No abstract

Subjective memory complaint (SMC) is common among elderly people, and is thought to be part of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We evaluated whether impaired digit span (IDS) in older people with SMC can predict wider impairment in future neuropsychological tests that correspond to MCI. After a mean of 6.6 years from the initial assessment, we reevaluated 16 subjects with SMC and normal digit span (NDS) scores (mean age 57.6 ± 8.1 years) and 28 subjects with SMC and IDS scores (mean age 59.7 ± 9.9 years). The IDS group showed wider cognitive decline in tests of short-term verbal memory and category verbal fluency compared to the NDS group. IDS scores indicate an earlier step for conversion of SMC to MCI.

Family-focused therapy (FFT) is a 9-month, 21-session structured psychoeducational treatment for bipolar disorder. Several US-based studies have documented its efficacy as adjunctive to medication for depression stabilization and relapse prevention. However, FFT has never been applied outside of the United States. The objective of this case series is to explore the applicability of FFT in a non-Western culture. Ten patients with bipolar disorder and their family members attended the 9-month FFT as adjunctive to pharmacotherapy in an outpatient specialty clinic in Izmir, Turkey. Patients improved in Global Assessment of Functioning Scores and Clinical Global Impression Scores from pre- to posttreatment. Case studies are given, which illustrate the differences between Western and non-Western families coping with bipolar disorder. FFT was easily applied to a Turkish sample with few changes in format or focus. Adaptations included substitution of oral for written therapeutic tasks or homework assignments. Randomized controlled trials are needed to test the clinical effectiveness of FFT and other psychosocial interventions in non-Western cultures.

Acinetobacter lwoffii, a nonfermentative gram-negative aerobic bacillus, which presents in the normal flora of the oropharynx and skin, has recently been reported as a cause of human infection. Herein, the authors present a case report of peritonitis related to automated peritoneal dialysis caused by A. lwoffii.

Regular aerobic exercise improves aerobic capacity and increases brain blood flow and oxygenation. Exercise also stimulates the reticular activating system and leads to a centrally excited state thereby makes the brain active and alert. In the present study, an aerobic exercise program consisting of submaximal level calisthenic exercises was devised for relatively healthy women between 60 and 80 years old, attending a solidarity center for the aged for daily activities. The effects of exercise on aerobic fitness, and the correlations between aerobic capacities, pulmonary functions and cognition were evaluated. Following a general health examination, 45 female volunteers fulfilling the international criteria of exercising standards for the aged were included in the program. The rhythmic and entertaining calisthenic exercises were performed by the older women for four months, three days a week, 40 or 50 minutes a day. Tests for aerobic capacities, pulmonary functions, and some neuropsychologic performances were carried out during the sedentary period and after the exercise program. The results revealed significant improvements in aerobic capacity, pulmonary functions, and some of the cognitive functions after the 4-month exercise program. We found strong relationships between aerobic capacities and cognitive functioning. Overall, the subjects expressed their happiness and well being on every occasion, during and after the exercise program.