Your search for: 'author:("Ravona-Springer, Ramit")' has returned 14 results. (0.017s) Save search

Authors: Shindler-Itskovitch, Tali | Ravona-Springer, Ramit | Leibovitz, Arthur | Muhsen, Khitam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: A positive association between Helicobacter pylori infection and dementia has been reported, yet findings are inconsistent. Objective: To examine the association between H. pylori infection and dementia. Methods: A literature search was performed using the databases OVID-Medline, Institute of Scientific Information Web of Science, and EMBASE. The meta-analysis was conducted using the random effects model. The primary analysis included studies in which the exposure variable was presence of H. pylori infection (yes versus no) and the outcome was incident dementia (yes versus no), which was pre-selected as the end-result of gradual cognitive decline overtime. Publication bias was explored using …funnel plot and the Egger regression intercept. Results: A total of 260 records were identified; 13 addressed cognition and/or dementia in relation to H. pylori infection, of which only seven were included in the meta-analysis. The primary analysis showed a significant positive association between H. pylori infection and dementia; pooled odds ratio 1.71 (95% CI 1.17–2.49) (pv  = 0.01). No significant evidence of publication bias was found. Conclusions: H. pylori may play a role in the etiology of dementia. Identification of the biological mechanisms of such association is needed, as well as assessment of the impact of H. pylori therapy on the risk and progression of dementia. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, cognition, dementia, Helicobacter pylori infection, meta-analysis

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-160132

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 1431-1442, 2016

Authors: Ravona-Springer, Ramit | Beeri, Michal Schnaider | Goldbourt, Uri

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The present study aimed to assess the relationship of midlife Motivation to Improve Status at work (MIS) with dementia more than three decades later. In 1963, 9,920 out of 10,059 male participants of the Israel Ischemic Heart disease (IIHD) study, aged 40–65 years, were questioned about their MIS as follows: “Do you want to improve your status at work and do you believe it is possible?”. One of four answers was possible: trying to change status and believe it is possible (MIS1) (n = 3,060); trying but unsure of success (MIS2) (n = 2,618); not trying, unlikely to succeed (MIS3) …(n = 2,020); not trying, satisfied (MIS4) (n = 2,222). Dementia was assessed over three decades later in 1,714 survivors of the original cohort, including 1,691 who responded in 1963 to the questionnaire regarding MIS. Controlling for age, the estimated odds for dementia relative to MIS1 were 1.45 (95% CI 1.06–2.01) in MIS2, 1.52 (95% CI 1.04–2.23) in MIS3, and 1.96 (95% CI 1.38–2.81) in MIS4. Further adjustment for age and socioeconomic status index resulted in adjusted estimated odds for dementia relative to MIS1 were 1.26 (95% CI 0.90–1.75) in MIS2, 1.10 (95% CI 0.74–1.64) in MIS3, and 1.78 (95% CI 1.23–2.56) in MIS4. These results were not attenuated when midlife diabetes, blood pressure values, serum-cholesterol levels, and coronary heart disease were controlled for in the analysis. Among tenured working men, lack of MIS together with satisfaction with current status was associated with higher risk for dementia among survivors several decades later. This association was partially attenuated by socioeconomic status. Show more

Keywords: Dementia, midlife, motivation to improve status, risk factor, work

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-122422

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 36, no. 4, pp. 769-780, 2013

Authors: Ravona-Springer, Ramit | Schnaider-Beeri, Michal | Goldbourt, Uri

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: The relationship of obesity with risk for dementia is complex and may change with age. Objective: To analyze the relationship between measures of obesity at age 40–65 and dementia prevalence in survivors 36 years later. Methods: Obesity-related measures of triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness were assessed in 1963 in n  = 9,760 men aged 40–65 participating in the Israel Ischemic Heart Disease study. Cognitive evaluation and assessment of dementia prevalence were performed in n  = 1,643 participants of the original cohort who survived until 1999/2000 (age ≥76 years) and had anthropometric measures in 1963. Results: Age-adjusted prevalence of dementia in survivors …in 1999/2000 by baseline triceps skinfold quintile was 20.5%, 21.2%, 17.6%, 15.6%, and 14.5%, respectively, from lowest to highest (p  = 0.006 in trend test). Using logistic regression, a 6-mm increment of triceps skinfold was associated with an age and BMI-adjusted odds ratio of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.70–0.94) for dementia prevalence among survivors. Age-adjusted risk for dementia by subscapular skinfold quintile demonstrated 20.5%, 17.1%, 15.7%, 19.4%, and 18.1%, respectively, in groups of subjects by subscapular skinfold quintile from lowest to highest (p  = 0.6 in trend test). Conclusions: Lower triceps skinfold at age 40–65, reflecting diminished peripheral fat, was associated with higher dementia prevalence in late life, potentially suggesting a protective role of peripheral fat to brain health. Show more

Keywords: Dementia prevalence, obesity, skinfold, triceps

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-160786

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 873-883, 2017

Authors: Ravona-Springer, Ramit | Beeri, Michal Schnaider | Goldbourt, Uri

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Holocaust and Nazi concentration camp survivors were subjects to prolonged and multi-dimensional trauma and stress. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between exposure to such trauma during late adolescence and adulthood with dementia at old age. In 1963, approximately 10,000 male civil servants aged 40–71 participated in the Israel Ischemic Heart Disease (IIHD) study. Of them, 691 reported having survived Nazi concentration camps [concentration Camp Survivors (CCS)]. Additional 2316 participants were holocaust survivors but not concentration camp survivors (HSNCC) and 1688 were born in European countries but not exposed to the Holocaust (NH). Dementia was …assessed in 1999–2000, over three decades later, in 1889 survivors of the original IIHD cohort; 139 of whom were CCS, 435 were HSNCC, and 236 were NH. Dementia prevalence was 11.5% in CCS, 12.6% in HSNCC, and 15.7% in NH. The odds ratio of dementia prevalence, estimated by age adjusted logistic regression, for CCS as compared to HSNCC was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.53–1.77), approximate Z = −0.10; p = 0.92. Further adjustment for socioeconomic status, diabetes mellitus, and other co-morbidity at midlife (coronary heart disease, lung, and kidney disease), and height did not change the results substantially. Thus, in subjects who survived until old age, late adolescence and adulthood exposure to extreme stress, as reflected by experiencing holocaust and Nazi concentration camps, was not associated with increased prevalence of dementia. Individuals who survived concentration camps and then lived into old age may carry survival advantages that are associated with protection from dementia and mortality. Show more

Keywords: Adolescence, adulthood, dementia, Holocaust, Nazi concentration camps

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-101327

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 709-716, 2011

Authors: Heymann, Anthony D. | Ravona-Springer, Ramit | Moshier, Erin L. | Godbold, James | Beeri, Michal Schnaider

Article Type: Short Communication

Abstract: The pleiotropic contribution of statins on cognition is uncertain. From 840 patients in the cohort from the Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline Study, we identified 61 non-statin users and compared them with 45 patients who had used statins at least 90% of the time. Analysis of covariance was performed to compare mean cognitive z-scores between statin users and non-users while adjusting for socio-demographic, diabetes-related, and cardiovascular covariates which included change in cholesterol by year. Overall cognition, memory, and executive function was found to be significantly better in statin users (p  <  0.0008). This suggests a positive effect of statins on …cognitive function of type 2 diabetes patients that is independent of cholesterol levels. Show more

Keywords: All cognitive disorders/dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, case control studies, diabetes

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-142571

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 55-59, 2015

Authors: Raizes, Meytal | Elkana, Odelia | Franko, Motty | Ravona Springer, Ramit | Segev, Shlomo | Beeri, Michal Schnaider

Article Type: Short Communication

Abstract: We explored the association of plasma glucose levels within the normal range with processing speed in high functioning young elderly, free of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A sample of 41 participants (mean age = 64.7, SD = 10; glucose 94.5 mg/dL, SD = 9.3), were examined with a computerized cognitive battery. Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that higher plasma glucose levels, albeit within the normal range (<110 mg/dL), were associated with longer reaction times (p  <  0.01). These findings suggest that even in the subclinical range and in the absence of T2DM, monitoring plasma glucose levels may have an impact on cognitive function.

Keywords: Plasma glucose level, cognitive function, processing speed, type 2 diabetes

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-150433

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 589-592, 2016

Authors: Ravona-Springer, Ramit | Haratz, Salo | Tanne, David | Schmeidler, James | Efrati, Shai | Rosendorff, Clive | Beeri, Michal Schnaider | Silverman, Jeremy M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Regression analyses compared 41 type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 131 non-T2D cognitively normal elderly males on the associations of arterial wall function measures [large artery elasticity index (LAEI), small artery elasticity index (SAEI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and total vascular impedance (TVI)] with cognitive performance (memory, language, and executive functions), controlling for socio-demographic and cardiovascular factors. Higher LAEI and lower TVI were significantly associated with better executive functions performance in T2D but not in non-T2D subjects. Lower TVI was more associated with better language performance in T2D. Results suggest that arterial wall function is associated with cognition in T2D.

Keywords: Arterial wall function, cognitive function, large artery elasticity index, total vascular impedance, type 2 diabetes

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-141197

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 687-693, 2015

Authors: Haratz, Salo | Weinstein, Galit | Molshazki, Noa | Beeri, Michal Schnaider | Ravona-Springer, Ramit | Marzeliak, Oleg | Goldbourt, Uri | Tanne, David

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background and Objective: Patients with pre-existing atherothrombotic disease are prone to cognitive impairment. We tested whether impaired cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), a marker of cerebral microvascular hemodynamic dysfunction, is associated with poorer cognitive scores among patients with and without carotid large-vessel disease. Methods: A subgroup of non-demented patients with chronic coronary heart disease followed-up for 15 ± 3 years was assessed for cognitive function (Neurotrax Computerized Cognitive Battery; scaled to an IQ style scale with a mean of 100 and SD of 15) and for CVR using the breath-holding index (BHI) with transcranial Doppler and for carotid plaques using ultrasound. We …assessed cognitive scores in specific domains in patients with and without impaired CVR (BHI <0.47; bottom quartile). Results: Among 415 patients (mean age 71.7 ± 6.2 y) median BHI was 0.73 (25% 0.47, 75% 1.04). Impaired CVR was associated with diabetes and peripheral artery disease. Adjusting for potential confounders, impaired CVR was associated with lower executive function (p  = 0.02) and global cognitive scores (p  = 0.04). There was an interaction with carotid large-vessel disease for executive function (p  <  0.001), memory (p  = 0.03), and global cognitive scores (p  = 0.02). In the carotid large-vessel disease group there were pronounced differences by CVR status in executive function (p  <  0.001), memory (p  = 0.02), attention (p  <  0.001), and global cognitive scores (p  = 0.001). Conclusion: Impaired CVR, a marker of cerebral microvascular dysfunction, is associated with poorer cognitive functions and in particular executive dysfunction among non-demented patients with concomitant carotid large-vessel disease. These findings emphasize the importance of cerebral hemodynamics in cognitive performance. Show more

Keywords: Cerebrovascular disorders, dementia, hemodynamics, transcranial Doppler sonography, vascular dementia

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-150052

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 137-144, 2015

Authors: Guerrero-Berroa, Elizabeth | Ravona-Springer, Ramit | Schmeidler, James | Heymann, Anthony | Soleimani, Laili | Sano, Mary | Leroith, Derek | Preiss, Rachel | Zukran, Ruth | Silverman, Jeremy M. | Beeri, Michal Schnaider

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic condition associated with poor clinical and cognitive outcomes including vascular disease, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, and dementia. In the general elderly population, depression has been consistently identified as a risk factor for cognitive impairment/decline. However, the association between depression and cognitive function in T2D has been understudied. Objective: We investigated the association between depression and cognitive function in a large sample of cognitively normal elderly with T2D. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we examined 738 participants, aged 65–88 years old, enrolled in the Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline study. For each cognitive …domain (Episodic Memory, Executive Function, Attention/Working Memory, Language/Semantic Categorization) and Overall Cognition, multiple linear regressions assessed its association with depression (score greater than 5 on the 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]), adjusting for age, sex, and education. Results: Depression (n  = 66, 8.9%) was associated with worse performance on tasks of Executive Function (p  = 0.004), Language/Semantic Categorization (p  < 0.001), and Overall Cognition (p  < 0.002), but not Episodic Memory (p  = 0.643) or Attention/Working Memory (p  = 0.488). Secondary analyses using GDS as a continuous variable did not substantially change the results. Adjusting also for a history of antidepressant medication use slightly weakened the findings. Conclusion: Significant associations of depression with several cognitive domains and Overall Cognition even in cognitively normal elderly with T2D, suggest that depression may have a role in impaired cognitive function in T2D, which may be attenuated by antidepressants. Show more

Keywords: Cognitive domains, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, diabetes

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-170778

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 65, no. 2, pp. 683-692, 2018

Authors: West, Rebecca K. | Ravona-Springer, Ramit | Heymann, Anthony | Schmeidler, James | Leroith, Derek | Koifman, Keren | Guerrero-Berroa, Elizabeth | Preiss, Rachel | Hoffman, Hadas | Silverman, Jeremy M. | Beeri, Michal Schnaider

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We studied the relationship of adult body height with five cognitive outcomes (executive functioning, semantic categorization, attention/working memory, episodic memory, and an overall cognition measure) in 897 cognitively normal elderly with type 2 diabetes. Regression analyses controlling for sociodemographic, cardiovascular, and diabetes-related risk factors and depression demonstrated that in males, shorter stature was associated with poorer executive functioning (p = 0.001), attention/working memory (p = 0.007), and overall cognition (p = 0.016), but not with episodic memory (p = 0.715) or semantic categorization (p = 0.948). No relationship between height and cognition was found for females. In cognitively normal type …2 diabetes male subjects, shorter stature, a surrogate for early-life stress and poor nutrition, was associated with cognitive functions. Show more

Keywords: Cognitive performance, height, risk factors, type 2 diabetes mellitus, vascular dementia

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-142049

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 44, no. 3, pp. 927-935, 2015