Comorbid Conditions, Mental Health and Cognitive Functions in Adults with Fibromyalgia

Trajectories of Cognitive Change and Their Association with All-Cause Mortality Among Chinese Older Adults: Results from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey

The analysis of cognitive trajectories is relatively underexplored in China. Furthermore, most previous studies examining the association between cognitive function and mortality have been limited to cross-sectional perspectives. This study aims to identify distinct cognitive trajectories and the corresponding influencing factors and investigate the impact of these trajectories on all-cause mortality in Chinese older adults. A total of 6232 subjects aged 65 years and above were drawn from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Growth mixture models were utilized to identify different cognitive trajectories, while Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between the cognitive trajectories and all-cause mortality after adjusting for covariates. Four cognitive trajectories were identified: rapid decline group, slow decline group, low-level stable group, and high-level stable group. Some factors such as age, sex, and marital status were significantly associated with trajectories. Compared to the high-level stable group, adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the all-cause mortality were 3.87 (95% CI: 3.35-4.48), 1.41 (95% CI: 1.24-1.59), and 1.37 (95% CI: 1.18-1.58) for the rapid decline group, the slow decline group, and the low-level stable group, respectively, indicating that these three groups had a higher mortality risk. In summary, these findings facilitate the development of targeted health promotion measures, which have implications for reducing the social and economic burdens of cognitive decline.

Effects of Mental Disorders on Fibromyalgia Mediated by Insomnia: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Background

This study employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to confirm the causal effects of mental disorders on fibromyalgia.

Methods

The summary data for exposures, mediator, and outcome were extracted from the GWAS catalog project, IEU openGWAS project, and Finn biobank database. Significantly associated and independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) meeting the criteria of p < 5×10-8, r2 < 0.001, and kb = 10,000 were selected for MR analysis. We used univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (i) to investigate the causal relationship between mental disorders/insomnia and fibromyalgia and (ii) to examine the mediating role of insomnia. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method along with other MR methods was employed for analysis, while sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess reliability and stability.

Results

The results provided strong evidence to confirm the causal and positive associations between depression (OR = 6.749; 95% CI: 2.293-19.868, P = 0.001), irritability (OR: 1.873, 95% CI: 1.023-3.428, P = 0.042), insomnia (OR: 8.395, 95% CI: 1.384-50.931, P = 0.021), and fibromyalgia. Moreover, a positive causal relationship was detected between depression (OR = 1.230; 95% CI: 1.178-1.285; P < 0.001), irritability (OR = 1.084; 95% CI: 1.046-1.122; P < 0.001) and insomnia. Multivariate Mendelian randomization analysis showed that insomnia mediated the effects of depression and irritability on fibromyalgia, and the proportion of insomnia-mediated cases ranged from 25.2% to 26%.

Conclusion

This study showed a positive causal relationship between depression, irritability, insomnia, and fibromyalgia. Insomnia partly mediates this overall effect. Understanding the causal relationship between mental disorders and fibromyalgia and the mediating role of insomnia may provide more information for fibromyalgia intervention and prevention strategies.

Relationship Between Morphofunctional Alterations of the Foot and Its Functionality in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Objective: To evaluate the morphofunctional alterations in the foot and their association with functionality, considering aspects such as disability, pain, and limitations in daily activities in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods: A case-control study was conducted in patients with FMS (case group) and without FMS (control group), matched by age and sex. Foot posture was assessed using the foot posture index (FPI), along with the presence of hallux valgus (HV), trigger points, hyperkeratosis, and dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and ankle. Foot functionality was evaluated using the foot function index (FFI) questionnaire. Results: A total of 100 women with FMS and 100 women without FMS, with a mean age of 61.97 ± 9.26 years, were recruited. HV (p < 0.001), hyperkeratosis (p < 0.001), pronated and supinated foot (p < 0.001), as well as limitations in dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (p < 0.001) and the ankle with the knee flexed (p < 0.001) and extended (p < 0.001), along with the activity of the flexor hallucis brevis (p = 0.006), adductor hallucis (p = 0.006), and dorsal interosseous (p = 0.002) muscles, were significantly associated with the FFI, being higher in individuals with FMS, indicating greater impairment of foot functionality in these patients. Multivariate analysis revealed a statistical association between FMS and low educational level (OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.05-5.72), the presence of another rheumatic disease (OR = 5.07, 95% CI 2.34-11), and the presence of any active trigger point (OR = 11.15, 95% CI 3.97-31.31). Conclusions: The study highlights the relationship between morphofunctional foot alterations, specifically the presence of active myofascial trigger points, and functionality in patients with FMS.

Unraveling the Complex Web of Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review

Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood chronic pain disorder. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity, and has evolved in diagnostic criteria and understanding over the years. Initially met with skepticism, fibromyalgia is now recognized as a global health concern affecting millions of people, with a prevalence transcending demographic boundaries. The clinical features and diagnosis of fibromyalgia encompass a range of symptoms beyond pain, including sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties. This study emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for accurate diagnosis, considering the shift from tender point reliance to a more holistic approach. Etiology and pathophysiology involve genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter dysregulation, central sensitization, and immune system involvement. Risk factors such as gender, age, family history, and comorbid conditions contribute to susceptibility. The impact on quality of life is profound, affecting physical and social aspects, often accompanied by mood disorders. Management approaches include pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological therapies, lifestyle modifications, and alternative treatments. This study also delves into emerging research, exploring advances in neurobiological understanding, brain imaging, genetic markers, glutamate modulation, cannabinoids, gut microbiome, and digital health tools for fibromyalgia management. Overall, this study provides a nuanced and up-to-date overview of the complexities surrounding fibromyalgia, aiming to enhance understanding and support for individuals grappling with this challenging condition.

Association of Playing Cards or Mahjong with Cognitive Function in Chinese Older Adults

Cognitive decline in older adults is a major public health threat. This study aimed to explore the association of participation in cards or mahjong with cognitive function in older adults. A total of 7308 older adults were selected from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. A modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive function. The participants were classified according to the frequency of playing cards or mahjong into the “regularly” (R) group, “occasionally” (O) group, or “never” (N) group. The results showed that older persons in the R group and O group had better cognitive function than those in the N group. Specifically, significant differences were found in attention and calculation, language, and total MMSE score between the R group and the N group. However, significant differences were not observed for adults aged 60–69 years old. Regression analysis indicated that playing cards or mahjong, together with age, educational level, sex, marital status, and occupation before age 60 could explain the cognitive function. The findings suggest that there is an association between participation in cards or mahjong and cognitive function in the population of Chinese older adults, and that the frequency of participation plays an important role in the association.