Journal of Alzheimer's Disease - Volume 45, issue 1

Authors: Khedr, Eman | Fawi, Gharib | Abbas, Mohammed Abd Allah | Mohammed, Talal A. | El-Fetoh, Noha Abo | Al Attar, Ghada | Noaman, Mostafa | Zaki, Ahmed F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: There are only a few reports which provide prevalence rates of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia specifically in Arabic countries. Objective: This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of MCI and dementia among subjects aged ≥60 years using door-to-door survey in Qena Governorate/Egypt. Methods: We conducted a door-to-door survey with multistage probability random sampling. Screening of all subjects aged ≥60 years (n = 691) employed a simple questionnaire including changes in memory, behavior, and daily activity, Memory and Executive Screening test (MES) as well as the Mini-Mental State Examination. Suspected cases were referred …to the hospital for full clinical examination, DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, Hachinski Ischemic Score, neuroimaging, and laboratory investigations if indicated. Results: Of the 691 participants, 12 cases had MCI, giving a crude prevalence rate (CPR) of 1.74/100 and 35 were identified as positive for dementia with a CPR of 5.07/100. The highest age-specific prevalence rates were recorded among subjects ≥85 years old (100/100). The CPRs were significantly higher in urban than rural areas (7.1 versus 3.27/100, respectively; p = 0.03), in industrial areas than non-industrial areas (13.23 versus 1.99; p = 0.00001), and in illiterate than literate participants (10.12 versus 2.25/100; p = 0.00001). Conclusion: Overall, the prevalence rate of MCI and dementia were lower in Qena/Egypt than in other countries. Advanced age, illiteracy, and living in an industrial area were found to be associated with dementia. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's dementia, dementia, non-Alzheimer's dementia, prevalence, Qena/Egypt, vascular dementia

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-142655

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 117-126, 2015

Authors: Sena, Cristina M. | Pereira, Ana M. | Carvalho, Cristina | Fernandes, Rosa | Seiça, Raquel M. | Oliveira, Catarina R. | Moreira, Paula I.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Vascular risk factors are associated with a higher incidence of dementia. In fact, diabetes mellitus is considered a main risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and both diseases are characterized by vascular dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, the effects of high-sucrose-induced type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the aorta of wild type (WT) and triple-transgenic AD (3xTg-AD) mice were investigated. 3xTg-AD mice showed a significant decrease in body weight and an increase in postprandial glycemia, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and vascular nitrotyrosine, superoxide anion (O2 •− ), receptor for the advanced glycation end products (RAGE) protein, and monocyte …chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels when compared to WT mice. High-sucrose intake caused a significant increase in body weight, postprandial glycemia, HbA1c, triglycerides, plasma vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and vascular nitrotyrosine, O2 •− , RAGE, and MCP-1 levels in both WT and 3xTg-AD mice when compared to the respective control group. Also, a significant decrease in nitric oxide-dependent vasorelaxation was observed in 3xTg-AD and sucrose-treated WT mice. In conclusion, AD and T2D promote similar vascular dysfunction of the aorta, this effect being associated with elevated oxidative and nitrosative stress and inflammation. Also, AD-associated vascular alterations are potentiated by T2D. These findings support the idea that metabolic alterations predispose to the onset and progression of dementia. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, aorta, endothelium, inflammation, oxidative stress, type 2 diabetes

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-141008

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 127-138, 2015

Authors: Meiberth, Dix | Scheef, Lukas | Wolfsgruber, Steffen | Boecker, Henning | Block, Wolfgang | Träber, Frank | Erk, Susanne | Heneka, Michael T. | Jacobi, Heike | Spottke, Annika | Walter, Henrik | Wagner, Michael | Hu, Xiaochen | Jessen, Frank

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Elderly individuals with subjective memory impairment (SMI) report memory decline, but perform within the age-, gender-, and education- adjusted normal range on neuropsychological tests. Longitudinal studies indicate SMI as a risk factor or early sign of Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is increasing evidence from neuroimaging that at the group level, subjects with SMI display evidence of AD related pathology. This study aimed to determine differences in cortical thickness between individuals with SMI and healthy control subjects (CO) using the FreeSurfer environment. 110 participants (41 SMI/69 CO) underwent structural 3D-T1 MR imaging. Cortical thickness values were compared between groups in predefined …AD-related brain regions of the medial temporal lobe, namely the bilateral entorhinal cortex and bilateral parahippocampal cortex. Cortical thickness reduction was observed in the SMI group compared to controls in the left entorhinal cortex (p = 0.003). We interpret our findings as evidence of early AD-related brain changes in persons with SMI. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, cortical thickness, entorhinal cortex, parahippocampal cortex, subjective cognitive decline, subjective memory impairment

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-142322

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 139-146, 2015

Authors: Kyratzi, Elli | Liakos, Anastasios | Papadogiannaki, Georgia | Efthimiopoulos, Spiros

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) metabolism and the accumulation of its derivative amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in senile plaques have been considered key players in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanisms underlying the generation and the deposition of Aβ are not clear but emphasis has been given in the role of AβPP protein interactions that regulate its processing and offer a means to manipulate Aβ production. We have previously shown that AβPP interacts with members of the Homer protein family, which leads to inhibition of Aβ generation. Herein, we studied the structural parameters of AβPP/Homer3 interaction by analyzing the …sequences and domains that play a role in the formation of the complex. We found that the cytoplasmic tail of AβPP is necessary for the interaction. Regarding Homer3, we report that both the EVH1 protein interacting domain and the polymerization coiled coil domain are essential for the complex assembly. Importantly, phosphorylation of Homers at certain serine residues seems to enhance the interaction with AβPP, possibly underlying our recent work suggesting that calcium signaling also regulates the interaction. Our results show that the regulation of AβPP/Homer3 interaction might be critical in the context of Alzheimer's disease pathology as a novel target for regulating AβPP function and metabolism. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP), homer, protein interactions

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-141992

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 147-157, 2015

Authors: Dlugaj, Martha | Winkler, Angela | Dragano, Nico | Moebus, Susanne | Jöckel, Karl-Heinz | Erbel, Raimund | Weimar, Christian | on behalf of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study Investigative Group

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: The literature suggests an association between depression and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, but not all studies have examined this association with regard to MCI subtypes reflecting different dementia etiologies. Objective: To examine if there is a cross-sectional relationship of depression and MCI and to examine if the relationship differs depending on the type of depression (currently elevated depressive symptoms or a positive history of lifetime depression or both) and on the MCI subtype (amnestic versus non-amnestic MCI (aMCI/naMCI)). Methods: From the second examination of the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study (50% men, 50–80 …years), 583 participants with MCI (aMCI n = 304; naMCI n = 279) and 1,446 cognitively normal participants were included in the analyses. Currently elevated depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D; score ≥18). Furthermore, participants were asked if they have ever received a previous diagnosis of depression. Log-Poisson regression models (adjusted for sociodemographic/cardiovascular risk factors) were calculated to determine the association of MCI and its subtypes with all depression variables. Results: The fully adjusted prevalence rate ratios for MCI, aMCI, and naMCI in depressed versus non-depressed participants were 2.06 (95% confidence interval, 1.60–2.64), 3.06 (2.21–4.23), and 1.93 (1.46–2.57). A positive history of lifetime depression without current depressive symptoms was solely associated with naMCI (1.31 (0.99–1.73)). Conclusion: These results suggest that the relationship of depression/depressive symptoms and MCI might differ depending on the timing of depression and on the MCI subtype. Our longitudinal follow-up will allow us to further elucidate this relationship. Show more

Keywords: Aging, depression, epidemiology, mild cognitive impairment

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-142178

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 159-174, 2015

Authors: Koenig, Aaron M. | DeLozier, Isaac J. | Zmuda, Michelle D. | Marron, Megan M. | Begley, Amy E. | Anderson, Stewart J. | Reynolds III, Charles F. | Arnold, Steven E. | Becker, James T. | Butters, Meryl A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Late-life depression (LLD, major depression occurring in an adult 60 years or older) is a common condition that frequently presents with cognitive impairment. Up to half of individuals with LLD are estimated to have cognitive impairment greater than that of age- and education-matched comparators, with impairments of episodic memory, speed of information processing, executive functioning, and visuospatial ability being most common. To inform our understanding of the state- versus trait-effects of depression on neuropsychological functioning, and to overcome limitations of previous studies, we utilized baseline data from the longitudinal Pathways study to compare differences in single time point performance on …a broad-based neuropsychological battery across three diagnostic groups of older adults, each comprised of unique participants (n = 438): currently depressed (n = 120), previously depressed but currently euthymic (n = 190), and never-depressed (n = 128). Consistent with our hypotheses, we found that participants with a history of depression (currently or previously depressed) performed significantly worse than never-depressed participants on most tests of global cognition, as well as on tests of episodic memory, attention and processing speed, verbal ability, and visuospatial ability; in general, differences were most pronounced within the domain of attention and processing speed. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not observe differences in executive performance between the two depression groups, suggesting that certain aspects of executive functioning are “trait deficits” associated with LLD. These findings are in general agreement with the existing literature, and represent an enhancement in methodological rigor over previous studies given the cross-sectional approach that avoids practice effects on test performance. Show more

Keywords: assessment, cognitive function, depression, elderly, geriatric, neuropsychological

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-148006

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 175-185, 2015

Authors: Watts, Amber | Honea, Robyn A. | Billinger, Sandra A. | Rhyner, Kathleen T. | Hutfles, Lewis | Vidoni, Eric D. | Burns, Jeffrey M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Though hypertension is a commonly studied risk factor for white matter lesions (WMLs), measures of blood pressure may fluctuate depending on external conditions resulting in measurement error. Indicators of arterial stiffening and reduced elasticity may be more sensitive indicators of risk for WMLs in aging; however the interdependent nature of vascular indicators creates statistical complications. Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine whether a factor score comprised of multiple vascular indicators would be a stronger predictor of WMLs than traditional measures of blood pressure. Methods: In a sample of well-characterized nondemented older adults, …we used a factor analytic approach to account for variance common across multiple vascular measures while reducing measurement error. The result was a single factor score reflecting arterial stiffness and reduced elasticity. We used this factor score to predict white matter lesion volumes acquired via fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging. Results: The combined vascular factor score was a stronger predictor of deep WML (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and periventricular WML volumes (β = 0.49, p < 0.001). After accounting for the vascular factor, systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were not significant predictors. Conclusions: This suggests that a combined measure of arterial elasticity and stiffening may be a stronger predictor of WMLs than systolic and diastolic blood pressure accounting for the multicollinearity associated with a variety of interrelated vascular measures. Show more

Keywords: Arterial stiffness, factor analysis, magnetic resonance imaging, vascular elasticity, white matter lesions

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-142085

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 187-193, 2015

Authors: Pinçon, Anthony | Thomas, Mélanie H. | Huguet, Marion | Allouche, Ahmad | Colin, Julie C. | Georges, Alain | Derrien, Annabelle | Lanhers, Marie-Claire | Malaplate-Armand, Catherine | Oster, Thierry | Corbier, Catherine | Pillot, Thierry | Olivier, Jean Luc | Yen, Frances T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that has been linked to changes in cholesterol metabolism. Neuronal cholesterol content significantly influences the pro-apoptotic effect of amyloid-β peptide42 (Aβ42 ), which plays a key role in AD development. We previously reported that aged mice with reduced expression of the lipolysis stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR+/− ), demonstrate membrane cholesterol accumulation and decreased intracellular lipid droplets in several brain regions, suggesting a potential role of LSR in brain cholesterol distribution. We questioned if these changes rendered the LSR+/− mouse more susceptible to Aβ42 -induced cognitive and biochemical changes. Results revealed that …intracerebroventricular injection of oligomeric Aβ42 in male 15-month old LSR+/+ and LSR+/− mice led to impairment in learning and long-term memory and decreased cortical cholesterol content of both groups; these effects were significantly amplified in the Aβ42 -injected LSR+/− group. Total latency of the Morris test was significantly and negatively correlated with cortical cholesterol content of the LSR+/− mice, but not of controls. Significantly lower cortical PSD95 and SNAP-25 levels were detected in Aβ42 -injected LSR+/− mice as compared to Aβ42 -injected LSR+/+ mice. In addition, 24S-hydroxy cholesterol metabolite levels were significantly higher in the cortex of LSR+/− mice. Taken together, these results suggest that changes in cortex cholesterol regulation as a result of the LSR+/− genotype were linked to increased susceptibility to amyloid stress, and we would therefore propose the aged LSR+/− mouse as a new model for understanding the link between modified cholesterol regulation as a risk factor for AD. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, amyloid-β oligomers, animal model, cholesterol, cognitive impairment, learning, lipolysis stimulated lipoprotein receptor, memory

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-142127

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 195-204, 2015

Authors: Arroyo-Anlló, Eva Mª | Ingrand, Pierre | Neau, Jean-Philippe | Gil, Roger

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper studies the procedural learning of semantic categorization in 29 patients with non-demented Parkinson's disease (PD). We investigated whether the PD group was able to develop semantic skill, using a cognitive procedural task developed in our laboratory, applying a manual and serial reaction time paradigm to semantic categorization. The PD group showed similar scores to those of the control group on semantic categorization. Both groups showed reaction time reduction over the semantic procedural task, but the PD group produced longer reaction times than the control subjects. Contrary to our prediction, we observed an improvement in semantic categorization reaction times …with practice, even with new verbal material for the PD patients to categorize despite their motor impairments and executive deficits. By contrast, we found a significant negative correlation between axial motor signs and the ratio of semantic procedural learning, but not for lateral motor signs. The present results support the notion that non-demented PD patients may be capable of acquiring comparable semantic skill to those of the control group. Show more

Keywords: Aging, Parkinson's disease, procedural learning, reaction time, semantic

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-142271

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 205-216, 2015

Authors: Vorobyov, Vasily | Kaptsov, Vladimir | Gordon, Rita | Makarova, Ekaterina | Podolski, Igor | Sengpiel, Frank

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We studied the effects of fullerene C60 nanoparticles, namely hydrated fullerene C60 (C60 HyFn), on interrelations between EEG frequency spectra from the frontal cortex and the dorsal hippocampus (CA1) on an amyloid-β (Aβ) rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Infusion of Aβ1-42 protein (1.5 μl) into the CA1 region two weeks before EEG testing diminished hippocampal theta (3.8–8.4 Hz) predominance and eliminated cortical beta (12.9–26.2 Hz) predominance observed in baseline EEG of rats infused with saline (control) or with C60 HyFn alone. In contrast, these Aβ1-42 effects were abolished in rats pretreated with C60 HyFn, 30 …min apart. Dopaminergic mediation in AD has been shown to be involved in neuronal plasticity and Aβ transformation in different ways. To clarify its role in the cortex-hippocampus interplay in the Aβ model of AD, we used peripheral injection of a dopamine agonist, apomorphine (APO), at a low dose (0.1 mg/kg). In rats infused with C60 HyFn or Aβ1-42 alone, APO attenuated the cortical beta predominance, with immediate and delayed phases evident in the Aβ1-42 -rats. Pretreatment with C60 HyFn diminished the APO effect in the Aβ1-42 -treated rats. Thus, we show that intrahippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 dramatically disrupts cortical versus hippocampal EEG interrelations and that pretreatment with the fullerene eliminates this abnormality. We suggest that some effects of C60 HyFn may be mediated through presynaptic dopamine receptors and that water-soluble C60 fullerenes have a neuroprotective potential. Show more

Keywords: Amyloid-β, brain oscillation, dopamine agonist, neurodegenerative disorder, neuroprotection

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-142469

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 217-233, 2015