bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cultural and linguistic diversity in dementia: data from an Australian memory clinic
Authors: Chin Kai Sin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAustralia has a rich migration history, with one in three older people coming from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background. Patients from CALD backgrounds tend to present at later stages of their diseases but face difficulties accessing appropriate dementia care compared to English‐speaking patients. Limited literature exists on the clinical experience among CALD patients who have been historically underrepresented in dementia research. This study therefore aimed to investigate and describe the clinical characteristics and service provision for CALD patients presenting to the Memory Clinic at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, a tertiary hospital which serves a significant proportion of CALD patients.MethodA retrospective analysis was conducted. All consecutive patients who presented to the Memory Clinic between September 2016 and June 2018 were included. Data collected included patient demographics, medical history, cognitive test scores, neuropsychiatric symptoms, other clinical scales, clinical diagnoses, and length of follow up.ResultA total of 301 patients (mean age 78.8 ± 8.2; 55.8% female) were included and 48.5% were from a CALD background, the majority being Italian. Patients from CALD backgrounds were more likely to be living with family (73.3% vs 57.4%, OR [odds ratio] 2.1) and less likely to have attended education beyond primary level (26.7% vs 83.9%, OR 14.3). Cognitively, CALD patients had poorer performance on MMSE (median MMSE 18 vs 25) and were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia (46.6% vs 31.0%, OR 1.9) at their initial assessments. Additionally, CALD patients were less likely to be referred for neuropsychology (28.8% vs 50.3%, OR 0.40).ConclusionThe study findings highlight the differences in clinical characteristics as well as inherent issue of inequality in healthcare among patients from CALD backgrounds in an Australian clinical setting. Given the recent approval of disease‐modifying anti‐amyloid therapy in mild Alzheimer’s disease, more research is warranted to help diagnose dementia at earlier stages in CALD patients and ultimately promote more equitable and culturally inclusive dementia care.
The Markers in Neuropsychiatric Disorders Study (The MiND Study): progress of a large nationwide Australian blood biomarker study and platform for collaborations to improve diagnosis and care of dementia and other brain conditions
Authors: Eratne Dhamidhu , Lewis Courtney , Dang Christa , Grewal Jasleen , Kang Matthew , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Santillo Alexander , Velakoulis Dennis ,   The MiND Study Group
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe Markers in Neuropsychiatric Disorders Study (The MiND Study) is investigating the diagnostic and wider utility of blood based biomarkers such as neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and phosphorylated tau (p‐tau), as well as other markers, to improve timely and accurate diagnosis of dementia and distinction from non‐neurodegenerative and primary psychiatric disorder (PPD). This in‐progress study has expanded significantly, becoming a robust platform for Australian and international collaborations.MethodsParticipants have been recruited and blood samples collected across Australia. Longitudinal clinical/diagnostic, questionnaire, cognitive, and health utilisation data is collected. Second timepoint bloods (24 months) are now underway. Samples have been been analysed for NfL, GFAP, p‐tau217, p‐tau181, amyloid beta, and genetics.ResultsAs of January 2024, over 1500 referrals have been received, and over 1000 participants recruited from diverse specialist and community settings. Partnering with public and private pathology services, blood sample collection and storage processes have been developed across most of Australia. Approximately 2/3 of participants have volunteered to participate in the second timepoint blood samples. Findings thus far include plasma NfL reference ranges, strong diagnostic utility of blood and cerebrospinal fluid NfL to distinguish dementia from PPD, and GFAP and ptau217 to distinguish Alzheimer from non‐Alzheimer disease with very high accuracy, and high value placed on NfL testing by participants. Numerous collaborations and sub‐studies have developed, investigating cognitive and neuroimaging markers.ConclusionsThe MiND Study is large biobank and platform supporting collaborations, pioneering research to lead to clinical translation, with particular focus on clinical translation in to broad clinical settings, younger onset dementia, primary care settings, and non‐AD and neurodegenerative mimics such as primary psychiatric disorders.
MG‐PE3 bioinspired nanoparticle treatment for clearing amyloid with no toxicity
Authors: Kim Hyuck , Yoon Jeong‐Kee , Lee Wooseung , Jeon Miyeon , Lee Hyunju , Kang Somang , Kang Ee‐Seul , Lee Ji Eun , Kim Seyeon , Rho Hoon Suk , Levey Allan I. , Kim YongTae 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundImpaired Aβ clearance plays a key role in the common, late‐onset AD. Anti‐Aβ immunotherapies are controversial, in part because of high rates of serious side effects including edema, microhemorrhages, and siderosis, highlighting the importance of the development of alternative Aβ clearance strategy. Here, we introduce a bioinspired nanoparticle named MG‐PE3 crossing the human blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and clearing Aβ with no adverse effect. We used a human BBB chip to test the BBB‐crossing capability in vitro and AD mouse model (5xFAD) to evaluate the Aβ clearance efficacy and the potential toxicity. The good BBB penetration, enhanced glial uptake, and high Aβ affinity of MG‐PE3 resulted in effective clearance of Aβ with no toxicity, thus providing an excellent potential to overcome the current challenges for AD treatment.MethodMicrofluidic technology was used to produce MG‐PE3 with uniform physicochemical properties. MG‐PE3 was tested in vitro for its binding affinity to Aβ, clearance ability with Aβ aggregates, and degradation by glia. MG‐PE3 (vs. saline) was then tested in vivo for Aβ clearance performance, in which MG‐PE3 was intravenously injected to 3‐month‐old wild type (WT) and 5xFAD mice at every third day for 3 months. The BBB penetration was examined by IVIS and the chronic efficacy on AD pathology was assessed by analyzing Aβ levels in CSF and plasma, Aβ load, and neuroinflammation.ResultAβ aggregation was significantly inhibited in vitro by MG‐PE3. Further, IVIS imaging presented that MG‐PE3 was delivered into the brain of WT and 5xFAD in a concentration‐dependent manner and superior BBB permeability of MG‐PE3 than apoE3. Compared to saline‐treated groups, MG‐PE3‐treated 5xFAD groups showed significantly lower levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in plasma and CSF and, more importantly, reduced Aβ burden in cortex and hippocampus, leading to decreased expression of cytokines. Moreover, no evidence of abnormality and toxic effects were observed in major organs in MG‐PE3‐treated 5xFAD.ConclusionMG‐PE3, a bioinspired nanoparticle manufacturable with good homogeneity, showed enhanced BBB penetration, effective brain Aβ clearance, and low risk of adverse effects, with excellent potential for ameliorating amyloidosis and AD pathogenesis. Overall, MG‐PE3 is the first therapeutic nanomedicine for promising disease‐modifying treatment for AD.
Exploring the Nexus between Physical and Cognitive Status in Older Adults in South Brazil
Authors: Haas Aline Nogueira , Gonçalves Andréa Kruger , Kanitz Ana Carolina , Martinez Flávia Gomes , Peyré‐Tartaruga Leonardo Alexandre , Martins Valéria Feijó , Castilhos Raphael Machado 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundLow‐middle income countries in Latin America, including Brazil, face a higher prevalence of cognitive decline compared to high‐income countries, leading to social‐economic and healthcare implications. Several studies have showed an association between reduced physical function and cognitive decline. However, there remains a gap in the understanding of this relationship within the older Brazilian population. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the physical function of older adults in South Brazil across different cognitive states.MethodA cross‐sectional analysis was conducted using baseline data from the “CREM ‐ Center for Aging and Movement Reference: a Controlled Clinical Trial” developed in the Brazilian South Region. A total of 336 community‐dwelling older adults over 60 years of age were categorized into three cognitive states based on established cutoffs points of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): No Cognitive Impairment (NCI), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and Cognitive Impairment (CI). Timed up and go was used to assess functional mobility; Single‐leg Stance Test to assess static balance; 10‐meter walk test to assess gait; Arm‐curl and 30‐second chair‐stand test, Back Scratch Test and Chair it‐and‐Reach Test, to assess upper and lower‐limb flexibility. The ANOVA was used to determine the main effects of the cognitive level groups (NCI, MCI and CI). A Tukey correction for multiple comparisons was used for the comparisons between groups.ResultNCI group exhibited superior functional mobility (p<0.001), balance (p<0.001), gait speed (p = 0.002), muscular endurance (p = 0.002), and flexibility (p = 0.007) compared to those with MCI and CI. All physical assessments modalities were able to differentiate the three groups: NCI was the group with better results and the MCI group showed better results than the CI group.ConclusionThis study strengthens the evidence that cognitive status influences physical function in Brazilian older adults. Identifying specific physical indicators associated with cognitive decline may enhance screening efforts in clinical trials. Longitudinal studies are recommended to elucidate the causal relationship between physical function and cognitive abilities.
Diagnostic Performance of Plasma Biomarkers for A/T/N Image Classification in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kim Han‐Kyeol , Lee Jae Hoon , Chun Joong‐Hyun , Lee Jeong‐Ha , West Tim , Kirmess Kristopher M. , Verghese Philip B. , Braunstein Joel B. , Connell Daniel , Ryu Young Hoon , Lyoo Chul Hyoung , Cho Hanna 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to validate the ability of Alzheimer’s disease plasma biomarkers to predict clinical diagnosis and the ability to predict image‐based A/T/N biomarkers positivity in Asian population. We also sought to define the optimal cut point for each biomarker.Method232 participants were enrolled, all of whom underwent 18F‐florbetaben (FBB), 18F‐flortaucipir (FTP) PET, volumetric MRI, and neuropsychological assessments. Their plasma samples, collected at the time of the imaging scans and stored at ‐80 degrees Celsius, were tested for plasma p‐tau217/np‐tau217 ratio, p‐tau217, Aβ42/40 ratio, and APS2 score at C2N Diagnostics. FBB and FTP positivity were determined based on the SUVR value through a Gaussian mixture model. The presence of hippocampal atrophy was defined as the mean minus 2 standard deviations of amyloid‐negative cognitive unimpaired participants. ROC analysis was conducted to assess the predictive ability and determine the optimal cut‐off point.ResultThe ability to predict FBB PET positivity was excellent for p‐tau217/np‐tau217 ratio, p‐tau217, and APS2 (AUC=0.964, 0.963, and 0.958, respectively) while Aβ42/40 ratio showed lower performance with an AUC of 0.726. The Aβ42/40 ratio did not have the ability to predict FTP positivity, but p‐tau217/np‐tau217 ratio, p‐tau217, and APS2 all exhibited excellent performance with AUC = 0.926, 0.937, and 0.907, respectively. The Aβ42/40 ratio also did not have the ability to predict hippocampal atrophy, while p‐tau217/np‐tau217 ratio, p‐tau217, and APS2 demonstrated good performance (AUC=0.809, 0.815, and 0.811, respectively). Similarly, only the p‐tau217/np‐tau217 ratio, p‐tau217, and APS2 had the ability to differentiate clinical diagnosis while Aβ42/40 ratio failed to distinguish. The AUC‐ROC for p‐tau217/np‐tau217, p‐tau217, and APS2 all showed no significant difference in DeLong’s test when predicting X Y Z. The optimal cutoffs for predicting amyloid, tau and neurodegeneration by p‐tau217/np‐tau217 ratio, p‐tau217 and APS2 showed increases following the progression of AD.ConclusionThe plasma biomarker using p‐tau217 reflects the clinical status well on its own and is excellent at predicting the positivity of image‐based biomarkers and diagnostic performance. Among the image‐based A/T/N biomarkers, the predictive power was excellent in the order of A, T, and N. The p‐tau217 alone was not inferior to the p‐tau217/np‐tau217 ratio or APS2
Relation Between Educational Attainment and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Kang Matthew C , Pinheiro Adlin A , Aparicio Hugo J. , Beiser Alexa S , Pase Matthew P. , Manchanda Riya , Decarli Charles , Seshadri Sudha , Demissie Serkalem , Romero Jose Rafael 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundSocioeconomic factors have an impact on long‐term neurovascular health. Education attainment (EA) is a socioeconomic factor which may be related to vascular risk factors and brain health. We investigated the relation of EA and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) in community dwelling participants free of stroke and dementia.MethodWe evaluated 3367 Framingham Heart Study Original and Offspring Cohort participants, categorizing EA into four levels (less than high school, high school graduate, some college, or more). CSVD was assessed via MRI, considering covert infarcts, cerebral microbleeds, cortical superficial siderosis, high perivascular space burden, and extensive white matter hyperintensities, with 1 point assigned for each, to categorize CSVD scores as 0, 1, or 2+. We related education level to the CSVD score using logistic regression analysis with a generalized logits model adjusted for age, sex, and cohort.ResultParticipants without high school degrees had higher CSVD scores (23% had CSVD score 2+ vs 7% in college graduates) and a higher proportion of hypertension and diabetes. There were slightly higher odds of CSVD scores 2+ in those without high school degrees (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.62 ‐ 2.73 vs. OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59‐1.12 in participants with some college or more), but not statistically significant after multivariable adjusted analyses. There was a non‐statistically significant suggestion of higher odds of CSVD 2+ among participants with low EA with APOE‐𝜺4 alleles (OR 2.88, 95% CI 0.57‐14.45).ConclusionOur findings suggest that lower EA may be linked to CSVD burden, but analyses were limited by a small sample of participants with highest CSVD burden and low EA. Further studies are needed to characterize the role of education, a modifiable risk factor, on vascular brain injury.
qEEG as Biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease: Investigating Relative PSD Difference and Coherence Analysis
Authors: Simfukwe Chanda , Youn Young Chul , An Seong Soo 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundElectroencephalography (EEG) is a non‐intrusive technique that provides comprehensive insights into the electrical activities of the brain’s cerebral cortex. The brain signals obtained from EEGs can be used as a neuropsychological biomarker to detect different stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) through quantitative EEG (qEEG) analysis. This paper investigates the difference in the abnormalities of resting state EEG (rEEG) signals between eyes‐open (EOR) and eyes‐closed (ECR) in AD by analyzing 19‐ scalp electrode EEG signals and making a comparison with healthy controls (HC).MethodThe rEEG data from 534 subjects (ages 40–90) consisting of 269 HC and 265 AD subjects in South Korea were used in this study. The qEEG for EOR and ECR states were performed separately for HC and AD subjects to measure the relative power spectrum density (PSD) and coherence with functional connectivity to evaluate abnormalities. The rEEG data were preprocessed and analyzed using EEGlab and Brainstorm toolboxes in MATLAB R2021a software, and statistical analyses were carried out using ANOVA.ResultBased on the Welch method, the relative PSD of the EEG EOR and ECR states difference in the AD group showed a significant increase in the delta frequency band of 19 EEG channels, particularly in the frontal, parietal, and temporal, than the HC groups. The delta power band on the source level was increased for the AD group and decreased for the HC group. In contrast, the source activities of alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands were significantly reduced in the AD group, with a high decrease in the beta frequency band in all brain areas. Furthermore, the coherence of rEEG among different EEG electrodes was analyzed in the beta frequency band. It showed that pair‐wise coherence between different brain areas in the AD group is remarkably increased in the ECR state and decreased after subtracting out the EOR state.ConclusionThe findings suggest that examining PSD and functional connectivity through coherence analysis could serve as a promising and comprehensive approach to differentiate individuals with AD from normal, which may benefit our understanding of the disease.
Memory Café in Rural Communities: Reflection from Participatory Action Research (PAR)
Authors: Li Eric 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundMemory Café, introduced by Dr. Bere Miesen in 1997, has become a global initiative fostering connections among individuals affected by dementia. This community‐based platform facilitates interactions between dementia patients, caregivers, professionals, and the wider public, allowing for open sharing of experiences. Despite its global success, there remains a gap in research regarding its implementation in rural and remote regions.MethodOur participatory action research aimed to investigate the impact of Memory Café in interior British Columbia, Canada, over a six‐month period. A multi‐disciplinary team collaborated with stakeholders in three rural communities, employing a multi‐method design to explore various experiences and insights. The research identified three key themes.ResultsFirstly, the study highlighted the importance of “listening” and the creation of “inclusive spaces” in rural and remote communities. Due to heightened social isolation, patients and caregivers expressed a need for spaces like Memory Café, enabling them to openly share challenges. Emphasizing the significance of listening in Indigenous settings, this theme underscored the health benefits for both individuals and communities.Secondly, operational challenges faced by initiatives like Memory Café were revealed. Uncertainties related to financial and human resources, including volunteers, significantly impacted sustainability in resource‐limited areas. Gaps in government programs and policies were identified, emphasizing a lack of comprehensive support for patients and caregivers.Lastly, the research highlighted the role of creativity and intergenerational outreach. Arts‐based methodologies were well‐received by participants, presenting an opportunity for innovation.ConclusionIn conclusion, our research sheds light on both the benefits and challenges of Memory Café in rural and remote communities. Future studies should prioritize exploring mechanisms to sustain community‐based initiatives and develop holistic support systems for dementia patients and caregivers in non‐urban settings.
Differentiating Parkinson‐Plus Syndromes from Other Neurodegenerative Diseases Using Automated T1 MRI Quantification
Authors: Bonke Elena M , Koikkalainen Juha , Tolonen Antti , Hakumäki Juhana , Mecocci Patrizia , Hasselbalch Steen G. , Meester Hanneke F.M. Rhodius‐ , Jasperse Bas , Lemstra Afina Willemina , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Barkhof Frederik , Lötjönen Jyrki 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAccurate differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases is challenging, but crucial for the management and treatment, particularly given the development of disease‐modifying drug therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this work, we investigate imaging biomarkers derived from T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a focus on differentiating Parkinson‐plus syndromes from other relevant diagnostic groups in dementia and Parkinson’s disease (PD).MethodMR scans from 1206 subjects and three cohorts were used: Parkinson’s Disease Biomarkers Program (PDBP), Amsterdam Dementia Cohort (ADC) and PredictND cohort (PND) (Table 1). The following imaging biomarkers were quantified using an automated image quantification tool: computed medial temporal lobe atrophy score (MTA), computed global cortical atrophy score (GCA) [1], anterior vs. posterior score (APS) [2], the midsagittal areas of the midbrain and pons and midbrain/pons ratio, the volumes of the cerebellum and putamen. Percentiles versus age, sex and head size normalized data were used to calculate sensitivity and specificity. As Parkinson‐plus syndromes are quite rare, a cutoff for each marker was chosen to ensure high specificity and avoid false positives.ResultFigure 1 shows boxplot visualizations for all investigated imaging biomarkers and diagnostic groups. Table 2 shows the performance in differential diagnosis. 1) The midbrain area best differentiated progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from all other diagnostic groups. 2) The combination of pons area and putamen volume best differentiated multiple system atrophy (MSA) from other PD forms. 3) The combinations of pons area and MTA best differentiated MSA from several dementia forms.ConclusionAutomatic MRI quantification of brain structures such as the midsagittal area of the midbrain and pons, putamen volume and MTA rating can help clinicians to differentiate between common neurodegenerative diseases like AD, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia and more Parkinson‐related neurodegenerative diseases like MSA, PSP, and dementia with Lewy bodies.References:[1] Koikkalainen et al., European Radiology, 2019[2] Bruun et al, NeuroImage Clinical, 2019