Frontal Assessment Battery Scores Research Articles

A study of prevalence and factors related to cognitive impairment in Thai patients with neuromyelitis optica

AbstractBackgroundNeuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is a demyelinating disease caused by an autoimmune process that attacks the central nervous system resulting in a neurological deficit. Previous studies showed cognitive problems in these patients, especially the decline in processing speed, episodic memory, executive function, and attention. We aimed to study the prevalence and the factors related to cognitive impairment in Thai patients with NMO.MethodWe recruited 83 participants diagnosed with NMO by the 2015 international consensus diagnostic criteria for NMO spectrum disorder who visited the Demyelinating Disease Clinic at Siriraj Hospital. Participants with the last clinical relapse within 3 months or those who could not perform cognitive tests due to disability were excluded. Cognitive functions were assessed by using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment – Thai version (MoCA‐T) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). The subjective reports of any cognitive problem by interviewing participants and their informants were also collected. Demographic data, cognitive performance, and factors related to the MoCA‐T score were analyzed.ResultThe mean MoCA‐T score in patients with NMO was 22.96 ± 3.82, and the mean FAB score was 15.27 ± 2.47. The majority (54%) of them had cognitive impairment according to the cut‐off of the MoCA‐T score of less than 25. Participants with cognitive impairment had significantly less education than those without cognitive impairment (9.9 4.3 and 14.6 3.6 years, p < 0.001), and they used more time to complete the MoCA‐T (p < 0.001). The disease severity evaluated by the Expanded Disability Severity Scale was associated with the MoCA‐T score (r = ‐0.29, p = 0.008). Age, the annual relapse rate in the first five years, duration of disease, and Aquaporin‐4 antibody status were not associated with cognitive impairment (all p > 0.5). Interestingly, the informant‐report of cognitive decline in NMO patients was associated with the less MoCA‐T performance (p = 0.032), but not the self‐report (p = 0.397).ConclusionMost of the Thai patients with NMO had cognitive impairment, which related to education, disease severity, and also the perception of their relatives. Future studies that included more comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations and neuroimaging findings are needed in these patients.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Frontal Assessment Battery test as a predictor of performance of unaffected hand function after subcortical stroke.

The objective of this study was to elucidate the association between unaffected hand function and cognitive impairment and to determine whether the cognitive screening test can be a predictor of unaffected upper limb function in patients with unilateral subcortical strokes. A retrospective study of 37 patients with unilateral first-ever subcortical stroke was conducted through a review of medical records. The unaffected hand function and cognitive screening tests were measured upon admission to the neurorehabilitation unit and then 4 weeks later at discharge. The relationship between unaffected hand function and cognitive function was investigated with multiple linear regression analysis. Comparing the initial evaluation of unaffected hand function and cognitive function with the evaluation at discharge, cognitive function improved significantly at discharge; however, grip strength and dexterity of the unaffected hand were stationary except for three-point pinch strength, tip pinch strength, and finger tapping speed. The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) score was found to be a significant predictor of unaffected grip strength (R2 = 0.33, P = 0.004) and three-point pinch strength (R2 = 0.16, P = 0.04) at discharge and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) score to be a predictive value of the unaffected finger tapping test (R2 = 0.46, P < 0.001) at discharge. In subcortical stroke patients with low MoCA and FAB scores, clinicians must ensure that patients participate in rehabilitation therapy including bimanual activity with careful attention to the patient's unaffected hand function.

Cognitive profiles in adult-onset neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease: a case series from the memory clinic.

This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of cognitive impairment in adult-onset neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID). Seven patients with adult-onset NIID were collected consecutively from the memory clinic of Xuanwu hospital from February to December 2019. These cases were diagnosed with skin biopsy triggered by DWI high-intensity signals in corticomedullary junction on brain MRI. We used a battery of neuropsychological scales to detect the patient's performance in each cognitive domain, and made a detailed analysis on the characteristics of cognitive impairment. All seven cases had cognitive impairment, and four of them had met the criteria for dementia. The scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Frontal Assessment Battery were abnormal in all patients. The executive dysfunction was confirmed by the abnormal scores of Trail Making Test (5/7, 71%) and Clock Drawing Test (4/7, 57%). Bad performance in Auditory Verbal Learning Test (6/7, 86%) demonstrated that the memory was also a very commonly impaired cognitive domain. The low score on the animal fluency (4/7, 57%), Boston Naming Test (3/7, 43%), and Pentagon and Cube Copying Test (4/7, 57%) indicated that the language and visuospatial skills were also impaired. Fazekas scores were significantly correlated to the global cognition, executive and language functions (r = 0.788-0.906, P < 0.05). There is obvious impairment in multiple cognitive domains in adult-onset NIID, and both the executive dysfunction and memory deficit are very common. Leukoencephalopathy may be the main course of cognitive impairment in adult-onset NIID.

Safinamide improves executive functions in fluctuating Parkinson's disease patients: an exploratory study.

Safinamide is a monoamine-oxidase-B inhibitor with peculiar features. At the dose of 100mg/day, safinamide stimulates dopaminergic transmission and reduces glutamatergic transmission. Here, we investigated the effects of safinamide 100mg on executive functions at the end of levodopa dose in fluctuating Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Thirty-two fluctuating PD patients were submitted at baseline (V1) to the UPDRS-III, the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and the Stroop-Word-Color-Test (SWCT) at the end of levodopa dose. Safinamide was then added to the original therapy. After 12weeks of treatment, patients underwent the final visit (V2), including the UPDRS-III, the FAB and the SWCT with the same daily time schedule as V1. Treatment with safinamide was associated with significant increases of the total FAB score, SWCT-interference time score and UPDRS-III score. Within FAB subdomains, add-on with safinamide significantly increased motor programming and increased mental flexibility and inhibitory control scores. The results of this exploratory study show that add-on with safinamide improves executive functions at the end of levodopa dose in fluctuating PD patients. In particular, attention and inhibition of cognitive interference were significantly ameliorated by add-on with safinamide, suggesting increased modulatory performances of prefrontal cortical pathways. If confirmed by future research on larger cohorts and under controlled conditions, the present results may represent the basis for a novel indication for the use of safinamide in fluctuating PD patients.

Prolonged distal latency of the median motor nerve is associated with poor prognosis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

ABSTRACT A nerve conduction study (NCS) is routinely undertaken for the differential diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Prolonged median motor distal latency (MMDL) has been reported in a subset of patients with ALS. This study aimed to investigate the clinical importance of NCS characteristics in patients with ALS. A total of 75 patients who underwent NCS were enrolled in this study. The frequency of ALS patients with prolonged motor DL was higher in the median than ulnar NCS. The multivariate analysis revealed that shorter diagnostic latency, prolonged MMDL, and higher disease progression rate were significantly associated with poor prognosis. When ALS patients were divided into two groups according to the cut-off value (4.2 ms) of the MMDL, the group with prolonged MMDL had lower ALS functional rating scale and frontal assessment battery scores, upper limbs subscore, and shorter survival time than the group with shorter MMDL. In conclusion, patients with ALS that have prolonged MMDL may have upper limb dysfunction and shorter survival. MMDL can be a useful prognostic marker for patients with ALS. Abbreviations: ADM = abductor digiti minimi; APB = abductor pollicis brevis; ALS = amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; ALSFRS-R = revised ALS Functional Rating Scale; CI = confidence interval; CMAP = compound muscle action potential; CTS = carpal tunnel syndrome; DL = distal latency; ΔFS = disease progression rate; FAB = frontal assessment battery; FVC = forced vital capacity; HR = hazard ratio; MCV = motor nerve conduction velocity; MMDL = median motor distal latency; MMSE = mini-mental state examination; NCS = nerve conduction study; PaCO2 = partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide; SBMA = spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy; SCV = sensory nerve conduction velocity; SD = standard deviation; SMA = spinal muscular atrophy; SNAP = sensory nerve action potential; SOD1 = superoxide dismutase 1; UMDL = ulnar motor distal latency.

Evaluating Executive Functions in Patients with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy Using Frontal Assessment Battery.

Objective In this study, we aimed to evaluate the executive profile of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) patients using the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) as a bedside screening tool and investigate its association with seizure proximity, family history of epilepsy, and polytherapy/monotherapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Background JME patients have deficits in various aspects of executive functions. FAB has proved to be a useful tool for evaluating executive functions in clinical settings. Methods Thirty-one JME patients and 110 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. The participants were assessed using six subsets of FAB, including conceptualization, mental flexibility, motor programming, sensitivity to interference, inhibitory control, and environmental autonomy. Results Compared to HCs, JME patients showed lower scores in conceptualization, mental flexibility, programming, sensitivity to interference, and total FAB. The number of AEDs (polytherapy versus monotherapy) and duration of time since the last seizure had no significant effect on FAB scores in JME patients. We found significant associations between disease duration and conceptualization, mental flexibility, inhibitory control, and total FAB score only in JME patients with recent seizure. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed area under the curve (AUC) of 0.971 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.947–0.994) for FAB total score, 0.933 for conceptualization (95% CI: 0.973-894), and 0.836 for mental flexibility (95% CI: 0.921-751). Conclusions In summary, JME patients had deficits in different aspects of executive functions. FAB is a useful clinical tool for evaluation of executive functions in JME patients.

Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide Combined with Luteoline on Frontal Lobe Functions, High Frequency Oscillations, and GABAergic Transmission in Patients with Frontotemporal Dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a presenile neurodegenerative disease for which there is no effective pharmacological treatment. Recently, a link has been proposed between neuroinflammation and FTD. Here, we aim to investigate the effects of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) combined with luteoline (PEA-LUT), an endocannabinoid with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, on behavior, cognition, and cortical activity in a sample of FTD patients. Seventeen patients with a diagnosis of probable FTD were enrolled. Cognitive and neurophysiological evaluations were performed at baseline and after 4 weeks of PEA-LUT 700 mg×2/day. Cognitive effects were assessed by Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Mini-Mental State Examination, Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), Screening for Aphasia in Neurodegeneration, Activities of Daily Living-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration-modified Clinical Dementia Rating scale. To investigate in vivo neurophysiological effects of PEA-LUT, we used repetitive and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocols assessing LTP-like cortical plasticity, short-interval intracortical inhibition, long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI), and short-latency afferent inhibition. Moreover, we used TMS combined with EEG to evaluate the effects on frontal lobe cortical oscillatory activity. Treatment with PEA-LUT was associated with an improvement in NPI and FAB scores. Neurophysiological evaluation showed a restoration of LICI, in particular at ISI 100 ms, suggesting a modulation of GABA(B) activity. TMS-EEG showed a remarkable increase of TMS-evoked frontal lobe activity and of high-frequency oscillations in the beta/gamma range. PEA-LUT could reduce behavioral disturbances and improve frontal lobe functions in FTD patients through the modulation of cortical oscillatory activity and GABA(B)ergic transmission.

Value of the Frontal Assessment Battery Tool for Assessing the Frontal Lobe Function in Stroke Patients.

ObjectiveTo examine the correlation between the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) test, which is used to assess the frontal lobe function, and anatomical lesions as well as the ability of the test to detect frontal lobe dysfunction.MethodsRecords of stroke patients undergoing a FAB test and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups according to the lesions determined by an imaging study: frontal lobe cortex lesions, frontal subcortical circuit lesions, and other lesions. The FAB scores of the three groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The validity of the FAB test to detect frontal lobe dysfunction was assessed by a comparison with the Computerized Neuropsychological Function Test (CNT) using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The correlation coefficients between the FAB test and MMSE were analyzed further based on the MMSE cutoff score.ResultsPatients with frontal cortex lesions had significantly lower total and subtest scores according to the FAB test than the other patients. The FAB test correlated better with the CNT than the MMSE, particularly in the executive function and memory domains. A high MMSE score (r=0.435) indicated a lower correlation with the FAB test score than a low MMSE score (r=0.714).ConclusionThe FAB test could differentiate frontal lobe lesions from others in stroke patients and showed a good correlation with the CNT. Moreover, the FAB test can be used in patients with high MMSE scores to detect frontal lobe dysfunction and determine the treatment strategies for stroke patients.

Effect of Rotigotine vs Placebo on Cognitive Functions Among Patients With Mild to Moderate Alzheimer Disease

Impairment of dopaminergic transmission may contribute to cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer disease (AD). To investigate whether therapy with dopaminergic agonists may affect cognitive functions in patients with AD. This phase 2, monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Italy. Patients with mild to moderate AD were enrolled between September 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from July 1 to September 1, 2019. A rotigotine 2 mg transdermal patch for 1 week followed by a 4 mg patch for 23 weeks (n = 47) or a placebo transdermal patch for 24 weeks (n = 47). The primary end point was change from baseline on the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale. Secondary end points were changes in Frontal Assessment Battery, Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores. Prefrontal cortex activity was evaluated by transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with electroencephalography. Among 94 patients randomized (mean [SD] age, 73.9 [5.6] years; 58 [62%] women), 78 (83%) completed the study. Rotigotine, as compared with placebo, had no significant effect on the primary end point: estimated mean change in Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale score was 2.92 (95% CI, 2.51-3.33) for the rotigotine group and 2.66 (95% CI, 2.31-3.01) for the placebo group. For the secondary outcomes, there were significant estimated mean changes between groups for Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living score (-3.32 [95% CI, -4.02 to -2.62] for rotigotine and -7.24 [95% CI, -7.84 to -6.64] for placebo) and Frontal Assessment Battery score (0.48 [95% CI, 0.31 to 0.65] for rotigotine and -0.66 [95% CI, -0.80 to -0.52] for placebo). There was no longitudinal change in Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores (1.64 [95% CI, 1.06-2.22] for rotigotine and 1.26 [95% CI, 0.77-1.75] for placebo group). Neurophysiological analysis of electroencephalography results indicated that prefrontal cortical activity increased in rotigotine but not in the placebo group. Adverse events were more common in the rotigotine group, with 11 patients dropping out compared with 5 in the placebo group. In this randomized clinical trial, rotigotine treatment did not significantly affect global cognition in patients with mild to moderate AD; however, improvement was observed in cognitive functions highly associated with the frontal lobe and in activities of daily living. These findings suggest that treatment with the dopaminergic agonist rotigotine may reduce symptoms associated with frontal lobe cognitive dysfunction and thus may delay the impairment of activities of daily living. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03250741.

Drum Communication Program Intervention in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment and Dementia at Nursing Home: Preliminary Evidence From Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Inactivity and consequent deterioration of cognitive and physical function is a major concern among older adults with the limited walking ability and need a high level of care in nursing homes. We aimed to test whether a drumming communication program (DCP) that uses the rhythmic response function of the elderly with cognitive impairment, dementia, and other debilitating disorders would improve their cognitive and physical function.Methods: We conducted a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to investigate the effects of the DCP in 46 nursing home residents who needed high levels of nursing care. The participants were randomly assigned to an intervention and control group. The intervention group attended 30 min of the DCP thrice a week for 3 months. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination-Japanese (MMSE-J) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). Physical function was measured using grip strength and active upper limb range of motion with the dominant hand. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). These measures were analyzed before and after the DCP intervention period, and data for the two groups were compared thereafter.Results: Initially, the participants had low scores on the MMSE-J, and 84.78% of them used wheelchairs. Following the DCP intervention, the MMSE-J and FAB scores of the DCP group improved significantly. In terms of motor function, the active range of motion of the wrist palmar and the shoulder flexion improved in the intervention group. Regarding body composition, the skeletal muscle mass index, total body protein, and the dominant hand muscle mass that was adding physical load decreased.Conclusions: The DCP provided the participants with an opportunity to engage in continued exercise for 3 months. The intervention group exhibited improved cognitive function and upper limb motion range, and changes in body composition. The results suggest that DCP can be used as an intervention method to promote exercise and improve various health and cognitive functions.Trial Registration: This trial was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000024714) on 4 November 2016. The URL is available at https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000028399.

BDNF mRNA Expression in Leukocytes and Frontal Cortex Function in Drug Use Disorder.

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin recognized to play a major role in neuroplastic modifications associated to drug abuse, being involved in various behavioral changes found in drug use disorders, such as drug sensitization, craving and relapses. These neuroplastic changes were shown to affect the prefrontal cortex functions, which can be briefly measured through cognitive tests such as the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). In this study we investigated the BDNF mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes of crack-cocaine use disorder (CUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients, after drug detoxification treatment, using a real-time PCR approach and examining its association to FAB performance. BDNF mRNA expression was found to be higher by 2.25-fold in CUD patients and by 2-fold in the AUD patients when normalized to controls, and these values were found to be associated with FAB scores. This preliminary study evaluates, for the first time, BDNF mRNA expression in leukocytes and its relationship to FAB scores in crack-cocaine and alcohol use disorder patients.

Understated Cognitive Impairment Assessed with the Clock-Drawing Test in Community-Dwelling Individuals Aged ≥50 Years

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of understated cognitive impairment by administering the Clock-Drawing Test (CDT) to community-dwelling individuals aged ≥50 years and to investigate the associated clinical phenotype. DesignA cross-sectional analysis of baseline data on community-dwelling individuals assessed at an outpatient clinic in the Paris region of France. Setting and ParticipantsParticipants aged ≥50 years (n = 488, median age: 62.1 years) prospectively included in the SUCCessful agEing outpatiEnt's Department survey between 2010 and 2014. MethodsA multidimensional geriatric assessment, including cognition [7-point CDT, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the 5-word screening test (5-WT), and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB)], gait speed in dual tasks, mood [the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)], balance, physical functions (gait speed and handgrip strength), nutrition, bone density, and comorbidities; major cardiovascular risk factors, and Scheltens and Fazekas scores on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Baseline characteristics were analyzed as a function of the CDT score (<7 vs 7), using age-adjusted logistic models. ResultsThe prevalence of impairment in the CDT was 23.6%; higher than the values for the MMSE (12.7%), 5-WT (2.3%), and FAB (16.6%). In age-adjusted analyses, a lower educational level (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.72 [0.58‒0.89]), diabetes (2.57 [1.14‒5.79]), metabolic syndrome (1.93 [1.05‒3.56]), lower gait speed in the cognitive dual task (1.27 [1.05‒1.53]), a poorer Geriatric Depression Scale score (1.86 [1.04‒3.32]), a poorer MMSE score (2.56 [1.35‒4.88]), a poorer FAB score (1.79 [1.01‒3.16]), impaired episodic memory in the 5-WT (4.11 [1.12‒15.02]), and a higher Scheltens score (P = .001) were significantly associated with CDT impairment. Conclusions and ImplicationsUnderstated cognitive impairment is common among young seniors and is associated with factors known to be linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. These findings suggest that the CDT may be of value for identifying high-risk individuals who may then benefit from targeted multidomain prevention actions (diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk factor management).

Common carotid flow velocity is associated with cognitive function after carotid endarterectomy

The relationship between ultrasonographic flow parameters and cognitive function has not been well studied. This study aimed to clarify associations between carotid flow velocity (FV) and cognitive function in patients with a history of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Ninety-four patients who previously underwent CEA participated in this study. The Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (Cognistat) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) were adopted to assess cognitive functions at a mean of 6.5 ± 3.2 years after CEA. End-diastolic flow velocity (EDV) of the left and right common carotid artery (CCA) was significantly associated with total Cognistat score (p < 0.001) and total FAB score (p < 0.05). Pulsatility index (PI) of the left CCA was significantly associated with total Cognistat score and total FAB score (p < 0.01). A cut-off right CCA EDV of 14.5 cm/s offered the most reliable predictor of the bottom 25th percentile of total Cognistat score (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 61.0%, area under the curve (AUC) 0.731, p = 0.0060), while a cut-off left CCA PI of 1.83 was the most reliable predictor of the bottom 25th percentile of total FAB score (sensitivity 73.3%, specificity 60.0%, AUC 0.679, p = 0.0179). Left and right CCA EDV correlated with sub-components of comprehension, construction, judgment, programming (p < 0.01), and conceptualization (p < 0.05). Right CCA EDV correlated with similarity (p < 0.01), repetition, naming, and memory (p < 0.05). Left CCA PI correlated with attention, conceptualization (p < 0.01), repetition, construction, similarity, and mental flexibility (p < 0.05), while right CCA PI correlated with construction (p < 0.05). CCA FV may offer useful markers of cognitive functions in patients with a history of CEA.

Normative data for the Slovak version of the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB)

The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) is a well-established screening measure of frontal lobe pathology. The aim of this study is the development of normative data for healthy Slovak adults. The final sample consisted of 487 healthy adults (54% of them female). The mean age in our sample was M = 55.29 (SD = 19.96). For the whole sample, the mean score on the FAB was 16.46 and the SD was 1.64. The mean score on the MMSE for the whole sample was 28.39 and the SD was 1.43. All participants underwent a complex neuropsychological examination spanning the relevant cognitive domains. FAB scores were found to be negatively associated with age (rs = −0.464, p < 0.001) and positively associated with years of education (rs = 0.199, p < 0.001). FAB scores positively correlated with the performance in MMSE (rs = 0.266, p < 0.001). Statistically significant and theoretically meaningful associations to other neuropsychological tests used in this study suggested the adequate convergent validity of the Slovak version of the FAB. The present study provided accurate normative FAB data, which can be used for clinical and research purposes.

A Study of Executive Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease before and after a Single Session of Hemodialysis.

Background Executive functions (EFs) are critical to daily life and sensitive to our physiological functioning and emotional states. The number of people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD) globally is increasing steadily. We aimed to determine the impact of a single session of HD on EFs in patients with CKD receiving maintenance HD (MHD). Methods This was a quasi-experimental study conducted at the department of psychiatry and dialysis unit of a tertiary hospital. Patients undergoing MHD underwent screening to rule out delirium, using the Confusion Assessment Method prior to EF testing. The tests of EF used were the Trail-Making Test—Part B (TMT-B) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), both of which were administered before and after a session of HD. Statistical tests used were Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks test, paired t -test, single sample t -test, and correlation analyses. Results The mean time taken on TMT-B before HD was 195.36 seconds and after HD, 171.1 seconds; difference is significant ( p = 0.0001). The mean FAB score was 13.19 before HD and 14.83 after HD; the difference is significant ( p < 0.0001). Significant differences were observed on similarities (p = 0.003), lexical fluency (p = 0.02), and go–no go ( p = 0.003) subtests of FAB. Mean TMT-B scores before and after HD differed significantly from that of a reference study (reference TMT-B 150.69 seconds), p = 0.0002 and 0.04, respectively. Conclusion We conclude that patients with CKD on MHD, in general, have worse executive cognitive functioning compared with healthy populations. A session of HD results in significant improvement in these functions.

Comparison of the efficacy of Cellex and Cortexin in patients in the early recovery period of ischemic stroke

To compare the efficacy of Cellex and Cortexin in patients in the early recovery period of ischemic stroke (ERPIS) receiving basic therapy (BT). Forty patients were randomized into the cellex group (n=20) and the cortexin group 2 (n=20). Cellex was administered in a dose of 0.1 mg daily SC for 10 days and cortexin in a dose of 10 mg per 2 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution IM daily for 10 days. The efficacy of treatment was assessed with NIHSS, Bartel's index (BI), MMSE, the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), Beck's depression scale (BDS). A more pronounced positive dynamics of NIHSS: 3 [2; 4.5] vs. 5 [2; 7] (p=0.03) and MMSE scores: 24 [21.5; 25] vs. 22 [20; 23] (p=0.04) was noted in the cellex group. Also, in this group, a more significant trend towards regression of depressive disorders (BDS) was revealed: 17.5 [14.5; 21] vs. 14 [13; 16] (p=0.064). The dynamics of RMI and FAB scores did not differ significantly between the groups. The use of cellex in comparison with cortexin is more effective in terms of the dynamics of regression of neurological and neurocognitive dysfunctions in patients with ERPIS.

33 Cognitive Domain Associations with Balance Performance in Community – Dwelling Older People with Cognitive Impairment

Abstract Aims Investigate the relationship between global cognition and cognitive domain function and balance performance in a large sample of older people with cognitive impairment. Methods Three hundred and nine community-dwelling older people (mean age=82 years; 47% female) with cognitive impairment were recruited for the iFOCIS fall prevention randomised controlled trial. Baseline assessments completed before randomisation were used for analyses and included the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III; global cognitive function) and its individual cognitive domains (attention; memory; verbal fluency; language; visuospatial ability) and executive function, further examined using the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). Balance performance was derived by averaging postural sway on floor and foam, maximal balance range (reverse z-score) and co-ordinated stability z-scores. With balance performance as the dependent variable, global cognition and each cognitive domain were entered into multivariate linear regression models. Results Mean (± standard deviation) ACE-III and FAB scores were 62.8±19.2 and 11.4±4.6 respectively. In linear regression analyses adjusted for covariates, global cognitive function and each cognitive domain were significantly associated with balance performance. Executive function (verbal fluency; β=-.248, p&amp;lt;0.001, adjusted R2=0.376) and visuospatial ability (β=-.250, p&amp;lt;0.001, adjusted R2=0.381) had the strongest and memory the weakest (β=-.119, p=0.018, adjusted R2=0.334) association with balance. Visuospatial ability remained significantly associated with balance performance when adjusted for attention, memory, language, verbal fluency and the FAB. Executive function (verbal fluency) remained significantly associated with balance when adjusted for attention, memory, language and visuospatial ability. Conversely, attention, memory, and language did not withstand adjustment for visuospatial ability or executive function. Conclusions Poorer global cognition and performance in each cognitive domain were associated with poorer balance performance in this large sample of community-dwelling older people with cognitive impairment. Visuospatial ability and executive function were independently associated with balance, highlighting the role higher-level cognitive processes and spatial perception and processing play in postural control.

The Longitudinal Impact of Excessive Daytime Somnolence on Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease in a Southeast Asian Cohort.

Sleep-wake disturbances, such as excessive daytime somnolence (EDS), are nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and significantly affect the quality of life. This study aimed to examine the relationship between EDS and motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD. Eighty-two patients with idiopathic mild PD were followed up twice a year for 2 years and assessed on sleep, mood, anxiety, cognition, function, and disease severity. Data were analyzed retrospectively, comparing motor and nonmotor outcomes between those with EDS and those without. At baseline, 27.9% had EDS and were similar in demographic and clinical characteristics to those without; 10% had persistent EDS during the first year of follow-up. Excessive daytime somnolence had a significant main effect on mood and anxiety as shown by consistently higher scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale (P = .022) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale scores (P = .011) throughout duration of follow-up. The group with persistent EDS showed greater rate of worsening Frontal Assessment Battery scores by the end of first-year follow-up (P = .025) and greater rate of worsening Apathy Scale scores by the end of 2-year follow-up (P = .002). No significant effects of EDS on motor symptoms and disease severity were found. In a Southeast Asian cohort of patients with PD, EDS had a negative longitudinal impact on mood, anxiety, apathy, and cognitive function but no impact on motor symptoms and disease severity. Excessive daytime somnolence is thus a potential therapeutic target to improve nonmotor outcomes.

Decline in drawing ability and cerebral perfusion in Parkinson's disease patients after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation surgery

BackgroundSubthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) is an established therapy for alleviating motor symptoms in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients; however, a postoperative decline in cognitive and speech function has become problematic although its mechanism remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the properties of language and drawing ability and cerebral perfusion in PD patients after bilateral STN DBS surgery. MethodsWestern aphasia battery, including drawing as a subcategory, and perfusion (N-isopropyl-p-[123I] iodoamphetamine) SPECT scan was conducted in 21 consecutive PD patients, before, and three to six months after, bilateral STN DBS surgery while on stimulation. Perfusion images were compared with those of 17 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers. In the parametric image analysis, the statistical peak threshold was set at P < 0.001 uncorrected with a cluster threshold set at P < 0.05 uncorrected. ResultsAlthough motor symptoms were improved and general cognition was preserved in the patient group, 11 patients (52.4%) showed a decline in the drawing subcategory after surgery, which showed a reduction in Frontal Assessment Battery score in this group of patients. Statistical parametric analysis of the brain perfusion images showed a decrease of cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal and cingulate cortex after surgery. Patients whose drawing ability declined showed decreased perfusion in the middle cingulate cortex comparing before and after surgery. ConclusionPresent results show that some PD patients show a decline in drawing ability after bilateral STN DBS which may attributable by dysfunction in the cingulate network.

Intracranial calcifications under vitamin K antagonists or direct oral anticoagulants: Results from the French VIKING study in older adults

ObjectivesThe use of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is associated with the onset of vascular and soft-tissue calcifications. Whether there are more intracranial calcifications under VKA remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether the regular use of VKA in older adults was associated with an increased burden of intracranial calcifications compared with the use of direct oral anticoagulant (DOA). Study designNineteen patients aged 70 years or more using VKA for more than 3 months and 19 controls (matched for age, gender and indication for anticoagulation) using DOA for more than 3 months were consecutively included in this study. Main outcomes measuresThe burden of intracranial calcifications was graded by an experienced neuroradiologist from 0 (no burden) to 3 (high burden) according to the quantity, size, intensity and confluence of calcifications on computed tomography scan of the brain. Age, gender, frontal assessment battery (FAB) score, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, carotid artery stenosis, kidney failure and indication for anticoagulation were investigated as potential confounders. ResultsThe 19 patients using VKA (median[IQR], 84years[7]; 10females) exhibited a greater burden of falcian calcifications than the 19 controls using DOA (respectively, 2[1] versus 1[2], P = 0.025). Overall, we found that using VKA was directly associated with the global burden of intracranial calcifications (β = 1.54, P = 0.049). No correlation was found with calcifications in sites other than the falx cerebri. ConclusionsThe use of VKA was associated with a greater burden of intracranial calcifications compared with the use of DOA, specifically in the falx cerebri. This finding may explain part of the neurocognitive morbidity met with VKA.