Effects of a dual intervention (motor and virtual reality-based cognitive) on cognition in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The increase in cases of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) underlines the urgency of finding effective methods to slow its progression. Given the limited effectiveness of current pharmacological options to prevent or treat the early stages of this deterioration, non-pharmacological alternatives are especially relevant. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a cognitive-motor intervention based on immersive virtual reality (VR) that simulates an activity of daily living (ADL) on cognitive functions and its impact on depression and the ability to perform such activities in patients with MCI. METHODS: Thirty-four older adults (men, women) with MCI were randomized to the experimental group (n = 17; 75.41 ± 5.76) or control (n = 17; 77.35 ± 6.75) group. Both groups received motor training, through aerobic, balance and resistance activities in group. Subsequently, the experimental group received cognitive training based on VR, while the control group received traditional cognitive training. Cognitive functions, depression, and the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) were assessed using the Spanish versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-S), the Short Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS-S), and the of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL-S) before and after 6-week intervention (a total of twelve 40-minutes sessions). RESULTS: Between groups comparison did not reveal significant differences in either cognitive function or geriatric depression. The intragroup effect of cognitive function and geriatric depression was significant in both groups (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes. There was no statistically significant improvement in any of the groups when evaluating their performance in ADLs (control, p = 0.28; experimental, p = 0.46) as expected. The completion rate in the experimental group was higher (82.35%) compared to the control group (70.59%). Likewise, participants in the experimental group reached a higher level of difficulty in the application and needed less time to complete the task at each level. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a dual intervention, through motor training prior to a cognitive task based on Immersive VR was shown to be a beneficial non-pharmacological strategy to improve cognitive functions and reduce depression in patients with MCI. Similarly, the control group benefited from such dual intervention with statistically significant improvements. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06313931; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06313931 .

Two-Year Longitudinal Outcomes of Subjective Cognitive Decline in Hispanics Compared to Non-hispanic Whites.

BACKGROUND: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), considered a preclinical dementia stage, is less understood in Hispanics, a high-risk group for dementia. We investigated SCD to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progression risk, as well as baseline and longitudinal features of depressive symptoms, SCD complaints, and objective cognitive performance among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). METHODS: Hispanic (n = 23) and NHW (n = 165) SCD participants were evaluated at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Evaluations assessed function, depressive symptoms, SCD, and objective cognitive performance. RESULTS: Hispanics were at increased risk of progression to MCI (OR: 6.10, 95% CI 1.09-34.20, P = .040). Hispanic participants endorsed more depressive symptoms at baseline (P = .048) that worsened more longitudinally (OR: 3.16, 95% CI 1.18-8.51, P = .023). Hispanic participants had increased SCD complaints on the Brief Cognitive Rating Scale (BCRS) (ß = .40 SE: .17, P = .023), and in specific BCRS domains: concentration (ß = .13, SE: .07, P = .047), past memory (ß = .13, SE: .06, P = .039) and functional abilities (ß = .10, SE: .05, P = .037). In objective cognitive performance, Hispanic ethnicity associated with decline in MMSE (ß = -.27, SE: .13, P = .039), MoCA (ß = -.80 SE: .34, P = .032), Trails A (ß = 2.75, SE: .89, P = .002), Trails B (ß = 9.18, SE: 2.71, P = .001) and Guild Paragraph Recall Delayed (ß = -.80 SE: .28, P = .005). Conclusions: Hispanic ethnicity associated with a significantly increased risk of 2-year progression of SCD to MCI compared to NHW. This increased risk associated with increased depressive symptoms, distinctive SCD features, and elevated amnestic and non-amnestic objective cognitive decline. This supports further research to refine the assessment of preclinical dementia in this high-risk group.

Risk factors for mild cognitive impairment in patients with age-related hearing loss: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: One of the most common sensory impairments in the elderly is age-related hearing loss, and individuals with this condition have a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment than the overall aged population. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature in order to evaluate the evidence supporting the hypothesis that mild cognitive impairment may be developed in patients with age-related hearing loss. METHODS: The PRISMA principles were followed when searching the databases of the China Knowledge Network, Wanfang, China Biomedical Literature Database, Pub Med, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. Two investigators independently carried out the quality assessment, data extraction, and literature review of the eligible studies. Stata 17.0 was used to finish the statistical analysis and descriptive results. RESULTS: A total of 13 articles containing 2,222,036 individuals who were evaluated for demographic traits, factors associated with age-related hearing loss, vascular neurologic factors, and psychological factors were included after 2166 search records were found in the database. In patients with age-related hearing loss, eleven factors were found to be risk factors for the development of mild cognitive impairment: age (OR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.09-2.43), male (OR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.14-1.47), degree of hearing loss (OR = 1.35; 95% CI 1.03-1.75), not wearing hearing aids (OR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.37-1.79), cerebrovascular disease (OR = 1.41; 95% CI 1.17-1.69), cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.07-1.55), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.20-1.35), head injury (OR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.13-1.33), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.14-1.43), and tobacco use (OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.14-1.25), and depression (OR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.47-1.81). CONCLUSION: Caregivers can customize care strategies to decrease the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment in elderly deaf patients by considering demographic traits, factors associated with age-related hearing loss, vascular-neurologic factors, and psychological factors.

Improved Accuracy of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised in the Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment, Mild Dementia Due to Alzheimer's Disease and Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia Using Mokken Scale Analysis.

Background: The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) is an accessible cognitive tool that supports the early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Objective: To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of the ACE-R in MCI, AD, and bvFTD through the identification of novel coefficients for differentiation between these diseases. Methods: We assessed 387 individuals: 102 mild AD, 37 mild bvFTD, 87 with amnestic MCI patients, and 161 cognitively unimpaired controls. The Mokken scaling technique facilitated the extraction out of the 26 ACE-R items that exhibited a common latent trait, thereby generating the Mokken scales for the AD group and the MCI group. Subsequently, we performed logistic regression, integrating each Mokken scales with sociodemographic factors, to differentiate between AD and bvFTD, as well as between AD or MCI and control groups. Ultimately, the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis was employed to assess the efficacy of the coefficient's discrimination. Results: The AD-specific Mokken scale (AD-MokACE-R) versus bvFTD exhibited an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.922 (88% sensitivity and specificity). The AD-MokACE-R versus controls achieved an AUC of 0.968 (93% sensitivity, 94% specificity). The MCI-specific scale (MCI-MokACE-R) versus controls demonstrated an AUC of 0.859 (78% sensitivity, 79% specificity). Conclusions: The ACE-R's capacity is enhanced through statistical methods and demographic integration, allowing for accurate differentiation between AD and bvFTD, as well as between MCI and controls. This new method not only reinforces its clinical value in early diagnosis but also surpasses traditional approaches noted in prior studies.

Amyloid profile is associated with sleep quality in preclinical but not in prodromal Alzheimer's disease older adults.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have assessed whether neuropathological markers of AD in the preclinical and prodromal stages are associated with polysomnographic changes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, case-control study of older adults (≥60 years) without relevant clinical and psychiatric comorbidities selected randomly from a cohort of individuals without dementia in a tertiary university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. They underwent neuropsychological evaluation for clinical diagnosis and were allocated into two samples: cognitively unimpaired (CU) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Also, they underwent PET-PiB to determine the amyloid profile and all-night in-lab polysomnography. For each sample, we compared polysomnographic parameters according to the amyloid profile (A+ vs A-). RESULTS: We allocated 67 participants (mean age 73 years, SD 10,1), 70 % females, 14 ± 5 years of education, into two samples: CU (n = 28, 42.4 %) and MCI (n = 39, 57.6 %). In the CU sample, the group A+ (n = 9) showed worse sleep parameters than A- (n = 19) (lower total sleep time (p = 0.007), and sleep efficiency (p = 0.005); higher sleep onset latency (p = 0.025), wake time after sleep onset (p = 0.011), and arousal index (AI) (p = 0.007)), and changes in sleep structure: higher %N1 (p = 0.005), and lower %REM (p = 0.006). In the MCI sample, MCI A-had higher AI (p = 0.013), respiratory disturbance index (p = 0.025, controlled for age), and higher rates of severe OSA than A+. DISCUSSION: The amyloid profile was associated with polysomnographic markers of worse sleep quality in individuals with preclinical AD but not with prodromal AD, probably due to the higher frequencies of severe OSA.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Age remains one of the major risk factors for the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Studies on the prevalence of these conditions in Mexico used different methods, tools, and populations with different health statuses. All these heterogeneous results may be a problem in identifying the true prevalence of MCI and dementia in Mexico. To our knowledge, there is not a systematic review available that presents essential figures on the prevalence of these conditions in Mexico. Therefore, we intend to access the maximum number of reports published on the topic and determine the prevalence of MCI and dementia in older Mexican adults. METHODS: A systematic review using PubMed, Cochrane, Research Gate, Lilacs, and Scielo databases was performed. Meta-analysis of the prevalence of MCI and dementia was performed using a random-effects model and presented in a forest plot among cross-sectional, epidemiological, and pooled studies. RESULTS: Sixteen articles were included. The overall prevalence of MCI of 18% (95% CI 0.10-0.27) was estimated from pooled information from 12 selected studies, in women 21% (95% CI 0.08-0.38) and in men 18% (95% CI 0.06-0.33). The overall prevalence of dementia of 10% (95% CI 0.06-0.14) was estimated from pooled information from 9 selected studies, in women 14% (95% CI 0.05-0.25) and in men 10% (95% CI 0.04-0.17). CONCLUSION: Mexican older individuals have a similar prevalence of dementia and MCI as reported by international data; nevertheless, the prevalence is higher than in some Latin American countries. Mexico has particular issues that must be resolved, such as a lack of research in the southern regions of the country and the high incidence of comorbidities.

Differences between Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment using brain networks from magnetic resonance texture analysis.

Several studies have aimed at identifying biomarkers in the initial phases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Conversely, texture features, such as those from gray-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCMs), have highlighted important information from several types of medical images. More recently, texture-based brain networks have been shown to provide useful information in characterizing healthy individuals. However, no studies have yet explored the use of this type of network in the context of AD. This work aimed to employ texture brain networks to investigate the distinction between groups of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and mild dementia due to AD, and a group of healthy subjects. Magnetic resonance (MR) images from the three groups acquired at two instances were used. Images were segmented and GLCM texture parameters were calculated for each region. Structural brain networks were generated using regions as nodes and the similarity among texture parameters as links, and graph theory was used to compute five network measures. An ANCOVA was performed for each network measure to assess statistical differences between groups. The thalamus showed significant differences between aMCI and AD patients for four network measures for the right hemisphere and one network measure for the left hemisphere. There were also significant differences between controls and AD patients for the left hippocampus, right superior parietal lobule, and right thalamus-one network measure each. These findings represent changes in the texture of these regions which can be associated with the cortical volume and thickness atrophies reported in the literature for AD. The texture networks showed potential to differentiate between aMCI and AD patients, as well as between controls and AD patients, offering a new tool to help understand these conditions and eventually aid early intervention and personalized treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes and advancing AD research.

The effect of a cognitive training therapy based on stimulation of brain oscillations in patients with mild cognitive impairment in a Chilean sample: study protocol for a phase IIb, 2 × 3 mixed factorial, double-blind randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The ageing population has increased the prevalence of disabling and high-cost diseases, such as dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The latter can be considered a prodromal phase of some dementias and a critical stage for interventions to postpone the impairment of functionality. Working memory (WM) is a pivotal cognitive function, representing the fundamental element of executive functions. This project proposes an intervention protocol to enhance WM in these users, combining cognitive training with transcranial electrical stimulation of alternating current (tACS). This technique has been suggested to enhance the neuronal plasticity needed for cognitive processes involving oscillatory patterns. WM stands to benefit significantly from this approach, given its well-defined electrophysiological oscillations. Therefore, tACS could potentially boost WM in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS: This study is a phase IIb randomised, double-blind clinical trial with a 3-month follow-up period. The study participants will be 62 participants diagnosed with MCI, aged over 60, from Valparaíso, Chile. Participants will receive an intervention combining twelve cognitive training sessions with tACS. Participants will receive either tACS or placebo stimulation in eight out of twelve training sessions. Sessions will occur twice weekly over 6 weeks. The primary outcomes will be electroencephalographic measurements through the prefrontal theta oscillatory activity, while the secondary effects will be cognitive assessments of WM. The participants will be evaluated before, immediately after, and 3 months after the end of the intervention. DISCUSSION: The outcomes of this trial will add empirical evidence about the benefits and feasibility of an intervention that combines cognitive training with non-invasive brain stimulation. The objective is to contribute tools for optimal cognitive treatment in patients with MCI. To enhance WM capacity, postpone the impairment of functionality, and obtain a better quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05291208. Registered on 28 February 2022. ISRCTN87597719 retrospectively registered on 15 September 2023.

Evidence of validity and reliability of the Colombian version of Addenbroke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R).

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to provide evidence that supports the validity and reliability of the Colombian version of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R) in comparison to the MMSE at assessing and finding patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Additionally, the study aims to determine the optimal cut-off scores based on the age of a population with a low education level. METHOD: This study included 314 individuals (235 participants diagnosed with MCI and 79 cognitively healthy) who live in two different rural departments (states) in Colombia. The participants were recruited for this study through community clubs for the older adults. Most of the individuals were female (236), the average age was 65.95 years of age (SD= 7.8), and the average education level was of 3.78 years (SD = 1.79). It is important to note that the sample only included people with a maximum of 6 years of schooling. RESULTS: A ROC analysis indicated that the ACE-R is more effective than the MMSE at evaluating and finding MCI individuals within the three groups. The cut-off points for the Under 60 years of age group was 83.50 (sensitivity 0.880% and specificity 0.632%); 61-69 years of age 80.50 (sensitivity 0.714% and specificity 0.677%); and Over 70 years of age was 79.50 (sensitivity 0.750% and specificity 0.659%). The internal consistency analysis with MacDonald's Ω determined reliability indicators ≥70 in the ACE-R, except for the age range of 61 to 69 years. CONCLUSION: The Colombian version of the ACE-R demonstrates to be a valid and reliable global cognitive screening tool. It is effective at discerning MCI individuals from healthy within a group of participants with a low education level.

Trajectories of sleep duration and quality and their association with mild cognitive impairment, frailty, and all-cause mortality.

OBJECTIVES: To identify longitudinal trajectories of sleep duration and quality and estimate their association with mild cognitive impairment, frailty, and all-cause mortality. METHODS: We used data from three waves (2009, 2014, 2017) of the WHO Study on Global Aging and Adult Health in Mexico. The sample consisted of 2722 adults aged 50 and over. Sleep duration and quality were assessed by self-report. Sleep trajectories were determined by applying growth mixture models. Mixed-effects logistic (mild cognitive impairment) and ordinal logistic (frailty), and Cox proportional hazards (all-cause mortality) models were fitted. RESULTS: Three classes for sleep duration ("optimal-stable," "long-increasing," and "short-decreasing") and quality ("very good-increasing," "very good-decreasing," and "moderate/poor stable") were identified. Compared to the optimal-stable group, the long-increasing trajectory had greater odds for mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio=1.68, 95% CI: 1.01-2.78) and frailty (odds ratio=1.66, 95% CI: 1.13-2.46), and higher risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio=1.91, 95% CI: 1.14-3.19); and the short-decreasing class had a higher probability of frailty (odds ratio=1.83, 95% CI: 1.26-2.64). Regarding the sleep quality, the moderate/poor stable trajectory had higher odds of frailty (odds ratio=1.71, 95% CI: 1.18-2.47) than very good-increasing group. CONCLUSIONS: These results have important implications for clinical practice and public health policies, given that the evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders need more attention in primary care settings. Interventions to detect and treat sleep disorders should be integrated into clinical practice to prevent or delay the appearance of alterations in older adults' physical and cognitive function. Further research on sleep quality and duration is warranted to understand their contribution to healthy aging.

Translation and validation of the audiovisual version of the Montreal cognitive assessment in older adults in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The use of a reliable remote cognitive screening test for older adults is crucial for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment. This study aimed to translate and validate the audiovisual Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)for older adults in Brazil. METHODS: One hundred and fourteen older adults were recruited from the community and demographic, functional, mood, and cognitive data were collected. Participants were classified into two groups: cognitively healthy or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Statistical analyses were performed in order to assess the validity of the test and the cutoff score. RESULTS: The psychometric properties of the audiovisual MoCA showed good convergent validity. The audiovisual MoCA was represented as a unifactorial adjusted model, the composite reliability value was acceptable and a cutoff point of ≥23 reached adequate sensitivity and specificity at 0.77 and 0.92, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The translated audiovisual MoCA is a valid and reliable cognitive screening test that can be administered remotely in older adults in Brazil. The test demonstrated a great ability to discriminate older adults with MCI from cognitively healthy adults. Future studies should focus on validating the audiovisual MoCA using other target population groups in order to expand the use of this remote screening test.

Phytochemical Extract from Carica papaya Leaves and Punica granatum Seeds as Therapy Against Cognitive Impairment in a Murine Model.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as inter-stage between normal cognitive aging and major neurocognitive disorder (MND). This state of decay is a crucial factor in treatment to prevent the progression to MND. In this study, our group developed a virtual screening process to evaluate 2568 phytochemical compounds against 5 key proteins associated with MCI and MND. As a result, two potential candidates were identified: carpaine, found in Carica papaya leaves, and punicalagin, present in Punica granatum. A model of cognitive impairment (CI) was developed in 10-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats by administering aluminum chloride (AlCl3) at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 30 days. After AlCl3 administration period, one of the groups received carpaine and punicalagin in a phytochemical extract (PE) by oral gavage for 30 days. Novel object recognition test (NOR) was assessed at three different time points (T1 - before CI, T2 - after CI, and T3 - after PE treatment). Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were identified in the hippocampus of rats at the end of the study period. After administration of AlCl3, a reduction in discrimination index vs control rats (CI = 0.012 ± 0.08 vs Control = 0.076 ± 0.03), was observed. After phytochemical extract treatment, a significant increase in discrimination index values was observed in the PE group 0.4643 ± 0.13 vs CI group 0.012 ± 0.08. Additionally, the evaluation of immunohistochemistry showed an increase in GFAP positivity in the hippocampus of the CI groups, while a slight decrease was observed in the PE group. This work addressed a comprehensive methodology that utilized in silico tools to identify phytochemical compounds (carpaine and punicalagin) as potential candidates for affecting key proteins in CI. The phytochemical extract containing carpaine and punicalagin resulted in a trend in the decrease of GFAP expression in the hippocampus and improved recognition memory in rats with CI induced by age and AlCl3 administration.

Asociación entre la salud oral y el deterioro cognitivo leve en adultos mayores / Association between Oral Health and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults

Introducción: En la medida que se incrementa la población de adultos mayores, aumenta la prevalencia, aumenta la prevalencia del deterioro cognitivo. Recientemente, se ha introducido la mala salud oral entre los factores de riesgo potenciales. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre la salud oral y el deterioro cognitivo leve en adultos mayores de una comunidad de la provincia de Santiago de Cuba. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico y retrospectivo, de tipo casos y controles en el período comprendido entre enero y julio del año 2023. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por 257 adultos mayores que vivían en esta comunidad, de los cuales se escogieron 40 casos con diagnóstico de deterioro cognitivo leve, según los criterios de Petersen. Se seleccionaron tres controles por cada caso, 120 adultos mayores con aproximadamente las mismas características que el caso. Se precisó la fuerza de asociación de cada factor de riesgo. Resultados: Se halló una asociación significativa entre padecer deterioro cognitivo leve y presentar un número de 1 a 9 dientes. El dolor oral se presentó con mayor frecuencia en el 72,5 por ciento de los casos. No recordar la última visita al estomatólogo fue causa de deterioro cognitivo leve en el 42,5 por ciento. Cepillarse irregularmente se asoció 4,1 veces más con el riesgo de desarrollar esta afección. Conclusiones : Existe una asociación entre la salud oral y el deterioro cognitivo leve en los adultos mayores. Tener menos dientes y referir dolor oral fueron factores de riesgo importantes para presentar deterioro cognitivo. La visita al estomatólogo y el cepillado de dientes irregular influyeron negativamente en la enfermedad. Sin embargo, el uso de prótesis dentales fue un factor protector para el deterioro cognitivo leve(AU)

Introduction: Along with the increase in the population of older adults, the prevalence of cognitive impairment is increasing. Recently, poor oral health has been introduced among potential risk factors. Objective: To determine the association between oral health and mild cognitive impairment in older adults in a community in the province of Santiago de Cuba. Methods: An observational, analytical and retrospective case-control study was carried out from January to July 2023. The study population consisted of 257 older adults living in this community, from which 40 cases were selected with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, according to Petersen's criteria. Three controls were selected for each case, 120 older adults with approximately the same characteristics as the case. The strength of association of each risk factor was determined. Results: A significant association was found between having mild cognitive impairment and having 1 to 9 teeth. Oral pain was more frequent in 72.5 percent of the cases. Not remembering the last visit to the dentist was a cause of mild cognitive impairment in 42.5 percent. Irregular brushing was 4.1 times more associated with the risk of developing this condition. Conclusions: There is an association between oral health and mild cognitive impairment in older adults. Having fewer teeth and reporting oral pain were important risk factors for cognitive impairment. Visiting the dentist and irregular tooth brushing had a negative influence on the disease. However, the use of dental prosthetics was a protective factor for mild cognitive impairment(AU)

Evaluación de validez convergente y discriminante de un protocolo de cribado online para detección de deterioro cognitivo leve en personas mayores en Chile

Introducción: La detección temprana del deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores permite disminuir la incertidumbre y mejorar las tareas de intervención. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar las características psicométricas de un protocolo de cribado online para detectar tempranamente deterioro leve en personas mayores. Método: el método usado fue de tipo mixta con preguntas de tipo cuantitativas y cualitativas. La muestra fue de 75 personas mayores del gran Concepción, región del Bio-Bio. El protocolo estaba compuesto por: Cuestionario sociodemográfico, Test del Reloj Versión Cacho, Moca, Escala Depresión Yesavage y Test Acentuación de Palabras. El procedimiento consistió en la aplicación del protocolo a través de un Tablet o Laptop, videollamadas. Resultados: Se encontró que el protocolo presenta validez discriminante y convergente. Conclusiones: se concluye que el protocolo de cribado online para detectar tempranamente deterioro leve en personas mayores es válido y fiable. Se discute el uso y la aplicación de un protocolo cribado usando la Teleneuropsicología (TeleNP), en personas mayores

ABTRACT Introduction: Early detection of cognitive impairment in the elderly allows us to reduce uncertainty and improve intervention tasks. The objective of this research was to determine the psychometric characteristics of an online screening protocol for early detection of mild impairment in the elderly. Method: the method used was of a mixed type with quantitative and qualitative questions. The sample consisted of 75 older people from the greater Concepción, Bio-Bio region. The protocol consisted of: Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Cacho Version Clock Test, Mocha, Yesavage Depression Scale and Word Stress Test. The procedure consisted of the application of the protocol through a Tablet or Laptop, video calls. Results: It was found that the protocol presents discriminant and convergent validity. Conclusions: it is concluded that the online screening protocol for early detection of mild deterioration in the elderly is valid and reliable. The use and application of a screening protocol using Teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) in older people is discussed.

Predictors of efficacy, tolerability and discontinuation of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD): a meta-analysis and meta-regression

Numerous patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) are refractory to pharmacological treatment, and non-invasive brain neurostimulation has been investigated as another possibility for improving cognition. The performed meta-analysis and meta-regression verified predictors of efficacy, tolerability, and discontinuation of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for treating MCI or AD. The analyzed studies used the Mini-Mental State Exam, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, or Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive Subscale scores as outcome measures. Databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science - primary collection) were searched, resulting in 12 published randomized and controlled trials. The risk of bias assessment was based on Cochrane Review recommendations, considering study characteristics. Other evaluated outcomes were the number of adverse effects (tolerability) and dropouts. Overall and anodal tDCS improved cognition compared to the sham protocol. Group comparisons did not show statistically significant differences for adverse effects and dropouts. Session duration was a response predictor, as stimulations of up to 20 minutes for ten days or more improved the outcome achievement. The AD diagnosis covariate also affected efficacy. The findings should be interpreted carefully in clinical practice because the stimulation effect may vary among subjects.

A Community-Based Study of Dementia in Mexican American and Non-Hispanic White Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Little information is available on the prevalence of cognitive impairment in Mexican American persons. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in those 65 years and older among Mexican American and non-Hispanic white individuals in a community. METHODS: This was a population-based cohort study in Nueces County, Texas, USA. Participants were recruited using a random housing sample. The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment (HCAP) participant and informant protocol was performed after Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) screening. An algorithm was used to sort participants into diagnostic categories: no cognitive impairment, MCI, or dementia. Logistic regression determined the association of ethnicity with MCI and dementia controlling for age, gender, and education. RESULTS: 1,901 participants completed the MoCA and 547 the HCAP. Mexican Americans were younger and had less educational attainment than non-Hispanic whites. Overall, dementia prevalence was 11.6% (95% CI 9.2-14.0) and MCI prevalence was 21.2% (95% CI 17.5-24.8). After adjusting for age, gender, and education level, there was no significant ethnic difference in the odds of dementia or MCI. Those with ≤11 compared with ≥16 years of education had much higher dementia [OR = 4.9 (95% CI 2.2-11.1)] and MCI risk [OR = 3.5 (95% CI 1.6-7.5)]. CONCLUSIONS: Dementia and MCI prevalence were high in both Mexican American and non-Hispanic white populations. Mexican American persons had double the odds of mild cognitive impairment and this was attenuated when age and educational attainment were considered. Educational attainment was a potent predictor of cognitive impairment.

Virtual reality applications based on instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs) for cognitive intervention in older adults: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the use of virtual reality (VR) as a complementary intervention in treating cognitive impairment has significantly increased. VR applications based on instrumental activities of daily living (iADL-VR) could offer a promising approach with greater ecological validity for intervention in groups with cognitive impairments. However, the effectiveness of this approach is still debated. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to synthesize the effects of iADL-VR interventions to rehabilitate, train, or stimulate cognitive functions in healthy adults and people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and different types of dementia. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in the Scopus, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, and APA PsycNet databases until September 2022 and repeated in April 2023. The selected studies met the search terms, were peer-reviewed, included an iADL-VR intervention, and were written in English. Descriptive, qualitative studies, reviews, cognitive assessment, non-intervention studies, those unrelated to VR or iADL, those focused on motor aspects, and non-degenerative disorders were excluded. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the controlled studies. To present and synthesize the results, we organized the extracted data into three tables, including PEDro scores, participant characteristics, and study characteristics. RESULTS: Nineteen studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The total sample reached 590 participants, mostly women (72.67%). Approximately 30% were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, and 20% had mild cognitive impairment. Variables such as authors and year of publication, study design, type of intervention and VR applied, duration of the intervention, main findings, and conclusions were extracted. Regarding demographic characteristics, the sample size, age, sex, years of education, neurological diagnosis, dropouts, and the city and country where the intervention took place were recorded. Almost all studies showed improvements in some or all the outcomes after the intervention, generally greater in the iADL-VR group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: iADL-VR interventions could be beneficial in improving the performance of cognitive functions in older adults and people with MCI and different types of dementia. The ecological component of these tasks makes them very suitable for transferring what has been learned to the real world. However, such transfer needs to be confirmed by further studies with larger and more homogeneous samples and longer follow-up periods. This review had no primary funding source and was registered with PROSPERO under registration ID: 375166.

Top Alzheimer's disease risk allele frequencies differ in HABS-HD Mexican- versus Non-Hispanic White Americans.

INTRODUCTION: Here we evaluate frequencies of the top 10 Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk alleles for late-onset AD in Mexican American (MA) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) American participants enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities Study cohort. METHODS: Using DNA extracted from this community-based diverse population, we calculated the genotype frequencies in each population to determine whether a significant difference is detected between the different ethnicities. DNA genotyping was performed per manufacturers' protocols. RESULTS: Allele and genotype frequencies for 9 of the 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (two apolipoprotein E variants, CR1, BIN1, DRB1, NYAP1, PTK2B, FERMT2, and ABCA7) differed significantly between MAs and NHWs. DISCUSSION: The significant differences in frequencies of top AD risk alleles observed here across MAs and NHWs suggest that ethnicity-specific genetic risks for AD exist. Given our results, we are advancing additional projects to further elucidate ethnicity-specific differences in AD.

Predictores de riesgo de deterioro cognitivo leve en una población de hipertensos / Predictors of Mild Cognitive Impairment in a Hypertensive Population

RESUMEN Introducción. El estatus cognitivo es considerado un biomarcador del daño vascular encefálico en la hipertensión arterial (HTA). Es fundamental en pacientes con HTA la pesquisa del deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL). Objetivos . Valorar la presencia de factores predictores de DCL en pacientes hipertensos. Material y métodos . Estudio observacional, transversal, en el periodo 2015-2023. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, asistidos en policlínica que hubieran realizado la Evaluación Cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA). Se consideró valor de MoCA alterado uno < 24. Se excluyeron pacientes con dificultades motoras, sensoriales, enfermedad psiquiátrica, analfabetismo. Las variables cualitativas se presentan como frecuencias absolutas y relativas, y para el estudio de asociación se utilizó test de Chi cuadrado. Las variables cuantitativas se presentan como media y desviación estándar, y el estudio de diferencias se realizó con test T de Student para muestras independientes. En el análisis de regresión logística múltiple se colocaron aquellas variables significativas en el análisis univariado por el método Forward. Nivel de significación alfa = 0,05. Resultados . 129 pacientes, mujeres: hombres 2:1; edad promedio 60 años. El 79,1 % tenía HTA grado 3, 30,4 % presentaban más de 20 años de evolución de HTA. El 52,7% tenía escolarización primaria. Un 89,4 % presentaba sobrepeso-obesidad, el 36,4 % tabaquismo, 29,7 % dislipidemia mixta. Un 65,1% presentó un valor de MoCA ≥ 24 y el 34,9 % un valor < 24. En el modelo predictor logístico, las variables evolución en años de HTA, dislipidemia mixta, y enfermedad cerebrovascular fueron predictoras de riesgo de MoCA alterado. El nivel educativo terciario fue factor protector. Conclusión . La identificación de factores predictores de daño cognitivo es prioritaria para una acción preventiva. En este estudio las variables tiempo de evolución de la HTA, dislipidemia mixta, enfermedad cerebrovascular y nivel educativo permitieron predecir mayor riesgo de DCL.

ABSTRACT Background . Cognitive status is considered a biomarker of vascular brain damage caused by hypertension (HTN). Screening for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is essential in patients with HTN. Objectives . The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of predictors of MCI in hypertensive patients. Methods . We conducted an observational and cross-sectional study between 2015 and 2023. All the patients > 18 years treated in a clinic and who were evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were included. A score < 24 in the MoCA test was considered abnormal. Patients with motor or sensory impairment, psychiatric disorders, or illiteracy were excluded. Qualitative variables are presented as absolute frequencies and percentages, and the chi-square test was used to analyze their association. Quantitative variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation and were compared with the independent samples t-test. All the variables with statistical significance in the univariate analysis through forward selection were included in the multiple logistic regression analysis. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results . A total of 129 patients were included (women-to-men ratio 2:1; mean age 60 years); 79.1% had stage 3 HTN, time from HTN diagnosis was > 20 years in 30.4%, 52.7% had complete primary education, 89.4% had overweight/obesity, 36.4% were smokers and 29.7% had mixed dyslipidemia. A score ≥ 24 in the MoCA was present in 65.1% and 34.9% had a score < 24. The logistic predictor model identified time from HTN diagnosis, mixed dyslipidemia and cerebrovascular disease as predictors of abnormal MoCA. A tertiary educational level had a protective effect. Conclusion . Identifying predictors of cognitive impairment is a priority to take preventive actions. In this study, time from HTN diagnosis, mixed dyslipidemia, cerebrovascular disease and educational level were associated with cognitive impairment.

Alertamientos y movimientos periódicos de las piernas durante las etapas de sueño y deterioro cognitivo leve en adultos mayores. Estudio preliminar / Arousals and periodic leg movements during sleep stages and mild cognitive impairment in older adults: a preliminary study

RESUMEN La fragmentación del sueño puede asociarse con distintas enfermedades, entre ellas, la demencia. En este sentido, la fragmentación de sueño, indicada por el índice de alertamientos y/o movimientos periódicos de las piernas (MPP), podría ser un marcador temprano de deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL), un síndrome precursor de la demencia. El objetivo del presente estudio fue medir el índice de prevalencia de los alertamientos y de los MPP durante el sueño en un grupo control y un grupo con DCL, así como determinar si hay diferencia entre los grupos en ambos índices y establecer si existe una correlación entre los dos fenómenos. En 9 participantes (3 mujeres controles y 3 mujeres con DCL; y 3 hombres con DCL) (edad: 69.1 ± 5; años de educación: 8 ± 2) se registró una noche de polisomnografía. Se obtuvieron los índices por hora de alertamientos y para cada etapa de sueño, así como los MPP globales y por hora; además se realizaron análisis entre y dentro de cada grupo. Se encontró una correlación positiva y un mayor número de MPP que de alertamientos durante toda la noche en los participantes con DCL. Conocer la prevalencia y asociación de ambos fenómenos contribuye en la formulación de una evaluación más cuidadosa y profunda de los adultos mayores en riesgo de desarrollar DCL y/o demencia.

ABSTRACT Sleep fragmentation may be associated with several diseases, including dementia. In this sense, sleep fragmentation, indicated by the rates of arousals and/or periodic leg movements (PLM), could be an early marker of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a syndromic stage prior to dementia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the index of PLM with that of arousals and correlate both indexes in people with MCI and without MCI during all sleep stages. In 9 participants (3 control women and 3 women with MCI; and 3 men with MCI) (ages: 69.1 ± 5; years of education: 8 ± 2), one night of polysomnography was performed. Hourly rates of arousals and PLM were scored from each sleep stage. Analyses were performed within and between PLM and arousals for each group. Significant differences and a positive correlation were found between the arousal and the PLM rates for the group with MCI during the whole night. Knowledge of the prevalence and the association of both phenomena may contribute to a more careful and thorough evaluation of older adults at risk of developing MCI and/or dementia.