Memory and language impairments are associated with anxiety disorder severity in childhood

Abstract Introduction Children with anxiety disorders have been suggested to possess deficits in verbal fluency, shifting and attention, with inconsistent results regarding working memory and its subcomponents. This study extends previous findings by analyzing the performance of children with anxiety disorders in a wide range of neuropsychological functions. Methods We evaluated 54 children with a primary diagnosis of an anxiety disorder according to diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) using subtests of a neuropsychological battery. The severity of anxiety disorders was assessed using the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS). We calculated the frequency of neuropsychological impairments (-1.5 standard deviation of the normative sample). Comparisons between groups were performed based on the severity of anxiety symptoms, as well as in the presence of one vs. more diagnoses of anxiety disorder. Results We found higher impairment in visuospatial working memory (23.1%), semantic memory (27.8%), oral language (35.4%) and word writing (44.4%) in anxious children. Moreover, children with higher anxiety severity presented lower performance in visuospatial working memory, inferential processing, word reading, writing comprehension, copied writing, and semantic verbal fluency (d = 0.49 to 0.96 [Cohen's d]). The higher the number of anxiety diagnoses, the lower the performance in episodic memory and oral and written language (d = 0.56 to 0.77). Conclusion Our data suggested the presence of memory (visuospatial working memory and semantic memory) and language deficits (oral and writing) in some children with an anxiety disorder. Severity and number of anxiety diagnoses were associated with lower performance in memory and language domains in childhood.

The investigation of semantic memory deficit in chronic tinnitus: a behavioral report / Investigação do déficit de memória semântica no zumbido crônico: um relato comportamental

Abstract Introduction: Tinnitus is a central auditory disorder in which different processing systems are involved as a network. One of these networks is memory. Previous studies have demonstrated some deficits in various types of memory in chronic tinnitus. Objectives: The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the semantic memory, which is not yet investigated in the tinnitus population. Methods: In this case-control study, 15 subjects with chronic tinnitus and 16 matched healthy controls were included. 40 semantically related and 40 semantically unrelated word pairs were presented to the participants in a counter-balanced fashion. They were asked to make decision about their semantic relatedness. Then the participants' reaction times and the accuracy of responses were calculated. Results: Mean of reaction times were significantly longer in the tinnitus group (M = 1034 ms, SD = 0.31) compared to the control group (Mean = 1016 ms, SD = 0.13), p < 0.05. However, no significant difference was found for the mean percentage of correct responses between the two groups. Conclusion: The current study provided behavioral evidence that chronic tinnitus can affect the semantic memory. Such behavioral outcomes may provide new insights into more research activities in the field of electrophysiology and neuroimaging in the tinnitus population.

Resumo Introdução: O zumbido é um distúrbio auditivo central, no qual diferentes sistemas de processamento estão envolvidos como em uma rede. Uma dessas redes é a memória. Estudos anteriores demonstraram alguns déficits em vários tipos de memória no zumbido crônico. Objetivos: Investigar a memória semântica, que ainda não foi investigada na população com zumbido. Método: Neste estudo de caso-controle, 15 indivíduos com zumbido crônico e 16 controles saudáveis pareados foram incluídos; 40 pares de palavras semanticamente relacionados e 40 semanticamente não relacionados foram apresentados aos participantes de forma contrabalançada. Eles foram instruídos a tomar decisões sobre sua relação semântica. Em seguida, os tempos de reação dos participantes e a precisão das respostas foram calculados. Resultados: A média dos tempos de reação foi significativamente maior no grupo com zumbido (M = 1,034 ms, DP = 0,31) em comparação ao grupo controle (média = 1,016 ms, DP = 0,13), p< 0,05. Entretanto, nenhuma diferença significante foi encontrada para a porcentagem média de respostas corretas entre os dois grupos. Conclusão: O presente estudo forneceu evidências comportamentais de que o zumbido crônico pode afetar a memória semântica. Tais resultados comportamentais podem levar a novas percepções em mais atividades de pesquisa no campo da eletrofisiologia e neuroimagem na população com zumbido.

Memory impairment: an intermediate clinical syndrome symptom in HTLV-1-infected patients? / Comprometimento da memória: um sintoma de síndrome clínica intermediária em pacientes infectados pelo HTLV-1?

Background Although classical human T-cell lymphocyte virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis syndrome is the most frequent HTLV-1-associated neurological disorder, some "minor" neurological disorders can be seen in "asymptomatic" carriers. These disorders, including cognitive alterations already described in clinical cases and studies, may constitute an intermediate syndrome (IMS) between the asymptomatic state and myelopathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of cognitive deficits in patients with HTLV-1 virus, who usually are diagnosed as asymptomatic. Methods A total of 54 HTLV-1-infected patients were evaluated, 35 asymptomatic and 19 with minor neurological alterations (evaluated by a neurologist); 25 HTLV-1-seronegative individuals served as controls. The instruments used were: Beck's Depression Inventory, Lawton's Daily Life Activity Scale, and a complete neuropsychological battery. The application of these evaluation instruments was performed blindly, with the evaluator neuropsychologist not knowing the clinical condition of the patient. Results Most of the participants in this cohort, including seronegative controls, were female (n = 57, 72.21%), their mean age was 52.34 years (SD = 14.29) and their average schooling was 9.70 years (SD = 4.11). Discussion Participants classified with IMS had lower gross scores when compared with both the patients classified as asymptomatic and with the control group, and when tested for auditory episodic memory of immediate (p < 0.01), and late (p = 0.01), recall. Conclusion Patients with IMS presented with memory impairment when compared with asymptomatic patients and seronegative individuals; this is one of the symptoms that aids in the classification of the syndrome.

RESUMO Apesar da síndrome de HAM / TSP clássica ser a perturbação neurológica mais atribuída, alguns distúrbios neurológicos denominados "menores" são vistos em portadores "assintomáticos" de HTLV-1. Esses distúrbios, incluindo alterações cognitivas já observadas em descrições de casos clínicos e estudos, podendo constituir uma verdadeira síndrome clínica intermediária (SI) entre o estado assintomático e mielopatia. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença de déficits cognitivos em pacientes portadores do vírus HTLV-1 diagnosticados classicamente como assintomáticos. Métodos Foram avaliadas 54 pessoas, sendo 35 assintomáticos, 19 com alterações neurológicas menores (avaliados por um neurologista) e 25 HTLV-1 negativo. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Inventário Beck de Depressão, Escala de Atividades de Vida Diária de Lawton e uma completa bateria neuropsicológica. A aplicação destes instrumentos de avaliação foi realizada de forma cega, ou seja, a avaliadora não sabia a condição clinica do paciente. Resultados A maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino (n = 57, 72,21%), com idade média de 52.34 anos (DP = 14,29) e escolaridade média de 9.70 anos (DP = 4,11). Discussão Avaliando o desempenho cognitivo nos três grupos, foi possível observar que os participantes classificados com SI, apresentaram menores escores brutos, quando comparados, com os pacientes com classificação assintomática e grupo controle e, em relação à memória episódica auditiva de evocação imediata (p < 0,01) (p = 0,01) e tardia. Conclusão Diante dos resultados foi possível concluir que os pacientes com SI apresentam comprometimento de memória quando comparado com os outros grupos, sendo possível, ser este um dos sintomas para auxiliar na classificação da síndrome.

Component mechanisms of executive function in schizophrenia and their contribution to functional outcomes

Objective: In schizophrenia, scores reflecting deficits in different cognitive processes are strongly correlated, making it difficult to establish a solid relationship between different cognitive mechanisms and other features of this disorder. The objective of this study was to explore whether three frequently postulated executive functions (updating, shifting, and inhibition) could be compared between groups and considered independently in terms of their respective roles in functional outcome. Methods: This study relied on confirmatory factor analysis of schizophrenia patients (n=141) and healthy controls (n=119). The main analyses examined the degree to which three executive functions (updating, set-shifting, and inhibition) could be separated in schizophrenia and compared this model among groups. Structural equation modeling analysis was also performed to examine the extent to which executive function components contribute to functional outcome in schizophrenia. Results: Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis with unconstrained model parameters indicated that the full three-factor model may fit the data in both groups (χ2 = 61.48, degrees of freedom = 34, p < 0.001, comparative fit index = 0.95; standardized root mean square residual = 0.037; root mean square error of approximation = 0.04; Akaike's information criteria = 169.49; normed fit index = 0.90), although there was also a good data fit for the patient group with a two-factor model. In the patient group, structural equation modeling suggested that shifting and (principally) updating were associated with the general measure of functional outcome (regression path coefficients: 0.34, p < 0.005; 0.39, p < 0.005, respectively), although when combined the mechanisms fail to contribute. Conclusion: This data suggests that the factor structure may be similar but not identical between groups, and both updating and shifting may play an important role in functional outcome in schizophrenia.

Assessment of serotonergic system in formation of memory and learning / Avaliação do sistema serotonérgico na formação de memória e aprendizagem

Abstract We evaluated the involvement of the serotonergic system on memory formation and learning processes in healthy adults Wistar rats. Fifty-seven rats of 5 groups had one serotonergic nuclei damaged by an electric current. Electrolytic lesion was carried out using a continuous current of 2mA during two seconds by stereotactic surgery. Animals were submitted to learning and memory tests. Rats presented different responses in the memory tests depending on the serotonergic nucleus involved. Both explicit and implicit memory may be affected after lesion although some groups showed significant difference and others did not. A damage in the serotonergic nucleus was able to cause impairment in the memory of Wistar. The formation of implicit and explicit memory is impaired after injury in some serotonergic nuclei.

Resumo Avaliar a participação do sistema serotoninérgico em processos de formação de memória e aprendizagem em ratos Wistar adultos saudáveis. Cinquenta e sete ratos de 5 grupos tinham um núcleo serotoninérgico danificado por uma corrente elétrica. A lesão eletrolítica foi realizada utilizando uma corrente contínua de 2 mA durante dois segundos por cirurgia estereotáxica. Os animais foram submetidos a testes de aprendizagem e memória. Os ratos apresentaram respostas diferentes nos testes de memória, dependendo do núcleo serotoninérgica envolvido. A memória explícita e implícita pode ser afetada após a lesão, embora alguns grupos apresentaram diferença significativa e outros não. A lesão no núcleo serotoninérgico foi capaz de causar danos na memória de Wistar. A formação da memória implícita e explícita é prejudicada após a lesão em alguns núcleos serotoninérgicos.

Longitudinal analysis of verbal episodic memory in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis / Análise longitudinal da memória episódica verbal em pacientes com esclerose múltipla remitente-recorrente

ABSTRACT Objective: A 4.5-year follow-up study was conducted to characterize baseline verbal episodic memory (VEM) and its behavior and to assess the effects of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) on this domain. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with RRMS underwent two neuropsychological assessments performed an average of 4.5 years apart. Twenty-six control participants underwent a single neuropsychological assessment. A significance level of p < 0.005 was adopted to denote a significant difference between the groups on the Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon paired statistical analyses. Results: No statistical difference was found in the results of the VEM tests between the first and second neuropsychological assessments of the patients. However, a statistical difference was evident between the patient and control groups in the results of the VEM tests. Conclusion: The patient group showed changes in the VEM relative to the control group. After approximately 4.5 years of disease, the patient performance on the VEM stabilized or improved.

RESUMO Objetivo: Neste estudo, propomos a caracterização da Memória Episódica Verbal (MEV) basal e o seu comportamento após o período de 4,5 anos de doença, a fim de avaliar o efeito da EMRR neste domínio. Métodos: Vinte e nove pacientes com EMRR foram submetidos a duas avaliações neuropsicológicas realizadas entre um intervalo de tempo médio de 4,5 anos. Vinte e seis controles foram submetidos à avaliação neuropsicológica única. Considerou-se nível de significância p <0,005 para delinear diferença significante entre os grupos nas análises estatísticas Mann Whitney e Wilcoxon pareado. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística nos resultados dos testes de MEV entre a primeira e segunda avaliação neuropsicológica realizada pelos pacientes. Houve discrepância estatística nos resultados dos testes de MEV entre o grupo dos pacientes e controles. Conclusão: O grupo de pacientes apresentou alterações de MEV quando comparado aos controles. Após 4,5 anos aproximadamente os pacientes estabilizaram ou melhoraram seu desempenho em MEV.

Chronic treatment with carvacrol improves passive avoidance memory in a rat model of Parkinson's disease / O tratamento com carvacrol melhora a memória de esquiva passiva em um modelo da doença de Parkinson em ratos

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the effects of carvacrol on motor and memory deficits as well as hyperalgesia in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease. The animals were subjected to unilateral microinjection of 6-OHDA into the medial forebrain bundle and treated with carvacrol (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, ip) for six weeks after surgery. The 6-OHDA-lesioned rats showed contralateral rotations towards the lesion side, which was accompanied by learning and memory deficits in a passive avoidance test and a decrease in tail withdrawal latency in a tail flick test at the end of week 6. The results also showed that treatment with carvacrol at a dose of 25 mg/kg ameliorated memory deficits, with no effect on rotations and hyperalgesia in lesioned rats. In conclusion, carvacrol improves memory impairments in rats with Parkinson's disease; therefore, it may serve as an adjunct therapy for the alleviation of memory deficits in Parkinson's disease patients.

RESUMO O presente estudo investigou os efeitos do carvacrol nos déficits motores e de memória, bem como na hiperalgesia, em um modelo da doença de Parkinson (DP) em ratos com lesões 6-OHDA. Os animais foram submetidos a microinjeção unilateral de 6-OHDA no feixe mediano do prosencéfalo e tratados com carvacrol (25, 50 e 100 mg / kg, ip) durante 6 semanas após a cirurgia. Os ratos com lesões 6-OHDA mostraram rotações contralaterais para o lado da lesão, que foram acompanhadas de déficits de aprendizagem e de memória em um teste de evitação passiva, e de uma diminuição da latência de retirada da cauda em um teste de cauda no final da semana 6. Os resultados também mostraram que o tratamento crônico com carvacrol a uma dose de 25 mg / kg aliviou os déficits de memória, sem efeito sobre rotações e hiperalgesia em ratos lesados. Em conclusão, o carvacrol melhora a deficiência de memória em ratos com DP e, portanto, pode servir como uma terapia complementar para aliviar os déficits de memória em pacientes com DP.

Cognitive function among older adults: ELSI-Brazil results / Função cognitiva entre adultos mais velhos: resultados do ELSI-Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To investigate macroregional variations in cognitive function in a national sample representative of the Brazilian population aged 50 years and older. METHODS Data from the baseline of the Longitudinal Study of Brazilian Elderly (ELSI-Brazil), collected between 2015 and 2016, were used. Memory was measured by means of a 10-word list and executive function, by semantic verbal fluency, based on the naming of animals. Gender, age, education, and rural or urban residence were potentially confounding RESULTS Among the 9,412 ELSI-Brazil participants, 9,085 were included in the analysis; 53.9% were women and the average age was 63.0 (0.42) years. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, average scores for memory and verbal fluency were lower in the Northeast region and higher in the Midwest and Southeast, respectively. In the South region, higher scores were found for immediate and combined memory. In all regions, older participants and those with lower schooling had worse scores for memory and verbal fluency. CONCLUSIONS There are differences in cognitive function among older adults in the different macroregions, independent of age, gender, schooling, and rural or urban residence.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Investigar as variações macrorregionais da função cognitiva em amostra nacional representativa da população brasileira com 50 anos ou mais. MÉTODOS Foram utilizados dados da linha de base do Estudo Longitudinal dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil), coletados entre 2015 e 2016. A memória foi aferida por meio de lista de 10 palavras e a função executiva, pela fluência verbal semântica, baseada na nomeação de animais. Como potenciais variáveis de confusão, incluímos: sexo, idade, escolaridade e residência rural ou urbana. RESULTADOS Entre os 9.412 participantes do ELSI-Brasil, 9.085 foram incluídos na análise; 53,9% eram mulheres e a média de idade foi 63,0 (0,42) anos. Após ajustes por potenciais variáveis de confusão, os escores médios para memória e fluência verbal foram menores na região Nordeste e maiores no Centro-Oeste e Sudeste, respectivamente. Na região Sul, foram encontrados maiores escores para memória imediata e combinada. Em todas as regiões, participantes mais velhos e com menor escolaridade apresentaram piores escores para memória e fluência verbal. CONCLUSÕES Existem diferenças na função cognitiva entre adultos mais velhos nas distintas macrorregiões, que são independentes da idade, sexo, escolaridade e residência rural ou urbana.

Queixa subjetiva de memória e a relação com a fluência verbal em idosos ativos / Subjective memory complaints and their relation with verbal fluency in active older people

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a queixa subjetiva de memória relacionada com a fluência verbal em idosos participantes de grupos de convivência. Método Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, quantitativo, realizado em grupos de convivência de idosos do município de Florianópolis, Estado de Santa Catarina. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista estruturada utilizando-se o Questionário de Queixas de Memória (MAC-Q) e o Teste de Fluência Verbal (TFV) por categorias semânticas animais/minuto. Para a análise descritiva inferencial, consideraram-se os dados com p < 5%. Resultados Foi encontrada a queixa de memória autodeclarada em 35,7% da amostra. Não houve associação e correlação do TFV com a percepção da memória obtida pelo MAC-Q bem como com o seu escore. A análise do TFV com os indivíduos que referiram percepção negativa de memória apresentou significância estatística. Salienta-se que foi encontrada associação significativa entre a percepção (escore do MAC-Q) e a presença da queixa de memória (referida pelos idosos em questão acrescida ao questionário). Conclusão Não houve relação entre a queixa subjetiva de memória e a fluência verbal de idosos ativos, sendo as queixas mnemônicas correlacionadas à percepção negativa da memória e ao tempo de queixa apresentada. Porém a queixa subjetiva da memória se mostrou um indicativo para aqueles indivíduos com percepção negativa da memória, sendo um aspecto que deve ser considerado na fala dos idosos ao se investigar um possível declínio cognitivo. Tais dados podem auxiliar no direcionamento das ações de políticas públicas de assistência às pessoas idosas no município, salientando-se a importância em se verificar a queixa subjetiva de memória dos idosos.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify subjective memory complaints and their relation to verbal fluency in older people participating in community groups. Methods An epidemiological quantitative study performed in community groups for older people in Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data were collected by structured interview using the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q) and the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) by semantic categories “animals/minute”. For an inferential descriptive analysis, data with p < 5% were considered. Results Self-reported memory complaints were found in 35.7% of the sample. No association or correlation of VFT with the perception of memory obtained by MAC-Q, nor with its score was found. The VFT analysis of in individuals who reported negative perception of memory presented statistical significance. We found significant association between the perception (MAC-Q score) and presence of memory lapses (reported by the older people in question and added to the questionnaire). Conclusion We found no relation between subjective memory complaints and verbal fluency of active older people. Mnemonic complaints were correlated to the negative perception of memory and to the duration of the complaint. However, subjective memory complaints were an indicator for those individuals with negative perception of memory, being one aspect that must be considered in older people’s speech when investigating a possible cognitive deterioration. Such data can assist in formulating public health care policies aimed at older people in the city, which emphasizes the importance of verifying subjective memory complaints in this population.

Effects of crocin on brain oxidative damage and aversive memory in a 6-OHDA model of Parkinson's disease / Efeitos da crocina no dano oxidativo cerebral e na memória aversiva em um modelo 6-OHDA de doença de Parkinson

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of crocin on brain oxidative damage and memory deficits in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson’s disease. Male Wistar rats were subjected to unilateral injection of 6-OHDA (16 µg) into the medial forebrain bundle and treated with crocin (30 and 60 mg/kg) for six weeks. The rats were tested for memory performance at six weeks after 6-OHDA infusion, and then were killed for the estimation of biochemical parameters. The increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitrite levels in the hippocampus were observed in the 6-OHDA lesioned rats, which was accompanied by memory deficits in a passive avoidance test at the end of week 6. Moreover, treatment with crocin decreased TBARS and nitrite levels in the hippocampus, and improved aversive memory. The present study conclusively demonstrated that crocin acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in the hippocampus of parkinsonian rats and could improve aversive memory through its properties.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o efeito da crocina no dano oxidativo cerebral e nos déficits de memória em um modelo 6-OHDA de doença de Parkinson. Ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à injeção unilateral de 6-OHDA (16 μg) em MFB e tratados com crocina (30 e 60 mg/kg), durante 6 semanas. Os ratos foram testados quanto ao desempenho da memória 6 semanas após a infusão de 6-OHDA, e, em seguida, foram sacrificados para a estimativa dos parâmetros bioquímicos. O aumento nos níveis de TBARS e de nitrito no hipocampo foram observados em ratos 6-OHDA lesionados, acompanhado por déficits de memória em um teste de esquiva passiva no final da semana 6. Além disso, o tratamento com crocina diminuiu os níveis de nitrito e de TBARS no hipocampo e melhorou a memória aversiva. O presente estudo demonstrou conclusivamente que a crocina age como um antioxidante e um agente anti-inflamatório no hipocampo de ratos parkinsonianos e pode melhorar a memória aversiva através de suas propriedades.

Awareness of memory deficits is useful to distinguish between depression and mild cognitive impairment in the elderly

Objective: To investigate whether the level of awareness of memory deficits is useful for discriminating between major depressive disorder (MDD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly. Methods: Sixty-three consecutively referred patients (38 women and 25 men) with memory concerns comprising three groups (clinical control, MDD and MCI) underwent a memory test (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test [RAVLT]) and completed the Memory Assessment Complaints-Questionnaire (MAC-Q). Level of awareness was estimated by the difference between the MAC-Q score and the score on the fifth presentation of the RAVLT. Memory performance, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]) were also assessed. Results: The control (n=25), MDD (n=16), and MCI (n=22) groups were similar in age, educational level, and MMSE (p > 0.05). Among the groups, the MDD group had the most memory complaints, whereas the MCI group had the worst objective memory performance. Level of awareness was capable of discriminating between MDD and MCI (p < 0.05), but not between MDD and clinical controls (p > 0.05). MDD subjects tended to underestimate their memory functioning as compared to controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Level of awareness of memory deficits was significantly useful to discriminate between MCI and MDD, which is a common difficulty faced by clinicians. Future studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.

On cognitive ecology and the environmental factors that promote Alzheimer disease: lessons from Octodon degus (Rodentia: Octodontidae)

Cognitive ecologist posits that the more efficiently an animal uses information from the biotic and abiotic environment, the more adaptive are its cognitive abilities. Nevertheless, this approach does not test for natural neurodegenerative processes under field or experimental conditions, which may recover animals information processing and decision making and may explain, mechanistically, maladaptive behaviors. Here, we call for integrative approaches to explain the relationship between ultimate and proximate mechanisms behind social behavior. We highlight the importance of using the endemic caviomorph rodent Octodon degus as a valuable natural model for mechanistic studies of social behavior and to explain how physical environments can shape social experiences that might influence impaired cognitive abilities and the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease. We consequently suggest neuroecological approaches to examine how key elements of the environment may affect neural and cognitive mechanisms associated with learning, memory processes and brain structures involved in social behavior. We propose the following three core objectives of a program comprising interdisciplinary research in O. degus, namely: (1) to determine whether diet types provided after weaning can lead to cognitive impairment associated with spatial memory, learning and predisposing to develop Alzheimer disease in younger ages; (2) to examine if early life social experience has long term effects on behavior and cognitive responses and risk for development Alzheimer disease in later life and (3) To determine if an increase of social interactions in adult degu reared in different degree of social stressful conditions alter their behavior and cognitive responses.

Effect of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation on beta-amyloid induced recognition memory impairment. Possible role of neurovascular function

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of PHA-543613 (α7-nAChR agonist) and galantamine (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI)) on recognition memory and neurovascular coupling (NVC) response in beta-amyloid (Aβ) 25-35-treated mice. METHODS: PHA-543613 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), and galantamine (3 mg/kg, s.c.), effects were tested in Aβ25-35 mice model of AD. α7-nAChR antagonist, methyllycaconitine (MLA) (1 mg/kg, i.p.), was used for evaluation of receptor blockade effects. Recognition memory in animals was assessed by the novel object recognition (NOR) task. NVC response was analyzed by laser-doppler flow meter in barrel cortex by whisker stimulation method. RESULTS: Both, PHA-543613 and galantamine improve recognition memory in Aβ-treated animals. However, the advantageous effects of PHA-543613 were significantly higher than galantamine. Also, pretreatment with MLA reversed both galantamine and PHA-543613 effects on NOR. Impaired NVC response in AD animals was improved by PHA-543613 and galantamine. However, MLA pretreatment disrupts this function. CONCLUSION: Activation of α7-nAChR improved recognition memory possible through enhancement of neurovascular response in Alzheimer's disease in animals.

Memory deficit associated with increased brain proinflammatory cytokine levels and neurodegeneration in acute ischemic stroke / Déficit de memória associado ao aumento dos níveis cerebrais de citocinas pró-inflamatórias e neurodegeneração na isquemia cerebral aguda

The present study aimed to investigate behavioral changes and neuroinflammatory process following left unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (UCCAO), a model of cerebral ischemia. Post-ischemic behavioral changes following 15 min UCCAO were recorded 24 hours after reperfusion. The novel object recognition task was used to assess learning and memory. After behavioral test, brains from sham and ischemic mice were removed and processed to evaluate central nervous system pathology by TTC and H&E techniques as well as inflammatory mediators by ELISA. UCCAO promoted long-term memory impairment after reperfusion. Infarct areas were observed in the cerebrum by TTC stain. Moreover, the histopathological analysis revealed cerebral necrotic cavities surrounded by ischemic neurons and hippocampal neurodegeneration. In parallel with memory dysfunction, brain levels of TNF-a, IL-1b and CXCL1 were increased post ischemia compared with sham-operated group. These findings suggest an involvement of central nervous system inflammatory mediators and brain damage in cognitive impairment following unilateral acute ischemia.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar alterações comportamentais e processos inflamatórios na isquemia cerebral induzida pela oclusão unilateral da carótida comum esquerda (UCCAO) em camundongos. As alterações comportamentais foram avaliadas após 15 minutos de isquemia e 24 horas de reperfusão. O teste de reconhecimento de objetos foi utilizado para avaliação da memória e do aprendizado. Em seguida, os animais foram mortos e os encéfalos foram coletados e processados para avaliação das alterações patológicas pelas técnicas de TTC e H&E, assim como da dosagem de mediadores inflamatórios por ELISA. A UCCAO promoveu alterações de memória após a reperfusão. Foram visualizadas áreas de infarto cerebral pela coloração de TTC e cavidades necróticas circundadas por neurônios isquêmicos no cérebro e neurodegeneração hipocampal. A UCCAO causou aumento dos níveis encefálicos de TNF-a, IL-1b e CXCL1. Estes achados demonstraram o envolvimento dos mediadores inflamatórios no sistema nervoso central e da neurodegeneração no déficit cognitivo após isquemia cerebral aguda.

Rolandic epilepsy and dyslexia / Epilepsia rolândica e dislexia

Objective Although benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is an idiopathic, age-related epilepsy syndrome with favorable outcome, recent studies have shown impairment in specific neuropsychological tests. The objective of this study was to analyze the comorbidity between dyslexia and BECTS. Method Thirty-one patients with clinical and electroencephalographic diagnosis of BECTS (group A) and 31 paired children (group B) underwent a language and neuropsychological assessment performed with several standardized protocols. Our findings were categorized as: a) dyslexia; b) other difficulties; c) without difficulties. Our results were compared and statistically analyzed. Results Our data showed that dyslexia occurred in 19.4% and other difficulties in 74.2% of our patients. This was highly significant when compared with the control group (p<0.001). Phonological awareness, writing, reading, arithmetic, and memory tests showed a statistically significant difference when comparing both groups. Conclusion Our findings show significant evidence of the occurrence of dyslexia in patients with BECTS. .

Objetivo Apesar da epilepsia benigna da infância com espículas centrotemporais (EBICT) ser uma síndrome epiléptica considerada idiopática, idade-relacionada e de evolução favorável, estudos recentes têm mostrado que essas crianças apresentam prejuízo em testes neuropsicológicos específicos. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a comorbidade entre EBICT e dislexia. Método Trinta e um pacientes com diagnóstico clínico e eletrencefalográfico de EBICT (grupo A) e 31 crianças pareadas (grupo B) foram submetidos à avaliação neuropsicológica e de linguagem com vários protocolos estandardizados. Nossos achados foram categorizados em: a) dislexia; b) outras dificuldades; c) sem dificuldades. Nossos resultados foram comparados e analisados estatisticamente. Resultados Os dados mostraram que dislexia ocorreu em 19,4% e outras dificuldades em 74,2% dos nossos pacientes. Esses números foram altamente significativos quando comparados com o grupo controle (p<0,001). Consciência fonológica, leitura, escrita, aritmética e testes de memória mostraram diferença estatisticamente significante quando foram comparados os dois grupos. Conclusão Nossos dados mostraram que há evidência da ocorrência de dislexia em pacientes com EBICT. .

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: quality of life, sociodemographic profile and physical complaints / Polineuropatia inflamatoria desmielinizante cronica: qualidade de vida, perfil sociodemografico e queixas fisicas

Whereas an evaluation of quality of life and possible impacts on the mental state of a patient may help to evaluate the evolution of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), the aim of this study was to study the psychological profile of patients, and evaluate quality of life associated with the disease. Method 41 patients were evaluated using a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results The mean age of the patients was 50.6 years, 63.4% men. Of the participants, 65.9% had other health problems, 39% reported needing help with activities of daily living, 49% slept less than 8 hours per night, and 34.1% complained of some memory deficit. The average MMSE score was 26. Impairment of functional capacity and pain were the more important altered health states. Conclusion CIDP has important social and economic impacts, owing to functional impairments that can lead to professional and personal limitations. .

A avaliação da qualidade de vida (QV) e dos possíveis impactos dos déficits funcionais sobre o estado mental de pacientes com polirradiculoneuropatia inflamatória desmielinizante crônica (PIDC) pode contribuir para a melhor compreensão de aspectos evolutivos da doença. A presente investigação teve como objetivo estudar as atividades da vida diária depacientes com PIDC e avaliar a sua QV. Método Foram avaliados 41 pacientes através do Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e do inventário de saúde SF-36®. Resultados A média de idade dos participantes foi 50,6 anos, 63,4% homens. Problemas adicionais de saúde foram referidos por 65,9%: 39% relataram necessitar de ajuda para atividades de vida diária, 49% dormiam menos de 8 horas por noite e 34,1% referiam alguma dificuldade de memória. A média do MEEM foi 26. Através do SF-36 foi verificado maior prejuízo na capacidade funcional; a referência a dor foi proeminente. Conclusão A PIDC pode ter importante impacto social e econômico em decorrência dos prejuízos funcionais primários e secundários que podem levar ao afastamento do trabalho. .

Memory in children with symptomatic temporal lobe epilepsy / Memoria em criancas com epilepsia de lobo temporal sintomatica

In children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), memory deficit is not so well understood as it is in adults. The aim of this study was to identify and describe memory deficits in children with symptomatic TLE, and to verify the influence of epilepsy variables on memory. We evaluated 25 children with TLE diagnosed on clinical, EEG and MRI findings. Twenty-five normal children were compared with the patients. All children underwent a neuropsychological assessment to estimate intellectual level, attention, visual perception, handedness, and memory processes (verbal and visual: short-term memory, learning, and delayed recall). The results allowed us to conclude: besides memory deficits, other neuropsychological disturbances may be found in children with TLE such as attention, even in the absence of overall cognitive deficit; the earlier onset of epilepsy, the worse verbal stimuli storage; mesial lesions correlate with impairment in memory storage stage while neocortical temporal lesions correlate with retrieval deficits.

Em crianças com epilepsia de lobo temporal (ELT) os problemas de memória não são tão bem compreendidos como em adultos. O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar e descrever déficits de memória em crianças com ELT sintomática e verificar a influência de variáveis da epilepsia na memória. Avaliamos 25 crianças com ELT com diagnóstico baseado em aspectos clínicos, eletrencefalográficos e de neuroimagem. Vinte e cinco crianças normais foram comparadas com os pacientes. Todas as crianças foram submetidas à avaliação neuropsicológica para estimar nível intelectual, atenção, percepção visual, dominância manual, e processos de memória (verbal e visual: memória a curto prazo, aprendizado e recuperação tardia). Os resultados nos permitiram concluir que: além de déficit de memória, outros distúrbios neuropsicológicos podem ser encontrados em crianças com ELT, tais como déficit de atenção, mesmo na ausência de déficit cognitivo global; quanto mais precoce o início da epilepsia, pior o armazenamento verbal; lesões mesiais se correlacionam com prejuízo no armazenamento de memória enquanto lesões temporais neocorticais se correlacionam com prejuízos de evocação.

Subjective memory complaints in the elderly: a sign of cognitive impairment?

OBJECTIVES: Cognitive impairment in the elderly is frequently overlooked by general practitioners. The use of subjective memory complaints as a sign of cognitive impairment by the general practice is controversial. METHODS: Elderly individuals (N = 248) were asked whether they had memory complaints and underwent a cognitive impairment screening. Subjects classified as exhibiting “probable cognitive impairment” underwent a complete cognitive evaluation, and the final diagnoses were established by expert consensus. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients presented with subjective memory complaints, and 43 were further classified as demented or “cognitively impaired not demented”. Subjective memory complaints presented a sensitivity of 100% and a negative predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSION: Subjective memory complaints are an indicator for cognitive impairment screening. .