bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous associations of air quality improvement with domain‐specific cognitive function in older women
Authors: Wang Xinhui , Younan Diana , Petkus Andrew J , Beavers Daniel P , Espeland Mark A , Millstein Joshua , Chui Helena C , Gatz Margaret , Chen Jiu‐Chiuan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundAir pollution is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. However, whether and how air quality (AQ) improvement is associated with better cognitive performance across multiple domains is unknown.MethodParticipants included 2,114 women (aged 74‐92 at the enrollment) from the US‐based Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study‐Epidemiology of Cognitive Health Outcomes. Cognitive domains evaluated annually included episodic memory (EM; sum of scores by immediate and delayed recalls of East Boston Memory Test and the word list of modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status), language (Verbal Fluency‐Animals), working memory (WM, sum of scores from forward and backward Digit Span Tests), and attention/executive function (AEF, log‐transformed ratio of the time spent in Part A over Part B for Oral Trails Making Test), all standardized using corresponding baseline measure. Annual PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) and NO2 were estimated using regionalized universal kriging models and aggregated to 3‐year average at 10 years (remote) and immediately (recent) before enrollment. AQ improvement was defined as reduction from remote to recent exposures. We examined associations between AQ improvement and domain‐specific cognitive trajectories using linear mixed effect models, adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, clinical covariates, and time‐varying propensity scores to account for selective attrition.ResultsAQ improved significantly over 10 years for both PM2.5 (13.3±2.7µg/m3 to 10.6±2.0µg/m3) and NO2 (15.7±7.1ppb to 10.4±4.9ppb). Over a median of 6.2 (inter‐quartile‐range [IQR]=5.1) years of follow‐up, cognitive performance declined significantly in all domains. Women residing in locations with greater PM2.5 improvement (per IQR=1.77µg/m3) had better performance in EM (βPM2.5=0.069, p=0.002), WM (βPM2.5=0.050, p=0.01), and AEF (βPM2.5=0.044, p=0.01), but not in language (βPM2.5=0.013, p=0.57). Similar findings with stronger associations were observed with improved NO2 (βNO2=0.065∼0.073 per IQR=3.89ppb for EM, WM and AEF, all p≤0.002). Slower declines in cognitive trajectories across EM, Language and AEF were found with improved AQ, but only the association between improved NO2 and slower EM decline was statistically significant (βNO2=0.010/year, p<0.001).ConclusionsImproved AQ of PM2.5 and NO2 was associated with better performance of EM, WM and AEF, but not language. In addition, improved NO2 was associated with slower decline of EM over time in older women.
Associations between neutrophils and amyloid deposition in the Alzheimer’s disease spectrum
Authors: Rahmouni Nesrine , Tissot Cécile , Lussier Firoza Z , Bezgin Gleb , Therriault Joseph , Stevenson Jenna , Stevenson Alyssa , Chamoun Mira , Kang Min Su , Pascoal Tharick A. , Gauthier Serge , Benedet Andréa Lessa , Rosa‐Neto Pedro 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundNeutrophils are key components of early innate immunity and contribute to uncontrolled systemic inflammation. Several studies have highlighted the link between systemic inflammation and the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology. In fact, experiments with animal models and studies with AD patients demonstrated the hyperactivation of neutrophils associated with AD pathology and cognitive decline. However, the comprehension of the inflammatory component in the AD spectrum is still uncomplete. We thus investigated whether the amount of systemic neutrophils is correlated with brain amyloid‐β in the AD spectrumMethodThe present study was conducted in a population of 170 individuals (115 cognitively unimpaired (CU) and 55 cognitively impaired (CI; 35 MCI and 20 AD) from the Translational Biomarkers in Aging and Dementia TRIAD cohort. The neutrophil relative values were assessed using the Automated Beckman DXH hematology Analyzer. Amyloid (Aβ) deposition was assessed with [18F]AZD4694 PET. A voxel‐based regression model evaluated the relationship between neutrophil count and Aβ PET, adjusted for age, sex, years of education and diagnosis. RFT was used to account for multiple comparisons.ResultIn the present study, a positive association was found between systemic neutrophil counts and brain Aβ load, where the associated regions were the anterior cingulate, cuneus, and occipital pole areas. Also, CI individuals showed significantly higher neutrophil counts as compared to the CU group.ConclusionOur findings review the link between the peripheral immune system and the central nervous system amyloid deposition. Further studies should investigate the use of neutrophil counts as biomarkers of AD.
The WW‐FINGERS‐SARS‐CoV2 initiative: Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on brain health and prevention strategies
Authors: Mangialasche Francesca , Pérez Kristal Morales , Lehtisalo Jenni , Solomon Alina , Peltonen Markku , Ngandu Tiia , Kivipelto Miia 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundOlder adults have higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, and they also represent the group most severely affected by the SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) pandemic in terms of higher morbidity and mortality. The World‐Wide FINGERS (WW‐FINGERS) global network of multidomain trials for dementia risk reduction and prevention (Kivipelto et al., 2020) provides a unique framework to explore how the pandemic has affected factors related to mental and physical health of populations at increased risk of dementia, while accounting also for country‐specific strategies to contain the spread of the infection.MethodsThe WW‐FINGERS‐SARS‐CoV2 survey has been developed to explore direct and indirect effects of the pandemic in midlife and older age. The questions aim to measure changes in lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, physical activity), management of chronic noncommunicable diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), as well as psychosocial factors ‐ including depressive symptoms, sleep disorders, social isolation ‐ that are relevant to cognition and are expected to be affected by the pandemic. The survey measures also established and possible epidemiologic risk factors for severe COVID‐19. To facilitate distribution is different settings, both a pen‐and‐paper and a digital version of the survey have been developed in several languages. The digital version is supported through REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture), a secure web‐based software that is being also used for harmonized data collection.ResultsOver 25 countries are taking part in the survey. Local adaptations and piloting are being done to optimize implementation in both clinical‐based and population‐based settings. Participants are in the at‐risk spectrum for dementia: from cognitively normal persons to individuals with pre‐dementia cognitive symptoms. An updated report of the survey status will be presented.Conclusionthe survey is a joint global action of the WW‐FINGERS network which can inform better care of older adults in the context of a pandemic. The survey is also a valuable tool for pre‐screening of participants for prevention trials, and results can inform adaptions to ensure successful recruitment and adherence in forthcoming multidomain trials for dementia prevention in older adults.
The association between visual discrimination and cognitive decline prior to clinical diagnosis
Authors: Jiang Lydia , Shing Nathanael , Robin Jessica , Ladyka‐Wojcik Natalia , Choi Anika , Ryan Jennifer D , Barense Morgan D , Olsen Rosanna K 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe development of dependable screening methods would allow for the early detection of incipient Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer’s pathology accumulates in the perirhinal cortex (PRC) well before diagnosis. Converging lines of research show the PRC critically contributes to object visual processing, especially when disambiguating between objects that have highly overlapping features (Barense et al., 2010; Bussey et al., 2002). Previous research has shown that healthy older adults with a genetic risk (i.e., family history) for AD, performed worse at discriminating novel objects than those without a genetic risk (Mason et al., 2017). A dependable screening method, such as a visual discrimination task, could help identify cognitive decline earlier than a typical screening tool.MethodTwenty‐nine healthy older adults were tested on a visual discrimination task and were also administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Based on their MoCA scores, the participants were divided into an “at‐risk” group (n=13) and a “healthy” group (n=16). Each trial consisted of the simultaneous presentation of three visually similar images. Participants were instructed to identify the image that was inconsistent with the other two as quickly and accurately as possible. Images were divided into three categories: faces, scenes, and objects.ResultThe at‐risk group scored significantly lower on the visual discrimination task when compared to the healthy group (p = 0.004). Further, there was a significant interaction between visual image category and MoCA performance on accuracy. This interaction was due to the large difference in accuracy between the two groups in the object category (p < 0.001). Finally, the category had a significant effect on accuracy, where both groups scored significantly lower in the object category (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study shows participants who are at‐risk for mild cognitive impairment performed significantly worse on the visual discrimination task especially in the object condition, which is consistent with previous results in healthy older adults with a genetic risk of AD. Impaired visual discrimination could reflect very early AD pathology affecting the PRC. Visual discrimination tests could be developed into dependable screening tools allowing clinicians to make earlier predictions about who is most at risk for developing AD.
Calsyntenin‐1 is a cerebrospinal fluid marker of frontotemporal dementia‐related synapse degeneration
Authors: Belbin Olivia , Irwin David J. , Alcolea Daniel , Illán‐Gala Ignacio , Santos‐Santos Miguel A , McMillan Corey T. , Dolcet Sonia Sirisi , Dols‐Icardo Oriol , Cervantes‐González Alba , Querol‐Vilaseca Marta , Blesa Rafael , Fortea Juan , Lee Eddie B. , Trojanowski John Q. , Grossman Murray , Lleó Alberto 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) clinical diagnosis is challenged by the variable correspondence between the clinical syndrome and underlying neuropathological changes, the phenotypic overlap with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the lack of pathophysiologic diagnostic biomarkers. As synapse degeneration is an early event in pathological frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), a surrogate marker of synapse loss could aid the early diagnosis of FTD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a panel of 9 synaptic proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for FTLD in a neuropathological cohort.MethodWe included cognitively normal controls (n=35, 69 years+/‐7) and patients with neuropathological confirmation of FTLD (n=49, mean age‐at‐CSF 67 years+/‐10) or AD (n=25, 73 years+/‐6) from the Penn FTD Center. Subsets of the FTLD group included FTLD‐TDP (n=25) and FTLD‐Tau (n=24) neuropathological subtypes and “pure FTLD” (neurofibrillary tangle score of B0/B1 according to the NIA‐AA classification; n=39). We quantified the synaptic panel by targeted mass spectrometry using isotopically‐labeled proteotypic peptides as internal standards. We used linear regression with Dunnett’s post‐hoc tests to compare group differences, receiver‐operating characteristic curves to assess diagnostic accuracy (AUC) and linear regression adjusting for age‐at‐death and sex to assess the association with tau burden.ResultOf the 9 synaptic proteins, CSF Calsyntenin‐1 showed the strongest association with disease etiology (r2
=.12, p=.0006). Calsyntenin‐1 was lower in FTLD compared to controls (p=.03) and AD (p=.0008), particularly in “pure FTLD” (p=.02 vs controls, p=.0004 vs AD). Calsyntenin‐1 levels were comparable between AD and controls (p=.33) and between neuropathological FTLD subtypes (p=.66). Calsyntenin‐1 did not correlate with age‐at‐CSF analysis in controls (p=.74), FTLD (p=.07) or AD (p=.40). Calsyntenin‐1 showed the best diagnostic accuracy for differentiating FTLD from AD (AUC=73.4%) and showed similar accuracy in “pure FTLD” (AUC=75.7%) and in FTLD‐TDP (AUC=76.0%) and FTLD‐Tau (AUC=70.4%). Calsyntenin‐1 directly correlated with global pathological tau burden in FTLD (r2=.22; p=0.005) and in “pure FTLD” (r2=.17; p=0.02).ConclusionLow CSF levels of the post‐synaptic modulator, Calsyntenin‐1, is specific to FTLD, particularly in cases with little or no tau pathology and could aid the early diagnosis of FTD and the differential diagnosis from AD and other tauopathies.
A systematic review of the use of play in dementia care
Authors: Li Bingyu , Luo Yinglin , Lin Mulin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundSome psychosocial intervention such as stimulation‐oriented approaches including group play programs are being regarded as helpful intervention approach for old adults with dementia. Many scholars have been talking about the effectiveness of group play programs for elder adults to impair their cognitions and improve the quality of the patient’s life.AimTo systematically review the evidence regarding the efficacy of game orientated group play approaches in dementia care.MethodLiteratures are reviewed from several databases including OVID MEDLINE, PSYCHINFO, EMBASE, and Google Advanced Search with pre‐specified selection criteria, elder with dementia (EWD) are participants and interpersonal group play are the mode of intervention.Result15 studies met the inclusion criteria (8 randomized controlled trials, 2 observation studies and 5 qualitative studies). Play interventions included individual game and group play. Although studies were generally underpowered, findings indicated positive effects of play interventions on emotional stability, cognitive functioning and general quality of life of people living with dementia.Conclusion and ImplicationAs a mode of intervention, group play can effectively improve cognitive functions and psychological symptoms of EWD, and culturally tailored programmes format may further enhance their effectiveness.LimitationGame‐based intervention largely lack theoretical frameworks and empirical evaluation; The dynamic process in game‐based intervention between service providers and service users are not being studied.
Geographic proximity, neuropathology and ADRC brain donation
Authors: Powell W Ryan , Zuelsdorff Megan , Chin Nathaniel A , Buckingham William R , Rissman Robert A , Bendlin Barbara B , Kind Amy J 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundDiverse representation is a known challenge in Alzheimer’s disease research recruitment. Geographic proximity to an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) may be a factor in brain donation. Whether those donating living closer to a center differ in terms of their social and biological characteristics to those living farther away is unknown.MethodsIn this cross sectional analysis of people donating to one of two ADRC brain banks (n=428), we examined how geographic proximity to the center, defined as living within an hour of the center, is associated with neighborhood disadvantage (Area Deprivation Index rank) as well as neuropathology at the time of death.ResultsDisadvantaged neighborhoods were underrepresented regardless of location. However, those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods nearest to an Alzheimer center were less likely to donate than those living farther away. With each decile increase, denoting higher levels of neighborhood disadvantage, the odds of living within an hour of a center decreased by 33% (OR=0.75, 95% CI=0.62‐0.91). Similar trends were found with Alzheimer’s disease‐related neuropathology, with a lower odds of living near a center associated with increasing Braak staging (B score) for neurofibrillary degeneration (OR=0.68, 95% CI, 0.59‐0.77), amyloid plaque presence (OR=0.73, 95% CI, 0.62‐0.87), and presence of Lewy bodies (OR=0.54, 95% CI, 0.40‐0.73).ConclusionFindings suggest donation program recruitment approaches could be optimized in disadvantaged neighborhoods, including those geographically closest to centers. Reducing Alzheimer disparities and generating the evidence needed to promote brain health for everyone requires diverse research representation, including areas near an ADRC. ADRC policy and planning efforts that facilitate research access, broaden inclusivity, and expand participation to those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are needed.
Monthly mortality from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia in Japan
Authors: Kanamori Masao , Suzuki Mizue , Kanamori Takuya , Naito Tomoyoshi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study is to research seasonal changes in dementia mortality in Japan and to pursue the excess death on COVID‐19. COVID‐19 excess mortality were higher in homes providing nursing services to older people with dementia in England by Marciano, 2021. We have been researched the temperature‐mortality associations. The optimum temperature with the lowest mortality rate is the 84th percentile of the maximum temperature. We compared the changes in monthly mortality between 2019 and 2020, and examined whether there is an indirect effect on dementia associated with COVID‐19, considering the effects of temperature so far. For comparison, the total deaths of the elderly and accidental deaths such as falls were used.MethodFrom the monthly death from dementia (G30, Alzheimer disease, F01‐03, Vascular Dementia and Other) extracted from the vital statistics in Japan from 2019 to 2020, the dementia mortality rate by sex‐age group aged 65 and over was obtained. We estimated excess mortality using estimates from the optimal curves of monthly temperatures and monthly mortality rates for NCD since 2001, which the author has already announced.ResultSeasonal changes in dementia in 2019‐2020 were assessed to be consistent with estimates from optimal curves for monthly temperature and mortality. However, the 2020 mortality by gender‐age‐class based on 2019 increased sharply in June, August and October for ages 65‐69 and in October (10.2‐43.8 percent) for ages 70‐74. From May to August, falls and traffic accidents decreased, the total mortality of the elderly excluding accidents decreased during the same period, and the mortality of aged 70 and over increased by 8 percent after October. Discussion: The effect of COVID‐19 on dementia in 2020 could not be detected. Since the number of clusters of geriatric medical facilities in Japan has increased significantly since January 2021, long‐term inactivity of physical activity as a factor of immune function decline may increase the mortality from dementia. There are limits based on vital statistics.ConclusionExcess mortality from Dementia was undetectable in 2020, but an increased mortality was observed in certain age groups after the autumn.
Reliability and validity of the decision‐making scale on person with dementia
Authors: Suzuki Mizue , Asai Yatami , Sato Masako , Tsujimura Shouko , Koide Yukio , Ogawa Asao , Kanamori Takuya , Naito Tomoyoshi , Inagaki Keigo , Kanamori Masao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecently, the decision‐making for patients is crucial. However, for person with dementia(PwD), it is often the family that decides the treatment. The study aims to develop a decision‐making support scale to determine concrete communications or support methods for PwD.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among care staff in geriatric facilities from February–March 2021.ResultsTotal subjects were 138 persons, with 91 caregivers being the most common. Two scales were developed using factor analysis and Covariance Structure Analysis. The first is a decision‐making scale concerning PwD’s everyday life. The second decision‐making scale pertains to the final stages of the lives. The decision‐making scale on their everyday lives consisted of three factors. The first factor was called the formation and expression of PwD’s wish in their everyday life. The second factor was called the creation of attitudes relating to the formation and expression of wishes of PwD in their everyday lives. The third factor was called the formation of support for the realization of the wishes in their everyday lives. Similarly, the decision‐making support scale on the final stages also had three factors. The first was called support and cooperation among families and multi‐factorial staff in realizing the wishes of PwD during the final stages of their lives. The second factor was called the creation of communication for the formation and expression of the wishes of PwD on the final stages of their lives. Lastly, the third factor support abilities of decision‐making and sense of values in drawing wishes. These scales had a significant relation with attitude scale of decision‐making.ConclusionThe decision‐making support scales have validity and reliability for PwD from everyday life to the final stages.
Investigating the prevalence of cognitive impairment in mild and moderate COVID‐19 patients two months post‐discharge: Associations with physical fitness and respiratory function
Authors: Vavougios George D. , Stavrou Vasileios , Papayianni Eirini , Fradelos Evangelos C , Astara Kyriaki , Tourlakopoulos Konstantinos , Boutlas Stylianos , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence and associations of cognitive impairment in previously COVID‐19 patients 2 months after discharge.MethodOur study included previously hospitalized, consecutive COVID‐19 patients with mild to moderate disease, followed up 2 months post discharge at a tertiary hospital’s outpatient clinic during May 2021. Exclusion criteria included intensive care unit admission, intubation, or a history of neurodegenerative disease and stroke prior to COVID‐19. Prior to inclusion, eligible patients had provided written informed consent. The full battery of measurements in our study included demographics, medical and family history, anthropometrics, the 6‐minute walk test (6MWT), the Borg Dyspnea Scale, spirometry, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Short Form 36 health Survey (SF‐36), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Symptom Checklist 90‐R (SLC90‐R), reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs) and plasma antioxidant capacity (PAT test; FRAS5, Parma, Italy). Cognitive impairment was considered on a MoCA cutoff ≤24. Data are presented as mean ±SD or Frequencies (%). Correlations between continuous data were assessed via the Spearman’s Rho correlation coefficient, whereas associations were assessed via multiple linear regression (MLR) models. For all tests, a p‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 32 subjects were included in the study (35 Male, 17 Female; Mean age of 61.6±9.4). A total of 56.2% presented with cognitive decline (CD) as indicated by a MoCA score <24. Principal component analysis revealed that short‐term memory impairments and multidomain impairment without short‐term memory deficits were the predominant patterns of cognitive impairment. MoCA score correlated with age (ρ=‐0.513, p=0.003), waist circumference (ρ=‐0.388, p=0.028) waist to hip ratio (ρ=‐0.361, p=0.042) and SpO2 during 6MWT (1st, 4th and 6th minute; p<0.05). MLR indicated that after adjusting for age and gender, SpO2 at the 6th minute of the 6MWT was independently associated with MoCA score (Beta=0.579, p‐value=0.001).ConclusionOur findings indicated that among 32 outpatient clinic subjects, 56.2% presented with cognitive decline. The associations with oxygen saturation and physical condition as detected by the 6MWT may indicate overlap with post‐COVID‐19 fatigue and warrants further investigation.