• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.274-279
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• 2016

Purpose: Adolescents who experienced the alcohol consumption have gradually increased. Adolescence is a critical period of the neural plasticity in the brain. Neural plasticity is mediated by neurotrophins and has an impact on cognitive function. Environmental enrichment ameliorates the cognitive function and increases neurotrophins. Thus, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of environmental enrichment on ethanol induced cognitive impairment in adolescent rats. Methods: The ethanol groups and the controls groups were injected with ethanol (0.5g/kg) and phosphate buffered saline, respectively, through intraperitoneal from 28th day of birth for 11 days. The environmental enrichment groups were provided larger cages containing toys than the standard cage. Passive avoidance test and Y-maze test were performed to evaluate the spatial memory. Results: Environmental enrichment+ethanol group showed higher alterations than the standard environment+ethanol group in Y-maze test (p<.05). In hippocampus, The environmental enrichment+ethanol group showed significantly higher level of the number of c-fos positive celsl and density of tropomyosin receptors kinase B receptor than the standard environment+ethanol group (p<.05). Conclusion: So, we suggested that the environmental enrichment played a role as a prophylaxis for prevention of memory impairment induced by ethanol exposure in adolescence.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.178-186
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• 2020

Background: Cognitive impairment is a public health burden. Our objective was to investigate associations between work hours and cognitive function. Methods: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants (n = 2,497; 50.7% men; age range 44-84 years) reported hours per week worked in all jobs in Exams 1 (2000-2002), 2 (2002-2004), 3 (2004-2005), and 5 (2010-2011). Cognitive function was assessed (Exam 5) using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (version 2), a measure of global cognitive functioning; the Digit Symbol Coding, a measure of processing speed; and the Digit Span test, a measure of attention and working memory. We used a prospective approach and linear regression to assess associations for every 10 hours of work. Results: Among all participants, associations of hours worked with cognitive function of any type were not statistically significant. In occupation-stratified analyses (interaction p = 0.051), longer work hours were associated with poorer global cognitive function among Sales/Office and blue-collar workers, after adjustment for age, sex, physical activity, body mass index, race/ethnicity, educational level, annual income, history of heart attack, diabetes, apolipoprotein E-epsilon 4 allele (ApoE4) status, birth-place, number of years in the United States, language spoken at MESA Exam 1, and work hours at Exam 5 (β = -0.55, 95% CI = -0.99, -0.09) and (β = -0.80, -1.51, -0.09), respectively. In occupation-stratified analyses (interaction p = 0.040), we also observed an inverse association with processing speed among blue-collar workers (adjusted β = -0.80, -1.52, -0.07). Sex, race/ethnicity, and ApoE4 did not significantly modify associations between work hours and cognitive function. Conclusion: Weak inverse associations were observed between work hours and cognitive function among Sales/Office and blue-collar workers.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.16-23
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• 2020

Objectives: Sleep disturbance in the elderly is associated with cognitive decline. Sleep quality is known to deteriorate with age, and prospective studies seldom have examined the relationship between sleep quality and cognitive function. This study investigates the relationship between early sleep quality and cognitive function based on six-year follow-up data of community individuals older than 60 years. Methods: The participants included 622 community elderly people older than 60 years from Jinju-Si. The final analysis comprised 322 elderly people. Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and the Korean version of Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-K) were used to assess early sleep quality and cognitive function after six years. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between early sleep quality and cognitive function in the elderly. Results: Early sleep quality (PSQI) was significantly associated with the results of the digit span test, clock drawing test (clox 1), and word recall test after six years. Sleep quality (PSQI) decreased significantly after six years, and lower quality of sleep (PSQI) score was associated with higher digit span test score (β = -0.167, p = 0.026) and higher clock drawing test score (β = -0.157, p = 0.031). Lower quality of sleep (PSQI) score was associated with higher word recall test (β = -0.140, p = 0.039). Conclusion: The digit span test, word recall test, and clock drawing task (CLOX 1) shown to be significantly associated to sleep quality can be performed fast and easily in clinical practice. It is important to assess early cognitive function in the elderly with poor sleep quality, and further studies could suggest that these tests may be useful screening tests for early dementia in elderly with poor sleep quality.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.339-348
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to verify the validity and reliability of the computerized general neurocognitive test using intuitive evaluation techniques to reflect the needs of the elderly and to validate neurocognitive function appropriately. The subjects were 100 elderly people who were over 60 healthy people. To evaluate the comprehensive neurocognitive function of the elderly, Computerized Neuro-cognitive Function Test (CNT, cybermedic. Co., Korea) developed by CyberMedic was used. The test consist of attention test, memory test and the problem solving ability test. As a result of correlation analysis of CNT test items, it was possible to confirm the characteristics of measuring single domain of attention and memory test. The problem-solving ability test also showed a high level of significant correlation, although the purpose of measurement was different, but a comprehensive cognitive function test for problem solving was possible. In the reliability analysis, the half reliability and internal consistency of test - retest were significantly higher. As a result of the above study, we conclude that the comprehensive neurocognitive test items constituted in this study have achieved reproducibility and effectiveness.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.119-124
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• 2017

Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahl. (Compositae) has been used as an anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer agent in the clinic. Although its antidepressant effect has been reported, however, its cognitive function is not investigated until yet. In the present study, we investigated whether the water extract of T. platycarpum (WETP) could improve cognitive function in cholinergic blockade-induced amnesia mouse model using the passive avoidance or Y-maze task. WETP (12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment both in the passive avoidance test and the Y-maze test. In addition, WETP significantly inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity measured by an ex vivo study using the mouse whole brain. These results suggest that WETP alleviates the cognitive dysfunction caused by the cholinergic blockade, in part, via AChE inhibition, and that it may be a useful for treating cognitive dysfunction.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.37-43
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• 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between upper limb muscle strength and cognitive function in older Korean adults. A total of 130 Community-dwelling older adults, who were able to independently conduct activities of daily living, participated in the study. We assessed upper limb muscle strength using a handgrip strength and arm curl test, and their cognitive function using a Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and general practitioner assessment of cognition (GPCOG) tests. Out of 130 participants, 26 (20%) had normal cognitive functions, while 104 older adults (80%) had mild cognitive impairments (MCI). Handgrip strength was significantly different between older adults with and without MCI (p<.05) and was related to MoCA and GPCOG (p<.05). In the result, there is a correlation between physical ability and cognitive function of the older adults. Therefore, it is necessary to develop exercise program to improve mental health.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.551-556
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• 2023

This study was attempted to confirm whether the color therapy intervention study on the elderly with mild cognitive impairment was effective in cognitive function and depression as a method of meta-analysis. In this study, the size of the effect of cognitive function and depression on the final eight studies of the experimental study was calculated through a domestic database from 2000 to October 2022. As a result, the statistically significant average effect size of the entire study was confirmed. In the test of the difference in effect size between groups, both cognitive function and depression were found to have significant effect sizes. Through this study, it was confirmed that calerotherapy is an effective intervention that can improve cognitive function and alleviate depression in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment. Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to develop an intervention program for the elderly with mild cognitive impairment using calerotherapy.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.201-210
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• 2021

Purpose : There is a lack of research on this field in the Republic of Korea, especially those that have seen the effect of interaction between transcranial direct current stimulation and computerized cognitive rehabilitation therapy. This study divided 30 dementia patients into a treatment group, which received transcranial direct current stimulation and computerized cognitive rehabilitation, and a control group, which received pseudo-transcranial direct current stimulation and pseudo-computerized cognitive rehabilitation. This study evaluated the effects of these treatments on the visual perception, cognition functions, and daily activities of dementia patients. Methods : Fifteen subjects were allocated to the treatment group and the other 15 subjects were allocated to the control group. Treatments were given at intervals of five sessions per week (30 minutes per session) for six weeks (30 times in total). This study used the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (NCSE) to examine cognitive functions, MVPT to evaluate visual perception, and FIM to test daily living activities before and after applying the treatments. Results : The results of this study showed that cognitive functions, visual perception, and daily living activities significantly (p<.05) improved after the intervention in the treatment group and the control group. The changes in cognitive functions, visual perception, and daily living activities due to the treatments were significantly different between the groups (p<.05). Conclusion : The results indicated that transcranial direct current stimulation and computerized cognitive rehabilitation therapy improved visual perception and daily living activities by increasing cognitive functions. Consequently, it was found that the simultaneous application of transcranial direct current stimulation in conjunction with a computerized cognitive rehabilitation program was an intervention method that could positively affect the visual perception, cognitive function, and daily living activities of dementia patients. Based on the results of this study, the study of arbitration protocols for demential will have to be more active.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.70-81
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• 2024

Objectives: Cognitive impairments, ranging from mild to severe, adversely affect daily functioning, quality of life, and work capacity. Despite significant efforts in the past decade, more than 200 promising drug candidates have failed in clinical trials. Herbal remedies are gaining interest as potential treatments for dementia due to their long history and safety, making them valuable for drug development. This review aimed to examine the mechanisms behind the effect of Polygonum multiflorum on cognitive function. Methods: This study focused primarily on the effects of Polygonum multiflorum and its chemical constituents on cognitive behavioral outcomes including the Morris water maze, the passive avoidance test, and the Y maze, as well as pathogenic targets of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD) like amyloid deposition, amyloid precursor protein, tau hyperphosphorylation, and cognitive decline. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of the mechanisms behind Polygonum multiflorum's impact on cognitive function was conducted. We reviewed the most recent data from preclinical research done on experimental models, particularly looking at Polygonum multiflorum's effects on cognitive decline and AD. Results: According to recent research, Poligonum multiflorum and its bioactive components, stilbene, and emodin, influence cognitive behavioral results and regulate the pathological target of cognitive impairment and AD. Their mechanisms of action include reducing oxidative and mitochondrial damage, regulating neuroinflammation, halting apoptosis, and promoting increased neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Conclusion: This review serves as a comprehensive compilation of current experiments on AD and other cognitive impairment models related to the therapeutic effects of Polygonum multiflorum. We believe that these findings can serve as a basis for future clinical trials and have potential applications in the treatment of human neurological disorders.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.5-11
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was conducted to compare the level of cognitive and physical function by the level of social disengagement in institutions and community dwelling elderly. Method: The study subjects were 209 people whose age ranged from 65 to 94. The data were surveyed with social disengagement index, MMSE-K, and ADL, and analysed by SPSS 11.0 using frequency, t-test, ANCOVA and ANOVA. Results: 1) The level of social disengagement was 1.67 in institution and 3.25 in community elderly, and showed statistically significant difference (F=41.07, p<.001). 2) There were statistically significant difference in MMSE-K (F=15.51, p<.000), and activity of daily living (F=9.65, p=.002) between two residence after control the age, gender, religion, allowance and number of children. 3) There were statistically significant difference in MMSE-K (F=6.55, p=.002) by social disengagement in community dwelling elderly. Conclusions: Programs for successful aging to reduce social disengagement should be developed that stimulate social activities and then improve cognitive function for the elderly. For these, establishing social policies in nation and local government is needed. Especially, these policies should be conducted among the elderly with low-income living in institutions.