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Varela-Aldás JL, Buele J, Pérez D, Palacios-Navarro G. Memory rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2023; 23:195. [PMID: 37759259 PMCID: PMC10523730 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-023-02294-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss of cognitive and executive functions is a problem that affects people of all ages. That is why it is important to perform exercises for memory training and prevent early cognitive deterioration. The aim of this work was to compare the cognitive performance of the participants after an intervention by using two mnemonic techniques to exercise memory functions (paired-associate learning and method of loci). METHODS A longitudinal study was conducted with 21 healthy participants aged 18 to 55 years over a 2-month period. To assess the impact of this proposal, the NEUROPSI brief battery cognitive assessment test was applied before and after the intervention. In each session, a previous cognitive training was carried out using the paired-associate learning technique, to later perform a task based on the loci method, all from a smart device-based application. The accuracy response and reaction times were automatically collected in the app. RESULTS After the intervention, a statistically significant improvement was obtained in the neuropsychological assessment (NEUROPSI neuropsychological battery) reflected by the Wilcoxon paired signed-rank test (P < .05). CONCLUSION The task based on the method of loci also reflected the well-known age-related effects common to memory assessment tasks. Episodic memory training using the method of loci can be successfully implemented using a smart device app. A stage-based methodological design allows to acquire mnemic skills gradually, obtaining a significant cognitive improvement in a short period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Varela-Aldás
- Centro de Investigaciones de Ciencias Humanas y de la Educación (CICHE), Universidad Indoamérica, Ambato, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Buele
- Centro de Investigaciones de Ciencias Humanas y de la Educación (CICHE), Universidad Indoamérica, Ambato, Ecuador
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Communications, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Doris Pérez
- Carrera de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y Bienestar Humano, Universidad Indoamérica, Ambato, Ecuador
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Siquier A, Andrés P. Face name matching and memory complaints in Parkinson's disease. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1051488. [PMID: 36452376 PMCID: PMC9702071 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1051488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Memory impairment is a hallmark cognitive deficit in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it remains unclear which processes underlie this deficit in PD. Also, little is known on these patients' subjective experiences of memory difficulties and their relationship with objective measures. We aim to portray memory deficits in PD by combining objective and subjective memory measures. Methods Fifteen PD patients and 15 controls were assessed with an extended version of the Face-Name Associative Memory Exam (FNAME) and the Memory Failures of Everyday Questionnaire (MFE-28). We also explored the relationship among clinical and cognitive variables. Results Participants with PD presented with more memory complaints. On the FNAME, these patients exhibited lower performance in free recall, as well as in name recognition and matching. Importantly, when controlling for initial learning, group effects disappeared, except for matching. Associative memory therefore was significantly compromised in PD and correlated with subjective memory complaints (SMC). Conclusion Our findings suggest that associative memory may constitute a sensitive measure to detect subtle memory deficits in PD. Moreover, the current study further clarifies the source of memory impairment in PD. Thus, our study highlights the clinical value of including associative memory tests such as the FNAME in PD neuropsychological assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antònia Siquier
- Neuropsychology and Cognition Research Group, Department of Psychology, Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Pilar Andrés
- Neuropsychology and Cognition Research Group, Department of Psychology, Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
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Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Ayala-García A, Forjaz MJ, García-Herranz S, Venero C, Rodríguez-Fernández R, Díaz-Mardomingo MDC. Validation of the Spanish version of the Memory Failures of Everyday questionnaire in older adults using Rasch analysis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22:332-337. [PMID: 35259775 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM The Memory Failures of Everyday (MFE) is a widely used instrument for assessing memory failure. The aim of the study was to analyze the MFE items using the Rasch model in a sample of cognitively older adults in Spain. METHODS A cross-sectional validation study in a sample of 214 healthy people aged ≥60 years who used centers for older people in Madrid (Spain). The MFE for the assessment of memory complaints was used. The following properties of the Rasch model were assessed: data fit, reliability, unidimensionality, local dependence and lack of differential item functioning by gender, age and marital status. RESULTS The MFE showed a good fit to the Rasch model (χ2 (140) = 160.2; P = 0.116) and high reliability (person separation index = 0.808). The questionnaire was unidimensional (6.54% t-test; IC binomial = 0.036-0.095). The items showed lack of local dependence between them and differential item functioning. The MFE scores were transformed into linear interval scores with a median of 44.31 and an observed range of 17.9-89.2 (theoretical range: 0-100). CONCLUSIONS The MFE is a unidimensional, reliable instrument to assess memory complaints in cognitively healthy older adults in Spain, with usefulness in clinical research and practice. The construct validity of the MFE linear score could not be fully confirmed and this deserves further investigation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 332-337.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, CIBERNED, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Mixto de investigación- Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Ayala-García
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,REDISSEC and RICAPPS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria João Forjaz
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Mixto de investigación- Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain.,REDISSEC and RICAPPS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara García-Herranz
- Instituto Mixto de investigación- Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain.,Facultad de Psicología, UNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - César Venero
- Instituto Mixto de investigación- Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain.,Facultad de Psicología, UNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Rodríguez-Fernández
- Instituto Mixto de investigación- Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain.,Facultad de Psicología, UNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Del Carmen Díaz-Mardomingo
- Instituto Mixto de investigación- Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (IMIENS), Madrid, Spain.,Facultad de Psicología, UNED, Madrid, Spain
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Facal D, Gandoy-Crego M, Taboada-Vázquez A, Rodríguez-González R. The Impact of Self-Efficacy and Subjective Cognitive Complaints on Health Care Use Among Middle-Aged Adults. Res Gerontol Nurs 2020; 13:228-232. [PMID: 31968120 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20200115-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Self-efficacy (SE) has been shown to be a remarkable cognitive factor affecting health. Subjective perception of memory and other cognitive failures (i.e., subjective cognitive complaints [SCC]) have been associated with self-perception. The authors studied whether SE is a relevant subjective variable in predicting SCC in middle-aged adults living in the community (N = 438) and explored the role of SE and SCC in predicting health care use. SE, age, and cognitive performance predicted SCC. SE, age group, cognitive status, and SCC were predictors of health care use in univariate logistic regression analysis, although only SE, age group, and cognitive status remained significant in the multivariate analysis. The influence of SCC in health care use seems to be mediated by subjective estimations, such as those measured by SE. The authors suggest that well-implemented health education interventions might contribute to an increase in SE in middle-aged adults with a subsequent decrease in SCC, which would have a relevant effect in reducing the burden of care. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(5), 228-232.].
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Martin-de-Pablos A, Córdoba-Fernández A, Fernández-Espejo E. Analysis of neurotrophic and antioxidant factors related to midbrain dopamine neuronal loss and brain inflammation in the cerebrospinal fluid of the elderly. Exp Gerontol 2018; 110:54-60. [PMID: 29775745 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine neuronal loss and neuroinflammation are two phenomena that are associated with brain senescence. Neurotrophic factor changes and oxidative stress could subserve these phenomena. Aging-related brain changes can be well monitored through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The objective was to analyze neurotrophic and oxidative parameters that could be related to midbrain dopamine neuronal loss or brain inflammation in the CSF of elderly subjects: 1) levels of the dopaminotrophic factors BDNF, GDNF, persephin, and neurturin, 2) levels of the proinflammatory factors TGFβ1 and TGFβ2; 3) activity of main antioxidant enzymes (catalases, glutathione-peroxidase, glutathione-reductase, glutathione-S-transferases, peroxirredoxins, and superoxide-dismutases), 4) ferritin content, antioxidant protein which reduces reactive free iron, and 5) antioxidant potential of the cerebrospinal fluid. ELISA and PAO tests were used. Subjects were also evaluated clinically, and the group of old subjects with mild cognitive impairment was studied separately. The findings indicate that normal elderly CSF is devoid of changes in either dopaminotrophic or proinflammatory factors. The antioxidant efficacy is slightly reduced with normal aging, through a reduction of glutathione-S-transferase activity in people older than 74 years (p < 0.05). However old people with mild cognitive impairment show reduced BDNF levels, and stronger signs of oxidative stress such as low antioxidant potential and glutathione-S-transferase activity (p < 0.05). To sum up, the present study demonstrates that, in CSF of normal senescence, dopaminotrophic factors and proinflammatory TGF-family ligands are not affected, and antioxidant efficacy is slightly reduced. CSF of elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment shows more oxidative and trophic changes that are characterized by reduction of BDNF content, glutathione-S-transferase activity, and antioxidant potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Martin-de-Pablos
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiologia y Neurología Molecular, Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, E-41009 Sevilla, Spain; Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Sevilla, E-41009 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Emilio Fernández-Espejo
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiologia y Neurología Molecular, Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, E-41009 Sevilla, Spain.
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Ávila-Villanueva M, Rebollo-Vázquez A, Ruiz-Sánchez de León JM, Valentí M, Medina M, Fernández-Blázquez MA. Clinical Relevance of Specific Cognitive Complaints in Determining Mild Cognitive Impairment from Cognitively Normal States in a Study of Healthy Elderly Controls. Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:233. [PMID: 27757082 PMCID: PMC5047888 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Subjective memory complaints (SMC) in the elderly have been suggested as an early sign of dementia. This study aims at investigating whether specific cognitive complaints are more useful than others to discriminate Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) by examining the dimensional structure of the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ). Materials and Methods: A sample of community-dwelling elderly individuals was recruited (766 controls and 78 MCI). The EMQ was administered to measure self-perception of cognitive complaints. All participants also underwent a comprehensive clinical and neuropsychological battery. Combined exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Item Response Theory (IRT) were performed to identify the underlying structure of the EMQ. Furthermore, logistic regression analyses were conducted to study whether single cognitive complaints were able to predict MCI. Results: A suitable five-factor solution was found. Each factor focused on a different cognitive domain. Interestingly, just three of them, namely Forgetfulness of Immediate Information (FII), Executive Functions (EF) and Prospective Memory (PM) proved to be effective in distinguishing between cognitively healthy individuals and MCI. Based on these results we propose a shortened EMQ version comprising 10 items (EMQ-10). Discussion: Not all cognitive complaints have the same clinical relevance. Only subjective complaints on specific cognitive domains are able to discriminate MCI. We encourage clinicians to use the EMQ-10 as a useful tool to quantify and monitor the progression of individuals who report cognitive complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ávila-Villanueva
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofia Foundation Alzheimer Center Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Rebollo-Vázquez
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofia Foundation Alzheimer Center Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Meritxell Valentí
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofia Foundation Alzheimer Center Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Medina
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofia Foundation Alzheimer CenterMadrid, Spain; CIBERNED (Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases)Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Fernández-Blázquez
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofia Foundation Alzheimer Center Madrid, Spain
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