bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An accurate diagnosis contributes to delayed institutionalization and mortality: The ABIDE Project
Authors: van der Flier Wiesje M , Van Maurik Ingrid S. , Mank Arenda , Bakker Els D. , de Wilde Arno , Bouwman Femke H. , Stephens Andrew W. , Van Berckel Bart N.M. , Scheltens Philip 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundEven though there is no curative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) yet, an accurate diagnosis is essential, as it is a starting point to arrange proper care, which in turn may lead to beneficial health outcomes. Amyloid‐PET contributes to an accurate diagnosis and we hypothesize that this predisposes toward a more benign disease trajectory in terms of rate of institutionalization and mortality.MethodWe included consecutive patients who had their baseline visit at the Alzheimer center Amsterdam between 2015 and 2016. During this period, we offered amyloid‐PET to all participants. Patient underwent amyloid‐PET as part of their diagnostic work‐up and were propensity score matched with patients without amyloid‐PET (i.e. no‐PET). Propensity score matching was performed with nearest neighbor 1‐to‐1 matching without replacement and based on baseline characteristics, resulting in two matched groups of n=444 patients each. The endpoints of the study were admission to a nursing home and mortality retrieved from statistics Netherlands.ResultPatients (matched cohort) had a mean age of 64±8, 40% (n=353) female, MMSE 25±4 and 43% (n=379) had dementia at baseline. Mean follow‐up duration was 3±1 for institutionalization and 4±1 for mortality. In the amyloid‐PET group, 10% (n=45) of patients were admitted to a nursing home, compared to 21% (n=92) of no‐PET patients. The amyloid‐PET group (HR=0.48 [0.33‐0.70]) had a lower risk of institutionalization compared to no‐PET patients, corresponding to a 1.5 year delay in institutionalization. Moreover, patients with amyloid‐PET had a lower mortality rate compared to matched no‐PET patients (11% (n=49) vs 18% (n=81); HR=0.51 [0.36‐0.73]), which corresponds with a 1.4 year longer survival. We found no differences between amyloid‐positive and amyloid negative patients).ConclusionWe demonstrated that a more accurate diagnosis, operationalized by means of adding amyloid‐PET to the diagnostic work‐up, positively influenced time to institutionalization and death in memory clinic patients, independent of syndrome diagnosis. This provides evidence for the notion that a well‐informed patient has better health outcomes.
Reliability and validity of walk tests for older adults with dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Chan Wayne LS , Chan Hiu Laam , Chen Ka Ming , Fan Hoi Lam , Lai Wai Ching , Yu Sze Wing 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundWalk tests are the most common, simple, and easy‐to‐administer tests to measure walking ability, monitor changes in gait performance and evaluate the effects of interventions in clinical settings. To apply walk tests with confidence, clinicians need to understand their psychometrically properties (e.g., reliability and validity) for a particular population. This systematic review aimed to analyze the reliability and validity of clinically‐oriented walk tests for older adults with dementia.MethodA systematic literature search was conducted using PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL by two independent reviewers (last search done in November 2020). The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Consensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist.ResultSeventeen articles published from 1997 to 2020 were included in this systematic review. For the distance‐based walk tests, the Timed‐Up‐and‐Go test (TUG), Groningen Meander Walk Test (GMWT), walk speed tests using 4‐meter (4MeWT), 6‐meter (6MeWT) and 10‐meter corridor (10MeWT), and Figure of 8 test had good to excellent test‐retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ≥ 0.76]. For the time‐based walk tests, both the 2‐minute walk test (2MWT) and 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) had good to excellent test‐retest reliability (ICC ≥ 0.76). The TUG, GMWT, 10MeWT, 2MWT and 6MWT also had moderate to strong correlations with other walk tests and functional outcomes.ConclusionThe TUG, GMWT, 10MeWT, 2MWT and 6MWT have good to excellent reliability and validity in older adults with dementia. Future research using the recommended protocols for conducting psychometric studies is warranted to enhance the quality of research and to investigate other psychometric properties of walk tests in this population.
PET tracer for synucleinopathies and neurodegenerative comorbidities with excellent binding affinity and selectivity to α‐synuclein aggregates
Authors: Uzuegbunam Bright C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe fundamental role that α‐synuclein (aSyn) plays in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative synucleinopathies is a well‐accepted fact. Beyond the synucleinopathies, the abnormal deposition of aSyn is frequently seen in a variety of other neurodegenerative proteinopathies including Alzheimer’s disease. We aimed to optimize the pharmacokinetics and the binding properties of disarylbisthiazoles (DABTAs) to aSyn fibrils and versus β‐amyloid (Aβ) and tau (τ) fibrils as PET tracer for synucleinopathies and neurodegenerative comorbidities.MethodWe have identified DABTAs as specific tracer for aSyn in this paper we improved brain uptake kinetics of them by the addition of nitrogen containing heteroaromatic rings in the scaffold. The binding affinity of these ligands were calculated prior using a combination of molecular dynamics and quantum/molecular mechanics. Furthermore, the physicochemical and pharmacokinetics of these DABTAs were modeled using machine learning methods. The radiolabeling via n.c.a one‐ or two‐step F‐18‐fluorination was established. The DABTAs were further evaluated via experimental logD and binding assays, plasma stability, brain metabolite analyses, biodistribution, and for some dynamic PET‐MRI scans.ResultIn silico assays allowed to characterize and evaluate the binding affinity of the candidates, with some of the ligands showing promising affinity and selectivity over Aβ and τ fibrils (80‐120‐fold) based on these calculations. Experimentally, initial binding assays revealed that F‐18‐DABTA‐3 (Log D 2.68), F‐18‐DABTA‐4 (Log D 2.34), F18‐DABTA‐7 (LogD 2.88) and F18‐DABTA‐8 (LogD 2.65) showed good binding affinity to α‐syn fibrils, with some even in the sub‐nanomolar range. Further experiments are ongoing to verify these values. Biodistribution assays in healthy mice brain uptake at 5 mins p.i. ranged from 5.6 ‐ 7.3 %ID/g, with fast brain clearance at 60 mins and 120 mins (up to 0.96 %ID/g & 0.39 %ID/g respectively), with no significant defluorination. The metabolite analyses revealed almost no brain radiometabolites in 20 min.ConclusionIn silico study facilitated the development via a rational design of radioligands with desired characteristics. DABTA results show a lot of promises and encourage us to further investigate them by autoradiography, immunohistochemistry and in vivo imaging in NHP and human.
Risk of suicide attempt in patients recently diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia
Authors: Günak Mia Maria , Barnes Deborah , Yaffe Kristine , Li Yixia , Byers Amy L 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the association between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and suicide. Most studies have focused on dementia and suicidal behavior, with inconsistent results. Our objective was to (a) examine the association between MCI and dementia diagnoses and suicide attempt and explore potential psychiatric moderators, and (b) assess whether the association differs based on recency of diagnosis.MethodWe conducted a nationwide cohort study that integrated five national databases from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. U.S. veterans aged ≥50 years with MCI diagnoses at baseline (2012‐2013) or prior to baseline (2008‐2011) were propensity‐matched 1:3 with a) patients with dementia diagnoses and b) patients without either diagnosis based on demographics and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (N=147,595). MCI/dementia diagnoses were defined as 'recent' if there were no diagnosis codes prior to baseline. Information on suicide attempts through December 31, 2016 was provided by the National Suicide Prevention Applications Network (SPAN; non‐fatal) and Mortality Data Repository (MDR; fatal).ResultThis study included 21,085 patients with MCI, 63,255 patients with dementia, and 63,255 patients in the propensity‐matched comparison group. Participants had a mean (SD) age of 74.7 (10.3) years, 4,242 (2.9%) were women, and 127,065 (86.1%) were non‐Hispanic White. Exploratory analyses revealed that no psychiatric comorbidity moderated the association between MCI/dementia and suicide attempt. After adjustment for demographics, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, risk of suicide attempt was consistently highest for patients with a recent MCI or dementia diagnosis, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.73 (95% CI, 1.34‐2.22, P<.001) for recent MCI, and 1.44 (95% CI, 1.17‐1.77, P=.001) for recent dementia. Risk for prior diagnosis was not significant (prior MCI: HR=1.03, 95% CI, 0.78‐1.36, P=.843; prior dementia: HR=1.14, 95% CI, 0.95‐1.36, P=.151).ConclusionOlder adults with recent MCI or dementia diagnoses are at increased risk to attempt suicide. These findings suggest that involvement of supportive services at the time of or soon after diagnoses of MCI or dementia may help mitigate risk of suicide attempts.
Impact of an intergenerational training program in the use of information and communication technologies for older adults who receive cognitive intervention in the context of a Covid‐19 pandemic: Preliminary results
Authors: Feldberg Carolina , Crivelli Lucia , Tartaglini María Florencia , Martin Maria Eugenia , Garcia Lydia Moya , Hermida Paula Daniela , Natalia Irrazabal , Somale Maria Veronica , Sevlever Gustavo , Allegri Ricardo Francisco 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundWorldwide, the Covid‐19 pandemic impacted on professionals and patients receiving cognitive rehabilitation (CR) forcing them to instrument assistance programs through tele‐neuropsychology. Many of those who receive CR are older adults who lack the necessary technological knowledge to carry out CR through teleneuropsychology. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of a training program on technological tools, carried out by high school students, for older adults who received CR through teleneuropsychology.MethodDesign: Pre‐post, longitudinal intervention study. Participants: Older adults (n=13) (73.34 +/‐ 5.07 years old) and Students (n=20) (16.14 +/‐1.33 years old). The intervention consisted of a 4 week program for technological training. Participants were assessed at the beginning and the end of the program which consists in two training sessions of 45 minutes each. Instruments: Older adults were assessed with: Questionnaire of Social Demographic Data and Use of Technology (built ad. Hoc.), Functional Assessment Questionnaire, MOS Scale of Social Support, Try Your Memory Test (TYM). Students were assessed with: Basic data questionnaire and Negative stereotypes questionnaire towards old age (CENVE).ResultWhen comparing pre and post‐tests, statistically significant differences were found in the assessed variables. In the older adult group, a significant difference was found in the use of zoom platform (z= ‐2.97, p= .003). In the student group, a statistically significant difference was found regarding the beliefs about aging (z=‐2,53 p= .01).ConclusionThese results add evidence regarding the importance of applying technology training programs for older adults. Intergenerational programs are a promising alternative where both parts can benefit: older adults through the incorporation of meaningful technological tools for their daily lives, and young participants taking the opportunity to provide community service and to deconstruct negative prejudices and beliefs towards old age and its consequences.
Simulation of microvascular MRI signal changes in the presence of amyloid‐beta plaques or microbleeds
Authors: Jahng Geon‐Ho , Yoo Chang Hyun , Jin Seokha , Lee DongKyu , Cho HyungJoon 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is currently no study in the literature that has evaluated microvascular (MV) alterations with accumulation of amyloid‐beta plaque proteins or the presence of microbleeds in the AD brain. Therefore, in this study, we simulated MRI signal changes by assuming three different environmental conditions in the imaging voxel: only the normal MV structures, normal MV structures in the presence of amyloid‐beta plaques, and normal MV structures in the presence of microbleeds. Alterations in MV imaging indices such as mean vessel diameter, vessel size index, mean vessel density, blood volume fraction, and microvessel‐weighted imaging were calculated by using the differences in relaxation rates, ΔR2* and ΔR2, through Monte Carlo simulations with application of FPM for the three conditions.MethodThe following MV indices were calculated using the simulation results of the differences in the transverse relaxation rates, ΔR2* and ΔR2: mean vessel diameter (mVD), vessel size index (VSI), mean vessel density (Q), blood volume fraction (BVf), and microvessel‐weighted imaging (MvWI).The simulations were repeated with three different main magnetic field strengths (1.5 T, 3 T, and 7 T) and two different contrast agents, Gadolinium (Gd)–chelated and Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPION) in three different voxel environmental conditions of only the MV structures, MV structures with amyloid‐beta plaques, and MV structures with microbleeds.ResultIn the amyloid‐plaque model, mVD and VSI decreased with increasing plaque loads, but BVf, Q, and MvWI increased with increasing plaque loads. In the microbleed model, the MV indices of mVD and VSI increased with increasing vessel size. The MV indices of mVD, BVF, VSI and MvWI increased with increasing microbleed loads, but Q did not.ConclusionAll MV indices were sensitive enough to map accumulations of amyloid plaques, but did not vary with increasing vessel size. The MV indices, except Q, were sensitive to changes in microbleed loads and microvessel size. Therefore, we recommend evaluating MV structure changes in the AD human brain using 3T MRI with a Gadolinium (Gd) contrast agent.
COMPAs—An app designed to support communication between persons living with dementia in long‐term care and their caregivers
Authors: Dube Catherine , Delacourt Barbara , Masson‐Trottier Michele , Ansaldo Ana‐Inès 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPeople with dementia experience autonomy loss, and require caregiver support on a daily basis. Dementia is also characterized by progressive communication disorders, leading to isolation in both persons with dementia and caregivers. Caregivers also experience stress and increasing burden which makes them particularly susceptible to burnout. As a whole, these factors hamper quality of life in both members of the dyad. The present study examines the efficacy of COMPAs, an App designed on principles of person‐centered and emotional communication, with the purpose of improving well‐being in persons with dementia and their caregivers, including the extreme isolation conditions imposed by COVID‐19.MethodIn this implementation study on COMPAs, caregivers in two long‐term care facilities were trained to use COMPAs and taught strategies to improve communication with persons with dementia. Measures were taken before and after 8 weeks of interventions with COMPAs. Qualitative analyses on semi‐structured interviews and quantitative analysis on questionnaires were completed.ResultsInterventions with COMPAs improved the quality of communication and quality of life within the dyad. They also reduced caregiver burden and increased their feeling of personal accomplishment.ConclusionCOMPAs contributes to the well‐being of persons with dementia and their caregivers, thanks to its focus on emotional communication. It represents a valid tool to improve person‐centered communication in long‐term care facilities, including extreme isolation contexts.
Neuroimaging research on dementia in Brazil between 2010‐2020
Authors: Rizzi Liara , Aventurato Ítalo Karmann , Balthazar Marcio Luiz Figueredo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn low‐ and middle‐income countries, studies involving structural and functional neuroimaging are challenging due to low investments and heterogeneous populations. Outstanding the importance of an accurate diagnosis of dementia, and the contribution that neuroimaging can provide in this field, we aimed to offer an overview of neuroimaging dementia researches developed in Brazil in the last ten years.MethodPubmed was queried to select research papers that (a) had a Brazilian author, (b) presented some kind of neuroimaging result, (c) concerned a neurodegenerative disease presenting a dementia syndrome, and (d) were published from 2010 to 2020.Result65 original papers were included. Referred pathologies were mainly Alzheimer’s disease (54%, n=35) and MCI (48%, n=31), followed by vascular dementia (4.6%, n=3). Besides, the most utilized methods were morphometrics (58%, n=38), fMRI (23%, n=15), and DTI (18%, n= 12). There was no trend toward increasing or decreasing the number of publications per year between 2010‐2020 (Spearman ρ=0.13, p=0.70). The median of the citations for each paper was 5 (IQR 2‐18). Journal impact factor was available for 55/65 papers, with a median of 2.94 (IQR 1.90‐4.35). The vast majority of studies were set in the state of São Paulo (65%), with others from Rio de Janeiro (20%), Minas Gerais (7.6%), Rio Grande do Sul (4.5%), Pernambuco, and Goiás (each with 1.5%).ConclusionDementia neuroimaging research in Brazil is highly focused on AD. Surprisingly, only 4.6% of the studies are about vascular dementia, although Brazilians may have more cerebrovascular damage than other populations. Despite difficulties, Brazilians are studying and refining new neuroimaging methods, such as functional and structural connectivity, DTI, and surface‐based morphometry. However, neuroimaging research in Brazil is far from being developed and widespread across the country. The trend towards a highly concentrated scientific production in the Southeast region along with average‐to‐low research impact reflects the national tendency. Researches in Brazil are also particularly affected by spatial restriction in the national territory, as the cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. Therefore, neuroimaging researches with the Brazilian population in this field are an urgent matter to better improve the diagnosis of dementia in Brazil.
Adaptation of an in‐person dyadic care planning intervention for virtual delivery: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Orsulic‐Jeras Silvia , Whitlatch Carol J. , Powers Sara 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundMany psychosocial interventions targeting both persons living with dementia (PWD) and their family care partners (the care dyad) have been developed and have demonstrated significant positive effects for either, or both, care partners. One such intervention, SHARE for Dementia, is an evidence‐based, 6‐session program led by a trained SHARE Counselor typically in‐person within care dyads’ homes. In an effort to reach families in need of support during the Covid‐19 pandemic when home and office visits were not possible, necessary adaptations to SHARE protocols and materials were identified and piloted as a first step toward the creation of a remotely delivered version of SHARE.MethodSHARE Counselors (n = 5) from various community‐based organizations licensed to deliver the in‐person SHARE for Dementia program participated in a series of virtual adaptation meetings under the guidance of the SHARE Research Team.ResultThe following areas of need for adaptation of SHARE were identified: 1) Mode of delivery (smart phones/tablets, Zoom/Skype); 2) Dissemination of intervention materials (email, use of the SHARE app for iPad); 3) Administration of Care Values and Preferences assessments; 4) Building and maintaining rapport and trust with care dyads; and 5) Remote presentation of SHARE intervention tools.ConclusionThis presentation will highlight a series of best practices and recommendations for a full‐scale adaptation of SHARE for Dementia for remote delivery. Insights from SHARE Counselors will highlight support for the use of a remote version of SHARE in non‐pandemic times to reach underserved and rural populations in need of support or for PWDs that live alone and have a long‐distance care partner. Case examples will be used to illustrate remote delivery successes and challenges as well as highlight ways SHARE can be delivered using a hybrid model to accommodate the unique needs of families that may benefit.
Dialogical perspective on the use of digital communication tools in interaction involving people with dementia
Authors: Samuelsson Christina , Ekström Anna , Ingebrand Elias 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundWhile dementia is predominantly associated with cognitive impairments, communication and participation in social activities have been reported as areas where people with dementia experience immense challenges. The extent to which a person with dementia is able to participate in communicative activities does not only depend on the severity of the individual condition, but also on the interactional environment, the actions of co‐interlocutors and the organization of the material surrounding. In this presentation, focus is on aggregated results from several projects where two digital communication supporting tools for people living with dementia have been developed. The tools are both built around conversation stimulation materials (video clips, photos and music) with the difference that one (CIRCA) includes generic material (i.e., photos of famous people and top list music) and the other (CIRCUS) uses personalized materials (i.e., photos of family members and favourite songs).MethodThe study comprises four different datasets with in total 18 participants with dementia engaged in either dyadic or group communication activities, both with and without digital communication support. All sessions were video recorded and analyzed by means of multimodal interactional analysis.ResultsThe results showed that digital communication support has the potential to facilitate participation in conversational activities for people with dementia. Conversations involving digital support were longer and the participants with dementia took more initiatives compared to conversations without digital support.The results also showed that in group activities, the participants with dementia were able to initiate and maintain conversations without support from a group leader. The participants with dementia further orient towards each other as competent and knowing.ConclusionThere is a need for communication activities within dementia care, and activities focusing on communication are much appreciated by people with dementia. Digital communication support applications have the potential of enhancing and facilitate such activities. This in turn, may contribute to increased participation and social inclusion for people with dementia.