腰硬联合麻醉与全麻对老年腹部手术患者术后短期认知功能的影响

目的 探讨腰硬联合麻醉(CSEA)与全麻对老年腹部手术患者术后认知功能的影响。方法 选取本院2018年5月—2019年5月收治的82例老年腹部手术患者,按随机数表法分为观察组和对照组,各41例。观察组应用CSEA,对照组则采用全身麻醉。比较两组的麻醉相关指标,术后6 h、12 h、24 h的精神功能状态以及患者术后短期认知功能障碍的发生率。结果 观察组麻醉起效时间(min)、完全清醒时间(min)分别为(8.19±1.04)、(28.67±5.60)与对照组的(10.17±2.12)、(37.25±6.12)比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组视觉模拟评分(VAS)(3.51±1.12)与对照组的(4.27±1.15)比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组患者术后6 h、12 h、24 h时的MMSE评分分别为(22.27±1.46)、(26.23±1.26)、(28.19±1.24),均高于对照组的(21.46±1.35)、(24.68±1.23)、(26.37±1.19)(P<0.05);观察组短期内POCD的发生率为4.88%,低于对照组的24.39%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 对老年腹部手术患者采用CSEA,不仅能缩短麻醉起效时间和完全清醒的时间,减轻疼痛,而且对患者精神功能的影响小,可有效减少短期内认知功能障碍发生率。     

血管性认知障碍肾阳虚证的调查研究及DNA甲基化本质

目的：在病证结合背景模式下,调查血管性认知障碍肾阳虚证的分布情况并从DNA甲基化角度探讨血管性认知障碍肾阳虚证的生物学内涵,为未来中医药治疗该病证提供表观遗传学层面的靶点。方法：2020年9月至2022年11月,通过量表对北京社区居民进行认知障碍筛查,对血管性认知障碍（VCI）患者进行证候分析;后纳入VCI肾阳虚证患者与健康对照者,采集外周血,采用Illumina Human Methylation 850K BeadChip对受试者的外周静脉血进行全基因组DNA甲基化检测,筛选差异甲基化基因并对其进行生信分析。结果：研究共调查1 902人,患有VCI的人数为201例,占总调查人数的10.57%,其中肾阳虚证者占72.14%;甲基化结果显示,与正常组比较,VCI组有386个差异甲基化位点,可注释到136个基因。京都基因与基因组百科全书（KEGG）信号通路富集分析显示,两组间差异基因主要涉及哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白（mTOR）信号通路、雌激素（Estrogen）信号通路、环磷酸腺苷（cAMP）信号通路等通路。蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用（PPI）网络分析显示,表皮生长因子受体（EGFR）、EGF...     

胞磷胆碱胶囊治疗血管性认知障碍患者的疗效及对认知功能的影响

目的:研究胞磷胆碱胶囊治疗血管性认知障碍(VCI)患者的疗效及对认知功能的影响。方法:选取2016年1月至2021年12月郑州市中心医院收治的80例VCI患者作为研究对象,随机分为对照组和观察组,各40例。在口服抗血小板药物阿司匹林预防心血管事件和脑血管事件,口服降脂药物阿托伐他汀预防心血管事件,行生活方式干预、认知训练、心理治疗,缓解情绪问题和改善认知功能等基础上,对照组患者口服安慰剂治疗,观察组患者口服胞磷胆碱胶囊治疗。比较两组患者治疗效果、认知功能情况及生活质量。结果:观察组患者患者治疗有效率高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P <0.05)。治疗8周及16周,观察组患者认知功能评分、生活质量评分高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P <0.05)。结论:口服胞磷胆碱胶囊可以有效改善VCI患者的认知功能,提高治疗效果,改善患者生活质量。     

Influence of Imidazole-Dipeptides on Cognitive Status and Preservation in Elders: A Narrative Review

The worldwide increase in the number of patients with dementia is becoming a growing problem, while Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a primary neurodegenerative disorder, accounts for more than 70% of all dementia cases. Research on the prevention or reduction of AD occurrence through food ingredients has been widely conducted. In particular, histidine-containing dipeptides, also known as imidazole dipeptides derived from meat, have received much attention. Imidazole dipeptides are abundant in meats such as poultry, fish, and pork. As evidenced by data from recent human intervention trials conducted worldwide, daily supplementation of carnosine and anserine, which are both imidazole dipeptides, can improve memory loss in the elderly and reduce the risk of developing AD. This article also summarizes the latest researches on the biochemical properties of imidazole dipeptides and their effects on animal models associated with age-related cognitive decline. In this review, we focus on the results of human intervention studies using supplements of poultry-derived imidazole dipeptides, including anserine and carnosine, affecting the preservation of cognitive function in the elderly, and discuss how imidazole dipeptides act in the brain to prevent age-related cognitive decline and the onset of dementia.     

Diet Quality and Cognitive Performance in Australian Adults Aged 55–85 Years: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Hunter Community Study Cohort

There is a lack of evidence to determine if diet quality is associated with cognitive performance in older adults. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether diet quality is associated with cognitive performance among older adults. A cross-sectional, secondary analysis of baseline data from the Hunter Community Study (HCS), comparing diet quality, measured using the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS), along with validated cognitive performance instruments the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen (ARCS) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were undertaken in adults aged 55–85 years, living in Newcastle, NSW, Australia. Adjusted linear regression analyses showed that, compared with the lowest ARFS quintile, those in the highest quintile had an ARCS score 5.883 units greater (p < 0.001; R² = 0.0098). Furthermore, when quintiles of ARFS score were tested against each ARCS sub-scale score, statistically significant associations were observed with the greatest effect for the Memory (β = 4.055; p = 0.001; R² = 0.0065) and Attention (β = 4.136; p = 0.002; R² = 0.0047) domains. No statistically significant associations were observed between quintiles of ARFS and MMSE score in the adjusted linear regression analyses. In conclusion, a positive association was observed between diet quality and cognitive performance within this sample of older Australian adults. Further investigation of the above association over time, when follow-up data becomes available, in longitudinal analysis is recommended.     

Palm Fruit Bioactive Complex (PFBc), a Source of Polyphenols,Demonstrates Potential Benefits for Inflammaging and Related Cognitive Function

Cognitive function is a key aspect of healthy aging. Inflammation associated with normal aging, also called inflammaging is a primary risk factor for cognitive decline. A diet high in fruits and vegetable and lower in calories, particularly a Mediterranean Diet, may lower the risk of age-related cognitive decline due in part to the associated high intake of antioxidants and polyphenols. A phenolic, Palm Fruit Bioactive complex (PFBc) derived from the extraction process of palm oil from oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis), is reported to offset inflammation due to its high antioxidant, especially vitamin E, and polyphenol content. The benefit is thought to be achieved via the influence of antioxidants on gene expression. It is the purpose of this comprehensive review to discuss the etiology, including gene expression, of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) specific to dietary intake of antioxidants and polyphenols and to focus on the potential impact of nutritional interventions specifically PFBc has on MCI. Several in vitro, in vivo and animal studies support multiple benefits of PFBc especially for improving cognitive function via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. While more human studies are needed, those completed thus far support the benefit of consuming PFBc to enhance cognitive function via its anti-inflammatory antioxidant functions.     

The Hunger Games: Homeostatic State-Dependent Fluctuations in Disinhibition Measured with a Novel Gamified Test Battery

Food homeostatic states (hunger and satiety) influence the cognitive systems regulating impulsive responses, but the direction and specific mechanisms involved in this effect remain elusive. We examined how fasting, and satiety, affect cognitive mechanisms underpinning disinhibition using a novel framework and a gamified test-battery. Thirty-four participants completed the test-battery measuring three cognitive facets of disinhibition: attentional control, information gathering and monitoring of feedback, across two experimental sessions: one after overnight fasting and another after a standardised meal. Homeostatic state was assessed using subjective self-reports and biological markers (i.e., blood-derived liver-expressed antimicrobial protein 2 (LEAP-2), insulin and leptin). We found that participants who experienced greater subjective hunger during the satiety session were more impulsive in the information gathering task; results were not confounded by changes in mood or anxiety. Homeostatic state did not significantly influence disinhibition mechanisms linked to attentional control or feedback monitoring. However, we found a significant interaction between homeostatic state and LEAP-2 on attentional control, with higher LEAP-2 associated with faster reaction times in the fasted condition only. Our findings indicate lingering hunger after eating increases impulsive behaviour via reduced information gathering. These findings identify a novel mechanism that may underpin the tendency to overeat and/or engage in broader impulsive behaviours.     

Effects of Daily Matcha and Caffeine Intake on Mild Acute Psychological Stress-Related Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

Matcha, a type of green tea, has a higher amino acid content than other types of tea. We previously examined the ability of matcha to improve cognitive function in older adults and determined that continuous matcha intake improves attention and executive function. This study aimed to compare the effects of matcha and caffeine and clarify the differences between these effects. The study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000036578). The effect of single and continuous intake was compared, and the usefulness of continuous intake was evaluated under the stress condition. The Uchida–Kraepelin test (UKT) was used to induce mild acute stress, and the Cognitrax was used to evaluate cognitive function. A single dose of caffeine improved attentional function during or after stress loading. The reduced reaction time in the Cognitrax, observed following a single dose of matcha, was likely due to caffeine. The matcha group showed an increase in the amount of work after continuous intake, whereas the caffeine group only showed an increase in the amount of work for the UKT after a single dose. Ingesting matcha with caffeine improves both attention and work performance when suffering from psychological stress compared with caffeine alone.     

On-Road Behavior in Older Drivers With Mild Cognitive Impairment

ObjectivesDementia increases the risk of unsafe driving, but this is less apparent in preclinical stages such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). There is, however, limited detailed data on the patterns of driving errors associated with MCI. Here, we examined whether drivers with MCI exhibited different on-road error profiles compared with cognitively normal (CN) older drivers.DesignObservational.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 296 licensed older drivers [mean age 75.5 (SD = 6.2) years, 120 (40.5%) women] recruited from the community.MethodParticipants completed a health and driving history survey, a neuropsychological test battery, and an on-road driving assessment including driver-instructed and self-navigation components. Driving assessors were blind to participant cognitive status. Participants were categorized as safe or unsafe based on a validated on-road safety scale, and as having MCI based on International Working Group diagnostic criteria. Proportion of errors incurred as a function of error type and traffic context were compared across safe and unsafe MCI and CN drivers.ResultsCompared with safe CN drivers (n = 225), safe MCI drivers (n = 45) showed a similar pattern of errors in different traffic contexts. Compared with safe CN drivers, unsafe CN drivers (n = 17) were more likely to make errors in observation, speed control, lane position, and approach, and at stop/give-way signs, lane changes, and curved driving. Unsafe MCI drivers (n = 9) had additional difficulties at intersections, roundabouts, parking, straight driving, and under self-navigation conditions. A higher proportion of unsafe MCI drivers had multidomain subtype [n = 6 (67%)] than safe MCI drivers [n = 11 (25%)], odds ratio 6.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.4–29.6).Conclusion and ImplicationsAmong safe drivers, MCI and CN drivers exhibit similar on-road error profiles, suggesting driver restrictions based on MCI status alone are unwarranted. However, formal evaluation is recommended in such cases, as there is evidence drivers with multiple domains of cognitive impairment may require additional interventions to support safe driving.     

Defining the Core Skills and Activities of the Attending Physician in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care

The American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (ABPLM) contracted with a psychometric firm to perform a 3-phase Job Analysis following best practices. Literature was reviewed, a task force of subject matter experts was convened, a survey was developed and sent via Survey Monkey to attending physicians practicing in post-acute and long-term care settings (PALTC). The task force refined a comprehensive list of the tasks, knowledge, and medical knowledge needed in the role of attending physician in PALTC. These items were written as statements and edited until consensus was reached on their accuracy, conciseness, and lack of overlap. Task statements described distinct, identifiable, and specific practice-related activities relevant across multiple care settings. Knowledge statements described previously acquired information considered necessary to effectively perform such tasks. The survey consisted of 260 items, including 21 demographic questions, 115 task statements, 73 knowledge statements, and 72 medical knowledge statements. The survey was disseminated via e-mail invitations to Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (AMDA) members and through an online link available through ABPLM’s website. A total of 389 respondents participated. Survey data were analyzed with statistical analysis software SPSS. For each task and knowledge statement, an Overall Task Rating and Knowledge Rating were developed by combining the importance rating weighted at 65% and (for task) the frequency rating or (for knowledge) the cognitive level weighted at 35%. One task statement and 1 medical knowledge statement had a mean importance rating lower than 2.5 and were dropped from further review, resulting in a final count of 114 task, 73 knowledge, and 71 medical knowledge statements (258 total). The results of this Job Analysis highlight the unique and specific nature of medical care provided by attending physicians across a range of PALTC settings. These findings lay a foundation for Focused Practice Designation or Subspecialty in PALTC and changes in practice and policy.