Effects of the Acute and Chronic Administration of Cannabidiol on Cognition in Humans and Animals: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: The effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on cognition has been investigated in recent years to determine the therapeutic potential of this cannabinoid for a broad gamut of medical conditions, including neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of studies that analyzed the effects of the acute and chronic administration of CBD on cognition in humans and animals both to assess the cognitive safety of CBD and to determine a beneficial potential of CBD on cognition. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases were searched in December of 2022 for relevant articles using the following combinations of keywords: ("cannabidiol" OR "CBD") AND ("cognition" OR "processing cognitive" OR "memory" OR "language" OR "attention" OR "executive function" OR "social cognition" OR "perceptual motor ability" OR "processing speed"). Results: Fifty-nine articles were included in the present review (36 preclinical and 23 clinical trials). CBD seems not to have any negative effect on cognitive processing in rats. The clinical trials confirmed these findings in humans. One study found that repeated dosing with CBD may improve cognitive in people who use cannabis heavily but not individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders. Considering the context of neuropsychiatric disorders in animal models, CBD seems to reverse the harm caused by the experimental paradigms, such that the performance of these animals becomes similar to that of control animals. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the chronic and acute administration of CBD seems not to impair cognition in humans without neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, preclinical studies report promising results regarding the effects of CBD on the cognitive processing of animals. Future double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials with larger, less selective samples, with standardized tests, and using different doses of CBD in outpatients are of particular interest to elucidate the cognitive effects of CBD.

Construction of face databases for tasks to recognize facial expressions of basic emotions: a systematic review.

Recognizing the other's emotions is an important skill for the social context that can be modulated by variables such as gender, age, and race. A number of studies seek to elaborate specific face databases to assess the recognition of basic emotions in different contexts. Objectives: This systematic review sought to gather these studies, describing and comparing the methodologies used in their elaboration. Methods: The databases used to select the articles were the following: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Scopus. The following word crossing was used: "Facial expression database OR Stimulus set AND development OR Validation." Results: A total of 36 articles showed that most of the studies used actors to express the emotions that were elicited from specific situations to generate the most spontaneous emotion possible. The databases were mainly composed of colorful and static stimuli. In addition, most of the studies sought to establish and describe patterns to record the stimuli, such as color of the garments used and background. The psychometric properties of the databases are also described. Conclusions: The data presented in this review point to the methodological heterogeneity among the studies. Nevertheless, we describe their patterns, contributing to the planning of new research studies that seek to create databases for new contexts.

Reconhecer as emoções do outro é uma habilidade importante para o contexto social, que pode ser modulada por variáveis como sexo, idade e raça. Vários estudos buscam elaborar bancos de faces específicos para avaliar o reconhecimento de emoções básicas em diferentes contextos. Objetivos: Esta revisão sistemática buscou reunir esses estudos, descrevendo e comparando as metodologias utilizadas em sua elaboração. Métodos: As bases de dados utilizadas para a seleção dos artigos foram: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo e Scopus. Foi utilizado o seguinte cruzamento de palavras: "facial expression database OR stimulus set AND development OR validation". Resultados: O total de 36 artigos mostrou que a maioria dos estudos utilizou atores para expressar as emoções, que foram suscitadas de situações específicas para serem o mais espontâneas possível. Os bancos de faces foram compostos principalmente de estímulos coloridos e estáticos. Além disso, a maioria dos estudos buscou estabelecer e descrever padrões para registrar os estímulos, como a cor das roupas utilizadas e o fundo. As propriedades psicométricas dos bancos de faces também são descritas. Conclusões: Os dados apresentados nesta revisão apontam para a heterogeneidade metodológica entre os estudos. Apesar disso, descrevemos seus padrões, contribuindo para o planejamento de novas pesquisas que buscam criar bancos de faces específicos para novos contextos.

Prevalence of frailty syndrome in Brazil: a systematic review / Prevalência da síndrome da fragilidade no Brasil: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Background The population is aging rapidly, which leads to an increased prevalence of frailty syndrome. A large number of investigations on the subject have been conducted in Brazil, but no systematic review of prevalence studies involving the Brazilian population has been carried out considering the characteristics of the sample and the evaluation methods used. Objective To develop a systematic review of studies that assess the prevalence of frailty syndrome in Brazil, analyzing the clinical and demographic characteristics of the samples and the methods used for the diagnosis of the syndrome. Method The searches were carried out in the PubMed, SciELO and Web of Science databases using the following keywords: (prevalence or epidemiology) and frailty and Brazil. Results Forty-seven articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The prevalence of frailty ranged from 3.85% to 74.1%, depending on the assessment instrument used, context, region and population studied. Conclusion The prevalence data are discrepant, and the standardization of screening methods for the frailty syndrome could facilitate the comparison between studies, in order to maximize and create intervention strategies, especially in a country with cultural diversity and regional disparities, such as Brazil

Resumo Introdução A população está envelhecendo rapidamente, o que leva a um aumento da prevalência da síndrome da fragilidade. Um grande número de investigações sobre o tema tem sido conduzido no Brasil, mas nenhuma revisão sistemática de estudos de prevalência envolvendo a população brasileira foi realizada, considerando as características da amostra e os métodos de avaliação utilizados. Objetivo Desenvolver uma revisão sistemática de estudos que avaliam a prevalência da síndrome da fragilidade no Brasil, analisando as características clínicas e demográficas das amostras e os métodos utilizados para o diagnóstico da síndrome. Método As pesquisas foram realizadas nas bases de dados do PubMed, SciELO e Web of Science usando as seguintes palavras-chave: (prevalence or epidemiology) and frailty and Brazil. Resultados Quarenta e sete artigos preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade e foram incluídos na revisão. A prevalência de fragilidade variou de 3,85% a 74,1%, dependendo do instrumento de avaliação utilizado, contexto, região e população estudada. Conclusão Os dados de prevalência são discrepantes, sendo que a padronização dos métodos de triagem para a síndrome da fragilidade poderia facilitar a comparação entre os estudos, a fim de maximizar e criar estratégias de intervenção, especialmente em um país com diversidade cultural e disparidades regionais, como o Brasil.

Construction of face databases for tasks to recognize facial expressions of basic emotions: a systematic review / Construção de bancos de faces para tarefas de reconhecimento de expressões faciais de emoções básicas: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT. Recognizing the other's emotions is an important skill for the social context that can be modulated by variables such as gender, age, and race. A number of studies seek to elaborate specific face databases to assess the recognition of basic emotions in different contexts. Objectives: This systematic review sought to gather these studies, describing and comparing the methodologies used in their elaboration. Methods: The databases used to select the articles were the following: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Scopus. The following word crossing was used: "Facial expression database OR Stimulus set AND development OR Validation." Results: A total of 36 articles showed that most of the studies used actors to express the emotions that were elicited from specific situations to generate the most spontaneous emotion possible. The databases were mainly composed of colorful and static stimuli. In addition, most of the studies sought to establish and describe patterns to record the stimuli, such as color of the garments used and background. The psychometric properties of the databases are also described. Conclusions: The data presented in this review point to the methodological heterogeneity among the studies. Nevertheless, we describe their patterns, contributing to the planning of new research studies that seek to create databases for new contexts.

RESUMO. Reconhecer as emoções do outro é uma habilidade importante para o contexto social, que pode ser modulada por variáveis como sexo, idade e raça. Vários estudos buscam elaborar bancos de faces específicos para avaliar o reconhecimento de emoções básicas em diferentes contextos. Objetivos: Esta revisão sistemática buscou reunir esses estudos, descrevendo e comparando as metodologias utilizadas em sua elaboração. Métodos: As bases de dados utilizadas para a seleção dos artigos foram: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo e Scopus. Foi utilizado o seguinte cruzamento de palavras: "facial expression database OR stimulus set AND development OR validation". Resultados: O total de 36 artigos mostrou que a maioria dos estudos utilizou atores para expressar as emoções, que foram suscitadas de situações específicas para serem o mais espontâneas possível. Os bancos de faces foram compostos principalmente de estímulos coloridos e estáticos. Além disso, a maioria dos estudos buscou estabelecer e descrever padrões para registrar os estímulos, como a cor das roupas utilizadas e o fundo. As propriedades psicométricas dos bancos de faces também são descritas. Conclusões: Os dados apresentados nesta revisão apontam para a heterogeneidade metodológica entre os estudos. Apesar disso, descrevemos seus padrões, contribuindo para o planejamento de novas pesquisas que buscam criar bancos de faces específicos para novos contextos.

Association between falls and cognitive performance among community-dwelling older people: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Falls among older people have a negative impact on health and therefore constitute a public health problem. Cognitive decline can also accompany the aging process, and both conditions lead to significant increases in morbidity and mortality in this population. Objective: To analyze the cognitive performance of older people, classified as non-fallers, sporadic fallers and recurrent fallers, and investigate the relationship between falls and cognition. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Evaluations on 230 older people were conducted. They were divided into three groups: non-fallers, sporadic fallers (one fall) and recurrent fallers (two or more falls). The Mini-Mental State Examination, Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD), Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of the Elderly (CAMDEX) similarities subtest and digit span test were applied. RESULTS: In multinomial logistic regression, being a recurrent faller was significantly associated with lower scores in the CERAD word list (odds ratio, OR = 0.92; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.86-0.98; P = 0.01), in CERAD constructive praxis (OR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.98; P = 0.02), in BCSB figure list memory (OR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.99; P = 0.02) and in verbal fluency (OR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.97; P = 0.01). Recurrent fallers also had lower scores in these same tests, compared with sporadic fallers. CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment, especially in the domains of memory and executive functioning, can influence occurrences of recurrent falls.

Association between falls and cognitive performance among community-dwelling older people: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Falls among older people have a negative impact on health and therefore constitute a public health problem. Cognitive decline can also accompany the aging process, and both conditions lead to significant increases in morbidity and mortality in this population. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the cognitive performance of older people, classified as non-fallers, sporadic fallers and recurrent fallers, and investigate the relationship between falls and cognition. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Evaluations on 230 older people were conducted. They were divided into three groups: non-fallers, sporadic fallers (one fall) and recurrent fallers (two or more falls). The Mini-Mental State Examination, Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD), Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of the Elderly (CAMDEX) similarities subtest and digit span test were applied. RESULTS: In multinomial logistic regression, being a recurrent faller was significantly associated with lower scores in the CERAD word list (odds ratio, OR = 0.92; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.86-0.98; P = 0.01), in CERAD constructive praxis (OR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.98; P = 0.02), in BCSB figure list memory (OR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-0.99; P = 0.02) and in verbal fluency (OR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.97; P = 0.01). Recurrent fallers also had lower scores in these same tests, compared with sporadic fallers. CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment, especially in the domains of memory and executive functioning, can influence occurrences of recurrent falls.

Relationship of burden with depressive symptoms, mental disorders and older adults' functional dependence: A study with paid and unpaid caregivers in Brazil.

The objective of this study was to identify the relationship of burden with depressive symptoms, mental disorders and older adults' functional dependence in paid and unpaid caregivers. This is a quantitative and cross-sectional study, carried out in the inland of the state of São Paulo with 111 caregivers, 60 of whom were unpaid and 51 were paid. The caregivers answered a questionnaire for the assessment of sociodemographic and care characteristics, the Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and the Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ). Unpaid caregivers were older, married, have been providing care for a longer period of time, and devoted more days and hours per week to care when compared to paid caregivers. Depressive symptoms and mental disorders (non-psychotic) are related to the levels of burden in both paid and unpaid caregivers (p < 0.001). The care process causes harm such as burden, depressive symptoms, and mental disorders in paid and unpaid caregivers. Thus, it is important to think about coping strategies to minimize the psychological consequences of the care process.

Are facial emotion recognition tasks adequate for assessing social cognition in older people? A review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Facial emotion recognition (FER) is a component of social cognition and important to interpersonal relations. Therefore, tasks have been developed to assess this skill in different population. Regarding older people, even healthy individuals have a poorer performance compared to rate of correct answers commonly used to assess such tasks. Perform a systematic review to analyze studies addressing the performance of healthy older adults on FER tasks compared to the 70% correct response rate commonly used for the creation of stimulus banks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Searches were conducted up to May 2019 in the Pubmed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using the keywords ("faces" OR "facial") AND ("recognition" OR "expression" OR "emotional") AND ("elderly" OR "older adults"). RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles were included in the present review. In 16 studies (59.2%), older people had correct response rates on FER lower than 70% on at least one of the emotions evaluated. Among the studies that evaluated each emotion specifically, 62.5% found correct response rates lower than 70% for the emotion fear, 50% for surprise, 50% for sadness, 37.5% for anger, 21.4% for disgust, and 5.9% for happiness. Moreover, the studies that evaluated the level of intensity of the emotions demonstrated a lower rate of correct responses when the intensity of the facial expression was low. CONCLUSION: That studies employ methods and facial stimuli that may not be adequate for measuring this skill in older people. Thus, it is important to create adequate tasks for assessing the skill in this population.

Frailty and cognitive decline.

Frailty and cognitive impairment are among the 2 most common geriatric syndromes. Their presence poses major risks to the elderly including greater disability, reduced quality of life, and higher morbi-mortality. Recent evidence suggest that frailty can be a risk factor for incident dementia. The opposite is also true since subjects with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia also present with more severe frailty measures. The mechanisms for the association between frailty and cognitive impairment is not clear, but possibly involves abnormalities in biological processes related to aging. Here, we will review the current evidence of the association between frailty and cognitive impairment. We will also review the possible biological mechanistic links between the 2 conditions. Finally, we will address potential therapeutic targets and interventions that can mitigate both conditions.

Frailty and cognitive performance in older adults living in the community: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment and frailty are important problems affecting the elderly population. Frail elderly present worse overall cognitive performance. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate general and domain-specific cognitive performance among non-frail, pre-frail, and frail elderly persons. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in which 267 elderly persons living in São Carlos, SP were divided into three groups according to the frailty criteria defined by Fried et al. Cognitive performance was evaluated with a battery of cognitive tests covering domains such as memory, attention, language, and executive functioning. A multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and education was performed to evaluate the association between performance in cognitive domains and levels of frailty. Results Frailty was significantly associated with lower scores on the global cognitive test (RRR = 0.86; IC 95% 0.78-0.96; p < 0.01), word list memory (RRR = 0.92; IC 95% 0.86-0.99; p = 0.02), and figure list recognition (RRR = 0.78; IC 95% 0.62-0.99; p = 0.04). Pre-frailty was associated with lower scores on the word list memory (RRR = 0.92; IC 95% 0.86-1.00; p = 0.04) and naming test (RRR = 0.82; IC 95% 0.69-0.99; p = 0.03). Discussion Frailty syndrome can influence general cognition and specific domains such as memory and language. Prospective studies will be fundamental to evaluate the causal relation between frailty and cognition.