bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subjective memory complaints are associated with longitudinal declines in connected speech language
Authors: Van Hulle Carol A , Koscik Rebecca L , Johnson Sterling C. , Mueller Kimberly D 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundSubjective memory complaints (SMC) in the absence of impaired performance on objective measures increases risk for dementia among some individuals. Connected Speech Language (CSL) is language produced in a continuous sequence as in conversations. Subtle, yet detectable, changes in CSL have been shown to predict cognitive decline, suggesting that changes in discourse are an early clinical symptom of dementia. Here we examined whether a baseline assessment of SMC was associated prospectively with longitudinal CSL age‐related trajectories.Method
N=1039 participants who completed SMC and CSL assessment were drawn from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention, a longitudinal study of preclinical AD, in middle‐aged adults. SMC reflects the average rating (1‐7) across the Memory Functioning Questionnaire frequency of forgetting subscale. To ensure SMC did not reflect transient memory problems, participants were grouped into no self‐reported problems, persistent self‐reported problems, or inconsistent self‐reported problems (Figure 1) across time. Participants in the inconsistent group (n = 237) and those with fewer than three SMC assessments (n=54) were excluded from analyses. Participant’s speech was recorded while describing the “Cookie Theft” picture from the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination. CSL outcomes included content information units (CIU density), content units per minute (CIU minutes), types‐tokens ratio, and filled pauses. We tested the moderation of CSL age related trajectories by baseline SMC. Linear mixed models included a random intercept, gender, reading ability, and practice effects as fixed covariates.ResultSample characteristics are shown in Table 1 by SMC group. The persistent problem group had fewer years of education and lower WRAT reading scores than the no problems group, but were otherwise comparable. Baseline SMC did not moderate age‐related changes in CIU density, types‐tokens ratio or filled pauses. Baseline SMC moderated changes in CIU Minutes at trend level (Table 2 and Figure 2). Greater memory complaints at baseline were associated with faster age‐related decline in the contents unit/minute compared to those with fewer complaints.ConclusionSMC modestly, prospectively related to difficulties expressing ideas. Self‐reported may precede subtle cognitive changes. Future work will examine whether SMC predicts declines in standard cognitive tests of verbal ability.
Study participant self‐installed deployment of a home‐based digital assessment platform for dementia research
Authors: Gothard Sarah , Nunnerley Michael , Rodrigues Nathaniel , Wu Chao‐Yi , Mattek Nora , Hughes Adriana M , Kaye Jeffrey A , Beattie Zachary 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe Oregon Center for Aging & Technology (ORCATECH) has developed, refined, and deployed to hundreds of diverse older adults a home‐based research platform for providing assessment of cognition and multiple domains of function. The pandemic has brought to the forefront the necessity of this type of remotely conducted research. Even absent a pandemic, there are millions of people who are shut‐out of participating in research because of limitations of mobility, distance, and study partner support. Hence, work is being done to make the ORCATECH platform fully self‐installable by research participants in their homes using Self‐installation Instruction Modules (SIMs) which consist of video tutorials, images, and step‐by‐step instructions.MethodWe developed and sent seven older adults residing in seven separate residences a web‐link to the SIMs. The participants were enrolled in the Aging Well Study which utilizes the ORCATECH platform’s hub computer and electronic pillbox to remotely assess cognition and function. Time to complete installation was captured within the SIMs interface. Labeled and activated technologies were sent to participants’ homes prior to the link being distributed. A survey was sent to participants after the completion of installation for the purpose of gathering feedback about the SIMs experience.ResultThe seven participants include two married and five single person homes (age 73.9(SD=7.1) years, education 17(SD=3) years, 5 women, 5 mild cognitive impairment (MCI)(Clinical Dementia Rating=0.5)). All participants successfully installed their technologies using the SIMs. The SIMS were viewed on four different device types (tablet, smart phone, laptop, desktop). Mean time to install both technologies was 20.0(SD=13.7) minutes for those with MCI; 23.7(SD=10.9) minutes for healthy controls. Participants reported the SIMs was easy to read, hear, and navigate.ConclusionResults suggest that it is feasible for older adults of varying ages and cognitive function to install technologies for the purpose of remote data collection without any study personnel being physically present in the home. Further studies are necessary to better understand the impacts of diverse residence and resident characteristics (e.g., home layout, technical proficiency, physical abilities) on a volunteer’s ability to self‐install the technology.
Effects of familiar olfactory stimulation on self‐consciousness
Authors: Arbeláez María Alejandra Castro , Acosta Daysi , Arrollo‐Anlló Eva María 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundAutobiographical memory involves self‐life episodes and generic knowledge that enables the meaning attributed to a lifetime story. The semantic autobiographical memory is related to a general knowledge and the episodic autobiographical memory is associated to the personal experiences at specific time and place related to past experiences among a long period of life (Allen, et al., 2018; Eustache et al., 2013, 2016). Autobiographical events activate an autonomic consciousness related to recovers the past memories, while autobiographical semantic knowledge comprises a noetic familiar awareness and a consciousness of past limited (Markowitsch , & Staniloiu, 2011; Piolino et al., 2003; Tulving, 2002). Progressive loss of self‐consciousness presented in Alzheimer Disease (A.D) is connected to the decline of autobiographical episodic memory. Some studies validate positive effects of olfactory stimulation on autobiographical memory (El Haj et al., 2015; Gachet & El Haj, 2020) but no research has evaluated the influence of familiar olfactory stimulation on A.D related to improve self‐consciousness in Colombia. This study aims to assess if the evoked autobiographical memories from familiar olfactory stimulation has an enforcement or facilitator effect on self‐consciousness.MethodFifty people will participate, 25 at the control group and 25 at the experimental group. The control group will have an olfactory stimulation without familiar smells, and the experimental grouo, will have it with familiar smells. There will be three phases: 1) After intervention: Evaluation of autobiographical episodic memory; 2) During intervention: Placebo olfactory stimulation with control group, and olfactory familiar stimulation with experimental group. Then there will be an evaluation of autobiographical episodic memory; 3) Before intervention: Post olfactory stimulation of self‐consciousness.ResultsMore autobiographical memories evoked are expected with the positive valiance of familiar olfactory intervention than the placebo olfactory stimulation in people with A.D. We expect that autobiographical episodic involuntary memories evoked will be more elevated than the voluntary ones on subjective content. We also contemplate that the group of patients with familiar olfactory stimulation will improve their level of self‐consciousness and evoke autobiographical episodic memory.ConclusionThis research will be an important framework for future clinical trials with familiar olfactory intervention in Latin America. Also, for non‐pharmacologic interventions.
Alzheimer's disease clinical onset and age at death in people with Down syndrome: A systematic review and population‐based study
Authors: Iulita M. Florencia , Garzón Diana , Bejanin Alexandre , Tamayo Natalia Valle , Videla Laura , Altuna Miren , Valldeneu Sílvia , Barroeta Isabel , Benejam Bessy , Fernandez Susana , Padilla Concepción , Carmona‐Iragui Maria , Blesa Rafael , Lleó Alberto , Fortea Juan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite better medical care and social support, life expectancy in people with Down syndrome (DS) is still close to 60 years, about 20 years less than in the general population. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which has a lifetime risk of >90% in DS, might be the cause. We conducted a systematic review to interrogate the age of onset of symptomatic AD and the age of death in this population.MethodsOur protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020203967). We performed a systematic search using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science. Only peer‐reviewed, original research studies written in English were considered. No time period restrictions were applied. Studies were eligible if they described research on adults with DS, had good methodological quality, and if they contained numerical results (mean and SD or standard error) of the following outcomes: age at onset or age at diagnosis of symptomatic AD (based on expert clinical judgment), age at death after onset of AD, and/or duration of the disease (time in years from onset or diagnosis to death).ResultsWe identified 6983 studies for title and abstract screening after duplicate removal. Of these, 259 articles were considered for full text review and 62 studies met the eligibility criteria (Figure 1). Excluded studies and reasons for exclusion are described in Figure 1. The weighted average for AD onset in DS was 54.1 ± 6.5 years (estimated in 4204 individuals) with a standard error of the mean across studies of 0.328. For age of death and disease duration the weighted averages were 57.7 ± 6.5 (data available from 514 individuals), and 5.4 ± 3.9 years (444 individuals), respectively.ConclusionsThe mean age of AD onset in DS is remarkably consistent across studies, with a variability comparable to that reported in autosomal dominant AD. Given the >90% penetrance, the age of onset reported in the studies and the duration of the disease, life expectancy cannot possibly increase for people with DS if we do not find a cure for AD. This disease should therefore be recognized as the top medical and research priority in this population.
Feasibility of multidisciplinary telehealth evaluations in atypical dementia
Authors: Wong Bonnie , Loyer Emmaleigh , Sullivan Courtney , Krivensky Samantha , Lopez Angela Villareyna , Quimby Megan , Hochberg Daisy , Dev Sheena Isha , Putcha Deepti , Eldaief Mark C , Brandt Katie , Dickerson Brad C. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionWhile cognitive assessment by videoconference has become possible over the past decade, the COVID‐19 pandemic underscores the critical need for expansion and examination of these methods, their appropriateness for various patient populations, and their benefits and limitations. Validity and reliability studies of tele‐neuropsychological testing have been conducted in MCI or mild AD dementia patients (e.g., MMSE=25+); few studies have assessed the feasibility of neurologic examination by video, and none in atypical dementias, assuming that patients with some types (e.g., language, comportment) or greater severity of cognitive‐behavioral impairment would be unable to participate. Here we report the feasibility of telehealth services for a multi‐disciplinary dementia subspecialty clinic that include cognitive‐behavioral and neurologic assessment with patients with atypical neurodegenerative syndromes.Methods104 patient‐carepartner (P‐C) dyads met with providers in the MGH FTD Unit by videoconference (March‐December, 2020) for routine clinical care. P‐Cs completed validated questionnaires assessing cognition‐mood/behavior/function on REDCap prior to video clinical interview and cognitive assessment, including the MoCA and Boston Cognitive Exam (BCE2.0), a newly revised brief cognitive assessment battery adapted for telehealth. P‐Cs met with a neurologist for a basic neurologic examination (including eye‐movement examination), review of assessment results, and discussion of care plan. P‐Cs completed a satisfaction survey.ResultsThe 104 P‐Cs included a range of atypical neurodegenerative disorders (bvFTD, PCA, PPA, CBS, PSP, eoAD, Multidomain syndrome) mild‐to‐severe impairment (CDR range: 0‐3). 76% completed the MoCA (25% had CDR=2). 36% also completed the BCEv2. Comparison of remote assessment data to previous in‐person testing is ongoing. Of P‐Cs who completed a satisfaction survey, all reported being “very satisfied” with the appointment, with 93% open to participating in a remote visit again. 87% found the telehealth visit comparable to an in‐person visit. 66% preferred a future combination of remote and in‐person visits.ConclusionsMulti‐disciplinary telehealth visits appear to be feasible with patients with atypical cognitive‐behavioral syndromes of across the severity spectrum. P‐Cs report a high degree of satisfaction with the telehealth visit and an openness to ongoing telehealth visits. Results have implications for increasing accessibility of multidisciplinary medical services for patients and families living with complex forms of dementia.
Postprandial ketone body levels increase following medium‐chain triglyceride oil consumption
Authors: Hillebrandt Heidi L , Dias Cintia B , Barin Edward S , Chatterjee Pratishtha , Shah Tejal M , Basci Ann M , Kaplan Jason , Sohrabi Hamid R , Martins Ralph N 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundMedium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) are quickly absorbed and transported to the liver. Where they are preferentially metabolised into energy and ketone bodies, as compared to long‐chain fatty acids. Ketone bodies are then transported to the brain and other tissues for energy supply. This makes MCFA the ideal energy source for patients with conditions in which energy deprivation is observed, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In AD, insulin resistance in the brain causes partial glucose deprivation. However, the brain is still able use ketone bodies for energy. Despite the MCFA potential, to our knowledge, a dose effect study has not been previously done in older adults,MethodThis sequential feeding study involved 20 healthy adults aged 50 to 77 years. Participants consumed 3 daily doses of MCFA oil (40% caprylic acid, 28% capric acid, 32% lauric acid) for 7 weeks, doses were increased in 15 mL/day every week (0mL/day in week 1 increasing to 90mL/day in week 7). At baseline and at the end of each week, participants had their anthropometric measurements taken, donated fasting blood and underwent a 2‐hour postprandial analysis. Participation could be discontinued at any time.ResultChange in postprandial area under the curve for ketone body levels increased compared to baseline in 45% with 5mL (n=20), 42% with 10mL (n=19), 74% with 15mL (n=19), 73% with 20mL (n=15), 79% with 25mL (n=14), 100% with 30mL (n=11), and 75% with 35mL (n=8). However, there were no significant changes in body mass index (BMI), fasting triglycerides and total, low‐density lipoprotein and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol,ConclusionSupplementation with MCFA oil increased postprandial ketone levels in a dose dependent manner, without a significant impact to blood lipids or BMI. However, further investigation is warranted to correlate this increase in postprandial ketone with its brain uptake and utilisation.
Measuring the association between hippocampal volume and memory abilities vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease in typically developing periadolescent children: Preliminary findings from the PRANK Study
Authors: Sexton Jennifer N , Phipps Connor J , Behm Lillian , DeCesare Thomas A , Heller Abi M , Maerlender Arthur C. , Phatak Vaishali S , Cramer Justin A. , Blair James , Murman Daniel L , Warren David E 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundChildhood development, including the periadolescent period, is associated with significant changes in brain function, brain structure, and cognition. Memory ability, including memory for arbitrary relations, exemplifies cognitive changes that occur during the periadolescent epoch. In adults, declarative/relational memory requires the hippocampus, as demonstrated by the profound memory impairments accompanying hippocampal pathology frequently caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Vulnerability to AD and related memory impairments in late life could be a function of early‐life brain development. Understanding the developmental relationship between hippocampal volume and declarative/relational memory performance would provide any important baseline for comparison of different trajectories. Our ongoing NIA‐funded research project, the Polygenic Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in Nebraska Kids (PRANK) study, measures brain structure, brain function, cognitive abilities, and Alzheimer’s polygenic risk score in periadolescent children (age 8‐13). Here, we report preliminary data measuring the association between hippocampal volume and memory abilities in the study’s periadolescent sample.MethodA sample of periadolescent children from the PRANK study provided data for the current project (N=40). Structural MRI data were collected using protocols adapted from the Human Connectome Project, and hippocampal volume was measured through manual tracing. Cognitive variables included relational memory operationalized as performance on the Picture Sequence Memory Task (PSMT) from the NIH Toolbox (a standard neuropsychological battery). We then tested the correlation between hippocampal volume and performance on the relational memory task in periadolescent children.ResultWe found preliminary evidence consistent with differences in the neuropsychological profile and brain structure, specifically in hippocampal volume and declarative/relational memory performance. Our preliminary observations were consistent with significant correlations between regional hippocampal volume and memory performance on the PSMT.ConclusionFindings from this preliminary analysis illustrate differences in cognitive abilities in the periadolescent period, in particular, the association between declarative/relational memory and hippocampal volume. Our ongoing PRANK study measures cognitive abilities, brain structure and function, and Alzheimer’s polygenic risk score in periadolescent children. Future work from this study will investigate whether genetic risk for AD is associated with individual differences in brain structure and outcomes on neuropsychological measures in early life.
The SYNERGIC RCTs from Can Thumbs Up: Canadian experience in migrating lifestyle interventions to an @Home‐based program to enhance cognition
Authors: Montero‐Odasso Manuel , Jarrett Pamela , Handrigan Grant , Chamard‐Witkowski Ludivine , Bouchard Danielle R , Tranchant Carole C , Yetman Linda , Belleville Sylvie , Chertkow Howard , Feldman Howard , Nygaard Haakon B , Almeida Quincy J , Bherer Louis , Liu‐Ambrose Teresa , Middleton Laura E , Speechley Mark R , Kamkar Nellie , McGibbon Chris A 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe SYNERGIC trial (SYNchronizing Exercises, Remedies in GaIt and Cognition), a large multi‐site randomized controlled trial (RCT), showed promising interim results that individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) who received aerobic exercise combined with progressive resistance training and cognitive training improved their global cognition. When the COVID‐19 pandemic put SYNERGIC on hold, we migrated our interventions and assessments remotely. This experience informed the design of the SYNERGIC@Home trial.MethodThe SYNERGIC trial was a multi‐site, double‐blinded, five‐arm, randomized controlled trial that assessed the potential synergistic effect of combining bi‐modal exercises (aerobic + progressive resistance training), cognitive training, and, vitamin D supplementation in older adults with MCI. Interventions were delivered for 20 weeks. Results present data in 10 participants who migrated to conducting interventions and assessments at home.ResultTen participants with MCI (mean age 73±6.4, ♀70%) from the SYNERGIC trial migrated to a virtual modality at month 2 of their intervention. Their adherence for the 2‐month in‐person exercise and cognitive training was 90.2%, while for the 4‐month home‐based intervention, it was 95.9%. Participants reported being able to use the digital platform (WebEx© and Zoom Healthcare©) assigned on the first session. Similarly, 95% of the assessments tests were completed, including cognitive (ADAS‐Cog 13), medical, and mobility assessments conducted remotely. One participant was only able to complete half of the assessments due to digital connection issues. Following remote administration of the SYNERGIC trial in this subset of participants, we set up logistics and obtained ethical approval for the SYNERGIC@Home trial, a pilot RCT fully delivered remotely in 64 older adults at risk of dementia.ConclusionDelivering progressive physical exercise and cognitive training at home was feasible in older adults at risk of dementia. Insights gained from this migration informed our SYNERGIC@Home pilot, which is based on the SYNERGIC trial, but will be delivered fully remotely. SYNERGIC@Home will recruit participants with MCI, Subjective Cognitive Impairment, and Normal Cognition and two or more risk factors for dementia. Remote interventions and assessment are becoming particularly important during the COVID‐19 pandemic in which research participation for older adults may only be possible through virtual platforms.