bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GFAP mRNA fluctuates in synchrony with chronic relapsing EAE symptoms in SJL/J mice
Authors: Kothavale Avinash , Di Gregorio David , Paul Somera F. , Smith Marion E. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractActivation of astrocytes and hypertrophy of their processes is a result of a number of pathological conditions in the central nervous system. Astrocytic gliosis is especially prominent in multiple sclerosis (MS), where astrocytic fibers form a dense matrix around demyelinated axons. Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), a laboratory model for MS, is also accompanied by astrocytic hyperactivity. We have previously shown the formation of plaque‐like structures which stain heavily for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the brains and spinal cords of SJL/J mice after several episodes of chronic relapsing EAE (Smith and Eng: J Neurosci Res 18:203, 1987). To further investigate the mechanisms of this phenomenon, we have measured the levels of mRNA for GFAP throughout the course of three episodes and recoveries of EAE in the SJL/J mouse. Mice were immunized with spinal cord homogenate and subsequently developed EAE. After recovery they were again immunized at appropriate intervals, resulting in successive episodes of EAE, with partial or complete recovery between the paralytic stages. At appropriate times in the course of the different stages of EAE, spinal cords were dissected and RNA was prepared from each spinal cord. RNA Was analyzed by Northern blots to determine the levels of mRNA for GFAP and, as a control, for the 70 kDa neurofilament (NF‐L). With the onset of the first EAE episode GFAP mRNA in spinal cords from animals with mild symptoms increased to sixfold the control level (P < 0.02) and to 20‐fold in those with paralysis (P < 0.01). With recovery, the GFAP mRNA level decreased to twice the control. With each subsequent episodes, a chronic but stable neurological deficit was established, with GFAP mRNA at about eightfold the control levels (P < 0.01). Over the course of several episodes, the GFAP rose to about 2.8 times the control, while vimentin increased by a factor of 3.6. Thus multiple episodes of EAE resulted in upregulation of GFAP mRNA and accumulation of GFAP, which are associated with astrocyte activation and hypertrophy. Similar events may occur in the human demyelinative disease MS, where multiple episodes of inflammatory cell invasion occur, resulting in a neurological deficit. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in olfactory test performance between normal aged, Alzheimer and vascular type dementia individuals
Authors: Knupfer Lutz , Spiegel René 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA comparison was made between 3 groups of elderly subjects — normal controls aged 69–79 years, patients with vascular dementia aged 64–84 years and patients with probable senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT) aged 70–90 years — by means of several tests of olfactory functions. Significant group differences were found at all levels assessed — olfactory thresholds, smell recognition, smell identification, naming of smells — with the normal aged performing best and the SDAT group scoring lowest throughout. The differences were most pronounced with regard to smell recognition and smell identification where minimal or no overlap at all between controls and SDAT patients was found. Differences in age and severity of dementia did not fully account for the findings, suggesting that differential diagnosis of Alzheimer ‐ type dementia could be facilitated and improved by the use of olfactory tasks. Neurophysiological and ‐ pathological findings support a close association or even identity of brain structures involved in olfaction and affected in Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamin B12 absorption in psychogeriatric patients
Authors: Burns Alistair , Gillett Don S. , Jacoby Robin , Mibashan Reuben S. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe ability to absorb protein‐bound vitamin B12 was assessed in six elderly psychiatric patients who had low serum levels of the vitamin but normal Schilling tests. Three of the six had abnormal protein‐bound vitamin B12 absorption, suggesting that malabsorption may play a part in the genesis of subnormal serum levels although conventional testing may not show it. The therapeutic implications are discussed.
Dexamethasone suppression test in dementia
Authors: Abou‐Saleh M. T. , Spalding E. M. , Kellett J. M. , Coppen A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe performance of the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) was investigated in 60 demented patients including 14 patients admitted to a psychogeriatric assessment ward, 29 electively admitted patients and 17 long‐stay patients in comparison with 37 normal control subjects. It was shown that acutely admitted patients had the highest rate of DST non‐suppression (86%), whilst electively admitted patients had the lowest rate (55%) in comparison with normal controls (11%). In the electively admitted group abnormal DST results and Cortisol Suppression Index and DST non‐suppressors showed depressive signs more frequently than suppressors. There was no association between DST results and age, weight, cognitive, behavioural, cortical dysfunction and degree of cerebral atrophy as determined by CT scan results.
Haloperidol‐induced hypoglycaemia in diabetic patients with organic brain disease: Normalization by bromocriptine
Authors: Fäldt R. , Minthon L. , Dalfelt G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSpontaneous hypoglycaemia was related to treatment with a commonly used neuroleptic drug (haloperidol) in two diabetic patients with organic brain disease. Hypoglycaemia disappeared when the drug was replaced by a dopamine agonist (bromocriptine). Impaired secretion of growth hormone (GH) was demonstrated in both of the patients during haloperidol medication, or a short time thereafter, and a normalized GH response was found when the patients were treated with bromocriptine. Cerebral ventricular dilatation and subnormal cerebral perfusion were demonstrated in both and a partially empty sella in one of the patients. Organic brain disease and possibly additional endocrine abnormalities might have contributed to hypoglycaemia in our patients. The significance of dopamine‐related neuroendocrine reactions and of GH in counteracting hypoglycaemic stimuli is discussed.
Assessing social support and satisfaction in the elderly: Development of a brief assessment instrument, the index of social support
Authors: James Owen , Davies Ann D. M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe construction and validation of a brief instrument for assessing social support in the elderly is described. The Index of Social Support (ISS) has nine items and provides separate measures of a person's perceived availability of support and his or her satisfaction with it. The two scales are shown to have high internal consistencies (coefficient alphas of 0.84 and 0.81) and the score totals discriminated significantly between non‐depressed elderly people and elderly people who had suffered a recent onset of depression. Principal components analysis showed that the perceived availability of support subscale provides a single factor accounting for 41% of the variance. Item analysis suggested that perceived availability of friends and good neighbours discriminated better between non‐depressed and depressed subjects than items based on feelings of family belongingness or having available someone with whom one could talk frankly.
Progressive supranuclear palsy: A cause of subcortical dementia
Authors: Rea Shelagh Mary , Patterson Diana G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA case of progressive supranuclear palsy in a 69‐year‐old female is reported. Initially the patient presented to the pscyhiatric services with prominent paranoid delusions. Later, when dementia became more evident, neurological examination revealed typical features of progressive supranuclear palsy, including complete failure of upward gaze, facial bradykinesia, slow gait and bilateral cogwheel rigidity. During hospitalization, the patient's condition improved and she was discharged to an ordinary residential home for the elderly.This unusual presentation of dementia demonstrates, once again, the importance of a full neurological examination in all cases of dementia.
Age, clinical features and prognosis in S.D.A.T.
Authors: Christie Alex. B. , Wood Eric R. M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTwo groups of patients suffering from Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (S.D.A.T.) have been studied from first referral till death in hospital. The point of separation between the two groups was age — the younger group were aged 65–74 at the time of terminal admission and the older over 85.The variables studied were history of illness prior to referral, assessment on the Crichton Royal Behavioural Rating Scale at the time of terminal admission, duration of illness and duration of hospital stay. The last two factors were measured both in absolute terms and as features relative to life expectancy.The history proved unhelpful in identifying features capable of separating the two groups. Although in absolute terms the younger group survived longer, both from onset of illness and admission, in relative terms these patients fared considerably worse.The possibility that S.D.A.T. in the very elderly runs a more benign course is discussed.
Benzodiazepine usage amongst the elderly: Findings of the liverpool community survey
Authors: Sullivan C. F. , Copeland J. R. M. , Dewey M. E. , Davidson I. A. , McWilliam C. , Saunders P. , Sharma V. K. , Voruganti L. N. P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe use of benzodiazepines by a randomly selected community‐based sample of Liverpudlians aged 65 and over is reported. No significant change in usage between the two study periods 1982–83 and 1985–86 was found, in contrast to nationwide trends indicated by prescription audits. There was an excess of consumption by women, a high proportion of users who could be classified as long‐term users and an enduring popularity of long‐acting drugs.
Depressive symptoms and signs that differentiate major and atypical depression from dysthymic disorder in elderly finns
Authors: Kivelä Sirkka‐Liisa , Pahkala Kimmo , Eronen Ari 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSymptoms and signs that in terms of severity differentiate major and atypical depression from dysthymic disorder were investigated in depressed Finns aged 60 years or over. The overall symptomatology of major depression was not significantly more severe than that of dysthymic disorder, although some symptoms, viz. sadness, paranoid symptoms, loss of interest in work and activities, loss of weight and depersonalization, were more severe in major depressive patients than in dysthymic patients. The overall symptomatology of atypical depression was less severe than that of dysthymic disorder. Sadness, psychic anxiety, loss of interest in work and activities, somatic anxiety, general somatic symptoms, strength of diurnal variation of symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms and suicidal ideas were less severe in atypical depressive patients than in dysthymic patients but loss of insight was more severe in atypical depressive patients. Of objective signs, loss of weight was more common in major depressive patients than in dysthymic patients. Sad expression and crying were less common in atypical depressive patients than in dysthymic patients.
Who needs psychogeriatric continuing care?
Authors: Lam Dominic , Sewell Matthew , Bell Gary , Katona Cornelius 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA survey of the degree of mental impairment, physical disability and behavioural problems was undertaken in residents in psychogeriatric continuing care beds at Friern Hospital (n=96) and Islington Local Authority old people's homes (OPHs) (n = 104). High levels of dependency were identified, particularly in those subjects with a clinical diagnosis of dementia, who constituted 80% of the hospital sample and 43% in OPHs. Precipitants of admission differed between the hospital and OPH groups (incontinence, aggression and wandering vs poor self‐care and living alone), both for the total sample and for those subjects with a clinical diagnosis of dementia. Subjects with dementia in the two settings, however, showed similarly high levels of dependency and behavioural problems. The implications of these findings for planned local reprovision of continuing psychogeriatric care and for the future development of local authority residential care are discussed.
Clinical assessment of psychiatric consultations in a medical long‐term care facility: Interrater reliability for DSM‐III diagnostic groups
Authors: Foster Jeffrey R. , Rubenstein Karen S. , Welkowitz Joan , Boksay Istvan , Seeland Irene 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe reliability of the DSM‐III diagnostic system was assessed in a medical long‐term care facility population that was recently seen in psychiatric consultation. Six standard rating scales were used to determine interrater agreement for perceiving psychopathology prior to selecting diagnoses. The findings were that six major diagnostic groups could be accurately distinguished from one another: no disorder; organic mental disorders; affective disorders; paranoid disorders; schizophrenia and psychotic disorders not elsewhere classified; and a mixed group of other diagnoses that occurred in low frequency in this study population. The interrater reliability (kappa = 0.64–0.70) was comparable to that found in the general psychiatric population.
The elderly in long‐term care: 1 — prevalence of dementia and levels of dependency
Authors: Donnelly C. M. , Compton S. A. , Devaney N. , Kirk S. , McGuigan M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractOne thousand and twenty‐three subjects in four different types of statutory accommodation were surveyed during a two‐week period using the Survey version of the Clifton Assessment Procedure for the Elderly. The types of accommodation were conventional residential accommodation (CRA), elderly mentally infirm homes (EMI), geriatric wards (GER), and psychogeriatric wards (PG), all within a specific geographic area. The survey was undertaken to determine prevaalence of dementia and levels of dependency in different types of unit and to ascertain if there were significant differences between them. There was a high level of both dementia and dependency in all four types of unit, but significant differences were demonstrated between different types of unit.
Delirium in the elderly: A review and a suggestion for a research programme
Authors: Macdonald Alastair J. D. , Simpson Avice , Jenkins Deborah 
Published: December 2004

AbstractDelirium in the elderly attracts sporadic attention in the literature yet constitutes a major challenge to health services, complicating many illnesses and procedures in elderly patients, associated with high rates of mortality, cutting across disciplinary boundaries and posing theoretical difficulties for the organic/functional distinction that pervades medicine. In this review the importance of delirium in the elderly is emphasized, drawing attention to the suffering caused to the patient and the excess mortality. Problems of nomenclature (why use one word when three will do?) are discussed, the conclusion being that the oldest term is probably the best, provided that the concept of a ‘syndrome’ is preserved. Difficulties in research assessment are identified, and aetiology and the relationship of the delirium syndrome to dementia syndromes are discussed. Deficiencies in past approaches to management are identified and a definition of delirium is suggested. Finally, a proposal for a research programme is outlined.
Postoperative confusion in the elderly
Authors: Whitaker J. J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWith advancing age, postoperative confusion is an increasingly important problem. Its aetiology is complex and multifactorial and includes surgical factors, anaesthetic factors, preexisting medical, psychiatric or psychological problems and postoperative complications. It often prolongs hospital stay and although mental function recovers in the majority of cases, it may be followed by permanent mental impairment. Postoperative confusion may interfere with the management of the original surgical problem and it occurs in a setting where interest and expertise in its management are low. There is scope for improved recognition, treatment and prevention of postoperative confusion. More work needs to be done to evaluate the effect of surgery and anaesthesia on mental function, especially in the very elderly.
A trial of vitamin supplementation in senile dementia
Authors: Burns Alistair , Marsh Andrew , Bender David A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe effect of supplements of vitamins B‐1, B‐2, niacin, B‐6 and C has been assessed in a randomized double‐blind trial in 15 hospitalized elderly patients suffering from senile dementia. Supplementation did not prevent an increase in either cognitive impairment or behavioural disturbance. However, it did result in weight gain over a six‐week period. Hospitalized demented patients generally suffer significant weight loss, which increases with the duration of hospitalization. Vitamin supplementation may therefore protect against physical deterioration and the development of cachexia.
Drug treatments for cognitive impairment due to ageing and disease: Current and future strategies
Authors: Dowson Jonathan H. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAs the pathological changes in Alzheimer dementia include degeneration of cholinergic neurones, several strategies have been used to enhance the activity of remaining cholinergic neurones, including the administration of anticholinesterases. Other drugs which have been claimed to have a beneficial effect on cognitive impairment in the aged and in various diseases include dihydroergotoxine (the most widely used in clinical practice), bufluomedil, piracetam and centrophenoxine. These drugs, and the many other compounds which have been investigated, have a wide variety of actions. However, drugs which improve the function of neuronal populations affected by pathogenic mechanisms can only be palliative. Future strategies for drug treatments will be directed towards reducing the adverse effects of the ageing process (which may include an increased susceptibility to a range of diseases) and neutralizing the pathogenic mechanisms related to genetic factors, infections, toxins, trauma, anoxia and diet. One mechanism which may operate in ageing and in some pathological changes is the production of ‘free radicals’, which can cause cellular damage. Prophylactic administration of drugs with antioxidant activity can reduce adverse effects of this process in animal models, and such treatments may also protect the brain from the effects of anoxia and other pathogenic mechanisms. Other drugs with therapeutic potential include antagonists of the excitatory effects of glutamate and aspartate.
The prevalence of dementia in a general practice sample: Upward revision of reported rate after follow‐up and reassessment
Authors: Kay D. W. K. , Black S. E. , Blessed G. , Jachuck S. J. , Sahgal A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA subsample (N=204) of a consecutive series of 378 general practice patients aged 70+, previously given the Mental Function Test (MFT) and reported to show a prevalence of dementia of 0.8% (Jachuck et al., 1986), was followed and survivors retested three years later. Dementia was categorized as definite, probable, possible or absent, based on AGECAT and on clinical diagnoses using ICD ‐10 criteria. The diagnoses were checked against patients' scores on the CAMCOG, MMSE, AMT, CAPE and Blessed Dementia Scale, and test‐retest differences on the MFT were noted. Patients who could not be interviewed were reassessed from their first MFT scores and the practice's research records. The MFT's performance and ability to predict death or dementia were examined. The prevalence of definite/probable dementia in the original sample is retrospectively reevaluated as about 11%. The rate in the general population aged 70+ is tentatively estimated after age adjustment to be approximately 9%, similar to that reported earlier (Kay et al., 1970). The age‐specific rates approximate to those derived from analysis of published data (Jorm et al., 1987). It is concluded that the original estimate was too low. The prevalence of dementia among the Newcastle elderly does not appear to have fallen.
Depression in geriatric patients with chronic medical illness
Authors: Sadavoy J. , Smith Isaac , Conn David K. , Richards Brian 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAll patients (N = 123) on the medical services of a chronic care hospital were approached to complete the Folstein Mini‐Mental State Exam and the Montogomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Of 63 patients completing the MADRS, 35% had scores in the depressed range. A comparison of MADRS scores for a depressed population of geriatric patients admitted to the psychiatric inpatient unit of the same institution showed that both depressed medical and depressed psychiatric patients were significantly different from the non‐depressed medical patients on all subtests of the MADRS except in the frequency of endorsement of ‘reported sadness’. There was no significant difference between the depressed medical patients and psychiatric inpatients. Two‐thirds of the depressed medical patients had a previously unrecognized diagnosis of depression, highlighting the need for a greater awareness of the degree of depression in institutionalized geriatric patients with chronic medical illness.
Reminiscing in depressed, ageing patients: Effect of ECT and antidepressants
Authors: Bachar Eytan , Dasberg Haim , Shapira Baruch , Lerer Bernard 
Published: December 2004

AbstractReminiscing, the mental activity of dwelling on the past, was quantified during a semistructured interview known for its reliability. Eighteen depressed, hospitalized patients (mean age 62 years; DSM‐III major depressive disorder) were compared to 12 normals with equivalent demographic characteristics. The depressed patients prior to treatment had significantly lower reminiscing scores. When the interviews were repeated after 3–4 weeks, the 10 patients treated with ECT were significantly improved clinically and their reminiscing score had increased to normal levels. The eight patients who received antidepressant medication were non‐responsive to treatment and reminiscing was further reduced during their second interview. The role of reminiscing and its therapeutic potential in ageing are discussed.
The mental health of elderly women in the community
Authors: Walton Valerie A. , Romans‐Clarkson Sarah E. , Mullen Paul E. , Herbison G. Peter 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis community study of the mental health of women demonstrates twice as much psychiatric ill‐health among those over the age of 65 compared to younger women. The findings are best explained in terms of the loss of the work role for the elderly women rather than the loss of the domestic role. An apparently high frequency of phobia in the urban women is seen as an understandable reaction to their increased vulnerability and decreased mobility consequent on their chronic physical ill‐health.
Rapid autopsy brains for biochemical research: Experiences in establishing a programme
Authors: Procter Andrew , Doshi Bala , Bowen David , Murphy Elaine 
Published: December 2004

AbstractConventional techniques for postmortem acquisition of brains have several shortcomings for biochemical research. The authors describe the development of a technique for acquisition of brains by rapid autopsy and the practical details and problems of setting up the research programme. The techniques were established for the investigation of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters.