bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal changes in amyloid, glucose, and glial reactivity imaging biomarkers in a transgenic rat model of amyloidosis
Authors: Lazzarotto Gabriela , Spelta Lidia Emmanuela Wiazowski , Vera Cleinando Clemente da Silva , da Rocha Andreia Silva , de Souza Débora Guerini , de Paula Faria Daniele de Paula , Zimmer Eduardo R. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundImaging biomarkers have helped to reconceptualize Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. More specifically, positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals for non‐invasively assessing amyloid‐beta (Aβ) plaques, glucose metabolism, and glial reactivity allow for tracking disease progression in a temporally ordered manner. However, whether transgenic models recapitulate biomarker‐related changes remains elusive. Here, we longitudinally evaluated Aβ, glucose metabolism, and glial reactivity using PET in a transgenic amyloid rat model.MethodTGF344‐AD (APP/PS1) and wild‐type rats were scanned at 6, 9, and 12 months with [18F]FDG, [11C]PK11195 and [11C]PIB. Images were manually co‐registered in a rat magnetic resonance template. Standardized uptake values (SUV) were calculated for [18F]FDG and [11C]PK11195, and SUV ratio (SUVR) was calculated for [11C]PIB using the pons as the reference region. The results were normalized using Z‐Score and statistical significance was determined at Z>2 (p < 0.05).ResultAt 6 months, no differences between groups were observed. At 9 months, however, we detected significant amyloid load, glucose hypermetabolism, and increased glial reactivity. At 12 months, animals presented increased Aβ load while still presenting signs of brain glucose hypermetabolism. By contrast, glial reactivity did not present alterations compared to 9‐month‐old rats.ConclusionOur findings indicate that in the early phases of detectable Aβ deposition, there is a joint increase in brain glucose metabolism and glial reactivity. These findings suggest that amyloid deposition triggers early neuroinflammatory response. We and others have provided evidence that early FDG‐PET hypermetabolism is an indicator of glial reactivity.
Amyloid‐PET in patients with a clinical diagnosis of sporadic early‐ versus late‐onset AD: comparison of the LEADS and ADNI cohorts
Authors: Lagarde Julien , Maiti Piyush , Schonhaut Daniel R. , Zhang Jiaxiuxiu , soleimani‐meigooni David N. , Zeltzer Ehud , Windon Charles , Raya Maison Abu , Vrillon Agathe , Hammers Dustin B. , Dage Jeffrey L. , Nudelman Kelly N. , Eloyan Ani , Koeppe Robert A. , Landau Susan M. , Carrillo Maria C. , Touroutoglou Alexandra , Vemuri Prashanthi , Dickerson Bradford C. , Apostolova Liana G. , Rabinovici Gil D. , Joie Renaud La ,   LEADS Consortium, Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundLarge‐scale studies comparing sporadic early‐onset AD (EOAD, age<65) and late‐onset AD (LOAD, age≥65) are lacking. We compared amyloid‐PET outcomes (positivity rate and amyloid burden) between patients clinically diagnosed with sporadic EOAD vs LOAD, leveraging data from the Longitudinal Early‐Onset AD Study (LEADS) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 3 (ADNI3).Method731 patients meeting the 2011 NIA‐AA criteria for AD dementia or MCI were included (505 early‐onset from LEADS, 226 late‐onset from ADNI3, Table 1). All participants underwent amyloid‐PET with [18F]Florbetaben or [18F]Florbetapir. Amyloid positivity was centrally determined by a process involving a visual read by a trained expert and PET‐only quantification; in case of a discrepancy, a read from an independent physician acted as a tiebreaker. Logistic regressions in each cohort examined relations between amyloid positivity and age, sex, MMSE and APOE4 genotype. Amyloid burden was independently quantified in Centiloids using an MRI‐based pipeline. Mean Centiloids in LEADS and ADNI were compared with two‐way ANOVA, for visually positive and visually negative scans.ResultAmyloid positivity rate was higher in LEADS (76%) than ADNI (64%, p<0.001, Figure 1A). Lower MMSE and APOE4 genotype increased odds of amyloid positivity in both cohorts, although the APOE4 effect was stronger in ADNI than LEADS (OR=10.1 versus 2.4, p=0.007, Table 2). Amyloid positivity was more common in females across cohorts, but this effect was only statistically significant in LEADS (Table 2). Centiloids were bimodally distributed in both cohorts, although the separation between positive and negative scans was more prominent in LEADS (Figure 1B). Visually positive scans had significantly higher Centiloids in LEADS than in ADNI, whereas no cohort difference was observed for visually negative scans (Figure 1C). Sensitivity analyses showed that this effect was driven by patients with MCI (CDR≤0.5; Figure 1D‐E).ConclusionThe lower amyloid positivity rate in ADNI might be due to AD‐mimicking pathologies being more common at an older age. The higher amyloid burden in early‐onset, amyloid‐positive patients could reflect younger patients being diagnosed later in the disease course compared to typical, late‐onset patients. Alternatively, younger patients might tolerate higher neuropathology burden due to higher brain reserve or fewer co‐pathologies.
Process evaluation of a community advisory board for a multi‐site clinical trial addressing dementia literacy and linkage to dementia care
Authors: Han Hae‐Ra 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundCommunity engagement is a key strategy to promoting health equity. While community advisory boards (CABs) are used as a popular tool for community engagement, the process of forming CABs and maintaining them is mostly missing in the literature. The purpose of this study is to showcase a set of processes our collaborative team went through to form and implement a CAB in the context of dementia literacy and linkage to dementia care research.MethodPLAN—Preparing for healthy aging through dementia Literacy education And Navigation—is an ongoing, multi‐site clinical trial involving community‐dwelling Korean American older adults (65+ years) with probable dementia and their care partners in the US. Data for the current analysis came from multiple sources: monthly CAB meeting minutes, study team meeting minutes, and notes taken during individual discussions with CAB members. We used content analysis to identify common themes across these data sources.ResultWe identified three main stages in relation to CAB: Formation, Implementation, and Sustainability. Formation stage was mainly to build genuine connections as a team while clarifying the research purpose and establishing the mission and goals of the CAB. Key activities for the Implementation stage included: Strategizing for community outreach to build trust with the local community; advocating for the rights of vulnerable research participants such as those with limited English proficiency and/or with probable dementia with/without care partners; ensuring that the language of research materials and message is culturally relevant, friendly, and easy to understand; increasing awareness and building bridges between science, patients, caregivers, and families; strategizing how to make clinical research accessible to everyone; and creating a CAB‐led community engagement project to share experiences and perspectives. In the current, Sustainability stage, we are actively evaluating our partnership processes, while determining next steps to scale and adapt the PLAN program.ConclusionWhen implemented effectively, CABs can help center the perspectives and experiences of marginalized groups such as those with limited English proficiency. It would be important for future research to evaluate in greater depth what components make a CAB partnership successful so that more resources related to CAB formation, implementation, and sustainability can be utilized for research.
Adverse Events in a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial for Dementia Prevention (rrAD study)
Authors: Hall Tristyn , Kerwin Diana R. , Vongpatanasin Wanpen , Gahan William , Keller Jeffrey N. , Stowe Ann M , Zhu David C , Hynan Linda , Cullum Munro , Vidoni Eric D , Burns Jeffrey M , Zhang Rong , Binder Ellen F. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe Exercise and Intensive Vascular Risk Reduction in Preventing Dementia (rrAD study) was a multicenter randomized, controlled trial to determine the effects of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise training and intensive pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular risk factors on dementia prevention in older adults (NCT02913664). The trial duration was 2 years. We present herein the adverse events (AEs) reported in the rrAD trial. Our objective is to determine whether the trial interventions were associated with higher reports of AEs in older adults aged 60 to 85 who had hypertension, family history of dementia, and/or subjective memory complaints.Method513 subjects were randomized to one of four intervention treatment arms: Aerobic Exercise (Ex), Intensive Reduction of Vascular Risk Factors (IRVR), Combined Arm (IRVR+Ex), and Usual Care. The IRVR groups received intensive pharmacological treatment of blood pressure (BP) (SBP<130mmHg) and cholesterol management (atorvastatin, 80mg daily). AEs were categorized by the abnormal lab results and body systems which are likely affected by the trial interventions.ResultThe IRVR arms had slightly higher abnormal lab results of electrolytes (potassium) and creatinine (Table 1) relative to the non‐IRVR arms, which were expected with BP treatment using angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) such as, losartan. The IRVR arms also had higher AEs of leg cramps, edema, dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue likely reflecting side effects of antihypertensives and/or statin use. The exercise arms had higher AEs in the musculoskeletal system relative to the non‐exercise arms. Overall, the rates of injuries, serious adverse events (SAEs), or death were low, and no noticeable differences were observed among the intervention arms.ConclusionParticipants in the IRVR arms may report higher AEs related to the side effects of antihypertensives and/or statin use, and in the exercise arms higher AEs related to musculoskeletal events such as muscle pain. The rrAD study showed that it is safe to implement moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise training and intensive cardiovascular risk factor reduction in older adults for dementia prevention.
Investigation of the correlation between negative communication by caregivers and neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia: Preliminary Results
Authors: Gheno Lucimara Lehmen , da Silva Amanda Gorziza , Fernandez Liana Lisboa , Rieder Carlos Roberto Mello , Beber Bárbara Costa 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundCaregivers of people with dementia (PwD) often experience the burden of caregiving and depressive symptoms that may be associated. PwD who experience a higher occurrence of neuropsychiatric symptoms often cause a greater burden on their caregivers due to the difficulty in managing these symptoms. Caregivers may transfer their feelings of frustration and exhaustion with caregiving through the way they communicate with the PwD. On the other hand, it is also possible that inadequate communication triggers the occurrence of challenging behaviors in PwD, demonstrating the importance of communication between caregivers and care recipients. The objective of this study was to verify the correlation between the negative communication scale (NCS) answered by caregivers and PwD and the neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI).MethodThis is a segment of a descriptive observational study with a quantitative approach, involving a sample of 11 dyads. The NPI and NCS were administered to the caregivers of PwD, and the NCS was also answered by the PwD themselves (to observe the perception of negative communication by the caregivers from the perspective of the PwD).ResultCharacteristics of the sample are shown in Table 1. Correlations of NCS and NPI domains are described in Table 2 and show that the greater the disinhibition, the lower the perception of negative communication use by caregivers, as perceived by individuals with dementia. Also, the greater the aberrant motor changes, the lower the perception of negative communication use by caregivers, according to individuals with dementia.ConclusionThe results suggest a possible relationship between caregivers' communication and neuropsychiatric symptoms of PwD. Despite the presented correlations, it is necessary to increase the sample size to highlight/confirm these correlations.
Online‐based Recruitment Methods for Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Han Hae‐Ra , Min Deborah 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDespite technology adoption and increased dependence on digital technologies, the digital divide persists among older adults. The purpose of this study was to understand barriers and facilitators of recruiting non‐English speaking older individuals who are cognitively impaired along with their caregivers for PLAN, an ongoing RCT designed to promote the transition of Korean American older adults with probable dementia and their caregivers into the healthcare system for adequate diagnostic follow‐up and care. We also examined online‐based recruitment strategies focused on older adults reported in relevant published studies to compare with our experiences.MethodData sources included recruitment tracking files, study team meeting minutes, and interviews with community staff and consultants. We also conducted a review of published studies that used online‐based recruit of community‐dwelling older adults.ResultFive themes emerged: unfamiliarity with technology—limited digital literacy; differences in internet access and use across older age groups; providing technological support to promote recruitment; successful and unsuccessful recruitment using social media; and other diverse online‐based methods. Direct quotes from multiple sources for the PLAN trial revealed technological challenges that were common among immigrant older adults. While the studies included in the review indicated similar internet accessibility and use between young‐old and older‐old adults, actual online recruitment was least successful in the older‐old group. Most studies included in the review used social media but the success varied across these studies with slightly more than half of the studies reporting little to no success. Similarly, other online‐based methods such as e‐newsletters, emails, or postings on professional organizational websites yielded varying successes.ConclusionOur analysis revealed the digital divide along with the issue of limited digital literacy in the recruitment of older adults, particularly non‐English speaking immigrants. The usefulness of online‐based recruitment of older adults is uncertain due, in large part, to limited sociodemographic diversity noted in the samples included in the review. Future research needs to explore the role of race/ethnicity and other characteristics such as socioeconomic status, gender, education, access to technology, and digital literacy in relation to online‐based recruitment for adequate representation of diverse older adults in research.
Quebec Eastern Township Regional Dementia Care Update after COVID. Reorganisation for the Quebec Ministerial Alzheimer program
Authors: Lacombe Guy , Legresley Marie‐Pier , Stiffel Michael , Gosselin Suzanne 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundIn the province of Quebec, Canada, primary care management of Alzheimer’s disease is provided by the Family Medicine Group with the support of the Ministerial Initiative on Alzheimer’s Disease and the collaboration of specialized memory clinics. The COVID years have severely strained health resources in all areas, including cognitive intervention resources. We describe the reorganization of regional support in the Eastern Townships.MethodThe results of a survey on the situation of care are shared with each of the family medicine groups involved in the Eastern Townships Alzheimer Plan, comparing the processes and results of each team to the provincial average. The difficulties and improvements proposed by each of the groups are noted and discussed with a view to continuous improvement.ResultA regional tour was necessary to re‐establish contact between the regional support resources (nurse and doctors of the memory clinic) and the Family Medicine Group. Nursing, medical, and pharmaceutical staff and social workers were met at each FMG. Interdisciplinary care models, local resources, leaderchip and development opportunities were discussed. Training needs have been identified. Demands to involve social workers and pharmacists are growing. The evolution of the clientele is striking, with a significant increase in the number of evaluations for patients with mild neurocognitive disorders.ConclusionThe presence of at least one experienced person at each FMG made it possible to reorganize the clinics after the staff changes related to the COVID period. The tour allows us to recreate the links that are essential to the development of expertise and to provide specialized support to the family medicine groups involved in the Alzheimer’s plan.
Associations of hearing loss with subjective cognitive decline among American Indians and Alaska Natives and other race/ethnic groups: results from the BRFSS
Authors: Li Lingling , Yang Manxi , Manson Spero , O'Connell Joan , Jiang Luohua 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundPrior research has established a relationship between hearing loss (HL) and cognitive decline. However, this association remains unclear in the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population. Given the high prevalence of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and HL in the AI/AN population, exploring this relationship is crucial. This study investigated the HL‐SCD association among AI/AN and other racial/ethnic participants of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).MethodThis study analyzed data from 170,048 participants aged 45+ in the 2019‐2020 BRFSS, encompassing AI/AN (n = 2,942), non‐Hispanic White (NHW, n = 143,172), non‐Hispanic Black (NHB, n = 13,377), and Hispanic (n = 10,557) adults. Sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and comorbidities were reported across the four groups. HL was defined as self‐reported deaf or having serious difficulty hearing, and SCD was defined as self‐repoted worsening confusion or memory loss in the past 12 months. Logistic regressions were employed to assess the HL‐SCD association, adjusting for demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables. Additionally, age‐specific analyses were conducted for the 45‐64 and 65+ age cohorts.ResultAI/ANs exhibited higher prevalence of HL, at 18.92% (95% CI: 14.3% ‐ 23.53%), and SCD, at 16.9% (95% CI: 14.13% ‐ 19.66%), compared to other groups (Table 1). A consistent and significant positive association between HL and SCD was observed across all groups. For AI/AN participants, the fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) for SCD associated with HL was 2.35 (95% CI: 1.4 ‐ 3.95). The ORs for NHW, NHB, and Hispanic participants were 2.02 (95% CI: 1.81 ‐ 2.25), 2.2 (95% CI: 1.61 ‐ 3.01), 2.7 (95% CI: 1.8 ‐ 4.06) respectively (Table 2). The study also revealed that the HL‐SCD association varies by age. Among AI/ANs, NHWs, and NHBs, this association is more pronounced in the 45‐64 age group. Conversely, for Hispanics, it is stronger in the 65+ age group (Figure 1).ConclusionOur study found a significant association between HL and SCD in the AI/AN population, consistent with other racial/ethnic groups. We also found age was a key effect modifier in this association. These findings suggest the potential value of routine hearing tests in older AI/AN adults for early dementia detection and prevention.
Facilitating Participation of People with Dementia and their Caregivers in Emergency Care Research
Authors: Benson Clark , Block Laura M , Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea L 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundPeople living with dementia (PLWD) are high utilizers of acute illness and emergency care, with over 50% of the more than 6 million people with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease related dementia (ADRD) visiting an emergency department (ED) annually. While the ED plays an important role meeting the urgent and acute needs of PLWD and their caregivers, presence of ADRD is often not well recognized and ED visits are associated with significant adverse outcomes for PLWD. Despite these factors, research on the emergency care needs of PLWD is extremely limited. Challenges navigating informed consent and assent in the context of a dynamic environment that often necessitates rapid enrollment is a major barrier to conducting ADRD‐focused emergency care research. This presentation reports on a structured framework developed to facilitate participation of PLWD and/or their caregivers in research during ED visits, with attention to maximizing flexible participation and supported decision‐making.MethodWe developed a scenario guided decision‐tree framework for facilitating rapid, flexible enrollment of PLWD and their caregivers in emergency care research. This framework was trialed and iteratively revised through the conduct of a prospective qualitative study (N = 31 participants; 10 PLWD, 15 caregivers, and 3 dyads). This presentation will summarize challenges in facilitating participation, the refined decision‐tree framework, and highlight strategies for successful implementation of the framework.ResultMajor barriers to facilitating participation included navigating supported participation and enrollment in the context of stringent legal and compliance procedures, supporting participation across disease stages, and monitoring for and responding to fluctuations in attention and capacity. The resultant framework guides early assessments to determine tailored procedures for consent, assent, and flexible participation approaches including supported participation.ConclusionA major challenge to engaging PLWD in research about their own care experiences is ensuring that research enrollment procedures are responsive to the broad variation in abilities across the continuum of cognitive challenges, decision‐making needs, and participation preferences. The developed framework supports study team members in navigating this challenge in a manner that is inclusive of flexible participation needs and supported as well as proxy decision‐making.