bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and development of the intelligent voice recognition‐based cognitive assessment WeChat mini‐program
Authors: Wu Jingnan , Chen Nan , Xia Huanhuan , Wang Ziming , Li Yatian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundEarly screening of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is crucial for the elderly to access formal diagnosis and intervention of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) at early stages. Owing to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and voice recognition technology, the detection method using speech patterns as digital biomarkers collected by digital consumer devices can accommodate a huge demand for early and large‐scale detection. We here reported the design and development of the Shanghai Cognitive Screening (SCS) mini‐program, the first intelligent voice recognition‐based cognitive assessment WeChat mini‐program in China.MethodThe SCS mini‐program was developed based on the cognitive paradigm and classic pencil‐and‐paper neuropsychological assessments (e.g. Montreal cognitive assessment basic [MoCA‐B]). Through Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), users speak to complete tasks including Naming, Immediate Recall, Delayed Recall, Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Delayed RecallII, and Recognition (Figure 1). The acoustic, phonetics, and linguistic speech pattern variables would also be extracted and processed as digital biomarkers. The SCS intelligent prediction model enrolls speech pattern digital biomarkers, individual task scores, and time use variables with age, gender, and education level as linking variables, which enables to grade the user’s global cognitive function and individual cognitive domains (Figure 2).ResultAfter completing all tasks in the SCS, users can immediately read the comprehensive results which are divided into 4 categories corresponding to 4 grading intervals: “healthy” (cognitively normal), “low risk” (suspected SCD), “medium‐high risk” (suspected MCI), and “high risk” (suspected AD). We also use a radar chart with scores of cognitive domains (i.e., memory, attention, visual perception, language, and executive functions), a memory trend graph (i.e., immediate and delayed recalls), an attention persistence graph, and related advice in the automatically generated report (Figure 3).ConclusionThe SCS mini‐program is more efficient and economical compared to traditional paper‐based cognitive assessments. It is suitable for clinical cognitive assessment, remote self‐rating, and community screening for MCI and dementias among Chinese older adults and other ADRD high‐risk groups. Clinical trials are yet to be conducted to validate the accuracy and diagnostic value of the SCS WeChat mini‐program.
Biomedical and Psychosocial determinants of Alzheimer’s disease among elderly living in India
Authors: Mishra VijayKumar , Rawal Tina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAgeing not only affects physical health but also contributes in decline of mental health of older people. Memory or cognitive ability is an important factor in health and well‐being of older adults. In India, cognition ability among older adults adversely affects many activities of daily living including quality of life. The neurological disease such as Alzheimer (or Dementia) has risen among Indian people age 60 years or above, due to various biomedical risk factors including disease mechanisms. This research has done to understand the psychosocial and biomedical predictors of Alzheimer’s’ disease among older people (60 years or above).MethodThis study has used the data from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). LASI is a nationally representative survey on various socioeconomic and health aspects of older adults living in India. LASI (Wave‐1) was done with a sample of 31,902 older people (age 60 years or above). Logistic regression modeling was used to understand the predictors of Alzheimer’s disease among elderly, while multivariate decomposition analysis was used in order to understand the contributing factors of Alzheimer’s illness among poor and non‐poor elderly.ResultAround 3% of elderly (60 years or above) had any neurological illness, while around 1.2% of elderly had Alzheimer’s (or Dementia). The prevalence of Alzheimer’s (or Dementia) was relatively higher among poor elderly, as compared to non‐poor. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s (or Dementia) was found higher among female elderly as compared to males. This study has found Education (years of schooling), activity of daily living (ADL), living arrangements, depression, MPCE quintile, access to health care, pension, self‐rated health and loss of natural teeth, as the predictors of Alzheimer’s’ (or Dementia) disease among elderly living in India.ConclusionAlzheimer’s (or Dementia) disease is a concern among India elderly as it affects overall quality of life. However, focusing on preventable factors (such as health financing, counselling) may help in decreasing the effect of this disease at some extent. Therefore, policy makers in India should consider on all possible risk factors of Alzheimer’s (or Dementia) for well‐being of elderly (especially poor or living alone).
Factors Related to Cognitive Resilience according to Education Level in Normal and Cognitively Impaired Individuals
Authors: Kim Yeshin , Jang Hyemin , Soung YongGwon , Na Duk L. , Jang Jae Won , Seo Sang Won 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundCognitive resilience (CR) is a concept to explain the difference between pathologic burden and cognitive function. Understanding CR is important as increasing CR can be applied to dementia prevention strategies. CR is closely related to education and it was widely used as proxy for CR. However, using an education as proxy of CR may have limitation in reflecting the CR of low educated individuals. Related factors to CR can be different according to the educational level. However, factors related to low educated individuals has not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate factors related to cognitive resilience in low‐ and highly educated individuals using residual approach.MethodWe collected 1,085 patients who underwent neuropsychological assessment and MRI from the Establishment of Precision Medicine Platform for Early Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (PREMIER) Cohort (305 SCD, 639 MCI, 141 AD). To capture CR using residual approach, firstly, cognitive score was predicted on global cortical thickness, adjusted for age, sex, education, and disease stage. Then, individual differences between predicted and observed cognitive score were used as the measure of CR(CR_rsd). Next, we divided the participants into two groups based on their education level. To investigate the factors related to CR_rsd between two groups, we used multiple linear regression and logistic regression model after adjusted age, sex. Demographic, socioeconomic and psychiatric factors were evaluated.ResultMean age was 70.5 years and 65.3% were female. There were 286 patients in low educated group (26.4%). Depression, literacy, cognitive activity, and presence of diabetes were related to CR_rsd. Literacy was related to CR_rsd in both low‐ and high‐education group (low education group, p = 0.035; high education group, p = <0.001). Depression was associated with low CR_rsd only in high education group (p = 0.001). Cognitive activity was associated with high CR_rsd in both group (low education group, p = 0.042; high education group, p = <0.001). However, social activity was only related to high CR_rsd low education group (p = 0.044).ConclusionOur findings suggest that factors related to CR could be different according to the educational level.
Comparing Clinical Diagnosis of Domains of Impairment in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment with the NIH Toolbox‐Cognitive Battery Performance
Authors: Bross Jordan R , Maher Amanda Cook , Pal Subhamoy , Perrin Cameron K , Reader Jonathan M , Bhaumik Arijit K , Fisher Jordan , Gregoire Allyson , Persad Carol C , Hampstead Benjamin M. , Giordani Bruno 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) represents the phase between age‐associated cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Examination of these individuals may be especially important through computer‐based batteries such as the NIH Toolbox‐Cognition Battery (NIHTB‐CB). To inform NIHTB‐CB validity, we compared MCI patients’ performance against categories of cognitive impairment defined by the consensus‐based clinical diagnosis form of the National Alzheimer’s Disease Coordinating Center (NACC) Unified Data Set UDS3. We expected a correspondence between MCI consensus‐based clinical deficit areas and specific NIHTB‐CB task performance.MethodRetrospective data analysis was conducted on 65 MCI participants from the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, with a mean age of 74±8.3, 65% female, who completed UDS3 and NIHTB‐CB measures. The UDS3 forms consist of interviews, medical/neurological examinations, and neuropsychological testing, with a clinical consensus‐based diagnosis form listing domains of cognitive impairment representing memory, language, attention, executive, and visuospatial functioning. Four domain impairment groupings with a minimum of 10 participants each were established (Executive Functioning, n = 10; Memory, n = 27; Memory+Executive Functioning, n = 17; and Memory+Language n = 11) and compared to NIHTH‐CB performance. ANOVAs adjusted for demographics and post hoc tests were conducted to differentiate across clinical consensus categories for the MCI participants.ResultTwo NIHTB‐CB measures yielded significant differences across the clinical grouping: Picture Sequence Memory (PSM, F = 3.3, p = 0.03) and Pattern Comparison (PC, F = 4.1, p = 0.01). For PSM, post hoc tests demonstrated higher scores for the Executive compared to Memory+Executive (PSM: p<0.02) groups with a trend for Executive versus Memory groups (p<.07). For PC, the Memory group performed better than both the Memory+Executive (p<.02) and Memory+Language (p<.04).ConclusionThe better memory performance on PSM of the MCI Executive group compared to the two groups with memory impairment is consistent with expectation. PC, as a measure of executive ability and processing speed was sensitive to clinically diagnosed executive impairment. Lower scores for the Memory+Language group on PC were unexpected. Efficient language functioning may be necessary for complex pattern comparison as dimensions shift. Findings support the validity of NIHTB‐CB. They also suggest the need for additional research on language demands for executive measures.
Cognitive symptoms associated with COVID‐19: neuropsychological and biochemical characterization
Authors: Guillén Núria , Pérez‐Millan Agnès , Martínez Neus Falgàs , Botí María Ángeles , Tort‐Merino Adrià , Lledó‐Ibáñez Gema María , Ruiz‐García Raquel , Naranjo Laura , Rami Lorena , Sala‐Llonch Roser , Balasa Mircea , Lladó Albert , Sanchez‐Valle Raquel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundDespite previous studies establishing cognitive impairment as a major complaint in post‐acute COVID‐19 syndrome (PACS), a deeper understanding of the neuropsychological features and underlying causes is needed. We aimed to characterize the cognitive profile of patients affected with cognitive PACS and the influence of biological and psychological factors.MethodWe performed a prospective single‐center study. We included participants with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and long‐term symptoms ≥ 8 weeks after onset who were referred to our unit because of cognitive complaints. All participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery (NPS) and questionnaires assessing depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), apathy (Starkstein Apathy Scale) and fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory) at baseline and +1, +3 and +6 months. We collected blood samples and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to obtain biochemical and immunological profiles. Group comparisons, correlations and Principal component analysis (PCA) were performed. Longitudinal analyses are ongoing.ResultForty‐nine participants were included (79.6% female, mean age 50.1 (SD 7.9). At the time of assessment, they presented multiple symptoms other than cognitive complaints (88% fatigue, 61% headache, 63% dyspnea, and 10% fever). The NPS showed that executive functions were the most affected (up to 29% of the sample had at least one test altered), followed by memory (at least one test altered in 25%) (Figure 1). On the contrary, language and praxis were preserved. Participants presented with anxiety symptoms (minimal 8.7%, mild in 34.8%, moderate 26.1%, severe 30.4%), depressive symptoms (none 34.8%, mild 26.1%, borderline clinical depression 23.9%, moderate 8.7%, severe 6.5%), and clinically relevant apathy in 64.4%.The sample presented a mean score of total fatigue of 58 (min 48, max 68), (scores 20‐100). Fever and or moderate/severe anxiety were associated with lower scores in some memory and executive functions subtests (Figure 2). Most of the variability in the sample was explained by executive functions subtests (PCA, Figure 3). Patients presented increased levels of interleukins (IL) IL‐1b, IL‐17a and IL‐18 in CSF compared to controls.ConclusionCognitive PACS predominantly affected executive functions and memory. Fever and moderate/severe anxiety were associated with worse cognitive outcomes. Several inflammatory markers were altered in cognitive PACS.
Identifying glial cell‐surface proteins critical in normal brain aging
Authors: Harrison Erin M , Burns Madeline P , Li Hongjie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundGlial cells play a variety of supportive functions to facilitate effective neural communication, including maintaining an effective immune response, myelination of axons, and maintaining extracellular homeostasis. Glia also display age‐related transcriptomic and morphological alterations, and glial cell metabolism is altered in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Fully characterizing age‐related alterations to the cell‐surface proteosome of glial cells in both healthy and pathogenic forms of brain aging could provide further insight into how neuron‐glia interactions facilitate brain aging and identify novel biomarkers and treatment targets of AD.MethodWe performed tissue‐specific in‐situ cell surface proteomics on young (5‐day old) and aged (50‐day old) D. melanogaster utilizing the protocol developed by Li et al. (2020) with the Repo driver to target glial cells. From this, we identified 19 genes of interest with the most significant age‐related increase in protein expression and performed a broad genetic screen to identify how knockdown of genes upregulated with age in glial cells impacted fly lifespan. For this, we utilized the Repo‐GS‐UAS system to screen several transgenic D. melanogaster RNAi lines for the genes of interest, with 2‐3 RNAi lines per gene.ResultBased on a Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of the most upregulated candidate genes, we observed that most were associated with cell localization and transport. Additionally, from our preliminary screen, we have identified five top candidate genes of interest that, when knocked down, appear to increase average fly lifespan relative to the controls. Currently, we are in the process of validating the initial lifespan results, repeating lifespan screens of the top candidate genes in a new glial GS line and a glial Gal4 line.ConclusionWe have identified genes that appear to extend lifespan when knocked down and could serve as targets for further study. These results can provide a basis of understanding healthy brain aging and could serve as a basis of comparison to AD models.
“It’s a lonely journey”: Personal experiences and psychosocial distress among Chinese American dementia family caregivers
Authors: Hong Y. Alicia , Shen Kang , Park Van Ta , Han Hae‐Ra , Cleaveland Carol W 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundChinese American dementia caregivers are a growing but understudied population. Prior survey studies suggest they experience high rates of depressive symptoms and adverse health outcomes, but data are limited on their caregiving experiences, distress processes, and related contextual factors. The current study aims to address the literature gap with a qualitative investigation.MethodIn‐depth interviews were conducted with 18 Chinese American dementia caregivers. An interview guide was developed priori based on literature on family dementia caregivers and stress process theories. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, thematic content analysis was conducted.ResultParticipants’ ages ranged from 39 to 85 with a median age of 60 years. 70% were female, and 64% had limited English proficiency. A conceptual framework of caregiving distress process was developed based on the interview guide and major themes emerged from the data. Caregiving stress stems from a complex interaction of care‐recipients’ and caregivers’ characteristics; stress leads high levels psychosocial distress, including poor sleep, depression and anxiety, and chronic conditions. The distress process is attenuated by caregivers’ help‐ seeking, social support, and use of formal services; it is also negatively influenced by caregivers’ poor self‐care, social isolation, and self‐perceived poor mastery of caregiving. The distress experienced by Chinese American dementia caregivers is a dynamic process in the caregiving context at multiple levels, including their social networks, available health and social services, immigration policies, and social norms. Participants described their caregiving experience as a “lonely journey”, reflecting their isolation and limited social support.ConclusionOur data suggest that Chinese American dementia caregivers, especially those with limited English proficiency, experience elevated psychosocial distress. They face daunting barriers to social support and health services due to their immigrant and minority status. Culturally appropriate targeted intervention is urgently needed for this underserved and vulnerable population.
A Polygenic Risk Score for Hand Grip Strength is Associated with Cognitive Function in Mid‐to‐Late Life Adults
Authors: Bercovitch Rachel , Tio Earvin S. , Felsky Daniel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundLower muscular fitness is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Hand grip strength (HGS) specifically ‐ a proxy for muscular fitness ‐ is a heritable predictor of cognitive decline in aging adults. However, the genetic component of HGS has not yet been explored with respect to cognitive decline. Therefore, we examined the association between a polygenic risk score (PRS) for hand grip strength (HGS) and cognitive function in mid‐to‐late life individuals.MethodWe accessed data for 22,759 unrelated adults of European ancestry (ages 45‐86) from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), calculating a PRS for HGS using the PRS‐CS‐Auto method and summary statistics from Willems et al., 2017. Linear models were used to test for PRS effects on baseline memory and executive function t‐scores, co‐varying for physical activity and other lifestyle and demographic factors. We also explored interactions with measured hand grip strength, physical activity level, sex, and age. Finally, we tested if our HGS‐PRS was able to significantly augment the predictive performance of a benchmark AD‐PRS, calculated using summary statistics from Bellenguez et al., 2022.ResultA higher HGS‐PRS was associated with better global cognitive performance (p = 6.05e‐08). This effect remained significant after controlling for a full set of covariates, including cardiovascular fitness, physical activity, and lean muscle mass (p = 3.14e‐05). Interaction models revealed that age, sex, measured grip strength, and level of physical activity did not change the relationship between HGS‐PRS and cognition. Finally, when assessing whether the HGS‐PRS could augment the predictive performance of an established AD‐PRS, we found significant improvements to models of memory (p = .0035), executive function (p = 7.13e‐06), and global cognition (p = 3.07e‐06). While statistically significant, the additional variance explained in cognition was very small (improvement in R2∼0.1%).ConclusionGenetic predisposition for greater HGS is significantly associated with better cognitive performance in mid‐late life, regardless of sex, fitness, or levels of physical activity. It is therefore possible that direct mind‐muscle connections account for this observation, rather than indirect effects of active lifestyle. Further analyses on longitudinal cognitive outcomes and intermediate brain functional phenotypes are warranted.
The association between change and stability in subjective health ratings and dementia risk: a multi‐cohort study in Swedish and Danish twins
Authors: Pilgrim Matthew JD , Finkel Deborah , Beam Christopher R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPoorer self‐rated health (SRH) is associated with increased dementia risk (Stephan et al., 2021). However, it is unclear whether genetic and/or environmental variance accounts for this risk. Although SRH declines with age (Finkel et al. 2020), it is unknown whether rates of change in SRH are independently associated with dementia outcomes. Using a validated latent dementia index (LDI) (Beam et al., 2022), we tested whether stability and change components of SRH predicted LDI via genetic and environmental pathways in two international cohorts of twins.MethodOur data consisted of two samples of monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins. We used data from the Swedish Adoption Twin Study of Aging (SATSA; Ntwins = 548, Npairs = 339) and the Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins (LSADT; Ntwins = 3238, Npairs = 2561). Bivariate Cholesky decompositions and three‐level growth‐curve models with predictive intercepts and slopes were used for our cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses respectively. All models were estimated in Mplus (Muthen & Muthen, 2017) using maximum likelihood with robust standard errors.ResultsCross‐sectional model results indicate that those with poorer SRH have lower LDI scores (b = ‐0.01, p = .008), even after adjusting for shared genetic covariance, age, sex, education, and depressive symptoms. Predictive growth models indicate that rates of change in SRH are negatively associated with LDI after adjusting for age, sex, education, and depressive symptoms (b = ‐0.17, p = .032). The degree of genetic confounding in the association between rates of change and LDI was inconclusive.ConclusionOur study provides novel insights into the relationship between individual ratings of health and dementia risk. SRH predicted dementia likelihood after controlling for genetic confounding, opening up the possibility that subjective ratings of health account for unique variance in dementia risk. Additionally, changes in SRH also predicted dementia likelihood beyond their mean score. Taken together these results highlight the importance of subjective health measures in understanding dementia risk.