• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.238-246
• /
• 2019

Background: In South Korea, as an aged society, an understanding of dementia and its risk factors is important from clinical and healthcare policy perspectives. Relationship between cognitive impairment and body weight or weight changes have been reported, but these were contradictory. We have evaluated the association between weight changes and cognitive decline using national level longitudinal data. Methods: Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing from 2006 to 2012 were used. Association between weight changes and decline in cognitive function as measured by K-MMSE (the Korean version of the Mini-mental state examination) score was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. Weight changes were calculated from 1st wave and 3rd wave survey data, and classified into five groups as stable, increases, decreases of >10%, or 5%-10%. Results: About 37% of the total participants (n=4,512) were 65 years or older. These participants made up the largest proportion of the groups with weight change exceeding 10%. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that weight changes exceeding 10% (10% increase vs stable, adjusted OR [aOR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.95; 10% decrease vs stable, aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.11-1.88) were significant predictive factors for decline in cognitive function. In subgroup analyses, the association between weight changes and cognitive decline was significant in males aged over 65 years and in normal BMI groups. Conclusion: Weight changes, both increases and decreases exceeding 10% of baseline, were significantly associated with declines in cognitive function among older adults in South Korea.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
• /
• v.11 no.8
• /
• pp.229-236
• /
• 2020

This study was conducted to identify the influence of the convergent lifestyles of the elderly consisting of physical exercise, smoking, drinking and social participation and the types of social participation on the risk of cognitive decline by using the 6th Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing(KLoSA). Total 4,298 people aged 65 or older were included. Results show that all of lifestyle factors are significantly effected to prevent cognitive decline, social participation was derived as the most important explanatory variable to lower the risk of cognitive decline. In addition, participating in the religious groups, ascriptive groups, and expressive groups lowered the risk of cognitive decline. Therefore, active support at the community and policy for improving the convergent lifestyle of the elderly are needed.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.20 no.5
• /
• pp.181-192
• /
• 2020

The present study comprehensively explored the experiences of cognitive decline and of overcoming such decline in climacteric women to gain a deeper understanding of these women's cognitive health issues. Fourteen climacteric women were recruited, and data were collected through in-depth qualitative interviews. The collected data were analyzed using phenomenological methods suggested by Colliazzi. The quality of the present study was further improved according to the evaluative criteria for rigor suggested by Lincoln and Guba. The interviews resulted in 210 statements, 43 significant statements, 17 themes, and 5 theme clusters. The theme clusters were "loss of memory and distraction in everyday life," "struggle to overcome," "greeting an inevitable guest," "conforming to life changes," and "dreams of the past and future plans." As they experienced menopause, the participating women experienced decline in memory and concentration, as well as problems communicating. Climacteric women experienced cognitive decline during menopause and made significant efforts to overcome it; therefore, effective programs that promote cognitive function and adaptation should be provided for climacteric women.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare Studies
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.327-358
• /
• 2013

This study aimed to analyze the trajectories of cognitive function and functional disability, and to identify the impacts of socio-demographic factors on the two variables. Based on the assumption that there are differences according to the progress of cognitive impairment, it focused on examining the differences in trajectories of cognitive function and functional disability between two groups: dementia conversion group and dementia non-conversion group among cognitively normal older adults. This study was conducted based on the data from a 3-wave panel study of a sample of 966 Yeoncheon elderly cohort aged 65 and over between 1997 and 2003. Latent growth curve model and multi-group structural equation modeling were used to examine the hypothesis. Results revealed that dementia conversion group exhibited faster rate of cognitive decline as well as lower initial cognitive level. Difference between two groups was not significant in the initial level of functional disability, yet dementia conversion group showed greater degree of deterioration in the functional disability over time than dementia non-conversion group did. In terms of the influence of socio-demographic factors on cognitive function and functional disability, the cognitive decline was more drastic in the female group, whereas functional decline was more apparent for the male group. The level of education in early life had a strong impact on the cognitive function in later life. Based on these findings, practical implication for high risk groups in cognitive function and functional disability were discussed.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.27-36
• /
• 2020

The prevention of cognitive decline and dementia is an increasingly important global public health priority due to an increase in the percentage of the elderly population. Dementia, a severe cognitive disorder, not only negatively impacts the patients' quality of life but also creates a substantial burden for caregivers. This review introduced recent advances regarding the protective effects of dairy product intake against dementia and cognitive decline. Recent epidemiological studies have suggested that specific components of dairy products including bioactive peptides, colostrinin, proline-rich polypeptides, α-lactalbumin, vitamin B₁₂, calcium, and probiotics might promote healthy brain function during aging. Additionally, oleamide and dehydroergosterol in Camembert cheese have been suggested as agents capable of reducing microglial inflammatory responses and neurotoxicity. The intake of neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory compounds in meals is safe and easy, hence nutritional approaches, including dairy product consumption, serve as a promising intervention for the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.130-138
• /
• 2023

Background and Purpose: Growing evidence has shown that cognitive interventions can mitigate cognitive decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, most previous cognitive interventions have been group-based programs. Due to their intrinsic limitations, group-based programs are not widely used in clinical practice. Therefore, we have developed a tablet-based cognitive intervention program. This preliminary study investigated the feasibility and effects of a 12-week structured tablet-based program on cognitive function in patients with MCI. Methods: We performed a single-arm study on 24 patients with MCI. The participants underwent a tablet-based cognitive intervention program 5 times a week over a 12-week period. The primary outcome was changes in cognitive function, measured using the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD-K). Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, within two weeks of the last program (post-intervention), and at the six-month follow-up session. Results: The completion rate of the tablet-based program was 83.3% in patients with MCI. The program improved cognitive function based on the CERAD-K total score (p=0.026), which was maintained for at least three months (p=0.004). There was also an improvement in the depression scale score (p=0.002), which persisted for three months (p=0.027). Conclusions: Our 12-week structured tablet-based program is feasible for patients with MCI. Furthermore, although further studies with a double-arm design are required, the program appears to be an effective strategy to prevent cognitive decline in patients with MCI.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.150-166
• /
• 2020

Based on the theory of cognitive reserve, we undertook this study to develop a cognitive function training program for woman in menopausal transition with complaints of declining in cognitive function. The program was established by applying the analysis, design, and development stages of the network-based instructional system designed by Jung. The cognitive function training program developed by us is an was an 8-week program composed of cognitive and video training using a mobile application. The program consists of 24 sessions, each with 20-30 minutes of duration, to be completed 3 sessions per week. The contents of the cognitive function training comprise of memory, attention, language function, and scenario-based problem-solving for executive functions, all of which are cognitive areas found to be the most vulnerable for menopausal women. The educational contents were developed for eight subject areas, one subject area per week, including the definition of menopause, its causes and symptoms, menopause and brain function, etc. During the pilot test, the cognitive function training program was applied to 10 menopausal women who complained of cognitive function decline. The results indicated that, after eight weeks of training, the overall cognitive function of participants increased, revealing statistically significant differences (t=-3.04, p=.014) after the program was completed. The mobile app-based cognitive function training program might not only improve patients' memory functions but also potentially reduce the incidence of dementia.

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

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.120-129
• /
• 2018

Background and Purpose: Prospective memory (PM) has a known relationship with frontal function, and PM decline has been observed in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Cerebral small vessel disease, as evidenced by white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), is linked to frontal dysfunction. This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between PM decline and WMHs in patients with aMCI. Methods: Of 74 enrollees with aMCI, 69 completed this prospective study. We compared total scores and sub-scores of the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ) administered at baseline and 3 months later, stratifying patients by degree of WMHs. Results: A significant decline was seen in PRMQ total scores and PM scores at the 3-month mark in patients with moderate (vs. mild) degrees of WMHs ($-2.8{\pm}7.2$ vs. $0.2{\pm}7.1$; p=0.032). In addition, patients with moderate (vs. mild) degrees of deep WMHs (DWMHs) showed greater PM decline, whereas PM loss in patients with mild, moderate, or severe degrees of periventricular WMHs (PVWMHs) did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Findings of this study indicate that the burden of WMHs is consistently implicated in PM deterioration experienced by patients with aMCI, and signifies greater PM decline, especially in instances of extensive DWMHs. Greater attention to the change of PM is therefore needed in aMCI patients with WMHs.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.136-144
• /
• 2017

Objectives : Cognitive complaints are reported frequently after breast cancer treatments. The causes of cognitive decline are multifactorial, a result of the effect of cancer itself, chemotherapy, and psychological factors such as depression and anxiety. However, cognitive decline does not always correlate with neuropsychological test performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of subjective cognitive decline with objective measurement and to explore associated factors of cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. Methods : We included 29 breast cancer survivors who complain cognitive decline at least 6 months after treatment and 20 age-matched healthy controls. Neuropsychological tests were performed in all participants. Multivariable regression analysis evaluated associations between neuropsychological test scores and psychological distress including depression and anxiety, also considering age, education, and comorbidity. Results : There were no statistically significant differences in neuropsychological test performances. However, the breast cancer survivors showed a significantly higher depression(p=0.002) and anxiety(p<0.001) than the healthy controls did. Among the cancer survivors, poorer executive function was strongly associated with higher depression(${\beta}=-0.336$, p=0.001) and anxiety(${\beta}=-0.273$, p=0.009), after controlling for age, education, and comorbidity. In addition, poorer attention was also significantly related with depression(${\beta}=-0.375$, p=0.023) and anxiety (${\beta}=-0.404$, p=0.013). Conclusions : The results of this study showed the discrepancies between subjective complaints and objective measures of cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. It suggests that subjective cognitive decline could be indicators of psychological distress such as depression and anxiety.