Personality and Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether five major personality traits are related to the motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, a pre-dementia syndrome characterized by cognitive complaints and slow gait speed. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the National Health and Aging Trends Survey (NHATS). PARTICIPANTS: Dementia-free older adults aged 65 to 107 years (N > 8000). MEASUREMENTS: In both samples, participants provided data on personality, cognitive complaints, and measures of gait speed, as well as on demographic factors, physical activity, depressive symptoms, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Across the two samples and a meta-analysis, higher neuroticism was related to higher risk of MCR (combined odds ratio [OR] = 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21-1.45; P < .001), whereas higher extraversion (combined OR = .71; 95% CI = .65-.79; P < .001) and conscientiousness (combined OR = .70; 95% CI = .62-.78; P < .001) were associated with a lower likelihood of MCR. Higher openness was also related to a lower risk of MCR in the HRS and the meta-analysis (combined OR = .77; 95% CI = .70-.85; P < .001), whereas agreeableness was protective only in the HRS (OR = .83; 95% CI = .74-.92; P < .001). Additional analyses indicated that physical activity, depressive symptoms, and BMI partially accounted for these associations. CONCLUSION: This study adds to existing research on the factors related to the risk of MCR by showing an association with personality traits. Personality assessment may help to identify individuals who may be targeted by interventions focused on reducing the risk of MCR and ultimately of dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:803-808, 2020.

Development of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the "Grading scale for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus": cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity.

OBJECTIVE: The current study translated to Portuguese and validated the normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) scale originally developed in English as the Grading Scale for Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. METHODS: Following Guillemin's validation protocol, the last version of the Portuguese NPH scale was applied to 121 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (73 men and 48 women) from the Group of Cerebral Hydrodynamics from July 2010 to March 2012. RESULTS: The mean age was 71.09 years old, ranging from 35 to 92 years. The rate of agreement and reproducibility was high, as confirmed by Cohen's Kappa coefficient, with excellent intraobserver correlation for the NPH scale items individually evaluated: gait (0.80), dementia (0.90) and incontinence (0.87). CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of the Grading Scale for Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus was successfully translated and validated for use in Brazilian patients.

Development of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the "Grading scale for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus": cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity / Validação da escala de hidrocefalia de pressão normal idiopática para o português brasileiro: aplicação, confiabilidade e validade

ABSTRACT Objective: The current study translated to Portuguese and validated the normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) scale originally developed in English as the Grading Scale for Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Methods: Following Guillemin's validation protocol, the last version of the Portuguese NPH scale was applied to 121 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (73 men and 48 women) from the Group of Cerebral Hydrodynamics from July 2010 to March 2012. Results: The mean age was 71.09 years old, ranging from 35 to 92 years. The rate of agreement and reproducibility was high, as confirmed by Cohen's Kappa coefficient, with excellent intraobserver correlation for the NPH scale items individually evaluated: gait (0.80), dementia (0.90) and incontinence (0.87). Conclusions: The Portuguese version of the Grading Scale for Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus was successfully translated and validated for use in Brazilian patients.

RESUMO Objetivos: o presente estudo valida para a língua portuguesa a escala de hidrocefalia de pressão normal (HPN) desenvolvida em língua inglesa como "Escala de classificação para hidrocefalia de pressão normal idiopática". Métodos: Usando o método de Guillemin, uma versão traduzida da escala foi aplicada em 121 pacientes consecutivos com diagnóstico de hidrocefalia de pressão normal (73 homens e 48 mulheres) no Grupo de Hidrodinâmica Cerebral do Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP de julho de 2010 a março de 2012. Resultados: a média de idade foi de 71,09 anos, variando de 35 a 92 anos. A taxa de concordância e reprodutibilidade foi alta, conforme confirmado pelo coeficiente Kappa, com excelente correlação intraobservador para itens de escala HPN que avaliou a marcha (0,80), demência (0,90) e incontinência (0,87). Conclusões: a versão em português da escala de graduação para pacientes com HPN foi traduzida e validada com sucesso para uso em pacientes brasileiros de ambos os sexos.

Gait in normal pressure hydrocephalus: characteristics and effects of the CSF tap test.

INTRODUCTION: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), described by Hakim and Adams in 1965, is characterized by gait apraxia, urinary incontinence, and dementia. It is associated with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and ventricular dilation that cannot be attributed to cerebral atrophy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate gait characteristics in patients with idiopathic NPH and investigate the effect of the CSF tap test (CSF-TT) on gait. METHODS: Twenty-five patients diagnosed with probable idiopathic NPH were submitted to the CSF-TT. The procedure aimed to achieve changes in gait parameters. RESULTS: Fifteen gait parameters were assessed before and after the CSF-TT. Five showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05): walking speed (p < 0.001), cadence (p < 0.001), step length (p < 0.001), en bloc turning (p = 0.001), and step height (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that gait speed was the most responsive parameter to the CSF-TT, followed by cadence, step length, en bloc turning, and step height.

Gait in normal pressure hydrocephalus: characteristics and effects of the CSF tap test / Marcha na hidrocefalia de pressão normal: características e efeitos do tap-test

ABSTRACT Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), described by Hakim and Adams in 1965, is characterized by gait apraxia, urinary incontinence, and dementia. It is associated with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and ventricular dilation that cannot be attributed to cerebral atrophy. Objectives: To evaluate gait characteristics in patients with idiopathic NPH and investigate the effect of the CSF tap test (CSF-TT) on gait. Methods: Twenty-five patients diagnosed with probable idiopathic NPH were submitted to the CSF-TT. The procedure aimed to achieve changes in gait parameters. Results: Fifteen gait parameters were assessed before and after the CSF-TT. Five showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05): walking speed (p < 0.001), cadence (p < 0.001), step length (p < 0.001), en bloc turning (p = 0.001), and step height (p = 0.004). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that gait speed was the most responsive parameter to the CSF-TT, followed by cadence, step length, en bloc turning, and step height.

RESUMO A hidrocefalia de pressão normal (HPN), descrita por Hakim-Adams em 1965, caracteriza-se por apraxia de marcha, incontinência urinária e demência e está associada com pressão normal do líquido cefalorraquidiano e dilatação ventricular não atribuída a atrofia cerebral. Objetivos: Avaliar as características da marcha em pacientes com HPN idiopática e o efeito do "tap-test" (TT) na marcha. Métodos: Vinte e cinco pacientes com o diagnóstico HPN idiopática provável, foram avaliados com o TT. O procedimento tem como objetivo causar mudanças nas características da marcha. Resultados: Quinze parâmetros da marcha foram avaliados com o TT. Cinco mostraram melhora estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05): velocidade da marcha (p < 0,001), cadência (p < 0,001), comprimento do passo (p < 0,001), giro em "bloco" (p = 0,001) e altura do passo (p = 0,004). Conclusão: Este estudo demonstrou que a velocidade da marcha foi o parâmetro que mais respondeu ao efeito do TT, seguido da cadência, comprimento do passo, giro em "bloco" e altura do passo.

A rare case of Bruns syndrome with bilateral superior oblique palsy and dorsal midbrain syndrome.

We report a case of an 11-year-old boy referred for evaluation of esotropia associated with a 4-year history of intermittent headaches and vomiting triggered by sudden movements, such as sneezing and coughing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 3 years previously was reported to be normal. A thorough clinical examination revealed the clinical features of Dorsal midbrain syndrome with Bruns syndrome and bilateral superior oblique palsy. Advanced MRI sequences revealed a freely mobile intraventricular cysticercus causing obstructive panhydrocephalus.

Análisis cuantitativo de la marcha en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson avanzada / Quantitative gait analysis in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease

Objetivo. Describir las alteraciones de la marcha e inestabilidad postural en un grupo de pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) avanzada. Pacientes y métodos. Se analizó la marcha de pacientes con EP en estadio avanzado on medicación. Por medio de un sistema de análisis computarizado del movimiento, se estudiaron las variables cinemáticas: cadencia, número de ciclos con apoyo correcto (ciclos HFPS), número de ciclos totales, duración de las fases del ciclo, electromiografía, y goniometría de rodilla y tobillo. La valoración clínica del equilibrio y la inestabilidad postural se completó con los tests Tinetti y Timed Up & Go. Resultados. El análisis mostró alteraciones en los parámetros espaciotemporales con respecto a los rangos de normalidad: disminución de los ciclos HFPS, aumento del número total de ciclos y alteración de la cadencia en muchos pacientes, y conservación de la cadencia media dentro de los límites de la normalidad, aumento de la duración de la fase de apoyo, disminución del apoyo monopodal y alteración del rango articular de la rodilla y el tobillo. Asimismo, se observó una alteración en las puntuaciones obtenidas en las escalas clínicas, que mostraban un aumento del factor de riesgo de caídas y dependencia leve. Conclusión. La cuantificación mediante análisis objetivo de las variables cinéticas y cinemáticas en los pacientes con EP puede emplearse como herramienta para establecer la influencia de las distintas alternativas terapéuticas en el trastorno de la marcha (AU)

Aim. To describe the gait disorders and postural instability in a group of patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). Patients and Methods. Gait was analysed in patients in advanced stages of PD on medication. Using a computerised analysis system, we studied the kinematic variables: cadence, number of correct gait cycles (HFPS cycles), total number of cycles, duration of the phases of the cycle, electromyography and a goniometric study of the knee and the ankle. The clinical appraisal of balance and postural instability was completed with the Tinetti and Timed Up & Go tests. Results. The analysis showed alterations in the spatio-temporal parameters with respect to the ranges considered to be normal: reduction of the HFPS cycles, increase in the total number of cycles and alteration of the cadence in many patients. It also revealed that the mean cadence was kept within the limits of normal values, an increase in the duration of the contact phase, reduction of monopodal support and alteration of the joint range of motion of the knee and the ankle. Likewise, changes are also observed in the scores obtained on the clinical scales, which show an increase in the risk factor for falls and mild dependence. Conclusion. Quantification by objective analysis of the kinetic and kinematic variables in patients with PD can be used as a tool to establish the influence of the different therapeutic alternatives in gait disorders (AU)

[Electrolyte disturbances in geriatric patients with focus on hyponatremia]. / Elektrolytveränderungen im Alter mit Fokus auf Hyponatriämie.

Disturbances of water and electrolyte balance are commonly encountered in older patients due to a multitude of physiological changes and preexisting morbidities with hyponatremia being the most common disorder. Even mild chronic hyponatremia can lead to cognitive deficits and gait instability and is associated with an increased rate of falls and fractures. Additionally, experimental and epidemiological data suggest that hyponatremia promotes bone resorption and therefore increases the risk of osteoporosis. Furthermore, osteoporosis and sarcopenia can be stimulated by hypomagnesemia. Hypernatremia often only results in unspecific symptoms but the condition is associated with a clearly increased mortality. As electrolyte disturbances have a high prevalence in the geriatric population and can contribute to geriatric syndromes and frailty, relevant electrolyte alterations should be excluded in all geriatric patients, in particular after a change in medication schedules.

Balance impairment does not necessarily coexist with gait apraxia in mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVES: To assess correlations among gait apraxia, balance impairment and cognitive performance in mild (AD1, n = 30) and moderate (AD2, n = 30) AD. METHOD: The following evaluations were undertaken: gait apraxia (Assessment Walking Skills); balance performance (Berg Balance Scale); Clinical Dementia Rating and Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). RESULTS: While disregarding AD subgroups, Berg Balance Scale and the MMSE correlated significantly with Assessment Walking Skills and 23% of all subjects scored below its cut-off. After stratification, Berg Balance Scale correlated significantly with Assessment Walking Skills in both AD subgroups, and with the MMSE only in AD1. CONCLUSIONS: Balance impairment does not necessarily coexist with gait apraxia. Gait apraxia is more prevalent in moderate AD when compared with mild AD.

Balance impairment does not necessarily coexist with gait apraxia in mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease / Comprometimento do equilíbrio e apraxia da marcha não necessariamente coexistem na doença de Alzheimer leve e moderada

ABSTRACT Currently, there are no studies reporting how much balance impairment coexists with gait apraxia in mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objectives To assess correlations among gait apraxia, balance impairment and cognitive performance in mild (AD1, n = 30) and moderate (AD2, n = 30) AD. Method The following evaluations were undertaken: gait apraxia (Assessment Walking Skills); balance performance (Berg Balance Scale); Clinical Dementia Rating and Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). Results While disregarding AD subgroups, Berg Balance Scale and the MMSE correlated significantly with Assessment Walking Skills and 23% of all subjects scored below its cut-off. After stratification, Berg Balance Scale correlated significantly with Assessment Walking Skills in both AD subgroups, and with the MMSE only in AD1. Conclusions Balance impairment does not necessarily coexist with gait apraxia. Gait apraxia is more prevalent in moderate AD when compared with mild AD.

RESUMO Apraxia da marcha e desequilíbrio são condições subinvestigadas na doença de Alzheimer (DA) leve e moderada. Objetivo Verificar a correlação da apraxia da marcha com desequilíbrio e cognição em 30 idosos com DA leve (DA1) e 30 idosos com DA moderada (DA2). Método Foram feitas as seguintes avaliações: apraxia da marcha (Assessment Walking Skills); equilíbrio (Berg Balance Scale); Clinical Dementia Rating e Mini-exame do estado mental – MEEM. Resultados Desconsiderando-se os grupos, Berg Balance Scale e MEEM correlacionaram-se significativamente com a Assessment Walking Skills, enquanto 23% dos participantes pontuaram abaixo da note de corte da mesma. Considerando-se os grupos, Berg Balance Scale correlacionou-se significativamente com a Assessment Walking Skills em ambos os grupos, embora o MEEM o tenha feito apenas em DA1. Conclusões Desequilíbrio e apraxia da marcha não necessariamente coexistem com apraxia da marcha. Prevalência de apraxia da marcha foi maior na DA moderada do que na DA leve.

A practical method for the detection of freezing of gait in patients with Parkinson's disease.

PURPOSE: Freezing of gait (FOG), increasing the fall risk and limiting the quality of life, is common at the advanced stage of Parkinson's disease, typically in old ages. A simple and unobtrusive FOG detection system with a small calculation load would make a fast presentation of on-demand cueing possible. The purpose of this study was to find a practical FOG detection system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sole-mounted sensor system was developed for an unobtrusive measurement of acceleration during gait. Twenty patients with Parkinson's disease participated in this study. A simple and fast time-domain method for the FOG detection was suggested and compared with the conventional frequency-domain method. The parameters used in the FOG detection were optimized for each patient. RESULTS: The calculation load was 1,154 times less in the time-domain method than the conventional method, and the FOG detection performance was comparable between the two domains (P=0.79) and depended on the window length (P<0.01) and dimension of sensor information (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: A minimally constraining sole-mounted sensor system was developed, and the suggested time-domain method showed comparable FOG detection performance to that of the conventional frequency-domain method. Three-dimensional sensor information and 3-4-second window length were desirable. The suggested system is expected to have more practical clinical applications.

Non-invasive serial casting to treat idiopathic toe walking in an 18-month old child.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic toe walking is characterized by persistent toe walking in the absence of clinically diagnosed neuromuscular disease. Treatment options in children diagnosed with idiopathic toe walking include: observation, physical therapy, serial casting, or Achilles tendon (heel cord) lengthening surgery. OBJECTIVE: In this case report, we present a non-invasive serial casting protocol to treat severe and persistent toe walking in an 18-month old child, diagnosed as an idiopathic toe walker following neurological examination. METHODS: A series of below knee casts was used to provide a consistent stretch to the plantar flexor muscles. Upon removal of each set of casts, passive range of motion at the ankles was measured with a goniometer. RESULTS: Four sets of casts, each lasting approximately one week, increased passive ankle dorsiflexion to 10° of neutral and established a heel-toe walking gait. Improvements in ankle range of motion and gait were maintained upon repeated examinations at 3, 7, and 12 months post-casting. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that non-invasive procedures, such as serial casting, can be successful in very young children diagnosed as idiopathic toe walkers. Early identification and intervention for this diagnosis may eliminate the need for invasive surgeries and associated risks in this population.

Measurement of accelerometry-based gait parameters in people with and without dementia in the field: a technical feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Gait analyses are an important tool to diagnose diseases or to measure the rehabilitation process of patients. In this context, sensor-based systems, and especially accelerometers, gain in importance. They are able to improve objectiveness of gait analyses. In clinical settings, there is usually a supervisor who gives instructions to the patients, but this can have an influence on patients' gait. It is expected that this effect will be smaller in field studies. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to capture and evaluate gait parameters measured by a single waist-mounted accelerometer during everyday life of subjects. METHODS: Due to missing ground-truth in unsupervised conditions, another external criterion had to be chosen. Subjects of two different groups were considered: patients with dementia (DEM) and active older people (ACT). These groups were chosen, because of the expected difference in gait. The idea was to quantify the expected difference of accelerometric-based gait parameters. Gait parameters were e.g. velocity, step frequency, compensation movements, and variance of the accelerometric signal. RESULTS: Ten subjects were measured in each group. The number of walking episodes captured was 1,187 (DEM) vs. 1,809 (ACT). The compensation and variance parameters showed an AUC value (Area Under the Curve) between 0.88 and 0.92. In contrast, velocity and step frequency performed poorly (AUC values of 0.51 and 0.55). It was possible to classify both groups using these parameters with an accuracy of 89.2%. CONCLUSION: The results showed a much higher amount of walking episodes in field studies compared to supervised clinical trials. The classification showed a high accuracy in distinguishing between both groups.

Limb apraxia in multiple sclerosis: prevalence and impact on manual dexterity and activities of daily living.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and impact of limb apraxia on manual dexterity and activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients (N=76) with clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) or primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score from 0 to 6.5, and aged from 18 to 70 years were included. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Apraxia was assessed by the apraxia screen of TULIA (AST). The relationship of apraxia with ADLs and manual dexterity was evaluated using a dexterity questionnaire and the coin rotation task, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, limb apraxia was found in 26.3% of patients (mean AST score ± SD, 7.3±1.3; cutoff <9). Apraxia was significantly correlated with higher EDSS scores, longer disease duration, and higher age with the EDSS being predictive. Furthermore, patients with SPMS and PPMS were more apraxic than patients with RRMS. Finally, limb apraxia was significantly associated with impaired ADLs and manual dexterity. CONCLUSIONS: Limb apraxia is a frequent and clinically significant symptom contributing to disability in MS. It should therefore be evaluated and possibly treated, particularly in patients with MS reporting manual difficulties in everyday life.