bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and acceptability of a continuous remote activity monitoring protocol in older adult dyads: A mixed methods pilot study
Authors: Ardle Ríona Mc , Wales Jenny L , Hamilton Calum Alexander , Ryan Leigh James , McCarthy Louis , Din Silvia Del , Bayat Sayeh , Tangen Gro Gujord , Ireson Neil , Lanfranchi Vita , Farina Nicolas , Hicks Ben 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundWalking is a key facilitator of healthy ageing and may reduce risk of cognitive decline in older adults. To develop suitable, accessible interventions, we must objectively consider the socio‐ecological factors which influence participation in walking activities. For example, walking may be influenced by the volume and type of activities one’s partner participates in (i.e., dyadic interactions), or the walkability of their local area. Wearable technologies can continuously and remotely capture digital walking outcomes, such as volume, pattern, variability and location of activities. This pilot study aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of deploying a continuous remote activity monitoring toolkit in older adult dyads (i.e., couples).MethodsParticipants were asked to engage with three forms of remote activity monitoring over a period of seven days: (1). Wearing an inertial measurement unit (IMU; AX6, Axivity) on their lower backs, (2). Carrying a smartphone installed with a GPS app on excursions outside the home, and (3). Completing an activity diary (e.g., daily journeys, motivations/perceptions of journeys) each night. Upon study completion, participants were asked to complete open‐ended questionnaires regarding their experiences of the protocol. Feasibility was assessed by quantitatively calculating completion of each form of activity monitoring, while qualitative content analysis of the questionnaires was employed to understand the acceptability of the protocol.Results21 dyads (n = 42) participated in the study (Age (median (range)): 69 (61‐79)). 95% of participants wore the IMU for seven days (5% removed early for holidays). 100% completed their activity diaries. 77% (n = 226) of all data collection days (n = 294) were captured from the GPS app; reasons for data loss (68 days) include possible technical error (69.12%), not leaving the house (29.41%), or forgetting the GPS device (1.47%). Most participants found all forms of activity monitoring acceptable; common themes are reported in Tables 1‐3.ConclusionResults suggest that a protocol of continuous remote activity monitoring using digital devices and an activity diary is feasible and acceptable to older dyads. Further work will explore how data acquired can be used to identify socio‐ecological predictors of walking and examine independence/interdependence in walking between members of each dyad.
Correlations between monoaminergic biomarkers, classical biomarkers and the BPSD‐DSII behavioral scale in Down individuals with and without Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: Jacob Charlotte , Kachar Hanane , Heylen Annelies , Tollenaere Marleen , Verberk Inge M.W. , Teunissen Charlotte , Deyn Peter Paul De , Dam Debby Van 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDown syndrome (DS, trisomy 21) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID), prevalent in approximately 1 in 900 live births (Loane et al., 2013). People with DS are at high risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease dementia (AD) (Lott & Head, 2001). Onset of clinical symptoms varies substantially in time. Consequently, predicting and monitoring decline and onset of dementia is a diagnostic challenge, while it is of essence in daily care and support. Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia are an important and easily accessible tool for the prediction of dementia onset in the DS population. The BPSD‐DSII scale was developed to identify behavioral changes between the last six months and pre‐existing life‐long characteristic behavior in an (AD‐)DS population. Changes are assessed with the use of different behavior‐specific questions (items) which are categorized in different clusters (sections) (Dekker et al., 2018). We used the BPSD‐DSII to assess these symptoms and predict a potential diagnosis of dementia. BPSD‐DSII results are correlated with the serum levels of monoaminergic (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and their metabolic products) and classical biomarkers, such as Ab40, Ab42, total tau, phosphorylated tau and neurofilament light chain.MethodWe used reversed‐phase ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection to determine the levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and their metabolic products in serum. The Simoa platform was applied to detect the levels of Ab40, Ab42, total tau, phosphorylated tau and neurofilament light chain. Finally, we worked together with the caregivers of the (AD‐)DS individuals for the collection of BPSD‐DSII data.ResultPreliminary data suggests correlations between different sections of the BPSD‐DSII questionnaire and serotonin levels, as well as correlations between different sections of the BPSD‐DSII questionnaire and classical biomarker levels. In addition, complementary data regarding the correlation between the different items of the BPSD‐DSII questionnaire and the different serum‐based biomarkers will be presented at the conference.ConclusionThe results per section of the BPSD‐DSII correlate with the levels of monoamines and classical biomarkers in (AD‐)DS individuals. And could therefore be used as potential biomarkers for the development of AD within the population of DS patients.
Cardiovascular health is associated with social determinants of health in the LatAm‐FINGERS cohort
Authors: Delgado Carolina , Vergara Rodrigo C. , Pozo Natalia , Crivelli Lucia , Caramelli Paulo , Nitrini Ricardo , Sevlever Gustavo , Calandri Ismael Luis , Doren Carlos , Martin Consuelo San , Rodriguez Javiera , Gutiérrez Myriam , Bravo Jacinta , Moreno Maira , Márquez Carlos , Lara Oriana , More Jamileth , Lema Jose , Gomez Rodrigo , Allegri Ricardo , Lopera Francisco , Vellila Lina Marcela , Yassuda Monica , Sosa Ana Luisa , Salinas‐Contreras Rosa Maria , Suemoto Claudia Kimie , Consortium LatAM FINGERS 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are among the main modifiable risk factors for dementia in Latin America (LA). Therefore, improving cardiovascular health (CVH) is one of the main objectives of the LatAm‐FINGERS trial, the largest non‐pharmacological (lifestyle improvement) randomized trial in LA. But, to fully comprehend CVH it is necessary to explore its relation with the social determinants of health (SDH), that are closely associated with lifestyle.MethodsLatAm‐FINGERS is an initiative to develop a joint regional intervention protocol to prevent cognitive deterioration in 12 LA countries. Participants (between 60‐77 years old) should have high dementia risk (CAIDE >6), were evaluated clinically and cognitively at baseline and every 6 months for 2 years. At baseline, we measured the CVRF according to the Framingham risk score and the CVH with the “Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health index” (CVHI), a composed score that includes lifestyle’s (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health) and metabolic variables (body mass index (BMI), blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure). Each score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher values meaning a healthier profile. SDH was characterized by years of education, race, and occupation. Occupation categorical data was transformed into an ordinal scale using the Hollingshead score. Partial correlations (controlled by age and sex) between CVHI and SDH measures were done.ResultsPreliminary data from 1,024 participants were analyzed, age = 67±5 years, education = 13±4 years, 72% women, 87% had high CVRF. The CVHI (60 ± 16) was obtained with 7 of the 8 variables, excluding sleep health (Figure 1). Diet (39±13) and physical activity (37±39) were the unhealthiest scores, while blood glucose (75±26) was the healthiest one (Figure 2). There were significant correlations between CVHI with years of education (r = 0.179, p<0.001) and occupation score (r = 0.169, p<0.001). Moreover, CVH individual components correlated with this SDH, except for blood lipids (Figure 3).ConclusionsIn the LatAm‐FINGERS cohort, better socioeconomic position is associated with a healthier cardiovascular index at baseline, being important to explore the role of SDH in CVH modification across the trial.Funded by Alzheimer Association
Digital assessment of turning behaviours in Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body disease and their association with cognitive function
Authors: Ardle Ríona Mc , Din Silvia Del , Rehman Rana Zia , Galna Brook , Thomas Alan J , Rochester Lynn , Alcock Lisa 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDigital mobility outcomes (DMOs) can be captured using body‐worn inertial measurement units (IMUs) in lab‐based and real‐world environments. DMOs may support differential diagnosis of dementia; for example, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD) show unique signatures of gait impairment. Growing evidence suggests that turning impairments are related to cognitive decline. Turning outcomes can be captured via IMUs and may complement use of existing DMOs. This study aims to assess differences in turning outcomes between AD, LBD and older adult controls, and explore their clinical and cognitive correlations.MethodParticipants completed six intermittent 10‐metre walks while wearing a IMU (APDM, Opal 128Hz) attached to their lower back. Following each walk, they made a 180degree turn. Two spatiotemporal (turn duration, angular velocity) and two acceleration‐based (combined direction [anterior‐posterior/medio‐lateral/vertical] Root Mean Square (RMS) and Jerk RMS) turning outcomes were extracted using validated algorithms. Analysis of covariance assessed between‐group differences in turning outcomes, controlling for age and sex. Tukey HSD tests for multiple comparisons determined where differences occurred. Correlations (Spearman’s rho) between significant turning outcomes and age, motor disease severity (MDS Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III), global cognition (standardised Mini Mental State Examination; sMMSE), information processing (Trail Making Task A), and executive function (FAS Verbal Fluency Test) were assessed.Results98 eligible participants from the GaitDem study were included: 28 controls (Age (mean±SD):74±9 years, sMMSE:29±1), 35 AD (Age:77±6, sMMSE:23±4), and 35 LBD (Age:76±6, sMMSE:24±3). Both dementia disease subtypes demonstrated lower jerk RMS compared to controls (p<.05), while people with LBD also showed lower angular velocity, RMS and Jerk RMS (p<.05; Figure 1). For AD, turning impairments were associated with greater motor disease severity (Figure 2). For LBD, slower angular velocity was associated with greater motor disease severity, slower information processing and worse executive function (Figure 3).ConclusionsResults suggest that dementia disease subtypes have significant turning impairments compared to normal ageing, but not compared to each other. However, turning impairments were related to discrete motor‐cognitive profiles in dementia disease subtypes. Further work should explore other turning characteristics (i.e. related to turn phase, signal direction, turn strategy) as differential markers of dementia.
Evaluating handwriting characteristics as a novel assisted screening approach for Mild Cognitive Impairment in community settings
Authors: Shi Lulu , Ren Yinxia , Wei Zhuqin , Qi Hengnian , Zhang Ruoyu , Wang Lina 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundOlder adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) show decreased flexibility, speed, and fluency in writing, suggesting the feasibility of using quantitative handwriting analysis for MCI detection. Given task variability and the complexities of Chinese versus English characters, investigating Chinese handwriting characteristics is crucial for refining MCI screening approach.Method259 participants (109 with MCI, 150 controls) were engaged to completed six handwriting tasks using a dot‐matrix digital pen, encompassing four Chinese characters tasks and two graphical drawing tasks. Kinematic handwriting parameters were collected and analyzed using Light GBM, XGBoost, RF, and SVM machine learning models to assess their effectiveness in MCI recognition.ResultA total of 48 handwriting characteristics were extracted, of which 12 characteristics derived from graphical drawing tasks and 18 from Chinese characters writing tasks exhibited significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the MCI group demonstrated a significantly longer mean lag time (Z = ‐2.991, P = 0.003 for graphical drawing tasks; Z = ‐6.441, P<0.001 for Chinese characters tasks), lower average writing velocity for graphical drawing tasks (Z = ‐3.263, P = 0.001), shorter single stroke lengths (Z = ‐2.352, P = 0.019), and decreased writing correctness scores (Z = ‐9.388, P<0.001 for graphical drawing tasks; Z = ‐5.949, P<0.001 for Chinese characters tasks). The accuracy of XGBoost, Light GBM, RF, and SVM machine learning models constructed based on handwriting characteristics were 81.35%, 83.28%, 81.03%, and 63.02%, respectively, with their Area Under the Curve (AUC) values being 0.888, 0.896, 0.895, and 0.570.ConclusionHandwriting characteristics in Chinese writing tasks showed promise for MCI screening in older adults, with the Light GBM model offering improved predictive accuracy, potentially enhancing MCI detection among community‐dwelling older adults.Trial registration: The trial was registered at Chinese Clinical Trials Registry on 05/02/2022 (www.chictr.org.cn; Number Registry: ChiCTR2200059499).Funding: National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO.72174061; NO.71704053), China Scholarship Council Foundation (NO. 202308330251).
Is the countryside still inside? Exploring long‐standing effects of childhood rurality for dementia risk in the PROAME Study
Authors: Rocha João Victor de Faria , Friedlaender Clarisse Vasconcelos , Tomaz Kelle Luisa dos Santos , Ruppert Emma Patrice , Lourandes Aida , Zacarias Ana Paula , Assenção Joanna de Castro Magalhães , Rincon Luciana Paula , Ribeiro Norton Gray Ferreira , Rosen Howard J. , Grinberg Lea T. , Maciel Francisca Izabel Pereira , Caramelli Paulo , Resende Elisa de Paula França ,   Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Research Group (CogNeuro_UFMG)
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDementia prevalence in Latin America is higher in rural than urban areas. This discrepancy may be explained by inequities over the lifespan in access to health and educational services. However, there is no evidence of potential adverse long‐standing effects of living in rural areas during childhood in current urban adults. This work investigates whether being born in rural areas (Rurality) increases exposure to dementia risk factors in adulthood among individuals who have emigrated to urban centers early in life.Method130 individuals aged 40+ years were screened across 11 schools offering a late‐life educational program in Belo Horizonte. Participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, sociodemographic interviews, literacy assessment, and serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) exam. Participants were classified as originally from the metropolitan region (BH), or born in countryside regions (CS). The groups were compared in terms of sociodemographic features, cognitive performance, Dementia risk factors, and neurodegeneration.Result108 met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 58 (9.7) years, 71% women, and 90% non‐whites. CS (80% of the sample) and BH had similar sociodemographic characteristics. Cognitive performance was not significantly different. Concerning dementia risk factors, there was no difference in the frequency of sedentarism and depression (X², p = 0.38, for both), and for self‐reported hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, alcohol consumption, hearing impairment, and severe head trauma. (X², p > 0.3 for all). Participants in the BH group were 4 times more likely to attend formal school during life, (p = 0.017), and had more years of schooling (p = 0.001). Education in childhood was positively associated with literacy level in adulthood (p = 0.024). Literacy level, but not education, was associated with global cognition, Executive functioning, and sNfL levels (p‐value = 0.003, 0.001, and 0.032).ConclusionDecreased educational attainment in childhood was the main difference between the groups. This difference might be perpetuated over their lifespan in urban areas by a persistent disparity in basic literacy level. Our study suggests that low literacy/illiteracy might be an underlying mechanism linking rural origins to increased dementia risk, even among Brazilians currently in urban areas.
The Role of ApoE4 in The Acceleration of Tau Aggregation
Authors: Steward Anna , Biel Davina , Roemer Sebastian Niclas , Zhu Zeyu , Pescoller Julia , Wagner Fabian , Gross Mattes , Dichgans Martin , Ewers Michael , Dehsarvi Amir , Brendel Matthias , Franzmeier Nicolai 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding modulators of Alzheimer's disease’s (AD) progression is crucial for determining optimal treatment windows and targets. Apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE4), i.e. a key AD risk factor, is associated with earlier tau accumulation at lower Aβ levels (Steward et al. 2023), yet, the mechanisms driving this connection remain unclear. Thus, we assessed whether ApoE4 accelerates initial Aβ‐related tau secretion measurable in CSF or subsequent tau aggregation as determined via PET (Figure 1A).MethodWe combined cross‐sectional CSF measures of phosphorylated tau (p‐tau181) and Aβ‐PET in 287 APOE genotyped non‐demented (cognitively normal [CN]; mildly cognitively impaired [MCI]) ADNI participants. P‐tau181 was adjusted to Aβ40 to account for inter‐individual variability in CSF protein concentrations. Using linear regression, we investigated i) whether ApoE4 was related to accelerated Aβ‐related p‐tau secretion (i.e., Aβ‐PET by ApoE4 interaction on p‐tau181), ii) whether ApoE4 accelerated the p‐tau‐induced fibrillisation of tau (i.e. p‐tau181 by ApoE4 interaction on tau‐PET) and iii) whether regional effects of ApoE4 on p‐tau‐related tau fibrillisation were associated with ApoE4 mRNA expression levels.ResultApoE4 did not moderate the relationship between Aβ‐PET and p‐tau181 (Figure 1B, p=0.76) but strengthened the effect of p‐tau181 on global Tau‐PET increase (Figure 1C, β=0.7, p<0.001). At the regional level, this ApoE4 x p‐tau181 interaction on tau‐PET was correlated with regional APOE mRNA expression in CN (Figure 2B, r=0.5, pspin<0.001), but not in MCI (p=0.141), suggesting that ApoE4 drives earliest p‐tau‐induced tau aggregation. Supporting this further, we found that the regional effect of p‐tau181 on Tau‐PET was more strongly correlated with APOE mRNA expression in CN ApoE4 carriers (Figure 2C, r=0.54, pspin<0.001) than in CN non‐carriers (r=0.4, pspin=0.05). Lastly, we confirmed that the effect of Aβ on tau aggregation is mediated by p‐tau increases (Figure 1D, ACME: B=0.28; p<0.001; ADE: B=0.206; p=0.008) which is strengthened in ApoE4 carriers (B=0.21, p=0.006).ConclusionApoE4 promotes p‐tau‐induced tau aggregation, particularly in early disease stages and in regions that express high APOE. This suggests that ApoE4 can trigger earlier Aβ‐related tau spreading most likely due to facilitated p‐tau induced tau aggregation. This suggests that preventing soluble p‐tau increases may attenuate tau aggregation and therefore dementia.
Associations of CAIDE dementia risk score with glucose and lipid‐related metabolic blood biomarkers in the FINGER study participants
Authors: Rocha Ana Sabsil Lopez , Stephen Ruth , Solomon Alina , Ngandu Tiia , Lehtisalo Jenni , Laatikainen Tiina , Mecocci Patrizia , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Kivipelto Miia , Mangialasche Francesca 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe Cardiovascular risk factors, aging, and dementia (CAIDE) risk score is a validated tool estimating dementia risk. We investigated the association of CAIDE score with 12 markers of glucose and lipid metabolism, in the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) participants.MethodsThe FINGER trial had 1260 participants, aged 60–77 years, with a CAIDE score ≥6, without substantial cognitive impairment. At baseline, a panel of 12 glucose and lipid metabolism blood markers (adiponectin, adipsin, c‐peptide, ghrelin, gastric inhibitor polypeptide (GIP), glucagon‐like‐peptide (GLP‐1), glucagon, insulin, leptin, plasminogen activator in plasma (PAI‐1), resistin, and visfatin) were measured using Bio‐Plex‐200. CAIDE dementia risk score (age, sex, education, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, physical activity) was also available. Linear regression models were fit using CAIDE score as the outcome, metabolic markers as predictors and APOE4 as covariate. We also tested the interactions between the metabolic markers and APOE4.ResultsParticipants with the metabolic markers (n=813) were younger (p=0.01), had lower levels of HDL (p=0.01) and higher levels of systolic blood pressure (p= 0.02), HbA1c (p=0.00), BMI (p=0.00), CRP (p=0.02) and higher CAIDE risk score (p=0.02) but slightly better memory (p=0.00) compared to those without the metabolic markers (n=447).Initially, CAIDE score was tested with each metabolic marker separately. Interactions between metabolic markers and APOE4 were also tested. Higher CAIDE score was associated with lower adiponectin (β coefficient= ‐0.01, p=0.01), ghrelin (β = ‐0.13, p<0.001), and higher insulin (β =0.16, p<0.001), leptin (β=0.15 p<0.001), PAI‐1 (β =0.14, p<0.001) and c‐peptide (β=0.15 p<0.001). No interactions between metabolic markers and APOE were significant except for glucagon x APOE4 (β= ‐2.10, p=0.021).Next, the metabolic markers with the significant associations were added to a mutually adjusted model. The associations of CAIDE score with ghrelin (β= ‐0.22, p<0.001) and insulin (β=0.124, p=0.03) remained significant.ConclusionIncreased dementia risk in older people is linked to glucose and lipid imbalance. The identification of phenotypes through different metabolic markers and the role of genetic factors on these metabolic markers can lead to a better stratification of the population at risk of developing dementia.