Journal of Alzheimer's Disease - Volume 67, issue 2

Authors: Escobar, Iris | Xu, Jing | Jackson, Charles W. | Perez-Pinzon, Miguel A.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Cerebral ischemia remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although the incidence of death has decreased over the years, surviving patients may suffer from long-term cognitive impairments and have an increased risk for dementia. Unfortunately, research aimed toward developing therapies that can improve cognitive outcomes following cerebral ischemia has proved difficult given the fact that little is known about the underlying processes involved. Nevertheless, mechanisms that disrupt neural network activity may provide valuable insight, since disturbances in both local and global networks in the brain have been associated with deficits in cognition. In this review, we suggest that abnormal neural …dynamics within different brain networks may arise from disruptions in synaptic plasticity processes and circuitry after ischemia. This discussion primarily concerns disruptions in local network activity within the hippocampus and other extra-hippocampal components of the Papez circuit, given their role in memory processing. However, impaired synaptic plasticity processes and disruptions in structural and functional connections within the Papez circuit have important implications for alterations within the global network, as well. Although much work is required to establish this relationship, evidence thus far suggests there is a link. If pursued further, findings may lead toward a better understanding of how deficits in cognition arise, not only in cerebral ischemia, but in other neurological diseases as well. Show more

Keywords: Cognition, heart arrest, hippocampus, ischemia, long-term potentiation, neuronal plasticity, stroke

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180875

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 425-446, 2019

Authors: Castellani, Rudy J. | Perry, George

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: There is considerable interest in the pathobiology of tau protein, given its potential role in neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Tau is an important microtubule associated protein, required for the assembly of tubulin into microtubules and maintaining structural integrity of axons. Tau has other diverse cellular functions involving signal transduction, cellular proliferation, developmental neurobiology, neuroplasticity, and synaptic activity. Alternative splicing results in tau isoforms with differing microtubule binding affinity, differing representation in pathological inclusions in certain disease states, and differing roles in developmental biology and homeostasis. Tau haplotypes confer differing susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Tau phosphorylation is a normal metabolic process, critical …in controlling tau’s binding to microtubules, and is ongoing within the brain at all times. Tau may be hyperphosphorylated, and may aggregate as detectable fibrillar deposits in tissues, in both aging and neurodegenerative disease. The hypothesis that p-tau is neurotoxic has prompted constructs related to isomers, low-n assembly intermediates or oligomers, and the “tau prion”. Human postmortem studies have elucidated broad patterns of tauopathy, with tendencies for those patterns to differ as a function of disease phenotype. However, there is extensive overlap, not only between genuine neurodegenerative diseases, but also between aging and disease. Recent studies highlight uniqueness to pathological patterns, including a pattern attributed to repetitive head trauma, although clinical correlations have been elusive. The diagnostic process for tauopathies and neurodegenerative diseases in general is challenging in many respects, and may be particularly problematic for postmortem evaluation of former athletes and military service members. Show more

Keywords: Dementia pugilistica, phosphorylated tau, repetitive head trauma, tau, tauopathy

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180721

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 447-467, 2019

Authors: Wright, John W. | Harding, Joseph W.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive neuron losses in memory-associated brain structures that rob patients of their dignity and quality of life. Five drugs have been approved by the FDA to treat AD but none modify or significantly slow disease progression. New therapies are needed to delay the course of this disease with the ultimate goal of preventing neuron losses and preserving memory functioning. In this review we describe the renin-angiotensin II (AngII) system (RAS) with specific regard to its deleterious contributions to hypertension, facilitation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, reduced cerebral blood flow, tissue remodeling, …and disruption of memory consolidation and retrieval. There is evidence that components of the RAS, AngIV and Ang(1–7), are positioned to counter such damaging influences and these systems are detailed with the goal of drawing attention to their importance as drug development targets. Ang(1–7) binds at the Mas receptor, while AngIV binds at the AT4 receptor subtype, and these receptor numbers are significantly decreased in AD patients, accompanied by declines in brain aminopeptidases A and N, enzymes essential for the synthesis of AngIV. Potent analogs may be useful to counter these changes and facilitate neuronal functioning and reduce apoptosis in memory associated brain structures of AD patients. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Ang(1–7)/Mas receptor system, angiotensin II/AT1 receptor system, angiotensin IV/AT4 receptor system, insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP), renin-angiotensin system (RAS)

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-181035

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 469-480, 2019

Authors: Oeckl, Patrick | Halbgebauer, Steffen | Anderl-Straub, Sarah | Steinacker, Petra | Huss, André M. | Neugebauer, Hermann | von Arnim, Christine A.F. | Diehl-Schmid, Janine | Grimmer, Timo | Kornhuber, Johannes | Lewczuk, Piotr | Danek, Adrian | Consortium for Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration German | Ludolph, Albert C. | Otto, Markus

Article Type: Short Communication

Abstract: Reliable blood biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are missing. We measured astroglial GFAP in patients with AD (n  = 28), frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD, n  = 35), Parkinson’s disease (n  = 11), Lewy body dementias (n  = 19), and controls (n  = 34). Serum GFAP was increased in AD (p  < 0.001) and DLB/PDD (p  < 0.01), and cerebrospinal fluid GFAP was increased in all neurodegenerative diseases (p  < 0.001). Serum GFAP correlated with the Mini-Mental State Examination score (r = –0.42, p  < 0.001) and might be a follow-up marker in clinical trials. Sensitivity and specificity of serum GFAP for AD versus bvFTD was 89% and 79% and might be …the first blood biomarker in the differential diagnosis of AD and bvFTD. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, astrocyte, biomarker, cerebrospinal fluid, differential diagnosis, frontotemporal dementia, GFAP, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease, serum

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180325

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 481-488, 2019

Authors: Kaskikallio, Alar | Karrasch, Mira | Rinne, Juha O. | Tuokkola, Terhi | Parkkola, Riitta | Grönholm-Nyman, Petra

Article Type: Short Communication

Abstract: We examined whether cerebrovascular white matter pathology is related to cognition as measured by the compound score of CERAD neuropsychological battery in cognitively normal older adults, patients with mild cognitive impairment, and patients with Alzheimer’s disease (total n  = 149), controlling for age and education. Trend-level effects of white matter pathology on cognition were only observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (p  = 0.062, η 2  = 0.052), patients with severe frontal white matter pathology performed notably worse than those with milder pathology. This indicates that frontal cerebrovascular pathology may have an additive negative effect on cognition in Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, cognition, mild cognitive impairment, white matter

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180554

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 489-493, 2019

Authors: Gallacher, John | de Reydet de Vulpillieres, Frederic | Amzal, Billy | Angehrn, Zuzanna | Bexelius, Christin | Bintener, Christophe | Bouvy, Jacoline C. | Campo, Laura | Diaz, Carlos | Georges, Jean | Gray, Alastair | Hottgenroth, Antje | Jonsson, Pall | Mittelstadt, Brent | Potashman, Michele H. | Reed, Catherine | Sudlow, Cathie | Thompson, Robin | Tockhorn-Heidenreich, Antje | Turner, Andrew | van der Lei, Johan | Visser, Pieter Jelle | the ROADMAP Consortium

Article Type: Editorial

Abstract: ROADMAP is a public-private advisory partnership to evaluate the usability of multiple data sources, including real-world evidence, in the decision-making process for new treatments in Alzheimer’s disease, and to advance key concepts in disease and pharmacoeconomic modeling. ROADMAP identified key disease and patient outcomes for stakeholders to make informed funding and treatment decisions, provided advice on data integration methods and standards, and developed conceptual cost-effectiveness and disease models designed in part to assess whether early treatment provides long-term benefit.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, data sharing, data systems, health policy, patient outcome assessment, real-world clinical trials, systems integration

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180370

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 495-501, 2019

Authors: Barton, Shawn M. | Janve, Vaibhav A. | McClure, Richard | Anderson, Adam | Matsubara, Joanne A. | Gore, John C. | Pham, Wellington

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The development of neurotherapeutics for many neurodegenerative diseases has largely been hindered by limited pharmacologic penetration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Previous attempts to target and clear amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, a key mediator of neurodegenerative changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), have had limited clinical success due to low bioavailability in the brain because of the BBB. Here, we test the effects of inducing an inflammatory response to disrupt the BBB in the 5XFAD transgenic mouse model of AD. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial endotoxin recognized by the innate immune system, was injected at varying doses. 24 hours later, mice were injected …with either thioflavin S, a fluorescent Aβ-binding small molecule or 30 nm superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles, both of which are unable to penetrate the BBB under normal physiologic conditions. Our results showed that when pretreated with 3.0 mg/kg LPS, thioflavin S can be found in the brain bound to Aβ plaques in aged 5XFAD transgenic mice. Following the same LPS pretreatment, SPIO nanoparticles could also be found in the brain. However, when done on wild type or young 5XFAD mice, limited SPIO was detected. Our results suggest that the BBB in aged 5XFAD mouse model is susceptible to increased permeability mediated by LPS, allowing for improved delivery of the small molecule thioflavin S to target Aβ plaques and SPIO nanoparticles, which are significantly larger than antibodies used in clinical trials for immunotherapy of AD. Although this approach demonstrated efficacy for improved delivery to the brain, LPS treatment resulted in significant weight loss even at low doses, resulting from the induced inflammatory response. These findings suggest inducing inflammation can improve delivery of small and large materials to the brain for improved therapeutic or diagnostic efficacy. However, this approach must be balanced with the risks of systemic inflammation. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, blood-brain barrier, drug delivery, iron oxide nanoparticles, lipopolysaccharide

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180755

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 503-513, 2019

Authors: Meng, Lanxia | He, Mingyang | Xiong, Min | Zhang, Xingyu | Nie, Shuke | Xiong, Jing | Hu, Dan | Zhang, Zhaohui | Mao, Ling | Zhang, Zhentao

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are not fully understood. Thus, there are no drugs available that can provide a cure for it. We and others found that DNA polymerase-β (DNA pol-β) is required for neuronal death in several neurodegenerative models. In the present study, we tested the effect of a DNA pol-β inhibitor 2′,3′– Dideoxycytidine (DDC) in AD models both in vitro and in vivo . DDC protected primary neurons from amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced toxicity by inhibiting aberrant DNA replication mediated by DNA pol– β. Chronic oral administration of DDC alleviated Aβ deposition and memory deficits in …the Tg2576 mouse model of AD. Moreover, DDC reversed synaptic loss in Tg2576 mice. These results suggest that DDC represents a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD. Show more

Keywords: 2′,3′– Dideoxycytidine, Alzheimer’s disease, DNA polymerase-β, synapse

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180798

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 515-525, 2019

Authors: Zwingmann, Ina | Michalowsky, Bernhard | Esser, Alexander | Kaczynski, Anika | Monsees, Jessica | Keller, Armin | Hertel, Johannes | Wucherer, Diana | Thyrian, Jochen René | Eichler, Tilly | Kilimann, Ingo | Teipel, Stefan | Dreier Wolfgramm, Adina | Hoffmann, Wolfgang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Caregivers providing informal care for people with dementia (PwD) often report unmet needs, burden, and health impairments. Optimal support for family dementia caregivers will likely benefit from better understanding and assessment of the prevalence and types of caregivers’ unmet needs and associated socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Objective: The present study investigates 1) the number and types of caregivers’ unmet needs, 2) socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of both PwD and caregivers, and 3) caregivers’ burden and health-related outcomes that are related to caregivers’ unmet needs. Methods: The present analyses are based on cross-sectional …data of n  = 226 dyads of caregivers and their community-dwelling PwD participating in a comprehensive standardized, computer-based caregivers’ needs assessment within a general practitioner (GP)-based, cluster-randomized intervention trial. Results: A total of n  = 505 unmet needs were identified for n  = 171 caregivers from the intervention group at baseline. Only 24.3% caregivers reported no unmet need (n  = 55), whereas 75.7% caregivers had at least one unmet need (n  = 171). Caregivers had on average 2.19 unmet needs (mean  = 2.19, SD  = 2.15). Specifically, 53.1% of caregivers had one up to three unmet needs (n  = 120), 18.6% (n  = 42) had three up to six unmet needs, and 4.0% (n  = 9) had more than six unmet needs. Discussion: Our results underline the importance of a comprehensive needs assessment for family dementia caregivers to develop and implement concepts that can provide family dementia caregivers with optimal support. Show more

Keywords: Caregiver burden, caregiver interventions, caregiver supporting groups, caregiver unmet needs, randomized controlled trial

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180244

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 527-539, 2019

Authors: Winston, Charisse N. | Aulston, Brent | Rockenstein, Edward M. | Adame, Anthony | Prikhodko, Olga | Dave, Kishan N. | Mishra, Priyanka | Rissman, Robert A. | Yuan, Shauna H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Progressive accumulation of aggregation-prone proteins, amyloid-β (Aβ ) and hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau), are the defining hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The mechanisms by which Aβ and p-tau are transmitted throughout the diseased brain are not yet completely understood. Interest in exosome research has grown dramatically over the past few years, specifically due to their potential role as biomarkers for staging of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Despite their diagnostic utility, the pathogenic potential of exosomes has yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we use a series of recombinant tau antibodies to characterize a new model of human …tau in vivo. Exosome suspensions derived from neuronally-differentiated, human induced pluripotent stem cells that express the repeat domain of tau P301L and V337M mutations (NiPSCEs) were injected into the wild-type mouse brain and pathological changes were characterized by immunostaining at one- (1 m) and two-month (2 m) post-injection. We found that tau inclusions were present throughout the brain at 2 m post-injection, which were detectable using antibodies raised against full-length tau (K9JA) and misfolded tau (MC1). Furthermore, we found that phosphorylated tau immunoreactivity was elevated 1 m post-injection, which was surprisingly normalized after 2 m. Finally, we observed extensive degeneration of neuronal dendrites in both ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampi in NiPSCE treated mice. In summary, we demonstrate that exosomes are sufficient to cause long-distance propagation of tau pathology and neurodegeneration in vivo . These novel findings support an active role of exosomes in AD pathogenesis. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, exosomes, induced pluripotent stem cells, tau propagation

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180776

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 541-553, 2019

Authors: Farlow, Martin R. | Thompson, Richard E. | Wei, Lee-Jen | Tuchman, Alan J. | Grenier, Elaine | Crockford, David | Wilke, Susanne | Benison, Jeffrey | Alkon, Daniel L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Bryostatin-activated PKC epsilon pre-clinically induces synaptogenesis, anti-apoptosis, anti-amyloid-β oligomers, and anti-hyperphosphorylated tau. Objectives: To investigate bryostatin safety, tolerability, and efficacy to improve cognition in advanced Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase II, 12-week trial of i.v. bryostatin for 150 advanced AD patients (55–85) with MMSE-2 of 4–15, randomized 1:1:1 into 20 μg and 40 μg bryostatin, and placebo arms. The Full Analysis Set (FAS) and the Completer Analysis Set (CAS) were pre-specified alternative assessments (1-sided, p  < 0.1 for primary efficacy, and 2-sided, p  < 0.05 for pre-specified and post hoc exploratory …analyses). Results: The safety profile was similar for 20 μg treatment and placebo patients. The 40 μg patients showed safety and drop-out issues, but no efficacy. Primary improvement of Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) scores at 13 weeks was not significant (p  = 0.134) in the FAS, although in the CAS, the SIB comparison favored 20 μg bryostatin compared to placebo patients (p  < 0.07). Secondary analyses at weeks 5 and 15 (i.e., 30 days post-final dosing) also favored 20 μg bryostatin compared to placebo patients. A pre-specified ANCOVA for baseline memantine blocking bryostatin and positive post-hoc trend analyses were statistically significant (2-sided, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although the primary endpoint was not significant in the FAS, primary and secondary analyses in the CAS, and pre-specified and post-hoc exploratory analyses did favor bryostatin 20 μg compared to the placebo cohort. These promising Phase II results support further trials of 20 μg bryostatin— without memantine— to treat AD. Show more

Keywords: Bryostatin, memantine, neurorestorative, PKC (Protein Kinase C), severe Alzheimer’s disease, severe impairment battery, synaptic growth factors, synaptogenesis

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180759

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 555-570, 2019

Authors: Zhou, Yajun | Deng, Jiangshan | Chu, Xiuli | Zhao, Yuwu | Guo, Yong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease prevalent in aged people, clinically characterized by progressive memory loss, behavioral and learning dysfunction, and cognitive deficits. The pathogenesis of AD is hallmarked by formation of amyloid-β peptide aggregates (Aβ) and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which are induced by hyperphosphorylation of amyloid-β protein precursor and tau protein, respectively. The hyperphosphorylation is controlled by cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5), the aberrant activation of which is mediated by calpain (CAPN)-induced cleavage of p35 into p25. However, the regulation of CAPN in AD remains largely unknown. Here, we studied the post-transcriptional control of CAPN1 by microRNAs (miRNAs) in …the setting of AD. We found that miR-124-3p, previously reported as a miRNA that was downregulated in AD, was a CAPN1-targeting miRNA that functionally inhibited the protein translation of CAPN1 in a human neural cell line, HCN-2. In vitro , transfection with miR-124-3p reduced the levels of CAPN1 protein, the cleavage of p35 into p25, and cell apoptosis dose-dependently in HCN-2 cells. Moreover, a significant inverse correlation was detected between the levels of miR-124-3p and CAPN1 in AD specimens. Furthermore, intracranial injection of adeno-associated virus expressing miR-124-3p into APP/PS1-AD mice significantly reduced Aβ deposition and significantly improved the AD-mouse behavior in the social recognition test and plus-maze discriminative avoidance task. Together, our data suggest that post-transcriptional control of calpain by miR-124-3p plays an essential role in the development of AD. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid-β peptide aggregates, calpain 1, CDK5, miR-124-3p

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-181053

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 571-581, 2019

Authors: Chen, Xi | Maguire, Brook | Brodaty, Henry | O’Leary, Fiona

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: While the role of diet and nutrition in cognitive health and prevention of dementia in older adults has attracted much attention, the efficacy of different dietary patterns remains uncertain. Previous reviews have mainly focused on the Mediterranean diet, but either omitted other dietary patterns, lacked more recent studies, were based on cross-sectional studies, or combined older and younger populations. We followed PRISMA guidelines, and examined the efficacy of current research from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies on the effects of different dietary patterns. We reviewed the Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the Mediterranean-DASH diet Intervention …for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, Anti-inflammatory diet, Healthy diet recommended by guidelines via dietary index, or Prudent healthy diet s generated via statistical approaches, and their impact on cognitive health among older adults. Of 37 studies, the Mediterranean diet was the most investigated with evidence supporting protection against cognitive decline among older adults. Evidence from other dietary patterns such as the MIND, DASH, Anti-inflammatory, and Prudent healthy diets was more limited but showed promising results, especially for those at risk of cardiovascular disease. Overall, this review found positive effects of dietary patterns including the Mediterranean, DASH, MIND, and Anti-inflammatory diets on cognitive health outcomes in older adults. These dietary patterns are plant-based, rich in poly- and mono-unsaturated fatty acids with lower consumption of processed foods. Better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and effectiveness is needed to develop comprehensive and practical dietary recommendations against age-related cognitive decline among older adult. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, anti-inflammatory, cognitive decline, DASH, dementia, dietary pattern, mild cognitive impairment, Mediterranean, MIND, nutrition

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180468

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 583-619, 2019

Authors: Takahashi, Yukako | Saito, Satoshi | Yamamoto, Yumi | Uehara, Toshiyuki | Yokota, Chiaki | Sakai, Go | Nishida, Norifumi | Takahashi, Ryosuke | Kalaria, Raj N. | Toyoda, Kazunori | Nagatsuka, Kazuyuki | Ihara, Masafumi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Time and resource limitations prevent cognitive assessment in acute-to-subacute settings, even in comprehensive stroke centers. Objective: To assess cognitive function in acute stroke patients undergoing routine clinical, laboratory, and radiological investigations, with a view to improving post-stroke care and treatment. Methods: Sixty-nine patients (72.6±11.1 years; 65% male) were prospectively enrolled within 14 days of acute ischemic stroke. Patients with altered consciousness, aphasia, or dysarthria were excluded. Clinical features including modified Rankin and NIH stroke scales, and vascular risk factors were assessed, as well as neuroimaging parameters by semi-quantitative evaluation of medial temporal …lobe atrophy (MTLA) using MRA source images, FLAIR images for white matter changes (Fazekas scores), and T2∗ images for cerebral microbleeds. Neuropsychological screening was conducted using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the influence of variables on MoCA total and subscale scores. Results: Lower MoCA scores of 22 or less were associated with MTLA [OR (95% CI), 5.3 (1.0–27.5); p  = 0.045], education years [OR (95% CI), 0.71 (0.55–0.91); p  = 0.007], and modified Rankin scale at discharge [OR (95% CI), 2.4 (1.3–4.5); p  = 0.007]. The delayed recall MoCA score was correlated with MTLA (r  = – 0.452, p  < 0.001), periventricular (r  = – 0.273, p  = 0.024), and deep (r  = – 0.242, p  = 0.046), white matter changes. Conclusions: MTLA, together with lower educational history, are quick indicators of amnestic cognitive impairment after stroke. The association between cognitive impairment and physical disability at discharge may signify the importance of earlier cognitive assessment. Show more

Keywords: Comprehensive stroke center, dementia, medial temporal lobe atrophy, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, post-stroke dementia, stroke

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180976

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 621-629, 2019

Authors: Levendowski, Daniel J. | Gamaldo, Charlene | St. Louis, Erik K. | Ferini-Strambi, Luigi | Hamilton, Joanne M. | Salat, David | Westbrook, Philip R. | Berka, Chris

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: The characterization of sleep in those with neurodegenerative disease (NDD) is essential in understanding the potential neurobiological mechanisms that underlie the connection between sleep disruption and NDD manifestations and progression. Objective: Explore the inter-relationships between NDD and age, sex, diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and duration of sleep time with the head in the supine and non-supine positions. Methods: A case-control design was used to evaluate differences in sleep position obtained from multi-night, in-home Sleep Profiler recordings in 45 patients with diagnosed NDD (24 with mild cognitive impairment, 15 with Alzheimer’s …disease, and 6 with Lewy Body, Parkinson’s, or other dementias) and 120 age-sex matched controls with normal cognition (NC). Results: The frequency of supine sleep >2 h/night was significantly greater in the NDD than in the NC group (p  < 0.001, odds ratio = 3.7), and remained significant after controlling for age, sex, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis (p  = 0.01). There were no group differences in nocturnal mobility i.e., number of head position changes/h. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the utility of in-home measurements of sleep in defining the association of supine sleep position with neurodegenerative disorders. Our findings warrant further investigation, particularly in light of the recent evidence suggesting that sleep may an active role in the brain’s ability to clear CNS neurotoxins and metabolites. Show more

Keywords: Head position, neurodegeneration, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep, supine

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180697

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 631-638, 2019

Authors: Khoonsari, Payam Emami | Shevchenko, Ganna | Herman, Stephanie | Remnestål, Julia | Giedraitis, Vilmantas | Brundin, RoseMarie | Degerman Gunnarsson, Malin | Kilander, Lena | Zetterberg, Henrik | Nilsson, Peter | Lannfelt, Lars | Ingelsson, Martin | Kultima, Kim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is diagnosed based on a clinical evaluation as well as analyses of classical biomarkers: Aβ42 , total tau (t-tau), and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although the sensitivities and specificities of the classical biomarkers are fairly good for detection of AD, there is still a need to develop novel biochemical markers for early detection of AD. Objective: We explored if integration of novel proteins with classical biomarkers in CSF can better discriminate AD from non-AD subjects. Methods: We applied ELISA, mass spectrometry, and multivariate modeling to investigate …classical biomarkers and the CSF proteome in subjects (n  = 206) with 76 AD patients, 74 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, 11 frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients, and 45 non-dementia controls. The MCI patients were followed for 4–9 years and 21 of these converted to AD, whereas 53 remained stable. Results: By combining classical CSF biomarkers with twelve novel markers, the area of the ROC curves (AUROCS) of distinguishing AD and MCI/AD converters from non-AD were 93% and 96%, respectively. The FTDs and non-dementia controls were identified versus all other groups with AUROCS of 96% and 87%, respectively. Conclusions: Integration of new and classical CSF biomarkers in a model-based approach can improve the identification of AD, FTD, and non-dementia control subjects. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, cerebrospinal fluid, ELISA, mass spectrometry, mild cognitive impairment, proteomics

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180855

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 639-651, 2019

Authors: Özbe, Dominik | Graessel, Elmar | Donath, Carolin | Pendergrass, Anna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: There is no curative medical treatment for dementia. Therefore, researchers turned their attention to non-pharmacological treatment approaches. Many reviews analyzed the efficacy of single-component interventions, but there has been no systematic review of multicomponent interventions so far. Objective: The aim was to systematically review studies using standardized multicomponent group interventions for persons with dementia or persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to analyze their immediate intervention effects. Methods: The databases PubMed, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX, and CINAHL were systematically searched. We included randomized controlled trials with people with MCI or dementia, which implemented interventions with at …least two components that targeted different outcome domains. Additionally, the intervention had to be standardized and in a group setting. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria with a total sample size of N = 513 participants. Six studies applied two, two studies applied three, and one study applied four components. Four studies, which combined at least a physical and a cognitive component, had a positive effect on non-cognitive symptoms of dementia. Two of these interventions additionally had a positive effect on cognitive abilities. One study reported a positive effect on activities of daily living and another study showed an effect on quality of life. Conclusion: In spite of the heterogeneity of the studies, multicomponent interventions suggest a positive effect on non-cognitive symptoms, especially the combination of cognitive and physical components. Single studies had also an effect on additional outcome domains. By trend the effects are dependent on application rate and used assessments. Show more

Keywords: Behavioral symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, dementia, multicomponent intervention, review

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180980

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 653-670, 2019

Authors: Alfini, Alfonso J. | Weiss, Lauren R. | Nielson, Kristy A. | Verber, Matthew D. | Smith, J. Carson

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Exercise training has been associated with greater cerebral blood flow (CBF) in cognitively normal older adults (CN). Alterations in CBF, including compensatory perfusion in the prefrontal cortex, may facilitate changes to the brain’s neural infrastructure. Objective: To examine the effects of a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention on resting CBF and cognition in CN and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We hypothesized individuals with MCI (versus CN) would exhibit greater whole brain CBF at baseline and that exercise would mitigate these differences. We also expected CBF changes to parallel cognitive improvements. Methods: Before and after …a 12-week exercise intervention, 18 CN and 17 MCI participants (aged 61–88) underwent aerobic fitness testing, neuropsychological assessment, and an MRI scan. Perfusion-weighted images were collected using a GE 3T MR system. Repeated measures analyses of covariance were used to test within- and between-group differences over time, followed by post-hoc analyses to examine links between CBF changes and cognitive improvement. Results: At baseline, individuals with MCI (versus CN) exhibited significantly elevated perfusion in the left insula. Twelve weeks of aerobic exercise reversed this discrepancy. Additionally, exercise improved working memory (measured by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) and verbal fluency (measured by the Controlled Oral Word Association Test) and differentially altered CBF depending on cognitive status. Among those with MCI, decreased CBF in the left insula and anterior cingulate cortex was associated with improved verbal fluency. Conclusions: Exercise training alters CBF and improves cognitive performance in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Future studies must evaluate the mediating effects of CBF on the association between exercise training and cognition. Show more

Keywords: Aging, cerebral blood flow, exercise, magnetic resonance imaging, mild cognitive impairment, neuroimaging

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180728

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 671-684, 2019

Authors: Reisberg, Barry | Torossian, Carol | Shulman, Melanie B. | Monteiro, Isabel | Boksay, Istvan | Golomb, James | Guillo Benarous, Francoise | Ulysse, Anaztasia | Oo, Thet | Vedvyas, Alok | Rao, Julia A. | Marsh, Karyn | Kluger, Alan | Sangha, Jaspreet | Hassan, Mudasar | Alshalabi, Munther | Arain, Fauzia | Shaikh, Naveed | Buj, Maja | Kenowsky, Sunnie | Masurkar, Arjun V. | Rabin, Laura | Noroozian, Maryam | Sánchez-Saudinós, Mar&a Belén | Blesa, Rafael | Auer, Stefanie | Zhang, Yian | de Leon, Mony | Sadowski, Martin | Wisniewski, Thomas | Gauthier, Serge | Shao, Yongzhao

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Little is known with respect to behavioral markers of subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a condition initially described in association with Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) stage 2. Objective: Two-year interval behavioral markers were investigated herein. Methods: Subjects from a published 7-year outcome study of GDS stage 2 subjects were selected. This study had demonstrated a hazard ratio of 4.5 for progression of GDS stage 2, in comparison with GDS stage 1 (no subjective or objective cognitive decline) subjects, after controlling for demographic and temporal variables. Because GDS 2 subjects have previously demonstrated impairment in comparison with …healthy persons free of complaints, we herein suggest the terminology “SCD(I)” for these persons. 98 SCD(I) persons, 63 women and 35 men, mean baseline age, 67.12±8.75 years, with a mean educational background of 15.55±2.60 years, and mean baseline MMSE scores of 28.9±1.24 were followed for 2.13±0.30 years. Results: Observed annual decline on the GDS was 6.701% per annum, very close to a 1986 published estimate. At follow up, the MMSE, and 7 of 8 psychometric tests did not decline significantly. Of 21 Hamilton Depression Scale items, 2 improved and the remainder were unchanged. Anxieties declined from multiple perspectives. The Brief Cognitive Rating Scale (BCRS) declined significantly (p  < 0.001), with component declines in Remote memory (p  < 0.01), and Functioning/self-care (p  = 0.01). Conclusion: SCD(I) persons decline at an annual rate of approximately 6.7% /year from several recent studies. The BCRS assessments and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test can be sensitive measures for future studies of progression mitigation. Show more

Keywords: Aging, behavioral disturbances, cognition, cognitive decline, cognitive impairments, longitudinal studies,, memory, prognosis, psychometric testing, remote memory

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180341

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 685-705, 2019

Authors: Huisa, Branko N. | Thomas, Ronald G. | Jin, Shelia | Oltersdorf, Tilman | Taylor, Curtis | Feldman, Howard H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and memantine are commonly prescribed medications for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Their concurrent use in AD randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is generally allowed but their effect in outcome measures is unsettled. Objective: To evaluate whether use of AChEIs and/or memantine across AD RCTs are associated with different rates of cognitive/functional decline. Methods: We pooled data from 5 RCTs of mild to moderate AD conducted by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) between 2002-2013. 1,423 participants with MMSE of 14–26 and completion of 12–18 months follow-up visits were analyzed. Trials did …not randomize with respect to AChEIs or memantine. We defined 4 groups: AChEI (27%), memantine (16%), AChEIs+memantine (46%), and non-users (11%). Outcome measures were change in ADAS-cog-11, ADCS-ADL, and MMSE from baseline to 18 months. Fisher’s exact test, Wilcoxon signed rank, and Spearman’s tests were used to identify confounding variables. Mixed model repeated measures were used for adjustments and pairwise tests for comparing change in scores. Results: Age, apolipoprotein E, and initial MMSE were identified as covariates. Memantine and/or AChEIs users had greater impairment at entry than non-users. There was a significant decline on the ADAS-cog-11 in the memantine (estimate –4.2 p  < 0.0001) and AChEIs+memantine groups (estimate –3.5 p  < 0.0001) than non-users, while there was significantly more decline in MMSE (estimate 2.5 p  < 0.0001) and ADCS-ADL in the AChEIs+memantine group (estimate 4.3 p  < 0.0001) Conclusion: Memantine monotherapy or combined with AChEIs are associated with more rapid cognitive and functional decline than non-users. We postulated a potential selection bias by indication. Show more

Keywords: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, Alzheimer’s disease, memantine, randomized clinical trials

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180684

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 707-713, 2019

Authors: Hessen, Erik | Kirsebom, Bjørn-Eivind | Eriksson, Cecilia Magdalena | Eliassen, Carl Fredrik | Nakling, Arne Exner | Bråthen, Geir | Waterloo, Knut K. | Aarsland, Dag | Fladby, Tormod

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: In the care of persons with cognitive problems, it is important to use a valid mild cognitive impairment (MCI) criterion that discriminates well between normal and pathological aging. Objective: To find the brief neuropsychological screening criterion that best correlates with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for cognitive decline and dementia in persons seeking help for cognitive problems. Methods: 452 consecutively recruited patients (age 40–80 years) from memory-clinics in the Norwegian national multicentre longitudinal study Dementia Disease Initiation were included. CSF data as well as full data from brief neuropsychological screening were available for …all patients. Results: Amnestic MCI, including at least one memory test below T-score 40, outperformed the conventional US National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association (NIA-AA) MCI criterion. Only amnestic MCI was significantly associated with biomarker pattern of NIA-AA stage 2 (low CSF Aβ 42 concentrations and elevated tau) in multivariate regression analysis. Conclusions: The finding that amnestic MCI based on brief neuropsychological assessment is significantly associated with CSF biomarkers for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease is in accordance with longitudinal studies that find memory impairment; both in itself and especially in combination with other cognitive deficit to constitute a risk factor for subsequent cognitive decline and dementia. The prevalence of pathological biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease is common in the elderly and the clinical significance of present findings depend on longitudinal validation. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, amnestic MCI, brief neuropsychological assessment, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, mild cognitive impairment, NIA-AA MCI criterion, NIA-AA stage 2

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180964

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 715-723, 2019

Authors: Letra, Liliana | Matafome, Paulo | Rodrigues, Tiago | Duro, Diana | Lemos, Raquel | Baldeiras, Inês | Patrício, Miguel | Castelo-Branco, Miguel | Caetano, Gina | Seiça, Raquel | Santana, Isabel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Adipose tissue dysfunction has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the involvement of adipokines, particularly adiponectin, remains unclear. Objective: To compare serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of adiponectin, leptin and leptin-to-adiponectin ratio in patients within the spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease and evaluate their relationship with classical biomarkers and their value as markers of progression. Methods: Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n  = 71) and Alzheimer’s dementia (AD, n  = 53) subjects were consecutively recruited for serum and CSF adiponectin and leptin determination using an analytically validated commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Correlations were …explored using adjusted Spearman’s correlation coefficients. A logistic regression model and ROC analysis were performed to evaluate the staging predictive value of adipokines. Results: Serum adiponectin was 33% higher in AD when compared to MCI patients. Adiponectin CSF levels, similar in both groups, were positively correlated with Aβ 42 and cognitive function, though only in women. The area under the ROC curve was 0.673 (95% CI:0.57-0.78) for serum adiponectin as predictor of dementia stage and the cut-off 10.85μ g/ml maximized the sum of specificity (87%) and sensitivity (44%). Conclusion: Although longitudinal studies are required, we hypothesize that higher serum adiponectin in AD patients constitutes a strategy to compensate possible central signaling defects. In addition, adiponectin might be specifically assigned to neuroprotective functions in women and eventually involved in the female-biased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Show more

Keywords: Adipokines, adiponectin, adipose tissue, Alzheimer’s disease, biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid, leptin

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180669

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 725-735, 2019

Authors: Chen, Yi-Chun | Chiu, Ya-Jen | Lin, Chih-Hsin | Hsu, Wen-Chuin | Wu, Jia-Lu | Huang, Chen-Hsiang | Lin, Chia-Wei | Yao, Ching-Fa | Huang, Hei-Jen | Lo, Yen-Shi | Chen, Chiung-Mei | Wu, Yih-Ru | Chang, Kuo-Hsuan | Lee-Chen, Guey-Jen | Mei Hsieh-Li, Hsiu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), associated with abnormal accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ), is the most common cause of dementia among older people. A few studies have identified substantial AD biomarkers in blood but their results were inconsistent. Here we screened gene expression alterations on Aβ-GFP SH-SY5Y neuronal model for AD, and evaluated the findings on peripheral leukocytes from 78 patients with AD and 56 healthy controls. The therapeutic responses of identified biomarker candidates were further examined in Aβ-GFP SH-SY5Y neuronal and APP/PS1/Tau triple transgenic (3×Tg-AD) mouse models. Downregulation of apolipoprotein E (APOE) and tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TRKA) were detected in Aβ-GFP …SH-SY5Y cells and validated by peripheral leukocytes from AD patients. Treatment with an in-house indole compound NC009-1 upregulated the expression of APOE and TRKA accompanied with improvement of neurite outgrowth in Aβ-GFP SH-SY5Y cells. NC009-1 further rescued the downregulated APOE and TRKA and reduced Aβ and tau levels in hippocampus and cortex, and ameliorated cognitive deficits in streptozocin-induced hyperglycemic 3×Tg-AD mice. These results suggest the role of APOE and TRKA as potential peripheral biomarkers in AD, and offer a new drug development target of AD treatment. Further studies of a large series of AD patients will be warranted to verify the findings and confirm the correlation between these markers and therapeutic efficacy. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid-β, APOE, biomarker, indole compound, TRKA

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180643

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 737-756, 2019

Authors: Marshall, Gad A. | Gatchel, Jennifer R. | Donovan, Nancy J. | Muniz, Martha C. | Schultz, Aaron P. | Becker, J. Alex | Chhatwal, Jasmeer P. | Hanseeuw, Bernard J. | Papp, Kathryn V. | Amariglio, Rebecca E. | Rentz, Dorene M. | Sperling, Reisa A. | Johnson, Keith A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) impairment and apathy occur in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and are associated with regional atrophy and hypometabolism in vivo and greater tau burden at autopsy. Objective: To explore the association between IADL impairment, apathy, and in vivo regional tau in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD dementia. Methods: Forty participants (24 MCI, 16 AD dementia) underwent assessments of IADL (Functional Activities Questionnaire, FAQ) and apathy (Apathy Evaluation Scale Informant report, AES-I). Regional tau was assessed using flortaucipir positron emission tomography (PET) and amyloid using Pittsburgh Compound B …PET. Regions with unadjusted associations of p ≤0.01 were entered into regression models assessing the relationship between tau and FAQ or AES-I, adjusting for age, sex, and cognition, with/without a tau by amyloid interaction. Results: Unadjusted IADL impairment but not apathy was associated with greater tau in multiple regions. After adjusting for covariates, for medial orbitofrontal and entorhinal cortex the interaction between tau and amyloid was associated with IADL impairment and for anterior cingulate it was not but independent associations with both tau and amyloid were retained. With whole brain analyses, similar results were seen for IADL, while for apathy tau in small clusters within the right anterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices were seen, which were more pronounced in individuals with greater amyloid. Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that IADL impairment in AD is associated with medial temporal and frontal tau, especially in individuals with elevated amyloid, while apathy may be associated with right frontal tau. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid, apathy, instrumental activities of daily living, mild cognitive impairment, positron emission tomography, tau.

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-170578

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 757-768, 2019

Authors: Lee, Eunjung | Gatz, Margaret | Tseng, Chiuchen | Schneider, Lon S. | Pawluczyk, Sonia | Wu, Anna H. | Deapen, Dennis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Medicare claims record linkage has been used to identify diagnosed dementia cases in order to estimate dementia prevalence and cost of care. Claims records in the 1990 s and early 2000 s have been found to provide 85% – ∼90% sensitivity and specificity. Objective: Considering that dementia awareness has improved over time, we sought to examine sensitivity and specificity of more recent Medicare claims records against a standard criterion, clinical diagnosis of dementia. Methods: For a sample of patients evaluated at the University of Southern California Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC), we performed database linkage with Medicare …claims files for a six-year period, 2007–2012. We used clinical diagnosis at the ADRC as the criterion diagnosis in order to calculate sensitivity and specificity. Results: Medicare claims correctly identified 85% of dementia patients and 77% of individuals with normal cognition. About half of patients clinically diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment had dementia diagnoses in Medicare claims. Misclassified dementia patients (i.e., missed diagnosis by Medicare claims) had more favorable Mini-Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating scores and were less likely to present behavioral symptoms than correctly-classified dementia patients. Conclusions: Database linkage to Medicare claims records is an efficient and reasonably accurate tool to identify dementia cases in a population-based cohort. However, possibilities of obtaining biased results due to misclassification of dementia status need to be carefully considered to use Medicare claims diagnosis for etiologic research studies. Additional confirmation of dementia diagnosis may also be considered. A larger study is warranted to confirm our findings. Show more

Keywords: Data linkage, dementia, Medicare, sensitivity and specificity

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-181005

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 769-778, 2019