bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Decision to Use Non‐Face‐To‐Face Service Among Family Caregiver of People with Dementia
Authors: Park Myonghwa , Lee Dong Young , Kim Seon Hwa , Lee Jin Hee 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe prevalence of dementia is increasing worldwide. It will further increase by more than 50 million by 2050. Over 50% of persons with dementia are receiving care by family caregivers such as spouse or children in Korea even after introducing the long‐term care insurance system in Korea. The outbreak of COVID‐19 resulted in shifting to non‐face‐to‐face services to persons with dementia and family caregivers especially in provision of education and support. Non‐face‐to‐face services allows older persons with dementia and caregivers to participate beyond limitation of time and place during COVID‐19 pandemic.PurposeThis study tested perceived usefulness and perceived ease of non‐face‐to face service using The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The TAM can explain variables such as perceived usefulness and perceived ease of technology use. Perceptions of using non‐face‐to‐face services influences the intention of use of the service. Thus, this study aims to investigate the awareness and demands for non‐face‐to‐face services among family caregivers of persons with dementia.MethodA cross‐sectional study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 at 25 dementia centers, South Korea. Family caregivers who were 18 years/ older who had no difficulty in reading, understanding and writing had participated. An online and offline survey was used to collect data on preferred method of information access, use of smart devices, non‐face to face services and support needed for family caregivers and persons with dementia, perceive usefulness, perceived ease, and intention of non‐face‐to‐face service use.Results and DiscussionA total of 284 caregivers responded. Seventy percent of respondents preferred online group education and self‐help groups as the best methods of getting information about dementia. Among respondents, 75% of them had smartphones. Most of them need support such as training on how to use non‐face‐to‐face services (41.2%), 24‐hour available information center (44.4%) and discount on internet usage fee (29.9%) to facilitate their use of non‐face to face service. Perceived usefulness (p <.01) and perceived ease of use (p <.01) influences the intention of use of non‐face‐to‐face services among family caregivers.
NeuralCIM® in Neurodegenerative Disorders: a hope to travel the path of Alzheimer’s.
Authors: Pérez Leslie , Pérez Saily Sosa , Obaya Teresita Rodriguez , Amable Nelky Urrutia , Silva Carmen Valenzuela , González Carmen Elena Viada , Monzón Kalet León 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundNeuroEPO (NeuralCIM®) is a variant of EPO, which contains low sialic acid. NeuralCIM® is devoid of hematopoietic effects and produces clinical benefits in subjects with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer’s clinical syndrome. NeuralCIM® has received accelerated approval as a treatment for mild‐moderate AD, from the Cuban Regulatory Authority (CECMED).MethodNeuralCIM® 0.5 mg was evaluated in patients who, after completing the clinical trial, continued to be treated with the drug, whether they had been included in the NeuralCIM® or placebo arm during trial. They were compared with subjects who did not request to continue treatment or who never received it, because they were included in the placebo group during the clinical study.ResultAfter the clinical trial, the patients who continue to be treated with NeuralCIM® for two years from their inclusion in the clinical study, stabilized the disease. On the other hand, the subjects who did not continue the treatment with the drug, present a cognitive impairment characteristic of the progression of the disease. No serious adverse events related with NeuralCIM® were reported.ConclusionNeuralCIM® treatment, stabilized the progression of AD clinical syndrome, during two years of treatment.
Patient‐related factors and mortality associated with nasogastric tube feeding in advanced dementia
Authors: Cheng ‐ Heng Li , Cheong Chin Yee , Tay Poh Peng , Yap Philip Lin Kiat , Malhotra Chetna 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have not shown survival benefit for long‐term enteral feeding. However, these studies were mostly done in residents of nursing homes, where quality of care may vary. Patients cared for in their own home may have more consistent quality of care. The aim of this study is to explore if NGT feeding prolongs life in community‐dwelling PWSDs and if not, what are other factors that may influence survival in PWSDs. Additionally, we wanted to explore patient‐related factors associated with NGT feeding to better understand the patient profile of PWSDs on NGTMethodCommunity‐dwelling PWSDs with a FAST 6c score or higher, were evaluated and followed‐up for a median duration of 25 months as part of the PISCES study, a prospective longitudinal cohort study.Result215 PWSDs were evaluated, 9.8% (n = 21) had NGT at baseline. Compared to those without NGT, PWSDs on NGT were more likely to have had a stroke (66.7% vs 29.9%, p = 0.001), recent pneumonia (28.6% vs 7.2%,p = 0.001), recent oral antibiotics (57.1% vs 26.8%,p = 0.004) and higher Bedford Alzheimer Nursing‐Severity Scale scores(BANS‐S)(22.4 vs 18.2,P = 0.00). Although PWSDs with NGT had lower physical and verbal behavioural problems(P<0.05), there was increased use of restraints (71.4% vs 44.3%,p = 0.018), pressure sores(28.6% vs 10.8%,p = 0.02) and they had poorer Quality of life(QoL) in late‐stage dementia(QUALID) scores (27.8 vs 22.6,p = 0.006), and no difference in malnourishment rate (19% vs 20%, p = 0.865). PWSDs with NGT had no survival benefit (HR 1.42, 95%CI 0.689‐2.91) despite adjustment for significant comorbidities and dementia severity, however BANS‐S and malnourishment predicted mortalityConclusionWhile NGT use in PWSDs does not predict mortality, poorer BANS‐S scores and malnourishment were associated with higher mortality and this may be because they imply more advanced dementia. PWSDs on NGT had more advanced dementia and comorbidities. Increased use of restraints despite lower behavioural problems could have been pre‐emptive to prevent removal of NGT, while the lower QoL scores might be attributed to more advanced dementia and use of NGT with restraints. These findings can help clinicians and families make informed decisions on tube feeding.
The lived experience of people with memory difficulty or dementia from diverse ethnic backgrounds living in South Africa
Authors: van Wyk Adele 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe perception of dementia is culturally constructed and could differ significantly between Western and non‐Western cultures (Botsford & Harrison Dening, 2015). The term ‘dementia’ is unfamiliar to many people in non‐Western settings, who believe that memory loss is a normal part of ageing for which nothing can be done (Johnston et al., 2020, Mwendwa et al., 2021). Perceptions may determine if dementia symptoms or diagnosis would result in social support, or stigma and discrimination (Gallagher‐Thompson et al., 2012), which may affect the quality of life of the person with memory difficulty or dementia (PWD), either positively or negatively. The majority of health professionals place marked emphasis on early diagnosis, but the medicalization of dementia may create problems in some groups, rather than alleviate pressure (Summerfield, 2008).Understanding how dementia is constructed and dealt with in diverse settings can inform the development of accessible support and services.MethodUp to four repeated interviews were conducted with 18 PWDs and 30 care partners from Coloured, Black African, and White backgrounds. Following verbatim transcriptions and thematic analyses of 103 qualitative interviews, the themes of relationships and social connection emerged as central to participants’ experiences.ResultRelationship quality and social connection emerged as important themes for both PWD and their care partners. Although there were cultural differences in approaches to care, participants’ ethnic background or socio‐economic status did not drive help seeking behaviour in this sample.ConclusionPWD and their care partners would benefit from services that focus on supporting the care relationship, promote social connection and raise awareness of dementia in the community.
#WhatsYourPlan – expediting progress towards targets of the WHO Global Action Plan on Dementia
Authors: Arthurton Lewis , Lynch Chris 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn 2017, all 194 Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) unanimously adopted the Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia 2017‐2025, the primary aim being for countries to implement National Dementia Plans (NDP). However, as outlined in Alzheimer’s Disease International’s (ADI) recent From Plan to Impact report, WHO Member States have been far too slow to act ‐ falling far short of the 146 countries target. In response, ADI launched the #WhatsYourPlan campaign, in collaboration with ADI Members, with the single‐minded aim of galvanising governments to act on their 2017 commitment.MethodStrategizing and working with ADI Members, official communications were sent to relevant ministries to enquire as to the status of the NDP, and to request a formal meeting. For Ministries where a response was not obtained, subsequent letters were sent to elicit a response. ADI has also, in some instances, sought advice and utilised WHO regional and national offices, and other multilateral bodies and stakeholders, to help follow up with Ministries of Health for those that have been willing to engage.ResultTo date, 52 ADI members and thus 52 countries have joined the campaign. In total from the onset of the campaign, over 205 official communications have been shared with Member States, resulting in a total of 29 high‐level meetings. In total 20 Member States have committed to developing an NDP, just over a third of all participating ADI Members and over half of the number of plans already in existence in WHO Member States.ConclusionOnly with robust NDPs can governments prepare their health and care systems to meet the complex needs of those affected by dementia. As ADI moves forwards into the second year of the campaign, the mission and scope remain, however with added urgency as the 2025 deadline gets nearer. The campaign will expand accordingly through awareness raising campaigns, media and social media engagement, and regional ADI/WHO meetings, whilst solidifying the successes of the previous year. Ultimately, with the intention of educating the public on why NDPs are so important, and to empower them to ask their own governments: #WhatsYourPlan?
Longitudinal Retinal Findings in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment over a Two Year Period
Authors: Hemesath Angela , Kundu Anita , Allen Ariana , Joseph Suzanna , Ma Justin , Robbins Cason B , Grewal Dilraj S , Fekrat Sharon 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundChanges in the retina, an embryologically brain‐derived structure, are exemplar of measurable pre‐clinical findings in neurodegenerative disease. However, limited data exists on the utility of retinal imaging in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Changes in the retina over time may act as a quantitative measure of disease progression.MethodThis was a longitudinal study consisting of MCI patients and cognitively normal controls over the age of 50. Exclusion criteria included diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, glaucoma, and retinal pathology. Zeiss Cirrus HD‐5000 AngioPlex optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) and Mini Mental State Exam were performed at study entry and year 2.ResultEighty‐seven eyes of 42 MCI patients and 83 eyes of 42 controls were analyzed. Controls were matched by age (range 58‐84 years) and sex (51% male, 49% female). Average MMSE at baseline was 26.3 in MCI and 29.3 in controls (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in rate of change (ROC) of OCT/OCTA data between controls and MCI patients at baseline. The ROC of MMSE at year 2 was ‐0.33 in controls vs ‐1.78 in MCI (p = 0.12). The ROC of OCTA perfusion density (PD) was significantly different (p < 0.04) in year 2, with an ROC of 0%/year in controls and ‐0.1%/year in MCI for both 3×3 ETDRS circle and ring as well as 6×6 ETDRS circle, inner ring, and outer ring. Changes in vessel density (VD) at year 2 were significant (p <0.04) in 3×3 ETDRS circle and ring as well as the 6×6 ETDRS circle, inner ring, and outer ring.ConclusionAt baseline, there was no significant difference in OCT and OCTA metrics between MCI patients and controls, which is consistent with previous work. However, after 2 years of follow‐up, there is a significantly greater velocity of decline in OCTA PD and VD in MCI patients compared to controls prior to a significant change in MMSE scores. Longitudinal assessment of these retinal microvascular differences in MCI may be a strong marker of progressive disease preceding measurable cognitive changes.
Comparison between DSQIID total/sub‐item scores and plasma p‐tau elevation in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Kasai Takashi , Takeuchi Chisen , Shinomoto Makiko , Tatebe Harutsugu , Kitani‐Morii Fukiko , Ohmichi Takuma , Fujino Yuzo , Tokuda Takahiko 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPeople with Down syndrome (DS) are at a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with aging. The Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (DSQIID) is an appropriate screening tool for detecting dementia in DS. However, it remains unclear whether this questionnaire genuinely reflects the neuropsychiatric signs of DS‐AD with biomarker‐based diagnoses.MethodTo validate the usefulness of DSQIID for detecting DS‐AD, we conducted this cross‐sectional observational study comparing plasma tau phosphorylated at the threonine 181 residue (p‐tau) level of a representative AD biomarker to the total score and each sub‐item score of the DSQIID. Plasma p‐tau levels and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) types were determined in 56 individuals with DS. Among these patients, 43 completed the DSQIID. Thirty‐three controls were enrolled to set the reference value for plasma p‐tau levels.ResultsThe plasma p‐tau level in the DS group was age‐dependently elevated and reached an abnormal cut‐off over the age of 40 years. Age‐related elevation of p‐tau level was steeper in DS individuals with the ApoE4 allele than in those without ApoE4, validating the usefulness of plasma p‐tau as a surrogate indicator of AD‐DS development. In contrast, although DSQIID total and some sub‐item scores were positively correlated with plasma p‐tau level, all these significant correlations disappeared after age adjustment. Moreover, two sub‐items, “Talks to self” and “Generally appears more forgetful,” were significantly negatively correlated with plasma p‐tau level after age‐adjustment.ConclusionThese results suggest that there is room for improvement in DSQIID for detecting DS‐AD.
Hippocampal Volume and Circadian Rhythm Characteristics
Authors: Moon Chooza , Hoth Karin F , Magnotta Vincent A , Perkhounkova Yelena , Hopkins Lauren , Zhang Meina , Lee Jihye , Hein Maria , Burgess Helen J 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundHippocampal atrophy is one of the prominent neurodegenerative features of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Alterations in circadian rhythms and 24‐hour rest activity rhythms can exacerbate cognitive aging and neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to examine how 24‐hour rest activity rhythms and circadian rhythms are associated with hippocampal volume.MethodWe studied 61 older adults’ data (mean age±SD = 70.0±7.2). T1‐weighted anatomical images from 3T MRI data were collected and processed using the BRAINSTools toolbox. Hippocampal volume was divided by intracranial volume (ICV). Dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) was used to assess circadian timing. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated based on melatonin levels 6 hours prior to the bedtime. 10‐day actigraphy data assessed 24‐hour rest activity rhythms. Multiple linear regression was used to develop a model for hippocampal volume, controlling for age and sex. Additional covariates (i.e., depressive symptoms, hypertension, coronary artery disease, handedness, and ICV) and moderating effects of age and sex were examined.ResultAcrophase was positively associated with hippocampal volume (b = 0.12, p = .016). Interaction between mesor and age (b = ‐1.22, p = .006) indicated that positive effect of mesor (b = 8.58, p = .007) on hippocampal volume decreased with age. Advanced DLMO time (b = 0.16, p = .005) and greater AUC/10 (b = 0.05, p = .046) were associated with increased hippocampal volume. Amplitude and Pseudo‐F‐Statistics were not associated with hippocampal volume.ConclusionThe findings indicate delayed peak activity time (acrophase), delayed circadian timing (DLMO), and greater mesor and melatonin (AUC) were associated with increased hippocampal volume. The effect of mesor decreased with age. Future studies using larger sample sizes and prospective designs are needed to better understand the relationships.
Sex Differences on Tau, Astrocytic and Neurodegeneration Plasma Biomarkers
Authors: Labonte Jacob , Pettway Erika C , Sugarman Michael , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Ashton Nicholas J. , Karikari Thomas K , Tripodis Yorghos , Martin Brett M , Palmisano Joseph N , Stern Robert A , Killiany Ronald J , Aparicio Hugo J , Goldstein Lee E , Qiu Wendy , Mez Jesse B. , Banks Sarah J , Alosco Michael L 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundSex differences have consistently been identified on autopsy, neuroimaging, and cerebrospinal fluid outcomes related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mechanisms for these associations are unclear. Blood‐based biomarkers are practical alternatives for the investigation of mechanisms of AD, in addition to accurate disease detection and monitoring. The objective of this study was to examine sex differences across a panel of blood‐based plasma biomarkers in participants with and without cognitive impairment due to AD.MethodsThe sample included 567 participants (248 males, 319 females) from the Boston University AD Research Center (BUADRC). Participants completed a battery of neuropsychological tests. Cognitive diagnoses were adjudicated during multidisciplinary diagnostic consensus conferences. All participants had at least one blood draw between 2008 and 2018 at the BUADRC. Plasma samples were analyzed using Simoa for phosphorylated tau (p‐tau181), total tau (t‐tau), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light (NfL). Linear regression models tested associations between sex and each plasma biomarker, controlling for age, racial identity, education, and APOE ε4 carrier status. Analyses were repeated stratified by APOE ε4 carrier and CDR status.Results
Table 1 shows sample characteristics (mean age = 74.41, 13.3% Black/African American). As shown in Table 2, the multivariable linear regressions showed significant sex effects for plasma GFAP, such that females had higher plasma GFAP levels than males (p<.001). Among APOE ε4 carriers (n = 223) and participants with a CDR≥1 (n = 111), the associations with GFAP remained and the magnitude of associations were stronger compared to APOE ε4 non‐carriers and those with a CDR<1. Figure 1 shows plots of the association between sex and each plasma biomarker. There were no other sex effects across the other plasma biomarkers in the entire sample or when stratified by APOE ε4 carrier or CDR status.ConclusionsFemales had higher plasma GFAP levels than males regardless of APOE ε4 status and cognitive status. Reactive astrocyte processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases can be measured by plasma GFAP. Biological differences in these processes may explain observed associations between sex and risk for AD. The study highlights the dynamic utility of plasma biomarkers for the study of AD and longitudinal analyses of this cohort are planned.
What are the most prevalent combinations of modifiable dementia risk factors that can be targeted in multidomain lifestyle intervention in Canada?
Authors: Son Surim , Speechley Mark R. , Montero‐Odasso Manuel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundNot all risk factors have the same weight in dementia development, and the combinations of common risk factors differs across individuals and populations. The goal of this study is to estimate the potential population impact of modifiable risk factors for dementia in Canada, and to identify the combinations of the modifiable risk factors that could prevent many dementia cases in Canadian adults.MethodThis is a secondary analysis of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Comprehensive Cohort (n = 30,009). The prevalence and population attributable fraction (PAF) of 12 modifiable lifestyle risk factors established in the Lancet Commission Report 2020 were calculated using baseline data. The prevalence of every possible dyad, triad, and tetrad combination of the risk factors was estimated. All analyses were stratified by 2 sex strata (male, female) and 4 age strata (45‐54, 55‐64, 65‐74, 75+).ResultThe combined PAF of the 12 lifestyle risk factors was 49% in the Canadian population. The single risk factors that contributed the most were physical inactivity (11.3%), hearing loss (6.9%), and obesity (6.9%) in Canada, whereas social isolation (0.4%), alcohol (1.1%), and smoking (1.4%) had substantially smaller effects (Table 1). The most prevalent risk factor dyad was physical inactivity and sleep disturbance (34%). Obesity, physical inactivity, and sleep disturbance was the most prevalent risk factor triad (14%). The tetrad of hearing loss, obesity, physical inactivity, and sleep disturbance had the highest prevalence (4.9%). The prevalent risk factor combinations were similar in the two younger age groups and both sexes, but not in the two older age groups (Table 2).ConclusionNearly 50% of dementia cases in Canada can be prevented by modifying 12 lifestyle risk factors. The most prevalent combinations of risk factors differ before and after the age of 65, but not by sex. The most prevalent risk factor combinations consist of physical inactivity, sleep disturbance and obesity in the two younger age groups, and hearing loss, sleep disturbance and obesity in the two older age groups. These findings may help strategically target tailoring multidomain dementia intervention programs to have the greatest impact in the Canadian population.