bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital version of Defense Automated Neurobehavioral Assessment in South Asian Setting: Preliminary evidence from the P‐CARRS study
Authors: Jagannathan Ram , Komal Rani , Mohan Deepa , Subramani Poongothai , Pai Rima , Alladi Suvarna , Mohan Sailesh , Ali Mohammed K , Tandon Nikhil , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Mohan V , Levey Allan I. , KM Venkat Narayan , Goldstein Felicia 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe Defense Automated Neurobehavioral Assessment (DANA) encompasses a suite of standardized neurocognitive screening tools designed for detecting various neurodegenerative diseases and subtle cognitive deficits. This study presents a pilot investigation into digital cognitive screening, utilizing an Android version of the DANA tests, conducted among a diverse South Asian population residing in India.MethodsThe study involved individuals aged over 50 years, nested within the ongoing population‐based longitudinal Precision‐CARRS study, representative of socio‐demographically and linguistically diverse adults from Delhi and Chennai in India. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Android‐based mobile platform DANA screening library: code substitution (set shifting), Go/No‐Go (response inhibition), memory search (working memory), spatial processing (visuospatial), and simple reaction time (processing speed), facilitated by a commercially available FDA‐approved Linus Health digital application. To classify participants as cognitively impaired or intact, performance on the traditionally administered paper/pencil version of the Mini‐Cog screening test, which includes clock drawing and three‐item recall, was considered.ResultsA total of 358 participants (age, median: 61.0 years; range: 50‐89 years; female: 56%; educational categories: up to primary schooling: 8.4%; high school to secondary: 65.9%; graduation and above: 25.7%) with the Mini‐Cog screening test and smartphone‐based DANA screening were included in the analysis. Sixteen percent (n=58) of the participants were cognitively impaired on the Mini‐Cog (0‐2 points/5 total points). On average, DANA tasks were administered in ∼20 minutes. Older age (p<0.0001) was associated with worse DANA cognitive efficiency scores, response time, and fewer cumulative correct responses. There were no sex differences in performance, and only two of the five DANA task performances (code substitution and memory search) differed based on education categories. Compared to those without impaired Mini‐Cog scores, the impaired group had decreased cognitive efficiency scores, slower average response times, and fewer correct responses for two (Go/No‐Go and memory search) of the five DANA tasks (Table).ConclusionOur pilot study strongly demonstrates the potential of using smartphone‐based standardized DANA assessments in cognitive screening and the scalability of digital assessments in a diverse population from a resource‐constrained LMIC setting.
Comparison of cognitive behavioral therapy to delay the onset of dementia in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. A systematic Review
Authors: Ortega Christan J Monge , Flores Marcos Arreola , Ortíz Arid Barragán , Rodríguez Sergio M Carrillo , Suárez Gilberto Mauricio , Castillo David A Chávez , Posadas Maria F Estrada , Lara Sofia Andrade , Ortega Thania F Estrada 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundFollowing a diagnosis of dementia, the patient experiences changes that mainly affect his cognitive behavior. Various behavioral therapies are currently being explored to reduce these symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.MethodFlow chartResultIn the context of the emotional impact associated with the diagnosis of dementia, the search for interventions to mitigate emotional and social deterioration in patients has intensified.Cognitive therapy (CT) and rTMSA altogether: 2 types of non‐pharmacological interventions rTMS and CT, in a research study one group together and in the other CT alone. Both groups improved their MMSE test scores, although people who received rTMS in conjunction with CT showed better test scores.Cognitive Rehabilitation (CR): a clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation (CR), which consists of strategies to improve procedural learning of skills and to learn or relearn relevant information. Resulted in effective intervention for people with early Alzheimer’s disease.Electronic Memory and Management Aid (EMMA): these therapies focus on a current intervention for older adults with Subjective Cognitive Risk (SCR), who maintain normal cognition, making the most of skill building and healthy habit formation. The research showed improvements in patients with early‐stage AD at 9 months. However, in more advanced stages, it proved ineffective.Computerised cognitive training: it has started to show interesting evidence, although at present the evidence in favour remains weak and more robust studies are needed. Interestingly, the improvement was maintained at 6‐month follow‐up, but tended to decline at 12‐month follow‐up as baseline performance was reached.ConclusionConcluding, extensive research is being carried out in the development of therapies aimed at mitigating cognitive disorders associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Among these, several are presented in this abstract, with applications that not only improve the quality of life but also the cognitive functioning of patients, proving to be effective, especially in the early stages of the disease.
Comparison of intracranial volume adjustment methods to evaluate brain atrophy severity in AD continuum
Authors: Jung Wooseok , Suh Chong Hyun , Lee Seung Hyun , Kim Jinyoung , Kim Dong‐Hee , Cho Hyeonwoo , Lee Yeha , Kim Sang Joon 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundNormative percentile (NP) quantifies brain atrophy by comparing regional brain volumes of a subject against age and sex‐matched cognitively normal populations. Accurate intracranial volume (ICV) adjustment is vital in NP quantification to minimize the effect of an individual’s head size. However, which intracranial volume adjustment method yields reliable normative percentiles remains unclear. This study explores the differences between ICV adjustment methods to compute NPs and their accuracy in atrophy quantification.MethodsWe sampled MRIs of 1261 subjects consecutively visited the memory clinic (932 MCI; 329 AD dementia) for memory concern and 275 from ADNI (150 MCI; 125 AD). We utilized the AI‐based ICV segmentation tool implemented in VUNO‐Med DeepBrain to measure ICV. We compared three ICV adjustment methods for the NP computation: raw volume, proportion, and residual approaches (Figure 2). To evaluate the reliability of NP, we gauged the correlation between left and right hippocampal NPs and their medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) scores manually annotated by two neuroradiologists with consensus. The cut‐off of the MTA score of each hemisphere is set to 2 for subjects with age < 75 and 3 otherwise.ResultsAll ICV adjustment methods effectively reduced correlation with ICV (correlations: raw volume = 0.32±0.10, proportion = ‐0.06±0.09, residual = ‐0.07±0.08), but there was no statistically significant difference between the correlations of the proportion and residual methods to ICV. Also, the proportion method retrieves larger hippocampal NP from patients with smaller ICV than the residual method in all disease stage groups. Plotting the mean normative percentiles against ICV volumes suggests that the raw volume method generates more reliable NPs to detect abnormalities in patients with smaller ICV, but using the proportion method was more effective in those with large ICV in both ADNI and ASAN datasets.ConclusionDifferent ICV adjustment methods generate distinct normative percentiles. Despite their effective head‐size correction, applying ICV adjustment was only more effective in subjects with larger ICV than average. Further research is required to confirm if this result applies to other brain regions.
Predicting the risk of cognitive decline and speech impairment in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease using structural MRI
Authors: Li Qingyue , König Alexandra , Linz Nicklas , Levin Fedor , Dyrba Martin , Spottke Annika , Falkenburger Björn , Laske Christoph , Düzel Emrah , Jessen Frank , Zerr Inga , Wiltfang Jens , Priller Josef , Heneka Michael T. , Wagner Michael , Teipel Stefan , Köhler Stefanie 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundSpeech abnormalities are increasingly recognized as a manifestation of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its preclinical and prodromal stages. Here, we investigated whether MRI measures of brain atrophy, specifically in the basal forebrain and cortical language areas, can predict cognitive decline and speech difficulties in older adults within the AD spectrum.MethodThe ongoing Prospect‐AD study aims to develop an algorithm to automatically identify speech biomarkers in individuals with early signs of AD. We recruited participants for the Prospect‐AD study from the German national cohort studies DELCODE and DESCRIBE. Within Prospect‐AD, we captured speech recordings via automated phone calls in healthy controls and people with preclinical and prodromal AD. Speech features were extracted from the semantic verbal fluency (SVF) task of automated telephone conversations, using artificial intelligence‐based analysis of the audio recordings. We combined the speech data from Prospect‐AD with the clinical and imaging data from DELCODE and DESCRIBE, including socio‐demographic information, baseline AD diagnosis, neuropsychology, CSF amyloid status, and MRI scans. We used mixed‐effects regression to estimate the association of rates of cognitive decline and traits of automatically obtained speech features with regional atrophy.ResultTo date, we enrolled 220 participants in the Prospect‐AD study, 103 of whom are included in this report. Our participants underwent baseline clinical examinations and MRI scans between 2014 and 2022 (mean age = 68.1, SD=5.7 years, 67% female, mean MMSE score = 29.2, SD=1.3, CDR global score ≤0.5) with annual follow‐up over 4.9 years (SD=2.5 years) and successfully completed the baseline phone assessment in 2022‐2023.The results will be presented at the conference.ConclusionAutomated speech‐based cognitive testing may assist in low‐threshold identification of older adults at higher risk for clinical progression to AD which in turn may assist in allocation of clinical resources. In future analyses, we will further investigate associations of cognitive performance and speech features with structural or functional connectivity changes in the brain using DTI or functional MRI data.
A lifespan approach to understanding reserve and resilience
Authors: Walhovd Kristine B , Fjell Anders M , Vidal‐Piñeiro Didac , James Sarah‐Naomi , Demnitz Naiara , Harrison Tessa , Sørensen Øystein 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThat some individuals fall below a functional threshold sooner than others, can be ascribed to differences in “brain maintenance”, slope of change, or variation in previous level, intercept. Intercept differences may be captured in the concept “brain reserve”. Searching for factors that modify outcomes, we need to distinguish how such factors associate with differences in level versus slope of brain and cognition. This necessitates longitudinal data from multiple cohorts since associations can be small and represent different conditions and covariates across samples. Unfortunately, data from longitudinal cohorts are often not readily sharable.MethodThe results of meta‐and mega‐analytic techniques for age‐relationships of neuroimaging and other measures can be compared using data from the Lifebrain consortium (Walhovd et al. Eur Psychiatry. 2018 Jan;47:76‐87). Meta‐GAM, a method for meta‐analysis of generalized additive models (Sørensen et al. NeuroImage 2021;224:117416), yields valid results for modeling non‐linear relationships characteristic of lifespan trajectories. Using meta‐GAM requires less harmonization of measures and enables well‐powered cross‐sample analysis by estimating the relationships of interest separately in each data location without sharing the raw data. Meta‐GAM will be used to test the associations of modifiable and non‐modifiable factors with intercepts and changes in brain and cognition across multiple cohorts. All cohorts will have brain MRI and measures of cognitive function, in addition to factors of interest depending on cohort, such as early life (e.g. birth weight, parental SES), genetics and adult SES and lifestyle variables (e.g. physical activity, dietary pattern).ResultsPreliminary results indicate that individual differences in the level of brain and cognition may appear more stable, larger, and more pervasive than differences in change across the lifespan (Walhovd et al. TICS,2023;27:10). New analyses will focus on the relative strength of associations between potentially modifiable factors, intercept and change of cortical volume and general cognitive ability.ConclusionThis initiative will allow collaboration and synergies in large‐scale, multi‐sample analyses of cohorts that cannot be shared due to regulatory, privacy or work burden concerns. Investigating how potentially modifiable factors are associated with both level and change may reduce the risk of ascribing undue importance to factors operating in older age.
Unmet Healthcare Needs in People Living with Dementia: Exploring Associations with Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics ‐ Findings from the InDePendent Study’s Baseline Assessment
Authors: Scharf Annelie , Kleinke Fabian , Michalowsky Bernhard , Raedke Anika , Pfitzner Stefanie , Mühlichen Franka , Buchholz Maresa , van den Berg Neeltje , Hoffmann Wolfgang 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe healthcare needs of People living with Dementia (PlwD) (such as Alzheimer’s disease) are often unmet. Information about the needs of community‐dwelling PlwD and their association with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics is needed to fill the knowledge gap regarding factors influencing unmet needs among PlwD and to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to develop tailored interventions.MethodWe analyzed baseline data of the multi‐centre cluster‐randomized controlled trial (InDePendent) using descriptive statistics to describe patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and Poisson regression models to predict unmet needs, separated by sex. Data were collected personally via face‐to‐face interviews.ResultMost of the n = 417 participating PlwD were mild to moderately cognitively impaired, were not depressed, had an average of 10.8 diagnoses, took 6.7 medications, and had, on average, 2.4 unmet needs (62% of PlwD had at least one unmet need) measured by the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE). Low social support, a high body‐mass index, a lower education, functional impairment, and worse health status were associated with more unmet needs, regardless of sex. More depressive symptoms, a poor financial situation, and living alone increased unmet needs in women, while being recently treated by a general practitioner decreased unmet needs. The number of medications increased unmet needs in male PlwD.ConclusionPlwD had a broad array of unmet healthcare needs, indicating primary healthcare provision improvement potentials. The results underscore the significance of early assessment of patient’s clinical characteristics and unmet needs as a basis for individualized gender‐sensible intervention strategies.
Exploring the impact of a caregiver education program within the Comprehensive Resilience‐Building Psychosocial Intervention (CREST) for people with dementia: informal caregivers' perspectives
Authors: Casey Dympna , Smyth Siobhán , Doyle Priscilla , Gallagher Niamh , Whelan Barbara 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundAs part of the pilot Comprehensive REsilience‐building psychoSocial intervenTion (CREST) for people with mild to moderate dementia living in the community, a carer education program was developed. The aim of the program was to develop carers’ knowledge and skills regarding dementia to enable them to respond more confidently to the needs of the person with dementia, provide them with ‘me time’, with an opportunity to focus on their own health needs, meet other carers, and share experiences. This study explores the carers’ experience of the program, which consisted of six weekly, 2‐hour sessions with each week covering a different topic.MethodQualitative data were collected from group/individual interviews with the carers during the education programme and at the end of the CREST intervention. Attendance rates were recorded and evaluation forms completed by carers at the end of each session. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data.ResultNine carers completed the intervention with an average of 91% attendance (range: 67‐100%). Evaluations were very positive with all carers agreeing that the content of each session was helpful, relevant to their needs, and met their expectations. A key motivator to participate was to gain more knowledge and understanding about dementia and learning communication strategies were particularly useful. The support and learning that carers got from other group members, the social interaction and the emphasis on self‐care were important elements of the programme.ConclusionCarers of people with dementia need good support to enable them to manage the challenges of caregiving. The CREST intervention’s carer education program played a crucial role in assisting the carers in managing stress through better communication strategies. It also facilitated the creation of a supportive network among the carers and encouraged them to prioritise their own needs, ultimately enhancing their ability to fulfil their caregiving role.
Use of human iPSC lines to model Alzheimer’s genetic risk and understand disease mechanism
Authors: Goate Alison M. , Münch Alexandra , Molina Carmen Romero , Podlesny‐Drabiniok Anna , Peppler Grace , Garretti Francesca , Patel Tulsi , Lee Hyo , Marcora Edoardo 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundGenome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified close to one hundred loci associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. However, for most of these loci we do not understand the underlying mechanism leading to disease. Crispr genome editing in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provides a model system to study the effects of these genetic variants in a disease relevant cell type.MethodWe used integrative genomics to identify the cell types and genes that are most likely to explain the disease risk identified in GWAS and the direction of effect associated with elevated or reduced risk. We used crispr genome editing to modify expression of these candidate genes and tested the impact of modulating gene expression on myeloid cell function and AD associated phenotypes in vitro and in vivo.ResultAD risk alleles are enriched in myeloid cell enhancers but also in certain gene families. We have focused our functional studies on two such gene families: MS4A4A/MS4A6A and LACTB/B2. MS4A4A/MS4A6A are implicated in TREM2 signaling, and are major regulators of sTREM2 levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) whereas LACTB/B2 are lactamases expressed in mitochondria. LACTB is the major modulator of succinyl carnitine levels, a metabolite in CSF associated with AD.ConclusioniPSC provide powerful models for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic risk for AD
The genetic epidemiology of dementia in under‐represented ethnic communities using studies of the COSMIC Consortium
Authors: Mather Karen A , Thalamuthu Anbupalam , Lipnicki Darren M. , Sachdev Perminder S. ,   COSMIC Consortium
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundMost human genetic association studies have been undertaken in populations of European ancestry, despite >75% of the world’s population being of Asian or African ancestry. In addition, many of the non‐white genetic studies have had small sample sizes and lack replication. To date, >80 different genetic variants have been identified for late‐onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using populations mainly of European ancestry and from high income countries, despite more than ∼60% of dementia cases living in low and middle‐income countries. There is a need to evaluate genetic risk of dementia and related phenotypes in under‐represented populations, such as the multi‐ethnic cohorts of the Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC). Polygenic risk scores (PRS) summarise the known genetic risk for a particular disorder or trait, such as dementia. But the applicability and generalisability of dementia PRSs based on genetic studies of European ancestry is unclear. This study aims to examine the utility and performance of dementia polygenic risk scores (PRSs) derived from European, non‐European, and trans‐ethnic samples for dementia diagnosis and its associations with cognitive impairment in COSMIC studies.MethodCOSMIC participants (middle‐aged to older adults) with genome‐wide genotyping, cognitive and dementia data will be included. Genotypes will be imputed to the appropriate reference panel/s. PRSs will be derived using the appropriate GWAS summary statistics based on European and non‐European based cohorts and trans‐ethnic analyses for the two most common types of dementia (Alzheimer’s disease [AD], vascular dementia [VaD]). Association analyses for the phenotypes of AD, VaD, and cognitive performance will be undertaken using regression adjusting for age, sex, and any other specific covariates.ResultThere are at least 14 COSMIC cohorts with genotyping and dementia/cognitive data available who have recruited participants of European and non‐European ancestry (n>15K), including studies from Japan, South America, Africa, India, and China. Performance of PRSes computed under various models for predicting dementia and cognitive impairment will be presented.ConclusionThis work will elucidate the utility of specific and multi‐ethnic dementia PRSs predicting the risk of dementia and its endophenotype, cognitive impairment.