Hypotension is a leading cause of age-related cognitive impairment. The available literature evidences that vascular factors are associated with dementia and that hypotension alters cerebral perfusion flow and can aggravate the neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite the discovery of biomarkers and the recent progress made in neurovascular biology, epidemiology, and brain imaging, some key issues remain largely unresolved: the potential mechanisms underlying the neural deterioration observed in AD, the effect of cerebrovascular alterations on cognitive deficits, and the positive effects of hypotension treatment on cognition. Therefore, further well-designed studies are needed to unravel the potential association between hypotension and cognitive dysfunction and reveal the potential benefits of hypotension treatment for AD patients. Here, we review the current epidemiological, pathobiological, and treatment-related literature on neurovascular changes and hypotension-related cognitive dysfunction and highlight the unsettled but imminent issues that warrant future research endeavors.
Humans ; Hypotension/complications* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; Alzheimer Disease/epidemiology* ; Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology* ; Cognition Disorders/etiology*

Chronic pain, a prevalent chronic disease, frequently manifests not only in physical symptoms but also in cognitive impairment, which seriously affects patients' quality of life. Interneurons are multipolar neurons, most of which are inhibitory, serving as crucial connectors within neural networks. They play key roles in signal transmission and fine-tuning of neural activity. In recent years, growing evidence has shown that interneurons are involved in the development of chronic pain and its associated cognitive dysfunction. Investigating the relationship between interneuron dysfunction and chronic pain-related cognitive impairment is of great significance, offering new potential targets and insights for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Interneurons/physiology* ; Humans ; Chronic Pain/complications* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Cognition Disorders/physiopathology* ; Animals

Despite that sleep disturbance and poor neurocognitive performance are common complaints among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors, few studies have focused on the effect of post-COVID-19 sleep disturbance (PCSD) on cognitive function. This study aimed to identify the impact of PCSD on neurocognitive function and explore the associated risk factors for the worsening of this condition. This cross-sectional study was conducted via the web-based assessment in Chinese mainland. Neurocognitive function was evaluated by the modified online Integrated Cognitive Assessment (ICA) and the Number Ordering Test (NOT). Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to match the confounding factors between individuals with and without PCSD. Univariate analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of PCSD on neurocognitive function. The risk factors associated with worsened neurocognitive performance in PCSD individuals were explored using binary logistic regression. A total of 8692 individuals with COVID-19 diagnosis were selected for this study. Nearly half (48.80%) of the COVID-19 survivors reported sleep disturbance. After matching by PSM, a total of 3977 pairs (7954 individuals in total) were obtained. Univariate analyses revealed that PCSD was related to worse ICA and NOT performance (P<0.05). Underlying disease, upper respiratory infection, loss of smell or taste, severe pneumonia, and self-reported cognitive complaints were associated with worsened neurocognitive performance among PCSD individuals (P<0.05). Furthermore, aging, ethnicity (minority), and lower education level were found to be independent risk factors for worsened neurocognitive performance in PCSD individuals (P<0.05). PCSD was related to impaired neurocognitive performance. Therefore, appropriate prevention and intervention measures should be taken to minimize or prevent PCSD and eliminate its potential adverse effect on neurocognitive function.
Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Sleep Wake Disorders/epidemiology* ; Propensity Score ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adult ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged ; Risk Factors ; China/epidemiology* ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; Neuropsychological Tests

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanisms of Qingre Lidan Jiedu Recipe (QLJR) for improving cognitive dysfunction in rats with high copper load. METHODS: Seventy-five male SD rats were randomized into normal control group, model group, QLJR group, penicillamine (PCA) group, and QLJR+ PCA group. Except for those in the control group, all the rats were fed a high-copper diet for 12 weeks. The effects of the treatments on cognitive function of the rats were assessed using the Barnes maze and passive avoidance tests. Hippocampal expressions of NIX, FUNDC1 and LC3 of the rats were detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, and changes in mitochondrial morphology were observed with transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Behavioral tests showed prolonged target hole latency, shortened latency to enter the dark chamber, and increased error counts of the rats in the model group, which were significantly improved in QLJR+PCA group; the error counts were significantly lower in QLJR+PCA group than in either QLJR or PCA group. Among all the groups, the hippocampal expressions of NIX and FUNDC1 were the lowest and LC3 I/II expression the highest in the model group; NIX and FUNDC1 expressions were significantly higher and LC3 I expression was lower in QLJR+PCA group than in QLJR group and PCA group. Immunofluorescence staining revealed weakened NIX and FUNDC1 expressions and enhanced LC3 expression in the hippocampus of the rats in the model group as compared with those in the normal control and QLJR+PCA groups, but their expressions did not differ significantly between QLJR and PCA groups. The rats in the model group showed obvious structural disarray of the mitochondria, which were improved in all the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS QLJR improves cognitive dysfunction in rats with high copper load possibly by regulating mitophagy.
Animals ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Copper/toxicity* ; Mitophagy/drug effects* ; Hippocampus/drug effects* ; Cognition Disorders/drug therapy* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/chemically induced*

Hemorrhagic shock is a common clinical emergency that can aggravate cell injury after resuscitation. Astrocytes are crucial for the survival of neurons because they regulate the surrounding ionic microenvironment of neurons. Although hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR) injury can impair cognition, it remains unclear how this insult directly affects astrocytes. In this study, we established an HSR model by bleeding and re-transfusion in mice. The social interaction test and new object recognition test were applied to evaluate post-operative cognitive changes, and the results suggest that mice experience cognitive impairment following exposure to HSR. In the HSR group, the power spectral density of β and γ oscillations decreased, and the coupling of the θ oscillation phase and γ oscillation amplitude was abnormal, which indicated abnormal neuronal oscillation and cognitive impairment after HSR exposure. In brief, cognitive impairment in mice is strongly correlated with Ca²⁺ signal strength in lateral septum astrocytes following HSR.
Animals ; Astrocytes/metabolism* ; Shock, Hemorrhagic/metabolism* ; Resuscitation/adverse effects* ; Male ; Mice ; Calcium Signaling/physiology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Septal Nuclei/metabolism* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cognition Disorders/etiology*

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures are accompanied by motor,behavioral,sensory,and/or cognitive changes,with the clinical manifestations similar to epileptic seizures.This disease is easy to be misdiagnosed and neglected in clinical work.At present,most intervention measures still depend on the experience of clinicians.This article reviews the comorbidities of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures,including mental and cognitive disorders,somatic syndrome,sleep disorders,and epilepsy.This review aims to strengthen the precision of clinical treatment and management of patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and provide more efficient individualized diagnosis and treatment programs for patients.
Humans ; Seizures/diagnosis* ; Comorbidity ; Epilepsy ; Sleep Wake Disorders ; Mental Disorders ; Psychophysiologic Disorders ; Cognition Disorders

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Tiaoshen (regulating the spirit) acupuncture on cognitive function and sleep quality in patients with primary insomnia (PI). METHODS: Sixty patients with PI were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off, 1 case was excluded). The patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), and bilateral Benshen (GB 13), Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The patients in the control group were treated with shallow needling at non-effective points. Each treatment was provided for 30 min, once every other day, 3 treatments per week for 4 weeks. The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), digit span test (DST), trail making test (TMT)-A, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) were used to assess cognitive function and sleep quality before and after treatment, as well as in follow-up of 4-week after treatment completion. Correlation analysis was conducted between the differences in PSQI scores and differences in MoCA scores before and after treatment in the observation group. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the total score, visuospatial and executive function score and delayed memory score of MoCA as well as DST backward score were increased (P<0.01), while TMT-A time, PSQI and FS-14 scores were significantly reduced (P<0.01) after treatment and in follow-up in the observation group. Compared with before treatment, the PSQI score in the control group was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment and in follow-up, the observation group had significantly higher total score, visuospatial and executive function score, delayed memory score of MoCA, and DST backward score compared to the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the observation group, the TMT-A time was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the PSQI and FS-14 scores were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). In the observation group, there was a negative correlation between the difference in PSQI scores (post-treatment minus pre-treatment) and the difference in MoCA scores (post-treatment minus pre-treatment) (r=-0.481, P<0.01). A similar negative correlation was found between the difference in PSQI scores (follow-up minus pre-treatment) and the difference in MoCA scores (follow-up minus pre-treatment) (r=-0.282, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Tiaoshen acupuncture could improve cognitive function, enhance sleep quality, and alleviate daytime fatigue in patients with PI. The improvement in cognitive function in patients with PI is correlated with the improvement in sleep quality.
Humans ; Pilot Projects ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Cognition ; Fatigue

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of acupuncture based on syndrome differentiation and estazolam in the treatment of chronic insomnia and its influence on cognitive function. METHODS: A total of 90 patients with chronic insomnia were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a medication group, 45 cases in each group. The acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and bilateral Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) combined with compatibility of acupoints based on syndrome differentiation, once a day for 6 d and then rest for 1 d, for a total of 4 weeks. The medication group was treated with oral estazolam tablets before bedtime, 1 tablet each time, for a total of 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and auditory verbal memory test (AVMT) of the two groups were compared, and the effects were evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the PSQI sub-item scores and total scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment ( P<0.05 ), and above scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the medication group ( P<0.05 ); the scores of MMSE, MoCA and AVMT in the two groups were higher than those before treatment ( P<0.05 ), and the scores in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the medication group ( P<0.05 ). The total effective rate of the acupuncture group was 80.0% (36/45), which was higher than 53.3% (24/45) in the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Syndrome differentiation acupuncture can improve the sleep quality and cognitive function of patients with chronic insomnia, and the curative effect is better than that of estazolam.
Humans ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy* ; Estazolam ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Cognition ; Acupuncture Points ; Syndrome

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a typical cognitive disorder with an increasing incidence in recent years. AD is also one of the main causes of disability and death of the elderly in current aging society. One of the most common symptoms of AD is spatial memory impairment, which occurs in more than 60% of patients. This memory loss is closely related to the impairment of cognitive maps in the brain. The entorhinal grid cells and the hippocampal place cells are important cellular basis for spatial memory and navigation functions in the brain. Understanding the abnormal firing pattern of these neurons and their impaired coordination to neural oscillations in transgenic rodents is crucial for identifying the therapeutic targets for AD. In this article, we review recent studies on neural activity based on transgenic rodent models of AD, with a focus on the changes in the firing characteristics of neurons and the abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythm in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. We also discuss potential cell-network mechanism of spatial memory disorders caused by AD, so as to provide a scientific basis for the diagnosis and treatment of AD in the future.
Animals ; Mice ; Alzheimer Disease/genetics* ; Animals, Genetically Modified ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction ; Hippocampus/physiology* ; Memory Disorders ; Mice, Transgenic ; Neurons/physiology*

Objective: To analyze the association between sleep duration and cognitive function of the elderly in six provinces of China. Methods: Based on the cross-sectional survey data of the elderly from the Healthy Ageing Assessment Cohort Study in 2019, 4 644 participants' sociodemographic and economic indicators, lifestyle, prevalence of major chronic diseases, and sleep status, including night-time sleep duration, daytime sleep duration and insomnia, were collected by questionnaires. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between night-time sleep duration, daytime sleep duration and cognitive function. Results: The mean age of 4 644 respondents was (72.3±5.7) years, and 2 111 of them were males (45.5%). The mean total daily sleep time of the elderly was (7.9±1.9) hours, and the proportion of those who slept less than 7.0, 7.0-8.9 and≥9.0 hours was 24.1% (1 119), 42.1% (1 954) and 33.8% (1 571), respectively. The mean sleep time at night was (6.9±1.7) hours. About 23.7% (1 102) of the elderly did not sleep during the day, and the mean duration of the elderly who slept during the day was (78±51) minutes. Among the elderly with insomnia, 47.9% were still satisfied with their sleep quality. The mean value of MMSE score of 4 644 respondents was (24.5±5.3), and the cognitive impairment rate was 28.3% (1 316). The results of multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that the OR (95%CI) value of the risk of cognitive impairment in older people who did not sleep, slept for 31 to 60 minutes and slept more than one hour was 1.473 (1.139 to 1.904), 1.277 (1.001 to 1.629) and 1.496 (1.160 to 1.928), respectively, compared with those who slept for 1 to 30 minutes during the daytime. Compared with those who slept for 7.0‒8.9 hours at night, the OR (95%CI) value of the risk of cognitive impairment in older people who slept more than 9.0 hours was 1.239 (1.011 to 1.519). Conclusion: The cognitive function is related to sleep duration in the Chinese elderly.
Male ; Humans ; Aged ; Female ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Cohort Studies ; Sleep ; Sleep Wake Disorders ; Cognition ; China/epidemiology*