bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virtual reality‐based cognitive‐motor training in middle‐aged adults at high Alzheimer’s disease risk improve cerebral blood flow in the frontal cortex: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Plotnik Meir , Livny Abigail , Harel Maayan , Doniger Glen M , Bahar‐Fuchs Alex , Bahat Yotam , Gottlieb Amihai , Ravona‐Springer Ramit , Zeilig Gabi , Beeri Michal S 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and limited pharmacological intervention benefits to decelerate early neurodegeneration have prompted exploration of non‐pharmacological options. Recent studies indicate that combining cognitive‐motor training enhances outcomes.MethodsIn a single‐blind, parallel‐group, randomized controlled trial of middle‐aged adults with a parental history of AD, the experimental group (N = 22) underwent training with newly developed “real‐world” intensive, progressive, virtual reality (VR) tasks, while walking on a treadmill. Tasks included challenges to sustained attention, selective attention, working memory, covert rule deduction, and planning, all in daily living contexts. An active control group without treadmill (N = 17) and another group walking on a treadmill while watching scientific documentaries (N = 16) were included. A passive control group received no training (N = 11). Training sessions were 45 minutes, twice a week, for twelve weeks. The primary neurobiological outcome, cerebral blood flow (CBF), in the superior (SFG), middle (MFG) and inferior (IFG) frontal gyri and middle temporal gyrus (MTG), was assessed using MRI arterial spin labeling at 12 weeks (i.e., post training) and at 6 months (3 months follow up). Linear mixed regression models, adjusting for age, sex, education and baseline cognition, assessed group differences.ResultsParticipants averaged 56.2 (SD = 5.78), were primarily female (70%) and had undergraduate education (mean = 16.4; SD = 3.12). The groups did not differ in any baseline characteristics. The interaction of group X time on CBF of the MFG was significant (p = 0.04), such that the experimental group had an increase in CBF at 3 months which then plateaued, there were no changes in CBF in the active control groups, and the passive control group had a decline in CBF (see Figure). Similar trends were found for the SFG and IFG (p for interaction 0.07 and 0.08, respectively). No differences were found between the groups in the MTG.ConclusionThe sustained increase in CBF, a major contributor to cognitive functioning, observed in the frontal cortex of the experimental group over three months, implies that our innovative VR intervention may beneficially affect cerebrovascular function, even in midlife. This trend underscores the potential effectiveness of our intervention in preserving healthy cognition among asymptomatic individuals at high AD risk.
Assessment of Weekly Fluctuations in Zarit Burden Interview Scores in Caregivers of Individuals with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Thomas Neil W. , Chimehi Bahareh , Lariviere‐Chartier Julien , Ault Laura , Wallace Bruce , Beattie Zachary T , Sheehy Lisa , Steele Joel S. , Miller Lyndsey M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundCurrent tools to assess caregiver burden in individuals caring for people living with dementia commonly involve the use of questionnaires administered at infrequent intervals. Caregiver burden can vary significantly between individuals and at different time points throughout the progression of the disease. There has been research investigating the determinants of caregiver burden, but less is known about what represents a clinically‐meaningful amount of intra‐individual change in caregiver burden. The objective of this preliminary analysis is to present data showing change in caregiver burden over time in a cohort with frequent collection of burden level.MethodData were derived from longitudinal studies involving the ORCATECH technology platform, consisting of ambient, wearable and other sensors deployed in participants’ homes collecting continuous data on daily activities. Participants were individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia living with a caregiver (one dyad per home). Caregivers completed the Zarit Burden Interview Short Version (ZBI‐12, range 0‐48) weekly through the duration of their participation. ZBI‐12 scores and their distribution were analyzed.ResultData are presented from 47 dyads. Caregivers completed a total of 2949 weekly ZBI‐12 questionnaires (range 2‐118). Caregivers had a mean age of 71.3 and 68% were female. The mean ZBI‐12 score was 15.5 (SD 9.5, range 0‐44). The modal distribution of ZBI‐12 scores demonstrated peaks at 2‐4, 11‐12, and 22‐24, at low, moderate and high levels of burden. The variability in ZBI‐12 scores (standard deviation) increased with the total mean ZBI‐12 score (r2 = 0.23) per participant.ConclusionCaregiver burden ranged from very low to high and fluctuated week‐to‐week in the majority of caregivers of individuals with MCI and dementia. Caregivers who had a higher average level of burden also had more variability in their ZBI‐12 scores. More frequent assessments of caregiver burden could help to provide a more complete picture of the dementia care situation. Novel approaches, such as continuous monitoring using home sensors, may provide a method to assess variability in burden level. Future work will evaluate changes in ZBI‐12 scores that represent clinically meaningful differences in caregiver burden and sensor outcome measures that predict higher levels of burden.
Association of cholesterol, triglycerides, and triglyceride to HDL cholesterol ratio with cognitive decline
Authors: Vidal‐Ferreira Naomi , Bittencourt Marcio S , Bensenor Isabela M , Lotufo Paulo A , Suemoto Claudia Kimie 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe association of serum cholesterol with cognitive performance is controversial. Besides, little is known about the association of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL‐c) with cognitive performance. We aimed to verify the association of baseline cholesterol, triglyceride, and TG/HDL‐c levels with cognitive decline in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil) during eight years of follow‐up.MethodWe collected baseline fasting total cholesterol (TC), LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐c), HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐c), triglycerides (TG), and computed non‐HDL (TC minus HDL‐c) and TG/HDL‐c (triglycerides divided by HDL‐c). Cognition was assessed in three waves four years apart using the CERAD word list, semantic and phonemic verbal fluency, Trail Making Test B (TMT‐B), and a global composite score. We used inverse probability weighting to account for attrition bias and linear mixed models to investigate the association between lipids and cognition.ResultIn 12,803 participants at baseline, mean age was 51.4±8.87, 55% were women, and 43% were black. After a median follow‐up of 8.2 (7.9‐8.5) years, compared to the second quintile, lower (first quintile) and higher HDL‐c levels were associated with faster memory decline, while higher HDL‐c levels were related to faster global cognitive decline (Table 1). Compared to the second quintile, higher levels of TG were associated with faster memory and global cognitive decline (Table 2). Compared to the second quintile, higher levels of TG/HDL‐c were associated with faster memory decline, while lower (first quintile) and higher levels of TG/HDL‐c were related to faster verbal fluency and global cognitive decline (Table 3). TC, LDL‐c, and non‐HDL were not associated with cognitive decline.ConclusionAfter eight years of follow‐up, HDL‐c, triglycerides, and TG/HDL‐c levels were associated with global and domain‐specific cognitive decline.
Digital Elder Abuse Intervention for Early Detection of Abuse in Older Adults Living with Dementia
Authors: Abujarad Fuad , Edwards Chelsea , Neugroschl Judith A. , Hwang Ula , Marottoli Richard 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundElder abuse (EA) is a major public health problem and older people living with dementia (PLWD) are not likely to self‐report EA. As a result, identification of EA remains low, and providers often miss the opportunity to identify EA during Emergency Department (ED) visits. We present a pilot study on adapting an evidence‐informed intervention to motivate PLWD to self‐report abuse despite existing cognitive challenges.MethodOur tablet‐based digital health intervention, VOICES, was developed to increase self‐reporting of EA among PLWD. VOICES uses educational content, screening, multimedia elements, and brief psychoeducational interviewing with a digital coach to motivate PLWD to report abuse on their own. VOICES’ success was previously demonstrated with at least 1,000 cognitively intact participants (ages 60+) in the ED and primary care setting and piloted with PLWD at a geriatric memory clinic (N = 30). This study evaluated using VOICES among PLWD (ages 60+ years) in the ED setting (N = 101). Participants were recruited, consented, and enrolled at Yale New Haven Health System in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. We used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to assess cognitive ability of participants, excluding those with severe cognitive impairments.ResultNinety‐nine older adults with MoCA scores between 14 and 25 used VOICES independently and completed post‐survey questions. Satisfaction was high across all participants. Of all participants, eight self‐reported EA. 75% of participants who self‐reported (6/8) were offered additional services following a social worker evaluation, and 12.5% of participants who self‐reported (1/8) were reported to Adult Protective Services for EA.ConclusionOur findings suggest that not only is VOICES feasible (i.e., acceptable, practical, and satisfactory) for detecting EA in PLWD (MoCA scores 14‐25), but can provide additional services to those who would have otherwise gone discharged without intervention. VOICES may be able to be used for early detection and prevention of severe abuse for this high‐risk population. More research is needed to determine efficacy and long‐term outcomes of the benefits and harms.
Contrast in beliefs and knowledge about dementia risk reduction in Southern Latin American Indigenous and non‐Indigenous older adults: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Aravena Jose M , Muñoz Habana , Vargas Daniela , Albala Cecilia , Levy Becca R 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAlthough ethnic and cultural aspects can influence health behaviors, no studies have compared views about dementia and brain health between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous people living in the same territory. Therefore, we contrasted beliefs and knowledge about dementia risk reduction between Indigenous (Mapuche) and non‐Indigenous older adults in Chile.MethodAn exploratory qualitative study was conducted with people 60 years and older, self‐identified as Mapuche (‘people of the land’) or non‐Mapuche, with no dementia. We recruited people living in urban and rural settings of Santiago and the Araucania region of Chile using a convenience and snowball strategy. Interviews covered topics such as cognitive changes of aging and dementia, dementia risk factors, and practices for brain health. Thematic analysis following grounded theory and inductive analysis were used to generate main topics.ResultA total of 24 in‐depth interviews (Mapuche: 14, non‐Mapuche: 10) were analyzed. For Mapuche people engaged in cultural religious practices, dementia was described as a ‘transition to their ancestors’ spiritual plane’. Regarding potential risk factors of dementia, Mapuche people were more prone to refer to trauma and grief, low‐quality food, social problems, and alcoholism as major risk factors. Non‐Mapuche people were more likely to mention loneliness and depression, as major risk factors. Regarding positive elements for brain health, non‐Mapuche people highlighted participating in more activities, an ‘active attitude’, social activities engagement, and cognitive activities. In contrast, Mapuche people prioritized ‘being in balance’ (referred to as avoiding any kind of ‘excess’, or mind‐body and person‐environment connections), natural nutrition, good sleep, pride in being Mapuche, and engaging in traditional Mapuche activities like agriculture and handcrafts as ways to promote brain health.ConclusionEven though groups share some common views about memory problems, there are differences in conceptions about the causes and prevention of dementia between Mapuche and non‐Mapuche older adults. Cultural and ethnic determinants may influence views and practices toward brain health and should be considered for designing dementia risk reduction interventions.
Wearable Internet‐of‐Thing Technology to Measure Sleep of Diverse Caregivers: Preliminary Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Jung‐Ah , Zhang Jiuchen , Rahmani Amir , Qu Annie 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundFamily caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) suffer from constant caregiving burden resulting in poor sleep quality. Understanding sleep parameters (e.g., total sleep, light, deep, REM sleep, awakening, latency) of the caregivers are important to improve sleep and self‐care behaviors. Wearable Internet‐Of‐Things (WIOT) technology (i.e., smartring‐smartphone‐cloud) would help monitor real‐time sleep quality of caregivers. WIOT is an objective tool to measure sleep parameters of caregivers with diverse ethnic background who might have limited English proficiency that could affect self‐report on survey sleep scales. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of caregiver support intervention on sleep and to identify which characteristics of caregivers would get benefit from the intervention in relation to sleep.MethodsThe study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) including (1) a 3‐month culturally and language specific home‐based caregiver support intervention group (IG) and (2) attention control group (CG) without the intervention. All caregivers of PWD recruited from community outreach in California were asked to wear smartrings for 3 months to monitor their sleep in real‐time. Linear mixed models were performed using Python for data analyses including sleep and demographic variables.Results103 caregivers participated in the RCT: mean age = 65 years (SD = 13), 78% females, 58% spouses, 53% with college education, race/ethnicity including 27% non‐Hispanic white, 16% Hispanic, 33% Korean, 24% Vietnamese. On daily average, REM sleep duration was significantly increased by 0.06 minute in IG and decreased 0.12 minute in CG (P<.001). In sub‐group analysis, average onset latency time were significantly improved in adult‐child caregivers compared to spousal caregivers (P = 0.016). The improvement of adult‐child caregivers’ sleep latency duration was in the reference range of 10‐20 minutes. Participants showed favorable interest in real‐time monitoring of their sleep through WIOT technology and better understanding of their sleep. Currently, the study participant recruitment is on‐going.ConclusionThe preliminary results showed that WIOT measures on sleep were feasible among ethnically diverse caregivers of PWD. The intervention effect on sleep was found among adult‐child caregivers. Intervention may focus more on support for spousal caregivers in using WIOT technology to better understand their sleep quality.
A Non‐Pharmacological Perspective to Memory Improvement in Dementia
Authors: Dadoo Niharika , Prakash Ajay , Medhi Bikash 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDementia is a progressive clinical syndrome which is marked by pervasive cognitive impairment and deterioration. With the ever‐increasing number of people living with dementia, it has become a global concern. Current medications focus on slowing the progression of dementia and managing the comorbidities and not on directly enhancing memory. Cholinesterase inhibitor drugs like donepezil are prescribed to enhance neurotransmitter function and regulate brain cell activity, thus reducing cognitive decline but they leave memory unaddressed.A combination of psychology and pharmacology can lead to a more holistic approach to addressing dementia. Newer methods like art therapy can be used in adjunct to pharmacotherapy. Art therapy is a nonverbal creative approach to work around cognitive, memory, motor, emotional and social concerns in dementia. Cultural arts interventions (dance, visual arts, storytelling/theatre, music, and art) can expand the personhood and quality of life of those experiencing dementia. According to Kinney & Rentz (2005), participation in creative arts enhances the social and psychological well‐being of people with a diagnosis of dementia and their caregivers. Drawing, painting collaging and colouring can enhance memory and create an overall sense of wellbeing. Making visual art improves neuroplasticity and the connections between different brain regions. Creative arts programs in the community set‐up can prove to be a non‐stigmatising environment to engage the individuals, their caregivers and the community.ConclusionCommunity‐driven art programs can empower social bonds and people with the tools to contribute to supporting those living with dementia. More research is required on how art and psychotherapy can work in adjunct with pharmacotherapy in reducing the symptoms of dementia.
A prospective association between sensory impairment and cognitive performance among older community‐dwelling adults: The role of depressive symptoms
Authors: Khalaila Rabia , Grebe Lauren A , Allen Isabel Elaine 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThere is a link between visual and hearing impairments and poor cognition in older people, although it is not clear how depressive symptoms contribute to this association. Specifically, this study examines how sensory impairment (vision and hearing) affects cognitive performance and how depression mediates that effect.MethodWe examined whether vision and hearing impairment affects cognitive performance and whether depression mediates that effect. Utilizing data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe which assessed 32,325 participants in 2011 (baseline, Time 1) and 2015 (follow up, Time 2), we analyzed sociodemographic and health factors, self‐reported vision and hearing impairment at baseline, depression, and cognitive performance at the 4‐year follow‐up. A multiple mediator model was tested by bootstrapping with resampling strategies.ResultAt baseline, 22.9% had impaired vision only, 10.2% impaired hearing only, and 10.4% impairment of both. We found significant negative association between vision impairment (b = ‐0.023, p = 0.001) and dual sensory impairment (b = ‐0.083, p = 0.001) and cognitive performance; both were also associated with depression, which in turn was linked with poor cognition.ConclusionVisual impairment or dual sensory impairment among older adults are associated with poor cognitive function directly and indirectly by increasing depression symptoms.
Challenges Involved in Caring for a Loved One Who is Living with Dementia and the Potential Appropriateness of an Innovative Gaming Activity for Social and Emotional Wellness: Exploring Focus Group Results from Caregivers of Clients Involved in a Group Digital Gaming Intervention
Authors: Hand Michelle D , Inoue Megumi , Koizumi Naoru , Booker Emma , Nosrat Sarah , Mehak Samreen , Shaikh Eyesha 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundSlowing the progression of dementia and maintaining mental and social wellness are important for people living with dementia (PWD) and their caregivers. Social engagement can help with delaying the onset of dementia among people living with mild cognitive impairment. Maintaining meaningful social engagement through activities, such as gameplay, can promote a sense of belonging and identity while maintaining mental functioning. Physical activities can also improve strength and cognitive outcomes in PWD. Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult day health centers provide various types of activities that encourage social, physical and mental wellness for PWD (e.g., through gameplay). A group gaming system, Obie Technology, was developed to promote these activities, to facilitate movement, cognitive exercises, and social interaction. This study explored the potential appropriateness of a group gaming intervention on cognitive function, mood, and behavior in PWD. The qualitative focus group results with caregivers will be presented.MethodIncluded were caregivers of clients in an adult day health center who were selected to participate in a group digital gaming intervention. All clients that were cared for by the participants were living with mild‐ or moderate‐stage impairment. Three semi‐structured focus groups were conducted, to discuss what it is like to care for someone living with mild‐ or moderate‐stage dementia, client mood, and participant questions surrounding the gaming intervention.ResultsThe three focus groups lasted approximately one hour each, and were conducted with a total of 21 participants, who were caring for PWD selected for the group gaming intervention. The results illuminate caregiver perceptions surrounding their challenges in providing care to PWD and the appropriateness of the gaming intervention for PWD.ConclusionChallenges were discussed surrounding changes in relationships with loved ones, who were primarily spouses or parents of the participants. Participants also discussed challenges surrounding anger and aggression expressed by clients toward them as caregivers. Concerns were expressed about the possibility of the digital gaming intervention resulting in falls among the clients as well, adding to these challenges. These results will be further discussed, along with implications for research, practice, and policy centered around PWD and their caregivers.
Blood biomarker profiles in autopsy‐diagnosed carriers of different PSEN1 mutations relative to sporadic Alzheimer’s disease and controls
Authors: Lafferty Tara K , Sehrawat Anuradha , Zeng Xuemei , Chen Yijun , Klunk William E , Pascoal Tharick A. , Cohen Ann D , Villemagne Victor L , Kamboh M. Ilyas , Lopez Oscar L. , Abrahamson Eric E , Berman Sarah , Kofler Julia , Ikonomovic Milos D , Karikari Thomas K 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundSpecific PSEN1 mutations cause early‐onset AD but their effects on blood biomarker levels are unknown. We evaluated autopsy‐confirmed individuals affected by six different PSEN1 mutations; two of known (L381V, C410Y) and three (A426P/E318G, M233L, and V261I) of unknown pathogenic status. The sixth patient had Autosomal Dominant AD (ADAD) not yet genotyped. Neuropathologically diagnosed sporadic AD (sAD; n=8) and unaffected controls (n=7) were included for comparison.MethodThe participants, except the controls, had brain autopsy performed under informed consent at the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Genetic testing was performed to confirm the presence of PSEN1 mutation(s). Blood was collected, processed, and stored during life. Plasma p‐tau217, p‐tau181, neurofilament light (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), amyloid beta (Ab) 40 and 42 were measured using commercial assays on Simoa HDX at the Biofluid Biomarker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh.ResultPlasma p‐tau217 and p‐tau181 were increased 5‐8‐fold and 3‐4‐fold in the PSEN1 and sAD groups respectively versus controls. GFAP had 4‐fold increase in both sAD and PSEN1 groups while NfL was highest in sAD. Ab42, Ab40 and Ab42/40 showed no between‐group differences. Individuals with the two pathogenic mutations recorded the highest levels of p‐tau217, p‐tau181, GFAP and NfL, with the A426P/E318G carrier also having a comparably high p‐tau181.ConclusionMarked elevation of plasma p‐tau and GFAP suggest increased tau phosphorylation and astrogliosis in ADAD while neurodegeneration intensity (by NfL) may be comparable to sAD.