bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amyloid and tau PET imaging studies as a clinical prognostic marker in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kim Han‐Kyeol , Baek Min Seok , Lee Jae Hoon , Chun Joong‐Hyun , Ryu Young Hoon , Cho Hanna , Lyoo Chul Hyoung 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate prognostic value of amyloid (A) and tau (T) imaging biomarkers in a long term follow up cohort study.MethodWe included 273 AD spectrum participants [96 cognitive unimpaired (CU), 106 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 71 AD dementia (DEM)] who completed 18F‐florbetaben, 18F‐flortaucipir PET and T1‐weighted MRI. Global cortical standardized uptake value ratios (SUVR) of 18F‐florbetaben, temporal meta‐region‐of‐interest SUVR of 18F‐flortaucipir and hippocampal atrophy of T1‐weighted MRI were used to define AT(N) classification. Longitudinal cognitive change was evaluated by repeated Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB). Participants were categorized according to their A/T imaging biomarker, 18F‐florbetaben PET positive/negative (A+/A‐) and 18F‐flortaucipir PET positive/negative (T+/T‐) profiles. For measuring prognosis, we investigated the nursing care facility admission rate for all participants and the AD conversion rate for CU and MCI over 60 months.ResultParticipants were included CU (77/96 A‐T‐, 1/96 A‐T+, 11/96 A+T‐ and 7/96 A+T+), MCI (59/106 A‐T‐, 2/106 A‐T+, 18/106 A+T‐ and 27/106 A+T+) and DEM (20/71 A‐T‐, 1/71 A‐T+, 16/71 A+T‐ and 34/71 A+T+). Annual cognitive function change of all participants was correlated with A+ (MMSE: B=‐0.5944, p <0.000; CDR‐SB: B=0.6288, p <0.000), T+ (MMSE: ‐0.8187, p <0.000; CDR‐SB: B=0.7524, p <0.000), hippocampal atrophy (MMSE: B=‐0.3940, p <0.000; CDR‐SB: B=0.5577, p <0.000) and A+T+ compared with A‐T‐ (MMSE: B=‐0.8917, p <0.000; CDR‐SB: 0.8680, p <0.000, Figure 1). Admission rate of nursing care facility of all participants was higher with A+ (HR=2.37, p =0.026), T+ (HR=2.65, p =0.006) and A+T+ (HR=3.06, p=0.006). AD conversion rate in CU and MCI (n=202) was higher with A+ (HR=2.98, p=0.003), T+ (HR=3.19, p<0.000) and A+T+ (HR=3.897, p <0.000, Figure 2).ConclusionA/T imaging biomarkers have prognostic value for annual cognitive decline rate, anticipating admission rates to nursing care facility, and AD conversion rate.
Correlation between the counts and volume of cerebral microbleeds and cognitive function in patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Zhao Hui , Shao Peng Fei , Shao Pengfei 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundCerebral small vessel disease(CSVD)is a primary reason of vascular cognitive impairment in elderly population. One of the neuroimaging markers of CSVD is cerebral microbleeds(CMBs). However, little is known about the quantifed volumetry analysis of CMBs and its correlation with cognitve function in these CSVD patients.MethodA total of 207 individuals were recruited, including CMBs with cognitive impairment (CMBs‐CI) (n=73), CMBs without cognitive impairment (CMBs‐non‐CI) (n=68) and normal controls (NC) (n=66). All underwent neuro‐psychological testing and 3.0T MRI Scan. Accubrain IV 1.0 kit was used to investigate the count and the quantifed volumetry analysis of CMBs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the independent influencing factors of cognitive impairment. Multiple linear regression equation was performed to analyze the independent influencing factors of cognitive score. Finally, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the predictive value of the CMBs count and volume on cognitive impairment.ResultCompared with CMBs‐non‐CI and NC group, the number and volumes(lg: logarithmic transformation) of CMBs in CMBs‐CI group were significantly increased() Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the number and volume of CMBs were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment. (OR= 1.498, 95%CI: 1.282‐1.750, P < 0.001; OR=7.640, 95%CI: 3.982‐11.656, P < 0.001). But there was no significant correlation between the counts of CMBs and cognitive scores (ß = ‐ 0.020, P = 0.383), while the volume of CMBs were negatively correlated with the cognitive ability( ß= ‐ 0.582, P<0.001). ROC curve analysis of the amount of CMBs in predicting cognitive impairment was 0.694(Area under the curve, AUC) (95%CI: 0.611‐0.769, 3(optimal threshold) 47.95%( sensitivity) and 89.71%(specificity); ROC curve analysis of the volume of CMBs in predicting cognitive impairment was 0.886 (Area under the curve, AUC) (95%CI: 0.822‐0.933),14.125mm3(optimal threshold) 75.34% (sensitivity) and 86.76% (specificity) correspondingly. The difference between the two areas under the ROC curves was 0.192 (95% CI:0.090‐0.294, P = 0.001).ConclusionIn CSVD patients, there is a significant correlation between CMBs and poor cognitive performance. Our results suggested that compared with the count of CMBs, the volume of CMBs was hope to be a more liable predictor to the progress of cognitve impairment.
COVID‐19: Prevalence evaluation of anxiety, depression, and burden in Argentine family caregivers
Authors: Tartaglini María Florencia , Hermida Paula Daniela , Ofman Silvia Deborah , Feldberg Carolina , Heisecke Silvina Lidia , Somale Verónica , Caruso Diego 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundSince WHO declaration of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Argentine Ministry of Health considered pregnant women, over 60 years old adults, and people suffering from chronic diseases as cohorts at risk.In this context, older adults diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases as well as their family caregivers were affected by radical changes in the dynamics of health care and a consequent limitation of help resources.The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of anxiety, geriatric depression, and burden in Argentine family caregivers within the COVID‐19 pandemic context. It also aims at evaluating the correlation between these variables.MethodDesign: Non‐experimental, descriptive‐correlational study. Procedure: Between April and August 2020, an online survey was administered to 180 senescent family caregivers of both sexes, living in Argentina. Instruments: Ad‐hoc sociodemographic and psychosocial questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD‐7), Yesavage Geriatric Depression Questionnaire (GDS‐VE), and Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (Argentine validated version).ResultThe study cohort mean age was 67 years old (sd = 6), 81% were women, and 56% were daugthers of the assisted family member. Regarding analyzed variables, 46% of the survey respondents presented depression, 68% caregiver burden, and 71% anxiety. A positive, moderate correlation was observed between geriatric depression and anxiety (“r”: .468, p: .000).ConclusionThe results provide empirical evidence of the impact of care tasks on emotions of family caregivers within the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. These findings invite devising necessary and possible anticipated intervention strategies, specially facing the second wave of the pandemic.
Quantitative analysis of amyloid PET or FDG‐PET showed differences in aMCI to AD convert group
Authors: Chong Ari , Ha Jung‐Min , Chung Ji Yeon , Kim Hoowon , Choo Il Han 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn this study with amnestic mild cognitive impairment impairment (aMCI) subjects, we compared Alzheimer’s disease (AD) converter and non‐converter in findings of F‐18 FDG PET/CT (FDG PET), F‐18 Florbetaben PET/CT (amyloid PET) and other clinical features.MethodPatients with aMCI who underwent both FDG PET and amyloid PET were included. They underwent neuropsychological test, blood test and apoE4 test as well. After follow‐up, AD converter and non‐converter were determined by neurologists. Comparison between AD converter and non‐converter groups were done with FDG PET variables (SUVR), amyloid PET variables (SUVR, RCTU, and conclusion of visual reading), neuropsychological variables (including classification of single domain or multi domain) and other laboratory results. MIM software was used for SUVR. We used P<0.05 as statistical significance.ResultTotal 45 subjects of aMCI (age range from 63 to 89 years, M:F=26:19) were enrolled. After follow up (range from 11.6 to 41.3 months), AD convert group (n=12) and non‐convert group (n=33) were determined. For FDG, there were regions with lower FDG SUVR in AD converter group than non‐converter group (both angular gyrus, both posterior cingulate gyrus, left precuneus, let temporal pole, left inferior temporal gyrus and left inferior medial frontal gyrus).For amyloid, analysis with conclusion by visual analysis (positive vs negative) did not show significant differences. However, quantitative analysis with amyloid SUVR showed that higher amyloid SUVR in AD converter group than non‐converter group (in left angular gyrus, left fusiform gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, left lateral temporal lobe and right paracentral lobule). RCTU scores were also higher in AD converter group (in bilateral temporal, frontal, parietal and total sum scores of RCTU). AD converter group also showed worse cognitive function at first evaluation (sum of boxes, RCFT delayed recall and domain memory) AD converter showed higher serum glucose level and triglyceride.There was not significant difference in follow‐up interval, education, age, sex, domain (single domain/multi‐domain), apoE4 carrier/non‐carrier/apoE4 heterogeneity (non‐carrier, homozygotes and heterozygotes). RCTU for left frontal lobe showed significant odd ratio (3.85).ConclusionQuantitative variables of FDG PET and amyloid PET showed different results between AD conveter and nonconverter groups in aMCI.
Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease biomarkers in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or major depressive disorder
Authors: Golas Angela C. , Salwierz Patrick , Rajji Tarek K. , Bowie Christopher R. , Butters Meryl A. , Fischer Corinne E. , Flint Alastair , Herrmann Nathan , Mah Linda , Mulsant Benoit H. , Pollock Bruce G. , Taghdiri Foad , Tartaglia Maria Carmela 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are independently associated with increased risk of dementia. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neuroimaging biomarkers can help to elucidate the etiology of cognitive impairment. We compared CSF biomarker profiles of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) across three groups: MCI, MDD, or comorbid MCI+MDD.MethodWe measured CSF total tau, p‐tau, amyloid‐β42, using a sandwich ELISA method (Innotest, Fujirebio), and calculated p‐tau/amyloid‐β42 ratio in 31 participants diagnosed with MCI (N=13), MDD (N=7), or both MCI and MDD (N=11) enrolled in the Preventing Alzheimer’s dementia with cognitive remediation plus transcranial direct current stimulation in mild cognitive impairment and depression (PACt‐MD) study. All diagnoses were made in accordance with NIA‐AA and DSM 5 criteria. Participants with p‐tau > 68 pg/mL and ATI < 0.8 were considered AD (+). WMH were quantified on T2‐weighted magnetic resonance images in 27 of the participants. We compared CSF AD biomarkers across diagnostic groups. We then compared cognitive performance and WMH in those with AD (+) versus AD (‐) CSF biomarkers.Result9/31 participants exhibited AD (+) CSF: 7/13 with MCI and 2/11 with MCI+MDD. Participants with AD (+) CSF showed more impairment in verbal memory, working memory, language, and overall cognition than those with AD (‐) CSF (p=0.02, p=0.04, p=0.04, and p=0.03, respectively). 26/27 (96%) participants exhibited moderate to severe WMH irrespective of diagnosis or AD biomarker status.ConclusionFew participants in our sample with MDD had an AD (+) CSF biomarker profile, despite a neurocognitive profile of MCI. All participants with AD (‐) CSF had moderate to severe WMH, including those with MDD alone. Further investigation should determine whether volume or distribution of WMH contribute to cognitive impairment or depression in MCI patients who have an AD (‐) CSF biomarker profile.
The use of music at home reduces symptoms of dementia and caregiver distress
Authors: Ray Kendra , Mittelman Mary S 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAs Alzheimer’s disease progresses, neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly those common in the middle stages of the disease can be increasingly stressful for family caregivers. Music‐based interventions, when personalized and added to daily caregiving routines, have been shown to reduce occurrences or severity of these undesirable symptoms. In this study, family caregivers learned to implement music interventions to mitigate the impact of challenging behaviors.MethodWe present the results of interim analyses of the results for the first group of participants in a study of a psychoeducational, music‐based intervention for family caregivers. Eighteen NYC‐based family caregivers participated in a 6‐week program either in person (pre‐COVID) or online with a music therapist. Following each weekly one‐hour workshop, caregivers were asked to utilize music interventions such as singing during care, listening to personalized playlists on Spotify, or facilitating music and movement with their care recipient. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Questionnaire was used to measure twelve neuropsychiatric domains and measure caregiver distress before and after the 6‐week intervention. Paired sample t‐tests were used to measure change in these outcomes for caregiver and care recipient. A Pearson correlation coefficient was used to estimate the relationship between symptoms of dementia and caregiver distress.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in both neuropsychiatric domains in care recipients from before (M= 12.23 ± 6.26) the six‐week program to after (7.83 ± 3.51), p =.028, and in caregiver distress prior (M=14.88 ± 9.36) to after (8.68 ± 5.95), p =.03. The symptoms most reported to contribute to caregiver distress were irritability (n=12), night‐time behaviors (n=12), and agitation (n=11). Neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver distress were found to be strongly correlated, r (16) =.64, p=.004.ConclusionPreliminary results of this ongoing study indicate that caregivers who implement music‐based interventions can both reduce undesirable symptoms of dementia and thereby their own distress.
Alzheimer’s disease resemblance atrophy index in the identification of Alzheimer's disease with mild dementia
Authors: Fan Xiang , Zhao Lei , Liu Wanting , Cai Yuan , Luo Yishan , Shi Lin , Mok Vincent C.T. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) resemblance atrophy index (AD‐RAI) is an MRI‐based biomarker that was developed using a machine learning technology that combines multi‐region MRI features to reflect the characteristic atrophy pattern of AD. It was validated to be accurate in predicting conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia (1) and in identifying AD patients with moderate dementia. We aimed to compare the performance of AD‐RAI with various MRI‐based quantitative medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) measures in identifying AD with mild dementia.MethodWe reviewed 3489 subjects in 3 datasets, i.e., ADNI (n=1529), AIBL (n=862), and OASIS 3 (n=1098). We selected subjects aged 65 to 85 years with clinical dementia rating scale of 1. Among potential eligible AD subjects with mild dementia who also had amyloid data based on either cerebrospinal fluid analysis or positron emission tomography (n=73), we further excluded those who were amyloid negative (n=5). A total of 121 AD subjects with mild dementia and 691 age‐matched elderly normal controls (NC) were eventually recruited. An automated computational tool, AccuBrain, was used to generate the following imaging biomarkers: hippocampal volume (HV), hippocampal fraction (HF), quantitative MTA (QMTA) and AD‐RAI. We compared the following performance metrics in identifying AD with mild dementia for each of the imaging biomarkers: area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity and balanced accuracy.ResultRegarding the ROC analysis, the AD‐RAI performed the best in identifying mild AD from NC (AUC=0.92, sensitivity=0.88 and balanced accuracy=0.83), followed by QMTA and HV/ HF (Table 1 and Figure 1).ConclusionAD‐RAI outperformed other MRI‐based quantitative MTA measures in identifying AD with mild dementia. Since majority of AD patients when they first presented to memory clinic are at the stage of mild dementia, AD‐RAI may aid accurate diagnosis of AD in clinical practice. Reference: 1) Zhao L, Luo Y, Lew D, Liu W, Au L, Mok V, et al. Risk estimation before progression to mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: an AD resemblance atrophy index. Aging (Albany NY). 2019;11(16):6217‐36.
Music interventions for dementia and depression in elderly care (MIDDEL): The Australian part of an international cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Baker Felicity , Lee Young‐Eun C , Sousa Tanara , Stretton‐Smith Phoebe , Clark Imogen , Sveinsdottir Vigdis , Geretsegger Monika , Gold Christian 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundDementia and depression are highly prevalent, comorbid conditions in older adults residing in care homes and are associated with individual distress and associated challenges for care staff. Music‐based interventions are widely used and potentially effective nonpharmacological interventions, due to the relative preservation of the ability of people with dementia to respond to music even with disease progression. However, there is a lack of large‐scale studies evaluating the effectiveness of music‐based interventions in dementia care. Music Interventions for Dementia and Depression in the Elderly (MIDDEL) is the first large‐scale international cluster‐randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of small group music therapy (GMT), recreational choir singing (RCS) and their combination on levels of depression in residents with dementia. The trial is currently being conducted across six countries, and this presentation will outline the study outcomes from the Australian arm of the trial.MethodBetween June 2018 and November 2019, 20 care home units were randomised to music interventions (GMT, RCS, GMT and RCS) or standard care delivered over 6 months. The primary outcome was level of depression as measured by the Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Secondary outcomes included neuropsychiatric symptoms, quality of life, care staff burden and adverse events collected at baseline, 3‐months, 6‐months and 12‐months post‐randomisation. Outcomes were analysed as intention‐to‐treat, per‐protocol, and with exploratory predictor analyses.Results318 participants (215 female; 103 male) aged 65 years or more with diagnoses of dementia and at least mild depressive symptoms (as defined by score of 8 or above on MADRS) residing in care homes were recruited. In addition, 131 care staff (108 female; 23 male) answered questions regarding perceived care burden to search for potential ripple effects of the music interventions. We will present the main findings of the study including the predictive effects of clinical characteristics on efficacy.ConclusionThe presentation will include discussion of contextual factors and conditions that support efficacy, and clinical implications for safety and quality of life for people with dementia living in care homes.
Default mode network dissociation linking cerebral beta amyloid retention and depression in cognitively normal older adults
Authors: Lim Hyun Kook , Wang Shengmin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo date, cerebral beta amyloid (Aß) deposition and late‐life depression (LLD) are known to be associated with trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, their neurobiological link is not clear. Although previous studies showed aberrant functional connectivity (FC) change of default mode network (DMN) in early Aß deposition and LLD respectively, its mediating role is not elucidated. The aim of this study is to investigate distinctive association pattern of DMN FC linking LLD and Aß retention in the cognitively normal older adults.MethodTwo hundred thirty‐five cognitively normal older adults with (N=118) and without depression (N=117) underwent resting state functional magnetic resonance image and 18F‐Flutemetamol positron emission tomography. We investigated associations among Aß burden, depression, and DMN FC.ResultIndependent component analysis showed increased anterior DMN FC and decreased posterior DMN FC in depression group compared with no depression group. Global cerebral Aß retention correlated positively with anterior and negatively with posterior DMN FC. Anterior DMN FCs were positively correlated with depression severity whereas posterior DMN FCs were negatively correlated with cognitive function. In addition, effect of global cerebral Aß retention on depression severity was mediated by subgenual anterior cingulate FC.ConclusionOur results of anterior and posterior DMN FC dissociation pattern might play pivotal role in linking cerebral Aß pathology and LLD in the course of AD progression. Further longitudinal studies would be needed to confirm causal relationships between cerebral Aß retention and LLD.
Process evaluation of a culturally tailored, mental health program for Vietnamese American dementia caregivers
Authors: Park Van Ta , Bui Nhat Minh , Vuong Quyen , Yeo Gwen , Tiet Quyen Q , Gallagher‐Thompson Dolores 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundDementia caregivers (DCGs) have poorer mental health compared to the general population, but research on responding to those needs in culturally diverse populations such as Vietnamese American (VA) DCGs is limited. This study describes the process evaluation of a culturally tailored, evidence‐based skill‐building program, Our Family Journey (OFJ), to reduce stress and depression among VA DCGs in San Jose, California, USA.MethodWe examined process components (program fidelity, dose delivered, dose received, and reach) of an intervention for 60 VA DCGs who were randomly assigned to either the intervention, (OFJ; n=30) or to the control condition (written dementia caregiving information; n=30).ResultTranslated from a 6‐weeks evidence‐based program, the culturally tailored, Vietnamese OFJ was reduced to 4 weeks for optimal attendance and participation (program fidelity). Modifications in content and process were developed with input from the creator of OFJ and a large community‐based organization serving VAs. Cultural tailoring included delivering the program in Vietnamese, with material incorporating culturally appropriate values and activities. For example, pleasant activities included cooking Vietnamese food and doing karaoke rather than the original program’s emphasis on solitary activities (e.g., reading a book). Discussions about filial piety and stigma were included, as these topics were very relevant to VAs (program fidelity). All 4 sessions were conducted as planned for each of the six OFJ cohorts (mean number of participants per cohort was 4.8) (dose delivered and dose received). Accommodations were provided for DCGs as needed – e.g., when they could not attend a session, they were offered the make‐up session. A total of 112 interested persons contacted research staff; 88 were eligible to participate. Final enrollment was 60 caregivers (reach). Feedback from participants included: expanding eligibility criteria to include other family caregivers; incorporating more cultural aspects (e.g., spirituality); and expanding educational topics of interest to DCGs (e.g., age‐related health changes and transitions of care.)ConclusionThe OFJ program is the first randomized controlled trial of a culturally tailored evidence‐based intervention with VA DCGs in the US. Future research should replicate this promising program with suggested modifications to continue to meet the unmet needs of VA DCGs.