scholarly journals Thyroid Function and Cognition during Aging

2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Bégin ◽  
M. F. Langlois ◽  
D. Lorrain ◽  
S. C. Cunnane

We summarize here the studies examining the association between thyroid function and cognitive performance from an aging perspective. The available data suggest that there may be a continuum in which cognitive dysfunction can result from increased or decreased concentrations of thyroid hormones. Clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism in middle-aged and elderly adults are both associated with decreased cognitive functioning, especially memory, visuospatial organization, attention, and reaction time. Mild variations of thyroid function, even within normal limits, can have significant consequences for cognitive function in the elderly. Different cognitive deficits possibly related to thyroid failure do not necessarily follow a consistent pattern, and L-thyroxine treatment may not always completely restore normal functioning in patients with hypothyroidism. There is little or no consensus in the literature regarding how thyroid function is associated with cognitive performance in the elderly.

GeroPsych ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina A. Tesky ◽  
Christian Thiel ◽  
Winfried Banzer ◽  
Johannes Pantel

To investigate the effects of leisure activities on cognitive performance of healthy older subjects, an innovative intervention program was developed. Frequent participation in cognitively stimulating activities (i.e., reading, playing chess, or playing music) is associated with reduced risk of dementia. AKTIVA (active cognitive stimulation – prevention in the elderly) is an intervention program designed to enhance cognitive stimulation in everyday life by increasing cognitive stimulating leisure activities. The present study determines the effects of AKTIVA on cognitive function, mood and attitude toward aging in a sample of older participants from the general population. Several measurement instruments were used including the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog), the Trail-Making Test (TMT), and the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q). Initially, the sample consisted of 307 older persons (170 female, 72 ± 7 years). The intervention was evaluated with a randomized, controlled pre-post follow-up design. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: AKTIVA intervention (n = 126), AKTIVA intervention plus nutrition and exercise counseling (n = 84), no-intervention control group (n = 97). The AKTIVA intervention consisted of 8 weekly sessions and two booster sessions after a break of 4 months. Participation in the group program resulted in positive effects on cognitive function and attitude toward aging for subassembly groups. Older persons (≥ 75 years) showed enhanced speed of information processing (by TMT Version A) (F = 4.17*, p < .05); younger participants (< 75 years) showed an improvement in subjective memory decline (by MAC-Q) (F = 2.55*, p < .05). Additionally, AKTIVA enhanced the frequency of activities for leisure activities for subassembly groups. The results of this study suggest that the AKTIVA program can be used to increase cognitively stimulating leisure activities in the elderly. Further research is necessary to identify the long-term effects of this intervention particularly with respect to the prevention of dementia.


Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Richard ◽  
Linda McEvoy ◽  
Steven Cao ◽  
Andrea Z Lacroix ◽  
Rany Salem

Background: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria and serum uric acid (SUA) are markers of kidney function that have been associated with cognitive ability. However, whether these associations are causal is unclear. Methods: We performed one-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to estimate the effects of kidney function markers on cognitive performance using data from 357,590 participants from the UK Biobank. Polygenic scores for serum uric acid (SUA), urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate based on serum creatinine (eGFRcre) and serum cystatin-c (eGFRcys) were used as instruments, and cognitive function outcomes included a test of verbal-numeric reasoning and reaction time. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to address potential pleiotropy using MR-Egger and weighted median regression. Results: We found no evidence of a causal effect of genetically determined SUA, eGFRcre or eGFRcys on either cognitive function outcomes. There was no association between a polygenic score for ACR and verbal-numeric reasoning. However, there was suggestive evidence of a relationship between genetically increased ACR and slower reaction time (β (95% confidence interval [CI])) for 1 standard deviation log ACR = 4.93 (1.60 to 8.26), p=0.004). Pleiotropy adjusted estimates were directionally consistent with those of the principal analysis but overlapped with the null. Conclusions: This MR study does not support causal effects of SUA, eGFRcre or eGFRcys on cognitive performance. Genetically-increased ACR was associated with lower processing speed, but results need confirmation in independent samples.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle S. Cha ◽  
Nicole E. Carmona ◽  
Rodrigo B. Mansur ◽  
Yena Lee ◽  
Hyun Jung Park ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the role of pain on cognitive function in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsAdults (18–65) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – Fifth Edition (DSM-5)-defined diagnosis of MDD experiencing a current major depressive episode (MDE) were enrolled (nMDD = 100). All subjects with MDD were matched in age, sex, and years of education to healthy controls (HC) (nHC = 100) for comparison. Cognitive function was assessed using the recently validated THINC-integrated tool (THINC-it), which comprises variants of the choice reaction time (i.e., THINC-it: Spotter), One-Back (i.e., THINC-it: Symbol Check), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (i.e., THINC-it: Codebreaker), Trail Making Test – Part B (i.e., THINC-it: Trails), as well as the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire for Depression – 5-item (i.e., THINC-it: PDQ-5-D). A global index of objective cognitive function was computed using objective measures from the THINC-it, while self-rated cognitive deficits were measured using the PDQ-5-D. Pain was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Regression analyses evaluated the role of pain in predicting objective and subjective cognitive function.ResultsA significant between-group differences on the VAS was observed (p < 0.001), with individuals with MDD reporting higher pain severity as evidenced by higher scores on the VAS than HC. Significant interaction effects were observed between self -rated cognitive deficits and pain ratings (p < 0.001) on objective cognitive performance (after adjusting for MADRS total score), suggesting that pain moderates the association between self-rated and objective cognitive function.ConclusionsResults indicated that pain is associated with increased self-rated and objective cognitive deficits in adults with MDD.ImplicationsThe study herein provides preliminary evidence demonstrating that adults with MDD reporting pain symptomatology and poorer subjective cognitive function is predictive of poorer objective cognitive performance. THINC-it is capable of detecting cognitive dysfunction amongst adults with MDD and pain.


1970 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 9-18
Author(s):  
Flaviane Evelin Dias Fernandes ◽  
Otávia Regina Souza Costa ◽  
Reginaldo Cipullo

Objetivos: Descrever as variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas do Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVCi), correlacionando com déficits cognitivos: orientação, memória, percepção e pensamento abstrato, diagnosticados pelo instrumento de avaliação neuropsicológico, CAMCOG-R. Materiais e Métodos: Para coleta de dados, foi utilizado um questionário de caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica e uma avaliação cognitiva de idosos acometidos por infarto cerebral, decorridos 05 dias, o CAMCOG-R. Resultados: Entre as variáveis estudadas, o fator preditor de sequela no desempenho cognitivo foi à hipertensão, com p=0,032. Apesar do escore global não apresentar diferença estatisticamente significativa, em relação ao tempo de ocorrência do AVCi, verificou-se que na pontuação da subescala orientação espacial, houve uma melhora estatisticamente significativa, com p<0,038. Conclusão: Apenas, a subescala orientação espacial foi significativa na variação de pontuação, enquanto os escores globais se encontravam dentro da normalidade. Evidenciou-se também uma associação do declínio no desempenho cognitivo dos idosos hipertensos, embora sem caracterizar um estado de comprometimento cognitivo definido como demência. Consequentemente, a escala pode ser útil para triagem breve em leito hospitalar e um recurso na exploração do funcionamento cognitivo em pacientes com AVC recente. Palavras-chave: Idoso, Acidente Vascular Encefálico Isquêmico, CAMCOG-R.ABSTRACTObjectives: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical variables of the ischemic stroke, correlated to cognitive deficits: orientation, memory,  perception and abstract thinking, diagnosed by a neuropsychological assessment tool, the CAMCOG-R. Materials and Methods: To collect data, a questionnaire of clinical and sociodemographic characterization was used and for cognitive assessment of the elderly with brain stroke, within 05 days, the CAMCOG-R was used. Results: Among the variables studied, the sequel predictor of cognitive performance was hypertension, with p = 0.032. Although the overall score did not show a statistically significant difference in relation to the time of occurrence of the ischemic stroke, it was found out that  the subscale scores of spatial orientation had a statistically significant improvement, p <0.038. Conclusion: Only the spatial orientation subscale had a significant variation in scoring, while the overall scores were within normal limits. It also showed a decline in the cognitive performance among elderly hypertensive patients, although not characterizing a cognitive impairment status defined as dementia. Consequently, the scale can be useful for brief screening at a hospital and a resource in the exploration of cognitive functioning in patients with recent stroke. Keywords: Elderly, Ischemic Stroke, CAMCOG-R. 


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (7) ◽  
pp. 321
Author(s):  
Anila Ali ◽  
Roslinah Mohamad Hussain

The cognitive assessment of young motorcyclists under high-noise exposure has not been investigated previously. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of noise-induced cognitive function and reaction time among undergraduate motorcyclists (aged: 19-25). The study design consisted of experimental (ExG; n=30) and controlled group (CoG; n=30). The ExG performed neuropsychological battery test under motorcycle noise (85-90 dBA) and CoG under controlled laboratory noise (<65 dBA). The result revealed that the CoG had significantly better cognitive performance (p < 0.05) and reaction-time as compared to ExG. The results demonstrated the significant effect of motorcycle noise on decreased cognitive performance and increased reaction time.


Author(s):  
Adrianna Senczyszyn ◽  
Adrianna ['Wallner'] ◽  
Dorota Szcześniak ◽  
Tomasz Wieczorek ◽  
Tomasz ['Rymaszewska']

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Everton Horiquini Barbosa ◽  
Mariana Almeida ◽  
Brendon Stallen Lopes Nogueira

Introduction: The aging process is characterized by morphological, physiological, biochemical and psychological changes that depend on the lifestyle. This process is the result of the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage throughout life, leading to a gradual decrease in physical and mental capacity, and greater chances of the development of pathologies such as the decline in cognitive function. Studies show that adequate consumption of foods containing selenium (Se) acts to inhibit the production of free radicals, reducing the damage caused by oxidative stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between selenium consumption and the maintenance of cognitive function. Methods:A systematic review of scientific articles was carried out to analyze the relationship between Se consumption and cognitive function in the elderly. The identification of the articles was carried out in the electronic databases Pubmed, MEDLINE and LILACS, by two independent researchers. In all databases, the search was performed using the Results: The search resulted in 270 studies, however, applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles were selected. Conclusion: We conclude that an adequate intake of Se must be indicated in order to maintain the brain function. In summary, the articles discussed in the presente study show a high relation of Se consumption and the improvement of cognitive performance, both in humans and in animals.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mônica Neris de Lima ◽  
Marielle Maria Oliveira Barros ◽  
Ana Maria Ribeiro dos Santos ◽  
Adélia Dalva Da Silva Oliveira ◽  
Francisca Cecilia Viana Rocha

Objetivo: avaliar o desempenho cognitivo de idosos atendidos por acidente de trânsito. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, observacional, transversal, em um hospital público. Compôs-se a amostra por 250 idosos. Utilizou-se a variável dependente do estudo a função cognitiva definida por meio do Mini Exame do Estado Mental e um formulário sociodemográfico elaborado pelos pesquisadores do estudo e processado estatisticamente. Resultados: caracterizou-se que a maioria dos idosos era do sexo masculino; com idades de 60 a 79 anos; estado civil casado; renda abaixo de um salário mínimo e natural de Teresina. Evidenciou-se, que a maioria dos idosos era apta cognitivamente, observando-se relação estatisticamente significativa entre a função cognitiva, faixa etária, escolaridade, estado civil e renda mensal. Revela-se que o tipo de acidente de trânsito que mais acometeu os idosos foi o atropelamento. Conclusão: manteve-se o desempenho cognitivo dos idosos acidentados preservado, no entanto, observaram-se fatores que mostraram relação como a idade mais avançada, a ausência de alfabetização, a viuvez e o nível econômico mais baixo. Descritores: Idoso; Acidentes de Trânsito; Enfermagem Geriátrica; Prevenção de Acidentes; Saúde do Idoso; Causas Externas.AbstractObjective: to evaluate the cognitive performance of elderly people treated by traffic accident. Method: this is a quantitative, descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study in a public hospital. The sample was composed by 250 elderly. The dependent variable of the study was the cognitive function defined through the Mini Mental State Examination and a sociodemographic form elaborated by the study researchers and processed statistically. Results: it was characterized that most of the elderly were male; aged 60 to 79 years; married marital status; income below a minimum wage and Teresina natural. Most of the elderly were cognitively fit, with a statistically significant relationship between cognitive function, age, education, marital status and monthly income. It is revealed that the type of traffic accident that most affected the elderly was being run over. Conclusion: the cognitive performance of the injured elderly was preserved, however, there were factors that showed a relationship such as older age, lack of literacy, widowhood and lower economic level. Descriptors: Aged Accidents; Traffic; Geriatric Nursing; Accident Prevention; Health of the Elderly; External Causes.ResumenObjetivo: evaluar el desempeño cognitivo de ancianos atendidos por accidente de tránsito. Método: se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, observacional, transversal en un hospital público. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 250 ancianos. La variable dependiente del estudio fue la función cognitiva definida a través del Mini Examen del Estado Mental y una forma sociodemográfica elaborada por los investigadores del estudio y procesada estadísticamente. Resultados: se caracterizó que la mayoría de los ancianos eran varones; de 60 a 79 años de edad; estado civil: Casado; ingresos inferiores a un salario mínimo y natural de la ciudad de Teresina. La mayoría de los ancianos tenían un estado cognitivo adecuado, con una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la función cognitiva, la edad, la educación, el estado civil y el ingreso mensual. Se revela que el tipo de accidente de tránsito que más afectó a los ancianos fue atropellamiento. Conclusión: se conservó el rendimiento cognitivo de los ancianos lesionados, sin embargo, hubo factores que mostraron una relación como la edad avanzada, la falta de alfabetización, la viudez y el bajo nivel económico. Descriptores: Anciano; Accidentes de Tránsito; Enfermería Geriátrica; Prevención de Accidentes; Salud del Anciano; Causas Externas.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yameng Fan ◽  
Yinyin Zhang ◽  
Jiaqiao Li ◽  
Yamei Liu ◽  
Huan Chang ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundDiet quality plays an important role in the development of age-related chronic diseases. However, the association between dietary quality assessed by Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and cognitive function among the United States (US) elderly adults remains unclear. The present study aims to explore the association between HEI-2015 and cognitive function in elderly adults using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012. MethodsHEI-2015 scores were calculated from two days 24-hour recall interviews. The cognitive function was evaluated by Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Animal Fluency Test (AFT) and a global cognition level derived by summing the z scores of individual tests. The associations between HEI-2015 and cognitive function were explored using multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression models. ResultsA total of 1278 participants aged 60 years or older were included. Compared to the lowest HEI-2015 tertile, the elderly adults in highest tertile had a higher global cognition, DSST and AFT scores (P<0.05); with the lowest quartile of global cognition as cognitive impairment, those who were in the highest HEI-2015 tertile had 38% lower odds of cognitive impairment (OR: 0.62; 95%CI: 0.42-0.91). Among HEI-2015 components, the elderly adults adhering to recommended intake of whole grains and whole fruits components were more likely to have better performance on global cognition (P<0.05). ConclusionThe higher HEI-2015 was positively associated the better cognitive performance on the global cognition, DSST, and AFT in the US elderly adults.


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