bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving interpreting for dementia assessments: Results from the MINDSET trial
Authors: Brijnath Bianca , Cavuoto Marina G. , Markusevska Simona , Gilbert Andrew , Antoniades Josefine , Garcia Erika Gonzalez , Hlavac Jim , Low Lee‐Fay , LoGiudice Dina , Woodward‐Kron Robyn , Enticott Joanne , Hwang Kerry , White Jennifer , Lin Xiaoping 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe Improving Interpreting for Dementia Assessments (MINDSET) study aimed to upskill interpreters through an online co‐designed course in dementia and cognitive assessments.MethodsA single‐blinded randomized controlled digital trial conducted between June 2022 and November 2023. Interpreters were randomized to training or waitlist control conditions with 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up. The primary outcome was a composite Z‐score comprising dementia and cross‐cultural knowledge, translation and ethical knowledge, and observed interpreting skills. Preliminary analyses were conducted using a mixed ANOVA with assessment period as the within‐subjects factor and intervention group as the between‐subjects factor, controlling for age.Results126 interpreters (Mage = 44.13 years (SD = 12.71) completed baseline (22 Arabic, 14 Cantonese, 6 Greek, 14 Italian, 64 Mandarin, 6 Vietnamese), 3m follow‐up (n = 100) and 6m follow‐up (n = 101). For the primary outcome, there were no significant main effects for assessment period F (2, 178) = 0.21, p = .814 nor intervention group F (1, 89) = 0.31, p = .548, and no significant interaction between intervention group and assessment period, F (2, 178) = 0.64, p = .526. Secondary outcomes revealed significant main effects for dementia knowledge (DKAS) for the assessment period, F (2, 98) = 8.80, p <.001, and intervention group F (1, 99) = 4.59, p = .035, with significantly higher scores at the 3‐ (mean difference = 1.308, SE = .31, p <.001, 95% CI .692, 1.924) and 6‐month follow‐up (mean difference = .814, SE = .31, p = .010, 95% CI .203, 1.425); and significantly higher scores in the intervention compared to control (mean difference = .842, SE = .393, p = .035, 95% CI .062, 1.621). A significant interaction between assessment period and intervention group F (2, 98) = 3.33, p = .040 indicated that the increase in scores at the 3‐ and 6‐month periods were greater for the intervention group.ConclusionsThis is the first time a dementia training resource for interpreters has been trialled. Preliminary analyses revealed an improvement in interpreter’s dementia knowledge.
Transgenic Domestic Pigs for research in Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Hainsworth Atticus H , Onwuzuruike Love , Ramesh Misha , Ascione Raimondo , Berry Colin , Bridges Leslie , Cash Diana , Clutton Eddie , Daniel Carola , Gao Betty , Isaacs Jeremy D , Lillico Simon , Madigan Jeremy , Meijles Daniel , Nixon James , Osei Stephanie , Ritchie Adrian , Romanowska Monika , Tennant Peter , Warren Claire , Westaby Joseph , Whitelaw C.Bruce A , Williams Steven CR 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular disease causes vascular dementia and contributes to most clinical dementia. This is embodied in the concept of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). The potent endogenous peptide endothelin‐1 (ET1) causes small artery vasoconstriction and fibrosis. ET1 is implicated in microvascular disease and in VCID. There are few experimental animal models relevant to VCID [Hainsworth et al. 2017]. Pigs are higher mammals with a gyrencephalic brain and extensive subcortical white matter.MethodWe engineered domestic pigs carrying additional copies of the ET1‐encoding gene EDN1 under a Tet‐ON promotor, by lentiviral injection into blastocysts. We induced transgene expression for up to 8 days using oral doxycycline in young adults.ResultWe studied ET1‐overexpressing (n = 6, 3F/3M, mean±SD age 184±61 days) and control animals (n = 5, 3F/2M, 149±41 days). Following doxycycline treatment we observed a wide range of transgene expression at mRNA level. Antibody labelling indicated a spectrum of ET1 abundance in brain and heart tissue. Heart weight was 460±106 g in ET1‐overexpressing pigs and 394±25 g in controls. Brain weight: 104±14.4 g in ET1‐overexpressing, 101±9.0 in controls. We will report phenotypes relevant to inflammation and blood vessel fibrosis.ConclusionAdult‐onset EDN1 induction in domestic pigs produces ET1 overexpression that is well‐tolerated to 8 days.Reference: Hainsworth AH, et al. (2017) BMC Med.15(1):16. Translational models for vascular cognitive impairment: a review including larger species.
Pre‐diagnostic manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of longitudinal studies
Authors: Zabihi Sedigheh , Jeraldo Rosario Isabel Espinoza , Anjum Rifah , Carter Christine , Roche Moïse , Bestwick Jonathan P , Morgan‐Trimmer Sarah , Cooper Claudia , Marshall Charles R , Birks Yvonne , Wilberforce Mark , Walter Fiona M 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with a range of non‐cognitive symptoms that can be early or even presenting features. Better recognition of pre‐diagnostic symptoms of AD would support improved early detection and diagnosis.MethodTo identify possible prodromal symptoms of AD, we systematically searched three electronic databases for prospective longitudinal studies to March 2023, that reported the risk of AD diagnosis associated with non‐cognitive symptoms. Meta‐analyses were performed to assess the associations between a commonly reported symptom and AD. We estimated pooled odds ratios (OR) using random‐effects model.ResultThirty studies were included with the majority focused on neuropsychiatric symptoms. Quantitative analysis of fourteen studies showed depression to be associated with subsequent AD diagnosis (pooled OR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.29 to 2.50; I2 = 95.8%) and individual reports of the association showed it to be stronger later in life and closer to AD diagnosis. In contrast with the literature, the evidence on the association between anxiety, sleep difficulties, personality changes and psychotic symptoms, and incident AD was inconsistent.We found evidence that autonomic symptoms including urinary dysfunction, constipation, fatigue, syncope and collapse might be pre‐diagnostic symptoms of AD recorded up to 10 years before receiving an AD diagnosis, and there was strong evidence of an association between hypotension and incident AD (pooled OR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.88 to 2.01; I2 = 0.0%). We were also able find evidence for the association between weight loss and subsequent AD diagnosis within 10 years (pooled OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.74; I2 = 57.5%). Furthermore, the quantitative synthesis of the evidence on hearing loss (pooled OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.89; I2 = 87.6%) and spondylosis (pooled OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.34 to 1.80; I2 = 68.2%) showed both to be associated with AD diagnosis up to 10 years after identification of these sensory symptoms.ConclusionOur findings suggest that improved recognition of early non‐cognitive presentations is key in facilitating access to timely diagnosis of AD, especially as the emergence of disease‐modifying therapies for AD increases the importance of early detection.
Dural arteriovenous fistula as a cause of reversible cognitive impairment. Case report and a literature review
Authors: Boccazzi Julian Fernandez , del Hierro Xavier Merchan , Eizaguirre Barbara , Rojas Galeno , Leis Adriana , Sayavedra Ramiro , Persi Gabriel Gustavo , Guillen Jonathan Cubas , Aldinio Victoria , Gatto Emilia 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are abnormal communications between dural arteries and cortical, meningeal, or dural sinus veins. They represent 10‐15% of intracranial arteriovenous malformations. In rare cases, they have been associated with potentially reversible cognitive impairment and dementia.MethodThis report presents a clinical case of reversible cognitive impairment associated with DAVF and a review of the literature. Literature research was conducted using PubMed with the following keywords: “Dementia AND Dural arteriovenous fistula”; “Reversible dementia AND dural arteriovenous fistula” and “Dural arteriovenous fistula AND cognitive impairment”.ResultA case report was presented on a 72‐year‐old male patient who was hypertensive, a smoker, and had a history of headaches. The patient consulted for memory loss that had been ongoing for 3 years and had significantly progressed in the last year. The memory loss was associated with mild anomic aphasia and postural instability. During the examination, the patient exhibited impaired delayed recall and attention. The total score on the Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE) was 25 out of 30, and the clock drawing test was failed. The neuropsychological evaluation (NPE) revealed deficits in language, verbal memory, attention, executive functioning, and visuoconstruction. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an unusual vascular pathway in the left basal temporal cortico‐subcortical region, with venous congestion mainly in the superior petrosal sinus and hyperperfusion in the left temporal‐insular area in the arterial spin‐labeling (ASL) sequence. Digital angiography confirmed the diagnosis of left petrosal DAVF with afferents from the ipsilateral round foramen, middle meningeal, and occipital arteries. The fistula was completely embolized, and the patient had a favorable outcome. The post‐treatment NEP demonstrated significant improvement, resulting in the normalization of all previously deficient cognitive domains.ConclusionWhile cognitive manifestations secondary to DAVFs are rare, they should be considered as a potentially treatable cause of cognitive impairment. Early identification and adequate treatment have a favorable prognosis and usually lead to a reversal of symptoms, improving the patient’s quality of life.
Unveiling the role of Fli‐1 in controlling astrocyte dysfunction and transformation in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Li Pengfei , Goodwin Andrew , Halushka Perry , Fan Hongkuan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with cognitive impairment and neuro‐inflammation. Dysregulated activation of microglia and astrocytes induces neuro‐inflammation, and reactive astrocytes have been classified into A1 neurotoxic and A2 neuroprotective phenotypes. A1 astrocytes are induced by activated neuro‐inflammatory microglia via secreting IL‐1α, TNFα and C1q, and contributing to inflammation and neuronal cell death. However, the processes that govern astrocyte transformation and their role in AD development remains unclear. Increased friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli‐1) levels were observed in the hippocampus of brain tissue from AD patients and 5xFAD mice, a murine model of AD. While inhibition of Fli‐1 reduced pericyte loss, Aβ deposition and BBB dysfunction in the 5xFAD mice. However, Fli‐1’s specific role in astrocyte activation in AD remains unexplored.MethodFli‐1 levels and A1 phenotype astrocyte number were detected in brain tissues from WT mice, 5xFAD mice and inducible Fli‐1 KO 5xFAD mice. Control or Fli‐1 antisense oligonucleotide Gapmers were injected into the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice at 3 and 4.5 months of age. A1 phenotype astrocyte number, inflammatory mediators and cognitive deficits were evaluated at 6 months of age. Cultured mouse astrocytes were transfected with control or Fli‐1 Gapmers for 24 h and followed stimulation with IL‐1α, TNFα and C1q for another 24 h. The expression levels of Fli‐1 and inflammatory mediators, and A1 phenotype astrocyte number were determined.ResultFli‐1 levels are higher in the astrocytes in hippocampus of 5xFAD mice, and corresponded with increased astrocyte activation, A1 astrocyte number, inflammation and cognitive impairment. While 5xFAD mice with inducible Fli‐1 KO exhibited decreased astrocyte activation, attenuated inflammation, and mitigated cognitive impairment. Knockdown of Fli‐1 in cultured mouse astrocytes with Fli‐1 Gapmers suppressed activated microglia‐induced astrocyte activation, and inhibited IL‐1α, TNFα and C1q‐indcued A1 astrocyte transformation in vitro. Moreover, injection of Fli‐1 Gapmers into the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice significantly decreased Fli‐1 levels and reduced A1 astrocyte number.ConclusionThe elevated Fli‐1 levels contribute to astrocyte dysfunction and A1 astrocyte transformation in AD. Targeting Fli‐1 could be a therapeutic approach to prevent or mitigate AD‐induced astrocyte dysfunction and cognitive impairment, offering potential clinical applications.
Physical function and cognition in older adult women: the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
Authors: Baker Jillian , MacConnachie Lauren , Hood Michelle , Derby Carol A. , Appelhans Bradley M. , Reeves Alexis , Karvonen‐Gutierrez Carrie A. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundMenopause is a time of accelerated loss of physical function, illustrated by challenges to mobility, speed, strength, and performance of activities of daily living. Physical function is associated with cognitive function, but there are limited data exploring this association among older women. In a cohort of older adult women, we hypothesize better performance on measures of physical function will be associated with better cognitive performance. This paper aims to characterize the link between physical function and cognition in older women, which may suggest interventions to support health in both domains of function.MethodsThe Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) is a multi‐ethnic, community‐based study of women followed through and beyond the menopausal transition. At Visit 15 (V15, 2015‐16), SWAN participants completed self‐reported measures (SF‐36) and performance‐based measures (gait speed and stair climb) of physical function and tests of cognition, including symbol digit modalities test [SDMT], East Boston Memory Test‐Delayed and ‐Immediate (EBMT‐D/EBMT‐I), and digit span backwards (DSB). A global cognitive z‐score was calculated by averaging the z‐scores of the four cognitive tests.In separate linear regressions with cross‐sectional (V15), we regressed SDMT and global z‐score on each measure of physical function (SF‐36, gait speed, stair climb), adjusting for demographic factors, socioeconomic status (SES), and health conditions.ResultsOur sample included 1703 women who had at least one measure of physical function and cognition at V15, with a mean age of 65.5 years (SD = 2.69); 47.6% were white, 26.8% Black, 10.2% Chinese, 9.9% Japanese, and 5.5% Hispanic. Almost half (48.9%) attained a college degree. All but one woman were post‐menopausal, indicating at least 12 months elapsed since the final menstrual period.Higher SF‐36 scores and faster gait speeds were associated with faster processing speed (SDMT, β = 0.04, p = 0.005; β = 2.69, p = 0.039, respectively) and global cognition (β = 0.002, p = 0.037; β = 0.23, p = 0.006, respectively). Slower stair climbs were associated with worse processing speed (SDMT β = ‐0.18, p<0.001) and global cognition (β = ‐0.01, p<0.001).ConclusionsIn cross‐sectional analyses in SWAN, physical functioning is positively associated with cognition among older adult women. Future analyses with longitudinal data are needed to assess whether better physical performance predicts better cognition as women age.
Spatial Exploration Behavior – A Novel Cognitive Marker for Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Puthusseryppady Vaisakh , Sultzer David L , Chrastil Elizabeth R 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAlterations to spatial navigation have been suggested by previous studies to represent an early cognitive marker for those with and at risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, with most of these studies focusing on spatial memory (usage of formed spatial representations), very little is known about the extent to which spatial exploration (process by which spatial representations are formed) may be altered in AD. The aim of this study is to investigate how spatial exploration behavior may be altered in individuals with and at risk of AD, and the extent to which individuals can be classified into their clinical status based on their exploration behavior.Method10 cognitively unimpaired older adults, 10 adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 10 adults with clinical AD are recruited (all participants aged > 50 years). All participants undergo a Virtual Supermarket Learning Task using immersive walking virtual reality to measure their exploration behavior and spatial memory. In the exploration phase, participants freely explore a 13×6‐meter virtual supermarket for 7 minutes and learn the locations of 6 floating target objects. Here, various exploration behaviors (distance travelled, turning angles, object visits, etc.) are measured. In the wayfinding phase, participants are instructed to navigate from one target object to another, without feedback, and wayfinding success (proportion of correct trials) is measured. In the pointing phase, participants are instructed to point from one target object to another, without feedback, and angular error (deviation from correct location) is measured.ResultPerformance of the AD and MCI groups in all task phases are compared to that of the healthy controls to assess alterations to exploration behavior as well as wayfinding and pointing performance. Furthermore, we assess how well we can classify the AD and MCI groups from controls using their exploration behavior, and compare this with the classification accuracy obtained from using their wayfinding/pointing performance.ConclusionThe study results will highlight the extent to which spatial exploration behavior can be considered a novel and sensitive cognitive marker for AD, having important implications for understanding early cognitive changes in AD and potentially identifying candidates for therapeutic intervention.
Effects of a cognitive and physical intervention program in older adults in Panama
Authors: Quiros Elianne S Pauli , Oviedo Diana C , Britton Gabrielle B , Rangel Giselle , Villarreal Alcibiades E , Juárez Jemila , Jones Hjalmar 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDementia affects nearly 50 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of disability in older adults. According to predictions by the World Health Organization, the global population with dementia will reach 82 million by 2030, and 152 million by 2050. Currently, pharmacological interventions to delay cognitive decline are proving to be insufficient. By contrast, non‐pharmacological approaches have gained attention in recent years because they can improve clinical symptoms, are low risk and could even alleviate the burden on caregivers. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of an intervention program on cognition, subjective well‐being, and physical health in older adults in Panama.MethodThis is a randomized controlled trial study. The sample includes 60 participants aged 60‐80 years, divided into three groups: 1) a control group, which will receive informative talks about health; 2) experimental group 1, which will participate in cognitive and physical interventions, including cognitive training using the CogniFit platform, group cognitive training and weekly walks monitored with a smartwatch; and 3) experimental group 2, that will perform weekly walks only. A pre‐assessment of the participants is currently being conducted, with 42 participants evaluated so far. The assessment includes a sociodemographic interview, clinical scales, a cognitive test battery, and a physical assessment. Subsequently, a three‐month intervention program will be implemented, followed by a reinforcement program to maintain cognitive and physical training habits introduced in the intervention program. Last, a post‐test will be used to evaluate cognitive function 6 months after the beginning of the intervention program.ResultsAccording to existing literature, it is expected the group receiving multidomain interventions will improve significantly more than groups receiving a single intervention and the control group.ConclusionThis study is projected to benefit the physical, cognitive, and emotional health of the participants, as well as to provide them with tools for the prevention of cognitive decline. It will also generate a new line of research that will have an impact on the treatment of older adults with cognitive impairment in Panama.
Automated Physical Performance Battery as a Digital Marker for Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Adeli Ehsan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHistorically, screening for incidence of AD‐related MCI or conversion from MCI to AD dementia has relied on cognitive, activities of daily living, and brain imaging measures. Limitations of this diagnostic approach include dependency on education and language, time‐consuming and costly measures, and long‐term monitoring. Emerging studies suggest that non‐tremor motor dysfunction in dementias is known to be highly associated with AD biomarkers, with signs of cognitive decline visible in gait and hand movement at various stages of the illness. With the evidence that gait and physical disturbances are early predictors of cognitive impairment and that their trajectories could readily be tracked, we utilize recent advances in computer vision (CV) to quantify mobility in a data‐driven fashion from the video‐recorded 5‐minute Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB) tests. We use the data collected at Stanford AD Research Center and show that our CV methods can automatically reduce videos to body markers (human skeleton tracked through time) and extract several features (such as gait speed, mean torso inclination angle, double support time, gait‐summary score, etc.) and finally turn those into clinical SPPB test scores. Our initial data observed a significant difference between healthy controls (HC) and the two MCI and AD groups for the repeated chair stand test score. Similarly, an inverse correlation between the MoCa cognitive test score and the gait speed is observed. At the end of the talk, I will also discuss how this CV method for mobility can be used for detecting behavioral changes in animal AD models and implications for future human AD research.