bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association of coronary artery calcium progression and cognitive function in midlife ‐ The Coronary Artery Risk Development In Young Adults (CARDIA) Study
Authors: Teramoto Masayuki , Hoang Tina D , Sidney Stephen , Terry James G. , Pletcher Mark J , Marcus Gregory M , Hoffman Thomas , Yaffe Kristine 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the impact of coronary artery calcium (CAC) and its progression on cognitive function in midlife, a time of importance for cognitive aging.MethodsIn CARDIA, CAC was measured using computed tomography at years 15 (baseline), 20 and 25. CAC progression was defined as: (1) CAC>0 at follow‐up among participants with baseline CAC = 0; (2) an annualized change of ≥10 units at follow‐up among those with 0<baseline CAC<100; or (3) an annualized percent change (annualized change in CAC score divided by baseline CAC score) ≥10% among those with baseline CAC≥100. Cognitive function was measured with Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Stroop Interference, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Verbal Fluency (Letter and Category Fluency) at year 35. We used linear regression to estimate the difference between marginal means with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of each cognitive test by CAC score (0 vs >0) and CAC progression.ResultsAmong 2,341 participants (mean age 40.3 ± 3.6 years, 56% female, 43% Black at baseline), higher CAC score and CAC progression were associated with significantly lower cognitive performance in all cognitive tests. After adjustment for demographics, the association remained for CAC progression, compared to no progression, for most test scores: DSST (‐2.70 95% CI: ‐4.05 to ‐1.36, p < 0.001), MoCA (‐0.44 95% CI: ‐0.74 to ‐0.13, p = 0.005) and verbal fluency (‐0.85 95% CI: ‐1.57 to ‐0.12, p = 0.02). Similar associations were observed for higher CAC score (>0 vs 0): DSST (‐3.11 95% CI: ‐5.16 to ‐1.06, p = 0.003), MoCA (‐0.81 95% CI: ‐1.28 to ‐0.34, p = 0.001) and RAVLT (‐0.67 95% CI: ‐1.12 to ‐0.23, p = 0.003). Additional adjustment for physical activity, depressive symptoms, and APOE, and mutually for baseline CAC score and progression did not materially change the association.ConclusionsCAC score and progression were associated with lower cognitive function in midlife. CAC progression may be an independent risk factor for early cognitive aging, independent of baseline CAC score and other risk factors.
Providing In‐Home Helmet‐Based 40 Hz Light Therapy for Alzheimer’s Patients in Memory Care Facilities in Detroit, MI: A Proposal for a Feasibility Study to Expand Early Efficacy Data
Authors: Bart Jacob A , Attar Zechariah 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntroductionAlzheimer’s disease is the most common and costly neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Early studies of helmet‐based 40 Hz light therapy have demonstrated safety and early efficacy in targeting the pathophysiologic characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease. This intervention has shown slowing and even reversal of disease progression. An extensive literature review has demonstrated this therapy to be cost‐effective and user‐friendly with minimal side effects. Implementation of this therapy has been limited by barriers to access, illustrated by small sample sizes and poor compliance in numerous studies. Further research with larger sample sizes is essential to accelerate the rate of translation from bench to bedside by addressing implementation barriers to access, thereby optimizing patient adherence.HypothesisWe hypothesize that offering helmet‐based 40 Hz light therapy in a home setting will result in increased enrollment of eligible patients and compliance by providing convenience to patients and their caregivers. This approach will develop implementation guidelines while expanding on existing efficacy data.ObjectiveTo explore our hypothesis, we plan to conduct a feasibility study by recruiting through, and providing care at, memory care facilities in Detroit, Michigan. Changing the location of care may be an easily adaptable implementation strategy that can be applied nationally. We’ve identified 50 memory care facilities that house Alzheimer’s patients, with capacity for over 400 residents in Detroit alone.MethodsWe plan to assemble a mobile team of research‐clinicians to administer helmet‐based 40 Hz light therapy. Scheduled weekly appointments can be facilitated at the convenience of the patients and their care providers across all facilities that allow this therapy for their residents. These participants will be recruited via rolling admission and outcomes will be evaluated using standardized neurocognitive assessments.In summary, helmet‐based 40 Hz therapy has already been shown to be safe and effective. Studying the feasibility of implementing it in the patient’s home is an important next step in making this care accessible to those that need it most.
A Scoping Review of the Use of Non‐Fatty Acid Nutraceuticals for Chronic Inflammation in Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Patel Saajan , Basra Mahi , Shah Kriya , Caballero Joshua 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundReducing chronic inflammation has been linked to anti‐inflammatory foods and may be implicated in treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Plants produce antioxidants, such as phytochemicals, that appear to reduce the incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases. Phytochemicals may include active substances like polyphenols. Nutraceutical formulations may offer the advantage of combining specific types of phytochemicals with other nutrients to provide optimal efficacy while reducing adverse effects from consuming individual phytochemicals. The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the use of non‐fatty acid nutraceuticals on persons with AD.MethodA literature search was performed using the databases PubMed, EMBASE and Medline between January 2015 and November 2023. Randomized controlled trials, correlational studies, clinical trials, and case studies were considered, while meta‐analyses, systematic reviews, scoping reviews, animal studies, and non‐English literature were excluded. The search strategy involved key terms such as “Alzheimer”, “Alzheimer’s Disease”, “AD”, “neuroinflammation”, “anti‐inflammatory diet”, “fiber”, “plant extract”, and “supplement”. The PRISMA guidelines guided the inclusion/exclusion process.ResultAfter applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, four out of 49 articles were identified and evaluated. Among nutraceuticals, selenium, carotenoid, combined metabolic activators, and boswellic acid have been studied in randomized controlled trials. Data using selenium (average dose: 0.32 mg tid) over 24 weeks increased selenate cerebrospinal concentrations but did not result in significant cognitive differences compared to placebo. A six‐month study with carotenoid supplementation showed 1‐palmitoyl‐2(5'‐oxo‐valeryl)‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (POVPC) levels, an oxidation marker, did not improve compared to placebo in patients with AD. A study using boswellic showed patients with AD had lower levels of plasma Aβ40 and suggested improved MMSE scores. Another study evaluating combined metabolic activators (CMAs) in AD patients showed the administration of CMAs suggested improvement in cognitive function. Limitations among the studies may include patient selection, short duration of trial, determining clinical significance, and assessing costs associated with using these products.ConclusionOverall, small, limited studies suggest mild improvements in cognitive function using non‐fatty acid nutraceuticals in persons with AD. Boswellic acid and CMAs may show the most promise. However, larger trials are warranted to confirm preliminary results.
Molecular chemiluminescence imaging of misfolded proteins with a versatile and highly sensitive probe in neurodegenerative disease models
Authors: Ran Chongzhao , Zhu Biyue 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundProtein misfolding is a key pathological phenomenon driving neurodegenerative diseases that affect millions of people. Visualizing this misfolding process with smart imaging probes would greatly facilitate early diagnosis, etiology elucidation, disease progression monitoring, and drug discovery of neurodegeneration. Although numerous probes have been reported, several unmet needs still exist.MethodIn this study, we demonstrated that both generic and precise visualization of misfoldons could be achieved with a highly sensitive chemiluminescence probe, ADLumin‐1.ResultFor the generic aspect, we demonstrated that ADLumin‐1 was highly responsive when interacting with various misfoldons, including beta‐amyloid peptides, tau proteins, alpha‐synucleins, and TDP‐43, showing up to 128‐fold higher signal to noise ratio compared to gold standard dye Thioflavin T. Next, we explore the binding and the activating mechanism by molecular docking and proved ADLumin‐1 could non‐invasively visualize cerebral biomarker in transgenic mice models of Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease(AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). For the precise aspect, we explore the precise diagnostic value of ADLumin‐1 by using α‐synuclein, a key biomarker in PD. By combining with protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) technology, ADLumin‐1 enables selective detection of α‐synuclein in CSF at the femtomolar level. Finally, we showcased that ADLumin‐1 enables in situ monitoring of α‐synuclein misfoldons in transgenic mice by employing the bio‐orthogonal ChRET concept.ConclusionTaking the advantages of dual facets of generality and precision, our findings could be broadly applied in the preclinical and clinical studies of neurodegenerative diseases.
Visual Search Assessed with the Rowan Digital Cancellation Protocol
Authors: De Anda‐Duran Ileana , Bazzano Lydia , Urbina Elaine M. , Woo Jessica , Baliga Ganesh , Libon David J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundWith the advent of monoclonal antibody therapy to treat mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) there is a need to develop tests to screen for neurocognitive difficulty that are reliable and easily deployed.MethodThe Rowan Digital Cancellation Tests (RDCT) is comprised of three tests administered using an iPad Pro. Each test was preceded by a practice trial. During practice and test trials a buzzer sounded when commission errors were made. For each test, participants worked for 180 sec. Sixteen targets were located in each quadrant. Target items were embedded within a random array modeled after Weintraub (2000). The Digital Letter Cancellation Test asked participants to circle the letter “A”. The target for the Digital Symbol Cancellation was a geometric symbol. On the Digital Letter/Symbol Switching Cancellation test participants alternated first circling a specific letter, then a specific symbol. Five outcome variables were compiled including correct hits (range 0‐64), distance per correct hit; mean non‐motor/‘think’ time/hit; mean Apple pencil touch; and mean commission errors.ResultA group of 21 community‐dwelling participants were assessed (age = 51.9±7.2; education = 14.9±2.0; White = 66%, female = 91.5%). A graded pattern of performance was seen for most outcome variables (Table 1) such that more targets were identified for letter>symbol>letter/symbol (p< 0.003), and mean distance traveled per target was less for letter<letter/symbol and symbol< letter/symbol (p< 0.001). Non‐motor/‘think’ time and mean Apple pencil touch increased contingent on task complexity letter<symbol<letter/symbol (p< 0.016, & p< 0.004, respectively). More commission errors emerged on the letter/symbol vs letter test condition (p< 0.002).ConclusionAmong this sample of community dwelling, generally healthy participants, the RDCT was well‐tolerated. Preliminary data generally yielded graded pattern of performance based on test complexity. When brought to scale these tests could provide a reliable method to screen for neurocognitive decline among patients with neurodegenerative illness.
Engaging Sexual and Gender Minority Caregivers of Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias: The RISE Project
Authors: Flatt Jason D. , Anderson Joel G , Klenczar Brittany , Yamada Cody , Hancock Kari A. , Kittle Krystal R. , Wharton Whitney 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundMore than 6 million people in the U.S. are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), and informal caregivers provide them with more than $270 billion annually in unpaid care. Few studies on ADRD caregiving have engaged caregivers from diverse sexual and gender minorities (SGM), or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and/or another identity.MethodsThis study explores ways to engage and recruit diverse SGM ADRD caregivers into ADRD and aging‐related clinical research. We conducted focus groups and individual interviews with 25 SGM adults who were current, past, or prospective ADRD caregivers. Interviews explored barriers and facilitators to research participation, innovative recruitment strategies, SGM‐specific caregiver needs, and awareness of diverse types of aging and ADRD‐related research. We used thematic analysis to identify key themes.ResultsCaregivers’ ages ranged from 18‐78 years. In terms of race/ethnicity, 48% identified as White, 48% African American, 4% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 10% Hispanic/Latino. For relationships to their care recipients, most reported caring for a parent (47%), followed by a friend (18%), partner/spouse (12%), other relative (12%), or another relationship (11%). The majority provided care for more than a year (52%), followed by 17% providing care for less than a year and 30% expecting to provide care within the next year. We identified five initial themes around recruitment and engagement of SGM ADRD caregivers into research: (1) ensuring inclusion of those from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, (2) developing trust through relationship building, (3) safety and privacy measures necessary for SGM identity disclosure, (4) novel recruitment and engagement efforts (media, arts, entertainment), and (5) emphasizing how participating in research supports SGM progress toward equity.ConclusionsWe identified novel ways to recruit and engage diverse SGM ADRD caregivers into research. Future research should explore and test strategies to engage and enhance inclusion of racially/ethnically diverse SGM ADRD caregivers in ADRD research. There is also a need for additional novel strategies to effectively recruit and engage diverse SGM ADRD into research and identify solutions for addressing their health challenges and caregiving needs.
An Innovative Community‐led Education and Recruitment Program to increase Clinical Research Participation Among Black Americans
Authors: Niknejad Bahar , Gibson Ethlyn McQueen , Brown‐Hughes Travonia , McDonough Katie , Andrews Ebony , Hudson Deborah , Okhravi Hamid 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies attest to a lack of awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and limited participation of Black Americans in AD clinical trials. The AHEAD Study is a multicenter trial focused on preventing AD by evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Lecanemab in individuals with preclinical AD. The study aims to recruit at least 15% from underrepresented populations, including Black Americans. To achieve this goal, our study site utilizes a community‐based participatory research (CBPR) approach and developed a Community Education and Recruitment Program (CERP) designed to increase the participation of Black individuals in the AHEAD Study.MethodIn a collaborative partnership between researchers at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Hampton University, a Historically Black College University (HBCU) and the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Virginia, a Community Advisory Board and Ministerial Alliance, comprised of Black community leaders in Hampton Roads, Virginia was formed. The board has directed the development of our CERP. Two Black community health workers (CHW) were trained using an educational toolkit centered on increasing AD awareness and community recruitment for the AHEAD Study. Within our CERP, our team, comprised of faculties, Alzheimer’s Association trained volunteers and CHWs, conducted educational programs at various Black community venues, including senior centers, health fairs, civics events, fraternities/sororities, and church events like Purple Sunday programs. Study outcomes metrics include: attendance at outreach events, the number of attendees who signed up for the study, the number of participants prescreened, and the number of participants randomized into the AHEAD Study.ResultAs of January 2024, we have presented our program at 63 community events with over 6,300 attendees. We have held Purple Sunday luncheons and talks at over 18 Black churches in urban and rural localities in Hampton Roads. A total of 334 participants have signed up for the study, 180 have been prescreened, and 101 have passed the first phase of screening and 6 have been randomized in the AHEAD Study.ConclusionPartnering with key community stakeholders thru a community‐led education and recruitment program has proven to be highly effective in circumventing sociocultural barriers to research participation by members of underrepresented groups.
Behavioral estimates of recognition memory in Veterans with mild TBI at risk of Neurodegeneration
Authors: Morreale Kristina , Karaca Meltem , Chadalavada Myna , Waskow Emily , Hagan Brenna , DeCaro Renée , Anderson Natalie , Budson Andrew E. , Turk Katherine W. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundLoss of recognition memory has been hypothesized to be a potential behavioral marker of neurodegenerative disease given decreases in both recollection and familiarity reported in both MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and AD (Alzheimer’s Disease). Stage III CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) involves p‐tau deposition in the medial temporal lobe, impacting memory. Decreases of both familiarity and recollection are promising potential markers of CTE related neurodegeneration following TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). Decreases in recollection may act as an early marker of neurodegeneration following TBI in CTE, whereas familiarity may act as a later stage indicator of neurodegeneration.MethodWe collected behavioral data including memory measures, neuropsychological measures, head injury exposure, and standardized questionnaires. Veteran participants were recruited from VA Boston Healthcare System, N = 45.ResultWe analyzed initial behavioral data with specific focus on group levels of memory using receiver operator characteristics curves (see Figure 1). Pearson correlations were performed on groups with TBIs across their lifetimes to assess the linear relationship between a.) number of TBIs and familiarity r (43) = ‐.107, p < .001, b.) years since last TBI and recollection r (43) = ‐.107, p < .001, and c.) years since last TBI and familiarity r (43) = ‐.139, p < .001. A one‐way ANOVA was preformed to examine if groups differed in measures of recollection, familiarity, number of TBIs and years since last TBI. MCI + OTBI a.) group showed the worst recollection compared to young adults with TBI F(2,41) = 3.33, p = .046, b.) highest number of TBIs than older adults with TBI F( 2,41) = 3.65, p = .036, and c.) have more years elapsed as compared to all head injury groups F( 2,41) = 8.12, p = .001.ConclusionOur results reveal worsened memory in those with TBIs. Among all Veterans with TBI, increased number of TBIs were associated with worse familiarity performance. Participants with greater years since last TBI had worse familiarity and recollection performance. Between groups, the MCI participants with TBI (MCI+OTBI) exhibited the worst familiarity performance, highest number of TBIs, and longest time since head injury.
Cognitive Rehabilitation and Physical Activity for Early Dementia ‐ A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mandeep   , Khurana Dheeraj , Ray Sucharita , Arun Priti , Mishra Jyoti , Kaur Manreet , Kumar Ashok 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackground‐An estimated 8.8 million Indians older than 60 years have dementia. The increase in number of people living with dementia is causing difficultly to meet the need for care and support, particularly people with early‐stage dementia. Pharmacological treatments for dementia might not be effective or tolerated by all due to its possible side effects. Cognitive rehabilitation and physical activity may help preventing or slowing progression of dementiaObjective‐To find efficacy of combined cognitive and physical intervention in improving the cognition in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Early Dementia.Methods‐A randomised clinical trial was conducted among 60 patients with MCI and early dementia. The Intervention arm received Cognitive Rehabilitation and Physical Activity intervention along with Standard Care (n = 30) and Control arm received standard care (n = 30). Follow‐ up assessments were conducted at 1 month and 3 months. The primary outcome measure were attention, memory and executive functions. ADLs and IQCODE were the secondary outcomes. Descriptive statistics was used for statistical analysis using SPSS‐22 software.ResultsAmong 60 randomized participants (mean age, 62.5 years; 70% male) 22 (73%) of intervention arm completed the cognitive retraining worksheets. At 1 month and 3 months, Intervention arm showed significant improvement in TMTB‐A, Category fluency, Phonemic fluency, Total learning and Spatial recall (mean difference ‐98.455, P = 0.00; 16.40, P = 0.00; 15.80, P = 0.00; 6.59, P = 0.00; 2.79, P = 0.002 at Fup 1 and ‐150.36, P = 0.00; 16.49 P = 0.00; 14.7, P = 0.00; 6.86, P = 0.00; 3.26, P = 0.002 at Fup 2). No statistically significant difference as fount in IADL and OQCODE.Conclusions‐In patients with MCI and early Dementia, Combined Cognitive and Physical Intervention in addition to Standard of Care may show improvement Attention, Memory and Executive Functioning.