Lower Mini-Mental State Examination Scores Research Articles

Predictors of Hospital Readmission, Institutionalization, and Mortality in Geriatric Rehabilitation Following Hospitalization According to Admission Reason.

Older adults following an inpatient geriatric rehabilitation (GR) program commonly experience adverse health outcomes such as hospital readmission, institutionalization, and mortality. Although several studies have explored factors related to these outcomes, the influence of admission reason on the predictive factors of adverse health outcomes in the rehabilitation process remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictive factors for adverse health outcomes in inpatients attending GR according to their admission reason. This retrospective study included patients with orthogeriatric (OG) conditions and patients with hospital-associated deconditioning (HAD) admitted to GR after an acute hospitalization between 2016 and 2020. Patients were evaluated by a comprehensive geriatric assessment at admission, including sociodemographic data, social resources, clinical data, cognitive, functional and nutritional status, and physical performance measurements. Adverse health outcomes were collected (hospital readmission, institutionalization, and mortality). Univariate analyses and multivariate backward binary logistic regressions were used to determine predictive factors. In this study, 290 patients were admitted for OG conditions, and 122 patients were admitted due to HAD. In patients with OG conditions, lower Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) predicted institutionalization and mortality. Lower Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form predicted institutionalization, whereas lower Barthel Index and lower Tinetti-Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment scores were associated with higher mortality. In patients with HAD, higher age-adjusted comorbidity index predicted hospital readmission and mortality, and lower Short Physical Performance Battery scores predicted institutionalization and mortality. Finally, lower MMSE scores, worse values in Older Americans Resources and Services Scale and male gender were associated with a higher risk of institutionalization. Predictive factors for hospital readmission, institutionalization, and mortality in patients with OG conditions and HAD during GR were different. Some of those predictors, such as nutritional status and physical performance, are modifiable. Understanding predictive factors for adverse outcomes, and how these factors differ by admission diagnosis, improves our ability to identify patients most at risk. Early identification of these patients could assist with prevention efforts and lead to a reduction of negative outcomes.

The associations of dietary manganese, iron, copper, zinc, selenium and magnesium with cognitive outcomes in Chinese adults: a cross sectional study in Shanghai.

The role of individual nutrients including vitamins and minerals in cognitive function gained increasing attention in recent years. With regard to the association between dietary minerals and cognitive function, the results of human studies are inconclusive. The objective of this study was to explore the association between mineral intake and cognitive function using the data from Shanghai Health and Nutrition Survey (SHNS) in 2018. In total, 835 adults were included in a crosssectional study, and completed a three-day dietary record to estimate their average daily intake of minerals. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used for the assessment of cognitive function, and logistic regression analyses were performed on participants to examine the association between dietary mineral intake and cognitive performance. The participants were divided into tertiles according to their mineral intake. Participants in the second and third tertile of the dietary copper intake had lower rates of low MMSE scores compared to those in the lowest tertile. We found the adjusted OR and 95%CI values were 0.44 (0.21-0.89) and 0.40 (0.16-0.94), respectively. Participants in the second tertile of dietary magnesium intake showed a trend of lower rates of low MMSE score compared to those in the lowest tertile (p = 0.06). The adjusted OR and 95%CI values were 0.35 (0.16-0.72). No significant association were observed between any of the other minerals including iron, zinc, selenium and manganese and cognitive function. Our findings suggest that dietary intake of copper and magnesium may have a protective effect on cognitive performance in elderly over 60 years old. To prevent cognitive decline, elderly should get recommended amounts of copper and magnesium from diet or supplements.

Correlations of Expression Levels of microRNA-206 and microRNA-186 in the Serum With Disease Severity and Prognosis of Elderly Patients With Vascular Dementia.

Objective To investigate the correlations of the expression levels of microRNA (miR)-206 and miR-186 in the serum with the disease severity and prognosis of elderly patients with vascular dementia (VD). Methods A total of 104 elderly patients with VD treated in Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from October 2020 to May 2023 were selected into the VD group and 104 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examinations were enrolled in the control group.Baseline data of both groups were collected,and fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression levels of miR-206 and miR-186 in the serum.According to the severity of VD,the patients were assigned into mild,moderate,and severe VD groups.The elderly patients with VD were followed up for 6 months after discharge.According to the prognosis,the patients were assigned into good/moderate and poor prognosis groups.The baseline data and the serum levels of miR-206 and miR-186 were compared between the control and VD groups as well as between the good/moderate and poor prognosis groups.The serum levels of miR-206 and miR-186 were compared between the mild,moderate,and severe VD groups.The correlations of serum miR-206 and miR-186 levels with mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score in elderly patients with VD were analyzed,on the basis of which the factors affecting the poor prognosis of elderly patients with VD were predicated.Furthermore,the predictive values of serum levels of miR-206 and miR-186 on the poor prognosis of elderly patients with VD were evaluated. Results The VD group had higher proportions of diabetes history (P=0.021),hypertension history (P<0.001),and hyperlipidemia history (P<0.001),higher serum levels of miR-206 (P<0.001) and miR-186 (P<0.001),and lower score of activity of daily living (P<0.001) than the control group.The serum miR-206 and miR-186 levels varied between the mild,moderate,and severe VD groups (all P<0.001).The trend test results showed that serum miR-206 and miR-186 levels presented a rising trend in mild,moderate,and severe VD groups (all P<0.001).The serum miR-206 and miR-186 levels in elderly VD patients were negatively correlated with the MMSE score (all P<0.001).The poor prognosis group had lower MMSE score and higher serum levels of miR-206 and miR-186 than the good/moderate prognosis group (all P<0.001).The MMSE score was a protective factor and miR-206 and miR-186 were risk factors for poor prognosis in elderly patients with VD (P=0.005,P=0.001,P=0.007).The area under curve of combined serum miR-206 and miR-186 levels in predicting poor prognosis in the elderly patients with VD was 0.963,which was higher than those (0.866 and 0.878) of serum miR-206 and miR-186 levels separately (P=0.010,P=0.020). Conclusions The serum levels of miR-206 and miR-186 in elderly patients of VD are high and closely related to the severity and prognosis of VD.The combination of the two demonstrates high performance in predicting the prognosis of elderly patients with VD.

Clinical association of habitual breakfast skipping with cognitive decline and neurodegeneration among older adults

ObjectiveUnhealthy lifestyles have a considerable impact on the incidence of dementia. Skipping breakfast disturbs energy homeostasis and impairs brain function. In this study, we investigated the association between breakfast skipping and cognitive performance among community-dwelling adults. MethodsWe recruited 859 community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years from January 1 to December 31, 2021. Participants’ sociodemographic information and breakfast skipping habits were self-reported. Participants were followed up for 36 months and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) with an interval of 18 months. Trajectories of cognitive change were compared between individuals with and without breakfast skipping. To reduce the risk of bias owing to unmatched sample sizes between the groups, we conducted 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) based on age, sex, education level, and ApoE genotype. ResultsAt baseline and 18-month follow-up, no difference was found in MMSE scores between participants with and without breakfast skipping. However, those who habitually skipped breakfast had significantly lower MMSE scores than those who did not at 36-month follow-up. Individuals with habitual breakfast skipping had a steeper rate of cognitive decline than those without habitual breakfast skipping during follow-up. Breakfast skipping was a risk factor for longitudinal cognitive decline, defined as a decrease in MMSE scores of ≥3, adjusted for age, sex, education, body mass index, ApoE ε4 carrier status, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. At the last follow-up, participants who habitually skipped breakfast had significantly higher levels of ptau181 and NfL than those who did not. In the PSM cohort, similar findings were obtained regarding cognitive trajectories and plasma biomarkers. ConclusionBreakfast skipping was linked to an increased risk of long-term cognitive decline and neurodegeneration among older adults. The link between unhealthy dietary habits and cognitive decline may be attributed to a deficiency in neurorestoration resulting from inadequate energy consumption.

Clinical Correlates and Prognostic Impact of Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insights From PARAGON-HF.

Cognitive impairment is common in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction but its clinical correlates and prognostic associations are poorly understood. We analyzed cognitive function, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction enrolled in a prespecified substudy of the PARAGON-HF trial (Prospective Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor With Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Global Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the variables associated with lower MMSE scores at baseline and postbaseline decline in MMSE scores at 48 weeks. Cox proportional hazards regression and semiparametric proportional rates models were used to examine the risk of clinical outcomes related to baseline MMSE scores, and decline in MMSE scores during follow-up, adjusted for prognostic variables including NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide). At baseline, cognitive function was normal (MMSE score 28-30) in 1809 of 2895 patients (62.5%), borderline (score 24-27) in 794 (27.4%), and impaired (score <24) in 292 (10.1%). Variables associated with both a lower MMSE score at baseline and a decline in score from baseline included older age, a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, and lower serum albumin. Compared with those with baseline MMSE scores of 28 to 30, patients in the lower MMSE score categories had a stepwise increase in the risk of the composite of time to first heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.27 (95% CI, 1.06-1.53) for those with scores of 24 to 27 and 1.58 (95% CI, 1.21-2.06) for those with scores <24, respectively. These associations were also found for the individual components of the composite and all-cause death. Likewise, cognitive impairment was associated with a 50% higher risk of total (first and repeat) heart failure hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths. Examining the change in MMSE score from baseline, a decrease in MMSE score during follow-up was associated with a higher risk of death. In patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction, even modest baseline impairment of cognitive function was associated with worse outcomes, including death. A decline in MMSE score during follow-up was a strong predictor of mortality, independent of other prognostic variables.

Multimorbidity Patterns, Leisure Activities, and Cognitive Function: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study.

There is limited knowledge about the effect of leisure activities on cognitive decline related to different multimorbidity patterns. The study aimed to examine the role of leisure activities in the association between multimorbidity patterns and cognitive function. We conducted a community-based cohort study based on the 2002-2018 Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey. Multimorbidity patterns were examined by exploratory factor analysis. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between multimorbidity, leisure activities, and cognitive function. The study included 14 093 older adults. Those with specific multimorbidity patterns had lower Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Compared with individuals with cardiometabolic and sensory patterns who frequently engaged in activities such as housework, garden work, and watching TV/listening to the radio, those who participated in these activities less regularly had lower MMSE scores. Furthermore, a higher frequency change of participation and a greater variety of leisure activities were associated with better cognitive function. The older individuals with multimorbidity are associated with lower MMSE scores, while those who participated in more leisure activities had higher cognitive function. Diverse and frequent leisure activities may help delay cognitive decline in Chinese older adults with different multimorbidities.

P39: Staying in 1900: a predictor of dementia

Introduction and Objectives: Although new complementary tests have emerged for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia, due to their high costs and limited availability, it is crucial to find low-cost, simple, and quick tools during the clinical examination that allow the physician to correctly diagnose these diseases. The study aims to evaluate the predictive value of mentioning the year 1900 during temporal orientation in patients presenting with cognitive disorders. No similar studies to the one proposed have beenreported.Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted on patients who underwent cognitive evaluation between April and October 2019 and were being followed up in a cognitive neurology service. Within the administration of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) by Folstein, the reported year during temporal orientation was recorded, considering it positive if the response was between 1900 and 1999. The presence of dementia was determined according to the NIA-AA clinical criteria. Epi Info 7.2.1 was used for statistical analysis.Results: A total of 192 patients with a mean age of 68.5 ± 13.97 years were included (65.10% women and 34.90% men). 20.31% had dementia (51.28% non-Alzheimer’s dementia and 48.72% Alzheimer’s-type dementia), while 79.69% had other diagnoses (73.6% non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment, 8% subjective complaint, 4% psychiatric disease, 14.4% amnestic mild cognitive impairment). Mentioning the 1900s had a specificity of 95% and a sensitivity of 58% for diagnosing Alzheimer’s-type dementia versus other dementia types (positive and negative predictive values of 92% and 70% respectively). A positive response in the 1900s was associated with a lower MMSE score (Mean 20.5 SD 5.38 vs. Mean 27.1 SD 3.19 in patients with a negative response (p &lt; 0.0001). Additionally, patients without a 1900s response had a higher number of years of education 14.03 SD 4.2 vs. 10 SD 5.3 (p 0.0001).Conclusions: While this is a preliminary result and a larger sample would be needed, thinking you are in the 1900s seems to be a good dementia indicator, although it remains to be determined if it could be specific to a particular type.

A prediction model of dementia conversion for mild cognitive impairment by combining plasma pTau181 and structural imaging features.

The early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are no longer insurmountable. Therefore, identifying at-risk individuals is of great importance for precise treatment. We developed a model to predict cognitive deterioration in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Based on the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, we constructed models in a derivation cohort of 761 participants with MCI (138 of whom developed dementia at the 36th month) and verified them in a validation cohort of 353 cognitively normal controls (54 developed MCI and 19 developed dementia at the 36th month). In addition, 1303 participants with available AD cerebrospinal fluid core biomarkers were selected to clarify the ability of the model to predict AD core features. We assessed 32 parameters as candidate predictors, including clinical information, blood biomarkers, and structural imaging features, and used multivariable logistic regression analysis to develop our prediction model. Six independent variables of MCI deterioration were identified: apolipoprotein E ε4 allele status, lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores, higher levels of plasma pTau181, smaller volumes of the left hippocampus and right amygdala, and a thinner right inferior temporal cortex. We established an easy-to-use risk heat map and risk score based on these risk factors. The area under the curve (AUC) for both internal and external validations was close to 0.850. Furthermore, the AUC was above 0.800 in identifying participants with high brain amyloid-β loads. Calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between the predicted probability and actual observations in the internal and external validations. We developed and validated an accurate prediction model for dementia conversion in patients with MCI. Simultaneously, the model predicts AD-specific pathological changes. We hope that this model will contribute to more precise clinical treatment and better healthcare resource allocation.

Limitations of Self-Report Tools in Pain Evaluation of Patients With Vertebral Fractures.

Few studies have evaluated the usefulness and limitations of pain assessment using verbal communication tools for acute orthopedic diseases in older patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of usage of the numerical rating scale (NRS), a verbal communication tool, and to identify the characteristics of patients in whom continuous assessment was impossible. We retrospectively examined electronic medical records of patients with acute vertebral fractures who had been admitted to our hospital between April 2018 and March 2020. Continuous pain assessment using the NRS was possible in 43.2% of hospitalized patients with the fractures. The factors preventing continuous pain assessment using the NRS were an advanced age and low Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Based on the receiver-operating characteristic curves, the cutoff age and MMSE score were >85.3 years and <22, respectively. Continuous NRS-based pain assessment is difficult in older adult patients or those with cognitive decline with acute vertebral fractures. In future, a simple observational assessment tool for patients with dementia should be introduced in acute medical care settings.

Association between vascular aging and cognitive function in Chinese adults

BackgroundVascular health has been associated with cognition but related evidence is limited in Chinese. The objective of this study was to examine the association of vascular aging assessed by arterial stiffness and blood pressure with cognitive function in an unselected Chinese population.MethodsIn the Tianning Cohort (N = 5158), indicators of arterial stiffness and blood pressure including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse pressure (PP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire. We applied Poisson regression and logistic regression to examine the associations of vascular aging and blood pressure with cognitive function.Results76 (1.47%) participants had impaired cognitive function diagnosed by a MMSE score of less than 24 points. Participants with a higher level of PP were more likely to have a decreased score of MMSE (β=-0.0121, P < 0.001 for log-transformed pulse pressure) and a higher risk of having impaired cognitive function (OR = 5.95, 95%CI: 2.02–17.79, P < 0.001 for log-transformed PP). Per standard deviation increment in SBP was significantly associated with lower MMSE score (β=-0.0020, P < 0.001) and impaired cognitive function (OR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.38–2.06, P < 0.001). No significant associations were found regarding other parameters.ConclusionsBlood pressure and hypertension were associated with cognitive function in Chinese adults. PP may be a potential predictor for impaired cognitive function.

Depression as a Prognostic Factor in Lower Extremity Amputation for Diabetic Foot: Insights From a Prospective Study on Wound Healing, Infections, and Early Mortality

This study addresses the challenges faced by diabetic patients undergoing lower extremity amputation due to diabetic foot, particularly focusing on the implications for wound healing and early mortality. The wounds at the amputation stump may necessitate multiple surgical interventions. The aim is to identify prognostic factors associated with these outcomes, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the postamputation phase. A prospective study was conducted on 39 diabetic patients who underwent lower extremity amputation due to diabetic foot between 2021 and 2022. Comprehensive preoperative data, encompassing parameters such as blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, hemoglobin A1c, albumin, protein, transferrin, ferritin levels, age, gender, body mass index, smoking habits, dialysis, revascularization, duration of surgery, and the use of tourniquet during the procedure were meticulously recorded. Additionally, cognitive performance and depression status were assessed preoperatively using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), respectively. A follow-up period of 3 months postsurgery allowed for the comparison of patients who developed infections at the amputation stump with those who did not, as well as the distinction between patients who survived and those who succumbed to mortality. The study revealed that the use of a tourniquet during surgery significantly increased the risk of infection (p = .027), and higher BDI scores were associated with increased risks of both infection (AUC = 0.814) and mortality (AUC = 0.769), with cut-off scores of 24.0 and 23.5 predicting these outcomes with high sensitivity and specificity, respectively. Additionally, lower MMSE scores were associated with increased short-term postoperative mortality. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in parameters such as complete blood count, ESR, CRP, procalcitonin, HbA1c, albumin, total protein, transferrin, ferritin levels, age, gender, BMI, smoking, dialysis, revascularization, and surgery duration. This investigation highlights the significance of considering tourniquet usage during amputation, preoperative depression status, and cognitive function in patients who undergo amputation due to diabetic foot. The use of a tourniquet during surgery is a significant risk factor for infection, and elevated BDI scores are strong predictors of both infection and mortality in patients undergoing amputations. The findings underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary neuropsychiatric evaluation preoperatively to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Association between reduced plasma BDNF concentration and MMSE scores in both chronic schizophrenia and mild cognitive impairment

Reduced brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration is reported to be associated with a cognitive decline in schizophrenia, depending on the stage of the disease. Aim of the study was to examine the possible association between plasma BDNF and cognitive decline in chronic stable schizophrenia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study included 123 inpatients of both sexes with schizophrenia, 123 patients with MCI and 208 healthy control subjects. Cognitive abilities were assessed using mini mental state examination (MMSE), Clock Drawing test (CDT) and cognitive subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Plasma BDNF concentration was determined using ELISA. BDNF concentration was lower in patients with schizophrenia and MCI compared to age-matched healthy controls and was similar in carriers of different BDNF Val/66Met genotypes. The MMSE and CDT scores were lower in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls and subjects with MCI. Reduced plasma BDNF was significantly associated with lower MMSE scores in all subjects. BDNF concentration in patients with schizophrenia was not affected by clinical and demographic factors. BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was not associated with the MMSE scores in all participants. Further studies should include longitudinal follow-up and other cognitive scales to confirm these results and offer cognition-improving strategies to prevent cognitive decline in chronic schizophrenia.

Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy in the oldest old: a population-based study.

Population-based cohort studies are essential for understanding the pathological basis of dementia in older populations. Previous studies have shown that limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE-NC) increases with age, but there have been only a few studies, which have investigated this entity in a population-based setting. Here we studied the frequency of LATE-NC and its associations with other brain pathologies and cognition in a population aged ≥ 85 years. The population-based Vantaa 85+ study cohort includes all 601 individuals aged ≥85 years who were living in Vantaa, Finland in 1991. A neuropathological examination was performed on 304 subjects (50.5%) and LATE-NC staging was possible in 295 of those. Dementia status and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were defined in the baseline study and three follow-ups (1994-99). The LATE-NC stages were determined based on TDP-43 immunohistochemistry, according to recently updated recommendations. Arteriolosclerosis was digitally assessed by calculating the average sclerotic index of five random small arterioles in amygdala and hippocampal regions, and frontal white matter. The association of LATE-NC with arteriolosclerosis and previously determined neuropathological variables including Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change (ADNC), Lewy-related pathology (LRP), hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), and cognitive variables were analysed by Fisher's exact test, linear and logistic regression (univariate and multivariate) models. LATE-NC was found in 189 of 295 subjects (64.1%). Stage 2 was the most common (28.5%) and stage 3 the second most common (12.9%), whereas stages 1a, 1b and 1c were less common (9.5%, 5.1% and 8.1%, respectively). Stages 1a (P < 0.01), 2 (P < 0.001) and 3 (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with dementia and lower MMSE scores. LATE-NC was associated with ADNC (P < 0.001), HS (P < 0.001), diffuse neocortical LRP (P < 0.002), and arteriolosclerosis in amygdala (P < 0.02). In most cases LATE-NC occurred in combination alongside other neuropathological changes. There were only six subjects with dementia who had LATE-NC without high levels of ADNC or LRP (2% of the cohort, 3% of the cases with dementia), and five of these had HS. In all multivariate models, LATE-NC was among the strongest independent predictors of dementia. When LATE-NC and ADNC were assessed in a multivariate model without other dementia-associated pathologies, the attributable risk was higher for LATE-NC than ADNC (24.2% versus 18.6%). This population-based study provides evidence that LATE-NC is very common and one of the most significant determinants of dementia in the general late-life aged population.

Clinical Characteristics of Older Adults Living in Foster Families in the French West Indies: Baseline Screening of the KArukera Study of Aging in Foster Families (KASAF) Cohort.

Foster families for older adults could represent a transitional or alternative model to nursing homes. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of older adults in foster families and to compare them with those of residents in nursing homes in French West Indies. This study is a cross-sectional analysis of the KArukera Study of Aging in Foster Families (KASAF) cohort. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were extracted. Dependency was assessed using the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale and cognition using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale. Age, gender, ADL, and MMSE scores were compared with nursing home residents from a twin study of KASAF (n = 332). A total of 107 older adults (mean age 81.8 years; 61.7% women) were recruited in 56 foster families between September 2020 and May 2021. In all, 25.5% had diabetes mellitus and 45.8% suffered from hypertension. The mean MMSE score was 9.3±10.1 and 76.0% had major cognitive impairment (MMSE score <18); 12.5% were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and 42.0% of the residents were confined to bed or in a wheelchair, with a mean ADL score of 1.5±1.8. Almost all the residents (96.3%) benefited from a medical follow-up by a nurse who visited once or twice a day. Compared to older adults living in nursing homes, those in foster families were more frequently women (61.7% vs 49.4%) and had lower ADL score (1.5 vs 2.4) and lower MMSE score (9.3 vs 11.3). The clinical profile of foster families' residents was quite similar to that of nursing home residents in terms of demographics, dementia, and dependency. Foster families might represent an interesting strategy to address the unmet clinical and social needs of dependent older adults, especially in countries where nursing homes are not sufficiently developed. NCT04545775.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) is a clinical indicator of peripheral inflammation that is easily accessible. It is worth noting that the formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles has been linked to inflammation and immune dysregulation. The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to comprehensively evaluate the existing body of research concerning the NLR in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We conducted a comprehensive online search and included studies that evaluated the NLR in 1) patients with AD or MCI and 2) healthy control (HC) participants. We also pooled mean and standard deviation (SD) data for each group. Ultimately, 12 studies encompassed 1,309 individuals diagnosed with AD with mean NLR levels of 2.68, 1,929 individuals with MCI with mean NLR levels of 2.42, and 2,064 HC with mean NLR levels of 2.06 were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The mean NLR was 0.59 higher in AD patients compared to HC participants (mean difference (MD) = 0.59 [0.38; 0.80]). Similarly, the mean NLR was higher in AD than MCI patients (MD = 0.23 [0.13; 0.33]). Additionally, the mean NLR was higher in individuals with MCI compared to HC participants (MD = 0.37 [0.22; 0.52]). In the subgroup meta-analysis based on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), AD patients with lower MMSE scores (using a cut-off of 20) exhibited significantly higher mean NLR (3.10 vs. 2.70, with a p-value for subgroup differences < 0.01). The NLR, which serves as a marker of peripheral inflammation, shows increased levels in individuals with AD and MCI compared to HC participants. Furthermore, our study indicates that NLR levels are significantly higher in AD than MCI. Additionally, our novel finding suggests significantly higher NLR levels among AD patients with more severe cognitive decline compared to AD patients with less severe cognitive decline. So, it can be concluded that the higher cognitive decline in humans is accompanied by higher NLR levels. Further longitudinal researches are needed to explore more details about the relationship between inflammation and dementia.

Association of Plasma Amyloid, P-Tau, GFAP, and NfL With CSF, Clinical, and Cognitive Features in Patients With Dementia With Lewy Bodies.

Plasma β-amyloid-1-42/1-40 (Aβ42/40), phosphorylated-tau (P-tau), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light (NfL) have been widely examined in Alzheimer disease (AD), but little is known about their reflection of copathologies, clinical importance, and predictive value in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We aimed to evaluate associations of these biomarkers with CSF amyloid, cognition, and core features in DLB. This cross-sectional multicenter cohort study with prospective component included individuals with DLB, AD, and healthy controls (HCs), recruited from 2002 to 2020 with an annual follow-up of up to 5 years, from the European-Dementia With Lewy Bodies consortium. Plasma biomarkers were measured by single-molecule array (Neurology 4-Plex E kit). Amyloid status was determined by CSF Aβ42 concentrations, and cognition was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Biomarker differences across groups, associations with amyloid status, and clinical core features were assessed by analysis of covariance. Associations with cognitive impairment and decline were assessed by linear regression and linear mixed-effects models. In our cohort consisting of 562 individuals (HC n = 89, DLB n = 342, AD n = 131; 250 women [44.5%], mean [SD] age of 71 [8] years), sex distribution did not differ between groups. Patients with DLB were significantly older, and had less years of education and worse baseline cognition than HC, but not AD. DLB participants stratified for amyloid status differed significantly in plasma Aβ42/40 ratio (decreased in amyloid abnormal: β = -0.008, 95% CI -0.016 to -0.0003, p = 0.01) and P-tau (increased in amyloid abnormal, P-tau181: β = 0.246, 95% CI 0.011-0.481; P-tau231: β = 0.227, 95% CI 0.035-0.419, both p < 0.05), but not in GFAP (β = 0.068, 95% CI -0.018 to 0.153, p = 0.119), and NfL (β = 0.004, 95% CI -0.087 to 0.096, p = 0.923) concentrations. Higher baseline GFAP, NfL, and P-tau concentrations were associated with lower MMSE scores in DLB, and GFAP and NfL were associated with a faster cognitive decline (GFAP: annual change of -2.11 MMSE points, 95% CI -2.88 to -1.35 MMSE points, p < 0.001; NfL: annual change of -2.13 MMSE points, 95% CI -2.97 to -1.29 MMSE points, p < 0.001). DLB participants with parkinsonism had higher concentrations of NfL (β = 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.14, p = 0.006) than those without. Our study suggests a possible utility of plasma Aβ42/40, P-tau181, and P-tau231 as a noninvasive biomarkers to assess amyloid copathology in DLB, and plasma GFAP and NfL as monitoring biomarkers for cognitive symptoms in DLB.

Association between dietary variety status and sarcopenia as defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 consensus in older outpatients at a hospital specializing in geriatric medicine: A cross‑sectional study with baseline data of prospective cohort study (JUSTICE‑TOKYO study).

To the best of our knowledge, little is known about the association between dietary variety status and sarcopenia in university-affiliated geriatric hospital in elderly. The present study aimed to investigate, in a multidisciplinary setting, the prevalence of sarcopenia and association between dietary variety status and sarcopenia in older outpatients at Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center (Tokyo, Japan). Between October 2020 and December 2021, a cross-sectional study of outpatients aged ≥65 years [458 male (44%) and 584 female (56%); mean age, 78.2±6.1 years] was conducted to assess prevalence of sarcopenia, according to Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria, and the relationship between dietary variety status and sarcopenia. Patient profile, comorbidities, drug use, neuropsychological data, abdominal symptoms, pulmonary function and dietary variety status were collected. Of 1,042 subjects, there were 223 (21.4%) with [142 male (63.7%) and 81 female (36.3%); mean age, 80.6±6.3 years] and 819 (78.6%) without sarcopenia [316 male (38.6%) and 503 female (61.4%); mean age, 77.6±5.8]. In multivariate analysis, older age, male sex, low body mass index, high Brinkman Index and phase angle, low quality of life, history of daycare use, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis and low Mini-Mental State Examination and Dietary Variety Score were related to sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in than in community-dwelling individuals. Dietary variety status was associated with sarcopenia.

Cognitive screening test for rehabilitation using spatiotemporal data extracted from a digital trail making test part-A

We investigated a newly developed digitized Trail Making Test using an iPad (iTMT) as a brief cognitive function screening test. We found that the iTMT part-A (iTMT-A) can estimate generalized cognitive function in rehabilitation inpatients examined using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Forty-two hospitalized participants undergoing rehabilitation (rehab participants), 30 of whom had cerebral infarction/hemorrhage (stroke participants), performed the iTMT five times (first three times: iTMT-A; fourth: paper version of TMT-A; fifth: the inverse version of iTMT-A) and the MMSE once. Each iTMT-A trial's completion time was divided into the move and dwell times. A linear mixed model following post-hoc tests revealed that the completion time of the third and fourth iTMT-A was faster compared to that of the first iTMT-A, suggesting the presence of a learning effect. In the partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis, the coefficient of determination for estimating the MMSE score was increased by using the dwell and move times extracted from the repeated iTMT-A and the availability of TMT-B, even for subjects with low MMSE scores. These findings indicate that the dwell time of iTMT-A may be important for estimating cognitive function. The iTMT-A extracts significant factors temporally and spatially, and by incorporating the learning effect of repeated trials, it may be possible to screen cognitive and physical functions for rehabilitation patients.

Superoxide Dismutase Modified the Association of Serum Malondialdehyde Levels with Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults: Findings from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey.

Numerous studies have investigated the correlation between malondialdehyde (MDA) and cognitive decline. However, limited research has explored the interplay between superoxide dismutase (SOD), C-reactive protein (CRP), and MDA. This study aims to scrutinize the association between MDA and cognitive function in older adults, while also elucidating the roles of SOD and CRP within this relationship. Utilizing data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) spanning 2008-2009, 2011-2012, and 2014, this study included 2,696 eligible subjects. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine the links between MDA, SOD, CRP, and their interactions with cognitive function. Elevated serum levels of MDA and CRP, as well as decreased serum SOD levels, were related to decreased cognitive function (β= -0.220 and -0.346, 95% CI: -0.399, -0.041 and -0.526, -0.167 for MDA and CRP; β= 0.384, 95% CI: 0.204, 0.564 for SOD). Notably, a significant interaction between MDA and SOD was detected (p = 0.001). An increase per standard deviation in serum MDA levels was significantly associated with a 0.347-point lower MMSE score only in participants with normal cognitive function and high SOD levels (β= -0.347, 95% CI: -0.497, -0.197; p < 0.001). Elevated serum MDA levels in the normal population with high SOD levels suggested diminished cognitive performance. Combining MDA with SOD could be pivotal in identifying older adults at risk of cognitive decline in clinical settings.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus and cognitive impairment: The gait phenotype matters too.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a chronic neurological disease resulting in progressive gait and cognitive disorders. We investigated whether the gait phenotype is associated with the severity of cognitive deficits in iNPH. This retrospective study recruited 88 patients (mean age = 76.18 ± 7.21 years, 42% female). Patients were initially referred for suspicion of iNPH and underwent a comprehensive analysis, including gait analysis and cognitive evaluation. In this cohort (27% normal gait, 25% frontal gait, 16% parkinsonian gait, 27% other gait abnormalities), patients with parkinsonian and frontal gait had the lowest Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and the slowest gait speed. Patients with normal gait had the highest MMSE scores and gait speed. Frontal gait was associated with lower MMSE score, even after adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, white matter lesions, and education level (β = -0.221 [95% confidence interval (CI) = -3.718 to -0.150], p = 0.034). Normal gait was associated with the best MMSE scores, even after adjusting for the abovementioned variables (β = 0.231 [95% CI = 0.124-3.639], p = 0.036). Gait phenotypes among iNPH patients are linked to global cognition as assessed with MMSE.