Usefulness of clock-drawing test in Indian older adults with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Clock-drawing test (CDT) is a simple, quick, and bedside cognitive screening test which measures different cognitive domains but has some limitations. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of CDT for Indian older adult based on a part of an ICMR-funded research project, New Delhi, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample comprised seventy participants (38 controls and 32 cases) aged 60 years and above included according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria in a consecutive series. Participants, who gave written informed consent, residing permanently in the area of Chowk, Lucknow, constituted the study sample. Semistructured sociodemographic details and medical history pro forma, socioeconomic status scale, General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), CDT, and Hindi cognitive screening test (HCST) were administered. Biochemical investigations were carried out, and blood glucose level (fasting ≤100 mg/dl and postprandial ≤140 mg/dl) was considered for having diabetes mellitus (DM). The participants were categorized into two groups: (1) case: participants with DM only and (2) control: participants without discernible abnormality of physical illness and GHQ negative. Data were analyzed using percentages, t-test, the Chi-square test, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: About 71.05% participants in control and 81.25% in the case group have cognitive impairment on CDT. Significantly higher illiterates (P < 0.05) were found to be significantly more cognitively impaired on HCST. CDT has a high level of sensitivity (0.71) and low specificity (0.23) when compared with HCST. CONCLUSION: CDT had screening bias to Indian older adults as a higher number of literates (almost double) and illiterates (four times) were found to be cognitively impaired compared to on HCST. Usefulness of CDT to screen Indian older adults for cognitive impairment is debatable.

Reliability and psychometric validity of Hindi version of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) for Hindi speaking Head Neck Cancer and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders Patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to carefully translate and psychometrically validate the depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 (DASS-21) in Hindi language for Hindi-speaking head and neck cancer (HNC) and oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty-seven HNC and OPMD patients were recruited for this study comprising of 111 oral cancer and 56 OPMD patients. According to internationally accepted guidelines, forward and backward translation procedures were performed, to develop a culturally acceptable version of DASS-21. Validated Hindi version of hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) questionnaire was used to compare the scores. Internal consistency for construct validity of the DASS-21 was assessed. Related data and the patients' demographics details were recorded. Factor analysis using varimax rotation was also carried out. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha values were 0.998, 0.990, and 0.994, respectively, for depression, anxiety, and stress domains, which was comparable to other studies and indicated a strong internal consistency and good construct validity. Factor and varimax analysis revealed items to be well suited to their respective domains. A statistically significant strong correlation was reflected with HADS Hindi questionnaire; Spearman's rank correlation values observed were 0.80 and 0.83 for depression and anxiety, respectively. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Hindi version of the DASS-21 questionnaire appears to be culturally appropriate, reliable, and psychometrically valid tool for evaluation of the psychological burden (depression, anxiety, and stress) in Hindi-speaking HNC and OPMD patients.

Sample attrition rate of a community study: An analysis of Lucknow urban and rural elderly follow-up over a period of 9 years.

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal/follow-up studies of older adults are a tough task as sample attrition rates due to mortality and other factors may be high in this particular group. However, such studies are very much needed to assess the outcome of health status as well as explore preventive, protective, interventional aspects, as well as risk factors. Given this, a follow-up study was planned and carried out. AIM: To discuss the rate of sample loss as well as the reasons over 9 years. METHODS: An Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) supported follow-up study of urban and rural elderly was done during June, 2016-May, 2017; these subjects were studied in 2007-09 through two independent ICMR supported studies. Similar methodology and assessment tools were applied in these studies. During follow-up a semi structured proforma was developed to get the information of study cohort, obtained data was analyzed and presented applying percentage statistics. RESULTS: The sample attrition rate was reported to be comparatively high in urban 52.1% (n= 633) cohort than their rural counterparts 36.3% (n= 457). CONCLUSION: Over a period of 9 years chances of cohort loss due to mortality is about 32%-35%.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Edentulous Patients.

PURPOSE: To record the incidence of cognitive dysfunction in edentulous patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and establish a plausible hypothesis to explain the correlation of cognitive dysfunction and OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 315 edentulous patients (aged 60 to 65 years) visiting the outpatient department at Saraswati Dental College, Lucknow were recruited from January 2013 to October 2015. Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index (PDI) classification was used to assess the intraoral condition to relate it with the span of edentulousness. The BERLIN questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scales were used to diagnose sleep-disordered breathing, following which the patients were put through all-night polysomnography. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores were derived. Mild and moderate OSA patients were classified into mild, moderate, and severe cognitive dysfunction based on SGRQ-C and SCD. Data were tabulated according to a new classification (Cognitive Dysfunction of Dental Sleep Medicine Patients [CDDSMP] Classification) designed specifically for this study. Data were analyzed using SPSS v15.0. Scores were tabulated as mean ± SD and median [IQR] values. Change from baseline was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Mean scores at different time intervals were 3.03 ± 1.76 (3 months), 2.98 ± 1.80 (6 months), and 2.81 ± 1.84 (9 months). The median [IQR] values of scores at all time intervals except 9 months were 3 [1 to 5]. At 9 months, median [IQR] was 2 [1 to 5]. A significant change in scores was observed in the 3-month interval (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of OSA and neurocognitive dysfunction could be directly related to the PDI classification and the span of edentulousness of the patient and modified mandibular advancement device treatment significantly improved the patients' condition, which was reflective from 3 months post-intervention itself.

Nonpharmacological methods in managing patients with dementia in a tertiary care hospital.

Management of dementia is very crucial. Nonpharmacological methods (NPM) are well appreciated and encouraged to be used as first-line treatment for managing elderly patients with dementia (PwD). The present case reports aimed to share the strategies of NPM for managing PwD. NPM requires a structured blueprint to record, follow-up, and monitor the outcomes. A structured proforma has been developed in the department. After getting all the basic information from the patient, needed assessments are being done by the concerned team member to identify and rate the level of severity of the problem, and specific NPM strategies are being provided. Concerted efforts give positive results; knowledge and understanding about the illness help the caregiver in managing the patient. No negative impact has been reported; NPM is a cost-effective approach and therefore should be studied on a larger level to provide evidence from India and prove its efficacy.

Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life of Key Caregivers of Patients with Dementia.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is the most devastating cognitive disorder of the elderly and needs extra attention to care. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the caregiver burden of dementia key caregivers and their Quality of Life (QOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample consisted of purposively selected 24 dementia key caregivers fulfilling the inclusion criteria from the in-patient of the Department of Geriatric Mental Health, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Zarit Burden Interview and World Health Organization QOL-BREF were administered. Mean, standard deviation, t-test, Chi-square with Yate's correction were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: All key caregivers felt mild to moderate level of burden. Gender-wise significant difference was found on burden area of expectation (P < 0.05). Mean scores on physical, psychological, social relationship, and environmental QOL were found to be on lower side. A negative correlation was found between burden and QOL. CONCLUSION: Professional help and supportive psychotherapy can be provided to the key caregivers of dementia patients to reduce their burden, strengthen the coping skill and thus improve their QOL.

Screening Depression Among Elderly in a City of Southeast Asia.

INTRODUCTION: Changing family structure (Joint to Nuclear), increased life expectancy above 60 years of age, generation and communication gap, financial dependency on children leads to conflict among family members. This may sometime lead to old age home settlement of elderly people. All these condition leads to isolation and insecurity among elderly people and this condition affect the mental status of elderly people which may sometime lead to depression among Old Age Homes residents and family living elderly people. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of depression and diagnosed systemic morbidities among elderly people. To study the predictors of depression among study subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly people (age ≥60 years) residing in old age homes (OAHs) and in community/families in Lucknow, India. Multistage sampling technique was used to include required sample of subjects from the community and for OAHs all the elderly people living in OAHs were included. Geriatric depression scale was used to screen depression. RESULTS: Depression was 27.7% among elderly people residing in OAHs while it was 15.6% those residing at their own homes. In community most frequent morbidity was hypertension (17.7%) while 41.1% elderly people had no diagnosed morbidity. In OAHs out of total the musculoskeletal morbidity (33.7%) was most frequent and 18.8% had no diagnosed morbidity. On multivariate analysis financial dependency and education were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Depression was more common among elderly living in Old Age Homes as compare to those living in community. Hypertension, musculoskeletal morbidities and eye related morbidities were most frequent diagnosed morbidities. Financial Dependency & Education were found to be primary predictors of depression.

Novel occupational therapy interventions may improve quality of life in older adults with dementia.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a major health problem in advancing age with no definitive treatment. Occupational therapy interventions are recognized strategies in treatment of dementia. Quality of life (QOL) assessment has been reliably used as an objective index of an individual's well being pertaining to interventions in dementia. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to study the effects of a novel occupational therapy program in improving QOL of subjects having mild to moderate dementia. METHODOLOGY: 273 subjects older than 60 years were screened. 196 were excluded having cognitive impairment with no dementia (CIND). Remaining 77 subjects after satisfying DSM IV criteria for diagnosis of dementia were included in the study and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Experimental group received a novel occupational therapy regimen along with medical treatment, while control group received only medical treatment for 5 weeks. Outcome measures included standard occupational therapy assessment and WHOQOL-BREF. Subjects were assessed at baseline and post intervention. RESULT: The mean age of participants was 69.39 years with male preponderance (80.5% male, 19.5% female). The quality of life (QOL) scores of physical and psychological domain in experimental groups significantly increased from 37.30 ± 5.42 and 45.13 ± 3.52 to 45.43 ± 7.32 and 51.50 ± 6.46 respectively. The QOL scores in social and environmental domains did not change significantly. The QOL scores in control groups declined in all domains with statistical significance found in social and environmental domain. (29.67 ± 4.58 and 38.49 ± 1.77 to 28.45 ± 5.26 and 38.18 ± 2.15 respectively). CONCLUSION: This novel occupational therapy program improved the short term physical performance and psychological well being domain of quality of life in older adults with dementia. An improved physical performance is achieved by physical exercise of novel program and it creates sense of independency, increased motivation, positive outlook and reduced behavioral and psychological symptoms. The long term effects of the intervention can be ascertained in a study with longer period of intervention and follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: [CTRI/2014/01/004290].

Acute confusional state/delirium: An etiological and prognostic evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Acute confusional state/delirium is a frequent cause of hospital admission, in the elderly. It is characterized by an acute fluctuating impairment of cognitive functions and inattention. Recognition and prompt treatment is crucial to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we determined the etiology and prognostic factors of an acute confusional state. A total of 52 patients of acute confusional state were clinically evaluated. All patients were also subjected to a battery blood biochemical examination, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and neuroimaging. Disability was assessed by using modified Barthel index (MBI). Patients were followed-up for 3 months. RESULTS: The mean age of our cohort was 65.04 ± 10.6 years. 32 (61.5%) patients were male. In 33 patients, we were able to identify possible precipitating cause of an acute confusional state. In the rest of the patients results of all the tests were normal. Leukocytosis and hyponatremia were frequent factors associated with delirium. The mean duration of the hospital stay was 10.73 ± 3.6 days (range 5-21 days). Patients with an abnormal work-up (possible precipitating cause) had significantly lower mortality, less duration of hospital stay and less severe disability after 3 months. Age, underlying illness, serum creatinine, abnormal neuroimaging and MBI were identified as a significant prognostic indicator. 18 (34.6%) of our patients died, of these in 10 patients we could not find a precipitating cause. CONCLUSION: Patients, in whom a cause was found out, had better prognosis in terms of lesser mortality and the duration of hospital stay.

Mucuna pruriens Reduces Stress and Improves the Quality of Semen in Infertile Men.

The present investigation was undertaken to assess the role of Mucuna pruriens in infertile men who were under psychological stress. Study included 60 subjects who were undergoing infertility screening and were found to be suffering from psychological stress, assessed on the basis of a questionnaire and elevated serum cortisol levels. Age-matched 60 healthy men having normal semen parameters and who had previously initiated at least one pregnancy were included as controls. Infertile subjects were administered with M. pruriens seed powder (5 g day(-1)) orally. For carrying out morphological and biochemical analysis, semen samples were collected twice, first before starting treatment and second after 3 months of treatment. The results demonstrated decreased sperm count and motility in subjects who were under psychological stress. Moreover, serum cortisol and seminal plasma lipid peroxide levels were also found elevated along with decreased seminal plasma glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid contents and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity. Treatment with M. pruriens significantly ameliorated psychological stress and seminal plasma lipid peroxide levels along with improved sperm count and motility. Treatment also restored the levels of SOD, catalase, GSH and ascorbic acid in seminal plasma of infertile men. On the basis of results of the present study, it may be concluded that M. pruriens not only reactivates the anti-oxidant defense system of infertile men but it also helps in the management of stress and improves semen quality.