Journal of Alzheimer's Disease - Volume 82, issue 1

Authors: Ng, Kok Pin | Cheng, Grand H.-L. | Yatawara, Chathuri | Rosa-Neto, Pedro | Gauthier, Serge | Kandiah, Nagaendran | for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Cerebrospinal fluid t-tau (CSF t-tau) is a measure of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and has been increasingly demonstrated to be a non-specific biomarker within the AD continuum. Objective: We sought to test whether t-tau influences the longitudinal effects of amyloid-β (Aβ) and phospho-tau (p-tau) on memory and executive function (EF) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: 319 MCI individuals from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) with baseline and 2-year CSF Aβ, p-tau, t-tau, and neuropsychological assessments were studied. Mediation and moderation analyses evaluated the role of t-tau in the effects of Aβ and …p-tau on memory and EF over 2 years. Results: We found that high baseline p-tau but not Aβ was associated with higher t-tau and lower memory scores at 2 years follow-up. The association between p-tau and memory impairment was partially mediated by t-tau, whereby higher p-tau was indirectly associated with lower memory via higher t-tau. t-tau also moderated the association between p-tau and memory. When t-tau level was relatively lower, higher p-tau was associated with lower memory scores at 2 years. When t-tau level was higher, the memory scores were low regardless of the p-tau level. Conclusion: Tau-induced neurodegeneration is one key pathway by which AD pathology (p-tau) affects memory impairment. Furthermore, in individuals with lower levels of tau-induced neurodegeneration, higher levels of p-tau were required for memory impairment. Our findings suggest that t-tau plays a significant role in how early AD pathology affects cognitive outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid, cognitive dysfunction, executive function, memory, mild cognitive impairment

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201425

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 159-167, 2021

Authors: Ou, Guan-yong | Lin, Wen-wen | Zhao, Wei-jiang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that seriously impairs both cognitive and memory functions mainly in the elderly, and its incidence increases with age. Recent studies demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in AD by acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). Objective: In this study, we aimed to construct lncRNA-associated ceRNA regulatory networks composed of potential biomarkers in AD based on the ceRNA hypothesis. Methods: A total of 20 genes (10 upregulated genes and 10 downregulated genes) were identified as the hub differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The functional enrichment analysis …showed that the most significant pathways of DEGs involved include retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, synaptic vesicle circle, and AD. The upregulated hub genes were mainly enriched in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, whereas downregulated hub genes were involved in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway. After convergent functional genomic (CFG) ranks and expression level analysis in different brain regions of hub genes, we found that CXCR4, GFAP, and GNG3 were significantly correlated with AD. We further identified crucial miRNAs and lncRNAs of targeted genes to construct lncRNA-associated ceRNA regulatory networks. Results: The results showed that two lncRNAs (NEAT1, MIAT), three miRNAs (hsa-miR-551a, hsa-miR-133b and hsa-miR-206), and two mRNA (CXCR4 and GNG3), which are highly related to AD, were preliminarily identified as potential AD biomarkers. Conclusion: Our study provides new insights for understanding the pathogenic mechanism underlying AD, which may potentially contribute to the ceRNA mechanism in AD. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, biomarkers, ceRNA regulatory network, differently expressed genes, lncRNA

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210068

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 169-183, 2021

Authors: Wang, Tianqi | Hong, Yin | Wang, Quanyi | Su, Rongfeng | Ng, Manwa Lawrence | Xu, Jun | Wang, Lan | Yan, Nan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Previous studies explored the use of noninvasive biomarkers of speech and language for the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Yet, most of them employed single task which might not have adequately captured all aspects of their cognitive functions. Objective: The present study aimed to achieve the state-of-the-art accuracy in detecting individuals with MCI using multiple spoken tasks and uncover task-specific contributions with a tentative interpretation of features. Methods: Fifty patients clinically diagnosed with MCI and 60 healthy controls completed three spoken tasks (picture description, semantic fluency, and sentence repetition), from which multidimensional features were …extracted to train machine learning classifiers. With a late-fusion configuration, predictions from multiple tasks were combined and correlated with the participants’ cognitive ability assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Statistical analyses on pre-defined features were carried out to explore their association with the diagnosis. Results: The late-fusion configuration could effectively boost the final classification result (SVM: F1 = 0.95; RF: F1 = 0.96; LR: F1 = 0.93), outperforming each individual task classifier. Besides, the probability estimates of MCI were strongly correlated with the MoCA scores (SVM: –0.74; RF: –0.71; LR: –0.72). Conclusion: Each single task tapped more dominantly to distinct cognitive processes and have specific contributions to the prediction of MCI. Specifically, picture description task characterized communications at the discourse level, while semantic fluency task was more specific to the controlled lexical retrieval processes. With greater demands on working memory load, sentence repetition task uncovered memory deficits through modified speech patterns in the reproduced sentences. Show more

Keywords: Language, machine learning, mild cognitive impairment, screening, speech

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201387

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 185-204, 2021

Authors: Mao, Chenhui | Sha, Longze | Li, Jie | Huang, Xinying | Chu, Shanshan | Lei, Dan | Wang, Jie | Dong, Liling | Liu, Caiyan | Xu, Qi | Peng, Bin | Gao, Jing

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are widely accepted as manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis and incorporated into biological definition of AD. However, the correlations between CSF and other biomarkers such as neuroimaging and neuropsychiatric evaluation are complicated and inconsistent. Objective: We aimed to better interpreting CSF biomarkers results accompanying with other indexes in improving accurate diagnosis of AD. Methods: 112 AD patients and 30 cognitive normal controls were selected. Commercial accessible ELISA kits were introduced for measurement of CSF t-tau, p-tau181 , Aβ1–42 , and NfL based on standard protocol. MRI examinations were performed using …a 3-T MRI scanner and visual rating scales including medial temporal atrophy score and Koedam’s scale were used to evaluate medial temporal atrophy and posterior region atrophy. Results: CSF biomarkers’ profile including decreased concentration of Aβ1–42 , increased concentration of t-tau, p-tau181 , t-tau/Aβ 1–42 , and NfL were diagnostic between AD and control. CSF biomarkers profile was not influenced by the APOE genotype. Increased concentration of t-tau and NfL, as well as ratio of t-tau/Aβ 1–42 were related to decrease of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score while concentration of Aβ1–42 not. Visual assessed cortical atrophy was related to MMSE score, but most of the CSF biomarkers were not related to atrophy, except that increased concentration of p-tau181 was significantly associated with atrophy of posterior cortical region. Conclusion: Our results supported CSF biomarkers were helpful in diagnosis of AD. However, CSF biomarkers were cross-sectional reflection of pathogenesis, which did not correlate well with clinical progression. CSF biomarkers should be interpreted in combination with MRI and cognitive evaluation in clinical use. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid, cognition, cortical atrophy

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210344

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 205-214, 2021

Authors: Frings, Lars | Henninger, Franziska | Treppner, Martin | Köber, Göran | Boeker, Martin | Meyer, Philipp T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Dopamine transporter (DAT) SPECT is an established diagnostic procedure in dementia diagnostics, yet its prognostic value is currently unknown. Objective: We evaluated the prognostic value of DAT SPECT in patients assessed for differential diagnosis of dementia. Methods: We included all patients who had received DAT SPECT for differential diagnosis of dementia from 10/2008 to 06/2016 at our site and whose survival status could be obtained in 09/2019. Clinical SPECT reports, categorizing scans into positive or negative for nigrostriatal degeneration (NSD), were tested for their prognostic value (Cox regressions, adjusted for age and sex). In addition, …an automated region-of-interest analysis (striatum, occipital cortex as reference) was performed. Results: Median follow-up of 97 included patients was 6.6 years. Patients with NSD had a significantly higher mortality risk than those without NSD (HR = 3.6 [2.0–6.7], p  < 0.001). Results were confirmed by region-of-interest analysis: higher mortality risk was associated with lower striatal DAT binding (HR = 1.8 per standard deviation loss). Conclusion: Beyond its established utility in dementia diagnostics, DAT SPECT also conveys important prognostic information. Show more

Keywords: DAT SPECT, dementia, [123I]FP-CIT SPECT, prognosis, survival

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210062

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 215-220, 2021

Authors: Besser, Lilah M. | Chang, Lun-Ching | Evenson, Kelly R. | Hirsch, Jana A. | Michael, Yvonne L. | Galvin, James E. | Rapp, Stephen R. | Fitzpatrick, Annette L. | Heckbert, Susan R. | Kaufman, Joel D. | Hughes, Timothy M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Preliminary evidence suggests associations between neighborhood park access and better late-life cognition and reduced Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. Objective: Examine associations between neighborhood park access and longitudinal change in cognition among U.S. older adults without dementia. Methods: We used 2000–2018 observational data from the population-based, multi-site Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (n  = 1,733). Measures included proportion of neighborhood park space (park access), distance to nearest park, and 6-year dichotomous and continuous change in scores on the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI; global cognition) and Digit Symbol Coding task (processing speed). Multivariable random intercept models tested main …associations and mediation by depressive symptoms, physical activity, and PM2.5 exposure. Effect modification by race (African Americans/Blacks versus Whites) was tested using interaction terms. Results: Greater park access (equivalent to 10%more in 1/2-mile around home) was associated with maintained/improved CASI score over six years independent of several covariates including individual- and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (Odds ratio: 1.04; 95%confidence interval: 1.00–1.08). No other associations were observed with the dichotomous or continuous measures of cognitive change and no mediators were found. While a borderline association was seen between greater park access and maintained/improved CASI for African Americans/Blacks but not for Whites, effect modification was not confirmed by testing interaction terms. Conclusion: Neighborhood park access may help maintain/improve late-life global cognition. However, our findings need replication in other population-based studies and regions. Additionally, studies are needed to determine if associations between park access and change in cognition vary by race/ethnicity to inform intervention efforts. Show more

Keywords: Aging, Alzheimer’s disease, cognition, epidemiology, environment, lifestyle, residence characteristics

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210370

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 221-233, 2021

Authors: Lauriola, Michele | D’Onofrio, Grazia | Ciccone, Filomena | Germano, Carmela | Cascavilla, Leandro | Paris, Francesco | Greco, Antonio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may be a vascular disorder with neurodegenerative consequences opening possibility of preventing AD by targeting vascular risk factors including homocysteine. Objective: The study aims were to assess homocysteine distribution in different forms and severity of cognitive impairment (CogI) [mild cognitive impairment (MCI), probable AD (Prob-AD), possible AD (Poss-AD), and vascular dementia (VaD)] and in NoCogI, and to estimate possible association between hyperhomocysteinemia levels with functional deficit severity and psychobehavioral complications. Methods: In total, 929 (M = 366, F = 563; mean age of 72.55±6.24 years) patients were evaluated with cognitive, neuropsychiatric, affective, and functional assessment scales. …Homocysteine serum was set on two levels: between 0 and 10μ mol/L and > 10μ mol/L. For each patient, blood concentration of folate, vitamin B12, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycemia were measured. Results: CogI patients demonstrated significantly a higher frequency of homocysteine > 10 (p  = 0.003), than NoCogI patients. Patients with moderate and severe dementia had a higher frequency of homocysteine > 10 (p  < 0.0001), than MCI and mild dementia. Poss-AD and VaD had a higher frequency of homocysteine > 10 (p  = 0.003), than Prob-AD patients. Homocysteine > 10 frequency is directly proportional to increased neuropsychiatric symptom severity (p  < 0.0001), and functional impairment severity respectively for ADL (p  < 0.0001) and IADL (p  < 0.0001). Conclusion: Higher homocysteine level seems to be significantly related to cognitive impairment frequency and severity, possible AD and VaD, neuropsychiatric symptom severity, and functional impairment severity. Show more

Keywords: Activities of daily living, Alzheimer’s disease, homocysteine, mild cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric symptoms, vascular dementia

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210166

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 235-248, 2021

Authors: Gonzales, Mitzi M. | Samra, Jasmeet | O’Donnell, Adrienne | Mackin, R. Scott | Salinas, Joel | Jacob, Mini E. | Satizabal, Claudia L. | Aparicio, Hugo J. | Thibault, Emma G. | Sanchez, Justin S. | Finney, Rebecca | Rubinstein, Zoe B. | Mayblyum, Danielle V. | Killiany, Ron J. | Decarli, Charlie S. | Johnson, Keith A. | Beiser, Alexa S. | Seshadri, Sudha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Depressive symptoms predict increased risk for dementia decades before the emergence of cognitive symptoms. Studies in older adults provide preliminary evidence for an association between depressive symptoms and amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau accumulation. It is unknown if similar alterations are observed in midlife when preventive strategies may be most effective. Objective: The study aim was to evaluate the association between depressive symptoms and cerebral Aβ and tau in a predominately middle-aged cohort with examination of the apolipoprotein (APOE ) ɛ4 allele as a moderator. Methods: Participants included 201 adults (mean age 53±8 years) who underwent …11 C-Pittsburgh Compound B amyloid and 18 F-Flortaucipir tau positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Depressive symptoms were evaluated with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at the time of PET imaging, as well as eight years prior. Associations between depressive symptoms at both timepoints, as well as depression (CES-D≥16), with regional Aβ and tau PET retention were evaluated with linear regression adjusting for age and sex. Interactions with the APOE ɛ4 allele were explored. Results: Depressive symptoms and depression were not associated with PET outcomes in the overall sample. However, among APOE ɛ4 allele carriers, there was a significant cross-sectional association between depressive symptoms and increased tau PET uptake in the entorhinal cortex (β= 0.446, SE = 0.155, p  = 0.006) and amygdala (β= 0.350, SE = 0.133, p  = 0.012). Conclusion: Although longitudinal studies are necessary, the results suggest that APOE ɛ4 carriers with depressive symptoms may present with higher susceptibility to early tau accumulation in regions integral to affective regulation and memory consolidation. Show more

Keywords: Amygdala, amyloid-β, APOE, depression, depressive symptoms, entorhinal, PET imaging, tau

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210232

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 249-260, 2021

Authors: Zhang, Jinbiao | Chi, Haiyan | Wang, Tong | Zhang, Shukun | Shen, Tengqun | Leng, Bing | Sun, Hairong | Li, Zhenguang | Li, Fang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Emerging evidence suggests a role for orthostatic hypotension (OH) in contributing to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The exosomes in the blood can reflect the pathological changes in the brain. Objective: To investigate whether neural-derived plasma exosomes pathogenic proteins of AD levels are associated with OH in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Methods: There were 274 subjects without dementia included in the study: 81 control participants (controls), 101 normotensive patients with DM without OH, and 92 patients with DM and neurogenic OH (DMOH). Neural-derived exosomal proteins were measured by ELISA kits for amyloid-β (Aβ) and …tau. Results: The neural-derived exosome levels of Aβ42 , total tau (T-tau), and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (P-T181-tau) in the DM with OH group were higher than those in the DM and control groups. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that the presence of OH in patients with DM was associated with elevated exosomal Aβ42 (β= 0.172, p  = 0.018), T-tau (β= 0.159, p  = 0.030), and P-T181-tau (β= 0.220, p  = 0.003) levels after adjustment for age, sex, APOE ɛ4, duration of type 2 diabetes, HbA1c, and cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, the levels of Aβ42 , T-tau, and P-T181-tau in neural-derived exosomes were correlated with HIF-1α levels and the drop in mean cerebral blood flow velocity from the supine to upright position. Conclusion: The presence of OH in DM patients was independently associated with elevated the Aβ42 , T-tau, and P-T181-tau levels in neural-derived plasma exosomes. Cerebral hypoperfusion from DM with OH are likely candidate mechanisms. Show more

Keywords: Amyloid-β proteins, cognition function, exosomes, orthostatic hypotension, tau proteins, type 2 diabetes mellitus

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210216

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 261-272, 2021

Authors: Cai, Wen-Jie | Tian, Yan | Ma, Ya-Hui | Dong, Qiang | Tan, Lan | Yu, Jin-Tai | Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: The pathophysiological process of amyloid-β, tau deposition, and neurodegeneration of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) begin in a preclinical phase, while anxiety is associated with an increased risk of AD in preclinical phase. Objective: To examine the relationships between anxiety and amyloid-β, tau deposition, and neurodegeneration. To test the hypothesis that anxiety could predict clinical progression in the elderly without dementia. Methods: 1,400 participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database were included in the study and were studied over a median period of 3 years. In multivariable models, the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between anxiety …and amyloid-β PET, tau PET, and FDG PET SUVRs in participants without dementia were explored using Spearman rank correlation, logistic regression model, multiple linear regression model, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Cox proportional hazards model. The association between baseline anxiety and clinical progression was also explored. Results: There was a positive correlation between anxiety and amyloid-β deposition (r  = 0.11, p  = 0.0017) and a negative correlation between anxiety and neurodegeneration (r  = –0.13, p  = 0.00022). MCI participants with anxiety showed a faster clinical progression of dementia (HR = 1.56, p  = 0.04). Non-anxious participants with more amyloid-β deposition or more severe neurodegeneration displayed accelerated development into anxiety (HR = 2.352, p  < 0.0001; HR = 2.254, p  < 0.0001). Conclusion: Anxiety was associated with amyloid-β deposition and neurodegeneration in non-dementia elderly. Anxiety in MCI predicted conversion to dementia. Anxiety may play a selective role and prediction of disease progression in the early phase of AD. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid-β, anxiety, biomarkers, dementia, neurodegeneration, tauopathies

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210020

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 273-283, 2021

Authors: Yin, Xuejun | Xie, Qixing | Huang, Lieyu | Liu, Liming | Armstrong, Elizabeth | Zhen, Miaomiao | Ni, Jingnian | Shi, Jing | Tian, Jingzhou | Cheng, Wei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: In China, family caregivers play a major role in caring for people living with Alzheimer’s disease (PLWAD), but little is known about the burden this creates. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the burden among family caregivers of PLWAD and the factors influenced it. Methods: Family caregivers of PLWAD were recruited from a hospital in China from January 2018 to July 2018. All data were collected online using the Chinese version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and the participants’ sociodemographic and caregiving details were obtained. T -tests and Kruskal-Wallis H (K) tests were used …to compare ZBI scores between groups. Factors related to the caregiver psychological burden were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: A total of 300 participants were assessed, of which 213 (71.00%) were female. More than half of the caregivers were the patient’s daughter (51.0%, n  = 153). The average ZBI score of the caregivers was 43.05 (13.42). The level of burden was influenced by age, the relationship of the caregiver to the patient, the severity of AD, the caregiver’s retirement status, the income level of the caregiver, and the caring time. Regression analysis showed that retired caregivers were more likely to have higher levels of burden and that burden increased with AD severity. Conclusion: Most family caregivers of PLWAD have a considerable caregiver psychological burden. The findings increase the understanding of factors that influence family caregiver burden, and pave the way for potential interventions, such as social support and caregiver empowerment, to reduce their burden. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, China, family caregivers, psychological burden, Zarit Burden Interview

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210025

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 285-291, 2021

Authors: Duan, Wenna | Zhou, Grace D. | Balachandrasekaran, Arvind | Bhumkar, Ashish B. | Boraste, Paresh B. | Becker, James T. | Kuller, Lewis H. | Lopez, Oscar L. | Gach, H. Michael | Dai, Weiying

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: This is the first longitudinal study to assess regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes during the progression from normal control (NC) through mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: We aim to determine if perfusion MRI biomarkers, derived from our prior cross-sectional study, can predict the onset and cognitive decline of AD. Methods: Perfusion MRIs using arterial spin labeling (ASL) were acquired in 15 stable-NC, 14 NC-to-MCI, 16 stable-MCI, and 18 MCI/AD-to-AD participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) cognition study. Group comparisons, predictions of AD conversion and time to conversion, and Modified …Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE) from rCBF were performed. Results: Compared to the stable-NC group: 1) the stable-MCI group exhibited rCBF decreases in the right temporoparietal (p  = 0.00010) and right inferior frontal and insula (p  = 0.0094) regions; and 2) the MCI/AD-to-AD group exhibited rCBF decreases in the bilateral temporoparietal regions (p  = 0.00062 and 0.0035). Compared to the NC-to-MCI group, the stable-MCI group exhibited a rCBF decrease in the right hippocampus region (p  = 0.0053). The baseline rCBF values in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) (p  = 0.0043), bilateral superior medial frontal regions (BSMF) (p  = 0.012), and left inferior frontal (p  = 0.010) regions predicted the 3MSE scores for all the participants at follow-up. The baseline rCBF in the PCC and BSMF regions predicted the conversion and time to conversion from MCI to AD (p  < 0.05; not significant after multiple corrections). Conclusion: We demonstrated the feasibility of ASL in detecting rCBF changes in the typical AD-affected regions and the predictive value of baseline rCBF on AD conversion and cognitive decline. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, arterial spin labeling, cerebral blood flow, longitudinal study, mild cognitive impairment, prediction

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210199

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 293-305, 2021

Authors: Zhang, Hongqiao | D’Agostino, Carla | Forman, Henry Jay | Cacciottolo, Mafalda | Thorwald, Max | Mack, William J. | Liu, Qinghai | Shkirkova, Kristina | Lamorie-Foote, Krista | Sioutas, Constantinos | Pirhadi, Milad | Mack, Wendy Jean | Morgan, Todd E. | Finch, Caleb E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Air pollution is widely associated with accelerated cognitive decline at later ages and risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Correspondingly, rodent models demonstrate the neurotoxicity of ambient air pollution and its components. Our studies with nano-sized particulate matter (nPM) from urban Los Angeles collected since 2009 have shown pro-amyloidogenic and pro-inflammatory responses. However, recent batches of nPM have diminished induction of the glutamate receptor GluA1 subunit, Iba1, TNFα , Aβ42 peptide, and white matter damage. The same methods, materials, and mouse genotypes were used throughout. Objective: Expand the nPM batch comparisons and evaluate archived brain samples to …identify the earliest change in nPM potency. Methods: Batches of nPM were analyzed by in vitro cell assays for NF-κ B and Nrf2 induction for comparison with in vivo responses of mouse brain regions from mice exposed to these batches, analyzed by PCR and western blot. Results: Five older nPM batches (2009–2017) and four recent nPM batches (2018, 2019) for NF-κ B and Nrf2 induction showed declines in nPM potency after 2017 that paralleled declines of in vivo activity from independent exposures in different years. Conclusion: Transcription-based in vitro assays of nPM corresponded to the loss of in vivo potency for inflammatory and oxidative responses. These recent decreases of nPM neurotoxicity give a rationale for evaluating possible benefits to the risk of dementia and stroke in Los Angeles populations. Show more

Keywords: Air pollution, Alzheimer’s disease, microglia, mouse brain, ultrafine particulate matter

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201577

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 307-316, 2021

Authors: Tahmi, Mouna | Rippon, Brady | Palta, Priya | Sherwood, Greysi | Hernandez, Gabriela | Soto, Luisa | Ceballos, Fernando | Pardo, Michelle | Laing, Krystal | Igwe, Kay | He, Hengda | Teresi, Jeanne A. | Moreno, Herman | Razlighi, Qolamreza | Brickman, Adam M. | Luchsinger, José A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: The National Institute on Aging (NIA)/Alzheimer’s Association (AA) 2018 framework conceptualizes Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biologically. Evidence of brain amyloid by biomarkers defines AD pathologic change and the Alzheimer’s continuum. The presence of tau or neurodegeneration in the absence of amyloid defines non-AD pathologic change. Objective: To examine the relation of in vivo amyloid and neurodegeneration with verbal learning, one of the cognitive abilities affected early in AD, in late middle age. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of amyloid and neurodegeneration biomarkers in a community-based cohort of 350 late-middle aged Hispanics without dementia (mean …age: 64.15±3.34; 72.0%women). Amyloid (A) was measured as global standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) with 18 F-Florbetaben positron emission tomography (PET). Neurodegeneration (N) was ascertained as cortical thickness (CT) in AD signature areas using brain magnetic resonance imaging. We examined A/N continuously, categorically, by A/N profiles, and profile categories. The amyloid threshold for positivity was defined using the K means method. The CT threshold was defined as 2 standard deviations below the mean CT. Verbal learning was ascertained using total recall and delayed recall in the Buschke Selective Reminding test (SRT). Results: Higher cortical thickness was associated with higher performance in SRT delayed recall. Amyloid SUVR was not related to SRT performance. The low CT category was associated with lower performance in SRT delayed recall, while Amyloid categories were not related to any SRT score. The non-AD pathologic change group (A-N+) performed worse in SRT delayed recall compared to the Normal A/N profile group (A-N-). Conclusion: In late middle-aged Hispanics without dementia, non-AD pathologic change, but not the Alzheimer’s continuum, was related to verbal learning. Show more

Keywords: A/T/(N), amyloid, cognition, Hispanics, neurodegeneration, NIA-AA

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201304

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 317-325, 2021

Authors: Barthelson, Karissa | Dong, Yang | Newman, Morgan | Lardelli, Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: The most common cause of early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (EOfAD) is mutations in PRESENILIN 1 (PSEN1 ) allowing production of mRNAs encoding full-length, but mutant, proteins. In contrast, a single known frameshift mutation in PSEN1 causes familial acne inversa (fAI) without EOfAD. The molecular consequences of heterozygosity for these mutation types, and how they cause completely different diseases, remains largely unexplored. Objective: To analyze brain transcriptomes of young adult zebrafish to identify similarities and differences in the effects of heterozygosity for psen1 mutations causing EOfAD or fAI. Methods: RNA sequencing was performed …on mRNA isolated from the brains of a single family of 6-month-old zebrafish siblings either wild type or possessing a single, heterozygous EOfAD-like or fAI-like mutation in their endogenous psen1 gene. Results: Both mutations downregulate genes encoding ribosomal subunits, and upregulate genes involved in inflammation. Genes involved in energy metabolism appeared significantly affected only by the EOfAD-like mutation, while genes involved in Notch, Wnt and neurotrophin signaling pathways appeared significantly affected only by the fAI-like mutation. However, investigation of direct transcriptional targets of Notch signaling revealed possible increases in γ -secretase activity due to heterozygosity for either psen1 mutation. Transcriptional adaptation due to the fAI-like frameshift mutation was evident. Conclusion: We observed both similar and contrasting effects on brain transcriptomes of the heterozygous EOfAD-like and fAI-like mutations. The contrasting effects may illuminate how these mutation types cause distinct diseases. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, acne inversa, gamma-secretase, Presenilin 1, RNA-seq, zebrafish

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210128

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 327-347, 2021

Authors: Fernández-Aguilar, Luz | Lora, Yaiza | Satorres, Encarnación | Ros, Laura | Melendez, Juan C. | Latorre, Jose Miguel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: No studies have been conducted to date on the dimensional and discrete classification of emotions to study the emotional reactivity of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Additionally, the presentation of film clips with affective content is currently one of the most effective and widely used Mood Induction Procedures (MIPS). However, it has been scarcely used in AD patients. Objective: Based on the dimensional and discrete models of emotion, this study examines the emotional reactivity of older adults with AD, using a popular set of film clips to induce emotions. Methods: We compared the responses …of older adults aged over 65-years with mild to moderate AD (n  = 15) and a healthy comparison group (n  = 17) to six target emotions: disgust, fear, anger, sadness, amusement, and tenderness. Results: The results showed significant differences in the reactivity of fear, anger, and sadness between AD patients and healthy comparison group. However, the responses of the two groups to positive film clips were similar. Only in the amusement clip did the AD participants show a higher intensity response. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the characteristic loss of cognitive abilities in AD is related to a reduction in the ability to react to emotional stimuli, especially negative ones. However, these abilities seem to be preserved when it comes to positive emotions. Future research is necessary to investigate whether the positivity effect is present in AD patients. Show more

Keywords: Dementia, emotion reactivity, film clip, mood induction, older adults

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210233

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 349-360, 2021

Authors: Bernstein, Adam S. | Rapcsak, Steven Z. | Hornberger, Michael | Saranathan, Manojkumar | the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Increasing evidence suggests that thalamic nuclei may atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We hypothesized that there will be significant atrophy of limbic thalamic nuclei associated with declining memory and cognition across the AD continuum. Objective: The objective of this work was to characterize volume differences in thalamic nuclei in subjects with early and late mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as well as AD when compared to healthy control (HC) subjects using a novel MRI-based thalamic segmentation technique (THOMAS). Methods: MPRAGE data from the ADNI database were used in this study (n  = 540). Healthy control (n  = 125), …early MCI (n  = 212), late MCI (n  = 114), and AD subjects (n  = 89) were selected, and their MRI data were parcellated to determine the volumes of 11 thalamic nuclei for each subject. Volumes across the different clinical subgroups were compared using ANCOVA. Results: There were significant differences in thalamic nuclei volumes between HC, late MCI, and AD subjects. The anteroventral, mediodorsal, pulvinar, medial geniculate, and centromedian nuclei were significantly smaller in subjects with late MCI and AD when compared to HC subjects. Furthermore, the mediodorsal, pulvinar, and medial geniculate nuclei were significantly smaller in early MCI when compared to HC subjects. Conclusion: This work highlights nucleus specific atrophy within the thalamus in subjects with early and late MCI and AD. This is consistent with the hypothesis that memory and cognitive changes in AD are mediated by damage to a large-scale integrated neural network that extends beyond the medial temporal lobes. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging initiative, mild cognitive impairment, Papez circuit, thalamic nuclei, thalamus, thalamus optimized multi-atlas segmentation, THOMAS

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201583

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 361-371, 2021

Authors: McGrath, Ryan | Robinson-Lane, Sheria G. | Clark, Brian C. | Suhr, Julie A. | Giordani, Bruno J. | Vincent, Brenda M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Dementia screening is an important step for appropriate dementia-related referrals to diagnosis and treat possible dementia. Objective: We sought to estimate the prevalence of no reported dementia-related diagnosis in a nationally representative sample of older Americans with a cognitive impairment consistent with dementia (CICD). Methods: The weighted analytical sample included 6,036,224 Americans aged at least 65 years old that were identified as having a CICD without history of stroke, cancers, neurological conditions, or brain damage who participated in at least one-wave of the 2010–2016 Health and Retirement Study. The adapted Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status …assessed cognitive functioning. Those with scores≤6 were considered as having a CICD. Healthcare provider dementia-related diagnosis was self-reported. Age, sex, educational achievement, and race and ethnicity were also self-reported. Results: The overall estimated prevalence of no reported dementia-related diagnosis for older Americans with a CICD was 91.4%(95%confidence interval (CI): 87.7%–94.1%). Persons with a CICD who identified as non-Hispanic black had a high prevalence of no reported dementia-related diagnosis (93.3%; CI: 89.8%–95.6%). The estimated prevalence of no reported dementia-related diagnosis was greater in males with a CICD (99.7%; CI: 99.6%–99.8%) than females (90.2%; CI: 85.6%–93.4%). Moreover, the estimated prevalence of no reported dementia-related diagnosis for non-high school graduates with a CICD was 93.5%(CI: 89.3%–96.1%), but 90.9%(CI: 84.7%–94.7%) for those with at least a high school education. Conclusion: Dementia screening should be encouraged during routine geriatric health assessments. Continued research that evaluates the utility of self-reported dementia-related measures is also warranted. Show more

Keywords: Aging, cognitive dysfunction, geriatric assessment, geriatrics, healthcare disparities

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201212

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 373-380, 2021

Authors: Fieldhouse, Jay L.P. | Gossink, Flora T. | Feenstra, Thomas C. | de Boer, Sterre C.M. | Lemstra, Afina W. | Prins, Niels D. | Bouwman, Femke | Koene, Ted | Rhodius-Meester, Hanneke F.M. | Gillissen, Freek | Teunissen, Charlotte E. | van der Flier, Wiesje M. | Scheltens, Philip | Dols, Annemieke | Vijverberg, Everard G.B. | Pijnenburg, Yolande A.L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is generally considered a young-onset dementia, although age at onset is highly variable. While several studies indicate clinical differences regarding age at onset, no biomarker validated cohort studies with updated clinical criteria have been performed. Objective: We aimed to examine behavior, cognition, and mortality over the full age spectrum in a cohort of bvFTD patients with neuroimaging, genetic, or histopathological confirmation and exclusion of positive Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers or severe cerebrovascular damage. Methods: In total, 315 patients with a clinical diagnosis of probable or definite bvFTD were included from the …Amsterdam Dementia Cohort and grouped into quartiles by age-at-diagnosis. Neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive functioning were assessed with the neuropsychiatric inventory, the geriatric depression scale and a neuropsychological test battery. Data on mortality was obtained from the Dutch municipal register. Associations between age-at-diagnosis and clinical features and mortality risk were examined. Results: Age-at-diagnosis ranged from 26 to 85 years and established quartiles with mean ages of 52±6, 61±2, 66±2, and 74±3 years. In the total sample, 44.4%exceeded an age of 65 years at time of diagnosis. Earlier age-at-diagnosis was associated with more severe behavioral symptoms, while later age-at-diagnosis was associated with more severe memory impairment. Unexpectedly, mortality risk was not associated with age-at-diagnosis. Conclusion: In bvFTD, symptom profile is associated with age-at-diagnosis. This should be taken into account with regard to diagnostics, patient management, and trial design. Additionally, based on our sample, the prevalence of late-onset bvFTD is higher than generally thought. Show more

Keywords: Behavior, cognition, frontotemporal dementia, late-onset, mortality, young-onset

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210179

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 381-390, 2021

Authors: Tawfik, Heba M. | Desouki, Rehab R. | Singab, Hamdi A. | Hamza, Sarah A. | El Said, Salma M.S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Frailty affects up to 51%of the geriatric population in developing countries which leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: To determine the association between pre-operative frailty through multidimentional assessment score, and the incidence of post-operative complications and to validate Robinson score in geriatric Egyptian patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Methods: We recruited 180 elderly participants aged 60 years old and above, who underwent elective cardiac surgery. They were divided into frail, pre-frail, and non-frail groups after application of Robinson score (which includes cognitive and functional and fall risk assessment, number of comorbidities, and different laboratory …data). Type and duration of operations and the presence and severity of complications at days 3 and 7 post-surgery, and the 30-day readmission rate were assessed. Results: Operation duration and the occurrence of postoperative complications at days 3 and 7 were lowest in non-frail and highest in the frail group (p  < 0.001 for both). Length of hospital stay and 30-day readmission rate also increased in the frail group. A positive, moderate correlation between frailty and blood transfusion (r  = 0.405) and functional dependence (r  = 0.552) was found at day-3 post-surgery. Finally, logistic regression analysis identified a 6-fold increase in postoperative complications in the frail group (OR = 6). Conclusion: Preoperative frailty was associated with higher incidence of postoperative complications among geriatric patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Frailty assessment by Robinson score can be considered as an accurate tool to predict postoperative complications during preoperative assessment of elderly patients. Show more

Keywords: Cardiac surgery, frailty, geriatric, postoperative complications, Robinson score

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201479

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 391-399, 2021

Authors: Rodrigo-Herrero, Silvia | Luque-Tirado, Andrea | Méndez-Barrio, Carlota | García-Solís, David | Bernal Sánchez-Arjona, María | Oropesa-Ruiz, Juan Manuel | Maillet, Didier | Franco-Macías, Emilio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: The Memory Associative Test TMA-93 examines visual relational binding, characteristically affected in early-AD stages. Objective: We aim to validate the TMA-93 by biomarkers determination and compare its diagnostic characteristics with the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT). Methods: Retrospective analysis of a Biobank database. Patients’ records initially consulted for memory complaints, scored MMSE≥22, had TMA-93 and FCSRT tested, and AD biomarker determination (Amyloid-PET or CSF), either positive or negative, were selected. As cutoffs, we considered the 10-percentile for TMA-93 (P10/TMA-93), and “total free recall” (TFR) 21/22, total recall (TR) 43/44, and Cued Index < 0.77 …for FCSRT from previous Spanish validation and normative studies. Diagnostic utilities were calculated using ROC curves and compared by the DeLong method. We studied if one test improved the other test’s prediction, following a forward stepwise logistic regression model. Results: We selected 105 records: 64 “positive” and 41 “negative” biomarkers. TMA-93 total score diagnostic utility (AUC = 0.72; 95%CI:0.62–0.82) was higher than those of the FCSRT: TFR (AUC = 0.70; 95%CI: 0.60–0.80), TR (AUC = 0.63; 95%CI:0.53–0.74), and Cued Index (AUC = 0.62; 95%CI:0.52–0.73). The P10/TMA-93 cutoff showed 86%sensitivity, similar to that of the most sensitive FCSRT cutoff (TFR21/22, 89%) and 29%specificity, lower than that of the most specific FCSRT cutoff (Cued Index < 0.77, 57%). 32.8%of the positive-biomarker group scored above CI/0.77 but below p10TMA-93. The addition of TMA-93 total score to FCSRT variables improved significantly the biomarkers results’ prediction. Conclusion: TMA-93 demonstrated “reasonable” diagnostic utility, similar to FCSRT, for discriminating AD biomarker groups. TMA-93 total score improved the AD biomarker result prediction when added to FCSRT variables. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid-PET, biomarker, cerebrospinal fluid, free and cued selective reminding test, TMA-93

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210115

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 401-410, 2021

Authors: Soo, See Ann | Ng, Kok Pin | Wong, Fennie | Saffari, Seyed Ehsan | Yatawara, Chathuri | Ismail, Zahinoor | Kandiah, Nagaendran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) describes persistent behavioral changes in later life as an at-risk state for dementia. While cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) are linked to dementia, it is uncertain how CVRFs are associated with MBI. Objective: To determine the prevalence of MBI and its association with CVRFs among cognitively normal (CN) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) individuals in Singapore. Methods: 172 individuals (79 CN and 93 MCI) completed the MBI-checklist (MBI-C). The prevalence of MBI and MBI-C sub-domain characteristics among CN and MCI were examined. Regression models evaluated the relationships between MBI-C sub-domain scores with …CVRFs. Results: The prevalence of MBI and mean MBI-C total score were significantly higher among MCI than CN (34.4%versus 20.3%, p  = 0.022 and 7.01 versus 4.12, p  = 0.04). The highest and lowest-rated sub-domains among CN and MCI were impulse dyscontrol and abnormal thoughts and perception respectively. Within the MCI cohort, a higher proportion of individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) had MBI compared to individuals without DM (28.1%versus 10.4%, p  = 0.025). The interaction of DM and MCI cohort resulted in significantly higher mean MBI-C total, decreased motivation, emotional dysregulation, impulse dyscontrol, and abnormal thoughts and perception sub-domain scores. Conclusion: The prevalence of MBI is higher among a Singapore cohort compared to Caucasian cohorts. The associations of DM with both the presence and severity of MBI among MCI suggest that DM may be a risk factor for MBI. The optimization of DM may be a potential therapeutic approach to improve clinical outcomes among MCI with MBI. Show more

Keywords: Behavior, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive dysfunction, dementia, diabetes mellitus

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210037

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 411-420, 2021

Authors: Jiménez, Elizabeth Carolina | Sierra-Marcos, Alba | Romeo, August | Hashemi, Amin | Leonovych, Oleksii | Bustos Valenzuela, Patricia | Solé Puig, Maria | Supèr, Hans

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive deterioration of cognitive functions and may be preceded by mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Evidence shows changes in pupil and vergence responses related to cognitive processing of visual information. Objective: Here we test the hypothesis that MCI and AD are associated with specific patterns in vergence and pupil responses. Methods: We employed a visual oddball task. In the distractor condition (80%of the trials), a blue stimulus was presented whereas in the target condition (20%of trials) it was red. Participants (23 Controls, 33 MCI patients, and 18 AD patients) were …instructed to press a button when a target appeared. Results: Participants briefly converged their eyes 200 ms after stimulus presentation. In controls, this transient peak response was followed by a delay response to targets but not to distractor stimuli. In the patient groups, delay responses to distractors were noticed. Consequently, the differential vergence response was strong in the control group, weak in the MCI group, and absent in the AD group. Pupils started to dilate 500–600 ms after the appearance of a target but slightly contracted after the presentation of a distractor. This differential pupil response was strongest in the AD group. Conclusion: Our findings support the idea of a role of vergence and pupil responses in attention and reveal altered responses in MCI and AD patients. Further studies should assess the value of vergence and pupil measurements as an objective support tool for early diagnosis of AD. Show more

Keywords: Attention, binocular eye movement, convergence, dementia, Edinger-Westphal, fixational eye movement, locus coeruleus, mild cognitive impairment, neurodegeneration, oculomotor behavior

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201301

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 421-433, 2021

Authors: Sharma, Namita | Murari, Geetanjali | Vandermorris, Susan | Verhoeff, Nicolaas Paul L.G. | Herrmann, Nathan | Chen, J. Jean | Mah, Linda

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the underlying mechanisms for this association remain unclear. Neuroimaging studies suggest the earliest AD-related changes are large-scale network disruptions, beginning in the posterior default mode (pDMN) network. Objective: To examine the association between SCD and pDMN network connectivity with medial temporal lobe (MTL) regions using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Methods: Forty-nine participants with either SCD (n  = 23, 12 females; mean age: 70.7 (5.5)) or who were cognitively unimpaired (CU; n  = 26, 16 females, mean age: 71.42 (7.3)) completed the …Memory Functioning Questionnaire, a measure of subjective memory, and underwent resting state functional MRI at 3 Tesla. Functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), as the key pDMN node, and MTL regions were compared between SCD and CU groups. Further, the association between pDMN-MTL connectivity and the Frequency of Forgetting subscale of the Memory Functioning Questionnaire was examined. Results: Connectivity between the PCC-MTL was observed in the CU group but was absent in SCD (t (47) = 2.69, p  = 0.01). Across all participants, self-perception of frequency of forgetting, but not objective memory, was strongly correlated with connectivity between the PCC-left parahippocampal gyrus (r  = 0.43, p  = 0.002). Conclusion: These findings support the hypothesis that increased AD risk in SCD may be mediated by disrupted pDMN-parahippocampal connectivity. In addition, these findings suggest that frequency of forgetting may serve as a potential biomarker of SCD due to incipient AD. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, default mode network, depression, functional connectivity, memory functioning questionnaire, parahippocampal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging, subjective cognitive decline, subjective memory

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201579

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 435-445, 2021

Authors: Pistono, Aurélie | Senoussi, Mehdi | Guerrier, Laura | Rafiq, Marie | Giméno, Mélanie | Péran, Patrice | Jucla, Mélanie | Pariente, Jérémie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Language production deficits occur early in the course of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, only a few studies have focused on language network’s functional connectivity in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD. Objective: The current study aims to uncover the extent of language alteration at the MCI stage, at a behavioral and neural level, using univariate and multivariate analyses of structural MRI and resting-state fMRI. Methods: Twenty-four MCI due to AD participants and 24 matched healthy controls underwent a comprehensive language evaluation, a structural T1-3D MRI, and resting-state fMRI. We performed seed-based analyses, using the …left inferior frontal gyrus and left posterior temporal gyrus as seeds. Then, we analyzed connectivity between executive control networks and language network in each group. Finally, we used multivariate pattern analyses to test whether the two groups could be distinguished based on the pattern of atrophy within the language network; within the executive control networks, as well as the pattern of functional connectivity within the language network and within the executive control networks. Results: MCI due to AD participants had language impairment during standardized language tasks and connected-speech production. Regarding functional connectivity, univariate analyses were not able to discriminate participants, while multivariate pattern analyses could significantly predict participants’ group. Language network’s functional connectivity could discriminate MCI due to AD participants better than executive control networks. Most notably, they revealed an increased connectivity at the MCI stage, positively correlated with language performance. Conclusion: Multivariate analyses represent a useful tool for investigating the functional and structural (re-)organization of the neural bases of language. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, connected speech, functional connectivity, functional MRI, language, multivariate pattern analysis

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201584

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 447-460, 2021