bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of corpus callosum sub‐regional volume and its association to interhemispheric functional connectivity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amyloid mild cognitive impairment (amyMCI)
Authors: Cheung Eva YW , Shea Yat Fung , Chiu Patrick Ka‐Chun , Kwan Joseph SK , Mak Henry 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies demonstrated that when compare to healthy control (HC), patients with AD and amnesic mild cognitive impairment suffered degeneration in corpus callosum (CC) [2], [3]. The volume of CC and its sub‐regions associate with cognitive impairment in AD and MCI[3].Method52 participants (25 healthy controls HC, 16 AD, 11 amyloid MCI), were recruited to undergo structural MRI and Resting state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) scanning. Data Acquisition T1W Images MRI images were acquired using a Phillips Achieva 3T equipped with 32‐channel phased‐array head coil (Department of Diagnostic Radiology, the University of Hong Kong). A T1W MPRAGE and rs‐fMRI images were obtained. Voxel Mirrored Homotopic Connectivity (VMHC) was calculated based on the method used by Kelly et al 2011 [4] and Zuo et al 2010 [5]. Two‐sample T‐tests were done between diseased groups with HC and VMHC map were created using DPARSF v4.0. CC was segmented and its subregional volume were calculated by Freesurfer (v. 7.1), and were compared using ANCOVA analysis, with age, gender and total intracranial volume as covariates. Association between regional IFC and CC sub‐regional volume were calculated based on the Spearman’s correlation test, with same covariates, using SPSS (v.25.0).ResultCC subregional volume were compared among AD, amyloid MCI and HC groups. There was no significant different in CC volume for AD group. For amyMCI group, the mid‐anterior CC (480.9mm3) was significantly larger than that of the AD (399mm3, p<0.001) and HC (419.8mm3, p <0.05)) group respectively. Also, the whole CC volume of amyMCI (3176.4mm3) was significantly larger than that of HC (2933.8mm3, p<0.05).In correlation analysis between subregional CC volume and regional IFC, the amyMCI group demonstrated significant positive correlation between ant‐CC volume and IFC at inferior frontal operculum gyrus (r=0.827, p=0.022) and inferior frontal triangular gyrus (r=0.844, p=0.017). Positive correlation between Mid‐ant CC volume and IFC at rolandic operculum (r=0.764, p=0.046).ConclusionThe findings demonstrated that anterior and mid‐ant CC volumes and regional IFC are positively correlated. We speculate that CC subregional volume increase promotes the regional IFC to compensate for cognitive deterioration due to amyloid deposition.
The effects of intracranial stenosis on cerebral perfusion and cognitive performance
Authors: Hilal Saima , Mutsaerts Henri J.M.M. , Ferro Doeschka A. , Petr Jan , Kuijf Hugo J. , Biessels Geert Jan , Chen Christopher 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundIntracranial stenosis (ICS) may contribute to cognitive dysfunction by decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) which can be measured quantitatively by Arterial Spin Labelling (ASL). Interpretation of CBF measurements with ASL, however, becomes difficult in patients with vascular disease due to prolonged arterial transit time (ATT). Recently, spatial coefficient of variation (sCoV) of ASL signal has been proposed that approximates ATT and utilized as a proxy marker for assessment of hemodynamic status of cerebral circulation. We investigate the association of ICS with CBF and sCoV parameters and its eventual effects on cognition in a memory clinic population.MethodWe included 381 patients (mean age = 72.3 ± 7.9 years, women = 53.7%) who underwent 3T MRI and detailed neuropsychological assessment. ICS was defined as ≥ 50% stenosis in any intracranial vessel on 3D Time‐of‐Flight MR Angiography. Gray matter sCoV and CBF were obtained from 2D EPI pseudo‐continuous ASL images. We used regression models to determine the effects of ICS on CBF and sCoV and eventually on cognition. Mediation analysis was further constructed to determine whether perfusion is the key link between ICS and cognitive performance. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes.ResultICS was present in 58 (15.2%) patients. Patients with ICS had higher gray matter sCoV and lower CBF. The association with sCoV remained statistically significant after correction for cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, ICS was associated with worse performance on visuoconstruction, which attenuated with higher sCoV. Mediation analysis showed that there was an indirect effect of ICS on visuoconstruction via sCoV.ConclusionThese findings suggest that compromised CBF as detected by higher sCoV is related to cognitive impairment among individuals diagnosed with ICS. We also showed that sCoV partially mediates the link between ICS and cognition. Therefore, sCoV may provide valuable hemodynamic information in patients with vascular disease.
Diagnostic performance of automated MRI volumetry by icobrain DM for Alzheimer's disease in a clinical setting: A REMEMBER study
Authors: Wittens Mandy M.J. , Sima Diana M. , Houbrechts Ruben , Ribbens Annemie , Niemantsverdriet Ellis , Fransen Erik , Bastin Christine , Benoit Florence , Bergmans Bruno , Bier Jean‐Christophe , Deyn Peter Paul , Deryck Olivier , Hanseeuw Bernard J. , Ivanoiu Adrian , Lemper Jean‐Claude , Mormont Eric , Picard Gaëtane , Salmon Eric , Segers Kurt , Sieben Anne , Smeets Dirk , Struyfs Hanne , Thiery Evert , Tournoy Jos , Triau Eric , Vanbinst Anne‐Marie , Versijpt Jan , Bjerke Maria , Engelborghs Sebastiaan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become important in the diagnostic work‐up of neurodegenerative diseases. icobrain dm, a CE‐labeled and FDA‐cleared automatic tool for brain volumetry using clinical MRI scans, has shown great potential in differentiating cognitively healthy controls (HC) from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia (ADD) patients in selected research cohorts (Struyfs H, et al. (2020)).This study examined the diagnostic value of icobrain dm for AD in routine clinical practice, and compared it to FreeSurfer, one of the standard tools in neuroimaging research.MethodThe Belgian Dementia Council (BeDeCo) initiated a retrospective, multi‐center Belgian study (REMEMBER). Through automated volumetric analyses of whole brain, gray matter, cortical gray matter, frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal cortices, hippocampal volumes and lateral ventricles on real‐world clinical brain MRI T1w (n=820) images across the AD continuum, icobrain dm’s (v.4.4.0) ability to differentiate diagnostic groups in the AD continuum vs. HC was compared to FreeSurfer (v.6.0). Using icobrain dm’s automated volumetric output, we also investigated which combined brain volumes contributed most to establish an AD diagnosis and could differentiate between different stages of the disease.ResultThe final study population consisted of subjects from eight Belgian memory clinics, with HC (n=89), subjective cognitive decline (SCD, n=89), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n=350), and ADD (n=250) (Table 1). icobrain dm outperformed FreeSurfer in processing time (15‐30 minutes vs. 9‐32 hours), robustness (0 failures vs. 67 failures due to complete abortion of analysis during topology corrections) and diagnostic performance (AUC, sensitivity and specificity) in univariate differentiation between HC and ADD patients (Figure 1, Table 2). Stepwise backward regression models showed improved diagnostic accuracy for pairwise group differentiations when combining multiple brain volumes computed by icobrain dm, with highest performance obtained for distinguishing HC from ADD patients (AUC=0.914; Specificity 83.0%; Sensitivity 86.3%) (Table 3).ConclusionAutomated volumetry has a diagnostic value for ADD diagnosis in routine clinical practice. Our findings indicate that icobrain dm’s automated volumetry can improve diagnostic certainty in a real‐world clinical setting with a significantly reduced processing time, robustness and diagnostic performance, as compared to FreeSurfer.
A scoping review of interventions tailored to the unique needs of care partners of persons with frontotemporal degeneration
Authors: Tran Leslie , Tarter Robin R , Lindauer Allison 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundCare partners for family members with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) face challenges that are complex and distinct from those faced by care partners persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, while there are numerous studies addressing the negative impact of providing care to persons with ADRD, less attention is paid to the needs of care partners of persons with FTD. Understanding how interventions can be tailored to address the behavioral symptoms of FTD can inform future approaches to meeting the needs of FTD care partners.MethodA scoping review was undertaken following Arksey and O’Malley’s systematic methodological framework. Articles were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed, PsychINFO, and CINAHL. Peer‐reviewed, data‐based articles reporting results of interventions specifically designed to address the unique needs of care partners of persons with FTD were included in our sample. Reviews, scale development, and studies including ADRD care partners of were excluded.ResultWe identified 290 unique records and retained 42 for full text screening. One paper was added after manual search of reference lists, resulting in eight papers describing five unique interventions meeting inclusion criteria. All included studies had small sample sizes (total n ranged from 2‐30); three were randomized controlled trials. The studies were based in the US, Australia, Germany, Canada and The Netherlands, and the majority of participants were white, female spouses. Three interventions were group‐based, and two were one‐to‐one. Duration ranged from five weeks to six months. Lack of informal support, stigma, financial concerns, and coping with FTD‐associated behavioral symptoms such as apathy and disinhibition were especially salient topics for participants. Participants benefited from peer support, problem‐solving, and positive reframing activities. Statistically significant improvement in burden were reported in three of the eight papers.ConclusionAll of the included papers suggested positive qualitative and quantitative results from the interventions, but the samples were small and homogenous. This review highlights an important gap in the science addressing the behavioral challenges FTD care partners face. These findings support the need for larger studies with more diverse populations to identify effective interventions to support families living with FTD.
Comparison of cognitive intervention delivery formats for patients with dementia—A systematic review and Bayesian network meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Yue , Wang Zhiwen 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundCognitive intervention has been shown to be effective to delay cognitive decline in older adults with dementia. However, whether cognitive intervention could be effectively delivered in individual, group, telephone, guided self‐help and unguided self‐help formats remains unclear. This study aims to compare and rank the efficacy of five cognitive intervention delivery formats for older adults with dementia in improving their cognitive function.MethodPubmed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, Chinese Biomedical Literature database and Wan Fang database were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the differences between different cognitive intervention delivery formats or any one of the five delivery formats with a control group in treating older adults with dementia were identified and included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used for critical appraisal. Pairwise meta‐analysis was conducted to directly examine the efficacy of each cognitive intervention formats. Network meta‐analysis (NMA) was conducted to evaluate the relative effects and rank probability of different cognitive intervention delivery formats.ResultTotally 51 studies were included which enrolled 3388 participants. Compared with the control group, the mean difference (MD) of guided self‐help [MD = 2.48, confidence interval [CI]: (1.45, 3.53), group (MD =1.21, CI: 0.14, 2.28), individual (MD = 1.63, CI: 0.86, 2.4) could significantly improve cognitive function measured by Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), while telephone (MD =2.89, CI: ‐1.41, 7.15) and unguided self‐help (MD = 2.06, CI: ‐0.29, 4.41) were not significantly inferior to control condition. Guided self‐help had the highest probability of being the best treatment among the five cognitive intervention delivery formats [the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA= 85.13%)], followed by individual (SUCRA = 78.14%) and group (SUCRA = 77.68%).ConclusionFor older adults with dementia, guided self‐help, group and individual cognitive intervention delivery formats appeared to be effective in improving the cognitive function. Health‐care professionals should apply personalized cognitive intervention format based on individual condition and preferences.
The feasibility and acceptability of a pilot comprehensive resilience‐building psychosocial intervention (CREST) for people with memory problems/dementia in the community
Authors: O'Sullivan Grace , Doyle Priscilla , Gallagher Niamh , Smyth Siobhán , Casey Dympna 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundA dementia diagnosis can lead to a decline in cognitive, social, and physical health, but people with dementia can live meaningful lives and participate actively in society with psychosocial support [1‐3]. This pilot study explored the feasibility and acceptability of a comprehensive resilience‐building psychosocial intervention (CREST) for people with memory problems/dementia (PWMPD), their caregivers, GPs, and the public.MethodNine PWMPD and their primary caregivers living in the community (N=9 pairs) completed the CREST intervention. The three components (cognitive stimulation therapy [CST], physical exercise, and dementia education) were delivered in five programmes. The PWMPD attended a 7‐week CST programme and an 8‐week exercise programme. The caregivers attended a 6‐week educational programme. Dementia education programmes were held for the community and local GPs. Quantitative secondary outcomes for participants were assessed at baseline and following the 15‐week intervention; qualitative interviews were conducted during and post‐intervention. All study components were assessed to determine the feasibility of conducting a future definitive trial.ResultHigh attendance and adherence to content were maintained for each component. The PWMPD and caregivers enjoyed each component of the CREST intervention, with only minor changes being recommended. The PWMPD enjoyed the CST and Exercise components; they felt their concentration and fitness had improved over the 15‐week intervention and particularly enjoyed the social aspects (e.g., group classes, exercising with partners from the community). Secondary elements of the Exercise component (home diaries and Fitbit use) were not feasible. Caregivers felt that they had better knowledge and understanding following their education component and reported that the social aspects (interacting and sharing experiences with each other) were important elements. The quantitative measures were confirmed feasible by participant feedback and data analysis, and health economic tools were confirmed feasible by preliminary health economic analysis. Recruitment posed significant delays to the onset and conduct of the CREST intervention.ConclusionThe CREST intervention was acceptable to the participants and each component was considered feasible. However, significant difficulties with recruitment impacted the viability of delivering the intervention in the community and further work is needed identify barriers to the recruitment of PWMPD before a full‐scale or RCT can be conducted.
Chronic loneliness‐by‐epigenetic age effects on dementia risk in late adulthood
Authors: Lynch Morgan E , Beam Christopher R 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundOver the last 10 years, numerous studies have been published reporting a small but significant correlation between loneliness and dementia risk. To date, few studies have tested mechanisms that mediate the longitudinal association between loneliness and dementia. DNA methylation may be one variable that explains this association, as when combined with other biomarkers, quantifies whether people’s biological age is more (or less) advanced than their chronological age. The purpose of this study is to test whether epigenetic age moderates the longitudinal trajectory of loneliness on dementia risk.MethodThe sample was drawn from the three waves of the Health and Retirement Study (n = 268, mean age = 69) collected four years apart from 2008‐2016. Loneliness scores were composed using with 11 items of the UCLA Loneliness Questionnaire. Dementia risk was quantified according to Langa‐Weir’s approach that uses the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Epigenetic age is quantified by DNAm PhenoAge (Levine et al., 2015.). Ordinary least squares regression was used to test the interaction effect of DNAm PhenoAge and loneliness on dementia risk.ResultA significant interaction effect between DNAmPhenoAge and longitudinal loneliness on dementia risk was found (F(7,268) = 6.98 , p < 0.001; adjusted R2 =.13). Effects of DNAm PhenoAge were greater in those with higher levels of loneliness over time, suggesting that effects of loneliness on dementia risk depend on epigenetic age.ConclusionStudy results suggest that the longitudinal association between loneliness and dementia risk depends on epigenetic age. One implication of the current results is that the epigenome may be a promising area of study for understanding the processes through which loneliness increases dementia risk.
Loneliness as a risk factor for dementia
Authors: Echegut Marine Lea , Mukadam Naaheed , Shoham Natalie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe importance of social relationships in health has been recognized over the years. Growing evidence in the field suggests that the feeling of loneliness, characterised by dissatisfaction with personal relationships, correlates positively with the outcome of dementia (Holwerda et al., 2014; Rafnsson et al., 2020; Sundström et al., 2020; Sutin et al., 2020). Systematic review has found mixed results but follow up times have generally been short and sample sizes small (Balouch et al., 2019; Penninkilampi et al., 2018).MethodUsing data from the UK Biobank, we will examine the association between loneliness and dementia. Between 2006 and 2010, twenty‐two recruitment centres have collected baseline data from over 500,000 participants all across the UK, providing socioeconomic and ethnic heterogeneity (Sudlow et al., 2015). This diversity in participants allows the generalisability of association between baseline characteristics and health outcomes (Sudlow et al., 2015). At baseline, all participants completed a mental health questionnaire which included questions about loneliness and quality of relationships. Our study will thus comprise the data of thousands of participants with a follow‐up of over 14 years.We will use appropriate regression models, such as cox proportional hazard models, to study the impact of loneliness on the subsequent development of dementia, adjusting for age, sex, education, physical health and lifestyle factors, as well as social contact and quality of relationships.ResultData analysis is yet to be done. According to preliminary data analysis, we are expecting to find a positive correlation between loneliness and the onset of dementia, as illustrated by previous studies. We will conduct multiple cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for basic socio‐demographic, clinical and behavioural covariates. In addition, we will exclude all participants with a diagnosis of dementia within three years of baseline to eliminate reverse causation bias.ConclusionLoneliness as a risk factor for dementia.
“A brutal disadvantage for my wife [living with dementia] That has set us back years”: Results of a quantitative survey of caring relatives of people living with dementia during the Covid‐19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Kowe Antonia , Teipel Stefan J 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe Covid‐19 pandemic poses a major challenge to the entire population. People living with dementia and their caring relatives, mostly older people, are considered a high risk group for infection with Covid‐19. As people living with dementia have a particular need for consistent daily routines and care, the restrictions during the pandemic presented relatives with new burden. Here, we investigated how caring relatives experienced the time during the Covid‐19 pandemic.MethodWe planned to conduct focus groups with different stakeholders in dementia care. Due to contact restrictions, we carried out a quantitative survey with a semi‐structured questionnaire as an alternative method of data collection. Questionnaires (n = 45) including open and closed questions were sent by post to the leaders of four self‐help groups for relatives of people living with dementia and then distributed to the members by the group leaders. We asked about the current health status of the respondents, the limitations during the Covid‐19 pandemic and changes in the care of people living with dementia.ResultA total of 23 questionnaires were completed and returned to us. Participants had a mean age of 70.4 years (range 51 to 88 years). The majority of participants were female (69.6%). More than half of the participants assessed their health status as less good or bad (56.5%). Compared to the health status before the Covid‐19 pandemic, more than one third of respondents felt their own health was deteriorating (39.1%). Feelings of isolation and social exclusion increased in 39.1% of the participants during Covid‐19 pandemic. Most participants suffered from limitations of social contacts and leisure activities. The temporary closure of day care facilities for people living with dementia was a particular burden for caring relatives.ConclusionThe majority of respondents experienced the Covid‐19 pandemic as burdensome with regard to their health and their care responsibilities. The statements of relatives underline the importance of maintaining clear structures in everyday life and in care of people living with dementia even in periods of crisis.