bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical activity is associated with increased resting‐state fcMRI in networks predictive of cognitive decline in clinically unimpaired older adults
Authors: Pruzin Jeremy J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundWhile physical activity (PA) may promote resilience to cognitive decline and AD dementia, the mechanisms underlying this effect are poorly understood. Our group previously demonstrated lower levels of functional connectivity (rs‐fcMRI) in the default, salience, and control networks were associated with greater prospective cognitive decline, both alone and synergistically with β‐amyloid (Buckley and Schultz et al., 2017). In this context, we assessed whether higher PA may be associated with greater connectivity, and whether PA effects on connectivity may mediate the relationship of PA to prospective cognitive decline.MethodA waist mounted pedometer was used to record PA (steps/day during one week) in 167 cognitively unimpaired adults aged 63‐90 (mean 74.0; SD 6.1) participating in the Harvard Aging Brain Study. Participants underwent baseline rs‐fcMRI and β‐amyloid imaging with Pittsburgh Compound B PET. We analyzed rs‐fcMRI in the 3 networks previously associated with cognitive decline (default, salience, and control) as well as in 4 motor or sensory networks in which connectivity strength is not associated with cognitive change. Cognition was measured annually with the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC). We used linear regression to examine associations between PA and connectivity in these networks, controlling for age, sex, and APOE e4 status. We conducted exploratory analyses using linear mixed effects models to examine if associations between PA and connectivity strength may partially explain PA associations with cognitive decline in the context of elevated β‐amyloid.ResultHigher baseline PA was significantly associated with increased connectivity in the default, salience, and control networks (all p<0.017) after adjusting for covariates and controlling for multiple comparisons. PA was not associated with connectivity in any of the other networks examined. Greater connectivity in these networks was a weak partial mediator of PA's association with longitudinal PACC decline in participants with elevated β‐amyloid (figure 1).ConclusionGreater PA is associated with increased connectivity in three networks (default, salience, and control) in which greater connectivity is associated with less cognitive decline. One potential mechanism by which PA may promote resilience to cognitive decline is through increased functional connectivity in a core set of AD‐relevant cognitive networks.
Regional uptakes from early‐frame amyloid PET and 18F‐FDG PET scans are comparable independent of disease state
Authors: Myoraku Alison , Tosun Duygu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn the assessment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it is important to consider multiple aspects of the pathology, including amyloid burden and glucose metabolism. Currently, these two aspects require two separate PET scans, which is expensive and exposes the patient to multiple radioligand injections. To circumvent this issue, early‐frame uptake during amyloid PET imaging has been proposed as a surrogate measure of regional metabolism. Given the impact of disease on neurovascular coupling, we investigated whether the information captured in the early frames of an amyloid PET scan is comparable to that of a 18F‐FDG PET scan, independent of disease state.MethodEarly frame 18F‐AV45 and 18F‐FDG PET scans from 103 participants ‐ 54 Cognitively Unimpaired (CU), 40 MCI, 17 Dementia ‐ were obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database and standard uptake values for 82 regions of interest were extracted from each image. A partial correlation with time between scans as a covariate was performed, along with a linear regression to assess the R2 value and any potential effects of disease state and interaction between FDG and disease state.ResultThe partial correlation was significant in 70/82 ROIs. The highest correlation between the amyloid and 18F‐FDG data in a cortical region was in the anterior temporal lobe (left: β=0.41, p=6.01e‐5; right:β=0.41, p=7.4e‐5). Compared to CU participants, the early‐frame AV45 versus FDG uptake association in Dementia participants was significantly stronger in the bilateral amygdala (left:β=‐0.42, p=0.049; right:β=‐0.58, p=0.007), anterior temporal lobe (left:β=‐0.38, p=0.003; right:β=‐0.29, p=0.02), and caudate (left:β=‐0.32, p=0.046; right:β=‐0.43, p=0.0006), and the right inferiorlateral remainder of the parietal lobe (β=‐0.39, p=0.03), but weaker in right lingual gyrus (β=0.64, p=0.02).ConclusionOverall, we find that the early‐frame amyloid scans largely capture the same information about metabolism as 18F‐FDG PET scans do, regardless of disease state. The regions with significant difference between disease states are implicated in Dementia pathophysiology and warrant longitudinal early‐frame amyloid PET imaging studies to further assess the value of early‐frame imaging as a marker of brain metabolism.
Identification of empathic communication behaviors for enhancement of person center care: A blueprint
Authors: Brown Ellen L , Agronin Marc , Garcai Stephanie Jasmine , Moore Stefanie Nicole 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe benefits of empathy in providing optimal healthcare have been reported in multiple studies. There has also been several studies and professional association statements identifying the need for “empathy in communicating” or “empathic communication” in delivering person‐centered‐care. However, an agreed upon definition of the components of “empathic communication” are unavailable. The purpose of this study was to create a blueprint and explore the use of empathic communication behaviors among nurses at a large skilled nursing facility.MethodA multidisciplinary long‐term care team including stakeholders set out to identify the content and operationalize empathic communication behaviors. Through a systematic review 1, multiple iterations, and stakeholder input; the conceptualized empathic communication behaviors were identified and placed into three domains:Nonverbal Behaviors: Being present for others by maintaining eye contact; maintaining a welcoming and attentive body position and facial expression; observing the other person’s facial expression.Listening Skills: Asking questions to clarify the situation; repeating back what is heard.Imagination: Imagining what other people are experiencing if one were walking in their shoes, and how one would feel in a similar situation.To gauge their degree of empathic behaviors, participants were asked how often they performed specific activities. Data collected included demographics, eight empathic communication behaviors, and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ).Result63 nurses (Certified Nursing Assistants: CNAs, Professional Nurses: PNs), primarily African American and Afro‐Caribbean women, completed the survey. There were significant differences in nonverbal communication skills between CNAs and PNs. We found the nurses TEQ scores were consistent with women’s scores in the general population.ConclusionThese findings support the conceptualized “Eight Empathic Communication Behaviors” as a majority of respondents reported they frequently use these behaviors to gain understanding about what someone else (resident, visitor, or coworker) is communicating. Further research will include observation of nurses’ behaviors but has been delayed due to the pandemic. Exploration of strategies to foster a social environment that promotes empathic communication that promotes positive care outcomes is needed. 1. Brown, E.L., Agronin, M.E., Stein, J. (2020). A Systematic Review of Interventions to Enhance Empathy and Person‐Centered‐Care with Dementia. Res Gerontol Nurs, 13 (3):158‐168.
The relation between accelerometer‐derived physical activity and cortical thickness: A population‐based study
Authors: Fox Fabienne A.U. , Diers Kersten , Reuter Martin , Breteler Monique M.B. , Aziz N. Ahmad 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundCortical thinning occurs with brain ageing and is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease. While there is growing evidence that physical activity facilitates neuroplasticity and has neuroprotective effects, its influence on cortical thickness remains largely unexplored. We therefore aimed to elucidate 1) whether objectively‐assessed physical activity is associated with cortical thickness, and 2) which molecular mechanisms could underlie this association.MethodOur source population consisted of the first 5,000 participants of the Rhineland Study, a prospective cohort study in Bonn (Germany), from which we included data of 2,649 participants (57.6% female, mean age: 54.7 years (range: 30 – 94 years)) with valid physical activity and MRI measurements. Free‐living physical activity was measured continuously over seven days using activPAL3 accelerometers. Physical activity measures included average daily metabolic equivalent (MET)‐hours, total step count and minutes spent stepping as well as average daily percentage of time (%) spent performing sedentary, light‐intensity and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activities. We obtained cortical thickness estimates from 3T MRI scans using FreeSurfer. The association of physical activity and cortical thickness was examined using multivariable regression, with physical activity as independent and cortical thickness as dependent variables, while adjusting for age, sex, education and smoking status. Using gene expression profiles from the Allen Brain Atlas, we subsequently assessed which molecular signatures were associated with vertex‐wise effects of physical activity on cortical thickness.ResultMore daily MET‐hours and step minutes were associated with higher mean precentral thickness (standardised effects: MET‐hours, ß=0.01 mm2/hour, 95% CI: 0.001–0.019; step counts, ß=0.01 mm2/3145 steps, 95% CI: 0.001–0.019). However, mean lateral‐occipital thickness decreased by 0.018 mm2 (95% CI: ‐0.027 – ‐0.01) for each standard deviation increase in %time spent in light‐intensity activities. Whole brain vertex‐wise analysis demonstrated that higher physical activity levels were related to larger cortical thickness in frontal and temporal areas, but lower cortical thickness in parietal and occipital areas. The largest positive effects were observed in regions enriched for genes involved in mitochondrial respiration.ConclusionPhysical activity is associated with cortical thickness, but its effect is not uniform across the brain. Physical activity may particularly benefit cortical regions with a relatively high oxidative demand.
Relationship between cognition and tau protein deposition measured by PET in subjects with normal cognition and within the Alzheimer’s disease spectrum: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Mendez Brahyan J. Galindo , Jagust William J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is no validated biomarker that has been shown to be useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of AD. Studies using PET have suggested a spatiotemporal relationship between disease progression and higher deposits of beta amyloid and tau‐protein.MethodStudies investigating cognition and tau protein deposition were searched in databases (PubMed, Cochrane) published in English as of July 2020. Twenty‐five studies of 340 sampled abstracts met inclusion criteria: participants had normal cognition and/or AD/MCI, memory or global composite and tau deposition measured by PET were examined. A meta‐analysis was performed of the correlation coefficients between memory performance and MMSE with tau protein deposition in the temporal lobe and entire cortex. Results of studies examining the relationship using a multivariable statistical approach were extracted for analysis.ResultStudies were grouped by statistical methodology used. Bivariate correlation analysis and multivariable statistical models were employed to examine the relationship. A meta‐analysis of the correlation coefficient estimating memory performance and tau‐protein deposition in the temporal lobe showed a moderate correlation between higher tau deposition and lower performance on memory tests (r = ‐0.45 (CI ‐0.51; ‐0.39), p = 0.02) across moderately heterogeneous studies (I2= 55%). MMSE and tau deposition in the entire cortex did not consistently correlate across studies with the association reported among a wide range of correlation coefficients (r = ‐0.49 (‐0.65; ‐0.29), I2= 84%). Multivariable models predicting memory performance by tau‐protein deposition in temporal lobe found higher coefficient estimates when the sample was either stratified by beta amyloid load deposition or beta amyloid was included as an interaction. Furthermore, global cognitive composites from retrospective longitudinal cognitive data showed steeper cognitive decline when beta amyloid and tau protein were present.ConclusionThere is growing evidence supporting the role of tau‐protein as a biomarker that correlates with cognitive and memory decline in AD. There is a spatiotemporal relationship between beta amyloid and tau protein that leads to the development of dementia, which has to be further elucidated. Longitudinal studies will provide a better understanding of tau‐protein aggregation in the brain and its biological interaction with beta amyloid to explain disease progression in AD.
‘If I had dementia, the things that might help me to eat include...’: Exploring findings from a massive open online course.
Authors: Goodwin Isabelle Kate , Lea Emma J , Doherty Kathleen 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundMaximising opportunities to enhance nutrition are a crucial part of providing care to people with dementia, since their risk of malnutrition is increased due to progressive symptoms. A person‐centred approach to eating coupled with skilled caregivers is essential to minimise symptom burden, reduce dependence and maintain quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of encouraging eating for those with dementia from responses to a discussion board within a free and openly accessible course: the Understanding Dementia Massive Open Online Course (UD‐MOOC), which asks ‘If I had dementia, the things that might help me to eat include...’.MethodA total of 3,651 participant discussion responses were collected from 2018 and 2019 course enrolments. Responses were analysed using structural topic modelling followed by secondary thematic analysis to develop meaningful themes to depict participant perceptions.ResultThe majority of participants were female, tertiary educated Australians over 50 years old. One third were paid caregivers. Thirteen topics were isolated from structural topic modelling, from which six major themes were identified: personalised food modifications (such as changes to texture, meal size and frequency of food offered), meal choice (including eating implements and providing food options), meal presentation (including sensory stimulation), eating environment (such as dining and social surroundings), eating assistance (with a focus on independence and encouragement) and end of life nutrition (such as eating safety and perceptions of tube feeding). Meal timing preference was seldom raised.ConclusionBy exploring perceptions from a discussion board provoking a first‐person stance, participants demonstrated diverse awareness of important aspects to encourage eating in dementia. Furthermore, the opportunity to explore perceived experience provided an understanding of what eating means to caregivers and how they may approach person‐centred eating for people with dementia. In the context of previous research, the findings of this study suggest a gap between perceived best care strategies and practical application of these strategies. This supports the need to nurture opportunities that allow awareness to be implemented in practice and education programs that support current and future dementia caregivers.
Applications of PRESS‐MRS, MEGA‐PRESS, and pCASL to evaluate treatment effect of Kami Guibi‐tang on amnestic MCI
Authors: Jahng Geon‐Ho , Cho Seung‐Yeon , Park Jung‐Mi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundKami Guibi‐tang (KGT) is one of the famous herbal medicines used in Asia to treat amnesia, insomnia, loss of appetite, or depression. Previous studies have suggested that KGT could be beneficial for the cognitive functions of AD patients. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of a 24‐weeks treatment with KGT granules using measurements of brain metabolite and neurotransmitter levels and CBF using a 3T MRI system.MethodThe institutional review board approved this cross‐sectional prospective study. The participants underwent brain MRIs at baseline and after 24 weeks of medication to obtain structural 3D T1‐weighted (3D T1W) image, single‐voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) with TE=35 ms PRESS for quantifying NAA, Cr, Cho, and glutamate complex (Glx), MEscher‐GArwood (MEGA) Point‐RESolved Spectroscopy (PRESS) for quantifying gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), and pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) perfusion images.ResultFor MMSE scores, RM‐ANOVA tests showed significantly difference between the KGT and placebo groups (F = 4.71, p = 0.039), not significantly difference between the before and after treatment conditions (F = 0.870, p = 0.358), and no group x condition interactions. For metabolite values and GABA, the GABA+/Cr values were significantly different between the KGT and placebo groups (F = 5.27, p = 0.029). The Glx/Cr values showed a difference trend between the two groups (F = 4.19, p = 0.050) and the group x condition interactions (F = 4.21, p = 0.050). The difference (Diff [%]) in the Glx/Cr values between the before and after treatment conditions were significantly different between the KGT and placebo groups (p = 0.042).ConclusionThe CBF measure was the sensitive marker to evaluate the treatment effect of KGT on MCI participants. We found that the treatment affected the temporal lobe, including the hippocampus and the fusiform gyrus which are associated with memory. Therefore, further studies should be performed with a relatively larger population and increased dosage.
Atrophy of mammillary bodies in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Tao Alice , Pan Yushan , Myslinski Zachary , Iadecola Costantino , Dyke Jonathan , Chiang Gloria , Ishii Makoto 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe mammillary bodies (MB) share direct connections with key components of memory circuitry including the hippocampus. Additionally, MB atrophy is present in a number of clinical conditions including late stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, whether MB atrophy occurs in early stages of AD remains unclear. Voxel‐Based Morphometry (VBM) was conducted to determine whether structural changes to MB are an early feature of AD and to quantify the association between MB atrophy and performance on neurocognitive assessments.MethodThis cross‐sectional study included subjects (n=470) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative aged ≥ 50 years with volumetric T1‐weighted MR scans at 3 Tesla and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers. Normal cognition (cognitively normal, CN, and preclinical AD) was defined as Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) of 0. Based on previously established criteria, CN subjects (n=112) were negative for CSF AD pathology, while preclinical AD (n=39), early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI, n=108), late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI, n=100), and AD (n=111) subjects were positive for CSF AD pathology. Average grey matter (GM) densities in the MB, hippocampus, and cerebellar vermis were assessed by VBM (SPM12 with MarsBaR toolbox).ResultGM densities in MB and hippocampi decreased with worsening clinical severity with significant differences beginning in the EMCI stage for both regions. Compared to CN subjects, the relative decrease in GM densities was greater in MB than in the hippocampi in EMCI, LMCI, and AD subjects. Cerebellar vermian GM densities were similar across all groups. Adjusting for age and sex, MB GM densities were associated with CSF levels of amyloid‐β42 (β=0.189, p<0.001) but not with tau or phosphorylated‐tau181 (p>0.05). Hippocampal GM densities were associated with all CSF AD biomarkers (p<0.05). Adjusting for age, sex, and education, MB and hippocampal GM densities were associated with Mini‐Mental State Examination (MB: β=0.270, p<0.001, hippocampi β=0.512, p<0.001) and CDR Sum of Boxes (MB: β=‐0.337, p<0.001, hippocampi: β=‐0.561, p<0.001).ConclusionEvidence for MB atrophy was found in early stages of AD and increased with clinical severity, correlating with CSF amyloid‐β42 and neurocognitive measures. These findings support MB atrophy as an early manifestation of AD.
Effects of a 6‐month multicomponent training on lower body function of older adults diagnosed with neurocognitive disorder: Data from Body & Brain Project
Authors: Borges‐Machado Flávia , Barros Duarte Gabriel Moleiro , Ribeiro Oscar , Carvalho Joana 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundDementia is a leading cause of disability and dependence. It is suggested that exercise has a positive impact on patient’s symptoms and/or disease progression. Nevertheless, to date studies aiming to assess Multicomponent Training (MT) effects on several dementia outcomes show inconsistent results. This quasi‐experimental controlled trial aims to examine the effectiveness of a 6‐month MT intervention on lower body function (e.g., lower body strength and walk speed) of older adults diagnosed with neurocognitive disorder.Method40 subjects (N Female: 27) diagnosed with neurocognitive disorder (N Major NCD: 33) selected to participate in a MT Training (Body&Brain Project) were allocated into an exercise group (EG; N: 21; 74.90 ± 5.88 years; age range: 61‐83) or a control group (CG; N:19; 81.74 ± 6.07 years; age range: 70‐89). The EG was submitted to a 6‐month MT intervention (2 sessions per week, 50 minutes per session). Exercise sessions were divided in warm‐up, specific training (e.g., coordination and balance, lower and upper body strength, and aerobics) at light‐to‐moderate intensity, and cool down. The CG group had a monthly recreational session during the same period. 30‐seconds Chair Stand Test and 6‐meters Walk Speed Test, were applied at baseline and post‐intervention to attest respectively, lower body strength and walk speed, as important indicators of lower body function.ResultResults from ANCOVA test (Table 1), controlled for age, gender and baseline scores, revealed a significant interaction for walk speed test (F (1,35) = 6.61, η2= 0.159, p=0.015) favorable to EG, but not for chair stand test (F (1,30) = 2.129, η2= 0.066, p=0.155).ConclusionThe 6‐month MT intervention improved walk speed of older adults diagnosed with neurocognitive disorder, which might potentially impact individuals’ daily functionality and reduce the incidence of falls. Future research studies with larger samples are necessary to confirm MT training efficacy on lower body strength. Funding: Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology: CIAFEL (FCT/UIDB/00617/2020), “Body and Brain” Project (POCI‐01‐0145‐FEDER‐031808), and Ph.D. Grants (SFRH/BD/136635/2018) to FM and [2020.05911.BD] to DB; & IPDJ. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ‐ NCT04095962.