bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High diagnostic performance of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid beta‐synuclein in the differential diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease
Authors: Rumeileh Samir Abu , Halbgebauer Steffen , Bentivenga Giuseppe , Barba Lorenzo , Baiardi Simone , Mastrangelo Andrea , Oeckl Patrick , Steinacker Petra , Mammana Angela , Capellari Sabina , Otto Markus , Parchi Piero 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundBeta‐synuclein (beta‐syn) is an emerging biofluid marker for synaptic damage in several neurological diseases. In particular, patients with prion disease showed significantly higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood beta‐syn levels compared to controls and subjects with other neurodegenerative disorders. However, to date, no study explored the biomarker distribution and prognostic value across the heterogeneous spectrum of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD) as well as its diagnostic performance in the real‐life setting of patients with rapidly progressive dementia (RPD).MethodUsing in house established immunoassays we measured CSF and/or plasma beta‐syn concentrations in 150 patients with sCJD, belonging to the most prevalent molecular subtypes [MM(V)1, VV2 and MV2K], and in 106 subjects with non‐prion RPD. In the same cohort, we assessed CSF levels of total tau (t‐tau) and protein 14‐3‐3. We compared the diagnostic performance of CSF/plasma beta‐syn with that of classic CSF markers and we tested the possible associations of CSF/plasma beta‐syn with survival in patients with sCJD.ResultsCJD patients showed higher CSF and plasma beta‐syn levels compared to non‐prion RPD subjects (p<0.001 for both) (Figure 1A, B). Different CSF and blood profiles of beta‐syn were observed for the most prevalent sCJD molecular subtypes (Figure 1C, D). Concerning the diagnostic value, CSF beta‐syn outperformed 14‐3‐3 (AUC 0.95 vs. 0.89, p = 0.028) but not t‐tau (AUC 0.92, p = 0.212). Further, the discriminative accuracy of plasma beta‐syn (AUC 0.91) was not inferior to that of classic CSF markers (t‐tau, p = 0.765 and 14‐3‐3, p = 0.447) and CSF beta‐syn (p = 0.135). In the whole sCJD cohort, CSF and plasma beta‐syn were significantly associated with survival at univariate analyses but not after accounting for codon 129 genotype or molecular subtype.ConclusionCSF beta‐syn performed similar or better compared to t‐tau and 14‐3‐3, respectively, thus, the marker might represent an alternative first‐level test in patients with suspected sCJD. Most interestingly, the high diagnostic value of beta‐syn in plasma, which was comparable to that of classic CSF surrogate markers, suggests that beta‐syn might be used as highly accurate blood surrogate marker in sCJD for patient screening and monitoring.
Involving people with dementia in dementia research: principles, challenges and practical examples
Authors: Gove Dianne , Diaz Ana , Roberts Chris 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer Europe is keen to promote the involvement of people with dementia in research, not only as participants but also in the context of Public Involvement (PI), by generating ideas for research, advising researchers, being involved in consultations and being directly involved in research activities.MethodTo achieve this, in 2012, Alzheimer Europe set up the European Working Group of People with Dementia (EWGPWD). The group is currently composed of 15 men and women living with different types of dementia and from different European countries. Members of the EWGPWD provide advice and feedback to all activities of the organisation and are involved in several European projects in the context of PI.ResultAlzheimer Europe has published a number of peer‐reviewed articles and reports on the topic of PI in dementia research carried out by members of the EWGPWD. Some of these articles were co‐authored by members of the EWGPWD.ConclusionDuring the session, we will provide an overview of (i) the context in which the EWGPWD was set up a decade ago, (ii) our approach to PI and how it has evolved overtime to adapt to new situations (e.g. in the context of the COVID pandemic), (iii) the main lessons we have learnt and what works well to ensure a meaningful contribution of members and promote respect and wellbeing, and (iv) some of the challenges we are still working on (e.g. diversity and understanding impact). We will also present some practical examples of the PI activities which we have organised in different European projects and the impact that this had for the project. The session will be jointly facilitated by a member of Alzheimer Europe and a person with dementia (i.e. a member of the EWGPWD).
Developing a Patient and Public Voice/Involvement (PPV/I) program at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) with global impact
Authors: Mariano Luciano Inácio 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundGBHI, a brain health leadership program for international fellows from across disciplines, undertook a 24‐month project to develop a PPV/I program aiming to: (1) provide a PPV/I perspective on GBHI activities; (2) introduce fellows to the principles and practice of PPV/I; (3) develop a ‘global PPV/I toolkit’; and (4) develop a PPV/I Special Interest Group to inform Senior Fellows around the world about PPV/I to support their local work in brain health.MethodPhase 1: Recruiting an international panel of people with lived experience of dementia to inform GBHI’s work, called ‘‘Dementia Community Research Advisory Panel’ (DC‐RAP). Phase 2: Educating: We designed and implemented a dementia‐specific PPV/I training curriculum for GBHI fellows & a PPV/I awareness raising program for GBHI faculty & staff; Phase 3: Creating & disseminating: We developed a global resource document (‘toolkit’) to support the introduction of brain health professionals from different disciplines working around the world to PPV/I practice, fostering a global PPV/I dementia network; Phase 4: Evaluation: We tracked learning outcomes of the project at staff/faculty and Fellow level through Kirkpatrick model and overall project success through Kotter’s 7‐step organizational change model.ResultsPhase 1: DC‐RAP formed and solidified within GBHI to inform GBHI activities, provide feedback on research proposals and lay summary writing. Phase 2: We delivered a PPV/I training program for the 2020 and 2021 Fellow cohorts, which is now fully integrated into curriculum. Phase 3: The GBHI ‘Global Public Involvement in Dementia Guidelines’ were launched by a team of Senior Fellows from 10 countries, who have formed a PPV/I Special Interest Group for PPV/I practice beyond the anglosphere. Phase 4: A Kirkpatrick evaluation revealed changes in PPV/I knowledge, attitude and practices for Fellows and staff/faculty. Multiple strategic wins have enabled us to embed a culture of PPV/I at GBHI, evident in mapping against Kotter’s 7‐step organizational change model.ConclusionEmbedding dementia relevant PPV/I in GBHI provides the potential to disseminate PPV/I principles within GBHI and globally, fostering meaningful public engagement in dementia research and projects to advance dementia understanding worldwide.
Public Involvement: the EURO‐FINGERS approach
Authors: Diaz Ana , Mangialasche Francesca , Hendriksen Heleen M.A. , Rosenberg Anna , Birck Cindy , Montague Nick 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe JPND‐funded project EURO‐FINGERS (2019‐2023) is part of the World‐Wide FINGERS network of multidomain trials for dementia risk reduction and prevention. It aims to develop relevant and standardised tools and methods for future trials or multidomain interventions to reduce dementia risk.MethodSince its beginning, EURO‐FINGERS has involved people from the general public in the project by means of an Advisory Board (AB). The AB is composed of 14 people from seven different European countries, who 1) have participated in prevention trials, 2) have a diagnosis/label of Subjective Cognitive Decline, Mild Cognitive Impairment, or dementia, and/or 3) take care of someone with dementia.ResultThe AB has worked closely with the researchers in the consortium and provided input to the different tools and methods developed in the project. Due to the COVID pandemic, all this work has been online.ConclusionIn the session, we will describe the main principles, challenges and approach used to set up the AB and meaningfully involve people with an interest in/ affected by dementia in the project. Next, we will present some of the work developed with the AB, specifically on the important topic of communication in this complex field. This will include reflections on the terminology to discuss the topic of risk reduction and dementia prevention in different contexts, as well as the more specific topic of dementia risk communication in the context of the memory clinic. The latter is an example of one of the tools which the consortium is developing. To close the session, the project coordinator and a member of the AB will address the topic of impact and value of this type of work for researchers and for members of the public.
Restoring Memory Function in a Diabetic Mice Model
Authors: Olayinka Juliet Nnenda , Akawa Oluwole Abidemi , OBISESAN ABIOLA , Awogbindin Ifeoluwa Oluleke , Green Grace Igbogi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes mellitus affects memory function in Alzheimer’s disease (Baglietto‐Vargas et al., 2016). Quercetin (Qt) and vitamin (Vit E) possesses anti‐inflammatory, memory enhancing and anti‐diabetic activities (Bui and Nguyen, 2017). This study explored the effects of administering both quercetin and vitamin E against cognitive deficits and neuroinflamation in high‐fat‐diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (HS)‐induced diabetic miceMethodNinety male mice (n = 15) were divided into six groups and fed with HFD except the normal group for 28 days. Diabetes was induced by STZ (50 mg/kg intraperitoneally) on day 22. Weight and blood glucose levels were taken weekly. On day 15, mice in the pretreatment groups (PQt 12.5 + Vit E 200 mg/kg and PQt 25 + Vit E) commenced treatment while on day 29, mice in the posttreatment groups (PtQt 12.5 + Vit E and PtQt 25 + Vit E) commenced treatment till day 42. Memory function (Y‐maze and NORT) was performed. The hippocampus of the animal brains were harvested for biochemical assays using ELISA (acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE), insulin, interleukin‐ 4 (IL‐4), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). Immunohistochemistry was used in detecting the expression of IBA‐1.ResultQuercetin and vitamin E significantly decreased the weight, glucose, insulin, and AChE levels in the HS‐induced mice. Memory function was restored by this combination. IL‐6 was decreased in PQt 25 + V and PtQt 25 +V; TNF‐α was decreased in PQt 25 + V and PtQt 12.5 +V while IL‐4 levels were increased in PQt 25 + V and PtQt 25 +V compared to the HS group. IBA‐1 was scarcely expressed in the PQt 12.5 mg/kg and PtQt (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) group compared to the HSgroup.ConclusionAdministering quercetin and vitamin E restored memory function through decreasing the activity of pro‐inflammatory mediators, increasing the activity of anti‐inflammatory mediators and decreasing microglial activation in HS‐induced mice.REFERENCES:Baglietto‐Vargas D, Shi J, Yaeger DM, Ager R, LaFerla FM. Diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease crosstalk. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2016 May 1;64:272‐87.Bui, T. T., & Nguyen, T. H. (2017). Natural product for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 28(5), 413‐423.
Wearable‐based measures of proximity and movement are associated with activities of daily living in people with dementia and perceived burden in family caregivers
Authors: Chen Kuan‐Hua , Chen Yuxuan , Levan Darius Tran , Paul Deepak , Newton Scott , Yee Claire , Merrilees Jennifer , Scheffer Julian , Chen Samson , Levenson Robert W 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAs the disease progresses, people with dementia (PWDs) gradually lose their ability to conduct activities of daily living (ADLs) independently and increasingly rely on family caregivers (CGs) for assistance and support. This can lead to CGs experiencing increased burden. These dyadic processes may be manifested by (a) CGs’ increased physical proximity to PWDs (reflecting greater needs for CGs to monitor PWD’s needs and safety, and (b) CGs’ increased movement (reflecting greater needs to assist PWDs with ADLs and taking on additional household responsibilities). Working with an industry partner, we developed a wearable watch that measured: (a) physical proximity between PWDs and CGs; and (b) movement of CGs and PWDs in their homes. In the current study, we examined how these wearable‐based measures correlated with standard measures of PWD’s ADLs and CG’s burden.MethodPWDs and CGs each wore a low‐energy Bluetooth watch that provided long‐battery‐life (up to four months). The watches broadcasted information about proximity to three Bluetooth receivers placed in different rooms (which helped us determine the proximity between the PWDs and CGs) and used a three‐axis accelerometer to determine movement on a second‐by‐second basis. In a nationwide US sample, 27 PWDs diagnosed with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their co‐residing familial CGs wore these watches over a six‐month period. CGs also completed online questionnaires assessing PWDs’ ADLs (Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) and their own perceived burden from caregiving (Zarit Burden Interview) at the beginning and the end of the study.ResultOver the six‐month period, greater increases in PWD‐CG proximity were associated with greater increases in CG’s burden (r = 0.57, p = .009). In addition, greater increases in CGs’ (but not PWDs’) movement were associated with greater decreases in PWD’s ADLs (r = ‐0.55, p = .005).ConclusionThese wearable devices show promise of providing scalable remote measures that are associated with ADLs in PWDs and burden in CGs. Findings also underscore the dyadic nature of dementia caregiving, with assessments of CGs useful for understanding changes in ADLs in PWDs, and assessments of PWDs useful for understanding changes in burden in CGs.
Unobtrusive In‐Home Digital Monitoring of Frontotemporal Dementia: Feasibility and Adherence
Authors: Wise Amy B. , Paolillo Emily W. , Beattie Zachary T , Wu Chao‐Yi , Rodrigues Nathaniel , Gothard Sarah , Heuer Hilary W. , Forsberg Leah K. , Chavez Diana , Holiday Kelsey , Mendez Mario F. , Boeve Brad F. , Boxer Adam L , Kaye Jeffrey A , Rosen Howard J. , Staffaroni Adam M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundFrontotemporal Dementia (FTD) patients are geographically dispersed and often have behavioral and/or motor deficits that limit access to in‐person clinical trials and research. To address these participation barriers, we investigated the feasibility of installing in‐home sensor technologies to remotely assess everyday functioning in FTD.MethodWe aimed to recruit 20 FTD participants with a variety of clinical syndromes, including behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). We also aimed to enroll a study partner for each participant that lived in the same home to serve as a control. The Collaborative Aging Research Using Technology (CART) platform was installed in participants’ homes to collect continuous data for up to two years, using motion sensors, physiological monitoring devices (e.g., scales, sleep sensors), electronic pillboxes, and wearable actigraphs. Computer use and driving patterns were also tracked. Technology was installed either via a study coordinator visit or remotely through video and written instructions, based on schedule and logistics. Participants were asked to complete a weekly Qualtrics survey about time away from home, visitors, and health changes.ResultOf the 159 UCSF participants available for recruitment through ALLFTD and other FTD projects, 28% (N = 45) met inclusion criteria. Of those 45, ten were ineligible due to advanced disease severity or relocation to an assisted living facility. A third (36%, N = 17) declined due to overwhelmed study partners (N = 3), declined any subproject participation (N = 7), sensitivity to participant’s diagnosis (N = 2), or lack of response (N = 5). Two additional participants were recruited through UCLA’s ALLFTD cohort. The platform has been installed in 19 homes (bvFTD: n = 10; PPA: n = 5; CBS/PSP: n = 4). Two homes discontinued due to death or relocation to assisted living facility. Mean data collection is 360 days (max = 527). Of 103 reported technological issues, 92% were resolved without additional home visits, either by phone or email. Participants completed 65% of weekly health questionnaires.ConclusionsAlthough there were some recruitment and retention challenges, these findings generally provide preliminary support for the feasibility and sustainability of conducting comprehensive in‐home passive data research in FTD.
Technology co‐design and feasibility of a smartwatch‐based interventions to support ADL in people with dementia
Authors: Goerss Doreen , Köhler Stefanie , Teipel Stefan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe number of smartwatch users worldwide continuously increased within the last 5 years. Still, older adults and patients with dementia miss to profit from opportunities of wearable assistive technologies. Factors that influence technology adoption were reviewed extensively in theory, based on theoretical models and scales, but empirical evidence is scarce.MethodWe hypothesized that interventions from smartwatches can trigger certain behaviors in PwD or persons with MCI to address specific domains which are affected in neurodegenerative diseases. Based on semi‐structured interviews with caregivers, medical experts and persons with dementia (n = 10, respectively) we identified four domains with need for assistance. After prototype testing, we implemented two tasks presented by the smartwatch, covering the domains “nursing” and “activity”. The watch prompted the user to A) drink some water and B) circle bells on a worksheet. Participants were randomly assigned to group 1 (regular, n = 20) or group 2 (intensive, n = 20). The modes varied in intervention‐intensity with two different levels of vibration intensity, loudness and additional animations. If patients did not react as intended, interventions were repeated up to three times, irrespective of the group. Observations took place in a university hospital. Patients’ reactions were remotely observed via cameras. Participants’ feedback was obtained with questionnaires after the observation.ResultParticipants of group 1 and 2 did not differ with respect to mean age, cognition (MMST) or sex. Interventions in intensive mode were more often successful (n = 30/40) than regular interventions (n = 18/40). “Non‐responder” (patients that completed no task) were only found in group 1 (n = 6). Task A was completed more often (n = 32/40) than task B (n = 16/40). Surprisingly, repetitions improved the outcome only in 4 cases, but failed in 32 cases. The vast majority of participants reported sufficient visibility and audibility of smartwatch content (n = 35/40). Obtaining users’ feedback was challenging via usability questionnaires, which contained negatively and positively worded items on a 5‐step Likert scale.ConclusionSmartwatches can be customized to interact positively with older adults with cognitive impairment and influence behavior of PwD or MCI at least on short‐term. Further empirical studies are necessary to enhance design and functional range of devices.
The effect of computerized cognitive training and exercise on white matter integrity: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lien Ryu , Dao Elizabeth , Brinke Lisanne F Ten , Silva Nárlon Cássio Boa Sorte , Liu‐Ambrose Teresa 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAs a consequence of aging, the structure of the brain can be negatively impacted, and consequently, cognitive function. Although aerobic exercise and computerized cognitive training (CCT) are promising lifestyle interventions to prevent or delay cognitive decline, the underlying mechanisms of the effect of CCT, with or without exercise, on cognitive function remain poorly understood. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a neuroimaging technique for detecting changes in white matter (WM) tissue. Common DTI metrics such as fractional anisotropy (FA) can be summarized as a measure of overall WM integrity. The aim of this analysis was to explore the effect of CCT, with or without exercise, on WM integrity in healthy older adults.MethodsThis sub‐analysis included 65 community‐dwelling older adults aged 65‐85 years. Participants were enrolled in an 8‐week proof‐of‐concept randomized controlled trial and were assigned to either: 1) Group‐based CTT (Fit Brains; FBT; n = 19) 3x/week for 1hr plus 3x/week home‐based training; 2) Group‐based CCT preceded by exercise (ExFBT; n = 22) 3x/week for 1hr plus 3x/week home‐based training or; 3) Group‐based balanced‐and‐toned (BAT; n = 24) classes 3x/week for 1hr (control). DTI scans were acquired at baseline and at trial completion. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) evaluated treatment effects on FA at trial completion controlling for baseline age, MoCA, BMI, and FA. We conducted planned contrasts of FBT vs. BAT and ExFBT vs. BAT. In addition, we included an exploratory comparison between ExFBT vs. FBT.ResultsWe found significant group differences in fornix and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) FA at trial completion. Planned contrasts revealed significantly greater fornix FA in BAT vs. FBT (mean difference = 0.015, 95%CI = 0.002‐0.029). Also, fornix FA was significantly greater in ExFBT vs. FBT (mean difference = 0.017, 95%CI = 0.003‐0.031). In addition, SLF FA was significantly greater in ExFBT vs. FBT (mean difference = 0.008, 95%CI = 0.001‐0.014) at trial completion.ConclusionThese findings suggest CCT alone may be detrimental to WM integrity, potentially due to its sedentary nature.
Relationship between telomere shortening and early subjective depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints in older adults
Authors: Koh Seong‐Ho , Han Myung‐Hoon , Lee Eun‐Hye , Yoo Hyun‐Jung , Park Hyun‐Hee , Choi Seong Hye 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundTelomere length (TL) has been reported to be associated with depression and cognitive impairment in elderly. Early detection of depression and cognitive impairment is important to delay disease progression. Therefore, we aimed to identify whether TL is associated with early subjective depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints among healthy elderly subjects.MethodThis study was a multicenter, outcome assessor‐blinded, 24‐week, randomized controlled trial (RCT). Measurement of questionnaire and physical activity scores and blood sample analyses were performed at baseline and after six months of follow‐up in all study participants. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify whether early subjective depressive symptoms, cognitive complaints, and several blood biomarkers are associated with TL.ResultAltogether, 137 relatively healthy elderly individuals (60‐79 years old) were enrolled in this prospective RCT. We observed an approximate decrease of 0.06 and 0.11−0.14 kbps of TL per one point increase in the geriatric depression scale and cognitive complaint interview scores, respectively, at baseline and after six months of follow‐up. We also found an approximate decrease of 0.08−0.09 kbps of TL per one point increase in interleukin (IL)‐6 levels at baseline and after six months of follow‐up.ConclusionOur study showed that both early subjective depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints were associated with a relatively shorter TL in relatively healthy elderly individuals. In addition, based on our findings, we believe that IL‐6 plays an important role in the relationship between shortening TL and early subjective depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints.