Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Motor and Hippocampal Dependent Spatial Learning and Reference Memory Assessment in a Transgenic Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease with Stroke
09:45

Motor and Hippocampal Dependent Spatial Learning and Reference Memory Assessment in a Transgenic Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease with Stroke

Published on: March 22, 2016

Is there such thing as "reversible dementia" (RD)?

D P Milosevic1, S Kostic, B Potic

  • 1Geriatric Clinic, Clinical Hospital Center Zvezdara, Belgrade, Serbia. grisom@bitsyu.net <grisom@bitsyu.net>

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|February 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Treating internal medicine diseases in geriatric patients can improve cognitive function. Recovery from physical illness positively impacts mental state, as confirmed by the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) test.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatrics
  • Internal Medicine
  • Cognitive Neurology

Background:

  • Recurrent diseases (RD) pose significant challenges for geriatricians.
  • Clinical observations suggest a link between physical health and cognitive function in older adults.
  • The study investigated whether treating internal medicine conditions could enhance cognitive performance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if treating common internal medicine diseases improves cognitive function in geriatric patients.
  • To explore the relationship between physical health status and cognitive performance.
  • To validate the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) as a tool to assess cognitive changes post-treatment.

Main Methods:

  • The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was administered to 77 geriatric patients.
  • Patients received targeted therapies for cardiological, pulmonological, and other internal medicine conditions.
  • Cognitive function was assessed before and after treatment interventions.

Main Results:

  • A significant increase in MMSE scores was observed following successful treatment of underlying physical illnesses.
  • The study demonstrated a positive correlation between physical health recovery and improved cognitive function.
  • Cognitive decline was noted to be associated with compromised physical health, irrespective of age.

Conclusions:

  • Successful treatment of internal medicine diseases in geriatric patients can lead to measurable improvements in cognitive function.
  • The MMSE is a valuable tool for monitoring cognitive status and treatment efficacy in this population.
  • Maintaining and improving physical health is crucial for preserving cognitive function in older adults.

More Related Videos

Abbiategrasso Brain Bank Protocol for Collecting, Processing and Characterizing Aging Brains12:28

Abbiategrasso Brain Bank Protocol for Collecting, Processing and Characterizing Aging Brains

Published on: June 3, 2020

Dual-Task Stroop Paradigm for Detecting Cognitive Deficits in High-Functioning Stroke Patients07:42

Dual-Task Stroop Paradigm for Detecting Cognitive Deficits in High-Functioning Stroke Patients

Published on: December 16, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
Dementia01:30

Dementia

Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...