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S Artero

Publications and source records attributed to S Artero.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Life-time history of suicide attempts and coronary artery disease in a community-dwelling elderly population.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have observed a strong relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and psychiatric disorder; notably depression, anxiety and panic attacks. No study has, however, explored the question of whether persons suffering from CAD might also be at high risk of suicide attempts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to examine the relationship between CAD within a general population cohort and life-time history of psychiatric disorder and suicidal behaviour. METHOD: A representative sample of 1,843 non-institutionalized persons over 65, drawn at random from the electoral roll, was given a standardized neurological and psychiatric examination based on DSM-IV criteria. The clinical examination also included an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a questionnaire relating to life-time medical history. Cardiac events were validated by the general practitioner. RESULTS: Within this general population sample the prevalence of suicide attempts was 3.9%. A significant positive association was observed between life-time prevalence of CAD and suicide attempts (p<0.04). Suicide attempts were associated with major depression (p<0.001) co-morbid anxiety and depression (p<0.001) but not anxiety alone (p=0.16). A logistic regression analysis showed that the relationship between suicide attempts and CAD persists after adjustment for depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: CAD is associated with suicidal behaviour independently of depression, however, longitudinal studies are required to clarify the direction of causality and to integrate genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors into an aetiological model.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Neuroanatomical localisation and clinical correlates of white matter lesions in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: White matter lesions (WML) in elderly people co-occur with hypertension, depression, and cognitive impairment. Little is known about the density and distribution of WML in normal elderly people, whether they occur randomly in the aging brain or tend to cluster in certain areas, or whether patterns of WML aggregation are linked to clinical symptoms. OBJECTIVES: To describe patterns of WML distribution in a large representative population of elderly people using non-inferential cluster analysis; and to determine the extent to which such patterns are associated with clinical symptomatology. METHOD: A population sample of 1077 elderly people was recruited. Multiple analysis of correspondence followed by automatic classification methods was used to explore overall patterns of WML distribution. Correspondence was then sought between these patterns and a range of cerebrovascular, psychiatric, and neurological symptoms. RESULTS: Three distinct patterns of spatial localisation within the brain were observed, corresponding to distinct clusters of clinical symptoms. In particular WML aggregation in temporal and occipital areas was associated with greater age, hypertension, late onset depressive disorder, poor global cognitive function, and overall WML frequency. CONCLUSIONS: WML localisation is not random in the aging brain, and their distribution is associated with age and the presence of clinical symptoms. Age differences suggest there may be patterns of progression across time; however, this requires confirmation from longitudinal imaging studies.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Prevalence of DSM-IV psychiatric disorder in the French elderly population.

BACKGROUND: France has high rates of psychotropic drug consumption and suicide in the elderly population, but it has not yet been possible to determine whether this is due to exceptionally high morbidity rates. AIMS: To describe the first longitudinal population study of psychiatric disorder undertaken in France, and to estimate current and lifetime prevalences and age of onset of psychiatric disorder. METHOD: A study group of 1873 non-institutionalised persons aged 65 years and over was randomly recruited from the Montpellier district electoral rolls. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess current and lifetime symptoms. Cases identified by the application of DSM-IV criteria were re-examined by a clinical panel. RESULTS: Forty-six per cent of the study population had experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, and 3.7% had made a suicide attempt. Lifetime prevalence of major depression was 26.5% and 30% for anxiety disorders. Current prevalence rates were 14.2% for anxiety disorders, 10.7% for phobia, 3% for major depression and 1.7% for psychosis. CONCLUSIONS: Results show very high rates of lifetime but not current major depression. Rates of current phobia and suicidal ideation in the very elderly are also high compared with other studies. The rates reported are likely to be underestimates.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed2003

Prediction of transition from cognitive impairment to senile dementia: a prospective, longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to replicate the statistical approach used in a previous investigation (Toronto study) within a French population to determine the best predictive model for Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHOD: Data from neuropsychological tests from two prospective studies were entered into a regression model. RESULTS: Replication of the statistical approach in the Montpellier sample produced a three-test model with a specificity of 99% and sensitivity of 73%. This model consisted of a delayed auditory verbal recall test, a construction test, a category fluency test and provides probability estimates for the transition to dementia in individual cases. CONCLUSION: The models derived from these two longitudinal studies provide an empirical basis for the selection of tests for the definition of mild cognitive impairment of the Alzheimer type (MCI-A). The small set of tests derived are suitable for use in general practice.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The detection of mild cognitive impairment in the general practice setting.

Results from a general practice study of cognitive impairment are used to construct guidelines for the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in general practice. The role of the general practitioner in the diagnosis of MCI is discussed and the potential feasibility of general practice screening is evaluated with data from a two-year prospective study conducted in the Montpellier region of France. Neuropsychological tests with the highest predictive value for dementia conversion and suitable for use in general practice, were determined by logistic regression modelling. An examination comprising three tests (delayed auditory verbal recall, verbal fluency and visuospatial construction), were found to give a specificity of 99% and sensitivity of 73%. Reports from other research centres suggest that MCI detection should not be limited to cognitive performance alone. It is suggested that proxy observations of behavioural change and information relating to loss of ability to perform activities of daily living should also be used to improve sensitivity and also to provide information needed in patient management. It may be potentially feasible for the family practitioner to verify cognitive complaints and to screen for MCI with a high degree of accuracy using a brief test battery derived from empirical observations in population studies.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2002

[Mild cognitive decline in the elderly: nosology and clinical status].

Cognitive impairment without dementia is common in elderly persons and causes significant impairment in capacity to perform everyday activities. A number of nosological entities have been proposed for the classification of sub-clinical cognitive dysfunction. The more recent concepts assume an underlying organic condition, in particular the presence of early stage dementia. While prospective studies suggest that persons with mild cognitive disorder have a high risk of developing dementia, long-term follow-up of subjects with mild cognitive impairment suggests that dementia alone does not explain all cases. Cognitive disorder in the elderly must be construed as a common outcome for a number of interacting pathologies whose expression is also mediated by genetic, environmental and social factors.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Classification criteria for mild cognitive impairment: a population-based validation study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive validity and temporal stability of diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). BACKGROUND: MCI has been proposed as a nosologic entity referring to elderly persons with subclinical cognitive deficits due to incipient dementia. Classification criteria, which have been derived from small, selected clinical groups, are currently disputed, and have not yet been assessed within the general population. METHODS: Subjects meeting current criteria for MCI and also age-associated cognitive decline (AACD-a similar concept that is assumed to be related to normal cognitive aging processes rather than incipient dementia) were identified within each of three waves of a longitudinal population study, which included a standardized neurologic examination. RESULTS: In the general population, the prevalence of MCI was estimated to be 3.2% and AACD 19.3%. MCI was a poor predictor of dementia within a 3-year period, with an 11.1% conversion rate. Subjects with MCI also constituted an unstable group, with almost all subjects changing category each year. Discriminant function analysis failed to isolate a homogeneous clinical group. Subjects classified as AACD, contrary to the theoretical assumptions underlying the disorder, represented a more stable group, with a 28.6% conversion rate to dementia over 3 years (relative risk = 21.2). CONCLUSION: MCI criteria perform poorly when applied to a representative population sample. The authors propose modifications to current diagnostic criteria to increase their capacity to detect incipient dementia.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Disability and mild cognitive impairment: a longitudinal population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether mild cognitive deficit is associated with parallel changes in ability to perform activities of daily living. BACKGROUND: While considerable research has been conducted on the effect of senile dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders on ability to perform everyday activities, little is known about the much larger group of elderly persons suffering from mild cognitive deficits. METHODS: Disability prevalence was estimated in 368 persons over the age of 65 years recruited from the general population via a general practitioner network. Subjects were followed over a 3-year period using computerized cognitive assessment and observations of everyday functioning. Standardized neurological assessment in the third year permitted the identification of subjects who have evolved towards dementia. RESULTS: An overall disability prevalence was found in the general population of 26.3%, with 30.8% in subjects with sub-clinical cognitive impairment. Longitudinal follow-up showed cognitive decline over time without dementia to be paralleled by changes in activity performance, with visuospatial deficits having the most marked effect on overall functioning. High intelligence quotient (IQ) and education are seen to reduce the degree of activity loss, but only when senile dementia is not present. CONCLUSIONS: Difficulties in the performance of everyday activities were found more frequently in non-demented subjects with mild cognitive deficits than in the general population. High pre-morbid levels of ability are seen to have a protective effect. A diagnosis of dementia should not therefore be required by persons with cognitive impairment applying for home help.

Activities of Daily Living↗