Median Years Of Education Research Articles

Association of reduced cerebrospinal fluid NPTX2 levels with postoperative delirium in patients undergoing knee/hip replacement: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundPostoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication with poor prognosis in the elderly, but its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. There is evidence that the changes in synaptic activity in the brain are closely related to the occurrence of POD. And neuronal pentraxin 2 (NPTX2) can regulate synaptic activity in vivo.AimsThis study aims to explore whether decreased NPTX2 levels affects POD and whether the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of POD mediate this association.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, we interviewed patients with knee/hip replacement 1 day before surgery to collect patient information and assess their cognitive function. CSF was extracted for measuring the CSF levels of NPTX2 and other POD biomarkers on the day of surgery. And postoperative follow-up visits were performed 1–7 days after surgery.ResultsFinally, 560 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into POD group and NPOD (non-POD) group. The POD group had a median age of 80 years, a female proportion of 45%, a median BMI of 24.1 kg/m2, and a median years of education of 9 years. The Mann–Whitney U test showed that CSF NPTX2 levels were significantly lower in POD group, compared with the NPOD group (P < 0.05). Univariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that reduced CSF levels of NPTX2 protected against POD (crude OR = 0.994, 95% CI 0.993–0.995, P < 0.001). The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that CSF NPTX2 level had high predictive value for POD. Mediation analyses showed that CSF T-tau (mediating proportion = 21%) and P-tau (mediating proportion = 29%) had significant mediating effects on the association between CSF NPTX2 and POD.ConclusionCSF NPTX2 levels were associated with the occurrence of POD. Low CSF NPTX2 levels may be an independent protective factor for POD. CSF T-tau and P-tau could mediate the association between CSF NPTX2 and POD occurrence.Clinical trial registrationThe trial registration number (TRN): ChiCTR2200064740, Date of Registration: 2022-10-15.

Estimating dementia risk in an African American population using the DCTclock.

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) is increasing. African Americans are twice as likely to develop dementia than other ethnic populations. Traditional cognitive screening solutions lack the sensitivity to independently identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline. The DCTclock is a 3-min AI-enabled adaptation of the well-established clock drawing test. The DCTclock can estimate dementia risk for both general cognitive impairment and the presence of AD pathology. Here we performed a retrospective analysis to assess the performance of the DCTclock to estimate future conversion to ADRD in African American participants from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Minority Aging Research Study (MARS) and African American Clinical Core (AACORE). We assessed baseline DCTclock scores in 646 participants (baseline median age = 78.0 ± 6.4, median years of education = 14.0 ± 3.2, 78% female) and found significantly lower baseline DCTclock scores in those who received a dementia diagnosis within 3 years. We also found that 16.4% of participants with a baseline DCTclock score less than 60 were significantly more likely to develop dementia in 5 years vs. those with the highest DCTclock scores (75-100). This research demonstrates the DCTclock's ability to estimate the 5-year risk of developing dementia in an African American population. Early detection of elevated dementia risk using the DCTclock could provide patients, caregivers, and clinicians opportunities to plan and intervene early to improve cognitive health trajectories. Early detection of dementia risk can also enhance participant selection in clinical trials while reducing screening costs.

23 Cognitive Reserve Moderates Cognitive Functioning in Late-Life Depression

Objective:The concept of cognitive reserve (CR) explains why individuals with higher education, intelligence, or occupational attainment exhibit less severe cognitive changes in the presence of age-related or neurodegenerative pathology. CR may be a useful construct in understanding the cognitive performance of patients with late life depression (LLD), a cohort who are twice as likely to later receive a clinical diagnosis of dementia. It follows that depressed older adults with low CR may be at greater risk of cognitive decline compared to non-depressed older adults matched for CR. However, the literature on CR and LLD is limited to cross-sectional studies with mixed findings as to whether proxies of CR moderate cognitive outcomes in LLD. For example, both higher and lower education levels in LLD are associated with greater cognitive impairment in LLD compared to similarly educated non-depressed older adults. Longitudinal studies may help disentangle the association between CR and cognitive outcomes in LLD. The current study investigated the interaction between proxies of CR (e.g., education) and depression status on cognitive functioning over three years. We hypothesized that depressed older adults with low CR would demonstrate greater cognitive impairment and decline compared to depressed elders with high CR and non-depressed older adults with comparable CR.Participants and Methods:Older adults with LLD and non-depressed older adults age 59+ participated. All participants were free of dementia at baseline. We divided both patients and non-depressed participants into low (&lt;16) and high (&gt;=16) education groups based upon the median years of education (16) of the entire sample. All participants underwent detailed neuropsychological testing. Composite measures of episodic memory (CERAD Wordlist and recall, LM I and LM II, BVRT), processing speed-executive functioning (SDMT and Trail Making Part B), working memory (forward, reverse, ascending Digit Span), and verbal fluency (Animal Naming and COWA) were calculated based on the non-depressed older adults.Results:The baseline sample included 210 non-depressed older adults and 465 older adults with major depression (LLD). 150 non-depressed older adults and 235 LLD patients provided three-year follow-up data. Separate ANOVAs revealed a statistically significant interaction between education and depression status at baseline on the composite score of executive functioning F (1, 668) = 8.74, p &lt;.003. Consistent with our hypothesis, LLD with low education performed significantly worse compared to non-depressed with low education (z-score difference -1.35) and this effect was significantly greater than the difference between LLD patients and non-depressed with high education (z-score difference -0.36). No other interactions were found at baseline. Longitudinal analyses also revealed significant interactions between education and depression on memory over time, although sensitivity analyses did not suggest findings consistent with our hypothesis.Conclusions:Cognitive reserve contribute to group differences between LLD and non-depressed older adults in cognitive performance but may not alter cognitive trajectories over time. Future studies should further explore structural and functional brain changes associated with CR in LLD.

Prevalence of people with sickle cell disease and leg ulcers in Brazil: Socioeconomic and clinical overview.

ObjectiveTo identify the prevalence of people with leg ulcers resulting from sickle cell disease, as well as to describe the clinical, social, economic, and demographic conditions of these people.MethodDescriptive study, carried out at the Minas Gerais Hematology and Hemotherapy Center Foundation. The study population consisted of individuals over the age of 18 with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection was performed from August 2019 to April 2020 through interviews. For the prevalence calculation, a census was taken of 5,379 people over the age of 18 with sickle cell disease, 77 of whom had active leg ulcers. Descriptive data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20.0, Chicago, IL, USA).ResultsThe prevalence of people with leg ulcers in Minas Gerais, Brazil was 1.4%. Of the 72 respondents, the average age was 39 years (range 18–64 years), 41.7% were single, 48.6% said they were black, 84.7% lived in their own house, 38.9% were retired, 61.1% had an income of one minimum wage. The median years of education was 10.5, 50% cited the church as a place for leisure activities, 79.2% denied smoking. Regarding pain, the median score was 3, the median baseline hemoglobin was 7.7 g/dL, and 91.7% had the HbSS genotype. The median age of the first ulcer was 18 years, 77.8% of active ulcers were recurrent, and 59.7% had only one active ulcer. The median time of existence of the ulcer was 3 years. The ulcer prevented 80.6% of people from doing some activity. Prejudice was experienced by 48.6% of the participants.ConclusionThe estimated prevalence of leg ulcers was lower than what it reported in the literature, however, the recurrence and the duration of ulcers were high. These findings bring reflection about the assistance to people with leg ulcer.

Subnational variations in electricity access and infant mortality: Evidence from Ghana

ObjectivesThe study investigated the relationship between electricity access and infant mortality at the subnational level in Ghana, controlling for correlates such as birth interval, children living with both parents, women’s education, and income distribution. MethodsThe study employed a pooled cross-section regression approach using data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) for 10 administrative regions from 1993 to 2014. The GDHS is a detailed data set that provides comprehensive information on households and their socio-economic and demographic characteristics in Ghana. ResultsThe results show that in regions with low incidence of infant mortality, a 10% improvement in electricity access reduces infant death by 11.8 per 1,000 live births, whereas in high mortality regions, improvement in electricity access has no impact on infant death. Birth interval reduces the risk of infant death in low mortality regions but not in high mortality regions. Children living with both parents have a high probability of survivorship in high mortality regions. Women’s median years of education lowers the likelihood of infant death in high mortality regions but increases the likelihood in low mortality regions. Wealth distribution is inconsequential for infant death in low mortality regions, but in high mortality regions, both the wealthiest and the poorest experienced significant decline in infant death. ConclusionsThe findings underscore the fruitfulness of investigating the effects of electricity access and other correlates on infant mortality at the subnational level. The study recommends that the provision of reliable access to electricity is needed to improve infant mortality rates. However, policies that seek to improve access to reliable electricity should be implemented together with health infrastructure development policies, especially in the regions with high infant mortality rates, for electricity access to have the desired effect.

Predictors and Correlates of Perceived Cognitive Decline in Retired Professional Rugby League Players.

Objective: Rugby league is an international full-contact sport, with frequent concussive injuries. Participation in other full-contact sports such as American football has been considered to be a risk factor for neuropsychiatric sequelae later-in-life, but little research has addressed the mental and cognitive health of retired professional rugby league players. We examined predictors and correlates of perceived (self-reported) cognitive decline in retired National Rugby League (NRL) players.Methods: Participants were 133 retired male elite level rugby league players in Australia. Participants completed clinical interviews, neuropsychological testing, and self-report measures. The Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly, self-report (IQCODE-Self), measured perceived cognitive decline.Results: The median age of the sample was 55.0 (M = 53.1, SD = 13.9, range = 30–89) and the median years of education completed was 12.0 (M = 11.9, SD = 2.6, range = 7–18). The retired players reported a median of 15.0 total lifetime concussions (M = 28.0, SD = 36.6, range = 0–200). The mean IQCODE-Self score was 3.2 (SD = 0.5; Range = 1.3–5.0); 10/133 (7.5%) and 38/133 (28.6%) scored above conservative and liberal cutoffs for cognitive decline on the IQCODE-Self, respectively. Perceived cognitive decline was positively correlated with current depressive symptoms, negatively correlated with years of professional sport exposure and resilience, and unrelated to objective cognition and number of self-reported concussions. A multiple regression model with perceived cognitive decline regressed on age, concussion history, professional rugby league exposure, depression, resilience, objective cognitive functioning, daytime sleepiness, and pain severity showed depression as the only significant predictor.Conclusion: This is the first large study examining subjectively experienced cognitive decline in retired professional rugby league players. Similar to studies from the general population and specialty clinics, no relationship was found between objective cognitive test performance and perceived cognitive decline. Depressive symptoms emerged as the strongest predictor of perceived cognitive decline, suggesting that subjective reports of worsening cognition in retired elite rugby league players might reflect psychological distress rather than current cognitive impairment.

Demographic and clinical profile of patients with mild cognitive impairment seen at St. Luke's medical center-global city memory service

INTRODUCTION Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a dynamic state, which has evolved into a highly defined condition due to its association with dementia syndromes. There are no published data on the demographic and clinical characteristics of MCI in the Philippines. These data will help in defining the population at risk for the condition and in modifying the factors for its prevention. METHODS From 2010 to 2019, 434 subjects were diagnosed with MCI based on the criteria published by the International Working Group on MCI last 2004. The demographic profile, vascular risk factors, and levels of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and homocysteine were reviewed. Results of neuropsychological tests, such as Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), were collected. The Fazekas score of the cranial magnetic resonance imaging of patients was also considered. RESULTS The median age was 72 years [34-97] with 58.3% females. The median years of education were 14 [4-28]. Median ADAS-Cog, MMSE, and MoCA scores were 11.3 [0-27.67], 27 [13-30], and 21 [7-30], respectively. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were present in 66.8% and 64.1%, respectively. Normal homocysteine, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D levels were found in 64.2%, 59.8%, and 48.8%, respectively. The median Fazekas score was 1 (59.4%). CONCLUSION This is the first study to document the demographic and clinical profile of Filipinos with MCI in a clinical setting. This review serves as a foundation for increased understanding of MCI with the ultimate goal of controlling the factors which may impact its prevention.

Demographic and Clinical Profile of Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment Seen at St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City Memory Service

Introduction: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a dynamic state, which has evolved into a highly defined condition due to its association with dementia syndromes. There are no published data on the demographic and clinical characteristics of MCI in the Philippines. These data will help in defining the population at risk for the condition and in modifying the factors for its prevention. Methods: From 2010 to 2019, 434 subjects were diagnosed with MCI based on the criteria published by the International Working Group on MCI last 2004. The demographic profile, vascular risk factors, and levels of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and homocysteine were reviewed. Results of neuropsychological tests, such as Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), were collected. The Fazekas score of the cranial magnetic resonance imaging of patients was also considered. Results: The median age was 72 years [34–97] with 58.3% females. The median years of education were 14 [4–28]. Median ADAS-Cog, MMSE, and MoCA scores were 11.3 [0–27.67], 27 [13–30], and 21 [7–30], respectively. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were present in 66.8% and 64.1%, respectively. Normal homocysteine, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D levels were found in 64.2%, 59.8%, and 48.8%, respectively. The median Fazekas score was 1 (59.4%). Conclusion: This is the first study to document the demographic and clinical profile of Filipinos with MCI in a clinical setting. This review serves as a foundation for increased understanding of MCI with the ultimate goal of controlling the factors which may impact its prevention.

Risk factors for high fall risk in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually represent an aging population, and both older age and CKD are associated with a higher risk of falling. Studies on risk factors among subjects with CKD are lacking. Records of outpatients from one geriatric clinic in Turkey were retrospectively reviewed. A result of ≥ 13.5 s on the timed up and go (TUG) test was accepted as a high risk of falls. Independent predictors of an increased risk of falls among subjects with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) were identified using logistic regression models. Patients with CKD (n = 205), represented the 20.2% of the entire cohort and was identified as an independent predictor of increased fall risk (OR 2.59). Within the CKD cohort, serum folic acid levels and frailty were independent predictors of an increased risk of falls. The CKD/fall risk group was older, had a lower median years of education, lower vitamin D levels, and lower serum folic acid levels than the CKD/non-fall risk group. In addition to higher serum creatinine and potassium levels, the only significant difference between patients with CKD/fall risk and a matched non-CKD/fall risk was a lower median folic acid level in the former group. Frailty and low folic acid levels are independently associated with an increased risk of falls among elderly outpatients with CKD. Prevention of frailty may reduce the risk of falls in these subjects. Possible benefit of folic acid supplementation requires further studies.

Abstract P67: Role of Genetic Variants in Predicting Cognitive Outcomes Following Small Vessel Ischemic Stroke

Background: About 20% of patients with small vessel ischemic stroke (SVS) have cognitive impairment; however, the role of genetic factors in predicting cognitive outcomes following SVS has not been fully explored. APOE and ABCC9 have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and hippocampal sclerosis respectively and play an important role in the neurovascular unit. We evaluated whether allelic variants in these genes influence cognitive outcomes following SVS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of patients enrolled in the ASA-Bugher Small Vessel Intracranial Disease Whole Genome Association Studies. Patients with SVS were categorized by APOE (presence or absence of ε4 allele) and ABCC9 SNP rs704180 (presence or absence of A allele) status. The primary outcomes were total score on the short form of the MoCA, which assesses global cognition, and time to complete Trails B, which is a measure of executive function that can be affected by stroke. Linear regression analyses were performed using the genetic exposures of interest, adjusting for age, education, sex, race/ethnicity, NIHSS score, burden of white matter disease (WMD; using the CHS validated score 0-9), and time between stroke and the cognitive assessment. Results: The sample included 145 patients who had SVS and available APOE and ABCC9 data. Among this cohort, 51.4% were men and 27.6% African American. The median age of the study participants was 63.4 years, the median years of education was 12, the median NIHSS was 2, and the median WMD burden score was 2. The mean time between stroke and the cognitive assessment was 75 days. The APOE ε4 allele was present in 35.0% and ABCC9 A allele in 74.8%. The presence of APOE ε4 allele was not associated with post-stroke MoCA scores (p=0.31) or Trails B (p=0.86). ABCC9 A allele was also not associated with post-stroke MoCA scores (p=0.34) or Trails B (p=0.31). Older age, higher NIHSS score, and greater burden of WMD were independently associated with longer times to complete Trails B (p&lt;0.0001), but not with the MoCA score. Conclusion: Following SVS, several patient characteristics, including age, stroke severity, and WMD burden, rather than their APOE and ABCC9 allelic statuses, were associated with post-stroke measures of executive function.

Informant report of practical judgment ability in a clinical sample of older adults with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia

ABSTRACT Despite the importance of capturing problems with judgment and decision-making during neuropsychological evaluations of older adults, there are a limited number of validated measures and no informant rating scales. We developed an informant measure that captures compromised judgment related to safety, medical, financial, and social-ethical issues After item refinement and piloting in a memory disorders clinic, we utilized the Test of Practical Judgment-Informant (TOP-J-Informant) at two clinics in the Midwestern U.S., including 189 patient/informant dyads (mean age = 79.0, median years of education = 13, % female = 67.7) with various preclinical and clinical dementia conditions. We found psychometric support, including evidence for convergent, divergent, and criterion-related validity, and internal consistency. Importantly, we were able to discriminate between diagnostic groups in the expected direction. The TOP-J-Informant is brief (<5 minutes), easy to administer, and can reveal areas of concern related to poor judgment when administered in the context of a neuropsychological evaluation or clinic visit.

Normative Data for the Symbol Digit Modalities Test in Older White Australians and Americans, African-Americans, and Hispanic/Latinos.

Background:Processing speed, which can be assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), is central to many brain functions. Processing speed declines with advanced age but substantial impairments are indicative of brain injury or disease.Objective:The purpose of this study was to provide SDMT normative data for older community-dwelling individuals in the U.S. and Australia.Methods:The ASPREE trial recruited 19,114 relatively healthy older men and women in Australia and the U.S. from the general community. All participants were without a diagnosis of dementia and with a Modified Mini-Mental State examination score of 78 or more at enrolment. The SDMT was administered at baseline as part of a neuropsychological test battery.Results:The median age of participants was 74 years (range 65–99), and 56% were women. The median years of education was 12. Ethno-racial differences in SDMT performance were observed and normative data were thus presented separately for 16,289 white Australians, 1,082 white Americans, 891 African-Americans, and 316 Hispanic/Latinos. There were consistent positive associations found between SDMT and education level, and negative associations between SDMT and age. Mean scores for women were consistently higher than men with the exception of Hispanic/Latinos aged ≥70 years.Conclusion:This study provides comprehensive SDMT normative data for whites (Australian and U.S.), Hispanic/Latinos, and African-Americans, according to gender, age, and education level. These norms can be used clinically as reference standards to screen for cognitive impairments in older individuals.

Adherence to iron with folic acid supplementation in women attending an antenatal clinic at a low-income urban area in Delhi, India

Introduction: Adherence to Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS) in pregnant women can safeguard them against nutritional anemia and the related adverse pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the adherence to oral IFAS in women attending an antenatal clinic in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi, India. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and enrolled 211 antenatal women through consecutive sampling during a 4-month period from December 2018 to April 2019. IFAS adherent status was defined as women taking ≥80% of their prescribed IFAS in the previous 7 days, equivalent to IFAS intake for at least 6 days in the previous week. We also estimated adequacy of IFAS drug stocks with the patient during the past 30 days. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 25. A P Results: The mean (± standard deviation) age of the women was 24.6 (±3.4) years, ranging from 19 to 35 years. Median years of education was 11, and all the women were currently married. A total of 54 (25.6) women reported being non-adherent to their prescribed IFA medication. Only 175 (82.9%) women had adequate IFAS stocks during the past 30 days. On adjusted analysis, running out of IFAS stocks was a significant predictor of IFAS non-adherence (P = 0.004). Conclusion: The present study indicates that adherence to IFAS among pregnant women is suboptimal. Non-adherence was usually because of running out of drug-stocks but rarely due to drug side-effects.

Contingency management treatment for methamphetamine use disorder in South Africa.

As South Africa, especially the Western Cape Province, faces an epidemic of methamphetamine use disorder, therapeutic approaches suited to the South African context are needed. This secondary analysis assessed retention and methamphetamine abstinence outcomes in response to an 8-week pilot contingency management (CM) intervention trial of neural correlates of methamphetamine abstinence, exploring sociodemographic and clinical differences between responders and non-responders. Research participants provided thrice-weekly monitored urine samples, which were analysed by qualitative radioimmunoassay. The primary outcome for this analysis was therapeutic response, defined as abstinence from methamphetamine (≥23 of 24 possible methamphetamine-negative urine samples). Data from 30 adults living in Cape Town, South Africa (34 ± 6.1 years of age, mean age ± SD, 21 men) were included. Sixty-three percent (12 men) were responders. In bivariate comparisons, baseline measurements showed fewer responders reported monthly household income ≥25 000+ South African Rand (ZAR; ~USD $1880; vs. ZAR < 25 000) than non-responders (15.8% vs. 63.6%; P = 0.007). Furthermore, responders had higher median years of education (12 vs. 10; Kruskal-Wallis χ2 = 4.25, DF = 1, P = 0.039) and lower median body mass index than non-responders (19 vs. 24; Kruskal-Wallis χ2 = 6.84, P = 0.008). Therapeutic response in this study were comparable to those obtained with CM for methamphetamine use disorder in North America and Europe. Our findings suggest that CM may be a useful component of treatment strategies to boost retention and continuous abstinence from methamphetamine in Cape Town, South Africa. Larger efficacy studies are needed in this setting.

Primary School Education May Be Sufficient to Moderate a Memory-Hippocampal Relationship.

According to the cognitive reserve theory, intellectual stimuli acquired during life can prevent against developing cognitive impairment. The underlying cognitive reserve mechanisms were underexplored in low-educated individuals. Because episodic memory impairment due to hippocampal dysfunction is a key feature of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), we sought to look at a possible cognitive reserve mechanism by determining whether few years of education moderated the relationship between the hippocampal volumes and the episodic-memory scores. The sample was composed by 183 older adults, 40.1% male, with the median age of 78[76,82] years and the median years of education of 4[2,10] who had undergone an episodic-memory test and a 3-Tesla MRI scan to access the hippocampal volumes. Overall, 112 were cognitively healthy, 26 had cognitive impairment-no dementia (CIND) and 45 had dementia. We used multiple linear regression to assess whether the interaction between years of education and each hippocampal volume significantly predicted the episodic-memory scores’ variance, controlling for cognitive diagnosis and nuisance variables. The interaction term with the left hippocampus (ß = 0.2, p = 0.043, CI = 1.0, 1.4), but not with the right (ß = 0.1, p = 0.218, CI = 0.9, 1.2) significantly predicted the variation on memory scores. The mechanism by which the left hippocampus seems to play a more important role on memory processing in more educated individuals needs to be further investigated and might be associated with a better use of mnemonic strategies or higher hippocampal connectivity. Because the sample’s median years of education was four, which corresponds to primary school, we may infer that this level might be sufficient to contribute for building cognitive reserve.

An analysis of the financial inclusion in South Africa considering race, education and income

The paper examines the issue of financial inclusion in South Africa by analysing the likelihood of ownership of a bank account of an adult individual by race, education and income. Although racial segregation in South Africa was ended on May 10th, 1994, there is still considerable evidence that self-employed and entrepreneurs' successes are related to their ethnic groups. The paper examines how likely it is that higher education, after controlling for income, increase awareness of financial planning and therefore bank accounts ownership. Education is found to be a significant factor that increases the likelihood of owning a bank account. The odds of owning a bank account increases by 15% for every extra year of education, holding race and income constant. The Whites have the highest median years of education of 12 years, followed by ten years for Asians, nine years for Africans, and eight years for coloured.

How Can We Best Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Malaysia? A Pilot of the IDEA Cognitive Screen and Picture-Based Memory Impairment Scale and Comparison of Criterion Validity with the Mini Mental State Examination

ABSTRACTObjectives: To pilot two new cognitive screening tools for use in an urban Malaysian population and to compare their criterion validity against a gold standard, the well-established Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).Methods: The IDEA cognitive screen, Picture-based Memory Impairment Scale (PMIS), and MMSE were administered to a convenience sample of elderly (≥ 65 years) from the community and outpatient clinics at an urban teaching hospital. Consensus diagnosis was performed by two geriatricians blinded to PMIS and IDEA cognitive screen scores using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) clinical criteria. The MMSE performance was used as a reference.Results: The study enrolled 66 participants, with a median age of 78.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 72.5–83.0) years and 11.0 median years of education (IQR, 9.0–13.0). Forty-three (65.2%) were female, and 32 (48.4%) were Chinese. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve values were .962 (IDEA cognitive screen), .970 (PMIS), and .935 (MMSE). The optimal cutoff values for sensitivity and specificity were: IDEA cognitive screen: ≤ 11, 90.9% and 89.7%; PMIS: ≤ 6, 97.3% and 69.0%; and MMSE: ≤ 23, 84.6% and 76.0%. Although the sample size was small, multivariable logistic regression modelling suggested that all three screen scores did not appear to be educationally biased.Conclusion: The IDEA and PMIS tools are potentially valid screening tools for dementia in urban Malaysia, and perform at least as well as the MMSE. Further work on larger representative, cohorts is needed to further assess the psychometric properties.Clinical Implications: Study provides alternative screening tools for dementia for both non-specialists and specialists.

Social-Economic Status and Cognitive Performance among Chinese Aged 50 Years and Older.

BackgroundNumerous population-based studies have suggested that socio-economic status (SES) is associated with cognitive performance, but few nationally representative epidemiological studies on cognitive performance with a large sample of older adults are available in China. And many studies explore the factors associated with cognitive performance, mainly focusing on individual level and more rarely on multiple levels that include the individual and community.MethodsThis study uses SAGE-China Wave 1 data which consisted of 13,157 adults aged 50 years and older to explore socioeconomic inequalities in the cognitive performance from a multilevel perspective (individual and community levels). The overall cognition score was based on the seven separate components of the cognition tests, including the four verbal recall trials, the verbal fluency test, the forward digit span test and the backward digit span test. Factor analysis was applied to evaluate and generate a single overall score. A two-level hierarchical linear model was used to evaluate the association between SES at these two levels and the overall cognition score adjusted for age, sex and marital status.ResultsAt individual level, years of education was significantly associated with overall cognition score for both urban and rural dwellers. At the community level, a positive association was obtained between median household income and median years of education and overall cognition score among urban participants.ConclusionA significant association between SES at both individual-level and community-level (only for urban area) and cognitive performance were found in this study of a national sample of 13,157 Chinese aged 50 years and older, even after adjusting for demographic characteristics. Identifying community-based SES variables that are associated with cognitive performance in the older population provides further evidence for the need to address community characteristics associated with deprivation.

Cognitive Impairment In Adult De Novo Acute Leukemia Patients

AbstractAbstract 4746 Introduction:A significant percentage of cancer patients develop or have chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, during and even long after completion of aggressive treatment. Cognitive deficits are usually subtle and mild, and can occur in various cognitive domains. In AML/MDS patients, impaired cognitive functions, even prior to initiation of chemotherapy, have been described. Objective:To assess baseline cognitive functions and short-term cognitive evolution in de novo acute leukemia patients during induction treatment, and to compare our data with previous research. Methods:Current longitudinal-prospective study of adult de novo AML/ALL patients, treated with induction chemotherapy at the Hematology Department, UZ Ghent, Belgium. Eligible patients are enrolled and investigated with a comprehensive cognitive test battery, within on average five days after admission (pre-induction) and after completion of induction chemotherapy, on average after two months (pre-consolidation). Cognitive functions are assessed across various domains, including attention, executive functions, motor dexterity, and verbal/visual memory. Patients' psychological functions and quality of life are assessed simultaneously. Results:Twenty adult patients were enrolled between 01/2009 and 06/2010. The median age was 43 years, 50% were male, 80% had AML (20% ALL), and median years of education was 12 years. Baseline hematological values were assessed, with WBC count (mean: 10,4 10E3/uL), RBC count (mean: 3,1 10E6/uL), and HgB (mean: 9,8 g/dL). Adult patients had normal cognitive functions (range: 1,0 SD below normative mean) in different cognitive domains, and mainly in attention and executive functions (COWA letter fluency & semantic fluency, and SCWT mental flexibility), except for mild cognitive deficits in verbal learning (AVLT A1-5), but especially in motor dexterity (PPT left and right hand). These functions were heterogeneous at baseline, ranging from severely impaired to good within a cognitive domain. At follow-up, attention, executive functions, motor dexterity, and verbal learning had all improved significantly (p<0.02). Conclusion:Adult de novo AML/ALL patients exhibit at baseline normal cognitive functions, except for verbal learning and motor dexterity. Cognitive deficits in attention, executive functions, and verbal learning were found similar to previous reported research in AML/MDS. However, our data showed less impaired motor dexterity. Moreover, cognitive functions improved at follow-up. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Quality of Life In Adult De Novo Acute Leukemia Patients

AbstractAbstract 4747 Introduction:Recent advances in the treatment of patients with acute leukemia have increased their long-term survival. However, the side effects of aggressive chemotherapy can have a significant impact on different dimensions of quality of life and various aspects of psychological well-being. Objective:To assess depression, emotional well-being, and quality of life before and after induction treatment in de novo acute leukemia patients. Methods:Current longitudinal-prospective study of adult de novo acute leukaemia patients, treated with induction chemotherapy at Hematology Department, UZ Ghent, Belgium. After enrollment, eligible patients are administered a number of self-report questionnaires, within five days after admission (pre-induction) and after completion of induction (pre-consolidation). We used the CES-D, the shortened version of the POMS, and the EORTC QLQ-C 30, to measure depression, emotional aspects of subjective well-being, and quality of life. Results:Twenty adult de novo acute leukemia patients were enrolled between 01/2009 and 06/2010. The median age was 43 years, 50% were male, 80% had AML (20% ALL), and their median years of education was 12 years. At baseline, patients had a low quality of life, and low role functioning, but also a high level of fatigue. Global health status related with social functioning (r=0.76, p=0.000), and role functioning related with fatigue (r=-0.58, p=0.008). A positive correlation was found between fatigue and nausea (r=0.55, p=0.011), but also pain (r=0.52, p=0.020). Diagnosis of de novo acute leukemia had a clear influence on different aspects of subjective well-being, in particular sixty-five percent of the patients had significant levels of depression (i.e. CES-D≥16) at baseline. Depressed patients had a significant lower global health status, emotional and social functioning (EORTC QLQ-C 30), but also less emotional vigor and more emotional tension (POMS) compared to non-depressed patients. Change in self-assessed measures was found in global health status (p=0.000), emotional functioning (p=0.000), and symptom scales fatigue (p=0.051) and nausea (p=0.005), all five scales of the POMS, and depression (all p<0.05). At follow-up, global health status related with four of the five functional scales, except for cognitive functioning (r=0.15, p=0.553), and also with one symptom scale fatigue (r=-0.64, p=0.003). Global health status related with the POMS vigor subscale (r=0.06, p=0.008) and CES-D depression (r=-0.54, p=0.018). Fatigue related with the POMS fatigue (r=0.62, p=0.005), vigor (r=-0.78, p=0.000), tension (r=0.62, p=0.004), and CES-D depression (r=0.72, p=0.000). At follow-up, thirty-five percent of patients had still significant levels of depression. Multiple regression analysis showed that the POMS subscale vigor had the highest predictive value of depression, of emotional well-being, and patient characteristics to explain quality of life at follow-up. Conclusion:Adult de novo acute leukemia patients have at baseline low quality of life, high levels of depression, and a high negative emotional status of subjective well-being. Changes between two time points were observed across global health status, and some dimensions of quality of life, depression, and all subscales of emotional status of subjective well-being. Psychological follow-up during and after induction treatment with focus on depression, vigor, and fatigue could improve quality of life of these patients. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.