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Objective:To observe any effect of combining music exercise with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the motor control, balance and cognition of persons with Parkinson′s disease (PD).Methods:A total of 120 PD patients were randomly divided into a control group, a music exercise group, a tDCS group and a combined group, each of 30. All received routine rehabilitation training, while the music exercise, tDCS and combined groups were additionally provided with music exercise therapy, tDCS treatment or both, respectively. Version three of the unified Parkinson′s disease scale (UPDRSIII), a 10m reentry movement test, the Berg balance scale (BBS), the Activity Balance Confidence scale (ABC) and Montreal cognitive assessments were applied before and after 4 weeks of the treatments.Results:After the treatment, the average UPDRSIII score and 10m reentry movement time of the music exercise group were significantly lower than in the control group, while the average BBS and ABC scores were significantly higher than the control group′s averages. The tDCS group′s average MoCA scores on all of the items and its total score were significantly higher than those of the music exercise and control groups. The average UPDRSIII score and 10m reentry movement time of the combined group were the lowest after the treatment, and that group′s average BBS, ABC, MoCA and total scores were the highest, significantly better than the other three groups.Conclusion:Combining music exercise training with tDCS can effectively improve the motor functioning, balance and cognition of persons with PD.
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Objective:To observe any effect of virtual reality (VR) training on the cognitive functioning and functional fitness of nursing home residents with subjective cognitive decline (SCD).Methods:Fifty-six of such residents were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 28. Both groups received health education and routine care, but the observation group was additionally provided with 45 minutes of VR training three times a week for 6 months. The training included Baduanjin, magic, flying bird, supermarket shopping, gravity ball and gym episodes. Both groups′ cognition was evaluated using the subjective cognitive decline questionnaire (SCD-Q), the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (second edition) (RBMT-Ⅱ), a digit symbol substitution test (DSST), an animal fluency test (AFT) and trail-making test A-B (TMT A-B). Functional fitness was quantified using the 8-foot up-and-go test (8UGT), a 30-second arm curl test (30sACT), a 30-second chair stand test (30sCST), a back scratching test (BST), the sit-and-reach test (CSRT) and a 2-minute step test (2MST) before and after the 6-month intervention.Results:After the intervention, the average SCD-Q, MoCA, RBMT-Ⅱ, DSST, TMT-A, and TMT-B scores of the observation group were significantly better than before the intervention, and significantly better than the control group′s averages. And except for the back scratching their functional results were also significantly better, on average, than those of the control group.Conclusions:VR training can effectively improve the cognition and functional fitness of nur-sing home residents with SCD. Such training is worthy of promotion and wider application in nursing homes.
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Objective:To observe the effect of enriched rehabilitation on dual-task gait disorder after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and explore its mechanism.Methods:Sixty TIA patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, each of 30. Another 30 healthy counterparts were selected to form a healthy control group. All of the TIA patients were given routine medication to lower blood pressure and improve brain function, while the observation group was additionally provided with enriched rehabilitation training for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, the gait and cognitive functioning of all of the subjects were quantified and their event-related potentials (P300s) and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were also measured.Results:Before the treatment there were significant differences between the TIA groups and healthy controls in all of the measurements, but there were no significant differences between the control and observation groups. After the treatment, no significant improvement was observed in any of the control group′s results, but there was significant improvement in the observation group′s gait parameters, cognitive functioning, average serum BDNF concentration and in the average latency and amplitude of its P300 signals.Conclusions:Enriched rehabilitation can improve the gait of TIA patients, perhaps through increasing their serum BDNF concentration and improving their cognition.
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Resumen Algunas personas en procesos de reintegración mayores (PPRM) que participaron en la guerra presentan alteraciones mentales explicadas por el largo tiempo desescola rizados y las situaciones vividas, que le disminuyen la posibilidad de acceso al campo laboral y a la sociedad, el funcionamiento cognitivo alterado fue más prevalente en personas sin educación formal, sin pareja o vivir en familias no funcionales. Entre los factores demográficos de las PPRM que aumentan la probabilidad de tener un sínto ma depresivo fue pertenecer al sexo masculino, tener más de 65 años, no contar con apoyo de una pareja y disminuye esta probabilidad si se cuenta con algún grado de escolaridad. De los factores familiares y sociales que se analizaron, solo se encontró que vivir con una familia no funcional aumenta el riesgo de sufrir síntomas depre sivos. Por lo que se requiere acompañamiento para la aceptación de su proceso de envejecimiento, el aprovechamiento de experiencias y el ejercicio de la ciudadanía.
Abstract Some Senior Citizens in Reintegration Processes (PPRM), who participated in war have mental disturbances explained by the long de-schooling and living situations, which decrease the possibility of accessing the workforce and society. Altered cognitive func tioning was more prevalent in people without formal education, without a partner, or living in non-functional families. Among the PPRM demographic factors of PPRM, which increase the likelihood of having a depressive symptom was belonging to the male sex, being over 65 years old, not having support from a partner. This likelihood decreases if there is any degree of schooling. Among the family and social factors discussed, only living with a non-functional family was found to increase the risk of depressive symptoms. Thus, accompaniment is required for the acceptance of their aging process, the use of experiences, and the exercise of citizenship.
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La presente investigación corresponde a un estudio de tipo no experimental, transversal, descriptivo y correlacional en el que se evaluaron niveles de estrés, estrategias de afrontamiento, manifestaciones físicas y psicológicas por estrés, hábitos de sueño y alimentación, consumo de tabaco y alcohol, y funcionamiento cognitivo en 50 estudiantes universitarios durante el período de exámenes de fin de semestre académico, con objetivo de determinar la relación entre variables ya que en la literatura se reporta que el estrés es considerado un factor de riesgo, y la exposición continua puede afectar funciones cognitivas. Los participantes reportaron niveles medios o bajos de estrés percibido, uso moderado de estrategias adecuadas e inadecuadas y no se halló correlación entre estrés y funcionamiento cognitivo, concluyendo que el estrés debido a exámenes no es suficientemente intenso, la muestra posee adecuado manejo del mismo y se requieren más estudios para validar y estandarizar la prueba MoCA en población general colombiana.
This research correspond to a non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study in which stress levels, coping strategies, physical and psychological manifestations due to stress, sleeping and eating habits, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and cognitive functioning were evaluated in 50 undergraduate students during the period of exam at the end of the semester, in order to determine the relationship between variables since in the literature it is reported that stress is considered a risk factor, and continuous exposure can affect cognitive functions. Participants reported medium or low levels of perceived stress, moderate use of appropriate and inappropriate strategies and no correlation was found between stress and cognitive functioning, concluding that stress due to exams is not intense enough, the sample has adequate handling of it, and more studies are required to validate and standardize the MoCA test in the general population of Colombia.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Adult , Young Adult , Stress, Psychological , Students/psychology , Adaptation, Psychological , Cognition/physiology , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Cross-Sectional Studies , Correlation of DataABSTRACT
Resumen El Síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP) es la enfermedad endocrina-metabólica más frecuente en las mujeres en edad reproductiva. A pesar de su alta prevalencia, hay pocas investigaciones que analizan los efectos de los cambios hormonales sobre la cognición de pacientes con SOP. Objetivo: comparar el rendimiento en habilidades cognitivas y los niveles de hormonas sexuales de un grupo de pacientes con SOP y con las de un grupo control. Método: Participaron 20 mujeres mayores de 21 años, sin tratamiento hormonal, dividas en dos grupos, el primero compuesto por 10 pacientes diagnosticadas con SOP según los criterios de Rotterdam (GSOP) y el otro, de control, compuesto por 10 mujeres sin diagnóstico de SOP (GCT). Se aplicaron las pruebas WAIS III y fluidez verbal semántica y fonológica de la batería NEUROPSI Atención y memoria, y se realizaron análisis sanguíneos de hormonas sexuales. Resultados: Las pacientes del GSOP obtuvieron puntajes inferiores a las del GCT en el CI Verbal (p=0.009), CI Total (p=0.029), índice de comprensión verbal (p=0.005), índice de memoria de trabajo (p=0.023) y en la prueba de fluidez verbal semántica (p=0.029). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los niveles hormonales. Conclusión: el GSOP presentó menor rendimiento que el GCT en pruebas de tipo verbal, aunque no se presentó déficit en su ejecución. Se sugiere estudiar la relación de la insulinorresistencia con la cognición en pacientes con SOP.
Abstract Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-metabolic disease in women of reproductive age. Despite its high prevalence, little research analyzes the effects of hormonal changes on cognition in patients with PCOS. Objective: To compare the performance in cognitive abilities and sexual hormone levels of a group of patients with PCOS and those of a control group. Method: Twenty women older than 21 years, without hormone treatment, divided in two groups, the first consisting by 10 patients diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria (GSOP), and the other composed of 10 women without diagnosis of PCOS (GCT). WAIS III and semantic and phonological verbal fluency tests of the NEUROPSI attention and memory test battery were applied, and blood analyzes of sexual hormones were analyzed. Results: The GSOP patients obtained lower scores than the GCT in Verbal IQ (p=0.009), full scale IQ (p=0.029), verbal comprehension index (p=0.005), working memory index (p=0.023) and semantic verbal fluency test (p=0.029). No significant differences were found in sexual hormone levels. Conclusion: the GSOP showed lower performance than the GCT in verbal tests, although there was not deficit in its execution. It is suggested to study the relationship of insulin resistance with cognition in patients with GSOP.
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ABSTRACT. Background: Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence-based psychosocial intervention for people with mild-to-moderate dementia due to various etiological factors. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of the CST program, Italian adaptation -CST-IT-, in individuals who have vascular dementia (VaD). Methods: Older adults with mild-to-moderate VaD (N = 35) were assigned to one of two programs: one group (N = 21) attended the 14 sessions of the CST-IT program, while the other, active control group (N = 14) took part in alternative activities. The following domains were examined: cognitive functioning, quality of life, mood, behavior, functional activities of daily living. Results: Compared with the active controls, the CST-IT group showed a greater improvement in general cognitive functioning after the intervention (i.e. score increase on the Mini-Mental State Examination and decrease on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive subscale). A trend towards improvement was also identified in short-term/working memory the backward digit span task- and perceived quality of life (Quality of Life Alzheimer's Disease scale). No significant differences emerged between the two groups for the other domains considered. Conclusion: The present results support the efficacy of CST in people with vascular dementia.
RESUMO. Introdução: A terapia de estimulação cognitiva (TSC) é uma intervenção psicossocial baseada em evidências para pessoas com demência leve a moderada resultante de vários fatores etiológicos. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do programa TSC, adaptação italiana -TSC-IT-, com indivíduos com demência vascular (DV). Métodos: Os idosos com DV leve a moderada (N = 35) foram atribuídos a um dos dois programas: um grupo (N = 21) frequentou as 14 sessões do programa TSC-IT, enquanto o outro, grupo de controle ativo (N = 14) participaram de atividades alternativas. Os seguintes domínios foram examinados: funcionamento cognitivo, qualidade de vida, humor, comportamento, atividades funcionais da vida diária. Resultados: Em comparação com os controles ativos, o grupo TSC-IT mostrou uma maior melhora no funcionamento cognitivo geral após a intervenção (ou seja, um aumento nos escores de Mini-exame do estado mental e uma diminuição na Escala de avaliação da doença de Alzheimer subescala cognitiva). Uma tendência para uma melhoria também foi identificada na memória de curto prazo/trabalho a tarefa de extensão de dígitos atrasados ââ e a qualidade de vida percebida (Quality of Life - escala da doença de Alzheimer). Não houve diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos nos outros domínios considerados. Conclusão: Os resultados atuais suportam a eficácia do TSC em pessoas com demência vascular.
Subject(s)
Humans , Quality of Life , Dementia, Vascular , Cognitive Behavioral TherapyABSTRACT
Memantine and other glutamatergic agents have been currently investigated in some off-label indications due to glutamatergic involvement in several psychoneurological disorders. We assumed that memantine similarly to ketamine may positively influence mood, moreover having a potential to improve cognition and general quality of life. We report a case of a 49-year-old male hospitalized during a manic and a subsequent moderate depressive episode. After an ineffective use of lithium, olanzapine and antidepressive treatment with mianserin, memantine was added up to 20 mg per day for 10 weeks. The mental state was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Young Mania Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the Clinical Global Inventory, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale and psychological tests. After 10 weeks the patient achieved a partial symptomatic improvement in mood, anxiety and quality of sleep, but his activity remained insufficient. We also observed an improvement in the parameters of cognitive functioning and quality of life. There was neither significant mood variations during the memantine use nor mood changes after its termination. No significant side effects were noted during the memantine treatment. We conclude that using memantine in bipolar depression may improve mood, cognitive functioning and quality of life.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Anxiety , Bipolar Disorder , Cognition , Depression , Excitatory Amino Acid Agents , Glutamic Acid , Ketamine , Lithium , Memantine , Mianserin , Psychological Tests , Quality of Life , World Health OrganizationABSTRACT
Approximately 80% of all women of reproductive age experience psychological and physical changes associated with the premenstrual phase. Cognitive alterations are among the most common complaints. In this context, studies have assessed cognitive performance across the menstrual cycle in healthy women and also in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The main objective of the present study was to review the literature on cognitive function in different phases of the menstrual cycle in women of reproductive age, both healthy and with PMS, in particular premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). We searched MEDLINE and LILACS databases. A total of 27 studies were selected. The studies used heterogeneous methodologies. Most studies suggested that healthy women show small fluctuations in cognitive performance across the menstrual cycle, with low performance scores in the luteal phase for visuospatial and motor skills, attention and concentration, verbal memory, visual memory, working memory, and reaction time. Among women with PMS or PMDD, low performance scores for visuospatial and motor skills, attention and concentration, verbal memory, working memory, reaction time and impulsivity were also detected in the luteal phase. Symptoms observed in PMS/PMDD patients showed low intensity, but greater when compared with healthy women. Evidence indicates fluctuations in cognitive performance in the different phases of the menstrual cycle in healthy and PMS women, with worse performance for women with PMS/PMDD in the luteal phase. However, methodological limitations prevent us from drawing solid conclusions. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of these cognitive fluctuations on patients' daily activities.
Cerca de 80% das mulheres em idade fértil apresentam alterações psicológicas e físicas associadas à fase pré-menstrual. Dentre as queixas mais comuns estão as alterações cognitivas. Nesse contexto, tem-se estudado o desempenho cognitivo ao longo do ciclo menstrual de mulheres com e sem síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM). O objetivo principal deste estudo foi revisar a literatura acerca do desempenho das funções cognitivas nas diferentes fases do ciclo menstrual de mulheres em idade reprodutiva, sadias ou portadoras de SPM, em particular o transtorno disfórico pré-menstrual (TDPM). Foram revisadas as bases de dados MEDLINE e LILACS. Um total de 27 estudos foram selecionados. Os estudos eram heterogêneos em suas metodologias. Em sua maioria, os trabalhos evidenciaram que mulheres sadias apresentam variações leves no desempenho cognitivo ao longo do ciclo menstrual, obtendo menor pontuação, durante a fase lútea, nas habilidades visuoespaciais e motoras, atenção e concentração, memória verbal, memória visual, memória de trabalho e tempo de reação. Entre as mulheres com SPM ou TDPM, foi identificada, na fase lútea, redução no desempenho das habilidades visuoespaciais e motoras, atenção e concentração, memória verbal, memória de trabalho, tempo de reação e impulsividade. Tais sintomas apresentaram intensidade leve, porém superior à observada em mulheres sadias. As evidências indicam a existência de variações no desempenho cognitivo ao longo das diferentes fases do ciclo menstrual de mulheres sadias ou com SPM, com desempenho cognitivo pior em mulheres com SPM/TDPM na fase lútea. Entretanto, limitações metodológicas impedem conclusões sólidas. Novos estudos são necessários para investigar o impacto dessas oscilações cognitivas nas atividades cotidianas dos pacientes.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adolescent , Adult , Menstrual Cycle/psychology , Executive Function/physiology , Premenstrual Syndrome , Cognition Disorders , Attention , Cognition/physiology , Premenstrual Syndrome/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Esta investigación se centra en el estudio de aspectos del funcionamiento cognitivo de los niños en el dominio del conocimiento social, partiendo del uso de Situaciones de Resolución de Problemas (SRP). Se busca indagar la forma en la cual los niños resuelvan conflictos interpersonales y utilicen la toma de perspectiva como habilidad social. El objetivo general del proyecto es describir los funcionamientos cognitivos de 20 niñas y niños entre cuatro y seis años de edad, para la resolución de conflictos interpersonales, a través de los desempeños obtenidos en una tarea, que simula tres escenarios con situaciones de disputa entre varios personajes. Los resultados demuestran que los niños en edad escolar son capaces de incorporar habilidades sociales desde edades tempranas. Este hecho sustenta la idea de que el desarrollo cognitivo, especialmente en el dominio social, no requiere de un funcionamiento general, sino que presenta variabilidad en periodos cortos de tiempo respecto a la resolución de conflictos interpersonales, e incluso en micro momentos dentro de la misma tarea.
This article focuses on children cognitive Functioning in the social domain of knowledge. It is based on the use of problem solving tasks (PST), using a social skills perspective, to investigate the way in which children solve interpersonal conflicts. The project's overall objective is to describe the cognitive functioning of 20 children between four and sixth years of age, for interpersonal conflicts solving, through the performances obtained in a task that simulates three scenarios where there are disputes between various characters. The results show that school-age children are able to incorporate social skills from an early age and support the idea that cognitive development, especially in the social domain, does not require an overall functioning, but show variability in short periods of time compared to solving interpersonal conflicts, and even within the same task's micro moments.
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El síndrome Williams (SW) es una de las enfermedades raras o infrecuentes. Tiene una incidencia de un caso cada 20.000 nacimientos vivos. Se trata de una alteración genética, localizada en el cromosoma 7 (banda 7q11.23), en el 99% de los casos. La alteración genética afecta el desarrollo y el funcionamiento del sistema nervioso central. Esta enfermedad no tiene cura pero se pueden suavizar los síntomas cognitivos, emocionales y sociales. El SW ocurre casi en exclusividad en niñas y de forma excepcional en niños. Los estudios epidemiológicos indican que está presente en todas las etnias, lenguas y culturas. El rango más llamativo de las personas con SW es la discrepancia entre el funcionamiento intelectual general (retraso leve o moderado) acompañado de unas habilidades lingüísticas sobresalientes, muy superiores a lo esperado para su edad cronológica y mental. En un porcentaje alto de casos se observan problemas cardiacos, endocrinos, alteraciones del sueño, hiperacusia selectiva y alteraciones en la cognición espacial.
Williams syndrome (WS) is considered one of the rare or uncommon diseases. It has an incidence of a case each 20.000 live births. It is a genetic disorder, located on chromosome 7 (band 7q11.23), in 99% of cases. This genetic alteration affects the development and operation of the central nervous system. Does not exist cure for the disease but the social, emotional and cognitive symptoms can smooth. WS occurs almost exclusively in girls and exceptionally in children. The most striking feature of the WS is the discrepancy between the general intellectual functioning (mild or moderate delay) accompanied by outstanding linguistic skills, much higher than expected for their chronology and mental age. High number of cases shows cardiac and endocrine problems, sleep disturbances, selective hyperacusis and spatial cognition disorders.
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To establish an affordable and easily accessible post-discharge telephone follow-up service for people with brain injuries and their caregivers,and thus to provide an evidence base for developing cost-effective continuous care,region-wide.Method:Thirty-five adult patients with brain injuries and 26 caregivers were recruited from Neurosurgical Unit at QueenMary Hospital in this study.Participants were administered a structured telephone interview at the fourth week post-discharge,and again at the twelfth week post-discharge.Patients and caregivers at risk of poor adjustment were referred for further medical consultation or psychological intervention.Patients' physical and cognitive functioning were investigated while both patients and caregivers' emotional functioning and perceived socialsupport were explored.Satisfaction of the current service provided was also examined.Result:Majority of patients reported significant improvement in physical condition.A sizable number of patientsexperienced cognitive difficulties and reported insufficient psychosocial support received following discharge fromhospital.Majority of caregivers reported compromising health,emotional and social functioning in caregiving.Bothpatients and caregivers reported satisfaction with the service with caregivers reported higher satisfaction.Conclusion:Findings from current study showed that both patients of brain injuries and caregivers benefited from the post-discharge telephone follow-up service.Both of them agreed that such service helped to identify peopleat risk of poor adjustment,provide timely advice and emotional support.Our findings also indicated that caregiving significantly impairs caregivers' physical,emotional,and social functioning,suggesting a need to offer them advice on care skills,role or living adjustments,and stress management.
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This study evaluates the effect of a commercial brand of chicken essence (BEC) on the various parameters related to stress and cognition of human volunteers. BEC is produced by a hot-water extraction process from chicken meat under high pressure conditions. It contains concentrated amounts of proteins, amino acids and peptides such as carnosine compared to homemade traditional chicken soup. Due to the unique extraction process, it has been postulated that readily absorbed amino acids and bioactive peptides are present in BEC. In this study, we evaluated the effect of BEC in comparison with a placebo on a group of distressed medical students. Students were randomly divided into two groups and given either BEC or a placebo drink daily for two weeks. Before and after the two weeks, the students were given a series of tests to assess their level of cognitive functioning and perceived stress level while being monitored for EEG recording. The combination of these tests, namely Digit span, Arithmetic and Letter-number sequencing, generally assessed the student’s attention and working memory. The working memory performance of students who ingested essence of chicken was found to be significantly better than those who consumed placebo when data comparing baseline and after two weeks consumption were compared. This study seems to suggest that essence of chicken has positive effects on the subjects’ cognitive functions.
Subject(s)
Chickens , PlacebosABSTRACT
O presente artigo tem como objetivo sintetizar estudos sobre os testes neuropsicológicos que estão sendo mais utilizados em esquizofrenia. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura, consultando-se: PubMed, MEDLINE (via PubMed) e LILACS, no período entre 1995 e 2006. As palavras-chave foram: cognition and schizophrenia; evaluation and cognition and schizophrenia; functioning and cognition and schizophrenia. Foi feita uma pesquisa manual de referências dos artigos mais citados, incluindo estudos de metanálise, revisão teórica e da Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia. Critérios de inclusão: estudos com pacientes com esquizofrenia que mencionaram a utilização de testes neuropsicológicos. Foi feita uma revisão sobre os testes mais citados, para verificação de nomenclatura, indicações e quais estavam validados para o Brasil. Foram identificados 98 estudos: 77 empíricos, oito metanálises, seis revisões teóricas e sete da Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia. Foram encontrados 102 diferentes nomes de testes neuropsicológicos, com citação de 10 baterias de testes, na maioria compostas por subtestes já padronizados. Entre os 77 estudos empíricos, 22 (28,57%) foram sobre validação de instrumentos ou baterias de testes. Entre os 10 testes mais citados, apenas três possuem validação para o Brasil (WCST; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale; Mini-Mental Status Examination). Esses achados evidenciam uma ampla heterogeneidade nos critérios de seleção dos testes neuropsicológicos, divergências na nomenclatura e certa tendência para a criação de novos testes e baterias para avaliação de funções cognitivas. A relevância e características dos prejuízos cognitivos na esquizofrenia revelam a urgente necessidade de identificação específica e padronizada de métodos de avaliação neuropsicológica para pacientes brasileiros.
This article aims at summarizing studies on the most commonly used neuropsychological tests in schizophrenia. A systematic literature review was performed on PubMed, MEDLINE (via PubMed) and LILACS, from 1995 through 2006. The keywords were cognition and schizophrenia; evaluation and cognition and schizophrenia; functioning and cognition and schizophrenia. A manual research of references in most frequently cited articles was performed, including meta-analysis studies, theoretical reviews, and the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia. Inclusion criteria were studies on schizophrenia patients that reported use of neuropsychological tests. A review of the most frequently cited tests was performed to check nomenclature, indications, and which were validated for Brazil. A total of 98 studies were identified: 77 empirical studies, eight meta-analyses, six theoretical reviews and seven from the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia. There were 102 different names of neuropsychological tests; 10 batteries of tests were cited, most of them composed by previously standardized subtests. Of the 77 empirical studies, 22 (28.57%) were about validation of instruments or batteries of tests. Of the 10 most frequently cited tests, only three had been validated for Brazil (WCST; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale; Mini-Mental Status Examination). These findings show a wide heterogeneity in the selection criteria of neuropsychological tests, disagreement as to the nomenclature, and a certain trend toward creation of new tests and batteries for evaluating cognitive functions. The relevance and characteristics of cognitive impairments in schizophrenia confirm the urgent necessity of specific and standardized identification of neuropsychological evaluation methods for Brazilian patients.
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Objective: A double-blind and double-simulated study was used to evaluate the effects of cognitive functioning in schizophrenics receiving different antipsychotic medications. Method: Forty Patients with schizophrenia were randomly divided into quetiapine group (n=20) and chlorpromazine group (n=20). Neuropsychologiacal tests were done before treatment and in the fourth and sixth week after therapy, which included knowledge, arithmetic, digital sign, digital span, game of puzzle, logical memory visual reproduction,STROOP test, verbal fluency, score and plan time of tower of Hanoi and WCST. Twelve healthy individuals were tested in same time to study the learning effects. Double-blind and a double-simulated means was adopted in this study. Results: Marked improvement was found in patients after quetiapine treatment. While chlorpromazine do not appear to favorably affect on cognitive functioning in schizophrenics. Scores of improvement on some neuropsychological assessment of quetiapine group were higher than that of chlorpromazine group, especially in attention and executive function(P