Effect of video-based interventions on emergence delirium in pediatric patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Emergence delirium is frequently observed in pediatric patients. With advancements in video-based interventions, such as cartoons, video games, and virtual reality, these modalities may contribute to a reduced incidence of emergency delirium among children. However, robust evidence supporting their efficacy remains necessary. METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic search across multiple databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library, to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing video-based interventions with control treatments in pediatric emergence delirium. Data were aggregated and analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 to evaluate the effectiveness of video-based interventions. RESULTS: The analysis included eight randomized controlled trials comprising 872 children. The intervention group showed a trend toward lower Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scores (p = 0.10) and fewer emergence delirium events (p = 0.52). Seven studies demonstrated that video-based interventions significantly reduced preoperative anxiety, as indicated by decreased scores on the modified Yale Pre-operative Anxiety Scale (p < 0.00001). Anesthesia duration did not significantly differ between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.16). Notably, subgroup analyses revealed a significant reduction in Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scores among children under seven years of age (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Video-based interventions were linked to lower Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scores and a decreased incidence of emergence delirium events. However, these results did not reach statistical significance across the broader sample. Notably, in children under seven, these interventions significantly reduced the scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment Program for People With Schizophrenia After the First Episode of Psychosis: Protocol for an Open-Label Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a disorder associated with neurocognitive deficits that adversely affect daily functioning and impose an economic burden. Cognitive rehabilitation interventions, particularly during the early phases of illness, have been shown to improve cognition, functionality, and quality of life. The Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment (FIE) program, based on the Mediated Learning Experience and the Structural Cognitive Modifiability theory, has been applied in various disorders, but its applicability in schizophrenia has not yet been clarified. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effects of the FIE program on the functionality of patients with first-episode schizophrenia. METHODS: In total, 17 patients will be recruited for an open-label intervention consisting of twice-weekly sessions for 10 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be changes in the Goal Achievement Scale score. Maze task performance from the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) battery will serve as a secondary outcome measure. At the same time, changes in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores and other MATRICS domains will be analyzed as exploratory outcomes. Assessments will be administered before and after the intervention, with a follow-up period of 6 months. RESULTS: This trial was preregistered in The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-4gzhy4s). By February 2024, 11 participants were enrolled in the training. Recruitment is expected to be completed by May 2024. Data analysis will be conducted between May and September 2024. The results are expected to be published in January 2025. CONCLUSIONS: This study may establish a protocol for the FIE program that uses mediation techniques for individuals in the early stages of schizophrenia. The results will add to the knowledge about strategies to promote cognitive skills and functional impairment in daily life. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/57031.

Impact of dengue fever on depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Physical symptoms of dengue have been documented extensively, but knowledge gaps on dengue-associated mental health hazards remain. We investigated the frequency of psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) and neurocognitive performance during the first year after a dengue episode. METHODS: Using DASS-21 scores at 3, 6, and 12 months, we assessed depression, anxiety, and stress in anti-dengue IgM-positive adults and matched controls during the 2021 dengue season in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. Patients with DASS-21 scores ≤ 4 were considered normal; those with scores of 5-7, 8-10, and ≥ 11 indicated mild, moderate, and severe depression, respectively; cutoff scores for anxiety and stress were ≥ 5 and ≥ 9, respectively. We also assessed 'delayed matching to sample' (DMS) and 'spatial working memory' (SWM) using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. RESULTS: We enrolled 102 cases and 78 controls. At 3 months, 90 cases and 70 controls were available for follow-up, among these 40/90 (44.4%) cases and 12/70 (17.1%) controls had DASS-21 scores ≥ 5 (RR 2.7, 95% CI [1.5-4.7]). Dengue remained a predictor for depression after adjusting for age, sex, and COVID-19 status. We observed no difference in anxiety between the groups, but stress scores increased at month 3 (RR 1.87, 95% CI [1.01-3.4]). DASS-21 scores normalized during follow-up. DMS and SWM did not differ between groups at 3 and 6 months. At month 12, cases had lower SWM than controls did (p value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Care providers should be aware of dengue-associated mood disorders and facilitate timely referral to mental health services. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to validate our observations regarding the impact of dengue on mental health and neurocognitive status in affected patients.

The Role of Functional Deficits, Depression, and Cognitive Symptoms in the Perceived Loneliness of Older Adults in Mexico City.

The world is aging and experiencing loneliness. Functional impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in older people (OP) with mild neurocognitive disorder (MNCD) predicts loneliness. After the pandemic, there was an increase in perceived loneliness. We explored the association between loneliness, depression, deficits in IADL, and cognitive symptoms among OP. From February to December 2023, using a cross-sectional design, we interviewed probable cases with mild cognitive impairment and caregivers in two public facilities. We administered the UCLA Loneliness Scale v3, Lawton IADL Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Yesavage's Geriatric Depression Scale. Samples were matched: 85 per group, 82.4% were women, married (52.95%), and mean age of 69.17 (±6.93) years. In our study, 30% displayed moderate to high levels of perceived loneliness. Multivariate analysis showed loneliness was associated with depression, low levels of IADL, and older age, but not with cognitive symptoms, which explained 22% of the total variance (F 165) = 16.99, (p < 0.001). Targeting symptoms and behaviors that could be modified (i.e., depression and functionality) can improve feelings of perceived loneliness and have an impact on morbidity and mortality with which it is associated.

Cognitive performance and brain volume among survivors of pediatric hematological malignancies: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction may be one of the hazardous late effects among survivors of pediatric hematological malignancies. Our study aimed to explore cognitive performance and assess the global and regional brain volume changes in survivors of hematological malignancies. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 68 survivors of hematological malignancies, with a median follow-up period of 2 years (ranging from 1 to 6.2 years). Stanford-Binet Test was used for cognitive assessment. A quantitative volumetric assessment of the brain was done using the NeuroQuant Brain Magnetic Resonance. Age and sex-matched 68 children were selected as a comparison group. RESULTS: Cancer survivors showed significantly lower levels of IQ and their subtests than the control group. Global brain atrophy was observed in the majority of the survivors. Many risk factors significantly affected different IQ subtests, such as radiotherapy (RTH), high cumulative doses of methotrexate (MTX), and prednisone. At the same time, low white matter volume (WMV) was observed with higher cumulative doses of MTX and anthracyclines. CONCLUSIONS: Hematological malignancies have a negative impact on cognition. Neurocognitive impairment and related brain changes were evident in those who received RTH, HDMTX, or high cumulative doses of steroids.

Using a nonparametric item response theory model to identify patterns of cognitive decline: The Mokken scale analysis.

Cognitive decline, particularly in dementia, presents complex challenges in early detection and diagnosis. While Item Response Theory (IRT) has been instrumental in identifying patterns of cognitive impairment through psychometric tests, its parametric models often require large sample sizes and strict assumptions. This creates a need for more adaptable, less demanding analytical methods. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Mokken scale analysis (MSA), a nonparametric IRT model, in identifying hierarchical patterns of cognitive impairment from psychometric tests. Using data from 1164 adults over 60 years old, we applied MSA to the orientation subscale of ACE-III. Our analysis involved calculating scalability, monotone homogeneity, invariant item ordering (IIO) and response functions. The MSA effectively retrieved the hierarchical order of cognitive impairment patterns. Most items showed strong scalability and consistent patterns of cognitive performance. However, challenges with IIO were observed, particularly with items having adjacent difficulty parameters. The findings highlight MSA's potential as a practical alternative to parametric IRT models in cognitive impairment research. Its ability to provide valuable insights into patterns of cognitive deterioration, coupled with less stringent requirements, makes it a useful tool for clinicians and researchers.

Neurocognition and brain functional connectivity in a non-clinical population-based sample with psychotic experiences.

We characterized the neurocognitive profile of communed-based individuals and unaffected siblings of patients with psychosis from Brazil reporting psychotic experiences (PEs). We also analyzed associations between PEs and the intra and inter-functional connectivity (FC) in the Default Mode Network (DMN), the Fronto-Parietal Network (FPN) and the Salience Network (SN) measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging. The combined sample of communed-based individuals and unaffected siblings of patients with psychosis comprised 417 (neurocognition) and 85 (FC) volunteers who were divided as having low (<75th percentile) and high (≥75th percentile) PEs (positive, negative, and depressive dimensions) assessed by the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences. The neurocognitive profile and the estimated current brief intellectual quotient (IQ) were assessed using the digit symbol (processing speed), arithmetic (working memory), block design (visual learning) and information (verbal learning) subtests of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-third edition. Logistic regression models were performed for neurocognitive analysis. For neuroimaging, we used the CONN toolbox to assess FC between the specified regions, and ROI-to-ROI analysis. In the combined sample, high PEs (all dimensions) were related to lower processing speed performance. High negative PEs were related to poor visual learning performance and lower IQ, while high depressive PEs were associated with poor working memory performance. Those with high negative PEs presented FPN hypoconnectivity between the right and left lateral prefrontal cortex. There were no associations between PEs and the DMN and SN FC. Brazilian individuals with high PEs showed neurocognitive impairments like those living in wealthier countries. Hypoconnectivity in the FPN in a community sample with high PEs is coherent with the hypothesis of functional dysconnectivity in schizophrenia.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a screening tool for cognitive impairment in early stages of psychosis.

Background: Cognitive alterations have been reported in early stages of psychosis including people with First Episode Psychosis (FEP), Clinical High-Risk Mental State (CHR), and Psychotic-Like Experience (PLE). This study aimed to compare the cognitive function in early stages of psychosis using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a low-cost and brief assessment tool of cognitive functions. Methods: A total of 154 individuals, including 35 with FEP, 38 CHR, 44 PLE, and 37 healthy controls (HC), were evaluated with the MoCA in Santiago, Chile. We calculated the mean total score of the MoCA and the standard deviation of the mean. Groups were assessed for a trend to lower scores in a pre-determined sequence (HC > PLE > CHR > FEP) using the Jonckheere-Terpstra test (TJT). Results: The mean total MoCA scores were 24.8 ± 3.3 in FEP, 26.4 ± 2.4 in CHR, 26.4 ± 2.3 in PLE, and 27.2 ± 1.8 in HC. The analyses revealed a significant trend (p < 0.05) toward lower MoCA individual domain scores and MoCA total scores in the following order: HC > PLE > CHR > FEP. The mean total scores of all groups were above the cut-off for cognitive impairment (22 points). Conclusions: The MoCA describes lower scores in cognition across early stages of psychosis and may be a useful low-cost assessment instrument in early intervention centers of poorly resourced settings.

Electrophysiological alterations during action semantic processing in Parkinson's disease.

Assessments of action semantics consistently reveal markers of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, neurophysiological signatures of the domain remain under-examined in this population, especially under conditions that allow patients to process stimuli without stringent time constraints. Here we assessed event-related potentials and time-frequency modulations in healthy individuals (HPs) and PD patients during a delayed-response semantic judgment task involving related and unrelated action-picture pairs. Both groups had shorter response times for related than for unrelated trials, but they exhibited discrepant electrophysiological patterns. HPs presented significantly greater N400 amplitudes as well as theta enhancement and mu desynchronization for unrelated relative to related trials. Conversely, N400 and theta modulations were abolished in the patients, who further exhibited a contralateralized cluster in the mu range. None of these patterns were associated with the participants' cognitive status. Our results suggest that PD involves multidimensional neurophysiological disruptions during action-concept processing, even under task conditions that elicit canonical behavioral effects. New constraints thus emerge for translational neurocognitive models of the disease.

Contingent Negative Variation in the Evaluation of Neurocognitive Disorders Due to Possible Alzheimer's Disease.

The usefulness of Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) potential as a biomarker of neurocognitive disorders due to possible Alzheimer's disease, is based on its possible physiological correlates. However, its application in the diagnostic evaluation of these disorders is still incipient. The aim of this study is to characterize the patterns of cognitive processing of information in the domain of nonspecific global attention, by recording potential CNV in a group of patients with neurocognitive disorders due to possible Alzheimer's disease. An experimental study of cases and controls was carried out. The sample included 39 patients classified according to DSM-5 with a neurocognitive disorder subtype possibly due Alzheimer's disease, and a Control Group of 53 subjects with normal cognitive functions. CNV potential was registered using standard protocol. The analysis of variance obtained significant differences in mean values and confidence intervals of total CNV amplitude between the three study groups. The late CNV segment amplitudes makes it possible to discriminate between the level of mild and major dysfunction in the group of patients. The CNV total amplitudes of potential allows for effective discrimination between normal cognitive functioning and neurocognitive disorders due to possible Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Positive Aspects of Caregiving Scale for caregivers of people living with dementia in Brazilian context: a methodological study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) scale is used to assess psychosocial benefits provided to caregivers by the task of caring. The PAC scale consists of nine items, assessed using a five-point Likert scale, with higher values indicating greater positive perceptions and gains from the caregiving experience. OBJECTIVE: To translate and culturally adapt the PAC scale for informal Brazilian caregivers of people with dementia. DESIGN AND SETTING: A methodological study was conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos. METHODS: The following stages were carried out: Translation; Synthesis of the translations; Back-translation; Evaluation by an experts' committee; and Pre-test. RESULTS: Two independent professionals translated the PAC scale. The consensus version was obtained by merging both translations, which were back-translated into English by a third translator. The expert committee comprised three specialists in the area and project researchers. All scale items presented a Content Validity Index of 1 (CVI = 1.0), and thus remained in the pre-final version of the instrument. The instrument was pre-tested with seven caregivers of people with dementia, the majority of whom were women (57.1%), with a degree of kinship corresponding to sons/daughters (57.1%) and an average age of 55.2 (± 4.1) years. The caregivers considered it clear and understandable and made no suggestions for changes. CONCLUSION: The PAC scale was translated and culturally adapted for use by informal caregivers of people with dementia in Brazil. However, a psychometric analysis of the instrument is necessary to provide normative data for this population group.

Urea como opción terapéutica en síndrome de antidiuresis inadecuada

El síndrome de antiduresis inadecuada (SADI) se produce por una alteración en el eje hipotálamo-neurohipófisis, por una falla en la respuesta regulatoria osmótica o por factores no osmóticos, con complicaciones en relación directa al grado de hiponatremia e impacto en la calidad de vida y mortalidad del paciente. El tratamiento consiste en la normalización de la natremia, y la búsqueda de la etiología. Presentamos el caso de un paciente adulto con el diagnóstico de SADI idiopático y trastorno neurocognitivo asociado, con respuesta favorable al tratamiento con urea.

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuresis (SIAD), is produced by an alteration in the hypothalamus-neurohypophysis axis due to a failure in the osmotic regulatory response or non-osmotic factors, with complications directly related to the degree of hyponatremia and impact on quality of life and patient mortality. Management consists of normalization of natremia, and the search for the underlying etiology. We present the case of an adult patient diagnosed with idiopathic SIAD and associated neurocognitive disorder, with a favorable response to treatment with urea.

La niebla mental, una manifestación neurocognitiva del síndrome post-COVID-19 / Brain fog, a neurocognitive manifestation of the post-COVID-19 syndrome

Introducción: La COVID-19, infección causada por el SARS-CoV-2, ocasiona daños a diferentes órganos y sistemas, como el sistema nervioso central. Entre las alteraciones neurológicas se describe la niebla mental como manifestación neurocognitiva frecuente en el síndrome post-COVID-19, con un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Se revisaron 104 artículos publicados desde junio 2020 a octubre del 2022, en las bases de datos Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs y Cumed. Objetivo: Actualizar conocimientos sobre las manifestaciones neurocognitivas de niebla mental en el síndrome post-COVID-19. Desarrollo: Se describen alteraciones neurocognitivas de niebla mental, trastornos de atención, concentración y memoria, asociados a otros síntomas neurológicos, como cefalea, insomnio, anosmia, ageusia, ansiedad, depresión, y otros síntomas persistentes, que caracterizan al síndrome post-COVID-19. Se hace referencia a elementos de la etiopatogenia, resaltando la respuesta inmune sistémica exagerada, generada por la liberación de citoquinas, aspectos a tener presentes para la conducta diagnóstica y terapéutica de los pacientes post-COVID-19. Conclusiones: Los síntomas neurocognitivos de niebla mental, constituyen las alteraciones neurológicas frecuentes del síndrome post-COVID-19, son variados, con combinación de diferentes síntomas en cada enfermo, más frecuentes en mujeres y en pacientes que presentaron enfermedad grave(AU)

Introduction: COVID-19, infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, causes damage to different organs and systems, such as the central nervous system. Among the neurological alterations, brain fog is described as a frequent neurocognitive manifestation in post-COVID-19 syndrome, with a negative impact on patients' quality of life; 104 articles published were reviewed from June 2020 to October 2022, in Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs and Cumed databases. Objective: To update knowledge on the neurocognitive manifestations of brain fog in post-COVID-19 syndrome. Development: Neurocognitive alterations of mental fog, attention, concentration and memory disorders, associated with other neurological symptoms, such as headache, insomnia, anosmia, ageusia, anxiety, depression, and other persistent symptoms, which characterize post-COVID-19 syndrome, are described. Reference is made to elements of the etiopathogenesis, highlighting the exaggerated systemic immune response, generated by the release of cytokines, aspects to keep in mind for the diagnostic and therapeutic conduct of post-COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: The neurocognitive symptoms of brain fog are frequent neurological alterations of post-COVID-19 syndrome, they are varied, with a combination of different symptoms in each patient, more frequent in women and in patients who presented severe disease(AU)

Epidemiology of neurocognitive disorders in adults from urban-marginalized areas: a door-to-door population-based study in Puente Piedra, Lima, Peru.

Background: In Latin America (LA), the prevalence of dementia is expected to triple to 150 million people by 2050. The 2020 Lancet Commission report identified several modifiable dementia risk factors, yet few social and environmental factors, most relevant to vulnerable regions of LA, were highlighted in this report. We sought to assess the epidemiology of neurocognitive disorders (NCD) in Puente Piedra, one of the most socially and economically vulnerable districts of Lima, the capital of Peru. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional door-to-door observational study that used two-stage household sampling. One young adult (30-59 years) and one older adult (>60 years) per household were enrolled. We collected demographic, clinical, and neurocognitive data. Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (young adults) and the RUDAS-PE (older adults) were used, classifying participants as cognitively normal, possible mild NCD, or possible major NCD. Results: We enrolled 247 participants (median age 46 years; 67% female). One-fourth had not completed secondary school and more than 50% completed only secondary school. Most participants were housewives (46%) and 21% did not have health insurance. The overall prevalence of possible NCD was 30% (25.6 and 41.8% among younger adults and older adults, respectively). Among younger adults, those ages 55-59 years more frequently had NCD (70%) compared to younger age ranges. Among older adults, only 3 subjects (4.5%) had major NCD. Conclusion: We found a high frequency of possible NCDs in a socially and economically vulnerable community in Lima, Peru, with younger adults showing levels of NCD higher than expected. Our findings support the need for health systems to incorporate cognitive screenings programs for NCD in younger ages. Future research on NCD would include younger populations, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Case report: Successful autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with GAD antibody-spectrum disorder with rapidly progressive dementia.

The prevalence of neurological syndromes associated with antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase is increasing. While cognitive impairment is a common feature of this condition, it seldom emerges as the primary symptom. In this study, we discuss a case of refractory dementia associated with the glutamic acid decarboxylase spectrum disorder. Interestingly, this case showed a favorable outcome following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We also provide an in-depth review of the current literature on the use of this therapeutic approach for the treatment of this disease.

Cognitive profile of patients with and without speech impairment in Parkinson's disease.

Cognitive functions have been the subject of studies evaluating the pathophysiological mechanism of speech control. Objective: To compare the groups of patients with and without speech disorders with cognitive assessment, demographic, and clinical data (disease duration, functionality, and motor symptoms). Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Patients were evaluated using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III and neuropsychological tests. The following speech subsystems were analyzed: articulation, phonation, resonance, and prosody, through auditory-perceptual evaluation (based on the Protocol for the Evaluation of Acquired Speech Disorders in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease - PADAF Protocol tests), observing aspects of speech programming and execution. The patients were distributed into three subgroups (normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia). After speech evaluation, they were divided into two subgroups (with and without speech disorders). Results: A total of 150 patients participated in this study, 104 men and 46 women, 63.58 (8.81) years of age, 11.03 (4.00) years of schooling, 6.61 (4.69) years of disease progression, and with the highest proportion of individuals in stage I-II of the Hoehn & Yarh (H&Y) scale (86, or 57.33%). Statistically significant differences were observed between subgroups with and without speech alteration. Worse performance was verified in the Trail Making Test (TMT) TMT-Δ and a tendency of difference in the TMT-B of the subgroup with speech disorders, in addition to worse severity of motor symptoms (H&Y) and cognitive complaints. Conclusion: Individuals with speech disorders brought more frequent cognitive complaints and impairment below expected in tests assessing executive functions. Future studies, with stratification by type of speech disorder, are necessary to contribute to and validate these results.

As funções cognitivas têm sido alvo de estudos que avaliam o mecanismo patofisiológico do controle da fala. Objetivo: Comparar subgrupos de pacientes com e sem alterações de fala quanto à avaliação cognitiva, dados demográficos e clínicos (tempo de evolução da doença, funcionalidade e gravidade dos sintomas motores). Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, de corte transversal. Os pacientes foram avaliados pelo Exame Cognitivo de Addenbrooke III e testes neuropsicológicos. Foram analisados os seguintes subsistemas da fala: articulação, fonação, ressonância e prosódia, por meio de avaliação perceptivo-auditiva (baseada em testes do Protocolo de Avaliação dos Distúrbios Adquiridos de Fala em Indivíduos com Doença de Parkinson ­ PADAF), sendo observados aspectos da programação e execução da fala. Os pacientes foram distribuídos em três subgrupos (cognição normal, comprometimento cognitivo leve e demência). Após a avaliação da fala, foram divididos em dois subgrupos (com desordens da fala e sem desordens da fala). Resultados: Participaram deste estudo 150 pacientes, 104 homens e 46 mulheres, com 63,58 (8,81) anos de idade, 11,03 (4,00) anos de escolaridade e 6,61 (4,69) anos de evolução da doença, e maior proporção de indivíduos no estágio I­II da Escala de Hoehn & Yarh ­ H&Y (86, ou 57,33%). Foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os subgrupos com e sem alteração da fala. Houve pior desempenho no Trail Making Test (TMT) TMT-Δ e tendência de diferença no TMT-B no subgrupo com desordens da fala, além de pior gravidade dos sintomas motores (H&Y) e queixa cognitiva. Conclusão: Os indivíduos com desordens da fala trouxeram queixas cognitivas com maior frequência e prejuízo abaixo do esperado nos testes que avaliam as funções executivas. Estudos futuros, com estratificação por tipo de distúrbio da fala, são necessários para a contribuição e validação destes resultados.

[Quality of life in institutionalized older adults with moderate to severe major neurocognitive disorder: Effect of Doll therapy]. / Calidad de vida en adultos mayores con trastorno neurocognitivo mayor moderado a grave institucionalizados: efecto de la Doll Therapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Major neurocognitive disorder is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment, a decrease in the person's ability to perform activities of daily living and the appearance of psychological and behavioral symptoms that lead to a deterioration in the quality of life and progression towards institutionalization. The most common management of major neurocognitive disorder is pharmacological therapy that mitigates or slow progressive deterioration and symptom control. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of a nursing intervention based on Doll therapy, compared to conventional care on the quality of life of older adults with moderate to severe major neurocognitive disorder institutionalized in nursing homes in the city of Medellín, Colombia. METHODS: Pilot experimental study with two groups and pretest post-test measurement. The sample consisted of 26 institutionalized elderly adults with advanced-stage major neurocognitive disorder, randomly assigned to each group. The experimental group received Doll therapy, based nursing therapy, while the comparison group continued to receive conventional therapy according to the institution's protocol. The QUALID instrument was used, which was evaluated by professionals external to the care centers. RESULTS: The comparison of the groups, before and after the intervention, indicates that the experimental group showed a positive effect on quality of life, supported by the statistical significance of the data, with a moderate effect. CONCLUSIONS: The Doll therapy as a non-pharmacological therapy has a positive effect on the quality of life of patients with moderate to severe major neurocognitive disorder, which constitutes a contribution to strengthen the knowledge associated with the effects or this intervention.

Afasia primaria progresiva variante no fluente/agramática / Non-fluent/agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia

Introducción: Entre las enfermedades neurodegenerativas se encuentra un grupo de patologías que se caracterizan por un compromiso prominente del lenguaje, denominadas usualmente afasias primarias progresivas, las cuales se subdividen en 3 tipos: variante logopénica, variante semántica y variante no fluente o agramática. Presentación del caso: Paciente con cuadro clínico que inicia a los 65 años, con disminución en la interacción social. Un par de meses después, la esposa nota que el lenguaje del paciente se torna poco fluido, habla con palabras o frases cortas, no logra decir oraciones completas, además de presentar cambios en la entonación de las palabras y alteraciones del lenguaje escrito. El paciente manifiesta que su principal limitación en el momento es el no poder expresar lo que quiere decir, y por este motivo consulta. Discusión: En el caso de este paciente, se describe inicialmente un cambio en su personalidad que no compromete su funcionalidad, sin embargo, al poco tiempo se presenta compromiso del lenguaje como síntoma prominente y que genera mayor compromiso en su calidad de vida, con pruebas neuropsicológicas y hallazgos de neuroimagen que apoyan el diagnóstico de afasia primaria progresiva (APP) variante no fluente o agramatical, con síntomas comportamentales y motores asociados. Conclusión: Las APP son un grupo de trastornos neurocognitivos cuya característica primordial es el compromiso en el lenguaje, cada variante de APP tiene unas características clínicas y criterios diagnósticos específicos que se deben conocer para lograr sospechar el diagnóstico y hacer un abordaje apropiado en el paciente.

Introduction: In the group of neurodegenerative diseases, there is a group of pathologies that are characterized by a prominent compromise of language, normally called primary progressive aphasias, these are subdivided into 3 types: logopenic variant, semantic variant and non-fluent or agrammatic variant. Case presentation: Patient with a clinical picture that begins at age 65, with decreased social interaction, a couple of months later his wife notices that his language becomes not fluent, speaks in short words or phrases, cannot say complete sentences, in addition to changes in the intonation of words and alterations in written language, the patient states that his main limitation at the moment is not being able to express what he wants to say and for this reason they consult. Discussion: In the case of this patient, a change in his personality is initially described that does not compromise his functionality, however soon after a language involvement is presented as the main symptom and the one that generates a compromise in his quality of life, with neuropsychological tests and findings on neuroimaging that supports the diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) non-fluent or agrammatical variant, with associated behavioral and motor symptoms. Conclusion: APPs are a group of neurocognitive disorders whose primary characteristic is language impairment. Each APP variant has specific clinical characteristics and diagnostic criteria that must be known in order to suspect the diagnosis and make an appropriate approach to the patient.

TANK-Binding Kinase 1 Mutation as a Rare Cause of Frontotemporal Dementia in a Mexican Patient: The First Case Report in a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Mexico.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by changes in behavior, personality, and language resulting from degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes. A wide spectrum of clinical syndromes and an overlap with different motor disorders make this entity challenging for clinicians, both in achieving a correct diagnosis and providing proper treatment. Despite the majority of cases being sporadic, FTD has a hereditary component, and more than 10 disease-causing genes have been identified. We present the case of a Mexican patient with a positive family history of neurocognitive disorders who developed early-onset behavioral symptoms, cognitive alterations, and motor disturbances. After a comprehensive study and multiple assessments by various medical services, a molecular diagnosis was achieved by documenting a loss-of-function mutation in the TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) gene, an extremely rare cause of FTD. Genetic diagnosis is crucial in these situations, as this mutation has been associated with rapid disease progression and the potential development of motor syndromes during its course. Our case underscores the challenges involved in reaching an accurate diagnosis, highlighting the importance of molecular testing. A thorough family history, past medical records, and a detailed description of symptom onset and progression are imperative, as they can significantly influence both treatment approaches and prognosis. Diagnostic errors, combined with their subsequent inappropriate treatment, can further deteriorate patients' quality of life.