bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploratory cross‐sectional mediation analysis of the dual‐task effect of cognition on gait in individuals with memory loss
Authors: Delgado Ferdinand , Kaczmarek Olivia , Trebing Stacy , Zarif Myassar , Gudesblatt Mark , Ofori Edward 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundMemory loss is one of the hallmark symptoms of cognitive impairment that progresses towards dementia. Different cognitive domains (CD) have been suggested to influence the performance of dual‐task (DT) activities. While there is evidence of DT effects on those with mild cognitive impairment and other dementias, the impact of DT on those with subjective memory loss is unknown.MethodParticipants (n=57; mean age: 72.72±10.56 years) with memory loss but without a diagnosis of cognitive impairment, dementia, or other neurodegenerative diseases were included. They performed validated computerized cognitive assessment battery (CAB, NeuroTrax BrainCare) to obtain CD measures of executive function (EF), attention, memory, visual‐spatial processing (VSP), information processing speed (IPS), and a global cognitive score (GCS) measure. Using the Zeno Walkway Gait Analysis System (Protokinetics), measures of velocity, stride width (SW), stride time (ST), stride length, cadence, double support (DS), and gait variability were obtained for both single‐task and DT gait. Participants chose between performing the DT gait by either recalling names (n=14), counting backward by 3’s (n=16), or by 7’s (n=27), which were used as group assignments for analysis. A three‐group cross‐sectional mediation analysis was performed using standardized cognitive measures as mediators and the DT effect (DTE) of the gait parameters as outcomes of interest. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26 and SPSS AMOS 26.ResultNo significant mediators of cognition on the dual‐task effect of either task were identified. However, increases in individual CD significantly predicted improvement of DTE in specific gait parameters: (1) memory significantly predicted DTE stride time (Effect size by standardized beta(ES)=0.343,p=0.022) and DTE double support (ES=0.322,p=0.033); (2) GCS (ES=0.388,p=0.028), attention (ES=0.348,p=0.007), and IPS (ES=0.290,p=0.027) significantly predicted DTE stride width; and (3) Attention (ES=0.282,p=0.047) significantly predicted DTE cadence. Furthermore, between‐group analysis showed significant differences in VSP (F(2,54)=8.820,p<0.001), IPS (F(2,54)=3.350,p=0.043) and GS (F(2,54)=5.149,p=0.009).ConclusionResults suggest that individual CD (VSP, IPS, and/or GS) scores impact different aspects of dual tasking gait in individuals with memory loss. While there were no significant mediators, the significant cognitive predictors suggest improvement of those individual CD could improve the DTE of individual gait measures.
Perivascular spaces and cognitive performance in the Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Gardener Hannah , Rundek Tatjana , DeRosa Janet , Levin Bonnie , Sun Xiaoyan , Wright Clinton B. , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Sacco Ralph , Gutierrez Jose 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPerivascular spaces (PVS) are fluid‐filled compartments surrounding brain small blood vessels, serving as conduits for fluid transport, exchange between CSF and interstitial fluid, and clearance of waste products. PVS are visible on MRI and associated with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), and research is needed to understand their role as markers of SVD and potential contributors to vascular cognitive impairment. PVS have been reported in Alzheimer's disease, but less is known regarding their association with cognition in diverse populations. We tested the hypothesis that PVS are associated with cognition, independent of demographics and other markers of SVD, including white matter hyperintensity volume, silent brain infarcts, and cerebral microbleeds.MethodWe included 1,201 participants from the prospective Northern Manhattan Study. PVS were identified as parenchymal hypointensities <3mm on axial T1‐weighted MRI without a hyperintense rim on T2‐weighted or FLAIR images, that followed the orientation of perforating arteries. A semiquantitative PVS score represented the degree of brain involvement (range=0‐28). Generalized linear models were used to assess associations with four cognitive domains (memory, executive function, processing speed, language) and global cognition (mean of domains) over two assessments carried out an average 6 years apart. Model 1 adjusted for demographics; Model 2 also included vascular risk factors; Model 3 also included burden of SVD.ResultAmong 1,201 participants (mean age=71±9 years; 60% women, 66% Hispanic, 18% Black, 10±5 years education; 68% with hypertension, 19% diabetes, 65% hypercholesterolemia), PVS scores ranged from 0‐22 with 55% having a PVS score >4. PVS score was not associated with global cognition z‐score at first neuropsychological assessment, nor change in global cognitive performance between the two assessments. Higher PVS score was associated with worse processing speed at first assessment in models 1 and 2 (Model 2 beta=‐0.015, p=0.01). A higher PVS score was associated with greater decline in memory, adjusting for demographics (model 1 beta=‐0.015, p=0.01), but this relationship was attenuated and not significant after adjusting for modifiable vascular risk factors.ConclusionPVS are prevalent and associated with worse processing speed independent of age and vascular risk factors. Vascular risk factors largely explained variability in the association between PVS and memory decline.
A subcortical variant of dementia with Lewy bodies?
Authors: Philippi Nathalie , Durand Hélène , Noblet Vincent , Botzung Anne , Blanc Frédéric 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundEven though Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease (AD), work is still needed on the definition of its clinical and radiological variants. The objective of the present work is to discuss the existence of a subcortical variant of DLB based on two previous studies. In the first study, the objective was to test the existence of a subcortical atrophy, contrasting with overall preserved cortex in DLB patients. In the second study, we described a series of DLB patients with an initial presentation including marked subcortical atrophy suggestive of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).MethodIn the first study, we included 55 DLB patients and compared their cerebral volumes to those of 51 AD patients and to those of 17 matched healthy control subjects (CS). We examined the ratio of the total ventricular volume (TVV) against the total cortical volume (Cortex), extracted using freesurfer. In the second study, we retrospectively compared the profile of 21 DLB patients fulfilling the criteria of possible NPH on initial presentation, to those of 13 patients with probable NPH.ResultIn the first study, we found that DLB patients had a significantly higher TVV/Cortex ratio compared to both CS and AD patients. In the second study, we highlighted that some DLB patients have a clinical and radiological profile suggestive of NPH. DLB patients had a marked subcortical atrophy, with not significance difference in the dilatation of lateral ventricles and third ventricle compared to HPN patients, though they had a less acute callosal angle and less fourth ventricular dilatation.ConclusionDLB is characterized by a subcortical atrophy contrasting with relatively preserved cortex, so marked in some cases that it might evoke ventricular dilatation. Together the two studies suggest the existence of a subcortical variant of DLB, with a clinical presentation and marked subcortical atrophy suggestive of NPH.
Enhancing underrepresented group participation in aging research through workforce development of the Community Research Liaison
Authors: Lamas Anakaren , Vasconcellos Jennifer , Umpierre Mari , Sewell Margaret , Neugroschl Judith A , Chin Shehan , Goytia Crispin , Kinsella Michael T , Smith Nancy , Loizos Maria , McNamara Sarah , Brangman Sharon , Sano Mary 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundDeveloping a workforce to best engage the breadth of the community in aging research requires highly trained individuals engaged in and trusted by underrepresented groups (URGs) and scientists in the research community. Researchers need to better understand how to engage with communities as partners to develop research proposals and recruitment strategies that motivate and sustain diverse participants.We report on the initial phase of a dual‐site R‐24 (AG065163) to 1) develop a Community Research Liaison (CRL) job description 2) engage stakeholders in identifying candidates and 3) cultivate stakeholders as potential partners in future community and research engagement. The CRL will maximize research participation by fostering bi‐directional dialogue between URGs in the community and researchers to incorporate community feedback at the earliest stages of research development.MethodMount Sinai and SUNY Upstate conducted 4 listening sessions and 11 interviews with 46 individuals (20 community organization representatives, 16 researchers, 10 caregivers/seniors) who participated from July‐October 2020. Sessions, with open ended prompts, were conducted virtually, recorded and transcribed. Individuals were asked for input to optimize the job description and refine the scope of work. Data analysis was completed using thematic analysis.Result1) Scope: Some suggested narrowing the job description. Others noted that building trust entails creating linguistic/cultural congruence with multiple communities; therefore volunteers from diverse communities were suggested to support the CRL. 2) Finding candidates: Suggestions included reaching out to recent retirees or previous support group moderators. 3) Resources needed for researchers to recruit: These might include participant transportation and extra coordinator time. 4) Engaging stakeholders: All participants agreed to disseminate information and participate in future engagement activities. CRL candidates were referred. 5) Knowledge gaps: Researchers recognized the lack of URGs in research, however, one underscored that their focus was “on the science”, minimizing the importance of diverse recruitment.ConclusionThe listening sessions positively impacted the design of the position description. By cultivating the stakeholders we were able to get referrals to interview for the CRL position. The CRL description will be a work in progress as the grant is implemented and real world experiences can be incorporated.
Beliefs about the COVID‐19 pandemic, trust in government, and vaccine intention in older adults with cognitive impairment in the United States and Italy
Authors: DeCaro Renee , Marin Anna , Vives‐Rodriguez Ana , Schiloski Kylie A , Hajos Gabor P , Di Crosta Adolfo , Ceccato Irene , La Malva Pasquale , Lahdo Naheer C , Donnelly Kaleigh , Dong Jiali , Kasha Sabrina , Rooney Colleen E , Dayaw Judith Nicole Tejada , Marton Gabrielle , Wack Audrey , Hanger Vanessa A , Domenico Alberto Di , Turk Katherine W , Palumbo Rocco , Budson Andrew 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe degree and spread of misinformation regarding the COVID‐19 pandemic has been prolific, influencing individuals of all ages. We examined belief in misinformation in older individuals with and without cognitive impairment in Boston, MA (United States) and Chieti (Italy). The purpose of this investigation was to compare the two cohorts on specific misconceptions, trust in media and government, perceived risk regarding COVID‐19, and their relation to COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy and intention.MethodForty‐seven subjects from the U.S. (mean age = 75.4, SD = 9.4) and 134 subjects from Italy (mean age = 72.2, SD = 7.7) were administered a telephone neuropsychological battery and MoCA. One hundred twenty‐two individuals (67.4%) met the cutoff for cognitive impairment. Individuals answered a COVID‐19 Misinformation Questionnaire and Perceived Risk Scale. A Vaccine Hesitancy Scale was administered 4‐6 months after the initial assessment. Comparisons were made between the two cohorts using binary logistic regression, controlling for age, education, and cognitive status (i.e., MoCA).ResultsIndividuals in the Italian cohort demonstrated greater perceived risk of contracting COVID‐19 and also greater trust in the government as a source of information. A large proportion of the sample (N=160; 88.4%) rated the media as not at all trustworthy. Greater cognitive impairment was predictive of misconception endorsement. Further, individuals in the U.S. cohort were approximately four times as likely as individuals in the Italian cohort to believe that that COVID‐19 was a bioweapon developed by a government or terrorist organization. Trust indices were not related to misconception belief. Examination of vaccine hesitancy, and confirmation of the preliminary analyses, will be undertaken following completed recruitment and testing.ConclusionWhen individuals hold knowledge that is incorrect, the consequences can be manifold. From our preliminary analyses, we found that trust in government was not related to misconception endorsement; however, differences emerged between the U.S. and Italian cohorts. This examination provides a broad, cultural context to complex health beliefs, with specific implications for health behaviors such as vaccine intention, for individuals with and without cognitive impairment.
Basilar artery dilatation relates to Alzheimer dementia, particularly among APOE4 non‐carriers
Authors: Gurel Kursat , Serra Guillermo Polanco , Allende Antonio J. Spagnolo , Brickman Adam M. , Kreisl William Charles , Gutierrez Jose 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundBrain arterial dilatation has been associated with higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline in population‐based studies. Whether the association is related to brain amyloid or tau, pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer disease, is uncertain.MethodWe analyzed existing and de novo data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) regarding participants’ demographics, hypertension, dementia status, APOE4 genotype. We used composite PET measures of gray matter regions of beta amyloid (AV‐45) and neurofibrillary tangles (AV‐1451). We obtain de novo cross‐sectional carotid and basilar artery diameters using axial T2 MRI sequences. For cognitive outcomes, we used the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS‐Cog) and clinical dementia rating (ordinal CDR) scores. All models were adjusted for age, sex, years of education, APOE4 carrier status and hypertensionResultWe included 478 ADNI participants (56% men, mean age 77±7, 36% cognitively normal, 48 with mild cognitive impartment and 16% with dementia). Combined carotid and basilar artery diameters were not associated with ADAS‐13 cog score (B=0.07 per SD, P=0.46), ordinal CDR (B=0.13, P=0.32), amyloid (B=‐0.001, P=0.57) or tau (B=0.02, P=0.45). Stratifying by anterior versus posterior circulation artery showed that basilar artery diameters, but not carotid diameters, were associated with a higher ADAS‐13 cog score (B=0.17, P=0.01), higher CDR (0.25, P=0.009), but not with amyloid (B=0.01, P=0.46). The association between basilar artery diameters and CDR was stronger among APOE4 non‐carriers (B=0.37, P=0.004) than in carriers (B=0.05, P=0.70, P for the interaction 0.12).ConclusionBrain arterial dilatation is associated with poorer cognitive outcomes, and the association is stronger among APOE4 negative participants. Investigation of how brain arterial dilatation relates to dementia and whether such relationship interacts with amyloid and/or tau may reveal novel aspects of the vascular contributions to dementia.
Piecing it together: Relationships between hippocampal subfields and cognitive impairment along the Alzheimer’s disease spectrum
Authors: Christopher‐Hayes Nicholas J , Embury Christine M , Wiesman Alex I , May Pamela E , Schantell Mikki D , Johnson Craig M , Wolfson Sara L , Murman Daniel L , Wilson Tony W 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe ability to form hippocampal‐dependent memories declines steadily in normal aging, and exponentially in people with probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Correspondingly, the whole hippocampal formation follows the same trajectories of decline. Critically, pathological changes to distinguishable hippocampal subfields and related cognitive abilities are not well characterized in. Herein, we investigated how these hippocampal subfield and neuropsychological memory measures interact.MethodStructural MRI and neuropsychological data were collected from 29 biomarker‐confirmed individuals on the AD spectrum (ADS) and a comparison group of 17 biomarker‐negative healthy adults to examine the interactions between subfield‐specific hippocampal integrity and cognitive markers. Cognitive assessments included the Wechsler Logical Memory (WMS‐IV) and Hopkins Verbal Learning (HVLT‐R) tests. High resolution hippocampal subfield volumes (CA1, CA2, CA3, dentate gyrus, and subiculum) were measured from a dedicated T2‐weighted MRI slab of the hippocampi (TSE; 0.4 x 0.4 x 2.0 mm), co‐registered to a routine T1‐weighted MRI (MPRAGE; 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 mm), using automated hippocampal subfield segmentation (ASHS) software and the UPENN atlas consisting of scans of MCI individuals and older adults (Yushkevich et al., 2015). We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of the relationship between hippocampal subfield volume and behavioral performance on measures of learning and declarative memory. Relationships between hippocampal subfields and neuropsychological subtests were probed using multivariate models contrasting ADS and controls, while controlling for age, education, and intracranial volume.ResultWe show that hippocampal subfield volumes robustly predict performance on subtests of WMS‐IV, but not HVLT‐R, regardless of group. Moreover, we report unique contributions of CA3 on learning, subiculum on recognition, and CA2 and CA3 on recall. By dividing the hippocampal formation into distinguishable subfields using ultra high‐resolution MRI, we further elucidate their contributions to ADS‐related neurocognitive declines in learning and memory.ConclusionSubfield‐specific atrophy in the human hippocampus may constitute a sensitive measure of neurocognitive decline in patients on the AD spectrum. These results suggest that the atrophy of specific hippocampal subfields selectively influence subprocesses of learning and memory, and that these measures may be used to better model disease trajectories among individuals on the Alzheimer’s disease spectrum.
Development of an indigenous functional assessment (IFA) tool
Authors: Sharma Nabina , Walker Jennifer D 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundFunctional decline is an essential criterion for the clinical diagnosis of dementia. Functional decline is assessed by activities of daily living, which consist of Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). IADL (e.g., cooking, taking medications, handling finances) is more complex as it requires multiple cognitive processes whereas BADL (e.g., bathing, dressing and toileting) can be performed with the support of habits and routines. IADL are more likely to be vulnerable to the early effects of cognitive decline, thus being the first indication of cognitive deterioration. Various functional assessment tools are available to assess instrumental activities of daily living; however, there is no culturally appropriate functional assessment tool for the Indigenous population. As activities of daily living differ across cultures, the tool developed to assess activities of daily living in one culture cannot assess it in another culture. Also, the existing IADLs are influenced by gender and socio‐cultural factors. Thus, we aim to develop a culturally‐grounded functional assessment tool to be used in Indigenous communities.MethodThe study will use a community‐based participatory approach to develop a functional assessment tool. An Indigenous community advisory group will be engaged in the research process. A focus group will be conducted with the Indigenous and non‐Indigenous health service providers working with Indigenous communities and in‐depth interviews with the care partner. The qualitative data on the perspectives, personal and professional experiences of health service providers, and the care partner's lived experiences will be analyzed using community‐engaged thematic analysis with the community advisory group's volunteer. The developed tool will undergo several iterative processes from experts and community advisory groups to reach a consensus on the final tool.ResultWe are establishing relationships with the Indigenous communities as a partner which is an initial step of conducting research in an Indigenous way. The community advisory group formed through this relationship will be engaged meaningfully in every research process step.ConclusionThis tool will be the first to be designed with and for the Indigenous care partners in Canada, which will promote a culturally safe assessment environment for diagnosis of dementia.
Not just cognitive impairment: Using motion‐based technology to examine mobility, balance, and cognition in dementia and MCI
Authors: Dove Erica , Zabjek Karl , Wang Rosalie , Astell Arlene J 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundDementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are both characterized by impaired cognition, with dementia a more significant impairment that interferes with functioning in daily life. Both groups are also at high risk of falls and reduced physical activity. Yet, little is known about the characterization of this population with regards to balance, mobility, and their relationship to cognition.MethodParticipants with dementia and MCI (n=28; 53.6% female) were recruited from four community‐based adult day programs and invited to participate in a 10‐week motion‐based technology intervention (i.e., Xbox Kinect bowling) to see whether the intervention impacted their balance, movement confidence, and cognition. As part of the data collection procedures, participants completed a demographic survey, as well as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini‐BEST) at the start of the study. These baseline data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultIn addition to confirming participants’ cognitive impairment (mean MoCA: 12.86/30; range: 2‐25), participants reported a high instance of mobility impairment (16/28 = 57.1%), with many participants using either walkers (12/16 = 75.0%) or canes (4/16 = 25.0%). The entire sample demonstrated significant balance impairments according to the Mini‐BEST (mean: 14.58/28 [<19‐point cut‐off]; range: 6‐21), but only one of 28 participants (3.6%) reported ever receiving treatment (e.g., physiotherapy) for a balance problem.ConclusionPeople with dementia and MCI have a high prevalence of balance and mobility impairments, in addition to their cognitive impairment. Furthermore, there are few instances in which rehabilitation for these physical issues are offered to this population. This may reflect the primary focus on their cognitive impairment but also misconceptions about the capabilities of people with dementia and MCI to engage in rehabilitation. The findings highlight a need for more physical rehabilitation and/or exercise programs for people with dementia and MCI that target balance and mobility, in addition in taking participants’ cognitive impairment into account.