JournalTOCs

Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders Extra
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.632

Citation Impact (citeScore): 1
Number of Followers: 19

This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Online) 1664-5464
Published by Karger

[122 journals]

Brain Morphometric Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among Patients with
and without Dementia
- Abstract: Introduction: Findings regarding brain morphometry among patients with dementia and concomitant depressive symptoms have been inconsistent. Thus, the aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that dementia and concomitant depressive symptoms are associated with structural brain changes in the temporal lobe measured with structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: A sample of 492 patients from Norwegian memory clinics (n = 363) and Old Age Psychiatry services (n = 129) was studied. The assessment included the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, Mini Mental State Examination, and MRI of the brain, processed with FreeSurfer to derive ROI measures of cortical thickness, volume, and area using the Desikan-Killiany parcellation, as well as subcortical volumes. Dementia was diagnosed according to ICD-10 research criteria. Correlates of brain morphometry using multiple linear regression were examined. Results: Higher scores on the CSDD were associated with larger cortical volume (β = 0.125; p value = 0.003) and area of the left isthmus of the cingulate gyrus (β = 0.151; p value = #x3c;0.001) across all patients. Inclusion of an interaction term (dementia × CSDD) revealed a smaller area in the left temporal pole (β = −0.345; p value = 0.001) and right-transverse temporal cortex (β = −0.321; p value = 0.001) in patients with dementia and depressive symptoms. Discussion/Conclusion: We confirm the previous findings of structural brain changes in temporal regions among patients with dementia and concomitant depressive symptoms. This may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying depression in dementia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study conducted on this topic to date.
  Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra 2022;12:107–114
  PubDate: Thu, 23 Jun 2022 10:11:09 +020
The Effect of the Ketogenic Diet on the Therapy of Neurodegenerative
Diseases and Its Impact on Improving Cognitive Functions
- Abstract: The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet with controlled amounts of protein. The use of drastic caloric restriction or ultralow-carbohydrate diets increases the production of ketone bodies, which are an alternative energy substrate in situations of insufficient glucose supply. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease are the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the world. It is believed that carbohydrate metabolism disorders may affect the progression of these diseases, as confirmed by both animal and human studies. Among patients with AD, the presence of ketone bodies in the body can improve cerebral circulation. Among Parkinson’s patients, the presence of ketone bodies can reduce muscle tremor and stiffness, as well as improve cognitive function. The results of the research indicate that using a low-carbohydrate diet, including a KD, may have a beneficial effect on brain function in diseases that cause neuronal damage.
  Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra 2022;12:100–106
  PubDate: Mon, 30 May 2022 07:32:08 +020
Awareness of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Disability: Pilot
Study for Elderly Requiring Care and Caregivers
- Abstract: Aim: We aimed to investigate differences in the awareness of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability between elderly patients with and without dementia requiring care. Methods: We assessed 25 elderly individuals requiring care and their primary caregivers using the Lawton IADL scale, with score differences between the patients and their caregivers representing the level of impaired awareness of IADL disability. Results: Among the participants, 80% exhibited impaired awareness of IADL disability. In terms of total score on the Lawton scale, there was no between-group difference in the occurrence of impaired awareness of IADL disability (p = 0.274, φ = 0.31). Contrastingly, regarding the subitems of the Lawton scale, the dementia group had a significantly higher number of participants with impaired awareness of responsibility for their own medications than the nondementia group (p = 0.030, φ = 0.47). Further, there were no significant between-group differences in the ability to use telephone, shopping, mode of transportation, or ability to handle finances. Conclusions: It is important for caregivers to notice the emergence of impaired awareness among the elderly as soon as possible to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. The results of this study suggest the need for caregivers to take care of the elderly patients with the perspective that they may develop impaired awareness of responsibility for their own medications.
  Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra 2022;12:94–99
  PubDate: Mon, 09 May 2022 08:18:17 +020
Cognitive Reserve Mediates the Relation between Neighborhood
Socio-Economic Position and Cognitive Decline
- Abstract: Introduction: We investigated the mediating role of leisure activity engagement as marker of cognitive reserve in the relation between neighborhood socio-economic position (SEP) and cognitive decline over 6 years. Methods: The study analyzed longitudinal data from 897 older adults who participated in the two waves (2011 and 2017) of the Vivre-Leben-Vivere (VLV) survey in Switzerland (M = 74.33 years in the first wave). Trail Making Test parts A and B were administered in both waves. Leisure activity engagement was assessed during interviews. Neighborhood SEP was derived from the Swiss Neighborhood Index of Socio-Economic Position (Swiss-SEP), provided by the Swiss National Cohort (SNC). Results: Latent change score modeling revealed that 42.5% of the relationship between higher neighborhood SEP and smaller cognitive decline was mediated via a higher frequency of leisure activities in the first wave. Conclusion: Neighborhood SEP constitutes an important contextual factor potentially influencing the pathways of cognitive reserve accumulation and, therefore, should be taken into account to better understand their effects on cognitive decline in old age.
  Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra 2022;12:90–93
  PubDate: Tue, 03 May 2022 12:43:18 +020
Effect of Time to Detection on the Measured Concentrations of Blood
Proteins Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
- Abstract: Background: For assays using immunomagnetic reduction, a reagent composed of antibody-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles is dispersed in phosphate-buffered saline solution. The real-time signals of alternating-current (ac) magnetic susceptibility, χac, of the reagent are subsequently recorded after mixing the reagent with a biofluid sample. After mixing the reagent and sample, the reduction in χac of the mixture is calculated and used to quantify the concentration of the target biomarker in the sample. The reduction does not occur immediately but rather occurs at some time after mixing. This observation implies that the time elapsed before recording the real-time signals of χac of a reagent-sample mixture needs to be investigated to ensure that the signals are fully recorded. In this work, the effect of time to detection on the measured concentrations of proteins in human plasma after mixing the reagent and sample is examined. Methods: The proteins analyzed are related to Alzheimer’s disease: amyloid β 1–40, amyloid β 1–42, and Tau protein. The investigated times to detection after the mixing the reagent and sample are 0, 20, 30, 40, and 120 min. Results: The results show that the recording of real-time signals of χac should be conducted within 20 min after mixing the reagent and sample.
  Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra 2022;12:82–89
  PubDate: Tue, 03 May 2022 12:42:09 +020
Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Daily Functioning and Cognition of
Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Evaluated by DASC-21
- Abstract: Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It has also been pointed out that AD associated with DM may have unique characteristics. However, the characteristics of impairment in daily functioning when associated with DM have not been sufficiently investigated. Methods: In the present study, we compared the characteristics of 261 patients with AD diagnosed in the outpatient memory clinic of a university hospital, divided into diabetic and nondiabetic groups. The MMSE was used to assess cognitive function, and the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community-based Integrated Care System 21-items (DASC-21) was used as an observational method to assess cognitive function and activities of daily livings. The two groups were compared. Furthermore, simple and multiple regression analysis was carried out in order to find the independent association of age, sex, education, DM, and HbA1c with the DASC-21 and each individual item of the DASC-21. Results: Diabetic subjects were as follows: MMSE 18.8 ± 4.0, DASC-21 46.0 ± 13.2, and HbA1c 7.07 ± 1.24%, respectively. On the other hand, nondiabetic subjects were as follows: MMSE 19.0 ± 4.5 and DASC-21 42.1 ± 12.2, respectively. In the diabetic group, total score of DASC-21 was higher (DM vs. nondiabetes mellitus [NDM]: 46.0 ± 13.2 vs. 42.1 ± 12.2; p #x3c; 0.05) and solving issues and common sense on the DASC-21 were higher than in the nondiabetic group (NDM) (DM vs. NDM: 8.58 ± 2.71 vs. 7.76 ± 2.66; p #x3c; 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that the presence of DM was the significant determinant of solving issues and common sense on the DASC-21 (p #x3c; 0.05). Conclusions: In AD patients, DM may be associated with impairment of solving issues and common sense.
  Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra 2022;12:76–81
  PubDate: Mon, 02 May 2022 14:09:30 +020
Early-Stage MRI Volumetric Differences in White Matter Hyperintensity and
Temporal Lobe Volumes between Autopsy-Confirmed Alzheimer’s Disease,
Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, and Mixed Pathologies
- Abstract: Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cerebral small vessel disease (CVSD) both contribute to age-related cognitive decline but can be difficult to clinically distinguish at early stages. At mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we investigated brain MRI volumetric differences in white matter hyperintensities (WMH), frontal and temporal lobe volumes between neuropathologically defined groups of cerebral arteriolosclerosis alone (pARTE), AD alone (pAD), and mixed (ADARTE). Methods: From the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center, we defined neuropathology groups of pARTE (n = 18), pAD (n = 36), and ADARTE (n = 55) who had MRI brain volumetrics within 1 year of clinical evaluation with Clinical Dementia Rating score of 0.5, corresponding to MCI. We included moderate-to-severe arteriolosclerosis and/or ABC score 2–3 for AD, after excluding other major neuropathologies. We compared WMH and frontal and temporal lobe volumes between neuropathology groups using regression analysis. Results: Adjusted regression models show AD-related groups associated with less WMH when compared to pARTE (pAD adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% confidence interval [CI]): 0.94 (0.90–0.98); ADARTE aOR (95% CI): 0.96 (0.93–0.99)). The mixed pathology group, but not pAD, had smaller right temporal lobe volumes than pARTE (pAD aOR [95% CI]: 0.86 [0.74–1.00]; ADARTE aOR [95% CI]: 0.83 [0.72–0.96]). There were no differences in frontal lobe volumes. Discussion/Conclusions: Findings from this neuropathologically confirmed cohort suggest volumetric differences in WMH and temporal lobe volumes between AD- and CVSD-related MCI. Moreover, our results suggest a differential atrophy susceptibility of the right versus left temporal lobe to the additive effect of AD and vascular pathologies.
  Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra 2022;12:69–75
  PubDate: Tue, 26 Apr 2022 08:59:58 +020
Pronoun Use among Caregivers of People Living with Dementia: Associations
with Dementia Severity Using Text Analysis of a Natural Language Sample
- Abstract: Introduction: Family caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWDs) have extensive social, physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities. However, less is known about the relationship and interpersonal connection between caregivers and PLWDs. We examined caregiver pronoun use, as an index of the connection between the caregiver and PLWD and its associations with the caregiver’s and PLWD’s health and well-being. Methods: Caregivers of PLWDs (N = 320) were asked to describe a recent time they felt connected to the PLWD in their care. Responses were transcribed and coded to quantify pronoun use by category (we-pronouns, I-pronouns, and they-pronouns). Caregivers also reported on their depression, burden, and the PLWD’s dementia severity and marital satisfaction. Sixty-eight caregivers repeated the same survey 24 months after the initial survey. Results: Caregivers used less we-pronouns when the PLWD’s dementia was more severe, at both timepoints. Spousal caregivers used more we-pronouns and less I- and they-pronouns than nonspousal caregivers. There was an interaction between spousal relationship and dementia severity, such that spousal caregivers exhibited a stronger negative association between dementia severity and we-pronoun use. There were no associations between pronoun category and caregiver burden or depression. Discussion: Caregivers may feel increasingly disconnected from the PLWD as their dementia becomes more severe, as reflected by less we-pronoun usage. This study highlights the opportunity to explore relationship connection through text analysis.
  Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra 2022;12:60–68
  PubDate: Thu, 21 Apr 2022 12:07:57 +020
Discrepancy in Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence: An Early Cognitive
Marker of Dementia from the LASI-DAD Cohort
- Abstract: Background: Cognitive aging is a complex phenomenon, which comprises various cognitive skills, broadly categorized into fluid and crystallized intelligence. Crystallized intelligence (gc) tends to be maintained, as opposed to fluid intelligence (gf), which tends to decline rapidly with age. The association of the two with cognitive decline remains a matter of conjecture requiring further research. Aim: The aim of the study was to identify the variables of gc and gf from a population data of Longitudinal Aging Study in India-Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia (LASI-DAD) study and investigate its relationship with the onset of cognitive impairment using discrepancy analysis against neuropsychological tests. Methods: This analysis of data from LASI-DAD study was carried out on a sample of 3,223 participants. They were assessed on extensive thirteen cognitive tests and one subjective test of cognition. Standardized score was used for discrepancy analysis. Fluid ability minus crystallized ability was used to assess the cognitive impairment. Any statistical significance with the score difference #x3e;0.99 SD was defined as a presence of cognitive decline. Hindi Mental Status Examination (HMSE) and the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) were used as gold standard. Results: With increased discrepancy score, each cognitive parameter score declined which was found to be statistically significant. In HMSE (Normal = 25.81 ± 3.39; Impaired = 23.17 ± 3.54; p = #x3c;0.001), there was a drop of 2 point scores in identifying cognitive impairment in the population sample as per the gold standard. A similar trend was evident in other neurocognitive domains as well. Conclusion: Crystallized-fluid intelligence discrepancy analysis has a strong potential in predicting the onset of cognitive decline ahead of time, facilitating early intervention.
  Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra 2022;12:51–59
  PubDate: Mon, 04 Apr 2022 13:22:35 +020
Protective Effects of Dapsone on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in
Mice: Involvement of Nitric Oxide Pathway
- Abstract: Introduction: The leading cause of memory impairment is dementia-related disorders. Since current treatments for memory impairment target the neuroinflammatory pathways, we selected dapsone, an anti-inflammatory agent, to evaluate its effects on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice and the underlying role of nitric oxide (NO). Methods: Scopolamine (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) was used for induction of memory impairment. The animals received various doses of dapsone (0.1, 0.3, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Duration and number of arms visits in the Y-maze and step-through latency in the passive-avoidance were documented. To evaluate the underlying signaling pathway, N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (a nonspecific NO synthase [NOS] inhibitor), aminoguanidine (a specific inducible NOS inhibitor), and 7-nitroindazole (a specific neuronal NOS inhibitor) were administered 30 min after dapsone administration. Results: Dapsone (5 mg/kg) substantially improved memory acquisition in scopolamine-induced memory impairment. Additionally, NOS inhibitors considerably reversed the observed neuroprotective effects of dapsone, accompanied by the elevation of NO levels. Conclusion: Dapsone revealed a neuroprotective effect against scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice, possibly through the nitrergic pathway.
  Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord Extra 2022;12:43–50
  PubDate: Thu, 24 Mar 2022 10:16:25 +010