bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emotional regulation through second language use in dementia
Authors: Ware Caitlin , Rigaud Anne‐Sophie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundCognitive reserve has been linked to bilingualism, yet the mechanisms are still unknown. Older bilinguals have been shown to benefit from cognitive advantages (Bak et al., 2014), but could dual language use affect emotional processing? Second language use has been shown to facilitate implicit emotional regulation (Morawetz 2017), and thus be a therapeutic tool in treating trauma (Dewaele and Costa 2013), and diminishing levels of distress associated with memories encoded in one’s mother tongue (Dylman and Bjarta 2018). As some dementia patients are unable to control the intensity of their affects, could a second language be employed as a means of emotional continence?MethodWe had three participants with dementia take the Thematic Apperception Test (T.A.T.), a projective personality test, in French, their mother tongue, and in English, their second language. The T.A.T involves telling stories about emotionally charged images, and responses are measured in terms of rigidity, emotional flexibility, conflict avoidance, and primary processes. The participants’ stories were recorded and transcribed, and scored by calculating the percentage of neurotic, borderline, and psychotic defense mechanisms employed.ResultAs a function of the language used, the participants’ scores differed. Most strikingly, the stories told for some of the images were more complex in English than in French. In their non‐dominant tongue, two participants were able to express more disturbing themes such as rivalry, crime, and sexuality, while these topics were avoided in their mother tongue. Finally, for two participants, a more positive interpretation was given to the last card, a blank white image, when described in English as opposed to its description in French.ConclusionThis exploratory study provides some support for the use of a second language as a means of emotional regulation in patients living with dementia. It is interesting in the light of cognitive reserve in older adults, as the use of a second language could potentially have a beneficial effect on cognition and delay the onset of dementia (Bialystok et al., 2004). Moreover, using a second language could also be advantageous from a psychological standpoint, facilitating the verbalization of negative emotions, and changing one’s perspective.
The SLU‐AMSAD, a short screening tool for diagnosing depression in dementia patients
Authors: Chakkamparambil Binu , Chibnall John , Gao Xiaoyi , Xin Jason , Khoury Rita , Grossberg George T 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of depression in people with Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to be nearly 50%, accounting for a significant amount of additional caregiver burden1. With the COVID‐19 crisis, depression in dementia patients, especially those living in long term care facilities, has increased. The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) is the gold standard for assessing depression in dementia patients, but is lengthy, taking nearly 20 minutes to administer3. The SLU AMSAD is a previously validated depression tool which consists of 5‐items and takes less than 2 minutes to administer3. The objective of this study was to compare this short tool with the lengthier gold standard, the CSDD, to diagnose depression in cognitively impaired patients.Method44 patients, 65years and older were enrolled in the study from an out‐patient clinic setting. A St. Louis University Mental Status Exam (SLUMS) score of less than 25 was used to include the eligible patients. All enrolled subjects were administered the SLUMS, SLU AMSAD and the CSDD. The SLUMS score was used to classify the patients as having mild, moderate and severe dementiaResultThe preliminary data set analyzed data for N=44 cases of which 54.5% were female and 88.6% Caucasian with a mean age of 79.9. The average SLUMS score was 14.3 (6.5). For the total sample, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity values exceeded 0.82, with a maximum sensitivity of 0.92 and specificity of 0.84 (for an optimal cut‐off score of 4/5).ConclusionThe SLU AMSAD had a very strong correlation with the CSDD as shown by the above results in this preliminary data sample of 44 patients. We intend to continue with the study and gather a total sample of 105 patients to add stronger statistical power to the study. References: 1. Chi S, et.al. The prevalence of depression in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Current Alzheimer research. 2015;12(2):189‐ 98. 2. Alexopoulos, G. S., et.al (1988). Cornell scale for depression in dementia. Biological Psychiatry, 23(3), 271–284. 3. Chakkamparambil B, et.al Development of a brief validated geriatric depression screening tool: the SLU "AM SAD". Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2015 Aug;23(8):780‐3.
Preliminary experience in a tertiary geriatric centre of PCASL as a potential biomarker in dementia imaging
Authors: Mangalore Sandhya , Chaurasia Kavish , P.T. Sivakumar 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPCASL is a perfusion imaging biomarker and is a contrast free , radiation free technique .At our tertiary neuropsychiatric centre MR/PETstudies had optimised and standardised PCASL sequence with gold standard FDG PET .In this study we have used PCASL in wide variety of cases referred for structural imaging in clinical setup and we present our experience with yield of PCASL in clinical work up along with clinical – structural MRI correlation .MethodWe present our experience with 51 cases referred from geriatric clinic for imaging work up between april 2020‐april 2021.The standardised PCASL sequence was acquired along with routine clinical dementia protocol.ResultWe were referred cases with typical and atypical clinical pattern. Psychiatric symptoms included late onset psychosis , depression , delusion , bipolar disorders.Cognitive presentation included RPD , multidomain cognitive impairment Paraneoplastic work up with serology has low specificity and ASL helped guide a whole body imaging workup. Predominantly movement disorder with cognitive impairment were planned for DBS /TMS based on outcome.We could phenotype the cases based on the perfusion profile as AD(13), FTD(26), DLB(3),Parkinsonian disorders such as PDD, CBD, MSA, PSP(8), Vascular dementia(1).We could also subtype AD as PCA AD(5) , AD‐ VaD (1) and FTD as svFTD(7) , bvFTD(7), FTD‐PSP(1),PNFA(2) , FTD‐NPH(1), CBD‐AD(1).Detailed clinical – structural – functional imaging correlation was done for all these casesConclusionPCASL predated structural atrophy pattern and could help in establishing diagnosis early on in a clinical setup. It increased the sensitivity of sMRI by synergistically establishing diagnosis in conditions such as NPH , VaD with LVAO and SVD ,Post traumatic/stroke, hyponatremia, alcohol withdrawal, paraneoplastic /AIE and CJD.Further management with non pharmaceutical options such as ECT/TMS and TDCS could be evaluated.As a surrogate biomarker for FDG, tracers such as FDOPA, Amyloid and Tau imaging can be imaged simulatenously with MRPET. Imaging is crucial where there is lack of clinical history in a developing country due to lack of followup , awareness , apathy to the disease .
Dementia knowledge in three countries in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Willis Rosalind , Manful Adwoa Serwaa , Igbafe Lilian , Mukayagi Patricia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundLimited research has been carried out in sub‐Saharan Africa about knowledge of dementia, although studies report that supernatural causes predominate while the biomedical model has less adherence. The biomedical model has been called the pathway to care, but this is less useful when infrastructure and services for dementia are limited. Three African researchers sought to explore knowledge about dementia in three sub‐Saharan African countries. This article provides added value by performing a synthesis across the three countries.MethodQualitative research was performed in Zambia (healthcare professionals and the general public), Kenya (people providing care for parents), and Nigeria (family members providing care for relatives). Individual interviews were analysed with thematic analysis. The findings from the three countries were synthesised to identify shared messages and areas of transferability.ResultZambian findings showed partial adherence to the biomedical model of dementia among professionals but not among the general public. There was evidence of othering those who believed in supernatural origins. In Kenya information‐seeking strategies were used when carers realised something unusual was happening, indicating high levels of social capital are necessary. Nigerian findings demonstrated a similar process of gradual recognition of symptoms, but also labels of madness and expectations of recovery.ConclusionOverall, the three sets of data imply that adherence to the biomedical model of dementia is more widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa than has been previously thought, but without care and support services and accompanying policies this will not benefit people with dementia and their families.
The effects of robot‐based cognitive intervention on resting‐state EEG in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease dementia
Authors: Kim Geon Ha , Kim Bori R , Park Kee Duk , Jeong Jee Hyang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundCognitive intervention (CI) has been known to improve cognition and to delay cognitive decline in patients with dementia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of our newly developed, robot‐based CI for 12 weeks on brain function and cognitive performance in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease dementia (ADD).MethodsA single‐blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in 37 patients with ADD. ADD patients met the criteria proposed by the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS‐ADRDA). Mild dementia was determined if global clinical dementia rating of the patients was 0.5 or 1. All participants were randomized into the two groups: the home based cognitive intervention with robot (Robot) and waitlist control without cognitive intervention (control). A total of 20 cognitive training programs were settled in the robot, which targeted training for specific cognitive domains including attention, memory, visuospatial, calculation, language and frontal executive functions. The robot‐based cognitive intervention comprised 60‐min‐session per day for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the changes in brain function measured by resting state electroencephalogram (EEG) with a 19‐channel wireless EEG device. The secondary outcome was the changes of cognitive function measured using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.ResultsThere were no baseline demographic and clinical differences between the two groups. EEG analysis after 12‐week cognitive intervention showed decreased theta wave on the frontal areas in the Robot group, while increased theta wave on the frontal areas in the control group. In addition, Robot group also demonstrated improvement in the attention domain compared to the control group.ConclusionGiven that increased theta wave on the frontal areas is associated with cognitive decline, our results suggest that 12‐week robot based cognitive intervention could help improve brain function and attention in patients with mild ADD.
Efficacy of doll therapy intervention on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: A randomized single‐blind controlled trial
Authors: Vaccaro Roberta , Molteni Valentina , Ballabio Roberta , Ceppi Laura , Ardito Rita Bianca , Adenzato Mauro , Guaita Antonio , Pezzati Rita 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundDoll therapy (DT) is a non‐pharmacological intervention recommended for the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), producing benefits on agitation, aggression and wandering. By recognition of the doll as a real baby, challenging behaviours, viewed as requests for care and protection (i.e. attachment behaviours), are replaced with caregiving behaviors. In order to overcome methodological issues of the available studies, we have designed a single‐blind randomised controlled trial on efficacy of DT in managing BPSD and reducing professional caregivers’ perceived stress linked to BPSD (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03224143).MethodThe object presentation procedure (doll or cube, a non‐anthropomorphic object) is structured with the goal of recreating a situation of separation from a known figure and interaction with the environment in order to partially recreate the prototypical phases of the ‘strange situation’. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) compared the intervention group and the active control group on the net change (post‐treatment minus pre‐treatment) in NPI‐NH total score and NPI‐NH Distress score. Pre‐treatment NPI‐NH total score and psychotropic medications were used as covariates in these analyses.ResultOne hundred thirty‐four women living in 26 nursing homes in the Canton Ticino area (Switzerland) were randomized, 129 completed the study. The intervention group (n= 64) and the active control group (n= 65) were comparable: age [(mean (SD)=86.9 (5.9) and mean (SD)=88.4 (5.5), respectively; z=‐1.276, p=0.202)], baseline NPI‐NH total score [(mean (SD)=33.84 (13.28) and mean (SD)= 31.55 (12.1), respectively; z=‐1.05; p=0.292)], baseline NPI‐NH‐Distress total score [(mean (SD)=12.08 (5.4) and mean (SD)=10.6 (5.04), respectively; z=‐1.86, p=0.063), Global Deterioration Scale score [(mean (iqr)=6 (5‐7) and mean (iqr)=6 (5‐7), respectively; z=‐1.146, p=0.252). Based on ANCOVA results, the intervention group reported a significantly higher decrease on NPI‐NH total score [(adjusted mean (SE)=‐ 11,63 (1,0)] with respect to the active control group [adjusted mean (SE)=‐ 4.19 (1.0); F(1)=43.433, p=<0.001; Partial 2=0.638]. The intervention group reported a significantly higher decrease on NPI‐NH‐Distress score [(adjusted mean (SE)=‐ 3.71 (0.43)] with respect to the active control group [(adjusted mean (SE)=‐1.24 (0.43); F(1)=40.97, p=<0.001; Partial 2=0.625].ConclusionDT significantly reduces challenging behaviors and caregivers’ perceived stress linked to BPSD.
Suitability of memory aids and strategies for people with posterior cortical atrophy: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Burbaite Aurelija , Leeworthy Shona , Hirst Lisa , Mioshi Eneida , Clare Linda , Ahmed Samrah 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPosterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterised by a progressive visuospatial and visuoperceptual impairment. Recent research shows that memory impairment can also occur as an early symptom of the condition and, critically, can be ameliorated by providing support in the memory recall phase. There are currently no guidelines for which memory strategies may be suitable in PCA. Due to the central visual disorder that defines PCA, careful consideration is needed when choosing such strategies.MethodA scoping review will be conducted of published studies that have assessed memory aids and strategies in people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias where memory is considered a core or supplementary feature, with the aim of distinguishing those that may be suitable or adaptable for PCA. The systematic search will include the electronic databases Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL, using search terms for dementia (such as *DEMENTIA/ and alzheimer*) and memory aids and strategies (such as memory strateg*, memory aid*, assistive technolog*).ResultPreliminary database searches identified 1567 citations, that will be screened to choose articles eligible for full text review based on title and abstract. Reference lists will be used to identify further relevant studies. Data will be extracted by two reviewers using Mendeley.ConclusionThe scoping review will give an overview of the memory aids and strategies used in people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and identify characteristics, modality and pragmatics to evaluate their suitability and adaptability for a PCA population. Tailored memory support strategies for people living with PCA could improve memory performance, which in turn would minimise negative patient and carer outcomes.
Differential impact of sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta deposition on gray matter volume for cognitively normal older adults according to APOE genotype: Whole brain voxel‐wise analysis
Authors: Kang Dong Woo , Lim Hyun Kook , Wang Sheng‐Min , Um Yoo Hyun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated that sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta retention is related to cognitive performance, functional brain change, and further amyloid‐beta/tau accumulation. However, few previous studies have assessed an effect of APOE genotype on the association between sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta deposition and cortical atrophy in the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to evaluate the impact of sub‐threshold global and regional amyloid‐beta retention on cortical atrophy in cognitively normal older adults, according to APOE ε4‐allele status.MethodCognitively normal older adults with and without APOE ε4 allele (carrier, n=32; non‐carrier, n=80) underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans with [18F] flutemetamol. Whole‐brain voxel wise analysis was conducted for evaluating the sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta deposition‐by‐APOE genotype interaction for cortical atrophy, adjusting for age, sex, and education years.ResultSub‐threshold amyloid‐beta deposition in posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)/precuneus showed a significant interaction with APOE genotype for gray matter volume of bilateral hippocampus, bilateral cerebellum, right middle temporal gyrus, putamen, left amygdala, postcentral, and rectus gyrus (FDR‐adjusted p < 0.001). Cognitively normal older adults with APOE ε4 allele exhibited a positive relationship between sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta retention in PCC/precuneus and normalized gray matter volume, while those without APOE ε4 allele showing an opposing association.ConclusionThus, even sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta deposition has a differential impact on gray matter volume according to the representative AD risk factor, APOE ε4 allele in the earliest phase of AD. These results could contribute to the deeper understanding of the initial pathogenesis of AD.
Development of CT‐based regional Centiloid pipeline and application in Alzheimer’s disease cohort
Authors: Kim Soo‐Jong , Kim Young Ju , Seo Sang Won 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundStandard CL prosess was suggested to standardized measurement of amyloid deposition in amyloid PET imaging. In the present study, we aimed to develop CT based regional Centiloid scales using head to head comparison cohort of FMM and FBB PET. We also explored the clinical implications of our new CT based regional Centiloid scales investigating the effects of regional increased Aβ uptakes and striatal involvements of Aβ on brain structural and neuropsychological changes.MethodHead‐to‐head comparison dataset was included from 25 Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD) patients, 18 old controls (OC), and 20 young controls (YC) for FBB and FMM PET. We used direct comparison of FBB‐FMM CL (dcCL) method using MRI and CT images to define a common target region and six regional VOIs for all tracers. Clinical characteristics were compared to 2245 independent subjects in cognitive normal (CN), aMCI, and ADD. We also classified four stages using Centiloid cutoffs determined by machine learning technique. Among the subjects, regional Centiloid cutoffs were applied to classify four stages. The four stages were defined into focal (‐) and global (‐), F(‐)G(‐), F(‐)G(+), global (+) and striatum (‐), G(+)Str(‐), and G(+)Str(+) using determined Centiloid cutoffs. We also explored between the stages and clinical scores for cognition, structural changes.ResultHigh reliability and precision between MRI based and CT based Centiloid pipeline in quantification and Centiloid scales were found by head to head cohort. Those correlation of Centiloid scales were R2 = 0.91∼0.97 for paired PET tracers as head to head comparison and R2 = 0.95∼0.99 for same PET ligands between MRI based and CT based pipelines. In classified stages, F(‐)G(‐) stage was significantly different in comparison to G(+)Str(+) stage in CDR SOB, SVLT Delayed recall, hippocampal volume, and global cortical thickness (p<0.05).ConclusionOur proposed CT based Centiloid pipeline was validated by MRI based Centiloid pipeline, globally and regionally. Those applications into independent cohort were also validated by comparing cognitive scores and structural changes. Therefore, we demonstrated the new CT based regional Centiloid scales and the four stages by comparing cognitive score and structural changes in our independent cohort.
The effect of mindfulness‐based interventions on cognitive deficits from mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Mahabir‐Walston Dianna , Noblitt James R , Graves James 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) involves an objective and subjective decline in cognitive functions unrelated to aging and does not meet the diagnostic criteria for dementia. The deficits experienced with MCI can result in diminished cognitive and neural resources, and subsequently, functional impairment as well as heightened susceptibility for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Significantly, compensation can result in cognitive restructuring and neuroplasticity, which may provide a window for interventions that may assist with slowing the progression to dementia. Namely, across the literature to date, mindfulness‐based interventions (MBI)s has been shown to affect cognitive deficits across pathologies in the aging population as well as areas of the brain (e.g., increase grey and white matter volume, as well as cerebral blood flow). Therefore, further investigation into the effect of MBIs on cognitive deficits associated with MCI is warranted.MethodThe information from the current literature and consultations with professionals working directly with individuals diagnosed with MCI was synthesized to discover if MBI’s improve cognitive functioning. For this review, MBI’s included mindfulness‐based stress reduction, mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, yoga, meditation, mindfulness‐awareness practices, integrated mind‐body training, and metacognitive therapy, as well as multi‐component treatment modalities that incorporate mindfulness.ResultsFifteen studies showed various mindfulness‐based interventions improved cognitive function in individuals diagnosed with MCI. Comparatively, five studies showed no improvement in cognitive function. Results were reported with neurological tests and cognitive screeners such as the mini‐mental status exam. Cognitive improvements included memory, executive functioning, verbal recognition, attention, concentration, problem‐solving, cognitive processing speed, psychomotor speed, as well as subjective improvements. Significantly, the studies that showed no improvement did not describe any deterioration in cognitive functioning. Additionally, field experts predominately utilized mindfulness as part of a multi‐component treatment plan and reported subjective improvements in cognitive functioning.ConclusionResults of this analysis suggest that mindfulness‐based interventions do improve cognitive functioning as well as other symptoms influenced by MCI. Moreover, there are significant beneficial outcomes with multi‐component interventions that include mindfulness. However, these results should be considered preliminary, and further investigation is required because there was substantial variably between studies.