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PubMed2000

Early androgen treatment decreases cognitive function and catecholamine innervation in an animal model of ADHD.

The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) has been used as an animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study was designed to determine whether exposure to elevated androgen levels early in development demonstrated impairments in cognitive functioning, neuroendocrine control, and brain development parallel to those seen in ADHD children. The animals (SHR and Wistar (WKY) controls) were implanted with testosterone on postnatal day 10 and tested for behavior in a spatial cognition paradigm on postnatal day 45. Plasma samples were collected for determination of adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels as indicators of the basal tone of the pituitary-adrenal neuroendocrine axis. In addition, the density of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive fibers (an indicator of catecholamine innervation) in the frontal cortex was compared between animals. The current data show that early testosterone treatment in SHR animals resulted in additional deficits in spatial memory in the water maze, but was ineffective in altering the response of WKY animals. Furthermore, SHR rats had high basal ACTH and low corticosterone levels that may indicate a dysfunctional stress axis similar to other reports in humans with persistent ADHD. Finally, there was a further suppression of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactivity in the frontal cortex of androgen-treated SHR rats. These results support the hypothesis that early androgen treatment may support the neurobiology of animals with genetic predisposition to hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention in a manner consistent with the enhanced expression of ADHD-like behaviors.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1993

Cognitive function in the affective disorders: a prospective study.

A prospective, controlled study of 50 subjects confirmed claims that major depression or mania may cause temporary disorders of attention, memory, visuo-spatial function, and choice reaction time, and cause-independently of medication-the appearance of glabellar tap, positive hand-face test, nuchocephalic reflex, and graphesthesia. On follow-up, all these phenomena either disappeared or markedly improved. Age and age of onset, but not pre-morbid intelligence or history of ECT, seemed to modulate the severity of the cognitive impairment. Presence of delusions predicted poor (but reversible) visuo-spatial function. Cognitive impairment accompanied by reversible soft neurological signs was more marked but patients thus affected surprisingly showed lower depressive scores; this was interpreted as representing a secondary, 'organic' form of affective disorder (i.e. a behavioural phenocopy of depression) characterised by a reduced capacity to experience depressive symptoms and by little improvement at follow-up.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Amplicon vectors as outstanding tools to study and modify cognitive functions.

This review summarizes recent data on the use of HSV-1-based amplicon vectors for in vivo gene delivery to the brains of rats and mice to study and modify behaviour. Here we describe studies that have focused on cognitive functions like learning and memory. In addition, the use of amplicons in other behavioural studies, like addiction, social interaction, anxiety and stress, will be briefly updated. Several remarkable findings have been achieved, thanks to the use of these very efficient and non-toxic naturally neurotropic vectors, most particularly the consistent observation that genetic manipulation of a rather limited number of neurons in restricted regions of the brain, could result in significant behavioural changes, a notion that is therefore emerging as a common unifying hypothesis, thanks to these works.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Type 2 diabetes, cognitive function and dementia: vascular and metabolic determinants.

Type 2 diabetes is a common metabolic disease with a rising global prevalence. It is associated with slowly progressive end-organ damage in the eyes and kidneys, but also in the brain. The latter complication is often referred to as "diabetic encephalopathy" and is characterized by mild to moderate impairments in cognitive functioning. It is also associated with an increased risk of dementia. To date, its pathogenetic mechanisms are largely unclear. Cognitive impairments in patients with type 2 diabetes have been associated both with vascular risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and with diabetes-related factors, such as glycemic control, duration of the disease and treatment modality. Studies that address these associations generally focus on statistical (in)dependence of certain risk factors in the association between type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline rather than the causality of the association, which, from a mechanistic point of view, is more relevant. In this review we describe the association between type 2 diabetes and cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Furthermore, potential determinants of impaired cognition in type 2 diabetes are addressed both from the perspective of statistical associations and from a mechanistic point of view.

Brain↗
PubMed2006

[Correlation of the cognitive function and the duration of the illness with the regional cerebral blood flow in the patients with Parkinson's disease: objective evaluation using stereotactic extraction estimation analysis in 123I-IMP SPECT].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of the cognitive function and the duration of the illness with the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), by means of an objective diagnostic index of brain imaging, stereotactic extraction estimation (SEE) of 123I-IMP SPECT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined 123I-IMP SPECT in 24 patients with PD (age = 71.79 +/- 5.18 years; the Mini-Mental State Examination: MMSE score = 21.46 +/- 7.62 points; the duration of the illness = 6.63 +/- 3.91 years; Yahr scale = 3.29 +/- 0.74). A contrast database was created by averaging extracted database sets of the contrast group (numbers = 14 cases; age = 74.64 +/- 5.99 years, the MMSE score > or = 29 points). We applied SEE for Z-score images of three-dimensional stereotactic surface projection analysis (3D-SSP) for 123I-IMP SPECT, and calculated Z*extent ratio by taking advantage of severity of Z-score (the mean value) with extent ratio (%) in the frontal, occipital, temporal, parietal and posterior cingulate cortices, and precuneus, respectively. We investigated the correlation coefficient between the MMSE score and Z*extent ratio, and between the duration of the illness and Z*extent ratio in the six regions. In addition, we compared Z*extent ratio in the six regions between the non-demented group (numbers = 12 patients; MMSE > or = 24 points) and the demented group (numbers =12 patients; E score < or = 23 points). RESULTS: There were negative correlations between the MMSE score and Z*extent ratio in the temporal (p < 0.05) and posterior cingulate cortices (p < 0.05), and positive correlations between the duration of the illness and Z*extent ratio in the frontal (p < 0.01), temporal (p < 0.01), parietal (p < 0.05) and posterior cingulate cortices (p < 0.01). Z*extent ratio was significantly high only in the posterior cingulate cortex(p < 0.05) in the demented group. CONCLUSIONS: SEE for Z-score images of 3D-SSP revealed a close relationship between the decline of the MMSE score and the duration of the illness, and the perfusion reduction of the posterior cingulate cortex in patients with PD. These findings suggest that the perfusion reduction of the posterior cingulate cortex reflects the decline of cognitive impairment of patients with PD.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Pain and its relation to cognitive function and depressive symptoms: a Swedish population study of 70-year-old men and women.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pain and its characteristics, and to examine the association of pain with cognitive function and depressive symptoms, in a representative sample of 70-year-old men and women. Data were collected within the gerontological and geriatric population studies in Göteborg, Sweden (H-70). A sample of 124 men and 117 women living in the community took part in the study. A questionnaire was applied which included four different aspects of pain experience: prevalence, frequency of episodes of pain, duration and number of locations. In close connection to this, depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The prevalence of pain during the last 14 days was higher in women (79%; n=91) than in men (53%; n=65) (P<0.001). Women (68%; n=78) also reported pain that had lasted for >6 months to a greater extent than men (38%; n=46) (P<0.001). The frequency of episodes of pain was also higher among women, 64% (n=74) reporting daily pain or pain several days during the last 14 days while 37% of the men (n=45) did so (P<0.001). Women (33%, n=38) also reported pain experience from >/=3 locations more often than men (11%; n=13) (P<0.001). On the other hand, the association between depressive symptoms and pain experience was more evident in men than in women. Women were taking significantly more antidepressants compared to men (P<0.03). The results show that pain is common in 70-year-old people and especially in women. However, associations between depressive symptoms and the four aspects of pain experience were more pronounced among men.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Developmental outcomes and cognitive functioning in infant and child heart transplant recipients.

Pediatric heart transplantation has become a mainstay in the treatment of end-stage heart disease in infants and children. There is, however, sparse information on post-transplant developmental and cognitive functioning. At Loma Linda University Children's Hospital 223 infants have undergone heart transplantation surgery with a survival rate of 73% (n=165). This article reports on four areas of investigation of this cohort of infants. Infant development: Two studies were done utilizing the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (mean 100, S.D.+/-15). The first study (n=48) showed mean values within the normal range [Mental Development Index (MDI) 87; Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) 90]. The second study (n=23) showed developmental scores within normal limits in 4-8 month olds with a tendency for decline in development at 12-24 months (MDI 83, PDI 77). Child development: Ninty-one infant recipients were greater than 5 years old. Forty-five children were excluded because of long distances from the hospital, second transplantation, abnormal karyotype, primary language non-English, or invalid testing. The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Revised testing of 5-6-year-olds (n=23) showed a Full Scale IQ of 74, Performance IQ of 76, and Verbal IQ of 77. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III testing of 7-10-year-olds (n=23) showed a Full Scale IQ of 86, Performance IQ of 89, and Verbal IQ of 86. The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (mean 100, S.D.+/-15) yielded a Total Composite of 91, Mathematics Composite of 86, Language Composite of 98, and a Reading Composite of 94. Visual spatial skills: Visual motor integration (mean 100, S.D.+/-15) was evaluated in 5-10-year-olds with a mean of 87; however, 52% of the children had scores below 1 S.D. Subtests from the Wechsler scales that assess visual motor and visual spatial skills indicated significant deficits. Behavior: Younger children (n=33) demonstrated behaviors indicative of social isolation. Older children (n=36) showed behavior that was within the normal limits, but depression was noted in a significant number of them. Conclusions: Infant heart transplant recipients demonstrate IQ and achievement levels within the normal range, but there is a significant amount of variability with more children than would be expected scoring in the lower ranges. Children with heart transplantation are at risk for visual spatial skill deficits. Young children are at risk for social isolation while symptoms of depression are noted in older children.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

[Effects of piracetam on the cognitive functions verified by electrophysiologic methods].

The well-known psychoactive drug widely used in the daily clinical praxis, the piracetam has many therapeutical indications. The drug is extensively applied in the therapy of ischaemic stroke, aphasy as well as of dementias of several origins and age-depending cognitive disturbances. One of the most important effect of piracetam is the positive effect to the cognitive functions. In this publication the author reviews the most important studies, where significant effects of piracetam (chronic or single-dose treatment) were verified by means of electrophysiological methods. These studies proved objectively the positive psychoactive and cognitive effects of the drug, supporting the therapeutical indication of piracetam in such cases, where cognitive deficits are present.

Cognition↗
PubMed2003

Is antioxidant use protective of cognitive function in the community-dwelling elderly?

BACKGROUND: The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of diseases such as macular degeneration, certain types of cancer, and Alzheimer's disease has received much attention. Thus, there is considerable interest in the potential contribution of antioxidants to the prevention of these diseases. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether use of supplemental antioxidants (vitamins A, C, or E, plus selenium or zinc) was associated with a reduced risk of development of cognitive impairment or cognitive decline in a representative sample of the community-dwelling elderly. METHODS: The sample consisted of 2082 nonproxy subjects from the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly who were not cognitively impaired at the 1989-1990 interview (baseline for the present analysis). Medication use was determined during in-home interviews. Cognitive function was assessed 3 and 7 years from baseline in terms of incident cognitive impairment, as measured on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) using specific cut points (number of errors) based on race and education, and cognitive decline, defined as an increase of > or = 2 errors on the SPMSQ. Multivariate analyses were performed using weighted data adjusted for sampling design and controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and health status. RESULTS: At baseline, 224 (10.8%) subjects were currently taking a supplement containing an antioxidant. During the follow-up period, 24.0% of subjects developed cognitive impairment and 34.5% experienced cognitive decline. Current antioxidant users had a 34.0% lower risk of developing cognitive impairment compared with non-antioxidant users (adjusted relative risk [RR], 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44-1.00) and a 29.0% lower risk of experiencing cognitive decline (adjusted RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.49-1.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this analysis suggest a possible beneficial effect of antioxidant use in terms of reducing cognitive decline among the community-dwelling elderly.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2006

Synaptic roles of Cdk5: implications in higher cognitive functions and neurodegenerative diseases.

Accumulating evidence indicates that cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), through phosphorylating a plethora of pre- and postsynaptic proteins, functions as an essential modulator of synaptic transmission. Recent advances in the field of Cdk5 research have not only consolidated the in vivo importance of Cdk5 in neurotransmission but also suggest a pivotal role of Cdk5 in the regulation of higher cognitive functions and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we will discuss the recent findings on the emanating role of Cdk5 as a regulator of synaptic functions and plasticity.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Quality of life and cognitive function in hepatitis C at different stages of liver disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatitis C has been associated with a decrease in quality of life and with neurological abnormalities. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between quality of life and cognitive function. METHODS: Quality of life, clinical variables and neuropsychological function were evaluated in 120 patients with hepatitis C (mild chronic hepatitis, compensated cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis) and in healthy controls (n=40, in each group). RESULTS: Patients with chronic hepatitis or compensated cirrhosis showed a decrease in quality of life, in spite of unimpaired neuropsychological tests. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis exhibited a further decrease in quality of life and neuropsychological abnormalities. The decrease in quality of life was associated with the severity of liver failure, neuropsychological abnormalities and treatment with beta-blockers or diuretics. However, in the multivariable analysis, only treatment with beta-blockers or diuretics (which was limited to decompensated cirrhosis) was independently associated with quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis C causes a decrease in quality of life even in the absence of major cognitive impairment. The mechanisms that worsen quality of life are unknown. However, in cirrhotic outpatients with prior decompensations, treatment with beta-blockers or diuretics appears to have an important effect on quality of life.

Cognition↗
PubMed2002

The effects of second-generation antipsychotics on cognitive functioning and psychosocial outcome in schizophrenia.

Neuropsychological deficits seem to be a major predictor of psychosocial outcome in patients with schizophrenia. Second-generation antipsychotics have shown greater promise in treating neuropsychological deficits than conventional antipsychotic drugs. This article summarizes the effect of newer antipsychotics on cognitive functioning and the implications for functional outcome. In this context it also addresses several methodological and conceptional issues that limited the comparison of these studies.

Antipsychotic Agents↗
PubMed1984

The effects of desmethylimipramine on cognitive function in healthy subjects.

The cognitive effects of the specific norepinephrine (NE) uptake inhibitor desmethylimipramine (DMI) were examined in normal subjects. Although there were no differences in performance on drug compared to placebo treatment, there was an improvement in cognition 1 week after the drug had been discontinued. On DMI, there was evidence for increased noradrenergic activity, which was uncorrelated with measures of learning and memory. An improvement in mood during drug withdrawal was uncorrelated with the cognitive enhancement. It was concluded that the discontinuation of DMI, a drug which primarily affects NE uptake, improves several measures of learning and memory. Drug effects on cognition may be most pronounced during the withdrawal period.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Depressive symptomatology and cognitive functioning: an epidemiological survey in an elderly community sample in France.

As part of a 5-year, prospective, epidemiological survey of normal and pathological ageing, this cross-sectional analysis examines the relationship between depressive symptomatology (CES-D) and cognitive functioning (MMS) in a community sample of 2792 non-institutionalized persons (age greater than or equal to 65) living in Southwest France. Of the sample, 13.4%, report depressive symptoms above the cut-off. A significant association was found between CES-D and MMS scores, but after adjusting for age, living arrangements, and especially functional limitations, the relationship remained strong only for women.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1983

Alcohol consumption and cognitive functioning in college students.

Decreased cognitive performance was significantly correlated with increased quantity of alcohol per occasion and with total lifetime consumption in both women and men college students tested while sober. In men, however, increased performance on some tasks was also significantly correlated with increased frequency of drinking.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Cognitive function evaluation in school-age children from economically impoverished community: results of enriched education program].

Sixty-three school-age children of low socioeconomic status and exposed to adverse environmental factors (malnutrition, familiar distress and low familiar incomes) were submitted to neuropsychological tests to investigate possible cognitive impairments. Classical neuropsychological test battery was employed (Raven test, Bender Gestalt copy of complex figures, draw-a-man Goodenough test). Low intellectual level was found on 30% and 74% showed higher cognitive disorders (visuoperceptual skills and/or perseverations and/or global shapes perception and/or draw-a-man disturbances). These children attended to a school with semi-boarding regimen which receives children under personnel and social adverse factors. School program was enriched with learning activity program based on Piaget and psychomotor exercises based on Lambert for at least one year. They also had some other activities, as painting, singing, computer training, English and Spanish classes. Twenty children were newly accepted and 43 attended at school for one, two or three years. We found significant correlations (p < or =0.05) between superior intellectual performances, bigger periods of attendance at school and methods for cognitive development. There was no association between other brain cognitive functions examined, the attendance to the teaching programs and the years of permanence at school.

Brazil↗
PubMed2006

Cognitive functions related to interpersonal problem-solving skills in schizophrenic patients compared with healthy subjects.

Subjects with schizophrenia have cognitive alterations. The functional consequences of these deficits need to be fully determined, in order to implement more effective rehabilitation programs for patients with schizophrenia. This research explores the relationships between cognitive functioning and social problem-solving skills in a group of 20 chronic schizophrenic patients compared with those found in a group of 20 healthy subjects. The following cognitive domains were evaluated: verbal memory (Rey Auditory-Verbal Test; RAVLT), visuo-spatial organization and visuo-spatial memory (Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test; RF), executive functioning (semantic verbal fluency test; VF, design fluency task; DF and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test; WCST), attention (d 2 cancellation test) and general intellectual ability (Standard Progressive Matrices of Raven; SPM). Social problem-solving skills were assessed with a video-based test; the Assessment of Interpersonal Problem-Solving Skills (AIPSS). As a group, patients performed significantly worse than control subjects on every cognitive variable and on AIPSS receiving, processing and sending constructs. Among schizophrenic patients, correlations between AIPSS constructs and neuropsychological tests were observed for VF, DF, d2 and SPM whilst these associations were not replicated in healthy subjects. However, in the whole sample, after adjusting for age, gender and education, SPM displayed significant associations with all three AIPSS constructs. Moreover, after taking SPM into account, neither diagnostic groups (patients versus control) nor cognitive variables, except d2, provided an additional contribution to AIPSS performance. Cognitive impaired performances, mainly frontal, have a deleterious effect on social problem-solving skills in the schizophrenic group. It is suggested that alterations in social problem-solving skills may reflect social anxiety and/or " theory of mind " impairment. These factors may explain the lack of association among healthy subjects. The results support the inclusion of cognitive remediation programs designed to enhance social skills for patients where a cognitive deficit is clearly ascertained.

Adult↗