scholarly journals The Effect of Prior Caffeine Consumption on Neuropsychological Test Performance: A Placebo-Controlled Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 146-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth R. Walters ◽  
Valerie E. Lesk
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Caffeine Consumption ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
And Control

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the prior consumption of 200 mg of pure caffeine affected neuropsychological test scores in a group of elderly participants aged over 60 years. Method: Using a double-blind placebo versus caffeine design, participants were randomly assigned to receive 200 mg of caffeine or placebo. A neuropsychological assessment testing the domains of general cognitive function, processing speed, semantic memory, episodic memory, executive function, working memory and short-term memory was carried out. Results: Significant interaction effects between age, caffeine and scores of executive function and processing speed were found; participants who had received caffeine showed a decline in performance with increasing age. This effect was not seen for participants who received placebo. Conclusion: The results highlight the need to consider and control prior caffeine consumption when scoring neuropsychological assessments in the elderly, which is important for accuracy of diagnosis and corresponding normative data.

The cognitive neuropsychology of depression in the elderly

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 1693-1702 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUCIE L. HERRMANN ◽  
GUY M. GOODWIN ◽  
KLAUS P. EBMEIER
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Executive Deficits

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe cognitive impairment of older depressed patients with late- as opposed to early-onset illness may show important differences, in that patients with early onset may suffer predominantly from impaired episodic memory, and those with late onset mainly from reductions of executive function and processing speed.MethodWe searched Medline and EMBASE as well as individual papers' reference lists for relevant publications, recording comparisons in neuropsychological test results between early-onset depression (EOD), late-onset depression (LOD) and healthy volunteers. Effect sizes are presented for cognitive domains, such as executive function, processing speed, episodic memory, semantic memory and mental state examination.ResultsPatients with LOD showed greater reductions in processing speed and executive function than patients with EOD and controls. Both patient groups showed reduced function in all domains, except mental state, compared with controls.ConclusionPronounced executive deficits are typical of the late-onset patients described in published studies, while episodic memory impairment is not specific to early-onset illness. Possible reasons and confounders are discussed.

Physical activity in the elderly is associated with improved executive function and processing speed: the LADIS Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 744-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristian Steen Frederiksen ◽  
Ana Verdelho ◽  
Sofia Madureira ◽  
Hansjörg Bäzner ◽  
John T. O'Brien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
The Elderly

scholarly journals Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Modified Erzhi Granules in the Treatment of Menopause-Related Vulvovaginal Atrophy

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Ranran Chen ◽  
Dianrong Song ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Guanwei Fan ◽  
Yingqiang Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Withdrawal ◽  
Endometrial Thickness ◽  
Vaginal Epithelium ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Vulvovaginal Atrophy ◽  
Normal Ranges ◽  
And Control

Objective. To evaluate the clinical therapeutic efficacy and safety of modified Erzhi granules (MEG) in patients with menopause-related vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). Methods. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comprised two groups, including the treatment and control groups. Patients receive MEG and placebo for 12 weeks, respectively. Vaginal health score (VHS), vaginitis score, vaginal maturation index (VMI), female sexual function index (FSFI), and modified Kupperman Index (modified KI) were used as efficacy endpoints and assessed at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks during administration, and 4 weeks after drug withdrawal. At baseline and 12 weeks, serum estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), pelvic ultrasound, breast ultrasound, and other safety parameters were measured, recording adverse events. Results. At 12 weeks, VHS, percentage of superficial cells in the vaginal epithelium and FSFI were significantly increased, while vaginitis score, percentage of basal cells in the vaginal epithelium, and modified KI were significantly decreased in comparison with baseline and control group (all P<0.05); these differences persisted for up to 4 weeks after drug withdrawal. The placebo group showed no significant change during treatment compared with baseline values (p>0.05). Serum E2 and FSH levels, endometrial thickness, and breast thickness in all patients were within the normal ranges before and after treatment, with no serious adverse reactions observed. Conclusion. MEG significantly alleviates menopause-related vulvovaginal atrophy, with no overt adverse effects on the endometrium, breast, hepatic, and renal functions.

Oral 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) Does not Affect Grooved Pegboard Test Performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 133 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew H. Gendle ◽  
Stanley W. Dowell ◽  
Rachel E. Paxton ◽  
Rebecca H. O'Krent
Keyword(s):  
Test Performance ◽  
Iowa Gambling Task ◽  
Safety Information ◽  
Motor Impairment ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Tower Of London ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Grooved Pegboard Test

Abstract: There is limited knowledge of the neurocognitive effects of the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is sold over-the-counter as a nutritional supplement. Animal studies have demonstrated that exogenous 5-HTP promotes the production of ectopic serotonin in dopaminergic neurons—an effect that may reduce dopamine output in these cells. Behavioral studies in humans have demonstrated specific 5-HTP induced cognitive deficits on the Iowa Gambling Task and the Tower of London task that are likely the result of reduced forebrain dopamine. However, it remains unclear if 5-HTP induced performance decrements observed on the Tower of London task were the result of a motor or cognitive impairment. The objective of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to clarify this point by determining if oral administration of 150 mg of 5-HTP disrupts fine motor control, as measured by the Grooved Pegboard Test. Seventy five university undergraduates received either a placebo or 5-HTP and completed the Grooved Pegboard Test. The groups did not differ in the amount of time needed to complete the place (p = 0.67) and remove (p = 0.48) components of the Grooved Pegboard Test. Therefore, 5-HTP induced reductions in performance on the Tower of London task appear to be cognitive in nature, and are unlikely to be the result of fine motor impairment (as measured by the Grooved Pegboard Test). These results also provide important safety information for 5-HTP by demonstrating that a 150 mg oral dose does not generally alter fine motor function.

Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Adult Version in Patients with Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Conditions: Symptom Levels and Relationship to Emotional Distress

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 682-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Løvstad ◽  
S. Sigurdardottir ◽  
S. Andersson ◽  
V.A. Grane ◽  
T. Moberget ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Behavior Rating ◽  
Behavior Rating Inventory ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObjectives:The present study explored the level of self-and informant reported executive functioning in daily living using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) in a large sample comprising healthy adults and patient cohorts with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The relationship to neuropsychological test performance and self-reported emotional distress was explored, as well as the applicability of U.S. normative data.Methods:Scores on the self- and informant reported BRIEF-A are presented, along with scores on standardized cognitive tests, and on rating scales of self-reported emotional distress in a Norwegian healthy comparison group (n=115), patients with severe traumatic brain injury (n=125), focal frontal lobe damage (n=29), focal cerebellar lesion (n=24), Parkinson’s disease (n=42), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n=34), type II bipolar disorder (n=21), and borderline personality disorder (n=18).Results:Strong associations were observed between the BRIEF-A and emotional distress in both the healthy group and in neurological groups, while no or weak relationships with IQ and performance-based tests of executive function were seen. The relationship between BRIEF-A and emotional distress was weaker in the neuropsychiatric patient groups, despite high symptom load in both domains. Healthy participants tended to have BRIEF-A scores 1/2–3/4SDbelow the U.S. normative mean ofTscore=50.Conclusions:The study demonstrates the need to interpret BRIEF-A results within a broad differential diagnostic context, where measures of psychological distress are included in addition to neuropsychological tests. Uncertainty about the appropriateness of U.S. normative data in non-U.S. countries adds to the need for interpretive caution. (JINS, 2016,22, 682–694)

scholarly journals Effects of Bushen-Jiangya granules on blood pressure and pharmacogenomic evaluation in low-to-medium risk hypertension: study protocol for a randomized double-blind controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
xiaochen Yang ◽  
Xingjiang Xiong ◽  
Yun Zhang ◽  
Yongmei Liu ◽  
Hongzheng Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Medium Risk ◽  
Tcm Syndrome ◽  
And Control

Abstract IntroductionHypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and its treatment and control rates are still low worldwide. The most effective strategy is that patients with hypertension should be diagnosed and treated early. Preliminary studies showed that the Bushen Jiangya granule (BSJY) may suppress ventricular hypertrophy and inflammatory responses, lower blood pressure and protect the target organs of hypertension. We designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of BSJY in patients with low-to-medium risk hypertension.Methods and analysisThis trial is a one-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 260 participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to an experiment group (BSJY plus amlodipine) and a control group (placebo plus amlodipine). The trial cycle will last 8 weeks. The primary outcome is blood pressure, which is reduced to a threshold set out in Guiding Principles for Clinical Research of New Chinese Medicines. The secondary outcomes include the change in 24-h average systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate variability, pharmacogenomic Evaluation, improvement in TCM Syndrome, serum pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines, etc. between the two groups. Safety in medication will also be evaluated. All the data will be recorded in electronic case report forms and analyzed by SPSS V.22.0.Ethics and dissemination This study has been approved by Research Ethics Committee of Guang’anmen Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing, China (No. 2019-186-KY-01). The participants are volunteers, understand the process of this trial and sign an informed consent. The results of this study will be disseminated to the public through peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences. DiscussionWe hypothesize that patients with low-to-medium risk hypertension will benefit from BSJY. If successful, this study will provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians.

scholarly journals MentalPlus® as a Tool for Early Detection of Dementias

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscila Santos ◽  
Daniel Godoy Pinto ◽  
Jussara Alves Celestino ◽  
Marina Cisoto
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Rehabilitation ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Early Signs

Introduction: The research’s objective is to identify early signs and symptoms of dementia through the MentalPlus® game. Dementias is a Neurocognitive Major Disorder, and as a diagnostic criterion, it is impaired in the areas of intricate attention, executive function, learning, memory, language, perceptomotor or social cognition. Method: MentalPlus® was created for timely evaluation and cognitive rehabilitation, considering the various diseases that cause cognitive dysfunction, such as dementia, heart problems, organic disorders, among others, in addition to surgical interventions and external factors. This instrument used to evaluate postoperative cognitive dysfunctions, which often affect elderly patients, confirms the validity and accessibility of the MentalPlus application. Results: Table 1 shows that the elderly in the group tested had statistically lower education than the control group (p < 0.001). Table 2 shows that for all domains of MentalPlus , on the hits part, the tested elderly group showed statistically lower values than the control group (p < 0.05), except only in the executive function (p = 0.231) and selective attention (p = 0.057), errors were also statistically higher in the elderly tested for almost all domains (p < 0.05), except in short-term memory (p = 0.206) and long-term memory (p = 0.179). At the same time, omissions were statistically higher in the elderly tested for all MP domains (p < 0.05). Conclusion: MentalPlus® identifies early signs of dementia in older people and is useful for the evaluator and the target audience, as it provides reliable data in a considerably short time.

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