Predictores de riesgo de deterioro cognitivo leve en una población de hipertensos / Predictors of Mild Cognitive Impairment in a Hypertensive Population

RESUMEN Introducción. El estatus cognitivo es considerado un biomarcador del daño vascular encefálico en la hipertensión arterial (HTA). Es fundamental en pacientes con HTA la pesquisa del deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL). Objetivos . Valorar la presencia de factores predictores de DCL en pacientes hipertensos. Material y métodos . Estudio observacional, transversal, en el periodo 2015-2023. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, asistidos en policlínica que hubieran realizado la Evaluación Cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA). Se consideró valor de MoCA alterado uno < 24. Se excluyeron pacientes con dificultades motoras, sensoriales, enfermedad psiquiátrica, analfabetismo. Las variables cualitativas se presentan como frecuencias absolutas y relativas, y para el estudio de asociación se utilizó test de Chi cuadrado. Las variables cuantitativas se presentan como media y desviación estándar, y el estudio de diferencias se realizó con test T de Student para muestras independientes. En el análisis de regresión logística múltiple se colocaron aquellas variables significativas en el análisis univariado por el método Forward. Nivel de significación alfa = 0,05. Resultados . 129 pacientes, mujeres: hombres 2:1; edad promedio 60 años. El 79,1 % tenía HTA grado 3, 30,4 % presentaban más de 20 años de evolución de HTA. El 52,7% tenía escolarización primaria. Un 89,4 % presentaba sobrepeso-obesidad, el 36,4 % tabaquismo, 29,7 % dislipidemia mixta. Un 65,1% presentó un valor de MoCA ≥ 24 y el 34,9 % un valor < 24. En el modelo predictor logístico, las variables evolución en años de HTA, dislipidemia mixta, y enfermedad cerebrovascular fueron predictoras de riesgo de MoCA alterado. El nivel educativo terciario fue factor protector. Conclusión . La identificación de factores predictores de daño cognitivo es prioritaria para una acción preventiva. En este estudio las variables tiempo de evolución de la HTA, dislipidemia mixta, enfermedad cerebrovascular y nivel educativo permitieron predecir mayor riesgo de DCL.

ABSTRACT Background . Cognitive status is considered a biomarker of vascular brain damage caused by hypertension (HTN). Screening for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is essential in patients with HTN. Objectives . The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of predictors of MCI in hypertensive patients. Methods . We conducted an observational and cross-sectional study between 2015 and 2023. All the patients > 18 years treated in a clinic and who were evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were included. A score < 24 in the MoCA test was considered abnormal. Patients with motor or sensory impairment, psychiatric disorders, or illiteracy were excluded. Qualitative variables are presented as absolute frequencies and percentages, and the chi-square test was used to analyze their association. Quantitative variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation and were compared with the independent samples t-test. All the variables with statistical significance in the univariate analysis through forward selection were included in the multiple logistic regression analysis. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results . A total of 129 patients were included (women-to-men ratio 2:1; mean age 60 years); 79.1% had stage 3 HTN, time from HTN diagnosis was > 20 years in 30.4%, 52.7% had complete primary education, 89.4% had overweight/obesity, 36.4% were smokers and 29.7% had mixed dyslipidemia. A score ≥ 24 in the MoCA was present in 65.1% and 34.9% had a score < 24. The logistic predictor model identified time from HTN diagnosis, mixed dyslipidemia and cerebrovascular disease as predictors of abnormal MoCA. A tertiary educational level had a protective effect. Conclusion . Identifying predictors of cognitive impairment is a priority to take preventive actions. In this study, time from HTN diagnosis, mixed dyslipidemia, cerebrovascular disease and educational level were associated with cognitive impairment.

Tiaoshen acupuncture for primary insomnia: a pilot randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of Tiaoshen (regulating the spirit) acupuncture on cognitive function and sleep quality in patients with primary insomnia (PI).@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with PI were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off, 1 case was excluded). The patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), and bilateral Benshen (GB 13), Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The patients in the control group were treated with shallow needling at non-effective points. Each treatment was provided for 30 min, once every other day, 3 treatments per week for 4 weeks. The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), digit span test (DST), trail making test (TMT)-A, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) were used to assess cognitive function and sleep quality before and after treatment, as well as in follow-up of 4-week after treatment completion. Correlation analysis was conducted between the differences in PSQI scores and differences in MoCA scores before and after treatment in the observation group.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before treatment, the total score, visuospatial and executive function score and delayed memory score of MoCA as well as DST backward score were increased (P<0.01), while TMT-A time, PSQI and FS-14 scores were significantly reduced (P<0.01) after treatment and in follow-up in the observation group. Compared with before treatment, the PSQI score in the control group was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment and in follow-up, the observation group had significantly higher total score, visuospatial and executive function score, delayed memory score of MoCA, and DST backward score compared to the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the observation group, the TMT-A time was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the PSQI and FS-14 scores were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). In the observation group, there was a negative correlation between the difference in PSQI scores (post-treatment minus pre-treatment) and the difference in MoCA scores (post-treatment minus pre-treatment) (r=-0.481, P<0.01). A similar negative correlation was found between the difference in PSQI scores (follow-up minus pre-treatment) and the difference in MoCA scores (follow-up minus pre-treatment) (r=-0.282, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Tiaoshen acupuncture could improve cognitive function, enhance sleep quality, and alleviate daytime fatigue in patients with PI. The improvement in cognitive function in patients with PI is correlated with the improvement in sleep quality.

Cognitive profile in mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies

INTRODUCTION@#This study aimed to elucidate the cognitive profile of patients with mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) and to compare it to that of patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI-AD).@*METHODS@#Subjects older than 60 years with probable MCI-LB (n = 60) or MCI-AD (n = 60) were recruited. All patients were tested with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to assess their global cognitive profile.@*RESULTS@#The MCI-AD and MCI-LB patients did not differ in total MMSE and MoCA scores. However, some sub-items in MMSE and MoCA were shown to be screening markers for differentiating MCI-LB from MCI-AD. In the visuoconstructive test, the total score and hands subitem score in the clock-drawing test were significantly lower in MCI-LB than in MCI-AD. As for the executive function, the 'animal fluency test', 'repeat digits backward test' and 'take paper by your right hand' in MMSE all showed lower scores in MCI-LB compared with MCI-AD. As for memory, 'velvet' and 'church' in MoCA and 'ball' and 'national flag' in MMSE had lower scores in MCI-AD than in MCI-LB.@*CONCLUSION@#This study presents the cognitive profile of patients with MCI-LB. In line with the literature on Dementia with Lewy bodies, our results showed lower performance on tests for visuoconstructive and executive function, whereas memory remained relatively spared in the early period.

Effect of aluminum-fluoride interactions on overall cognitive function of aluminum plant workers / 环境与职业医学

Background Aluminum and fluoride are neurotoxic, and aluminum exposure alone is closely related to the overall cognitive function of operational workers. It is unclear about the effect of aluminum and fluoride interactions on cognitive function. Objective To evaluate a potential interaction effect of blood aluminum and urinary fluoride on the overall cognitive function of workers working in an aluminum plant. Methods Using cluster sampling, 230 workers in the electrolysis workshop of an aluminum group company in Shanxi Province were selected, and plasma aluminum concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and urinary fluoride by ion-selective electrode. The study participants were divided into a low blood aluminum group and a high blood aluminum group according to the median (M) of blood aluminum concentration, and a low urinary fluoride group and a high urinary fluoride group by a predetermined cutoff point (2.160 mg·L−1). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Beijing (MoCA-BJ) was used to assess overall cognitive function of the workers. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between blood aluminum, urinary fluoride, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), including multiplicative interaction analysis and correlation analysis; R language was used to fit an additive interaction model of blood aluminum and urinary fluoride on MCI and to calculate synergy index (S), relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), and attributable proportion due to interaction (API). Results Among the 230 operational workers, the median blood aluminum concentration (P25, P75) was 40.11 (25.16, 58.89) µg·L−1, and there were 104 cases of abnormal urinary fluoride, with an abnormality rate of 45.2%. There was a multiplicative interaction (OR=7.783, 95%CI: 1.377, 43.991) and no additive interaction (RERI=0.030, 95%CI: −0.498, 0.559; API=0.018, 95%CI: −0.279, 0.316; S=1.049, 95%CI: 0.519, 2.118) for the effect between blood aluminum and urinary fluoride on overall cognitive function of the workers. The logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of MCI was 12.105 (95%CI: 2.802, 52.287) times higher in workers with both high blood aluminum and high urinary fluoride than in those with low blood aluminum and low urinary fluoride, after adjusting for selected influencing factors. Conclusion Occupational exposure related high blood aluminum and high urinary fluoride are risk factors for cognitive dysfunction, and the coexistence of both indicators increases the risk of MCI in workers with occupational aluminum exposure, with a multiplicative interaction.

Revisión de las pruebas cognitivas breves para pacientes con sospecha de demencia / Review of brief cognitive tests for patients with suspected dementia

RESUMEN NTRODUCCIÓN: Para ser útiles, las pruebas cognitivas breves (PCB) deben ser rápidas, sensibles, fáciles de realizar y no necesitar de un gran entrenamiento para hacerlo. Las pruebas cognitivas breves comúnmente utilizadas incluyen el Mini Examen del Estado Mental (MMSE) y la Evaluación Cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA). OBJETIVO: Brindar una descripción de las PCB disponibles y sus propiedades psicométricas para la detección de la demencia. MÉTODOS: Revisión narrativa RESULTADOS: El MMSE le otorga un gran peso a la orientación, la memoria, la visuo-espacialidad y el lenguaje, y, en consecuencia, puede ser sensible a los déficits cognitivos encontrados en la demencia tipo Alzheimer. MoCA es una prueba breve más compleja que evalúa una gama más amplia de dominios cognitivos, especialmente funciones ejecutivas, proporcionando una mayor sensibilidad para detectar el deterioro cognitivo leve y otros tipos de demencia, no solo la demencia tipo Alzheimer. CONCLUSIONES: Las PCB son parte del arsenal necesario para ayudar a confirmar la sospecha de la demencia. La escolaridad tiene un impacto importante en el desempeño de las PCB y puede sesgar la interpretación de los resultados obtenidos.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: To be useful, Brief Cognitive Tests (BCTs) must be fast, sensitive, easy to perform, and not require extensive training to do so. Commonly used brief cognitive tests include the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). OBJECTIVE: To provide a description of the available BCTs and their psychometric properties for the detection of dementia. METHODS: Narrative review RESULTS: The MMSE places great weight on orientation, memory, visuospatiality, and language, and, consequently, may be sensitive to the cognitive deficits found in Alzheimer's dementia. MoCA is a more complex brief test that assesses a broader range of cognitive domains, especially executive functions, providing greater sensitivity for detecting mild cognitive impairment and other types of dementia, not just Alzheimer's dementia. CONCLUSIONS: BCTs are part of the arsenal needed to help confirm suspected dementia. Schooling has an important impact on the performance of BCTs and can bias the interpretation of the results obtained.

Correlation between lesion volume ratio and cognitive function in ischemic leukoaraiosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the volume ratio of ischemic leukoaraiosis (LA) and cognitive level and arterial perfusion.Methods:Fifty-four patients, who was hospitalized in Dalian Central Hospital and diagnosed as LA clinically during the time of March to December in 2012, were selected to collect the information of the volume ratio of white matter disease, MoCa score and the average flow rate of carotid artery. The correlation between the volume ratio of white matter disease and MoCa score, cognitive impairment and the average flow rate of carotid artery were analyzed.Results:The volume ratio of LA lesions was negatively correlated with MOCA score ( r = -0.59, P<0.01); the volume ratio of LA lesions was negatively correlated with the mean flow rate of internal carotid artery ( r = -0.37, P<0.01). Quantity order of the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of MoCA cognitive subgroup was as following: delayed memory (1.000)> visual space/executive function (0.970) = abstract force (0.970)> language ability (0.960)> attention (0.888). Conclusions:The larger the volume ratio of leukopathy in LA patients, the more serious the cognitive impairment, especially the cognitive impairment of impairment of memory delay, visual space/executive function, abstract ability and language ability.

Characteristics of the cognitive domains of the montreal cognitive assessment scale in the elderly from the perspective of structural equation modeling / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To analyzed the characteristics of the cognitive domains of the montreal cognitive assessment(MOCA)scale in cognitively impaired or normal elderly people from the perspective of structural equation modeling(SEM).Methods:There were 335 old individuals in this study, including 166 cognitively normal individuals, 130 patients with mild cognitive impairment(MCI)and 39 individuals with dementia.The average age of the individuals was 81.5±9.0.Data on the Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA, Beijing version)were gathered.Following exploratory factor analysis and selection of latent and manifest variables, a structural equation model was established.After assessment of data from the domains of the scale in the elderly, participants were divided into a normal group and a patient group, which formed the basis of the model.Results:The KMO value of the data calculated by exploratory factor analysis was 0.762.The dimensions measured by the scale were divided into four main latent variables: memory, visuospatial execution, language ability and attention.The CMIN value of the overall model was 44.039 and the P value was 0.168.The parameters of the overall model and individual dimensions all indicated a good fit.The model showed that visuospatial execution had the largest impact on cognitive function, with a path coefficient of 0.742, and language ability had the least impact, with a path coefficient of only 0.091.As a latent variable, attention had path coefficients of 0.372 and 0.236 for memory, 1.663 and 1.102 for visuospatial execution, and 1.090 and 0.798 for language ability, respectively, for the two groups, with clear statistically significant differences between the groups(all P<0.05). Conclusions:SEM can improve researchers' overall understanding of the impacts of the individual components of the scale and their use and interpretation of the scale.

Correlation analysis of total cerebrovascular disease burden and cognitive impairment in patients with acute basal ganglia infarction / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To investigate the correlation between total burden of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and cognitive impairment in patients with acute basal ganglia infarction. Methods Patients with acute basal ganglia infarction for the first time were enrolled, and the general data of the enrolled patients were collected. Patients were assessed by Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Based on MoCA assessment, patients were then divided into cognitive impairment (CI) group and non-cognitive impairment (NCI) group. CSVD total load scores were conducted afterwards in order to analyze the correlation between the total load of different degrees of cerebral small vessel disease and cognitive impairment. Results A total of 178 patients were enrolled in this study: 135 in the CI group and 43 in the NCI group. There were significant differences in age (t=4.11, P=0.04) but not in high-density lipoprotein (t=2.92, P=0.09), and glycosylated hemoglobin C (t=3.02, P=0.08) between the two groups. The infarct volume was larger in the CI group (CI group: 424.72±36.55, NCI group: 227.02±34.62, t=4.022, P=0.046). There were significant differences in a sing1e lentiform nucleus (χ2=19.08, P<0.01), caudal Nucleus(χ2=9.97, P<0.01), infarction at the site of internal capsule(χ2=3.85, P=0.05), the infarct site involved lentiform nucleus, internal capsule and caudate nucleus at(χ2=4.30, P=0.04), and numbers of patients with moderate-to-severe internal carotid artery stenosis (χ2=4.14, P=0.04) as well as numbers of patients with moderate-to-severe intracranial artery stenosis (χ2=4.19, P=0.04). Similarly, there were significant differences in CSVD total burden (t=3.62, P<0.01), deep white matter hyperintensity (t=9.02, P<0.01), and cerebral microbleeds (t=5.54, P=0.02) between CI group and NCI group. The comparisons on MoCA score, visuospatial and execution, attention, language, generalization and abstraction, memory and orientation but not naming were statistically significant between the two groups. The logistic regression equation showed that CSVD total burden (OR=0.316, 95%Cl: 0.185~0.541, P<0.001), age (OR=0.924, 95%Cl: 0.884~0.967, P=0.001) and infarct volume (OR=0.924, 95%Cl: 0.884~0.967, P=0.001), (95%Cl: 1.000~1.003, P=0.047) was significantly associated with cognitive impairment in patients with acute basal ganglia infarction. Conclusion High CSVD total load score, older age and larger infarct volume may be risk factors for cognitive impairment in patients with acute basal ganglia infarction.

Associação entre classes funcionais da insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada e comprometimento cognitivo / Association between the functional classification of heart failure with preserved fraction ejection and cognitive impairment

INTRODUÇÃO: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma síndrome resultante de defeitos estruturais e funcionais da bomba cardíaca, mais de 80% dos pacientes são idosos, com diversas comorbidades associadas. A demência é definida por qualquer desordem onde o declínio significativo do nível prévio de cognição do paciente interfere em sua independência e funcionamento social, doméstico ou ocupacional. A relação entre o comprometimento cognitivo leve e a IC já é bem estabelecida na literatura, porém estudos recentes apontam uma possível relação da IC na patogênese e no agravo da demência. OBJETIVOS: Classificar a limitação funcional de voluntários com IC com fração de ejeção preservada (FEp) e realizar o teste Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) de memória para analisar se há associação entre as limitações funcionais da IC e o deterioramento cognitivo do paciente. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal, foram avaliados 27 pacientes com história de ICFEp no ambulatório de Insuficiência Cardíaca do Hospital da Universidade Luterana do Brasil. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 27 pacientes, com idade média de 72.4 anos, sendo 18 (66.6%) do sexo feminino, 24 (88.8%) obtiveram escore no MoCA inferior a 26, sendo a média da escala 20.4. Entre os 27 pacientes, quatro apresentavam classe funcional NYHA I, 15 NYHA II, 3 NYHA III e 5 NYHA IV. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo mostra uma tendência de pior desempenho no MoCA entre pacientes com pior classe funcional de IC (NYHA I-II: MoCA 21.4 +/- 4.9 e NYHA III-IV MoCA: 18 +/- 4.2 p:0. 0.087)

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome resulting from structural and functional defects of cardiac pump, more than 80% of the patients are elderly with diverse associated comorbidities. The dementia is defined by any disorder where the significant decline of the previous cognition level of the patient intervene on his independence and social, domestic or occupational functioning. The link between light cognitive impairment and HF is already well documented in literature, however recent studies point a possible relation of HF in pathogenesis and deteriorating of dementia. OBJETIVE: Rank functional limitation of volunteers with HF with preserved ejection fraction and to apply the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) memory test to analyse if there is a association between HF functional limitations and dementia onset/worsening. METHODS: Transversal observational study, 27 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction were assessed in Universidade Luterana do Brasil's heart failure clinic. RESULTS: Assessing 27 patients, with average age of 72.4 years (+/-7.3), being 18 (66.6%) female, we found 24 (88.8%) with MoCA score lower to 26, being the average score 20.4. Between the 27 patients, 4 had functional class NYHA I, 15 NYHA II, 3 NYHA III and 5 NYHA IV. CONCLUSION: The present study shows a tendency to lower performance in MoCA on patients with worse HF functional classification (NYHA I-II: MoCA 21.4 +/- 4.9 e NYHA III-IV MoCA: 18 +/- 4.2 p:0. 0.087)

Interactive scalp acupuncture for cognitive dysfunction after stroke: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the efficacy of interactive scalp acupuncture, scalp acupuncture alone and scalp acupuncture plus cognitive training for cognitive dysfunction after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 660 patients with cognitive dysfunction after stroke were randomly divided into an interactive scalp acupuncture group (218 cases, 18 cases dropped off), a scalp acupuncture group (220 cases, 20 cases dropped off) and a scalp acupuncture plus cognitive training group (222 cases, 22 cases dropped off). All the patients were treated with routine medication and exercise rehabilitation training. The interactive scalp acupuncture group was treated with scalp acupuncture on the parietal midline, and contralateral anterior parietal temporal oblique line and posterior parietal temporal oblique line at the same time of cognitive training; the scalp acupuncture group was treated with scalp acupuncture alone, and the scalp acupuncture plus cognitive training group was treated with scalp acupuncture and cognitive training in the morning and afternoon respectively. All the treatments were given once a day, 6 times a week for 8 weeks. Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale score was used to evaluate the cognitive function before treatment, 4 weeks and 8 weeks into treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the total score of MoCA was increased after 4-week treatment and 8-week treatment in the three groups (@*CONCLUSION@#The interactive scalp acupuncture could significantly improve the cognitive function in patients with cognitive dysfunction after stroke, and the efficacy is superior to scalp acupuncture alone and scalp acupuncture plus cognitive training.

Association between serum non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cognitive dysfunction after acute ischemic stroke: a cross-sectional study

This study aimed to explore the association between serum non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and cognitive dysfunction risk in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This cross-sectional study enrolled 583 AIS patients. Biochemical markers and lipid profile were collected after admission. AIS patients were classified into high group (non-HDL-C ≥3.4 mM) and normal group (non-HDL-C <3.4 mM). Mini-Mental State Examination scale (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and Hamilton Depression scale 21 version (HAMD-21) were applied on the third day after admission. Compared with the control group, patients of the high group had higher body mass index and higher frequency of intracranial artery stenosis, and exhibited higher levels of non-HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, homocysteine, fasting blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, patients of the high group had significantly lower MMSE and MoCA scores (MMSE: 26.01±4.17 vs 23.12±4.73, P<0.001; MoCA: 22.28±5.28 vs 20.25±5.87, P<0.001) and higher scores on the NPI and HAMD-21 (both P<0.001). MMSE (r=-0.306, P<0.001) and MoCA scores (r=-0.251, P<0.001) were negatively associated with non-HDL-C level. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that non-HDL-C level (OR=1.361, 95%CI: 1.059-1.729, P=0.016) was independently associated with the presence of cognitive dysfunction after adjusting for confounding factors. High serum non-HDL-C level might significantly increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction after AIS.

Clinical effect of electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shuigou points in treatment of brain injury in patients with sepsis-associated encephalopathy / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV20) and Shuigou (GV26) points in the treatment of brain injury in patients with sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE). METHODS: A total of 70 patients with SAE were randomly divided into control group and treatment group, with 35 patients in each group. The patients in the control group were given routine western medicine treatment, including anti-infective therapy, nerve nutrition, and mechanical ventilation, and those in the treatment group were given electroacupuncture at GV20 and GV26 in addition to the treatment in the control group. The course of treatment was 1 week for both groups. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were measured for both groups, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale was used to assess the change in cognitive function, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was determined before and after treatment and was used to evaluate treatment outcome after treatment. RESULTS: Both groups had significant reductions in the serum levels of CRP, IL-6, and NSE after 24 h and one week of treatment (P<0.05), and compared with the control group, the treatment group had significant reductions in the levels of CRP, IL-6 and NSE after treatment (P<0.05). The treatment group had significant increases in the total score of MoCA and the scores of all dimensions except attention after one week of treatment (P<0.05), and the treatment group had significantly higher scores than the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Both groups had a significant increase in GCS score after one week of treatment (P<0.05), and the treatment group had a significantly higher GCS score than the control group after treatment (P<0.05). The treatment group had a significantly higher total effective rate than the control group ［88.6% (31/35) vs 57.1% (20/35), P<0.05］. CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at GV20 and GV26 can effectively improve brain injury and effective rate in SAE patients.

Prognostic value of Montreal Cognitive Assessment in heart failure patients / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To explore the occurrence of cognitive impairment in Chinese heart failure (HF) patients and it's impact on prognosis. Methods: In this prospective observational study, a total of 990 HF patients were enrolled from 24 hospitals in China during December 2012 to November 2014. All patients were administrated with the interview-format Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), according to which they were divided into MoCA<26 (with cognitive impairment) group and MoCA≥26 (without cognitive impairment) group. Baseline data were collected and a 1-year follow up was carried out. Univariate and multivariate logistic or Cox regression were performed for 1-year outcomes. Results: Cognitive impairment was evidenced in 628 patients (63.4%) and they were more likely to be older, female, and with higher proportion of New York Heart Association(NYHA) class Ⅲ-Ⅳ, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ischemic heart disease, while body mass index (BMI), education level, and medical insurance rate were lower (all P<0.05) as compared to patients in MoCA≥26 group. The rate of percutaneous intervention, device implantation, cardiac surgery and evidence-based medications were significantly lower in MoCA<26 group than in MoCA≥26 group (all P<0.05). During the 1-year follow up, patients in the MoCA<26 group had higher all-cause mortality (10.2%(64/628) vs. 2.2%(8/362), P<0.01), cardiovascular mortality (5.9%(37/628) vs. 0.8%(3/362), P<0.01) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (9.6%(60/628) vs. 2.5%(8/362), P<0.01) than patients in the MoCA≥26 group. In univariate regression, MoCA<26 was associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR(95%CI):4.739(2.272-9.885), P<0.01), cardiovascular mortality (HR(95%CI):7.258(2.237-23.548), P=0.001) and MACCE (OR(95%CI):4.143(2.031-8.453), P<0.01). After adjustment by multivariate regression, MoCA<26 was indicated as an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (HR(95%CI): 6.387(2.533-16.104), P<0.01), cardiovascular mortality (HR(95%CI): 10.848(2.586-45.506), P=0.001) and MACCE (OR(95%CI): 4.081(1.299-12.816), P=0.016), while not for re-hospitalization for HF (OR(95%CI):1.010(0.700-1.457), P=0.957). Conclusions: Cognitive impairment is common in HF patients,and it is an independent prognostic factor for 1-year outcomes. Routine cognitive function assessment and active intervention are thus recommended for HF patients.

Prognostic value of Montreal Cognitive Assessment in heart failure patients / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective@#To explore the occurrence of cognitive impairment in Chinese heart failure (HF) patients and it's impact on prognosis.@*Methods@#In this prospective observational study, a total of 990 HF patients were enrolled from 24 hospitals in China during December 2012 to November 2014. All patients were administrated with the interview-format Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), according to which they were divided into MoCA<26 (with cognitive impairment) group and MoCA≥26 (without cognitive impairment) group. Baseline data were collected and a 1-year follow up was carried out. Univariate and multivariate logistic or Cox regression were performed for 1-year outcomes.@*Results@#Cognitive impairment was evidenced in 628 patients (63.4%) and they were more likely to be older, female, and with higher proportion of New York Heart Association(NYHA) class Ⅲ-Ⅳ, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ischemic heart disease, while body mass index (BMI), education level, and medical insurance rate were lower (all P<0.05) as compared to patients in MoCA≥26 group. The rate of percutaneous intervention, device implantation, cardiac surgery and evidence-based medications were significantly lower in MoCA<26 group than in MoCA≥26 group (all P<0.05). During the 1-year follow up, patients in the MoCA<26 group had higher all-cause mortality (10.2%(64/628) vs. 2.2%(8/362), P<0.01), cardiovascular mortality (5.9%(37/628) vs. 0.8%(3/362), P<0.01) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (9.6%(60/628) vs. 2.5%(8/362), P<0.01) than patients in the MoCA≥26 group. In univariate regression, MoCA<26 was associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR(95%CI):4.739(2.272-9.885), P<0.01), cardiovascular mortality (HR(95%CI):7.258(2.237-23.548), P=0.001) and MACCE (OR(95%CI):4.143(2.031-8.453), P<0.01). After adjustment by multivariate regression, MoCA<26 was indicated as an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (HR(95%CI): 6.387(2.533-16.104), P<0.01), cardiovascular mortality (HR(95%CI): 10.848(2.586-45.506), P=0.001) and MACCE (OR(95%CI): 4.081(1.299-12.816), P=0.016), while not for re-hospitalization for HF (OR(95%CI):1.010(0.700-1.457), P=0.957).@*Conclusions@#Cognitive impairment is common in HF patients,and it is an independent prognostic factor for 1-year outcomes. Routine cognitive function assessment and active intervention are thus recommended for HF patients.

Correlation among Three Cognitive Tools in Memory Assessment / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the correlation and characteristics of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test-III (RBMT-III) in evaluating memory ability of patients with brain injuries. Methods:From March, 2016 to February, 2018, 62 patients with brain injuries were evaluated with the Chinese version of MMSE, MoCA and RBMT-III. The correlation among them was analyzed. Results:There was positive correlation among the total scores of MMSE, MoCA and RBMT-III (r = 0.682 to 0.786, P < 0.001), as well as the retrospective memory (r = 0.525 to 0.610, P < 0.001) and long-term memory (r = 0.553 to 0.692, P < 0.001). There was positive correlation between RBMT-III and MMSE in short-term memory (r = 0.337, P = 0.007). The prospective memory of RBMT-III positively correlated with retrospective memory of MMSE and MoCA (r = 0.639, r = 0.585, P < 0.001), and the short-term memory of RBMT-III with long-term memory of MMSE and MoCA (r = 0.454, r = 0.534, P < 0.001). Conclusion:MMSE, MoCA and RBMT-III are consistent in evaluating retrospective memory and long-term memory for patients with brain injuries. RBMT-III and MMSE are consistent in evaluating short-term memory for patients with brain injuries. The memory scores of MMSE and MoCA are helpful to judge the event-based prospective memory in patients with brain injuries, while the scores of long-term memory are helpful to judge short-term memory.

Association between socio-demographic profile and severity of cognitive impairment in elder patients presenting with new onset of psychiatric symptoms: a cross sectional study

Background: Cognitive impairment in the elderly is a common condition and, in most instances, primary care providers are the first point of contact for a patient and family. This study was aimed to find out the association between socio-demographic profile and severity of cognitive impairment in elder patients presenting with new onset of psychiatric symptoms.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among elder subjects (≥60 years of age) presented with new onset of psychiatric symptoms during one year period. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic details such as age, sex, education, occupation, socio-economic status and marital status. Mini International Neuropsychiatric interview and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale were used for psychiatric diagnosis and severity of cognitive impairment grading, respectively. Association between socio-demographic data and cognitive impairment was statistically analyzed.Results: Among the 67 subjects included in the study, 76.2% had cognitive impairment. Majority of the subjects were females (56.7%) in the age group of 66-70 years. The association between cognitive impairment and sex (p=0.006), education (p=0.002) and occupation (p=0.015) were significant. But no significant association between cognitive impairment and marital status (p=0.0137) or socioeconomic status (p=0.400) was evidenced.Conclusions: Females in the age group of 66-70 years were more prevalent to cognitive impairment. The association between sex, education, occupation and severity of cognitive impairment was significant. No significant association between severity of cognitive impairment score and marital status or socioeconomic status was found.

A cross sectional study on the association between new onset of psychiatric symptoms with severity of cognitive impairment in elderly patients

Background: Neuropsychiatric impairments play significant roles throughout the course of cognitive decline mainly in older adults with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study was aimed to find the association between psychiatric comorbidities and severity of cognitive impairment in elder patients presented with new onset of Psychiatric Symptoms.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among elder subjects (≥60 years of age) presented with new onset of psychiatric symptoms during one year period. Mini International neuropsychiatric interview and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale were used for psychiatric diagnosis and severity of cognitive impairment grading, respectively. Association between psychiatric comorbidities and MCI was statistically analyzed.Results: Total 67 subjects were included in the study. Analysis of the psychiatric diagnosis revealed that major depressive episode (52.2%) was the most prevalent psychiatric disorder among the study population followed by Psychotic disorders (23.9%). Generalized anxiety disorder contributed to 19.4% of the total study population. Significant association (p<0.002) was identified between the severity of cognitive impairment and the psychiatric comorbidities.Conclusions: A significant association was identified between the severity of MCI and the psychiatric comorbidities. Major depressive episode was the most prevalent psychiatric disorder followed by psychotic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder.

Estudio de alteraciones neurocognitivas en pacientes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Study of neurocognitive alterations in patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus

El virus de inmunodeficiencia humana, conocido por su impacto en el sistema inmunológico, ocasionamanifestacionesneurológicas progresivas con afectación cognitiva, perturbando funciones de atención, memoria, lenguaje, ejecución y procesamiento de la información, lo cual interfiere de forma negativa en la vida social, laboral y familiar del paciente. Objetivos: Evaluar las alteraciones de diferentes funciones neurocognitivas de los pacientes con infección por el virusde inmunodeficienciahumana, en una institución prestadora de servicios de salud de la cuidad de Ibagué - Colombia. Método: Se utilizó la Evaluación Cognitiva Montreal (MoCA), la cual fue diseñada como un instrumento ágil para determinar alteraciones cognitivas leves. La población objeto de estudio la constituyeron 44 pacientes portadores de virus de inmunodeficiencia humana, seleccionados dentro de un marco de muestreo no-probabilístico con muestra intencional o de conveniencia, entre los 14 y 75 años de edad. Resultados: Mayor deterioro neurocognitivo en los pacientes diagnosticados con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana de mayor edad; datos epidemiológicos indican que la edad más avanzada se asocia a una mayor prevalencia de desorden neurocognitivo asociado al virus de inmunodeficiencia humana. Conclusiones: El estudio de los mecanismos del deterioro neurocognitivo en pacientes con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana se hace cada vez más relevante, porque cada día aumenta su esperanza de vida, pero a su vez genera complicaciones con mayor predominio de la comorbilidad médica, psiquiátrica y neurológica(AU)

Introduction: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, known for its impact on the immune system, causes progressive neurologic manifestations with cognitive impairment, disrupting attention functions, memory, language, execution and processing of information. The latter negatively interferes in social, work and family life of the patient. Objectives: To evaluate alterations in varied neurocognitive functions on patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virusinfection, at a health institution in Ibague, Colombia. Method: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used. It was designed as a tool to determine mild cognitive alterations. The study population was made up of 44 carriers of Human Immunodeficiency Virus who were selected within a framework of non-probabilistic sampling and with purposive sample or convenience, between 14 and 75 years old. Results: Greater neurocognitive impairment in patients diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in legal age; someepidemiological data indicate that the older age is associated with a higher prevalence of neurocognitive disorder associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Conclusions: The study of the neurocognitive impairment mechanisms in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus becomes increasingly more relevant, as their life expectancy increases daily. On the other hand, it causes complications with greater prevalence of medical psychiatric and neurological comorbidity(AU)

Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale in patients with Parkinson Disease with normal scores in the Mini-Mental State Examination / Detecção de comprometimento cognitivo de acordo com a escala Montreal Cognitive Assessment em pacientes com doença de Parkinson idiopática com cognição normal de acordo com o escore no miniexame do estado mental

ABSTRACT: Several screening tests have been used for cognitive evaluation in Parkinson's disease (PD). Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in patients with Parkinson's disease and no cognitive impairment complaints. Methods: A total of 40 PD patients with no complaints of cognitive problems were included. Patients were selected using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the MoCA was then administered. Results: 80% of patients exhibited Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) according to the MoCA. Statistically significant differences in visuospatial, attention and delayed recall functions were evident between the normal and abnormal MoCA groups. Conclusion: The study results suggest that MoCA may be a good screening test in patients with PD who do not present cognitive complaints.

RESUMO: Vários testes de triagem foram utilizados para avaliação cognitiva na doença de Parkinson (DP). Objetivo: Avaliar a utilidade da Avaliação Cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA) em pacientes com doença de Parkinson sem queixa de comprometimento cognitivo. Métodos: Um total de 40 pacientes com TP sem queixas de problemas cognitivos foram admitidos e com o Estado de Exame do Estado Mental Mini (MEEM) foram selecionados e receberam o MoCA. Resultados: 80% apresentaram dados de Comprometimento Cognitivo Leve (ICM) segundo o MoCA, sendo as funções visoespaciais, atenção e memória atrasada aquelas que apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos MoCA normal e anormal. Conclusão: Este estudo sugere que o MoCA pode ser um bom teste de triagem em pacientes com DP que não apresentam queixas cognitivas.

Diabetes control, dyslipidemia, hsCRP and mild cognitive impairment in non-elderly people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia has been observed more in people with diabetes when compared with general population. The risk factors for MCI in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been defined in elderly patients and aging may itself contribute to declining in cognitive functions. As the large number people with T2DM are under 60years, the prevalence of MCI and factors contributing to it are not much studied. So, this study aimed to find out the factors contributing to MCI in non-elderly T2DM patients.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 257 patients with T2DM underwent cognitive assessment by Montreal cognitive assessment test and the cognitive levels were correlated with their glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP).Results: The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was 64.2%.  MCI significantly correlated with duration of diabetes, socioeconomic status, HbA1c, serum triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and hsCRP levels. The factors that were statistically insignificant were body mass index and high-density lipoprotein levels.Conclusions: Cognitive impairment is seen even in non-elderly T2DM patients. It should be considered along with the other complications of diabetes and individuals with T2DM should be screened for cognitive impairment to prevent progression to dementia.