Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test Research Articles

Effects of different modalities of transcranial magnetic stimulation on post-stroke cognitive impairment: a network meta-analysis.

The study aimed to evaluate, using a network meta-analysis, the effects of different transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) modalities on improving cognitive function after stroke. Computer searches of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embass, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were conducted to collect randomized controlled clinical studies on the use of TMS to improve cognitive function in stroke patients, published from the time of database construction to November 2023. A total of 29 studies and 2123 patients were included, comprising five interventions: high-frequency rTMS (HF-rTMS), low-frequency rTMS (LF-rTMS), intermittent theta rhythm stimulation (iTBS), sham stimulation (SS), and conventional rehabilitation therapy (CRT). A reticulated meta-analysis showed that the rankings of different TMS intervention modalities in terms of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, Mini-Mental State Examination scores (MMSE), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores were: HF-rTMS > LF-rTMS > iTBS > SS > CRT; the rankings of different TMS intervention modalities in terms of the event-related potential P300. amplitude scores were HF-rTMS > LF-rTMS > iTBS > CRT > SS; the rankings of different TMS intervention modalities in terms of the P300 latency scores were: iTBS > HF-rTMS > LF-rTMS > SS > CRT. Subgroup analyses of secondary outcome indicators showed that HF-rTMS significantly improved Rivermead Behavior Memory Test scores and Functional Independence Measurement-Cognitive scores. High-frequency TMS stimulation has a better overall effect on improving cognitive functions and activities of daily living, such as attention and memory in stroke patients.

Normative data for the Spanish versions of the CVLT, WMS-Logical Memory, and RBMT from a sample of middle-aged and old participants.

Episodic memory (EM), one of the most commonly assessed cognitive domains in aging, is useful for identifying pathological processes such as mild cognitive impairment and dementia. However, EM tests must be culturally adapted, and the influence of sociodemographic variables analyzed, to provide cut-off points that enable correct diagnosis. The aim of this article is to report updated Spanish normative data for three EM tests: the California Verbal Learning Test, the Logical Memory subtest of the Wechsler Memory Test, and the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test. Measures include immediate, short-, and long-delay free recall, intrusions, and global scores. The entire sample is comprised of 1,193 cognitively unimpaired participants aged +50, recruited from three cohort studies within the Spanish Consortium for Ageing Normative Data. Participants who subsequently developed cognitive impairment, detected at follow-up, were removed from the total sample. Data analysis included transformation of percentile ranges into scalar scores, tests for the effects of education level, age, and sex on performance, and linear regression to calculate scalar adjustments. Tables with percentile ranges and scalar scores for each measure are provided, with adjustments for age, education level, and sex, as required. The normative scores provide robust data for assessing EM in Spanish middle-aged and old populations. Effects of sex, age, and education level in each measure are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Memory, Emotion, and Quality of Life in Patients with Long COVID-19.

(1) Background: Persistent COVID is characterized by the presence of fatigue, mental fog, and sleep problems, among others. We aimed to study cognitive abilities (attention, executive functions, memory, language) and psychological and emotional factors in a group of participants of the population with persistent COVID-19 and asymptomatic or non-COVID-19-infected patients; (2) Methods: A total of 86 participants aged 18 to 66 years (X = 46.76) took part in the study, with 57 individuals (66.27%) in the experimental group and 29 (33.73%) in the control group. A comprehensive assessment included neuropsychological evaluations, evaluations of anxious and depressive symptomatology, assessments of the impact of fatigue, sleep quality, memory failures in daily life, and the perceived general health status of the participants; (3) Results: significant differences between groups were found in incidental learning within the Key Numbers task (U = 462.5; p = 0.001; p = 0.022) and in the Direct Digit Span (U = 562; p = 0.022), but not in the Inverse Digit Span (U = 632.5; p = 0.105). Differences were also observed in the prospective memory task of the Rivermead Prospective Memory Tasks (from the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test) in the recall of quotations (U = 610; p = 0.020) as well as in the recall of objects (U = 681.5; p = 0.032). Concerning the task of verbal fluency, significant differences were found for both phonological cues (p- and s-) (t = -2.190; p = 0.031) and semantic cues (animals) (t = -2.277; p = 0.025). In terms of the psychological impact assessment, significant differences were found in the emotional impact across all variables studied (fatigue, quality of sleep, memory lapses, and the perceived general health status), except for quality of life; (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that the sequelae derived from persistent COVID may have an impact on people's lives, with higher levels of anxiety and depression, worse sleep quality, a greater number of subjective memory complaints, and a greater feeling of fatigue and impact on quality of life. Furthermore, poorer performance was observed in memory and verbal fluency.

Syntactic processing skills in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundCommunication and language impairments may be found in individuals with CCL. Thus, a better understanding language processing in this group and in healthy aging is necessary. Most studies in CCL and AD have focused on naming and semantic processes, and few studies have focused on syntactic processing skills, especially in the Brazilian population.MethodA total of 114 elderly people of both sexes, aged at least 60 years, living in the city of São Paulo, were evaluated. The subjects were divided into 32 healthy elderly, 22 with aminestic mild cognitive impairment, 43 with non‐aminestic mild cognitive impairment and 17 with mild Alzheimer’s disease. For language assessment, the Grammar Reception Test – TROG2 was used as the main instrument, as well as the tests Northwestern Anagram Test, Token Test and the Object and Verb Naming Battery. For cognitive evaluation using the tests and functionality, the following tests were used: MoCA, Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test, Tracks A and B Test, Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Stroop Test, Digit Extension Test, Learning Test Verbal de Rey FAS, Three Words Three Shapes Test. The functionality of the was assessed using the Lawton & Brody scale for Activities of Daily Living.ResultOur results showed differences in performance among the control, CCL, and AD groups in the total number and the profile of correct answers according to the type of sentence tested (p<0.05). Sentences with zero anaphora structure discriminated the control group from CCLa and AD, as well as CCLna from AD; pronoun gender/number sentences discriminated controls from CCLa (p<0.05). These sentence types bring to evidence the effect of increased demand on working memory and executive functions on syntactic processing.ConclusionThe use of the Grammar Reception Test ‐ TROG ‐ 2 instrument can be useful in the assessment of the elderly, serving as a reference to differentiate healthy aging from cognitive and language impairments. Patients with MCI already have difficulties in syntactic processing when syntactic complexity is increased, overloading working memory and executive functions. These difficulties are intensified in patients with AD.

The effect of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive rehabilitation training on post-stroke cognitive impairment.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with cognitive rehabilitation training on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 119 patients with PSCI admitted to our hospital from December 2021 to April 2023, of which 58 received pure cognitive rehabilitation training (control group) and 61 received rTMS combined with cognitive rehabilitation training (observation group). We calculated measures of cognitive function rehabilitation, daily living activity abilities, latency and amplitude of P300 wave of evoked potential, and serum biochemical index levels before and after the intervention in the two groups. After the intervention, the scores of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale and Rivermead behavioral memory test (RBMT) had improved in the two groups. Also, the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores of the two groups increased after the intervention. The P300 wave latencies in both groups decreased and their amplitudes increased after the intervention. The levels of serum neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the two groups were higher, and the levels of brain glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were lower after the intervention. All these improvements were more marked in the observation group than in the control group (all p<0.05). Compared with simple cognitive rehabilitation training, the training combined with rTMS was more effective at restoring cognitive function, improving daily living activity abilities, and improving the treatment outcome of patients with PSCI.

Cognitive and psychiatric outcomes in the GALAXY trial: effect of anaesthesia in deep brain stimulation

BackgroundThis study aims: (1) To compare cognitive and psychiatric outcomes after bilateral awake versus asleep subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson’s disease (PD). (2) To explore...

Magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological findings for predicting of cognitive deterioration in memory clinic patients.

The severity of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been assessed using hypertensive arteriopathy SVD and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)-SVD scores. In addition, we reported the modified CAA-SVD score including cortical microinfarcts and posterior dominant white matter hyperintensity. Each SVD score has been associated with cognitive function, but the longitudinal changes remain unclear. Therefore, this study prospectively examined the prognostic value of each SVD score, imaging findings of cerebral SVD, and neuropsychological assessment. This study included 29 patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia at memory clinic in our hospital, who underwent clinical dementia rating (CDR) and brain MRI (3D-fluid attenuated inversion recovery, 3D-double inversion recovery, and susceptibility-weighted imaging) at baseline and 1 year later. Each SVD score and neuropsychological tests including the Mini-Mental State Examination, Japanese Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, Trail Making Test -A/-B, and the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test were evaluated at baseline and 1 year later. Twenty patients had unchanged CDR (group A), while nine patients had worsened CDR (group B) after 1 year. At baseline, there was no significant difference in each SVD score; after 1 year, group B had significantly increased CAA-SVD and modified CAA-SVD scores. Group B also showed a significantly higher number of lobar microbleeds than group A at baseline. Furthermore, group B had significantly longer Japanese Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices and Trail Making test-A times at baseline. After 1 year, group B had significantly lower Mini-Mental State Examination, Japanese Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, and Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test scores and significantly fewer word fluency (letters). Patients with worsened CDR 1 year after had a higher number of lobar microbleeds and prolonged psychomotor speed at baseline. These findings may become predictors of cognitive deterioration in patients who visit memory clinics.

Online physical exercise program with music improves working memory.

The spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has limited the implementation of face-to-face non-pharmacological treatment for the prevention of dementia. As a result, online non-pharmacological treatment has become increasingly important. In this study, we used an online conferencing system to implement an online version of a physical exercise program with music, and examined its effect on cognitive function. The participants were 114 healthy older adults [63 men and 51 women; mean age of 70.7 years (standard deviation = 4.6)]. Seventy-five participants were allocated to the physical exercise with music group (60 min, once a week, total 20 sessions), while the remaining 39 participants were assigned to the control group, and only underwent the examinations. In the physical exercise with music group, we performed neuropsychological examinations and brain tests both before and after the exercise program. Neuropsychological tests included the Mini-Mental State Examination, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test, graphic imitation, word fluency (WF) (animal names and initial sounds), and the Trail Making Test-A/B. As an assessment of brain function, we developed an online examination of subtle cognitive decline, including tests of number and word memory, spatial grasp, the N-back task, and change inference. In the N-back task, the physical exercise with music group improved significantly relative to the control group (p = 0.008). The present findings suggest that the online version of the physical exercise with music program improved working memory, which mainly involves the frontal lobe.

Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on post-stroke dysmnesia: A preliminary study

ObjectiveThis study examined the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a bimodal neuromodulatory approach for post-stroke dysmnesia. MethodsThirty-four patients with post-stroke dysmnesia were randomly allocated into a sham group treated with neither rTMS nor tDCS, a group treated with rTMS, and a group treated with a combination of rTMS and tDCS. All three groups received cognitive rehabilitation training for 4 weeks. The memory function of each group before and after the intervention was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT) scales, as well as in terms of the Mismatch Negativity（MMN）and P300 of event-related potentials. ResultsThe sham, rTMS, and rTMS–tDCS groups all showed improvement in the total MoCA score after the intervention. Delayed recall, a MoCA item, scored better in the rTMS–tDCS group than in the rTMS and sham groups. Delayed processing, an RBMT item, scored better in the rTMS–tDCS combination group than in the rTMS and sham groups. MMN and P300 latency was significantly shorter in the rTMS–tDCS combination group. ConclusionrTMS–tDCS bimodal stimulation was more effective than cognitive rehabilitation or rTMS alone in treating patients with post-stroke dysmnesia, offering new possibilities for enhancing cognitive function and treating post-stroke dysmnesia.

Evaluation of cognitive impairement in dementia/depression geriatric patients

Three-hundred-and-thirty-four cognitive profiles from neuropsychological examinations assessed during a 2-year period from geriatric patients of a day clinic in the U.P were analyzed. For this purpose, the profiles were divided into the following subgroups: (1) Mild Cognitive Impairment, no depression (2) Onset or mild dementia, no depression (3) No cognitive deficit, depression (4) cognitively impaired (MCI, dementia) and depression. Subgroups were be compared using analysis of variance (independent variable IV: diagnostic groups, dependent variable DV: cognitive functions) to reveal specific differences that will allow a differential diagnosis. Post-hoc comparisons and a graphical representation of the cognitive profiles were also investigated. All cognitive profiles with a Mini-Mental-State-Examination (MMSE) score of 25 or more points were selected for analysis if they had complete data from the following testing procedures: MMSE, clock drawing test, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Syndrom-Kurztest (SKT), Nuremberg Aging Inventory (NAI) maze test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) similarities, Rivermead Be- havioral Memory Test (RBMT) story immediate and delayed. 

Clinical and Neuropsychological Assessment of Dementia and Geriatric Depression in Patients of Sir T Hospital, Bhavnagar

Three-hundred-and-thirty-four cognitive profiles from neuropsychological examinations assessed during a 2-yearperiod (2020 to 2022) from geriatric patients of a day clinic in the bhavnagar were analyzed. For this purpose, theprofiles were divided into the following subgroups:(1) Mild Cognitive Impairment, no depression (2) Onset or mild dementia, no depression (3) No cognitivedeficit, depression (4) cognitively impaired (MCI, dementia) and depression. Subgroups were be comparedusing analysis of variance (independent variable IV: diagnostic groups, dependent variable DV: cognitivefunctions) to reveal specific differences that will allow a differential diagnosis. Post-hoc comparisons and agraphical representation of the cognitive profiles were also investigated. All cognitive profiles with a Mini-Mental-State-Examination (MMSE) score of 25 or more points were selected for analysis if they had completedata from the following testing procedures: MMSE, clock drawing test, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS),Syndrom-Kurztest (SKT), Nuremberg Aging Inventory (NAI) maze test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale(WAIS) similarities, Rivermead Be- havioral Memory Test (RBMT) story immediate and delayed. The resultswill help to improve the differential diagnostic examination of older depressed people with and without cognitiveimpairment: Depressed patients usually have no objectifiable memory impairment and inconspicuous scoresin the logical structure of thought processes, while attention was usually impaired in both depressed anddemented patients.

Effectiveness and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on memory disorder in stroke: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Approximately 23% to 55% of patients have memory impairments with a greatly negative effect on daily life 3 months after stroke. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been widely used in the rehabilitation of stroke as it is safe, painless, and noninvasive. Moreover, few studies have investigated the effect of rTMS on poststroke memory disorder (PSMD). However, the efficacy of rTMS is not consistent and the optional stimulation frequency is unclear. Therefore, this protocol aims to evaluate the clinical effect and safety of rTMS on PSMD by analyzing results from randomized controlled trials.Methods:Search strategies will be performed on seven databases: PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, and Technology Periodical Database (VIP). Only randomized controlled trials registered before August 2021 will be included. Additionally, the language will be limited to English or Chinese. For the outcome, we will focus on the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test. Additionally, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini-mental State Examination, Modified Barthel Index, and advent events will be included. Two authors will independently select the study, extract data, and assess quality. Moreover, disagreements will be resolved by the third author. STATA 14 and Review Manager 5.4 will be used to perform the analysis. We will evaluate bias risk in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. To assess the quality of evidence, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method will be employed.Results:This study will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current evidence on rTMS for PSMD.Conclusion:A reliable conclusion regarding whether rTMS is an effective and safe intervention for patients with PSMD and the effect of stimulation frequency and sham stimulation will be provided. This study will provide new insights for TMS in treating PSMD, and offer appropriate treatmentoptions to patients and clinicians.PROSPERO registration number:CRD42021282439.

Chronic pain in osteoarthritis of the hip is associated with selective cognitive impairment

IntroductionChronic pain of various origin is known to be associated with selective cognitive impairment. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip is one of the leading causes of chronic pain in the adult population, but its association with cognitive performance has not been evaluated. Here, we investigate the effect of chronic pain due to unilateral OA of one hip and no further source of chronic pain on cognitive performance.Materials and methodsA neuropsychological test battery, consisting of the Mini-Mental State Examination, Rey–Osterrieth complex figure test, Rivermead behavioural memory test, d2 test of attention, and F-A-S test was applied in 148 patients and 82 healthy pain-free control individuals. The influence of potentially confounding factors such as depression and anxiety was examined.ResultsPatients with OA of the hip showed decreased performance in specific neuropsychological tests. Performance in verbal and visual short-term and long-term memory and selective attention tests was significantly poorer compared to healthy controls. Whereas the executive functions “updating”, “set shifting”, “response inhibition” and “reflection” appear intact, “problem solving” and “planning” were impaired. None of the confounders showed any influence on cognitive performance in both study groups.ConclusionWe conclude that chronic pain secondary to end-stage hip OA is associated with selective cognitive impairment. Future studies are required to investigate the effect of total hip arthroplasty on cognitive performance.

Differential Diagnosis of MCI, Dementia and Depression—A Comparison of Different Cognitive Profiles

Three-hundred-and-thirty-four cognitive profiles from neuropsychological examinations assessed during a 5-year period (2015 to 2020) from geriatric patients of a day clinic in the south of Germany were analyzed. For this purpose, the profiles were divided into the following subgroups: (1) Mild Cognitive Impairment, no depression (2) Onset or mild dementia, no depression (3) No cognitive deficit, depression (4) cognitively impaired (MCI, dementia) and depression. Subgroups were be compared using analysis of variance (independent variable IV: diagnostic groups, dependent variable DV: cognitive functions) to reveal specific differences that will allow a differential diagnosis. Post-hoc comparisons and a graphical representation of the cognitive profiles were also investigated. All cognitive profiles with a Mini-Mental-State-Examination (MMSE) score of 25 or more points were selected for analysis if they had complete data from the following testing procedures: MMSE, clock drawing test, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Syndrom-Kurztest (SKT), Nuremberg Aging Inventory (NAI) maze test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) similarities, Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT) story immediate and delayed. The results will help to improve the differential diagnostic examination of older depressed people with and without cognitive impairment: Depressed patients usually have no objectifiable memory impairment and inconspicuous scores in the logical structure of thought processes, while attention was usually impaired in both depressed and demented patients.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging Observation of Frontal Lobe Multidirectional Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Stroke Patients with Memory Impairment.

Stroke is a group of diseases caused by the sudden rupture or blockage of blood vessels in the brain that prevent blood from flowing into the brain, resulting in brain tissue damage and dysfunction. Stroke has the characteristics of high morbidity, high disability, and high mortality. To investigate the effect of multidirectional transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the prefrontal lobe in stroke memory disorder. We evaluated 60 patients with poststroke memory impairment who underwent magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) during their admission to our hospital between January 2018 and December 2020. The patients were divided into the prefrontal group (n = 15), dorsolateral group (n = 15), prefrontal + dorsolateral group (n = 15), and pseudostimulation group (n = 15). Assessments using the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT), Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Lovingston Occupational Therapy Cognitive Scale (LOTCA), and frontal lobe fractional anisotropy (FA) were performed before and after treatment. The RBMT, MoCA, and LOTCA scores in the prefrontal + dorsolateral group were significantly higher than those in the dorsolateral, prefrontal, and sham groups (all P < 0.05). The posttreatment FA value of the frontal lobe was significantly higher in the prefrontal + dorsolateral group than in the dorsolateral, prefrontal, and sham stimulation groups (all P < 0.05). The FA value of the frontal lobe was significantly lower in patients with severe memory impairment than in patients with mild-moderate memory impairment (P < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.801 (95% CI: 0.678–0.925, P < 0.05), and the optimal cut-off value was 0.34, with a sensitivity and specificity of 81.60% and 72.70%, respectively. Prefrontal lobe + dorsolateral tDCS is beneficial in the treatment of post-stroke memory impairment. The DTI FA value can be useful in determining the degree of memory impairment.

The Effectiveness of GRADIOR: A Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Program for People with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia. Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial After 4 and 12 Months of Treatment.

Background: Computer-based cognitive training programs have been developed with promising results on the maintenance/improvement of cognitive performance in people with dementia.Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the cognitive rehabilitation program “GRADIOR” in people with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia.Method: This study was a single-blind multicenter randomized clinical trial. Participants were recruited from hospitals/day centers. The experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) received computer-based cognitive training (CCT) and routine daily care, respectively. Outcome measures at T0: baseline, T1: at 4 months, T2: at 12 months were compared within and between-groups.Results: Significant differences or important effect sizes were detected at the intragroup and intergroup level for most variables, observing a trend of improvement and/or maintenance at 4 months by Visual Reasoning of Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG), Digit and Arithmetic of WAIS-III, Semantic Verbal Fluency, Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), Trail Making Test (TMT)-A-Mistakes and at 12 months by Visual Reasoning of CAMCOG, Digit Symbol of WAIS-III, TMT-B-mistakes, Visual Memory of Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test, Lexical Verbal Fluency-P, Yesavage’s Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), TMT-A-time scales whose objective was to evaluate some executive functions and/or the memory. The CG presented a worsening trend for most of the measures towards 12 months. There was also a significant interaction between “time and group” for MMSE (F = 8.971; p = 0.03; η2 = 0.019) and the GDS (F = 3.414; p = 0.04; η2 = 0.041), as well as small effect sizes for TMT-A-time (F = 1.641; p = 0.21; η2 = 0.021) and TMT-A-mistakes (F = 0.908; p = 0.41; η2 = 0.019).Conclusion: CCT with GRADIOR has been proved to benefit cognitive functions (ISRCTN:15742788).

Plasma NfL is associated with mild cognitive decline in patients with diabetes.

Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for cognitive decline. Thus, biomarkers that can provide early and simple detection of cognitive decline are required. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a cytoskeletal protein that constitutes neural axons. Plasma NfL levels are elevated when neurodegeneration occurs. Here, we investigated whether plasma NfL levels were associated with cognitive decline in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study included 183 patients with type 2 diabetes who visited Osaka University Hospital. All participants were tested for cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT). NfL levels were analysed in the plasma and the relationship between NfL and cognitive function was examined. Lower RBMT-standardized profile scores (SPS) or MMSE scores correlated with higher plasma NfL levels (one-way analysis of variance: MMSE, P=0.0237; RBMT-SPS, P=0.0001). Furthermore, plasma NfL levels (β=-0.34, P=0.0005) and age (β=-0.19, P=0.016) were significantly associated with the RBMT score after multivariable regression adjustment. Plasma NfL levels were correlated with mild cognitive decline which is detected by the RBMT but not the MMSE in patients with type 2 diabetes. This suggests that plasma NfL levels may provide a valuable clinical tool for identifying mild cognitive decline in patients with diabetes.

Mid-term improvement of cognitive performance after total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip : a prospective cohort study.

AimsThe aim of this study was to determine whether total hip arthroplasty (THA) for chronic hip pain due to unilateral primary osteoarthritis (OA) has a beneficial effect on cognitive performance.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted with 101 patients with end-stage hip OA scheduled for THA (mean age 67.4 years (SD 9.5), 51.5% female (n = 52)). Patients were assessed at baseline as well as after three and months. Primary outcome was cognitive performance measured by d2 Test of Attention at six months, Trail Making Test (TMT), FAS-test, Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT; story recall subtest), and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF). The improvement of cognitive performance was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsAt six months, there was significant improvement in attention, working speed and concentration (d2-test; p < 0.001), visual construction and visual memory (ROCF; p < 0.001), semantic memory (FAS-test; p = 0.009), verbal episodic memory (RBMT; immediate recall p = 0.023, delayed recall p = 0.026), as well as pain (p < 0.001) with small to large effect sizes. Attention, concentration, and visual as well as verbal episodic memory improved significantly with medium effect sizes over η2 partial = 0.06. In these cognitive domains the within-group difference exceeded the minimum clinically important difference.ConclusionTHA is associated with clinically relevant postoperative improvement in the cognitive functions of attention, concentration, and memory. These data support the concept of a broad interaction of arthroplasty with central nervous system function.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):331–340.

The Chinese version of the Memory for Intentions Test (MIST): Development and evaluation of its reliability and concurrent validity

Objective: This study aims to develop a simplified Chinese version of the “Memory for Intentions Test” (MIST), evaluate its reliability and concurrent validity, explore the inter-relationships among the MIST variables and the relationships between the MIST variables and socio-demographic factors. Method: Two hundred healthy, Chinese-speaking adults of the Han community participated in this study. Form A of the Chinese MIST and two prospective items of the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test, Second Edition (RBMT-II, Chinese version) were administered to all participants to evaluate internal consistency, split-half reliability, and concurrent validity. Twenty of these participants were assessed twice on Form A with a two-week interval to examine test-retest reliability. They were also assessed on both Form A and Form B to examine alternate-form reliability. Results: The findings of the study indicated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .833) and excellent split-half reliability (r = .924–.930) among the six subscales of the Chinese MIST, although the internal consistency was low (Cronbach’s α = .129) for individual PM trials. We also found adequate concurrent validity (ρ = .722, p< .001), test-retest reliability (ρ = .716, p < .001), and alternate-form reliability (ρ= .828, p < .001). Conclusions: The Chinese MIST demonstrated suitable reliability and concurrent validity in the Chinese-speaking population. The present study provides a new standardized prospective memory test for the Chinese population, which would enhance future clinical research in this field on the Chinese mainland.

Financial Incapacity of Patients with Mild Alzheimer's Disease: What Neurologists Need to Know about Where the Impairment Lies.

Research in the last decade has focused on assessing financial capacity and incapacity mainly in old age, but new research has turned to address the question of how financial incapacity can be predicted by cognitive factors. The aim of this study was to identify which cognitive domains predict financial capacity and the relevant cognitive skills of patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in order to assist neurologists in functional assessment and further patient referral. In this study, 109 patients diagnosed with mild AD were examined with a number of neuropsychological tests: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Functional Rating Scale for Symptoms of Dementia (FRSSD), Functional Cognitive Assessment Scale (FUCAS), Trail Making Test (TMT)-Part B, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT)-copy condition and delayed recall condition, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Boston Naming Test, Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT), digit span forward and backward, WAIS-R digit symbol substitution test, Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the Legal Capacity for Property Law Transactions Assessment Scale (LCPLTAS). LCPLTAS total score and relevant subdomains were best predicted only by the score of one item coming from MMSE: subtraction of serial sevens. This is the only measure of arithmetic testing in use for the Greek geriatric population. Financial capacity is severely impaired in the group of mild AD patients. In order to prevent financial exploitation cases, neurologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, and geriatrists should pay close attention to the information from the relevant arithmetic question of MMSE, as it is one of the most widely administered screening tests in clinical settings.