bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What is known about intergenerational learning approaches for addressing ageism. including toward individuals with dementia, and attitudes toward aging among future practitioners? Exploring timely scoping review results
Authors: Hand Michelle D , Inoue Megumi D , Kang Hyun D , Tompkins Cathy D , Ihara Emily D , Harvey Kaitlyn D , Parsons Amanda D 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIntergenerational learning can be used to enhance educational outcomes in higher education, to promote increased wellness in later life, while challenging stereotypes and negative bias toward older adults, including toward individuals with dementia, among future practitioners. Still, research on the mutual benefits and effectiveness of such approaches for addressing ageism among college and university students is limited and continuing to emerge. Accordingly, a scoping review was conducted to explore what is currently known about the use of intergenerational learning approaches in higher education based on available research and how (if at all) such strategies may be relevant for programming focused on improving inclusivity and reducing ageism, including toward individuals with dementia, chiefly among students who will work with older adults during their internships and post‐graduation. This scoping review was also conducted to offer an in‐depth understanding of current implications for practice, education, policy, and research that impacts older adults, including individuals with dementia.MethodIncluded were peer‐reviewed and grey sources based on primary qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods research in the English language, which explored intergenerational learning approaches in higher education and attitudes toward older adults and aging. Excluded were sources without clear implications for research, policy, practice or education focused on addressing ageism, including among individuals with dementia.ResultsThe search returned 313 potentially relevant articles in Academic Search Complete. Of these, 67 were preliminarily screened in for full text reading after removing duplicates and applying exclusion terms. Upon further review, 37 were initially screened in for thematic analysis, after which another 8 were excluded, owing to thin implications for intergenerational learning strategies in higher education focused on addressing attitudes toward older adults and aging.ConclusionKey themes surround intergenerational learning strategies, particularly through service learning and creative expression and attitudes toward older adults, including toward individuals with dementia, perceptions of aging, mutual benefits (e.g., cultural learning and integration), and remaining needs for future research, along with considerations for integration of service learning opportunities into university programs and existing courses. The preliminary results will be discussed, along with implications for research, practice, policy, and education focused on reducing ageism.
Association between basal forebrain and medial temporal lobe tau, and gray matter volume
Authors: Shafer Andrea T , MacAlpine Maiya F. , Bañuelos Cristina , Moghekar Abhay , Resnick Susan M. , Bilgel Murat 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundTau pathology is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The basal forebrain (BF) is a significant cholinergic projection site with cholinergic groups 1‐3 (Ch1‐3) projecting to the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and olfactory bulb, and group 4 (Ch4) projecting to the cortical mantle and amygdala. Braak stage 1 includes BF tau and recent literature suggests BF degeneration precedes medial temporal lobe (MTL) degeneration, thus implicating early involvement of the BF in AD. This study examines BF 18F‐flortaucipir (FTP) retention and gray matter (GM) volume, and their associations with MTL FTP retention and GM volume.MethodData were acquired for 111 older adults (Table 1) in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Binary masks for BF subregions Ch1‐3 and Ch4 were generated using a probabilistic atlas (Figure 1). We computed mean standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) using an inferior cerebellar GM reference region and mean GM volume using average voxel‐based morphometry values for each BF subregion. Colocalized relationships between BF tau and volume were assessed using Pearson correlations. Proximal relationships between BF tau/GM and MTL tau/GM were assessed at the voxel level controlling for age, sex, and intracranial volume and corrected for multiple comparisons using non‐parametric permutations.ResultsWithin the BF, FTP‐SUVR in Ch1‐3 was strongly related to FTP‐SUVR in Ch4, and FTP‐SUVR was associated with larger volume in Ch1‐3, but not Ch4 (Figure 2). Voxelwise analyses showed strong BF‐MTL associations with higher Ch1‐3 and Ch4 FTP‐SUVR associated with higher FTP‐SUVR throughout the MTL. The strongest associations were observed anteriorly (amygdala, peri/entorhinal cortices) and medially along the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus/parahippocampal gyrus. Moreover, for both BF Ch groups, larger volume was associated with larger MTL volume. This association was strongest in the amygdala and hippocampal head and body.ConclusionAs expected, BF FTP‐SUVR was positively associated with MTL FTP‐SUVR, and BF volume was positively associated with MTL GM volume, supporting the use of these BF measures. Further analysis is necessary to better understand the positive associations between BF FTP‐SUVR and GM volume and to assess the temporal ordering of FTP‐SUVR accumulation in the BF and MTL.
Effects of Metformin Administration on Behavioral and Biochemical Parameters in a Familial Hypercholesterolemia Mouse Model
Authors: Nascimento Natália Baltazar , Farias Hemelin Resende , Schons Tainá , Rodrigues Matheus Scarpatto , Oliveira Jade 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundLow‐density lipoprotein (LDL) is responsible for the transport of cholesterol to peripheric tissues (Cortes et al. 2014), and it enters the cells via LDL receptors (LDLr) (Luo, Yang, Song 2020). Cholesterol metabolism alterations, i.e., hypercholesterolemia are well‐known cardiovascular risk factors and have also been linked to cognitive and behavioral alterations (De Oliveira et al. 2011, Sparks et al. 1990, WHO 2008). Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a prevalent disease caused by dysfunctions of cholesterol metabolism (Akioyamen et al. 2017), and several reports show its connection to neuroinflammation (Ariza et al. 2016, De Oliveira et al. 2020). Recent studies associate mTOR inhibition with conservation of blood‐brain barrier integrity, cognitive damage attenuation, and systemic and cerebral inflammation reduction in dementia and FH animal models (Jahrling et al. 2018, Van Skike et al. 2018). In this regard, Metformin presents critical therapeutic potential because it inhibits mTOR through AMPK.ObjectiveEvaluation of Metformin treatment on cognitive disturbances and central and peripheric biochemical parameters in C57BL/6 LDLr deficient (LDLr‐/‐) mice.MethodLDLr‐/‐ and wild‐type (WT) male mice (3‐month‐old, 20‐3 g) received a daily oral administration via gavage of Metformin (200 mg/kg) or Saline for 30 days. All animals were weighed weekly. Mice were submitted to behavioral tasks in the last week of treatment. Following the last day of treatment, animals fasted for 12 hours and were euthanized by cardiac exsanguination. Heparinized plasma was used to determine total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Another cohort of animals was perfused with paraformaldehyde to collect fixed total brains, which were used in immunofluorescence assays for labeling glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).ResultLDLr‐/‐ mice showed higher total cholesterol levels compared to WT groups. Metformin treatment increased triglyceride levels and decreased total body weight in LDLr‐/‐ mice in comparison to Saline administration. LDLr‐/‐ mice showed hyperlocomotive activity, cognitive damage, and a depressed phenotype, which was in parts attenuated by Metformin treatment. Metformin treatment ameliorated astrogliosis in the hippocampus of LDLr‐/‐ mice.ConclusionMetformin treatment showed a promising effect on the memory impairment and astrocyte reactivity observed in LDLr‐/‐ mice, which was not via a cholesterol‐lowering outcome.
Comparison of LBD research priorities by caregiver characteristics
Authors: Patel Bhavana , Stacy Kelly E , Farley Morgan , Bedenfield Noheli , Taylor Angela , Bayram Ece , Wood Julia , Armstrong Melissa J , Holden Samantha K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundCaregivers of individuals with Lewy body dementia (LBD) experience high levels of caregiver burden while having a pivotal role in clinical and research decision‐making. Despite the importance of the caregivers in LBD, little is known about their research priorities. Targeting these priorities may help research engagement and more meaningful study aims.MethodA web‐based survey of current and former caregivers of people with LBD investigated research priorities through forced ranking and exploration of experiences in LBD. Importance of research topics were queried and further analyzed descriptively based on age, gender, relationship type (spouse, sibling, adult child), and location type (large city, suburb, small town, rural). Race and ethnicity were not included due to small sample size.ResultBetween 4/7/2021‐7/1/2021, 984 responses were recorded: 550 identified as current caregivers and 280 as former caregivers. Younger caregivers (<60 years) were more likely to express interest in research participation, as were those residing in large cities. No difference in research interest was seen between caregiver gender or relationship type. The top research priority for all caregivers was development of disease modifying therapy. More women were interested in LBD‐specific healthcare education. Both women and adult children caregivers prioritized identifying individuals at risk for LBD. Spouses prioritized understanding disease course and progression, whereas siblings prioritized pathophysiological changes and alternative medicine approaches. Individuals from large cities and suburbs prioritized medication development and those from rural areas and small cities valued improving methods to diagnose LBD.ConclusionThis study emphasizes varying research priorities based on age, gender, relationship, and area of residence of LBD caregivers. Recognition of the heterogeneity of LBD caregivers allows for personalized outreach and support, as well as tailored research projects and goals. Identifying the unique priorities of those personally affected by LBD can guide research development towards maximally impactful outcomes.
Changes in cognitive functioning by a multifactorial intervention to prevent dementia‐The Japan‐Multimodal Intervention Trial for Prevention of Dementia PRIME Tamba‐
Authors: Oki Yutaro , Osaki Tohmi , Murata Shunsuke , Kumagai Ryoko , Encho Haruhi , Ono Rei , Yasuda Hisafumi , Kowa Hisatomo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundMany efforts for early detection and prevention of cognitive decline have been reported. In this study, we examined the changes in possible Nou‐KNOW (Cognigram by Cogstate; Japanese version Cognigram) after an 18‐month multifactorial intervention to prevent dementia in cognitively normal elderly subjects living in areas at risk for dementia.MethodThe Japan‐Multimodal Intervention Trial for Prevention of Dementia PRIME Tamba (J‐MINT), a randomized controlled trial to prevent cognitive decline in cognitively normal older people living in areas at risk of dementia, was conducted. PRIME Tamba), a randomized controlled trial to prevent cognitive decline. 203 participants (male: 57 participants, mean age: 73.86±4.84, mean MMSE score: 28.65±1.36) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (101 participants) or the control group (102 participants). The intervention group received 90 minutes of group‐based physical exercise once a week, cognitive training, nutritional counseling, and vascular risk factor management for 18 months (78 sessions in total). Reaction speed, attention, visual learning, and attentional scores were measured twice (Baseline and 18 months after intervention) by the Nou‐KNOW. Statistical analyses were conducted using a general linear mixed‐effects model with a significance level of less than 5%.ResultThere was a statistically significant difference in the Reaction time score (intervention group vs. control group; 101.62 ± 7.07 vs. 98.63 ± 9.75, p<0.01) and Attention score (100.19 ± 7.19 vs. 98.16 ± 7.56, p = 0.02) in the Cognigram at the 18‐month measurement in the intervention group. On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found in the Visual memory score (100.26±13.26 vs. 98.63±13.71, p = 0.89) and Working memory score (98.99 ± 8.13 vs. 96.71 ± 7.39, p = 0.29).ConclusionAn 18‐month multifactorial intervention to prevent dementia in cognitively normal older adults living in areas at risk for dementia was suggested to improve reaction time and attention.
Reduced density of serotonergic axons without prominent neuron loss or tau pathology in the dorsal raphe nucleus in App knock‐in mouse models of amyloid‐β pathology
Authors: Sakakibara Yasufumi , Hirota Yu , Ibaraki Kyoko , Takei Kimi , Nishijima Risa , Sekiya Michiko , Iijima Koichi M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundDorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is a nucleus containing the cell bodies of serotonergic neurons in the brainstem and is one of the earliest regions affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Defect in serotoninergic system is related to cognitive declines and behavioral and psychiatric problems and has been a drug target to improve clinical symptoms in AD. Why and how serotonergic system is severely damaged in AD remain elusive. In this study, we examined how serotonergic system is affected by amyloid‐β (Aβ) pathology using AppNL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice, which harbor three familial AD mutations and exhibit massive Aβ pathology in cortical areas.MethodWe compared the density of serotonin (5‐HT)‐positive axons in the cortex and hippocampus and the number of serotonergic neurons in the DRN between AppNL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F and wild‐type (WT) C57BL/6J mice at 24 months of age. We also asked whether tau pathology was formed in the serotonergic axons and in the DRN in AppNL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice.ResultImmunohistochemical analyses revealed that 24‐month‐old AppNL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice exhibited significant decreases in the density of 5‐HT‐positive axons in the cortex and hippocampus compared to WT mice. In contrast, AppNL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice did not display loss of 5‐HT‐positive neurons in the DRN even at 24 months of age. Moreover, phosphorylated tau was not accumulated in either the nerve terminals or the cell bodies of DRN neurons in the brains of AppNL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that cortical Aβ pathology reduces the density of serotonergic axons independent of neuron loss and tau pathology in the DRN. These results also suggest that age‐dependent accumulation of Aβ in the cortex chronically damages serotonergic axons, which may lead to loss of DRN neurons accumulating tau during aging in AD pathogenesis.
Genetic and pharmacologic proteasome augmentation ameliorates Alzheimer’s‐like pathology in animal models of AD
Authors: Pickering Andrew 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe proteasome has key roles in neuronal proteostasis, including the removal of misfolded and oxidized proteins, presynaptic protein turnover, and synaptic efficacy and plasticity. Proteasome dysfunction is a prominent feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).MethodWe investigate proteasome augmentation through overexpression of a rate limiting proteasome subunit and treatment with proteasome activating peptidomimetics developed by our team in hAPP(J20) mice, MC65 cells overexpressing a C99 fragment of APP and elav‐GS‐GAL4>UAS‐APP;UAS‐BACE1 fly models of AD.ResultWe show that prevention of proteasome dysfunction by genetic manipulation delays mortality, cell death, and cognitive deficits in fly and cell culture AD models. We developed a transgenic mouse with neuronal‐specific proteasome overexpression that, when crossed with an AD mouse model, showed reduced mortality and cognitive deficits. To establish translational relevance, we developed a set of TAT‐based proteasome‐activating peptidomimetics that stably penetrated the blood‐brain barrier and enhanced 20S/26S proteasome activity. These agonists protected against cell death, cognitive decline, and mortality in cell culture, fly, and mouse AD models.ConclusionWe demonstrate proteasome modulation as a viable target for prevention of AD‐like deficits and present a set of novel proteasome agonists as AD therapeutics
Does texture analysis classify semantic dementia from Alzheimer’s disease better than volumetric analysis?
Authors: Kwon Min Jeong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundTexture analysis may capture subtle changes in the gray matter more sensitively than volumetric analysis. We aimed to investigate the patterns of neurodegeneration in semantic dementia (SD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by comparing the temporal gray matter texture and volume between cognitively normal controls and older adults with SD and AD.MethodWe enrolled all participants from three national university hospitals in Korea. We obtained T1‐weighted magnetic resonance images and compared the gray matter texture and volume of regions of interest (ROIs) between the groups using analysis of variance with Bonferroni posthoc comparisons. We also developed models for classifying SD, AD and control groups using logistic regression analyses, and validated the models using receiver operator characteristics analysis.ResultCompared to the AD group, the SD group showed lower volumes in five ROIs (bilateral temporal poles, and the left inferior, middle, and superior temporal cortices) and higher texture in these five ROIs and two additional ROIs (right inferior temporal and left entorhinal cortices). The performances of both texture‐ and volume‐based models were good and comparable in classifying SD from NC (mean area under the curve [AUC] = 0.914 for texture; mean AUC = 0.894 for volume). However, only the texture‐based model achieved a good level of performance in classifying SD and AD (mean AUC = 0.775 for texture; mean AUC = 0.658 for volume).ConclusionTexture may be a useful neuroimaging marker for early detection of SD in older adults and its differentiation from AD.
Exploring green care approaches for healthy aging, healing from trauma and holistic environmental, social, spiritual, intellectual and emotional wellness among individuals with dementia: A scoping review
Authors: Hand Michelle D , Anderson Keith , Schleitwiler Tess D 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundGreen care approaches, or nature‐based treatment for greater health and healing, can offer a sense of place and community, empowerment, and various psychological, physical, social, spiritual and environmental benefits, as well as less isolation, depression and posttraumatic stress among older adults, including among people with dementia. This is particularly relevant since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, which has given rise to further isolation, depression anxiety and trauma in this population. Still, while green care practices have been in place for more than 100 years, research on green care approaches, such as through care farms and gardens, for promoting healthy aging and holistic wellness among individuals with dementia is limited. Thus, a scoping review was conducted to explore what is currently known about the use of horticulture‐based green care approaches for promoting healthy aging, holistic wellness and potential psychological healing from past trauma.MethodIncluded were peer‐reviewed articles that reported on primary qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods study findings relating to green care approaches for healthy aging and holistic wellness, including with regard to psychological healing. While no geographical parameter was set, all included articles were published in the English language.ResultsIn total, 101 potentially relevant sources were identified in Academic Search Complete and Google Scholar using the search terms “care farm*” or “green care” or “horticulture” or “therapeutic garden” or “nature‐based” AND “dementia” or “Alzheimers.” Of these, 42 peer‐reviewed articles were screened in for full text reading, and a thematic analysis was conducted to offer an overview of current research on horticulture‐based strategies for promoting holistic wellness, healing and healthy aging among individuals with dementia as well as implications for future research, practice, and policy.ConclusionKey overarching themes surround the use of green care for psychological, social, spiritual, environmental and social wellness among individuals with dementia as well as the relevance of green care approaches to advancing trauma‐responsive and culturally appropriate care. Further implications for future research, practice and policy will also be discussed.
Plasma rejuvenation factor GDF11 associates with amyloid‐related cognitive decline in older adults across the Alzheimer’s Disease spectrum
Authors: Lee Shannon Y. , Paolillo Emily W. , Saloner Rowan , VandeBunte Anna M , Rabinovici Gil D. , La Joie Renaud , Kramer Joel H. , Villeda Saul , Casaletto Kaitlin B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThrough studies of animal heterochronic parabiosis (fusion of juvenile and older adult animal circulatory systems), growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) has been identified as a blood rejuvenation factor that can promote neurogenesis, vascular remodeling, and memory improvement in the presence of age‐related declines. However, it is unknown whether GDF11’s associations with cognitive and neural outcomes translate to humans. We assessed the relationship between plasma GDF11, cerebral amyloid pathology, and cognitive performance in older adults across the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) spectrum.MethodParticipants were 71 older adults from the UCSF Memory and Aging Center who ranged in age from 63 to 93 (Meanage = 79.5; Meanedu = 17.5, 66 cognitively unimpaired, 56% women, 38% amyloid PET positive) and completed blood draws with plasma analyzed on Somascan (version 4.1), neuropsychological evaluations, and amyloid PET scans (18‐AV‐45). Cognition was operationalized as a of validated tests of memory and executive function. Pearson’s correlations examined interrelationships among plasma GDF11, cognition, and amyloid PET centiloids. To determine whether plasma GDF11 moderated the effects of amyloid on cognition, linear regression examined cognition as a function of GDF11, amyloid, and their interaction, controlling for age, sex, and education.ResultHigher amyloid PET centiloids correlated with worse cognition (r = ‐0.20, p = 0.09) and lower levels of GDF11 (r = ‐0.15, p = 0.20), though relationships did not reach statistical significance. GDF11 also did not strongly univariately correlate with cognition (r = ‐0.07, p = 0.59). However, there was a significant interaction between GDF11 and amyloid PET centiloids on cognition (β = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.15, 0.95, p = 0.008) such that the negative relationship between amyloid PET centiloids and cognition was significantly in participants with higher levels of GDF11.ConclusionGDF11 is a blood‐based rejuvenation factor that supports neurogenesis and cognition in animal models and attenuates the association between higher amyloid burden and worse cognition in cognitively unimpaired older adults. These results coupled with prior findings provide translational evidence that GDF11 supports brain resilience and further examination of GDF11 as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease is warranted.