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Are loneliness and social isolation associated with cognitive decline?
- Authors:
- LARA Elvira, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 34(11), 2019, pp.1613-1622.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objective: This study aimed to examine the association of loneliness and social isolation on cognition over a 3‐year follow‐up period in middle‐ and older‐aged adults. Methods: Data from a Spanish nationally representative sample were analyzed (n = 1691; aged 50 years or older). Loneliness, social isolation, and cognition (immediate recall, delayed recall, verbal fluency, forward digit span, backward digit span, and a composite cognitive score) were assessed both at baseline and at follow‐up. Adjusted generalized estimating equations models were performed. Results: Loneliness was significantly associated with lower scores in the composite cognitive score, immediate and delayed recall, verbal fluency, and backward digit span (B = −0.14 to B = −3.16; P < .05) and with a more rapid decline from baseline to follow‐up in two out of six cognitive tests. Higher social isolation was associated with lower scores in the composite cognitive score, verbal fluency, and forward digit span (B = −0.06 to B = −0.85; P < .05). The effect of loneliness and social isolation on cognition remained significant after the exclusion of individuals with depression. Conclusions: Both loneliness and social isolation are associated with decreased cognitive function over a 3‐year follow‐up period. The development of interventions that include the enhancement of social participation and the maintenance of emotionally supportive relationships might contribute to cognitive decline prevention and risk reduction. (Publisher abstract)
The effects of a computer-based cognitive and physical training program in a healthy and mildly cognitive impaired aging sample
- Authors:
- GONALEZ-PALAU Fatima, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 18(7), 2014, pp.838-846.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: The Long Lasting Memories (LLM) programme concerns a newly integrated platform which combines cognitive exercises with physical activity within the context of advanced technologies. The main objective of this study was to present the preliminary results that determine the possible effectiveness of the LLM programme in the improvement of cognitive functions and symptoms of depression in healthy elderly and subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Method: Fifty healthy and MCI subjects participated in the study. All of them received one hour's physical training and 35 minutes’ cognitive training, 3 times a week, during the 12 weeks of the programme. Before and after the intervention all participants were assessed using a battery of neuropsychological tests.Results: The results showed a significant improvement after the LLM training in global cognitive function, in verbal memory, in attention, in episodic memory and symptoms of depression. Conclusion: This study indicates that LLM is a promising solution for older adults with and without cognitive impairment, maintaining their wellbeing with few professional and technical requirements. (Edited publisher abstract)
Screening for amnestic mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease with M@T (Memory Alteration Test) in the primary care population
- Authors:
- RAMI L., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 22(4), April 2007, pp.294-304.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This Spanish study aimed to design and validate a new screening test for amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (A-MCI) and early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). The authors develop a verbal episodic and semantic memory test: the Memory Alteration Test. Discriminative validity was assessed in a population sample of 400 aged individuals from primary care population centres in Barcelona, Spain, 50 patients with A-MCI according to Petersen et al. criteria, and 66 with early AD (Global Deterioration Scale - 4 stage) according to the NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. The Memory Alteration Test is a quick, 5-minute, and easy to administer and to score. The results found that the Memory Alteration Test provides efficient and valid screening for A-MCI and early stage AD, and discriminates between A-MCI and early AD patients.
Selective memory impairment on an adapted Mini-Mental State Examination increases risk of future dementia
- Authors:
- GLAZARIN J., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 19(12), December 2004, pp.1173-1180.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The aim was to determine whether selective memory impairment (SMI) on an adapted Mini-Mental State Examination (aMMSE) test increases risk of future dementia in a population-based survey of central Spain. SMI is a strong predictor of dementia in the elderly. However, most approaches have used extensive memory batteries, which are not always suitable for screening purposes. The basal cohort consisted of 2982 poorly educated individuals aged 65 or over. Dementia, stroke and parkinsonism cases were previously excluded. At entry, participants received a structured interview including an aMMSE. Two groups were created according to basal cognitive performance, namely: (1) aMMSE > 23 and no word remembered on the aMMSE delayed-recall task (SMI group); and (2) aMMSE > 23 and at least one word remembered on the delayed-recall task (control group). In a three-year follow-up wave, conversion rate to dementia was calculated and logistic regression was performed. Of a total of 2507 subjects who completed the two evaluations, 280 qualified for SMI at entry. In the SMI group, 25 subjects (8.9%) developed dementia vs 26 subjects (1.2%) in the control group. Taking the two groups together, and once demographic and medical variables had been controlled, a low delayed-recall score increased dementia conversion rate (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.34-0.64). Alzheimer's disease was the main cause of dementia (79.8%). Memory impairment is a risk factor for future dementia in the neurologically-healthy elderly. This can be observed in a subgroup of subjects with SMI defined on the aMMSE delayed-recall subscore. Some other measurements should be added to the SMI construct to improve its predictive validity.