[Screening for Alzheimer's disease by assessing memory impairment]

[Psychological dysfunctions and management of cerebral palsy patients]

Cerebrospinal patients are victims of acquired brain lesions of multiple etiologies: head trauma, stroke, brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations, progressive degenerative diseases. Their care requires a combination of neurological, neuropsychological, psychiatric and psychopathological knowledge. Psychological follow-up of patients with cerebral palsy is one of the dimensions of their care.

Cognitive complaints in older adults in primary care and associated factors

Cognitive complaints are common in older people. They can progress into a more severe cognitive decline and then deterioration of quality of life. They are associated with several factors.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the factors associated with cognitive complaints in older adults in the city of Marrakech, Morocco.

Methods

This study was conducted between March and June 2022 among 281 people aged 50 years and older who attended primary health care centers in the city of Marrakech. Cognitive complaints were measured using the McNair-Kahn scale. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected through interviews with the participants and consultation of their medical records. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, Ink software.

Results

Of the total participants, 51.6% had cognitive complaints. Multivariate analysis showed that people aged 75 years and over had a sevenfold higher risk of cognitive complaints than people aged 50-64 years (p=0.033; OR=7.64; 95%CI 1.17-49.72), and that illiteracy (p=0.004; OR=3.39; 95%CI 1.48-7.76), cardiovascular disease (p=0.018; OR=4.30; 95%CI 1.29-14.32), diabetes (p=0.001; OR=3.14; 95%CI 1.64-6.04), visual impairment (p=0.017; OR=2.22; 95%CI 1.15-4.19), depression (p= 0.027; OR=2.36; 95%CI 1.10-5.05) and sleepiness (p=0.034; OR=1.96; 95%CI 1.05-3.66) are associated variables.

Conclusions

Cognitive complaints are frequent in older adults and are associated with several sociodemographic and health factors. Some measures could help maintain stable memory performance in old age and prevent severe cognitive declines, such as regular follow-up of at-risk individuals, and cognitive, physical and leisure activities.

La dépression de la personne âgée

The aging of the population increases the rate of depressive morbidity. It constitutes a major public health problem. In France, in 2018, people aged 65 or older represented 19.6% of the population. By 2040, they will represent about 25%. According to the World Health Organization, worldwide, among adults aged 60 and over, 15% suffer from a mental health disorder. 6.6% of disabilities are attributed to psychological or neurological disorders, the most common being dementia and depression (7%). A good knowledge of the depressive syndrome of the elderly is and will be essential for health professionals.

Protective effect of pterostilbene in a streptozotocin-induced mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by targeting monoamine oxidase B

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease in elderly population. Pterostilbene (PTS) is a resveratrol analogue with neuroprotective activity. However, the biological mechanisms of PTS in AD progression are largely uncertain. An animal model of AD was established using streptozotocin (STZ)-treated C57BL/6J mice. Monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) expression was analyzed by bioinformatics analysis and detected by western blotting assay. The memory impairment was investigated by Morris water maze test. The levels of Tau hyperphosphorylation and death-related proteins were detected by western blotting analysis. The levels of amyloid β (Aβ)_1-42 accumulation, oxidative stress-related markers (ROS, MDA, SOD and GSH), and inflammation-relative markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and p-NF-κB) were measured by ELISA. MAOB expression was increased in hippocampus of AD mice, and it was decreased by PTS. PTS attenuated STZ-induced body weight loss and memory impairment by regulating MAOB. PTS mitigated Aβ_1-42 accumulation and Tau hyperphosphorylation by regulating MAOB in STZ-treated mice. PTS attenuated neuronal death by decreasing cleaved caspase-3 and Bax levels and increasing Bcl2 expression in hippocampus by regulating MAOB in STZ-treated mice. PTS weakened STZ-induced oxidative stress in hippocampus by decreasing ROS and MDA levels and increasing SOD and GSH levels by regulating MAOB. PTS protected against STZ-induced neuroinflammation in hippocampus by inhibiting TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and p-NF-κB levels through regulating MAOB. In conclusion, PTS alleviates STZ-induced memory impairment, Aβ_1-42 accumulation, Tau hyperphosphorylation, neuronal death, oxidative stress and inflammation by decreasing MAOB in AD mice, proving anti-AD potential of PTS.

[Multiple sclerosis and daily care]

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease that is too often associated with the image of a wheelchair. However, this image does not reflect the reality of most patients. Even with basic treatment, relapses can persist. Less visible, fluctuating and often misunderstood symptoms can be the source of negative judgements: chronic fatigue labelled as laziness or as a lack of willpower, balance problems interpreted as drunkenness, mood fluctuations likened to hysteria, etc. The consequences of the disease are therefore physical, psychological and socio-economic. The aim is to preserve the quality of daily life. There are a number of aids and treatments available.

[Supporting the adaptation to the announcement of a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (2/2)]

The emotional reactions that arise when a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is made are repeated at each stage of the pathology. They confront the person with a reality they thought they had mastered. Fighting with the disease means continuing to live one's personal, family, love and professional life. It is a matter of positive thinking by becoming aware of one's limits and finding the right balance between one's desires and one's capacities. The relationship of trust developed with the various professionals who will accompany the patient throughout his or her treatment is essential.

[Supporting the adaptation to the announcement of multiple sclerosis]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that most often begins in young adulthood. With at least 2,500 new cases diagnosed each year in France, it is the leading cause of severe non-traumatic disability among young adults. The announcement of MS constitutes a brutal intrusion into the life of the subject. The carers accompany the process of cognitive and emotional adjustment that is inevitable in order to learn to live with the disease.