Changes of cognitive brain functions in the elderly by Kneipp therapy

Forschende Komplementärmedizin und klassische Naturheilkunde = Research in complementary and natural classical medicine
T J DoeringG C Fischer

Abstract

Pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment of brain syndrome is multifarious. Until now, plain external applications of physical stimuli, as used daily in geriatric care, were not explored regarding their influence on cognitive brain function. The aim of this randomized cross-over study was to examine the influence of dermatoreceptive stimuli on cognitive brain function of healty geriatric volunteers. 24 healthy volunteers (23 women, 1 man) were randomized into 2 groups (cross-over design). Group A (mean age +/- SD: 68.8 +/- 6.2 years) was treated according to the following regime: at first a 10-12 degrees C cold stimulus for 10 s (a so-called Kneipp face shower) and afterwards a cold wet pack of 10-12 degrees C at the neck for 1 min. Group B (age 69.8 +/- 5.3 years) was subjected to an identical procedure but with warm thermoindifferent temperatures of 34-36 degrees C. After 1 week the two groups were interchanged. The parameters of interest were the critical flicker frequency (CFF) and the latencies of the event-related P300 potentials of the visually evoked potentials (VEP), which can be considered the electroencephalographic substrate of the cognitive functional ability. The CFFs and the P300 latencies and amplitudes ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.