Mini-Mental State Examination Questionnaire Research Articles

Relationship of Hearing Loss to Parkinson's Disease, Dementia, and APOE Genotype in Adults.

Background: Hearing loss has been recognized as a risk factor for dementia and non-motor features of Parkinson's disease (PD). The apolipoprotein E (APOE) protein contributes to maintenance and repair of neuronal cell membranes, causing age-related disorders. This study aimed to analyze the impact of hearing loss on cognitive impairment, PD severity, and APOE gene expression in these patients. Methods: A total of 72 out-patients diagnosed with either PD or hearing loss were enrolled in this study. The hearing assessment included pure-tone audiometry, speech reception thresholds, and speech discrimination ability. Dementia was assessed by filling out the Clinical Dementia Rating and Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaires. The severity of PD was assessed using the Modified Hoehn and Yahr scale. Blood samples were tested for the gene expression of APOE. Results: Out of the 72 cases, there were 44 males and 28 females, with an average age of 64.4 ± 9.1 years. A total of 41 out of 72 cases had dementia and had a worse hearing threshold than those without dementia (47.1 ± 24.4 vs. 31.7 ± 22.1 dB, p = 0.006). A total of 58 patients were diagnosed with PD, with 14 of them classified as having severe symptoms (Modified Hoehn and Yahr scale > 2). Patients with severe PD were found to have a worse hearing threshold (49.6 ± 28.3 vs. 30.3 ± 17.8 dB, p = 0.028) and higher prevalence of dementia (12/14 vs. 18/44, p = 0.006). Among 10 individuals with the APOE ε4 gene, the prevalence of dementia was higher than those without the ε4 allele (9/10 vs. 32/62, p = 0.036). Conclusions: Hearing loss is common in severe PD and in dementia patients. Severe PD has a negative impact on the hearing threshold and cognitive dysfunction. Patients with APOE ε4 have a higher prevalence of dementia.

Fungsi Kognitif Penderita Diabetes Mellitus Pra-Lansia dan Lansia di Puskesmas Kalumata

<div>Almost every country is experiencing an increase in the number of elderly people. As we</div><div>age, individuals become more susceptible to Diabetes Mellitus / DM. One of the</div><div>complications of DM is cognitive impairment that threatens the welfare of the elderly</div><div>population. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between DM and</div><div>cognitive function of pre-elderly and elderly patients. This study is a cross sectional research</div><div>with accidental sampling techniques on samples amounted to 97 samples and used medical</div><div>records to determine DM status and Mini Mental State Examination questionnaire to assess</div><div>cognitive function of the sample. The sample in this study was dominated by patients aged 45-</div><div>59 years (63,9%), female gender (58,8%), Junior High School (25,8%). There were 62 pre-</div><div>elderly patients with 17 people (27,4%) have Mild Cognitive Impairment / MCI, and 35</div><div>elderly patients with 20 people (57,1%) have MCI. The result of chi-square test obtained a p-</div><div>value = 0,000 indicating that DM has a significant relationship with cognitive function and</div><div>an OR value of 5,27, which means that DM patients are at risk of 5,27 times greater for</div><div>cognitive impairment compared to non-DM patients.</div>

PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN PATIENTS ON MAINTENANCE HEMODIALYSIS

Background: Cognitive impairment is defined as a deficit in at least two aspects of cognitive function. The important aspects of cognition are attention, memory, language, visuo-spatial skills, and frontal/executive functions. Different pattern of cognitive impairment are seen in patients with CKD not on hemodialysis and those on hemodialysis. This study was conducted to know the prevalence and pattern of cognitive impairment in patients on chronic hemodialysis. Methods: This was a cross sectional study and was conducted at hemodialysis unit of Shifa International Hospitals, Islamabad. The study was performed over a period of six months and 250 hemodialysis patients were recruited through consecutive non probability sampling technique and were looked for cognitive impairment by using minimental state examination questionnaire translated in Urdu. Results: Out of 250 patients, mean age was 49 + 8.4 years. 92 (37%) were females and 158 (63%) were male patients. Education level of 133 (53%) patients were up to secondary school, 99 (40%) patients were higher secondary and 18 (7%) patients were masters. 43(17%) of patients were on hemodialysis for 4-6 months, 95(38%) of patients for 7-12 months, 78(31%) of patients for 13-24 months and 34(13%) of patients for> 24 months. The minimum MMSE score of patients were minimum of 26 and maximum of 30 with mean score of 28.5+0.811. Out of 250, 230(92%) patients had cognitive impairment. Mean scores in different MMSE domains like for orientation score was 9.5+0.497, for registration 2.9 +0.289, attention and calculation score was 4.738+ 0.5000, recall score was 2.8+0.352, language score was 8.5 +0.538. Conclusion: The study concluded that patients on hemodialysis have cognitive impairment and there is no relation of cognitive impairment with duration and frequency of hemodialysis, age , gender, level of education of patients. P value was insignificant.

Factors Associated With Neurocognitive Impairment Following Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With High-Grade Glioma: Results of a Prospective Trial.

High-grade gliomas (HGG) are highly fatal tumors despite advanced multimodality management. They are also associated with neurocognitive impairment, both due to disease pathology and treatment. We aimed to assess various risk factors responsible for neurocognitive decline in HGG patients undergoing adjuvant chemoradiation. Newly diagnosed HGG patients who underwent maximal safe resection were included. Patients received volumetric modulated arc therapy to a dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions, along with concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) at a dose of 75 mg/m²/day orally; thereafter adjuvant TMZ (150-200 mg/m² for 5 days), given every 28 days for 6 to 8 cycles. The Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaire was used to measure cognitive impairment of each study patient at various time points. Cox regression model was used for univariate and multivariable analysis of data to establish possible risk factors. Fifty-three patients were enrolled and analyzed. At a median follow-up of 15 months, 30 patients (56.6%) developed cognitive impairment, and 23 patients (43.4%) did not. On univariate analysis, HGG with WHO grade 4, glioblastoma and diffuse midline glioma histology, IDH-wild type, recursive partitioning analysis class IV/V, and only biopsy of primary tumor were significantly associated with neurocognitive impairment, but none of them were independent risk factors on multivariable analysis. Planning target volume and dose received by ipsilateral hippocampus were also significantly correlated with cognitive decline in HGG patients. Decline in neurocognitive functions in HGG patients is multifactorial and can be attributed to an amalgam of various tumor, patient, and treatment-related factors.

Нейропатичний біль при анкілозивному спондиліті та особливості психопатологічного реагування

The purpose of the work was to study the features of psychopathological symptoms in ankylosing spondylitis with and without neuropathic pain. Materials and methods. We clinically examined 142 patients treated between 2019 and 2022 who were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis according to the modified New York criteria. These patients were divided into two groups: the first group had the signs of neuropathic pain; the second group had no signs. The study of the psycho-emotional sphere was carried out using the The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, scales for assessing the level of personal and reactive anxiety by S. Spilberger, and the Mini Mental State Examination questionnaire was used to determine cognitive function. Results and discussion. It was found that the basis of psychopathological reactions in ankylosing spondylitis are mild and moderate depressive and anxiety symptoms: the average score on The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale in patients without neuropathic pain was 48.1 ± 13.1 points, and in patients with neuropathic pain – 58.1 ± 4.6 points (p<0.01). 28.9% had no signs of depression, 45.1% showed signs of mild depression, and 26.0% – moderate depression. In 41.5% of patients without neuropathic pain, no signs of depression were found, in 40.4% – mild depression, in 18.1% – moderate, in patients with neuropathic pain – 4.2%, 54.2%, and 41.6%, respectively. The average value of the reactive anxiety index in the examined was 47.2 ± 12.2 points, in patients without neuropathic pain – 45.5 ± 12.7 points, in patients with neuropathic pain – 50.4 ± 10.5 points (p<0.05); personal anxiety indicator was 45.5 ± 10.1, 43.7 ± 10.6 and 49.0 ± 8.2 points, respectively (p<0.05). A low level of reactive anxiety in patients with neuropathic pain was found in 2.1%, without neuropathic pain – in 13.8% (p<0.05); medium – respectively in 31.3% versus 36.2% (p>0.05), high – respectively in 66.6% versus 50.0% (p<0.05). There were significantly more patients with low levels of personal anxiety among those who did not have neuropathic pain – 20.2% versus 6.3% (p<0.05), and with high levels – among patients with neuropathic pain: 56.2% versus 38.3% (p<0.05). The average value of the Mini Mental State Examination index in all patients was 27.46 ± 1.77 points; in patients with neuropathic pain – 26.29 ± 1.39 points, without neuropathic pain – 28.06 ± 1.64 points (p<0.01). Conclusion. Correlation analysis made it possible to establish the presence of significant correlations between expressiveness of neuropathic pain and depression and anxiety. Depressive and anxious manifestations in ankylosing spondylitis reflect psychopathological reactions to severe disease, pain and somatic discomfort, and personal anxiety as a stable personality characteristic, in ankylosing spondylitis patients primarily reflects the formation of patho-characteristic features as a result of long-term somatogenic influence. Cognitive impairment is probably mediated by depressive and anxiety symptoms and the influence of pain syndrome. The presence of a neuropathic component of the pain syndrome is a factor that aggravates the state of the psycho-emotional sphere, which justifies the feasibility of prescribing psychopharmacological therapy for ankylosing spondylitis

CORRELATION OF COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION AND COPD IN NORTH INDIA

CORRELATION OF COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION AND COPD IN NORTH INDIA

Association between Dietary Diversity Changes and Cognitive Impairment among Older People: Findings from a Nationwide Cohort Study.

Background: Little is known about the role of dietary diversity changes in affecting cognitive function among older people. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the associations between dietary diversity scores (DDS) changes with cognitive impairment among older adults in a large prospective cohort. Methods: Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaire at baseline and follow-up. A total of 9726 participants without Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or cognitive impairment were enrolled at baseline. Nine food groups were collected using simplified FFQ at baseline and follow-up surveys. Then nine food groups change patterns and DDS change patterns (overall, plant-based and animal-based) were assessed. The associations of above DDS changes patterns with subsequent cognitive impairment were evaluated. A multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate HRs and 95%CIs. Results: We documented 2805 cognitive impairments during 52,325 person-years of follow-up. Compared to high-to-high overall DDS change patterns, the multivariable adjusted HRs (95%CI) for high-to-medium, medium-to-medium, medium-to-low, low-to-medium and low-to-low DDS change patterns were 1.33 (1.12–1.57), 1.11 (0.94–1.32), 1.61 (1.39–1.86), 2.00 (1.66–2.40), 2.30 (1.90–2.78) and 2.80 (2.23–3.53), respectively. Compared with participants with stable DDS change pattern, those who in large improvement of DDS had a 13% lower risk of cognitive impairment (HRs, 0.87; 95%CI: 0.78–0.98). The associations of plant-based DDS, animal-based DDS, or nine food groups DDS change patterns with cognitive impairment were in a similar direction to the main result. Conclusions: Protective associations between maintaining high DDS and a reduced risk of cognitive impairment were observed. In contrast, lowering or maintaining a lower DDS increases the risk of cognitive impairment.

Living Arrangement of Older Adults and its Effect on Five-Year Survival.

Given the impact of living alone on health outcomes, this study was conducted to assess the living arrangement of senior adults and its effect on the mortality. This cohort study carried out on elderly people aged 60 years and over. Demographic characteristics, the number of comorbid disorders and living condition-as being alone or living with other people-were collected. The mini-mental state examination questionnaire, the geriatric depression scale, the Katz index of activities of daily living, the Lawton instrumental activities of daily living scale, and a modified version of Duke social support index were used for data collection. The participants were followed for five years, and their survival was assessed. Out of the 500examined individuals, 100 (20.0%) were living alone. During 5 years of follow-up, sixteen (19.8%) of the people who died were living alone. The adjusted effect of age (P<0.001), male gender (P=0.004), the number of comorbidities (P=0.031), the person's social support (P=0.028) and dependence to others to do complex daily activities (P=0.020) on the mortality of the participants was significant, however, other factors including living alone, illiteracy, cognitive impairment and depression did not show such a statistically significant effect (P>0.05). Living arrangement, itself, did not show a significant effect on the mortality of older adults.

Are Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) and Ascertain Dementia 8 Indonesia (AD8-INA) Questionnaires More Superior than Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) as Dementia Screening Instrument among Elderly in Rural Areas?

Introduction: Dementia screening provides numerous benefits to its users. However, current screening methods have several limitations regarding applicability and accuracy, making it difficult to accommodate the results. Objective: To describe whether the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) and Ascertain Dementia 8 Indonesia (AD8-INA) questionnaire is superior to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire as a dementia screening instrument for the elderly in rural areas. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2020 at Banyuwangi residence. Dementia screening was conducted among elderly respondents using MMSE, AMT, and AD8-INA questionnaires. Sensitivity and specificity of AMT, AD8-INA and combined AMT+AD8-INA were compared with the MMSE questionnaire using crosstabs. Comparison of time required to complete each questionnaire was analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results: Mean age among 59 respondents was 68.44 years. The average MMSE score was 24.54. Compared with MMSE, the AMT questionnaire had a sensitivity of 47.37% and specificity of 100% (X2 = 22.36, p &lt;0.001). Meanwhile, the AD8-INA questionnaire had a sensitivity of 63.16% and specificity of 45% (X2 = 24.64, p &lt;0.001). The average questionnaire completion time of AMT, AD8-INA, and combined AMT+AD8-INA each was significantly shorter than MMSE (122.59, 121.17, and 243.76 seconds vs 319.83 seconds, p&lt;0.001, &lt;0.001, and &lt;0.001, respectively). Conclusion: This study found that the combined AMT+AD8-INA questionnaire could be used as a dementia screening instrument among the elderly in rural areas with considerable sensitivity and shorter administration time.

Особенности лечения нарушений мочеиспускания у женщин в постменопаузе

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is very common. It has been shown that urge incontinence is more difficult for women than for men, sinse they have higher levels of stress, depression, and more pronounced sexual dysfunction.The study included 47 patients aged 54.6+/-3.5 years with symptoms of OAB. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) was used to assess the symptoms, while the sexual function of the patients was evaluated using the Female Sexual Dysfunction Index (FSFI). In addition, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale was used for assessing the cognitive function. In comparison group there were 22 women who were comparable in socio-demographic characteristics, but didnt have symptoms of OAB. The comparison between two groups was carried out using FSFI scale. Patients in the OAB group were prescribed trospium chloride (Spazmex) 15 mg b.i.d. for three months, after which the patients completed the OABSS, FSFI, and MMSE questionnaires again.All patients with OAB reported sexual dysfunction, which was significantly more profound than in the control group. The FSFI scores were, respectively, 15.23+/-6.12 versus 22.46+/-5.47. The average assessment of the cognitive abilities of patients with OAB was 27.9+/-1.4, which indicates that their cognitive functions were completely intact. The mean score on the OABSS scale was 11.8+/-2.7, and 11 women (23.4%) had a mild OAB, and 36 (76.6%) had moderate severity of symptoms. After three months of therapy, the mean score on the OABSS scale decreased by half, to an average of 5.4+/-1.2 points; the overall score of the FSFI approached the level of healthy women (20.64 and 22.46, respectively). The repeated assessment of the mental status did not reveal any changes, since the mean score of MMSE was 27.8+/-1.3. No significant adverse events were noted in any case. None of the patients required dose adjustment of the drugs that they received for concomitant diseases.All women with OAB syndrome had decreased sexual function compared to healthy women of the same age and social status. A three-month course of trospium chloride (Spazmex), 30 mg daily, significantly improved both the parameters of urination and the sexual function, without having any adverse effect on their cognitive abilities. Moreover, there was no need to adjust the doses of drugs taken for concomitant diseases.

Combined effect of Levothyroxine, Antihyperlipidemic and oral hypoglycemic agents on lipid profile and cognition level in hypothyroidism patients

Aim: To evaluate the effect of combination therapy on lipid profile and cognition level in hypothyroidism patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in a private hospital at Tiruchengode. Patients who were under the management of thyroid disorder and hyperlipidemia more than 10 years was screened and selected for the study. There were 155 patients were included in the study and the patients who were on Levothyroxine 50mcg as control (Group 1), Group 2 Patients prescribed with levothyroxine 50mcg and Atorvastatin 20mg were checked with lipid profile parameter like Total cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), High density Lipoprotein (HDL-C), Low density Lipoprotein (LDL-C) and compared with control group values. Group 3 patients prescribed with levothyroxine 50mcg and Atorvastatin 20mg, Glimepride 2mg, Metformin 500mg were checked with lipid profile, compared with control group. The patients were interviewed using a Mini mental state examination questionnaire and their cognitive skills were assessed and compared with control group. Independent samples T test was used to compare the complication of the management. Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia management with levothyroxine 50mcg and Atorvastatin 20mg, Glimepride 2mg, Metformin 500mg (Group 3) has an association on the managing lipid profile efficiently than the control (Group 1) Significant (p&lt;0.01). Cognition impairment was high in the combination therapy. (p &lt;0.01)

Usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography before cardioversion in atrial arrhythmias.

Although many thromboembolism risk factors are well defined, formation of thrombus or dense spontaneous contrast (sludge) in the left atrium remains enigmatic and confounding. Exclusion of the thrombus is extremely important with respect to planned reversal of sinus rhythm. Data regarding the routine transesophagal echocardiography (TEE) before cardioversion are inconclusive. The authors focused on analyzing the usefulness of TEE before cardioversion by assessment of factors influencing the risk of thrombus and/or dense spontaneous echo contrast with the intention of extending indications for TEE in the group with a high risk of thrombus or to forgo TEE in the low risk group. Two hundred sixty-nine consecutive patients with persistent (> 48 h) atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, in whom a direct current cardioversion was planned, were undergoing TEE for the detection of the left atrial thrombus or dense spontaneous echo contrast. Additional clinical and echocardiographic data were collected. The relationship between both thrombus and dense spontaneous echo contrast and covariates was analyzed with the use of binary logistic regression. Left atrium (LA) appendage (LAA) thrombus and/or sludge were detected in 79 (29%) patients. Signs of dementia in mini-mental state examination (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.16; p = 0.005), low velocities in LAA (HR: 3.38; p = 0.032); presence of spontaneous echo contrast in LA (HR: 3.38; p = 0,003) consecutive episode of AF (HR: 2.27; p = 0,046); longer duration of atrial fibrillation (HR: 1.009; p = 0.022); were significant predictors of thrombus and/or dense spontaneous echo contrast. None of the patients with a CHA2DS2VASc score ≤ 1 had thrombus or sludge in the LAA. Among patients with a CHA2DS2VASc score > 1, the prevalence of thrombus or sludge in LAA was independent of the CHA2DS2VASc score value. Amongst many factors, including an established as risk for thromboembolism only a few of them increased the risk for the presence of thrombus in LAA: low velocities in LAA, presence of spontaneous echo contrast, longer duration of arrhythmia, consecutive (not first) arrhythmia episode and signs of dementia from a mini-mental state examination questionnaire. It was believed that there could be a need for an extension of indications of TEE in vast majority of the patients with atrial arrhythmias, due most often to an unpredictable occurrence of thrombus and potentially disastrous thromboembolism. The only exception could have been the group of the patients with a CHA2DS2VASc score ≤ 1.

Factors Associated with Independence for Elderly People in Their Activities of Daily Living

Background: Health in the elderly does not merely refer to a condition free from disease but should also have elements regarding functionality and independence. Purpose: This study aimed to measure Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and to identify the factors affecting ADLs among the elderly population in Sleman District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using secondary data from the Multidimensional Elderly Care project, nested on the Health Demographic and Surveillance System in Sleman, involving 549 elderly participants. The independence of these elderly people was measured using an Activities of Daily Living Scale questionnaire. Factors measured were cognitive (using the Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaire), psychological (using the Geriatric Depression Scale or Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia questionnaires), economic (using the Financial Management Behavior Scale questionnaire), and nutritional status (using the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire). The data were analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher test, and Poisson test for bivariate analysis, while multivariate analysis using a logistic regression test. Results: The prevalence of elderly dependence was 14.03%. Elderly dependence was significantly related to age, job, residence, financial management, dementia, depression, malnutrition, and stroke disease in the bivariate analysis. However, after multivariate analysis, only age (&gt;86 years) (PR = 4.31; 95% CI = 1.91–9.72), malnutrition (PR = 6.62; 95% CI = 3.79–11.57), and stroke (PR = 3.06; 95% CI = 2.03–4.61) were still shown to be related to elderly dependence. Conclusion: Increasing age, malnutrition, and stroke in elderly people lead to higher dependency in their ADLs.

Cardiac function and cognitive function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

ObjectivesThis study was designed to evaluate echocardiographic findings in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with cognitive impairment and compare it with the control group.MethodsSixty-seven OSA patients and 52 group of healthy controls were evaluated prospectively by Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaire and trans-thoracic echocardiography.ResultsThe cognitive impairment and diastolic dysfunction were 19.6% (P = .002) and 18.4% (P = .016) more prevalent in OSA group compared to the control group. The mean tricuspid regurgitant gradient, pulmonary artery size, and transmitral A velocity were higher, but mean right ventricular peak systolic velocity, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), transmitral E/A ratio, and annular E’ velocity were lower in the OSA group than the control group. Comparing the patients with and without cognitive disorders, showed significant differences regarding the size of right atrium, TAPSE and FAC (P < .05).ConclusionsOSA patients need accurate cardiac examinations, early diagnosis, and interventions to prevent the progression of cardiac dysfunction, especially older male patients with higher BMI and impaired cognition. Further studies are needed to determine the exact link between the OSA, obesity, and cardiac physiology.

Does gender influence P300 latency and mini mental state examination score in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients?

Background: P300 event-related potentials (ERPs) is an electrophysiologic marker of cognitive ability which closely reflects cognitive functions. Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) causes many complications. Diabetes mellitus-induced damage to the central nervous system is a key focus of research. Latest magnetic resonance imaging evidence suggested that the changes in anatomy of brain is more rapidly seen in males than in females. This study was carried out to study the gender variations in P300 latency and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Aim and Objective: To study the influence of gender on MMSE score as well as P300 ERP. Materials and Methods: 30 diagnosed Type 2 Diabetics aged above 40 years, with more than 2 years duration of diabetes were included in this study. MMSE questionnaire was administered to each diabetic and P300 was recorded using RMS EMG EP MARK 2 machine in all the diabetics. Results: The P300 ERP of male diabetics was prolonged significantly with mean ± standard deviation (SD) of (347.01 ± 31.55) whereas female diabetics had a mean ± SD of (318.26 ± 28.22; P = 0.014) and no significant difference was found between the mean MMSE scores of male diabetics (26.06 ± 1.38) and female diabetics (26.13 ± 1.30). Conclusion: The change in P300 ERP is swifter in males when compared with females in the middle to old age. Compared to MMSE, P300 Latency is a sensitive electrophysiological tool for diagnosing early cognitive deterioration in T2DM.

Visual Perceptual Skills (non-motor) among Adults in Selangor of Malaysia

Visual perceptual skills are important skills for an adult to carry out their daily activities such as reading, writing and driving, successfully. This study was conducted to determine the visual perceptual skills (non-motor) of a group of adults in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 120 subjects from Selangor with the age ranging from 20 to 59 years were randomly recruited in this cross-sectional study. This study involved distance and near visual acuity measurements using Snellen chart and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) near vision chart, cognitive screening tests using the Mini Mental State Examination questionnaire (MMSE) as well as visual perceptual skills assessment (non-motor) using the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills (Non-Motor)- Revised (TVPS-R). The mean age of the subjects was 39.41+11.81 years old. Results showed that the mean standard scored obtained for Visual Discrimination (VD), Visual Memory (VM), Visual-Spatial Relationships (VSR), Visual Form Constancy (VFC), Visual Sequential Memory (VSM), Visual Figure-Ground (VFG) and Visual Closure (VC) subtests were 14.12+1.10, 13.42+1.58, 14.53+1.26, 12.47+1.03, 12.35+2.26, 13.67+1.64 and 13.73+2.23, respectively. Analysis of ANOVA shows that the VD, VM, and VSM scores are influenced by educational level (p&lt;0.05). Pearson correlation showed a significant negative correlation between all the sub-tests of TVPS-R scores with age variation (p&lt;0.05) except the VFC. Linear regression showed significant negative relationship between VD, VM, VSR and VSM with age. This research provided normative data of TVPS-R test on Malaysian adults for future reference and study.

High traditional Asian vegetables(ulam) intake relates to better nutritional status, cognition and mood among aging adults from low-income residential areas

PurposeAging adults from low-income residential areas were found to have poor nutritional status and mental health based on National Health and Morbidity Survey Malaysia (2015). Good nutrient intake contributes positively in averting these problems. Traditional Asian vegetables (ulam) are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants and fibres which could enhance nutritional status and mood state. This study intended to determine the relationship between habitual ulam intake and nutritional status, mood state and cognition among 252 aging Malaysian adults aged 45–80 years from the low-income residential areas in Klang Valley, Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachIt was a cross-sectional study that used convenient sampling. Advertisement and invitation letters were sent to three selected community centres in Klang Valley prior to data collection. Informed consent was obtained prior to the collection of socio-demographic data. Anthropometric measurement was performed as per standard protocols. Validated surveys were conducted to obtain information on ulam consumption, mood state and cognitive status using validated food frequency questionnaires, Profile of Mood State and Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaires, respectively.FindingsThe average of ulam intake was 20.5 ± 2.5 g/day (½ serving daily). Habitual ulam intake was associated with lower waist circumference (R2 = 0.166, β = −0.216, p < 0.01), better MMSE scores (R2 = 0.337, β = 0.128, p < 0.05), less anger (R2 = 0.081, β = −0.116, p < 0.05), less tension (R2 = 0.139, β = −0.204, p < 0.01) and positive total mood disturbance (R2 = 0.095, β = 0.164, p < 0.05) after adjustment for gender, age, energy intake, total fruits and vegetables (non-ulam) consumption. The ulam intake at 100th percentile (=30g/day) associated to a better nutritional status, mood state and cognitive status in comparison to 25th percentile (<7.9 g/day) (p < 0.05).Originality/valueFindings from this research would recommend people to consume not less than 1 serving of ulam everyday in order to have improved nutritional status, mood and cognition; nonetheless, future studies are required to clarify the causal mechanism concerning this relationship.

Association of empty nest and group activity with cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study explored the associations of empty nest and group activity with cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults. Materials and methodsData were analyzed from 10,349 participants of the second-round survey database of the Zhejiang Ageing and Health Cohort Study aged 60 years and over. Cognitive impairment was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaire. Logistic regression models controlled for an extensive range of potential confounders were generated to examine the associations of empty nest and group activity with cognitive impairment. ResultsNo association was found between empty nest and cognitive impairment in total participants. However, when stratified by sex, empty nest women were less likely to have cognitive impairment than non-empty nest women, odds ratio (OR) (95 % confidence interval [CI]) (0.846; 0.721, 0.993). Elders who participated in group activities showed significantly lower odds of cognitive impairment than those who never attended group activities, (0.811; 0.723, 0.910). This association remained significant in the 60–69-years group when further stratified by age, with an OR (95 % CI) of 0.616 (0.514, 0.739). ConclusionsEmpty nesters were not vulnerable to poor cognitive function. Participation in group activities was significantly associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment. Prospective studies are needed to assess the effect of empty nest and group activity on the risk of cognitive impairment.

Cognitive Functioning and Life Quality of the Elderly: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: According to the Gerontological Health Statistics for Croatia, the number of elderly people in Croatia is increasingly growing. The UN classification ranks the Republic of Croatia as the country which belongs to group four of the European countries with elderly population.&#x0D; AIM: The aim of this paper is to examine cognitive functioning and life quality of the elderly.&#x0D; SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 156 participants took part in the study. The cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2016 to October 2016 in the Osječko-baranjska County, Croatia. The World Health Organization quality of life (QOL)-BREF scale was used to test the QOL; cognitive functioning was tested using mini-mental state examination (MMSE) questionnaire.&#x0D; RESULTS: A total of 156 subjects were tested during the study. The MMSE questionnaire for cognitive abilities and dementia assessment: 83 (53%) participants scored 24 or more which indicates a normal result. The participants whose results indicate the presence of disorders also have notably lower life quality in all domains. The participants suffering only from a physical illness exhibit significantly lower values in the environmental domain (Mann–Whitney U-test, p = 0.010) when compared to those suffering both from physical and mental illness whose results show extremely low values in practically all the segments regarding the QOL. The values of the cognitive functioning questionnaire are related to the life quality domains; the strongest connection relates to mental health (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient Rho = 0.493 p &lt; 0.001) and the weakest connection refers to social functioning.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: After reaching a certain age, the elderly seems to exhibit the lowering in cognitive functioning which consequently reflects on lowering of the life quality as well. The problems regarding the QOL occur as a direct consequence of the gap between the possibilities of the elderly and the demands and conditions set by modern life.

The Mediating Effect of Different Exercise Programs on the Immune Profile of Frail Older Women with Cognitive Impairment.

Frail individuals experience an accelerated immunosenescence, and exercise has been identified as a therapy to promote a better inflammatory environment. To analyze the effects of 28-weeks of two different exercise protocols on the functional fitness and immune profiles of institutionalized pre-frail and frail women with mild cognitive impairment. Participants residing in care homes (n=60, 81±7.84 years old) were randomized into three groups: a chair elastic band muscle-strength exercise (CSE, n=21; 81±4.79), a chair multimodal exercise (CME, n=20; 80±8.19), and a control non-exercise (CGne, n=19; 80±10.01). Both CME and CSE groups performed progressive circuit-training exercise sessions. The controls did not change their usual lifestyle. The Fried protocol and the Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaire were used to identify the frail subgroups and the participants with mild cognitive impairment. Data for anti and pro-inflammatory markers and physical fitness were analyzed pre and post-interventions. After the intervention, a significant effect of time and time by group for sIgA and time by group for IL- 10 levels were found (p > 0.05). Within-group analysis showed a significant moderate decrease in the TNF-α to IL-10 ratio for the CME group and an increase in the controls (p > 0.05) and a slight reduction in the IL-6 and IL- 1β concentrations. The controls showed a negative trend towards a decrease in physical fitness and a trend for increased levels in the pro-inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-1β. The evidence regarding the use of systematic and moderate long-term exercise as therapy for promoting a better balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory environments and a decrease in the inflammatory index for the CME group were the most promising results from this study.