Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire Research Articles

Impact effects of COVID-19 pandemic on chronic disease patients: A longitudinal prospective study.

To assess the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical variables as part of the routine clinical monitoring of patients with chronic diseases in primary care. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in primary care centres of the Andalusian Health Service. Data were recorded before the pandemic (T1), during the declaration of the state of emergency (T2) and in the transition phase (T3). The Barthel index and the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) were used to analyse functional and cognitive changes at the three time points. HbA1c, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, BMI and lipid levels were assessed as clinical variables. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric chi-square test were used for analysis. STROBE checklist was used for the preparation of this paper. A total fo148 patients with chronic conditions were included in the analysis. Data analysis revealed in T2 only significant reductions in BMI, total levels of cholesterol and HDL during the onset of the pandemic. Barthel Index, SPMSQ, blood pressure and triglycerides and LDL levels worsened in T2, and the negative effects were maintained in T3. Compared to pre-pandemic values, HbA1c levels improved in T3, but HDL levels worsened. COVID-19 has drastically disrupted several functional, cognitive and biological variables. These results may be useful in identifying clinical parameters that deserve closer attention in the case of a new health crisis. Further studies are needed to assess the potential impacts of each specific chronic condition. Cognitive and functional status, blood pressure and triglycerides and LDL levels worsen in short term, maintaining the negative effects in medium-term.

Cognitive assessment to optimize prediction of functional outcome in subacute hip fracture: a short-term prospective study.

Cognitive impairment is a long-known negative prognostic factor after hip fracture. Cognition is usually screened by a single easy-to-administer bedside tool, but recent studies have shown that screening tests may be not enough to rule out cognitive impairment with an unfavorable prognostic role. Unfortunately, data on outcome prediction by further cognitive assessments is sparse. We focused on patients with subacute hip fracture defined cognitively intact or mildly impaired on the screening evaluation performed by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). We hypothesized that each of 3 further cognitive tests could independently predict activities of daily living, with optimal prediction of function obtained by performing all three the tests. Short-term prospective study. Rehabilitation ward. Inpatients with subacute hip-fracture. Three cognitive tests were performed on admission to rehabilitation in the patients who made ≤4 errors on the SPMSQ: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT, immediate and delayed recall) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). We assessed activities of daily living by the Barthel index. Successful rehabilitation was defined with a Barthel Index Score ≥85. Each of the three cognitive tests assessed before rehabilitation significantly predicted the Barthel index scores measured at the end of the rehabilitation course in our sample of 280 inpatients. However, only the MoCA score retained its significant predictive role when the scores from the three tests were included together as independent variables in a multiple regression model, with adjustments for a panel of potential confounders (P=0.007). The adjusted odds ratio to achieve successful rehabilitation for a seven-point change in MoCA score was 1.98 (CI 95% from 1.02 to 3.83; P=0.042). Contrary to our hypothesis, MoCA but not RAVLT and FAB retained the prognostic role when the scores from the three tests were evaluated together as potential predictors of functional ability in activities of daily living. In the presence of a normal (or mildly altered) score on the SPMSQ in subacute hip fracture, MoCA scores improve prediction of activities of daily living and should be routinely performed.

The impact of ketamine on delayed neurocognitive recovery in elderly patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia for orthopaedic procedures, a pilot study.

Delayed neurocognitive recovery is an objectively measurable decline in the cognitive status at varying intervals after surgery under both general and spinal anaesthesia. In this study, we used the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire to evaluate the protective effect of ketamine infusion on cognitive function of elderly patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia for orthopaedic procedures. A randomised, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Forty-two geriatric patients listed for elective orthopaedic surgery under spinal anaesthesia were randomly assigned to receive an intravenous infusion of either ketamine (0.3mg/kg) or isotonic saline (control group) after receiving spinal anaesthesia, which continued throughout the procedure. Cognitive performance was evaluated, as a primary outcome, with Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Baseline cognitive performance was comparable in both groups. Patients in the ketamine group showed statistically significant fewer errors in the postoperative Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire compared with the baseline evaluations (p = 0.038). Patients in the ketamine group showed significantly lower verbal numerical scale scores than the control group (p = 0.04) at six hours after surgery. Elderly patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia showed a better cognitive status after receiving an intravenous infusion of 0.3mg/kg ketamine. However, further research with a larger sample size and different assessment tools might be required to verify our results.

Demographic, functional and clinical characteristics in hip fracture patients according to mental status of the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry

ObjectiveTo describe the differences according to mental status at admission on the care process and 30-day outcomes in hip fracture patients, mainly regarding the use of rehabilitation resources and anti-osteoporotic medication, by analysing data from the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC, “Registro Nacional de Fracturas de Cadera” in Spanish). MethodsWe analysed prospectively collected data from a cohort of patients admitted participating in the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) in 76 Spanish hospitals between 2017 and 2019. We classified participants using Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), defining two groups: patients with ≤2 SPMSQ score and patients with >2 SPMSQ score. ResultsOf 21,254 patients was recorded SPMSQ in 17,242 patients, 9052 were >2 SPMSQ score (52.6%). These were older (87.7 vs. 85.3 years; p<0.001), had worse mobility (no-independent walking ability 26.0% vs. 4.5%; p<0.001) and were more likely to be living in nursing homes (35.3% vs. 9.6%; p<0.001). They were more likely to be treated nonoperatively (3.8% vs. 1.5%; p>0.001), less early mobilisation (57.5% vs. 68.9%; p<0.001) and suffered higher in-hospital mortality (5.2% vs. 2.7%; p<0.001). At discharge, they received less anti-osteoporotic medication (37.9% vs. 48.9%; p<0.001) and returned home less often (29.8%% vs. 51.2%; p<0.001). One month after fracture, patients with >2 SPMSQ score had poorer mobility (no-independent walking ability 44.4% vs. 24.9%; p<0.001) and were newly institutionalised in a nursing home more (12.6% vs. 12.0%; p<0.001) and were more likely to die by one-month post-fracture (9.5% vs. 4.6%; p<0.001). ConclusionRNFC patients with >2 SPMSQ score were more vulnerable and had poorer outcomes than patients with ≤2 SPMSQ score, suggesting that they need specialised care in-hospital and in the recovery phase.

BOTH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEPRESSION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF POOR MUSCLE FUNCTION IN OLDER PEOPLE

Abstract Muscle loss might occur in aging, target organ failure, metabolic and endocrine disorders, etc. The aim of this study was to identify the high-risk group of low grip strength, a key component of sarcopenia. 100 subjects aged 65 or older who received Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) and grip strength measurement were enrolled at EDA Hospital, Taiwan, form January 2022 to February, 2023 (IRB: EMRP-110-108). Exclusion criteria: unclear consciousness or unable to cooperate 、advanced disease. CGA and grip strength measurement were performed by well-trained nurses and geriatrician. Depressive mood was defined as Geriatric Depression Scale-5 ≧2 or with diagnosed depression. Cognitive impairment was defined as Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire (SPMSQ) &amp;lt; 8 (SPMSQ &amp;lt; 6 in those without education) or with diagnosed dementia. Multiple linear regression was constructed to assess the independent associated factors on increased average grip strength of bilateral hands. Univariate analysis showed male, weight, ADL significantly associated with greater grip strength. Multiple linear regression revealed CKD(ß= -7.70, 95%CI -13.35~-2.05, p=0.011), COPD(ß= -9.15, 95%CI -17.15~-1.17, p=0.027 ), cognitive impairment(ß= -7.67, 95%CI -12.66~-2.65, p=0.005) and depressive mood(ß= -8.39, 95%CI -13.46~-3.32, p=0.003) have detrimental effect on grip strength even after adjustment of age, sex, BMI, socioeconomics, chronic comorbidities, and other geriatric syndromes. Our results resemble another sarcopenia study in which poor muscle function, but not reduced lean muscle mass, was associated with late-life cognitive impairment. Therefore, early screening, education, and intervention of sarcopenia should be applied on high-risk population such as those with CKD, COPD, cognitive impairment, and depressive mood.

COGNITIVE DECLINE AND FALLS ARE INDEPENDENT RISK FACTORS FOR SWALLOWING DYSFUNCTION IN OLDER PEOPLE

Abstract Aging, oropharyngeal lesion, neuromuscular and progressive neurological disease such as dementia are well-known risk factors of dysphagia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the significant risk factors of swallowing dysfunction in clinical practice. 100 subjects aged 65 or older who received Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) were enrolled at EDA Hospital, Taiwan, form January 2022 to February 2023 (IRB: EMRP-110-108). Exclusion criteria: unable to communicate 、advanced disease or totally dependent. CGA was performed by well-trained nurses and geriatrician. Swallowing dysfunction was identified by abnormal swallow exam or related complaints. Cognitive impairment was defined as Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire (SPMSQ) &amp;lt; 8 (SPMSQ &amp;lt; 6 in those without education) or with diagnosed dementia. Binary logistic regression was constructed to assess the independent associated factors of dysphagia. Basic demographic analysis showed that patients with dysphagia were older, had poor ADL, higher number of geriatric syndromes and chronic comorbidities. Multivariate analysis revealed that cognitive decline (OR: 82.74, p=0.035) and falls (OR: 45.17, p=0.011) are still independent associated factors of swallow dysfunction after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, socioeconomics, other geriatric syndromes, chronic comorbidities including stoke and Parkinson disease. Dementia was known as one of the risk factors of dysphagia. Another small follow-up study demonstrated that falls risk is predictive of dysphagia in Parkinson’s disease. Through this study, participants will be able to identify the high-risk group of dysphagia. Prevention such as pneumococcus vaccination, oral hygiene, and speech therapy can be applied on those who have a fall history and clinical cognitive impairment.

Cognitive impairment prevention and healthy aging. A multidisciplinary team work

AbstractBackgroundCognitive impairment (CI) is often diagnosed at moderate stages, with an estimated time for diagnosis of two years. However, the early diagnosis of CI allows the control of modifiable risk factors to prevent the development of dementia at later ages. In addition, the community pharmacy is a close, accessible, and trustworthy health establishment where the pharmacist often participates in disease prevention, becoming a suitable healthcare center for facilitating the detection of cases of CIMethodA cross‐sectional observational study was designed using a structured personal interview. Participants were aged 50 or older with subjective memory complaints. Pharmacies in the province of Valencia (Spain) were invited to participate voluntarily by the organization entities. Before the start‐up of the service, the participating pharmacists received specific training. In the personal interview with the patient, after signing the corresponding informed consent, three validated questionnaires were conducted to assess their cognitive status: Memory Impairment Screening (MIS), Semantic Verbal Fluency (FVS), and Pfeiffer’s Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire (SPMSQ). Whenever possible, a fourth questionnaire was carried out: Brief Informant Test (Brief TIN). Data collection was carried out through a computer platform. This project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University CEU‐Cardenal Herrera (registration number CEEI21/198).ResultBetween February 2021 and July 2023, 44 pharmacies participated, and 534 patients were screened. Of them, 194 (36%) had at least one positive test result, therefore having possible CI. After their corresponding referral to the doctor, 52 (29%) patients were referred to the hospital neurology department, of which 42 (81%) had been diagnosed with cognitive decline. Finally, the average time from the first evaluation by a pharmacist to a diagnosis by the specialist was six months.ConclusionPreliminary results of the screening for cognitive impairment show that the community pharmacy is a critical point in the approach to early detection of dementia and that collaboration and coordination between different levels of care is enhanced through such programs.

Minimal short-term decline in functional performance and quality of life predicts better long-term outcomes for both in older Taiwanese adults after hip fracture surgery: a prospective study

BackgroundHip fracture can lead to long-term loss of mobility and self-care ability in older adults. Despite initial decreases in functional performance after hip fracture surgery, patients tend to gradually recover. However, recovery can vary, with some regaining their abilities quickly while others becoming functionally dependent. In this study, we investigated whether the level of short-term postoperative decline in activity of daily living (ADL) performance and quality of life (QoL) can predict the 1-year outcomes for both following hip fracture surgery in older Taiwanese adults.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 427 older adults (≥ 60 years) who underwent hip fracture surgery at a single tertiary medical center in Taiwan between November 2017 and March 2021. We collected pre-fracture data, including the patients’ demographics, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) scores, and responses to a questionnaire (Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire [SPMSQ]) for dementia screening. Moreover, their scores on the EuroQol-5D questionnaire (for evaluating QoL) and the Barthel Index (for assessing ADL performance) were collected at pre-fracture status and at 3- and 12-months following surgery. Changes in ADL and QoL three months post-surgery compared to pre-fracture status were evaluated, and the associations of these parameters (and other potential factors) with 1-year outcomes for ADL and QoL were investigated.ResultsWe analyzed the data of 318 patients with hip fracture and complete follow-up data regarding ADL performance and QoL at 3- and 12-months post-surgery. After adjusting for covariates, multivariate linear regression revealed that changes in ADL and QoL at 3 months post-surgery from pre-fracture status were positively and significantly associated with 1-year outcomes for both (p < .001 for both). Furthermore, pre-fracture CCI and SPMSQ scores were independent predictive factors associated with 1-year ADL outcomes (p = .042 and < .001, respectively).ConclusionsPatients who exhibit a smaller decline in functional performance and quality of life three months after hip fracture surgery from pre-fracture status are likely to have improved long-term ADL and QoL.Trial registration: TMU-JIRB N201709053.

High Nutritional Risk Is Associated with Poor Functional Status and Prognostic Biomarkers in Stroke Patients at Admission to a Rehabilitation Unit.

Considering that malnutrition (undernutrition) is common in stroke patients and may negatively impact body function, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional risk and functional status in stroke patients at admission to a rehabilitation unit. Nutritional risk was assessed using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score. Functional status was assessed using the Barthel Index, the modified Rankin Scale, the Trunk Control Test and the Sitting Balance Scale, and cognitive function was assessed using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and D-dimer were also evaluated as established prognostic biomarkers. Stroke patients (n = 245; age 69.7 ± 12.8 years; 47%, women; 82% ischemic stroke) at admission to a rehabilitation unit were included in this study. A high prevalence of nutritional risk was detected with each tool and was found to be greater using the GNRI and in patients aged ≥75 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age and dysphagia were independent predictors of high nutritional risk. High risk groups performed worse on all functional tests compared to the low-risk groups (p < 0.05). Nutritional risk with each tool was associated with functional and cognitive statuses (with the highest correlation being with the Trunk Control Test). Significant associations were also found with C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and D-dimer. In conclusion, a high nutritional risk, as evaluated with the GNRI, the PNI and the CONUT score, was detected in stroke patients at admission to a rehabilitation unit. High nutritional risk was associated with functional status and with predictors of clinical outcomes (and specifically in older patients).

Health factors associated with cognitive frailty in older adults living in the community.

This study aims to investigate the health factors associated with cognitive frailty in frail and pre-frail older adults living in the community. A total of 233 older adults meeting Fried's criteria for pre-frailty or frailty were included. Cognitive status was evaluated using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Health factors encompassed nutritional status (evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool, body mass index, and waist, arm, and leg circumferences), physical function (assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery), quality of life (measured with the total index of the EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level questionnaire - EQoL-Index -, and the Visual-Analogue Scale - QoL-VAS - for today's health state), as well as sleep, physical activity, and inactivity estimated through wrist-worn accelerometers. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify potential predictors of cognitive frailty, considering age as a confounding factor. Cognitive frail participants exhibited advanced age, heightened self-reported exhaustion, diminished overall physical performance, reduced leg perimeter, decreased engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and higher levels of inactivity (all p<0.05). However, after adjusting for age, only QoL-VAS emerged as a cognitive frailty risk factor (Odds ratio: 1.024), while the EQoL-Index, calf perimeter, and levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were identified as protective factors (Odds ratios: 0.025, 0.929, and 0.973, respectively). This study highlights the complex relationship between non-modifiable factors such as age, and modifiable factors including quality of life, nutritional status, and physical activity in the development of cognitive frailty among older adults with a frailty phenotype living in the community.

The A-to-Z factors associated with cognitive impairment. Results of the DeCo study.

Cognitive impairment (CI) is known to be mediated by several risk and protective factors, many of which are potentially modifiable. Therefore, it is important to have up-to-date studies that address a standard assessment of psychosocial, clinical and lifestyle variables. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study, with a 24-month timeframe, to estimate the relationship between risk and protective factors associated with dementia, according to the A-to-Z Dementia Knowledge. Participants were considered at CI risk if they tested positive for at least one of three validated CI screening tests: The Memory Impairment Screening, Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire, and Semantic Verbal Fluency. The A-to-Z data Collection included Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener and Geriatric Depression Scale. The estimated prevalence of CI was 22.6% in a sample of 709 patients with an average of 69.3±10.3 years. The risk factors gradually associated with cognitive decline were hypertension, loneliness, and depression. In contrast, the protective factors gradually associated with less cognitive decline were internet use, reading, and intellectually stimulating jobs. Finally, living alone, having diabetes, taking benzodiazepines, and sleeping more than 9 h were statistically significant associated with CI, whereas to do memory training or a family history of dementia was characteristic of patients without CI. A joint assessment of the influence of psychosocial, clinical, and lifestyle-related factors is needed to develop dementia prevention strategies.

Effect of Tooth Loss on Cognitive Function among Older Adults in Singapore

Evidence suggests a longitudinal association between tooth loss and cognitive function. However, the temporality of this association is not well understood. We investigated the effect of several emulated tooth loss prevention scenarios on cognitive function. We used data from 3 waves (baseline: 2009, second wave: 2011–2012, and third wave: 2015) of the Panel on Health and Ageing of Singaporean Elderly (PHASE). PHASE targeted older adults, aged ≥60 y, in Singapore. Number of teeth was used as a time-varying exposure (baseline, second wave). Cognitive function (Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire score) in the third wave was assessed as the outcome. Multiple time-invariant (baseline) and time-varying (baseline and second wave) covariates were included. The “longitudinal modified treatment policy approach” combined with targeted minimum loss–based estimation was used to define and estimate additive effects of emulated tooth loss prevention scenarios. Emulated scenarios were the following: what if edentate people retained 1 to 4 teeth (scenario 1), what if those with <5 teeth retained 5 to 9 teeth (scenario 2), what if those with <10 teeth retained 10 to 19 teeth (scenario 3), and what if everyone retained ≥20 teeth (scenario 4)? A total of 1,516 participants, excluding those with severe cognitive impairment, were included (male: 41.6%). The mean age at baseline was 70.6 y (SD = 7.1). The mean SPMSQ score at baseline was 2.06 (SD = 0.02) for edentulous, 1.55 (SD = 0.04) for 1 to 4 teeth, 1.61 (SD = 0.03) for 5 to 9 teeth, 1.73 (SD = 0.02) for 10 to 19 teeth, and 1.71 (SD = 0.02) for ≥20 teeth. Additive effect of hypothetical intervention gradually increased with intensity of prevention from scenario 1 to scenario 4 (scenario 1: −0.02 [95% CI, −0.08 to 0.04], scenario 2: −0.05 [95% CI, −0.11 to −0.00], scenario 3: −0.07 [95% CI, −0.14 to −0.00], scenario 4: −0.15 [95% CI, −0.23 to −0.06]). Emulated tooth loss prevention interventions were associated with better cognitive function score. Therefore, preventing tooth loss could potentially benefit maintenance of cognitive function among older adults.

The mediating effect of leisure activities in the relationship between depression and cognitive decline in middle age and older adults in Taiwan

BackgroundDepression can affect the development of cognitive functions, and there are many people with depressive symptoms and cognitive decline in the aging population. The role of mediators between depressive symptoms and the subsequent cognitive decline remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether depressive symptoms can slow down cognitive decline through a mediator.MethodsA total of 3,135 samples were collected in 2003, 2007, and 2011. This study used the CES-D10 and SPMSQ (Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire) to measure depression and cognitive functions. The effect of depression trajectory on the subsequent cognitive dysfunction was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, and the mediating effect was analyzed using the Sobel test.ResultsThe results of the multivariable linear regression analysis showed that after including different variables in each model, such as leisure activities and mobility in 2003 and 2007, women had a higher percentage of depressive symptoms in each model, compared to men. The effect of depression in 2003 on cognitive decline in 2011 was mediated by intellectual leisure activities in 2007 in men (Z=-2.01) and physical activity limitation in 2007 in women (Z=-3.02).ConclusionsThe mediation effect of this study shows that people with depressive symptoms will reduce their participation in leisure activities, which will lead to the degeneration of cognitive function. We suggest that if depressive symptoms are addressed as early as possible, people will have the ability and motivation to delay the decline of cognitive function through participation in leisure activities.

Sleep duration and testosterone levels in community older men: results from the West China Health and Aging Trend study.

Sleep duration and testosterone levels in community older men: results from the West China Health and Aging Trend study.

Gait speed according to cognitive status in older adults: a cross-sectional study in a resource-limited country

Objective We aimed to investigate the association between gait speed and cognitive status in outpatient older adults from a resource-limited setting in Peru. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study including older adults aged ≥60 years attending a geriatrics outpatient clinic between July 2017 and February 2020. Gait speed was measured over a 10-meters distance without considering the first and last meter traveled. Cognitive status was assessed through the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We used a multivariate binomial logistic regression to conduct both an epidemiological and fully adjusted models. Results We included 519 older adults (mean age: 75 years; IQR = 10), of whom 95 (18.3%) and 151 (31.5%) were cognitively impaired according to the SPMSQ and MMSE, respectively. Gait speed was slower among patients with poorer cognitive status as assessed by both tools (p < 0.001). Malnutrition (PR: 1.74; CI: 1.45–2.08) and functional dependency (PR: 4.35; CI: 2.68–7.08) were associated with a greater prevalence of cognitive impairment according to the SPMSQ, whereas a faster gait speed (PR: 0.27, CI: 0.14–0.52) and longer years of education (PR: 0.83, CI: 0.77–0.88) were associated with a less prevalence. Conclusions Slower gait speed was associated with poorer cognitive status in outpatient older adults. Gait speed may be a complementary tool in the cognitive assessment of older adults from resource-limited settings.

Effects of a Multiple-Intervention Program on the Depressive Tendencies, Social Support, and Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in Taiwan

ABSTRACT Purpose This study evaluated the effectiveness of a multiple-intervention program (MIP) on the life satisfaction, social support, and depressive tendencies of older adults. Design A cross-sectional, pretest-posttest design involving a questionnaire survey was adopted. Methods Thirty-seven older adults were recruited from 2 daycare centers for an 8-week MIP comprising 60-min sessions conducted once a week. The questionnaire comprised the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Short Form-15 (GDS-SF15), Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS), and Inventory of Social Support Scale (ISSB). Findings The participants’ average GDS-SF15 score decreased considerably (by 35.3%), their average ISSB score increased from 61.9% to 80.9%, and their average LSS score increased from 48% to 64%. Conclusions The outcomes for depressive tendencies, social support, and life satisfaction were measured before and after the intervention, and the participants successfully engaged in the MIP throughout its duration and exhibited improvement. The MIP can serve as a basis for planning group activities for older adults. Clinical Evidence The MIP benefits older adults at daycare centers. Incorporating multiple activities into daily care can help increase the diversity, uniqueness, and innovativeness of a daycare center.

Automated Video Analysis of Audio-Visual Approaches to Predict and Detect Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Older Adults.

Early identification of different stages of cognitive impairment is important to provide available intervention and timely care for the elderly. This study aimed to examine the ability of the artificial intelligence (AI) technology to distinguish participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from those with mild to moderate dementia based on automated video analysis. A total of 95 participants were recruited (MCI, 41; mild to moderate dementia, 54). The videos were captured during the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire process; the visual and aural features were extracted using these videos. Deep learning models were subsequently constructed for the binary differentiation of MCI and mild to moderate dementia. Correlation analysis of the predicted Mini-Mental State Examination, Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument scores, and ground truth was also performed. Deep learning models combining both the visual and aural features discriminated MCI from mild to moderate dementia with an area under the curve (AUC) of 77.0% and accuracy of 76.0%. The AUC and accuracy increased to 93.0% and 88.0%, respectively, when depression and anxiety were excluded. Significant moderate correlations were observed between the predicted cognitive function and ground truth, and the correlation was strong excluding depression and anxiety. Interestingly, female, but not male, exhibited a correlation. The study showed that video-based deep learning models can differentiate participants with MCI from those with mild to moderate dementia and can predict cognitive function. This approach may offer a cost-effective and easily applicable method for early detection of cognitive impairment.

Association between alcoholic (poly)phenol-rich beverage consumption and cognitive status in older adults living in a Mediterranean area

The prevalence of cognitive disorders is growing and evidence suggests the putative role of plant-based foods and beverages containing (poly)phenols. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the consumption of (poly)phenol-rich beverages, including wine and beer, resveratrol intake, and cognitive status in a cohort of older adults. The dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and cognitive status using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that individuals in the second and third tertile of red wine consumption were less likely to have cognitive impairment than those in the first tertile. In contrast, only individuals in the highest tertile of white wine intake were having lower odds of cognitive impairment. No significant results were found for beer intake. Individuals with higher resveratrol intake were less likely to have cognitive impairment. In conclusion, consumption of (poly)phenol-rich beverages may potentially affect cognition among older adults.

Mediterranean diet, mental health, cognitive status, quality of life, and successful aging in southern Italian older adults

Healthy successful aging with preserved mental and cognitive health is expected to be one of the most important challenges of the growing old population globally. Studies investigating these multi-dimensional aspects of senescence are important to identify potential targets for early prevention. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and mental and cognitive health, quality of life, and successful aging in middle-age and older adults living in Sicily, southern Italy. Data from a sample of 883 individuals was collected including information on food intake (through a 110-item food frequency questionnaire), sleep quality (through the Pittsburgh sleep quality index) depressive symptoms (through the Center for the Epidemiological Studies of Depression Short Form), quality of life (through the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life), cognitive status (through the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire), and overall successful aging (through the Successful Aging Index). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the outcomes investigated. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, individuals in the highest quartile of adherence to the Mediterranean diet were less likely to have cognitive impairment (OR = 0.19, 95 % CI: 0.04, 0.86), depressive symptoms (OR = 0.19, 95 % CI: 0.08, 0.46) and more likely to have good quality of life (OR = 14.04, 95 % CI: 6.81, 28.93); significant results were also found for individuals in the third quartile of Mediterranean diet adherence and good sleep quality (OR = 1.65, 95 % CI: 1.03, 2.64). Moreover, individuals in the highest quartile of adherence were more likely to have a successful aging (OR = 1.65, 95 % CI: 1.01, 2.68). In conclusion, this study supports the hypothesis that adherence to the Mediterranean diet provides a positive trajectory toward a healthy successful aging, with major potential benefits toward mental and cognitive health.

Dietary Fats and Cognitive Status in Italian Middle-Old Adults

The intake of total, single class of dietary fat, such as saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and also single fatty acids grouped according to carbon-chain length, were evaluated by food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Cognitive health was assessed using the short portable mental status questionnaire (SPMSQ). After adjustment for potential confounding factors subjects with a moderate consumption of both short-chain SFA (for Q2 vs. Q1, OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.66) and middle-chain SFA specifically lauric acid (C12:0) intake (for Q2 vs. Q1, OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.77) were less likely to suffer from cognitive impairment. Among single MUFAs, erucic acid (C22:1) intake resulted in an inverse association, in a linear way, with cognitive impairment (for Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.39). Conversely, moderate intake of linoleic acid (C18:2) was associated with cognitive impairment (Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 4.59, 95% CI: 1.51, 13.94). Regarding other PUFAs, individuals consuming moderate intake alpha linolenic acid (C18:3) were less likely to have cognitive impairment (for Q3 vs. Q1, OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.64). Total SFA intake appeared to be inversely associated with cognitive impairment. Regarding specific subtypes of fatty acids, the results mostly referred to short- and middle-chain SFA. Further studies are needed to validate the results of the present study.