bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of constipation management on the quality of life of Alzheimer’s patients
Authors: Sushko Viacheslav Viktorovich , Sushko Viktor Vasilievich 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundPatients with Alzheimer’s disease due to the peculiarities of this disease do not report constipation.MethodIn a study of 11 women with Alzheimer’s disease, aged 70‐75 years, we found that all of them had a tendency towards constipation. We divided the patients into two groups: a control group of 6 women who received help when they complained of constipation symptoms and an experimental group of 5 female patients who were routinely assessed by caregivers on their fecal status using the Bristol Scale. Through a combination of diet, physical exercises, and medication, we were able to maintain the type of feces in the experimental group at a level of 3‐5 on the Bristol Scale. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI‐Q) was filled out by nursing staff under medical supervision every month, and both groups of patients completed a monthly Quality of Life Scale.ResultAfter 3 months, we found that the patients in the control group did not seek help in a timely manner, despite receiving instructions. In contrast, the experimental group showed improvements in sleep, mood, and social communication. The NPI‐Q results showed that sleep normalized in the experimental group within 3‐4 weeks, with no early awakenings, difficulty falling asleep, or daytime sleep observed until the end of the study. Additionally, after 4‐5 weeks, the mood of these patients improved, and they showed less anxiety. They also became more cooperative and willing to help with their own care. In contrast, the control group experienced periodic anxiety, bad mood, dysphoria, sleep disorders, and resistance to nursing care. Furthermore, the experimental group subjectively assessed their quality of life higher than the control group.ConclusionIn conclusion, patients with Alzheimer’s disease require additional methods of control for the prevention and early detection of constipation. The timely application of these methods can greatly improve their subjective assessment of their quality of life, as well as their sleep, mood, and social communication. One such method is the use of the Bristol Scale by medical staff.
Exploring virtual reality gaming‐related cybersickness in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chatterjee Rashmita , Moussavi Zahra 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundIn the last decade, virtual reality has become a popular tool for rehabilitation. It is quite useful in spatial rehabilitation for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as it allows safe navigation in a virtual environment which looks realistic. However, a drawback of virtual reality is cybersickness. The symptoms and severities of cybersickness can vary among users. Possible cybersickness symptoms include headache, nausea, disorientation.Cybersickness can be distracting for participants and can affect their performance on the virtual reality task. Hence, in our rehabilitation game called Barn Ruins Navigation (BRN), we used software design mechanisms that would reduce cybersickness, including (1) keeping the field of view to 60 degrees, (2) lowering speed of rotation and translation, (3) using a joystick which causes less cybersickness, and (4) using a laptop screen instead of a head‐mounted display.There have been contradicting results on the effects cybersickness has on people with AD. We wanted to test if cybersickness felt by the BRN game differed between people with AD and cognitively healthy adults.MethodCybersickness was measured using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) after playing BRN. Thirty adults were recruited for the BRN validation study between the ages of 20‐88. This includes ten younger adults (five males, 26±3.39 years), ten cognitively healthy older adults (three males, 70.7±5.31 years), and ten people living with mild to moderate AD (seven males, 77.8±5.94 years). All participants played the game once.ResultRegression analysis on the data showed that males had significantly lower SSQ scores by about 17.47 points compared to females (p = 0.0106), while adjusting for participant groups. The AD group had the highest SSQ scores in comparison to cognitively healthy older adults and younger adults while adjusting for sex. Only the younger adults had a statistically lower SSQ score than the AD group by 18 points (p = 0.023).ConclusionWe found males were less prone to cybersickness than females, matching the cybersickness literature. Our study found people with AD were more prone to cybersickness, however not to a statistically higher degree than cognitively healthy older adults. We would need a larger sample size to draw solid conclusions.
Bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSC) may improve memory in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Weiss Jeffrey Neill , Levy Steven 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundA 73‐year‐old female with a 3 year history of Alzheimer’s disease was treated within the protocol of The Alzheimer’s Autism and Cognitive Impairment Stem Cell Treatment Study (ACIST), an IRB approved clinical study registered with clinicaltrials.gov NCT 03724136.MethodThe procedure consists of bone marrow aspiration, cell separation using an FDA cleared class 2 device, and intravenous and intranasal administration of the stem cell fraction. The patient’s son, a physician, recorded a video on the day prior to surgery, and on the first postoperative day.Result1 Day Pre‐Surgery https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fTfceevWLpPSh4J4V6XGenx3bMwNzEBp/view?usp=drive_web 1 Day Post‐Surgery https://drive.google.com/file/d/14AhVTes2kQ50tWzj6eWE5fEamgEJWa_D/view?usp=drive_webThe improvements lasted several weeks before gradually regressing.ConclusionPotential mechanisms of action of bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSC) are varied. These may include: the release of neurotrophic factors (NTF) including ciliary neurotrophic factor which has been shown to alleviate excitotoxicity in neurons; the release NGF (nerve growth factor) which enhances neuronal survival and function; and, immune modulation in a setting where neuroinflammation may exacerbate damage. BMSC can transfer their own organelles, including mitochondria and lysosomes, to injured or stressed cells, as well as release exosomes (secretome) containing proteins, mRNA and miRNA, which have the ability to regenerate axons and address neuronal dysfunction.Human mesenchymal cells (hMSC), a subpopulation of BMSC, have been reported to provide de novo neuron regeneration. BMSC, through fusion with Muller cells (a retinal specific glial cell) can lead to new ganglion cells. Potentially, there may be local activity of BMSC directly in the hippocampus to help clear exogenous amyloid deposits, reduce microglial immunologic activity and enhance axonal recovery, including dendritic recovery and activity.The improvement of long‐term memory in this patient suggests that neuron connectivity remains in place, for long periods after diagnosis, and can potentially be recovered.Future research should include isolating components responsible for the improvement with the hope of extending the duration of response.
The combined impact of midlife and late‐life vascular risk factors on 33‐year incident dementia: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Smith Jason R , Pike James R. , Selvin Elizabeth , Lutsey Pamela L. , Palta Priya , Knopman David S. , Windham B Gwen , Coresh Josef , Sharrett Richey , Gross Alden L. , Deal Jennifer A. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundMidlife vascular risk factors are associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, the overall contribution of modifiable vascular risk factors in midlife and late‐life to dementia remains unclear. In this study, we quantified population attributable fractions, which account for risk factor prevalence and strength of relative risks, of incident dementia from vascular risk factors measured in midlife and early late‐life.MethodWe used 33 years of prospective cohort data in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Incident dementia (community surveillance and algorithmic diagnosis with expert clinical adjudication) was ascertained from baseline (1987‐1989) through December 31, 2020. We quantified population attributable fractions of incident dementia by age 80 from the combination of hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥130, diastolic blood pressure ≥80, or use of medication), diabetes (fasting glucose ≥126, non‐fasting glucose ≥200, self‐reported physician diagnosis of diabetes, or use of medication for diabetes/insulin), and self‐reported current cigarette smoking (at least one risk factor versus none) measured at different ages (45‐54 [n = 7,731], 55‐64 [n = 12,273]; 65‐74 [n = 6,660]). We also computed attributable fractions stratified by sex, apolipoprotein ε4 genotype, and self‐reported race.ResultThe prevalence of having one or more of the vascular risk factors was 61.6% (95% CI: 60.5, 62.7%) at age 45‐54 and increased to 77.5% (95% CI: 76.5, 78.5%) by age 65‐74. Population attributable fractions of dementia increased from 22.7% (95% CI: 15.3, 30.1%) for vascular risk factors measured at age 45‐54 to 45.4% (95% CI: 32.5, 58.3%) for vascular risk factors assessed at age 65‐74 (see Figure). Attributable fractions were larger in females, participants without apolipoprotein ε4 alleles, and Black participants (Figure).ConclusionBetween 23% to 45% of incident dementia cases by age 80 were attributed to a combination of hypertension, diabetes, or current smoking up through age 74. Attributable fractions for the combined impact of vascular risk varied by key demographics. Public health strategies targeting modifiable vascular risk factors could reduce dementia risk and increase healthy lifespan.
Rural‐urban improvements in modifiable risk factors across Tasmania from an online, public health dementia risk reduction initiative: data from ISLAND (Island Study Linking Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease)
Authors: Roccati Eddy , Bindoff Aidan , Kitsos Alex , Fair Hannah , Collins Jessica M , King Anna E , Doherty Kathleen , Alty Jane E , Vickers James C 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundPeople living in diverse rural areas have shown higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) compared with their urban counterparts. Further, individuals in rural areas have higher rates of modifiable risk factors for ADRD, such as physical inactivity and alcohol misuse, that account for up to 40% of dementia cases. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a novel public health initiative to reduce dementia incidence in both urban and rural settings in Australia’s island state: Tasmania. We hypothesized that: 1) rural participants would display greater ADRD via risk factors, four‐year risk factor trajectories and phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) 181; and 2) both rural and urban participants would reduce their risk profiles over time.MethodParticipants were from ISLAND (Island Study Linking Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease) and were recruited from across Tasmania (n = 2,331, 70.9% female, average age 64.3 years, 26.6% APOE e4+). All participants were invited to complete yearly online surveys on background health, demographics, modifiable dementia risk via a custom Dementia Risk Profile (DRP), complete a free 6‐week Massive Open Online Course on Preventing Dementia (PD‐MOOC) and provide a blood sample for APOE genotyping and measurement of plasma p‐tau 181 (pg/mL). Multilevel longitudinal regression models assessed change in number and type of risk factors, with effects moderated by DRP and PD‐MOOC exposure.ResultOver four years of follow up, both urban and rural participants significantly reduced their modifiable risk factor profiles as measured via the DRP (p < 0.001). This benefit was greatest for participants who completed the PD‐MOOC. There was no significant difference in plasma p‐tau 181 (pg/mL) between urban and rural participants. Urban participants (n = 1,752; 75.2%) were significantly more likely to have a university qualification and be socioeconomically advantaged than rural (n = 579; 24.8%) participants.ConclusionOur ISLAND public health dementia risk reduction initiative had a positive impact on modifiable risk factor adherence in both urban and rural Tasmanian Australians. This large‐scale cohort study shows that an online targeted public health campaign to reduce incidence and prevalence of ADRDs has the capacity to benefit both rural and urban populations.
Advancing Dementia Care: Memory Aid Technology and Data‐Driven Insights for Autonomy at Home
Authors: Sanchez Alyssia A , Mihailidis Alex 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAssistive technology (AT) plays a crucial role in empowering people living with dementia (PLWD) to perform tasks independently, enhancing their autonomy and dignity. To build on this foundation, our proposal introduces a home‐based reminder system designed to further support PLWD in their daily lives.HypothesisMemory aid technology, in particular reminder systems, can be developed to prospectively provide PLWD with autonomy and independence, to alleviate responsibilities and time commitments of caregivers and clinicians, and to enable remote behavioral monitoring.MethodOur project is grounded in existing research and focuses on the development and implementation of an innovative home‐based reminder system. This system comprises electronic reminder units and a central base station, enabling remote behavior monitoring and communication. Caregivers can transmit reminders through a mobile application, and the reminder units display these reminders and detect when they’re acknowledged by PLWD, allowing for the collection and analysis of behavioral data. Machine learning models are employed to understand daily schedules and identify deviations from routines. We engage dyads of PLWD and family caregivers through interviews and usability testing to refine the system.ResultsPreliminary stages of development involve system development, data simulation with approximately 1000 days of reminder usage, and interviews and useability demonstrations with 8 PLWD‐caregiver dyads. These efforts indicate the potential of memory aid technology to enhance communication between PLWD and caregivers, becoming a valuable aspect of daily routines. The reminder system can evolve to monitor and analyze behavior, providing crucial insights into the daily lives of PLWD and enabling timely support and intervention when needed.ConclusionThrough the development and evaluation of this innovative reminder system, our aim is to improve the lives of PLWD, augment their autonomy, and assist caregivers in delivering effective and personalized dementia care. The system’s potential to enhance communication and provide behavioral insights aligns with the criteria for dementia care practice proposals, offering a promising avenue for advancing care practices and contributing to broader improvements in dementia care within our aging society.
Physical activity across the adult life course and incident dementia in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Hwang Phillip H , Lyu Chenglin , Liu Chunyu , Schon Karin , Mez Jesse , Au Rhoda 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundGreater levels of physical activity are associated with improved cognition and decreased risk for dementia, but it is not clear when the potential benefits of physical activity on brain health are most beneficial throughout the life course. We examined associations between overall physical activity and incident dementia among adults in early adult life, midlife and late‐life.MethodParticipants from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort were included. Those in the early adult life group (26‐44 years), midlife group (45‐65 years), and late‐life group (66‐80 years) were selected from Exam 2 (1979‐1983), Exam 4 (1987‐1991), and Exam 7 (1998‐2001), respectively, who were dementia‐free at their baseline exams. Overall daily physical activity was based on the physical activity index (PAI) and analyzed as quintiles (Q1‐Q5). Diagnosis of all‐cause dementia was adjudicated by a multi‐disciplinary consensus committee through 2020. Cox models were used to evaluate associations between higher PAI (Q2‐Q5) versus low PAI (Q1) among early adult life, midlife, and late‐life groups and incident dementia.ResultA total of 1,740 participants comprised the early adult life group (mean age = 37 years), 2,385 participants comprised the midlife group (mean age = 54 years), and 953 participants comprised the late‐life group (mean age = 71 years). Higher PAI was associated with decreased dementia risk as compared to low PAI among the midlife group (HR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.54 – 0.94; p = 0.02) and late‐life group (HR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.45 – 0.87; p = 0.005), but not among the early adult life group (HR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.53 – 2.26; p = 0.81).ConclusionGreater levels of overall physical activity are significantly associated with reduced risk of dementia in midlife and late‐life adults. This suggests that having a physically active lifestyle earlier in life may be beneficial to brain health, though the impact of physical activity early in life and in early adulthood warrants further investigation.
The Mediating Role of Social Participation in Depression and the Occurrence of Mild Cognitive Impairment among the Elderly in China: a prospective, case control, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Qiu Xiaoyuan , Zhang Lifeng , Ye Yifan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDepression is common in the elderly, which is regarded as is an important risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and social participation has been proved to be effective in improving the mental health of the aged, while the relationship and acting path among depression, social participation and the occurrence of MCI are still unclear.MethodThis study included 190 older adults with MCI and 190 matched older adults without cognitive impairment. All participants were asked to complete Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire (IPA), the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15). Binary regression and linear regression were used to investigate the relationship among depression, MCI and social participation. And RMediation was used to test mediating effect of social participation between depression and MCI.ResultThe occurrence of MCI was associated with more severe depression symptom (OR = 1.542,95%CI = 1.350 to 1.743), lower subjective and objective social participation level (OR = 1.204,0.987; 95%CI = 1.099 to1.319, 0.897 to 0.890), and those with more severe depression symptom showed lower subjective and objective social participation level (β = 0.582,‐0.229;95%CI = 1.832 to 2.467,‐4.981to ‐1.801)). RMediation analysis showed that both subjective and objective social participation played a significant role in mediating the depression and the occurrence of MCI (95% CI of a*b = 31.595 to 92.236, 95% CI of a*b = 0.814 to 25.039), and the indirect effects were 22.7% and 9.68%, respectively.ConclusionThese findings imply that depression impacts MCI directly and indirectly through social Participation. Subsequent interventions should focus on improving social participation in the elderly to achieve greater outcomes for MCI management.
Single ascending dose results from an ongoing Phase 1 study of mivelsiran (ALN‐APP), the first investigational RNA interference therapeutic targeting amyloid precursor protein for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cohen Sharon , Ducharme Simon , Brosch Jared R. , Vijverberg Everard G.B. , Sostelly Alexandre , Goteti Sasikiran , Farrugia Lynn , Avbersek Andreja , Kaspar Cristin , Mummery Catherine J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundMivelsiran (ALN‐APP) is an investigational, intrathecally administered RNA interference therapeutic designed to lower levels of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide, a key driver of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) pathogenesis, by reducing upstream production of amyloid precursor protein (APP). We report additional safety, pharmacodynamic, and biomarker data from the double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single ascending dose part of the ongoing mivelsiran Phase 1 study (NCT05231785).MethodPatients with early‐onset AD (symptom onset <65 years of age, Clinical Dementia Rating global score 0.5 or 1.0, and Mini‐Mental State Examination score >20) were randomized to single intrathecal doses of mivelsiran (25mg, 50mg, or 75mg) or placebo and evaluated for 6 months (plus up to 6‐months follow‐up if needed to achieve washout). Primary endpoint was frequency of adverse events (AEs). Pharmacological effects of mivelsiran (secondary endpoints) and exploratory biomarkers of disease progression were also evaluated.ResultAs of November 16, 2023, 20 patients (mean [range] age, 61.3 [53–73] years; 60.0% male; 80.0% white) were randomized to mivelsiran or placebo in 25mg (N = 6, 2:1 randomization), 50mg (N = 8, 3:1), and 75mg (N = 6, 2:1) cohorts. In these pooled cohorts, AEs were reported in 19 patients (95.0%), all of mild or moderate severity (Table 1). One patient experienced two mild AEs that were considered both study drug and procedure related. No serious AEs or deaths occurred. Reductions from baseline in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) soluble APPα and APPβ levels were rapid and sustained through ongoing data capture (i.e., Month 6 with mivelsiran 50mg and Month 10 with mivelsiran 75mg; Table 2), and were accompanied by sustained reductions from baseline in CSF Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels available through Month 6 (Table 3). Safety and pharmacodynamic data of up to 6 months from additional mivelsiran dose cohorts will be presented at the meeting.ConclusionIn this ongoing Phase 1 single ascending dose study, mivelsiran 50mg and 75mg were well tolerated and produced robust, durable reductions in CSF levels of soluble APP and downstream Aβ42 and Aβ40, key proteins implicated in progression of AD and CAA. These interim results support further evaluation of mivelsiran in patients with AD or CAA.