bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of trajectories of depressive symptoms with vascular risk factors, cognitive function and adverse brain outcomes: A 28‐year follow‐up
Authors: Demnitz Naiara , Anatürk Melis , Allan Charlotte L , Filippini Nicola , Griffanti Ludovica , Mackay Clare , Mahmood Abda , Sexton Claire E , Suri Sana , Topiwala Anya G , Zsoldos Enikő , Kivimaki Mika , Singh‐Manoux Archana , Ebmeier Klaus P 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundDepressive symptoms are related to an increased risk of cognitive decline. Trajectories of depressive symptoms over the lifespan vary between people, but it is unclear whether these differences may exhibit dissociable structural changes in brain white matter and cognitive changes, including reduced executive function.MethodIn order to compare microvascular and cognitive characteristics of groups with different trajectories of depressive symptoms, we examined 774 participants of the Whitehall II MRI Sub‐study, who had completed the depressive subscale of the General Health Questionnaire at baseline in 1985‐88 and then on average 3, 5, 11, 14, 17, 19, 22, and 25 years later. At 27.3 years after the first examination, participants underwent a multimodal MRI examinations to characterise white matter hyperintensities and white matter microstructure, and completed a detailed neuropsychological test battery to assess cognition. Final examination was 28.8 years after the first examination, including MMSE cognitive screening test.ResultUsing K‐means cluster modelling, we identified five trajectory groups of depressive symptoms: consistent low scorers (n = 505), improvers with highest depression scores at the beginning of the follow‐up period (n = 123), intermediate scorers (n = 89) with a peak in caseness in the middle of the follow‐up period, a subgroup deteriorating towards the time of the scan (n = 29), and consistent high scorers (n = 28). The ‘deteriorators’, but not the consistently high scorers, showed higher mean white matter diffusivity, larger volumes of white matter hyperintensities and impaired executive function. In addition, ‘deteriorators’ had higher Framingham Stroke Risk scores and raised mean arterial blood pressure than consistently high scorers, indicating a higher load of vascular risk factors.ConclusionA ‘deteriorating’ trajectory pattern in depressive symptoms was associated with increased vascular risk factors, indices of reduced white matter microstructure and reduced executive function. Altogether, our findings suggest that tracking depressive symptoms over time may be a useful tool to identify pre‐clinical phenotypes in the community that are at risk of later cognitive decline.
The quantitative analysis of tau deposition using [F18] PI‐2620 dynamic PET acquisition in cognitively normal subjects, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease patients
Authors: Jantarato Attapon , Vachatimanont Sira , Assanasen Jintana , Kunawudhi Anchisa , Promteangtrong Chetsadaporn , Chotipanich Chanisa 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundF‐18 PI 2620 has been reported as an effective tau binding radiotracer. However, there are few reports focusing on the quantitative analysis. Hence, this study aims on the quantitative analysis of PI 2620 in individuals with normal cognition, MCI and AD.MethodTwenty‐six cognitively normal (CN; 8 men, 18 women; aged 56–71 years; mean age ± SD: 63.81 ± 4.6 years), 7 Alzheimer’s disease (AD; 3 men, 4 women; aged 59–74 years; mean age ± SD 64.57 ± 6.09 years), and 36 mild cognitive impairment (MCI; 11 men, 25 women; aged 56–85 years; mean age ± SD 66.61 ± 5.92 years) individuals were enrolled. A dynamic F‐18 PI 2620 PET was performed at 30‐75 minutes post‐injection. Co‐registration was employed between the PET and T1‐weighted MRI. The standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) was used for quantitative analysis. P‐mod software with the Automated Anatomical Labeling (AAL)‐merged atlas was applied to create volumes of interest. Pair t‐test in STATA was applied for statistical analysis.ResultIn AD group, occipital lobe had the most significantly higher mean SUVR (1.46±0.57) compared to both CN (1.08±0.09, p<0.01) and MCI group (1.06±0.08, p<0.001). Comparing to CN, AD brain also showed significantly higher mean SUVR (p<0.05) in fusiform gyrus (1.06±0.09 vs. 1.49±0.86), inferior temporal (1.07±0.07 vs. 1.46±0.08), parietal lobe (1.01±0.13 vs. 1.27±1.45), lingual gyrus(1.08±0.11 vs. 1.29±0.41) and precuneus (1.02±0.12 vs. 1.27±0.45).Likewise the AD group demonstrated higher mean SUVR than MCI in precuneus (1.00+0.07), lingual (1.07±0.12), inferior temporal (1.06±0.10), fusiform (1.08±0.11), supramarginal (0.97±0.07), orbitofrontal (0.97±0.07) and superior temporal (0.95±0.07) regions. The remaining observed regions including striatum, basal ganglia, thalamus, white matter, showed low SUVR across three groups without statistical significant.ConclusionThe significantly higher mean SUVR of F‐18 PI 2620 was observed in the AD group at significant brain area for diagnosis Alzheimer’s disease demonstrated tau protein deposit in‐concordance with the Braak Staging III‐V, providing useful information to differentiate AD from CN and MCI. Moreover, low SUVR in deep striatum and thalamus could be useful for the exclusion of primary tauopathies such as progressive supranuclear palsy.
Self‐reported quality of sleep is related to frontoparietal network connectivity in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Pini Lorenzo , Wennberg Alexandra MV , Mitolo Micaela , Meneghello Francesca , Burgio Francesca , Semenza Carlo , Venneri Annalena , Mantini Dante , Vallesi Antonino 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundSleep has been identified as a modifiable factor involved in both the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous findings have suggested that poor sleep may be associated with increased risk of AD. Conversely, higher quality of sleep may slow progression of pathophysiological mechanisms in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through functional connectivity reorganization of neural networks underlying higher cognitive functions.MethodIn clinic, 38 MCI patients and 38 age‐matched controls completed structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI), and a cognitive test battery, covering memory, executive functions, and language. The Sleep Continuity in Alzheimer’s Disease Scale (SCADS) was used to assess sleep quality. Patients were stratified into “good” (n=20) and “poor” (n=18) sleepers, using the median SCADS score as a cut‐point. Default mode (DMN) and left and right frontoparietal (FPN) networks were reconstructed through an independent component analysis approach. Differences in network connectivity across MCI groups were investigated with non‐parametric inference using FSL randomize (n=5000 permutations), corrected at a threshold‐free‐cluster enhancement level of pFWE < 0.025. Grey matter and sex were inserted as covariates in the analysis. The same model was implemented to investigate associations between connectivity and cognition in MCI. Finally, between‐network connectivity was assessed through partial correlation with sex as covariate.ResultMCI good sleepers showed increased FPN connectivity compared to MCI poor sleepers. Increased FPN connectivity was positively associated with language performance in the former group. Finally, we found a positive coupling connectivity between DMN and FPN and between left and right FPN in MCI good sleepers, while this pattern was disrupted in MCI patients with lower quality of sleep.ConclusionThese findings suggest a relationship between sleep quality and FPN connectivity in MCI, highlighting possible sleep‐induced compensatory mechanisms. Future studies in larger samples using longitudinal methods and objective measures of sleep will be necessary to confirm this finding. However, these results further support the concept that better sleep may be protective on the pathway to AD.
Tauopathies: Need for education and advocacy — Que Tau? A pilot study
Authors: Komatsu Ricardo S. , Komatsu Caroline 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionWhen we ask a medical student or a medical resident about tauopathies our perception of the level of knowledge is in average low. It reinforces the need for education and advocacy of tauopathies involving health care professionals and general population in our country, and probably worldwide.ObjectiveTo disseminate information about tauopathies using social media campaign.MethodsWe planned an educational program for medical students and medical residents named Que Tau? (in Portuguese Que Tal, means: What about?). We will use social media, sending information by messaging app (WhatsApp and/or Telegram) using images (jpg), short videos, texts or articles (PDF). A pilot study will involve a sample of 60 undergraduate and 60 postgraduate students of a medical school in Brazil, and the same number of controls. Both groups will be asked about tauopathies key concepts three months later the messages.ResultsThis strategy to use smartphones to disseminate information about tauopathies can result in a good initiative to take attention of medical residents and medical students for tauopathies and to stimulate future actions to fight these diseases.ConclusionWe expect that he level of knowledge about tauopathies can increase between medical students and residents according to dissemination of information using social media campaign.
Dementia with Lewy bodies: Characteristics of the prodromal stage in a nationwide longitudinal cohort
Authors: Blanc Frédéric , Bouteloup Vincent , Paquet Claire , Chupin Marie , Pasquier Florence , Gabelle Audrey , Ceccaldi Mathieu , Sousa Paulo Loureiro , Salmon Pierre Krolak , David Renaud , Fischer Clara , Dartigues Jean‐François , Wallon David , Sauvée Mathilde , Moreaud Olivier , Belin Catherine , Botzung Anne , Albasser Timothee , Demuynck Catherine , Namer Izzie , Habert Marie‐Odile , Kremer Stephane , Bousiges Olivier , Martin‐Hunyadi Catherine , Philippi Nathalie , Chêne Geneviève , Cretin Benjamin , Mangin Jean‐Francois , Dufouil Carole 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the prodromal phase of Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). In a large prospective cohort of patients attending memory clinics presenting either subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) and mild neurocognitive impairment (MCI) patients, we undertook an ancillary study aiming at detecting early DLB in a longitudinal framework.MethodWe conducted a french nationwide prospective cohort of patients with cognitive complaints and a minimum follow‐up of 4 years. Participants in the Memento cohort study were recruited for either isolated subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) or mild neurocognitive impairment (MCI). Among them, patients from 12 memory resource and research centers, representing eight hundred ninety‐two patients were included in the Lewy sub‐study. Probable Pro‐DLB diagnosis was done using a two‐criteria cut‐off score among the four core clinical features of Dementia with Lewy bodies. This Pro‐DLB group was compared to two other groups: one without any core symptoms (NS group), and the one with one core symptom (1S group). A comprehensive cognitive battery, brain 3D volumetric MRI, CSF, FDG PET and amyloid PET were done.ResultThe pro‐DLB group comprised 148 patients (16.6%). Compared to the other two groups, the neuropsychological profile of the pro‐DLB group showed, regarding cognition, more multidomain (59.8%) MCI with slower processing speed, semantic and neurovisual impairment, and regarding behavior, a higher proportion of patients with depression, anxiety, and apathy. Pro‐DLB patients also presented more autonomic symptoms, including lower libido, constipation, rhinorrhea, sicca syndrome, and photophobia. The Pro‐DLB group had isolated lower P‐Tau and no difference in terms of amyloid PET and FDG PET. Brain MRI analysis showed widening of sulci including fronto‐insular, occipital and olfactory sulci (FDR corrected). Evolution to dementia was not different between the three groups after 4 years of follow‐up.ConclusionPatients with pro‐DLB represented 16.6% of SCI and MCI patients, a finding consistent with the proportion observed at the stage of dementia. In addition to the core symptoms, pro‐DLB patients presented cognitive, behavioral and autonomic symptoms. Biomarkers confirmed the non‐Alzheimer profile. The occipital, fronto‐insular, and olfactory bulb involvement on brain MRI was consistent with the symptoms and known neuropathology.
Tau PET imaging, MRI and cognitive progression in subjects with progressive amnesia and suspected non‐Alzheimer pathophysiology (SNAP)
Authors: Lagarde Julien , Olivieri Pauline , Hamelin Lorraine , Valabrègue Romain , Caillé Fabien , Gervais Philippe , Bottlaender Michel , Sarazin Marie 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhile progressive amnesia of the hippocampal type is most often due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology, other etiologies are not rare during aging, including limbic‐predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy (LATE) with or without Hippocampal Sclerosis (HS) and Primary age‐related tauopathy (PART). These pathological conditions differ from AD by the lack of cortical amyloid deposition, but the amnestic syndrome mimicking AD can lead to mis‐diagnosis. By coupling amyloid and tau PET imaging in patients with progressive amnesia, we investigated, in vivo, clinical and biological markers that differentiate suspected non‐AD pathophysiology (SNAP) from AD patients.MethodWe included 41 patients with a progressive episodic memory deficit of the hippocampal type (CDR≤ 1), and 30 controls. All patients underwent both PiB‐PET and AV‐1451‐PET. According to their amyloid PET status, we classified patients in SNAP (negative PiB‐PET defined by a GCI<1.45, n=10) and prodromal‐AD (positive PiB‐PET, n=31). Tau‐PET were analyzed individually vs the control group by using Z‐scores in each ROI. Participants were followed up annually for 2 yearsResultSNAP patients were older than AD (77.9+/‐5 vs 70.0+/‐6.8 years) and the proportion of APOE4 carriers was lower (28% vs 62%). No difference in baseline neuropsychological scores was found between SNAP and AD patients regarding MMSE (22.9+/‐2.6 vs 24.2+/‐3.0), verbal or visual episodic memory, or anxiety/depression scales. Volumes of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex were lower in SNAP and prodromal‐AD than in controls, without any significant difference between both patient groups. As expected, CSF Ab42/Tau and Ab42/Phospho‐tau ratios were lower in SNAP compared to prodromal AD. Tau‐PET imaging was negative in all SNAP patients except one (fronto‐temporal binding), while tau deposition was observed in all AD patients in the temporal +/‐ parietal cortex. Clinical follow‐up at one and two years showed mild dysexecutive syndrome in SNAP and mild parietal cognitive dysfunction in prodromal‐AD.ConclusionAmnesia of the hippocampal type not due to AD was observed in 24% of our cohort, with similar severity of amnesia and hippocampal/entorhinal atrophy as in prodromal‐AD, but possibly distinct longitudinal clinical trajectories. Molecular PET imaging suggested a non‐tau pathology in 9 patients and a possible non‐AD tauopathy in one.
An in‐depth analysis of a large national survey on person‐specific outcome measures (EPSOMS)
Authors: Sheehan Shane , Luz Saturnino , Saunders Stina , Evans Alison , Ritchie Craig W. , Terrera Graciela Muniz 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe ePSOM programme, a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and Alzheimer’s Research UK,was prompted by the recognition that outcome measures currently used in clinical trials in prodromal and preclinical neurodegenerative diseases do not capture the research participants’ views of effectiveness. This 4‐stage programme involved an evidence review and programme methodology, focus groups to identify key domains of importance to people at various degrees of neurodegenerative disease, a National online survey and the development of an App development which will permit the design of an outcome measure for use in regulatory trials. Here we present results from an in‐depth analyses of the national survey responded by over 5,500 individuals.MethodA short online survey collected information about individuals sociodemographic background and bran health and on 5 domains identified as relevant to individuals based on results from focus groups of people living with memory problems, healthy volunteers and telephone interviews with health and social care professionals. These domains covered everyday functioning, enjoyable activities, relationships and social interactions, cognitive function and identity. Data was analysed using clustering and natural language programming techniques.ResultThe survey was completed by 5,807 individuals, of which 75% were women. Average age of respondents was 58.6 (SD=13.8), living in urban areas (61%) and married (63.4%). There are 82514 responses across the five domains. The largest cluster of responses are associated with “Reading” this cluster accounts for 3107 of the answers given. Closely followed by “Car/Drive” with 2969 answers. Other clusters identified with above 1000 answers are “Walk”, “Garden”, “Cook”, “Understand”, “Chat”, “Remember” and “Shop”.ConclusionOur work generated strong and new evidence based on a large sample of individuals. Results are relevant for the future development of patient reported outcomes.
Exploring opportunities for the integration of traditional healing medicine in the care and prevention of dementia for first nations people from the Wiikwemikoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Shrestha Hom Lal , Pitawanakwat Karen , Wabie Joey‐Lynn , Maar Marion , Walker Jennifer D 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundTraditional healing methods that prioritize the worldviews and knowledge of First Nations people and communities are pivotal and can be integrated throughout the care process in the way that dementia is screened for and diagnosed. The Canadian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment Tool is a culturally safe dementia a screening tool that requires ongoing thoughtful integration of traditional healing medicine practices to be successfully integrated into current health policy and practice across Canada. In Canada, over the next decade, the number of First Nations people over the age of 60 with dementia will increase four‐fold. This is in comparison to a 2.3‐fold increase in the non‐First Nations population. First Nations Elders seek spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental balance in preventing dementia and empowering First Nations people to live healthy lives through traditional healing medicine practices. Access to culturally safe geriatric care and dementia diagnosis among First Nations older adults is a challenge and there is little research aimed at addressing this gap. Within this limited area of research, there is even less research dedicated to how First Nations older adults’ access to traditional medicines, healing, and practices in the prevention and maintenance of dementia care. Within this forum, this presentation will highlight my learning and my passion for this research area. Through a decolonizing research approach, I propose exploring the pathways that will help to fill the gap between traditional healers and health care providers within dementia care and prevention. The primary research question is rooted in First Nations community priorities and asks: “what are the pathways to fill the gap between care providers and traditional healers to integrate traditionally healing medicine practices into dementia care and prevention in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island?” Through relationship‐building and close collaboration with the First Nations community members from the Wiikwemikoong Unceded Territory, this work will exemplify how to frame and uncover the missing link between First Nations use of traditional healing medicines and First Nations dementia care within a mainstream medical system by carrying out an exploratory qualitative Indigenous research design and method.
Cognitive impairment among community‐dwelling, off‐reserve indigenous populations in Canada
Authors: Warren Laura A , Walker Jennifer D , Martiniuk Alexandra , Rosella Laura 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundLimited research suggests the prevalence of cognitive impairment among Indigenous populations in Canada may be higher than that among non‐Indigenous populations. This project is focused on the understudied off‐reserve Indigenous population. We used the social determinants of health model and two‐eyed seeing approach to characterize the epidemiology of cognitive impairment in Canada’s community‐dwelling, off‐reserve Indigenous population in comparison to the non‐Indigenous population using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS).MethodA Community Advisory Board was established to provide leadership, support and direction to the research. Weights were applied to generalize estimates from the sampling population to the general population. Chi‐square tests were used to compare frequencies and prevalence estimates. Risk factors for cognitive impairment will be identified using PROC GENMOD to build a multivariate logistic regression model for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous participants.ResultWeighted estimates are presented for preliminary results. The prevalence of risk factors for cognitive impairment were generally higher for the Indigenous population (e.g. smoking status, level of education, food security, marital status, rural residency, heart disease, falls, diabetes, emotional health) in comparison to the non‐Indigenous population (Tables 1 & 2; p<0.01). The Indigenous population was younger than the non‐Indigenous population with nearly half of the Indigenous population being 45‐54 years of age (49% vs 38%, p<0.01). Despite the younger age profile of the Indigenous population, the overall prevalence of mild (29% vs 25%) and severe cognitive impairment (4% vs 2%) were higher for the Indigenous population compared to the non‐Indigenous population (Table 2; p<0.01). The prevalence of dementia was <1% for both study populations (p=0.33). Given the low prevalence of dementia, our bivariate and multivariable models will focus on cognitive impairment. Age‐specific cognitive impairment prevalence estimates will be reported for each age group. Odds ratios will be reported from the final multivariable model for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous participants.ConclusionThis is the first study focused on cognitive impairment among the community‐dwelling, off‐reserve Indigenous population in Canada. By characterizing the epidemiology of cognitive impairment in Indigenous populations we will increase awareness of cognitive impairment and associated risk factors in off‐reserve Indigenous populations.