• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.128-138
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• 2005

Purpose: As population of elderly people continues to grow, successful aging has risen to the top of the nursing science agenda. The successful aging includes maintenance of the cognitive and physical functions, as well as emotional well-beings. This study was carried out to evaluate effects of the environmental enrichments on cognition of institutionalized elderly. Method: The population was selected among the elderly aging over 65 residing at two of institutions. A quasi experimental design was used with non-equivalent control group. Study subjects were thirteen for each group. For the experimental group, physical, social and symbolic environmental enrichment program was provided for six weeks. The data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA and repeated measure ANCOVA using SPSS Win 11.0. Result: Compared to control group, the experimental group showed a significant difference on DSF(F=3.29, p=.046), and TMTA(F=4.76, p=.013) of cognitive function, and depression (F=5.56, p=.007) of emotional distress after 1 and 12 weeks of environmental enrichment program. Conclusion: Findings indicate that physical, social, and symbolic environmental enrichment was effective to partially prevent from cognitive decline, and to decrease emotional distress of elderly. As a nursing intervention, environmental enrichment program for elderly should be expanded for nursing practice to promote healthy aging and to offer support to the growing population of elderly. Further research should be conducted to evaluate the effect on the community elderly.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.1591-1595
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• 2018

The number of healthy older adults is rapidly increasing recently owing to the increase of the elderly population. Therefore, programs for improving the cognitive functions of these healthy seniors are actively being expanded. This study aimed to prevent the decline of cognitive function due to aging by applying a program enhancing cognitive functions to healthy older adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Korean computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program (CoTras), which is commonly used in cognitive therapy for the aging, on the memory of the elderly. The subjects had scored at least 24 points in MMSE-K. CoTras was applied once a week (30 minutes) for one month. Electronic pegboard programs were used as an evaluation tool: order memory (difficulty=low) and location memory (difficulty=medium). The order and location memories were compared before and after the intervention. The Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test was used for the study at the significance level of ${\alpha}=.05$. The results showed that CoTras significantly improved order memory and location memory. Therefore, CoTras can be applied to the healthy elderly for improving that memory improvement training has a positive impact on healthy older adults result in the development of memory enhancement programs can be expanded in the future.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.747-753
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• 2019

Cognitive decline is characterized by reduced long-/short-term memory and attention span, and increased depression and anxiety. Such decline is associated with various degenerative brain disorders, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The increases in elderly populations suffering from cognitive decline create social problems and impose economic burdens, and also pose safety threats; all of these problems have been extensively researched over the past several decades. Possible causes of cognitive decline include metabolic and hormone imbalance, infection, medication abuse, and neuronal changes associated with aging. However, no treatment for cognitive decline is available. In neurodegenerative diseases, changes in the gut microbiota and gut metabolites can alter molecular expression and neurobehavioral symptoms. Changes in the gut microbiota affect memory loss in AD via the downregulation of NMDA receptor expression and increased glutamate levels. Furthermore, the use of probiotics resulted in neurological improvement in an AD model. PD and gut microbiota dysbiosis are linked directly. This interrelationship affected the development of constipation, a secondary symptom in PD. In a PD model, the administration of probiotics prevented neuron death by increasing butyrate levels. Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been identified in AD and PD. Increased BBB permeability is also associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, which led to the destruction of microtubules via systemic inflammation. Notably, metabolites of the gut microbiota may trigger either the development or attenuation of neurodegenerative disease. Here, we discuss the correlation between cognitive decline and the gut microbiota.

• Journal of Advanced Technology Convergence
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.37-45
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• 2024

This study reviews the literature on the utilization of gamification elements in digital applications for cognitive assessment and rehabilitation of the elderly, focusing on both domestic and international research from 2015 to 2024. Following the PRISMA methodology, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to align with the research objectives. Out of 1,718 initial studies, 18 were ultimately analyzed after a screening and filtering process. The results of this literature review indicate a growing interest in cognitive training and other interventions aimed at mitigating cognitive decline among the elderly. Additionally, it was found that the gamification elements of digital applications are effective in engaging elderly users and improving cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive function. The findings of this study suggest that integrating gamification elements can enhance user engagement and provide practical solutions for cognitive health management. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and broader applicability of these digital interventions.

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.71-84
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• 2024

Background: This literature review analyzes 25 studies on the effects of keyboard instrument-based music interventions on cognitive function in older adults. The review shows positive impacts on sensory-motor functions and cognitive domains such as working capacity, attention, and memory. Objective: The purpose of this study is to systematically examine the effects of music interventions using keyboard instruments on cognitive function in late adulthood and evaluate their effectiveness. Method: The studies were analyzed based on participants, methods, tools, interventions, and outcomes, selecting relevant articles published between 2000 and 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: The analysis showed that keyboard music interventions significantly enhanced cognitive function, particularly in areas such as auditory abilities, attention, and working memory. Pre- and post-intervention tests demonstrated that piano playing significantly improved auditory abilities, attention, working memory, hand function, and brain plasticity. Conclusion: Keyboard instrument interventions positively impact cognitive function in older adults, suggesting their potential for preventing cognitive decline and promoting brain health. This study can guide future studies on the long-term effects and development of optimal strategies.

• Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.481-488
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• 2018

Preliminary studies have claimed that short term fasting would negatively affect school performance and cognition. In contrast some other studies have reported not important decline in cognition and executive function as a result of fasting. Also limited attention was generally devoted to dietetic regimens, nutritional status and body weight. Yet neuroscience and neuro-cognitive aspects of acute hunger on the electroencephalogram and differences between obese and non-obese cases is not well understood. Hence, we decided to design and perform a case study in a more controlled situation similar to reality. Therefore, we performed several examinations including subjective tests (for eating status) and objective tests (cognitive tests such as Stroop effect and Sternberg search and electroencephalogram measures such as steady-state visual evoked potential and auditory steady-state responses) for an obese and a non-obese academic case before and after a simple breakfast. The results showed that the breakfast effects on the neuro-cognitive functions depend on either obesity status, nutritional status of the case or the type of cognitive task (visual or auditory). This paper would open a new insight to answer some important questions about the neuro-cognitive implications of fasting and feeding in obese and non-obese human cases.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.278-289
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• 2021

The rapid aging of society has led to a surge in cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. As there is limited evidence for the development of dementia in medicine, a shift in focus on prevention strategies using bioactive compounds in food is required. This systematic review evaluated the effects of various bioactive compounds on age-associated cognitive decline. The literature was searched for terms related to bioactive compounds in cognitive decline and article selection was limited to clinical randomized controlled trials for a single bioactive compound. We identified 21 studies that evaluated the strength of the evidence. ω-3 fatty acids and vitamin B presented a strong evidence level, whereas vitamin D and E, anserine/carnosine, and chromium were defined as having moderate levels of evidence. ω-3 fatty acids relieved cognitive decline and reduced amyloid β-related protein accumulation. Vitamin B decreased homocysteine levels, which is accompanied by alleviation of cognitive function. In conclusion, ω-3 and vitamin B have the potential to improve age-associated cognitive decline.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.310-316
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• 2020

Kyung-Ok-Go (KOK) is a traditional prescription used for debilitating natural aging and post-illness debilitation. KOK has been used in a variety of ways because it strengthens immunity, prevents illness, and helps recovery in case of illness. In particular, recent research has revealed that KOK helps improve memory and cognition. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether KOK was effective in improving memory decline and depression-state observed during menopause. In the present study, we employed ovariectomized mouse as an animal model for measuring menopausal syndrome. The administration of KOK for 8 weeks, the object recognition memory and working memory were improved in novel object recognition test and Y-maze test. And in the forced swimming test, the immobility time were decreased. Additionally, the expression level of mature brain derived neurotropic factor (mBDNF) was increased by KOK administration in ovariectomized mouse hippocampus. These results suggested that KOK could improve cognitive decline and depression during menopausal period, and it might be come from enhancing expression level of mBDNF in hippocampus.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.804-812
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different types of exercise training on neurodegeneration and cognitive function in mice with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to the control (CO, n = 9) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT, n = 27) groups. The IGT group consumed 45% high fat diet for 4 weeks and received 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin twice in the lower abdomen to induce IGT. After the IGT induction period, the IGT group was subdivided into IGT + sedentary (IGT, n = 9), IGT + endurance exercise (IGTE, n = 9), and IGT + resistance exercise (IGTR, n = 9). The IGTE and IGTR groups performed treadmill and ladder climbing exercises 5 times per week for 8 weeks, respectively. Fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were significantly higher in IGT group than in CO, IGTE, and IGTR groups (p < 0.05). HOMA-IR was significantly higher in IGT group than CO group (p < 0.05). Hippocampal catalase (CAT) was significantly lower in IGT group than in CO group (p < 0.05), while beta-amyloid ($A{\beta}$) was significantly higher in IGT group than in CO group (p < 0.05). Hippocampal tau was significantly higher in IGT group than in CO, IGTE, and IGTR groups (p < 0.05). The Y-maze test performance for cognitive function was significantly lower in IGT group than in CO, IGTE, and IGTR groups (p <0.05). These results suggest that IGT induces neurodegeneration and negatively affects cognitive function, while regular exercise may be effective in alleviating neurodegeneration and cognitive decline regardless of exercise type.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.95-106
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• 2024

Background and Purpose: Ventricle enlargement has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We studied the relationship between ventricular size and cognitive function in patients with AD. We focused on the effect of the initial ventricle size on the rate of cognitive decline in patients with AD. Methods: A retrospective analysis of probable clinical AD participants with more than 2 magnetic resonance imaging images was performed. To measure ventricle size, we used visual rating scales of (1) Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) score and (2) conventional linear measurement method. Results: Increased clinical dementia rating (CDR) was correlated with a decreased Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score, and increased medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTLA) and global ventricle size (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.021, respectively). There was a significant correlation between the change in cognitive function in the group (70%-100%ile) with a large initial ventricle size (p=0.021 for ∆CDR, p=0.01 for ∆MMSE), while the median ventricle size (30%-70%ile) showed correlation with other brain structural changes (MTLA, frontal atrophy [FA], and white matter) (p=0.036 for initial MTLA, p=0.034 for FA). Conclusions: In this study, the initial ventricle size may be a potential new imaging biomarker for initial cognitive function and clinical progression in AD. We found a relationship between the initial ventricle size and initial AD-related brain structural biomarkers.