• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.87-94
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to predict the usefulness and predictable effects of the use of dementia prevention games and dementia management applications provided in smart-phones for the elderly. First, 6 dementia diagnostic tools used to verify the effectiveness of the dementia prevention program were selected and the cognitive domains tested by each diagnostic tool were extracted. Second, 29 smart-phone dementia prevention game applications and dementia management applications were selected and the expected effects after using these applications were analyzed in connection with the cognitive domain extracted from the dementia diagnosis tool. As a result, it was expected that it would be helpful to manage dementia prevention by improving cognitive function in certain areas when playing games or managing dementia continuously using smart-phone dementia prevention applications. Smart-phone dementia prevention applications will be useful in improving the cognitive ability of the elderly and preventing dementia by supplementing the limitations of the dementia prevention program that is operated offline through time-space ease of use, continuous usability and economic feasibility.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.16-27
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• 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most representative neurodegenerative diseases, has diverse neurobiological and pathophysiological mechanisms. Treatment strategies targeting a single mechanism have repeated faced failures because the mechanism of neuronal cell death is very complex that is not fully understood yet. Since complex mechanisms exist to explain AD, a variety of diagnostic biomarkers for diagnosing AD are required. Moreover, standardized evaluations for comprehensive diagnosis using neuropsychological, imaging, and laboratory tools are needed. In this review, we summarize the latest clinical, neuropsychological, imaging, and laboratory evaluations to diagnose patients with AD based on our own experience in conducting a prospective study.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2017

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the gait of elderly patients with and without dementia to investigate the possibility of an ambulation assessment test as a diagnostic tool for dementia. METHODS: A total of 96 subjects were included with 60 participants without dementia (control group) and 36 patients with dementia (dementia group). To compare the walking ability of the two groups, a 4-m walking test (4MWT) and Groningen Meander Walking Test (GMWT) were conducted. The GMWT is graded by amount of time in seconds and by number of oversteps outside the track. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the gait between the groups and the area under the curve (AUC) with Received Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was analyzed. Statistical significance was considered at a p<.05, with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences (p<.05) between the dementia group and the control group for the 4MWT, GMWTSEC, and GMWTSTEP scores. The AUC was .95 for 4MWT, .92 for GMWTSEC, and .96 for GMWTSTEP with the 95% confidence interval. The cut-off values of the ROC curve were 1.03m/s for 4MWT, 10.8 second for GMWTSEC, and 3.75 steps for GMSTEP. CONCLUSION: In our study, we investigated the utility of ambulatory assessment tools to predict dementia. The results of this study suggest that the 4MWT and the GMWT used in this study are appropriate assessment tools for dementia prediction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.49-58
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• 2017

PURPOSE: To summarize the evaluation tools of balance [Berg Balance Scale (BBS), timed up and Go (TUG), forward reaching test (FRT)], gait [6 m walking Test (6MWT)], and strength [Chair Stand Test (CST)] for patients with dementia. METHODS: The following databases were searched: Pub MED, Cochrane, Sciences Direct, and Web of Sciences. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) repeated measurement design, 2) subjects with dementia, 3) use of testing tools such as the BBS, TUG, FRT, 6MWT, and CST, 4) report the reliability. One reviewer performed the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy study and two evaluators performed data extraction independently. RESULTS: Six articles and one letter were included. The interrater reliability of 6MWT, TUG, and CST, were acceptable (ICC>.90). However, FRT had unacceptable reliability. In test-retest reliability, only BBS has acceptable reliability (ICC>.90). Others had various reliabilities. The risk of interrater reliability bias was low in all studies. However, the risk of bias of intrarater reliability was low in five studies and moderate in two studies. CONCLUSION: The interrater reliability of the 6MWT, TUG, and CST were acceptable. However, in test-retest reliability, only BBS has acceptable reliability. Therefore, we suggest the use of BBS to test the balance of dementia patients. In addition, the study of tool reliability according to the subtype of dementia is needed in the future.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.25.1-25.9
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• 2022

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes cognitive and behavioral disorders and reduces the quality of life in dogs and their guardians. This study reviewed the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for CDS and compared the diagnosis and therapy of CAM between CDS in canines and dementia in humans. The evaluation tools for the diagnosis of CDS and dementia were similar in the neurological and neuropsychiatric examinations, daily life activity, cognitive tests, and neuroimaging, but the evaluation for dementia was further subdivided. In CAM, pattern identification is a diagnostic method for accurate, personalized treatment, such as herbal medicine. For herbal medicine treatment of cognitive impairment in canines and humans, a similar pattern identification classified as deficiency (Qi, blood, and Yin) and Excess (phlegm, Qi stagnation, and blood stasis) is being used. However, the veterinary clinical basis for verifying the efficacy and safety of CAM therapies for CDS is limited. Therefore, based on CAM evidence in dementia, it is necessary to establish CDS-targeted CAM diagnostic methods and therapeutic techniques considering the anatomical, physiological, and pathological characteristics of dogs.

• Journal of Audiology & Otology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.83-88
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• 2019

Background and Objectives: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a disorder that usually occurs in the elderly, leading to dementia in some progressive cases. The purpose of this study is to examine the utility of central auditory processing tests as early diagnostic tools for identifying the elderly with MCI. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 20 elderly patients with MCI and 20 healthy matched peers. The speech perception ability in a quiet environment and in the presence of background noise and also temporal resolution were assessed by using Speech Perception in Noise (SPIN) and Gap in Noise (GIN) tests, respectively. Results: The results indicated that the ability to understand speech in a quiet environment did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, SPIN at the three signal-to-noise ratios and the temporal resolution scores were significantly different between the two groups (p<0.001). Conclusions: Individuals with MCI appear to have poorer speech comprehension in noise and a lower temporal resolution than those of the same age, but without cognitive defects. Considering the utility of these tests in identifying cognitive problems, we propose that since the GIN test seems to be less influenced by intervening factors, this test can therefore, be a useful tool for the early screening of elderly people with cognitive problems.

• Korean Journal of Audiology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.83-88
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• 2019

Background and Objectives: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a disorder that usually occurs in the elderly, leading to dementia in some progressive cases. The purpose of this study is to examine the utility of central auditory processing tests as early diagnostic tools for identifying the elderly with MCI. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 20 elderly patients with MCI and 20 healthy matched peers. The speech perception ability in a quiet environment and in the presence of background noise and also temporal resolution were assessed by using Speech Perception in Noise (SPIN) and Gap in Noise (GIN) tests, respectively. Results: The results indicated that the ability to understand speech in a quiet environment did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, SPIN at the three signal-to-noise ratios and the temporal resolution scores were significantly different between the two groups (p<0.001). Conclusions: Individuals with MCI appear to have poorer speech comprehension in noise and a lower temporal resolution than those of the same age, but without cognitive defects. Considering the utility of these tests in identifying cognitive problems, we propose that since the GIN test seems to be less influenced by intervening factors, this test can therefore, be a useful tool for the early screening of elderly people with cognitive problems.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.263-274
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• 2017

Objectives: To identify the current status of Korean medical practice pattern, diagnosis and treatment of dementia through recognition survey, and to use it as a preliminary data for various dementia research. Methods: Questionnaires were developed through expert meetings. The disease was defined as dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and areas were designated to practice pattern, diagnosis and treatment. From December 18, 2016-January 18, 2017, 221 respondents, including 36 neuropsychiatrists of Korean Medicine and 185 general physicians (including other medical specialists) were included. Results: 1. In both groups, the most commonly used KCD (Korean standard classification of disease and cause of death) were in the order of Unspecified Alzheimer's Dementia (F00.9), Mild Cognitive Impairment (F06.7), and Unspecified Dementia (F03). 2. The most commonly used pattern identification were zang-fu and qi-blood-yin-yang in both groups. 3. Diagnostic evaluation tools were mainly conducted by MMSE, radiologic examination, K-DRS, GDS and CDR in both groups. 4. Both groups reported using acupuncture and herbal medicine mainly. 5. In both groups, the acupuncture method was used extensively in the order of Body, Scalp, and Sa-Am. 6. Neuropsychiatrists used a variety of herbal medicines such as Wonjiseokchangpo-san (Yuanzhushichangpu-san), Yukmijihwang-tang (Liuweidihuang-tang), Palmijihwang-won (Baweidihuang-won), Sunghyangjungki-san (Xingxiang Zhengqi-san) and Ondam-tanggami (Wendan-tangjiawei). General physicians used a variety of herbal medicines such as Ondam-tanggami (Wendan-tangjiawei), Bojungikgi-tang (Buzhongyiqi-tang), Yukmijihwang-tang (Liuweidihuang-tang). 7. Neuropsychiatrists used a variety of Korean herbal preparation products (benefit and non-benefit) such as Ekgan-sangajinpibanha (Yigan-sanjiachenpibanxia), Yukmijihwang-tang (Liuweidihuang-tang), Jodeung-san (houteng-san), Palmijihwang-won (Baweidihuang-won). General physicians used a variety of Korean herbal preparation products such as Bojungikgi-tang (Buzhongyiqi-tang), Banhabaegchulcheonma-tang (banxiabaizhutianma-tang), Yukmijihwang-tang (Liuweidihuang-tang), Ekgan-sangajinpibanha (Yigan-sanjiachenpibanxia), Palmijihwang-won (Baweidihuang-won). Conclusions: By confirming awareness of Korean medical doctors treating dementia in clinical fields and understanding differences between neuropsychiatrists of Korean medicine and general physicians, it can be used to understand guideline users' needs and confirm clinical questions during development of future clinical practice guidelines for dementia.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.63-70
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• 2003

Objectives : To investigate the prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia in elderly people, aged 65 or above, residing in Busan Metropolitan City. Methods : Total of 1,101 old people, aged 65 or above, living in Busan as of December 31, 2001 were selected using stratified three-stage cluster sampling. Cognitive impairment was determined from the MMSE-K score, and dementia confirmed from five psychometric measures and the Barthel index. The crude prevalence, sex-age adjusted for the Korean population, were obtained. Results : With the cut-off point for cognitive impairment was set at 24 points, or below, on the MMSE-K scale, the crude rate of cognitive impairment was 29.3% (15.7% for men and 37.5% for women), and the sex-age adjusted prevalence was 30.5% (17.5% for men and 37.0% for women). When the cut-off point for cognitive impairment was set at 20 points, or below, on the MMSE-K scale, the crude rate of cognitive impairments were 10.0% (4.1% for men and 13.5% for women), and 10.6% (4.7% for men and 13.1% for women), respectively. The crude dementia, and the sex-age adjusted rates were 7.4% (2.4% for men and 10.5% for women), and 8.0% (2.7% for men and 10.0% for women), respectively. Conclusions : The prevalence of dementia in this study was somewhat lower than that reported by other domestic and foreign studies. Our results related to the difference in time and space, diagnostic tools, response rates, and distribution of male and female subjects, etc.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.40-45
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• 2014

Objectives : Mild cognitive impairment(MCI) and dementia of Alzheimer's type(AD) are characterized by progressive decline of cognitive abilities and a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression. Among various diagnostic tools of AD, many studies showed that elevated levels of serum total homocysteine are associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. We investigated whether elevated homocysteine concentrations are associated with depressive symptoms in MCI and AD. Methods : A total of 86 patients diagnosed with MCI or AD participated. Total serum homocysteine levels in fasting blood samples were measured. We examined cognitive symptoms by MMSE-KC, Global Deterioration Scale(GDS), Clinical dementia rating(CDR) and depressive symptoms by Korean version of Geriatric Depression Scale(K-GDS). Results : The total serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher in MCI with depression than in MCI without depression. There was no significant difference in the mean homocysteine levels between AD patients with depression and AD patients without depression. The total homocysteine levels showed a negative correlation with MMSE-KC and a positive correlation with CDR, GDS. Conclusions : These findings suggest that elevated homocysteine level is a risk factor for the decline of cognitive function and depression. We found a significant relationship between elevated serum homocysteine level and depressive symptoms in MCI. But our study had several limitations, thus more research is needed to confirm this finding.