• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to find out cognitive function of the patients with subjective memory complaint. Material and Methods : From March 1st 2005 to May 31st 2009, 155 normal individuals without any medical illness who visited Yeungnam University Hospital to undergo medical checkup with neurocognitive test was enrolled, and checked by using Cognitive Assessment & Reference Diagnostic System. Results : 107 of the patients had normal cognitive function, 21 patients (about 15%) were diagnosed with dementia, and 10 patients (about 7%) were diagnosed with considerable psychiatric illness, such as depression, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder. In amnesia, agnosia, aphasia, attention, calculation, dysexecution, Dementia group and Psychiatric illness group has worse score than Normal individuals group. But, in apraxia, Dementia group has worse score than Psychiatric illness group and Normal individual group. Conclusion : Because the patients with subjective memory complaint can be diagnosed as any psychiatric illness as well as dementia, sensitive screening test and early psychiatric approach is needed.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2013

Background: Prevalence of depression comorbid with neurologic disorders such as Alzheimer' disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and vascular dementia (VD) is higher than that of primary depression. Antidepressant medications, suggested by many researches for depression comorbid with neurologic disorders such as AD, PD and VD, are mainly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Objective: The primary objective of this study is the evaluation of antidepressant drug therapy for AD, PD and VD. Method: This study was a retrospective study based on medical records, carried out for 3 years and 6 months (Jan. 2007~Jul. 2010). Patients, diagnosed as comorbid depression through Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Cornell Depression Scale (CDS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) among neurologic out-patients of Chungnam National University Hospital because of AD, PD and VD, were selected. The results were evaluated by efficacy and safety of antidepressant drug therapy. Results: In result, the prescribing rates of antidepressants were 30%, 55% and 40% for each AD, PD and VD. Depression cure rates of patients receiving antidepressants vs patients not receiving antidepressants were 40% vs 39%, 33% vs 23% and 38% vs 30% for AD, PD and VD. The frequencies of prescriptoin of SSRI were 21%, 11% and 27% for each AD, PD and VD. The frequencies of prescriptoin of benzodiazepine (BZD) was 61%, 82% and 61% for each AD, PD and VD. The ratio of single BZD prescription was more than that of combination prescription of antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) were rarely prescribed. The rate of patients with BZD-related side effects was 54%. The most frequent side effects of BZD were dizziness (30%), drowsiness (21%) and headache (16%). Side effects of SSRI were rare. Conclusion: In conclusion, the frequencies of prescription of antidepressants were not common for AD, PD and VD. There was little difference in depression cure rate between patient receiving antidepressants and not receiving. Even though SSRI has to be the highest priority of usage, the frequencies of prescription of SSRI were lower than those of BZD. Additional researches and efforts are required to improve antidepressant drug therapy for neurologic disorders such as AD, PD and VD.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.207-210
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• 2001

Objective : The prognosis of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage often depends on initial neurologic condition, size and location of hemorrhage and associated intraventricular hemorrhage. However, age of patient, coagulation state and other associated vascular diseases may also play a role when present. In recent years, the geriatric population has been increasing. The age distribution of the patients with intracerebral hemorrhages also has been increased, accordingly. However, such patients, especially when associated with poor initial conditions often tend to be managed rather conservatively. The authors analyzed retrospectively on forty-five patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage over the seventies with poor initial condition to find out whether there exists a difference of outcome between surgery and non-surgery group. Material and Method : A total of 45 patients over seventies with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS) 4-8 treated over last six years were included. The validity of surgical management for these patients as well as clinical variables which might have been operated on the outcome of these patients were evaluated. The Glasgow Outcome Scale(GOS) after three months was used for comparison of outcome. Results : In surgical group(19 cases), mean age was 74.5 years old, mean hematoma volume 67.2ml and mean GCS score 5.7 points. In nonsurgical group(26 cases), mean age was 79.3 years old, mean hematoma volume 32.1ml, and mean GCS score 6.8 points. Mortality rate in surgical group was 47.4%(9 patients), including 2 cases of post-operative rebleeding, while that in nonsurgical group was 46.2%. However, when patients with initial GCS 4-6 points and over 30ml in hematoma volume were regrouped, mortality rate in surgical group was 46.2%, whereas mortality rate in nonsurgical group was 66.7%. Conclusion : It is concluded that the mortality rate is much low in surgery group with initial GCS less than 6 points and hematoma volume over 30cc. There was no significant difference of outcome in patients with basal ganglia and thalamic hemorrhage. However, surgical treatment lowered the mortality and morbidity rate in patients with subcortical and cerebellar hemorrhage.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.6
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• pp.995-1003
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• 2021

Objective : People are living longer and the elderly population continues to increase. The incidence of degenerative spinal diseases (DSDs) in the elderly population is quite high. Therefore, we are facing more cases of DSD and offering more surgical solutions in geriatric patients. Understanding the significance and association of frailty and central sarcopenia as risk factors for spinal surgery in elderly patients will be helpful in improving surgical outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data to assess the impact of preoperative central sarcopenia, frailty, and comorbidity on surgical outcome in elderly patients with DSD. Methods : We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent elective spinal surgery performed from January 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020 at our hospital. We included patients aged 65 and over who underwent surgery on the thoracic or lumbar spine and were diagnosed as DSD. Central sarcopenia was measured by the 50th percentile of psoas : L4 vertebral index (PLVI) using the cross-sectional area of the psoas muscle. We used the Korean version of the fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illnesses, and loss of weight (K-FRAIL) scale to measure frailty. Comorbidity was confirmed and scored using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). As a tool for measuring surgical outcome, we used the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification for postoperative complications and the length of stay (LOS). Results : This study included 85 patients (35 males and 50 females). The mean age was 74.05±6.47 years. Using the K-FRAIL scale, four patients were scored as robust, 44 patients were pre-frail and 37 patients were frail. The mean PLVI was 0.61±0.19. According to the CD classification, 50 patients were classified as grade 1, 19 as grade 2, and four as grade 4. The mean LOS was 12.35±8.17 days. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that postoperative complication was significantly associated with surgical invasiveness and K-FRAIL scale. LOS was significantly associated with surgical invasiveness and CCI. K-FRAIL scale showed a significant correlation with CCI and PLVI. Conclusion : The present study demonstrates that frailty, comorbidity, and surgical invasiveness are important risk factors for postoperative complications and LOS in elderly patients with DSD. Preoperative recognition of these factors may be useful for perioperative optimization, risk stratification, and patient counseling.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.19 no.9
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• pp.308-320
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• 2019

This study aims at investigating the major symptoms that help family carers detect mental illness in elderly patients. Another purpose of this study is to empirically verify the major factors determining the utilization of mental health services with a focus on family carers. The results of this study are as follows. First, the most commonly detected symptoms that caused the family carers to suspect mental illness in the elderly patients were memory decline and other forms of cognitive function decline. Second, the determinants of the elderly's utilization of mental health services included the patient's long-term care insurance level, the age of the family carer, the period of care, the level stress associated with the provision of care felt by the carer, his understanding of geriatric mental illness, and the level of perception about community mental health services. Based on these findings, this study suggests policies and practical implications for the early detection of and response to elderly mental health problems and the utilization of related services from the viewpoint of the family carers of the elderly.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.81-93
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• 2021

Objectives: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is condition of cognitive decline shown in transition from normal aging to dementia. Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture (HPP) is a treatment that combines effects of medication and acupuncture by injecting Hominis placenta into acupoints. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HPP for MCI. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-center clinical trial. Eligible patients were randomly allocated to either the HPP group or the placebo group. HPP or saline as placebo was administered to participants for eight weeks. Changes in symptoms were observed. The primary outcome was difference in mean change of Korean Version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K) score between the HPP group and the placebo group. Cognitive function, overall status of mood and sleep, and quality of life (QoL) were also assessed. Safety assessment and economic analysis were then conducted. Results: Thirty participants were enrolled. One participant in the placebo group dropped out. The score of MoCA-K increased after treatment. Its mean change was smaller in the HPP group than in the control group. HPP ameliorated Global Deterioration Scale and Korean Dementia Rating Scale subtests for attention, organization, and memory compared to the placebo. However, none of them was significantly different between the two groups. Mood, sleep, and QoL all improved more in the HPP group than in the placebo group, although differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. There was no adverse event probably related to the drug. HPP treatment needed KRW 345,000 more than the placebo group in improving Geriatric Quality of Life scale-Dementia score by one point for one year. Conclusions: Although HPP treatment did not significantly improve cognition, it changed behavioral and psychological symptoms in MCI.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.49-59
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• 2005

Objectives: This clinical study investigates the status of psychiatric consultation from 2001 to 2003 at Maryknoll General Hospital, located in Busan to evaluate the characteristic patterns of current psychiatric consultation and to contribute for further data of consultation study. Methods : The subjects of this study were hospitalized at Maryknoll General Hospital from 1 January, 2001 to 31 December, 2003, who were referred for psychiatric consultation during hospitalization. This study was analysed demographic data, reason for referral, psychiatric diagnosis by patient's chart and psychiatrist's report retrospectively. Results : 1) The psychiatric consultation rates was 1.72%. 2) There was 47.8% in referral among the age group over 60 years, especially the age group over 70 years was 20.3%. 3) The most frequent referral source was department of internal medicine(72.5%). 4) The frequency of psychiatric consultation was the highest at March and the lowest at December. 5) The reasons of psychiatric consultation, according to frequency, were affective change, somatic symptom without abnormal finding. And drug intoxication. alcohol problem were increased. 6) Somatoform disorder was the most common psychiatric diagnosis followed by depressive disorder, organic mental disorder. The diagnosis of somatoform disorder, depressive disorder, alcohol dependence were increased, but anxiety disorder, organic mental disorder were decreased. 7) Pharmacotherapy was the most recommendation, and diagnostic procedure and psychotherapy were increased. Conclusion : In review of consultation referral subjects, the referral rate was 1.72%. The consultation referral of the old(over 60 years) was 42.8%, and annually increased. The most frequent request source was from department of internal medicine. The reasons of consultation referral was the most due to affect change. The recommendation of pharmacotherapy was the most numerous. and psychotherapy was increased annually. Further studies warranted on geriatric psychiatric consultation, pattern change of consultation.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.183-188
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• 2012

Previous studies of the relationship of TMJ signs and symptoms in elderly people have provided inconsistent findings. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders(TMD). Additionally, young subjects were examined as a control group. Forty old patients (28 female, 12 male, mean age: $65.2{\pm}2.5$ years) and forty young patients (30 female, 10 male, mean age: $23.3{\pm}2.6$ years) clinically diagnosed with TMD were screened. Patient records were analyzed regarding: pain on chief complain, amount of range of mouth opening, TMJ noises(clicking sounds, crepitus), pain on palpation of the TMJ and masticatory muscles and neck and upper back muscles. Differences between the groups were assessed using t-test and the chi-squared test. (SPSS v.17) P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Geriatric subjects more often exhibited crepitus on mouth opening (25%), muscular palpation pain of masseter muscles (82.5%) and temporal muscles(60%). In contrast, young subjects more frequently exhibited joint sounds (62.5%), more amount of range of passive mouth opening (p=0.043). It was found that the younger subjects (82.5%) and the older subjects (87.5%) suffered from subjective sign (orofacial pain on chief complain). There were not statistically significant relationships between orofacial pain (VAS) and the groups. Differences between the groups with respect to joint sounds, muscular palpation pain and mandibular range of motion were significant. Although older subjects more frequently exhibited objective signs (crepitus on opening, pain on muscular palpation) of TMD, younger subjects more frequently objective signs (clicking sound on mouth opening, amount of mandibular range of motion).

• 한국노년학
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.129-141
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• 2011

This study aims to find out effects of a tailored occupational activity program(TOAP) on the activities of daily living(ADL), cognitive function, depressive mood, and caregiver burden, who live in the community. Method : From October 2009 to May 2010, the TOAP was applied to 15 dementia patients and 15 of their caregivers, who was visitors of the Y-city Center for Managing Dementia in Gyunggi-do. The TOAP was designed for habituating patients and caregivers to the techniques acquired through goal activities and task and making it capable of being routinized regularly. The TOAP was applied to dementia patients and their cvaregivers twice a week for 7 weeks(one-time home visit, one-time phone inspection), a total of 14 times. Results: Significant differences among pre-test and post-test were found in the AMPS motor skills(1.10±1.14 and 1.34±1.2 respectively) scores, AMPS process skills(0.32±0.55 and 0.77±0.66 respectively) scores, ACL(3.86±0.65 and 4.17±0.64 respectively) scores, MMSE-KC(17.33±4.6 and 19.33±4.97 respectively) scores, GDS(11.73±6.87 and 8.53±7.09 respectively) scores, and caregiver burden(31.80±20.06 and 26.13±18.07 respectively) scores(p<0.05). A significant effect was confirmed from the TOAP which ADL, cognitive function, reduced patient's depression and caregiver burden(p<0.05). Conclusion: From the above results that a TOAP has an effect on the improvement of the ability to ADL, cognitive function and reduced depression and caregiver burden of dementia patients living in community. The present author hopes that, in the future, more diverse community based on tailored occupational activity programs will be developed to improve the functions of dementia patients living in community.