scholarly journals Cognitive disinhibition and socioemotional functioning in Alzheimer's disease

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1060-1064 ◽  
Author(s):  
SCOTT NASH ◽  
JULIE D. HENRY ◽  
SKYE MCDONALD ◽  
INGERITH MARTIN ◽  
HENRY BRODATY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Cognitive Empathy ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Sentence Completion ◽  
Behavioral Measure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Socioemotional Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Disinhibition

Individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience difficulties with socioemotional functioning, and it has been proposed that cognitive disinhibition may be one potential mechanism that contributes to difficulties in this area. To test this possibility, twenty individuals with AD and 20 demographically matched controls were administered self-report measures of depression, emotion regulation and empathy, in addition to a behavioral measure that has proven to be very sensitive to inhibitory failures (the Hayling Sentence Completion Test). Relative to controls AD participants exhibited increased inhibitory failures on the Hayling, and self-reported significantly reduced cognitive empathy, but did not differ with respect to affective empathy, depression or perceived capacity for emotion regulation. Controlling for general cognitive status, in the AD (but not the control) group, reduced cognitive inhibition was associated with lower levels of depression. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed. (JINS, 2007, 13, 1060–1064.)

Odor identification and cognitive abilities in Alzheimer’s disease

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mladenka Tkalčić ◽  
Nika Spasić ◽  
Matea Ivanković ◽  
Alessandra Pokrajac-Bulian ◽  
Daša Bosanac
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Odor Identification ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Neuropsychological Measures ◽  
Category Fluency

AbstractResearch results indicate systemic odor identification deficits in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aims of this study were: 1) to compare the ability to identify different odors and to compare cognitive status among patients with AD, patients with vascular dementia (VaD) and a comparison group of elderly persons; 2) to test the efficiency of olfactory and neuropsychological measures to classify patients and 3) to relate the odor identification ability with cognitive functioning for each group, respectively. The participants were 15 patients with AD, 11 patients with VaD and 30 non-demented elderly persons, age range 58 to 90. To assess olfactory function, we used the Scandinavian Odor-Identification Test. To assess cognitive functions, we used the Dementia Rating Scale-2, the Clock Drawing Test, the Boston Naming Test and the Category Fluency Test. The ANOVA showed that patients with AD correctly identifed significantly fewer odors presented to them compared to patients with VaD and control group. Patients with AD achieved significantly lower scores on all neuropsychological measures compared to the control group and differ in the DRS-2 total score, initiation/perseveration, constructive and naming abilities comparing to patients with VaD. Discriminant analysis showed that category fluency and olfactory identification were the best predictors of AD. Significant correlations were found between the olfactory and initiation/perseveration, memory and animal naming abilities for patients with AD. Differences among patients with AD, VaD and elderly persons exist in their abilities to identify odors. The findings suggest that olfactory functional testing in combination with memory testing are important.

scholarly journals Dual-Task Training Affect Cognitive and Physical Performances and Brain Oscillation Ratio of Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elnaz Parvin ◽  
Fatemeh Mohammadian ◽  
Sadegh Amani-Shalamzari ◽  
Mahdi Bayati ◽  
Behnaz Tazesh
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Visual Stimulation ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Task Training ◽  
Dual Task Training

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of dual-task training on cognitive status, physical performance, and brain oscillation of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Twenty-six AD patients were randomly assigned to two groups, the training group (TG) and control group (CG). TG executed progressive combined exercises with visual stimulation twice a week for 12 weeks. Training included muscle endurance, balance, flexibility, and aerobic exercises with eyes closed and opened. Brain oscillation on electroencephalography (EEG) and a series of physical, cognitive, and mental tests were taken before and post-intervention. There was a significant improvement after training protocol in cognitive function, particularly in short-term and working memory, attention, and executive function (p < 0.01). Besides, there were substantial improvements in depression status (GDS scale), aerobic fitness (6 min walking), flexibility (chair sit and reach) functional ability (chair stand, timed up and go test), strength (knee extensions, preacher biceps curl, handgrip) in TG compared to CG. These signs of progress were associated with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the frequency of brain oscillation and a decrease in the theta/alpha ratio. In addition to physical performance, the regular combined training with visual stimulation improves brain health as indicated by improving cognitive function and reducing the theta/alpha ratio.Clinical Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) https://www.irct.ir/, identifier IRCT20190504043468N1—August 5, 2020.

scholarly journals Alterations of the Neuroinflammatory Markers IL-6 and TRAIL in Alzheimer's Disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 424-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya-Ying Wu ◽  
Jung-Lung Hsu ◽  
Han-Cheng Wang ◽  
Shyh-Jong Wu ◽  
Chen-Jee Hong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Disease Group ◽  
Apoe Genotypes ◽  
Fluid Levels

Objective: We aimed to identify biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in order to improve diagnostic accuracy at mild stage. Methods: AD patients aged >50 years were included in the disease group. We evaluated the relationship between potential blood and cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory biomarkers, cognitive status, temporal lobe atrophy and disease severity. Inflammatory biomarkers including interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-18, fractalkine and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) levels were measured. APOE genotypes were determined. Results: We enrolled 41 subjects in the disease group and 40 subjects in the normal control group. The majority (88.9%) of subjects in the disease group had mild AD. Elevated levels of plasma IL-6 and decreased levels of plasma TRAIL in the disease group were noted. Plasma levels of IL-6 and TRAIL were significantly correlated with their cerebrospinal fluid levels. Conclusion: Plasma IL-6 and TRAIL were identified as potential biomarkers of AD at an early stage.

Increased Prevalence of Vestibular Loss in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 1143-1150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric X. Wei ◽  
Esther S. Oh ◽  
Aisha Harun ◽  
Matthew Ehrenburg ◽  
Qian-Li Xue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vestibular Loss ◽  
Logistic Regression Models

Background/Aims:: Recent evidence has shown that Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients have reduced vestibular function relative to healthy controls. In this study, we evaluated whether patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) also have reduced vestibular function relative to controls, and compared the level of vestibular impairment between MCI and AD patients. Methods:: Vestibular physiologic function was assessed in 77 patients (26 MCI, 51 AD) and 295 matched controls using 3 clinical vestibular tests. The association between vestibular loss and cognitive impairment was evaluated using conditional logistic regression models. Results:: Individuals with vestibular impairment had a 3 to 4-fold increased odds of being in the MCI vs. control group (p-values < 0.05). MCI patients had a level of vestibular impairment that was intermediate between controls and AD. Conclusion:: These findings suggest a dose-response relationship between vestibular loss and cognitive status, and support the hypothesis that vestibular loss contributes to cognitive decline.

A mentally stimulating activities program for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 27-37
Author(s):  
Angie L. Sardina, PhD ◽  
Suzanne Fitzsimmons, MSN, ARNP, GNP ◽  
Catherine M. Hoyt, BA ◽  
Linda L. Buettner, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Control Group

This study evaluated whether a mentally stimulating activities (MSA) program reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms and improved cognitive status and quality of life, as compared to a support group for persons in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This randomized controlled trial included 81 adults (aged 55+), who were randomly assigned to the MSA group (treatment) or a social support group (control). A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) identified that MSA participants significantly reduced apathy (p 0.001) and depressive symptoms (p 0.001), as well as improved cognitive status (p 0.001) and quality of life (p 0.001) as compared to the control group. A structured classroom-style MSA program may be a viable and therapeutic intervention to alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms, and improve cognitive status and quality of life in early-stage AD.

Case Studies in Dementia-Related Anxiety

GeroPsych ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Molly Maxfield ◽  
Jennifer R. Roberts ◽  
JoAnna Dieker
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Neurocognitive Disorder ◽  
High Genetic Risk ◽  
Disease Case ◽  
Negative Perceptions

Abstract. Two clients seeking neuropsychological assessment reported anxiety about their cognitive status. We review the cases to increase our understanding of factors contributing to dementia-related anxiety. Case 1 met the criteria for mild neurocognitive disorder; the client’s memory was impaired, and she had a high genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The client reported anxiety about negative perceptions of quality of life among individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Case 2 did not meet the criteria for a neurocognitive disorder. Anxiety about this client’s cognitive status appeared attributable to generalized anxiety disorder, given his anxiety about diverse topics. Both clients reported embarrassment about forgetfulness and social withdrawal. Dementia-related anxiety is believed to be relatively common, to exist on a continuum, to have unique social implications, and to stem from various sources, necessitating differing interventions.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate Content and Circulating Erythropoietin

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 834-835
Author(s):  
Petter Järemo ◽  
Alenka Jejcic ◽  
Vesna Jelic ◽  
Tasmin Shahnaz ◽  
Homira Behbahani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Red Cell ◽  
Oxygen Release ◽  
Regulatory Pathways ◽  
Β Amyloid ◽  
2,3 Dpg

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) features the accumulation of β-amyloid in erythrocytes. The subsequent red cell damage may well affect their oxygen-carrying capabilities. 2,3- diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) binds to the hemoglobin thereby promoting oxygen release. It is theorized that 2,3-DPG is reduced in AD and that the resulting hypoxia triggers erythropoietin (EPO) release. Methods & Objective: To explore this theory, we analyzed red cell 2,3-DPG content and EPO in AD, mild cognitive impairment, and the control group, subjective cognitive impairment. Results: We studied (i) 2,3-DPG in red cells, and (ii) circulating EPO in AD, and both markers were unaffected by dementia. Disturbances of these oxygen-regulatory pathways do not appear to participate in brain hypoxia in AD.

scholarly journals RESTING HEART RATE MODERATES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NEUROPSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS, MCI, AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S641-S641
Author(s):  
Shanna L Burke
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Relative Risk ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Resting Heart Rate ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Little is known about how resting heart rate moderates the relationship between neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive status. This study examined the relative risk of NPS on increasingly severe cognitive statuses and examined the extent to which resting heart rate moderates this relationship. A secondary analysis of the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set was undertaken, using observations from participants with normal cognition at baseline (13,470). The relative risk of diagnosis with a more severe cognitive status at a future visit was examined using log-binomial regression for each neuropsychiatric symptom. The moderating effect of resting heart rate among those who are later diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was assessed. Delusions, hallucinations, agitation, depression, anxiety, elation, apathy, disinhibition, irritability, motor disturbance, nighttime behaviors, and appetite disturbance were all significantly associated (p&lt;.001) with an increased risk of AD, and a reduced risk of MCI. Resting heart rate increased the risk of AD but reduced the relative risk of MCI. Depression significantly interacted with resting heart rate to increase the relative risk of MCI (RR: 1.07 (95% CI: 1.00-1.01), p&lt;.001), but not AD. Neuropsychiatric symptoms increase the relative risk of AD but not MCI, which may mean that the deleterious effect of NPS is delayed until later and more severe stages of the disease course. Resting heart rate increases the relative risk of MCI among those with depression. Practitioners considering early intervention in neuropsychiatric symptomology may consider the downstream benefits of treatment considering the long-term effects of NPS.

Prospective longitudinal study of depression and anosognosia in Alzheimer's disease

1997 ◽  
Vol 171 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio E. Starkstein ◽  
Erán Chemerinski ◽  
Liliana Sabe ◽  
Gabriela Kuzis ◽  
Gustavo Petracca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Major Depression ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Initial Evaluation ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Psychiatric Interview ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal Study ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

BackgroundThe aim was to examine the longitudinal evolution of depression and anosognosia in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodSixty-two of a consecutive series of 116 AD patients that were examined with a structured psychiatric interview had a follow-up evaluation between one and two years after the initial evaluation.ResultsAt the initial evaluation 19% of the 62 patients had major depression, 34% had dysthymia, and 47% were not depressed. After a mean follow-up of 16 months, 58% of patients with major depression at the initial evaluation were still depressed, whereas only 28% of patients with initial dysthymia and 21% of the non-depressed patients were depressed at follow-up. During the follow-up period, all three groups showed similar declines in cognitive status and activities of daily living. At the initial evaluation, 39% of the patients had anosognosia, and there was a significant increment of anosognosia during the follow-up period.ConclusionsWhile dysthymia in AD is a brief emotional disorder, major depression is a longer-lasting mood change. Anosognosia is another prevalent disorder among AD patients, and increases with the progression of the illness.

scholarly journals Women have Farther to Fall: Gender Differences Between Normal Elderly and Alzheimer's Disease in Verbal Memory Engender Better Detection of Alzheimer's Disease in Women

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 654-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M. Chapman ◽  
Mark Mapstone ◽  
Margaret N. Gardner ◽  
Tiffany C. Sandoval ◽  
John W. McCrary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Large Drop ◽  
Delayed Recall ◽  
Logical Memory ◽  
Wechsler Memory Scale ◽  
Immediate Recall

AbstractWe analyzed verbal episodic memory learning and recall using the Logical Memory (LM) subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-III to determine how gender differences in AD compare to those seen in normal elderly and whether or not these differences impact assessment of AD. We administered the LM to both an AD and a Control group, each comprised of 21 men and 21 women, and found a large drop in performance from normal elders to AD. Of interest was a gender interaction whereby the women's scores dropped 1.6 times more than the men's did. Control women on average outperformed Control men on every aspect of the test, including immediate recall, delayed recall, and learning. Conversely, AD women tended to perform worse than AD men. Additionally, the LM achieved perfect diagnostic accuracy in discriminant analysis of AD versus Control women, a statistically significantly higher result than for men. The results indicate the LM is a more powerful and reliable tool in detecting AD in women than in men. (JINS, 2011, 17, 654–662)

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