0000000000202632

AUTHOR

Federica Limongi

The Effect of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet on Late-Life Cognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review

Objectives: Although some results are conflicting, numerous investigations have demonstrated that the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has positive effects on brain health. This review intends to provide an update on the scientific evidence regarding the effects of adherence to the MedDiet on late-life cognitive disorders. Design: A systematic review was performed. The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between the databases’ inceptions and May 4, 2020. PRISMA guidelines were followed; the quality of the studies was assessed using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for the RCTs and the Newcastle-Ottawa Sc…

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Neighborhood environment, social participation, and physical activity in older adults with lower limb osteoarthritis: A mediation analysis

Older adults with lower limb osteoarthritis (LLOA) are highly dependent on their physical and social environment for being physically active. Longitudinal data from 2286 older adults (M age = 73.8 years; 50.3% female) in six European countries were analyzed using cross-lagged Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and multi-group SEM. In cross-sectional analyses, neighborhood resources were associated with physical activity (r = 0.26;p <.001) and social participation (r = 0.13;p =.003). Physical activity at follow-up was associated with neighborhood resources, with this relationship mediated by social participation in people with LLOA (β = 0.018;p =.013). To promote future physical activity,…

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The instruments used by the Italian centres for cognitive disorders and dementia to diagnose mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the tools used in Italy to diagnose mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: In collaboration with the Luigi Amaducci Research Consortium, the Italian Network of Alzheimer Evaluation Units prepared a questionnaire to describe how MCI is diagnosed in the Italian Centres for cognitive disorders and dementia (CCDD). Results: Most of the ninety-two CCDDs participating in the survey were located in hospitals (54.7%); large percentages were coordinated by neurologists (50.8%) and geriatricians (44.6%). Almost all (98.5%) used the Mini Mental State Examination to diagnose MCI; the Clock Drawing Test was also frequently used (83.9%). Other neuropsycho…

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Consensus paper on the “executive summary of the international conference on Mediterranean diet and health: a lifelong approach” an Italian initiative supported by the Mediterranean Diet Foundation and the Menarini Foundation

The Mediterranean Diet Foundation, in collaboration with the International Menarini Foundation, organized the “International Conference on Mediterranean Diet and Health: A Lifelong Approach.” The Conference was held in Ostuni (Puglia, Italy) from March 30 to April 1, 2017. The event received the endorsement of the American Federation for Aging Research, the Research Consortium “Luigi Amaducci,” the European Nutrition for Health Alliance, the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society, the Clinical Section of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics—European Region, the National Research Council Research Project on Aging, the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics, a…

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Neighborhood resources associated with active travel in older adults: A cohort study in six European Countries

Objectives: To study associations between perceived neighborhood resources and time spent by older adults in active travel. Methods: Respondents in six European countries, aged 65–85 years, reported on the perceived presence of neighborhood resources (parks, places to sit, public transportation, and facilities) with response options “a lot,” “some,” and “not at all.” Daily active travel time (total minutes of transport-related walking and cycling) was self-reported at the baseline (n = 2,695) and 12–18 months later (n = 2,189). Results: Reporting a lot of any of the separate resources (range B’s = 0.19–0.29) and some or a lot for all four resources (B = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [0.09, …

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Association between osteoarthritis and social isolation: data from the EPOSA study

Objective: To determine whether there is an association between osteoarthritis (OA) and incident social isolation using data from the European Project on OSteoArthritis (EPOSA) study.Design: Prospective, observational study with 12 to 18 months of follow-up.Setting: Community dwelling.Participants: Older people living in six European countries.Measurements: Social isolation was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale and the Maastricht Social Participation Profile. Clinical OA of the hip, knee, and hand was assessed according to American College of Rheumatology criteria. Demographic characteristics, including age, sex, multijoint pain, and medical comorbidities, were assessed.Results…

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