Geriatric Depression Scale Score Research Articles

Efficacy of comprehensive cognitive health management for Shanghai community older adults with mild cognitive impairment

BackgroundThe management of modifiable risk factors and comorbidities may impact the future trajectory of cognitive impairment, but easy-to-implement management methods are lacking.AimsThis study investigated the effects of simple but comprehensive...

Association between walking speed and cognitive domain functions in Chinese suburban-dwelling older adults.

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship among walking speed, cognitive impairment, and cognitive domain functions in older men and women living in a Chinese suburban community.MethodsIn total, 625 elderly (72.54 ± 5.80 years old) men (n = 258) and women (n = 367) from the Chongming district of Shanghai participated in this study. All participants had Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), 4-m walking test, medical history questionnaire, and physical examination. They were grouped according to walking speed (>0.8 vs. ≤ 0.8 m/s) with the stratification of sex. The odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were assessed using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.ResultsAround 11.6% of men and 14.2% of women had slow walking speeds. After adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), education level, spouse, faller, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and low back pain, walking speed was negatively related to cognitive impairment in men (OR 0.11 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.94]; p = 0.043). In addition, the relationship between walking speed and impaired orientation was significant in both men (OR 0.003 [95% CI: 0.001, 0.05]; p < 0.001) and women (OR 0.15 [95% CI: 0.03, 0.75]; p = 0.021).ConclusionThe relationship between walking speed and cognitive impairment was only significant in men, but the association with impaired orientation was found in both men and women. Assessing the walking speed of the elderly is beneficial, which may help with early detection and early therapeutic prevention of cognitive impairment.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living by Subjective and Objective Measures: The Impact of Depression and Personality.

ObjectivePrevious research shows that depression and personality are independently associated with self- and informant-reports of the ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). However, less is known about the association between depression and personality and performance-based measures of IADLs. We aimed to determine how depression and personality predict self-and informant-reports of IADL compared to performance-based measures of IADLs in a sample of older adults with normal cognition (NC) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).MethodsParticipants consisted of 385 older adults with NC (n = 235), or a diagnosis of MCI (n = 150), aged between 76 and 99-years from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study. Participants underwent comprehensive neuropsychological and clinical assessments to determine global cognition and clinical diagnoses. Personality traits were measured by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and depression by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Subjective IADLs were self- and informant-reported Bayer Activities of Daily Living (B-ADL) scales and objective IADL was the Sydney Test of Activities of Daily Living in Memory Disorders (STAM). Linear regressions examined the relationship between depression and personality and the three types of IADL measures, controlling for all covariates and global cognition.ResultsParticipant-reported IADL, although associated with global cognition, was more strongly associated with GDS and NEO-FFI scores (conscientiousness and neuroticism). Informant-reported IADL was strongly associated with both global cognition and participants’ GDS scores. STAM scores were not associated with participants’ GDS or NEO-FFI scores; instead, they were predicted by demographics and global cognition.ConclusionThese results suggest that performance-based measures of IADL may provide more objective and reliable insight into an individual’s underlying functional ability and are less impacted by the participants’ mood and personality compared to subjectively reported IADL. We argue that performance-based IADL measures are preferable when trying to accurately assess everyday functional ability and its relationship to cognitive status. Where performance-based measures are not available (e.g., in some clinical settings), informant ratings should be sought as they are less influenced by the participant’s personality and mood compared to self-reports.

Cognitive, Functional, and Emotional Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greek Patients with Neurocognitive Disorders.

Prolonged periods of social deprivation, such as COVID-19-related lockdowns, are associated with deleterious effects on cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to gauge the effect of prolonged social isolation on the cognitive function of older adults with neurocognitive disorders. We recruited 125 older adults with minor or major neurocognitive disorders divided into two groups. The control group was tested at the first period of the study (October 2018-May 2019), whereas the experimental group was evaluated at the second chronological period of the study (October 2020-May 2021) during the second wave of COVID-19. Neuropsychological tests were performed at baseline and six months after baseline. In the control group, significant changes in the scores from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; p = 0.049) and the Functional Rating Scale for Symptoms of Dementia (FRSSD; p = 0.005) were found between baseline and follow-up assessments, whereas no changes were identified in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; p = 0.229) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS; p = 0.619) scores. In the experimental group, the scores from all neuropsychological tests (MoCA, MMSE, GDS, and FRSSD; p < 0.001 for all) were significantly different at follow-up when compared with those at baseline measurements. Moreover, significant deterioration of specific functions assessed in MMSE and FRSSD was detected, especially in the experimental group. This study highlights cognitive functions directly affected by social deprivation of individuals with neurocognitive disorders. The findings can be used in the rehabilitation from confinement and its negative consequences.

지속적인 역할 제공 및 활동 참여가 지역사회 치매환자의 우울수준, 자아존중감, 삶의 질에 미치는 효과

This study aimed to examine the effects of continuous role provision and activity participation on depression, selfesteem, and quality of life in dementia patients residing in local communities. The program aimed to help dementia patients play a role and participate in meaningful activities with others in a group and educate their caregivers so that the patients could carry out such activities continuously at home. Thirty-one local patients with dementia who visited the Dementia Prevention and Management Center in Y city, Gyeonggi-do, from July 2015 to October 2014 were enrolled in the program that was conducted once a week for 12 weeks and included in both pre- and post-assessments. The results of the preand post-assessments showed improvements in depression, self-esteem and quality of life for the patients with dementia, with changes in GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale) scores from 14.61±6.40 to 13.26±5.85, SES (Self-Esteem Scale) scores from 22.74±2.91 to 25.32±5.47 and QOL-AD (Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease) scores from 24.42±6.11 to 25.48±6.54 (p&lt;0.01,). It was observed that continuous role provision and activity participation were effective in decreasing depression, and increasing both self-esteem and quality of life in patients with dementia residing in local communities. Therefore, further such studies are needed in the future that would help in improving the mental function of patients with dementia.

Ethnic-Specific Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factor PAX4 R192H Is Associated with Attention-Specific Cognitive Impairment in Chinese with Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been shown to increase the risks of cognitive decline and dementia. Paired box gene 4 (PAX4), a transcription factor for beta cell development and function, has recently been implicated in pathways intersecting Alzheimer's disease and T2DM. In this report, we evaluated the association of the ethnic-specific PAX4 R192H variant, a T2DM risk factor for East Asians which contributes to earlier diabetes onset, and cognitive function of Chinese T2DM patients. 590 Chinese patients aged 45-86 from the SMART2D study were genotyped for PAX4 R192H variation using Illumina OmniExpress-24 Array. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) which had been validated in the Singapore population was administered to assess five cognitive domains: immediate memory, visuospatial/constructional, language, attention, and delayed memory. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association of the R192H risk allele and cognitive domains. Patients with two PAX4 R192H risk alleles showed significantly lower attention index score (β= -8.46, 95% CI [-13.71, -3.21], p = 0.002) than patients with wild-type alleles after adjusting for age, gender, diabetes onset age, HbA1c, body-mass index, renal function, lipid profiles, systolic blood pressure, metformin usage, smoking history, education level, Geriatric Depression Scale score, and presence of APOEɛ4 allele. Ethnic-specific R192H variation in PAX4 is associated with attention-specific cognitive impairment in Chinese with T2DM. Pending further validation studies, determining PAX4 R192H genotype may be helpful for early risk assessment of early-onset T2DM and cognitive impairment to improve diabetes care.

Can Syndecan-1 Be Used As A Biomarker In Alzheimer’s Disease?

Background: Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) is a member of the syndecan family, which includes heparan sulfate proteoglycans. SDC-1 is important for cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between serum SDC-1 levels and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Eighty-two patients aged 65 years and over were included in the study. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to evaluate the cognitive functions of the patients. Comprehensive geriatric assessment components were administered to the patients. Serum SDC-1 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: When patients were grouped as control, MCI and AD, significant decreases were observed in Katz daily living activity (p&lt;0.001), Lawton instrumental daily living activity (p=0.001), Mini-nutritional assessment (p=0.001), MMSE (p=0.001) scores. SDC-1 level was 154.88±22.85 in the control group, 157.95±19.45 in the MCI group, and 159.54±14.04 ng/mL in the AD group, and no significant correlation was observed (p=0.677). When correlation analyzes were performed with SDC-1, a negative correlation was found with the Yesavage geriatric depression scale score (Spearman rho: -0.223 p=0.044). Conclusion: No correlation was found between SDC-1 level and AD, and it showed a negative correlation with depression. Clarifying the pathogenetic processes more clearly will guide the development of new treatment strategies.

Prevalence, Influencing Factors, and Clinical Characteristics of Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Patients With Schizophrenia.

AimsThe purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, influencing factors, and clinical characteristics of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with chronic schizophrenia.Materials and MethodsA total of 264 elderly patients with chronic schizophrenia and 156 normal controls were enrolled in the current study. The Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess their overall cognitive function, the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess their psychotic symptoms, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to assess their depressive symptoms, while Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL) was used to assess their daily living ability.ResultsThe prevalence of cognitive impairment was 77.7% (205/264) in elderly patients with chronic schizophrenia, which was much higher than that [16.7% (26/156)] in normal controls. By using stepwise binary regression analysis, we found that hobbies (p < 0.001, OR = 0.224, 95% CI: 0.114–0.441) might be a protective factor for cognitive impairment, and this relationship remained statistically significant after adjusting for total scores of GDS, ADL and PANSS (modelb) (p = 0.016, OR = 0.406, 95% CI: 0.195–0.847). Compared with individuals without cognitive impairment, individuals with cognitive impairment tend to have more depression and psychiatric symptoms as well as worse activities of daily living (p < 0.05). Through linear regression analysis of the mediating model, we found that hobbies may improve cognitive function by improving psychiatric symptoms, and play a partial mediating role (B = −4.789, p < 0.001).ConclusionCognitive impairment is a very prominent problem in elderly patients with chronic schizophrenia. Elderly schizophrenia patients with cognitive impairment tended to have more depressive mood, more psychotic symptoms and worse activities of daily living. Hobbies will help prevent cognitive impairment in elderly patients with schizophrenia and may improve their cognitive function by influencing psychiatric symptoms. Therefore, we should encourage elderly patients with chronic schizophrenia to develop their own hobbies. However, the above conclusion still need to be further verified, as we cannot exclude the effects of age and education.

Effect of simple calculation and reading aloud on cognitive function and depression in postoperative older adults.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of simple calculation and reading aloud on postoperative cognitive function and depression level in older adults. The study was a randomised controlled experimental study. A personal information form, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were used for data collection. In the evaluation of MMSE and GDS scores of the intervention and control groups 4 weeks after the operation, the differences between the two groups were found to be statistically significant. The results found that simple calculation and reading aloud after surgery had a positive effect on cognitive function and depression level in older people.

Depressive symptoms and cognitive/functional status in a sample of elderly subjects referring to a memory clinic

Background &amp; aims. Depression and dementia are two frequent conditions in the elderly population and are often associated; their relationship is still debated and not well understood. The aim of our study was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their possible relationship with other demographic, cognitive, and functional characteristics in a sample of elderly subjects. Methods. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 1142 patients (≥ 65 years) admitted to a Memory Clinic. We conducted a multidimensional evaluation including cognitive status, assessment of autonomy in Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (BADLs and IADLs) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The sample was stratified by GDS-15 score in three groups (I: &lt; 5, n. 551, absence of depressive symptoms; II: ≥ 5 and &lt; 10, n.442, mild-moderate depression; III: ≥ 10, n. 149, severe depression). Results. Subjects with higher GDS score were more often women, had lower levels of education and haemoglobin (p &lt; 0.001). Higher GDS scores were associated with higher score in delayed recall of Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT, p &lt; 0.001) and Babcock test (p : 0.05), and with lower performance in BADLs and IADLs (p : 0.012 and p &lt; 0.001). In linear regression model, all the associations were confirmed. Conclusions. Our data confirm the relationship between depressive symptoms and female gender, low level of education and greater functional impairment; moreover, we found a significant association between higher GDS score and better scores at memory tests with delayed recall. These results underline the importance of evaluating depressive symptoms as a part of multidimensional evaluation of patients with memory complaints.

The prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors in older obese patients.

Both obesity and malnutrition are common health problems in older adults. The aim of our study is to investigate the prevalence of undernutrition and related factors in older obese patients. 1911 older outpatients who underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment were included in this cross-sectional study. Body mass index (BMI) was categorized as follows: 'Underweight' = BMI < 18.5, 'Normal weight' = 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25, 'Overweight' 25 ≤ BMI < 30, and 'Obesity' ≥ BMI 30. Mini-Nutritional Assessment scores > 23.5, 17-23.5, or < 17 were categorized as well-nourished, malnutrition risk, and malnutrition, respectively. Those who were not well-nourished were considered undernutrition. Of 1911 patients, with a mean age of 77.34 ± 8.0years, 931 (48.7%) were obese. Of whom 6.0% were malnourished and 26.3% were at risk of malnutrition. Age, females, widowed and those living with their children, the number of drugs used, and the presence of heart failure, Parkinson's disease, and dementia, decreased calf circumference and muscle strength were higher in obese patients with undernutrition than obese well-nourished patients (p < 0.05). After adjustment for the aforementioned factors, basic and instrumental activities of daily livings, and Tinetti scores were lower, and falls and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 scores were higher in those with undernutrition compared to those with well-nourished among older obese patients (p < 0.05). Half of the older patients were obese and undernutrition was observed in one out of every three older obese patients. Undernutrition was associated with decreased functional capacity, impairment in balance and gait functions, falls, and depressed mood. Therefore, we recommend to screen older obese patients for nutritional status.

CARE frailty e-health scale: Association with incident adverse health outcomes and comparison with the Cardiovascular Health Study frailty scale in the NuAge cohort

BackgroundThis study examines and compares CARE and Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) frailty states (i.e., robust, prefrail and frail) for their association with incident adverse health outcomes, including falls, depression, cognitive and functional decline, major neurocognitive disorders, hospitalization and mortality in community-dwelling older adults living in the province of Quebec (Canada). MethodsA subset of individuals (n = 1098) who participated in “Nutrition as a determinant of successful aging: The Quebec longitudinal study” (NuAge), which is an elderly population-based observational cohort study with 3 years of follow-up, were selected. CARE and CHS frailty states were determined using the NuAge baseline assessment. Incident falls (i.e., ≥1, ≥2 and severe falls), depression (i.e., 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale score > 10/30), decline in cognition (i.e., Modified Mini Mental State (3MS) score < 79/100) and functionality (i.e., Activity Daily Living (ADL) score ≤ 3/4 and an Instrumental Activity Daily Living (IADL) score ≤ 6/8), major neurocognitive disorders (i.e., 3MS score < 79/100 and IADL score < 6/8), hospitalization and mortality were annually recorded over a 3-year follow-up period. Results66.8% and 23.6% of participants were classified as pre-frail and frail with CARE respectively, whereas this distribution of frailty states differed with CHS (47.9% and 8.4%). There were significant associations of CARE pre-frail and frail states with all incident adverse health outcomes, the lowest odds ratio (OR) being reported with falls and the highest with cognitive decline (OR ranging from 1.63 to 12.85 with P ≤ 0.032). All ORs of the CARE frailty states were greater than those of the CHS, except for frail participants with IADL decline (OR = 4.92 for CARE versus OR = 9.62 for CHS). ConclusionsCARE frail states were associated with incident adverse health outcomes and these associations were greater than with CHS, suggesting that the CARE scale is of clinical interest when screening for frailty and related adverse health outcomes in the elderly population.

Association between Baseline Cognitive Function and Longitudinal Functional Outcome Change after Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Ischemic stroke can cause impairment of daily function and cognitive function. Higher cognitive function is reported in many studies to be associated with better functional outcomes; however, evidence from longitudinal study is lacking. Therefore, in the present study, the association between cognitive function and longitudinal changes of functional outcome was investigated based on stroke severity. Furthermore, whether the effect of cognitive function remained consistent after controlling for depression was investigated. Methods: The data of 423 stroke patients (292 minor strokes, 93 moderate strokes, and 38 severe strokes) were collected. Baseline Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was considered a predictor, and change of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score during 12 months of follow-up was the outcome. First, the association between the baseline MMSE score and longitudinal change in the mRS score was analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Fixed effects were MMSE score group, time, and MMSE score group × time interaction. Additional adjustment was made for the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score. Results: Among the 423 subjects, the mean age was 73.5 years, and 43.4% were female. In the minor stroke group, the high MMSE score group had a decreased mRS score, and the low MMSE score group had an increased mRS score (p < 0.001). This association remained after additional adjustment of the GDS score. Association was not observed between cognitive function and functional recovery in the moderate or severe stroke group. Conclusion: After ischemic stroke, higher baseline global cognitive function was a predictive factor for better functional recovery regardless of depression symptoms in the minor stroke group.

Effectiveness of a Telerehabilitative Home Exercise Program on Elder Adults' Physical Performance, Depression and Fear of Falling.

Our aim in this study was to analyze the effects of a home exercise program of calisthenic exercises delivered through telerehabilitation on physical performance, depression, and risk of falling in elder adults. Our participants were elder adults aged 65 and over, divided into exercise and control groups. We initiated a 4-week telerehabilitation calisthenic exercise program in the exercise group following initial assessments, while our control group received no formal exercise training. Both groups were evaluated online before and after this 4-week period with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). In total, 255 elder adults participated, with 132 (males = 72, females = 60) allocated to calisthenic exercise and 123 (males = 66, females = 57) allocated to the control group. While the groups did not differ significantly on any of our parameters before the exercise, there were statistically significant post-exercise group differences in GDS (p ≤ .001) and MFES (p ≤ .001) scores related to remarkable physical improvements achieved in the calisthenic exercise group. The exercise group showed significant increases in their scores on the SPPB Balance Test (p = .049), SPPB Chair Test (p = .009), and SPPB Total (p = .002) while there was no significant increase in any of these scores among control group participants (p > .05). Thus, calisthenic exercises performed via telerehabilitation significantly improved elder adults' physical performance, fear of falling, and depression. Telerehabilitation is a useful remote means of assessing, inducing, and following-up exercise training, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Postoperative delirium in older patients after undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

To determine the 7-day incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium (POD) occurring after prolapse surgery in women aged ≥60 years. A prospective study of women ≥60 years undergoing prolapse surgery at a large academic center. The primary outcome is positive Confusion Assessment Method delirium screen administered in person or by telephone at the time of hospital discharge and postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7. This analysis included 165 patients, mean ± SD age of 72.5 ± 6.1 years, with median (IQR) years of education of 13 (12-16), and baseline Modified Mini-Mental Status (3MS) Exam score of 95 (92-98). Prolapse repair type was vaginal for 70% (n=115) and laparoscopic for 30% (n=50) of patients; most under general anesthesia, 151 (92.1%). The incidence of positive delirium screen during the first week after surgery was 12.1% (n=20). Most of these participants screened positive on postoperative day 0, 8.4% (n=14). In univariate analyses, a positive screen was associated with older age and fewer education years, lower 3MS exam score, greater baseline geriatric depression scale score, and greater frailty score. Lower 3MS score was the only variable that remained significant in the final model (adjusted odds ratio 0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.95). One in 12 women ≥60 years deemed eligible for discharge on the day of prolapse surgery screens positive for delirium. The 7-day POD incidence is comparable to other elective non-cardiac surgery cohorts. Given the increasing trend toward same day discharge after major prolapse surgery, more research is needed to determine the impact of universal delirium screening as part of discharge assessments.

Association Between Late-Life Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Cognitive Decline in Relation to White Matter Hyperintensities and Amyloid Burden.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) among cognitively normal older adults are increasingly recognized as risk factors for cognitive decline and impairment. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To examine whether biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (amyloid burden) and cerebrovascular disease (white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume) modify the association between NPS and cognitive decline among cognitively unimpaired older adults. Analyses included 193 cognitively unimpaired participants (M age = 70 years) from the BIOCARD study, including 148 with PET amyloid and WMH biomarker data. NPS were measured with Neuropsychiatric Inventory and Geriatric Depression Scale scores. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the association between baseline NPS and longitudinal cognitive trajectories (M follow-up = 3.05 years), using separate models for global, episodic memory, and executive function cognitive composite scores. In a subset of individuals with biomarker data, we evaluated whether WMH or cortical amyloid burden modified the relationship between NPS and cognitive change (as indicated by the NPS×biomarker×time interactions). Higher baseline NPS were associated with lower executive function scores, but not a faster rate of decline in executive function. NPS symptoms were unrelated to the global or episodic memory composite scores, and there was little evidence of a relationship between NPS symptoms and cognitive change over time. The associations between NPS and cognitive decline did not differ by amyloid or WMH burden, and NPS were unrelated to amyloid and WMH burden. These results suggest that the effect of neuropsychiatric symptoms on executive dysfunction may occur through mechanisms outside of amyloid and cerebrovascular disease.

Relationship between Apathy and Subjective Poor Night-time Sleep in de novo, Untreated Parkinson's Disease.

Sleep disturbance is one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the confounding effects of dopaminergic medication on sleep are a major challenge in understanding the impact of sleep disturbance in PD. We investigated the sleep disturbance and associated clinical features in patients with de novo, untreated PD. One-hundred-eight patients with de novo, untreated PD were included. Night sleep disturbance was evaluated using the night sleep subscale of the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease (SCOPA-Sleep). Depression, anxiety, and apathy were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), respectively. Early perfusion and dopamine transporter imaging of F-18 FP-CIT PET/CT were performed together with statistical parametric mapping analysis. The night sleep SCOPA-Sleep sub-score was correlated with the AES (p = 0.014), BAI (p = 0.014), and GDS (p = 0.023) scores. Patients with poor night sleep were more apathetic (p = 0.013). Additionally, there was increased perfusion in the left posterior cingulate in patients with sleep disturbance and apathy compared to those with sleep disturbance only. Night sleep disturbance was related to mood disorders, particularly apathy, in patients with de novo, untreated PD.

An Exploratory Study to Assess the Impact of a Chair-Based Dance Intervention Among Older People With Depressive Symptoms in Residential Care

Objectives:The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the psychological impact of a chair-based dance intervention for older people with depressive symptoms in residential care in Macau. In addition, feasibility and acceptability of this complex intervention were explored.Methods:An exploratory phase quasiexperimental study with pre- and posttest intervention was used. Psychological data for the study were collected using several self-reported questionnaires, including the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) Short-Form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 item (CD-RISC-10). In addition, sociodemographic characteristics were collected from the 13 residents who fully completed the study.Results:After receiving chair-based dance intervention, the mean GDS score (P= .001), mean MSPSS score (P= .000), mean UCLA-LS score (P= .000), and mean CD-RISC-10 score (P= .012) of the group improved with statistical significance. From the scores of the primary outcome, the GDS-15, item 2 “dropped many of your activities and interests” improved the most (−46%), followed by item 5 “in good spirits” (−43%), then item 3 “life is empty” (−33%) and item 7 “feel happy” (−33%).Conclusion:Our chair-based dance intervention may have a positive effect on decreasing symptoms of depression and improving other aspects of psychological well-being in older Chinese people in long-term residential care. In addition, chair-based dance would appear to be a safe, inexpensive, feasible, and acceptable form of intervention for rehabilitation in this setting. These findings provide valuable information to inform a full randomized controlled trial.

Functional Cognitive Disorder Presents High Frequency and Distinct Clinical Profile in Patients With Low Education.

IntroductionFunctional Cognitive Disorder (FCD) is a non-degenerative, common cause of memory complaint in patients with high educational levels. FCD has been insufficiently described in individuals with low education. Here, we investigated the frequency of FCD among individuals with low education.MethodsWe analyzed retrospectively all new referrals from primary care to a tertiary memory clinic from 2014 to 2021. Final diagnosis, diagnostic work-up, clinical and cognitive testing data were compared between FCD and other diagnoses, grouped as Neurodegenerative Disorders (NDD). A regression model was used to assess the effect of education on the diagnosis. Data is shown in Mean [SD].ResultsA total of 516 individuals (70.76 [10.3] years) with low educational attainment (4.5 [3.94] years) were divided into FCD (146, 28.3%) and NDD. Compared with NDD, FCD patients showed lower age at presentation (66.2 [9.4] vs. 72.6 [10.2], p < 0.001), higher Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (22.4 [6.2] vs. 14.7 [7.8], p < 0.001) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores (7.4 [5.4] vs. 5.3 [3.7], p = 0.0001).DiscussionSurprisingly, FCD was the most frequent diagnosis in a low educational setting. However, education was not associated with FCD. Individuals presenting FCD showed a distinct clinical profile, including younger age and higher depressive scores. Strategies to identify FCD in primary care settings may benefit both patients and healthcare systems.

Remote Support of Elderly Women Participating in Mental Health Promotion Programme during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single-Group Longitudinal Intervention.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the longitudinal changes in mental well-being during the switch of the intervention from a personal contact to a remotely delivered Mental Health Prevention and Promotion Programme in elderly women at high risk of developing depression. The study included 70 women aged over 60 with a mean age of 72.28 years. In order to determine mental well-being, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used at four time points: January, April, September and December 2020. A self-developed questionnaire was used to determine predictors of mental well-being. Two-way ANOVA demonstrated a lack of significant differences between the means in the GDS scores at the four data collection time points (p = 0.21). Frequent use of green areas reduced the GDS score on average by 1.52 points (p = 0.01), while owning a garden by 1.51 points (p = 0.04). The illness of a family member increased the GDS score by an average of 1.7 points (p = 0.02). No significant mood deterioration was found between January 2020 and December 2020 in the studied group of elderly women at a high risk of developing depression, which suggests that the remote support provided in the mental health promotion programme was effective.