CYBERMED LIFE - ORGANIC  & NATURAL LIVING

Dementia

  • Cerebral Vitamin B5 (D-Pantothenic Acid) Deficiency as a Potential Cause of Metabolic Perturbation and Neurodegeneration in Huntington's Disease. 📎

    Abstract Title:

    Cerebral Vitamin B5 (D-Pantothenic Acid) Deficiency as a Potential Cause of Metabolic Perturbation and Neurodegeneration in Huntington's Disease.

    Abstract Source:

    Metabolites. 2019 Jun 11 ;9(6). Epub 2019 Jun 11. PMID: 31212603

    Abstract Author(s):

    Stefano Patassini, Paul Begley, Jingshu Xu, Stephanie J Church, Nina Kureishy, Suzanne J Reid, Henry J Waldvogel, Richard L M Faull, Russell G Snell, Richard D Unwin, Garth J S Cooper

    Article Affiliation:

    Stefano Patassini

    Abstract:

    Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded CAG repeat in exon 1 of thegene. HD usually manifests in mid-life with loss of GABAergic projection neurons from the striatum accompanied by progressive atrophy of the putamen followed by other brain regions, but linkages between the genetics and neurodegeneration are not understood. We measured metabolic perturbations in HD-human brain in a case-control study, identifying pervasive lowering of vitamin B5, the obligatory precursor of coenzyme A (CoA) that is essential for normal intermediary metabolism. Cerebral pantothenate deficiency is a newly-identified metabolic defect in human HD that could potentially: (i) impair neuronal CoA biosynthesis; (ii) stimulate polyol-pathway activity; (iii) impair glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle activity; and (iv) modify brain-urea metabolism. Pantothenate deficiency could lead to neurodegeneration/dementia in HD that might be preventable by treatment with vitamin B5.

    Article Published Date : Jun 10, 2019

  • Coffee's two compounds that stop dementia and Alzheimer's

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    Coffee's two compounds that stop dementia and Alzheimer's image

    Coffee could combat dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It contains two compounds that slow brain degeneration—and it seems to be especially effective with Lewy body dementia, one of the most common types that also incorporates Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

    The two compounds—caffeine and EHT (Eicosancyl-5-hydroxtryptamide), a fatty acid derivative of serotonin, a neurotransmitter—combine to protect the brain against abnormal protein accumulation that's seen in Lewy body cases. Taken separately, neither compound has a protective effect on its own.

  • Craniosacral still point technique: exploring its effects in individuals with dementia.

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    Abstract Title:

    Craniosacral still point technique: exploring its effects in individuals with dementia.

    Abstract Source:

    J Gerontol Nurs. 2008 Mar;34(3):36-45. PMID: 18350746

    Abstract Author(s):

    Linda A Gerdner, Laura K Hart, M Bridget Zimmerman

    Abstract:

    A mixed methodology was used to explore the effects of craniosacral still point technique (CSPT) in 9 older adults with dementia. Participants were monitored at baseline (3 weeks), intervention (6 weeks), and postintervention (3 weeks) using the modified Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (M-CMAI). CSPT was implemented daily for 6 weeks by a certified craniosacral therapist. Findings indicated a statistically significant reduction in M-CMAI total and subscale scores during the intervention period. This reduction continued during postintervention for subscale scores of physical nonaggression and verbal agitation. Staff and family interviews provided convergent validity to the quantitative findings. Participants were also more cooperative during caregiving activities and displayed meaningful interactions.

    Article Published Date : Mar 01, 2008

  • Dementia and Alzheimer's: What Are the Differences?

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    Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

    Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease aren’t the same. Dementia is an overall term used to describe symptoms that impact memory, performance of daily activities, and communication abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease gets worse with time and affects memory, language, and thought.

    While younger people can develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, your risk increases as you age. Still, neither is considered a normal part of aging.

    Although symptoms of the two conditions may overlap, distinguishing them is important for management and treatment.

    https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-disease/difference-dementia-alzheimers#dementia

     

     

    Dementia is a syndrome, not a disease. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that doesn’t have a definitive diagnosis. Dementia is a group of symptoms that affects mental cognitive tasks such as memory and reasoning. Dementia is an umbrella term that Alzheimer’s disease can fall under. It can occur due to a variety of conditions, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease.

    People can have more than one type of dementia. This is known as mixed dementia. Often, people with mixed dementia have multiple conditions that may contribute to dementia. A diagnosis of mixed dementia can only be confirmed in an autopsy.

    As dementia progresses, it can have a huge impact on the ability to function independently. It’s a major cause of disability for older adults, and places an emotional and financial burden on families and caregivers.

    The World Health Organization says that 47.5 million people around the world are living with dementia.

    Symptoms of dementia

    It’s easy to overlook the early symptoms of dementia, which can be mild. It often begins with simple episodes of forgetfulness. People with dementia have trouble keeping track of time and tend to lose their way in familiar settings.

    As dementia progresses, forgetfulness and confusion grow. It becomes harder to recall names and faces. Personal care becomes a problem. Obvious signs of dementia include repetitious questioning, inadequate hygiene, and poor decision-making.

    In the most advanced stage, people with dementia become unable to care for themselves. They will struggle even more with keeping track of time, and remembering people and places they are familiar with. Behavior continues to change and can turn into depression and aggression.

    Causes of dementia

    You’re more likely to develop dementia as you age. It occurs when certain brain cells are damaged. Many conditions can cause dementia, including degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. Each cause of dementia causes damage to a different set of brain cells.

    Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for about 50 to 70 percent of all cases of dementia.

    Other causes of dementia include:

     

    Dementia is the term applied to a group of symptoms that negatively impact memory, but Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease of the brain that slowly causes impairment in memory and cognitive function. The exact cause is unknown and no cure is available.

    The National Institutes of Health estimate that more than 5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease. Although younger people can and do get Alzheimer’s, the symptoms generally begin after age 60.

    The time from diagnosis to death can be as little as three years in people over 80 years old. However, it can be much longer for younger people.

    The effects of Alzheimer’s on the brain

    Damage to the brain begins years before symptoms appear. Abnormal protein deposits form plaques and tangles in the brain of someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Connections between cells are lost, and they begin to die. In advanced cases, the brain shows significant shrinkage.

    It’s impossible to diagnose Alzheimer’s with complete accuracy while a person is alive. The diagnosis can only be confirmed when the brain is examined under a microscope during an autopsy. However, specialists are able to make the correct diagnosis up to 90 percent of the time.

     

    The symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia can overlap, but there can be some differences.

    Both conditions can cause:

    The symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:

    Some types of dementia will share some of these symptoms, but they include or exclude other symptoms that can help make a differential diagnosis. Lewy body dementia (LBD), for example, has many of the same later symptoms as Alzheimer’s. However, people with LBD but are more likely to experience initial symptoms such as visual hallucinations, difficulties with balance, and sleep disturbances.

    People with dementia due to Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease are more likely to experience involuntary movement in the early stages of the disease.

     

    Treatment for dementia will depend on the exact cause and type of dementia, but many treatments for dementia and Alzheimer’s will overlap.

    Alzheimer’s treatment

    No cure for Alzheimer’s is available, but options to help manage symptoms of the disease include:

    Dementia treatment

    In some cases, treating the condition that causes dementia may help. Conditions most likely to respond to treatment include dementia due to:

    In most cases, dementia isn’t reversible. However, many forms are treatable. The right medication can help manage dementia. Treatments for dementia will depend on the cause.

    For example, doctors often treat dementia caused by Parkinson’s disease and LBD with cholinesterase inhibitors that they also often use to treat Alzheimer’s.

    Treatment for vascular dementia will focus on preventing further damage to the brain’s blood vessels and preventing stroke.

    People with dementia can also benefit from supportive services from home health aides and other caregivers. An assisted living facility or nursing home may be necessary as the disease progresses.

     

    The outlook for people with dementia depends entirely on the direct cause of the dementia. Treatments are available to make symptoms of dementia due to Parkinson’s manageable, but there isn’t currently a way to stop or even slow down the related dementia. Vascular dementia can be slowed down in some cases, but it still shortens a person’s lifespan. Some types of dementia are reversible, but most types are irreversible and will instead cause more impairment over time.

    Alzheimer’s is a terminal illness, and no cure is currently available. The length of time each of the three stages lasts varies. The average person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s has an estimated lifespan of approximately four to eight years after diagnosis, but some people can live with Alzheimer’s for up to 20 years.

    Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned that you have the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Starting treatment promptly can help you manage your symptoms.

     

  • Dementia: Symptoms, stages, and types

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    Dementia is a collective term used to describe various symptoms of cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness. It is a symptom of several underlying diseases and brain disorders.

    Dementia is not a single disease in itself, but a general term to describe symptoms of impairment in memory, communication, and thinking.

    While the likelihood of having dementia increases with age, it is not a normal part of aging.

    An analysis of the most recent census estimates that 4.7 million people aged 65 years or older in the United States were living with Alzheimer's disease in 2010. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that:

    • just over a tenth of people aged 65 years or more have Alzheimer's disease
    • this proportion rises to about a third of people aged 85 and older
    • Alzheimer's accounts for 60-80 percent of all cases of dementia

    This article discusses the potential causes of dementia, the various types, and any available treatments.

    Fast facts on dementia
    • there are an estimated 47.5 million dementia sufferers worldwide
    • one new case of dementia is diagnosed every 4 seconds
    • dementia mostly affects older people but is not a normal part of aging

    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142214.php

    A person with dementia may show any of the symptoms listed below, mostly due to memory loss.

    Some symptoms they may notice themselves, others may only be noticed by caregivers or healthcare workers.

    The signs used to compile this list are published by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in the journal American Family Physician.

    Possible symptoms of dementia:

    • Recent memory loss - a sign of this might be asking the same question repeatedly.
    • Difficulty completing familiar tasks - for example, making a drink or cooking a meal.
    • Problems communicating - difficulty with language; forgetting simple words or using the wrong ones.
    • Disorientation - getting lost on a previously familiar street, for example.
    • Problems with abstract thinking - for instance, dealing with money.
    • Misplacing things - forgetting the location of everyday items such as keys, or wallets, for example.
    • Mood changes - sudden and unexplained changes in outlook or disposition.
    • Personality changes - perhaps becoming irritable, suspicious or fearful.
    • Loss of initiative - showing less interest in starting something or going somewhere.

    As the patient ages, late-stage dementia symptoms tend to worsen.

    Sometimes, dementia is roughly split into four stages:

    Mild cognitive impairment: characterized by general forgetfulness. This affects many people as they age but it only progresses to dementia for some.

    Mild dementia: people with mild dementia will experience cognitive impairments that occasionally impact their daily life. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, getting lost, and difficulty in planning and carrying out tasks.

    Moderate dementia: daily life becomes more challenging, and the individual may need more help. Symptoms are similar to mild dementia but increased. Individuals may need help getting dressed and combing their hair. They may also show significant changes in personality; for instance, becoming suspicious or agitated for no reason. There are also likely to be sleep disturbances.

    Severe dementia: at this stage, symptoms have worsened considerably. There may be a loss of ability to communicate, and the individual might need full-time care. Simple tasks, such as sitting and holding one's head up become impossible. Bladder control may be lost.

    There are several types of dementia, including:

    • Alzheimer's disease is characterized by "plaques" between the dying cells in the brain and "tangles" within the cells (both are due to protein abnormalities). The brain tissue in a person with Alzheimer's has progressively fewer nerve cells and connections, and the total brain size shrinks.
    • Dementia with Lewy bodies is a neurodegenerative condition linked to abnormal structures in the brain. The brain changes involve a protein called alpha-synuclein.
    • Mixed dementia refers to a diagnosis of two or three types occurring together. For instance, a person may show both Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia at the same time.
    • Parkinson's disease is also marked by the presence of Lewy bodies. Although Parkinson's is often considered a disorder of movement, it can also lead to dementia symptoms.
    • Huntington's disease is characterized by specific types of uncontrolled movements but also includes dementia.

    Other disorders leading to symptoms of dementia include:

    • Frontotemporal dementia also known as Pick's disease.
    • Normal pressure hydrocephalus when excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain.
    • Posterior cortical atrophyresembles changes seen in Alzheimer's disease but in a different part of the brain.
    • Down syndrome increases the likelihood of young-onset Alzheimer's.

    Early signs of dementia can include:

    • Changes in short-term memory.
    • Changes in mood.
    • Trouble finding the right words.
    • Apathy.
    • Confusion.
    • Being repetitive.
    • Finds it hard to follow a storyline.
    • Trouble completing everyday tasks.
    • Poor sense of direction.
    • Difficulty adapting to changes.

    Dementias can be caused by brain cell death, and neurodegenerative disease - progressive brain cell death that happens over time - is associated with most dementias.

    However it is not known if the dementia causes the brain cell death, or the brain cell death causes the dementia.

    But, as well as progressive brain cell death, like that seen in Alzheimer's disease, dementia can be caused by a head injury, a stroke, or a brain tumor, among other causes.

    • Vascular dementia (also called multi-infarct dementia) - resulting from brain cell death caused by conditions such as cerebrovascular disease, for example, stroke. This prevents normal blood flow, depriving brain cells of oxygen.
    • Injury - post-traumatic dementia is directly related to brain cell death caused by injury.

    Some types of traumatic brain injury - particularly if repetitive, such as those received by sports players - have been linked to certain dementias appearing later in life. Evidence is weak, however, that a single brain injury raises the likelihood of having a degenerative dementia such as Alzheimer's disease.

    Dementia can also be caused by:

    • Prion diseases - for instance, CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease).
    • HIV infection - how the virus damages brain cells is not certain, but it is known to occur.
    • Reversible factors - some dementias can be treated by reversing the effects of underlying causes, including medication interactions, depression, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid abnormalities.

    The first step in testing memory performance and cognitive health involves standard questions and tasks.

    Research has shown that dementia cannot be reliably diagnosed without using the standard tests below, completing them fully, and recording all the answers; however, diagnosis also takes account of other factors.

    Cognitive dementia tests

    Today's cognitive dementia tests are widely used and have been verified as a reliable way of indicating dementia. They have changed little since being established in the early 1970s. The abbreviated mental test score has ten questions, which include:

    • What is your age?
    • What is the time, to the nearest hour?
    • What is the year?
    • What is your date of birth?

    Each correct answer gets one point; scoring six points or fewer suggests cognitive impairment.

    The General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG) test includes an added element for recording the observations of relatives and caregivers.

    Designed for doctors, this sort of test may be the first formal assessment of a person's mental ability.

    The second part of the test probes someone close to the patient and includes six questions to find out whether the patient has:

    • become less able to remember recent events or conversations
    • begun struggling to find the right words or using inappropriate ones
    • found difficulty managing money or medications
    • needed more help with transport (without the reason being, for example, injury)

    If the test does suggest memory loss, standard investigations are then recommended, including routine blood tests and a CT brain scan.

    Clinical tests will identify, or rule out, treatable causes of memory loss and help to narrow down potential causes, such as Alzheimer's disease.

    The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) is a cognitive test which measures:

    • orientation to time and place
    • word recall
    • language abilities
    • attention and calculation
    • visuospatial skills

    The MMSE is used to help diagnose dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease and also to rate its severity and whether drug treatment is needed.

    Brain cell death cannot be reversed, so there is no known cure for degenerative dementia.

    Management of disorders such as Alzheimer's disease is instead focused on providing care and treating symptoms rather than their underlying cause.

    If dementia symptoms are due to a reversible, non-degenerative cause, however, treatment may be possible to prevent or halt further brain tissue damage.

    Examples include injury, medication effects, and vitamin deficiency.

    Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be reduced by some medications. There are four drugs, called cholinesterase inhibitors, approved for use in the U.S.:

    • donepezil (brand name Aricept)
    • galantamine (Reminyl)
    • rivastigmine (Exelon)
    • tacrine (Cognex)

    A different kind of drug, memantine (Namenda), an NMDA receptor antagonist, may also be used, alone or in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor.

    Cholinesterase inhibitors can also help with the behavioral elements of Parkinson's disease.

    Other quality-of-life care

    "Brain training" may help improve cognitive functioning and help deal with forgetfulness in the early stages of Alzheimer's. This might involve the use of mnemonics and other memory aids such as computerized recall devices.

    Certain risk factors are known to be associated with dementia. However, age is the biggest predictor. Other risk factors include:

    • Smoking and alcohol use.
    • Atherosclerosis (cardiovascular disease causing the arteries to narrow).
    • High levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein).
    • Above-average blood levels of homocysteine (a type of amino acid).
    • Diabetes.
    • Mild cognitive impairment can sometimes, but not always, lead to dementia.

     

  • Diet and Alzheimer's disease risk factors or prevention: the current evidence.

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    Abstract Title:

    Diet and Alzheimer's disease risk factors or prevention: the current evidence.

    Abstract Source:

    Expert Rev Neurother. 2011 May ;11(5):677-708. PMID: 21539488

    Abstract Author(s):

    Vincenzo Solfrizzi, Francesco Panza, Vincenza Frisardi, Davide Seripa, Giancarlo Logroscino, Bruno P Imbimbo, Alberto Pilotto

    Article Affiliation:

    Department of Geriatrics, Center for Aging Brain, Memory Unit, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.

    Abstract:

    Preventing or postponing the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and delaying or slowing its progression would lead to a consequent improvement of health status and quality of life in older age. Elevated saturated fatty acids could have negative effects on age-related cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Furthermore, at present, epidemiological evidence suggests a possible association between fish consumption, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; in particular, n-3 PUFA) and a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Poorer cognitive function and an increased risk of vascular dementia (VaD) were found to be associated with a lower consumption of milk or dairy products. However, the consumption of whole-fat dairy products may be associated with cognitive decline in the elderly. Light-to-moderate alcohol use may be associated with a reduced risk of incident dementia and AD, while for VaD, cognitive decline and predementia syndromes, the current evidence is only suggestive of a protective effect. The limited epidemiological evidence available on fruit and vegetable consumption and cognition generally supports a protective role of these macronutrients against cognitive decline, dementia and AD. Only recently, higher adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet was associated with decreased cognitive decline, although the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) combines several foods, micro- and macro-nutrients already separately proposed as potential protective factors against dementia and predementia syndromes. In fact, recent prospective studies provided evidence that higher adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet could be associated with slower cognitive decline, reduced risk of progression from MCI to AD, reduced risk of AD and a decreased all-cause mortality in AD patients. These findings suggested that adherence to the MeDi may affect not only the risk of AD, but also of predementia syndromes and their progression to overt dementia. Based on the current evidence concerning these factors, no definitive dietary recommendations are possible. However, following dietary advice for lowering the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, high levels of consumption of fats from fish, vegetable oils, nonstarchy vegetables, low glycemic index fruits and a diet low in foods with added sugars and with moderate wine intake should be encouraged. Hopefully this will open new opportunities for the prevention and management of dementia and AD.

    Article Published Date : May 01, 2011

  • Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms: Emerging Brain Food for the Mitigation of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

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    Abstract Title:

    Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms: Emerging Brain Food for the Mitigation of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

    Abstract Source:

    J Med Food. 2017 Jan ;20(1):1-10. PMID: 28098514

    Abstract Author(s):

    Chia-Wei Phan, Pamela David, Vikineswary Sabaratnam

    Article Affiliation:

    Chia-Wei Phan

    Abstract:

    There is an exponential increase in dementia in old age at a global level because of increasing life expectancy. The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) will continue to rise steadily, and is expected to reach 42 million cases worldwide in 2020. Despite the advancement of medication, the management of these diseases remains largely ineffective. Therefore, it is vital to explore novel nature-based nutraceuticals to mitigate AD and other age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Mushrooms and their extracts appear to hold many health benefits, including immune-modulating effects. A number of edible mushrooms have been shown to contain rare and exotic compounds that exhibit positive effects on brain cells both in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we summarize the scientific information on edible and culinary mushrooms with regard to their antidementia/AD active compounds and/or pharmacological test results. The bioactive components in these mushrooms and the underlying mechanism of their activities are discussed. In short, these mushrooms may be regarded as functional foods for the mitigation of neurodegenerative diseases.

    Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2016

  • Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Agitation and Depressive Mood in Individuals With Dementia.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Agitation and Depressive Mood in Individuals With Dementia.

    Abstract Source:

    J Gerontol Nurs. 2016 Sep 1 ;42(9):38-46. Epub 2016 Jun 20. PMID: 27319407

    Abstract Author(s):

    Ya-Ping Yang, Chi-Jane Wang, Jing-Jy Wang

    Article Affiliation:

    Ya-Ping Yang

    Abstract:

    The current study examined the effects of aromatherapy massage on alleviating agitation and depressive mood in individuals with dementia. A randomized controlled trial and repeated measures design was conducted. A total of 59 participants were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group received aromatherapy massage once per week for 8 weeks. Results indicated no significant changes over time in overall agitation for either group, but agitation decreased from Week 1 to Week 5 for the intervention group. In addition, the overall depressive symptoms decreased significantly over time for the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.001). However, changes in agitation within 24 hours following aromatherapy massage showed some significant changes in Weeks 5 and 9. Aromatherapy massage can be an effective and safe intervention to alleviate specific agitated behaviors and depressive mood in individuals with dementia. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(9), 38-46.].

    Article Published Date : Aug 31, 2016

  • Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer's disease📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer's disease.

    Abstract Source:

    Psychogeriatrics. 2009 Dec ;9(4):173-9. PMID: 20377818

    Abstract Author(s):

    Daiki Jimbo, Yuki Kimura, Miyako Taniguchi, Masashi Inoue, Katsuya Urakami

    Article Affiliation:

    Department of Biological Regulation, School of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan.

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:Recently, the importance of non-pharmacological therapies for dementia has come to the fore. In the present study, we examined the curative effects of aromatherapy in dementia in 28 elderly people, 17 of whom had Alzheimer's disease (AD).

    METHODS:After a control period of 28 days, aromatherapy was performed over the following 28 days, with a wash out period of another 28 days. Aromatherapy consisted of the use of rosemary and lemon essential oils in the morning, and lavender and orange in the evening. To determine the effects of aromatherapy, patients were evaluated using the Japanese version of the Gottfries, Brane, Steen scale (GBSS-J), Functional Assessment Staging of Alzheimer's disease (FAST), a revised version of Hasegawa's Dementia Scale (HDS-R), and the Touch Panel-type Dementia Assessment Scale (TDAS) four times: before the control period, after the control period, after aromatherapy, and after the washout period.

    RESULTS:All patients showed significant improvement in personal orientation related to cognitive function on both the GBSS-J and TDAS after therapy. In particular, patients with AD showed significant improvement in total TDAS scores. Result of routine laboratory tests showed no significant changes, suggesting that there were no side-effects associated with the use of aromatherapy. Results from Zarit's score showed no significant changes, suggesting that caregivers had no effect on the improved patient scores seen in the other tests.

    CONCLUSIONS:In conclusion, we found aromatherapy an efficacious non-pharmacological therapy for dementia. Aromatherapy may have some potential for improving cognitive function, especially in AD patients.

    Article Published Date : Nov 30, 2009

  • Effect of Exercise on Cognition, Conditioning, Muscle Endurance, and Balance in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of Exercise on Cognition, Conditioning, Muscle Endurance, and Balance in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

    Abstract Source:

    J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2018 May 4. Epub 2018 May 4. PMID: 29738405

    Abstract Author(s):

    Chandra da Silveira Langoni, Thais de Lima Resende, Andressa Bombardi Barcellos, Betina Cecchele, Mateus Soares Knob, Tatiane do Nascimento Silva, Juliana Nunes da Rosa, Tamiris de Souza Diogo, Irenio Gomes da Silva Filho, Carla Helena Augustin Schwanke

    Article Affiliation:

    Chandra da Silveira Langoni

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be a precursor to dementia; however, its progression may be prevented or slowed with exercise. This study aimed at determining the effects of group aerobic and strength training on cognition, conditioning, muscle endurance, and balance in underprivileged community-dwelling older adults with MCI.

    METHODS:This was a single-blind, randomized, and matched-pair controlled (gender, age, body mass index, and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised for MCI diagnosis) clinical trial. It was developed in 4 community centers. Fifty-two sedentary, functionally independent individuals, aged 60 years or more, with MCI were randomized into intervention group (n = 26) and control group (n = 26). Participants were tested before and after a 24-week exercise program. Sociodemographic characteristics, cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), conditioning (2-minute stationary walk test), lower-limb endurance (30-second sit/stand test), and balance data (Functional Reach test) were collected. The intervention group walked and exercised twice weekly (60 minutes each) using ankle weights, latex resistance bands, and dumbbells. The exercise load and intensity were regularly increased on the basis of a preestablished incremental number of sets and repetitions and on the basis of the participants' correct movement execution with a given load. Data were analyzed with Pearsonχ test, Fisher exact test, Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance, and the Cohen d.

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:Before the intervention, no significant differences were found between groups for any of the variables. Postintervention, significant differences were observed in cognition, conditioning, muscle endurance, and balance. Significant time-by-group interactions were detected in all the intergroup analyses. The improvements observed in the intervention group had medium to large effect sizes (0.35-1.15). The control group's decrease in cognition (13.9%) had a large effect size, while its Functional Reach test decrease (11.4%) had a medium effect size, with no significant change in conditioning or muscle endurance.

    CONCLUSION:The training program improved cognitive function, muscle endurance, aerobic conditioning, and balance in older adults with MCI.

    Article Published Date : May 03, 2018

  • Effect of exercise-induced neurogenesis on cognitive function deficit in a rat model of vascular dementia📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of exercise-induced neurogenesis on cognitive function deficit in a rat model of vascular dementia.

    Abstract Source:

    Mol Med Rep. 2016 Apr ;13(4):2981-90. Epub 2016 Feb 15. PMID: 26934837

    Abstract Author(s):

    Dong-Hee Choi, Kyoung-Hee Lee, Jongmin Lee

    Article Affiliation:

    Dong-Hee Choi

    Abstract:

    Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is strongly correlated with progressive cognitive decline in neurological diseases, such as vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer's disease. Exercise can enhance learning and memory, and delay age-related cognitive decline. However, exercise-induced hippocampal neurogenesis in experimental animals submitted to CCH has not been investigated. The present study aimed to investigate whether hippocampal neurogenesis induced by exercise can improve cognitive deficit in a rat model of VaD. Male Wistar rats (age, 8 weeks; weight, 292±3.05 g; n=12-13/group) were subjected to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO) or sham‑surgery and each group was then subdivided randomly into no exercise and treadmill exercise groups. Exercise groups performed treadmill exercise daily at 15 m/min for 30 min for 4 weeks from the third to the seventh week after 2VO. It was demonstrated that the number of neural progenitor cells and mature neurons in the subgranular zone of 2VO rats was increased by exercise, and cognitive impairment in 2VO rats was attenuated by treadmill exercise. In addition, mature brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus were increased in the exercise groups. Thus the present study suggests that exercise delays cognitive decline by the enhancing neurogenesis and increasing BDNF expression in the context of VaD.

    Article Published Date : Mar 31, 2016

  • Effect of horticultural therapy on wellbeing among dementia day care programme participants: A mixed-methods study (Innovative Practice). 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Effect of horticultural therapy on wellbeing among dementia day care programme participants: A mixed-methods study (Innovative Practice).

    Abstract Source:

    Dementia (London). 2016 Apr 11. Epub 2016 Apr 11. PMID: 27072371

    Abstract Author(s):

    Jodi Hall, Gary Mitchell, Catherine Webber, Karen Johnson

    Article Affiliation:

    Jodi Hall

    Abstract:

    Fourteen people attending an adult day programme were recruited to a structured horticultural therapy programme which took place over 10 weeks. The effects were assessed using Dementia Care Mapping and questionnaires completed by family carers. High levels of wellbeing were observed while the participants were engaged in horticultural therapy, and these were sustained once the programme was completed. This study adds to the growing evidence on the benefits of horticultural therapy for people with dementia who have enjoyed gardening in the past.

    Article Published Date : Apr 10, 2016

  • Effectiveness of Exercise Programs on Patients with Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Effectiveness of Exercise Programs on Patients with Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

    Abstract Source:

    Biomed Res Int. 2019 ;2019:2308475. Epub 2019 Nov 22. PMID: 31886182

    Abstract Author(s):

    Xudong Li, Rui Guo, Zhenhong Wei, Jing Jia, Chaojun Wei

    Article Affiliation:

    Xudong Li

    Abstract:

    Exercise programs have been introduced to improve cognitive function, whereas studies showed inconsistent results regarding the effectiveness of exercise programs on patients with dementia. This study aimed to summarize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effect of exercise programs on cognition, activities of daily living (ADL), and depression in elderly with dementia. We systematically screened PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library for relevant studies throughout November 21, 2018. The pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed to calculate cognition, ADL, and depression by using random-effects model. A total of 20 RCTs with 2,051 dementia patients were included in final quantitative meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between exercise programs and control regarding cognition (SMD: 0.44; 95% CI: -0.21-1.09;=0.183), ADL (SMD: 0.50; 95% CI: -0.03-1.02;=0.066), and depression (SMD: -0.43; 95% CI: -0.90-0.05;=0.077). Sensitivity analysis results indicated that exercise programs might play an important role in cognition and ADL, whereas the depression level was unaltered by the exclusion of any particular study. Subgroup analyses indicated that exercise programs were associated with increased cognitive levels if the mean age of patients was<80.0 years when compared with usual care and studies with low quality. Moreover, the ADL level was significantly increased in patients receiving exercise programs versus usual care. These results suggested that exercise programs might play an important role in cognition and ADL in patients with dementia. These results required further verification by large-scale RCTs, especially for depression outcomes.

    Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2018

  • Effects of acupuncture on vascular dementia (VD) animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Effects of acupuncture on vascular dementia (VD) animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    Abstract Source:

    BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018 Nov 13 ;18(1):302. Epub 2018 Nov 13. PMID: 30424749

    Abstract Author(s):

    Ze-Yu Zhang, Zhe Liu, Hui-Hui Deng, Qin Chen

    Article Affiliation:

    Ze-Yu Zhang

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND:Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia that causes cognitive dysfunction. Acupuncture, an ancient therapy, has been mentioned for the treatment of vascular dementia in previous studies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture in animal models of vascular dementia.

    METHODS:Experimental animal studies of treating vascular dementia with acupuncture were gathered from Embase, PubMed and Ovid Medline (R) from the dates of the databases' creation to December 2016. We adopted the CAMARADES 10-item checklist to evaluate the quality of the included studies. The Morris water maze test was considered as an outcome measure. The software Stata12.0 was used for the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was examined using Istatistics, and we conducted subgroup analyses to determine the causes of heterogeneity for escape latency and duration in original platform.

    RESULTS:Sixteen studies involving 363 animals met the inclusion criteria. The included studies scored between 4 and 8 points, and the mean was 5.44. The results of the meta-analysis indicated remarkable differences with acupuncture on increasing the duration in the former platform quadrant both in EO models (SMD = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.02 ~ 2.11; p < 0.00001) and 2-VO models (SMD 4.29, 95% CI 3.23 ~ 5.35; p < 0.00001) compared with the control groups.

    CONCLUSIONS:Acupuncture may be effective in improving cognitive function in vascular dementia animal models. The mechanisms of acupuncture for vascular dementia are multiple such as anti-apoptosis, antioxidative stress reaction, and metabolism enhancing of glucose and oxygen.

    Article Published Date : Nov 12, 2018

  • Effects of animal-assisted therapy on agitated behaviors and social interactions of older adults with dementia.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effects of animal-assisted therapy on agitated behaviors and social interactions of older adults with dementia.

    Abstract Source:

    Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2003 Nov-Dec;18(6):353-8. PMID: 14682084

    Abstract Author(s):

    Nancy E Richeson

    Article Affiliation:

    Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine, USA.

    Abstract:

    The effects of a therapeutic recreation intervention using animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on the agitated behaviors and social interactions of older adults with dementia were examined using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory and the Animal-Assisted Therapy Flow Sheet. In a pilot study, 15 nursing home residents with dementia participated in a daily AAT intervention for three weeks. Results showed statistically significant decreases in agitated behaviors and a statistically significant increase in social interaction pretest to post-test.

    Article Published Date : Nov 01, 2003

  • Effects of Exercise on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Related Cognitive Impairment and Dementia.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effects of Exercise on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Related Cognitive Impairment and Dementia.

    Abstract Source:

    J Alzheimers Dis. 2017 Jun 6. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28598841

    Abstract Author(s):

    Michele Callisaya, Kazunori Nosaka

    Article Affiliation:

    Michele Callisaya

    Abstract:

    Cognitive impairment and dementia are common contributors to institutionalization and loss of quality of life in older people. Both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and physical inactivity are prevalent and important modifiable risk factors for developing dementia. Physical activity is recommended in the management of T2DM, and there is growing evidence that exercise, a subgroup of physical activity, is also beneficial for maintaining and improving brain structure and function. This paper reviews the evidence for a benefit of exercise on T2DM related cognitive impairment and dementia. In addition, the type (e.g., aerobic, resistance), intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise are discussed. This review shows that although exercise has known benefits on the mechanisms linking T2DM to dementia, there are very few randomized controlled trials examining whether this is the case. It is concluded that the uptake of exercise for the brain has great potential to improve quality of life and provide significant cost savings, but further research is warranted to clarify the effects of exercise on T2DM and those on dementia.

    Article Published Date : Jun 05, 2017

  • Effects of scalp acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking on cognitive behavior ability in patients with vascular dementia

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    Abstract Title:

    [Effects of scalp acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking on cognitive behavior ability in patients with vascular dementia].

    Abstract Source:

    Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 May ;34(5):417-20. PMID: 25022106

    Abstract Author(s):

    Si-Kang Li, Ding-Ming Ding, Zheng-Long Zhang, Lan Ma, Hai-Yan Huang, Xiao-Hong Wu

    Article Affiliation:

    Si-Kang Li

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:To compare the therapeutic differences among scalp acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking, body acupuncture and western medication for treatment of vascular dementia (VD).

    METHODS:Ninety cases were randomly divided into a combined therapy group (31 cases), a body acupuncture group (29 cases) and a western medication group (30 cases). The combined therapy group was treated with scalp acupuncture at forehead middle line, parieral middle line, temporal front line and temporal rear line as well as auricular point sticking at naogan (AT3,41), shen (CO10), shenmen (TF4), zhen (AT3), once a day; the body acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Zusanli (ST 36) and so on, once a day; the western medication group was treated with oral administration of aniracetam tablets, 0.2 g per time, twice a day. Fourteen days were considered as a treatment course, and totally 3 courses were required. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and activities of daily living (ADL) were applied to assess the changes of cognitive behavior ability before and after treatment among three groups. Also the efficacy among three groups were compared.

    RESULTS:One case dropped out in the body acupuncture group and western medication group, respectively. The total effective rate was 90.334 (28/31) in the combined therapy group, which was superior to 85.734 (24/28) in the body acupuncture group and 79.3% (23/29) in the western medication group (both P<0.05). After the treatment, the scores of MMSE and ADL were all improved among three groups, which was the most significant in the combined therapy group (MMSE: 23.32 +/- 4.45 vs 21.23 +/- 4.13, P<0.05; 23.32 +/- 4.45 vs 20.41 +/- 4. 01, P<0.01; ADL: 53.18 +/- 21.55 vs 51.92 +/- 20.42, P<0.05; 53.18 +/- 21.55 vs 49.42 +/- 19.43, P<0.01).

    CONCLUSION:The scalp acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking could improve the clinical symptoms and cognitive behavior ability in patients with vascular dementia, which has superior total efficacy to body acupuncture and western medication aniracetam tablets.

    Article Published Date : Apr 30, 2014

  • Effects of scalp acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking on cognitive behavior ability in patients with vascular dementia

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    Abstract Title:

    [Effects of scalp acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking on cognitive behavior ability in patients with vascular dementia].

    Abstract Source:

    Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 May ;34(5):417-20. PMID: 25022106

    Abstract Author(s):

    Si-Kang Li, Ding-Ming Ding, Zheng-Long Zhang, Lan Ma, Hai-Yan Huang, Xiao-Hong Wu

    Article Affiliation:

    Si-Kang Li

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:To compare the therapeutic differences among scalp acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking, body acupuncture and western medication for treatment of vascular dementia (VD).

    METHODS:Ninety cases were randomly divided into a combined therapy group (31 cases), a body acupuncture group (29 cases) and a western medication group (30 cases). The combined therapy group was treated with scalp acupuncture at forehead middle line, parieral middle line, temporal front line and temporal rear line as well as auricular point sticking at naogan (AT3,41), shen (CO10), shenmen (TF4), zhen (AT3), once a day; the body acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Zusanli (ST 36) and so on, once a day; the western medication group was treated with oral administration of aniracetam tablets, 0.2 g per time, twice a day. Fourteen days were considered as a treatment course, and totally 3 courses were required. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and activities of daily living (ADL) were applied to assess the changes of cognitive behavior ability before and after treatment among three groups. Also the efficacy among three groups were compared.

    RESULTS:One case dropped out in the body acupuncture group and western medication group, respectively. The total effective rate was 90.334 (28/31) in the combined therapy group, which was superior to 85.734 (24/28) in the body acupuncture group and 79.3% (23/29) in the western medication group (both P<0.05). After the treatment, the scores of MMSE and ADL were all improved among three groups, which was the most significant in the combined therapy group (MMSE: 23.32 +/- 4.45 vs 21.23 +/- 4.13, P<0.05; 23.32 +/- 4.45 vs 20.41 +/- 4. 01, P<0.01; ADL: 53.18 +/- 21.55 vs 51.92 +/- 20.42, P<0.05; 53.18 +/- 21.55 vs 49.42 +/- 19.43, P<0.01).

    CONCLUSION:The scalp acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking could improve the clinical symptoms and cognitive behavior ability in patients with vascular dementia, which has superior total efficacy to body acupuncture and western medication aniracetam tablets.

    Article Published Date : Apr 30, 2014

  • Evidence based effects of yoga in neurological disorders.

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    Abstract Title:

    Evidence based effects of yoga in neurological disorders.

    Abstract Source:

    J Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jun 6. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28599839

    Abstract Author(s):

    A Mooventhan, L Nivethitha

    Article Affiliation:

    A Mooventhan

    Abstract:

    Though yoga is one of the widely used mind-body medicine for health promotion, disease prevention and as a possible treatment modality for neurological disorders, there is a lack of evidence-based review. Hence, we performed a comprehensive search in the PubMed/Medline electronic database to review relevant articles in English, using keywords"yoga and neurological disorder, yoga and multiple sclerosis, yoga and stroke, yoga and epilepsy, yoga and Parkinson's disease, yoga and dementia, yoga and cerebrovascular disease, yoga and Alzheimer disease, yoga and neuropathy, yoga and myelopathy, and yoga and Guillain-Barre syndrome". A total of 700 articles published from 1963 to 14th December 2016 were available. Of 700 articles, 94 articles were included in this review. Based on the available literature, it could be concluded that yoga might be considered as an effective adjuvant for the patients with various neurological disorders.

    Article Published Date : Jun 05, 2017

  • Exercise improves recognition memory and synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex for rats modelling vascular dementia.

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    Abstract Title:

    Exercise improves recognition memory and synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex for rats modelling vascular dementia.

    Abstract Source:

    Neurol Res. 2018 Jan ;40(1):68-77. Epub 2017 Nov 10. PMID: 29126372

    Abstract Author(s):

    Juntao Dong, Jingpu Zhao, Yangyang Lin, Huiying Liang, Xiaokuo He, Xiuyuan Zheng, Minghong Sui, Zhiqiang Zhuang, Tiebin Yan

    Article Affiliation:

    Juntao Dong

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVES:Functional electrical stimulation (FES) may induce involuntary exercise and make beneficial effects on vascular dementia (VD) by strengthening the BDNF-pCREB-mediated pathway and hippocampal plasticity. Whether FES improves recognition memory and synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was investigated by establishing a VD model.

    METHODS:The VD rats were administered with two weeks of voluntary exercise, forced exercise, or involuntary exercise induced with FES. Sham-operated and control groups were also included. The behavioral changes were assessed with the novel object recognition test and novel object location test. The expression levels of key proteins related to synaptic plasticity in the PFC were also detected.

    RESULTS:All types of exercise improved the rats' novel object recognition index, but only voluntary exercise and involuntary exercise induced with FES improved the novel object location index. Any sort of exercise enhanced the expression of key proteins in the PFC.

    CONCLUSION:Involuntary exercise induced with FES can improve recognition memory in VD better than forced exercise. The mechanism is associated with increased synaptic plasticity in the PFC. FES may be a useful alternative tool for cognitive rehabilitation.

    Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2017

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