bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the social engagement of persons with mild cognitive impairment: insight from a process evaluation of an empowerment‐based psycho‐behavioral program
Authors: Lin Rose S.Y. , Yu Doris S.F. , Li Polly W.C. , Chau Patsy P.H. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundEnhancing social engagement has been suggested as a promising approach to enhance the quality of life and prevent the progression to dementia among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, their cognitive deficits and the concomitant neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly depression and apathy, may not only mass their incompetency and inadequacy to engage in social events, but also lead to withdrawal from leisure activities and social interaction. Therefore, a randomized controlled trial of an empowerment‐based psycho‐behavioral program was conducted among persons with MCI, and its process evaluation may provide insight into optimizing social engagement among this preclinical cohort.MethodA qualitative process evaluation was conducted for a 13‐week, group‐based, psycho‐behavioral program focused on promoting knowledge enhancement, cognitive coping, and stress adaptation among persons with MCI and was guided by empowerment model through a goal‐setting approach. A purposive sample of 22 participants who reported differential changes on NPS after completing the program attended an individual, semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interview from December 2020 to October 2021. A semi‐structured interview guide was developed to elicit their views on the engagement experience and perceived effects of the program. All interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by thematic analysis.ResultThree themes emerged: (1) barriers to social engagement, (2) environmental factors to increase social engagement, and (3) psychosocial context to increase social engagement. The participants identified fear of social rejection, lack of available social activities, and perceived difficulties in keeping appointments as barriers to social engagement. As supported by the empowering environment of the program, the participants received a clear roadmap and protocol to overcome their cognitive deficits and enhance their participation in social activities. The memory aids provided by the program, such as whiteboards and memos, were highly useful in tracking upcoming appointments and social events. The program also offered them a platform to develop new friendships and interact with peers facing similar challenges.ConclusionThis study highlighted the effects of a psycho‐behavioral program on improving cognitive and psycho‐social well‐being among persons with MCI. The findings also underscored the potential of the empowerment approach to optimize cognitive coping and social engagement in this preclinical cohort.
Visual search in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment: Kitchen scanning task
Authors: Akkoyun Müge , Koçoğlu Koray , Boz Hatice Eraslan , Tüfekci Işıl Yağmur , Ekin Merve , Akdal Gülden 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the visual scanning patterns of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).Method29 AD patients (mean age 72,5±7.9 years), 34 aMCI patients (mean age 70,6±6,7 years), and 32 healthy control (HCs) (mean age 68,5±6,2 years) were given neuropsychological tests (NT) with five domains and eye movements were recorded when doing a kitchen scanning task. Firstly, participants were asked to find a single object in the three kitchen pictures shown and secondly to prepare scrambled eggs, Turkish coffee and breakfast. The first 3 pictures are 6000 ms, the other 3 pictures are shown for 10000 ms. The kitchen materials required for the given tasks were identified as an area of interest. Fixation duration, fixation count, first fixation duration, and saccade count were recorded with EyeLink 1000 Plus video eye tracker.ResultThere was no significant difference in age and education between aMCI, AD patients, and HCs (p<0,05). In the first task, AD patients were a statistically decreased in fixation duration than aMCI and HC groups (p = 0,001), and in saccade count compared to HC’s (p = 0,031). Also, patients with AD were a statistically increased number of fixations in the out of interest area compared to aMCI and HC groups (p = 0,009). In the second task, AD patients had significantly decreased fixation duration compared to aMCI and HC groups (p = 0,006), and in first fixation duration than HC’s (p = 0,02). In addition, AD patients had significantly decreased number of saccades in the out of interest area compared to HC’s (p = 0,048). All measured saccadic parameters were weakly correlated with cognitive test scores (r = 0,2‐0,4).ConclusionThis study showed that patients with Alzheimer’s disease performed fewer saccades when visual scanning and scanned the visual field less with a shorter fixation duration compared to aMCI and HC’s. This may be related to the deterioration of visual memory and visual attention in AD patients.
The relationship of apathy with daily life activities, quality of life and caregiver burden in patients with dementia
Authors: Kilicaslan Kimya , Tulek Zeliha , Gurvit Ibrahim Hakan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundApathy is one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. The aim of this study is to evaluate apathy and its relationships with activities of daily living, quality of life and caregiver burden in patients with dementia.MethodThe research was conducted in a descriptive analytic type. The sample consisted of 88 patients with a definite diagnosis of dementia attending outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Istanbul between October 2019‐March 2020 and their family caregivers. Depressive patients (assessed by Cornell Scale) and paid caregivers were not included. Apathy Evaluation Scale‐Clinician (AES‐C) and Informant (AES‐I) Forms, Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Mini Mental Test (MMSE), Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease Scale (QoL‐AD), Lawton Instrumental (Lawton IADL) and the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale (Katz ADL) were used for patients and Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) was used for caregivers.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 73.11±11.68, and diagnosis duration was 3.9±3.1 years, 64.8% had Alzheimer’s type dementia and 53.4% (n = 47) had mild‐1 dementia. The mean MMSE score was 16.4±6.6, NPI‐Symptom score was 16.6±13.7, AES‐C score was 52.9±10.2. The QoL‐AD score was 28.8±6.1 in patient evaluation and 27.6±6.4 in caregiver evaluation. The AES‐C scores were correlated with NPI, MMSE, ADL, Cornell, QoL‐AD, and CBI. Apathy was found to be an important predictor of both the patient’s QoL and CBI.ConclusionIn dementia patients, apathy was found to be associated with patient’s activities of daily living, quality of life, and caregiver burden. It is recommended that patients be evaluated for apathy.
Saccadic eye movement in individuals with ultra high‐risk psychosis and bipolar disorder
Authors: Ekin Merve , Koçoğlu Koray , Boz Hatice Eraslan , Akkoyun Müge , Tüfekci Işıl Yağmur , Yalınçetin Berna , Bora Emre , Akdal Gülden 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the study is to examine saccadic eye movements, and the relationship with motor functions based on the cerebellar connection among individuals with ultra‐high‐risk of psychosis and bipolar disorder (UHR‐P, UHR‐BD) and healthy controls (HC).MethodThe study included 20 UHR‐P (mean age 21.95±3.38), 20 UHR‐BD (mean age 21.45±4.27), and 19 HC (mean age 24.84±3.95). Participants had been selected from cases clinical‐high‐risk criteria in interviews made with The Structured Interview of Psychosis Risk Syndromes (SIPS) and Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Interview and Scale (BPSS). Correct and incorrect count, amplitude and latency of anti‐saccade were used to evaluate eye movements. Eye movement data were recorded from the right eye using an EyeLink 1000 Plus eye‐tracker. In addition, Brief Motor Scale (BMS) was used to evaluate motor functions.ResultThe number of correct saccade of anti‐saccade showed a significant difference between HC and UHR‐BD (p = 0.021). The Correct anti‐saccades were strongly correlated with motor function in UHR‐BD (r = ‐0.754, p<0.000). There was a moderate positive correlation between incorrect responses of anti‐saccade and motor function in UHR‐BD. (r = 0.455, p = 0.044). Motor functions indicated statistically significant differences between HC and high‐risk groups (p = 0.002 and p< 0.000). No significant relationship was found between anti‐saccade latency and amplitude and motor functions. (p> 0.05).ConclusionWe indicated that patients with ultra‐high risk had saccadic inhibition and motor coordination‐sequencing problems. This may be related to the dysfunctions in the cerebellum. The results are preliminary data of an ongoing study.
Music in Dementia Assessment Scales (MiDAS) portuguese version: Translation, cultural adaptation and psychometric study
Authors: Sousa Lídia , Moura Barbara , McDermott Orii 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundMusic in Dementia Assessment Scales (MiDAS) is an observational, dementia‐specific, visual analogue scale, developed to measure musical experiences of patients with dementia (PwD). Derived from qualitative data of focus groups and interviews with PwD, carers, care home staff, and music therapists, it revealed acceptable to good psychometric properties in a preliminary study. We aim to describe the translation and cultural adaptation of MiDAS to European Portuguese, and the results of a preliminary psychometric evaluation.MethodA rigorous ten step approach, suggested by the authors of MiDAS, was followed, for translation and cultural adaptation. It included: two forward translations and a back translation by a bilingual professional translator; harmonization with versions in different languages; testing and debriefing the final version with health professionals.For the psychometric study, care home residents with dementia attended a bi‐weekly group music‐based intervention (Mbi), for up to ten sessions. Intervention coordinators and care home staff completed MiDAS ratings at every session and the Quality‐of‐Life Scale (QoL‐AD) was completed at three time‐points. Inter‐rater and test‐retest reliability, internal consistency, concurrent and construct validity of MiDAS were evaluated.ResultNo major changes have been made to the actual content of MiDAS. Minor adjustments were made in wording and additional instruction details were added, to increase clarity and adequacy to the Portuguese setting.A total of 529 MiDAS‐PT forms (Staff = 235, Therapist = 294) were completed during the psychometric study. Our analysis indicated low therapist inter‐rater and test‐retest reliability, good internal consistency, low concurrent validity, and good construct validity. High factor loadings between the five MiDAS items (Interest, Response, Initiation, Involvement, and Enjoyment) were found.ConclusionOverall, Portuguese health professionals considered MIDAS‐PT user friendly and intuitive in terms of content and structure. More research is needed, with a larger sample, providing a more in‐depth psychometric characterization.
APOEε4 genotype boosts neurodegenerative structural changes in medial temporal lobe areas in adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Fernández Miguel Ángel Rivas , Lindín Mónica , Zurrón Montserrat , Díaz Fernando , Aldrey Jose M. , Galdo Santiago 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundApolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOEε4) is considered the major genetic risk factor of Alzheimer´s Disease (AD). Structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) studies demonstrated that, compared to APOEε4 non‐carriers, APOEε4 carriers display structural changes in lateral and medial temporal lobe (MTL). However, the knowledge about the impact of this genotype on hippocampal subfields is still limited. The present sMRI study aimed to evaluate volumetric and cortical thickness differences between adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) APOEε4 non‐carriers compared with MCI‐APOEε4 carriers.MethodTwelve MCI‐APOEε4 non‐carriers (mean age: 70.33 years, SD: 5.12) and ten MCI‐APOEε4 carriers (mean age: 72.70 years, SD: 6.38), diagnosed as MCI according Petersen criteria (Petersen, 2004; Albert et al., 2011), underwent neuropsychological assessment, cerebrospinal fluid, genetic and MRI examinations. MRI surface‐based morphometry analyses was conducted with the FreeSurfer software to evaluate volumetric and thickness differences in the hippocampal subfields and its surrounding MTL areas.ResultCompared with MCI‐APOEε4 non‐carriers, the MCI‐APOEε4 carriers group showed a significant reduced volume in several areas of the left hemisphere. Specifically, in this hemisphere volumetric changes were found in the entorhinal cortex, the whole hippocampus and in its head, body and tail; the head of presubiculum, the head and body of subiculum, the CA1, CA3, CA4 subfields, the granulate cell of the molecular layer of dentate gyrus and the molecular layer of the hippocampus. This group also displayed a significant reduced volume in the right body of CA3 subfield.ConclusionThese results suggest that, in MCI adults, the presence of the APOEε4 genotype may have an additional neuropathological impact on the structure of brain regions of the MTL with a critical functional role in episodic memory, the most affected neurocognitive system in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Particularly, the left MTL would show higher vulnerability to neurodegenerative changes in the prodromal stage of AD.
Compensation and network dedifferentiation in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (a‐MCI): A resting‐state study
Authors: Varela‐López Benxamin , Galdo‐Álvarez Santiago , Fernández Miguel Ángel Rivas , Díaz Fernando 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnostic entity of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (a‐MCI) presents an annual conversion rate to Alzheimer’s disease of about 10‐15%. Considering that a‐MCI may correspond to the prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease, understanding the associated functional brain changes becomes relevant in the context of early detection of this type of dementia. Consequently, the aim of this work was to explore the changes in brain functional connectivity associated to a‐MCI, of 3 closely related brain networks (Default Mode Network ‐DMN‐, Salience Network ‐SAL‐, Central Executive Network ‐CEN‐) by means of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI).MethodThe sample was composed of 59 participants, comprising a control group of 30 (13 ♀) participants and an a‐MCI group of 29 (12 ♀) participants. An independent component analysis (ICA) was performed for the 3 proposed networks (DMN, SAL & CEN) using the CONN toolbox.ResultCompared with the control group, the a‐MCI group showed increased functional connectivity: A) within the CEN in the left inferior frontal gyrus, being this increase positively correlated with the cognitive state of the a‐MCI measured through the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE); and B) between the DMN and SAL in frontal regions (orbital anterior and middle frontal gyri), being correlated with worse scores in immediate, short‐term and long‐term free recall measured through a verbal learning test (TAVEC).ConclusionThe present data support that the a‐MCI participants developed not only compensatory processes mediated by the CEN, but also non‐compensatory effects mediated by DMN and SAL functional interactions.
Patterns of cognitive performance in old adult community sample from Nigeria
Authors: Ucheagwu Valentine A 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundPatterns of cognitive impairments were studied in old adult sample in a view to understanding the roles of modifiable risk factors on cognition.MethodTwo hundred participants (115 males; age: 60‐74) were recruited. Domains of cognitive performance were measured with the UDS Version 3.ResultResult showed significant difference between diabetic (DG) and non‐diabetic (NDG) groups on Craft Story immediate, Benson recognition, category fluency animal and total category score with DG performing significantly better than NDG. Significant differences were found between hypertensive (HG) and non‐hypertensive (NHG) groups on number span forward Total correct and number span forward Length of correct. On the other hand, we showed significant interaction of depression and dementia history on Benson design recognition with participants that reported depression and history of dementia performing significantly worse than other groups. Depressive group (DPG) differed significantly from non‐depressive group (NDPG) on category fluency animal and total category fluency. Significant interaction effects were found on depression and history of dementia on category fluency (animal and vegetable) and total category score with participants reporting depression and positive history of dementia performing significantly worse on the measures. However, participants reporting history of dementia performed significantly better than non‐history participants on MoCA test. Further, we showed significant differences among 3 divisions of occupation: skilled (SK), semi skilled (SMK) and unskilled (USK) on craft story immediate (: SK = 25.79; SMK = 19.23; USK = 24.77), delayed (: SK = 20.27; SMK = 14.84; USK = 19.72), number span forward (total correct and length of correct), number span backward (total correct, length of correct and total aggregate score) with skilled occupation performing significantly better that the other two. The same were found for category fluency (animal and vegetable) and Control Oral Word Association Test.ConclusionOur findings suggest the important roles of diabetes, occupation and interaction of depression and dementia history on some domains of cognitive performance and the need to modify these variables for healthy cognition in old adults.
Pre‐Clinical Investigation of Repaglinide Nanoparticles in High Fat Diet with streptozotocin induced memory impaired rats
Authors: Wadhwa Geetika , Taliyan Rajeev 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance with several metabolic abnormalities which trigger neuronal complications, neurodegeneration, and cognitive impairments. Repaglinide (REP) is an insulinotropic, neuroprotective agent with short‐action and poor absorption characteristics. Hence, the present study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of REP‐loaded lipid polymer‐hybrid nanoparticles (REP‐LPHNPs) in High Fat Diet low dose of Streptozotocin (HFD‐STZ) induced cognitive deficits wistar rats model.MethodsThe REP‐LPHNPs were prepared by the solvent evaporation method. The optimization and statistical analysis of LPHNPs were done using Design‐Expert software by the response surface Box‐Behnken design. Animals were fed with HFD‐STZ (30 mg/kg; i.p) to induce cognitive impairment. Treatment was carried out for 28 days in separate groups viz, negative control, positive control, pure REP (4 mg/kg, p.o.), REP‐LPHNPs (4 mg/kg, p.o.). Behavior assessment parameters like passive avoidance test, spatial navigation task, probe trial, and spontaneous locomotor activities were performed. Further, biochemical parameters were performed with oxidative stress markers. Moreover, a pharmacokinetic (PK) study was performed, and parameters were assessed by Phoenix WinNolin CerteraTM (Pharsight, U.S.A; version:8.0) with non‐compartmental modelling.ResultsThe REP‐LPHNPs having phospholipid coated nanoparticles with a hydrophobic polymer core were prepared successfully and characterized thoroughly. The REP‐LPHNPs showed improved PK parameters, e.g., t1/2 (h) and AUC, which were found increased by twice than the REP. The REP‐LPHNPs significantly reduced the cognitive impairment in wistar rats by assessing behavioral and biochemical tests. It was observed that nanocarrier showed improved efficacy in spatial learning and memory impairment as compared to the REP.ConclusionIn summary, the downsides of REP were successfully by loading into LPHNPs. The study demonstrates that REP‐LPHNPs improved the PK parameters and showed better neuroprotective effects than REP alone in HFD with STZ induced cognitive deficits in encountered wistar rats.
Levels of astrocyte‐derived glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100 calcium‐binding protein B (S100B) in the cerebrospinal fluid within the early stages of Alzheimer´s Disease
Authors: Cetindag Arda Can , Priller Josef , Schneider Anja , Fliessbach Klaus , Wiltfang Jens , Jessen Frank , Duzel Emrah , Bürger Katharina , Perneczky Robert , Teipel Stefan , Christoph Laske , Spottke Annika , Heneka Michael T. , Schipke Carola G. , Bauer Chris , Peters Oliver 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe quantitative analysis of biomarker proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) substantiates the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer´s disease (AD). A substantial problem in the early diagnosis of AD is that clinical symptoms as measured by neuropsychological tests appear only after massive cell loss has already occurred in the brain. However, when the disease manifests, abeta‐ and tau‐protein levels have already become static. In this study, we asked whether concentrations of the astrocyte‐derived proteins glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100 calcium‐binding protein B (S100B) in CSF might serve as markers of pathophysiological events and astrocyte reactivation in the course of AD. Although, there are some previously studies reporting high GFAP levels in cerebrospinal fluid of AD group, the CSF levels of GFAP and S100B in the early course of the AD have not been reported.MethodsWe measured the levels of GFAP and S100B in the CSF of healthy control subjects (n = 90), first degree relatives of AD (parent or sibling, n = 46), subjective memory decline (SCD) (n = 211), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 114) and AD (n = 65) patients in a well‐structured cohort (DELCODE Cohort), which has a larger sample size than previous studies.ResultsAfter comparing the CSF levels of GFAP in the study groups, we found that healthy controls had significantly lower GFAP levels than AD patients (p = 0.001, Figure 1) and the MCI patients (p = 0,004, Figure 1). It might prove to be a very important evidence of the role of astrogliosis in early stages. Furthermore, no significantly differences were found in levels of S100B, although S100B mean values show also gradual increasing from SCD to AD (Figure 2). As a note to the reader, we also found that there was low correlation between the levels of glial markers (GFAP und S100B) and markers of classical biomarkers (Aβ‐42, Ratio Aβ‐42/Aβ‐40, Total‐τ, Phospho‐τ‐181) of neurodegeneration in the disease course.ConclusionThis result may prove the role of early reactive astrocytes in early stages of disease. And this finding could lead to develop another treatment concepts targeting the early reactive astrocytes.