K-MMSE Scores Research Articles

Effects of Exercise on Urinary AD7c-NTP (Alzheimer-Associated Neuronal Thread Protein) Levels and Cognitive Function Among Active Korean Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Alzheimer-associated neuronal thread protein (AD7c-NTP) has been demonstrated to have high diagnostic accuracy in differentiating Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients from healthy individuals. However, it is yet unclear whether exercise can lower the level of AD7c-NTP in urine among active Korean elderly. To assess the effect of exercise on AD7c-ntp levels in urine and cognitive function among active Korean elderly. In total, 40 Korean elderly (≥65 years) were divided into Active Control group (CG, n = 10), Aerobic exercise group (AG, n = 18), and combined Resistance/Aerobic exercise group (RAG, n = 12). A total of 12 weeks of exercise intervention was implemented. At week 0 and 12, cognitive performance (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination, Korean-Color Word Stroop test), grip strength, and body composition (muscle mass and body fat percentage) were measured. Also, a morning urine sample was obtained from each subject. The level of AD7c-NTP was measured using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After 12 weeks of exercise intervention, there was a significant difference of AD7c-NTP levels between RAG and CG (p = 0.026), AG and CG (p = 0.032), respectively. Furthermore, the AD7c-NTP levels in urine showed negative correlation with K-MMSE scores (r = -0.390, p = 0.013) and grip strength (r = -0.376, p = 0.017), among all participants after exercise intervention. This is the first study to investigate urine biomarker through exercise intervention. In future stuides, participants who have low cognitive function and low activity levels need to be recruited to observe more significant 'Exercise' effect.

Effects of physical activity participation on cognitive impairment in older adults population with disabilities.

Existing research on the association between cognitive function and physical activity in the older adults population with disabilities is limited. Additionally, there is a need to explore avenues for enhancing the longevity and quality of life among these individuals. This study aimed to investigate the independent and joint associations between cognitive function and levels of physical activity in the older adults population with disabilities. A total of 315 older adults adults (men = 182, women = 133), identified with disabilities based on medical evaluation, were recruited from the first survey of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Participants underwent assessments for cognitive function, physical activity (PA), activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and grip strength. ADLs (p < 0.001) and IADLs (p < 0.001) scores were significantly higher in the male normal cognitive group compared to both the male and female cognitive impairment groups. In an unadjusted model, disabled older adults individuals who did not meet the recommended PA guidelines showed an increased odds ratio for cognitive dysfunction (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.32-3.97). Those participating in PA at least 1 day per week also demonstrated an elevated odds ratio (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08-1.38) for cognitive dysfunction compared to those who engaged in regular PA. A negative correlation was observed between K-MMSE scores and grip strength (r = 0.448, p < 0.001). This study provides robust evidence that disabled older adults individuals who do not meet the recommended guidelines for PA or who do not participate in PA at least once a week have an increased likelihood of cognitive impairment compared to those who are regularly active.

The association between depressive symptoms with fear of falling and cognitive decline in older adults in the Korean community: An analysis of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), 2006–2020

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effects of fear of falling (FOF) on cognitive decline in older adults in the Korean community, depending on the presence of accompanying depressive symptoms. MethodsA total of 6263 individuals were included in the final analysis. Based on their baseline evaluation results for depressive symptoms and FOF, the subjects were divided into four groups: “normal control” (NC, n = 3783), “depression only” (Dep-only, n = 291), “fear of falling only” (FOF-only, n = 1755), and “depression with fear of falling” (Dep-FOF, n = 434). Cognitive decline was defined as a loss of more than three points in the K-MMSE score in participants with at least two years of follow-up. We examined the association between FOF accompanied by depressive symptoms and cognitive decline using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. ResultsCognitive decline occurred in 76.3%, 68.5%, 63.9%, and 56.4% of the Dep-FOF, FOF-only, Dep-only, and NC groups, respectively. Our findings suggest that individuals with FOF do not always have cognitive decline (HR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.95–1.12, P = 0.43) compared to individuals without FOF. Furthermore, depressive symptoms with FOF are associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline (HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.08–1.41, P = 0.002) in community-dwelling older adults in Korea. ConclusionHealthcare providers should be attentive to community-dwelling older adults who experience both depressive symptoms and FOF because our findings suggest that this unique combination increases the risk of cognitive decline.

A Multicentre, Randomised, Open-Label, Prospective Study to Estimate the Add-On Effects Of Memantine as Ebixa® Oral Pump (Solution) on Language in Patients with Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease Already Receiving Donepezil (ROMEO-AD).

This multicentre, randomised, open-label, and prospective study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of memantine (memantine solution) on speech function in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) who were already on donepezil therapy. Participants were divided into two groups: the drug trial group was administered donepezil+memantine (memantine solution), while the control group was administered only donepezil. Patients in the test group were required to increase the dose of memantine by 5mg/day per week for the first 4weeks and were maintained at 20mg/day until the end of the trial. Of the 188 participants, 24 dropped out, and 164 completed the final research process. As the primary outcome, K-WAB showed an increase in scores in both groups compared to baseline scores; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.678). After 12weeks, the donepezil treatment group had higher K-MMSE and lower CDR-SB scores than the donepezil and memantine combination group, indicating better cognitive and functional status. However, this effect was not sustained for 24weeks. Patients who were assigned to receive only donepezil had Relevant Outcome Scale for AD (ROSA) scores that were higher by an average of 4.6 points compared to the donepezil and memantine combination group. The NPI-Q index improved compared to baseline values in both groups. Although several clinical studies have reported significant improvements in speech function after the administration of memantine, clinical studies on speech function improvement in patients with Alzheimer's disease are still insignificant. There are no studies on the effect of donepezil and memantine in combination treatment on language function in the moderate and severe stages of AD. Therefore, we investigated the effect of memantine (memantine solution) on speech function in patients with moderate to severe AD who were administered donepezil at a stable dose. Although the efficacy of the combination therapy was not superior to that of donepezil monotherapy alone, memantine was effective in improving behavioural symptoms in patients with moderate or severe AD.

Health improvements of older adults based on benefit duration: Lessons from Korean social pension policies

The social pension, introduced in 2008 in Korea, has now become the most prominent old age income for most older adults. As of May 2022, it paid a monthly benefit of around USD 275 for 6.0 million older persons aged 65 and over who belong to the bottom 70% of the income and asset distribution. Although social pension's objectives focus on alleviating old age poverty and increasing income levels, it also encompasses a clear implication on health: social pension benefit can be spent on items or activities that improve the beneficiary's health.Using the Korean Longitudinal Study on Ageing data, between 2006 and 2018, and the Propensity Score Matching combined with Generalized Difference-In-Differences based on event study design, this study investigates the effects of receiving the social pension on objective measures of health that are representative of health and well-being in old age, by benefit duration. Study results showed that continually receiving social pension significantly improved beneficiaries’ grip strength and cognitive ability. Grip strength was improved by 2.3-kg in the fifth year of receiving social pension. Additionally, the cognitive ability (K-MMSE score) was improved by 1.309 points in the first year. Results of descriptive analysis suggested that the social pension may have benefitted the health of the beneficiaries by improving their nutrition, health care utilization, and physical activities, and reducing financial strain and associated stress level.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the cumulative effects of nation-wide social pension programs on older adults’ objective health measures by benefit duration up to five years, in a high-income country setting where old age income security systems are under-developed.

지역사회 거주 노인의 인지기능 변화에 영향을 미치는 요인

The purpose of this study was to identify the predictable factors influenced the cognitive change of the older adult living in the community by using the KLoSA(Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging) research. This study was analyzed by latent growth curve model of 1,147 people aged over 65 who participated in all the 1st to 5th study among the elderly with a K-MMSE score of 24 point or higher according to KLoSA data. As a result of the study, the cognitive of the elderly decreased over time, and the factors affecting the cognitive change in the elderly seems to be cause by gender and education level at the start point of cognitive. But factors influencing the cognitive change over time from the starting point were the hearing and education level. Various interventions are needed to prevent cognitive decline in the elderly through predictable factors that can affect to the elderly cognitive.

Safety and efficacy of dietary supplement (gintonin-enriched fraction from ginseng) in subjective memory impairment: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundGintonin inhibits β-amyloid production, increases acetylcholine level in the brain, and promotes neurogenesis. We evaluated the efficacy of gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) in improving the cognitive performance in subjective memory impairment. MethodsIn this 8-week, randomized, assessor and participant blinded, placebo–controlled study, participants with subjective memory impairment but preserved cognitive function (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination [K-MMSE] score ≥23) were assigned to GEF 300mg/day or placebo. K-MMSE, Korean versions of the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale, color-word stroop test (K-CWST), clinical dementia rating, and Beck depression inventory-II were evaluated along with the safety profiles. The primary outcome was set as the change in the K-MMSE. ResultsSeventy-six participants complete the study protocol. After 8 weeks, there was no inter-group difference in the primary or secondary outcome score changes. However, GEF group showed an improvement in the K-MMSE scores (P= 0.026), and in the number of correct answers in both word reading (P= 0.008) and color reading (P= 0.005) of K-CWST, although only the improvement in the K-CWST scores were higher than the minimum clinically important difference. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between the groups and all were of mild severity. ConclusionGEF is safe but might not be effective in treating subjective memory impairment within the current study setting. However, GEF showed a trend of improving the global cognition and the frontal executive function. Further large-sized studies with longer follow-up period are warranted. Clinical trial registrationThis clinical trial was registered at Clinical Research Information Service of Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: KCT0004636.

고령자들의 치매 예방 “PASCAL” 교육과 신체자극 운동프로그램이 인지기능 및 치매 위험인자에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of “PASCAL” education on the cognitive function and dementia risk factors of the elderly and to suggest the efficacy of the cognitive function and dementia risk factors for the prevention of dementia in the elderly. The subjects of this study were 20elderly women aged 65~75years, and 10control groups and 10exercise groups participated in the “PASCAL” education and the elderly physical stimulation exercise program regularly for 3days a week. The dementia prevention education was conducted for seven days in 60minutes a day. The physical stimulation exercise program for 12-weeks consisted of warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down. The measurement variables were composed of body composition, blood pressure, cognitive function, and dementia risk factors. Body composition and blood pressure were measured in measurement items. K-MMSE score was used for cognitive function test. β-amyloid, insulin, DHEAs, and BDNF were measured for dementia risk factors. The results of the study showed that K-MMSE score, a cognitive function test, showed the main effect(p<.001) and interaction effect(p<.001) after participating in the 12-week dementia prevention “PASCAL” education and physical stimulation exercise program. In the risk factors for dementia, β-amyloid, insulin, DHEAs, and BDNF showed the main effect(p<.001) and interaction effect(p<.001) after 12-weeks of prevention of dementia “PASCAL” education and participation in physical stimulation exercise program. In conclusion, the program of “PASCAL” education and physical stimulation exercise for prevention of dementia applied to this study showed significant effects on cognitive function and risk factors for dementia for dementia. Therefore, when applying the “PASCAL” education and physical stimulation exercise program to the development of cognitive function of the elderly, it can be an important management method to prevent dementia and early diagnosis of dementia and to restore cognitive function.

Factors contributing to cognitive improvement effects of acupuncture in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is generally regarded as the borderline between cognitive changes of aging and very early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is important to develop easily available interventions to delay the progression of MCI to AD. We investigated factors contributing to the cognitive improvement effects of acupuncture to obtain data for developing optimized acupuncture treatments for MCI.MethodsThis outcome assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial included a full analysis for comparing the efficacy of different acupuncture methods. Thirty-two participants with MCI (i.e., fulfilling the Peterson diagnostic criteria for MCI, K-MMSE scores of 20–23, and MoCA-K scale scores of 0–22) were randomly assigned to basic acupuncture (BA; GV20, EX-HN1, GB20, and GV24 for 30 min), acupoint specificity (AS; adding KI3 to BA), needle duration (ND; BA for 20 min), or electroacupuncture (EA; electrical stimulation to BA) groups (n=8/group) via 1:1:1:1 allocation and administered acupuncture once daily, three times a week for 8 weeks. The measured outcomes included scores on the Korean version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-K-cog), Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA-K), Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, Korean Activities of Daily Living scale, Korean Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale, and European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level Scale. Outcome measurements were recorded at baseline (week 0), intervention endpoint (week 8), and 12 weeks after intervention completion (week 20).ResultsTwenty-five patients with MCI completed the trial (BA group, 8; AS group, 6; ND group, 5; EA group, 6). MoCA-K scores were significantly increased in the BA group compared with the ND (p=0.008, week 8–week 0) and EA groups (p=0.003, week 8–week 0; p=0.043, week 20–week 0). ADAS-K-cog scores were significantly decreased in the BA group compared with the ND group (p=0.019, week 20–week 0).ConclusionsThe BA group showed significant improvement in cognitive function compared to the ND and EA groups. Electrical stimulation and needle duration may contribute to the cognitive improvement effects of acupuncture in patients with MCI.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service; URL:cris.nih.go.kr.; unique identifier: KCT0003430 (registration date: January 16, 2019).

Depressive symptoms with cognitive dysfunction increase the risk of cognitive impairment: analysis of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), 2006-2018.

Geriatric depression complicates cognitive health in older adults. This study aims to investigate the impact of depressive symptoms on cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults, depending on whether cognitive dysfunction accompanied. A community-based longitudinal cohort study. This study analyzed data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) from 2006 to 2018. Among 10,254 individuals who were registered in the KLoSA study, a total of 9119 subjects met the criteria, and 4547 subjects were included in the final analysis. The subjects were grouped into 4 categories based on depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction at baseline assessment: "normal control" (NC, n = 3341), "depression only" (Dep-only, n = 652), "cognitive dysfunction only" (CD-only, n = 393), and "depression with cognitive dysfunction" (Dep-CD, n = 161). Cognitive impairment 10 years later was defined as K-MMSE scores below two percentile on demographically adjusted norms. Ten-year survival, that is, not experiencing cognitive impairment, was 80 $$ \pm \,$$1% in NC group, 72 $$ \pm $$ 2% in Dep-only group, 52 $$ \pm $$ 3% in CD-only group, and 44 $$ \pm $$ 5% in Dep-CD group. The hazard ratio (HR) of the Dep-only group (HR = 1.18, 95% CI, 0.97-1.43, n.s.) did not differ from that of the NC group, but the HR of the Dep-CD group was significantly higher (HR = 2.85, 95% CI, 2.23-3.66, p < 0.001) than the NC group. When the Dep-CD group was compared to the CD-only group, the HR was 1.13 (95% CI, 0.85-1.49, n.s.), which indicates that it did not significantly differ from the CD-only group. Our findings suggest that depressive symptoms with cognitive dysfunction are associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment. Furthermore, cognitive dysfunction occurring with depressive symptoms is as much a risk for cognitive impairment as is pure cognitive dysfunction. Thus, healthcare providers should pay close attention to the community-dwelling elderly when depressive symptoms occur with cognitive dysfunction.

Effect of desalted Salicornia europaea L. ethanol extract (PM-EE) on the subjects complaining memory dysfunction without dementia: a 12\xa0week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Desalted Salicornia europaea L. (SE) inhibits acetylcholine esterase, attenuates oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, and activates neurotrophic pathway. We performed 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of PhytoMeal(a desalted SE)-ethanol extract (PM-EE), in improving the cognitive performance in patients with subjective memory impairment. 63 participants complaining memory dysfunction without dementia (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination [K-MMSE] score ≥ 23) were assigned to PM-EE 600 mg/day or placebo. The cognitive domain of the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-Korean version (ADAS-K) was set as the primary outcome. After 12 weeks, there was no differences in the changes in the primary outcome or the frequency of adverse events between the groups. In the subgroup analysis for the 30 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, baseline K-MMSE scores ≤ 28), PM-EE significantly improved the color-reading score of the Korean color-word stroop test (8.2 ± 25.0 vs. − 4.7 ± 13.2, P = 0.018). Our findings suggest that PM-EE is safe but might not be effective in this setting of this study. However, PM-EE may improve the frontal executive function in the patients with MCI. Further large-sized studies with longer follow-up period is warranted (trial registration number KCT0003418).

P1488RECOVERY OF LOW TRIIODOTHYRONINE CAN IMPROVE MORTALITY IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Low circulating triiodothyronine (T3) levels are the most frequently encountered thyroid functional test derangement in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis. Low T3 is known as independent predictive value for all-cause mortality and, particularly, for cardiovascular-related death in patients with ESRD on hemodialysis. This study investigated that recovery of low T3 level to normal can lower mortality in ESRD patients on hemodialysis. Method We have constructed the 500 K-cohort of ESRD patients attending the hemodialysis center of 6 tertiary hospitals of South Korea to evaluate the mortality of the ESRD patients since 2016. From this prospective cohort, we invited patients with ESRD from June 2016 to May 2019 The participants were divided into four groups based on the change of the T3 level: normal group showed the normal T3 continuously, low group showed the low T3 continuously, recovery group showed the low T3 change to normal and decrease group showed the normal T3 change to low. We evaluate relationships between change of the T3 level and mortality. Statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS. Results Of the total 500 patients in K-cohort, 333 patients were enrolled with detailed thyroid hormone profile including T3 level. 167 (50.2 %) patients out of the 333 patients showed low T3 level initially. Normal group include 126 patients(37.8%), low group include 135 patients(40.5%), recovery group include 32 patients(9.6%) and decrease group include 40 patients(12.0%). Patients with the low T3 level were older and more diabetic compare to those with normal T3 level. They had lower K-MMSE score than the others, Low T3 group had lower free T4 level but thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) showed no significant different comparing normal T3 group. The mortality of normal group was lowest and that of decrease group was highest. The mortality of recovery group recovered to similar with that of the normal group and mortality of decrease group was highest. Lowering of T3 level would affect to mortality than low T3 level continuously. Conclusion Therefore, the change of T3 level is significantly associated with the mortality. Recover lower T3 to normal level can lower the mortality.

Changes in etiology and severity of dysphagia with aging.

To investigate characteristics of dysphagia in the oldest-old population and the effect of aging on swallowing physiology. 418 (364 men, 54 women) patients who underwent videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) for dysphagia were included. The patients were divided into an older group, group I (60-79years old, n = 275) and the oldest-old group, group II (80-96years old, n = 143). Sex, cognition, duration of symptoms, BMI (body mass index), frailty index derived from comprehensive geriatric assessment (FI-CGA), penetration aspiration scale (PAS), and videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) scores and the etiologies of dysphagia were compared between the groups. The correlation analysis of BMI and FI-CGA with dysphagia severity and age was performed. The proportion of males, K-MMSE scores, the duration of symptoms, BMI scores and FI-CGA were significantly greater in group I than II. The PAS and VDS scores were significantly higher in group II than I. The proportion of CNS disorders was significantly higher in group I than in group II. The proportion of poor general medical condition was significantly higher in group II than in group I. A negative correlation between BMI and dysphagia severity and a positive correlation between FI-CGA and dysphagia severity were observed. Dysphagia tends to be more severe in the oldest-old, and can be caused by health conditions unrelated to swallowing. Malnutrition and frailty correlated positively with dysphagia severity, irrespective of age.

PREDICTORS OF LONGITUDINAL COGNITIVE DECLINE AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING KOREAN OLDER ADULTS

Objective This study aims to explore predictors to longitudinal decline of cognitive function in old adults in Korean. Methods The data were derived from the information system of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) which performed nationwide aging panel survey for adults aged over 45 years between 2006 and 2016. The sample consisted of 1,262 older adults who completed K-MMSE. Of the total 1,262 participants, 752 had normal cognition, 243 had mild cognitive impairment, and the rest 267 had dementia. Variables from diverse dimensions were derived from the KLoSA. The linear mixed models were used to predict and explain predictors affecting cognitive function decline over time. Results The ADL and IADL, depression, exercise, and social activity were time-varying variables significantly related to the cognitive function of the older adults. Over time, difference in change of the K-MMSE score between three groups was significant. Conclusions This study identified predictors influencing decrease of cognitive function over time in older adults in Korea. Tailored intervention needs to be developed and implemented in order to delay the cognitive function decline. Improving physical function through regular exercise, increasing social activity, and managing depression by early detection and treatment are recommended according to the cognitive function status. Keywords: old adults, cognitive function, K-MMSE, predictor

The Relationship between Handgrip Strength and Cognitive Function in Elderly Koreans over 8 Years: A Prospective Population-Based Study Using Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

BackgroundDecreased physical performance, such as weakened handgrip strength and cognitive decline, is associated with disability and premature death in old age. We investigated the association between handgrip strength and cognitive impairment in Korean elderly adults with normal cognitive function.MethodsThis prospective study used the database from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing. The participants included 2,378 adults aged 65 years or older with normal cognitive function (Korean Mini-Mental Status Evaluation [K-MMSE] score ≥21). Using a mixed-effects model, we examined the associations at baseline and over an 8-year follow-up period between handgrip strength and K-MMSE score. We investigated handgrip strength as a predictor of change in cognitive function.ResultsThis study included 1,138 women (mean maximum handgrip strength 19.2 kg, mean K-MMSE score 25.1) and 1,240 men (mean maximum handgrip strength 30.7 kg, mean MMSE score 26.2). The baseline handgrip strength was positively associated with the baseline K-MMSE score (b=0.18, P<0.001). Using a mixed-effects model, we found that higher handgrip strength at baseline can predict MMSE scores positively over time (b=0.14, P<0.001) and the change of handgrip strength over time was a predictor of high MMSE scores over the study period (b=0.01, P<0.01).ConclusionWe observed significant associations between baseline handgrip strength and baseline and change of cognition, as well as the longitudinal influence of handgrip strength on the change of cognitive function in elderly Korean adults with normal cognitive function.

Relationship between Comorbid Cognitive Impairment and Functional Outcomes in Stroke Patients with Spatial Neglect

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between cognitive impairment and functional outcomes in stroke patients with spatial neglect. Method: Twenty seven right hemisphere ischemic stroke patients who admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit were included. Patients were divided into two group based on KF-NAP scores: Neglect group (n=18) and non-neglect group (n=9). Neglect group (n=18) were subdivided into two groups by discharge FIM scores as poor outcome group (n=8, <70) and good outcome group (n=10, ≥70). Cognitive function assessments including attention (Attention & Calculation, Digit span test–Forward), memory (Digit span test–Backward, SVLT-Immediate recalls/Delayed recalls) and visual perception (LOTCA-Visual perception/Visuomotor organization), and stroke severity assessment including NIHSS, FMA, K-MMSE, and FIM were performed. Cognitive impairments and functional outcomes were compared between two groups. Results: There were significant differences in NIHSS, FMA (affected U/E, affected L/E), discharge FIM, FIM gain and LOTCA-visuomotor organization between Neglect group and nonneglect group (p<0.05). Among the patients with spatial neglect, there were significant differences in KF-NAP, K-MMSE and assessment scores of memory and visual perception between poor outcome group and good outcome group. Attention, memory and visual perception were significantly correlated with KF-NAP scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: Stroke patients with spatial neglect showed more severe impairment in cognitive, motor and general functional status, which resulted in delayed functional recovery. Spatial neglect patients with combined memory and visual perception impairment may show poor functional outcome. (Brain & NeuroRehabilitation 2016; 9: 37-47)

Comparisons of lower extremity strength, cognition, and ankle mobility according to the 8.5seconds cut-off point for the 8-foot up-and-go test in elderly women

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the 8.5seconds cut-off of the 8-foot up-and-go test as a predictor of falling and a good discriminator of fallers and non-fallers in women in their 60s to 80s.METHODS:The final subjects of this study were 98 elderly women from six senior cen ters of B metropolitan city. The 8-fo ot up-and-go test evaluated agility and dynamic balance. The chair-stand test measured the muscle strength for of the lower body. Ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were measured to assess the ankle mobility of the subjects in this study. RESULTS:The below 8.5seconds group showed significantly low values in age and high values in chair- stand (times/30 s), plantar flexion (°), and K-MMSE (score) compared to the over 8.5seconds group. This group was significantly faster compared to the over 8.5seconds group. In the below 8.5seconds group, only plantar flexion (°) of all the items showed significantly higher values among those in their 60s compared to those in their 70s and 80s.

Language performance and cognitive function in persons with nondominant-hemispheric stroke

This study investigated the relationship between language performance and cognitive function in stroke patients after nondominant hemisphere damage. The results of a battery of formal language tests, K-WAB, of seventy-eight patients were analyzed. The correlation between their K-WAB and K-MMSE scores was analyzed. Multivariate analysis of covariance adjusting for educational years in each of K-WAB and K-MMSE was conducted in accordance with the brain lesion location. Only 35.9 % of patients were classified as normal and the remaining 64.1 % were categorized as subnormal by K-WAB. There was a positive correlation between their language and cognitive functions. Outcomes differed according to lesion location, as the SAH group exhibited a significantly lower performance in both language and cognitive evaluations than the other groups. Cognitive-communicative disorders in stroke patients with nondominant-hemispheric lesions present in different ways. In-depth language evaluation of all brain-damaged patients should be conducted so that language defects of patients are not ignored.

Selenium Status in Cognitively Impaired Korean Elderly Using INAA‐Method

Although the adequate intake of Se is very important in decreasing the risks of various chronic diseases, studies on Se status in Korean people are rare. Our previous study has shown that Se status in adults is declined with increasing age. And several recent studies found that Se can affect the neurodegenerative function in human. The serum Se content is well known indicator for Se intake and increases with the elevated Se consumption. This study was aimed to compare the Se status of cognitively declined patients with general Korean elderly and to analyze the relationship of Se Status with cognitive function. The serum Se level in patients with MCI or dementia was compared to those of general elderly without cognitive impairment. The serum Se content was analyzed using INAA with a unique Korean research reactor. The precision of INAA in Se analysis was proved using NIST CRM. The GPx activity in RBC was measured using Kit. A tool for assessing the cognitive function of elderly, KMMSE score was used. Although the serum Se levels of elderly were in normal range and low in cognitively declined subjects. It correlated with KMMSE score in aged people.

Relationship between cognitive function and metabolic risk factors in Korean elderly

The prevalence of dementia is increasing among Korean elderly. Our study has shown that toenail Zn level is decreased especially in cognitively impaired elderly. But studies on nutritional or metabolic problems among Korean elderly in regard to cognitive function are rarely reported, although chronic degenerative risk factors such as insulin resistance, hypertension, central obesity, and sarcopenia can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study was aimed to find out the associated metabolic risk factors with cognitive function in elderly. The elderly with age over 55y from clinic, church, health center around Seoul and Keugngido in Korea were recruited. The serum Zn, blood pressure, WHR, insulin, HOMA_IR, fat‐free mass levels of patients with MCI or dementia were compared to those of general elderly without cognitive impairment. The serum Zn content was analyzed using INAA with a Korean research reactor. The KMMSE score of men was associated with age, serum LDL‐cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, serum Zn. In women, the KMMSE score was associated with age, body fat%, fat‐free mass, WHR, systolic blood pressure. This study showed the different metabolic risk factors were associated with cognitive function in male and female Korean elderly