-eight patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, 68 patients with exogenous organic brain diseases and 240 healthy adults of different age were included in the study. The digit cancellation test modified by the authors was used. The validity of the modified digit cancellation test was approved and its age standards were obtained. In healthy right-handed people, there was the bias of attention focus to the left, the decrease of asymmetry intensity of visual-spatial inattention during physiological aging and the presence of some clinical peculiarities of neglect in schizophrenia spectrum disorders and lateralized organic damages of the brain. This variant of the test can be recommended for practical use as the sensitive psychometric tool.

Effect of Add-On Yoga on Cognitive Functions among Substance Abusers in a Residential Therapeutic Center: Randomized Comparative Study

Background: Chronic vulnerability characterizes substance abuse disorder with consequent relapse. The process of abstinence depends on cognitive recovery. Hence, behavioral intervention should account for cognitive dimension of substance abusers. Recent studies highlight yoga-based intervention as a promising add-on therapy for treating and preventing addictive behaviors. Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a yoga-based intervention as an add-on in enhancing cognitive functions, compared with physical exercise to newly admitted substance abusers seeking an inpatient treatment program. Methods: The study was a single-blind, randomized, comparative design that included 96 male participants, between 18 and 40 years in a residential rehabilitation treatment unit. Partakers in the yoga or physical exercise group received supervised daily training for 12 weeks, in addition to standard rehabilitation treatment. Raters blind to the study assessed the patients on digit span task, cancellation test, and Stroop tests at the baseline and following 12 weeks of intervention. Results: A significant enhancement in digit forward (yoga – p < 0.0005, d = 0.81; exercise – p < 0.0005, d = 0.73), digit backward (yoga – p < 0.0005, d = 0.88; exercise – p < 0.0005, d = 0.58), and letter cancellation test scores (yoga – p < 0.0005, d = 1.31; exercise – p < 0.0005, d = 1.4) were observed in both the yoga and the exercise groups. Stroop word and color task scores were seen significantly higher following yoga (p < 0.005, d = 0.74; p < 0.005, d = 1.13) and exercise (p < 0.0005, d = 0.62; p < 0.0005, d = 0.61). Furthermore, Stroop color-word test showed significant enhancement after yoga (p < 0.0005, d = 1.10) and exercise (p < 0.0005, d = 0.42), with degree of variation higher in the yoga group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the add-on yoga or exercise-based intervention show enhancement of cognitive functions. These findings provide the utility of yoga and exercise-based intervention in improving cognitive functions among substance abusers. Furthermore, rigorous trials are needed to explore the potential long-term effects of these procedures.

Associations between handedness and executive function in upper-middle-aged people

ABSTRACTMany studies have investigated the relationship between handedness and executive functioning using behavioural measures, although the exact nature of this relationship remains unclear. In this study, the relationship between handedness and executive function was examined using the D-CAT (Digit Cancellation Test) performances of 76 left-handed (42 men and 34 women) and 76 age-matched right-handed (42 men and 34 women) healthy community dwellers. The mean age of the participants was 62.7 years (SD = 10.3). In addition, the visuospatial performance was also examined using the Money Road Test. Left-handed people of both sexes showed a poor performance on both tests than right-handed people. Right-handed people showed typical laterality with regard to the relationship between the sex and facets of cognition, whereas left-handed people showed no clear laterality difference. Men showed no handedness difference in the executive function and women showed no handedness difference in the case of the visuospatial function test. The possible contributions of the three different executive functioning components, information updating, shifting, and inhibition, to this handedness difference in the upper-middle-aged people, are discussed.

Needle Sensation and Personality Factors Influence Therapeutic Effect of Acupuncture for Treating Bell's Palsy: A Secondary Analysis of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background:It has not been solved what kind of needle sensation might influence outcomes of acupuncture treatment. Effects of personality factors on the therapeutic effect of acupuncture have not been investigated. This study aimed to find the effects of the traits of personality on the objective outcome when different acupuncture techniques were used in treating patients with Bell's palsy.Methods:We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for Bell's palsy. Patients were randomly assigned to the de qi and control groups, respectively. The primary outcome was facial nerve function at month 6. The intensity of each needle sensation was rated by a visual analog scale. Psychosocial factors were assessed by the pretreatment mediator questionnaire; 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) was used for assessing personality factors and digit cancellation test for assessing attention.Results:After 6 months, patients in the de qi group had better facial function (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 4.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.23–7.78). Path analysis showed that intensity of needle sensation of fullness had direct effect on House-Brackmann (HB) score at month 6. In de qi group, the low HB score on day 1 (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.45) and the low Social Boldness score (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41–0.97) in 16PF were associated with better facial function. In control group, low HB score on day 1 (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.13–0.50), low Vigilance score (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50–0.88), and high Tension score (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12–1.77) in 16PF were related to better facial function.Conclusions:The needle sensation of fullness could predict better facial function and personality traits might influence outcomes of acupuncture treatment. Both of them should be considered seriously in acupuncture treatment and research.

Deficiency of Sustained Attention in ADHD and Its Potential Genetic Contributor MAOA

Objective: To investigate the genetic contributors to ADHD sustained attention deficit among noradrenergic genes responsible for the synthesis (dopamine-β-hydroxylase gene, DBH), transport (norepinephrine transporter gene, NET1), reception (alpha-2A adrenergic receptor gene, ADRA2A), and metabolism (monoamine oxidase A gene, MAOA) of noradrenalin (NE). Method: A total of 456 children with ADHD and 108 normal controls were included in a digit cancellation test (DCT). DNA was collected from 242 participants and genotyped for 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of noradrenergic genes. Results: Compared with normal controls, children with ADHD showed a lower total score and higher mean error rate in the DCT, indicating poorer sustained attention function. Analysis of covariance showed an association between MAOA genotypes and ADHD performance in DCT, with poorer performance in risk allele carriers. No association was found for other noradrenergic genes. Conclusion: Children with ADHD presented with a sustained attention deficit compared with normal controls. The sustained attention deficit of children with ADHD may be associated with genetic variant of MAOA.

Relationship of serum testosterone levels with cognitive function in chronic antipsychotic-treated male patients with schizophrenia.

Some evidence suggests that testosterone might be involved in the cognitive impairments of schizophrenia. We assessed major cognitive domains and serum testosterone levels in male long-term inpatients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to test whether testosterone in serum was abnormal in patients, and whether it was related to the cognitive impairment of schizophrenia. Serum testosterone levels in male schizophrenics (n = 80) and normal controls (n = 40) were measured by immunoassay. All patients were assessed for performance on executive functions, sustaining and focusing of attention, memory functions, and verbal fluency using the Digit Cancellation Test (DCT), Semantic Fluency Test, Spatial Span (SS), Trail Making Test, part A (TMT-A), Block Design, and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test. Serum testosterone levels in schizophrenic patients were similar to control subjects (P > 0.05). We found that serum testosterone levels were significantly correlated with total time taken (in seconds) in the DCT (r = 0.261, P < 0.05) and SS score (r = -0.240, P < 0.05) in schizophrenic patients. Moreover, backward linear regression revealed that testosterone levels significantly predicted performance in DCT (β = 0.240, P = 0.028) and SS score (β = -0.207, P = 0.047) in patients. Our findings suggest that there is no significant difference in serum testosterone levels between groups, and that serum testosterone levels are associated with the spatial memory and attention deficits in chronic antipsychotic-treated male patients with schizophrenia.

Developmental Changes of Prefrontal Cortex and Cerebro-Cerebellar Functioning in Older Adults: Evidence from Stabilometer and Cognitive Tests

The relation between cognitive and postural functioning was examined as developmental changes among healthy older adults. The 339 participants (207 women and 132 men) of four age groups (50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s) were given the Digit Cancellation Test (D-CAT) for the assessment of prefrontal cortex related cognitive functioning, and the Logical Memory Test for the assessment of fronto-parietal cortex related cognitive functioning. The postural functioning of the participants was measured by a stabilometer for the assessment of cerebro-cerebellar related motor functioning. The results showed that the developmental changes in performances for non-automatic intentional cognitive and automatic motor postural functioning were not parallel. Cognitive functioning did not show clear sex difference while motor postural functioning showed robust sex difference. Largely, cognitive functioning DCAT and Logical Memory Test showed gradual performance decrease 23-48% for each age group from 50’s to 80’s while robust motor postural functioning performance decreased approximately 60% from 70’s to 80’s in men and approximately 65% from 60’s to 70’s in women. Based upon these findings, characteristics of age-related changes in cerebro-cerebellar brain systems in middle aged and older healthy people are discussed.

Impact of test anxiety on psychomotor functions and satisfaction with life of medical undergraduates during second professional curriculum

Background: Studies done in various countries have shown test anxiety to be associated with stress. An extensive internet search showed limited studies on stress in undergraduate medical students in India. Hence this study was undertaken to assess the level of test anxiety and its impact on psychomotor functions and satisfaction with life of second professional level of medical undergraduates during relaxed and stressed state. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted on 101 participants in the 2 nd and 3 rd year of professional course. The participants were subjected to Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, Zung’s Self Rating Anxiety Scale, Satisfaction with life Score and Psychomotor tests (Digit Substitution, Digit Cancellation) during relaxed and stressed state. Results: 101 participants were enrolled in the study had a comparable scores in Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, Zung’s Self Rating Anxiety Scale, Satisfaction with life Score, during relaxed and stressed state, but there was a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in both Digit Substitution and Digit Cancellation test during stressed state. Conclusion: Findings in our study indicate that performance on psychomotor tests during examination decreased significantly and had comparable anxiety and satisfaction levels during the relaxed and stressed state.

Abstract 363: Better Control of Blood Pressure in Midlife was Associated with Cognitive Function in Old Age: The Minabe Study in Japan

Several studies show that hypertension in midlife is also related to cognitive impairment in old age. However, the associations between blood pressure and cognitive functions have been inconclusive. In this study, we examined this association in the sexagenarian and the septuagenarian separately to test our hypothesis that different risk factors were related to cognitive decline in each generation respectively. Participants were 1476 community-dwelling persons without dementia (708 men and 768 women). Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured in the seated position using an automated sphygmomanometer (HEM-907; Omron). The cognitive functions were measured by means of logical memory test, D-CAT (digit cancellation test; neuropsychological test for attention) and verbal fluency test. We asked participants about their use of antihypertensive drug and collected their data about blood pressure measured at a health examination conducted ten years ago. We constructed a series of multiple linear regression models to examine the association of blood pressure with each cognitive function. Separate analyses were conducted for each combination of predictor (SBP, DBP, past SBP, past DBP, and use of antihypertensive drug) and dependent value (logical memory test, D-CAT, and verbal fluency test). Regression models included the following covariates: age, education, gender, and body mass index. Results indicated the following two points: (1) Higher levels of past DBP (β = -.121, p &lt; .05) was associated with decline in logical memory test and higher level of past SBP (β = -.127, p &lt; .05) was associated with decline in verbal fluency test in the sexagenarian, (2) The use of antihypertensive drug was associated with decline in D-CAT (β = -.194, p &lt; .001) and verbal fluency test (β = -.196, p &lt; .05) in the septuagenarian. Our findings suggest that high blood pressure in the past decade is risk factor for cognitive decline in the sexagenarian but is not risk factor in the septuagenarian. The treatment of high blood pressure in midlife is important for the maintenance of cognitive functions. Early control of high blood pressure might reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in old age.

Cognitive and mood effects of phenobarbital treatment in people with epilepsy in rural China: a prospective study

BackgroundPhenobarbital is an effective treatment for epilepsy but concerns remain over its potential neurocognitive toxicity. This prospective study evaluated the effects of phenobarbital treatment on cognition and mood in people...

Cognitive dysfunction in people with convulsive seizures in rural China

One hundred and forty-four people with convulsive seizures (CS) and 144 healthy controls were evaluated for cognitive function, using a battery of neuropsychological tests. People with CS performed significantly worse than the controls on the Mini‐Mental State Examination, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, auditory verbal learning test, digit span test, verbal fluency test, and digit cancellation test. The percentage of patients who had abnormal scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was higher than that of controls (54.9% vs. 7.6%, p<0.001). Cognitive functional impairment was detected in 65.3% of the patients and 29.2% of the controls (p<0.001). People with CS presented with depressive mood and a wide range of cognitive deficits, particularly deficits in episodic declarative memory, attentional capacity, semantic memory, and mental speed. Years in education were positively associated with the cognitive performance of people with CS (OR=0.655, 95% CI: 0.486–0.882, p=0.005).