Function In Elderly People Research Articles

Vitamin B12 Intake and Status and Cognitive Function in Elderly People

Current recommendations on vitamin B12 intake vary from 1.4 to 3.0 μg per day and are based on the amount needed for maintenance of hematologic status or on the amount needed to compensate obligatory losses. This systematic review evaluates whether the relation between vitamin B12 intake and cognitive function should be considered for underpinning vitamin B12 recommendations in the future. The authors summarized dose-response evidence from randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies on the relation of vitamin B12 intake and status with cognitive function in adults and elderly people. Two randomized controlled trials and 6 cohort studies showed no association or inconsistent associations between vitamin B12 intake and cognitive function. Random-effects meta-analysis showed that serum/plasma vitamin B12 (50 pmol/L) was not associated with risk of dementia (4 cohort studies), global cognition z scores (4 cohort studies), or memory z scores (4 cohort studies). Although dose-response evidence on sensitive markers of vitamin B12 status (methylmalonic acid and holotranscobalamin) was scarce, 4 of 5 cohort studies reported significant associations with risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or global cognition. Current evidence on the relation between vitamin B12 intake or status and cognitive function is not sufficient for consideration in the development of vitamin B12 recommendations. Further studies should consider the selection of sensitive markers of vitamin B12 status.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Function in the Elderly persons

The Goal of this study was to assess the effect of aerobic exercise on cognitive function of elderly people. The participants' cognitive functions were measured before exercise. Exercise was practiced three times a week for nine weeks. The aerobic exercises consisted of warm-up exercises for five minutes followed by cycling for 30 minutes. The exercise intensity was set to 65%~75% of the intensity for the maximum heart rate(220-age). The control group did not perform any exercises. The subjects' cognitive functions were measured nine weeks later. In the aerobic exercise group, between before and after the exercises, significant increases appeared in total K-MMSE scores and scores of some sub items comprising memory registration, concentration and calculation abilities but not in other items. In the control group, no significant differences appeared in any items between before and after the experiment. In a comparison between the aerobic exercise group and the control group, significant differences appeared in total K-MMSE scores and scores of two sub items comprising concentration and calculation abilities but not in other items(p

Determination of the reference value and systematic bias of the functional reach test in Japanese elderly people by meta-analysis

Background/PurposeThe functional reach test (FRT), which was developed as a clinical balance assessment tool, has been widely used as a fall risk assessment tool in elderly people. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reference value and the presence of systematic bias in the FRT using the methodology of meta-analysis in community-dwelling elderly people. MethodsRelevant research articles were sought from electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Igakucyuouzasshi. The search was conducted from January 1990 to August 2011, and the terms “functional reach” and “elderly” were used in combination in the search. The searches were limited to peer-reviewed research articles involving Japanese elderly people with good functioning, aged 60 years and older. Weighted means were calculated for the reference value of FRT by a fixed effect model and a random effect model. Furthermore, weighted least squares regression was performed to determine the presence of systematic bias in the reference value of FRT. ResultsA total of 19 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including 4274 participants whose mean age ranged from 69.0 to 81.4 years. The reference value of FRT was 29.44 cm (95% confidence interval: 27.60–31.27 cm) using the random-effect model, since the reference value using the fixed-effect model was found to have significant heterogeneity. Furthermore, multivariate weighted least squares regression was performed, and sex, age, height, and measurement method (one-arm or two-arm reach) were all independently associated with the FRT value (multiple R2 = 0.295, χ2 = 76.6, p < 0.001). ConclusionsSince participants' characteristics (sex, age, and height) and measurement method are probably related to systematic error in the FRT, judgment of physical function in elderly people using only the reference value determined in this study may have limitations.

THE EFFECT OF THE BLOOD GLUCOSE CONCENTRATION ON NIGHT WORK NURSES’ ATTENTION

THE EFFECT OF THE BLOOD GLUCOSE CONCENTRATION ON NIGHT WORK NURSES’ ATTENTION

Qualidade de vida, cognição e desempenho nas funções executivas de idosos

A relação entre qualidade de vida e funções cognitivas em idosos tem sido pouco estudada. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar a associação entre qualidade de vida, cognição e desempenho nas funções executivas de idosos. O estudo teve a participação de 88 idosos. Utilizou-se o método amostral de conveniência. Todos os participantes responderam sobre condições sociodemográficas, qualidade de vida (World Health Organization Quality of Life Group-Bref), funções cognitivas (Mini-Exame do Estado Mental e Instrumento de Avaliação Neuropsicológica Breve) e funções executivas (Teste Wisconsin de Classificação de Cartas). Os dados mostraram associações importantes entre os domínios de qualidade de vida Físico e Meio Ambiente e variáveis cognitivas, o que reforça a importância da cognição tanto na manutenção de cuidados físicos, quanto nas oportunidades de o idoso adquirir novas informações e habilidades no meio em que vive.

Physical capacity in elderly women

Abstract Introduction: Physical fitness has a direct impact on daily motor function. The level of fitness generally increases with age to reach a maximal level for a given individual at around 20-30 years of age, after which it begins to gradually decrease - with the pace of the decrease depending on the type of physical activity engaged in. At every age, physical fitness can be improved by the right physical training. One factor that frequently limits participation in various types of physical activity is insufficient free time. Older individuals frequently have more free time, yet do not spend it in an active way. At the same time, elderly individuals are becoming an increasingly sizeable group within society. That means that soon a large share of Poland's population will consist of individuals with low motor fitness. To mitigate this, organizations are being formed where older individuals can participate in motor-exercise classes. This type of activity can have a positive impact on the condition of older individuals, who represent an ever-larger part of society. It is thus possible to boost the physical fitness of the elderly, and doing so is very important for this population segment's health. The objective of this study is to identify the level of physical fitness of elderly individuals who participate in the Third Age University at the Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw, and to trace the evolution of their physical fitness after 3 months of motor-exercise classes. Materials and methods: The physical fitness of 31 women was tested. All were female participants in the Third Age University at the Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw. The mean age of the subjects was 65.3 years (SD 4.42), with mean body mass 66.4 kg (SD 7,44) and mean height 157.7cm (SD 5,11). Their body mass index (BMI) ranged between 21.5 and 31.7, with the mean value being 26.5. The test was conducted twice, after an interval of 3 months. The objective was to identify an exercise regime that would cause a given individual's heart rate to increase to 130 bpm. Results: The individuals studied showed a low level of physical fitness. A 3 month period was sufficient to effect an improvement in the physical fitness of elderly individuals Conclusions: 1. Physical capacity subjects is low. 2. Using regular physical activity adapted specifically for the needs of older people can improve physical performance in elderly people. 3. A period of three months is sufficient to improve physical performance in the elderly.

689 Solifenacin and cognitive function in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment: The SENIOR study

689 Solifenacin and cognitive function in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment: The SENIOR study

Rastreamento da função cognitiva de idosos não-institucionalizados

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a função cognitiva dos idosos e determinar a frequência do déficit cognitivo, estratificando-os por idade, escolaridade, passatempo, relação social, doenças crônicas informadas e depressão. A uma amostra aleatória de 394 idosos com idade igual ou maior que 60 anos do município de Batatais (SP) foi aplicado questionário sobre condições socioeconômicas, saúde e Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (EDG). Para rastrear o déficit cognitivo, foi utilizado o MEEM - Mini-Exame do Estado Mental modificado. Na avaliação do desempenho cognitivo, usou-se ponto de corte 23. Observou-se que 81,7% dos idosos ficaram acima desse ponto e 18,3% ficaram abaixo. Os idosos que tiveram os escores mais elevados foram associados a fatores como idade (60-69 anos), nível de escolaridade, hábito de leitura, boa relação social, principalmente com familiares, e não ter hipertensão arterial, diabete, incontinência urinária, catarata e ou sintomas depressivos. O desempenho cognitivo global dos idosos avaliado pelo instrumento baseado no MEEM revelou que aqueles com escores abaixo do ponto de corte tiveram proporção semelhante à encontrada em outros estudos.

高齢者に対する頸部等尺性収縮手技 (chin push-pull maneuver) による嚥下訓練 - 自己実施訓練の効果 -

高齢者に対する頸部等尺性収縮手技 (chin push-pull maneuver) による嚥下訓練 - 自己実施訓練の効果 -

Telomere Shortening Impairs Regeneration of the Olfactory Epithelium in Response to Injury but Not Under Homeostatic Conditions

Atrophy of the olfactory epithelium (OE) associated with impaired olfaction and dry nose represents one of the most common phenotypes of human aging. Impairment in regeneration of a functional olfactory epithelium can also occur in response to injury due to infection or nasal surgery. These complications occur more frequently in aged patients. Although age is the most unifying risk factor for atrophic changes and functional decline of the olfactory epithelium, little is known about molecular mechanisms that could influence maintenance and repair of the olfactory epithelium. Here, we analyzed the influence of telomere shortening (a basic mechanism of cellular aging) on homeostasis and regenerative reserve in response to chemical induced injury of the OE in late generation telomere knockout mice (G3 mTerc−/−) with short telomeres compared to wild type mice (mTerc+/+) with long telomeres. The study revealed no significant influence of telomere shortening on homeostatic maintenance of the OE during mouse aging. In contrast, the regenerative response to chemical induced injury of the OE was significantly impaired in G3 mTerc−/− mice compared to mTerc+/+ mice. Seven days after chemical induced damage, G3 mTerc−/− mice exhibited significantly enlarged areas of persisting atrophy compared to mTerc+/+ mice (p = 0.031). Telomere dysfunction was associated with impairments in cell proliferation in the regenerating epithelium. Deletion of the cell cycle inhibitor, Cdkn1a (p21) rescued defects in OE regeneration in telomere dysfunctional mice. Together, these data indicate that telomere shortening impairs the regenerative capacity of the OE by impairing cell cycle progression in a p21-dependent manner. These findings could be relevant for the impairment in OE function in elderly people.

Associations between inflammatory markers, candidate polymorphisms and physical performance in older Danish twins

Inflammation may play an essential role in the decline of physical performance. In this study we investigated the associations between inflammatory markers, candidate polymorphisms and physical performance in elderly people. Plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, fibrinogen, sICAM-1 and candidate polymorphisms were measured in 600 twin individuals aged 73 years and older participating in the Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins. Physical performance was assessed using a self-reported measure. The inclusion of twins allowed both traditional and within-twin-pair analysis which permitted control for shared environment and genetic factors. Higher levels of inflammatory markers were generally associated with a lower level of physical performance. The TNFα-238G/A polymorphism was significantly associated with physical performance in men, with A allele carriers having significantly better performance than GG homozygotes. However, this gene variation seems to have only a minor role in explaining the associations between the levels of inflammatory markers and physical performance. When using twin pair analysis to test whether genetic factors in general account for this association, results showed that the association between the level of fibrinogen and physical performance could be caused by genetic factors. Also the association between the level of TNF-α and physical performance in males could be caused by genetic factors. However, other gene variations than the candidate gene polymorphisms studied here seem to explain the major part of the genetic proportion of this association.

A Significant Relationship between Plasma Vitamin C Concentration and Physical Performance among Japanese Elderly Women

Maintenance of physical performance could improve the quality of life in old age. Recent studies suggested a beneficial relationship between antioxidant vitamin (eg, vitamin C) intake and physical performance in elderly people. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma vitamin C concentration and physical performance among Japanese community-dwelling elderly women. This is a cross-sectional study involving elderly females residing in an urban area in Tokyo, Japan, in October 2006. We examined anthropometric measurements, physical performance, lifestyles, and plasma vitamin C concentration of participants. A total of 655 subjects who did not take supplements were analyzed. The mean age (±standard deviation) of participants was 75.7 ± 4.1 years in this study. The geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) of plasma vitamin C concentration was 8.9 (1.5) μg/mL. The plasma vitamin C concentration was positively correlated with handgrip strength, length of time standing on one leg with eyes open and walking speed, and inversely correlated with body mass index. After adjusting for the confounding factors, the quartile plasma vitamin C level was significantly correlated with the subject's handgrip strength (p for trend = .0004) and ability to stand on one leg with eyes open (p for trend = .049). In community-dwelling elderly women, the concentration of plasma vitamin C related well to their muscle strength and physical performance.

Does cerebral small vessel disease predict future decline of cognitive function in elderly people with type 2 diabetes?

Aims We conducted a 3-year longitudinal study concerning an association between cognitive function and cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in elderly type 2 diabetic patients. Methods Four cognitive function tests – MMSE, word recall, Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS), and Stroop Color Word (Stroop) – were performed in 67 diabetic patients twice in 2006 and 2009. SVD was diagnosed as silent brain infarct (SBI) and white matter lesions (WMLs) according to MRI. Results Number of SBI was significantly correlated with a decline in DSS and Stroop tests, while WMLs grade was only associated with it in DSS tests after adjustment for age, gender, education years, the presence of hypertension and dyslipidemia, and smoking. Severity of SVD at baseline was stronger associated with cognitive function after the 3-year follow-up than at baseline. WMLs progression was associated with more rapid decline of DSS tests compared to a group without progression. Conclusions SVD seen on MRI is a good marker for predicting future cognitive decline, and monitoring of treatment through the use of such markers is expected to maintain a good quality of life for elderly diabetic patients.

Differences in suicidal idea and behavior according to cognitive function in elderly people

Differences in suicidal idea and behavior according to cognitive function in elderly people

Beneficial effects of dietary docosahexaenoic acid intervention on cognitive function in elderly people with very mild dementia in Japan

Beneficial effects of dietary docosahexaenoic acid intervention on cognitive function in elderly people with very mild dementia in Japan

Effects of dual task balance training on dual task performance in elderly people: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To investigate the effects of dual task balance training in the elderly on standing postural control while performing a cognitive task. Design: A randomized two-group parallel controlled trial. Participants: Forty-three subjects (all >65 years old) were enrolled in the study and were assigned randomly to either an experimental group (n = 21) or a control group (n = 22). Interventions: Subjects in the experimental group were given strength and balance training while performing cognitive tasks simultaneously. Subjects in the control group were given strength and balance training only. The training was administered twice a week for three months. Measurements: The Chair Stand Test, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and Trail Making Test were measured. The sway length of the centre of gravity was measured during standing while performing the Stroop task. The rate of Stroop task was also measured. All measurements were collected at baseline and after the training period. Results: There were no significant differences in Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and sway length at baseline and after training between the two groups. However, the rate of Stroop task (P < 0.05) was significantly higher after training in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that dual task balance training in elderly people improves their dual task performance during standing postural control.

Association Between Body Composition and Pulmonary Function in Elderly People: The Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging

The age-related increase in body fat and decrease in muscle mass are associated with increased morbidity in elderly populations. Pulmonary function also decreases with age, but no study has investigated whether regional body composition is associated with pulmonary function in an older population. The Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging is a community-based cohort study of people aged > 65 years selected by random stratified sampling. Anthropometrics, biochemical factors, and lung function by spirometry were evaluated in 439 men (mean age of 75.9 ± 8.6 years) and 561 women (mean age of 76.0 ± 8.8 years). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed to assess the whole and regional body composition. Computed tomography (CT) was also used to measure fat or muscle distribution at the abdominal and mid-thigh levels. Although pulmonary function and muscle mass were inversely related to age, fat mass was not. After adjusting for age, height, BMI, smoking and exercise status, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fat mass in trunk or central area was inversely associated with lung function in both sexes (P < 0.01). Men with more muscle in trunk and mid-thigh level had better lung function (P < 0.01). The results of this community-based study show that regional body composition is significantly associated with lung function. Augmentation of muscle in the trunk and low extremity in men, and reduction of fat in the trunk and upper body in men and women may be helpful in maintaining lung function in the elderly population.

Current Controversies over the Management of Elderly Hypertension with Impaired Renal Function

Both hypertension and aging impact renal function. Elderly patients are more likely to have chronic kidney disease (CKD), usually defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate 60 mL/min/1.73 m. Multiple studies over the past two decades have shown that CKD is a powerful cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Reduced kidney function in elderly people is a marker for adverse outcomes. The major goals of lowering blood pressure (BP) in patients with CKD include reduction of mortality, CVD events and slowing progression. Main considerations in the management of hypertension include selection of a target BP and selection of agents used to attain the chosen target. Current clinical practice guidelines for BP targets and choice of anti– hypertensive agents in elderly patients with CKD are not specific. Older patients with CKD might experience increased mortality and hospitalizations in association with lower baseline BP values. This review outlines controversies in applying current guidelines for the management of BP to older patients with CKD. Because of the high burden of other comorbidities in older patients with CKD, strict adherence to guidelines for the management of hypertension may not always represent the most adequate approach. (J Korean Soc Hypertens 2011;17(4):148-155)

The Relationship Between the Cognitive Functions, Daily Activities, and Mobility Levels of Elderly People Living in a Nursing Home Compared With Those in a House Environment

Objective: The aim of the present research was to determine the relationship between the cognitive functions and daily activities and mobility levels of elderly people living either in a nursing home or in a house environment. Methods: The present study includes 59 elderly individuals living in a house environment and 70 elderly individuals living in a nursing home. The Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT), the Barthel Index, and the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) were applied to sociodemographic data of the study participants. Results: The cognitive status of the elderly people living in a nursing home was found to be lower than that of elderly people living in a house environment (P < .05). A relationship was found between the sex, educational status, use of an auxiliary device, the RMI, and the SMMT in the elderly people living in a nursing home (P < .05). In the elderly people living in a house environment, no statistically significant relationship was found between the SMMT, RMI, and the Barthel Index, whereas a relationship was found between the SMMT and the level of education (P < .05). Conclusion: The results indicate that sociodemographic characteristics are related to cognitive functions in elderly people 65 years or older. It was found that the individuals with low cognitive functions prefer living in a nursing home.

Características sociodemográficas, capacidade funcional e morbidades entre idosos com e sem declínio cognitivo

OBJETIVO: Descrever as características sociodemográficas, funcionais e clínicas dos idosos com e sem declínio cognitivo residentes na zona urbana de Uberaba-MG. MÉTODOS: Estudo tipo inquérito domiciliar realizado com 2.898 idosos. Foram constituídos dois grupos: grupo 1, idosos com pontuação menor que 13 no Miniexame do Estado Mental e grupo 2 com 13 pontos ou mais nesse exame. Os dados coletados, por meio de instrumento semiestruturado, foram submetidos à análise descritiva e ao teste Qui-quadrado (p&lt;0,05). RESULTADOS: No grupo 1, prevaleceu idosos com 80 anos ou mais; sem ocupação e escolaridade, com hipertensão arterial e seis ou mais incapacidades funcionais. No grupo 2, a maioria possuía 60 a 70 anos; exercia atividades no lar; quatro a oito anos de estudo, hipertensão arterial e uma incapacidade funcional. Os grupos diferiram significativamente quanto: à faixa etária, escolaridade, atividade profissional, número de doenças e incapacidade funcional. CONCLUSÃO: Este trabalho contribuiu com estudos que enfatizam os diversos fatores que podem interferir no desempenho cognitivo do idoso.