scholarly journals The Association of Cognitive and Visual Function in a Nationally Representative Study of Older Adults in India

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Joshua R. Ehrlich ◽  
Tochukwu Ndukwe ◽  
Sandy Chien ◽  
Jinkook Lee
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Language Fluency ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction: Due to population aging, India is poised to experience a large increase in the burden of both dementia and vision impairment (VI). Prior studies from other settings suggest that VI may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. However, to date, no studies have examined the association of impaired visual acuity and cognition in India. Methods: A total of 3,784 participants in wave 1 of the population-based Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for the Longitudinal Aging Study in India underwent visual acuity testing and a cognitive test battery. Multivariable linear regression was used to model the cross-sectional associations of mild (<6/12–6/16), moderate (<6/18–6/60), and severe visual acuity impairment/blindness (<6/60) with cognitive performance scores corresponding to total cognition, orientation, memory, language/fluency, executive function, and informant-reported cognitive status. Models were adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics. Results: The weighted percentage of participants with any VI was 52.6%. VI was independently associated with lower cognitive scores across all domains, even after adjustment for known dementia risk factors. In fully adjusted models of total cognition (mean score: 130.7), mild, moderate, and severe VI/blindness were associated with a significant change of −3.5 (95% CI: −6.3, −0.6), −8.2 (95% CI −10.5, −5.6), and −16.8 (95% CI −22.3, −11.3) units, respectively. A dose-response association between level of VI and cognitive function was observed for all cognitive outcomes except for language/fluency domain scores. Associations were robust when cognitive tests dependent on visual function were excluded. Across each fully adjusted model of total, domain-specific, and informant-reported cognitive performance, moderate VI was equivalent to 5–9 years of cognitive aging. Discussion/Conclusion: This study illustrates that VI is cross-sectionally associated with lower cognitive performance, largely in a dose-response pattern, across various cognitive domains in the Indian population. These findings are important for informing future longitudinal and interventional studies.

scholarly journals Long-term trajectory of cognitive performance in people with bipolar disorder and controls: 6-year longitudinal study

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timea Sparding ◽  
Erik Joas ◽  
Caitlin Clements ◽  
Carl M. Sellgren ◽  
Erik Pålsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Time Interaction

Background Cross-sectional studies have found impaired cognitive functioning in patients with bipolar disorder, but long-term longitudinal studies are scarce. Aims The aims of this study were to examine the 6-year longitudinal course of cognitive functioning in patients with bipolar disorder and healthy controls. Subsets of patients were examined to investigate possible differences in cognitive trajectories. Method Patients with bipolar I disorder (n = 44) or bipolar II disorder (n = 28) and healthy controls (n = 59) were tested with a comprehensive cognitive test battery at baseline and retested after 6 years. We conducted repeated measures ANCOVAs with group as a between-subject factor and tested the significance of group and time interaction. Results By and large, the change in cognitive functioning between baseline and follow-up did not differ significantly between participants with bipolar disorder and healthy controls. Comparing subsets of patients, for example those with bipolar I and II disorder and those with and without manic episodes during follow-up, did not reveal subgroups more vulnerable to cognitive decline. Conclusions Cognitive performance remained stable in patients with bipolar disorder over a 6-year period and evolved similarly to healthy controls. These findings argue against the notion of a general progressive decline in cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder.

scholarly journals Elevated HDL Levels Linked to Poorer Cognitive Ability in Females With Parkinson’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan C. Bakeberg ◽  
Anastazja M. Gorecki ◽  
Jade E. Kenna ◽  
Alexa Jefferson ◽  
Michelle Byrnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related

IntroductionCholesterol levels have been associated with age-related cognitive decline, however, such an association has not been comprehensively explored in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). To address this uncertainty, the current cross-sectional study examined the cholesterol profile and cognitive performance in a cohort of PD patients.MethodsCognitive function was evaluated using two validated assessments (ACE-R and SCOPA-COG) in 182 people with PD from the Australian Parkinson’s Disease Registry. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and Triglyceride (TRG) levels were examined within this cohort. The influence of individual lipid subfractions on domain-specific cognitive performance was investigated using covariate-adjusted generalised linear models.ResultsFemales with PD exhibited significantly higher lipid subfraction levels (TC, HDL, and LDL) when compared to male counterparts. While accounting for covariates, HDL levels were strongly associated with poorer performance across multiple cognitive domains in females but not males. Conversely, TC and LDL levels were not associated with cognitive status in people with PD.ConclusionHigher serum HDL associates with poorer cognitive function in females with PD and presents a sex-specific biomarker for cognitive impairment in PD.

scholarly journals Cognitive performance after postoperative pituitary radiotherapy: a dosimetric study of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex

2012 ◽  
Vol 166 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Brummelman ◽  
Margriet G A Sattler ◽  
Linda C Meiners ◽  
Martin F Elderson ◽  
Robin P F Dullaart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Field Technique ◽  
Group A ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Cognitive Test Performance

ObjectiveThe hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are important for memory and executive functioning and are known to be sensitive to radiotherapy (RT). Radiation dosimetry relates radiation exposure to specific brain areas. The effects of various pituitary RT techniques were studied by relating detailed dosimetry of the hippocampus and PFC to cognitive performance.MethodsIn this cross-sectional design, 75 non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma (NFA) patients (61±10 years) participated and were divided into irradiated (RT+, n=30) and non-irradiated (RT−, n=45) groups. The RT+ group (who all received 25 fractions of 1.8 Gy; total dose: 45 Gy) consisted of three RT technique groups: three-field technique, n=10; four-field technique, n=15; and five-field technique, n=5. Memory and executive functioning were assessed by standardized neuropsychological tests. A reconstruction of the dose distributions for the three RT techniques was made. The RT doses on 30, 50, and 70% of the volume of the left and right hippocampus and PFC were calculated.ResultsCognitive test performance was not different between the four groups, despite differences in radiation doses applied to the hippocampi and PFC. Age at RT, time since RT, and the use of thyroid hormone varied significantly between the groups; however, they were not related to cognitive performance.ConclusionThis study showed that there were no significant differences on cognitive performance between the three-, four-, and five-field RT groups and the non-irradiated patient group. A dose–response relationship could not be established, even with a radiation dose that was higher on most of the volume of the hippocampus and PFC in case of a four-field RT technique compared with the three- and five-field RT techniques.

scholarly journals Avaliação da função visual em estudantes da academia militar em Moçambique / Evaluation of the visual function in students of the military academy in Mozambique

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-61
Author(s):  
Avelino Nelson Mazuze ◽  
João Viriato Mazalo
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
Military Academy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Significant Linear Relationship ◽  
Important Sense ◽  
Uncorrected Refractive Error ◽  
The Military

O sistema visual representa um dos órgãos de sentido mais importante, sendo responsável por cerca de 85% da integração do indivíduo na natureza. A integridade desse meio de percepção é indispensável para realização de atividades que exigem o seu uso. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo central avaliar a função visual em estudantes da Academia Militar. Realizou-se um estudo observacional, descritivo quantitativo, transversal e prospectivo, em 71 estudantes da Academia Militar Marechal Samora Machel, Nampula – Moçambique, no período entre Agosto a Outubro de 2016. Os dados foram coletados por meio de avaliação clínica. Para análise de dados aplicou-se a estatística descritiva e o teste de Correlação de Pearson, com o nível de significância de p<0,05. Na análise dos resultados observou-se que dos 71 estudantes avaliados cerca de 53% dos apresentaram erros refrativos não corrigidos. Na correlação entre os sintomas e ametropias encontrou-se uma relação linear negativa (inversa) e não significante para ambos olhos p > α (p=0.110 e p=0.06). Na correlação entre ametropia e acuidade visual observou-se que existe uma relação linear positiva e significativa para olho direito, p < α (p=0.026) e não é significativa para esquerdo, p>α (p=0.123). Na correlação entre a estereopsia e a acuidade visual encontrou-se uma relação linear positiva e significativa p>α (p=0.231 e p=0.239) em ambos olhos; na correlação entre a sensibilidade ao contraste e a acuidade visual encontrou-se uma relação linear negativa mas significativa para ambos olhos p < α (p=0.00 e p=0.00). Assim, concluiu-se que os estudantes da Academia Militar apresentam alterações da função visual decorrentes de erros refrativos não corrigidos. ABSTRACTThe visual system represents one of the organs of more important sense, being responsible for about 85% of the individual's integration in the nature. The integrity of that middle of perception is indispensable for accomplishment of activities that demand his/her use. This research had as central objective to evaluate the visual function in students of the Military Academy. An observational, quantitative, cross-sectional and prospective study was carried out in 71 students of the Marechal Samora Machel Military Academy, Nampula, Mozambique, between August and October of 2016. The data were collected through a clinical evaluation. For analysis of data it was applied the descriptive statistics and the test of Correlation of Pearson with significance level of p<0,05. In the analysis of the results, it was observed that of the 71 students evaluated, about 53% of the students presented uncorrected refractive error. In the correlation between symptoms and ametropias, a negative (inverse) and non-significant linear relationship was found for both eyes p> α (p = 0.110 and p = 0.06). In the correlation between ametropia and visual acuity it was observed that there is a positive and significant linear relationship for right eye, p <α (p = 0.026) and not significant for left, p> α (p = 0.123). In the correlation between stereopsy and visual acuity, a positive and significant linear relationship p> α (p = 0.231 and p = 0.239) was found in both eyes; in the correlation between contrast sensitivity and visual acuity, a negative but significant linear relationship was found for both eyes p <α (p = 0.00 and p = 0.00). Thus, it was concluded that students of the Military Academy present alterations of visual function due to uncorrected refractive errors.

scholarly journals Visual acuity, amplitude of accommodation and near point of convergence and academic achievement in primary school learners in Bloemfontein

2014 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariette Nel ◽  
Stephen Hartley ◽  
Melissa Maartens ◽  
Carla Pheiffer ◽  
Monwabisi Nonkula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
Break Point ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Visual Functions ◽  
Minimum Requirements ◽  
Grade Average

Introduction: Learning problems influencing the social and psychological development of children may result from poor visual acuity (VA), insufficient amplitude of accommodation and receded near point of convergence (NPC). This study assessed Grade 4 and 5 academic achievement (< 50%, 51-69% and ≥ 70%) in relation to visual acuity, amplitude of accommodation and NPC. The study attempts to determine the association between these visual functions and academic performance. Methods: A cross-sectional study included a randomised sample of learners (n = 199) selected from five public schools in Bloemfontein. Information was obtained on each participant regarding history, visual acuity (distance and near), amplitude of accommodation and NPC (subjective and objective). Participant aggregates for the most recent school term and the grade average were compared to measures of these visual functions.Results: The children’s median age was 10.3 years (with range 8.7 to 12.7 years) and 53.8% were female. More than 50% of children were Sesotho-speaking. Complaints revealed by his-tory-taking were mostly headaches (57.8%) and eyestrain (58.3%). Regarding academic achievement, 18.6% of the learners were below average, 53.8% on average and 27.6% above average. Of the learners tested, 42.2% achieved a VA of 6/6 or better on both distance and near visual acuity. Amplitude of accommodation was less than the minimum requirements in 17.6% of participants. Approximately 30% of those below grade average did not meet the minimum requirements for amplitude of accommodation, compared to 13% of learners above grade average, which was statistically significant. More than 70% had a receded break point (> 5 cm) for NPC and 85.7% had a receded recovery point (> 7 cm).Conclusion: Of the three visual functions evaluated in this study, the only visual function associated with academic achievement was amplitude of accommodation. It would thus be recommended that learners are screened for optimal visual function earlier in life if especially the amplitude of accommodation is receded.

scholarly journals Investigating Potential Dose–Response Relationships between Vitamin D Status and Cognitive Performance: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Middle- to Older-Aged Adults in the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 450
Author(s):  
Janis D. Harse ◽  
Kun Zhu ◽  
Romola S. Bucks ◽  
Michael Hunter ◽  
Ee Mun Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Serum 25Ohd ◽  
Ageing Study ◽  
Global Cognition

Low vitamin D status has been linked to adverse cognitive outcomes in older adults. However, relationships at higher levels remain uncertain. We aimed to clarify patterns of association between vitamin D status and cognitive performance, using flexible regression methods, in 4872 middle- to older-aged adults (2678 females) from the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study. Cross-sectional associations of serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and performance in cognitive domains were modelled using linear regression and restricted cubic splines, controlling for demographic, lifestyle, and health factors. Mean ± SD serum 25OHD levels were 78 ± 24 nM/L for women and 85 ± 25 nM/L for men. Increasing levels in women were associated with better global cognition (linear trend, p = 0.023) and attention accuracy (continuity of attention), with improvement in the latter plateauing around levels of 80 nM/L (nonlinear trend, p = 0.035). In men, increasing levels of serum 25OHD were associated with better attention accuracy (linear trend, p = 0.022), but poorer semantic verbal fluency (linear trend, p = 0.025) and global cognition (nonlinear trend, p = 0.015). We identified patterns of association between serum 25OHD levels and cognitive performance that may reflect early dose–response relationships, particularly in women. Longitudinal analyses extending through to older ages may help to clarify the nature, strength, and temporality of these relationships.

scholarly journals Ophthalmic Findings and Their Effect on Visual Function in Persons with Albinism in Southern Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Ihunanya Ibanga ◽  
Chinyere N. Pedro-Egbe ◽  
Alfred A. Onua ◽  
Bassey Fiebai
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ocular Disorders ◽  
Southern Nigeria ◽  
Study Participants

Aim: To determine the pattern of ocular disorders in persons with albinism and how they affect visual function. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a five-month period on persons living with albinism in Southern Nigeria. The study participants were randomly selected during the monthly meetings of a support group known as The Albinism Foundation (TAF).Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were assessed using the ETDRS visual acuity chart and Pelli Robson contrast sensitivity test chart. A comprehensive eye examination including dilated fundoscopy was also carried out to determine other ocular disorders. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 and statistical significance was set at a p-value ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 116 PWA (232 eyes) were examined. There were 44 (37.9%) males and 72 (62.1%) females. The age of the study subjects ranged from 5 to 56 years. Most eyes were visually impaired for both distance (n=228; 98.3%) and near vision (n= 224; 96.6%). Contrast sensitivity in most eyes (n=138; 59.5%) was subnormal. With refraction and Low Vision Aid (LVA), there was significant improvement of the mean VA by 2-3 acuity lines and 6 acuity lines respectively (p=0.000). All the examined eyes had fundus hypo-pigmentation, 91.4% (n=212) had iris trans-illumination, 86.2% (n=200) had nystagmus, and 34.4% (n=80) had strabismus. Nystagmus, strabismus and iris trans-illumination significantly (p=0.00) reduced visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Conclusion: Most study participants had reduced distance visual acuity and contrast sensitivity but with correction there was a significant improvement in vision. The presence of nystagmus, strabismus and iris trans-illumination were observed to contribute to the poor vision experienced by most persons living with albinism. Hence, early optical intervention and counselling is important in improving the quality of living of persons with albinism.

The effect of cataract surgery on neuropsychological test performance: A randomized controlled trial

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 632-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
KAARIN J. ANSTEY ◽  
STEPHEN R. LORD ◽  
MICHAEL HENNESSY ◽  
PAUL MITCHELL ◽  
KATHERINE MILL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional

Recent cross-sectional studies have reported strong associations between visual and cognitive function, and longitudinal studies have shown relationships between visual and cognitive decline in late life. Improvement in cognitive performance after cataract surgery has been reported in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment. We investigated whether improving visual function with cataract surgery would improve neuropsychological performance in healthy older adults. A randomized clinical trial of cataract surgery performed at acute hospitals was conducted on 56 patients (mean age 73) with bilateral cataract, after excluding a total of 54 patients at the screening stage, of whom 53 did not meet visual acuity criteria and one did not have cataract. In-home assessments included visual and neuropsychological function, computerized cognitive testing and health questionnaires. Results showed no cognitive benefits of cataract surgery in cognitively normal adults. We conclude that visual improvement following cataract surgery is not strongly associated with an improvement in neuropsychological test performance in otherwise healthy adults. Joint associations between visual and cognitive function in late life are likely to be due to central factors, and unlikely to be strongly related to eye disease. Short-term increased neural stimulation from improved visual function does not appear to affect cognitive performance. (JINS, 2006, 12, 632–639.)

Race, genetic admixture and cognitive performance in the Cuban population

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge J Llibre-Guerra ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Isabel Elaine Allen ◽  
Juan C Llibre-Guerra ◽  
Ana M Rodríguez Salgado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
African Ancestry ◽  
Genetic Admixture ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dementia Prevalence ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

Abstract Background Population aging will lead to a dramatic increase in dementia prevalence, which will disproportionally affect racial minorities. The presence of racial differences in dementia prevalence has been widely reported in United States, but there are no relevant studies on this topic in low-middle income countries (LMIC). Methods In a cross-sectional survey, 2,944 older Cubans were recruited at a community-based level aimed to identify the effects of self-identified race and genetic admixture on cognitive performance. Dementia diagnosis was established using 10/66 Dementia and DSM-IV criteria. APOE-ε4 genotype was determined in 2,511 (85%) and genetic admixture was completed for all dementia cases and in a randomly selected sample of cognitive healthy participants (218 dementia cases and 367 participants without dementia). Results The overall prevalence of dementia was 8.7%, without large or statistically significant differences on dementia prevalence (p=0.12) by self-identified race. Mean cognitive scores were similar across racial groups (p=0.46). After controlling for age, sex and education, greater proportion of African ancestry was not associated with cognitive performance (p=0.17). Conclusions We found no evidence of an independent effect of self-identified race and/or population ancestry on dementia prevalence or cognitive performance. This suggests that observed differences in dementia prevalence among diverse populations may be driven primarily by social determinants of health.

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