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A family history of dementia is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) late in life (LOAD). This study marked the first attempt to assess the familial contribution to differences in cognitive performance in a large family-based group in the Chinese community. We enrolled 168 participants without dementia from a single pedigree with 9 probable AD patients diagnosed after age 65. These participants were evaluated with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, the Chinese version of the Mini Mental State Examination, and the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale. Analyses found that extended family members of the LOAD pedigree showed similar performance on measures of global cognitive function and semantic memory compared to controls, but lower scores on episodic memory, attention, and executive function measures. These results indicate that the genetic influences on certain sub-cognitive domains are more detectable despite normal global cognitive function, and that family members with the LOAD pedigree are at risk for developing LOAD by virtue of their family history with an additive risk due to increased age. The findings in this study support the importance of documenting if there is a positive family history of AD in clinical evaluations. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–11) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common and debilitating illness that impacts neurocognitive function. However, the majority of previous studies varied in methodologic design and rigor, thus minimizing definitive conclusions. The present study was designed to determine the impact of CKD on neurocognitive function through specific examination of CKD factors and therapeutic interventions. We evaluated 120 CKD outpatients and 41 healthy donors (controls) in terms of neurocognitive function, anxiety, and depressive symptomatology, and somnolence. Information regarding medical and treatment history was recorded. Twenty-three percent of CKD patients presented with cognitive impairment. Stage 5 patients had lower scores (p < .05) compared with controls and patients in stage 3 and 4 on measures of global cognitive function. No differences in global cognitive function were found between stage 3 and 4 patients and controls. A greater proportion of patients undergoing hemodialysis relative to those treated with peritoneal dialysis showed impairment on measures of memory functions. Results suggest that stage 5 CKD patients may present with impaired cognitive functions. Anemia appeared to be a key variable that may explain the memory impairment in this sample. Future longitudinal investigations of CKD are warranted to determine the trajectory of cognitive impairment. (JINS, 2010, 17, 000–000) [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common and debilitating illness that impacts neurocognitive function. However, the majority of previous studies varied in methodologic design and rigor, thus minimizing definitive conclusions. The present study was designed to determine the impact of CKD on neurocognitive function through specific examination of CKD factors and therapeutic interventions. We evaluated 120 CKD outpatients and 41 healthy donors (controls) in terms of neurocognitive function, anxiety, and depressive symptomatology, and somnolence. Information regarding medical and treatment history was recorded. Twenty-three percent of CKD patients presented with cognitive impairment. Stage 5 patients had lower scores (p < .05) compared with controls and patients in stage 3 and 4 on measures of global cognitive function. No differences in global cognitive function were found between stage 3 and 4 patients and controls. A greater proportion of patients undergoing hemodialysis relative to those treated with peritoneal dialysis showed impairment on measures of memory functions. Results suggest that stage 5 CKD patients may present with impaired cognitive functions. Anemia appeared to be a key variable that may explain the memory impairment in this sample. Future longitudinal investigations of CKD are warranted to determine the trajectory of cognitive impairment. (JINS, 2010, 17, 000–000) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]