bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED TO LOWER PREVALENCE OFDEMENTIA IN BRAZILIAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Barcelos‐Ferreira Ricardo , Lopes Marcos A , Bottino Cassio M C ,   Old Age Research Group (Proter)
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundEvidences indicate that physically active older individuals maintain healthy functioning longer than do sedentary peers. Some lifestyle could impact the risk of dementia including Alzheimer’s. In spite of this, the effect of physical activity on the relationship between age and the risk of dementia is unknown. This is a two‐phase study that aims to investigate the association of physical exercise and age with the prevalence of dementia in community older adults, from Ribeirao Preto city, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil.MethodCross‐sectional study of a randomized community‐based sample of 928 elderly subjects aged 60 years or older was performed. Standardized instruments for screening dementia and a socio‐economic questionnaire were applied to the subjects at home in phase I. The dementia diagnose was made at hospital in phase II, according to DSM‐V criteria.ResultOveral Dementia was 6.0%. Alzheimer’s disease was the most frequent dementia (2.8%), followed by Vascular dementia (1.3%), and Mixed dementia (1.1%). Initial multivariate analysis showed sociodemographic factors associated to dementia. After adjusting for all the variables, multivariate analysis showed an association with age group ≥80 (OR = 6.7; p<0.001); household chores (OR = 2.7; p = 0.004); no employment (OR = 4.3; p<0.001); and stroke (OR = 4.5; p = 0.001). There was no association with gender, socioeconomic class, educational level, and alcohol use. Secondary analysis showed an inverse relationship between physical activity and age (OR = 0.4; p<0.001). After deliberately exclude age, the final model showed a significant association between higher rates of dementia and lack of physical activity (OR = 2.0; p = 0.024).ConclusionAccording to previous studies, in our sample, lack of exercise was associated with two fold higher risk of dementia, only after exclude age of the analysis. This result could be due to decreasing level of physical activity found in the oldest subjects. We suggest that relatively simple lifestyle changes such as increasing the practice of exercise could enhance cognitive performance in elderly people. Future investigations are needed to clarify the real impact of physical activity on the relationship between dementia and age.
Exaggerated translational repression of FMRP in AD synapses
Authors: Uneri Ayse , McArdle Colin J , Niere Farr , Craft Suzanne , Raab‐Graham Kimberly F 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive cognitive disorder where synapse loss has been well documented. Identifying and restoring molecular targets that are involved in synapse loss is crucial in restoring balanced synaptic function and communication. FMRP is an RNA‐binding protein that is essential protein for synapse formation and stability, and is understudied in AD. Understanding how FMRP may be dysregulated at the synaptic level in AD is integral in developing treatments for AD.MethodRNA‐immunoprecipitation of DJ‐1 was performed to detect whether DJ‐1 associates with the mRNA coding for FMRP. Synaptoneurosomes and postsynaptic densities we isolated from AD rodent model APP/PS1deltaE9 and postmortem human AD patients, as well as from appropriate controls, and performed Western blotting to analyze FMRP protein expression. SUnSET‐PLA assay was utilized to determine de novo synthesis of FMRP in DJ‐1 overexpression.ResultDJ‐1, which is an RNA‐binding protein that is overexpressed in AD synapses, associates with Fmr1, the mRNA coding for the protein FMRP. FMRP expression is decreased in AD synapses, as well as postsynaptic densities. When DJ‐1 is overexpressed in WT cultures, there is less newly synthesized FMRP.ConclusionHere, we show that DJ‐1 associates with Fmr1, which codes for another RNA‐binding protein, FMRP. DJ‐1 and FMRP are aberrantly expressed in AD synapses. DJ‐1 is overexpressed in AD synapses while FMRP is reduced. Furthermore, when DJ‐1 is overexpressed in WT cultures, FMRP synthesis is reduced, suggesting that DJ‐1 is a translational repressor of FMRP. Therefore, the reduction of FMRP in AD synapses are due to overexpression of DJ‐1, and the rescue of FMRP expression could potentially rescue synaptic loss in AD.
Training nursing home social workers in the Pre‐loss Group Support intervention
Authors: Supiano Katherine P , Andersen Troy C. , Bradbury Laura E , Gonzalez Kimberly Ponce 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPre‐loss Group Support (PLGS) is a 10‐session multi‐modal, psychotherapy group intervention administered by nursing home social workers (NH‐SWs) for dementia family care partners (CPs) whose PLWD resides in a nursing home.1 While the overarching purpose of this project is to determine if telehealth‐delivered PLGS reduces risk of poor bereavement outcome in family CPs of PLWD when delivered by NH‐SWs, in this presentation we describe developing and applying the PLGS clinical training for NH‐SWs in this phase of our NIH‐Stage 52 implementation and dissemination study.MethodUsing professional actors, we created a simulated PLGS 10‐session group as a series of training videos. Training utilized our Stage‐3 PLGS Facilitator manual.3 We developed a training curriculum incorporating these video vignettes, didactic content, interactive case examples and pragmatic application concepts of PLGS for telehealth delivery to CPs by NH‐SWs. The full training is deliverable in one full day or two half day sessions and is provided on an interactive distance platform. Training was delivered to two cohorts of NH‐SWs in a stepped‐wedge design.ResultWe are evaluating this implementation study using the RE‐AIM measures.4 In this training phase, we have successfully achieved Reach—defined as buy‐in and training of NH SWs, Adoption—defined as uptake by NHs and SWs, and the first phase of Implementation—Defined as training completion. Trained NH‐SWs were assessed for satisfaction with the training. On a 7‐item satisfaction scale with a range of 3‐21, satisfaction rate was 95% (highly valuable), with 100% indicating they would recommend training to SWs in other facilities. In this session, we will share PLGS training content and procedures.ConclusionNursing home SWs are the last clinicians with opportunity to support CPs as they approach the death of their PLWD in the facility. NH‐SWs have clinical expertise to learn and implement PLGS, allowing us to simultaneously evaluate telehealth SW training acceptability, telehealth delivered PLGS outcomes. Carefully tailoring PLGS training content and delivery for NH‐SWs to equip them for telehealth implementation, engagement to recruit and retain enthusiastic SWs, and available consultation have contributed to the success of this phase in the project.
Development of Moving Pictures GENIE‐an online gateway to dementia resources to support Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities
Authors: Antoniades Josefine , Brijnath Bianca , Radford Kylie , Lavrencic Louise , Dasgupta Jayashree , Parra‐Rodriguez Mario A , Franzen Sanne , Lock Kayla , Lay Veronica , Medel Carolina Navarro 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundOver the past decades the use of technology in healthcare has increased exponentially, and the recent pandemic further accelerated the dependence on technology, both to access health and care services but also digital resources and information for health care consumers. Carers of people living with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds have been disproportionately impacted as in‐language resources are scarce and locating them can be difficult. Thus, there is need to centralize digital resources to improve access for carers of persons living with dementia who speak languages other than English. Responding to this, our project co‐produced the GENIE (Global dEmeNtIa rEsources): a comprehensive, global online gateway to culturally and linguistically appropriate digital dementia resources.MethodMethods comprised an environmental scan (academic literature and systematic online search) and online consultations with key stakeholders to identify resources. Resources were included if developed by healthcare organizations, dementia or aged care peak bodies, dementia advocacy groups, government departments, or academic organizations. The GENIE site was coproduced with CALD carers and providers in Australia. Data analytics are being collected via the website.ResultThe environmental scan highlighted the dearth of resources developed for CALD communities, and gaps in availability of digital dementia resources across many languages. Further, dementia resources identified via the literature search were often not available for public access, required payment, or were no longer available. More than 400 resources in 68 languages were identified and included in the gateway, and the site was made publicly available in November 2022. Data analytics show that the uptake of the resource has been good with > 700 new users and >3500 page views in the first two months.ConclusionThe Moving Pictures Genie project has produced one of the most comprehensive gateways to digital dementia resources to support carers and families who speak languages other than English currently available. In addition to the production of the resource, the project provides insights into the gaps in existing resources across languages and geographical regions. These findings will be useful to guide the direction of resource development to avoid duplication and enhance equity and benefit to CALD communities.
The Olfactory Stress Test does not replicate in a larger sample
Authors: Schofield Peter W. , Attia John , Ebrahimi Houman 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe previously published data showing that olfactory test performance changes on the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) following an intranasal ‘challenge’ with the anticholinergic atropine (an ‘Olfactory Stress Test’, (OST)) were significantly correlated with measures of cognition, hippocampal volume and APOE genotype in a small (n = 56) convenience sample of elders. The results suggested that this procedure might unmask incipient Alzheimer’s disease.Here, we present data from two new studies, including an attempted replication of the above findings.MethodIn study one, the full 40 item UPSIT was administered to the left nostril to 56 individuals. Data from this study were used to determine the relationship between scores on the first 20 items (booklets 1+2) with those on the second 20 items (booklets 3+4) of the UPSIT.The second study comprised 296 elders (aged 65 or older) who underwent olfactory testing, including the OST, assessment of cognition with the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen, APOE genotyping, and hippocampal volume (in a subsample). In this study the first 20 items of UPSIT were always administered before and the second 20 items always after intranasal atropine and regression analyses were conducted to investigate for any association of the adjusted (see below) UPSIT change score following atropine with memory or hippocampal volume.ResultIn study 1, the mean score on the first 20 items of the UPSIT was 1.53 (SD 2.07) greater than the second 20 items (t = 5.55, p<.001). An appropriate adjustment factor derived from these data were used to scale the study 2 raw post atropine scores (from UPSIT booklets 3+4) into equivalent scores on booklets 1+2. These post‐atropine adjusted scores were then used in the calculation of the change in (adjusted) UPSIT following atropine.In a series of stepwise linear regression analyses, after controlling for age, gender and education, the adjusted UPSIT change score did not predict any additional variance in memory scores or hippocampal volume.ConclusionIn this larger study, we failed to replicate our earlier findings. The ’Olfactory Stress Test’ is unlikely to aid in the early detection of AD.
Visuospatial Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease Maps to a Network Centered on the Inferior Parietal Lobule
Authors: Baratono Sheena R 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundVisuospatial dysfunction is the predominant symptom in ∼5% of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and common in amnestic patients. If we can predict which patients are more likely to have trouble with visuospatial functioning, we can intervene earlier to prevent falls and car accidents and improve quality of life.MethodThere were 184 subjects with AD in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database with MRI scans and clock‐draw and clock‐copy scores ranging from 1‐5. Atrophy was defined as thinner than expected compared to age and sex matched controls. Subject network maps were generated averaging connectivity to each atrophied vertex using the normative connectome. Maps were compared to their behavioral scores generating behavior specific network maps. Atrophy networks were directly compared to a similar network generated from clock‐draw and stroke subjects.ResultAtrophy did not correlate with clock‐draw and ‐copy scores but atrophy networks identified distinct distributed brain networks. Clock‐copy scores directly correlate with atrophy connected to the bilateral angular and visuomotor gyri, which were also hubs of the network derived from stroke and clock‐draw scores.ConclusionThese results suggest that visuospatial dysfunction in AD does not occur due to atrophy in a single brain region but a distributed brain network. The concordance between atrophy in AD and stroke suggest that atrophy network mapping is a valid measure of connectivity underlying visuospatial dysfunction in AD.
Dysregulated processes and genes associated with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A transcriptomics analysis
Authors: Padilla‐Mendoza Juan‐Ramon , Rivera‐Osorio Jared , Flores‐Valdez Mauricio , Pradel‐Bernal Tamara Patricia , Silva‐Lucero Maria‐del‐Carmen , Gomez‐Virgilio Laura , Acosta‐Rodriguez Jose‐Luis , Cardenas‐Aguayo Maria‐del‐Carmen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare sporadic neurodegenerative disease, the second most frequent form of atypical parkinsonism, and a 4R primary tauopathy. Clinically characterized by slowing of vertical saccades, vertical supranuclear gaze palsy, postural instability, axial rigidity, dysphagia, dysarthria, presence of early falls within the first year of onset of symptoms, as well as cognitive and behavioral alterations. As a primary tauopathy, abnormal tau aggregation is the most significant contributing factor for neurodegeneration.MethodMicroarray data from the medial temporal lobe (MTL) was obtained from ArrayExpress (E‐MEXP‐2280). Twelve samples were downloaded; seven were from PSP‐verified participants and 5 were from control subjects. The data were preprocessed using the R packages affy and preprocessCore. Data were then normalized using quantile normalization and log2‐transformation. We used processed data to perform principal component analysis (PCA) by using the function of R’s stats package to calculate principal components. We then used the limma R‐package to perform differential expression analysis (DEA). A corrected p‐value < 0.05 (Benjamini‐Hochberg for multiple tests) was considered statistically significant. Genes between a logarithmic fold change > 0.5 to 1 and < ‐0.5 to ‐1 were considered Differential expression genes (DEGs).ResultWe obtained PSP brain transcriptomic data and searched for cellular and molecular dysregulated processes and genes possibly associated with the pathology. In PSP MTL patients, we detected DEGs and gene modules associated with synapse structure and activity, the endomembrane system, transcriptional regulation, mRNA processing, myelination, protein metabolic processes, and epigenetic processes such as miRNA metabolism, gene silencing, production of small RNA involved in RNA methylation. We detected seven possible transcription factors (TFs) that regulate the expression of DEGs in PSP, highlighting FOXO3, as the only one with a significantly deregulated expression in PSP patients.ConclusionThese data suggest the participation of DEGs and TFs regulation in the development of PSP pathology and future investigations into the role that develops inside this pathology. We propose that 7 TFs, specially FOXO3, drive gene expression changes of dysregulated PSP genes. This study set the pathway to investigate the implication of these genes in PSP pathology and evaluate their possible use as new therapeutic targets.
Social engagement and cognitive decline: Exploring relationships between psychosocial functioning and cognitive performance in individuals with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Rehan Sana , Phillips Natalie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPsychosocial factors have been identified as potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia (Livingston et al, 2020).Multiple social factors (e.g., participation in social activities, social support, loneliness) and indicators of mental health (e.g., depression) are associated with cognitive performance cross‐sectionally and can predict cognitive decline and risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) over time. However, the association between various psychosocial factors and cognitive performance across specific neuropsychological domains remain understudied in individuals at‐risk for AD. This study examined whether current psychosocial function predicted cognitive performance in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a critical risk‐state for AD.MethodWe used data from the Comprehensive Assessment of Neurodegeneration and Dementia (COMPASS‐ND) study to examine psychosocial and cognitive functioning in 124 participants with MCI (MAge = 71.5 ± 6.4, MEducation = 15.5 ± 3.9). Psychosocial factors were measured using self‐reported questionnaires about mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety), perceived social function (e.g., social support, loneliness), and engagement with social networks (e.g., current participation, number of community activities). Cognitive function was assessed using a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests. We conducted a principal component analysis to derive composite scores for five cognitive domains (memory, executive function, verbal fluency, processing speed, and working memory). Multiple linear regression models were used to test the direct effects of various psychosocial variables on cognitive performance, controlling for age, sex, education, MoCA scores, and living circumstances.ResultsWe found that better quality of life was associated with better scores on memory tests. We also found that current social participation was significantly associated with verbal fluency and processing speed. Specifically, those endorsing low current social participation had worse verbal fluency and processing speed scores than those endorsing normal or high current social participation.ConclusionThese findings indicate that increased participation in one’s social networks, over other psychosocial factors, has a positive relationship with cognitive performance in multiple domains in individuals with MCI. Our findings provide groundwork for further psychosocial‐cognitive analyses in individuals with (or at risk for) AD to better understand the role of poor social engagement in cognitive decline.
References: Livingston et al. (2020). The Lancet, 396, 413‐446.
Supporting Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia research in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Martin Damali N , Ghaleh Maryam , Anderson Dallas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe greatest increases for AD/ADRD will occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), where approximately 71% of the global cases will reside. These projections might be confounded by temporal changes due to shorter survival after dementia, lack of education and awareness, lack of access to healthcare, inadequate diagnostic assessment, and variability in costs of care of the elderly with AD/ADRD, all of which could lead to under‐accounting of the AD/ADRD burden. Nevertheless, the projected increase underscores the importance of developing a strong, coordinated research agenda that will inform mitigation and prevention strategies for AD/ADRD in LMICs. National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is positioned to play a leading role in this endeavor, as the leading federal government institute for supporting research on aging and AD/ADRD. NIA’s interests, activities and scientific initiatives related to global health research has increased over the past year through collaborations with other NIH institutes and centers (including Fogarty International Center) and engagement with the global scientific community. Research supported under these initiatives could further inform future scientific priorities areas for AD/ADRD. Given the growth trajectory of its global health portfolio, NIA will continue to support coordinated approaches to identify research gaps and new opportunities to address the growing burden of AD/ADRD in LMICs, globally.
Poorer online cognitive performance is associated with genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease and brain phenotypes in healthy mid‐life and older adults.
Authors: Lupton Michelle K , Gomez Lina , Mitchell Brittany L , Adsett Jessica , García‐Marín Luis M , Renteria Miguel E. , McAloney Kerrie , Ceslis Amelia , Thienel Renate , Robinson Gail , Breakspear Michael , Martin Nicholas G 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐administered online cognitive testing offers a cost‐effective and flexible alternative to in‐person neuropsychological assessments. We used the Creyos platform (previously named Cambridge Brain Sciences) to assess cognitive function in a large sample (N = 1673) of middle aged and older adults participating in the PISA (Prospective Imaging Study of Aging) study. PISA aims to characterise the early symptoms and progression of Alzheimer’s disease at its prodromal phase.MethodWe have utilised our Australia‐wide population based sample recruitment pool of research participants with genome wide genotyping. Participants completed a comprehensive online survey and online cognitive assessments, including Creyos, consisting of 12 self‐administered tasks covering memory, executive function, language, and visuo‐spatial domains. Using genetic profile scores in a sample size of 1,673 (70% female, aged 42‐75 years, mean 60.8). We tested the association between cognitive test results and genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related phenotypes including structural neuroimaging measures.ResultsOur findings indicate a significant association of Alzheimer’s polygenic risk scores (PRS) with cognitive test results in healthy individuals within memory and executive function domains. The results of analyses with additional genetic profile scores including psychiatric traits and structural neuroimaging measures will also be presented.ConclusionThose who are at high genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease have reduced cognitive function prior to dementia diagnosis from middle age. Our results highlight the utility of online cognitive testing as a cost‐effective alternative to in person testing for large scale studies and the potential for it’s used as a pre‐screening approach to identify those at high risk of Alzheimer’s disease.