bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Air pollution and the risk of dementia: The rotterdam study
Authors: de Crom Tosca O.E. , Oudin Anna , Ginos Bigina N.R. , Ikram M. Kamran , Voortman Trudy , Ikram M. Arfan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundAir pollution has been suggested to increase the risk of dementia, by triggering neuro‐inflammation, oxidative stress, and cerebrovascular damage. However, studies on the association between exposure to air pollution and the risk of dementia yielded inconsistent results. We therefore determined exposure to air pollution in association with the risk of dementia and cognitive decline in the population‐based Rotterdam Study.MethodBetween 2009 and 2010, we determined air pollutant levels at participants residential addresses using land use regression models. Determined air pollutant levels included particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 µm (PM10) and 2.5 µm (PM2.5), a proxy of elemental carbon (PM2.5 absorbance), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). As the individual air pollutant levels were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.71‐0.98), we obtained the first unrotated component of a principal component analyses (PCA) for all air pollutants. We followed participants up for dementia until 2018 and determined cognitive performance during two subsequent examination rounds. Using Cox proportional hazard models and linear mixed models, we determined the association of exposure to air pollution with the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.ResultOf the 7511 non‐demented participants at baseline (median age 68 years, 58.6% women), 545 developed dementia during a median follow‐up of 7 years. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) levels per µg/m3 were 26.1 ± 1.0 for PM10, 16.8 ± 0.4 for PM2.5, 1.5 ± 0.1 for PM2.5 absorbance, 46.1 ± 12.2 for NOx, and 32.6 ± 3.4 for NO2. The individual air pollutant levels were not significantly associated with the risk of dementia, neither was the first unrotated component of a PCA for all air pollutants (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] per SD increase: 1.04 [0.95‐1.15], Figure 1). Air pollutant levels were also not associated with decline in cognitive function.ConclusionExposure to air pollution was not statistically significantly associated with the risk of dementia or cognitive decline. Yet, observed effect estimates were in the hypothesized direction and variability in pollutant levels may have been to limited to identify meaningful associations.
The differential contribution of immediate memory and executive functions in age‐related neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Abbatantuono Chiara , Taurisano Paolo , Pepe Ilaria , Clemente Livio , Alfeo Federica , Paparella Giulia , Calia Clara , Lancioni Giulio , De Caro Maria Fara 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundComprehensive neuropsychological assessment (NPA) has proven to be a diagnostic and monitoring procedure that contributes to the understanding of neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). Despite memory deficits being considered as hallmarks of age‐related cognitive decline, executive impairment has emerged as the strongest correlate of functional dependence that characterizes major NCD. Hence, the present study aims to: (1) examine the neuropsychological predictors of major NCD; (2) compare between indices of immediate memory and executive functions involved in cognitive decline.MethodOut of a dataset of 179 (Mage = 75±5.43; women = 96) elderly outpatients, 97 individuals (Mage = 76±5.72; women = 51) met the DSM‐5 criteria for NCD as they presented impairment in at least one cognitive domain and, in the case of major NCD, impact on activities of daily living. The sample underwent NPA consisting of a two‐screening procedure; ten domain‐specific tests; psychodiagnostic‐functional evaluation. Analyses relied on multivariate and non‐parametric tests to examine differential clinical profiles and NPA tools, respectively.ResultA prior analysis using the Hosmer‐Lemeshow test confirmed the goodness of the model (χ2 = ‐4,771; p = .782) (diagnostic labels: major vs. mild NCDs). The final model obtained could correctly predict 71% of cases. Logistic regression through backward elimination revealed that the lower the scores at Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the greater the chances of fitting major NCD (vs. mild NCD) (B = ‐.284; p = .006). Friedman test enabled multiple comparisons within the whole sample, and by considering mild and major groups separately, with respect to immediate memory (FCSRT‐ISC and Babcock Story‐IR) and executive indices (Clock Drawing Test and Digit Span Backwards). The analyses showed a significant difference between the ranks of test scores only within the major NCD group through Bonferroni correction (χ2 = 8.813, p = .032), revealing a greater drop in Clock Drawing Test than in Babcock Story‐IR (χ2 = ‐.906, p = .030).ConclusionThese preliminary findings point to the importance of considering, besides memory indices, executive performances in elderly patients affected by severe cognitive‐functional impairment, consistent with potential implications of planning difficulties in the progressive loss of everyday life autonomy. Screening for executive functioning may also enhance the understanding about the clinical course from mild to severe disease, thus orienting clinicians in the differential diagnosis, secondary prevention, and treatment of NCDs.
Eye movement dysfunction for screening mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Song Jiaqi , Wang Lisong , Lü Yang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundEarly screening of cognitive impairment is crucial to delay cognitive deterioration and daily living disability in the elderly. However, the complexity and high cost of existing strategies appear to be great limits to the early screening on a large scale. Eye movement test shows a huge advantage in the early identification of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) because of quick, non‐invasive and cost‐effective features.MethodThe study involved a total of 151 participants: 90 MCI patients and 50 cognitive normal controls (CN) . All participants underwent eye movement signals under four visual tasks, including direct gaze towards target, smooth pursuit tasks, saccading toward a jumping target and looking away a jumping target. Five features were extracted from eye movement signals by linear and nonlinear analysis, including saccade number in resting state, saccade number in smooth persuit tasks, saccade lantency, antisaccade lantency, antisaccade error rate. Discriminant features selection was performed using the logistic regression (LR) analysis. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses and the area under the curve (AUC) were employed to investigate classification ability.ResultAfter the penalization of LR analysis, there were two top features that exhibited significant differences between MCI and CN, which included saccade number in smooth pursuit tasks and antisaccade error rate (p<0.05). ROC curves showed a favorable diagnostic accuracy of the two features in the discrimination between controls and MCI (AUC: 0.823, P<0.01).ConclusionThese results suggest that eye movement test has the potential to screen patients with MCI from the elderly with cognitive normality. Therefore, eye movement test is a powerful tool for broad screening in community‐dwelling older adults.
Identification of genetic regulators of human metabolites in CSF
Authors: Wang Ciyang , Mafimoghaddam Samira , Novotny Brenna C , Sung Yun Ju , Farias Fabiana H.G. , Yang Chengran , Wang Fengxian , Marquié Marta , Boada Mercè , de Rojas Itziar , Alvarez Ignacio , Aguilar Miquel , Fernandez Victoria , Harari Oscar , Cruchaga Carlos 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundBrain metabolism perturbation in dementia is not well understood. Metabolite levels are quantitative traits that have been linked to genetic loci. Existing metabolite quantitative trait loci (MQTL) were found mostly using tissues other than cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain, which being less than ideal for studying neurodegenerative diseases. The first CSF MQTL study was published last year, but with limited power. Therefore, we hope to expand our knowledge on MQTL in the central nervous system to better understand neurological disorders.MethodWe performed metabolome‐wide genome‐wide association study (M‐GWAS). More than 400 metabolites passed QC in CSF from 2329 participants recruited from five cohorts (CASTLE project). We performed a three‐stage study design: discovery (1224 CASTLE participants), replication (meta‐analysis of results from 1087 CASTLE participants and 291 CSF participants (Panyard, D.J. et. al 2021)) and meta‐analyses. Linear regression model includes age, sex, genetics principal components, genotyping array, and cohort information as covariates. We defined an association region to be 1 Mb interval centered on the index SNP (lowest study‐wide P value) by performing clumping of signals using plink1.9. We merged association regions if they share overlapping chromosome location to identify genetic locus associated with metabolite level traits. Future plan includes association study including rare variants, functional annotation of each locus, conditional analysis to identify independent signals, replication of identified signals, M‐GWAS for Brain metabolomics datasets (1169 samples in total), comparing features of identified associations amongst multi‐tissue (CSF, brain and blood) using mashr in R. In addition, colocalization and Mendelian randomization analysis will be performed to discover metabolites contributing to neurological disorders.ResultThe preliminary CSF M‐GWAS study jointing five cohorts identified 165 associations in 125 metabolites from 90 loci. Meta‐analysis on the discovery and replication results will be utilized for the downstream functional annotation, tissue comparison, and disease mechanistic exploration.ConclusionWe present the largest CSF M‐GWAS study so far and showed a substantial number of genetic association findings for metabolites. We not only expect to replicate a number of our findings using studies with blood and CSF tissues, but also expect to discover novel signals that has potential for being unique to CSF.
Feasibility of a remote dance intervention for institutionalized older people with cognitive impairment
Authors: Drumond Gabrielle Oliveira , Menezes Ana Clara Nogueira , Lamha Anna Carolina Ferreira , Mara Fernanda , Almada Nascimento , Bastos Mayara Oliveira , Shigaeff Nadia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundDance therapy has recently been proposed as a non‐pharmaceutical strategy to improve cognitive decline in people with Dementia or MCI, as well as to improve certain psychosocial aspects such as quality of life, mood and functionality. Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, most older people living in long‐term care institutions have had their activities of daily living – such as physical therapy and other activity groups – interrupted to preserve social distancing rules. Therefore, the aim of this study was to create a dance therapy program that could be implemented as a remote intervention for older people living in a long‐term institution who had Mild Cognitive Decline (MCI) or Dementia.MethodA selection of older people, living in a long‐term institution in the city of Juiz de Fora, Brazil, diagnosed with MCI and Dementia, was made. To achieve this objective, the medical records of the residents were analyzed and screening tests such as the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and, as a secondary measure, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were applied.ResultAfter the screening process, the program was planned with the help of a certified Senior Dance instructor, in order to arrange choreographies that were safe for all participants and could be performed remotely. In total, the program had 29 sessions, which spanned a period of 15 weeks, twice a week. There was an intervention group consisting of five participants with MCI or Dementia. A social worker of the institution helped with the choreography, in person, and a group of seven undergraduate students from different backgrounds (psychology, medicine and music) took turns conducting the remote sessions.ConclusionThe remote program was extremely well received by its participants and by the caregivers of the institution: they reported that the participants were waiting for the sessions and that their disposition and mood improved significantly since the beginning of the intervention. This allowed us to conclude that the creation of a remote dance program was not only feasible, but that it can promote mental and cognitive health in institutionalized older people with cognitive impairment. Thus, this strategy should be better explored by these institutions.
Experience of dementia care burden: An exploratory study from India
Authors: Thaploo Geenaa , Navya N , Dasgupta Jayashree 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn India, dementia care is typically provided by family caregivers. Traditionally caregiving is undertaken by women family members, however, changing societal and family structures may mean more men become involved in caregiving roles. This study explores gender differences in experience of care burden for older adults.MethodA retrospective analysis was conducted to examine contextual factors contributing to care burden using case records of individuals visiting a non‐hospital based elder care organization in India. All had been administered Zarit Burden Interview – 22 (ZBI), Lawton Independent Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL) and Katz Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL). Mixed methods analysis was used to examine overall care burden across genders and factors contributing towards subjective experience of care burden.ResultData was examined from 60 family caregivers of older adults (M = 22; F = 38). Majority were carers for dementia and reported feeling the care recipient was dependent on them which was corroborated by findings of dependency on IADL (44%) and ADL (26%). Overall, caregivers experienced mild to moderate burden and ZBI scores did not differ significantly across genders t (48) = .70, p = .48<0.05, however, they did not feel comfortable handing care to anyone else. Only 31% caregivers had support from paid attendants with families preferring to manage care themselves. Item analysis revealed subjective experience of care burden differed across genders. Women (42%) experienced feeling strained quite frequently / nearly always compared to men (18%). Although men reported that they experienced stress due to caregiving, item analysis revealed that majority of men in regard to their health (M = 50%, F = 0%) or social life (M = 41%, F = 29%) reported never being greatly impacted due to caregiving activities as compared to women.ConclusionFindings indicate although men and women family carers of dementia experience similar levels of care burden, women experience greater strain as compared to men. Findings from this study has implications for development of gender sensitive caregiver support modules.
Higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures in recently postmenopausal women are associated with higher white matter hyperintensity volume more than a decade later in the keeps continuation study
Authors: Kara Firat , Tosakulwong Nirubol , Lesnick Timothy G. , Schwarz Christopher G. , Senjem Matthew L. , Fields Julie A. , Min Paul H , Lowe Val J. , Jack Clifford R. , Bailey Kent R. , James Taryn T. , Lobo Rogerio A. , Manson JoAnn E. , Pal Lubna , Hammers Dustin B , Malek‐Ahmadi Michael H. , Cedars Marcelle I. , Naftolin Frederick , Miller Virginia M. , Harman Sherman M. , Dowling N. Maritza , Gleason Carey E. , Kantarci Kejal 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundWomen have higher rates of hypertension at the time of menopausal transition than men. Although elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) are risk factors for white matter (WM) injury both in women and men, WM hyperintensities (WMH), a marker of WM injury, are more common in women than in men after the age of 60. Thus, women may be vulnerable to the effects of elevated BP on WM integrity during menopausal transition. We investigated the association of BP in recently postmenopausal women with good cardiovascular health with WMH volume assessed 13 years later.MethodWomen (n = 212; median age = 67; range 58‐72), who were previously enrolled in a multi‐site randomized menopausal hormone therapy trial, Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS), participated in the present observational KEEPS Continuation Study. SBP and DBP were measured at KEEPS baseline (median age = 54 years; range 44‐59). Participants who were on antihypertensive medications at KEEPS baseline were excluded from the analysis (n = 34). Approximately 9 years after the end of KEEPS menopausal hormones versus placebo 4‐year interventions, WM integrity was assessed with automated WMH volume measurements from 3D‐FLAIR MRI. Associations of baseline SBP and DBP with logWMH volume measured 13 years later were tested by linear regression analyses. Model 1 was adjusted for age, study site, and total intracranial volume. Model 2 was adjusted for covariates of model 1, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, and waist/hip ratio.ResultThe median SBP was 116 (range 83‐158) and DBP was 74 (range 56‐98). Higher SBP was associated with greater WMH volume (model 1:p = 0.005; model 2:p = 0.005). Similarly, higher DBP was associated with greater WMH volume (model 1:p = 0.008; model 2:p = 0.006) (Figure 1). Neither menopausal hormone therapies versus placebo, nor having high/low SBP (≥120/<120) modified these associations. Voxel‐based analyses demonstrate the association of BPs with the spatial distribution of WMHs (Figure 2).ConclusionHigher BPs in recently menopausal women were associated with greater WM injury more than a decade later after adjusting for CVD risk factors. Early postmenopausal stage is a critical time for BP control in women, which may reduce the risk of WM injury later in life.
Loneliness and cognitive decline in the community: Examining demographic and APOE4 status differences
Authors: Desai Pankaja , Krueger Kristin R , de Leon Carlos Mendes , Wilson Robert S. , Rajan Kumar B , Evans Denis A 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundLimited information exists regarding patterns of loneliness and relationships among subgroups of older adults in the community. We evaluated demographic and APOE4 status differences in associations between loneliness and cognitive decline in older adults.MethodParticipants (N = 7,696) were selected from the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP), a longitudinal population‐based study, who completed at least two measurement time points of neuropsychological testing, including individual tests of episodic memory, perceptual speed, and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). The mean of individual test scores was taken to calculate composite global cognitive function. Loneliness was measured using an item from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression Scale (modified). Mixed effects regression models evaluated associations between loneliness and decline in global cognitive function and individual tests, by race, sex, and APOE4 (one or more copies of e4 allele (any) vs. none). Modeling included adjustments such as sex, race, age, education, chronic conditions, cognitive activities, statin prescription, and interactions with time for each.ResultA higher percentage of participants that were female (74% vs. 61%), African American compared to Non‐Hispanic White (72% vs. 63%), with older mean age (74 vs. 72 years) reported loneliness. The prevalence of loneliness was similar across APOE4 status. The interaction/ synergy of loneliness with time had statistically significant associations with global cognition (β = ‐0.010, p = 0.005), episodic memory (β = ‐0.010, p = 0.017), and MMSE (β = ‐0.015, p = 0.000) for women. This interaction was statistically significant in associations with global cognition (β = ‐0.012, p = 0.001), episodic memory (β = ‐0.011, p = 0.012), and MMSE (β = ‐0.018, p = 0.000) among African American participants. This interaction also showed the following statistically significant associations by APOE4 status: any (β = ‐0.012, p = 0.034) and none (β = ‐0.007, p = 0.049) for global cognition, none (β = ‐0.009, p = 0.039) for episodic memory, and any (β = ‐0.017, p = 0.009) and none (β = ‐0.011, p = 0.004) for MMSE.ConclusionLoneliness is differentially associated with global cognitive decline based on race and sex but not APOE4 status. More research is needed to understand relationships between loneliness and biological mechanisms and how to best account for demographic characteristics when intervening on loneliness.
Developing and evaluating a formal care decision‐making intervention for African American parent‐adult daughter dementia dyads: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Johnson Kalisha Bonds , Monin Joan , Daniel Gaea , Powell Wizdom , Lyons Karen S. , Hepburn Kenneth 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundAfrican American older adults are suggested to be two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) compared to non‐Latinx White older adults. As a result, there is a need for more African American caregivers. The largest group of caregivers of African American persons living with ADRD, African American adult daughters, must navigate decision making related to formal care. Formal care—paid health care services for older adults usually associated with an institution— is important in the treatment of ADRD and maintaining quality of life.MethodGuided by the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework, Black Family Social‐Ecological Context Model, and Superwoman Schema, this presentation will describe a clinical trial that is designing a culturally tailored prototype intervention to support the formal care decision‐making process for African American persons living with ADRD and evaluating the feasibility and efficacy of the prototype intervention. The prototype intervention focuses on both members of the dyad’s quality of life as well as formal care utilization by the African American person living with ADRD. The design process will recruit 76 African American dementia dyads (70 dyads for quantitative and qualitative data collection to aid in the development of the prototype intervention and 6 dyads to use design thinking approaches to develop the prototype intervention) and will be tested with 20 African American dementia dyads using a pretest posttest design with two follow ups at 1 month and 3 months post intervention.ResultData will be presented regarding factors influencing the feasibility of implementing a dyadic intervention as an early‐stage investigator. We will focus on the planning process (e.g., IRB approval, study setup, and project management), recruitment strategies (e.g., recruitment videos), recruitment challenges (e.g., consent and eligibility), and mutual engagement of both members of the dyad.ConclusionIn the early stages of planning and recruitment of dementia dyads, there are challenges and key strategies to consider when conducting a dyadic clinical trial as an early‐stage investigator.