bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing participation in research for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Populations: An update on the CARE Registry
Authors: Park Van Ta , Tsoh Janice Y. , Meyer Oanh L. , Nam Bora , Tzuang Marian , Vuong Quyen , Hinton Ladson , Gallagher‐Thompson Dolores , Kanaya Alka M. , Huang Daren , Fara‐On Gabriel , Grill Joshua D 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAsian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations are underrepresented in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) research, despite being the fastest growing racial group in the United States. The Collaborative Approach for AANHPI Research and Education (CARE) registry aims to create a sustainable research recruitment source to address this need.MethodParticipants can enroll online, by phone, or in‐person by completing an enrollment survey in English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Hindi, Korean, Samoan, or Vietnamese. Guided by a Community Advisory Board, CARE is strategically promoted as a registry that supports “health research across the lifespan,” focusing on ADRD, dementia caregiving, and aging‐related topics. CARE regularly holds Brain Trust Meetings to promote CARE in the research community, and researchers can request support for their study recruitment.ResultBetween October 2020 and January 2024, 10,133 total AANHPI adults enrolled in the CARE registry. Participants’ mean age is 51.8 years (Standard Deviation (SD) = 17.9), including 2,450 middle‐aged (50‐64 years old) and 3,373 older (≥65 years old) participants. About 14% (n = 1,402) of the participants reported having ADRD symptoms. Among the 1,072 caregivers, 40.4% reported caring for someone with ADRD. Most participants who had self‐reported ADRD symptoms (96.4%) and caregivers (76.5%) were foreign‐born with 61.7% speaking limited English. The major cultural groups among ADRD caregivers were Chinese (33.2%), Vietnamese (26.5%), Korean (11.3%), Asian Indian (7.6%), and Japanese (8.8%). Of the 98 recruitment referral requests received, 64 (65.3%) were aging‐related, including 49 (50%) ADRD or ADRD‐caregiving studies. CARE shared data with 51 studies and over 5,500 CARE participants have been referred to at least one study from January 2021 to January 2024.ConclusionCARE has successfully recruited over 10,000 AANHPI participants who are interested in health research participation. Participants from several AANHPI groups were limited (e.g., Filipino, Asian Indian, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders), however, we anticipate future growth following language expansions and targeted outreach efforts. The registry stands as a valuable recruitment source and fosters meaningful and necessary engagement of AANHPI representation in ADRD‐related research.
Sex‐specific differences in the association between regional adiposity, cognition, and brain pathology in older adults with Type II Diabetes
Authors: Boccara Ethel , Golan Sapir , Ganmore Ithamar , Ravona‐Springer Ramit , Livny Abigail , Ben‐Meir Mery , Azuri Yossi , Weller Aron , Beeri Michal S 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundWhile body mass index (BMI) is widely used to gauge overall adiposity, its accuracy in older age has yielded inconsistent findings. Moreover, BMI does not account for variations in regional fat distribution, which may differ between sexes. This study aims to investigate whether regional adiposity plays a distinct role in impacting cognition and the volumes of AD‐related brain regions in older adults with T2D enrolled in the Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline (IDCD) study.MethodsRegional adiposity was measured by abdominal MRI in 103 participants (33.3% women), including hepatic and pancreatic fat, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Participants underwent neuropsychological assessment including global cognition, episodic memory (EP), working memory (WM), executive function (EF) and language. A subsample of 52 participants (36% women), underwent brain MRI assessing hippocampus, inferior, middle, and superior frontal gyrus [IFG, MFG, and SFG, respectively]. Partial correlations examined associations of regional adiposity with cognition and brain volumes adjusting for age, sex, education, BMI (and intracranial volume for volumetric MRI).ResultsIn the whole sample, higher pancreatic fat approached significance with lower global cognition (r = ‐286, p = 0.054). No associations were found for specific cognitive domains. In men, but not in women, high pancreatic fat was associated with lower global cognition (Men: r = ‐0.336; p = 0.042; Women: r = ‐0.299; p = 0.565), and lower episodic memory (Men: r = ‐0.345; p = 0.036; Women: r = ‐0.064; p = 0.787). In women, but not in men, high hepatic fat was associated with lower working memory (Men: r = 0.035; p = 0.835; Women: r = ‐0.486; p = 0.022). In the whole sample, no associations were found between regional adiposity and brain volumes. Whereas, in men, higher hepatic fat was associated with smaller MFG (Men: r = ‐0.492, p = 0.013; Women: r = 0.021, p = 0.949) and with smaller SFG (Men: r = ‐0.407, p = 0.043; Women: r = ‐0.097, p = 0.765).ConclusionIn older adults with T2D, who are at high ADRD risk, distinct regional fat depots have different associations with brain and cognition in men and women. Those differential sex effects are consistent with those of our recent publication on middle‐aged high ADRD risk sample. These findings highlight the need to account for sex differences when investigating the role of adiposity in brain aging.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Spanish‐speaking countries in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bustamante‐Paytan Diego , Diaz‐Mejia Angie , Saenz‐Orihuela Gianinna L. , Moncada‐Mapelli Enrique , Salazar Leslie , Montesinos Rosa , de la Colina Adrian Noriega , Custodio Nilton 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of dementia in Low and Middle‐Income Countries (LMICs), particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), is projected to triple by 2050. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is widely used for cognitive evaluation, but its uniform application in LAC is questionable, especially due to cultural and linguistic diversity of the Spanish‐speaking LAC countries.MethodA systematic literature search was conducted across seven databases, supplemented by a comprehensive review using Google Scholar to identify relevant grey literature. Studies validating or culturally adapting the MoCA, conducted in Spanish‐speaking institutions in the LAC region, with available psychometric measures and comparisons to gold‐standard diagnostic criteria, were considered for inclusion. Fourteen studies were identified that validated the MoCA in LAC. Twelve studies meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed using the Manchester Cultural Adaptation Questionnaire and Manchester Translation Reporting Questionnaire. The adaptation process and psychometric reports were thoroughly assessed.ResultAmong all reviewed articles, 12 detailed MoCA validation across LAC populations (Fig. 1). Only two reported significant adaptations to the original version, with one study providing a detailed cultural rationale (Table 1). The adaptation process assessment revealed limited reporting on translation steps (Table 2). Concerning the psychometric report, internal consistency, criterion validity, and construct validity were the most frequently addressed aspects across all studies. In all studies where low‐educated populations were evaluated, educational level was reported to bias the results. We identified a lack of standardized criteria for definition of illiteracy across the studies.ConclusionThis systematic review identified limited reporting on translation steps emphasizes the need for standardized processes in future adaptations. We recommend cultural awareness during MoCA administration in the region. Future studies must address appropriate cut‐off scores based on educational level adjustments in LAC countries.
The ADNI4 Digital Study: A novel approach to recruitment, screening, and assessment of participants for AD clinical research
Authors: Nosheny Rachel L. , Miller Melanie J. , Albala Bruce , Conti Catherine C. , Flenniken Derek , Fockler Juliet , Kwang Winnie , Truran‐Sacrey Diana , Diaz Adam , Ashford Miriam T. , Skirrow Caroline , Weston Jack , Fristed Emil , Farias Sarah Tomaszewski , Korecka Magdalena , Yang Wan , Lee Eddie B , Aisen Paul S. S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Shaw Leslie M. , Okonkwo Ozioma C , Mindt Monica Rivera , Weiner Michael S. W. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundScalable, efficient methods are needed to enroll diverse populations of older adults into AD observational studies and clinical trials. We evaluated preliminary feasibility of a novel, digital, culturally informed approach to recruit and screen participants for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI4).MethodsDigital advertising tailored towards Black/African American and Latinx older adults residing near six clinical ADNI sites directed potential participants to a recruitment website (Figure 1). They completed digital surveys of demographics, ADNI exclusion criteria, memory concerns and changes, self‐report cognitive impairment, and the Everyday Cognition Scale (ECog)‐12 item. Participants also completed Novoic Storyteller, a self‐administered speech‐based cognitive test. Digital assessment results were used to prioritize those from minoritized ethnocultural groups, with low educational attainment, and possible Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) for remote blood draw at local Quest phlebotomy centers to obtain AD plasma biomarkers. Completion rates and digital assessment performance were compared between minoritized and non‐minoritized groups.ResultsOf 989 participants recruited from digital advertising efforts who provided contact information, 230 (23%) signed consent, and 183 (19%) completed at least one remote assessment (Table 1). 45% were from minoritized ethnocultural groups, 4% had ≤12 years of education, and 53% had evidence of possible MCI from digital assessments. 34 (19%) were referred to the plasma biomarker study, of which 21% completed blood draw. Compared to non‐minoritized participants, minoritized participants were less likely to report a diagnosed cognitive impairment or a family history of AD, less likely to have ECog scores indicative of MCI, and less likely to have a study partner. Minoritized participants had lower ECog and Novoic Storyteller completion rates.ConclusionRecruitment and assessment of a diverse cohort of older adults, including those with possible cognitive impairment, is feasible using culturally informed digital advertising. Improving study engagement and achieving educational diversity are key challenges. This approach is now being scaled up to facilitate recruitment into in‐clinic ADNI4, with the goal of enrolling 500 new participants: >50% from minoritized groups, 40% with MCI, and 80% amyloid positive across diagnostic groups. This approach can be adapted to facilitate recruitment and longitudinal assessment in other AD studies and trials.
LXR Agonists as Therapeutic Agents for Myelin Repair: Exploring the Molecular Mechanisms of Oligodendrocyte Remyelination and Cholesterol Synthesis
Authors: Tamhankar Sampada P , Steinke Ian , Singh Meenakshi , Amin Raj 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by hallmark amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles as well as by a significant loss of myelin in the cerebral cortex and other brain regions, which contributes to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Remyelination, of the myelin sheath by oligodendrocytes, is a process that may be impaired in neurodegenerative diseases. Depending on the severity of the disease, there occurs loss or partial damage of the myelin sheath surrounding the neuron leading to memory deficits. Liver X Receptors (LXRs), as regulators of cholesterol homeostasis, present an intriguing target for therapeutic intervention, as cholesterol is a vital component of myelin. The proposed research seeks to investigate the potential of LXR agonists to stimulate myelin production in oligodendrocytes, thereby promoting remyelination in the AD brain. This study will assess the capacity of LXR‐induced remyelination to alleviate cognitive deficits associated with demyelination in AD pathology.MethodWild type and 5XFAD mice were used for in‐vivo and MO3.13‐ human hybrid cell lines that express phenotypic characteristics of primary oligodendrocyte were used for in vitro studies. A Potent LXR agonist (GW3965) was used to study the remyelination properties The cell lysate was then resolved using SDS PAGE – western blot analysis.Result5XFAD mice show comparatively lower expression of pre‐ and mature oligodendrocyte biomarkers compared to wild types. As per the literature, M03.13 has genes for myelination but does not express any associated protein. We have observed that the MO3.13 cell line expresses the pre‐myelination markers but lacks the mature myelination marker. Surprisingly, treatment with GW3965 induces myelination markers expression.ConclusionThe current study provides evidence that LXR agonists can be used to enhance the myelination properties within the oligodendrocyte. Further work will focus on the application of LXR agonists in Frontal temporal dementia and ALS‐related neurodegenerative disease.
An Interprofessional Team for Disease Modifying Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease Implementation
Authors: Turk Katherine W. , Knobel Mark D , Nothern Alexandra , Friedman Garrett , Noah Hannah , Campbell Brendan , Anderson Diana , Charidimou Andreas , Mills Andrew , Coronel Vanessa , Pierre Nacha , Reynolds Beverly , Wagner Caroline , Varga Leanne , Roefaro John , Triantafylidis Laura , Budson Andrew E. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundLecanemab and other new amyloid‐targeting immunotherapies for Alzheimer’s disease show great promise but, may also pose significant risk for patients. To facilitate the implementation and monitoring of lecanemab infusions at our tertiary medical center, we convened an interprofessional team. The team created a number of resources including patient handouts and medical documentation templates as well as systems and processes. As the first VA in the country, and one of the first clinical settings in the country overall to begin Lecanemab infusions, it is our intent to widely share the resources and processes developed as well as share initial clinical experiences.MethodsAn interprofessional team at VA Boston Healthcare System (VABHS) (Disease Modifying Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease, DMTAD group): behavioral neurologology attendinds and fellows, neuropsychiatry fellows, geriatricians, neuroradiologist, infusion nurses, geriatric clinical pharmacists, and a physician assistant was assembled and began meeting weekly for one hour. The team’s initial objective was to streamline processes and systems for initiation of lecanemab treatment as well as assessment, review, and monitoring of patients from memory disorders and geriatrics clinics for potential treatment based on VA criteria for use. Responsibilities of the group also included placing medication orders, routinely reviewing imaging, and monitoring for any medication‐related side effects and adverse reactions patients may have experienced in the preceding week.Results and Clinical Experiences to Date: Since infusions began in October 2023 16 patients have completed full screening evaluation for including amyloid PET, APOE testing, MRI brain within 3 months, and baseline lab work.8 were ineligible for Lecanemab: blood thinners (6), APOE 4 homozygosity (2).20 additional patients undergoing screening work up for eligibility currently.8 patients are actively completing infusions: 4 have experienced mild to moderate side effects including chills and flu like sensations after infusions 1 or 2.4 have tolerated without side effects. No patients have experienced ARIA to date.ConclusionsAn interprofessional team is effective at screening and monitoring potential Lecanemab patients at a tertiary medical center and overall screened patients are safely tolerating infusions in a real world setting.
Antisense oligonucleotide‐based α‐synuclein targeting as a disease‐modifying treatment for Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) disease
Authors: Ahammad Rijwan Uddin , Spencer Brian , Leitao Andre D. G. , Rissman Robert A. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is characterized by the accumulation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) as well as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology, which includes the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aß) in plaques and phosphorylated tau in tangles, leading to neurodegeneration, cognitive loss and dementia. In DLB and other synucleinopathies, α‐syn oligomers and proto‐fibrils are thought to be mechanistically linked to the pathogenic neurodegenerative process. AD and related disorders (ADRD) are leading causes of dementia in the aging population and although new approaches are being tested, to date no disease‐modifying therapies are available.MethodWe utilized 2’‐OMe modified ASO‐syn or ASO‐scrambled, conjugated with ApoB11, which can cross the blood‐brain barrier. ApoB11:2’‐OMe ASO peptides were systematically delivered to DLB tg/non‐tg mice to evaluated pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicology profile and determine its effects on α‐syn and neurodegeneration using qPCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot.ResultWe found that ApoB11:2’‐OMe ASO targeted to α‐syn was well tolerated and safe in DLB tg mice without evidence of toxicity and it was successfully delivered to the mice brain. In addition, treatment with ApoB11:2’‐OMe ASO targeted to α‐syn significantly reduced α‐syn aggregates in brains of DLB tg mice. Our ongoing experiment shows changes in neuronal survival, motor performance and cognition with the treatment.ConclusionCollectively, our findings suggest that the reduction of α‐syn through the use of systemically‐delivered ApoB11:ASO α‐syn is a safe disease‐modifying treatment for DLB and may hold promise as a future therapeutic for other synucleinopathies.
GEAR 2.0 ‐ Emergency Care Practices
Authors: Dresden Scott M 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPersons living with dementia (PLWD) are twice as likely to use the emergency department (ED) and 1.5 times more likely to have an avoidable ED visit than elders without dementia. PLWD have greater comorbidity, incur higher charges, are admitted to hospitals at higher rates, return to EDs at higher rates, and have higher mortality after an ED visit than patients without dementia. When in the ED, they often struggle with the loud, bright, fast‐paced setting and may not be able to give a complete medical history. Additionally, PLWD have different emergency care needs than other patients in the emergency department that may go unrecognized.Though routine care in the ED is not well suited for PLWD, many experimental changes to components of ED care have been studied for PLWD including comprehensive geriatric assessment, dedicated ED unit, partnering with care partners, optimal pain assessment, fall prevention, delirium screening, admission to hospital at home, palliative care in the ED, and changes to the ED physical environment. This session will review the literature of current and ED care practices for PLWD dementia detection approaches and discuss top research questions generated by the patients, care partners and members of the trans‐disciplinary GEAR ED Care Practices Work Group.
Brain Functional Flexibility and its Relationship to the Preclinical Stage of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Javanray Mohammadali , St‐Onge Frederic , Bellec Pierre , Misic Bratislav , Soucy Jean‐Paul , Villeneuve Sylvia ,   PEREVNT‐AD Research Group
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundCharacterizing pathological and functional features of the preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is essential as Amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau, the pathological hallmarks of AD, start to accumulate years prior to the onset of clinical symptoms. Whether Aβ and/or tau are related to the brain’s ability to functionally reconfigure in time (functional flexibility) remains unclear despite its important role in behavior and cognition.MethodWe included 233 cognitively unimpaired individuals with family history of AD from the PREVENT‐AD cohort who underwent both Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). We computed the element‐wise product of the BOLD fMRI timeseries of the 400 Schaefer atlas nodes as co‐fluctuation matrices for the scan duration (all TRs). We then calculated the variabilities of the obtained co‐fluctuations at the whole brain and network level (DMN and limbic as early susceptible networks in AD) and used these measures of variability as a proxy of functional flexibility. We also computed the average of the obtained co‐fluctuation matrices, which mathematically corresponds to the Pearson correlation of the nodal timeseries pairs and used this as our marker of static functional connectivity (sFC). We then assessed the relationship between functional flexibility and sFC with the level of Aβ (global index) and tau (temporal meta‐ROIs), using those, both as continuous and dichotomized variables (Figure 1). Two thresholds were used for Aβ, one associated with low Aβ accumulation (centiloid of 18) and the other with significant Aβ burden (centiloid of 40).ResultNo association was found between AD pathology and functional flexibility or sFC using AD pathology as continuous or dichotomized variables (Figure 2 and 3). However, the maximum range of functional flexibility values in individuals with significant Aβ burden and high tau was about half the one found in individuals with low or no pathology, a result that was particularly striking with tau.ConclusionThe absence of group difference suggests that functional flexibility cannot be used as a proxy of AD. While individuals with AD pathology have a low range of functional flexibility values, low values are also frequent in individuals with no pathology.