Posters

The difference in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores in Hispanic versus non-Hispanic patients with dementia in the Rio Grande Valley

Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position

Chantal Uzoma

Academic Level (Author 1)

Medical Student

Academic Level (Author 2)

Medical Student

Academic Level (Author 3)

Medical Student

Academic Level (Author 4)

Medical Student

Academic Level (Author 5)

Medical Student

Discipline Track

Patient Care

Abstract Type

Research/Clinical

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids or cholesterol in the blood) and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia is not very clear. There is not enough research about this relationship. In fact, it is not very clear if there is a relationship. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test is a tool that detects decline in cognitive impairment for early detection of conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease. This test is used in medical facilities by licensed professionals and providers that assesses cognitive skills like language, attention, concentration, short term and working memory, and self-regulation. Some studies suggest that hyperlipidemia leads to faster cognitive decline in these patients, while others propose that there is no significant relationship between these two topics. Furthermore, a few studies have even suggested that high cholesterol levels have even protected individuals from developing dementia. Because of these discrepancies, this association needs to be further explored. In this study, MoCA scores between patients in the Rio Grande Valley with either hyperlipidemia or low cholesterol will be compared. There will also be comparison regarding these patients’ demographics.

Materials & Methods

  • Retrospective study that looked back at patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia over the past 5 years in clinics affiliated with UTRGV
  • Patient charts were looked at to see MoCA scores and co-morbidities (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, complete blood count (CBC) results, and lipid profiles (includes total cholesterol, high-density cholesterol (HDL), low-density cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides)
  • Collected patient demographics (age, sex, county of residence, ethnicity) to compare severity of disease and MoCA results between different groups à this would tell us if there are any confounding variables or factors that increase severity
  • What is considered hyperlipidemia? Some sources say about 200mg/dL.
  • MoCA scoring system: 18-25 = mild cognitive impairment, 10-17 = moderate, < 10 = severe; average score for Alzheimer’s is 16.2

Discussion: There is a dire need for further study regarding this topic. It is known that diet and one’s microbiome could influence whether an individual eventually develops dementia but there are not many studies with conclusive results that indicate whether there is a relationship between hyperlipidemia and dementia. Also, other tools that screen for cognitive impairment (like the Mini-Mental State Examination) should be included in this discussion so that it can be concluded that there is no other bias introduced into this.

Presentation Type

Poster

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The difference in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores in Hispanic versus non-Hispanic patients with dementia in the Rio Grande Valley

Introduction: The relationship between hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids or cholesterol in the blood) and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia is not very clear. There is not enough research about this relationship. In fact, it is not very clear if there is a relationship. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test is a tool that detects decline in cognitive impairment for early detection of conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease. This test is used in medical facilities by licensed professionals and providers that assesses cognitive skills like language, attention, concentration, short term and working memory, and self-regulation. Some studies suggest that hyperlipidemia leads to faster cognitive decline in these patients, while others propose that there is no significant relationship between these two topics. Furthermore, a few studies have even suggested that high cholesterol levels have even protected individuals from developing dementia. Because of these discrepancies, this association needs to be further explored. In this study, MoCA scores between patients in the Rio Grande Valley with either hyperlipidemia or low cholesterol will be compared. There will also be comparison regarding these patients’ demographics.

Materials & Methods

  • Retrospective study that looked back at patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia over the past 5 years in clinics affiliated with UTRGV
  • Patient charts were looked at to see MoCA scores and co-morbidities (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, complete blood count (CBC) results, and lipid profiles (includes total cholesterol, high-density cholesterol (HDL), low-density cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides)
  • Collected patient demographics (age, sex, county of residence, ethnicity) to compare severity of disease and MoCA results between different groups à this would tell us if there are any confounding variables or factors that increase severity
  • What is considered hyperlipidemia? Some sources say about 200mg/dL.
  • MoCA scoring system: 18-25 = mild cognitive impairment, 10-17 = moderate, < 10 = severe; average score for Alzheimer’s is 16.2

Discussion: There is a dire need for further study regarding this topic. It is known that diet and one’s microbiome could influence whether an individual eventually develops dementia but there are not many studies with conclusive results that indicate whether there is a relationship between hyperlipidemia and dementia. Also, other tools that screen for cognitive impairment (like the Mini-Mental State Examination) should be included in this discussion so that it can be concluded that there is no other bias introduced into this.