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Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery Sep 2020Thinning of retinal layers, measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT), is associated with some neurodegenerative disorders such as established Alzheimer's... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Thinning of retinal layers, measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT), is associated with some neurodegenerative disorders such as established Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. The evidence for retinal layer thinning in both mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor of dementia, and delirium, a potential pre-clinical stage of neurodegenerative disorder, is unclear. We performed a systematic review of the associations, in older people, between retinal layer thickness changes (measured using OCT) and delirium or MCI compared to controls (Protocol registration ID (Prospero) CRD42019122165). We did not identify any relevant studies on delirium. This report is therefore a review of retinal nerve layer changes in mild cognitive impairment. Databases were searched using predetermined keywords such as mild cognitive impairment, retinal nerve fibre layer and delirium. Where there were sufficient data, meta-analyses were performed. Twenty-six relevant studies were identified on retinal layer thickness in people with MCI compared to controls. There was significant heterogeneity in the studies for all retinal layers investigated (retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIP), foveal thickness and macular volume). Analysis of 17 studies of mean RNFL thickness in MCI (n = 622) compared to controls (n = 1154), irrespective of the type of OCT device, demonstrated a significant thinning in MCI (SMD: - 0·42 and 95 % confidence interval: - 0·68 to - 0·16). This difference was non-significant when studies using only spectral-domain devices were analysed. Subgroup analysis of studies using spectral-domain devices in amnestic MCI diagnosed using comparable criteria, showed statistically significant thinning of RNFL in amnestic MCI (p = 0·02). Meta-analysis of foveal thickness did not show a significant difference between MCI and controls. In conclusion, there is some evidence of an association between retinal nerve fibre layer thinning and MCI. We found no data on the association between RNFL and delirium.
Topics: Cognitive Dysfunction; Humans; Retina; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 32623211
DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106036 -
Respiratory Care Apr 2014Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is effective in improving exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with moderate-to-very-severe COPD.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is effective in improving exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with moderate-to-very-severe COPD. Quadriceps strength and HRQOL can be impaired in patients with mild COPD, therefore, patients at this grade may already benefit from PR. However, the impact of PR in patients with mild COPD remains unestablished. Thus, this systematic review assessed the impact of PR on exercise capacity, HRQOL, health-care resource use and lung function in patients with mild COPD.
METHODS
The Web of Knowledge, EBSCO, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases were searched up to April 2013. Reviewers independently selected studies according to the eligibility criteria.
RESULTS
Three studies with different designs (retrospective, one group pretest-posttest, and randomized controlled trial) were included. Out-patient PR programs were implemented in two studies, which included mainly aerobic, strength, and respiratory muscle training. The randomized controlled trial compared a PR home-based program, consisting of 6 months of walking and participating in ball games, with standard medical treatment. Significant improvements in exercise capacity (effect size [ES] 0.87-1.82) and HRQOL (ES 0.24-0.86) were found when comparing pretest-posttest data and when comparing PR with standard medical treatment. In one study, a significant decrease in hospitalization days was found (ES 0.38). No significant effects were observed on the number of emergency department visits (ES 0.32), number of hospitalizations (ES 0.219), or lung function (ES 0.198).
CONCLUSIONS
Most of the PR programs had significant positive effects on exercise capacity and HRQOL in patients with mild COPD; however, their effects on health-care resource use and lung function were inconclusive. This systematic review suggests that patients with mild COPD may benefit from PR; however, insufficient evidence is still available. Studies with robust designs and with longer follow-up times should be conducted.
Topics: Emergency Service, Hospital; Exercise Tolerance; Hospitalization; Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Respiratory Therapy; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 24106321
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.02742 -
International Journal of Geriatric... May 2022Digital health interventions enable services to support people living with dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) remotely. This literature review gathers evidence... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Digital health interventions enable services to support people living with dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) remotely. This literature review gathers evidence on the effectiveness of digital health interventions on physical, cognitive, behavioural and psychological outcomes, and Activities of Daily Living in people living with dementia and MCI.
METHODS/DESIGN
Searches, using nine databases, were run in November 2021. Two authors carried out study selection/appraisal using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Study characteristics were extracted through the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions data extraction form. Data on digital health interventions were extracted through the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide. Intervention effectiveness was determined through effect sizes. Meta-analyses were performed to pool data on intervention effectiveness.
RESULTS
Twenty studies were included in the review, with a diverse range of interventions, modes of delivery, activities, duration, length, frequency, and intensity. Compared to controls, the interventions produced a moderate effect on cognitive abilities (SMD = 0.36; 95% CI = -0.03 to 0.76; I = 61%), and a negative moderate effect on basic ADLs (SMD = -0.40; 95% CI = -0.86 to 0.05; I = 69%). Stepping exergames generated the largest effect sizes on physical and cognitive abilities. Supervised training produced larger effect sizes than unsupervised interventions.
CONCLUSION
Supervised intervention delivery is linked to greatest benefits. A mix of remote and face-to-face delivery could maximise benefits and optimise costs. Accessibility, acceptability and sustainability of digital interventions for end-users must be pre-requisites for the development of future successful services.
PubMed: 35588315
DOI: 10.1002/gps.5730 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2020The use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina to detect inner retinal degeneration is being investigated as a potential biomarker for mild cognitive...
The use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina to detect inner retinal degeneration is being investigated as a potential biomarker for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and an overwhelming body of evidence indicates that discovery of disease-modifying treatments for AD should be aimed at the pre-dementia clinical stage of AD, i.e., MCI. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on retinal OCT in MCI. We performed a systematic review of the English literature in three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Latindex) for studies that measured retinal thickness using OCT in people with MCI and healthy controls, age 50 or older, between 1 January 2000 and 31 July 2019. Only cohort and case-control studies were reviewed, and independent extraction of quality data and established objective data was performed. We calculated the effect size for studies in the review that met the following criteria: (1) a statistically significant difference between MCI subjects and normal controls for several OCT variables, (2) use of spectral domain OCT, and (3) use of APOSTEL recommendations for OCT reporting. Weighted Hedges' g statistic was used to calculate the pooled effect size for four variables: ( in micrometers (μm), in μm, in μm, and in μm. For variables with high heterogeneity, a multivariate meta-regression was performed. We followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 58.9% of MCI patients had statistically significant thinning of the pRNFL compared with normal subjects, while 61.6% of all MCI patients who had macular volume measured had a statistically significant reduction in volume compared with controls, and 50.0% of the macular GCL-IPL complexes measured demonstrated significant thinning in MCI compared with normal controls. Meta-analysis demonstrated a large effect size for decreased macular thickness in MCI subjects compared with normal controls, but there was a substantial heterogeneity for macular thickness results. The other variables did not demonstrate a significant difference and also had substantial heterogeneity. Meta-regression analysis did not reveal an explanation for the heterogeneity. A better understanding of the cause of retina degeneration and longitudinal, standardized studies are needed to determine if optical coherence tomography can be used as a biomarker for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.
PubMed: 33178120
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.578698 -
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica Feb 2022Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early phase of cognitive decline signalling the beginning of severe neurological diseases. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early phase of cognitive decline signalling the beginning of severe neurological diseases. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) has shown some correlation with MCI development. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of elevated cIMT on the risk of MCI in adults. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Google Scholar and CINAHL databases till 30 July 2021, with keywords: ('Carotid Intima-Media Thickness' OR 'cIMT' OR 'IMT' AND 'Cognitive Impairment' OR 'Cognition' OR 'Cognitive Decline' AND 'Mild Cognitive Impairment' OR 'MCI'). Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD)/odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined for factor-disease association using either fixed (when I <50%) or random effect (when I >50%) models. Eight studies involving 1,585 MCI cases and 6,700 normal subjects were included in our meta-analysis which showed no significant association of increased cIMT with the risk of MCI [SMD 1.17, 95% CI -0.09 to 2.42]. However, sensitivity analysis revealed an outlier study significantly affecting the effect size. On omitting the outlier study, the re-evaluated meta-analysis revealed a significant association of cIMT with the risk of MCI [SMD 0.52, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.78]. This significant association was also observed during subgroup analysis in Caucasian population [SMD 0.65, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.18] but not in Asian population [SMD 0.39, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.79]. Elevated cIMT poses a potential risk for MCI. However, more population-based studies are required to corroborate these findings.
Topics: Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Cognitive Dysfunction; Humans; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34672362
DOI: 10.1111/ane.13542 -
JAMA Neurology May 2024Guidelines recommend seizure prophylaxis for early posttraumatic seizures (PTS) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Use of antiseizure medications for early... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Guidelines recommend seizure prophylaxis for early posttraumatic seizures (PTS) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Use of antiseizure medications for early seizure prophylaxis after mild or moderate TBI remains controversial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the association between seizure prophylaxis and risk reduction for early PTS in mild and moderate TBI.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science (January 1, 1991, to April 18, 2023) were systematically searched.
STUDY SELECTION
Observational studies of adult patients presenting to trauma centers in high-income countries with mild (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS], 13-15) and moderate (GCS, 9-12) TBI comparing rates of early PTS among patients with seizure prophylaxis with those without seizure prophylaxis.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) reporting guidelines were used. Two authors independently reviewed all titles and abstracts, and 3 authors reviewed final studies for inclusion. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with absolute risk reduction.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The main outcome was absolute risk reduction of early PTS, defined as seizures within 7 days of initial injury, in patients with mild or moderate TBI receiving seizure prophylaxis in the first week after injury. A secondary analysis was performed in patients with only mild TBI.
RESULTS
A total of 64 full articles were reviewed after screening; 8 studies (including 5637 patients) were included for the mild and moderate TBI analysis, and 5 studies (including 3803 patients) were included for the mild TBI analysis. The absolute risk reduction of seizure prophylaxis for early PTS in mild to moderate TBI (GCS, 9-15) was 0.6% (95% CI, 0.1%-1.2%; P = .02). The absolute risk reduction for mild TBI alone was similar 0.6% (95% CI, 0.01%-1.2%; P = .04). The number needed to treat to prevent 1 seizure was 167 patients.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
Seizure prophylaxis after mild and moderate TBI was associated with a small but statistically significant reduced risk of early posttraumatic seizures after mild and moderate TBI. The small absolute risk reduction and low prevalence of early seizures should be weighed against potential acute risks of antiseizure medications as well as the risk of inappropriate continuation beyond 7 days.
Topics: Humans; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Anticonvulsants; Seizures
PubMed: 38587858
DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2024.0689 -
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing Aug 2023The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of non-pharmacological, interactive, and emotional art therapy interventions for patients with mild neurocognitive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of non-pharmacological, interactive, and emotional art therapy interventions for patients with mild neurocognitive disorder (mild NCD) or major neurocognitive disorder (MNCD).
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis assessed English-language literature published from January 1, 2001, to August 22, 2021, and indexed in CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. People with mild NCD or MNCD who received art therapy were classified as the intervention group. Study quality was assessed using the Risk of Bias (RoB) 2 and the Joanna Briggs Institute tool.
RESULTS
Among nine included studies, depression was significantly reduced as compared with control groups (Cohen's d = -0.52 [95 % CI = -0.99-0.05], p < 0.001, I2 = 62.90 %) but not cognitive function or quality of life.
CONCLUSION
People with mild neurocognitive disorder or MNCD are encouraged to engage in art therapy delivered by art therapists collaborating with healthcare providers. The effects of specific types of art therapy should be explored.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATION
Healthcare providers should be encouraged to provide art therapy designed to reduce depression in patients with mild NCD or MNCD.
Topics: Humans; Art Therapy; Quality of Life; Dementia; Cognition
PubMed: 37544703
DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2023.04.011 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Feb 2018Physical activity may be neuroprotective in multiple sclerosis (MS). One review (2011) of exercise and MS disability was inconclusive, but highlighted the need for more... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Physical activity may be neuroprotective in multiple sclerosis (MS). One review (2011) of exercise and MS disability was inconclusive, but highlighted the need for more studies.
OBJECTIVE
To perform an updated systematic literature review examining the relationship between physical activity and physical ability outcomes in persons with MS.
METHODS
EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched for original interventional studies (2011-2016) evaluating exercise on quantitative outcomes of physical disability in MS. We also assessed any reported adverse outcomes.
RESULTS
Of the 153 articles identified, 12 were included; 3 examined endurance training; 6 resistance training; and 3 explored less conventional exercises, specifically, tai chi, kickboxing, and vestibular rehabilitation, each lasting 5-24 weeks. In total, 568 unique individuals were included, and >10 different scales used to assess outcomes. Endurance training provided benefits in walking ability, while mindfulness exercises (tai chi and vestibular rehabilitation), and dynamic workouts (kickboxing) led to improvements in balance and coordination. Resistance training alone did not improve walking ability, but improved lower limb muscular strength and endurance. When resistance and endurance training were combined, improvements were seen in mobility, balance and coordination. Four studies assessed discontinuation; most reported a return to pre-intervention function. Adverse outcomes were reported in 6 studies, and appeared generally mild, ranging from mild muscle soreness to exacerbation of MS symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
Physical activity was associated with measurable benefits on ability outcomes, but continuation is likely required to maintain benefits. While adverse events were generally mild, approximately half of studies actually reported safety outcomes.
Topics: Disability Evaluation; Exercise; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis
PubMed: 29414293
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.01.021 -
Brain Impairment : a Multidisciplinary... Sep 2023Cognitive symptoms are associated with return to work, healthcare use and quality of life after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Additionally, while overall... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Cognitive symptoms are associated with return to work, healthcare use and quality of life after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Additionally, while overall 'post-concussion' symptoms are often present at similar levels in mTBI and control groups, cognitive complaints may be specifically elevated in mTBI. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the frequency and extent of cognitive complaints following adult civilian mTBI, and compare it to the frequency and extent of complaints in control populations (PROSPERO: CRD42020151284).
METHOD
This review included studies published up to March 2022. Thirteen studies were included in the systematic review, and six were included in the meta-analysis. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers.
RESULTS
Cognitive complaints are common after mTBI, although reported rates differed greatly across studies. Results suggested that mTBI groups report cognitive complaints to a significantly greater extent than control groups (Hedges' = 0.85, 95% CI 0.31-1.40, = .0102). Heterogeneity between studies was high (τ = 0.20, 95% CI 0.04-1.58; = 75.0%, 95% CI 43.4%-89.0%). Between-group differences in symptom reporting were most often found when healthy rather than injured controls were employed.
CONCLUSIONS
Cognitive complaints are consistently reported after mTBI, and are present at greater levels in mTBI patients than in controls. Despite the importance of these complaints, including in regards to return to work, healthcare use and quality of life, there has been limited research in this area, and heterogeneity in research methodology is common.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Brain Concussion; Quality of Life; Post-Concussion Syndrome; Research Design; Cognition
PubMed: 38167200
DOI: 10.1017/BrImp.2022.19 -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2023Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a multifactorial and complex central neurodegenerative disease. Acupuncture appears to be an effective method for cognitive function...
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a multifactorial and complex central neurodegenerative disease. Acupuncture appears to be an effective method for cognitive function improvement in MCI patients. Neural plasticity remaining in the MCI brain implies that acupuncture-associated benefits may not be limited to the cognitive function. Instead, neurological alternations in the brain play a vital role in corresponding to the cognitive improvement. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of cognitive function, leaving neurological findings relatively unclear. This systematic review summarized existing studies that used various brain imaging techniques to explore the neurological effect regarding acupuncture use for MCI treatment. Potential neuroimaging trials were searched, collected, and identified independently by two researchers. Four Chinese databases, four English databases, and additional sources were searched to identify studies reporting the use of acupuncture for MCI from the inception of databases until 1 June 2022. Methodological quality was appraised using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. In addition, general, methodological, and brain neuroimaging information was extracted and summarized to investigate the potential neural mechanisms by which acupuncture affects patients with MCI. In total, 22 studies involving 647 participants were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was moderate to high. The methods used included functional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Acupuncture-induced brain alterations observed in those patients with MCI tended to be observable in the cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. The effect of acupuncture on MCI may play a role in regulating the default mode network, central executive network, and salience network. Based on these studies, researchers could extend the recent research focus from the cognitive domain to the neurological level. Future researches should develop additional relevant, well-designed, high-quality, and multimodal neuroimaging researches to detect the effects of acupuncture on the brains of MCI patients.
PubMed: 36875696
DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1007436