bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges engaging patients with dementia and their care partners in hearing rehabilitation research
Authors: de Resende Luciana Macedo , Machado Mariane Gomes , Machado Thaís Helena , Ferreira Michele Gomes , Thuller Douglas , Caramelli Paulo 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundHearing rehabilitation has been a promising approach to improve cognitive outcomes. An ongoing study identified some barriers to engage patients in counseling sessions and using their hearing devices. Here we present the results from the first stage of a Sense‐Cog Brazil pilot study, the recruitment phase.MethodObservational pilot study with 184 patients with dementia assisted in a Neurocognitive Outpatient Clinic from the University Hospital (Hospital das Clínicas/ Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil). Procedures in the two‐step recruitment phase were, first performing an audiometric screening, and second a thorough neurocognitive testing and complete audiological assessment. Inclusion criteria were as follows: bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, diagnosis of dementia, availability for patient and communicative partner to participate in hearing rehabilitation and counseling groups. Patients with dementia with Lewy bodies, aphasia or frontotemporal dementia were excluded from the pilot. Descriptive analysis was performed.ResultFrom the initial 184 patients, 20 (10.9%) were not able to perform hearing screening due to difficulties with audiometric tasks or obstruction of the external ear canal. A total of 164 (89.1%) patients were able to finalize audiometric screening and 69 (42.7%) were referred to bilateral hearing aids fitting. However only 54 (32.9%) were able to perform cognitive tests. From these 54 patients included in the pilot, 10 (18.5%) refused to take part in the study. Main reasons were: caregivers not believing in hearing rehabilitation benefits, not having time to participate, and not acknowledging hearing results. Also, some difficulties in performing the hearing assessment, a test which requires an experienced audiologist, the patient’s cooperation and comprehension of the task.ConclusionThe patients’ loss in the recruiting and selecting process was mainly due to the lack of perception of the possible benefits of hearing rehabilitation, especially from the caregivers' perspective. This is an important issue to be addressed in the continuation of the study. An additional challenge was having a trained team to assess dementia patient’s hearing. Furthermore, special care should be taken when assessing cognition with dementia patients with hearing loss.
Telerehabilitation Interventions in the management of Alzheimer’s disease: An Implication for rehabilitation care in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Akinwola Mary , Oladosu Monsurat , Oladimeji Olawale O , Okafor Joshua , Fredrick Isaac , Okoro Winnifred Omono , Adekolurejo Tobi 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease is estimated to reach 139 million people by 2050, with an increase in people living with functional limitations caused by the disease (Alzheimer’s Disease International). However, telerehabilitation presents a promising solution to improve functional outcomes in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This systematic review investigates the use of telerehabilitation therapies worldwide for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairments. This study is the first to provide telerehabilitation insights for managing Alzheimer’s disease in Sub‐Saharan African under‐developed countries.MethodThis systematic review examined telerehabilitation, Alzheimer’s, and cognitive impairment in published studies. Keywords were used to search PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, PEDro, Science Direct, SpringerLink, and IEEE Xplore. The search was limited to 2018 studies, not areas. For two screening steps, four reviewers extracted the studies into an Excel spreadsheet. RCT bias was examined using the CASP Randomised Controlled Trial Standard Checklist. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation study identified barriers, successes, and recommendations. Finally, two reviewers used narrative synthesis to identify data themes.ResultNine published studies were from high‐income countries. In the case of telerehabilitation intervention, video conferencing was found to be the most common (66%). There were a total of 5 RCT studies and all reported improved cognitive and physical functioning outcomes similar to the control groups. The feasibility studies showed that telerehabilitation patients adhered to treatment. Internet accessibility was a key impediment for rural areas receiving home‐based therapies. Direct supervision, individualized exercise prescriptions, and group exercise treatment facilitate remote telerehabilitation.ConclusionThe use of telerehabilitation improves cognitive and physical results in Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment patients. This study only covered high‐income nations, but it offers insights for developing sub‐Saharan African countries to improve Alzheimer’s disease management via telerehabilitation. This comprehensive study can help Sub‐Saharan African healthcare practitioners establish telerehabilitation programmes for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment patients to enhance their functional results.
Does virtual reality increase the emotional well‐being benefits of online psychoeducation? Preliminary results in informal caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Festari Cristina , Solorzano Claudio Singh , Gattuso Maria , Bonomini Cristina , Rosini Sandra , Ferrari Clarissa , Zanetti Orazio , Pievani Michela , Morganti Francesca 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing findings have proven that virtual reality (VR) is a promising approach for improving knowledge, self‐efficacy, and empathy in educational programs (Dhar, DigitHealth. 2023). The purpose of an ongoing randomised clinical trial is to enhance mental wellbeing of dementia patients' informal caregivers (iCGs) by including a VR‐based empathy training into an online psychoeducation program.Method60 iCGs of mild‐to‐moderate patients with Alzheimer’s disease were randomized in an online 6‐week psychoeducational program (control arm) or in the same psychoeducational program integrated with VR (experimental arm). VR consisted of 360‐degree videos and allows caregivers to experience dementia symptoms from the patient’s perspective. Before and after the intervention, iCGs completed validate scales to assess burden (ZBI), perceived stress (PSS), anxiety (STAI‐Y1&2) and perceived self‐efficacy for caregiving tasks (RSCSE). Pre‐post differences were tested with paired t‐tests.Result27 iCGs assigned to the control arm (mean age = 56; female: 82%; children: 63%) and 29 to experimental arm (mean age = 54; female: 79%; children: 68%) concluded the intervention. At baseline, iCGs show similar level of burden (ZBI: t(54) = ‐0.793, p = 0.431), stress (PPS: t(54) = ‐0.483, p = 0.631), anxiety (STAI‐Y1: t(54) = ‐0.197, p = 0.845; STAI‐Y2; t(54) = 0.363, p = 0.718). The VR‐based intervention decreased levels of burden (ZBI: t(28) = 2.154; p = 0.040; Cohen’s d = 0.400), stress (PPS: t(28) = 2.177, p = 0.038; Cohen’s d = 0.404), state anxiety (STAI‐Y1 = t(18) = 2.400, p = 0.23, Cohen’s d = 0.446) and increase two domains of caregiving self‐efficacy: responding to disruptive patient behaviors (RSCSE‐RDB: t(28) = ‐2.358, p = 0.026; Cohen’s d = 0.438), and controlling upsetting thoughts (RSCSE‐CUT: t(28) = ‐2.126, p = 0.042; Cohen’s d = 0.395). In the control arm, changes due to intervention did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionThese preliminary results support the feasibility and effectiveness of psychoeducation program integrated with VR in improving perceived self‐efficacy in managing an AD patient and decreasing distress in iCGs. These results should be confirmed in larger samples.
Assessing Cognitive Risk Factors in a Young Population: Findings from a Cognitive Neurology Service of Argentina
Authors: Berrios Waleska , Perez Agustin , Basalo Maria Jose Garcia , Segui Milagros , Deppleler Solange , Basalo Maria Mercedes Garcia , Turner Flavia , Majul Mariana , León Betsabe , Melnitzky Agustina , Chinen Laura , Quintana Marcos Ojea , Golimstok Angel , Giordano Ximena , Fernandez Maria Cecilia 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundIt is common for individuals under the age of 65 to consult neurologists for cognitive complaints ranging from subjective cognitive issues to mood disorders that affect cognitive function. The challenge is rule out attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, other psychiatric causes, and cognitive impairment.In 2020, the Lancet Commission released a report analyzing 12 modifiable risk factors (MRFs) by age group. A recent study found that 6 of these factors, among others, were associated with the risk of Young‐Onset dementia: lower formal education, alcohol use disorder, social isolation, hearing impairment, diabetes, and depression.This study aimed to identify cognitive risk factors in a young population with cognitive complaints.MethodRetrospective and descriptive study based on a neuropsychological evaluation database that focused on individuals aged between 40 and 60 who were assessed for cognitive complaints from July 2017 to July 2022. We collected demographic data, family history of neuropsychiatric disorders, 12 MRFs per the Lancet Commission, neuropsychological patterns, and diagnosis.ResultA total of 307 neuropsychological evaluations were analyzed, of which 63% were females. The diagnoses were categorized as mild neurocognitive disorder (MND) in 45% of cases, deficit in 32%, normal cognitive performance in 21%, and major neurocognitive disorder in 2%. The most frequent neuropsychological pattern was non‐amnestic MND, observed in 115 (37.5%) cases. In 125 (40.7%) cases, family history was reported; in 186 (63%) cases, depressive symptoms were observed according to the Beck Depression Inventory‐II, while physical inactivity was reported in 160 (68%) of cases, hypertension in 107 (35%) of cases, obesity in 83 (27%) of cases, and 59 (21%) of cases reported living alone. Notably, physical inactivity was associated with cognitive impairment (p 0.04), indicating that patients with physical inactivity are 2.2 times more likely to experience cognitive impairment compared to non‐sedentary patients.ConclusionA notable number of individuals displayed a family history of cognitive impairment, as well as symptoms of depression and MRFs including hypertension and physical inactivity. Only physical inactivity was found to be a contributing factor to cognitive impairment, highlighting the significance of addressing lifestyle factors in maintaining cognitive health.
Access to primary care psychological therapy services for people living with dementia
Authors: Baou Celine El , Saunders Rob , Buckman Joshua , Richards Marcus , Bell Georgia , Fearn Caroline , Cooper Claudia , Pilling Stephen , Crutch Sebastian J , Zimmermann Nikki , Brotherhood Emilie V , John Amber , Stott Joshua 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundPsychological therapies are recommended for people living with dementia who experience depression or anxiety. However, people living with dementia often experience specific barriers to accessing services providing such interventions, notably due to the stigma associated with dementia. This study sought to understand pathways to entering and receiving treatment after referral to primary care psychological therapy services for people living with, versus without dementia.MethodLinked national data from England from over 4 million individuals referred to NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression (NHS TTad) services were used to identify 6623 people living with dementia referred to these services between 2012 19. We compared rates of access and entry into treatment between people living with dementia and a propensity score matched cohort of people without a diagnosis of dementia, adjusting for a range of socio‐demographic (age, gender, ethnicity) and therapy factors (e.g waiting times).ResultWe found that once people living with dementia were referred to NHS TTad, they were less likely to access services (ie actually receive an assessment) [AdjOR = 0.61 (0.56; 0.67) p<.0001]. Once assessed, they were also less likely to receive treatment [AdjOR = 0.68 (0.62;0.75, p<.0001] than people with no diagnosis of dementia. Services were twice as likely to be deemed “not suitable” (based on discharge codes recorded by clinicians) for people living with dementia [AdjRRR = 1.97 (1.68; 2.30) p<.0001]. were similar between typical (e.g., memory‐led Alzheimer’s disease) dementias, and atypical dementias (e.g. frontotemporal dementia).ConclusionThis study highlights inequalities in access to psychological therapies for people living with dementia. There is a need to make services more accessible to improve the rate of treatment initiation for people living with dementia that are referred and assessed for psychological therapies.
Healthy Aging Through the Senior Years (HATS) Study: A longitudinal cohort study of brain health and dementia among Black older adults in the United States
Authors: Sheets Kerry M. , Knopman David S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Vemuri Prashanthi , Jones Clarence , Murray Anne 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe higher prevalence and incidence of later life dementia among older Black Americans compared to older White Americans is incompletely understood and understudied. HATS is designed as a companion to the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (MCSA) with a focus on identification of modifiable cardiovascular contributions to brain health among Black older adults living in urban areas in the upper Midwest.MethodHATS is enrolling 300 U.S. Black Minnesotans from the Twin Cities area aged 55 to 90 years without advanced dementia. Enrollment started 4/2023 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2025. Recruitment is primarily community‐based, led by two community engagement partners, the Linc and the Hue‐MAN Partnership. Electronic health record‐based recruitment will begin in 2024. Data collection includes medical comorbidities, structural and social determinants of health, cardiovascular health, functional status, physical performance, specific and non‐specific blood‐based biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease, and comprehensive assessment of cognitive and neuropsychiatric status. Brain MRIs will be obtained on a subset of participants. A core component of HATS is distribution of meaningful health information back to participants and their community, guided by input from the HATS community engagement partners. The HATS cohort will serve as an initial effort to develop age and education adjusted normative cognitive test data for urban Black older adults in the upper Midwest.ResultAs of January 22 2024, HATS has enrolled 40 participants with a mean age of 70 years (range 51‐90) and mean education of 15 years. Mean informant‐reported Everyday Cognition scale‐12 score is 1.1 (range 1‐1.7), mean Short Test of Mental Status (STMS) score is 31 (range 24‐37), and CDR sum of boxes scores range from 0‐4 consistent with enrollment of participants with normal and mildly impaired cognition.ConclusionHATS is a novel longitudinal cohort study that is well‐positioned to advance understanding of risk factors for dementia among Black Americans living in urban areas in the upper Midwest. Recruitment is ongoing with a focus on enrolling older adults with a wide range of cognitive function. Ongoing community engagement is a central feature of HATS.
Outcomes of surgical vs medical treatment for cholecystitis among people living with dementia
Authors: Adler Rachel R , Xiang Lingwei , Shah Samir K , Clark Clancy J , Kim Dae , Hsu John , Lin Josh , Lipsitz Stuart , Mitchell Susan , Weissman Joel S , Finlayson Emily 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundCholecystectomy is considered the definitive treatment option for cholecystitis, and patients living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (PLWDs) are at risk for increased mortality, complications, and delirium. However, the effect of different treatment options for cholecystitis among PLWDs has not been elucidated; therefore, this study compares outcomes following cholecystectomy, cholecystostomy tube, and medical management of cholecystitis among this high‐risk group.MethodWe conducted a retrospective analysis of Medicare claims data from 1/1/2016‐12/31/2020. The cohort comprised Medicare PLWDs with continuous fee‐for‐service coverage who were age 66+ and were admitted to an acute care facility with a primary diagnosis of cholecystitis between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 and who had no admissions for cholecystitis in the year prior. We used inverse propensity weighting regression to adjust for confounding by indication. We compared mortality, length of stay, intensive interventions (i.e., intubation), discharge to a higher level of care, and readmissions among patients treated with cholecystectomy, cholecystostomy tube, and medically managed.ResultWe identified 10,187 individuals who met inclusion criteria. Of these, 5,888 (58%) were treated with cholecystectomy, 1,373 (13%) with cholecystostomy tube, and 2,931 (29%) were managed medically. After propensity weighting, we found PLWDs undergoing cholecystectomy had lower mortality (HR 0.66, p<.001), greater risk of delirium (OR 1.26, p = .001), intensive interventions (OR 1.67, P<.001) and discharge to a higher level of care (OR 1.15, p = .007), but lower risk of readmission (HR 0.88, p<.001) compared with subjects managed medically. Likewise, subjects with cholecystostomy tube had greater risk of delirium (OR 1.75, p<.001) and discharge to a higher level of care (OR 1.80, p<.001), but no differences in mortality, intensive interventions or readmissions compared to those managed medically.ConclusionOver half of PLWDs experiencing acute cholecystitis received definitive surgical treatment during the index admission. Cholecystectomy in this population was associated with reduced mortality compared to non‐surgical management, but no improvement in other outcomes such as delirium and discharge to a higher level of care. These data can help inform decision‐making discussions for patients with ADRD and their care partners when considering treatment options for acute cholecystitis.
MRI Hippocampus Differential Response to Donepezil vs Placebo in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Four Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Ismail Youssef A. , Haitham Youssef , Walid Mohammad , Mohamed Hazim , El‐Satar Youssef M. Abd 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDonepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI), is an FDA‐approved drug to treat these neurodegenerative diseases, e.g., Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). AChEIs are able to stabilize or slow decline in cognition, function, and behavior. Our objective is to investigate whether Donepezil is able to significantly reduce the rate of hippocampal (Hip) atrophy in neurodegenerative diseases.MethodsWe followed the PRISMA statement guidelines during the preparation of this systematic review. We searched in MEDLINE (PubMed), CENTRAL (Cochrane Library, November 2023), SCOPUS, and Web of Science and included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing 10 mg donepezil‐treated with donepezil‐untreated (placebo) and/without control in terms of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow up visits’ results.ResultsA total of four studies out of 174 met our inclusion criteria (599 participants; donepezil = 281, placebo = 318), two of them were ADs and the others were MCIs. 323 participants were female (representing 53.92% of included study population). Follow up between baseline and endpoint results was 12 months. Available outcome data cover reduction of hippocampal atrophy rate in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, but data on several outcome dimensions were either unavailable or not consistently reported across all studies. Results concluded from studies been conducted on MCI patients were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05) annual percentage of change (APC) of Hip volume at 12 months compared to placebo, but studies on AD patients indicated statistically significant APC of Hip volume at 24 and 50 weeks (P < 0.001), but one of these studies also reported no significant difference in neuropsychological performance between treatment groups.ConclusionThe findings of this review suggest that donepezil reducing hippocampal atrophy rate was statistically insignificant for MCI and statistically significant for AD, but its clinical significance is questionable until further investigations. It is also important to note that while the data provided insights into the impact of donepezil, there were limitations, such as incomplete reporting of outcome dimensions in some studies.
Epimedium flavonoids improve cerebral white matter lesions by inhibiting neuroinflammation and activating neurotrophic factor signal pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Zhang Lan , Li Lin , Ma Denglei , Wei Weipeng 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundCerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is one of the most common nervous system diseases. Hypertension and neuroinflammation are considered important risk factors for the development of CSVD and white matter (WM) lesions.MethodWe used the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) as a model of early‐onset CSVD and administered epimedium flavonoids (EF) for three months. The learning and memorization abilities were tested by new object recognition test. The pathological changes of WM were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Luxol fast blue and Black Gold staining. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) and myelin basic protein were detected by immunohistochemistry. The ultrastructure of the tight junctions was examined using TEM. Microglia and astrocytes were detected by immunofluorescence. RNA‐seq was performed on the corpus callosum of rats.ResultThe results revealed that EF could significantly improve the learning and memory impairments in SHR, alleviate the injury and demyelination of WM nerve fibers, promote the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) into mature OLs, inhibit the activation of microglia and astrocytes, inhibit the expression of p38 MAPK/NF‐κB p65/NLRP3 and inflammatory cytokines, and increase the expression of tight‐junction related proteins ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5. RNA‐seq analysis showed that the neurotrophin signaling pathway played an important role in the disease. RT‐qPCR and WB results showed that EF could regulate the expression of nerve growth factor and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and their downstream related proteins in the neurotrophin signaling pathway.ConclusionThis study might explain the potential mechanism of EF’s effects on the cognitive impairment and WM damage caused by hypertension.