Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Attenuates Cognitive Deficits and Alzheimer's Disease-Type Pathologies via ISCA1-Mediated Mitochondrial Modulation in APP/PS1 Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a time-saving and cost-effective repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation regime, has been shown to improve cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the specific mechanism underlying iTBS-induced cognitive enhancement remains unknown. Previous studies suggested that mitochondrial functions are modulated by magnetic stimulation. Here, we showed that iTBS upregulates the expression of iron-sulfur cluster assembly 1 (ISCA1, an essential regulatory factor for mitochondrial respiration) in the brain of APP/PS1 mice. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed that iTBS modulates mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster assembly to facilitate mitochondrial respiration and function, which is required for ISCA1. Moreover, iTBS rescues cognitive decline and attenuates AD-type pathologies in APP/PS1 mice. The present study uncovers a novel mechanism by which iTBS modulates mitochondrial respiration and function via ISCA1-mediated iron-sulfur cluster assembly to alleviate cognitive impairments and pathologies in AD. We provide the mechanistic target of iTBS that warrants its therapeutic potential for AD patients.

Effect of acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina on the cognitive function in the patients with subjective cognitive decline / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects on cognitive function, sleep quality and hemodynamics in the patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) after treated with acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina on the base of healthy lifestyle education and meta-memory training.@*METHODS@#Sixty SCD patients were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (30 cases, 3 cases dropped out). In the control group, the healthy lifestyle education and meta-memory training was performed, twice daily, 15 min each time; the 5-day intervention was delivered a week, lasting consecutively 4 weeks. On the base of the intervention as the control group, in the observation group, acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina was conducted. First, one-finger pushing and plucking method of tuina was exerted on the neck region along the running courses of the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang and the governor vessel, for 10 min to 15 min; afterwards, acupuncture was delivered at bilateral neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2), from C1 to C7; and the needles were retained for 30 min. This intervention was given once daily, 5 times a week, for consecutive 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the score of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the score of full scale memory quotient (FSMQ) were assessed by Wechsler memory scale-fourth edition (WMS-Ⅳ) and the score of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was compared between the two groups. Using transcranial Doppler ultrasound, the hemodynamic indexes (the mean velocity [Vm] and pulsatility index [PI] of the left vertebral artery [LVA], the right vertebral artery [RVA] and the basilar artery [BA]) were determined in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of MMSE and FSMQ increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05, P<0.001), PSQI score was lower (P<0.05) and Vm of BA was higher (P<0.001) in the observation group when compared with those before treatment. The scores of MMSE and FSMQ, as well as Vm of BA were higher (P<0.05, P<0.001), and PSQI score was decreased (P<0.05) in the observation group when compared with the control group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The combined therapy of acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and tuina is more advantageous to improving cognitive function, relieving chronic emotional stress and ameliorating sleeping quality in the patients with subjective cognitive decline, which may be achieved by improving the blood supply of the basilar artery.

Effect of electroacupuncture at the acupoints for Tiaozang Xingshen on cerebral metabolism in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated cognitive dysfunction / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the cerebral metabolism in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated cognitive dysfunction (T2DACD) and explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) at the acupoints for Tiaozang Xingshen (adjusting zangfu function and rescuing the spirit) in treatment of T2DACD, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.@*METHODS@#Fifteen patients with T2DACD (observation group) and 22 healthy subjects (control group) were enrolled. In the observation group, the patients were treated with EA for Tiaozang Xingshen at Baihui (GV 20) and Shenting (GV 24), and bilateral Feishu (BL 13), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3). EA was operated with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency and 0.1 mA to 1.0 mA in current intensity; 30 min each time, once daily. One course of EA consisted of 5 treatments, at the interval of 2 days and the intervention lasted 8 courses. Before treatment in the control group, before and after treatment in the observation group, the score of Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), the score of clinical dementia rating (CDR), Flanker paradigm, Stroop paradigm, Nback paradigm, the score of self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), the score of self-rating depression scale (SDS), and the score of Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) were evaluated separately; the glycolipid metabolic indexes (fasting plasma glucose [FPG], glycosylated hemoglobin type A1c [HbA1c], total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerol [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) were determined；with the magnetic resonance spectroscopy technique adopted, the metabolites in the basal ganglia area were detected. The correlation analysis was performed for the metabolite values with MoCA score, CDR score , Flanker paradigm, Stroop paradigm, and Nback paradigm.@*RESULTS@#Before treatment, compared with the control group, in the observation group, MoCA score was lower (P<0.001), CDR score and the levels of FPG and HbA1c were higher (P<0.001); the reaction times of Flanker non-conflict, Flanker conflict, Stroop neutrality, Stroop congruence, Stroop conflict, and 1-back were prolonged (P<0.05, P<0.001), and the accuracy of Flanker conflict, Stroop conflict, and 1-back decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) to creatine (Cr) in the left basal ganglia area was dropped (P<0.001), and that of myo-inositol (MI) to Cr in the right side increased (P<0.05). In the observation group after treatment, compared with the levels before treatment, MoCA score was higher (P<0.001), the scores of CDR, SAS and HAMD were reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), the reaction times of Flanker conflict and Stroop conflict shortened (P<0.001, P<0.05), and the accuracy of Flanker conflict and 1-back increased (P<0.001, P<0.05); the ratio of NAA to Cr in the left basal ganglia area and that of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to Cr in the right increased (P<0.05), that of MI to Cr in the right decreased (P<0.05). Before treatment, in the observation group, the ratio of MI to Cr in the right basal ganglia area was positively correlated with the reaction time of Stroop congruence (r=0.671, P=0.012) and this ratio was positively correlated with the reaction time of Stroop conflict (r=0.576, P=0.039).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture for "adjusting zangfu function and rescuing the mind" improves the cognitive function of T2DACD patients, which may be related to the regulation of NAA, MI and GABA levels in the basal ganglia.

Needle retaining after electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training for post-stroke cognitive impairment: a multi-center randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To compare the efficacy of needle retaining after electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training and electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training in the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).@*METHODS@#A total of 206 patients with PSCI were randomized into a needle retaining group (103 cases, 9 cases dropped out) and an electroacupuncture group (103 cases, 6 cases dropped out). In addition to the conventional basic medical treatment and the rehabilitation treatment, in the needle retaining group, electroacupuncture at Shenting (GV 24) and Baihui (GV 20) was applied, with continuous wave of 50 Hz in the first 15 min and with disperse-dense wave of 2 Hz/50 Hz in the last 15 min, the needles were continuously retained for 1 h after electroacupuncture, during which cognitive training was adopted; in the electroacupuncture group, cognitive training was performed after the same electric stimulation exerted for 30 min, without additional needles retaining. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week for totally 8 weeks in the two groups. Before and after 8-week treatment, the TCM syndrome score was observed; before and after 4,8-week treatment, the scores of mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and ability of daily living were observed in the two groups. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after 8-week treatment.@*RESULTS@#After 8-week treatment, the TCM syndrome scores were increased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05); the TCM syndrome score in the needle retaining group was higher than that in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05).After 4,8-week treatment, the scores of MMSE, MoCA and ability of daily living were increased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05); MMSE, MoCA scores after 4,8-week treatment and ability of daily living score after 8-week treatment in the needle retaining group were higher than those in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.4% (85/94) in the needle retaining group, which was superior to 82.5% (80/97) in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Both needle retaining after electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training and electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training can effectively treat PSCI, improve the clinical symptom, cognitive function and ability of daily living in PSCI patients. Needle retaining after electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training has a better therapeutic effect.

Acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base for post-stroke mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base in treating post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (PSMCI), and preliminary explore its action mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 76 PSMCI patients were randomly divided into an observation group (38 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a control group (38 cases, 3 cases dropped off, 1 case was removed). In the observation group, acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base (bilateral Fengchi [GB 20], Wangu [GB 12], Tianzhu [BL 10] and Yamen [GV 15], Baihui [GV 20]) was used for treatment. In the control group, 8 non-meridian and non-acupoint points at the distal end were selected for shallow puncture treatment. Retaining the needles of 30 min, once every other day,3 times a week for 4 weeks in both groups. The scores of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Barthel index (BI) and serum levels of cystatin C (Cys-C) and homocysteine (Hcy) were compared in the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of MoCA were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The scores of MMSE and BI were increased compared with those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05), and the score of MMSE in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of Cys-C and Hcy were decreased compared with those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05), and lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum level of Cys-C was increased compared with that before treatment in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 88.2% (30/34), which was higher than 32.4% (11/34) of the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base can improve cognitive function and daily living ability of PSMCI patients, which may be related to the down regulation of serum levels of Cys-C and Hcy.

Effects of moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) on cognition function and lower limb motor function in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment of kidney essence deficiency / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of moxibustion at Yongquan（KI 1） on the cognitive function and lower limb motor function in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment of kidney essence deficiency.@*METHODS@#Eighty-four patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment of kidney essence deficiency were randomly divided into an observation group（42 cases，1 case dropped off）and a control group（42 cases，1 case dropped off）.The control group was treated with medication，electroacupuncture，rehabilitation training and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation（rTMS）；on the basis of the treatment as the control group，moxibustion at bilateral Yongquan（KI 1）was adopted in the observation group.Both groups were treated once a day，5 days a week with 2-day interval，4 weeks were required. The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) score, mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score, Fugl-Meyer assessment-lower extremity (FMA-LE) score, Berg balance scale (BBS) score, functional independence measure (FIM) score, modified fall efficacy scale (MFES) score and scale for the differentiation of syndromes of vascular dementia (SDSVD) score before and after treatment were observed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment，the MoCA, MMSE, FMA-LE, BBS, FIM and MFES scores were higher than those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment，the SDSVD scores were lower than those before treatment in both groups (P< 0.05), and the SDSVD score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P< 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion at Yongquan（KI 1） can improve the cognitive function and motor and balance function of lower limbs in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment of kidney essence deficiency，reduce the risk of fall and improve the quality of life.

Effects of electroacupuncture on rats with cognitive impairment: An iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#The study explores the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the governing vessel (GV) on proteomic changes in the hippocampus of rats with cognitive impairment.@*METHODS@#Healthy male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham, model and EA. Cognitive impairment was induced by left middle cerebral artery occlusion in the model and EA groups. Rats in the EA group were treated with EA at Shenting (GV24) and Baihui (GV20) for 7 d. Neurological deficit was scored using the Longa scale, the learning and memory ability was detected using the Morris water maze (MWM) test, and the proteomic profiling in the hippocampus was analyzed using protein-labeling technology based on the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). The Western blot (WB) analysis was used to detect the proteins and validate the results of iTRAQ.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the model group, the neurological deficit score was significantly reduced, and the escape latency in the MWM test was significantly shortened, while the number of platform crossings increased in the EA group. A total of 2872 proteins were identified by iTRAQ. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between different groups: 92 proteins were upregulated and 103 were downregulated in the model group compared with the sham group, while 142 proteins were upregulated and 126 were downregulated in the EA group compared with the model group. Most of the DEPs were involved in oxidative phosphorylation, glycolipid metabolism and synaptic transmission. Furthermore, we also verified 4 DEPs using WB technology. Although the WB results were not exactly the same as the iTRAQ results, the expression trends of the DEPs were consistent. The upregulation of heat-shock protein β1 (Hspb1) was the highest in the EA group compared to the model group.@*CONCLUSION@#EA can effect proteomic changes in the hippocampus of rats with cognitive impairment. Hspb1 may be involved in the molecular mechanism by which acupuncture improves cognitive impairment.

Mal de desembarque / Mal de debarquement

Resumen El síndrome de mal de desembarque es un cuadro clínico de mareo y oscilaciones corporales persistente, descrito siglos atrás cuando los marineros llegaban a tierra después de navegar. Actualmente, se sabe que este cuadro clínico ocurre también al bajarse de cualquier medio de transporte, ya sea marítimo, aéreo o terrestre. Cuando el cuadro clínico tiene una duración de tres o más días, se denomina mal de desembarque persistente, y se asocia a cefalea y mayores niveles de ansiedad y síntomas depresivos. A continuación, presentamos el cuadro clínico de un paciente que consultó por mareo persistente posterior a un paseo en bote en el mar. Se discute diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico.

Abstract Mal de Debarquement is a clinical syndrome characterized by persistent self-motion dizziness and increased oscillatory body sway, that was described centuries ago after sailors landed in port. Nowadays, it is known that mal de debarquement could appear after any travel in a motion vehicle, including airplanes, ships and cars. When the duration of the symptoms lasts longer than three days, a persistent mal de debarquement is diagnosed, and it is associated with headache and higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Here, we present a clinical case of a persistent mal de debarquement that attended to the Otolaryngology clinics at the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile after a boat trip in the sea. We discuss diagnosis and clinical management.

Gamepad: utilizando exergames para a promoção da saúde e inclusão social de pessoas com deficiência / Gamepad: use of exergames for promoting health and social inclusion of people with disabilities

O objetivo desse artigo é relatar os resultados de um programa de exercícios para indivíduos adultos com deficiências cognitivas e transtornos, utilizando diferentes exergames como ferramentas pedagógicas. A intervenção foi realizada com a participação de 26 indivíduos adultos com deficiências cognitivas e transtornos com idades entre 25 e 59 anos. A pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, de cunho exploratória, a qual foram utilizados a entrevista semiestruturada e o diário de campo como instrumentos de pesquisa. Para interação com os exergames, foram utilizados os consoles Xbox 360 com Kinect, Xbox One com Kinect e Nintendo Wii U. As intervenções foram realizadas no Exergame Lab Brazil, na Escola Superior de Educação Física da UFPel, por um período de duas horas, uma vez por semana, totalizando 25 encontros. A utilização de Exergames tem grande potencial, tanto nos aspectos relacionados à viabilidade, por ser uma tecnologia de baixo custo e de fácil implementação, quanto nos resultados esperados. O Just Dance e o Kinect Sports foram os games que mais contribuíram nesta pesquisa. Os participantes da pesquisa ganharam independência e socialização, bem como melhoraram as habilidades específicas em cada game. Além disso, a possibilidade de utilização dos Exergames em casa também poderá auxiliar pais e responsáveis a melhorar aspectos da vida diária de adultos com deficiências cognitivas e transtornos.

The purpose of this article is to report the results of an exercise program for adults with cognitive disabilities and disorders using different exergames as pedagogical tools. The intervention was carried out with the participation of 26 individuals with cognitive disabilities and disorders aged between 25 and 59 years old. The exploratory, qualitative research used a semi-structured interview and a field diary as research instruments. The Xbox 360 with Kinect, Xbox One with Kinect and Nintendo Wii U consoles were used for the interactions with the exergames. The interventions were carried out at Exergame Lab Brazil, at the Physical Education School at UFPel, for a period of two hours, once a week, totaling 25 meetings. The use of Exergames presents great potential, both in relation to feasibility, since it is a low-cost, easy-to-implement technology, and in terms of expected results. Just Dance and Kinect Sports were the games that contributed most to this research. Research participants gained independence and socialization, as well as the improvement of specific skills in each game. In addition, the possibility of using Exergames at home can also help parents and guardians to improve aspects of the daily life of adults with cognitive disabilities and disorders.

Overview of systematic reviews of acupuncture for vascular cognitive impairment / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To overview the methodological quality, report quality and evidence quality of the systematic review (SR) of acupuncture for vascular cognitive impairment ( VCI ).@*METHODS@#The SRs regarding acupuncture for VCI were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, SinoMed, Wanfang and VIP databases. The retrieval period was from the establishment of the database to September 24, 2020. The report quality, methodological quality and evidence quality of the included SRs were evaluated by PRISMA statement, the AMSTAR 2 tool and the GRADE system.@*RESULTS@#A total of 22 SRs were included, including 102 outcome indexes. The methodological quality was generally low, with low scores on items 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 15 and 16. The report quality was good, with scores ranging from 19 points to 24.5 points. The problems of report quality were mainly reflected in the aspects of structural abstract, program and registration, other analysis and funding sources. The level of outcome indexes of SRs was mostly low or very low, and the main leading factor was limitation, followed by inconsistency and inaccuracy.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture for VCI is supported by low quality evidence of evidence-based medicine, but the methodological quality and evidence body quality of relevant SRs are poor, and the standardization is needed to be improved.

Outcomes in randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for vascular cognitive impairment during recent five years / 中国针灸

The existing problems in the outcomes of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) during recent five years are analyzed and suggestions are proposed. The RCTs of acupuncture for VCI were selected in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, CNKI database, Wanfang database, VIP database, SinoMed database and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) from January 1, 2015 to September 14, 2020. The outcomes were extracted and analyzed. As a result, 21 RCTs were included and the outcomes used were divided into 9 categories: clinical symptom/sign indexes, quality of life indexes, neuroimaging indexes, neuroelectrophysiology indexes, blood biochemical indexes, hemorheology indexes, TCM syndrome score indexes, clinical efficacy indexes, and safety indexes. Among them, the top three of the most used outcomes were clinical symptoms/signs indexes (21, 100.0%), clinical efficacy indexes (14, 66.7%) and quality of life indexes (12, 57.1%). In the RCTs of acupuncture for VCI, attention should be paid to distinguish the primary outcomes and secondary outcomes, adopt objective and standardized efficacy evaluation, and give consideration to report the outcomes of safety, health economic and TCM characteristic indexes.

Physical exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy for reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms in elderly with mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials / Exercício físico como estratégia não farmacológica para a redução de sintomas psicológicos e comportamentais em idosos com comprometimento cognitivo leve e demência: revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos randomizados

ABSTRACT Background: Elderly people with dementia may exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms throughout the course of disease. Non-pharmacological therapies, such as regular physical activity, are considered strategies for managing these symptoms. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether participation in physical exercise programs is effective in reducing behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia. Methods: A literature review was carried out in MEDLINE (PubMed), SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases from 2010 to 2020. The eligible studies were randomized clinical trials involving elderly people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia and assessing changes in neuropsychiatric and psychological symptoms as primary or secondary outcomes. The studies had a group with only physical exercise as an intervention compared to a control group. Results: Of 175 publications identified in the initial survey, only 7 studies met the eligibility criteria. Four out of 7 studies demonstrated positive effects in reducing behavioral symptoms, while the others did not report differences between gains according to the type of protocol. Conclusions: Moderate to intense aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises may have a potential benefit in the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia, but studies varied in their conclusions. This review indicates the need for further intervention studies to investigate, as a primary outcome, the absolute effect of physical exercise and its impact on behavioral and psychological symptoms in elderly people with MCI dementia, especially in the early stages of the disease.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Idosos com demência podem manifestar sintomas comportamentais e psicológicos durante o percurso da doença. Terapias não farmacológicas, como por exemplo a atividade física regular, são consideradas como uma das estratégias para manejar esses sintomas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é investigar se a participação em programas de exercício físico é efetiva na redução de sintomas comportamentais e neuropsiquiátricos de idosos com comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) e demência. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online — MEDLINE (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Web of Science, Scopus e SPORTDiscus de 2010 a 2020. Os estudos elegíveis foram: ensaios clínicos randomizados envolvendo idosos com CCL ou demência, que medissem como desfecho primário ou secundário a mudança nos sintomas neuropsiquiátricos e psicológicos. Os estudos tiveram grupo com apenas o exercício físico como intervenção em comparação a um grupo controle. Resultados: De 175 publicações identificadas na pesquisa inicial, apenas sete estudos atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade. Quatro em sete estudos demonstraram efeitos positivos na redução dos sintomas comportamentais, enquanto os demais não fizeram diferenciação entre os ganhos conforme o tipo de protocolo. Conclusões: Exercícios aeróbicos e de fortalecimento muscular de intensidade moderada a vigorosa podem ter um benefício potencial no manejo dos sintomas psicológicos e comportamentais da demência. Esta revisão mostrou a necessidade de mais estudos de intervenção, buscando investigar como desfecho primário o efeito absoluto do exercício físico e seu impacto nos sintomas comportamentais e psicológicos de idosos com CCL e demência, principalmente nas fases iniciais da doença.

Aplicación piloto de un programa de reminiscencia positiva para personas mayores institucionalizadas / Pilot application of a positive reminiscence program for institutionalized older people

Resumen Los conocimientos actuales sobre la salud de las personas mayores permiten afirmar que es posible mejorar su calidad de vida, especialmente a través del uso de técnicas no farmacológicas de carácter preventivo. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una aplicación piloto de un Programa de Reminiscencia Positiva (REMPOS) que en otros países como España y México han demostrado ser efectivo en personas mayores con deterioro cognitivo leve y en población normal institucionalizadas. La población fue de 60 personas mayores pertenecientes a un centro de Larga Estudia del Gran Concepción. La muestra estuvo constituida por 5 personas mayores que aceptaron participar y que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Instrumentos: se usó el MOCA y Mini Mental para evaluar deterioro leve y normalidad. Procedimiento: se seleccionaron sesiones del REMPOS que podrían tener un sesgo transcultural. Resultados: se encontró que varias de las sesiones necesitaban cambios especialmente con relación a la presencia de analfabetismo funcional, limitación motora y sensorial (vista y oído) en las personas mayores. Se discute la adaptación del programa y las implicaciones derivadas de la institucionalización.

Current knowledge about the health of older people, allows us to affirm that it is possible to improve their quality of life, especially with preventive non-pharmacological techniques. The objective of this article is to present a pilot Application of a Positive Reminiscence Program (REMPOS) which in other countries such as Spain and Mexico have been shown to be effective in older people with mild cognitive impairment and in normal institutionalized populations. The population was 60 older adults belonging to a Long Study center of the Great Conception. The sample consisted of 5 older adults who agreed to participate and who met the inclusion criteria. Instruments MOCA and Mini Mental were used to assess mild impairment and normality. Procedure REMPOS sessions were selected that could have a cross-cultural bias. Results It was found that several of the sessions needed changes especially in relation to the presence of functional illiteracy, motor and sensory limitation (sight and hearing) in older people. Program adaptation and institutionalization are discussed.

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.

Knockdown of lncRNA TUG1 inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and participates in aerobic exercise-alleviated vascular cognitive impairment

OBJECTIVES: Our previous study indicated that aerobic exercise relieves cognitive impairment in patients with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) via regulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but the mechanism is not yet clear. This study aimed to explore whether lncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) participates in the process of VCI by regulating BDNF. METHODS: The expressions of TUG1 and BDNF in the serum of VCI patients were detected. The potential molecular mechanisms of TUG1 in regulating hippocampal neuronal apoptosis were explored in oxygen and glucose deprivation-induced (OGD-induced) hippocampal cell line HT22. The VCI mouse model was established, and TUG1 and BDNF were overexpressed via lentivirus injection. The cognitive impairment of mice was detected by the Morris water maze experiment after the aerobic exercise. RESULTS: The level of TUG1 was elevated in the serum of VCI patients compared with the control group. The knockdown of TUG1 in OGD-induced HT22 cells increased BDNF level and decreased cell apoptosis, and the downregulation of BDNF restored the decreased cell apoptosis. RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays showed that TUG1 could bind to BDNF protein. The aerobic exercise alleviated cognitive impairment and inhibited hippocampal apoptosis in VCI mice. Meanwhile, the overexpression of TUG1 reversed the therapeutic effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The knockdown of TUG1 reduced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and participates in the aerobic exercise-alleviated VCI, which was partly through regulating BDNF.

Treino de estimulação de memória e a funcionalidade do idoso sem comprometimento cognitivo: uma revisão integrativa / Memory stimulation training and the functionality of the elderly without cognitive impairment: an integrative review

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar as repercussões do efeito de estimulação de memória em idosos saudáveis. Revisão integrativa da literatura, de artigos publicados nos últimos sete anos, nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. A seleção foi realizada por meio de cruzamentos dos descritores: saúde do idoso, memória e cognição, nas bases de Lilacs, Medline e IBECS. Os critérios de inclusão foram: ser artigo original; responder a questão norteadora; ter disponibilidade eletrônica na forma de texto completo; ter como população de estudos idosos a partir de 60 anos sem diagnóstico de comprometimento cognitivo. Foram selecionados 12 artigos e identificado que o efeito de estimulação de memória em idosos sem comprometimento cognitivo pode melhorar no desempenho nas atividades avançadas, instrumentais e básicas de vida diária, nos componentes psicológicos, sociais e de qualidade de vida dos idosos. De acordo com a análise dos artigos é importante ressaltar a necessidade de mais estudos longitudinais e de intervenção com foco na estimulação cognitiva em idosos sem comprometimento cognitivo e que futuros estudos podem superar tais limitações através de pesquisas na área que visem um bom monitoramento e avaliações mais rigorosas, empenhadas em facilitar o desempenho cognitivo dos idosos nas atividades cotidianas.

Abstract The scope of this article is to identify the repercussions of the effect of memory stimulation in healthy elderly individuals. It is an integrative review of the literature, namely of articles published in the last seven years in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The selection was performed through cross-checking of key words: health of the elderly, memory and cognition in the Lilacs, Medline and IBECS databases. The inclusion criteria were: original article; addressing key issue; full text electronically available; population 60 years and above without diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Twelve articles were selected and it was identified that the effect of memory stimulation in the elderly without cognitive impairment can improve performance in advanced, instrumental and basic activities of daily living and in psychological, social and quality of life components in the elderly. Based on analysis of the articles it is important to emphasize the need for further longitudinal and intervention studies focused on cognitive stimulation in the elderly without cognitive impairment and that future research can overcome such limitations by working towards efficient monitoring and evaluation, which is more rigorous and committed to facilitate the cognitive performance of the elderly in daily activities.

Effective use of vitamin D in mild cognitive impairment in older people

Introduction. With age, there is a growing risk of vitamin D deficiency and cognitive impairment. Maintaining the older people's health is socially relevant to health systems in the light of the population ageing trend. The study was aimed at identifying the relationship of vitamin D levels and symptoms of moderate cognitive impairment in older people. Methods. The authors conducted a cross-sectional screening of vitamin D status and cognitive impairment using the memory impairment screen (MIS) questionnaire, as well as the clinical, placebo-controlled study of vitamin D intake at a dose of 2,000 IU/day for 6 months. Results. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency in older patients with signs of cognitive impairment totaled 90.91 %, which was significantly more frequently compared with the group without cognitive impairment, where vitamin D deficiency was found only in 11.36 % of cases. In the dynamics on the background of the vitamin D intake for 6 months, the concentration in the intervention group amounted to 52.34 ± 2.43 ng/ml vs 14.71 ± 1.54 ng/ ml in the placebo group. The results of the study of cognitive impairment using MIS for the treatment group were 3.63 ± 0.01 points, which was significantly higher compared with the placebo group ­ 1.78 ± 0.22 points. A correlation analysis of vitamin D levels and MIS points showed a strong positive relationship, with a correlation coefficient of 0.92. Conclusion. The study identified a positive relationship of increasing vitamin D levels and reducing the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment in older people. Achieving vitamin D levels of over 40 ng/ ml greatly reduces the symptoms of cognitive impairment identified by the MIS questionnaire, however, the issue of treatment of impaired cognitive functions with vitamin D remains debatable.

Non-pharmacological motor-cognitive treatment to improve the mental health of elderly adults

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To propose a program of physical-cognitive dual task and to measure its impact in Chilean institutionalized elderly adults. METHOD: Experimental design study with pre and post-intervention evaluations, measuring the cognitive and depressive levels by means of the Pfeiffer test and the Yesavage scale, respectively. The program was applied for 12 weeks to adults between 68 and 90 years old. The statistical analysis was based on the nonparametric Wilcoxon test for paired samples and was contrasted with its parametric version. The statistical software R was used. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were obtained in the cognitive level (p-value < 0.05) and highly significant (p-value < 0.001) in the level of depression with both tests (parametric and nonparametric). CONCLUSION: Due to the almost null evidence of scientific interventions of programs that integrate physical activity and cognitive tasks together in Chilean elderly adults, a program of physical-cognitive dual task was proposed as a non-pharmacological treatment, easy to apply and of low cost to benefit their integral health, which improves significantly the cognitive and depressive levels of institutionalized elderly adults.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Propor um programa físico-cognitivo e medir seu impacto em idosos institucionalizados chilenos. MÉTODO: Estudo de planejamento experimental com avaliações pré e pós-intervenção, medindo os níveis cognitivo e depressivo por meio do teste de Pfeiffer e da escala de Yesavage, respectivamente. O programa foi aplicado por 12 semanas a idosos entre 68 e 90 anos de idade. A análise estatística foi baseada no teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon para amostras pareadas e foi contrastada com sua versão paramétrica. O software estatístico R foi utilizado. RESULTADOS: Diferenças estatisticamente significantes foram obtidas no nível cognitivo (p < 0,05) e altamente significante (p < 0,001) no nível de depressão com ambos os testes (paramétrico e não paramétrico). CONCLUSÃO: Porque quase não existe evidência científica de programas de intervenções que integram a atividade física e tarefas cognitivas em chilenos idosos, um programa físico-cognitivo foi proposto como tratamento não farmacológico, fácil de implementar e de baixo custo, para beneficiar a sua saúde integral, melhorando significativamente os níveis cognitivos e depressivos de idosos institucionalizados.

Effects of cerebral oxygen changes during coronary bypass surgery on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients: a pilot study / Efeitos das alterações no oxigênio cerebral durante cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sobre a disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório em pacientes idosos: estudo piloto

Abstract Background and objectives: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery. Adequate cerebral perfusion is essential and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can measure cerebral oxygenation. Aim of this study is to compare incidence of early and late postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients treated with conventional or near infrared spectroscopy monitoring. Methods: Patients undergoing coronary surgery above 60 years, were included and randomized to 2 groups; control and NIRS groups. Peroperative management was NIRS guided in GN; and with conventional approach in control group. Test battery was performed before surgery, at first week and 3rd month postoperatively. The battery comprised clock drawing, memory, word list generation, digit spam and visuospatial skills subtests. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction was defined as drop of 1 SD (standard deviation) from baseline on two or more tests. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of quantitative measurements; Chi-square exact test to compare quantitative data. Results: Twenty-one patients in control group and 19 in NIRS group completed study. Demographic and operative data were similar. At first week postoperative cognitive dysfunction were present in 9 (45%) and 7 (41%) of patients in control group and NIRS group respectively. At third month 10 patients (50%) were assessed as postoperative cognitive dysfunction; incidence was 4 (24%) in NIRS group (p:0.055). Early and late postoperative cognitive dysfunction group had significantly longer ICU stay (1.74 + 0.56 vs. 2.94 + 0.95; p < 0.001; 1.91 + 0.7 vs. 2.79 + 1.05; p < 0.01) and longer hospital stay (9.19 + 2.8 vs. 11.88 + 1.7; p < 0.01; 9.48 + 2.6 vs. 11.36 + 2.4; p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this pilot study conventional monitoring and near infrared spectroscopy resulted in similar rates of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Late cognitive dysfunction tended to ameliorate with near infrared spectroscopy. Early and late cognitive declines were associated with prolonged ICU and hospital stays.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório é comum após cirurgia cardíaca. A perfusão cerebral adequada é essencial e a espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo (NIRS) pode medir a oxigenação cerebral. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a incidência de disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório, precoce e tardio, em pacientes idosos tratados com monitoração convencional ou espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo. Métodos: Os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia coronariana, acima de 60 anos, foram incluídos e randomicamente alocados em dois grupos: grupo controle e grupo NIRS. O manejo dos pacientes no período perioperatório foi feito com NIRS no grupo NH e com abordagem convencional no grupo controle A bateria de testes foi feita antes da cirurgia, na primeira semana e no terceiro mês de pós-operatório. A bateria incluiu o desenho do relógio, a memória, a geração de uma lista de palavras, a sequência de dígitos e subtestes que exigem habilidades visuoespaciais.Disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório foi definida como queda de um DP (desvio-padrão) da fase basal em dois ou mais testes. O teste U de Mann Whitney foi usado para comparação de medidas quantitativa e o teste exato do qui-quadrado para comparar dados quantitativos. Resultados: Vinte e um pacientes do grupo controle e 19 do grupo NIRS concluíram o estudo. Os dados demográficos e operacionais foram semelhantes. Na primeira semana, nove pacientes (45%) do GC e sete pacientes (41%) do grupo NIRS apresentaram disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório. No terceiro mês, 10 pacientes (50%) foram avaliados como disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório; a incidência foi de quatro (24%) no grupo NIRS (p = 0,055). O grupo que apresentou disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório precoce e tardio teve uma permanência significativamente maior na UTI (1,74 + 0,56 vs. 2,94 + 0,95; p < 0,001; 1,91 + 0,7 vs. 2,79 + 1,05; p < 0,01) e permanência hospitalar mais longa (9,19 + 2,8 vs. 11,88 + 1,7; p < 0,01; 9,48 + 2,6 vs. 11,36 + 2,4; p < 0,05). Conclusão: Neste estudo piloto, a monitoração convencional e a espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo resultaram em taxas semelhantes de disfunção cognitiva no pós-operatório precoce. A disfunção cognitiva tardia tende a melhorar com espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo. Os declínios cognitivos precoces e tardios foram associados a internações prolongadas tanto em UTI quanto hospitalares.

What do Cochrane systematic reviews say about non-pharmacological interventions for treating cognitive decline and dementia? / O que as revisões sistemáticas Cochrane falam sobre intervenções não farmacológicas para o tratamento de declínio cognitivo e demência?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Dementia is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. Its chronic and progressive presentation has an impact on physical and psychosocial characteristics and on public healthcare. Our aim was to summarize evidence from Cochrane reviews on non-pharmacological treatments for cognitive disorders and dementia. DESIGN AND SETTING: Review of systematic reviews, conducted in the Discipline of Evidence-Based Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: Cochrane reviews on non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive dysfunctions and/or type of dementia were included. For this, independent assessments were made by two authors. RESULTS: Twenty-four reviews were included. These showed that carbohydrate intake and validation therapy may be beneficial for cognitive disorders. For dementia, there is a potential benefit from physical activity programs, cognitive training, psychological treatments, aromatherapy, light therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive stimulation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy in association with donepezil, functional analysis, reminiscence therapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, structured decision-making on feeding options, case management approaches, interventions by non-specialist healthcare workers and specialized care units. No benefits were found in relation to enteral tube feeding, acupuncture, Snoezelen stimulation, respite care, palliative care team and interventions to prevent wandering behavior. CONCLUSION: Many non-pharmacological interventions for patients with cognitive impairment and dementia have been studied and potential benefits have been shown. However, the strength of evidence derived from these studies was considered low overall, due to the methodological limitations of the primary studies.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Demência é uma condição com alta prevalência e incidência global. Sua característica crônica e progressiva tem impacto em aspectos físicos, psicossociais e na saúde pública. Nosso objetivo foi resumir evidências de revisões Cochrane sobre intervenções não farmacológicas para distúrbios cognitivos e demências. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Revisão de revisões sistemáticas conduzida na Disciplina de Medicina Baseada em Evidências da Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas revisões Cochrane sobre intervenções não farmacológicas para disfunções cognitivas e/ou qualquer tipo de demência, após a avaliação realizada de forma independente por dois autores. RESULTADOS: Vinte e quatro revisões foram incluídas. As revisões mostraram que ingestão de carboidratos e a terapia de validação podem ser benéficas para distúrbios cognitivos. Para demência, existe benefício potencial de programas de atividade física, treino cognitivo, tratamentos psicológicos, aromaterapia, terapia com luz, reabilitação cognitiva, estimulação cognitiva, oxigenoterapia hiperbárica associada a donepezila, análise funcional, terapia de reminiscência, estimulação elétrica transcutânea, decisão estruturada em opções de alimentação, abordagem de gestão de casos e intervenções aplicadas por trabalhadores na área de saúde não especialistas e por unidades de cuidado especializado. Não foram encontrados benefícios para alimentação por sonda entérica, acupuntura, estimulação de Snoezelen, cuidados de repouso, equipe de cuidados paliativos e intervenções para prevenir comportamento de perambulação. CONCLUSÃO: Várias intervenções não farmacológicas para pacientes com comprometimento cognitivo e demência têm sido estudadas, mostrando benefícios potenciais. Entretanto, a força de evidência derivada desses estudos é em geral considerada baixa, devido às limitações metodológicas dos estudos primários.