ARTICLE –
abstractCognitive
benefits of aerobic exercise in patients with Cushing’s syndrome Rucsandra Dănciulescu Miulescu1,2, Denisa Margină1, Roxana Corina Sfetea1, Diana Păun1,3, Cătălina Poiană1,3, Elena Taina Avramescu4 1Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania 2N.C.Paulescu National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Bucharest, Romania 3C.I.Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania 4University of Craiova, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Craiova, Romania
Abstract
Objectives.
Previous research has shown that Cushing’s syndrome has been linked
with higher incidence of cognitive impairment. The beneficial effects
of exercise on cognitive function have been demonstrated in clinical
studies. This study will test the hypothesis that aerobic exercise
leads to improved cognitive function in patients with Cushing’s
syndrome. Material and Method. 16 patients with Cushing’s syndrome
(10 with iatrogenic syndrome, 2 with adrenal and 4 with pituitary
adenoma) and mild or moderate cognitive impairment were recruited for
this study. The mental state examination were evaluated by Folstein
test-30-point questionnaire test that is used to screen for cognitive
impairment. Training consisted of exercise (such as cycling or fast
walking) 5days/week for approximately 30 min/day. The efficacy were
evaluated at six months of aerobic exercise treatment. Results.
The subjects were between 42 and 58 years age and an evolution of the
Cushing’s syndrome between 2 and 6 years. Patients were screened
initially with a questionnaire detailing their medical history,
concomitant medications, smoking status, alcohol consumption. Baseline
score of the Folstein test were 20±2.1 points. 10 patients present mild
(19-24 poinnts) and 6 patients moderate (10-18 points) cognitive
impairment. At the end of six months, the mean score of the Folstein
test was improved (20,3±2.1 vs 21.4±3.3, p<0.05). Conclusion. In
our study the Folstein score can be corrected significantly by aerobic
exercise in patients with Cushing’s syndrome.
Key
words:cognition aspects, Cushing’s syndrome, aerobic exercise
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