1. |
- Fäldt, Roger, et al.
(author)
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Prevalence of thyroid hormone abnormalities in elderly patients with symptoms of organic brain disease.
- 1996
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In: Aging (Milan, Italy). - 0394-9532. ; 8:5, s. 347-357
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Analysis of the serum concentrations of free thyroid hormones (fT3, fT4) and thyrotropin (TSH) in 173 psychogeriatric patients (94 females and 79 males, mean age 79 +/- 8 years) disclosed that the hormone levels were related to sex, psychiatric diagnosis, medication and the presence of nonthyroid illness (NTI). Subnormal concentrations of thyroid hormones and/or TSH were found in 25% of the patients. In addition, fT3 and fT4 concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) in demented males compared with demented females although the levels were within the reference limits. Strongly negative correlations between fT3 and age (p < 0.001), and between fT3 and the sedimentation rate (SR) (p < 0.01) were found in demented but not in non-demented patients. These correlations were most pronounced in (age) or restricted to (SR) demented males. In addition, the correlation between fT3 and Hb was strongly positive (p < 0.001) in demented as well as in nondemented patients, particularly in males. The concentration of fT4 was positively correlated to Hb in demented males (p < 0.001), whereas TSH concentration was positively correlated to Hb in demented females (p < 0.05). The results show that TSH is not sufficient as the sole screening assay for evaluation of possible thyroid dysfunction in psychogeriatric patients. In addition, central (hypothalamic?) hypothyroidism may be present in a substantial amount of psychogeriatric patients, as we found an adequate TSH response to exogenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) also in patients with decreased fT3/fT4 and no signs of non thyroid diseases. Furthermore, there was an apparent lack of correlation between thyroid hormone levels and dementia (or subgroups of dementia), even though thyroid hormone abnormalities seemed to be rather common in frontotemporal dementia (38%) and non specified dementia (36%).
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2. |
- Minthon, Lennart, et al.
(author)
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Somatostatin and neuropeptide Y in cerebrospinal fluid: correlations with severity of disease and clinical signs in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia
- 1997
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In: Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9824 .- 1420-8008. ; 8:4, s. 232-239
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are the most common types of progressive neurodegenerative disorder in our catchment area. The distribution of cortical degeneration in FTD is mainly the reverse of that in AD, while there are both differences and similarities in the clinical characteristics. Somatostatin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) are neuropeptides with a widespread distribution in the human cerebral cortex. Somatostatin is involved in the regulation of hormone release from the anterior pituitary and may act as a neurotransmitter-modulator. NPY is a potent anxiolytic neuropeptide. Somatostatin and NPY coexist in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and in amygdaloid complexes. The present study of AD (n = 34) and FTD (n = 22) analyses the cerebrospinal-fluid (CSF) levels of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity and NPY-like immunoreactivity and correlates their levels to 54 different clinical items, such as restlessness, anxiety, irritability and depression. The CSF levels of the two neuropeptides somatostatin and NPY were significantly correlated in FTD (p < 0.02), but not in AD. Several significant correlations to the clinical signs were found: in AD disorientation and dyspraxia, and in FTD agitation, irritability and restlessness. Somatostatin showed a significant negative correlation with severity of dementia in AD (p < 0.013).
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3. |
- Edberg, Anna-Karin, et al.
(author)
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Effects of clinical supervision on nurse-patient cooperation quality - A controlled study in dementia care.
- 1996
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In: Clinical Nursing Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1054-7738 .- 1552-3799. ; 5:2, s. 127-146
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An intervention consisting of individualized planned care for patients and regular clinical systematic supervision for nurses was carried out on a ward for dementia care (the experimental ward, EW). On a similar control ward (CW), no changes were made. Observations of nurse-patient cooperation during morning care were collected at both wards, before and during the intervention. The observations (N = 107) were analyzed blindly and sorted into already-developed categories. The distribution of the cooperation-style categories was then analyzed statistically. The patients who survived throughout the study period (N = 18) were also compared over time. Nurse-patient cooperation at the EW improved significantly during the intervention period, whereas, at the CW, it deteriorated (p = .02). Status of surviving patients followed the same pattern (p = .001). The findings indicate that such interventions can improve the quality of nurse-patient cooperation in dementia care.
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4. |
- Elmstahl, S., et al.
(author)
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Hydrotherapy of patients with intermittent claudication : A novel approach to improve systolic ankle pressure and reduce symptoms
- 1995
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In: International Angiology. - 0392-9590. ; 14:4, s. 389-394
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective. To study the effects of alternating cold and hot water therapy on walking ability and systolic blood pressure in claudicants. Experimental design. A prospective case study with repeated measurements before and 1, 4 and 12 months after treatment. The systolic blood pressure levels were measured with an occlusion cuff for brachial and ankle and with a strain gauge for the first toe. Study population. Twenty consecutively included patients, 11 women and 9 men; mean age 73.9 yrs, with intermittent claudication according to clinical examination and ankle-arm systolic blood pressure (AAI) below 0.90. Intervention. Alternate hot and cold hydrotherapy of the legs were given at ten 25-minute treatments during a three-week period. The outcome measures were maximal walking ability (MW), walking ability before pain (PW) and systolic blood pressures of toe, ankle, arm and AAI. Results. Fourtheen patients (70%) reported reduced pain after treatment and their PW increased from 134 ± 29 m to 415 ± 119 m 12 months later (p < 0.05) and the MW in the total group increased form 348 ± 75 m to 523 ± 103 m. Systolic blood pressure increased in right ankle and toe one month after treatment in the total group. Among those who reported improved walking ability one year after treatment, systolic blood pressure in both right and left ankles and toes increased; e.g. right toe increasing from 72 ± 7 to 86 ± 2 (p < 0.001). Improvements of systolic blood pressure in left and right leg and changes of walking ability were correlated, in the order of 0.60 to 0.81, p < 0.05. Conclusions. Showering the legs of claudicants improved walking ability and blood pressures which sustained up to 1-year later. This therapy might be an additional alternative to conservative treatment of intermittent claudication.
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5. |
- Gustafson, Lars, et al.
(author)
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Apolipoprotein E genotyping in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia
- 1997
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In: Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. - : S. Karger AG. - 1420-8008 .- 1421-9824. ; 8:4, s. 240-243
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and microvacuolization, although with different distributions of cortical involvement. In contrast to AD there is no amyloid, senile plaques or tangles in FTD. The involvement of chromosome 19 in AD has been associated with apoliprotein E (ApoE) and the epsi4 gene frequency has been related to increased risk and early onset of AD. Our analysis of frequency of the ApoE alleles in 38 patients with AD, 21 patients with FTD and 29 normal controls indicates an association of both AD and FTD with an increased frequency of the epsi4 allele and in AD also with homozygosity for epsi4. Our results might indicate that ApoE epsi4 is an important aggravating and pathoplastic factor in the presence of genetic and other determinants for the development of AD or FTD. A significantly higher epsi2 frequency in our FTD material compared to AD and normals might also indicate a connection with the distribution of cortical degeneration.
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6. |
- Holst, Göran, et al.
(author)
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The relationship of vocally disruptive behavior and previous personality in severely demented institutionalized patients.
- 1997
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In: Archives of Psychiatric Nursing. - 1532-8228. ; 11:3, s. 147-154
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to explore the previous personalities of patients, their behavior during the course of the disease, and the relationship between the previous personality and vocally disruptive behavior of severely demented patients. Twenty-one severely demented patients identified as vocally disruptive and 19 severely demented control subjects who were matched for gender and ward were studied. A family member or close relative who knew the patient very well described the patient's personal characteristics from what they judged to be the “best” period in the patient's life and responded, on behalf of the patient, to the 57 items in a modified version of the Eysenck Personality Inventory. The results of this study can be interpreted to indicate that a previous personality described as introverted, rigid, and with a tendency to control emotions, as remembered retrospectively by a close family member, may correlate to current disruptive behavior. Despite the limitations of this study, the findings indicated that a patient's previous personality characteristics need to be taken into consideration because they may partially explain vocal activity and are therefore important for the provision of nursing care. Further research has to be performed to highlight the impact of previous personality characteristics on various kinds of behavior during the course of the disease.
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7. |
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8. |
- Passant, Ulla, et al.
(author)
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Orthostatic hypotension and low blood pressure in organic dementia: a study of prevalence and related clinical characteristics
- 1998
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In: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. - 1099-1166. ; 12:3, s. 395-403
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension (OH), low blood pressure and dizziness, falls and fractures in patients with organic dementia. DESIGN: We prospectively studied 151 patients, assessing the prevalence of OH, hypertension, heart disorders, diabetes mellitus and the use of medication possibly associated with OH. SETTING: The patients were admitted to our psychogeriatric clinic as part of routine clinical investigation of their dementia. PATIENTS: Forty-six patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 28 patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and 77 patients with vascular dementia (VaD) were investigated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Due to the paucity of information about the prevalence of OH in organic dementia, this study is mainly explorative in nature, thus preventing explicit hypothesis formulation. However, clinical impressions indicated a higher prevalence of OH in organic dementia than normally seen in healthy elderly. RESULTS: OH/low blood pressure was present in 39-52% of the patients. The majority reached their maximum systolic decrease within 5 minutes of standing, but in 20-30% the maximum blood pressure drop occurred after 5 minutes or later. In 38%, the systolic blood pressure drop was more than 40 mm Hg. Hypertension and heart disease was found only in AD and VaD, with no difference between those with and without OH/low blood pressure. Falls and fractures were common in orthostatic and hypotensive patients, with an incidence of more than 50% in AD and VaD. CONCLUSIONS: The results support our clinical impressions that OH and low blood pressure is common and an important factor in organic dementia.
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9. |
- Warkentin, Siegbert, et al.
(author)
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Functional imaging of the frontal lobes in organic dementia. Regional cerebral blood flow findings in normals, in patients with frontotemporal dementia and in patients with Alzheimer's disease, performing a word fluency test
- 1997
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In: Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. - : S. Karger AG. - 1420-8008 .- 1421-9824. ; 8:2, s. 105-109
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Patterns of functional cortical activation were studied by means of regional cerebral blood flow measurements, performed during rest and during a word fluency task in normal subjects (n = 22), in patients with Alzheimer's disease (n = 17), and in patients with frontotemporal dementia (n = 15). Although all groups showed a significant activation of the Broca's area during word production, the activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was clearly subnormal in both dementia groups. The frontal dysfunction was not explained by number of words produced, illness duration, or age. Thus, the results demonstrate that the word fluency task is a sensitive measure of frontal lobe function, and its incorporation in imaging studies may facilitate the detection of subtle functional impairment of the frontal lobes in organic dementia.
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10. |
- Elmståhl, S., et al.
(author)
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The Malmö food study : The reproducibility of a novel diet history method and an extensive food frequency questionnaire
- 1996
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In: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. - 0954-3007. ; 50:3, s. 134-142
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To assess the reproducibility of two diet assessment methods, an extensive quantitative food frequency questionnaire (method A) and a novel shorter quantitative food frequency questionnaire with a 14 day food record (method B). Design: A randomized prospective cohort study. Setting: General community. Subjects: 241 residents of the town of Malmö, aged between 50-69 years, 126 men and 115 women who completed the methods one year apart. Methods: Both diet methods were designed to cover the whole diet and portion sizes were estimated using a booklet with 120 photographs; method A comprised 250 items and method B combined a two-week food record measuring lunch and dinner meals and a shorter 130 item quantitative food frequency questionnaire for average consumption of foods, snacks and beverages during the past year; Results: The percent difference between estimated energy intake one year apart were for men 10.7% for method A and 0.2% for method B, corresponding values for women 13.7% and 1.1%. Method B showed a good agreement between measurements for energy-providing nutrients, micronutrients and major food groups, i.e. meat products, edible fats, milk, fish, fruits and vegetables with correlation coefficients between 0.70-0.90 for women. The percent difference of average intake of edible fat was about 10%. Average energy-adjusted Pearson's correlation coefficients were of the order of 0.50-0.80 for most nutrients including 14 fatty acids. The correlation for the ratio between polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids were about 0.70 for men and 0.80 for women; Conclusion: A modified diet history method combining a food record and a food frequency questionnaire shows good reproducibiiity. Sponsorship: This study was granted by the Swedish Medical research Council (Grant K 84-19X-7010-1) and by the International Agency for Research on cancer (Collaborative research agreement DEB/85/43).
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11. |
- Johannsson, Gudmundur, 1960, et al.
(author)
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Growth hormone and the acquisition of bone mass.
- 1997
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In: Hormone research. - 0301-0163. ; 48 Suppl 5, s. 72-7
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Bone remodelling is a continuous, closely coupled process of bone resorption followed by bone formation. This process is regulated by factors and hormones which include GH, IGF-I and gonadal steroids. GH deficiency in childhood results in short stature and delayed bone maturation and a reduced peak bone mass might account for reduced BMC and BMD. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms for reduced bone mass in both childhood- and adult-onset GH deficiency are discussed. GH treatment effects on bone metabolism include increased remodelling, with increases in BMC, BMD and bone area. Increases in BMC and BMD are delayed while these changes are incorporated into the skeleton. BMC increases to a greater extent than BMD. At a cellular level, GH and IGF-I have direct and indirect effects on osteoblast and osteoclast precursors and fully differentiated cells. Osteoblasts possess both oestrogen and androgen receptors and bone loss accelerates with the loss of gonadal function. There are gender differences in GH effects on bone. BMD is related to fracture risk in the hip and lumbar spine in women. GH treatment might decrease fracture risk at a level comparable to oestrogen or bisphosphonate treatment. Patients with the lowest BMD prior to treatment derive the greatest benefit from GH therapy.
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12. |
- Edlund, A, et al.
(author)
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Clinical profile of delirium in patients treated for femoral neck fractures
- 1999
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In: Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. - : S. Karger AG. - 1420-8008 .- 1421-9824. ; 10:5, s. 325-329
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The incidence of delirium, its predisposing factors, clinical profile, associated symptoms and consequences were investigated in 54 consecutive patients, 19 men and 35 women, mean age 77.1 years, admitted to an 'ortho-geriatric unit' with femoral neck fractures. The incidence of postoperative delirium was 15/54 (27.8%) and a logistic regression model found that dementia and a prolonged waiting time for the operation increased the risk of postoperative delirium. Delirium during the night was most common but in 5 patients the delirium was worst in the morning. Patients with delirium suffered more anxiety, depressed mood, emotionalism, delusions and hallucinations. A larger proportion of patients with delirium could not return to their previous dwelling, and a larger proportion of delirious patients were either dead, wheelchair-bound or bedridden at the 6-month follow-up (p < 0.005). The conclusion is that delirium is common and has a serious impact on the outcome after hip fracture surgery.
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13. |
- Elmståhl, Sölve, et al.
(author)
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A 3-year follow-up of stroke patients : Relationships between activities of daily living and personality characteristics
- 1996
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In: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-4943. ; 22:3, s. 233-244
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The importance of some personality characteristics for improvement of activities of daily life (ADL) was studied in sixty-six stroke patients, initially admitted to geriatric rehabilitation (n = 37) or the department of medicine (n = 29), 3 years after stroke. Outcome measurements were activities of daily life and motor and mental functions assessed using the Activity Index (AI) by Hamrin and Wohlin. Neuroticism and extroversion were measured with the Eysenck Personality Inventory Scale. Preferred coping strategies were assessed from interviews on how the patients handle difficult events. Major improvements of ADL and motor functions were seen the first year after stroke. There was no major differences between patients admitted, either to geriatric rehabilitation or traditional medical wards regarding the outcome measurements except for better eating ability in the former group 3 years later. Subjects living alone showed deteriorated ADL functions after 3 years. Extrovert personality and active coping strategy predicted improved ADL functions. Multiple regression analyses with AI as the dependent variable proved active coping to predict functional outcome. In conclusion; increased knowledge about personality characteristics can improve possibilities for a more individual rehabilitation program.
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14. |
- Elmståhl, Sölve, et al.
(author)
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Behavioral disturbances and pharmacological treatment of patients with dementia in family caregiving : A 2-year follow-up
- 1998
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In: International Psychogeriatrics. - 1041-6102. ; 10:3, s. 239-252
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Behavioral disturbances are common in dementia. Polypharmacy due to progression of disease and fluctuation of symptoms among patients might increase risk of overtreatment and/or undertreatment. Drug prescription habits were studied in relationship to symptoms of dementia after relocation of patients to group-living care units (GC). Seventy-six demented patients (mean age 81 years) were assessed before, 12 months after, and 24 months after relocation to GC. Vascular dementia was found in 47%, Alzheimer's dementia in 46%, and other dementias in 7%. Medications, regular or as required, were recorded from medication lists. Repeated observations of symptoms like depressive mood and lack of vitality were made with validated scales. Eighty percent of the patients were prescribed drugs; 40% were given neuroleptics and 9% were given antidepressants. During the 2-year follow-up, polypharmacy increased; patients with five drugs or more increased from 15% to 35%; usage of neuroleptics or sedatives, as required, increased from 8% to 25%, p < .01. Depressive mood was noted in 86% after 2 years and 74% showed aggressiveness and anxiety, but only 12% of the patients with depressive symptoms were on antidepressants. Analgesics were prescribed to 26% of patients. In conclusion, a high proportion of patients with dementia had depressive mood and undertreatment of depressive disorder might be suspected. Polypharmacy increased during the 2-year follow-up; this finding calls for careful monitoring of adverse drug reactions, because of the deteriorating cognitive function of these patients.
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15. |
- Elmståhl, Sölve, et al.
(author)
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Bias in diet assessment methods - Consequences of collinearity and measurement errors on power and observed relative risks
- 1997
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In: International Journal of Epidemiology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0300-5771 .- 1464-3685. ; 26:5, s. 1071-1079
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. If several risk factors for disease are considered in a regression model and these factors are affected by measurement errors, the observed relative risk will be attenuated. In nutritional epidemiology, several nutrient variables show strong correlation, described as collinearity. The observed relative risk will then depend not only on the validity of the chosen diet assessment method but also on collinearity between variables in the model. Methods. The validity of different diet assessment methods are compared. The correlation coefficients between common nutrients and foods are given using data from the Malmo Food Study. Intake of nutrients and foods were assessed with a modified diet history method, combining a 2-week food record for beverages and lunch/dinner meals and a food frequency questionnaire for other foods. The study population comprised 165 men and women aged 50-65 years. A multivariate logistic regression model is used to illustrate the effect of collinearity on observed relative risk (RRo). Results. A moderate to high correlation between risk factors will substantially influence RRo even when using diet assessment methods with high validity. Methods with low validity might even give inverse RRo. Conclusion. It is stressed that caution must be exercised and only a selected number of variables should be included in the model, especially when they are highly intercorrelated, since RRo might be severely biased.
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16. |
- Elmståhl, Sölve, et al.
(author)
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Caregiver's burden of patients 3 years after stroke assessed by a novel caregiver burden scale
- 1996
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In: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. - 0003-9993 .- 1532-821X. ; 77:2, s. 177-182
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To assess burden of caregivers to stroke patients three year after a primary stroke and to test validity and reliability of a novel caregiver burden scale (CB scale). Design: A longitudinal community-based 3- year follow-up study of 35 consecutive primary stroke patients initially admitted to an Acute Medical Unit (mean age 82yr). The validity of the CB scale was studied in 150 patients (mean age 77yr):83 demented outpatients assessed for need of group living and 67 outpatients with stroke from a general geriatric day-care unit. Reliability was studied in another 23 outpatients (mean age 72yr) with stroke from the same unit. Methods: A 22- item CB scale for different types of caregiver burden and scales for neuroticism and extroversion (Eysenck Personality Inventory) and quality of life (11-item scale). Activities of daily life were assessed by a 6-item scale, initially and 3 years later. Outcome Measure: Reliability and validity of the CB scale. Improvements of activities of daily life of stroke patients. Results: Factor analyses of the CB scale gave five indices-general strain, isolation, disappointment, emotional involvement, and environment-having good kappa values, .89 to 1.00 and Cronbach's alpha, .70 to .87, except for environment. A higher burden was related to a closer relationship but not to the living situation. The highest caregiver burden was found among patients showing the greatest improvements of ADL, when divided into tertiles. The patient's degree of extroversion and quality of life were negatively correlated to caregiver burden, -.46 (p < .05) and .59 (p < .01). Conclusions: The CB scale proved to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess caregiver burden. To improve the caregiver situation, individual patient personality characteristics, like extroversion, feeling of quality of life, and progression of the disease, must be considered.
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17. |
- Elmståhl, Sölve, et al.
(author)
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Family caregiving in dementia : Prediction of caregiver burden 12 months after relocation to group-living care
- 1998
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In: International Psychogeriatrics. - 1041-6102. ; 10:2, s. 127-146
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The strain of caregiving associated with the care of demented persons living at home often continues after relocation, and group-living-care units (GL), designed for a small number of subjects, have been developed. The aim was to prospectively describe caregiver burden in relationship to symptoms of patients with dementia after relocation to GL. Sixty-four caregivers and 64 demented patients were assessed before, 6 months after, and 12 months after relocation. Thirty-six caregivers were children, 7 were spouses, and 21 were others. Validated scales were used for caregiver burden and dementia symptoms. Total burden of caregivers decreased after 12 months, but the degree of isolation was unchanged and feeling of disappointment increased significantly. The burden was not related to changes of activities of daily life or disorientation. Patients' lack of vitality at relocation independently predicted caregiver's burden 1 year later. Hallucinations and changes of symptoms during the first year were associated with less caregiver burden, probably due to greater detachment of the relationship. The caregiver burden remains 1 year after relocation and any support to the caregiver should consider patients' symptoms, especially lack of vitality.
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18. |
- Elmståhl, Sölve, et al.
(author)
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How should a group living unit for demented elderly be designed to decrease psychiatric symptoms?
- 1997
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In: Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0893-0341. ; 11:1, s. 47-52
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The main objectives were to study relationships between the design of group living (GL) units and psychiatric symptoms in demented patients before, 6 months after, and 1 year after admission to GL units. The study population comprised 105 demented elderly (83 ± 6 years), 37% with dementia of Alzheimer's type and 58% with vascular dementia. The patients were relocated by the municipal care planning team after clinical examination. An observational scale (the Organic Brain Syndrome scale) was used to assess confusional symptoms and disorientation. The physical environment was assessed by an architect using the Therapeutic Environment Screening Scale, which evaluates general design, space, lighting, noise, communication area, floor plan, and related factors. Less than 15% of the patients had no signs of dyspraxia, hallucinosis, dysphasia, or depression at admission, whereas 66% or more reported lack of vitality, aggressiveness, or restlessness. Fourteen out of 18 units had a corridor-like design (group A), one unit an L-shaped design (group B), and the others a square or H-shaped design (group C). Patients living in the B unit had less disorientation than the others at the 6-month follow-up. After 1 year, the patients in the A units had more dyspraxia, lack of vitality, and disorientation of identity. The communication areas in the units were negatively associated with 'disorientation for recent memory' and 'lack of vitality,' adjusted for type of dementia (r = -0.13 to -0.16). The size of the activity area, indoor public rooms in square meters, was not correlated to confusional reactions and disorientation. In conclusion, a GL unit design that facilitates perception without reducing the communication area is to be preferred.
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19. |
- Elmståhl, S., et al.
(author)
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Increased incidence of fractures in middle-aged and elderly men with low intakes of phosphorus and zinc
- 1998
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In: Osteoporosis International. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0937-941X .- 1433-2965. ; 8:4, s. 333-340
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the study was to determine dietary risk factors for fracture in men aged 46-68 years. Six thousand five hundred and seventy-six men were randomly invited using the Municipal Registry to a diet and health study. The diet was assessed using a combined 7-day menu book for hot meals, beverages and dietary supplements and a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for other foods. The fracture incidence was 103/10,000 person-years during a mean follow-up of 2.4 years. Zinc and phosphorus intake were associated with fracture risk and showed a threshold effect. The zinc intake in the lowest decentile, 10 mg daily, was associated with almost a doubled risk of fracture compared with the fourth and fifth quintiles (RR = 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 27-82) of zinc intake adjusted for energy, previous fractures, lifestyle factors and co-morbidity. Energy-adjusted phosporus intake in the lowest quintile, mean level 1357 mg, was associated with an increased fracture risk compared with subjects in the second quintile. Smoking, martial status and physical activity were independently associated with fracture risk. Calcium, retinol and vitamin D showed no associations with fracture risk. We conclude that inadequate intakes of zinc and phosporus are important risk factors for fracture.
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20. |
- Elmståhl, Sölve, et al.
(author)
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Malnutrition in geriatric patients : A neglected problem?
- 1997
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In: Journal of Advanced Nursing. - : Wiley. - 0309-2402 .- 1365-2648. ; 26:5, s. 851-855
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The nutrient intake in geriatric long-stay patients and the mortality risk associated with low energy intake were studied in 61 patients, 43 women and 18 men, with a mean age of 87 years, at a geriatric long-stay care hospital during a 6-month follow-up. Dietary intake was assessed with a 9-day dietary record. Energy expenditure was calculated assuming a physical activity level of 1.33 × basal metabolic rate (BMR), predicted from equations given by FAO/WHO. Mean energy intakes were 1557 kcal in men and 1280 kcal in women; 84% of the patients had an intake below estimated energy expenditure and 30% were below estimated BMR. Only 5% received dietary supplement. Eleven out of the 61 patients died during the follow-up and the deceased had lower energy intake than the others (1185 kcal vs 1401 kcal, P<0.05). An energy intake below median (1378 kcal) was associated with an age adjusted increased 6-month mortality risk, odds ratio 12.5. A high proportion of geriatric long-stay patients report dietary intake far below present recommendations and are thereby at risk for having/developing malnutrition. Improved surveillance of geriatric long-stay patients' dietary habits seems justified.
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21. |
- Elmståhl, Sölve, et al.
(author)
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Postural hypotension and EEG variables predict cognitive decline : Results from a 5-Year follow-up of healthy elderly women
- 1997
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In: Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. - : S. Karger AG. - 1420-8008 .- 1421-9824. ; 8:3, s. 180-187
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Quantified electroencephalographic activity (EEG) has been used to study normal ageing and dementia. Few studies have described longitudinal changes in the very old. A cognitive decline has been described in subjects with white-matter lesions and hypertension but the association with hypotension is unclear. Our aim was to study the predictive value of quantified EEG for the development of cognitive decline and associations with postural hypotension. Participants: Thirty-three healthy women aged 75–95 years, with no signs of cerebrovascular disease, dementia or acute illness at baseline examination took part in a longitudinal 5-year follow-up study. The women were recruited from a random selection using the Municipal Registry. Quantified EEG was assessed twice and recorded on a Siemens-Elema connected to a Biological Banker. The medical and neuropsychological examination was conducted twice. Dementia was classified according to DSM criteria. The assessment included Mini-Mental Scale Examination (MMSE), spatial and vocabulary tests. Blood pressure was measured in supine position and an orthostatic test was performed with continuous ECG recording. Seven women (cases) developed cognitive decline at the 5-year follow-up, defined as newly developed MMSE < 27 and dementia symptoms. Low beta activity at baseline predicted development of cognitive decline. The women who remained healthy at follow-up showed an increase of alpha and theta activity. The cases had a higher orthostatic blood pressure fall during tilting at baseline (16 mm Hg) than the controls (1 mm Hg, p < 0.01). The orthostatic reaction was correlated with increased levels of theta and alpha activity at follow-up (r = −0.47 to −0.52; p < 0.01). Low beta activity predicts for cognitive decline in the elderly and an orthostatic blood pressure reaction is a risk factor for cognitive decline.
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22. |
- Elmståhl, S., et al.
(author)
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The prevalence of anaemia and mineral supplement use in a Swedish middle-aged population. Results from the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study
- 1996
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In: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. - 0954-3007. ; 50:7, s. 450-455
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To describe dietary habits and use of mineral supplements in relation to nutrient recommendations and anaemia. Design: a population-based cohort study. Subjects: 2665 men and 3878 women, born between 1926 and 1945, randomly invited and participating in the prospective 'Malmo Diet and Cancer study' during 1991-1992. Methods: The diet was assessed using a combined 7-day menu book for hot meals, beverages and supplements and a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for other foods. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin ≤131 g/l for men and ≤115 g/l for women. Results: Intake of mineral supplements were reported by 19% of the men and 31% of the women. Less than 0.2% had intakes of iron and selenium above highest recommended Swedish long-term intakes. The percentage of women with intake below nutrient recommendations were: zinc and selenium (60%); magnesium (35%); calcium (21%) and iron (70%, premenopausal). The corresponding values for men were: zinc, selenium and magnesium (33-47%); calcium and iron (5%). The median contribution of calcium from supplements was less than 110 mg. Supplement users had higher intakes of fish, fruits, vegetables and tea and lower intakes of coffee and meat. The iron intake was correlated to haemoglobin levels, and iron supplementation constituted about 45% of the intake. Three per cent of premenopausal women had anaemia as did less than 2% of postmenopausal women. Conclusion: A substantial number had mineral intake below present recommendations despite supplement use. The nutrient content of some supplements could be improved, especially calcium. Iron supplementation among postmenopausal women and men are questionable.
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23. |
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24. |
- Hallengren, Bengt, et al.
(author)
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No increase in fracture incidence in patients treated for thyrotoxicosis in Malmo during 1970-74. A 20-year population-based follow-up
- 1999
-
In: Journal of Internal Medicine. - : Wiley. - 0954-6820 .- 1365-2796. ; 246:2, s. 139-144
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives. To study whether there is an increased fracture incidence following thyrotoxicosis. Design. A case-control study. Setting. Malmo University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden. Subjects: All patients (n = 333) from the population of Malmo who were treated for thyrotoxicosis for the first time during the 5-year period 1970-74. A total of 618 controls were selected from the local municipality registry in Malmo. For each case the aim was to randomly select two age- and gender-specific controls, alive in 1993 and born the same year and month as the case. Main outcome measures. Fracture incidence. Results. Comparing survivors, there were no differences in the percentage of individuals with fractures (all, fragility, non-fragility) between the patients and the controls. Comparing all individuals and including all fractures, the percentage of individuals with fractures in the entire female patient group (24.6%) was lower (P < 0.05) than in female controls (33.1%). There was a similar but non-significant pattern between male patients and controls. The mean number of all fractures was lower in male patients than in controls (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was noted between female patients and controls. For fragility fractures, there were no significant differences in the percentage of individuals with fractures or in the mean number of fractures between female or male patients and controls. Conclusion. In conclusion we found no increased incidence of fragility fractures in patients with previous thyrotoxicosis as compared with controls. Our results do not support the suggestion that screening for osteoporosis should be performed in patients with previous thyrotoxicosis.
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25. |
- Lexell, Jan
(author)
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Human aging, muscle mass, and fiber type composition
- 1995
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In: Journals of Gerontology. Series A: Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. - 1758-535X .- 1079-5006. ; 50, s. 11-16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To assess the age-related loss of muscle mass and to determine the mechanisms behind this aging atrophy, the muscle structure and fiber type composition have been estimated, using invasive and noninvasive techniques. Limb muscles from older men and women are 25-35% smaller and have significantly more fat and connective tissue than limb muscles from younger individuals. Comparisons of muscle biopsies from younger and older individuals reveal that type 2 (fast-twitch) fibers are smaller in the old, while the size of type 1 (slow-twitch) fibers is much less affected. Studies of whole muscle cross sections also show a significantly smaller number of muscle fibers, a significantly lower relative type 2 fiber area, and a significant increase in fiber type grouping with increasing age. These results indicate a gradual decrease in size/volume with advancing age, accompanied by a replacement by fat and connective tissue. This aging atrophy seems to be due to a reduction in both number and size of muscle fibers, mainly of type 2, and is to some extent caused by a slowly progressive neurogenic process.
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26. |
- Lindström, Britta, et al.
(author)
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Skeletal muscle fatigue and endurance in young and old men and women
- 1997
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In: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. - 1079-5006 .- 1758-535X. ; 52A:1, s. B59-B66
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effects of increasing age on skeletal muscle fatigue and endurance were assessed in 22 healthy young (14 men and 8 women; mean age, 28 +/- 6 years) and 16 healthy old (8 men and 8 women; mean age, 73 +/- 3 years) individuals. All subjects performed 100 repeated maximum dynamic knee extensions at 90 degrees.s-1 (1.57 rad.s-1) using an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex II). Peak torque was recorded during every contraction, and for each individual the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), the fatigue rate, the endurance level, and the relative reduction in muscle force were determined. MVC and endurance level were significantly lower in old men and women, but there was no discernible difference in relative muscle force reduction and fatigue rate between young and old individuals. We conclude that thigh muscles of older individuals are weaker than those of younger individuals, but relative to their strength, older individuals have similar properties as younger individuals with respect to muscle fatigue and endurance.
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27. |
- Lundström, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Reorganization of nursing and medical care to reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium and improve rehabilitation outcome in elderly patients treated for femoral neck fractures
- 1999
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - : Wiley. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 13:3, s. 193-200
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a nursing and medical intervention programme for the prevention and treatment of delirium in elderly patients treated for femoral neck fractures. Forty-nine patients consecutively admitted to an orthogeriatric rehabilitation unit in a county hospital in northern Sweden were compared with historical cohorts of corresponding patients in the same and other hospitals. There was a total reorganization of nursing and medical care of patients with femoral neck fractures. The intervention programme consisted of staff education, co-operation between orthopaedic surgeons and geriatricians, individual care and planning of rehabilitation, improved ward environment, active nutrition, improved continuity of care and prevention and treatment of complications associated with delirium. The main result of the study was that the incidence of delirium was significantly lower than in all previously published studies. The incidence of other postoperative complications was also lower, and a larger proportion of the patients regained independent walking ability and could return to their previous living conditions on discharge. It can be concluded that the intervention programme reduced the incidence and duration of delirium and improved functional outcome for elderly patients treated for femoral neck fractures.
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28. |
- Nilsson, Evalill, et al.
(author)
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Preparation of artificial ceroid/lipofuscin by UV-oxidation of subcellular particles
- 1997
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In: Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. - : Elsevier. - 0047-6374 .- 1872-6216. ; 99:1, s. 61-78
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent studies have consistently shown that, during oxidative damage, glycation, and other oxygen stress-related reactions, various biomolecules are converted into ceroid- and lipofuscin-like fluorescent pigments. In this study, artificial ceroid/lipofuscin was produced by exposing rat liver fractions to UV-light overnight. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were formed in increasing amounts during the early stages of the process, but decreased as the material was later converted into a polymeric structure with few remaining peroxides. In the transmission electron microscope the artificial pigment showed lamellar structures and was osmiophilic. By energy-dispersive X-ray analysis the material was found to contain Ca and Fe in the same way as natural ceroid/lipofuscin. Moreover, it exhibited ceroid/lipofuscin-like, greenish-yellowish autofluorescence when assayed by microfluorometry, with a fluorescence maximum consistently found at 430 nm when excited at 350 nm. Identical fluorescence maxima were found for each fraction of rat liver that was used as the origin of the pigments, i.e. nuclei, mitochondria, lysosomes and microsomes. Extracts with either chloroform-methanol, or sodium dodecylsulphate, showed identical complex fluorescence. When the pigments were extracted by chloroform-methanol, five fluorescent bands were obtained after thin-layer chromatographic separation. Fibroblasts were found to endocytose the material, a process that converted them into lipofuscin-loaded cells of an aged phenotype as observed by light and electron microscopy. Similar fluorescence emission spectra were obtained from cells grown at 40% O2, in order to stimulate endogenous lipofuscin-formation, and from cells exposed to artificial ceroid/lipofuscin. The described technique for creating artificial ceroid/lipofuscin is relatively easy to perform and should provide a useful new tool to study the possible influences of ceroid/lipofuscin on lysosomal and cellular functions.
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29. |
- Nägga, Katarina, 1962-, et al.
(author)
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Associated physical disease in a demented population
- 1998
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In: Aging (Milan, Italy). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0394-9532. ; 10:6, s. 440-4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Clinical experience indicates that physical diseases are probably underdiagnosed in patients suffering from dementia. We investigated the prevalence of physical diseases in patients with different types of dementia by means of a retrospective patient record survey including 236 inpatients and outpatients referred for dementia evaluation to the Dementia Investigation Unit, University Hospital in Linköping during 1994. Forty-four patients had dementia of the Alzheimer type, 78 had vascular dementia, 28 had dementia due to multiple etiologies, 42 were not demented, and 44 patients could not be classified by the DSM IV criteria. The physical diseases were registered as separate diagnoses comprising all newly-diagnosed physical diseases and previously known diseases that had exacerbated and contributed to the medical contact. Sixty-four percent of the patients had previously unknown physical diseases and/or exacerbation of previously known diseases. The most common physical conditions were cobalamin deficiency and infectious diseases, which occurred in 27% and 24% of the patients, respectively. There was no difference in the number or kinds of diagnoses between the diagnostic groups. Associated physical diseases were underdiagnosed in patients referred for dementia evaluation. We suggest that thorough medical investigation and adequate treatment are of importance in the management of dementia.
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30. |
- Ringsberg, K A, et al.
(author)
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Balance and gait performance in an urban and a rural population
- 1998
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In: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. - 0002-8614. ; 46:1, s. 65-70
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in standing balance and gait performance between two populations, correlated with age and physical activities of daily living. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: Malmo, the third largest city in Sweden, and Sjobo, a typical agricultural community 60 km east of Malmo. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 570 men and women from the urban community (urban) and 391 from the rural community (rural), born in 1938, 1928, 1918, and 1908, and women born in 1948. The two cohorts were subdivided into true urbans, who had lived only in the city (n = 269), and true rurals, who had never lived in a city (n = 354). MEASUREMENTS: Information about workload, housing, spare time activities, medication, and illness during different decades of life was gathered using two questionnaires. The first questionnaire was sent to the home after agreement to participate, and the second was presented at the test session. The clinical measurements were standing balance, gait speed, and step length. RESULTS: The urban subjects had significantly (P < .001) impaired balance compared with rural subjects. This difference increased with increasing age. The urban subjects walked faster than the rural subjects (P < .001), and the urban subjects used fewer steps than their rural counterparts (P < .001). Spare time activities had a significant influence on the above tests, but, except for gait velocity (P = .011), workload was of minor importance according to analysis of covariance. CONCLUSION: Background factors such as usual daily activities of living and lifestyle seem to be of importance when evaluating and comparing different populations with respect to their balance and gait performance.
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31. |
- Sidenvall, Birgitta, et al.
(author)
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Elderly patients' meal patterns : A retrospective study
- 1996
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In: Journal of human nutrition and dietetics (Print). - 0952-3871 .- 1365-277X. ; 9:4, s. 263-272
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to examine possible causes of malnutrition in geriatric patients on admission to hospital by evaluation and comparison of their meal pattern between periods of working, retirement and hospitalization, respectively. Forty-five consecutive patients aged 60 years or older participated. By use of modified dietary history interviews, a retrospective assessment of food intake was carried out. A qualitative system for meal classification was then applied. In the retirement period there was a strong reduction in daily eating frequency when compared to working and hospital periods. Thus, the daily intake and also distribution of energy and nutrients seem to be reduced during retirement, which might lead to nutritional deficiency.
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32. |
- Siennicki-Lantz, Arkadiusz, et al.
(author)
-
Cerebral blood flow in white matter is correlated with systolic blood pressure and EEG in senile dementia of the Alzheimer type
- 1998
-
In: Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. - : S. Karger AG. - 1420-8008 .- 1421-9824. ; 9:1, s. 29-38
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The presence and functional significance of white matter lesions in the ageing brain and in dementia as well as their relation to blood pressure are often discussed. The aim of this study was to evaluate cerebral blood flow in white matter (WMCBF) and its relation to systemic blood pressure and multichannel EEG. WMCBF was measured in 24 elderly women with senile dementia of Alzheimer's type (SDAT, median age 85.5, range 68-93) and 20 age-matched controls (median age 86.0, range 79-93) using 99mTc-HMPAO single photon emission CT. A significant low WMCBF could be observed in all analysed regions in SDAT subjects compared to controls, with the greatest decline in the posterior region (parietotemporo-occipital area). Correlations between quantified EEG from the posterior regions and WMCBF were seen. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the SDAT group and was positively correlated with WMCBF in the posterior and anterior brain regions. Whether low systemic blood pressure is the result of cerebral dysfunction is unclear.
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33. |
- Siennicki-Lantz, Arkadiusz, et al.
(author)
-
How to interpret differing cerebral blood flow patterns estimated with 99tcm-hmpao and 99tcm-ecd spet in a healthy population
- 1999
-
In: Nuclear Medicine Communications. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0143-3636. ; 20:3, s. 219-226
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Two radiopharmaceuticals, 99Tcm-hexamethyl propylene amine oxime (99Tcm-HMPAO) and 99Tcm-ethyl cysteinate dimer (99Tcm-ECD), are currently used to determine cerebral blood flow. 99Tcm-ECD is, by virtue of its greater stability, superceding 99Tcm-HMPAO for routine examinations. Since the clinical assessment of 99Tcm-ECD images is usually based on experience with 99Tcm-HMPAO, we used both radiopharmaceuticals to compare regional cerebral blood flow in the same individuals. Eleven healthy subjects aged 67.1 ± 6.3 years (mean ± S.D.) underwent 99Tcm-ECD followed by 99Tcm-HMPAO single photon emission tomography. Cerebral blood flow was quantified in cortical and central regions of interest (basal ganglia, ventricles, white matter) in relation to cerebellar uptake. The intra-subject comparison of cerebral blood flow in the cortical areas revealed higher levels of perfusion in the posterior parietal, parieto-occipital and temporo-occipital areas using 99Tcm-ECD. In contrast to the cortical areas, cerebral blood flow in the central areas was greater using 99Tcm-HMPAO, especially in the centrum semiovale, basal ganglia, frontal white matter and frontal horns. This difference in cerebral blood flow when imaging healthy individuals with 99Tcm-ECD and 99Tcm-HMPAO should be taken into account in clinical practice when changing from one radiopharmaceutical to the other.
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34. |
- Siennicki-Lantz, A., et al.
(author)
-
Orthostatic hypotension in Alzheimer's disease : Result or cause of brain dysfunction?
- 1999
-
In: Aging clinical and experimental research. - 0394-9532. ; 11:3, s. 155-160
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In Alzheimer's disease (AD), an association was found between autonomic dysfunction and frontal hypoperfusion in brain during orthostatic testing. To ascertain whether frontal hypoperfusion is dependent on longitudinal effects of hemodynamic disturbances, or contributes to them, we studied the relationship between the presence of orthostatic hypotension (OH) and resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) in late stages of AD. Twelve women with senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT), and 15 non-demented women (mean age 82.6 years, SD 3.8 vs 81.8 years, SD 3.5) were examined with the orthostatic test. Four of 12 patients with SDAT, and 9 controls had OH (defined as systolic blood pressure fall ≥ 20 mmHg). CBF was determined under resting conditions using 600 Mbq 99mTc HMPAO single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT), and quantified in cortical areas in relation to cerebellum. In patients with SDAT and OH, CBF was lower in frontal and parieto-frontal cortical areas than in SDAT patients without OH. The former group was younger and had a shorter dementia duration. No significant differences in CBF were observed between controls with vs without OH. No differences in SDAT patients with or without OH were observed in the Berger dementia scale or Katz' ADL index. No difference in incidence of symptoms related to autonomic disturbances (diarrhea, obstipation, dysphagia, vertigo) was observed in either the SDAT or control group with regard to OH presence. We conclude that during the course of AD, OH can contribute to frontal brain changes and may exacerbate the disease. The further involvement of frontal dysfunction in aggravating blood pressure dysregulation in the elderly is discussed.
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35. |
- Sjogren, M, et al.
(author)
-
Decreased monoamine metabolites in frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- 1998
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In: Neurobiology of Aging. - 1558-1497. ; 19:5, s. 379-384
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The concentrations of the monoamine metabolites homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (HMPG) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with clinical frontotemporal dementia (FTD; n = 30), early onset Alzheimer's disease (EAD; n = 33), late onset Alzheimer's disease (LAD, n = 27) and normal controls (n = 31) were determined using HPLC. ANCOVA showed no significant effect of neuroleptic medication, extrapyramidal signs, myoclonia or gender on the CSF levels of the monoamine metabolites. Homovanillic acid was significantly reduced in all diagnostic groups (FTD, p = 0.0002; EAD, p = 0.016; LAD, p = 0.013). 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid was significantly reduced in EAD (p = 0.013) and in LAD (p = 0.0014), and HMPG was reduced in LAD only (p = 0.020). HMPG was significantly higher in FTD compared to EAD (p = 0.0005) and LAD (p = 0.0003). CSF-5-HIAA was significantly reduced in patients with antidepressant medication (p = 0.006). ANCOVA within the FTD group showed no significant effect of neuroleptic or antidepressant medication, extrapyramidal signs, myoclonia, gender or FTD subtype on the CSF levels of the monoamine metabolites. The results suggest that CSF-HMPG might differentiate FTD from EAD and LAD, but not from normals.
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36. |
- Sjöbeck, Martin, et al.
(author)
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Neuronal loss in the brainstem and cerebellum--part of the normal aging process? A morphometric study of the vermis cerebelli and inferior olivary nucleus
- 1999
-
In: Journals of Gerontology. Series A: Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences. - 1758-535X. ; 54:9, s. 363-368
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Based on the known age-related loss of Purkinje cells (PC) in the cerebellum, this study focuses on whether a marked loss of PC occurs in individuals of very high age. The inferior olive, which is intimately connected with the cerebellum anatomically as well as functionally, was also studied. The study group included 15 nondemented and basically healthy cases aged 32-104 years. Linear neuronal density was expressed as number of PC per millimeter tissue measured in the vermis and as neuronal numbers per square millimeter tissue in the inferior olive. The linear PC density clearly decreased with increasing age, R2 = 0.82 and p < .001. The inferior olive showed a small but insignificant age-related neuronal loss. We conclude that aging results in reduced PC density in the vermis cerebelli, further accentuated in the very late stages of life.
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