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This meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture had positive effects on cognitive function after stroke.
Twenty-one trials with a total of 1421 patients met inclusion criteria. Pooled random-effects estimates of the change in the Mini-Mental State Examination were calculated for the comparison of acupuncture with no acupuncture in addition to medicine or rehabilitation. Following 4 weeks and 8 weeks of intervention with acupuncture, the merged mean difference was 3.14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.06–4.21; p<.00001) and 2.03 (95% CI, 0.26–3.80; p=0.02), respectively. For the comparison of 3–4 weeks of acupuncture with no acupuncture in addition to medicine or rehabilitation groups, the merged MD in Neurobehavioral Cognitive State Examination total scores was 5.63 (95% CI, 3.95–7.31; p<.00001). For the comparison of 8–12 weeks of acupuncture with no acupuncture in addition to medicine or rehabilitation groups, the P300 latency merged MD was −12.80 (95% CI, −21.08 to −4.51; p<.00001), while the P300 amplitude merged MD was 1.38 (95% CI, 0.93–1.82; p<.00001). Overall, the study quality was rated as moderate on the basis of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (part 2: 8.5).
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Consumption of wild blueberries over six months can improve cognitive performance and speed of processing information amongst older adults.
2022 Nutritional Neuroscience Six-month intervention with wild blueberries improved speed of processing in mild cognitive decline: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Cheatham CL, Canipe LG, Millsap G, Stegall JM, Chai SC, Sheppard KW, et al.
Randomised Controlled Trial Cognitive Function
The methodology of this research involved conducting a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial where participants with cognitive issues ascertained by Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were asked to consume wild blueberry or placebo powder daily for a 6-month period. There was also a separate reference group involved, comprised of individuals devoid of any cognitive issues. These individuals were tested at the commencement and end of the trial using the Cambridge Neurological Test Automated Battery and an electrophysiological paradigm named event-related potentials.
The results presented disclosed a significant improvement in the speed of processing information in the group consuming blueberries compared to the placebo group over the 6-month intervention period. Additionally, the speed of this group's processing was re-established to the level of the reference group, revealing the restoration of cognitive abilities. The most distinct enhancement was noted in participants aged between 75-80 years in the blueberry group.
Higher daily tea consumption, especially green tea, is linked to a lower risk of cerebral hemorrhage in adults.
2022 Acta Neurologica Belgica Tea consumption and cerebral hemorrhage risk: a meta-analysis Cheng P, Zhang J, Liu W, Sun Q, Fu Z, Lin H, et al.
Systematic Review Cerebral Haemorrhage Green Tea Stroke
This meta-analysis uncovered evidence of a connection between tea consumption and cerebral hemorrhage risk, exploring databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus until December 2021. The synthesis utilized relative risks or odds ratios from observational studies. The pool of data included ten studies involving over 721,827 participants.
The evaluation revealed that a higher rate of tea consumption, and more specifically green tea, was significantly related to a lower risk of cerebral hemorrhage. Interestingly, this connection could be observed even when adjusted for key lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity. It is worth noting that the intake of tea on a daily basis demonstrated a protective effect against the risk of cerebral hemorrhage.
Jujube nutrients may offer potential therapeutic benefits including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory functions, and improving sleep quality and learning.
2022 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Wild Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa): A Review of Its Phytonutrients, Health Benefits, Metabolism, and Applications Hua Y, Xu X, Guo S, Xie H, Yan H, Ma X, et al.
Review Article Anti-Inflammatory Antibacterial Antioxidant
The methodology used for this study involves a comprehensive review of existing research about Wild jujube, giving particular focus on its phytonutrients, biological functions, metabolism of bioactive compounds, and applications. The study does not seem to detail a specific experimental procedure, but instead bases its conclusions on existing literature. Various parts of the wild jujube plant, such as the fruits, seeds and leaves, were examined for their potential role as food, medicine, or health care aids.
The results from the review suggest that the different parts of the wild jujube plant play many roles. The fruits have been noted for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, and as ingredients preventing aging. The mature seeds have been found to have potential beneficial effects on central nervous system diseases, particularly in the treatment of insomnia and the enhancement of learning and memory.
The existing evidence, although with low level of confidence, suggests that walnut intake may have a beneficial effect on cognition-related outcomes, including cognitive function, mood, and stroke.
2021 Annals of Medicine Walnut intake, cognitive outcomes and risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis Cahoon, D., Shertukde, S. P., Avendano, E. E., et al.
Systematic Review Alzheimer's Disease Dementia Stroke
The existing evidence, although with low level of confidence, suggests that walnut intake may have a beneficial effect on cognition-related outcomes, including cognitive function, mood, and stroke. Limitations in study design and comparability render the available evidence insufficient to draw a firm conclusion regarding the effects of walnut on cognition in adults. High quality studies and standardized interventions and measurement tools are necessary to determine the role of walnut intake in cognitive health.
Higher coffee consumption, specifically 3-4 cups daily, is associated with a 21% lower risk of stroke, with no further reductions with increased intake.
2021 Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Coffee Consumption and Stroke Risk: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of more than 2.4 Million Men and Women Shao C, Tang H, Wang X, He J
Systematic Review Coffee Stroke Stroke Risk
The research utilized a systematic review and meta-analysis approach to investigate the link between coffee consumption and stroke risk. Random-effects models were employed to compile relative risk estimates. The assessment was structured to compare the highest and lowest categories of coffee consumption and utilized a one-stage robust error meta-regression model for stroke risk assessment. The study incorporated 21 separate studies which in total included over 2.4 million participants.
The findings suggest a significant inverse connection between coffee consumption and the risk of stroke. According to the pooled relative risk analysis, the highest versus the lowest categories of coffee consumption showed a decrease in stroke risk. There seems to be a nonlinear (U-shaped) relationship between stroke risk and coffee consumption, with the lowest risk (21% lower) associated with consuming 3-4 cups of coffee per day. Sensitivity analysis suggested the influence of each individual data set on the overall result wasn't significant, and while some evidence of publication bias was witnessed, additional analysis established that potential bias didn't impact the findings noticeably.
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