Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026
Retinal and Choroidal Thickness Changes in Populations with Helicobacter pylori Infection by Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: November 1, 2024
The study of memory and executive dysfunction in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori
Farzaneh Rezvani1, Mohammad Sayadnasiri2, Omid Rezaei3
1a Department of Clinical Psychology, Science and Research Branch , Islamic Azad University , Tehran , Iran.
Abstract:
Background Infectious agents are considered as potential causes of Alzheimer's disease. Recently, evidence of a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in patients with Alzheimer's disease has been observed. The aim of this study was to investigate memory and executive function in H. pylori positive persons not suffering from Alzheimer's or other marked cognitive disorders. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. A total 140 participants were selected using purposive sampling from the patients within the age group of 18-60 years old at Fayyaz Bakhsh Hospital, Tehran in spring 2016. The participants were divided into two groups of H. pylori positive and negative according to results of the serologic tests to measure the levels of specific antibodies of IgA and IgG against H. pylori using ELISA method. They were subsequently assessed using two tests of Trail Making (TMT) part A and B and Wechsler Memory Scale - Third Edition. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and chi-square. The level of significance was considered P-value ≤ 0.05. Results Out of 140 participants, there were 41 male (29.3%) and 99 female (70.7%) among which 84 patients (60%) suffered from H. pylori infection (seropositive) and 56 patients (40%) were not infected. Comparison of the results using independent t-test showed a significant difference (P = 0.006) between the memory scores of patients (M: 106, SD: 8.12) and healthy ones (M: 112, SD: 1.12). In addition, the executive function showed there is a significant difference in the executive ability of seropositive individuals in the two age groups of 20-50 years old (Part A: M: 1.36, SD: 7.11, and Part B: M: 8.8, SD: 8.25 p = 0.01) and over 50 years old (Part A: M: 55, SD: 8.20, and Part B: M: 106, SD: 7.22, p = 0.009). Conclusion The results of this study showed that the infected patients have a lower cognitive performance in comparison to healthy individuals. In other words, H. pylori infection increases the prevalence of memory and executive dysfunction.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is linked to lower memory and executive function in adults without Alzheimer's disease. This study found that H. pylori positive individuals exhibited poorer cognitive performance compared to uninfected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Infectious agents are increasingly implicated as potential triggers for Alzheimer's disease.
- Recent observations highlight a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Alzheimer's disease patients.
- This study explores the cognitive impact of H. pylori in non-demented individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and cognitive functions, specifically memory and executive function.
- To assess cognitive performance in H. pylori positive individuals without diagnosed Alzheimer's or significant cognitive impairment.
- To determine if H. pylori infection correlates with reduced memory and executive abilities in a general adult population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 140 participants aged 18-60 years.
- Participants were categorized into H. pylori positive and negative groups based on serologic antibody tests (IgA, IgG) using ELISA.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using the Trail Making Test (TMT) Parts A & B and the Wechsler Memory Scale - Third Edition.
Main Results:
- Out of 140 participants, 84 (60%) were H. pylori seropositive.
- A significant difference in memory scores was observed between H. pylori positive (M: 106, SD: 8.12) and negative (M: 112, SD: 1.12) individuals (P=0.006).
- Significant differences in executive function were noted in H. pylori positive individuals across different age groups (P=0.01 and P=0.009).
Conclusions:
- H. pylori infection is associated with lower cognitive performance, including memory and executive function, in adults without dementia.
- The findings suggest that H. pylori infection may contribute to cognitive dysfunction.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms linking H. pylori to cognitive decline.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
01:22Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Injurious Factors
In the antrum region, G cells secrete the gastrin hormone that binds to gastrin-cholecystokinin-B (CCK2) receptors on parietal and enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells in the fundic glands. Simultaneously, the vagus nerve releases acetylcholine, which binds...
01:24Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current...
01:30Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...