bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new scale for the assessment of functional status in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders
Authors: Elobeid Adila 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt is estimated that 5.7 million Americans are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Scientists have been scrambling to figure out why Alzheimer’s disease is epidemic. Several years ago, the dowry’s theorized that genetics were to blame. The flaw with this explanation was that it did not rationally plain why the rates of Alzheimer’s disease are increasing at an unprecedented rate. While genetics may play a role, they are most certainly not the sole reason why Alzheimer’s disease is becoming such a widespread issue. While genetics may play a role, they are most certainly not the primary reason why Alzheimer’s disease is becoming such a widespread issue In 2017, a researcher finally stumbled across a logical eHeavy metals and Alzheimer’s Disease. Knowing that there were much more to Alzheimer’s disease than just genetics, researcher tuned to their attention to environmental toxins ‐ heavy metal to be specific. Related disorders included cancer and brain tumor caused heavy metal exposure and Alzheimer’s disease.MethodOne study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that people with Alzheimer’s disease had large amounts of aluminum, mercury and cadmium in their body. The method was to watch out on toxic or protein food in your refrigerator can cause dementia.ResultAs more and more studies supported this correlation, researchers take a deeper alert to determine how heavy metals are specifically connected to Alzheimer’s disease and damage to your brain. This damage comprises the function of your beurons rah in can result in cognitive problems, movement disorders.ConclusionAvoiding heavy metal exposure requires an awareness of how you get exposed to heavy metals. Here are some of the most common ways heavy metals get into your body and brain. Unlike other substances that detoxify the body, zeolite has the unique ability to travel deep into your cells where heavy metals accumulate. From there it binds to heavy metals like a magnet and transports them out of the body, so they are no longer a threat to your brain. Referenced Source: https://www.drperlmutter.com/study/circulatory-levels-of-toxic-media-patients-with-Alzheimer's-disease/. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13530-018-0340- https://www.n.I.non.nih.gig/PMC/articles/PMC4798150/.
Perceptions of sexual violence in later life, barriers and solutions to prevention
Authors: Hand Michelle Danäe 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundElders remain largely excluded from sexual violence (SV) prevention and intervention, owing to perceptions of older adults as asexual or undesirable due to intersectional ageism and sexism, which is further complicated when dementia is present (Bow, 2018). Thus, knowledge is limited on SV in later life and its prevention. Accordingly, a systematic scoping review was conducted to provide an understanding of how SV in later life is perceived, barriers to and possible solutions for prevention.MethodsIncluded in the systematic scoping review was primary scholarly and grey source research published since 2010, on perceptions of SV, potential barriers to and solutions for prevention. Excluded were sources focused on non‐sexual abuse (e.g., neglect), focus on elder abuse without exploring SV in later life; or focus solely on victims younger than 50 years. The search returned 148 potentially relevant articles identified in eight databases. 53 were excluded upon title and abstract review, 76 were excluded upon full text reading, and one article was excluded following critical appraisal, leaving 18 articles for thematic analysis, assisted by NVivo software, to uncover themes across the reviewed studies.ResultsSeven overarching themes emerged from the 18 studies surrounding SV in later life and its prevention, involving (a) urgent needs for awareness and knowledge, particularly when dementia is involved, needs for (b) further research and (c) policy development, (d) impacts of ageism and sexism on perceptions and prevention, (e) SV being taboo, particularly when dementia is present, and needs for exploring (f) sociocultural factors, to address (g) confusion surrounding SV definitions, including in cases involving dementia among victims and/or offenders.ConclusionsMulti‐level interdisciplinary implications remain for practice, research, policy, and education. Further interdisciplinary collaboration is needed in practice and research to influence policy and education on SV, particularly among individuals with dementia and other disabilities. Greater awareness and knowledge are needed across disciplines, particularly in cases involving dementia, through multi‐level trainings, for practitioners, family, social supports and the public. Additional research is needed on how to promote discussions of SV in later life and navigate cases involving dementia. Further implications will also be discussed.
Psychological status in the participants of the API ADAD Colombia trial assisted by a comprehensive mental health program during COVID 19 pandemic
Authors: Ramos Claudia , Madrigal Claudia , Giraldo‐Chica Margarita , Acosta‐Baena Natalia , Aponte Claudia , Aguillon David , Gómez Manuela , Espinosa Alejandro , Madrigal Lucia , Uribe Claramonika , Saldarriaga Amanda , Alzate Diana , Ruiz Alejandra , Andrade‐Villegas Angela M , Lopez Hugo Elias , Langbaum Jessica B , Sink Kaycee M , Reiman Eric M , Tariot Pierre N , Rios‐Romenets Silvia , Lopera Francisco 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundDue to the global SARS‐CoV2 pandemic it has been hard to conduct research, including research related to prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. The Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative (API) Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease (ADAD) Colombia trial is being conducted in participants with family history of early‐onset dementia due to the PSEN1 E280A mutation who are cognitively unimpaired at baseline. Participants are enduring three stressors: 1) fear of developing dementia; 2) logistic changes to the study caused by the public health emergency due to the pandemic; and 3) concern about getting infected by SARS‐CoV2. Objective: To describe the frequency of new or exacerbated psychological disorders among the participants of the API ADAD Colombia trial assisted by a comprehensive mental health team during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodParticipants in the API ADAD Colombia trial have free access to psychology and psychiatry services, either in person or through teleassistance, as well as psychoeducational offerings. These mental health services are provided by the site, outside of the study protocol, and are supported by Health and Social plans which were created to support participants’ wellbeing during the trial. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and percentages) were used to analyze characteristics and frequency of mental health issues in the participants.Result66 participants (53 women, 80.3%) were treated by the Mental Health Team from March 1st, 2020 through December 31st, 2020. Mean age was 44.09 (SD 6.97) y.o. Before and after the pandemic onset, the most common psychological problems were anxiety (before 36.4%, after 63.6%) and depression (before 34.8 %, after 37.9%). From people who received psychological and psychiatric services, 70% vs. 81.6% felt that those services helped them, respectively. Among participants who received psychological vs. psychiatric assistance, 71.4% vs. 86.9% of patients with depression, 70.3% vs 75% of patients with anxiety and 60% vs 76.2% of patients with other disorders, felt the services helped them with these conditions.ConclusionA comprehensive mental health program immersed in a trial to prevent or treat devastating diseases as dementia, could mitigate the psychological effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic in study participants.
Modifiable factors associated with recovery of mild cognitive impairment patients: Evidence from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey
Authors: Li Bingyu , Zhao Ziyi , Wei Chang , Sha Feng 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt is unclear which modifiable factors are associated with reversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to cognitively normal (CN) status.MethodThe study included 7,422 participants above 65 years old with MCI from Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Multivariable Cox regression with elastic net penalty was adopted to investigate the associations between reversion from MCI to CN and potential modifiable dietary/lifestyle, cardiometabolic, and psychological factors.Results1,604 (21.6%) participants reversed from MCI to CN with a median follow‐up of 2.8 years. Several dietary/lifestyle factors, including daily consumption of fresh fruits (HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.15‐1.42), daily engagement in reading (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.00‐1.54), housework (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.35), or mah‐jong and other card games (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.39), were associated with a higher possibility of reversion.ConclusionThis study identified several modifiable factors associated with MCI reversion that may transfer into large‐scale preventive practice for dementia.
Cognitive rehabilitation in Covid‐19 patients with dementia of the Alzheimer’s type
Authors: Rai Pooja 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundDementia of Alzheimer’s type has been characterized as marked deterioration in cognitive processes. The impairment has been progressive and could not be reverse because of its irreversible nature. However, there are some therapies or intervention like Cognitive Rehabilitation which have been proved to be effective for DAT in enhancing the patients' abilities to manage for decreased cognitive functioning. Recent scenario brings an attention on differences in cognitive rehabilitation in dementia of Alzheimer’s disease patients with Covid 19 positive (experimental group) and dementia of Alzheimer’s disease patients with Covid 19 negative (control group).MethodThe present study has been an attempt to compare the effect of video games in cognitive rehabilitation in experimental and control group by incorporating a definite time, frequency and duration for video games in their activities of daily living on 2 cases each for experimental and control group who were matched on Hindi version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).ResultThe findings revealed that the score of MoCA has been increased by mean of 1.5 point in dementia of Alzheimer’s disease patients with Covid 19 positive and mean of 2.5 points in dementia of Alzheimer’s disease patients with Covid 19 negative.ConclusionThe cognitive rehabilitation using video games has been effective in both experimental and control group, however, it was better in control group as compared to experimental group.
Sovateltide prevents beta‐amyloid plaque load and restores memory deficit in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Briyal Seema , Voshtina Ralf , Gulati Anil 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundEndothelin B (ETB) receptor agonist, sovateltide, is being investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for AD. However, its causative effects on decreasing beta‐amyloid (Aβ) plaque load and rescuing impaired memory in APP/PS1 mice remain unclear. In the present study, we have examined the effects of SOVA on Aβ plaques formation and functional recovery in transgenic AD mice and explored its mechanism(s) of action.MethodAPP/PS1 transgenic mice and C57BL/6 control mice were divided into two groups (vehicle and sovateltide). Sovateltide (5 μg/kg) was intravenously injected three times at 2‐hour intervals on days 1, 3, and 6 every month until study endpoints (3, 6, and 12 months age). Memory deficit was assessed using the Morris water maze test. Separate sets of mice were sacrificed at the end of 3, 6, and 12 months and Aβ plaque formation was examined in the brain. Mitochondrial dysfunction, neurogenesis, and synaptogenesis were assessed using western blot and immunofluorescence techniques.ResultAPP/PS1 transgenic mice showed significant (p<0.001) impairment in spatial memory. Treatment with SOVA rescued learning deficits and relieved memory retention in APP/PS1 mice. SOVA treatment significantly reduced memory deficit in 6 months (40%) and 12 months (46%) aged transgenic mice. SOVA administration also significantly (p<0.001) decreased Aβ plaque load in the brain compared to vehicle. Moreover, SOVA attenuated neuronal loss in the hippocampus and enhanced neurogenesis in APP/PS1 mice as evident by increased expression of NeuroD1 (p<0.0001), DoubleCortin (p<0.0001), and NeuN (p<0.0001) along with an upregulation of synaptic proteins (synapsin‐1, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic density‐95) compared to vehicle at 6 and 12 months. Further study demonstrated that treatment with SOVA upregulated (p<0.0001) mitochondrial fusion proteins, Mfn1, Mfn2, Opa1, and downregulated fission proteins, Drp1 and Fis1, compared to vehicle at 6 and 12 months. There were no changes in the expression of any of these markers at three months.ConclusionSOVA can improve functional recovery and has a neuroprotective effect in APP/PS1 mice via triggering neurogenesis and improving mitochondrial function mediated by ETB receptor signaling pathway, which could help in improving neurological deficits. Therefore, SOVA has the potential to be developed as a novel drug for the treatment of AD.
NIH toolbox episodic memory measure differentiates older adults with exceptional memory capacity from those with average memory
Authors: Karpouzian‐Rogers Tatiana , Makowski‐Woidan Beth , Kuang Alan , Zhang Hui , Fought Angela , Engelmeyer Janessa , Mesulam M.‐Marsel , Weintraub Sandra , Rogalski Emily J 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground“SuperAgers” are older adults over the age of 80 with exceptional memory abilities, at least as good as cognitively average individuals in their 50s and 60s. The purpose of this study was to compare SuperAgers with their cognitively normal‐for‐age peers on subtests of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB‐CB), including a test of nonverbal picture sequence memory.MethodParticipants categorized as SuperAgers (n=46) or as cognitively average‐for‐age (n=31) completed standard neuropsychological tests of attention, executive functions, language, and episodic memory. SuperAgers are classified by a delayed recall score on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test that falls at or above the average score of 50 to 65‐year‐old norms, while scores in non‐memory domains must be at least in the average range for age. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine differences across subtests between the groups.ResultAfter controlling for IQ, gender, age, and education, Picture Sequence Memory Scores were higher in Super Agers than in the cognitively normal‐for‐age group (p = 0.007). However, the groups did not differ in their scores on all other Cognition measures.ConclusionFindings from this study demonstrated that SuperAgers scored higher on a test of nonverbal memory in the NIHTB‐CB compared to cognitively average‐for‐age peers, while groups scored similarly on non‐memory domains. These findings demonstrate that memory abilities in SuperAgers are strong not only on tests of verbal memory, but on nonverbal measures, as well. These findings extend the potential to identify SuperAgers with more efficient assessment methods.
Objective sleep hypoxia measures are associated with subjective quality of life ratings in amnestic MCI subjects
Authors: Sanderlin Ashley H. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Leng Xiaoyan Iris , Baker Laura D. , Craft Suzanne 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundSleep disturbances are common in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI); and sleep disturbances increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Lower ratings of quality of life (QoL) are also found in MCI. We examined the association between sleep disturbances and QoL ratings among participants with MCI.MethodsBaseline in‐home sleep assessments using the WatchPAT (Itamar Medical) and the QoL in AD questionnaire were collected from amnestic MCI (aMCI) participants from the diet intervention trial, Brain Energy for Amyloid Transformation in Alzheimer’s Disease (BEAT‐AD) at the Wake Forest ADRC. The WatchPAT assessed sleep time, efficiency, and sleep‐related hypoxemia measures including the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and respiratory disturbance index (RDI), where higher values indicate greater disturbances in sleep. The QoL in AD scale ranged from 13–52 with lower scores indicating poorer QoL ratings. We assessed the association between total sleep time and sleep efficiency with QoL. Pearson correlations and regression models measured the association of sleep metrics with QoL scores.ResultsForty‐two aMCI participants (mean age =69.0 ± 7.4 years; N=23 female; mean BMI =27.6) were studied. Disturbed sleep indicated by the average number of apneas and hypopneas (AHI, mean = 18.6 ± 14.6) and respiratory events or related arousals (RDI, mean = 20.7 ± 14.2) was negatively associated with lower subjective measures of QoL. Higher AHI and RDI scores, indicating greater intermittent hypoxia and respiratory burden, were associated with lower QoL (AHI: r= ‐0.359, p=0.027; RDI: r= ‐0.340, p=0.037). There was a trend toward a negative association of ODI and QoL scores (r= ‐0.309, p=0.059). Regression models including age, sex, and BMI did not significantly predict QoL scores with AHI (F(4,35)=1.95, p>.1) or RDI (F(4,34)=1.76, p>.15), however, AHI and RDI individually added significantly to the prediction of QoL scores (AHI: B=‐.136, t=‐2.4,P<.05; RDI: B=‐.162, t=‐2.4, p<.05).ConclusionsGreater sleep disturbances related to hypoxic and respiratory events were associated with lower self‐ratings of QoL in MCI participants. Further research will increase the sample, investigate the impact of hypoxic and respiratory events on brain function, and whether longitudinal changes in diet influence the relationship of sleep‐related hypoxemia and QoL.
Disease progression and costs at 3‐year follow‐up of GERAS‐US: A 3‐year study of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease in the United States
Authors: Chandler Julie , Rentz Dorene M , Zagar Anthony , Kim Yongin , Zimmer Jennifer A. , Schwartz Ronald L. , Fillit Howard 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundGERAS‐US is a prospective study characterizing the clinical and economic outcomes of early Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We describe changes in total societal costs at 3 years post‐baseline in amyloid positive[+] patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia (MILD) due to AD.MethodGERAS‐US enrolled patients aged 55 to 85 (N=617) from October 30, 2016, through October 9, 2017. Cognition and function were assessed using Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) and Cognitive Function Index (CFI), respectively. Mean 30‐day total societal costs (direct and indirect costs using opportunity formulae [Figure 1]) were calculated. Costs are presented as least square (LS) mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) at baseline, 6 months and 36 months for the overall population and stratified by baseline severity (MCI[+] vs MILD[+]) using Mixed Model Repeated Measurement (MMRM). Least square mean (95% CI) changes from 6 months to 36 months, using MMRM, are presented.ResultAt baseline, mean age was 70.3 years (MCI) and 71.7 years (MILD); 52.7% were females. Analyses at 36 months post‐baseline included 308 patients. Mean change from baseline in CFI and MMSE scores demonstrated worsening over 36 months (Table 1). The LS mean estimated total societal costs for MCI and MILD, respectively, were higher at baseline ($2430 and $4063) but remained steady from 6 months ($1977 and $3032) to 36 months ($2007 and $3392) (Figure 2). Direct medical costs did not change over the follow‐up period (6 months to 36 months) for either MILD or MCI patients or for their caregivers. Direct nonmedical costs were significantly higher for MILD but not MCI patients. Indirect nonmedical caregiver costs trended higher for both MCI and MILD cohorts but were not significant (Table 2).ConclusionBoth function and cognition declined significantly over 36 months in this cohort of amyloid[+] patients. Direct medical costs remained steady over the follow‐up period after an initial decline from baseline, possibly due to diagnostic certainty achieved at baseline. The rise in direct nonmedical costs for MILD and the trend toward rising indirect caregiver costs in MCI and MILD patients over 36 months shows the additional economic impact associated with clinical progression in early AD.
Examination of the accuracy of Cogniciti’s self‐administered, online, Brain Health Assessment in detecting amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Paterson Theone S.E. , Sivajohan Brintha , Gardner Sandra , Binns Malcolm , Stokes Kathryn A. , Freedman Morris , Levine Brian , Troyer Angela 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundOur need for easily administered online assessments sensitive to mild cognitive difficulties is increasing as our population ages. Our team has recently presented data indicating the accuracy of an online, publicly available, self‐administered screening measure, Cogniciti’s Brain Health Assessment (BHA), in the detection of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) in a sample of community dwelling older adults. This current work extends those findings by further examining diagnostic accuracy of this measure.MethodUsing a cross‐sectional design, community‐dwelling older adults aged 60‐89 completed a gold standard neuropsychological assessment to determine a diagnosis of normal cognition (NC) or aMCI (by consensus of 3 staff neuropsychologists). Each participant also completed the BHA. Penalized logistic regression (PLR) analyses were used to examine which specific BHA tasks and measured demographic variables contributed to this test’s predictive utility in detecting aMCI. Diagnostic accuracy of the PLR model was compared with a logistic regression (LR) model examining BHA total score accuracy.Result91 participants met inclusion criteria (51 aMCI, 40 NC). PLR modelling for the BHA indicated that of the tasks and variables measured by the BHA, the Face‐Name Association and Spatial Working Memory tasks predicted aMCI, with age also accounted for in the model (ROC‐AUC = 0.76; 95%CI: 0.66, 0.86). Based on this model, optimal performance cut‐points were determined, which resulted in 21% of the sample being classified as aMCI (positive), 23% as negative, and 56% as inconclusive. Projected general population classification rates are also presented to provide an estimate of how the BHA may perform in the broader population.ConclusionResults support that validity of the BHA as a screening measure for aMCI, and provide indication of the tasks within this measure that contribute to its utility in screening for this specific type of cognitive decline. Given the BHA is an online, self‐administered task, this measure has the potential to not only decrease unnecessary referrals for comprehensive assessment to determine presence of aMCI, but also to save practitioners time over commonly used paper and pencil screeners.