Obesity is one of the factors associated with cognitive impairment. However, obesity may differently affect cognitive function in different age groups, and scarce data are available from low- and middle-income countries. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the association between obesity and cognitive impairment among 143 elderly individuals in Yogyakarta. We recorded the sociodemographic factors and some comorbidities, also measured the body mass index as a parameter of obesity, cognitive function using Montreal Cognitive Assessment—Indonesia, mood condition and depression status using geriatric depression scale-short form, as well as the daily life function using Activity of Daily Living and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living. After adjustment for the sociodemographic and comorbidities, we found that subjects with older age were more likely to have cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR] 3.544, 95%CI: 1.36–9.22, p < 0.01) and compared with elderly individuals with normal weight, obese elderly individuals were 40% less likely to have cognitive impairment (OR 0.604, 95%CI: 0.39–0.95, p < 0.05). This study suggests that obesity in elderly individuals is less frequently associated with cognitive impairment. These findings support the reverse causation mechanism related to body mass index (BMI) and cognitive impairment in low/middle-income countries.

Background Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and infarct volume detected by brain imaging have been associated with stroke outcome. However, the relationship of these two variables with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between acute serum VEGF levels and infarct volume with PSCI in ischemic stroke patients.

People with dementia (PWD) may exhibit symptoms that negatively affect their relationships with their families or friends which could cause social strain. The Negative Relationship Quality (NRQ) questionnaire can be used to measure social strain in PWD. There has never been an Indonesian adaptation of the NRQ. This preliminary study aimed to measure the validity and reliability of the NRQ among PWD in Indonesia (NRQ-INA). This study used a cross-sectional design. Forward–backward translation methods were conducted first. Pearson’s correlation and factor analysis were employed for the validity test. Cronbach’s alpha and test–retest were used to determine reliability. The NRQ-INA has four parallel items related to social strain that are divided into three subscales and asked to spouse/partner, family members, and friends, leading to a total of 12 questions. The results of validity testing from 60 respondents showed that all items in the NRQ-INA were strongly valid with correlation coefficients (r) of >0.8 (p < 0.01). Factor analysis showed a convergence with the variance explained of more than 50% for all items in each subscale, which also indicated that NRQ-INA had acceptable construct validity to measure social strain. Cronbach’s alpha values (α) were 0.926, 0.942, and 0.938 for the subscales of spouse, friends, and family members, respectively. The correlations of test–retest reliability for all items were >0.7 (p < 0.01), demonstrating a reliable NRQ-INA measurement. In conclusion, NRQ-INA had a good validity and reliability to measure social strain in PWD. Further study of the concurrent validity among PWD is still needed.

Background: Reduced level of serum BDNF in acute stroke patients is associated with poor outcomes. We aimed to identify the role of serum BDNF level as a predictor for post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Methods: This was a prospective study. We recruited acute ischemic stroke patients in Dr. Sardjito General Hospital Yogyakarta, Indonesia followed them up for 90 days (3 months). Serum BDNF was collected at day 5 and day 30 of stroke onset and measured by ELISA. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to measure the cognitive function at 90 days of follow up. ROC curve was conducted to measure the cut-off point of the BDNF level. Factors independently associated with PSCI were analyzed by using stepwise regression. Results: Among 89 patients recruited, 60 patients (67.41%) developed PSCI. The mean age of PSCI and non-PSCI patients was 62.7 ± 9.5 and 57.5 ± 8.7, respectively (p = 0.01). Patients with dyslipidemia were less likely to develop PSCI (OR 0.19, 95%CI 0.06–0.56, p < 0.05). In addition, patients with day 5-serum BDNF level < 23.29 ng/mL were five times more likely to develop PSCI compared with their counterparts (OR 5.02, 95%CI 1.67–15.04, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Among acute ischemic stroke patients, those with serum BDNF <23.29 ng/mL had a higher risk of developing PSCI, while those with dyslipidemia had a lower risk of PSCI. This study suggests that BDNF could be a predictor of PSCI, allowing for earlier detection and better preventive strategies.