Motivational Reserve

2021 ◽  
pp. 128-158
Author(s):  
Simon Forstmeier ◽  
Myriam Verena Thoma ◽  
Andreas Maercker

Brain reserve (i.e., the ability of the brain to tolerate age- and disease-related changes in a way that cognitive function is still maintained) is assumed to be based on the lifelong training of various abilities. Motivational reserve (MR) is a form of brain reserve and can be defined as a set of motivational abilities that provide the individual with resilience to neuropathological damage. The first part of the chapter explains the term motivational processes and the model of MR and describes the measurement concept. The second part summarizes the results of several studies on the model of MR. For example, motivational abilities have been shown to be associated with a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease (AD) in apolipoprotein E ɛ4 carriers, but not in noncarriers. Revealing the mechanisms underlying the association of motivational abilities and cognitive decline may lead to novel strategies for delaying the onset of AD symptoms.

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (7S_Part_22) ◽  
pp. P1054-P1054 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jee-young Han ◽  
Lilah M. Besser ◽  
Chengjie Xiong ◽  
Walter A. Kukull ◽  
John C. Morris

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1839
Author(s):  
Chieh-Hsin Lin ◽  
Hsien-Yuan Lane

Glutathione (GSH) is a major endogenous antioxidant. Several studies have shown GSH redox imbalance and altered GSH levels in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Early detection is crucial for the outcome of AD. However, whether GSH can serve as a biomarker during the very early-phase of AD, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), remains unknown. The current prospective study aimed to examine the longitudinal change in plasma GSH concentration and its influence on cognitive decline in MCI. Overall, 49 patients with MCI and 16 healthy individuals were recruited. Plasma GSH levels and cognitive function, measured by the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog), were monitored every 6 months. We employed multiple regressions to examine the role of GSH level in cognitive decline in the 2 years period. The MCI patients showed significant decline in plasma GSH levels and cognitive function from baseline to endpoint (month 24). In comparison, the healthy individuals’ GSH concentration and cognitive function did not change significantly. Further, both GSH level at baseline and GSH level change from baseline to endpoint significantly influenced cognitive decline among the MCI patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that both plasma GSH levels and cognitive function declined 2 years later among the MCI patients in a prospective manner. If replicated by future studies, blood GSH concentration may be regarded as a biomarker for monitoring cognitive change in MCI.


Author(s):  
Carlo Tomino ◽  
Sara Ilari ◽  
Vincenzo Solfrizzi ◽  
Valentina Malafoglia ◽  
Guglielmo Zilio ◽  
...  

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia are a clinically relevant health problem in the elderly and Alzheimer's disease being the most common neurodegenerative disorder. Furthermore, MCI and mild dementia are characterized by a deterioration of cognitive function and their diagnosis is mainly based on cognitive examination and, the prognosis of the disease seems to be an essential reason for the diagnosis, because there is a high risk of cognitive decline in the two syndromes. This review describes the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba (EGb761®) leaf extract for the treatment of dementia syndrome and EGb761® combination therapy with other medications for symptomatic dementia. Tebonin® is a drug of plant origin based on the active ingredient “Ginkgo biloba”. This drug has shown encouraging results, improving cognitive function, neuropsychiatric disorders and consequent reduction of caregiver stress and maintenance of autonomy in patients with age-related cognitive decline, MCI and mild dementia. Nowadays, there is little evidence to support the efficacy of EGb761® combination therapy with anti-dementia drugs and, therefore, more evidence is needed to evaluate the role of EGb761® in mixed therapy.


2021 ◽  
pp. 662-671
Author(s):  
Philip W. Tipton ◽  
Nilüfer Ertekin-Taner

Many patients who have Alzheimer disease (AD) present initially with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This chapter reviews the clinical features of MCI and AD, the clinical evaluation of patients with these entities, and the approaches to management. MCI is defined by cognitive decline that is more than expected by aging alone but does not meet criteria for dementia because the person has the ability to perform activities of daily living. MCI is considered to be a prodrome to dementia, especially AD, given the increased risk of progression to dementia. MCI, which probably represents the earliest stages of dementia in many patients, requires clinical follow-up and is expected to become an important intervention point in future clinical trials of novel preventive therapies.


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