bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of cognitive and fall risk associated with exercise in persons with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Carp Stephen John , Bartoli Elizabeth , Castro Marques , Heineman Matthew , Servin Rosalie , Spatola Giacomo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe study aim was to elucidate the relationship between change in cognition and fall risk in persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) stratified for severity of illness and following a 10‐week exercise program. The authors hypothesize that a linear relationship exists between the severity of AD and decrease fall risk and severity of AD and improvement in cognition.MethodParticipants underwent a 10‐week exercise program designed to improve cognition and decrease fall risk. Cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)) and fall risk (Timed Up and Go (TUG)) were assessed prior to and after the exercise program. Normality was established for change in MoCA and change in TUG and for age of participants. RM‐MANOVA statistics were used to evaluate changes in the outcome measures prior to and after the exercise program. A post hoc Bonferroni evaluated differences between groups. The severity of AD was compared with change in cognition and fall risk outcome measures to determine if disease severity influenced cognition and fall risk with a 10‐week exercise program.ResultsThe TUG analysis yielded two significant mean differences (p<0.05) between groups ‐ the mild/severe (p<0.001) and moderate/severe (p = 0.03) comparisons. However, there was no significant difference between the mild/moderate severity groups (p = 0.085). MoCA group differences comparison produced all statistically significant (p<0.001) mean differences, the largest occurring between the mild and severe groups. These data indicate a statistically significant relationship between severity of AD and change in TUG and MoCA scores following a ten‐week exercise program.ConclusionPersons with AD demonstrate impairments in cognition and fall risk leading to increased stress and costs. Exercise is an effective intervention for improving cognition and reducing fall risk in persons with AD. The relationship found between improvement of cognition and fall risk with exercise appears to be linear. The lesser severity of AD, the greater the cognitive and fall risk improvement. These data suggest that a 10‐week exercise program may improve cognition and decrease fall risk in persons with AD. The results from this study suggest that healthcare practitioners should consider early referral of persons with AD to group exercise programs to reduce the likelihood of falls and improve cognition.
The multifaceted impact of COVID‐19 on dementia caregivers
Authors: O'Connor Maureen K. , Shirk Steven , Moo Lauren R. , McLaren Jaye E. , Nguyen Andrew Huy , Pugh Kendra 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic and consequent protective measures, including quarantines reduced or eliminated access to supports for dementia CGs. Dementia CGs have also reported increases in behavioral problems and decreases in cognition for the person with dementia (PWD) during the pandemic. We collected data on the impact of COVID‐19 on dementia CGs.MethodCGs of PWD enrolled in a telehealth intervention were interviewed via video. At baseline, CGs completed The Caregiver COVID‐19 Limitations Scale. During interviews, CGs responses to questions about COVID‐19 related concerns and spontaneous discussion of concerns were recorded in field notes.ResultMost CGs had a low level of concern that they would contract COVID‐19, but a slightly higher level of concern about the PWD. Several CGs reported at least a moderate impact of COVID‐19 related limitations on getting respite care (37.5%), leaving the house (50%), having outside visitors (25%), and gaining access to healthcare (25%). A quarter of CGs noticed at least a moderate change in the PWDs behavior. CGs also noticed cognitive decline. CGs felt changes were due to isolation, boredom, and depressive‐like symptoms. Caregivers also noted the loss of pleasurable activities they could engage in both alone and together with the PWD. A quarter of CGs also reported a great deal of difficulty explaining COVID‐19 related restrictions to the PWD. Specifically, memory loss experienced by the PWD necessitated frequent reminders about COVID‐19 and related limitationConclusionOur results are consistent with literature demonstrating reduction in CG access to respite care and other supportive services during the pandemic. CGs noted declines in cognition and increases in neuropsychiatric symptoms in the PWD perceived to be due to isolation and lack of stimulation. CGs lacked access to previously enjoyable activities outside the home. CG noted the additional burden of lack of a shared pandemic experience due to memory loss that necessitated reminders about the pandemic and associated safety measures. In conclusion, dementia caregivers grapple with lost supports that increase burden, with simultaneously increases in perceived cognitive and behavioral problems in the PWD along with new pandemic‐specific burdens. Our findings underscore the necessity for increased dementia CG programming.
Elevated oxidative stress and inflammatory levels are associated with plasma AD biomarkers in middle‐age
Authors: Cherbuin Nicolas , Walsh Erin I. , Leach Liana , Bruestle Anne , Burns Richard , Anstey Kaarin J. , Sachdev Perminder S. , Baune Bernhard T 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundNeuroinflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the extent to which inflammation is attributable to disease progression in the central nervous system in the pre‐ and clinical stages of dementia or emerges in the periphery and is a long‐term risk factor for the development of the pathological hallmarks of dementia is an unresolved question.MethodInflammatory (TNFa, TNF‐R1, TNF‐R2, IL1b, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10), OS (NO, NEO, TAC), OS‐related DNA damage markers, and total tau, amyloid β1‐38 (Aβ38), amyloid β1‐40 (Aβ40), amyloid β1‐42 (Aβ42) levels were measured in plasma using highly sensitive immunoassays. Inflammatory and OS states were identified through principal component analysis. Associations between inflammatory/OS states and AD biomarkers were investigated in middle‐age (52‐56 years, n = 335, 52% female) and older‐age (72‐76 years, n = 351, 46% female) participants without dementia through linear regression analyses while controlling for relevant covariates.ResultFour similar principal components reflecting different inflammatory states (PC1: unspecific increased inflammation; PC2: inflammation related to anti‐oxidant activity; PC3: increased OS activity with DNA damage; PC4: decreased OS and increased anti‐oxidant activity with DNA damage) were detected in the two age samples. In middle‐age, a component reflecting variation in OS (PC4) was most strongly associated with tau and to a lesser extent amyloid‐b levels. In older‐age, a similar component to that observed in middle‐age was only associated with tau, while another (PC1) component reflecting heightened inflammation independent of OS, was associated with all AD biomarkers.ConclusionIn middle and older age community‐living individuals without dementia inflammation and OS states are already associated with plasma AD biomarkers. The fact that more consistent and robust associations with AD biomarkers involved OS, or OS‐related DNA damage suggests that oxidative stress may be a particularly strong contributor to early AD pathophysiology and requires more systematic investigation.
Altered brain energy metabolism related to astrocytes in tauopathies
Authors: Hirata Kosei , Matsuoka Kiwamu , Tagai Kenji , Endo Hironobu , Kokubo Naomi , Tatebe Harutsugu , Zhang Hong , Shinotoh Hitoshi , Takahata Keisuke , Ono Maiko , Obata Takayuki , Kawamura Kazunori , Zhang Ming‐Rong , Shimada Hitoshi , Tokuda Takahiko , Yokota Takanori , Takado Yuhei , Higuchi Makoto 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundAccumulated evidence suggests altered energy metabolism in the brain of tauopathies. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), decreased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the cingulate cortex is considered a marker of neurodegeneration. However, its underlying pathogenesis remains unknown. It is hypothesized that lactate, a glucose metabolite, is produced in astrocytes and subsequently shuttles to neurons as an energy substrate. The current study aims to examine alterations in lactate and glucose concentrations and their association with astrocytic activities in the cingulate cortex of patients with AD and PSP.MethodThirty AD, 30 PSP, and 30 healthy control (HC) subjects were enrolled. Lactate, glucose, and myoinositol (mI), an astroglial marker, in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) were determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) (3T scanner, SPECIAL sequence, TR/TE 3000/8.5ms, LCModel analysis) (Figure 1). Tau depositions were assessed using PET imaging with 18F‐PM‐PBB3.ResultAll the patients with AD and PSP were confirmed to have the typical distribution of tau pathology. Lactate, glucose, and mI levels were higher in the ACC in PSP and AD, and PCC in AD compared to HC (p < 0.05) (Figure 2). In these cortical regions, lactate levels showed a positive correlation with mI levels (p < 0.05) (Figure 3). Lactate levels in the PCC in AD patients showed a positive correlation with Clinical Dementia Rating‐Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB) scores (p < 0.05) (Figure 4). Moreover, mI levels in the ACC in PSP patients were negatively correlated with Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) scores (p < 0.05) (Figure 4).ConclusionWe found elevated lactate and glucose levels accompanied by an increased astroglial marker mainly in the PCC in AD and ACC in PSP patients. Moreover, elevated lactate and mI levels in the cingulate cortex reflected the cognitive decline of AD and PSP, respectively. The excess lactate and glucose levels in the disease‐specific regions might reflect decreased energy utilization as shown in previous FDG‐PET studies. Given the residual lactate levels were correlated with mI levels, we speculated that the impaired lactate shuttle of reactivated astrocytes disrupts energy metabolism, leading to cognitive dysfunctions.
Nanoscale‐alumina induced cognitive dysfunction in mice related to hippocampal structural changes: A stereological study
Authors: Naseh Maryam , Esmaili Zahra , Karimi Fatemeh , Moosavi Maryam 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundAluminum (Al) is known to induce neurotoxicity in both humans and rodents. Recent evidence has indicated that the toxicity of Al Oxide (Al2O3) Nanoparticles (Al‐NP), one of the most abundantly used engineered nanoparticles, is far greater than that of Al itself. To date, however, no information is available regarding the effect of Al‐NP on the stereological parameters of hippocampus. In particular, no stereological studies have evaluated the effect of Al‐NP on hippocampal CA1, dentate gyrus volume, and number of pyramidal and granular cells.MethodAdult male NMRI mice were treated with AlNP in dose 10 mg/kg/oral gavage for 5 days. The test session of novel object recognition (NOR) task was performed on day 5. Following the NOR test, the hippocampi were analyzed for stereological and apoptotic.ResultThe results demonstrated that the five‐day Al‐NP ingestion elicited a reduced preference to explore a novel object in the novel object recognition test (a hippocampal‐dependent task). Perhaps contributing to this memory deficit, Al‐NP induced additional alterations in the hippocampus of male NMRI mice in terms of (1) hippocampal volume (decreased the volume of the whole hippocampus, CA1, and dentate gyrus regions), (2) cell number (decreased the number of CA1 pyramidal neurons and dentate gyrus granular cells), and (3) increased cleaved caspase‐3 in the whole hippocampus.ConclusionThese results provided new mechanistic insight to understand the impairing effect of AL‐NP on the hippocampal function and structure.
Metamemory in older adults, preliminary results of a multifactorial training program
Authors: Feldberg Carolina , Natalia Irrazabal , Ofman Silvia Deborah , Hermida Paula Daniela , Tartaglini María Florencia , Somale Maria Veronica 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundCognitive intervention is a broad field that uses different means to increase or maintain these capacities. One of the aspects worked in memory training interventions refers to beliefs about performance, control and aging beliefs regarding this function in old age. More favorable beliefs towards memory in old age, performance capacity and greater self‐perceived control are related to successful aging and feelings of well‐being. The aim of the present study is to evaluate memory and aging beliefs in older adults who took part in a memory training program and a control group of subjects belonging to the same age group.MethodDesign: Comparative, pre‐post, longitudinal intervention study. Community dwelling older adults over 60 years. Memory training program participants (n = 58) (M = 70,04 years old; ds = 8.07 years) and controls (n = 72) (M = 69.92 years old; ds = 7.31 years) were assed at the begging and the end of the program. Instruments: Questionnaire of Social Demographic Data (built ad hoc), Brief Neuropsychological assessment for memory and attention. Metacognition: Memory Control Capacity Inventory (MCI) and ‐Metamemory Questionnaire. Procedure: All the participants of the Intervention group took part in the Memory training program. The program has a duration of 8 sessions of 90 minutes each, where theoretical and practical tools are provided to improve cognitive performance in everyday life Program participants and controls were assed twice, with eight weeks of difference between the first and second evaluation.ResultResults reveal that when comparing the groups, statistically significant differences can be observed in favor of memory program participants in the following aspects: Metamemory beliefs: satisfaction(z = ‐3,376 p = .001), Metamemory capacity z = (‐2.32‐ p = .050) Metamemory Strategy (z = ‐4.556‐ p = .000), total metamemory beliefs (z = 4.620‐ p = .000) and in aging beliefs, in the aspect :aging independence concerns (z = ‐2.526 p = .000).ConclusionIt is of great significance the incorporation of the assessment, training and observation of meta‐memory beliefs together with cognitive assessment and cognitive training in memory programs for older adults. The inclusion of cognitive training is an approach that can help cognitively vulnerable older adults and promote healthy cognitive aging.
Stigma and Dementia: an integrative systematic literature review
Authors: Abranches Iracema , Alves Larissa Scoralich , Santos Lucas Neves , Campos Samuel Cotrim Figueira Osorio , Saraiva Fernanda Bicalho , Benedicto Isabella de Paula Alves , Ferreira Ricardo Barbosa Leite Sérgio , Lima João Victor Semião , Lourenço Lelio Moura 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgrounddementia can be defined as a clinical syndrome developed by pathological processes that affect cognitive functioning, which influences the individual’s way of perceiving and understanding the meaning of facts and feelings. Stigma is also a very broad concept, but it can be understood as negative attitudes and prejudices towards individuals who are perceived as different, whether because of a diagnosis, condition, or disease.Methodan integrative systematic literature review was developed to analyze the relationship between stigma and dementia in order to give support to the research question. Drawing upon the Database of Descriptors in Health Sciences (Decs/Mesh), the following descriptors were applied: Estigma e demência (Port.), stigma and dementia (Eng.) estigma y demencia (Spa.). No result on the relationship between these descriptors were found at the Cochrane Library, which may confirm the originality of this review. As for the Open Access Documents, no date limit was applied. The databases used were BVS, PsycInfo, Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science, following the PRISMA methodology.ResultThe initial search resulted in 8,127 titles; after the screening and exclusion criteria process, 42 articles were found for reading and categorization: 25 qualitative papers, 12 quantitative, 1 mixed quantitative and qualitative; 4 articles aimed at the validation and analysis of scales and intervention protocols. The articles mainly analyzed people with dementia, their caregivers, and families. All articles, empirical or theoretical, supported the correlation between stigma and dementiaConclusionthe research outcome points out to the possible of analyze stigma in relation to dementia in different cultures, by applying different approach and methods, such as interviews, scales, questionnaires, and observation, among others. Stigma involves beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors which are susceptible to interventions that may improve public awareness of dementia. Further studies and intervention approach are needed to diminish stigma related to dementia.
Multiple target‐based combination therapy of galantamine, memantine and fisetin for the possible treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Vishwas Sukriti 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDementia is defined by problems associated with memory, communication, problem‐solving, and other thinking abilities that impair a person’s capacity to carry out daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the them in which cognitive functions get declined. Globally, more than 44 million people are diagnosed with dementia till 2021. The Pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease is degeneration of acetylcholine neurons in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus parts of the brain, enhanced oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction. Many clinical and preclinical studies have been reported on the treatment of AD but a very limited number of drugs have found a clinical application. Because regeneration of neurons is a complicated process due to the involvement of multiple pathways, a combination of drugs that can work through multiple pathways could prove to be effective in treating AD. Based on prior studies and different mechanisms involved in the treatment, a new hypothesis has been proposed that a combination of galantamine, memantine and fisetin is anticipated to produce better activity as compared to the current therapies available in market for the treatment of this disease.
Long‐term exposure to fine particulate matter is causally linked to increased risk of incident dementia among the American older adults: A national cohort study
Authors: Ma Tszshan , Wu Xiao , Schwartz Joel , Yitshak‐Sade Maayan , Steenland Kyle , Chang Howard H , Shi Liuhua 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundGrowing studies link long‐term fine particle (PM2.5) exposures to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), but these findings have been disputed citing traditional approaches do not guarantee evidence of causality.MethodWe constructed two national U.S. population‐based cohorts of enrollees aged ≥65 from the Medicare Chronic Conditions Warehouse (2000‐2018), combined with high‐resolution air pollution datasets, to estimate the effect of long‐term exposure to PM2.5 on dementia and AD incidence, respectively. We applied multiple distinct causal inference approaches, i.e., under a set of causal inference assumptions, to compare the health estimates. We first considered three causal inference modelling approaches that rely on the potential outcomes framework and generalized propensity scores (GPS). These approaches adjust for measured confounding using 1) matching by GPS; 2) weighting by GPS; and 3) including GPS as a covariate in the health outcome model. Then we further applied the difference‐in‐differences approach that controls for unmeasured confounders by design to add robustness to any causal conclusions.ResultFor the period 2000‐2018, we found that all statistical approaches provide consistent results, suggesting that long‐term exposure to PM2.5 is causally linked to increased incidence of ADRD.ConclusionUsing a large nationwide cohort and robust epidemiologic analyses, we provide strong evidence of the causal link between long‐term PM2.5 exposure and increased incidence of dementia and AD. Our results support the importance of continued assessment the impact of air pollution exposure on neurological disorders among the older adults.
Calcium Triggered Compound Fusion at Ribbon Synapses During Exocytosis
Authors: Jamal Armaan , Markert Sebastian , Watanabe Shigeki 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundExocytosis in photoreceptors involves fusion of vesicles with the plasma membrane at the base of a specialized proteinaceous electron‐dense structure known as a synaptic ribbon. The molecular mechanisms underlying exocytosis at ribbon synapses are not well understood. Research suggests a compound fusion model where vesicles at ribbon synapses undergo homotypic fusion forming larger vesicles prior to fusion with the plasma membrane. But how this process is mediated remains unclear. Ca2+ triggers several forms of exocytosis in different types of eukaryotic cells through activation of the SNARE complex. SNARE‐mediated fusion of membranes is triggered by the calcium sensor Synaptotagmin, but not much is known about whether this applies to compound fusion. Here, we report that, like typical synaptic exocytosis, compound fusion is mediated by Ca2+ influx.MethodTo examine the role of calcium in compound fusion, we performed vesicle purification experiments from Mus musculus (C57BL/6 WT) retina. Brain tissue was also used as a control where we expected no compound fusion. Retina and brain tissue were dissected, homogenized, and ultracentrifuged. The supernatant was incubated in 2mM Ca2+ for 5 minutes then vesicles from the Ca2+samples and controls containing no Ca2 were isolated using magnetic beads coupled with rho1D4 monoclonal antibody. Vesicles were negatively stained and viewed under TEM. Vesicle sizes of the Ca2+ and control samples were determined via blind analysis using ImageJ.ResultsIn retina samples, exogenous Ca2+ caused a significant increase in vesicle size when viewed under TEM. In the retina Ca2+ samples, vesicle diameter ranged from 30nm to 250nm. This effect was not seen in retina controls where vesicle diameter ranged from 30nm to 60nm. No large vesicles were seen in any of the brain samples.ConclusionOur research supports the compound fusion model of vesicle exocytosis at ribbon synapses. We suggest that in retina, the larger vesicles formed during exocytosis are a result of smaller vesicles fusing with each other and that Ca2+ has a significant role in this process. Future studies investigating the role of calcium sensors such as synaptotagmin will help to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying compound fusion and its therapeutic potential in neurological disorders.