Structural brain networks correlating with poststroke cognition.

BackgroundA number of studies have shown that COPD, particularly in its later and more severe stages, is associated with various cognitive deficits. Thus, the primary goal of the present study was to elucidate the extent of cognitive impairment in patients with long-term oxygen therapy-dependent (LTOTD) COPD. In addition, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of two cognitive screening tests, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), for COPD patients and the ability of oxygen therapy to mitigate COPD-related deficits in cognitive function.MethodsThe present study enrolled 45 subjects: 24 nonuser and 21 regular-user LTOTD-COPD patients. All subjects had a similar grade of education, and there were no significant differences regarding age or sex. The MoCA (cutoff: <26 points) and MMSE (cutoff: ≤24 points) scores were compared between these two groups.ResultsThe nonuser LTOTD-COPD group had a significantly lower MoCA score than that of the regular-user LTOTD-COPD group (19.38±2.99 vs 21.68±2.14, respectively) as well as a significantly lower MMSE score. Moreover, the absence of supplemental oxygen therapy increased the risk of cognitive impairment (MoCA, P=0.007 and MMSE, P=0.014), and the MoCA and MMSE scores significantly correlated with the number of emergency admissions and the number of hospitalizations in the last year.ConclusionIn the present study, the nonuser LTOTD-COPD group exhibited a significant decrease in cognitive status compared with the regular-user LTOTD-COPD group. This suggests that the assessment of cognitive function in nonuser LTOTD-COPD patients and the use of protective strategies, such as continuous supplemental oxygen treatment, should be considered during the management of COPD in this population. In addition, the MoCA score was superior to the MMSE score for the determination of cognitive impairment in the nonuser LTOTD-COPD patients.

Cognitive decline in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with glycated albumin, ratio of Glycated Albumin to glycated hemoglobin, and concentrations of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers

Aim.To study the sex characteristics of cognitive functions in a cohort of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) by comparing the results of Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores.Material and methods.The prospective cohort study included 272 people, including 74 women aged 41 to 82 years, who were admitted to the Research Institute of Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases for CABG surgery. All patients underwent clinical, laboratory, electrophysiological and ultrasound examinations. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was calculated. Assessment of cognitive functions was carried out using the MMSE and MoCA scores. All types of statistical analysis were performed using the STATISTICA 10 program (StatSoft Inc., USA).Results.It was found that women scheduled for CABG have an older age and a higher CCI score compared to men (p=0,008). According to the MMSE, the likelihood of moderate and severe cognitive impairment in men compared with women was 1,36 times higher (odds ratio (OR), 1,35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0,79-2,32, Z=1,11, p=0,27). The MoCA scores showed that half of the male (49%) and female (50%) participants had severe cognitive impairment. The likelihood of moderateand severe cognitive impairment in men compared with women was 1,33 times higher (OR, 1,33; 95% CI, 0,68-2,59, Z=0,841, p=0,40). According to subtests of the MoCA, men were better in naming (p=0,002), abstraction (p=0,005), and women outperformed men in verbal fluency (p=0,04). Regression analysis revealed that the most significant negative predictors for cognitive status as measured by the MMSE and MoCA scores for men and women were age and CCI.Conclusion.Women scheduled for CABG, having the worst clinical and demographic indicators, are comparable with men in cognitive status using the MMSE score. The MoCA score shows sex differences in naming, abstraction, and verbal fluency domains and revealed a higher percentage of severe cognitive disorders (up to 50%) compared to the MMSE score (7-9%). In male and female candidates for CABG, age and comorbidities are negatively associated with cognitive status.

AimThis study aimed to investigate the alterations in whole‐brain gray matter density in early stage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with cognitive impairment using magnetic resonance imaging.MethodsThirty‐six cases of early stage T2DM patients with cognitive impairment (T2DM‐CI), 34 cases of early stage T2DM patients without cognitive impairment (T2DM) and 30 cases of healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were used to identify the cognitive impairment. The whole‐brain gray matter density was analyzed using 3D‐T1 BRAVO imaging, using the voxel‐based morphometry method on T1 structure imaging of two groups.ResultsThe correlation analysis of total gray matter density with MMSE and MoCA scores in the T2DM‐CI group was performed. There were no significant differences in MMSE and MoCA scores between the HC and T2DM groups. However, the MMSE and MoCA scores in the T2DM‐CI group were significantly reduced compared with the T2DM group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, education, body mass index (BMI) or blood pressure among the three groups. Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) results showed that the density of left triangle part of inferior frontal gyrus, orbital part of inferior frontal gyrus and opercular part of inferior frontal gyrus and left insula in the T2DM‐CI group decreased compared with the T2DM group. Correlation analysis results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between total gray matter density and scores of MMSE and MoCA scores in the T2DM‐CI group.ConclusionIn conclusion, total gray matter density is positively correlated with the scores of MMSE and MoCA in T2DM patients, which may be an early sign of cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a known risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. Recent data suggests that successful restoration of sinus rhythm by catheter ablation improves cognitive outcomes. Purpose: Our aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available data regarding the effectiveness of AF catheter ablation on neurocognitive outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed through December 1, 2020, for all eligible studies comparing neurocognitive outcomes in AF patients with or without AF catheter ablation. Clinical outcomes included rate of dementia, cognitive function by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Additional outcomes included the impact of time in sinus rhythm on neurocognitive outcomes. Results: We identified 11 studies which evaluated the effect of AF catheter ablation on dementia rate, MMSE and MOCA score. Meta-analysis of observational results indicates a decreased risk of dementia (risk ratio 0.51; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.60; p &amp;lt;0.001) and an improvement in MOCA scores (2.92 points, p &amp;lt; 0.001) but not MMSE scores in patients undergoing AF catheter ablation compared to medical therapy. In addition, the maintenance of sinus rhythm was identified as a significant factor in dementia rate and improvement of MMSE and MOCA scores observed post catheter ablation therapy. Conclusion: AF catheter ablation may reduce the incidence of dementia and improve cognitive function. A large-scale randomized control trial is warranted before recommendations can be made regarding AF ablation and cognitive outcomes. Abstract Figure.

Autoimmune epilepsy is an under-recognized condition, and the mechanisms of antibody-mediated epileptogenesis are unknown. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit 3 peptide B (NR3B) modulates Mg2+ sensitivity and Ca2+ mobilization of glutamate responses in the central nervous system (CNS). The levels of antibodies against NR3B (NR3B Ab's) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the correlations between NR3B Ab's and cognitive comorbidities of epilepsy patients remain unclear. CSF samples were collected from 36 patients with consecutive epilepsy and 17 healthy controls. The levels of NR3B Ab's in the CSF were measured by ELISA. The cognitive function was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The results showed that the levels of NR3B Ab's were significantly higher in patients with epilepsy than those in the controls (p<0.01). Thirteen of 36 patients had higher levels of NR3B Ab's exceeding mean+ 2SD of all patients, and the scores of MMSE and MoCA of these 13 patients were significantly lower than the other 23 patients and controls (p<0.01; p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the scores of MMSE and MoCA between the 23 patients and the controls. Correlation analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between the levels of NR3B Ab's and the scores of MMSE (correlation coefficient: r=-0.543; p<0.01) or the scores of MoCA (correlation coefficient: r=-0.548; p<0.01). We suggest that some patients with epilepsy may have immune process after onset and the presence of NR3B Ab's may be associated with cognitive comorbidities in patients with epilepsy.

Objective — to analyze the results of scale‑based assessments of post‑stroke depression (PSD) and post‑stroke anxiety disorders (PSAD) in different phases of cerebral stroke (CS) as well as to determine independent predictors of PSD at discharge from the Stroke Center (StC), and to evaluate the characteristics of the respective predictive models. Methods and subjects. Two hundred patients, including 92 (46.0 %) women and 108 (54.0 %) men with the median age of 65.6 years (IQR 58.2 — 75.1) were enrolled. The health status of all patients was assessed after hospitalization using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Barthel Index, Modified Rankin Scale, Mini‑Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). 172 (86.0 %) patients were diagnosed with ischemic stroke (IS), 28 (14.0 %) — intracerebral hemorrhage. Among patients with IS, 58 (33.7 %) had an atherothrombotic subtype, 85 (49.4 %) had a cardioembolic subtype, 16 (9.3 %) had a lacunar subtype, 13 (7.6 %) had another or unknown subtype. The PSD and PSAD were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‑9) before discharge from the Stroke Center. The impact of factors was assessed by odds ratio (OR) and its 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI). The method of constructing and analyzing logistic regression models was used to determine independent predictors of PSD at discharge. Results. The baseline NIHSS score ranged from 1 to 29. The mRS scores upon admission were from 1 to 5, and the BI scores from 0 to 100. Forty‑one (20.5 %) patients were admitted in the hyperacute period, 55 (27.5 %) in the acute period, 68 (34.0 %) in the early subacute period, 13 (6.5 %) in the late subacute period, and 23 (11.5 %) in the chronic phase of stroke. The HADS‑D score ranged from 0 to 18, and the HADS‑A score from 0 to 15. PHQ‑9 scores ranged from 0 to 21. Based on the HADS score, 19 (9.5 %) of the patients had clinically significant PSD and 16 (8.0 %) of the participants had clinically significant PSAD. According to the total HADS score, 22 (11.0 %) of the patients had clinically significant affective disorders. With PHQ‑9 showed that clinically significant PSD was detected in 45 (22.5 %) patients. The HADS and PHQ‑9 scores had a strong positive significant correlation, but neither of them correlated with the age or sex of the patients, the subtype or severity of CS. However, univariate analysis showed that the risk of clinically significant PSD at discharge (according to HADS‑D) was significantly directly related to age and atrial fibrillation in addition to inverse relationship with the BI, MMSE and MoCA scores, LA subtype of IS and ICH. The risk of moderate to severe PSD (according to PHQ‑9) had a statistically significant direct corelation with the initial NIHSS score, as well as an inverse corelation with the baseline BI, MMSE, and MoCA scores. In multivariate analysis, 4 features were independently associated with PSD (HADS‑D &gt; 10) at discharge: initial MMSE score (OR 0.93; 95 % CI 0.88 — 0.98, on average, for each additional point, p = 0.006), arterial hypertension (OR 8.5; 95 % CI 0.9 — 76.3; p = 0.057) or obesity (OR 0.23; 95 % CI 0.05 — 1.14; p = 0.072) as well as hospitalization after 30 days from CS onset. The predictive model based on these 4 variables had excellent sensitivity (94.7 %) and satisfactory specificity (73.3 %) and could assess the risk of developing PSD with good accuracy (AUC = 0.847). Furthermore, three factors were independent predictors of moderate or severe PSD (PHQ‑9 &gt; 9) at discharge: age (OR 1.04; 95 % CI 1.00 — 1.08, on average, for each additional year, p = 0.028), the baseline MoCA score (OR 0.94; 95 % CI 0.91 — 0.98, on average, with an increase in the score for each additional point, p = 0.005) and UN subtype of IS. The prognostic model based on the latter 3 variables had satisfactory sensitivity (65.1 %) and specificity (75.5 %), but good accuracy of PSD prediction (AUC = 0.735). Conclusions. The HADS and PHQ‑9 scores in CS patients varied widely, and indicated high prevalence of clinically significant PSD and PSAD. HADS and PHQ‑9 scores correlated with each other, but not with age, sex, subtype, or severity of stroke. Elderly patients with significant cognitive impairment on admission were at a higher risk of affective disorders. The prognostic models allow accurate PSD prediction, which can contribute to the timely detection and initiation of PSD treatment in patients at risk.

PurposeWe aimed to develop a Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithm to extract cognitive scores from electronic health records (EHR) data and compare them with cognitive function recorded by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)-mandated clinical assessments in nursing homes and home health visits.Patients and MethodsWe identified a cohort of Medicare beneficiaries who had either the Minimum Data Set (MDS) or Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) linked to EHR data from the Research Patient Data Registry (Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA) from 2010 to 2019. We applied an NLP approach to identify the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores from unstructured clinician notes in EHR. Using the NLP-extracted MoCA or MMSE scores from EHR, we compared mean differences of extracted MoCA or MMSE by cognition status determined by MDS (impaired vs intact cognition) and OASIS (severe impairment vs intact cognition) data, respectively.ResultsOur study cohort had 7419 patients who had MDS (19.7%) or OASIS (80.3%) assessments, with a mean age of 80 (SD=7) years and 60% female. In EHR, the NLP algorithm extracted cognitive test scores with 97% accuracy (95% CI: 92–99%) for MoCA and 100% accuracy (95% CI: 84–100%) for MMSE. In MDS, the mean difference in extracted MoCA was −5.6 (95% CI: −8.7, −2.4, p=0.0008), and the mean difference in extracted MMSE was −7.9 (95% CI: −12.4, −3.5, p=0.0012). In OASIS, the mean difference in extracted MoCA and extracted MMSE was −4.8 (95% CI: −9.1, −0.6, p=0.0006) and −4.5 (95% CI: −9.5, −0.5, p=0.0182), respectively.ConclusionWe developed an NLP algorithm to accurately extract cognitive scores from unstructured EHR, and these extracted cognitive scores were well correlated with cognition function recorded in CMS-mandated clinical assessments. This could help researchers identify patients with various degrees of cognitive impairment in EHR-based research.

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is superior to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for the detection of vascular cognitive impairment after acute stroke

Objective To explore the pathogenesis of age⁃related white matter changes (ARWMC), and to investigate the correlation between ARWMC and the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and cognitive function in order to provide evidence for early prevention and treatment of ARWMC and cognitive impairment in elderly people. Methods Forty patients with ARWMC were confirmed by CT or MRI. The number of circulating EPCs was measured by flow cytometry. The cognitive function was evaluated by Mini ⁃ Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of completely random design and χ2 test of R × C tabular data were used to select single factor. Logistic regression (backward) was performed to determine the risk factors for ARWMC. Results Flow cytometry showed that the number of circulating EPCs reduced in patients with ARWMC, especially in severe group (29.50 ± 6.26), and there was statistically significant difference compared with control group (70.50 ± 8.71) and mild⁃to⁃moderate group (58.99 ± 7.78; P = 0.000, for all). The number of circulating EPCs was negatively correlated with the severity of ARWMC (r = ⁃ 0.562, P = 0.001). The scores of MMSE (23.85 ± 2.35) and the scores of MoCA (19.80 ± 3.38) in severe group were significantly lower than control group (27.10 ± 1.80, 26.60 ± 1.23, respectively) and mild⁃to⁃moderate group (25.80 ± 2.02, 23.30 ± 2.87, respectively), and there was statistically significant difference between groups (P < 0.05, for all). Cognitive impairment was mainly presented on visuoconstructional and executive functions, delayed recall and orientation. Conclusion The change of the number of circulating EPCs can be a predictive factor for ARWMC, and it is a potential predictor of the severity of ARWMC. The decrease of the circulating EPCs may be an important pathogenesis of ARWMC, and also the important causation of cognitive impairment in elderly people. DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2010.03.015

IntroductionTreatment for pain and related conditions has been identified as the most common reason for Emergency Department (ED) visits. Concerns exist regarding the effects of opioid pain medications on cognition and patient ability to consent for procedures, hospital admission, or to refuse recommended medical interventions. This study was undertaken to identify cognitive skills before and after opioid pain medication in the ED setting. MethodsThis was a prospective study comparing performance on the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) before and after administration of opioid pain medications. Eligible participants included ED patients with pain, who received opioid treatment. Participants were randomized to receive either the MMSE before pain medication and the MoCA after medication, or the reverse. MoCA scores were converted to MMSE equivalent scores for comparison. ResultsAmong 65 participants, the median age was 36 and median triage pain score was 8. 35% of patients were considered cognitively impaired based on their MMSE score prior to any opioid medication (MMSE<27). There was a median decrease in pain scores of 1 point following pain medication, p-value<0.001. There was a median decrease in MMSE scores of 1 point following pain medication, p-value=0.003. The range of change in scores (post minus pre) on the MMSE-equivalent was −7 to 3. 35 patients (56%) had a decrease in scores, 6 (10%) had no change, and 21 (34%) had an increase. After medication, 31 (48%) were abnormal (MMSE score<27). No differences in MMSE scores were identified by gender, ethnicity, mode of arrival, insurance, age, triage pain scores, opioid agent given, or ED diagnosis. ConclusionsThere is an association between opioid pain medication and decrease in cognitive performance on the MMSE. Because of the wide range of cognitive performance following opioid pain medication, assessment of individual patients' cognitive function is indicated.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) has been proposed as a screening tool in vascular cognitive impairment. Diffusion tensor imaging is sensitive to white matter microstructural damage. We investigated if diffusion tensor imaging-derived indices are more strongly associated with performances on MoCA or on the widely used mini mental state examination in patients with mild cognitive impairment and small vessel disease. Mild cognitive impairment patients with moderate/severe degrees of white matter hyperintensities on MRI were enrolled. Lacunar infarcts, cortical atrophy, medial temporal lobe atrophy and median values of mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy of the cerebral white matter were studied and correlated with cognitive tests performances. Seventy-six patients (mean age 75.1±6.8 years, mean years of education 8.0±4.3) were assessed. In univariate analyses, a significant association of both MoCA and mini mental state examination scores with age, education, cortical atrophy, and medial temporal lobe atrophy was found, whereas mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were associated with MoCA. In partial correlation analyses, adjusting for all demographic and neuroimaging variables, both mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were associated only with MoCA (mean diffusivity: r= -0.275, P=0.023; fractional anisotropy: r=0.246, P=0.043). In patients with mild cognitive impairment and small vessel disease, diffusion tensor imaging-measured white matter microstructural damage is more related to MoCA than mini mental state examination performances. MoCA is suited for the cognitive screening of patients with small vessel disease.

Objective To investigate the regional homogeneity (ReHo) changes of primary insomnia (PI) with cognitive impairment using resting-state fMRI. Methods Twenty-one patients with primary insomnia and cognitive impairment and 25 healthy volunteers matched with age, gender and education level were collected from Southwest Hospital of China from November 2014 to June 2015. Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were conducted to evaluate the sleep and cognitive conditions of all subjects. Independent sample t-test was performed to evaluate the significant difference of neuropsychology scores of two groups. ReHo of rs-fMRI were evaluated and compared between two groups using independent sample T-test, meanwhile, the partial correlation analysis was conducted in ReHo values of different brain regions and neuropsychology scores (age, gender and education level were regarded as covariates). Results Compared with normal controls, patients with primary insomnia and cognitive impairment showed significant higher PSQI score and lower MoCA and MMSE scores(P<0.05). The patient group also showed significant increased ReHo in the left medial temporal gyrus(54 voxels, t=3.14), left inferior temporal gyrus(76 voxels, t=4.80), right inferior temporal gyrus(84 voxels, t=4.30) and left parahippocampal gyrus(301 voxels, t=4.44) (P<0.05) and decreased ReHo in the left superior temporal lobe(79 voxels, t=-3.38), right fusiform gyrus(50 voxels, t=-3.17), right superior temporal gyrus(283 voxels, t=-5.34), right inferior frontal gyrus(56 voxels, t=-3.98), right anterior cingulate(233 voxels, t=-3.91), left parietal lobe angular gyrus(67 voxels, t=-3.27) and superior parietal lobule(65 voxels, t=-3.45) (P<0.05). The partial correlation analysis showed positive correlations between the ReHo values and PSQI scores of the left parahippocampal gyrus (R=0.771, P<0.01), negative correlations between the ReHo values and PSQI scores of the right anterior cingulate gyrus (R=-0.649, P<0.01) and positive correlations between the ReHo values and MoCA scores of the right anterior cingulate gyrus(R=0.555, P<0.05). Conclusions Patients with primary insomnia and cognitive impairment have ReHo alterations in various brain regions. The decreasing ReHo in the right anterior cingulate gyrus can reflect the level of sleep disorder and cognitive impairment, and increasing ReHo in the left parahippocampal gyrus can reflect the compensation of sleep disorders of PI. Key words: Sleep initiation and maintenance disorders; Magnetic resonance imaging; Cognition disorders

Agreement and equation between Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in an old age psychiatry outpatient clinic population

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction From the view of the heart-brain axis, several biomarkers have been suggested for the assessment, eventually for the prevention of cognitive impairment. Remodeling of the left ventricular (LV) structure could be such a marker. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive functions and left ventricular geometrical structure. Methods: We enrolled 512 consecutive hypertensive patients (mean age 68 ±9.5 years, females: 51%, males 49%), the mean blood pressure was 135/81 mmHg (±19/11 mmHg). Cognitive abilities were measured with two questionnaires the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), considering cognitive impairment under 24 and 26 points respectively. Measures of the left ventricular structure were performed with transthoracic echocardiography using left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT). Cut off value for LV geometrical changes were: LVMI 115 g/m2 in males and 95 g/m2 in females and RWT 0.42 mm. IBM SPSS v20. was used for statistical analyses. Results: Normal geometry of LV was present in 7.4% and remodeling of LV in the studied group was: concentric remodeling in 16.8%, concentric hypertrophy in 61.9% and eccentric hypertrophy in 13.9%. Lower MoCA scores were observed in LV hypertrophy (22.6 vs. 23.4, p = 0.08). Patients with LV concentric hypertrophy had significantly lower cognitive scores compared to eccentric hypertrophy (mean MoCA 22.4 vs. 23.8 p = 0.02; mean MMSE 26.1 vs. 27.0 p = 0.02). Increased RWT alone were associated with poorer cognition (mean MoCA 22.58 vs. 23.89 p = 0.009; mean MMSE 26.17 vs. 26.99 p = 0.02). Higher LVMI negatively correlated with MoCA scores (p = 0.018, r=-0.105), but not with MMSE scores (p = 0.216, r=-0.006). Conclusions: Left ventricular hypertrophy and even changes in relative wall thickness may cause cognitive impairment. Preventing LV geometrical changes may prevent the deterioration of cognitive abilities.