Sex differences on anxiety and depression in older adults and their relationship with cognitive impairment / Diferencias por sexo en ansiedad y depresión en personas adultas mayores y su relación con el deterioro cognitivo

Introduction Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) in elderly adults could express cognitive decline in the future. A consensus has been reached about how these SMC relate to mood variables, but further research is required to determine which socio-demographic, cognitive, functional and occupational factors will act as predictors in elderly adults. Objetivo To analyze, through a descriptive observational study, the relationship between anxiety/depression and sex, age and occupation, with cognitive/functional performance in 367 older adults with SMC, but without objective cognitive impairment in a primary healthcare center. Methods The cognitive variables were measured by applying the Spanish version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MEC-35) and Set-test for verbal fluency. To measure functional level, the Barthel index and Lawton and Brody scales were employed. Physical occupational status and mental occupational status were measured based on three levels, low, medium and high, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association. Results Low educational and occupational physical and mental levels were related to anxiety and depression. In addition, differences by sex were found on anxiety and depression related to different factors. In men, anxiety was related to higher cognitive level, and in women to higher functional performance in IADLs. On the contrary, depression in men was related to lower cognitive level and higher performance in ADLs. Conclusions It is important to maintain a sex-gender perspective on the study of anxiety and depression in elderly, taking into account social roles and the traints of the work environment, in order to avoid cognitive and functional impairment (AU)

Introducción Las quejas subjetivas de memoria (SMC) en adultos mayores podrían expresar un daño cognitivo en el futuro. Existe consenso sobre la relación de estas SMC con variables del estado de ánimo pero se necesita más investigación para determinar qué factores sociodemográficos, cognitivos, funcionales y ocupacionales serían los predictores en los adultos mayores. Objetivo Analizar la relación entre ansiedad y depresión con el sexo, edad y ocupación, así como con el desempeño cognitivo y funcional en 367 adultos mayores con SMC en un centro de atención primaria. Métodos Las variables cognitivas se midieron mediante la version Española del Mini-Mental State Examination (MEC-35) y Set-Test para la fluidez verbal. Para medir el nivel funcional se utilizaron el índice de Barthel y la escala de Lawton y Brody. El estado ocupacional físico y mental fueron medidos en base a tres niveles (bajo, medio y alto) según la American Occupational Therapy Association. Resultados Los niveles educativos y ocupacionales físicos y mentales bajos se relacionaron con ansiedad y depresión. Además, se encuentran diferencias por sexo en los factores relacionados con la ansiedad y depresión. En los hombres, la ansiedad se relacionó con un mayor nivel cognitivo y en las mujeres con mayor desempeño funcional en las actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria (AIVD). Por el contrario, la depresión en los hombres se relacionó con menor nivel cognitivo y un mayor desempeño en las actividades básicas de la vida diaria (ABVD). Conclusiones Es importante mantener la perspectiva sexo-género en el análisis de la ansiedad y depresión en personas mayores, teniendo presentes los roles sociales y características del entorno laboral, para evitar el deterioro cognitivo y funcional (AU)

Sex differences on anxiety and depression in older adults and their relationship with cognitive impairment.

INTRODUCTION: Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) in elderly adults could express cognitive decline in the future. A consensus has been reached about how these SMC relate to mood variables, but further research is required to determine which socio-demographic, cognitive, functional and occupational factors will act as predictors in elderly adults. OBJETIVE: To analyze, through a descriptive observational study, the relationship between anxiety/depression and sex, age and occupation, with cognitive/functional performance in 367 older adults with SMC, but without objective cognitive impairment in a primary healthcare center. METHODS: The cognitive variables were measured by applying the Spanish version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MEC-35) and Set-test for verbal fluency. To measure functional level, the Barthel index and Lawton and Brody scales were employed. Physical occupational status and mental occupational status were measured based on three levels, low, medium and high, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association. RESULTS: Low educational and occupational physical and mental levels were related to anxiety and depression. In addition, differences by sex were found on anxiety and depression related to different factors. In men, anxiety was related to higher cognitive level, and in women to higher functional performance in IADLs. On the contrary, depression in men was related to lower cognitive level and higher performance in ADLs. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to maintain a sex-gender perspective on the study of anxiety and depression in elderly, taking into account social roles and the traints of the work environment, in order to avoid cognitive and functional impairment.

Cambios en el control postural y la marcha en pacientes con ictus en fase subaguda tras recibir rehabilitación interdisciplinar y factores relacionados: estudio retrospectivo / Postural control and gait changes in subacute stroke patients after receiving interdisciplinary rehabilitation and related factors: a retrospective study

Introducción: La rehabilitación precoz tras el ictus resulta fundamental para optimizar la recuperación, pero sus efectos y los factores pronósticos están aún en discusión. Objetivo: Evaluar los cambios en el control postural y la marcha en los pacientes con ictus que reciben rehabilitación interdisciplinar en fase subaguda y valorar los posibles factores relacionados. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo que analizó datos sociodemográficos y clínicos, incluyendo el control postural y la capacidad de marcha, mediante las escalas Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC) y de Tinetti, tanto en el inicio como a los dos meses de rehabilitación. Resultados: Se recogieron datos de 63 pacientes con ictus en fase subaguda. La rehabilitación interdisciplinar tuvo un impacto clínico moderado (p < 0,01; d > 0,5) y relevante sobre el control postural y la marcha. Los factores asociados moderadamente (p < 0,05; d > 0,5) a una mayor evolución en el control postural evaluado con la TIS y la PASS fueron la rehabilitación ambulatoria, la ausencia de medicación psicótropa y la ausencia de dislipidemia. La TIS en el inicio se asoció significativamente (p < 0,05) con los valores de todas las escalas tras dos meses de rehabilitación, excepto con la PASS movilidad. Conclusiones: La rehabilitación interdisciplinar favorece cambios moderados y clínicamente relevantes en la recuperación del control postural y la marcha de pacientes con ictus subagudo tras dos meses de tratamiento. La rehabilitación ambulatoria y la ausencia de dislipidemia y de medicación psicótropa se asocian con la evolución, pero son necesarios más estudios para confirmar su influencia en muestras mayores.(AU)

Introduction: Although early post-stroke rehabilitation is essential to optimize recovery, its effects and prognostic factors are yet under discussion. Objective: To assess postural control and gait changes in post-stroke patients who underwent interdisciplinary rehabilitation in subacute phase and evaluate potential associated factors. Patients and methods: An observational retrospective study that analyzed sociodemographic and clinical data, including Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), Functional Ambulatory Categories (FAC) and Tinetti scale, at admission and two months after rehabilitation. Results: Data were collected from 63 patients with stroke in subacute phase. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation had a moderate and relevant clinical impact (p < 0,01; d > 0,5) in postural control and gait. Ambulatory rehabilitation, psychotropic medication absence and dislipemia absence were moderate associated factors (p < 0,05; d > 0,5) with a greater evolution in postural control measured with TIS and PASS. TIS at admission showed significant association with all scales’ results at two months after rehabilitation, except with PASS changing posture subscale. Conclusions: Interdisciplinary rehabilitation promotes moderate and clinically relevant changes in postural control and gait recovery in subacute stroke patients, after two-month rehabilitation period. Ambulatory rehabilitation, dyslipidemia absence and psychotropic medication absence were associated with patients’ evolution, but further research is required to confirm their actual influence in larger samples.(AU)

Análisis del efecto de un programa de estimulación cognitiva en adultosmayores con cognición normal: ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Analysis of the effect of cognitive stimulation program in older adults with normal cognition: randomized clinical trial

Fundamento:Los programas de estimulación cognitiva en adultos mayores persiguen mejorías cognitivas y emocionales. Existen escasos programas adaptados por niveles cognitivos y ocupacionales en mayores sin deterioro cognitivo. El objetivo fue analizar la efectividad de una intervención de estimulación cognitiva adaptada a dos niveles cognitivos en adultos mayores sobre la cognición y el estado de ánimo.Material y métodos:Ensayo clínico aleatorizado (CONSORT) en un centro de salud, que incluyó 201 participantes ≥ 65 años (101 intervención y 100 control) evaluados tras la intervención, a los seis meses y al año. Los instrumentos de evaluación fueron el mini-examen cognoscitivo (MEC), la escala de ansiedad abreviada de Goldberg y la escala de depresión geriátrica de Yesavage (GDS-15). La intervención se efectuó mediante un programa de estimulación cognitiva de dos niveles cognitivos según MEC (nivel alto: 32-35; nivel bajo: 28-31) con diez sesiones de 45 minutos. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante t-Student.Resultados:La diferencia de las medias de puntuación MEC entre los grupos control e intervención fue estadísticamente significativa en las tres valoraciones; estas diferencias se observaron independientemente del sexo, edad, nivel cognitivo, y estado de ánimo. Al año se incrementó 1,48 puntos la puntuación MEC en el grupo de nivel alto y 2,03 en el de nivel bajo. Las puntuaciones MEC no variaron según ansiedad y depresión en ninguna de las valoraciones.Conclusiones:El programa de estimulación cognitiva, adaptado por niveles cognitivos, muestra beneficios cognitivos en personas mayores sin deterioro cognitivo que viven en la comunidad, independientemente del sexo, edad y nivel educativo.(AU)

Background: Cognitive stimulation programs in older adults seek cognitive and emotional improvements.The literature makes no reference to programs adapted according to cognitive and occupational levels in older adults with no cognitive impairment. The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of level-adapted cognitive stimulation intervention in older adults in terms of cognition and mood. Methods: Randomized clinical trial (CONSORT) at a health center, which included 201 participants ≥65 years (101 intervention and 100 control) evaluated immediately after the intervention, then at six months and finally at one year. The assessment instruments were the cognitive mini-exam (CME), the abbreviated Goldberg anxiety scale and the Yesavage geriatric depression scale (GDS-15). The intervention was carried out through a cognitive stimulation program with two cognitive levels according to CME (high: 32-35; low: 28-31) with ten sessions of 45 minutes. Statistical analysis was performed by Student’s t-test. Results: The difference observed in the averages between control and intervention groups was statistically significant in the three assessments; these differences were observed regardless of gender, age, cognitive level, and mood. One year after the intervention, CME score reached an increase of 1.48 points in the in the high level group and 2.03 points in the low level. However, no significant differences in CME score were observed in any of the assessments for anxiety or depression. Conclusion: A cognitive stimulation program, cognitive level-adapted, has shown cognitive benefits in older adults without cognitive impairment living in the community, regardless of sex, age and educational level.(AU)

[Postural control and gait changes in subacute stroke patients after receiving interdisciplinary rehabilitation and related factors: a retrospective study]. / Cambios en el control postural y la marcha en pacientes con ictus en fase subaguda tras recibir rehabilitación interdisciplinar y factores relacionados: estudio retrospectivo.

INTRODUCTION: Although early post-stroke rehabilitation is essential to optimize recovery, its effects and prognostic factors are yet under discussion. OBJECTIVE: To assess postural control and gait changes in post-stroke patients who underwent interdisciplinary rehabilitation in subacute phase and evaluate potential associated factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational retrospective study that analyzed sociodemographic and clinical data, including Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), Functional Ambulatory Categories (FAC) and Tinetti scale, at admission and two months after rehabilitation. RESULTS: Data were collected from 63 patients with stroke in subacute phase. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation had a moderate and relevant clinical impact (p < 0,01; d mayor de 0,5) in postural control and gait. Ambulatory rehabilitation, psychotropic medication absence and dislipemia absence were moderate associated factors (p < 0,05; d mayor de 0,5) with a greater evolution in postural control measured with TIS and PASS. TIS at admission showed significant association with all scales' results at two months after rehabilitation, except with PASS changing posture subscale. CONCLUSIONS: Interdisciplinary rehabilitation promotes moderate and clinically relevant changes in postural control and gait recovery in subacute stroke patients, after two-month rehabilitation period. Ambulatory rehabilitation, dyslipidemia absence and psychotropic medication absence were associated with patients' evolution, but further research is required to confirm their actual influence in larger samples.

TITLE: Cambios en el control postural y la marcha en pacientes con ictus en fase subaguda tras recibir rehabilitación interdisciplinar y factores relacionados: estudio retrospectivo.Introducción. La rehabilitación precoz tras el ictus resulta fundamental para optimizar la recuperación, pero sus efectos y los factores pronósticos están aún en discusión. Objetivo. Evaluar los cambios en el control postural y la marcha en los pacientes con ictus que reciben rehabilitación interdisciplinar en fase subaguda y valorar los posibles factores relacionados. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo que analizó datos sociodemográficos y clínicos, incluyendo el control postural y la capacidad de marcha, mediante las escalas Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC) y de Tinetti, tanto en el inicio como a los dos meses de rehabilitación. Resultados. Se recogieron datos de 63 pacientes con ictus en fase subaguda. La rehabilitación interdisciplinar tuvo un impacto clínico moderado (p menor de 0,01; d mayor de 0,5) y relevante sobre el control postural y la marcha. Los factores asociados moderadamente (p menor de 0,05; d > 0,5) a una mayor evolución en el control postural evaluado con la TIS y la PASS fueron la rehabilitación ambulatoria, la ausencia de medicación psicótropa y la ausencia de dislipidemia. La TIS en el inicio se asoció significativamente (p menor de 0,05) con los valores de todas las escalas tras dos meses de rehabilitación, excepto con la PASS movilidad. Conclusiones. La rehabilitación interdisciplinar favorece cambios moderados y clínicamente relevantes en la recuperación del control postural y la marcha de pacientes con ictus subagudo tras dos meses de tratamiento. La rehabilitación ambulatoria y la ausencia de dislipidemia y de medicación psicótropa se asocian con la evolución, pero son necesarios más estudios para confirmar su influencia en muestras mayores.

[Analysis of the effect of cognitive stimulation program in older adults with normal cognition: randomized clinical trial].

BACKGROUND: Cognitive stimulation programs in older adults seek cognitive and emotional improvements. The literature makes no reference to programs adapted according to cognitive and occupational levels in older adults with no cognitive impairment. The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of level-adapted cognitive stimulation intervention in older adults in terms of cognition and mood. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial (CONSORT) at a health center, which included 201 participants =?65 years (101 intervention and 100 control) evaluated immediately after the intervention, then at six months and finally at one year. The assessment instruments were the cognitive mini-exam (CME), the abbreviated Goldberg anxiety scale and the Yesavage geriatric depression scale (GDS-15). The intervention was carried out through a cognitive stimulation program with two cognitive levels according to CME (high: 32-35; low: 28-31) with ten sessions of 45 minutes. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t-test. RESULTS: The difference observed in the averages between control and intervention groups was statistically significant in the three assessments; these differences were observed regardless of gender, age, cognitive level, and mood. One year after the intervention, CME score reached an increase of 1.48 points in the in the high level group and 2.03 points in the low level. However, no significant differences in CME score were observed in any of the assessments for anxiety or depression. CONCLUSION: A cognitive stimulation program, cognitive level-adapted, has shown cognitive benefits in older adults without cognitive impairment living in the community, regardless of sex, age and educational level.

IMRT: preliminary results in a series of advanced head-and-neck cancer patients

PURPOSE: To determine retrospectively 2-3 year local and regional control (LRC), free-of-disease survival (FDS) and overall survival (OS), as well as summarized toxicities in a group of 31 advanced head-and-neck cancer patients, treated at our institution between 2004 and 2011 with definitive IMRT low-dose concomitant boost, the majority of them with concurrent chemotherapy based on cisplatin. The results are also shown in the sub-group of nasopharyngeal cancer patients (NPC: 15 cases). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Radiological basal and contrasted CT series, MR-CT or PET/CT fused images in the setup position with immobilization mask were registered in simulation therapy patients. Planed doses were: 70 Gy in primary tumor and positive nodes >1 cm; 63 Gy in high-risk areas of microscopic diseases +10 mm safety margin; and 56 Gy in low risk of diseases regional lymph nodes. Treatment was delivered using a Varian 2100 Clinac with sliding windows IMRT. Spinal cord doses were limited to a strict maximum of 45 Gy, and optimization aimed for mean doses in parotid glands below 26 Gy, especially in the contralateral parotid gland. Online DRR-portal X-ray comparison images were taken every day with a deviation module tolerance ≤3 mm. RESULTS: The mean follow-up since IMRT was 34 months (interval: 8-89; median 31 months). Median follow-up in living patients was 22 months. The 2-year rate for global LRC was 64 %, for FDS 61 % and OS 77 %. For the NPC group after 2 years, LRC was 73 %, FDS 73 % and OS 93 %. The 3-year rates were similar. Seven patients died as a consequence of local and/or regional progression (mean time 10 months). Relapses were observed in eight patients (26 %), but only seven could be confirmed by biopsy (22.6 %; mean time to relapse: 8.6 months). Global acute mucositis was 61 % and chronic mucositis was shown in six cases which developed xerostomia (19 %) in the first control after IMRT, but 1 year later it was reduced to only four patients, two Grade 2 and two Grade 1. CONCLUSIONS: No excessive, unwarranted toxicities were observed using concomitant low doses boost in IMRT. High rates of compliance to concurrent chemotherapy were achieved. Late xerostomia associated with this regime decreased 1 year after conclusion of treatment. The implementation of IMRT requires advances in imaging for better tumor delineation; otherwise the physician loses the advantage of dose modulation or faces a risk of geographical miss (AU)

Carcinoma de endometrio: revisión retrospectiva de los resultados obtenidos en una serie de 369 pacientes tratadas con cirugia y radioterapia postoperatoria / Endometrical carcinoma: retrospective study of 369 patients treated by surgery and postoperative radiotherapy

Propósito: El cáncer de endometrio es la neoplasia más frecuente del aparato genital femenino, diagnosticándose la mayoría en estadios iniciales. Aunque el tratamiento de elección es la cirugía, se plantea controversia en cuanto a las indicaciones de la terapia complementaria con radioterapia. Queremos, aquí, aportar nuestra experiencia. Material y métodos: Se ha llevado a cabo una revisión retrospectiva de 369 pacientes, diagnosticadas de carcinoma de endometrio y sometidas a cirugía y radioterapia postoperatoria, en estadios I, II y III, en un período de tiempo comprendido entre marzo 1984 y enero 1998. Se ha valorado las supervivencias global, específica, libre de enfermedad y control local y a distancia a los 5 años, estudiándose también estos parámetros en función de los estadios, tipos anatomopatológicos y grado de diferenciación tumoral e invasión miometrial, así como la afectación ganglionar. Resultados: Se ha obtenido a los 5 años una supervivencia global del 96 por ciento, específica 97 por ciento, libre de enfermedad 90 por ciento, control local 97 por ciento y control a distancia 94 por ciento, y han demostrado tener una implicación pronóstico el estadio, sobre las supervivencias global, específica y libre de enfermedad, la anatomía patológica (adenocarcinoma versus restantes tipos de carcinoma) sobre las supervivencias global y libre de enfermedad, y la invasión miometrial para la supervivencia libre de enfermedad. Asimismo, se analiza la tasa de complicaciones agudas y crónicas atribuibles a la radioterapia y se ha hecho una revisión de la Bibliografía publicada sobre el tema. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados se muestran acordes con los publicados en la literatura tanto en cifras de supervivencia y control local como en los factores identificados con influencia pronóstico (AU)

Multiple sclerosis in Spain: an epidemiological study of the Alcoy health region, Valencia.

Alcoy is a defined health region in eastern Spain, at 3 degrees E-38 degrees N, with a single neurology department and includes 33 towns with a total population of 133,915 inhabitants. We have evaluated the prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) by analysing this region. Six new cases have been detected (2.24/100,000/year) and the prevalence rate was 17.17/100,000, the highest in Spain at the moment. However, we found an irregular distribution in the different towns in so far that 15 of our 23 patients lived in a particular subregion, which means a prevalence of 44.59/100,000. Our study shows that the area of Alcoy is a medium MS risk region according to the thesis of Kurzke, although high MS areas may be found, thus confirming that MS distribution in southern Europe is not uniform.