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Cognitive reserve is the adaptability of cognitive processes in the face of brain aging and pathology. This study aimed to validate the Arabic version of the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq) in a healthy Lebanese sample. CRIq assesses cognitive reserve through three domains: education, working activity, and leisure time. Statistical measures, including descriptive and regression analysis along with structural equation modeling, were utilized to investigate the convergent and discriminant validity of the CRIq, incorporating fluid intelligence (Gf) and measures of cognitive function, long-term memory encoding and retrieval (Glr), and processing speed (Gs). Results from 174 participants revealed that the activities assessed by the CRIq-Arabic were comparable to the original CRIq study, with slight cultural differences. The internal consistency of the CRIq-Arabic was good (Cronbach's α = 0.88), indicating reliability. Convergent validity was confirmed, with moderate to high loadings on the cognitive reserve latent construct. Discriminant validity was supported as correlations between cognitive reserve variables and non-target constructs (Gf, Glr, and Gs) were less than 1. The findings provide an initial psychometric validation of the CRIq-Arabic. Further research of clinical samples is needed to enhance its utility in neuropsychological practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dementia secondary to neurodegenerative diseases is prevalent among older adults and leads to social, psychological and economic burden on patients, caregivers and the community as a whole. Cognitive reserve factors such as education, and mental stimulation among others were hypothesized to contribute to the resilience against age-related cognitive impairment. Educational attainment, occupation complexity, physical activity, and leisure activity are explored in the context of protecting the older adults' cognitive function. We investigated the cognitive reserve effect on dementia, cognitive decline and impairment, and global cognitive function. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional, community-based cohort study that aimed at investigating factors associated with dementia and their prevalence. The sample was of 508 community based older adults in Lebanon, aged 65 years and above in addition to 502 informants designated by these older adults. Older adults and informants answered structured questionnaires administered by interviewers, as well as a physical assessment and a neurological examination. Older adults were diagnosed for dementia. Global cognitive function, depression, and cognitive decline were assessed. Results: Older adults with dementia had lower levels of education, and attained lower occupational complexity. Factors such as high education, complex occupation attainment, and leisure activity, significantly predicted better global cognitive function. An older adult who attained high education levels or high complexity level occupation was 7.1 or 4.6 times more likely to have better global cognitive function than another who attained lower education or complexity level occupation respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that cognitive reserve factors ought to be taken into consideration clinically during the course of dementia diagnosis and when initiating community-based preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, few studies explored the quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients and the factors affecting it. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore studies on multiple sclerosis quality of life in the MENA area through a comprehensive literature review. To validate the Multiple sclerosis international Quality of Life (MusiQoL) and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) in Arabic, and investigate the impact of sociodemographic and clinical variables of Lebanese multiple sclerosis patients on quality of life. Methods: As part of an ongoing observational prospective research study, data from 663 stable multiple sclerosis patients were analysed. Results: In Lebanese multiple sclerosis patients, the Arabic MusiQoL and MFIS seem to be accurate and valid tools with high reliability coefficients and confirmatory factor analytic indices. Variables such as age and disease type predicted multiple sclerosis quality of life, yet were significantly affected by psychosocial fatigue. The influence of sociodemographic and clinical variables on quality of life dimensions varied. Being a woman with multiple sclerosis, receiving medications and experiencing physical fatigue worsens the psychological wellbeing quality of life dimension. Conclusion: Several sociodemographic and clinical variables predicted the health-related quality of life dimensions of multiple sclerosis patients in MENA. Further in-depth investigation to guide more targeted clinical management is recommended. We encourage using validated multidimensional tools to measure quality of life in MENA such as the Arabic MusiQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of eating behavior and personality on glycemic outcomes in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has received little attention. Diabetes fatalism has furthermore been associated with uncontrolled glycemia. The aim of the present study is to explore the interrelationship of these constructs, which might uncover new insights for diabetes management. A total of 333 Lebanese patients (Age: 59 ± 13 years, 50.2% M) with T2DM were recruited. Eating behaviours (Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire), personality traits (NEO Five-Factor Inventory-3), and diabetes related fatalistic attitudes (Diabetes Fatalism Scale) were assessed. Regression analyses showed that neuroticism, restrained eating, and external eating predicted A1C. Total diabetes fatalism and its 'despair' subscale also predicted HbA1C. Multiple regression analysis showed that neuroticism, restrained eating, and fatalism subscale 'despair' predicted HbA1C levels and explained 5.4% of the variance (F(3,302) = 5.77, p =.001). A moderated moderation was run and revealed that the effect of conscientiousness on restrained eating was moderated by powerlessness (fatalism subscale) and neuroticism. At low neuroticism levels and with any powerlessness levels, conscientiousness did not exert a significant effect on restrained eating. However, at high levels of neuroticism with low or moderate levels of powerlessness, conscientiousness exerted significant effect on restrained eating (low powerlessness: B =.07, t = 4.39, p <.001; medium powerlessness: B =.04, t = 3.24, p <.01). On the other hand, when powerlessness was high, conscientiousness did not exert a significant effect on restrained eating. In summary, the impact of conscientiousness on restrained eating, which in turn predicts HbA1C levels, is moderated by the belief of powerlessness and neuroticism in T2DM. These factors should be taken into account in the clinical practice. Further exploring similar constructs in T2DM to improve the quality of health care is warranted. Disclosure: N. Farran: None. O.A. Sukkarieh-Haraty: None. D. Al Bakhour: None. M. Bassil: None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal diabetes management requires daily activities of self-care. Thus, understanding the sociodemographic determinants of diabetes self-care is crucial to improve diabetes control. The aim of this study is to compare diabetes self-care activities and their determinants in 2 populations of Arabs with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) living in their country of origin (Lebanon) or in the United States (U.S.). A total of 334 patients (59 ± 13 years; 52.1% M) living in Lebanon and 181 patients (62 ± 12 years; 52.5% M) living in the U.S. were recruited. Diabetes self-care activities were assessed using Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Assessment (SDSCA); dimensions of diabetes distress were measured with the Diabetes Distress Scale (T1-DDS). Half of the population in Lebanon were employed, 61.6% had health insurance and 42.3% were smokers; while among those living in the U.S., 23.7% were employed, 96.1% had health insurance and 26.5% were smokers. There were no significant group differences for gender, marital status and education. Compared to those in Lebanon, patients living in the U.S. had significantly higher mean scores on various SDSCA subscales, including general diet (t = 5.24, p < 0.001), exercise (t = 3.31, p = 0.001), blood glucose testing (t = 4.41, p < 0.001), and foot care (t = 8.84, p < 0.001) indicating better diabetes self-care. Multiple regression analyses showed that total SDSCA scores correlated significantly with age (β= 0.06, p = 0.015) and education (β= 3.02, p=0.006) in patients living in Lebanon; whereas predictors of total SDSCA scores among participants living in the U.S. were education (β= 8.46, p = 0.005) and management distress subscale of T1-DDS (β= - 2.92, p < 0.001). In conclusion, Arab patients with T2DM living in the U.S. showed better diabetes self-care activities compared to those living in their country of origin. Predictors of self-care varied between the 2 populations. Further exploring other determinants is warranted. Disclosure: O.A. Sukkarieh-Haraty: None. L. Jaber: None. J. Abi Kharma: None. N. Farran: None. M. Bassil: None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: International T2DM Federation (IDF) estimates T2DM prevalence in Lebanese adults around 14%. Identifying people at risk of developing type 2 T2DM mellitus (T2DM) as to prevent rising prevalence and development of T2DM related complications is crucial. Aim: to identify people at high risk for developing T2DM. Methods: A convenience sample (N=198) of healthy Lebanese adults, 40 years of age and above, were recruited through snowballing from all over Lebanon. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF), and ARABRISK were administered. Results: Majority of the participants were 40 to 54 years (74.25%), females (57.58%), married (51.02%), employed (59.90%) and reported having "enough to make ends meet" (64.29%). Significant association resulted between ARABRISK scale score and WHOQoL-BREF scale (β= -1.642, p= 0.001) as well as two of its subscales, physical (β= -2.21, p < 0.001) and psychological (β= -1.17, p= 0.003). Significant association was noted between ARABRISK scale score and demographic characteristics; mainly marital status, particularly being "married" (β= 15.47, p < 0.001) and "widowed/divorced" (β= 25.72, p < 0.001), and employment statuses particularly "not enough to make ends meet" (β= 8.64, p=.021).Significant association resulted between ARABRISK scale score and at whole grain consumption (β= -4.97, p = 0.035) and red meat (β= 13.02, p = 0.003). Marital status, red meat consumption, whole grains consumption, and physical health subscale were significantly associated with ARABRISK in the fully adjusted multiple linear regression model. The combination of the latter variables accounted for 36.83% of the variance of ARABRISK score. Conclusion: Findings will help health care practitioners to understand the determinants of T2DM risk, which will set the stage for effective preventive measures in reducing the risk and incidence of T2DM. Disclosure: O.A. Sukkarieh-Haraty: None. J. Abi Kharma: None. N. Farran: None. M. Bassil: None. Funding: Lebanese American University [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]