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Benke G, Abramson MJ, Brzozek C, McDonald S, Kelsall H, Sanagou M, Zeleke BM, Kaufman J, Brennan S, Verbeek J, Karipidis K. The effects of radiofrequency exposure on cognition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human observational studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108779. [PMID: 38821015 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to assess evidence of long-term effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) on indicators of cognition, including domains of learning and memory, executive function, complex attention, language, perceptual motor ability and social cognition, and of an exposure-response relationship between RF-EMF and cognition. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo and the EMF-Portal on September 30, 2022 without limiting by date or language of publication. We included cohort or case-control studies that evaluated the effects of RF exposure on cognitive function in one or more of the cognitive domains. Studies were rated for risk of bias using the OHAT tool and synthesised using fixed effects meta-analysis. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach and considered modification by OHAT for assessing evidence of exposures. RESULTS We included 5 studies that reported analyses of data from 4 cohorts with 4639 participants consisting of 2808 adults and 1831 children across three countries (Australia, Singapore and Switzerland) conducted between 2006 and 2017. The main source of RF-EMF exposure was mobile (cell) phone use measured as calls per week or minutes per day. For mobile phone use in children, two studies (615 participants) that compared an increase in mobile phone use to a decrease or no change were included in meta-analyses. Learning and memory. There was little effect on accuracy (mean difference, MD -0.03; 95% CI -0.07 to 0.02) or response time (MD -0.01; 95% CI -0.04 to 0.02) on the one-back memory task; and accuracy (MD -0.02; 95%CI -0.04 to 0.00) or response time (MD -0.01; 95%CI -0.04 to 0.03) on the one card learning task (low certainty evidence for all outcomes). Executive function. There was little to no effect on the Stroop test for the time ratio ((B-A)/A) response (MD 0.02; 95% CI -0.01 to 0.04, very low certainty) or the time ratio ((D-C)/C) response (MD 0.00; 95% CI -0.06 to 0.05, very low certainty), with both tests measuring susceptibility to interference effects. Complex attention. There was little to no effect on detection task accuracy (MD 0.02; 95% CI -0.04 to 0.08), or response time (MD 0.02;95% CI 0.01 to 0.03), and little to no effect on identification task accuracy (MD 0.00; 95% CI -0.04 to 0.05) or response time (MD 0.00;95% CI -0.01 to 0.02) (low certainty evidence for all outcomes). No other cognitive domains were investigated in children. A single study among elderly people provided very low certainty evidence that more frequent mobile phone use may have little to no effect on the odds of a decline in global cognitive function (odds ratio, OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.58, 649 participants) or a decline in executive function (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.37 to 3.05, 146 participants), and may lead to a small, probably unimportant, reduction in the odds of a decline in complex attention (OR 0.67;95%CI 0.27 to 1.68, 159 participants) and a decline in learning and memory (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.29 to 1.99, 159 participants). An exposure-response relationship was not identified for any of the cognitive outcomes. DISCUSSION This systematic review and meta-analysis found only a few studies that provided very low to low certainty evidence of little to no association between RF-EMF exposure and learning and memory, executive function and complex attention. None of the studies among children reported on global cognitive function or other domains of cognition. Only one study reported a lack of an effect for all domains in elderly persons but this was of very low certainty evidence. Further studies are needed to address all types of populations, exposures and cognitive outcomes, particularly studies investigating environmental and occupational exposure in adults. Future studies also need to address uncertainties in the assessment of exposure and standardise testing of specific domains of cognitive function to enable synthesis across studies and increase the certainty of the evidence. OTHER This review was partially funded by the WHO radioprotection programme and prospectively registered on PROSPERO CRD42021257548.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geza Benke
- Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jos Verbeek
- University Medical Centers Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Md Fadzil NH, Shahar S, Singh DKA, Rajikan R, Vanoh D, Mohamad Ali N, Mohd Noah SA. Mapping the landscape: A bibliometric analysis of information and communication technology adoption by older adults with cognitive frailty or impairment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24:251-262. [PMID: 38329011 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) by older adults with cognitive frailty and impairment is beneficial to support aging in place and promote healthy aging. However, data are scarce regarding the use of ICT by this demographic in comparison with other age groups. This bibliometric analysis was aimed at systematically mapping the literature on ICT-related research on older adults with cognitive frailty and cognitive impairment to provide insights into research trends, patterns and knowledge gaps. Data were extracted from the Web of Science database, which identified 324 publications between 1980 and 2023. Performance analysis and science mapping were carried out using Microsoft® Excel, VOSViewer and Harzing's Publish or Perish. The analysis showed an upsurge in the research output trend over time. Notable journals, authors, citations, nations and research areas have been documented. Four key clusters were identified, including: (i) caregiver concern, support and involvement; (ii) technology as a tool for cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation; (iii) cognitive improvement; and (iv) the use of technology for prevention and self-management. The findings derived from this analysis provide an appropriate reference for future researchers to bridge the gap in ICT-related studies among this population, and distinguish the relevant articles that are required for further investigation. These include the need for further long-term research, the incorporation of ICT-based approaches to counter cognitive frailty and the importance of multidomain telehealth interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 251-262.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Hidayah Md Fadzil
- Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suzana Shahar
- Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh
- Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Roslee Rajikan
- Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Divya Vanoh
- Dietetics Program, School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Nazlena Mohamad Ali
- Institute of Visual Informatics (IVI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Shahrul Azman Mohd Noah
- Center for Artificial Intelligence Technology (CAIT), Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
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Zhao H, Wen Q, Zhuo L, Wang S, Zhan S. Association between Mobile Phone Use and Incidence of Dementia: A Prospective Cohort Study Using the UK Biobank. Gerontology 2023; 69:1232-1244. [PMID: 37494916 DOI: 10.1159/000531847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rapid growth in mobile phone use has led to public concern about its potential effects on the risk of dementia. This study aimed to investigate the association between mobile phone use in daily life and the risk of dementia incidence in community-dwelling adults based on the data from the UK Biobank. METHODS Participants in the UK Biobank aged 60 years or older with no diagnosis of dementia at the time of recruitment were included in this prospective cohort study. A Cox regression model adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, general health factors, mental health, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and medication use was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and confidence interval (CI) of the association between mobile phone use and dementia risk. RESULTS The final analyses included 213,181 participants. During a median follow-up period of 12.4 years, 6,344 cases of incident dementia occurred. Mobile phone use displayed a modest association with lower risk of dementia incidence, with HRs of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79-0.91), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.80-0.91), 0.78 (95% CI: 0.71-0.86), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.77-0.96), and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.70-0.98) for participants who reported phone call usage of fewer than 5 min, 5-29 min, 30-59 min, 1-3 h, and more than 3 h per week, respectively, compared with nonusers. In addition, the proportions of the association medicated by family/friend visits and other leisure/social activities were 2.62% (95% CI: -0.64-6.51) and 2.22% (95% CI: 1.12-4.12), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Daily mobile phone use is significantly associated with a reduced risk of incident dementia in community-dwelling adults in the UK Biobank population. This association seems to be mediated by improved social and mental activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houyu Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China,
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China,
| | - Qiaorui Wen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhuo
- Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shengfeng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Siyan Zhan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Center for Intelligent Public Health, Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Benge JF, Kiselica AM, Aguirre A, Hilsabeck RC, Douglas M, Paydarfar D, Scullin MK. Technology use and subjective cognitive concerns in older adults. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 106:104877. [PMID: 36459914 PMCID: PMC9868079 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES How technology impacts the day to day cognitive functioning of older adults is a matter of some debate. On the one hand, the use of technologies such as smartphones and social media, may lead to more subjective cognitive concerns (SCC) by promoting distractibility and reliance on devices to perform memory tasks. However, continued digital engagement in older adults may also be related to better cognitive functioning. Given these competing viewpoints, our study evaluated if frequency of digital device use was associated with greater or less subjective cognitive concerns. METHOD Participants were 219 adults over the age of 65 (mean age =75 years) who had internet access. Measures assessing frequency of digital device use along with SCC were administered. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to gage association between frequency of device use and SCC, controlling for relevant demographic and lifestyle factors. RESULTS Increased frequency of digital device use was associated with less SCC, over and above the influence of demographic factors, across cognitive (but especially in executive) domains. This effect was observed for general device usage, with no statistically significant associations were observed between texting/video call, social media use and SCC. DISCUSSION Results were broadly consistent with the technological reserve hypothesis in that digital engagement was associated with better experienced cognitive functioning in older adults. While device use may contribute to distractibility in certain cases, the current results add to a burgeoning literature that digital engagement may be a protective factor for cognitive changes with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared F Benge
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA; Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA.
| | | | - Alyssa Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA; Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA; Steve Hick's School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX USA
| | - Robin C Hilsabeck
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA; Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | | | - David Paydarfar
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA; Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Michael K Scullin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco TX USA
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Mobile Phone Use and Cognitive Impairment among Elderly Chinese: A National Cross-Sectional Survey Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115695. [PMID: 34073323 PMCID: PMC8198048 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the relationship between mobile phone use and cognitive impairment using the data of the Prevention and Intervention on Neurodegenerative Disease for Elderly in China (PINDEC) survey. A total of 21,732 participants aged 60 years and above in China were recruited using a stratified, multi-stage cluster sampling method, providing information on demographics, lifestyle and health-related characteristics, mobile phone use, and cognitive impairment through face-to-face interviews by trained staff according to a standard protocol. All estimates of rates were weighted by sex, age, and living area (rural or urban) in the elderly Chinese population. The rate of mobile phone usage was 65.5% (14.3% for smartphone use). The prevalence of cognitive impairment in non-users of mobile phone, dumbphone users, and smartphone users were 17.8%, 5.0%, and 1.4%, respectively. The odds of having cognitive impairment in users of dumbphone and smartphone were lower than non-users after adjusting for demographics, lifestyle, and health-related factors (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.39, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.45; p < 0.001; AOR, 0.16, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.25; p < 0.001, respectively). Smartphone use in Chinese elderly people was quite low. A strong correlation was found between mobile phone use and better cognitive function; yet longitudinal studies are warranted to explore the causal relationship. Future design of mobile phone-based interventions should consider the feasibility among those in need.
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Zhu R, Wang H, Xu X, Zhao L, Zhang J, Dong J, Yao B, Wang H, Zhou H, Gao Y, Peng R. Effects of 1.5 and 4.3 GHz microwave radiation on cognitive function and hippocampal tissue structure in Wistar rats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10061. [PMID: 33980913 PMCID: PMC8115682 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89348-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that single-frequency microwave radiation can lead to cognitive decline in rats. However, few studies have focused on the combined effects of irradiation with different frequencies of microwaves. Our research aimed to investigate the effects of 1.5 GHz and 4.3 GHz microwave radiation, singly and in combination, on cognitive function and hippocampal tissue structure in rats. A total of 140 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the S group (sham radiation group), L10 group (10 mW/cm2 1.5 GHz group), C10 group (10 mW/cm2 4.3 GHz band group) and LC10 group (10 mW/cm2 1.5 and 4.3 GHz multi-frequency radiation group). For 1–28 days after microwave radiation, we analyzed the average escape latency for the Morris water maze task, electroencephalograms, change in hippocampal tissue structure and ultrastructure, content of the Nissl body in the hippocampus, and activities of lactate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase. Compared to the S group, all exposure groups showed varying degrees of learning and memory decline and hippocampal structural damage. The results showed that 1.5 GHz and 4.3 GHz microwave radiation was able to induce cognitive impairment and hippocampal tissue damage in rats and combined radiation with both frequencies caused more serious injuries, but none of these damaging effects varied with microwave frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Zhu
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Xinping Xu
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ji Dong
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Binwei Yao
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yabing Gao
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ruiyun Peng
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
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Almeida-Meza P, Steptoe A, Cadar D. Is Engagement in Intellectual and Social Leisure Activities Protective Against Dementia Risk? Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 80:555-565. [PMID: 33554903 PMCID: PMC8075407 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Studies have suggested that mentally stimulating activities and socially engaged lifestyles may reduce dementia risk; however, it is unclear which activities are more beneficial. Objective: We investigated intellectual and social leisure activities in relation to dementia incidence and explored the modifying role of sex and marital status in these associations. Methods: The sample was comprised of 8,030 participants aged 50+ from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, who joined at wave 1 (2002-2003), or waves 3 (2006-2007), or 4 (2008-2009). The end of the study period was wave 8 (2016-2017). Subdistribution hazard models investigated the role of leisure activities grouped into intellectual and social domains in relation to dementia while accounting for the risk of death. Subsequent analyses were conducted with individual leisure activities. Results: During the study period of up to 15 years, 412 participants developed dementia, and 2,192 died. We found that increased engagement in the intellectual activities’ domain was associated with a decreased dementia incidence (SHR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76–0.96, p = 0.007), independent of the risk of death in married individuals, but not in those who were single, divorced, or widowed. Individual analyses for each leisure activity showed independent associations for reading newspapers in females (SHR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.84, p = 0.001), mobile phone usage in males (SHR 0.61, 95% CI 0.45–0.84, p = 0.002), and having hobbies for married individuals (SHR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.95, p = 0.02). Conclusion: We found that intellectual leisure activities contribute to lower dementia risk in a representative population of English adults, suggesting intervention opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Almeida-Meza
- University College London, Department of Behavioral Science and Health, London, UK
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- University College London, Department of Behavioral Science and Health, London, UK
| | - Dorina Cadar
- University College London, Department of Behavioral Science and Health, London, UK
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Boutros S, El Hachem E, Mattar J, Hallit S, Mattar H. Arabic version of the Hayling sentence completion test: scale validation, normative data and factors associated with executive functions in a sample of the Lebanese adults. Head Face Med 2020; 16:36. [PMID: 33308273 PMCID: PMC7730776 DOI: 10.1186/s13005-020-00251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted for several reasons, primarily because of the lack of an Arabic version of the HSCT that could be beneficial in our clinical practice. Another reason is the need to find potential relationships between various factors with executive functions, especially problematic mobile phone use as suggested by many previous studies, since smartphones have become, nowadays, a daily companion of people from all generations. Thus, it is important to conduct this study in Lebanon to be adapted to the ideas, customs and social behavior of the Lebanese citizens. Hence, the objectives of the current study are to use the Arabic version of the HSCT in healthy community-dwelling Arabic-speaking adults in Lebanon, to check its validity compared to other versions of the test, as well as to identify risk factors that might affect the executive functions in these adults. METHODS Between August-December 2019, 350 participants were randomly selected. The Arabic version of the HSCT, divided into automatic and inhibition conditions, was used; in each condition, participants' response-time and number of errors committed were recorded. RESULTS None of the scale items was removed. For the automatic condition, response-time items converged over one factor (αCronbach = 0.905) and number of errors converged over seven factors (αCronbach = 0.334). For the inhibition condition, response-time converged over one factor (αCronbach = 0.943) and number of errors converged over four factors (αCronbach = 0.728). Using electricity as a heating method inside the house was significantly associated with a lower response-time, whereas higher problematic mobile phone use was associated with higher response-time. Using wood as a heating system inside the house and higher problematic mobile phone use were associated with higher number of errors, while using Arabian incense (bakhour) inside the house was associated with lower number of errors. CONCLUSION We were able to set normative data for the HSCT Arabic version for use in the Lebanese population. Problematic mobile phone use was associated with lower inhibitory control in terms of response-time and errors number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Boutros
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.
| | - Emilio El Hachem
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Mattar
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon.
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Hanna Mattar
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
- Department of Neurology, Notre Dame des Secours University Hospital, Byblos, Lebanon
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Lin L, Jing XC, Lv SJ, Liang JH, Tian L, Li HL, Puts M, Xu Y. Mobile device use and the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in residential care homes. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:41. [PMID: 32013915 PMCID: PMC6998827 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-1427-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With the fast-paced aging and increasing digitalization of society, there has been a growing interest in the effect of mobile device use on cognitive function and depression in older adults. However, research examining this issue among older adults in residential care homes (RCHs) is scant. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the impact of mobile device use on the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Results A total of 235 senior residents (aged 82.58 ± 5.54) in four RCHs were surveyed. Users of mobile devices had a significantly higher total MoCA score (25.02 ± 4.14) and a significantly lower GDS-15 score (3.28 ± 2.74) than non-users (MoCA: 19.34 ± 5.21, GDS-15: 4.69 ± 2.90). Multivariate linear regression indicate that mobile device use is significantly associated with total MoCA score, six of the seven sub-scores (visuospatial abilities and execution functions, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation)(P < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that mobile device use was significantly associated with the level of depressive symptoms (OR = 0.458, 95%CI = 0.249–0.845). Conclusions Use of mobile devices has a significant association with the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs, and thus should be encouraged as a measure to maintain and improve cognition and prevent depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Chen Jing
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shu-Jiao Lv
- School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jing-Hong Liang
- School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Li Tian
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hui-Ling Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Martine Puts
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yong Xu
- School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Associations between modifiable lifestyle factors and multidimensional cognitive health among community-dwelling old adults: stratified by educational level. Int Psychogeriatr 2018; 30:1465-1476. [PMID: 29444740 PMCID: PMC6316383 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610217003076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED ABSTRACTBackground:Cognition is multidimensional, and each domain plays a unique and crucial part in successful daily life engagement. However, less attention has been paid to multi-domain cognitive health for the elderly, and the role of lifestyle factors in each domain remains unclear. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 3,230 older adults aged 60+ years in Xiamen, China, in 2016. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to measure general cognition and six specific sub-domains. To account for educational effects, we adjusted the MoCA score and divided respondents into three education-specific groups (low, moderate, and high education groups with ≤5, 6~8, and ≥9 years of education, respectively). A series of proportional odds models were used to detect the associations between two categories of lifestyle factors - substance abuse (cigarette and alcohol) and leisure activity (TV watching, reading, smartphone use, social activity, and exercise) - and general cognition and the six sub-domains in those three groups. RESULTS Among the 3,230 respondents, 2,617 eligible participants were included with a mean age of 69.05 ± 7.07 years. Previous or current smoking/drinking was not associated with MoCA scores in the whole population, but unexpectedly, the ex-smokers in the low education group performed better in general cognition (OR = 2.22) and attention (OR = 2.05) than their never-smoking counterparts. Modest TV watching, reading, and smartphone use also contributed to better cognition among elderly participants in the low education group. For the highly educated elderly, comparatively longer reading (>3.5 hours/week) was inversely associated with general cognition (OR = 0.53), memory (OR = 0.59), and language (OR = 0.54), while adequate exercise (5~7 days/week) was positively related to these factors with OR = 1.48, OR = 1.49, and OR = 1.53, respectively. For the moderately educated elderly, only modest reading was significantly beneficial. CONCLUSIONS Lifestyle factors play different roles in multidimensional cognitive health in different educational groups, indicating that individual intervention strategies should be designed according to specific educational groups and different cognitive sub-domains.
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Di Ciaula A. Towards 5G communication systems: Are there health implications? Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:367-375. [PMID: 29402696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The spread of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) is rising and health effects are still under investigation. RF-EMF promote oxidative stress, a condition involved in cancer onset, in several acute and chronic diseases and in vascular homeostasis. Although some evidences are still controversial, the WHO IARC classified RF-EMF as "possible carcinogenic to humans", and more recent studies suggested reproductive, metabolic and neurologic effects of RF-EMF, which are also able to alter bacterial antibiotic resistance. In this evolving scenario, although the biological effects of 5G communication systems are very scarcely investigated, an international action plan for the development of 5G networks has started, with a forthcoming increment in devices and density of small cells, and with the future use of millimeter waves (MMW). Preliminary observations showed that MMW increase skin temperature, alter gene expression, promote cellular proliferation and synthesis of proteins linked with oxidative stress, inflammatory and metabolic processes, could generate ocular damages, affect neuro-muscular dynamics. Further studies are needed to better and independently explore the health effects of RF-EMF in general and of MMW in particular. However, available findings seem sufficient to demonstrate the existence of biomedical effects, to invoke the precautionary principle, to define exposed subjects as potentially vulnerable and to revise existing limits. An adequate knowledge of pathophysiological mechanisms linking RF-EMF exposure to health risk should also be useful in the current clinical practice, in particular in consideration of evidences pointing to extrinsic factors as heavy contributors to cancer risk and to the progressive epidemiological growth of noncommunicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Bisceglie (ASL BAT), Bisceglie, Italy; International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), Arezzo, Italy.
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Bhatt CR, Benke G, Smith CL, Redmayne M, Dimitriadis C, Dalecki A, Macleod S, Sim MR, Croft RJ, Wolfe R, Kaufman J, Abramson MJ. Use of mobile and cordless phones and change in cognitive function: a prospective cohort analysis of Australian primary school children. Environ Health 2017. [PMID: 28629417 PMCID: PMC5477374 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0250-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some previous studies have suggested an association between children's use of mobile phones (MPs)/cordless phones (CPs) and development of cognitive function. We evaluated possible longitudinal associations between the use of MPs and CPs in a cohort of primary school children and effects on their cognitive function. METHODS Data on children's socio-demographics, use of MPs and CPs, and cognitive function were collected at baseline (2010-2012) and follow-up (2012-2013). Cognitive outcomes were evaluated with the CogHealth™ test battery and Stroop Color-Word test. The change in the number of MP/CP voice calls weekly from baseline to follow-up was dichotomized: "an increase in calls" or a "decrease/no change in calls". Multiple linear regression analyses, adjusting for confounders and clustering by school, were performed to evaluate the associations between the change in cognitive outcomes and change in MP and CP exposures. RESULTS Of 412 children, a larger proportion of them used a CP (76% at baseline and follow-up), compared to a MP (31% at baseline and 43% at follow-up). Of 26 comparisons of changes in cognitive outcomes, four demonstrated significant associations. The increase in MP usage was associated with larger reduction in response time for response inhibition, smaller reduction in the number of total errors for spatial problem solving and larger increase in response time for a Stroop interference task. Except for the smaller reduction in detection task accuracy, the increase in CP usage had no effect on the changes in cognitive outcomes. CONCLUSION Our study shows that a larger proportion of children used CPs compared to MPs. We found limited evidence that change in the use of MPs or CPs in primary school children was associated with change in cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhavi Raj Bhatt
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Geza Benke
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Catherine L. Smith
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mary Redmayne
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christina Dimitriadis
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anna Dalecki
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Skye Macleod
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Malcolm R. Sim
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rodney J. Croft
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Rory Wolfe
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jordy Kaufman
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Australia
| | - Michael J. Abramson
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
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Zubko O, Gould RL, Gay HC, Cox HJ, Coulson MC, Howard RJ. Effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by GSM phones on working memory: a meta-analysis. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2017; 32:125-135. [PMID: 27645289 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Current treatments for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) do not affect the course of the illness and brain stimulation techniques are increasingly promoted as potential therapeutic interventions for AD. This study reviews the effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure versus sham exposure on working memory (WM) performance of healthy human participants. METHOD Online literature databases and previous systematic reviews were searched for studies of EMF and WM in participants without reported memory problems. Two thousand eight hundred and fifty seven studies were identified, and 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. An assessment of study quality was completed, and separate, random effects meta-analyses were conducted for each of the three WM tasks included: n-back, substitution and digit span forward. RESULTS No differences were found between participants exposed to active EMF versus sham conditions in any of the three working memory tasks examined. CONCLUSION Results indicate that EMF does not affect WM during the n-back, substitution and digit-span tasks. Future studies should focus on the possible effects of chronic exposure to EMF in older adults with AD using a battery of comparable WM and attention tasks, before EMF can be seriously considered as a potential modulator of WM in AD. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Zubko
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - R L Gould
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - H C Gay
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - H J Cox
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - M C Coulson
- Department of Psychology, Middlesex University, UK
| | - R J Howard
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, UK.,Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
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Neurobiological effects of repeated radiofrequency exposures in male senescent rats. Biogerontology 2016; 17:841-857. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-016-9654-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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