scholarly journals Folic Acid Supplementation Mitigates Alzheimer’s Disease by Reducing Inflammation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Chen ◽  
Shuai Liu ◽  
Lu Ji ◽  
Tianfeng Wu ◽  
Yong Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels

Background/Aims. Low serum folate levels can alter inflammatory reactions. Both phenomena have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the effect of folic acid on AD itself is unclear. We quantified folate supplementation’s effect on inflammation and cognitive function in patients with AD over the course of 6 months.Methods. Patients newly diagnosed with AD (age > 60 years;n=121; mild to severe; international criteria) and being treated with donepezil were randomly assigned into two groups with (intervention group) or without (control group) supplemental treatment with folic acid (1.25 mg/d) for 6 months. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was administered to all patients at baseline and follow-up, and blood samples were taken before and after treatment. We quantified serum folate, amyloid beta (Aβ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factorα(TNFα), plasma homocysteine (Hcy), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and the mRNA levels of presenilin (PS), IL-6, and TNFαin leukocytes. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures mixed model.Results. The mean MMSE was slightly increased in the intervention group compared to that in the control group (P<0.05). Posttreatment, plasma SAM and SAM/SAH levels were significantly higher (P<0.05), while Aβ40, PS1-mRNA, and TNFα-mRNA levels were lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P<0.05). The Aβ42/Aβ40ratio was also higher in the intervention group (P<0.05).Conclusions. Folic acid is beneficial in patients with AD. Inflammation may play an important role in the interaction between folic acid and AD. This trial is registered with clinical trial registration numberChiCTR-TRC-13003246.

scholarly journals Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-chen Qiao ◽  
Hong Chang ◽  
Rui Wang ◽  
Jia-Mei Wang ◽  
Xiao-ying Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy ◽  
Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy

Abstract Background: Individual cognitive stimulation therapy (ICST) can benefit cognition and quality of life for people with dementia, but the evidence for nurses-led individual cognitive stimulation interventions is limited.Objectives: The current study aimed to develop the process of planning and implementing ICST, and evaluate the effect of ICST on cognitive function and therapeutic effect in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: It was a randomized controlled trial lasting for a half year. 38 patients with mild AD were recruited. The control group was given the “Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Manual for AD” to deliver the sessions at home. The intervention group was given 90 minutes ‘cognitive stimulation sessions, completed up to three times weekly over 24 weeks. The outcomes were measured at baseline and 24weeks by the scales widely used in AD evaluation (MMSE, MoCA and ADL).Results: There were statistical significance between the two groups, especially the scores of memory, delayed memory in MMSE and scores of memory, delayed memory, immediate memory, attention in MoCA were significantly improved in the intervention group compared with control group. ICST show positive effects that may help preserve memory in mild AD.Conclusions: The ICST can improve the memory and attention cognitive domains in patients with mild AD. And the feedback from patient and caregiver in ICST was favorable.

Investigating the Impact of Cognitive Training for Individuals With Bothersome Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982199474
Author(s):  
Maggie Xing ◽  
Dorina Kallogjeri ◽  
Jay F. Piccirillo
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Index ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive training in improving tinnitus bother and to identify predictors of patient response. Study Design Prospective open-label randomized controlled trial. Setting Online. Methods Participants were adults with subjective idiopathic nonpulsatile tinnitus causing significant tinnitus-related distress. The intervention group trained by using auditory-intensive exercises for 20 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 8 weeks. The active control group trained on the same schedule with non–auditory intensive games. Surveys were completed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results A total of 64 participants completed the study. The median age was 63 years (range, 25-69) in the intervention group and 61 years (34-68) in the control group. Mixed model analysis revealed that within-subject change in Tinnitus Functional Index in the intervention group was not different than the control group, with marginal mean differences (95% CI): 0.24 (–11.20 to 10.7) and 2.17 (–8.50 to 12.83) at 8 weeks and 2.33 (–8.6 to 13.3) and 3.36 (–7.91 to 14.6) at 12 weeks, respectively. When the 2 study groups were compared, the control group had higher Tinnitus Functional Index scores than the intervention group by 10.5 points at baseline (95% CI, –0.92 to 29.89), 8.1 at 8 weeks (95% CI, –3.27 to 19.42), and 9.4 at 12 weeks (95% CI, –2.45 to 21.34). Conclusion Auditory-intensive cognitive training was not associated with changes in self-reported tinnitus bother. Given the potential for neuroplasticity to affect tinnitus, we believe that future studies on cognitive training for tinnitus remain relevant.

scholarly journals The Use of Telehealth Technology in Assessing the Accuracy of Self-Reported Weight and the Impact of a Daily Immediate-Feedback Intervention among Obese Employees

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolaas P. Pronk ◽  
A. Lauren Crain ◽  
Jeffrey J. VanWormer ◽  
Brian C. Martinson ◽  
Jackie L. Boucher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Immediate Feedback ◽  
The Impact

Objective.To determine the accuracy of self-reported body weight prior to and following a weight loss intervention including daily self-weighing among obese employees.Methods.As part of a 6-month randomized controlled trial including a no-treatment control group, an intervention group received a series of coaching calls, daily self-weighing, and interactive telemonitoring. The primary outcome variable was the absolute discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight at baseline and at 6 months. We used general linear mixed model regression to estimate changes and differences between study groups over time.Results.At baseline, study participants underreported their weight by an average of 2.06 (se=0.33) lbs. The intervention group self-reported a smaller absolute body weight discrepancy at followup than the control group.Conclusions.The discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight appears to be relatively small, may be improved through daily self-monitoring using immediate-feedback telehealth technology, and negligibly impacts change in body weight.

scholarly journals A randomized controlled trial of a specific reminiscence approach to promote the well-being of nursing home residents with dementia

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia K. Y. Lai ◽  
Iris Chi ◽  
Jeanie Kayser-Jones
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background: To date, no firm conclusions can be reached regarding the effectiveness of reminiscence for dementia. Researchers have emphasized that there is an urgent need for more systematic research in the area.Objective and Method: A single-blinded, parallel-groups (one intervention, one comparison, and one no-intervention group) randomized controlled trial (RCT) was adopted to investigate whether a specific reminiscence program leads to higher levels of psychosocial well-being in nursing home residents with dementia. The intervention adopted a life-story approach, while the comparison group provided friendly discussions to control for any changes in outcome as a result of social contacts and attention. The Social Engagement Scale (SES) and Well-being/Ill-being Scale (WIB) were the outcome measures used. The outcomes of the groups were examined with reference to the baseline (T0), immediately (T1), and six weeks (T2) after intervention. The final sample had 101 subjects (control group: n=30; comparison group: n=35; intervention group: n=36). Using multivariate analysis with repeated measures, no significant differences in outcome were found between groups at either T1 or T2. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were performed for each group comparing outcomes between T1 and T0, T2 and T1, and T2 and T0. Significant differences were observed in the intervention group when comparing T1 and T0 WIB (p=.014), but not for the other groups.Conclusion: Although the intervention did not lead to significant differences between the three groups over time, there was a significant improvement in psychosocial well-being for the intervention group.

scholarly journals A Brief Body-Mind-Spirit Group Therapy for Chinese Medicine Stagnation Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siu-man Ng ◽  
Lingli Leng ◽  
Rainbow T. H. Ho ◽  
Zhangjin Zhang ◽  
Qi Wang
Keyword(s):  
Group Therapy ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Eta Squared ◽  
Physical Distress

Background. Stagnation syndrome, a diagnostic entity in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is characterized by mind-body obstruction-like symptoms. Although TCM has long-established symptom-relief treatments, a comprehensive mind-body intervention was called for. Purpose. The study evaluated the efficacy of a six-session body-mind-spirit (BMS) group therapy for persons with stagnation syndrome. Method. A 2-arm randomized controlled trial design was adopted. The control group received a parallel general TCM instruction course. Both groups completed a pretest (T0), posttest (T1), and 2-month follow-up assessment (T2). The measures included self-report scales on stagnation, depression, anxiety, physical distress, daily functioning, and positive and negative affect; the other measure was of salivary cortisol, a biological marker of stress. Results. Data on 111 adults with stagnation syndrome were included in the analysis. Completion rates were high (over 87%) for both the intervention and control groups. Repeated-measures multivariate MANOVA revealed a significant combined effect with large effect size (eta-squared = 0.42). Repeated-measures ANOVA further revealed that the intervention group showed significant improvements in stagnation, the primary outcome, with medium effect size (eta-squared = 0.11). The intervention group also showed significant improvements in depression, physical distress, everyday functioning, and negative affect (eta-squared = 0.06 to 0.13). Post hoc analysis revealed that the intervention group showed significant improvements over the control group in cortisol level at 2-month follow-up assessment (T0 versus T2) with small effect size (eta-squared = 0.05), but not at posttest (T0 versus T1). Conclusions. Overall, the findings indicate that our brief BMS group therapy intervention for stagnation syndrome is efficacious. Moreover, the intervention resulted in a number of substantial improvements in the physical and mental health domains.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Snoezelen Room on Fear, Anxiety, and Satisfaction of Nulliparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariyam Momeni ◽  
Mansoureh Jamshidimanesh ◽  
Hadi Ranjbar
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Active Phase ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Nulliparous Women ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Interventional Group

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth are natural phenomena in a women’s life, associated with stress and anxiety, leading to adverse effects in the mother and fetus. Using complementary medicine, such as aromatherapy, music, light radiation, and aquariums in an environment that engage a person’s multiple senses can make mothers relax through mental deviations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Snoezelen room on fear, anxiety, and satisfaction of childbirth’s nulliparous women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was carried out on 130 eligible women in a selected hospital affiliated to the Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran. One hundred thirty women were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 65) and control (n = 65) groups using six modes blocks using the convenient sampling method. The delivery room was designed to distract women’s minds in the intervention group. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics form, Harman’s Childbirth Attitude questionnaire (CAQ), Visual Analogue scale (VAS) to measure childbirth anxiety, and the Mackey Childbirth Satisfaction Rating scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 using independent t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance, and Bonferroni and chi-square tests. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in fear in the active phase and postpartum in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Anxiety showed a significant difference and was lower at dilatation of 6 to 7 and 7 to 8 cm, and after childbirth in the interventional group. The satisfaction of childbirth significantly increased in the interventional group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: These results confirmed the importance of a Snoezelen room in the childbirth of nulliparous women, which can promote vaginal childbirth.

scholarly journals The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Amnesia in Patients Undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
Hossein Namdar Areshtanab ◽  
Saeed Alinejad Machiani ◽  
Hossein Ebrahimi ◽  
Parvin Sarbakhsh ◽  
Sakineh Goljarian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Olive Oil ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Spss Software ◽  
And Control

Abstract Introduction:Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the oldest procedure among the early biological treatments introduced in psychiatry. However, the most debated and treatment-limiting adverse effect of ECT is amnesia. Therefore, due to the restriction of the use of drugs to manage amnesia in patients undergoing ECT, the present study investigated the effect of reflexology on amnesia. Methods:In this randomized controlled trial, 68 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received foot reflexology with olive oil 20 minutes a day for 3 days, while the control group was given a gentle foot rub with olive oil 20 minutes a day for 3 days. The amnesia rate of all patients was measured by the Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test (GOAT) 30 minutes after the end of ECT. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.5 and t-test, chi-squared test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Results:The results showed that reflexology significantly increased recalling scores in the intervention group compared to the control group. Foot reflexology seems to be effective in managing amnesia in patients after ECT. Conclusion:Foot reflexology, as a relatively simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive technique with few side effects, can be used to manage amnesia in patients after ECT.

scholarly journals An Experimental Pilot Study of Global Postural Reeducation Concerning the Cognitive Approach of Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 153331751986782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasemin Todri ◽  
Orges Lena ◽  
José Luis Martínez Gil
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cognitive Approach ◽  
Positive Effects

Background: Several recent studies have examined the positive effects of physical exercise and equilibrium on individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Objectives: In this sense, this study based on an experimental design, tested whether global postural reeducation (GPR) can affect equilibrium and cognition, life quality, and psychological symptoms of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: One hundred thirty-five participants with mild and moderate AD diagnosis were assigned to 2 groups: experimental group (EG, n = 90) and control group (CG, n = 45). The GPR therapy was implemented in the EG for 6 months, while both groups underwent neuropsychological assessments prior and after the 6-month period. Results: According to the repeated measures of analysis of variance, significant differences between groups were found at the 6-month follow-up period, in benefit of the EG such as Mini-Mental State Examination ( P = .000), Geriatric Depression Scale ( P = .000), Neuropsychiatric Inventory ( P = .000), quality of life in AD/patient ( P = .000), quality of life in AD/caregivers ( P = .000), Barthel index ( P = .000), and Tinetti Scale ( P = .000), while the CG showed a low performance in the neuropsychological tests. Conclusions: We suggest that GPR is a therapeutic option, which can improve the psychological, physical, and cognitive aspects of patients with AD.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Psychoeducational and Financial Intervention to Support Caregivers of Individuals With Alzheimer’s Disease in Poland

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Leszko
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Spousal Caregivers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Educational Training ◽  
Baseline Evaluation ◽  
The Government

Abstract Background and Objectives The goal of this study is to create data-driven guidelines and tools for caregivers and health care professionals that will enable caregivers to be prepared for future caregiving-related challenges and decrease their levels of stress. Research Design and Methods A total of 60 spousal caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) living in Poland were recruited for this study. The participants were assigned to two different groups. The intervention group was provided with a five-session training focused on teaching coping strategies for managing difficult behaviors and provided with a stipend for a period of 6 months (a financial aid program recently launched by the local agency). A control group was not provided with any of the interventions but asked to complete the questionnaires. The effectiveness of each intervention was assessed at a baseline and 6 months after baseline evaluation. Results Caregivers who received financial and educational training reported significantly decreased levels of depression and caregiver burden in comparison to the control group. The majority of caregivers emphasized that caregiving created financial problems and that their work has been underestimated by the government. Discussion and Implications This project addresses several issues of central importance to the success of building research foundation for the interventions. The results have the potential of generating more efficient and personalized interventions that address the needs of the caregiver as they occur, leading to increased knowledge of AD and decreased levels of depression and caregiver burden.

Outcome of a Targeted Nutritional Intervention Among Older Adults With Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease: The Nutrition Intervention Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 782-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryna Shatenstein ◽  
Marie-Jeanne Kergoat ◽  
Isabelle Reid
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Control Group

A 6-month dietary intervention program was designed for community-dwelling older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. Sixty-seven persons aged 70 years and above were recruited with their caregivers from six hospital memory and geriatric outpatient clinics, and allocated to intervention ( n = 34 dyads) or control group ( n = 33 dyads). Usual diet was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire and current diet by two nonconsecutive diet recalls or records corroborated by caregivers, at recruitment (T1) and exit from the study (T2). Intervention participants received targeted dietary recommendations; control participants received Canada’s Food Guide leaflets. The program was assessed using paired and independent t tests and nonparametric statistics. Fat intakes increased at T2 within intervention participants (54 ± 16 vs. 67 ± 23 g, p = .013), and there was a tendency for higher energy, protein, and calcium intakes at T2 within this group. Proportions with adequate protein intakes almost doubled from T1 to T2 in intervention group women ( p = .028) but decreased in female controls ( p = .030). Longer follow-up is necessary to determine persistence of benefits.

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