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C Carnero-Pardo

Publications and source records attributed to C Carnero-Pardo.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[The coin test].

INTRODUCTION: Normal persons, whatever their level of education, have innate basic mathematical ability, but this is very sensitive to deterioration of cognitive function. The tests currently available do not permit evaluation of this ability in patients who cannot read or have little education. The coin test (CT) was designed with this in mind. OBJECTIVE: To assess the application and use of CT for diagnosis of dementia in a poorly educated population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 211 persons, 114 with dementia (criteria DSM-IV) and 97 without dementia (50 normal, 20 with deteriorated memory and 27 with cognitive deterioration), and 26 who were unable to read. CT was used in an independent, blind manner with regard to the diagnosis. We calculated the sensitivity (S), specificity (SP), positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values, correct classifications (CC) and positive likelihood ratio (RV+) for all the results obtained. RESULTS: The groups did not differ with regard to age, sex or studies. The cut off point < or = 7, S = 0.89, SP = 0.92, PPV = 0.92, NPV = 0.88 and CC = 0.90. CONCLUSIONS: The CT can be adapted to any society, is economical, ecological, valid, quick useful and well accepted. It is very sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of dementia.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Education, dementia and cerebral reserve].

OBJECTIVE: To make a critical evaluation of the relation between a low educational level and dementia in order to determine whether this is a real risk factor for the development of dementia. DEVELOPMENT: We review the available epidemiological evidence for and against this, paying particular attention to any possible bias which might account for the association found. As a second step we analysed, from the point of view of the cause, the relation between low educational level and dementia so as to obtain a theoretical framework for the mechanisms by which a low educational level acts. Finally, we discuss the social-health relevance of this risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: A low educational level, especially illiteracy is the most important social-health risk factor for dementia, not only because of its high prevalence and degree of association, but also because of the capacity of society to manipulate it. Certain educational policies, including those concerning the adult population, may have a marked social-health effect and require study and evaluation.

Brain↗