bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationships between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and homocysteine levels of patients with cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease under hypoxia environment
Authors: Zhu Aiqin , Liang YuHua 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAnalyze relation between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D(25‐OH‐VitD), homocysteine(Hcy) , folic acid(FA)and Vitamin B12 levels of patients with cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau.MethodFrom July 2017 to December 2020, 200 PD patients (mean age 66.18±12.13years) of Han nationality in PD clinic of Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital (mean altitude 2,261m) were collected. There were 88 PD with cognitive impairment (PD‐CI) and 112 PD with normal cognitive function (PD‐NC). All patients meet PD diagnostic criteria of British Brain Bank and cognitive diagnostic criteria of International Movement Disorder Association. Serum 25‐OH‐VitD, Hcy, FA and vitamin B12 were determined by chemiluminescence assay.Result1. Prevalence of PD in PDCI group over 70 years old (59.1%) and illiterate group(21.6%)were significantly higher than that in PDNC group (31.3% and 5.4%). 2.Compared with PDNC group, PD duration, ability of daily living(ADL) score, UPDRS total score and serum Hcy significantly increased in PDCI group, serum 25‐OH‐VitD, FA and VitB12 levels significantly decreased in PDCI group. 3.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age (OR=14.492, P<0.01), low education level(OR=4.631, P<0.05), long course of PD (OR=1.169, P<0.05), ADL disability(OR=1.062, P<0.05), high Hcy, low 25‐OH‐VitD, FA and VitB12 levels(OR=1.065, 0.817, 0.995, 0.927, P<0.05) were independently associated with PDCI group.ConclusionAging, low education level, long, course of PD, ADL disability, hyperhomocysteinemic and VitD deficiency appears to be risk factors for PDCI under hypoxia environment.
Role of white matter alteration in the relationship between regional microbleeds and cognitive impairment in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Jo Sungyang , Kim Hyung‐Ji , Lee Sun Ju , Lee Jae‐Hong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPathophysiology of cognitive decline in CAA is multifactorial, because microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities, and combined concomitant parenchymal Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology have been suggested to cause cognitive impairment. The mechanism by which microbleeds affect cognitive impairment is still under investigation. We aimed to investigate the mechanism of how microbleeds contribute to cognitive impairment, in association with white matter tract abnormalities or cortical thickness in CAA with significant amyloid deposition.MethodWe retrospectively investigated 30 patients with probable CAA according to Boston criteria and 30 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), all of whom showed severe amyloid deposition on amyloid PET (Aβ+). Age, sex, and clinical deteriorating scale were matched. Using MRI, cortical thickness and white matter tract abnormalities as fractional anisotropy (FA) were obtained. We compared cortical thickness, FA, and cognitive scores of five domains between Aβ+ CAA and Aβ+ AD. Using path analysis, we investigated the correlation between number of regional microbleeds, cortical thickness, FA, and cognitive impairments.ResultBoth CAA and AD group showed similar cortical amyloid deposition in AD related regions such as precuneus, and posterior cingulate cortex suggesting that CAA in this study might have AD pathology. Patients with Aβ+ CAA presented with significantly lower FA in clusters of posterior area than patients with Aβ+ AD (FWE‐corrected p value <0.05) Importantly, total number of microbleeds were associated with decreased FA in tapetum of corpus callosum (r=‐0.429, p<0.001), which were consequently associated with visuospatial function (r=0.466, p<0.001). Cortical thickness was not significantly different between CAA and AD, and it did not mediate the association between regional microbleeds and cognition.ConclusionThis study suggests that lobar microbleeds may impact cognitive decline through the mediation of white matter tract abnormalities in CAA.
Utility of total tau as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease among adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Petersen Melissa , Rafii Michael S. , Zhang Fan , Schupf Nicole , Hall James R. , O'Bryant Sid 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundBlood based biomarkers have been continuously proposed as a mechanism for detecting Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Adults with Down syndrome (DS) are at high risk for AD due to triplication and overexpression of APP, the gene for beta amyloid located on Chromosome 21. This study aimed to further examine the utility for total tau in detecting AD among those with Down Syndrome (DS‐AD) and distinguish this diagnostic group from those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI‐DS) and/or cognitively stable (CS).MethodPlasma samples were analyzed on n=305 DS participants (n=225 CS; n=44 MCI‐DS; n=36 DS‐AD) enrolled in the Alzheimer’s Biomarker Consortium‐ Down Syndrome (ABC‐DS). Assays were analyzed on the Simoa HD‐1 analyzer. Support vector machines analyses were conducted to examine the ability for total tau to distinguish among diagnostic classifications alone and in combination with demographic characteristics of age and gender.ResultIn distinguishing MCI‐DS from CS, total tau alone produced an AUC of 56% with a sensitivity (SN) of 0.05 and specificity (SP) of 1.00 using an optimized cut‐off score (‐0.788). When demographics of age and gender were included along with total tau, AUC increased to 83% (SN= 0.13, SP=1.00) with an optimized cut‐off score (‐0.933). When distinguishing DS‐AD from CS, total tau reached an AUC of 74% with an SN of 0.47 and SP of 0.94 with an optimized cut‐off score (‐0.819). When demographics were included, it increased the AUC to 0.94 (SN=0.86; SP=0.89) with an optimized cut‐off score (‐0.986). When applied to distinguish MCI‐DS from DS‐AD, total tau alone reached an AUC of 76% with a SN of 0.69 and SP of 0.80 using and optimized cut‐off score (0.194). With demographics, detection improved to an AUC of 81% (SN=0.86; SP=0.68) with optimized cut‐off score (0.141).ConclusionTotal tau combined with demographics of age and gender was accurate in distinguishing across diagnostic classifications. The best discrimination between cognitive status was shown when total tau was applied to distinguish CS from DS‐AD cases. These findings support the potential use of total tau as a screening tool for clinical trials focused on DS‐AD as an alternative to more invasive neurodiagnostic modalities.
The influence of a genetic risk score for Alzheimer’s disease on healthy elderly brain functional connectivity: A magnetoencephalography study
Authors: Rojo Inmaculada Concepción Rodríguez , Cuesta Pablo , Frutos Jaisalmer , Fernández Ricardo Bruña , García María Eugenia López , Calero Miguel , Ruiz Agustin , Moreno‐Grau Sonia , Toraño Federico Ramirez , Serrano Noelia , Sanz David López , Correas Ángeles , Higes Ramón López , Losada María Luisa Delgado , Dolado Alberto Marcos , Pereda Ernesto , Maestú Fernando , Fernández Alberto 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe study of the effects that certain genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become a growing body of research. However, the relationship between brain integrity and performance and genetic profiles has been scarcely investigated. Here, we have calculated a genetic risk score (GRS), associated with an enhanced risk of developing AD. The GRS has been computed as the sum of the manifested risk alleles of 3 genetic polymorphisms for the CLU, PICALM and CR1 genes, each one weighted with the logarithm of its odds ratio. Additionally, we have carried out an eyes‐closed, resting‐state magnetoencephalography (MEG) study and analysed the brain functional connectivity (FC) of 230 cognitively intact elders non carriers of the APOE‐4 allele.Method230 healthy elders (aged from 61 to 85) were recruited from the Hospital Universitario San Carlos and the Center for elders at the Chamartín District, all located in Madrid, Spain. All of them underwent a neuropsychological evaluation, MRI assessment and MEG recordings.ResultBeta band FC showed a selective vulnerability to the increased genetic risk that was captured by the GRS score. A clear pattern of hypersynchronization emerged in those participants with higher GRS scores.ConclusionGRS seems to be modulating electrophysiological brain activity inducing alterations in the beta band FC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first MEG neuroimaging‐genetic approach within an elderly population that considers the possible association of a GRS for AD on brain neurophysiological activity.
Open science datasets from PREVENT‐AD, a longitudinal cohort of pre‐symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Tremblay‐Mercier Jennifer , Binette Alexa Pichet , Madjar Cécile , Remz Jordana , Das Samir , Evans Alan C. , Breitner John , Villeneuve Sylvia , Poirier Judes ,   PREVENT‐AD Research Group
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn the last 10 years, the PResymptomatic EValuation of Experimental or Novel Treatments for Alzheimer Disease (PREVENT‐AD) research program has collected both biological and behavioral data longitudinally, using well‐recognized biomarkers, to better understand and prevent Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our cohort is composed of older individuals with a family history of AD, but who were themselves cognitively unimpaired when enrolled in the study (aged 63 years old ± 5, at entry). To move AD research further, we recently shared this rich dataset with the global research community.MethodWe created a data sharing model including two levels of access based on data sensitivity and risk of potential re‐identification, framed with a series of usage terms. Preparation of the datasets included selection of the variables to share, quality controls, outlier analysis, de‐identification, and creation of detailed data dictionaries for proper re‐usability. Each research participant was retrospectively re‐consented.ResultMore than 90% of participants (349 out of 386) agreed to openly share their data. Repositories are accessible openly at https://openpreventad.loris.ca, to qualified researchers at https://registeredpreventad.loris.ca, and through the unified interface of the Canadian Open Neuroscience Platform. The shared data collected from 2012 to 2020 (Table 1) includes longitudinal multimodal magnetic resonance imaging, gene variants, neuropsychological assessments, neurosensory evaluations, subjective cognitive decline information, as well as multiple behavioral data (e.g. sleep quality, neuropsychiatric factors, personality traits, etc). Amyloid and tau measurements from cerebrospinal fluid (n=106; longitudinal) and positron emission tomography (n = 130) are also available on subsamples of participants. To date, more than 250 users have accessed the PREVENT‐AD datasets.ConclusionCreation of open datasets from sensitive human data requires technical, human, and financial investments. The challenge remains important as we must constantly deploy our sharing initiative efforts as new data is collected, and new modalities incorporated in the cohort. By offering this evolving resource to the research community, we aim to acknowledge the implication of our research participants by expanding the potential of the data they generously provided, generate a higher rate of new discoveries in AD pathogenesis, and contribute to the international efforts towards prevention of AD.
Age effects on white matter microstructure in individuals of self‐identified Indian ancestry from the UK Biobank
Authors: Nabulsi Leila , Lawrence Katherine E. , Muir Alexandra M. , Santhalingam Vigneshwaran , Abaryan Zvart , Villalon‐Reina Julio E. , Nir Talia M. , Gari Iyad Ba , Zhu Alyssa H. , Haddad Elizabeth , John John P. , Venkatasubramanian Ganesan , Jahanshad Neda , Thompson Paul M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of dementia in India is 14%, and its prevalence doubles with every five‐year increase in age. Given the lack of ethnic diversity in most brain research to date, it is valuable to study cohorts with diverse genetic and environmental backgrounds, to identify predictors of health and disease that can be generalized to other ethnic groups than the commonly studied populations of European ancestry. To address this gap in the literature, we modeled factors that affect aging patterns in the brain’s white matter in individuals with Indian ancestry using advanced diffusion‐weighted MRI (dMRI).MethodCross‐sectional dMRI data from 123 individuals (males, n=78; females, n=45) of self‐reported Indian ancestry (born in India: 44%; mean age: 60.1±8.3 SD, range: 45‐80) from the UK Biobank were analyzed using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), the tensor distribution function (TDF), neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and mean apparent propagator MRI (MAPMRI). Main effects of age, sex, and age‐by‐sex interaction were investigated to characterize trajectories in whole‐brain white matter averages and the corpus callosum (CC), parcellated using the JHU‐ICBM atlas, covarying for years of education, waist/hip ratio, population structure (Figure 1) and the Townsend index. Normative lifespan charts were created to visualize white matter aging trajectories for the major diffusivity metrics.ResultNormative centile curves (Figures 2‐3) show, with increasing age, declining white matter integrity, increased diffusivity, lower white matter density and diffusion restriction at the whole‐brain level and CC (Table 1; Figure 4). There was no detectable effect of sex, nor age‐by‐sex interaction, across whole‐brain metrics. In the CC, a steeper aging trajectory, evidenced by more pronounced white matter changes, was observed in males relative to females (Table 1; Figure 5).ConclusionUsing advanced dMRI modeling, we report diffuse white matter changes with respect to age in a subsample of UK Biobank individuals of self‐reported Indian ancestry. Future studies should include larger sample sizes, comparisons with Indian ancestry individuals residing in India, consider vascular factors, and examine genotype interactions (e.g., with apolipoprotein E genotype), to further characterize risk factors and better understand brain aging in diverse populations with varied genetic and environmental backgrounds.
Co‐design of the DELIGHT (Dementia Lifestyle Interventions for Growing Healthy Together) program for persons living with dementia and care partners
Authors: Middleton Laura E , Keller Heather , McAiney Carrie A , Bechard Lauren Elizabeth , Wei Cindy , Koch Melissa , Heibein William , Roth Gail , Schneider Lloyd , Shoemaker David , Shoemaker Margaret ,   the DELIGHT Co‐design Team
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPersons living with dementia (PLWD) and family care partners (CPs) want to improve their health, maintain independence, and enhance well‐being. Multi‐domain interventions towards this goal are needed, but few are available and fewer were co‐created with PLWD, CPs, and program providers. The objective of the DELIGHT project is to use a participatory approach to co‐design a feasible, effective multi‐domain intervention (the DELIGHT program) that meets the health and well‐being goals of PLWD and CPs.MethodUsing a participatory approach, the DELIGHT project is guided by a core team of researchers, PLWD, CPs, and an Alzheimer Society representative. The co‐design team included the core team and additional PLWD/CPs, exercise professionals, dietitians, health care professionals, and community service providers (n=29). Due to COVID‐19, research team meetings have been virtual since May 2020. The co‐design was planned for four in‐person, half‐day sessions but was transitioned to six online, 1.5‐hour sessions, using small breakout rooms for discussion. The co‐design meetings focused on identifying target population, key outcomes of the program and developing program components and structure. During co‐design meetings, two or three guiding questions were set to focus discussion on a specific topic (e.g., exercise). The final co‐design session focused on the overall structure of the DELIGHT program. The core team then reflected on co‐design discussions and decisions and made final decisions on program structure. Program resources were iteratively designed with the core team, co‐design team, and other external stakeholders (including an illustrator).ResultThe DELIGHT program is designed to promote well‐being among PLWD and CP. Engagement soon after diagnosis is a goal. The program will meet twice per week for one hour of exercise and thirty minutes of facilitated discussion/education with a healthy snack and social engagement. Education will focus on healthy eating, sleeping well, mental well‐being, social connection, and physical activity. Program resources and manual are in development.ConclusionThe DELIGHT program was co‐created by PLWD, CPs, researchers, and community stakeholders to meet the health and well‐being goals of PLWD and CPs. The on‐line and in‐person program options will be piloted and evaluated in fall 2021.
Using participatory research to co‐create the dementia‐inclusive choices for exercise toolkit
Authors: Middleton Laura E , Koch Melissa , Freeman Shannon , Pelletier Chelsea , Bechard Lauren Elizabeth , Mohamed Saara , Heibein William , Johannesson Carole , Dupuis Sherry L , Astell Arlene J. , Giangregorio Lora , Regan Kayla ,   the DICE Research Team
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundExercise improves functional abilities of persons living with dementia (PLWD) and provides an opportunity for social engagement, support, and inclusion. Yet, there are few exercise programs available to PLWD, especially in smaller communities. The goal of the Dementia‐Inclusive Choices for Exercise (DICE) project was to use participatory processes to create evidence‐informed knowledge translation (KT) resources to increase the number and quality of exercise opportunities for PLWD.MethodThe DICE core team includes PLWD, a family care partner (CP), exercise providers (EPs), dementia service providers (DSPs), health care professionals, and researchers. In the early project stages, we confirmed objectives and conducted 1 survey, 2 interviews, 16 focus groups to better understand barriers to and supports needed for exercise among PLWD. Results led to the prioritizing of primary (EPs) and secondary (PLWD & CP) target audiences for the KT resources. Co‐creation of the KT resources followed several steps: 1) drafting content and possible formats for resources over several core team meetings; 2) conducting a one‐day workshop with additional PLWD, CPs, EPs, and DSPs to develop a comprehensive plan for the content and format for each resource, target audience, and dissemination strategies; 3) using iterative design among the core team, resource developers, and additional PLWD, CPs, EPs, and DSPs to develop resources; and 4) usability testing.ResultKey information to be translated included understanding the diversity of dementia, rights of PLWD to inclusion, physical activity guidelines/benefits, and dementia‐inclusive communication, practices, and design. This information is delivered through the DICE toolkit, which includes a website, on‐line training modules and manual targeted at exercise providers, destigmatizing videos that show the stories of PLWD, and resources for PLWD and their CPs to increase knowledge and confidence regarding exercise. Subsequent usability testing among EPs, PLWD, and CPs (n=7) identified design and content adjustments. Collaborative and inclusive decision making created improved relationships and ongoing learning between all stakeholders.ConclusionThe participatory approach of the DICE project enabled stakeholders to identify and share perspectives and needs throughout the co‐creation process. Working collaboratively and iteratively with a diverse team ensured that the DICE toolkit is relevant and usable to EPs, PLWD, and CPs.
Cognitive impairment associated with global sensory processing abnormalities
Authors: Rhodus Elizabeth K , Barber Justin M , Gibson Allison , Thompson MaryEllen , Shady Kristine E , Jicha Gregory A 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundRecognition of the impact of primary sensory impairment on cognitive status and decline in the aging population has spurred research in this area. Most prior studies have focused on primary sensory function, with few studying the potential impact of central nervous system sensory processing and modulation in relation to cognitive status.MethodThis study sought to evaluate sensory processing abnormalities rather than primary sensory deficits in community‐residing older adults through administration of the Adult Sensory Profile (ASP), a 60‐item, norm‐referenced assessment evaluating central nervous system sensory processing. The ASP items assess six sensory modalities: taste/smell, movement, visual, touch, auditory, and activity level. Participants ranked items based on their likelihood to engage in activities within each group. Responses were tabulated into four processing categories (sensation avoiding, sensory sensitivity, sensation seeking, and low registration) and compared with age‐cohort normative data. Identification of more than one category outside of normative results was indicative of sensory processing abnormalities compared to same‐aged peers. Participants were categorized based on the ASP as normal (<2 categories outside of normal range) or abnormal (2‐4 categories outside of normal range). Chi‐square tests compared cognitively normal participants to those with cognitive impairment.ResultSeventeen participants completed the ASP. Eight were cognitively normal at the time of completion and nine were diagnosed with cognitive impairment. Of those with normal cognition, two were considered to have abnormal sensory processing (25%). Of those with cognitive impairment, seven were considered abnormal (78%), indicating a significant difference in global sensory processing between groups (x2=4.73, p=0.029).ConclusionGlobal sensory processing abnormalities were more frequent in those diagnosed with cognitive impairment compared to those that remained cognitively intact. It is likely that cortical neurodegeneration in sensory association areas is responsible for the increased prevalence of sensory processing abnormalities seen in the older adults with cognitive impairment in this study. Abnormal sensory processing abilities could contribute to increased behavioral and psychiatric symptoms, similar to that seen in children with severe sensory processing disorders. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results and investigate the relationship between impaired sensory processing and behavioral symptoms in dementia.