A music-based protocol for memory stimulation in elderly people

It is well known that physical exercise has beneficial effects on cognitive function in older adults. Recently, several physical exercise programs with virtual reality (VR) have been proposed to support physical exercise benefits. However, it is still unclear whether VR physical exercise (VR-PE) has positive effects on cognitive function in older adults. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review (SR) of the effects of VR-PE on cognitive function in older adults with and without cognitive decline. We used academic databases to search for research papers. The criteria were intervention study using any VR-PE, participants were older adults with and without mild cognitive decline (not dementia), and cognitive functions were assessed. We found that 6 of 11 eligible studies reported the significant benefits of the VR-PE on a wide range of cognitive functions in aging populations. The SR revealed that VR-PE has beneficial effects on the inhibition of executive functions in older adults with and without mild cognitive decline. Moreover, VR-PE selectively leads to improvements in shifting and general cognitive performance in healthy older adults. The SR suggests that VR-PE could be a successful approach to improve cognitive function in older adults with and without cognitive decline.

Objective : This pilot study aims to investigate the effects of computerized cognitive rehabilitation on cognitive function, depression, and rehabilitative motivation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods : This pilot study follows a pre-post design and 15 older adults with MCI participated. The intervention comprised of 30-minute sessions 4 to 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment-G (LOTCA-G), the short form Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS-K), and a volitional questionnaire (VQ) were employed to assess cognitive function, depression, and rehabilitative motivation. A statistical analysis using the paired t-test was performed to determine changes after the intervention. Results : Older adults with MCI showed significant improvement in cognitive function after intervention (p=.003). There were no significant changes in depression (p=.055) or rehabilitative motivation (p=.116). Conclusion : These findings suggest that computerized cognitive rehabilitation may have a positive effect on the improvement of cognitive function in older adults with MCI.

A better understanding of the impact of lifestyle factors on cognitive function in older adults is critical for developing intervention strategies to achieve successful aging. Moreover, older adults who fulfill the World Health Organization criteria for anemia have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. In the current study, we aimed to assess the buffering effects of lifestyle on cognitive function in older Chinese adults through a nationally representative survey. The sample consisted of 1201 participants (mean age: 82.39 ± 12.08 years, 52.1% female) from the 2011/2012 and 2014 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between changes in lifestyle factors and the rate of cognitive function changes, as well as the effects of the interaction between lifestyle factors and anemia on cognitive function changes. Increased levels of participation in leisure activities, social activities, and dietary diversity delayed cognitive decline. Persistent anemia accelerated cognitive decline, while frequent participation in leisure activities delayed cognitive decline due to anemia. The increased levels of participation in leisure activities, social activities, and dietary diversity can alleviate the cognitive decline caused by aging itself, and more frequently participation in leisure activities can also alleviate the adverse effects of anemia on cognitive function in older adults.

Negative wealth shocks in later life and subsequent cognitive function in older adults in China, England, Mexico, and the USA, 2012–18: a population-based, cross-nationally harmonised, longitudinal study

Associations Between Self- and Informant-Reported Abilities of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Introduction: Older adults are an age group that is vulnerable to a decline in cognitive function as they age. One of the efforts to slow down the process is through the provision of fun and structured cognitive stimulation, such as crossword puzzle games or Crossword Puzzle Therapy (CPT). Objective: : To determine the effectiveness ofthe application of CPT on improving cognitive function in older adults who experience mild cognitive function impairment. Methods: This study used a case study method with a nursing approach to a 74-year-old older adult with mild cognitive function impairment at Griya Lansia Garut. Cognitive function was measured using a questionnaire with the intervention given was Crossword Puzzle Therapy (CPT) for six times in ten days. Results: There was an increase in cognitive scores (from 18 to 21) before and after the intervention, especially in aspects of orientation and short-term memory. Clients can perform CPT exercises with assistance and only in the easiest CPT level. Conclusion: This study shows that CPT intervention can be an effective alternative nonpharmacological therapy to stimulate and improve cognitive function in older adults. A longer time and increase the sample size with various characteristics to determine the broader effectiveness of this intervention are recommended. The activity should begin with a low level of difficulty and be tailored to the individual’s ability in order to achieve more optimal outcomes. Keywords: Cognitive Function, Crossword Puzzle Therapy (CPT), Older Adult

BackgroundThe decline in performance of older people includes balance function, physical function, and fear of falling and depression. General cognitive function decline is described in terms of processing speed, working memory, attention, and executive functioning, and video game interventions may be effective.ObjectiveThis study evaluates the effect of video game interventions on performance and cognitive function in older participants in terms of 6 indicators: balance function, executive function, general cognitive function, physical function, processing speed, and fear of falling and depression.MethodsElectronic databases were searched for studies from inception to June 30, 2020. Randomized controlled trials and case-controlled trials comparing video game interventions versus nonvideo game control in terms of performance and cognitive function outcomes were incorporated into a Bayesian network meta-analysis. All data were continuous variables.ResultsIn total, 47 studies (3244 participants) were included. In pairwise meta-analysis, compared with nonvideo game control, video game interventions improved processing speed, general cognitive function, and depression scores. In the Bayesian network meta-analysis, interventions with video games improved balance function time (standardized mean difference [SMD] –3.34, 95% credible interval [CrI] –5.54 to –2.56), the cognitive function score (SMD 1.23, 95% CrI 0.82-1.86), processing speed time (SMD –0.29, 95% CrI –0.49 to –0.08), and processing speed number (SMD 0.72, 95% CrI 0.36-1.09), similar to the pairwise meta-analysis. Interventions with video games with strong visual senses and good interactivity ranked first, and these might be more beneficial for the elderly.ConclusionsOur comprehensive Bayesian network meta-analysis provides evidence that video game interventions could be considered for the elderly for improving performance and cognitive function, especially general cognitive scores and processing speed. Games with better interactivity and visual stimulation have better curative effects. Based on the available evidence, we recommend video game interventions for the elderly.Trial RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42020197158; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=197158

Effect of a 12-mo intervention with whey protein powder on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial

The mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and cognitive function remain unclear, particularly among older adults, where reliable evidence is limited. This study aimed to explore whether the relationship between obesity and cognitive function is mediated by sleep quality and blood pressure (BP) in older Chinese adults. We conducted an observational study using data from a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 5 follow-up periods involving older adults in rural China. The trial took place in Sichuan, China, from May 2021 to May 2023. Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS- 10) was used to assess the participants' cognitive function. Additionally, linear mixed-effects models and mediation analyses were performed. The mean age of participants was 70.89, and 225 out of 506 participants were males. Weight, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were positively associated with cognitive function, while compared to normal/underweight participants, participants with overweight had a significant association with cognitive function. Sleep quality mediated the association between weight and cognitive function (β = 0.01, (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.01), P < 0.001), accounting for a mediating effect proportion of 4.04% (95% CI: 2.19% to 8.00%). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) mediated the association between overweight (β = 0.02, (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.05), P < 0.001), HC (β = 0.01, (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.01), P = 0.02), and WC (β = 0.01, (95% CI: 0.00, 0.01), P <0.001) and cognitive function, explaining approximately 4.46% (95% CI: 0.41% to 12.00%), 7.16% (95% CI: 0.36%, 17.00%), and 9.60% (95% CI: 1.11%, 25.00%) mediating proportion of the total effect, respectively. Our study highlights the potential mediating roles of sleep quality and DBP in the relationship between obesity and cognitive function. The findings contribute to understanding the obesity-cognition link in older adults, particularly in rural settings. However, limitations, such as self-reported sleep measures and unmeasured confounders, warrant caution. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and inform targeted interventions. Our study demonstrates a significant positive association between weight, body mass index (BMI), HC, and WC and cognitive function in older adults. These findings suggest that maintaining a moderately high level of overweight may be protective against cognitive decline in this population. Additionally, the study also provides insights into optimizing cognitive function through factors, such as sleep and BP management.

Cognitive decline is a rapidly increasing public health concern. A healthy diet has potential in preserving brain and maintaining cognitive health. This systematic review was designed to evaluate the relationship between Mediterranean-DASH diet intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet and cognitive functioning in older adults. PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched to extract original studies on humans published until July 2020, without date restrictions. Articles that evaluated the association between MIND diet and cognitive performance in older adults were included. Duplicated and irrelevant studies were screened out and data were obtained through critical analysis. Quality of the articles and risk of bias was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa and Cochrane Collaboration's quality assessment tools. Of the 135 studies retrieved, 13 articles (9 cohort, 3 cross-sectional, and 1 RCT studies) were included in the final review. All of the included studies indicated that adherence to the MIND diet was positively associated with specific domains, but not all, of cognition and global cognitive function (78% of the studies) in older adults. MIND diet was superior to other plant-rich diets including Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, Pro-Vegetarian and Baltic Sea diets, for improving cognition. Adherence to the MIND diet may possibly be associated with an improved cognitive function in older adults. MIND diet may be superior to other plant-rich diets for improving cognition.

BackgroundThe positive correlation between physical activity and cognitive function has been increasingly documented, while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsThis study aimed to investigate the association among physical activity (PA), functional fitness, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults, and to examine whether functional fitness mediates this association. This study utilized a cross-sectional design, encompassing 224 participants aged 65 or above, with 41.07% male and 58.93% female. The data were collected in 2023 using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, and Senior Fitness Test. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess associations among the variables, and mediation analysis was performed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.ResultsThe results indicated that PA had a moderate positive correlation with cognitive function (r = 0.437, p < 0.01) and with most functional fitness domains. In addition, significant positive correlations were found among most functional fitness domains and cognitive function. The association between PA and cognitive function was partially mediated by cardiorespiratory endurance (Effect = 0.0519, 95% CI= [0.0205, 0.0889]).ConclusionThis study demonstrated a positive correlation between PA and cognitive function in older adults, with cardiorespiratory endurance mediating this association. Our study provides valuable preliminary evidence that cardiorespiratory endurance exerts a mediating role between PA and cognitive function. Future longitudinal research is warranted to elucidate the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms between PA and cognitive function.

Introduction: The aging process in older adults leads to various physiological changes, including a decline in nervous system function that may increase the risk of developing dementia. Dementia is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by decreased cognitive functions such as memory, orientation, attention, and thinking ability, which negatively affect independence and quality of life in older adults. This condition also increases the risk of mobility impairment and dependency in daily activities. Therefore, effective non-pharmacological interventions are needed to maintain and improve cognitive function. One such method is Square Stepping Exercise, a structured stepping-pattern-based physical exercise initially developed to improve balance in older adults, which has also been shown to stimulate cognitive function through enhanced concentration, memory, and motor coordination. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Square Stepping Exercise in improving cognitive function in older adults with dementia. Methods: This study employed a case study design involving one older adult with dementia and moderate cognitive impairment. The Square Stepping Exercise intervention was administered in 12 therapy sessions with a frequency of three times per week. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) before and after the intervention. Results: After 12 sessions of Square Stepping Exercise intervention, an improvement in cognitive function was observed as measured by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The MMSE score increased from 13 (moderate cognitive impairment) before the intervention to 23 (mild cognitive impairment) after the intervention. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the implementation of Square Stepping Exercise for 12 therapy sessions demonstrated an improvement in cognitive function in older adults with dementia, as indicated by an increase in MMSE scores from the moderate cognitive impairment category to the mild cognitive impairment category. These findings suggest that Square Stepping Exercise has the potential to be used as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve cognitive function in older adults with dementia

Exercise in adolescence and old age improves cognitive function in older adults, but the combined effect of exercise habits in both periods is controversial. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between exercise habits in adolescence and old age and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to compare regional brain volumes and blood biochemical markers associated with cognitive function in older adults. Baseline data of 1615 participants aged 65-84 years from the Bunkyo Health Study were analyzed. MCI was diagnosed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Participants were divided into four groups based on their exercise habits in adolescence (13-18 years) and old age: no exercise in either period (None-None), exercise in adolescence only (Active-None), exercise in old age only (None-Active), and exercise in both periods (Active-Active). Logistic regression models estimated the odds ratios (ORs) of MCI prevalence. Regional brain volumes, such as the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobe, parietal cortex, and hippocampus, and blood biochemical markers, such as BDNF, IGF-1, and homocysteine, were compared between groups. The OR for MCI was significantly lower in the Active-Active group than in the None-None group (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.94). However, there were no significant differences in regional brain volumes and blood biochemical markers between the Active-Active and None-None groups. Older adults with exercise habits in both adolescence and old age have a lower risk of MCI. However, specific regional brain volumes and biochemical markers may not be associated with differences in cognitive function in older adults.

BackgroundExtreme temperature-related events can have a negative impact on the health of populations, especially the elderly. However, there is a lack of research on the relationship between heat exposure and cognitive function in older adults. We aim to explore the association between temperature and cognitive function through a national study of middle-aged and older adults.MethodsThis study was based on data from the 2018 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, which screened 6,605 participants who met the inclusion criteria and merged historical meteorological data. We controlled for temperature-related meteorological variables and covariates affecting cognitive function, and used Generalized Linear Model to investigate the correlation between ambient temperature exposure and cognitive function in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Stepwise regression was used to examine the mediating role of depression levels in the impact of temperature on cognitive function.ResultsAfter controlling for covariates and meteorological variables, the number of days of high temperature exposure was significantly negatively associated with cognitive function. The number of days of high temperature exposure was positively associated with depression, and depression was negatively associated with cognitive function. Mediation effect analyses indicated that depression playing a partial mediating role in the association between high temperature exposure and cognitive function.ConclusionsHigh temperatures exposure was significantly associated with reduced cognitive function, and depression levels may partially mediate this association. This finding has important implications for the design of public policies to reduce the role of high temperatures on mental health.

Few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the effects of mindfulness intervention on affective and cognitive symptoms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Furthermore, no RCTs on mindfulness followed participants beyond two years. To examine the longitudinal effects of a mindful awareness practice (MAP) intervention on depressive, anxiety, and cognitive symptoms in MCI. In this parallel-arm and assessor-blinded RCT, 55 community-dwelling older adults with MCI were randomized into the MAP or active control, i.e., health education program (HEP). Intervention sessions were conducted weekly for three months and monthly for the subsequent six months. Assessments and follow-up were conducted at baseline, 3-month, 9-month, and 5-year time points. Depressive, anxiety, and cognitive symptoms were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15), Geriatric Anxiety Inventory-20 (GAI-20), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. Linear-mixed models, following the intention-to-treat principle, were used for data analyses. A total of 55 participants aged 60 to 86 (Mean age: 71.3±6 years old) was recruited, with n = 28 allocated to the MAP arm and n = 27 allocated to the HEP arm. Compared to HEP, GDS-15, GAI-20, and MMSE scores did not differ significantly in MAP during follow-ups. Compared to HEP, MAP did not improve affective symptoms nor delay deteriorations in general cognition in community-dwelling older adults with MCI. Compared to our previous findings showing domain-specific improvements in MAP over HEP in attention and memory up to 9 months, this study highlights the importance of examining domain-specificity using detailed cognitive measures in non-pharmacological intervention with MCI.