[Apolipoprotein e polymorphism and cognitive function change of the elderly in a rural area, Korea].

Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine the cognitive function change related to aging, the incidence of cognitive impairment, and the association between apolipoprotein E polymorphism and cognitive impairment through a follow-up of the elderly with normal cognitive ability at baseline.

Methods: Two hundred and fifteen subjects aged 65 and over were surveyed in February, 1998 (baseline survey), and their cognitive function was assessed again in 2003 (1st follow-up) and the once again in 2006 (2nd follow-up). Ninety one subjects completed all surveys up through the 2nd follow-up and their cognitive function scores using MMSE-K (Korean Version of the Mini-Mental State Examination) and the distribution of apolipoprotein E allele were analyzed.

[Change of cognitive function and associated factors among the rural elderly: a 5-year follow-up study].

Objectives: This prospective population-based cohort study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors of cognitive impairment and the degree of cognitive function change through a 5-year follow-up.

Methods: The baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted in 1998 and 2003, respectively. Among 176 subjects who had normal cognitive function in the baseline study, 136 were followed up for 5 years.

Evaluation of reliability of traditional and computerized neurobehavioral tests.

Most Korean blue-collar workers are taking government-mandated medical screening periodically. The periodic neurobehavioral test provides a great chance to evaluate the functional change of the central nervous system. To utilize periodic neurobehavioral tests effectively, the reliability of currently used neurobehavioral tests needs to be evaluated.

[Effects of the personal stereo system on hearing in adolescents].

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the personal stereo system on the hearing in adolescents.

Methods: A total of 68 adolescents (age: 13-18 years) who visited the ENT Department at a University Hospital in Daegu were personally interviewed. The questionnaires were about general characteristics of the subjects, the time of personal stereo system use (year, hour) and place.

[Helicobacter pylori reinfection rate and its related factors after successful eradication: 4-year follow-up in a Korean rural community].

Background/aims: Recurrence of peptic ulcer after successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori is closely associated with reinfection. The aim of this study was to measure the rate and related factors of H. pylori reinfection through a 4-year follow-up excluding recrudescence.

Cross-cultural comparison of neurobehavioral performance in Asian workers.

Widely-used neurobehavioral tests have been developed and standardized on Western populations, but studies on subject factors for Asian populations have been very limited. For the effective application and interpretation of neurobehavioral tests in Asian populations, an evaluation of the effects of subject factors, including cultural background, is necessary. A cross-cultural study was conducted to evaluate the effects of cultural background and the interaction between cultural background and education on neurobehavioral tests in Asian populations.