bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Telememory – A systematic, automated, digital reminiscence therapy platform for patients with dementia: A pilot project
Authors: Grossberg George T , Arnold Eliot C , Bukowski Martin , Adams Angie C 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundReminiscence Therapy (RT) is a therapeutic modality for cognitive stimulation therapy. The difficulty employing this therapy is gathering personal and family memories to engage the patient in life‐review. Digital RT (DRT) bypasses these difficulties, allowing family to engage in the creation of digital content designed to highlight patient‐specific memories administered via internet and communication technology. The efficacy of DRT has been demonstrated in controlled studies with positive results when compared with traditional reminiscence therapy.[1] The focus is how DRT (a non‐pharmacological intervention) reduces dementia related behavior. Based on this previously published research, we share preliminary results utilizing a proprietary platform to administer DRT to dementia patients. We implemented DRT through a novel technology platform. The platform runs on Android‐based devices. The solution standardizes collection of patient biographical information through care team interaction. Digital artifacts (photos, music, videos) are assembled through proprietary interfaces to produce a patient‐centric DRT session. DRT sessions are shared with patient 3‐5 times per week, allowing patient to experience benefits of reminiscence therapy through an automated interface. Minimal on‐staff time is needed. Proprietary AI, which is currently being refined, records patient reactions to stimuli presented throughout each session, allowing future sessions to be tailored towards those stimuli producing the highest level of positive response. DRT was administered via the Telememory solution to five (5) patients at skilled nursing facilities. Empirical data concerning mood improvement was gathered remotely and onsite by Telememory and facility staff. Assistance from onsite facility staff was minimal, limited to the initiation of DRT sessions and patient observation. Results were positive. Patients demonstrated consistent mood improvement sessions. In some cases, mood improvement extended beyond treatment. Mood improvement and patient mental status was confirmed by Neuropsychiatric Index evaluations. The quality of outcomes improved with increased patient/family/caregiver memory data input. Patients experienced immediate and post‐treatment benefits as observed by onsite caregiver staff. Best results were achieved with closely curated content from each patient’s past. Highest cognitive stimulation and mood improvement occurred from the presentation of digital artifacts provided by family members and primary caregivers.
Elevated neurofibrillary tau levels emerge with subthreshold Aβ accumulation in Down syndrome
Authors: Zammit Matthew D , DiFilippo Alexandra H , Tullis Tyler , McVea Andrew K , Tudorascu Dana L , Laymon Charles M , Cohen Ann D , Zaman Shahid , Ances Beau M. , Hartley Sigan L , Johnson Sterling C. , Stone Charles K , Mathis Chester A , Klunk William E , Handen Benjamin L , Christian Bradley T 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdults with Down syndrome (DS) are genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and accumulate beta‐amyloid plaques (Aβ) early in life. The aim of this study was to evaluate neurofibrillary tau deposition in DS between groups of Aβ negative (A‐) and subthreshold Aβ accumulators (subthreshold A+).MethodA total of 130 adults with DS (age=36.5 [6.77] years) and 40 healthy, non‐DS sibling controls (43.2 [12.6] years) underwent T1w‐MRI, [C‐11]PiB and [F‐18]AV‐1451 PET scans. MRI images were processed using FreeSurfer v5.3.0 to generate ROI masks encompassing the Braak staging of tau pathology. PiB and AV‐1451 SUVr images were generated using a cerebellar gray matter reference region. Global Aβ burden was calculated using the amyloid load metric (AβL). Of the 130 DS adults, N=26 were classified as subthreshold A+ (13.3 < AβL < 20), and the remaining 104 were classified as A‐ (AβL < 13.3). AV‐1451 images were averaged for each group, and the difference was taken to generate a ΔSUVr image. Regional tau was assessed using AV‐1451 SUVr Z‐scores relative to the sibling control group. Partial volume correction was performed on AV‐1451 SUVrs in the Braak I‐II regions using the geometric transfer matrix method. Braak regional SUVr Z‐scores were then compared across the two groups using Student’s t‐tests while adjusting for imaging site. The analysis was then repeated using an age‐matched sample of A‐ (N=68) and subthreshold A+ (N=26) DS.ResultThe SUVr difference image revealed higher AV‐1451 uptake in Braak regions I‐III for the subthreshold A+ group (Figure 1). Student’s t‐tests revealed significantly higher AV‐1451 uptake in Braak regions I‐III for the subthreshold A+ group (Table 1). No difference in AV‐1451 uptake was observed between groups in Braak regions IV‐VI (Table 1). Higher AV‐1451 uptake in Braak regions I‐III was also observed in the subthreshold A+ group when compared to the age‐matched A‐ group (Table 2).ConclusionThese results show that subthreshold Aβ in DS is accompanied by elevated tau in the early Braak stage regions. These findings indicate that there is a short latency between the onset of Aβ and the spread of neurofibrillary tau in DS.
The Global Council on Brain Health: Tailoring brain health guidance for the pandemic era
Authors: Chura Lindsay Rachel 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) recognizes people across the globe are interested in learning what they can do to maintain their brain health as they cope with the pandemic. With growing evidence that COVID‐19 harms brain health, the GCBH determined it was important to inform people about the impact and what if anything might be done about it.MethodThe GCBH has updated recommendations relevant to patient and caregiver advice to reflect the current challenges of living in a pandemic. This presentation will explore both the direct and indirect ways the virus impacts brain health and offers recommendations based upon the current state of the science on how to try to avoid the harms the pandemic poses. The GCBH considered which of their previous brain health recommendations they could make to foster brain health resiliency during the pandemic.ResultRecommendations included: stay physically active, eat a healthy diet, stay socially connected, maintain a regular sleep schedule, stimulate your brain, take care of your mental health, pay attention to signs of ‘brain fog’, monitor changes in neurological health, and don’t put off necessary medical appointments.ConclusionThis presentation will discuss the approach taken and lessons learned in adapting several years of brain health guidance for the COVID era. Living through this pandemic, even without infection, can adversely impact mental well‐being and ultimately brain health. Many people have been forced to change rituals and routines with substantially reduced social interaction under guidelines designed to reduce the spread of the virus. Moreover, COVID has had an undeniably huge negative impact on people living with dementia and the long‐term consequences will be topic of research for years to come.
Apathy as a treatment target in neurocognitive disorders: Clinical trial implications
Authors: Mortby Moyra E , Adler Lawrence , Agüera‐Ortiz Luis , Bateman Dan R , Brodaty Henry , Cantillon Marc , Geda Yonas E. , Ismail Zahinoor , Lanctôt Krista L. , Marshall Gad A , Padala Prasad R , Politis Antonis , Rosenberg Paul B. , Siarkos Kostas , Sultzer David L , Theleritis Christos 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundApathy is the most prevalent, stable and persistent neuropsychiatric symptom observed across the neurocognitive disorders spectrum and is linked to poorer disease outcome, reduced daily functioning and higher levels of caregiver distress, and an increased risk of mortality. Recent advances in understanding of phenomenology, neurobiology and intervention trials highlight an increased interest in and recognition of apathy as an important target for clinical intervention. We therefore conducted a comprehensive review and critical evaluation of recent advances to determine evidence‐based suggestions for future trial designs.MethodA critical review of latest research on apathy as a treatment target in pre‐dementia and dementia populations by the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Neuropsychiatric Syndromes Professional Interest Area (NPS‐PIA) Apathy Workgroup. This review focused on 4 key areas: 1) mechanisms and biomarkers; 2) assessment; 3) treatment and intervention efficacy; and 4) pre‐dementia states.ResultConsiderable progress has been made in understanding apathy as a treatment target and appreciating pharmacological and non‐pharmacological apathy treatment interventions. Areas of the literature requiring greater investigation include: diagnostic procedures, symptom measurement, understanding the biological mechanisms and biomarkers of apathy, and a carefully considered and well‐formed approach to the development of treatment strategies.ConclusionWe have made much progress in better understanding the role of apathy in affecting the impact and course of neurocognitive disorders and are starting to see some successes in targeting new treatments. To advance the recognition of apathy as a treatment target for clinical trials, it is essential that a better understanding of the subdomains and biological mechanisms of apathy are achieved. We propose the utility of a comprehensive multi‐national longitudinal observational study of neuropsychiatric symptoms in which the study of apathy is incorporated.
Challenges of defining healthcare costs for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) based on the claim database analysis in Japan
Authors: Shibata Kai , Ariyoshi Koichi , Azuma Mie , Shiromi Kai , Hioki Shinya , Ishii Mika 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe earlier treatment for dementia is important when it is diagnosed. The annual healthcare costs for mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been reported to be approximately 250,000 JPY (equivalent to 2,400 USD) per person [1], but there were few cost studies associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to clarify the healthcare costs incurred for MCI using a medical claim database in order to find out the disease burden in the early stage of dementia.MethodAn administrative claim database of Diagnostic Procedure Combination provided by Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd. was used. Patients data with MCI (ICD‐10 code: F067) diagnosed between April 2008 and September 2018 were selected. The index date was the date of the first diagnosis of MCI, and the evaluation period was the period between the index date and the date of the diagnosis of dementia or the date of any dementia medication prescribed as the end of MCI stage. If no date was given above, the last day of visit to a psychiatric department or the date of death was taken. Patients diagnosed with dementia before the index date or patients with an evaluation period of fewer than 30 days were excluded. From the selected patients, we identified the evaluation period, actual treatment for MCI during that period, and treatment costs. Tableau (Tableau Software LLC. Seattle, WA, USA) was used for the analyses.ResultThe total number of patients with MCI whose medical costs could be assessed was 4,713. The mean and median duration of MCI were 574 and 351 days, respectively; most of these patients were later diagnosed with dementia. The mean annual healthcare costs per person were 118,257 JPY (median: 40,551. min: 0. max: 3,764,722.), in which monitoring or diagnostic examination was mainly claimed.ConclusionHealthcare costs associated with MCI were limited and lower than those associated with mild AD. [1] Kitamura S., Inoue S., Matsui D., Matsushita Y. Cost‐effectiveness analysis for memantine monotherapy in patients with moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease. Japanese Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 2014;25: 1361‐1373.
Memory assessment and dementia risk in the PREVENT Study
Authors: Parra Mario A , Muniz‐Terrera Graciela , Danso Samuel O. , Ritchie Karen , Ritchie Craig W. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPromising memory markers for Alzheimer´s dementia (AD) tap into either relational (face‐name) or conjunctive (object‐colour) functions (Rentz et al., 2013). Whereas relational functions appear affected in the early symptomatic stages of AD, conjunctive functions have been found impaired in the pre‐symptomatic stages. Relational but not conjunctive functions are age sensitive. This can delay the detection of AD‐related impairments. No study to date has traced the progression or memory decline in people at risk of AD using these markers. This is an aim of the PREVENT study.MethodsA cohort of 183 healthy adults with age ranging from 40‐60 years (M: 52) underwent assessment at baseline and two‐year follow up (T1). The assessment consisted of the neuropsychological test battery COGNITO (Ritchie et al., 2017), a demographic questionnaire, and four memory tests (relational: Virtual Reality Supermarket Trolley Task (VRST), Name‐Face Association Test (NFAT), and 4 Mountain Test (4MT), and conjunctive: Visual Short‐Term Memory Binding Test (VSTMBT)). Participants also underwent genetic testing to identify APOE genotypes. Risk profiles were defined by the present of Family History and APOE4, with High Risk subjects being positive to both, Middle Risk to either, and Low Risk to neither. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal comparisons were carried out within and across risk groups.ResultsNeither cross‐sectional nor longitudinal comparisons revealed differences across risk groups on the memory markers. Only the NFAT significantly correlated with age (p<0.01). The VRST and VSTMBT were not associated to the level of education while the NFAT and 4MT were (p<0.05). Correlations between baseline and T1 were large for all the tests. Performance on the VSTMBT did not correlate with that on any relational memory tasks. The VSRT and 4MT did reveal significant correlations (p<0.001).ConclusionWe have identified an early time window in the ageing continuum where people at risk of dementia show intact cognitive functions known to be markers of AD. We have replicated the previously reported patterns of sensitivity to demographic variables (age and education) and confirmed their potential to dissociate trajectories of memory decline across constructs and risk profiles.
Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in aboriginal australians
Authors: Lavrencic Louise , Yong Zechariah , Daylight Gail , Broe Gerald A , Draper Brian , Radford Kylie 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundBehavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (NPS, in people without dementia) have not been examined in the Aboriginal Australian population despite high rates of dementia and cognitive decline. BPSD/NPS contribute significantly to poorer wellbeing, institutionalisation, and adverse outcomes. This study aims to identify the characteristics and factors associated with BPSD/NPS in older Aboriginal Australians.MethodData were from the Koori Growing Old Well Study, a longitudinal, population‐based study with Aboriginal Australians from 5 partnering communities in New South Wales (n=336 baseline including n=153 with medical assessment). Participant, care person and medical interviews were carried out. Baseline BPSD/NPS were classified using the Cambridge Behavioural Inventory‐Revised (CBI‐R) and social and clinical predictors were collected. Logistic regression analyses examined associations with severe BPSD/NPS.ResultCBI‐R data were available for n=132 (mean age= 67, SD= 6.6; 46% male). The prevalence of one or more NPS was high (66%), with 74% of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 100% of people with dementia experiencing symptoms. Patterns of behaviour change indicated that mood symptoms were prominent in MCI/mild dementia, symptoms of apathy worsened with dementia severity, and abnormal beliefs were more prominent in moderate/severe dementia. Stroke history (OR=4.4) and living in residential aged care (RAC; OR=10.8) were associated with severe BPSD/NPS. When presence of a dementia diagnosis was added to the model, only RAC (OR=5.5) and dementia presence (OR=5.8) remained significant.ConclusionThe prevalence of BPSD/NPS is high in Aboriginal communities, linked to the high rates of cognitive decline. Characterising the pattern and predictors of BPSD/NPS is critical for early intervention and support. Future research should validate culturally‐relevant assessment and models of care for BPSD/NPS.
Consumption of ultra‐processed food and cognitive decline among older adults with type‐2 diabetes
Authors: Weinstein Galit , Vered Shiraz , Ivancovsky‐Wajcman Dana , Zelber‐Sagi Shira , Ravona‐Springer Ramit , Heymann Anthony , Beeri Michal Schnaider 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundUltra‐processed foods (UPF) are ready‐to‐eat/heat foods that derive from a series of industrial processes. These products constitute a large and increasing amount of the food supply in high and middle‐income countries. Accumulating evidence point to an association of UPF intake with increased mortality and adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, whether UPF consumption is associated with cognitive function is not clear. We investigated the associations between UPF intake and cognitive decline, in a cohort of older adults at high‐risk for dementia due to type‐2 diabetes (T2D).MethodThe study sample included initially non‐demented T2D older adults (≥65y), from the Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline (IDCD) study, who had complete information on nutrition at baseline and at least three cognitive assessments (mean follow‐up 5.3±1.5y). Nutritional intake was evaluated by a validated Food‐Frequency Questionnaire and foods were categorized as UPF based on NOVA classification. Percent of calories from UPF were calculated from total caloric consumption, first as overall UPF intake and then for specific food groups. Global cognitive functioning and four cognitive domains (episodic memory, working memory/attention, semantic categorization, and executive functions) were assessed. Mixed effect models were used to examine the link between UPF intake (top vs. bottom quartiles) and change in cognitive function while adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking, physical activity, BMI, HbA1C, duration of diabetes, total cholesterol and blood pressure.ResultOf the total sample (N=578; mean age at baseline 71.3±4.5y, 61% men), 144 (top quartile) consumed >31% kcal from UPF out of total kcal. Total UPF consumption was not related to cognitive function. However, consumption of ultra‐processed fat (e.g. mayonnaise) was associated with faster decline in global cognition, executive function and memory (ß=‐0.028±0.010; p=0.009, ß=‐0.031±0.014; p=0.022 and ß=‐0.035±0.017; p=0.046, respectively). Additionally, increased intake of ultra‐processed meat (e.g. sausages) was associated with a faster decline in executive functions (ß=‐0.029±0.013; p=0.031). UPF derived from dairy products and carbohydrates were not associated with cognitive change.ConclusionThis pioneering study suggests a possible association of ultra‐processed meat and fat intake with accelerated cognitive decline in older individuals with T2D, independently of sociodemographic, lifestyle, cardiovascular and T2D‐related factors.
The relationship between cognitive and social leisure activities across the lifespan and neural markers for brain health: A systematic literature review
Authors: Duffner Lukas , de Jong Nathan , Backes Walter H , Jansen Jacobus FA , de Vugt Marjolein , Deckers Kay , Koehler Sebastian 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundCognitive and social leisure activities (CA/SA) as well as social network size (SNS) have been associated with performance on cognitive tasks and lower dementia risk. However, the neural mechanisms behind these associations remain unclear. Therefore, this systematic literature review aims at summarizing the available evidence on these associations across the adult lifespan.MethodMEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library of Controlled Trials were searched for potential publications until January 2021. Eligible studies included those with cognitively normal individuals older than 18 years, and assessed the direct association between CA/SA or SNS and brain structure. CA/SA were defined as those cognitively and/or socially stimulating activities being performed for the sake of pleasure. Eligible outcome measures included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of macro (grey/white matter volumes) and micro (diffusion tensor imaging) structure, or computerized tomography (CT). Both observational and (quasi)experimental designs were included. Study‐quality was assessed using the NIH tool for study quality appraisal and the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A full protocol is available in PROSPERO (CRD42020193278).Result6115 unique abstracts were identified and screened by two independent raters. Sixty‐six full‐text articles were retained for further appraisal, of which thirty‐five (0.6%) were included for qualitative analysis. Of those, 20 cross‐sectional, 4 cohort and 3 experimental studies investigated the association between CA/SA and brain structure. Eight cross‐sectional studies investigated the relationship between social network size and brain structure. All studies included in this review used structural MRI (3 used DTI) as outcome measure. In the majority of studies, CA/SA and SNS showed associations with structural brain MRI markers. Detailed results of this ongoing review and possible meta‐analysis will be presented.ConclusionCA and SA are associated with structural MRI markers.