scholarly journals Planning ability impairments in probable Alzheimer's disease patients: Evidence from the Tower of London test

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina Satler ◽  
Luiza Guimarães ◽  
Carlos Tomaz
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Tower Of London ◽  
Inappropriate Behaviors ◽  
Inhibitory Deficits ◽  
Planning Ability ◽  
Wide Range

ABSTRACT Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with progressive impairment of higher-level cognitive abilities. Previous research suggests that early impairment of executive functions occurs during the course of the disease, but few studies have specifically investigated planning ability in an AD population. Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine whether AD patients retain the ability to plan ahead, by analyzing specificities of their behavior in successfully achieving a pre-established goal. Methods: Twenty-one AD patients and thirty-three elderly controls underwent a problem-solving assessment using the Tower of London (TOL) test. Results: AD patients were less accurate and less efficient than controls. AD patients also committed more mistakes. This indicates a decline in working memory and inhibitory deficits, resulting in impulsive and inappropriate behaviors. Conclusion: These results are in agreement with previous studies, showing executive function problems in patients with AD. Specifically, this study demonstrates the presence of planning ability deficits in AD, considering both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The wide range of analysis presented in this study can aid clinicians in identifying the nature of the poor performance of AD patients during a planning task.

scholarly journals Brief cognitive assessment of Alzheimer's disease in advanced stages: Proposal for a Brazilian version of the Short Battery for Severe Impairment (SIB-8)

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Roberto Wajman ◽  
Paulo Henrique Ferreira Bertolucci
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Aging Brain ◽  
Prospective Comparison ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Severe Impairment ◽  
Back Translation ◽  
Advanced Stages

ABSTRACT The measurement of cognitive abilities of patients with severe dementia can serve a wide range of methodological and clinical needs. Objective: To validate a proposed severe impairment battery SIB-8 for a Brazilian population sample as part of the neuropsychological assessment of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in advanced stages. Methods: After a systematic process of translation and back-translation, the SIB-8 was applied to 95 patients with AD at different stages; moderate, moderately severe and severe according to FAST subdivisions (5, 6 and 7), with scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) of between 5 and 15 and followed by the Division of Behavioral Neurology and the Center for Aging Brain of the Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP. Results: Inferential data revealed that the SIB-8 instrument behaved differently at each stage of the disease with a statistical value of sensitivity p<0.001, gradually reflecting the expected course of the dementia, inherent with the decline of cognitive functions. Conclusion: Findings indicated that the SIB-8 is a useful tool for the evaluation and prospective comparison of AD patients in advanced stages, retaining its original characteristics in our population.

Therapeutic Properties of Several Chemical Compounds from Salvia officinalis L. in Alzheimer’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgiana Uță ◽  
Denisa Ștefania Manolescu ◽  
Speranța Avram
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Natural Compounds ◽  
Salvia Officinalis ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
In Silico Studies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Salvia Officinalis L

Background.: Currently, the pharmacological management in Alzheimer's disease is based on several chemical structures, represented by acetylcholinesterase and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ligands, with still unclear molecular mechanisms, but severe side effects. For this reason, a challenge for Alzheimer's disease treatment remains to identify new drugs with reduced side effects. Recently, the natural compounds, in particular certain chemical compounds identified in the essential oil of peppermint, sage, grapes, sea buckthorn, have increased interest as possible therapeutics. Objectives.: In this paper, we have summarized data from the recent literature, on several chemical compounds extracted from Salvia officinalis L., with therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease. Methods.: In addition to the wide range of experimental methods performed in vivo and in vitro, also we presented some in silico studies of medicinal compounds. Results. Through this mini-review, we present the latest information regarding the therapeutic characteristics of natural compounds isolated from Salvia officinalis L. in Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion.: Thus, based on the information presented, we can say that phytotherapy is a reliable therapeutic method in a neurodegenerative disease.

scholarly journals NLRP3 Inflammasome: A Starring Role in Amyloid-β- and Tau-Driven Pathological Events in Alzheimer’s Disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Mariana Van Zeller ◽  
Diogo M. Dias ◽  
Ana M. Sebastião ◽  
Cláudia A. Valente
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Glial Cells ◽  
Neurofibrillary Tangles ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Neuronal Death ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Senile Plaques ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Wide Range

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease commonly diagnosed among the elderly population. AD is characterized by the loss of synaptic connections, neuronal death, and progressive cognitive impairment, attributed to the extracellular accumulation of senile plaques, composed by insoluble aggregates of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, and to the intraneuronal formation of neurofibrillary tangles shaped by hyperphosphorylated filaments of the microtubule-associated protein tau. However, evidence showed that chronic inflammatory responses, with long-lasting exacerbated release of proinflammatory cytokines by reactive glial cells, contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3), a cytosolic multiprotein complex sensor of a wide range of stimuli, was implicated in multiple neurological diseases, including AD. Herein, we review the most recent findings regarding the involvement of NLRP3 in the pathogenesis of AD. We address the mechanisms of NLRP3 priming and activation in glial cells by Aβ species and the potential role of neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular vesicles in disease progression. Neuronal death by NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis, driven by the interneuronal tau propagation, is also discussed. We present considerable evidence to claim that NLRP3 inhibition, is undoubtfully a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.

Immune modulations and immunotherapies for Alzheimer’s disease: a comprehensive review

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Mahdiabadi ◽  
Sara Momtazmanesh ◽  
George Perry ◽  
Nima Rezaei
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Tau Proteins ◽  
Causal Role ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Immune Related Genes

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is characterized by progressive cognitive and memory impairment ensued from neuronal dysfunction and eventual death. Intraneuronal deposition of tau proteins and extracellular senile amyloid-β plaques have ruled as the supreme postulations of AD for a relatively long time, and accordingly, a wide range of therapeutics, especially immunotherapies have been implemented. However, none of them resulted in significant positive cognitive outcomes. Especially, the repetitive failure of anti-amyloid therapies proves the inefficiency of the amyloid cascade hypothesis, suggesting that it is time to reconsider this hypothesis. Thus, for the time being, the focus is being shifted to neuroinflammation as a third core pathology in AD. Neuroinflammation was previously considered a result of the two aforementioned phenomena, but new studies suggest that it might play a causal role in the pathogenesis of AD. Neuroinflammation can act as a double-edged sword in the pathogenesis of AD, and the activation of glial cells is indispensable for mediating such attenuating or detrimental effects. The association of immune-related genes polymorphisms with the clinical phenotype of AD as well as the protective effect of anti-inflammatory drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs supports the possible causal role of neuroinflammation in AD. Here, we comprehensively review immune-based therapeutic approaches toward AD, including monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. We also discuss their efficacy and underlying reasons for shortcomings. Lastly, we highlight the capacity of modulating the neuroimmune interactions and targeting neuroinflammation as a promising opportunity for finding optimal treatments for AD.

scholarly journals Environmental Substances Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease—A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 11839
Author(s):  
Hanna Maria Elonheimo ◽  
Helle Raun Andersen ◽  
Andromachi Katsonouri ◽  
Hanna Tolonen
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Human Biomonitoring ◽  
Chemical Exposure ◽  
Priority Substances ◽  
Environmental Chemical ◽  
Other Substances ◽  
Neurological Effects

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, prevalent in approximately 50–70% of the dementia cases. AD affects memory, and it is a progressive disease interfering with cognitive abilities, behaviour and functioning of the person affected. In 2015, there were 47 million people affected by dementia worldwide, and the figure was estimated to increase to 75 million in 2030 and to 132 million by 2050. In the framework of European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), 18 substances or substance groups were prioritized for investigation. For each of the priority substances, a scoping document was prepared. Based on these scoping documents and complementary review of the recent literature, a scoping review of HBM4EU-priority substances which might be associated with AD was conducted. A possible association between risk of AD and pesticides was detected. For mercury (Hg), association is possible but inconsistent. Regarding cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As), the results are inconsistent but inclined towards possible associations between the substances and the risk of disease. The evidence regarding lead (Pb) was weaker than for the other substances; however, possible associations exist. Although there is evidence of adverse neurological effects of environmental substances, more research is needed. Environmental chemical exposure and the related hazards are essential concerns for public health, and they could be preventable.

Research on Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease Based on Heterogeneous Medical Data Fusion

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (05) ◽  
pp. 1957001
Author(s):  
Yin Dai ◽  
Daoyun Qiu ◽  
Yang Wang ◽  
Sizhe Dong ◽  
Hong-Li Wang
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Convolutional Neural Network ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Computer Aided Diagnosis ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Back Propagation Algorithm ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Aided Diagnosis

Alzheimer’s disease is the third most expensive disease, only after cancer and cardiopathy. It is also the fourth leading cause of death in the elderly after cardiopathy, cancer, and cerebral palsy. The disease lacks specific diagnostic criteria. At present, there is still no definitive and effective means for preclinical diagnosis and treatment. It is the only disease that cannot be prevented and cured among the world’s top ten fatal diseases. It has now been proposed as a global issue. Computer-aided diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is mostly based on images at this stage. This project uses multi-modality imaging MRI/PET combining with clinical scales and uses deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis to treat AD, improves the comprehensiveness and accuracy of diagnosis. The project uses Bayesian model and convolutional neural network to train experimental data. The experiment uses the improved existing network model, LeNet-5, to design and build a 10-layer convolutional neural network. The network uses a back-propagation algorithm based on a gradient descent strategy to achieve good diagnostic results. Through the calculation of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, the test results were evaluated, good test results were obtained.

Childhood Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Risk of Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and Stroke in Adulthood: A Prospective Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
S. Zhou ◽  
K. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Secondhand Smoke ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Smoke Exposure ◽  
Secondhand Smoke Exposure ◽  
Heart Study ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Exposure To Secondhand Smoke

Background: This study aimed to investigate the associations between secondhand smoke exposure and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and stroke. Methods: This prospective study analyzed Framingham Offspring (FHS-OS) cohort participants with parents in the original Framingham Heart Study (FHS) cohort with known smoking status during offspring childhood. Surveillance for incident events, including dementia and stroke, among offspring participants exposed to parental smoking up to the age of 18 years commenced at examination 9 through 2014 and continued for approximately 30 years. Results: At baseline, a total of 1683 (56.2%) subjects were not exposed to any secondhand smoke, whereas 670 (22.4%) subjects were exposed to 0-1 packs (20 cigarettes)/day, and 640 (21.4%) were exposed to over 1 pack/day. On follow-up (median: 31 years), 2993 patients developed dementia, including 103 with AD dementia and 315 with stroke. After adjusting for a wide range of established risk factors, participants with the highest exposure to secondhand smoke exhibited increased risks of all dementia, AD dementia and stroke compared with individuals with no exposure [HR 2.86 (2.00-4.09) for dementia; HR 3.13 (1.80-5.42) for AD dementia; HR 1.89 (1.37-2.61) for stroke]. The results remained comparable in the subgroup for individuals with median exposure to secondhand smoke. Conclusion: Exposure to secondhand smoke may be associated with increased risks of dementia, AD dementia and stroke.

The Impact of Decline on Everyday Life in Alzheimer's Disease

2015 ◽  
pp. 327-338
Author(s):  
Lovingly Quitania Park ◽  
Britt Busson
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Affected Individual ◽  
Psychosocial Impacts ◽  
Emotional Changes ◽  
The Impact

The loss of independence is a quintessential feature of dementia and important to the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, changes in memory and other cognitive abilities can significantly influence the rate and the trajectory of decline in everyday life. The goal of this chapter is to provide the reader with a picture of how the cognitive and emotional changes associated with AD can alter daily living in the early-to-moderate stages and the subsequent psychosocial impacts. Practical suggestions with regard to management of AD by the affected individual and supporters are offered, as are some suggestions for addressing completion of daily tasks, such as finances, medications, appointments, and transportation.

scholarly journals Aberrant interaction between FUS and SFPQ in neurons in a wide range of FTLD spectrum diseases

Brain ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 143 (8) ◽  
pp. 2398-2405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinsuke Ishigaki ◽  
Yuichi Riku ◽  
Yusuke Fujioka ◽  
Kuniyuki Endo ◽  
Nobuyuki Iwade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Alzheimer Disease ◽  
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy ◽  
Corticobasal Degeneration ◽  
Pick's Disease ◽  
Pick’S Disease ◽  
Subsequent Increase ◽  
Fused In Sarcoma ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is genetically and clinicopathologically linked to frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have previously reported that intranuclear interactions of FUS and splicing factor, proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ) contribute to neuronal homeostasis. Disruption of the FUS-SFPQ interaction leads to an increase in the ratio of 4-repeat tau (4R-tau)/3-repeat tau (3R-tau), which manifests in FTLD-like phenotypes in mice. Here, we examined FUS-SFPQ interactions in 142 autopsied individuals with FUS-related ALS/FTLD (ALS/FTLD-FUS), TDP-43-related ALS/FTLD (ALS/FTLD-TDP), progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, or Pick’s disease as well as controls. Immunofluorescent imaging showed impaired intranuclear co-localization of FUS and SFPQ in neurons of ALS/FTLD-FUS, ALS/FTLD-TDP, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration cases, but not in Alzheimer’s disease or Pick’s disease cases. Immunoprecipitation analyses of FUS and SFPQ revealed reduced interactions between the two proteins in ALS/FTLD-TDP and progressive supranuclear palsy cases, but not in those with Alzheimer disease. Furthermore, the ratio of 4R/3R-tau was elevated in cases with ALS/FTLD-TDP and progressive supranuclear palsy, but was largely unaffected in cases with Alzheimer disease. We concluded that impaired interactions between intranuclear FUS and SFPQ and the subsequent increase in the ratio of 4R/3R-tau constitute a common pathogenesis pathway in FTLD spectrum diseases.

Empathy and Theory of Mind in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 963-977
Author(s):  
Olivia P. Demichelis ◽  
Sarah P. Coundouris ◽  
Sarah A. Grainger ◽  
Julie D. Henry
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Empathy ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Social Cognitive Processing

AbstractObjective:A large literature now shows that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) disrupts a number of social cognitive abilities, including social perceptual function and theory of mind (ToM). However, less well understood is how the specific subcomponents of ToM as well as both the broader and specific subcomponents of empathic processing are affected.Method:The current study provides the first meta-analytic review of AD that focuses on both empathy and ToM as broad constructs, as well as their overlapping (cognitive empathy and affective ToM) and distinct (affective empathy and cognitive ToM) subcomponents.Results:Aggregated across 31 studies, the results revealed that, relative to controls, AD is associated with large-sized deficits in both cognitive ToM (g = 1.09) and affective ToM/cognitive empathy (g = 0.76). However, no statistical differences were found between the AD participants and controls on affective empathic abilities (g = 0.36).Conclusions:These data point to a potentially important disconnect between core aspects of social cognitive processing in people with AD. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document