Healthy Elderly People Research Articles

Analysis of Speech Features in Alzheimer's Disease with Machine Learning: A Case-Control Study.

Changes in the speech and language of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been reported. Using machine learning to characterize these irregularities may contribute to the early, non-invasive diagnosis of AD. We conducted cognitive function assessments, including the Mini-Mental State Examination, with 83 patients with AD and 75 healthy elderly participants, and recorded pre- and post-assessment conversations to evaluate participants' speech. We analyzed the characteristics of the spectrum, intensity, fundamental frequency, and minute temporal variation (∆) of the intensity and fundamental frequency of the speech and compared them between patients with AD and healthy participants. Additionally, we evaluated the performance of the speech features that differed between the two groups as single explanatory variables. We found significant differences in almost all elements of the speech spectrum between the two groups. Regarding the intensity, we found significant differences in all the factors except for the standard deviation between the two groups. In the performance evaluation, the areas under the curve revealed by logistic regression analysis were higher for the center of gravity (0.908 ± 0.036), mean skewness (0.904 ± 0.023), kurtosis (0.932 ± 0.023), and standard deviation (0.977 ± 0.012) of the spectra. This study used machine learning to reveal speech features of patients diagnosed with AD in comparison with healthy elderly people. Significant differences were found between the two groups in all components of the spectrum, paving the way for early non-invasive diagnosis of AD in the future.

Immunocorrective effects of Tricor fenofibrate in the treatment of the early and intermediate stages of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment, blindness and disability in the elderly. Treatment of end-stage AMD is extremely limited and requires invasive interventions. Currently, there is an active search for remedies aimed at preventing the degenerative process in the retina in the early stages of the disease. AMD is a multifactorial pathology, has common mechanisms with diseases associated with aging, metabolic shifts and hemodynamic disorders. The study of the effects of drugs already used to correct these disorders in the general clinic may also be of interest to ophthalmologists. The aim of the work was to study the dynamics of inflammatory markers of activation of the vascular endothelium and cytokines of the immune response in the tear fluid (TF) of patients with initial and intermediate stages of AMD against the background of the use of Tricor fenofibrate. 65 people were examined, divided into three groups according to the AREDS classification: group I – 20 people with early AMD (AREDS2), group II – 16 patients with intermediate AMD (AREDS3), 29 healthy elderly people without ophthalmopathology entered the age control group (AREDS1 – risk group). Patients of groups I and II received Tricor at a dose of 145 mg once a day for 9 months. Tear fluid (TF) was taken twice: before and immediately after the completion of the course of treatment. The determination of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-, sP-selectin and MCP-1/CCL2 in CS was performed by flow cytometry using a self-constructed multiplex panel from compatible simplex test kits Human FlowCytomixTM Simplex (Bender MedSystem GmbH, Germany); IL-1β, IL-2 IL-6 TNFα was determined within the framework of the Human Flow CytomixTM 15 Flex system (Bender MedSystem GmbH, Germany). Data processing was performed in the FlowCytomix Pro v 6.0 package (Bender Med Systems GmbH, Germany). According to the results of the study, a significant effect of Tricor fenofibrate was found on the initially high levels of local production of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, MCP-1/CCL2 and sICAM-1 in the AREDS2 group, which indicated a direct anti-inflammatory, vasoprotective effect in the treatment of the initial stage of AMD; a similar effect of the drug, but less pronounced, noted in the AREDS3 group. The ophthalmological examination data also indicated stabilization of visual functions and the clinical picture of the fundus, improvement of intraocular blood circulation in patients of the main groups. Thus, the use of Tricor can help prevent the degenerative process in the retina in the early stages of AMD development.

Theta-gamma-coupling as predictor of working memory performance in young and elderly healthy people

The relationship between working memory (WM) and neuronal oscillations can be studied in detail using brain stimulation techniques, which provide a method for modulating these oscillations and thus influencing WM. The endogenous coupling between the amplitude of gamma oscillations and the phase of theta oscillations is crucial for cognitive control. Theta/gamma peak-coupled transcranial alternating current stimulation (TGCp-tACS) can modulate this coupling and thus influence WM performance. This study investigated the effects of TGCp-tACS on WM in older adults and compared their responses with those of younger participants from our previous work who underwent the same experimental design. Twenty-eight older subjects underwent both TGCp-tACS and sham stimulation sessions at least 72 h apart. Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded before and after the interventions, and a WM task battery with five different WM tasks was performed during the interventions to assess various WM components. Outcomes measured included WM task performance (e.g., accuracy, reaction time (RT)) and changes in power spectral density (PSD) in different frequency bands. TGCp-tACS significantly decreased accuracy and RT on the 10- and 14-point Sternberg tasks and increased RT on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test in older adults. In contrast, younger participants showed a significant increase in accuracy only on the 14-item Sternberg task. Electrophysiological analysis revealed a decrease in delta and theta PSD and an increase in high gamma PSD in both younger and older participants after verum stimulation. In conclusion, theta-gamma coupling is essential for WM and modulation of this coupling affects WM performance. The effects of TGCp-tACS on WM vary with age due to natural brain changes. To better support older adults, the study suggests several strategies to improve cognitive function, including: Adjusting stimulation parameters, applying stimulation to two sites, conducting multiple sessions, and using brain imaging techniques for precise targeting.

Pelayanan Fisioterapi Melalui Pemeriksaan Mini-Mental State Examination Untuk Menilai Fungsi Kognitif Lansia di RW 8 Kelurahan Tanjung Rejo Kota Malang

Impaired cognitive function is still a serious health problem that can cause psychological and socio-economic impacts in the form of social isolation and financial difficulties, delayed mobility, and worsening of other symptoms as well as reducing quality of life. As a basis for elderly health services, it is hoped that healthy elderly people will remain healthy. by optimizing physical, mental, cognitive and spiritual functions, through promotive and preventive efforts, including elderly empowerment activities. This counseling aims to assess cognitive function using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) in the elderly at Posyandu for the elderly RW 8 Tanjung Rejo, Malang City. The method given is an examination using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire. The counseling process went smoothly. The results of the examination showed that the majority of elderly people had normal cognitive conditions. A good lifestyle can reduce the risk of dementia.

8224 Vitamin D Supplementation for Healthy Elderly People and the Incidence of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

8224 Vitamin D Supplementation for Healthy Elderly People and the Incidence of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

LONGITUDINAL CHANGE OF RETINAL LAYER THICKNESS IN COGNITIVELY NORMAL ELDERLY SUBJECTS: Population-Based Cohort Study.

To identify longitudinal retinal layer thickness changes in normal eyes of cognitively healthy elderly people. Post hoc analysis was performed on 57 cognitively healthy elderly participants from the population-based Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging and Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia cohort studies who underwent baseline and final optical coherence tomography scans. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, subfoveal choroid, and average retinal layer thickness at four quadrant (nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior) points 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm from the center of the fovea were measured. The mean age of subjects was 75.1 years and the mean follow-up period was 55.9 months. Among the analyzed retinal layers, both the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and the outer nuclear layer at all 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm points showed a statistically significant decrease in thickness at the final visit compared with baseline. The annual decrease rates were -1.2 µm/year at 1 mm (total -6.6%), -1.3 µm/year at 2 mm (total -8.4%), and -1.1 µm/year at 3 mm (total -9.7%) for ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and -0.6 µm/year at 1 mm (total -4.2%), -0.5 µm/year at 2 mm (total -3.9%), and -0.4 µm/year at 3 mm (total -4.1%) for outer nuclear layer. Aging plays a significant role in the reduction of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and outer nuclear layer thicknesses in cognitively healthy elderly individuals.

RECON gene disruption enhances host resistance to enable genome-wide evaluation of intracellular pathogen fitness during infection.

Listeria monocytogenes is the gram-positive bacterium responsible for the food-borne disease listeriosis. Although infections with L. monocytogenes are limiting in healthy hosts, vulnerable populations, including pregnant and elderly people, can experience high rates of mortality. Thus, understanding the breadth of genetic requirements for L. monocytogenes in vivo survival will present new opportunities for treatment and prevention of listeriosis. We developed a murine model of infection using a RECON-/- mouse that is restrictive to systemic L. monocytogenes infection. We utilized this model to screen for L. monocytogenes genes required in vivo via transposon sequencing. We identified the liver-specific gene folD and a repressor, alsR, that only exhibits an in vivo growth defect. AlsR controls the expression of the D-allose operon which is a marker in diagnostic techniques to identify pathogenic Listeria. A better understanding of the role of the D-allose operon in human disease may further inform diagnostic and prevention measures.

The state of hemodynamics in middle-aged and elderly people

The article presents the results of a study of hemodynamic parameters in conditionally healthy middle-aged and elderly people in comparison with those of people with hypertension of middle and elderly age. Anthropometric data and hemodynamic parameters were determined and recorded in men and women, statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the analytical software IBM SPSS Statistics, 22.0. In the course of the study, a more significant inclusion of compensatory mechanisms for normalization of stroke volume, minute volume and peripheral vascular resistance was found in the group of conditionally healthy elderly people in comparison with a similar age group with arterial hypertension.

Profile of oropharyngeal swallowing in healthy Brazilian adults and older adults

ObjectivesTo describe the findings of Fiberoptic Endoscopic Examination of Swallowing (FEES) in asymptomatic young and older adults, comparing results across different age groups. Additionally, this study aims to test the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) as an instrument to identify dysphagia risk. MethodsA prospective cross-sectional observational analysis was conducted on a sample of individuals aged 20 and above, asymptomatic for dysphagia, stratified by age groups. The EAT-10 questionnaire was completed, and the FEES was employed to assess oropharyngeal swallowing function. Various parameters, including salivary stasis, swallowing reflex trigger, swallowing sequence, residue, penetration, and aspiration were blindly analyzed by two otolaryngologists. ResultsA total of 184 participants were included, with a mean age of 44.7 ± 18.5 years. There was good to excellent agreement between examiners for FEES parameters. The EAT-10 score ≥3 suggested dysphagia risk in 7.6% (n = 14) of the sample, with no association with age or any FEES parameter. Individuals aged ≥80 years presented more residue (50%; n = 5/10) compared to younger individuals (11.5%; n = 20/174; p = 0.039). Salivary stasis was found exclusively in individuals aged ≥60 years (n = 5/39; 12.8%; p = 0.027). Age did not influence on the swallowing reflex trigger, swallowing sequence, penetration, and aspiration. Penetration was observed in 4.9% (n = 9) of subjects and aspiration occurred in 0.5% (n = 1) of subjects, with no statistical significance in age groups. ConclusionAge does not have a linear influence on swallowing in healthy adults and elderly people. However, individuals aged ≥80 years showed a higher prevalence of residue, and individuals aged ≥60 years showed a higher prevalence of salivary stasis, suggesting an increased risk or presence of dysphagia. Other FEES parameters were not influenced by age. These findings provide valuable insights into the nuanced dynamics of swallowing across different age groups, emphasizing the importance of age-specific considerations in dysphagia assessment. Level of evidence4.

Effectiveness of Elderly Education on Level of Knowledge about Hypertension Prevention

Healthy elderly people are everyone's hope who do not experience illnesses such as hypertension. Discussion forums are activity carried out by the elderly at the posyandu so that the elderly can carry out prevention and early recognition of the symptoms of hypertension. The aim of the research was to determine the effectiveness of preventing hypertension by providing knowledge about hypertension. The method used quantitative with a Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. Respondents were divided into two groups, namely the group receiving counseling and the control group. The research was conducted in 2023 at the North Singkawang Community Health Center. The results of the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test obtained a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05 indicating that there was a significant difference in knowledge after being given education about hypertension prevention between the intervention group and the control group. The family plays a role in increasing efforts to prevent hypertension by exercising, eating healthy food and carrying out regular health checks. The elderly are expected to play an active role in hypertension control and prevention programs.

The effect of body weight-supported Tai Chi Yunshou on upper limb motor function in stroke survivors based on neurobiomechanical analysis: a four-arm, parallel-group, assessors-blind randomized controlled trial protocol.

A series of functional disorders commonly occur after stroke, of which upper limb dysfunction is the most difficult to recover. The upper limb rehabilitation effect of Tai Chi Yunshou(TCY) in the later stage of stroke has been confirmed by research. Body weight support-Tai Chi Yunshou (BWS-TCY) is based on TCY exercise and robotic exoskeletons offers most flexibility in deweighting and control strategy. This study is aimed to explore the effect of BWS-TCY on upper limb motor function in stroke based on neurobiomechanics. A single-blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted on 36 stroke survivors who will be randomly assigned to three groups: experimental group, control group A and control group B. In addition, 12 healthy elderly people will be recruited into the healthy control group. Those in the experimental group will receive 20 min of CRT and 20 min of BWS-TCY training, while participants in the control group A will receive 20 min of CRT and 20 min of Robot-assisted training. Participants in the control group B will undergo 40 min of Conventional rehabilitation training (CRT) daily. All interventions will take place 5 days a week for 12 weeks, with a 12-week follow-up period. No intervention will be carried out for the healthy control group. Upper limb function will be assessed before and after the intervention using various rating scales (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Wolf Motor Function Test, etc.), as well as neurobiomechanical analyses (surface electromyography, functional near-infrared brain function analysis system, and Xsens maneuver Capture System). Additionally, 10 healthy elderly individuals will be recruited for neurobiomechanical analysis, and the results will be compared with those of stroke survivors. The results of this study will offer initial evidence on the effectiveness and feasibility of BWS-TCY as an early intervention for stroke rehabilitation. Positive findings from this study could contribute to the development of guidelines for the use of BWS-TCY in the early stages of stroke. This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committees of the seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Study ID: 2022-7th-HIRB-022). The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific conferences. https://clinicaltrials.gov/, ChiCTR 2200063150.

Neurotrophins and vascular endothelial growth factor in oral fluid of elderly patients: diagnostic value for chronic periodontitis and oral lichen planus

Objective. To evaluate the vascular endothelial growth factor A and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the oral fluid of mature and elderly patients with chronic periodontitis and oral lichen planus. Materials and methods. The study involved 56 participants. The control group consisted of healthy volunteers aged 18–44 (n=10). The comparison group included relatively healthy elderly people aged 60–74 (n=12). The distinguished groups of patients with age-associated dental diseases included: moderate chronic periodontitis mature patients of 45–59 years (n=10) and elderly patients (n=14), as well as elderly patients with oral lichen planus (n=10). The patients underwent dental examination. The content of neurotrophins and vascular endothelial growth factor A in saliva (BDNF/ NGF beta/ VEGF-A Human ProcartaPlex Simplex Kit, Invitrogen, USA) was determined by the multiparametric fluorescence analysis with magnetic microspheres (xMAP, Luminex 200, USA) in compliance with the manufacturer protocol. Results. The groups reveal no differences in the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor beta. The elderly patients with oral lichen planus were found to obtain the highest angiogenesis factor, which diagnostic value was assessed by ROC-analysis. The test appears moderately accurate (AUC=0.875). Conclusion. Vascular endothelial growth factor A can be considered for laboratory monitoring of elderly patients with oral lichen planus.

Impact of resistant exercise on the cardiorespiratory fitness of the elderly: a systematic review

Introduction: Oxygen consumption is a physical condition that presents a significant decline due to aging. Resistance training has demonstrated efficiency in delaying some harmful effects of advancing age, however, the influence on the cardiorespiratory capacity of the elderly requires further elucidation. Objective: To elucidate the impact of resistance exercise programs on the cardiorespiratory fitness of healthy elderly people. Methods: This is a systematic review of randomized clinical trials searched in 9 databases, with the following keywords: “resistance training”, “elderly” and “cardiorespiratory fitness”. Results: 6 studies were selected for the review and showed that the elderly population, when subjected to resistance training programs, obtains gains in VO2 adaptations when evaluated through cardiorespiratory tests. The gain was greater in those who associated aerobic exercise with resistance training. Conclusion: Elderly people undergoing resistance training obtain an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness, with its benefits increased when resistance training is associated with aerobic training (combined exercise).

Sarcopenia em pessoas idosas: concordância entre métodos preditores

Sarcopenia is a relevant clinical condition worldwide. Its prevalence ranges from 5% to 13% in the elderly aged 65 years and over. Over 80 years, this value can reach 50%, demonstrating the influence of age on the development of the disease. Its diagnosis is based on reduced muscle mass, associated with decreased strength and/or low muscle function. The gold standard for diagnosing the disease is Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, but it is inaccessible due to its high cost and diagnostic complexity. Thus, alternative methods for screening for sarcopenia, such as: sit and stand test (TSL), calf circumference (CP) and manual strength test (FPM), SARC-F questionnaire are applied. Defining methods suitable for the outpatient setting is essential for both screening and diagnosis of the disease. The present study aimed to analyze whether there is agreement between predictive methods used to estimate the existence of sarcopenia in the elderly. This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 27 healthy elderly people (23 women and 4 men). The predictive methods were measuring CP, FPM, TSL and Ishii Probability Score (ISHII). The agreement between the classifications was used the Kappa statistic. All predictive methods identified sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic individuals. There was no agreement in the combinations: CTS x FPM; TSL x FPM and; TSL x ISHII. As for the association between the CTS and TSL methods, there was a moderate agreement between the predicted values (k=0.43; p=0.006). Conclusion: Different predictive methods promote different sarcopenia diagnoses. A moderate agreement was observed for the combination between CTS and TSL predictors. It should be noted that the association between different tests is an option to be evaluated.

Translation, Validity, and Reliability of the Persian Version of “Keele Assessment of Participation” (P-KAP) Questionnaire among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Introduction The Keele Assessment of Participation (KAP) is a clear, short, valid, and reliable questionnaire developed specifically to evaluate participation restrictions. KAP has been translated into various languages. This study aimed to translate and determine the psychometric properties of the “Keele Assessment of Participation” in healthy community-dwelling elderly people. Methods A forward/backward translation procedure was used for translating the KAP questionnaire into Persian. Older adults (N = 165) aged 60 and over participated. Content and face validity were evaluated. Convergent validity was assessed by evaluating the correlation between KAP and the short-form 36 (SF-36), and community integration measure (CIM). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability (N = 110) were determined by assessing the Kappa and Cronbach’s alpha. Results The content and face validity of the Persian version of KAP (P-KAP) were appropriately reported as good. The P-KAP demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.77) and test-retest reliability (Kappa = 0.82). The correlation between the P-KAP, the CIM, and the SF-36 total score was moderate and respectively −0.416 and −0.468 (p < 0.0001). Discussion The results of the current study found P-KAP to be an acceptable, reliable, and valid instrument.

Does presbygeusia really exist? An updated narrative review.

This review critically assessed the existence of presbygeusia, i.e., the impairment in taste perception occurring in the elderly, as a natural part of the aging process and its potential clinical implications. Several factors might contribute to age-related taste alterations (TAs), including structural changes in taste buds, alterations in saliva composition, central nervous system changes, and oral microbiota dysbiosis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to disentangle the effects of age from those of the several age-related diseases or conditions promoting TAs. Most of the included studies reported TAs in healthy elderly people, suggesting that presbygeusia is a relatively frequent condition associated with age-related changes in the absence of pathological conditions. However, the impact of TAs on dietary preferences and food choices among the elderly seems to be less relevant when compared to other factors, such as cultural, psychological, and social influences. In conclusion, presbygeusia exists even in the absence of comorbidities or drug side effects, but its impact on dietary choices in the elderly is likely modest.

The Role of Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) Supplementation in Sarcopenia among the Elderly

Background: Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and skeletal muscle function that occurs as a result of aging. To maintain muscle mass, a dynamic balance is needed between muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and its breakdown. BCAAs, including leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), and valine (Val), have been found to have important mediating effects in protein synthesis, glucose homeostasis.&#x0D; Methods: This literature review aims to explain further the role of BCAAs in sarcopenia.&#x0D; Results: Numerous studies have demonstrated the advantages of BCAAs for maintaining or improving skeletal muscle mass and performance in both healthy elderly people and those with other comorbidities. It was also shown that resistance training and vitamin D supplementation enhanced the benefits of BCAAs.&#x0D; Conclusion: There are still study results that contradict the role of BCAAs in sarcopenia, hence more research with homogeneity in supplementation dosage and outcome measurement methods is required in order to obtain stronger evidence to support its claims.

Age-related and cancer-related sarcopenia: is there a difference?

The aim of this review is the attempt to differentiating the pathophysiologic and clinical features of the aging-related sarcopenia from cancer-related sarcopenia. In fact, there is some controversy among the experts mainly regarding two points: is always sarcopenia, even that aging-related one, the expression of a generalized disease or may exist independently and without major alteration of the muscle function? Are always aging-related and cancer-related sarcopenia completely separated entities? Literature shows that sarcopenia, defined as simple skeletal muscle mass loss, may range from a mainly focal problem which is common in many healthy elderly people, to a component of a complex multiorgan syndrome as cancer cachexia. Disuse, malnutrition and (neuro)degenerative processes can account for most of the aging-related sarcopenias while systemic inflammation and secretion of cancer-and immune-related molecules play an additional major role in cachexia. A multimodal approach including physical exercise and optimized nutritional support are the key measures to offset sarcopenia with some contribution by the anti-inflammatory drugs in cancer patients. Results are more promising in elderly patients and are still pending for cancer patients where a more specific approach will only rely on the identification and contrast of the key mediators of the cachectic process.

Do Postural and Walking Stabilities Change over a Decade by Aging? A Longitudinal Study.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the center of gravity (COG) is more unstable in the elderly than in young people. However, it is unclear whether aging itself destabilizes the COG. This study aimed to investigate changes in COG sway and gait kinematics over time by a longitudinal study of middle-aged and elderly adults. This study included 198 healthy middle-aged and elderly people who underwent stabilometry at ten-year intervals. The participants' mean age at baseline was 62.9 ± 6.5 years, and 77 (39%) of them were male. The results of stabilometry (mean velocity, sway area, postural sway center in the medial-lateral direction [X center], and postural sway center in the anterior-posterior direction [Y center]), and results of exercise tests (the height-adjusted maximum stride length [HMSL] and the 10 m walk test [10MWT]) were analyzed. The destabilized group with 11 participants, whose mean velocity exceeded 3 cm/s after 10 years, was compared with the stable group with 187 participants, whose mean velocity did not exceed 3 cm/s. Mean velocity increased significantly over ten years (open-eye, from 1.53 ± 0.42 cm to 1.86 ± 0.67 cm, p < 0.001); however, the sway area did not change significantly. X center showed no significant change, whereas Y center showed a significant negative shift (open-eye, from -1.03 ± 1.28 cm to -1.60 ± 1.56 cm, p < 0.001). Although the results of 10MWT and initial HMSL did not differ significantly, the HMSL in the destabilized group at ten years was 0.64, which was significantly smaller than the 0.72 of others (p = 0.019). The ten-year changes in COG sway in middle-aged and elderly adults were characterized by a significant increase in mean velocity but no significant difference in sway area. Because the destabilized group had significantly smaller HMSL at ten years, instability at the onset of movement is likely to be affected by COG instability.

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) and functional transcranial Doppler sonography (fTCD) in healthy elderly and patients with MCI: modulation of age-related changes in word fluency and language lateralization.

Introduction: In addition to age-related changes in language, hemispheric lateralization of language functions steadily declines with age. Also, performance on word fluency tasks declines and is sensitive to the expression of dementia-related changes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of anodal tDCS combined with a word fluency training on language lateralization and word fluency performance in healthy elderly subjects and in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: The effect of anodal tDCS over the left inferio frontal gyrus (IFG) was measured in a group of healthy elderly up to the age of 67years (YG, Ø = 63.9 ± 3.02), a group of healthy elderly aged 68years and older (OG, Ø = 78.1, ± 4.85), and a group of patients with MCI (Ø = 81.18, ± 7.35) by comparing performance in phonological and semantic word fluency tasks before and after 3days of tDCS. Half of the experimental participants received sham stimulation. In addition, language lateralization was determined using a lateralization index (LI) measured with functional transcranial Doppler sonography (fTCD) before and after the stimulation period. Results: Anodal tDCS was associated with significantly higher scores in phonological but not semantic word fluency in both YG and OG. In MCI patients, no difference was measured between the tDCS and sham groups in either word fluency task. fTCD showed significantly increased left lateralization in all three groups after the training phase. However, this effect was independent of tDCS and the degree of lateralization could not be predicted by word fluency performance in any of the groups. Discussion: Phonological word fluency can be increased with atDCS in healthy elderly people by stimulating the IFG in a 3-day training. When cognitive decline has reached a certain stage, as is the case with MCI, this paradigm does not seem to be effective enough.