Effects of neurofeedback on major depressive disorder: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background Major depressive disorder is a difficult-to-treat psychological disorder. Approximately 30% of patients with major depressive disorder do not respond to conventional therapies; thus, the efficacy of alternative therapies for treating major depressive disorder, such as neurofeedback, a non-invasive neuromodulation method used in the treatment of psychiatric diseases, must be investigated. Objective We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of neurofeedback in minimizing and treating major depressive disorder and its application as a substitute to or an adjuvant with conventional therapies. Methods We searched for experimental studies published between 1962-2021 in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases and identified 1,487 studies, among which 13 met the inclusion exclusion criteria. Results We noted that not all patients responded to neurofeedback. Based on depression scales, major depressive disorder significantly improved in response to neurofeedback only in a few individuals. Additionally, the number of training sessions did not influence the results. Conclusion Neurofeedback can reduce depression symptoms in patients; however, not all patients respond to the treatment. Therefore, further studies must be conducted to validate the effectiveness of neurofeedback in treating major depressive disorder.

Estadiamento demencial e a correlação com o desempenho funcional de idosos com doença de Alzheimer: um estudo transversal / Dementia staging and the correlation with the functional performance of the elderly with Alzheimer's disease: a cross-sectional study

Objetivo: Avaliar o estadiamento demencial e o desempenho físico-funcional, bem como suas possíveis correlações, de idosos diagnosticados com Doença de Alzheimer, atendidos por um centro de referência. Método: Estudo clínico transversal de abordagem quantitativa. Foram avaliados idosos de ambos os sexos com idade igual e/ou superior a 60 anos, que tivessem o diagnóstico médico comprovado para Doença de Alzheimer. Os idosos foram avaliados por meio do Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Teste de Sentar e Levantar de Rikli & Jones, Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg e por meio do Clinical Dementia Rating Score (CDR). A análise estatística e os gráficos foram realizados com o Software IBM Statistics SPSS 20. O nível significância foi 0,05. Resultados: Compuseram a amostra 46 indivíduos de ambos os sexos com idade média de 78,72±7,37 anos. Os indivíduos foram divididos em idosos frágeis e não frágeis. Os idosos também foram classificados em demência questionável a leve e demência moderada a grave e comparados. Ocorreu correlação significativa entre idade e TUG (r= 0,532; p= 0,041), entre idade e Berg (r= -0,343; p= 0,040), entre TUG e Berg (r= -0,562; p= 0,029), e entre o teste de sentar-levantar e Berg (r= 0,706; p= 0,003). Conclusão: Os idosos avaliados apresentaram desempenho inferior aos descritos na literatura para os instrumentos avaliativos propostos nessa pesquisa, o que indica que está diretamente relacionado ao seu desempenho em testes físico-funcionais.

Objective: To evaluate dementia staging, physical-functional performance, and their possible correlations of elderlies with Alzheimer's Disease, assisted by a referral center.Method: Quantitative cross-sectional study of elderlies of both sexes, aged 60 years or older, with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. The participants were evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Rikli & Jones Sit and stand Test, Berg Balance Scale, and the Clinical Dementia Rating Score (CDR). Statistical analysis classified and compared groups of frail and non-frailparticipants with unpaired tests. The significance level was 0.05.Results: 46 participants of both sexes with a mean age of 78.72±7.37 years. Subjects were divided into frail and non-frail elderly. Older people were classified into questionable to mild dementia and moderate to severe dementia and matched. There was a significant correlation between age and TUG (r=0.532; p=0.041), age and Berg (r=-0.343; p=0.040), TUG and Berg (r=-0.562; p=0.029), and sit-stand test and Berg (r=0.706; p=0.003).Conclusion:Lower performance compared to the specialized literature for the assessment instruments proposed in this research was found, indicating that AD progression was directly related to their performance in physical-functional tests.

Fatores socioeconômicos e risco cardiovascular associados ao declínio cognitivo em idosos com Alzheimer: estudo transversal / Socioeconomic factors and cardiovascular risk associated with cognitive decline in older adults with Alzheimer's disease: a cross-sectional study / Factores socioeconómicos y riesgo cardiovascular asociados al deterioro cognitivo en ancianos con enfermedad de Alzheimer: un estudio transversal

OBJETIVO: verificar associação do declínio cognitivo e dos fatores socioeconômicos com o risco cardiovascular em idosos com Alzheimer. MÉTODO: estudo transversal, em que se incluíram 75 idosos com Alzheimer. Verificaram-se pressão de pulso, risco cardiovascular, Miniexame do Estado Mental, Miniavaliação Nutricional e exames bioquímicos. RESULTADOS: 92% dos pacientes apresentaram declínio cognitivo, com média de três anos de escolaridade. Houve prevalência entre as mulheres (62,3%) e idosos com duas ou mais comorbidades (62,3%). Eram hipertensos (65,2%), estavam com a pressão de pulso elevada (85%), com sobrepeso (49%) e em risco nutricional (78%). Média diária de dois anti-hipertensivos, e a classe medicamentosa mais utilizada foi bloqueador do receptor da angiotensina. CONCLUSÃO: a população estudada apresentou risco cardiovascular aumentado. A consulta de enfermagem foi importante para o reconhecimento dos dados clínicos, como declínio cognitivo, risco cardiovascular, risco nutricional e análise bioquímica.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between cognitive decline, socioeconomic factors, and cardiovascular risk in older adults with Alzheimer's disease. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 75 older adults with Alzheimer's disease. Pulse pressure, cardiovascular risk, Mini-Mental State Examination, Mini-Nutritional Assessment, and biochemical tests were performed. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of patients had cognitive decline, with an average of three years of schooling. There was a predominance of women (62.3%) and older adults with two or more comorbidities (62.3%). Most participants had arterial hypertension (65.2%), had elevated pulse pressure during the examination (85%), were overweight (49%), and were at nutritional risk (78%). The daily average of antihypertensive drugs was 2, and angiotensin receptor blockers were the most used drugs. CONCLUSION: The population studied had an increased cardiovascular risk. The nursing consultation was important for recognizing clinical data, such as cognitive decline, cardiovascular risk, nutritional risk, and altered biochemical results.

OBJETIVO: Verificar la asociación entre deterioro cognitivo, factores socioeconómicos y riesgo cardiovascular en ancianos con enfermedad de Alzheimer. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio transversal con 75 ancianos con enfermedad de Alzheimer. Se realizaron pruebas de presión de pulso, riesgo cardiovascular, Mini-Examen del Estado Mental, Mini-Evaluación Nutricional y pruebas bioquímicas. RESULTADOS: El 92% de los pacientes presentó deterioro cognitivo, con un promedio de tres años de escolaridad. Hubo predominio de mujeres (62,3%) y ancianos con dos o más comorbilidades (62,3%). La mayoría de los participantes tenía hipertensión arterial (65,2%), presión de pulso elevada durante el examen (85%), sobrepeso (49%) y riesgo nutricional (78%). El promedio diario de fármacos antihipertensivos fue de 2, siendo los bloqueadores de los receptores de angiotensina los más utilizados. CONCLUSIÓN: La población estudiada presentaba riesgo cardiovascular aumentado. La consulta de enfermería fue importante para el reconocimiento de datos clínicos, como deterioro cognitivo, riesgo cardiovascular, riesgo nutricional y análisis bioquímico.

Hypothesis on ontogenesis and pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that causes changes in memory and cognition, in addition to behavioral disorders, and most commonly affects the elderly. Several studies in the literature have presented therapeutic measures in an attempt to interfere with the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease and to mitigate its clinical manifestations. Some factors, such as excitotoxicity, cholinergic dysfunctions, oxidative stress, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, changes in amyloid-beta peptide metabolism, herpes viruses, apolipoprotein E, glycogen synthase kinase 3, insulin resistance, and the endocannabinoid system seem to be related to pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Given this, a literature review was carried out to address the molecular mechanisms associated with the pathophysiological hypotheses previously mentioned, aiming to better understanding their underlying causes and contributing to possible pharmacological strategies about treatment of the disease.

Influence of Alzheimer's disease on the relationship between nutritional status and risk of fall

Although malnutrition and risk of falls in the elderly have increased in recent years, uncertainties exist as to whether these conditions are associated after controlling for sociodemographic variables, body composition, metabolic condition, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to analyze the association between nutritional status and risk of fall in the elderly population. Participants were matched by gender and age, after they had been grouped on the basis of diagnosis of AD. The risk of falls, nutritional status, and mental status were assessed using the Downton Fall Risk Score (FRS), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and Mini Mental State Evaluation (MMSE), respectively. Logistic regression modelsadjusted for the main confounders were used in the analyses. Among the 68 elderly individuals studied, participants who were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition were more likely to fall (odds ratio = 8.29; 95% confidence interval = 1.49-46.04) than those with normal nutritional status, regardless of gender, age, education, body composition, and metabolic condition. This association did not remain significant after adjustment for AD, a potential confounder in this association. Malnutrition or its risk was independently associated with high risk of fall; thus, malnutrition should be considered in the prevention of falls among the elderly population.

Nutritional profile and biochemical alterations in non-institutionalized senior citizens with Alzheimer disease: a case-control study / Perfil nutricional e alterações bioquímicas em idosos com doença de Alzheimer não institucionalizados: um estudo caso-controle

Assess the nutritional and biochemical state of patients with Alzheimer Disease (AD) compared to a control group. This is an observational, case-control and descriptive type study, based on the recruiting of 22 elderly individuals with a clinical diagnosis of AD considered as the case group, and 22 other elderly individuals considered as the control group. Evaluations were made using the results from the following scales Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), anthropometric measurements for obtaining the body mass index (BMI) and biochemical analyses. The analyses were performed on the program SPSS version 20.0, using absolute and relative measures, T test for independent samples for measurement comparisons and the Spearman correlation test. In the cognitive evaluation MMSE, those participants with AD present higher risk of cognitive decline (81.8%), greater risk of malnutrition according to MNA (45.5%) and altered levels of leptin (90.9%). Upon performing the comparison analysis between the group with AD and the control group, there existed noteworthy differences between the means for the variables MNA (4.40; BMI95% 2.75 ­ 6.06), MMSE (10.54; BMI95% 7.09 ­ 13.99) and doses of HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) (14.53; BMI95% 6.18 ­ 22.88). As well as differences in the p-value < 0.09 in the leptin doses (11.54; BMI95% (-24.98 ­ 1.89) and transferrin dose (-72.31; BMI95% -159.48 ­ 14.84). The Spearman correlation demonstrated that the cognitive decline in the group of senior citizens with AD was strongly associated with nutritional conditions MNA (R 0.484) and the leptin dose (R 0.590). Senior citizens with AD present worse nutritional conditions, cognitive decline and biochemical alterations when compared to senior citizens in the control group. As such, the study demonstrated the need for an integrated healthcare assistance concerning senior citizens with AD.

Avaliar o estado nutricional e bioquímico de pacientes com Doença de Alzheimer (DA) comparando com um grupo controle. Materiais e métodos: trata-se de um tipo observacional, caso-controle e descritivo a partir do recrutamento de 22 idosos diagnosticados clinicamente com DA considerados grupo caso e outros 22 idosos considerados controle, foi utilizado a escala Mini Avaliação nutricional (MNA), Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MMSE), medidas antropométricas para obtenção do índice de massa corporal (IMC) e análises bioquímicas. As análises foram realizadas no programa SPSS versão 20.0, utilizou-se de medidas absolutas e relativas, teste T para amostras independentes para comparação de médias e o teste de correlação de Spearman. Na avaliação cognitiva MMSE os participantes com DA apresentaram maior prevalência de declínio cognitivo (81,8%), maior prevalência de risco para desnutrição segundo MNA (45,5%) e níveis alterados de leptina (90,9%). Ao se realizar a análise de comparação o grupo com DA e o controle observou-se diferenças significativas entre as médias das variáveis MNA (4,40; IC95% 2,75 ­ 6,06), MMSE (10,54; IC95% 7,09 ­ 13,99) e dosagens de HDL (14,53; IC95% 6,18 ­ 22,88). E diferenças com o p-valor < 0,09 nas dosagens de leptina (11,54; IC95% (-24,98 ­ 1,89) e dosagem de transferrina (-72,31; IC95% -159,48 ­ 14,84). A correlação de Spearman demonstrou que o declínio cognitivo no grupo de idosos com DA, esteve associado significativamente às condições nutricionais MNA (R 0,484) e dosagem de leptina (R 0,590). Idosos com DA apresentaram piores condições nutricionais, declínio cognitivo e alterações bioquímicas, ao compara-los com idosos controles. Desta forma, o estudo demonstra a necessidade de uma assistência integral a esses idosos.

Nutritional and hematological factors associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease: a cohort study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We studied the users of the Specialized Drug Distribution Program of the public health network. METHODS: A prospective cohort examined the elderly at two intervals of three years and included 30 patients in phase I and 16 in phase II. The methodology was composed of home visits, anthropometric, nutritional and hematological evaluation. For the progression of AD, the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale was used. RESULTS: According to the CDR, the disease evolved, since in 2014 most of the patients were in CDR 3. In the analysis of the micronutrients, only the B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6) presented a significant reduction in 2014. The consumption of carbohydrates and lipids increased in the 2014 evaluation, and protein consumption decreased. As for the average weight of the elderly, there was an increase in 2014, 65.9 (± 15.6) Kg, with a BMI of 26.75 (± 4, 5), in 2011 the average weight was 62.44 kg (± 14, 36), BMI 24.64 (± 4.97). CONCLUSION: The hypothesis that patients are likely to be overweight or obese before the development of AD and that this may be associated with an increased risk of dementia is suggested.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Foram estudados os usuários do programa de distribuição de medicamentos especializados da rede pública de saúde de Guarapuava, Paraná, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Uma coorte prospectiva, em que os idosos foram examinados em dois momentos, com um intervalo de três anos, com 30 pacientes na fase I e 16 na fase II. A metodologia foi composta por visitas domiciliares, avaliação antropométrica; avaliação nutricional e hematológica. Para a progressão da DA, utilizou-se a escala Clinical Demential Rating (CDR). Os testes de Shapiro-Wilk, teste de Wilcoxon e correlações com associações (Δ%), p < 0,05 para as análises estatísticas. RESULTADOS: A progressão da doença, segundo o CDR, evoluiu, pois, em 2014, a maioria dos pacientes encontrava-se em CDR 3. Na análise dos micronutrientes, somente as vitaminas do complexo B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6) apresentaram redução significativa em 2014. O consumo de carboidratos e lipídeos aumentou na avaliação de 2014, e o consumo de proteínas diminuiu. Quanto ao peso médio dos idosos, houve um aumento em 2014, 65,9 (± 15,6) kg, com IMC 26,75 (± 4, 5); em 2011, o peso médio foi 62,44 kg (± 14,36), IMC 24,64 (± 4,97). CONCLUSÃO: Não foram encontrados pacientes anêmicos ou desnutridos na amostra. A hipótese de que os pacientes provavelmente já apresentavam sobrepeso ou obesidade antes do desenvolvimento da DA, e que isso pode estar associado com um aumento de risco de demência, pode ser sugerida.

Funcionalidade na doença de Alzheimer leve, moderada e grave: um estudo transversal / Functionality on mild, moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease: a cros-sectional study

Objetivo: Avaliar a funcionalidade de pacientes com Doença de Alzheimer (DA) residentes na comunidade, no município de Guarapuava ­ PR, região Sul do Brasil. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, com pacientes com DA residentes na comunidade, no município de Guarapuava ­ PR. Os participantes foram classificados de acordo com a Escala Clínica de Demência em CDR 1 (DA leve), CDR 2 (DA moderada) e CDR 3 (DA severa). O estado mental foi avaliado através do Mini Exame do Estado Mental; as atividades básicas de vida diária (ABVD) através do Índice de Barthel e as atividades instrumentais de vida diária (AIVD) através do Índice de Lowton e Brody. Resultados: Foram avaliados 58 idosos com diagnóstico de DA, dos quais 14 (24,1%) estavam em CDR 1, 21 (36,2%) em CDR 2 e 23 (39,7%) em CDR 3. Houve diferença significativa entre os níveis de dependência para a realização das ABVD e AIVD entre todas as fases da DA (p <0,001), sendo que a dependência foi maior nos participantes estadeados em CDR 2 e CDR 3. Conclusão: O nível de dependência para a realização das atividades básicas e instrumentais de vida diária é maior nas fases mais avançadas da DA e a dependência para a realização das AIVD está presente em todas as fases da doença, sendo maior do que a dependência para a realização das ABVD desde a fase inicial da DA, sugerindo uma perda progressiva da funcionalidade

Objective: To evaluate the functionality of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) living in a community, in the city of Guarapuava PR, South of Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with patients with AD living in the community. Participants were classified according to Clinical Dementia Rating as CDR 1 (mild AD), CDR 2 (moderate AD) and CDR 3 (severe AD). The mental state was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination; the basic activities of daily living (ADLs) was determined by the Barthel Index and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) via by Lowton and Brody Index. Results: 49 elderly patients with AD diagnosis were evaluated, 14 (24.1%) of which were classified as CDR 1, 21 (36.2%) as CDR 2, and 23 (39.7%) as CDR 3. There was a significant difference between the levels of dependence for the performance of the basic ADLs and IADLs among all phases of AD (p <0.001). The dependence was higher in both CDR 2 and CDR 3. Conclusion: Functional dependence for basic activities of daily living becomes more frequent in the most advanced stages of AD, whereas dependence for IADLs is onset since early stages of AD, even more noticeable than dependence for basic ADLs, what suggests a progressive loss of functionality

Evaluation of dysphagia risk, nutritional status and caloric intake in elderly patients with Alzheimer's / Avaliação do risco de disfagia, estado nutricional e ingestão calórica em idosos com Alzheimer / Evaluación de riesgos de la disfagia, el estado nutricional y la ingesta calórica en pacientes ancianos con Alzheimer

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the risk of dysphagia and its relationship with the stage of Alzheimer's Disease, as well as the relationship between the risk of dysphagia and nutritional status and caloric intake in elderly people with Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: the sample consisted of 30 subjects of both genders with probable Alzheimer's disease. The stage of the disease, nutritional status, energy intake, and risk of dysphagia were assessed. RESULTS: it was found that increased risk of dysphagia is associated with the advance in the stages of Alzheimer's disease and that even patients in the early stages of disease have a slight risk of developing dysphagia. No association was found between nutritional status and the risk of dysphagia. High levels of inadequate intake of micronutrients were also verified in the patients. CONCLUSION: an association between dysphagia and the development of Alzheimer's disease was found. The results indicate the need to monitor the presence of dysphagia and the micronutrient intake in patients with Alzheimer's disease. .

OBJETIVO: avaliar o risco de disfagia e sua relação com o estágio da doença de Alzheimer, bem como a relação entre o risco de disfagia, o estado nutricional e a ingestão calórica em idosos com doença de Alzheimer. MÉTODOS: a amostra foi constituída por 30 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, com diagnóstico provável de doença de Alzheimer. O estágio da doença, o estado nutricional, a ingestão energética e risco de disfagia foram avaliados. RESULTADOS: verificou- se que maior risco de disfagia está associado ao avanço das fases da doença de Alzheimer e mesmo os pacientes nos estágios iniciais da doença apresentam leve risco de desenvolvimento de disfagia. Não foi encontrada associação entre o estado nutricional e o risco de disfagia. Altos níveis de ingestão inadequada de micronutrientes em pacientes também foram observados. CONCLUSÃO: identificou-se associação entre disfagia e desenvolvimento da doença de Alzheimer. Os achados desta pesquisa apontam para a necessidade de monitorar a presença de disfagia e da ingestão de micronutrientes em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer. .

OBJETIVO: evaluar el riesgo de la disfagia y su relación con la etapa de la enfermedad de Alzheimer, así como la relación del riesgo de la disfagia y el estado nutricional y la ingesta calórica en los ancianos con enfermedad de Alzheimer. MÉTODOS: la muestra consistió en 30 sujetos de ambos sexos con probable enfermedad de Alzheimer. Se evaluó la etapa de la enfermedad, el estado nutricional, la ingesta de energía y el riesgo de disfagia. RESULTADOS: se encontró que un mayor riesgo de disfagia está asociado con el avance en las etapas de la enfermedad de Alzheimer e incluso los pacientes en las primeras etapas de la enfermedad tienen un ligero riesgo de desarrollar disfagia. No se encontró asociación entre el estado nutricional y el riesgo de disfagia. También verificamos los altos niveles de ingesta insuficiente de micronutrientes en los pacientes. CONCLUSIÓN: se encontró una asociación entre la disfagia y el desarrollo de la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Nuestros resultados apuntan a la necesidad de monitorear la presencia de disfagia y la ingesta de micronutrientes en pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer. .