Fostering Daily Life Skills in Young and Older Adults With Neurodegenerative Diseases Through Technological Supports

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Stasolla ◽  
Sara Bottiroli
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Social Impairments ◽  
Literature Overview ◽  
Leisure And Recreation ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Critical Overview

Persons with neurodegenerative diseases may have behavioral, cognitive, emotional, motor, and social impairments due to their clinical conditions. The objective of this article is to provide the reader with the newest empirical contributions available and a comprehensive critical overview on the use of assistive technology-based interventions and virtual reality-mediated setups to assess and recover individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. A literature overview was carried out. Thirty-one studies published along last decade were selected. The retained studies overall recruited 438 participants. Four categories of studies were identified, namely (1) recovering of functional and physical activities, (2) communication abilities, (3) leisure and recreation, and (4) virtual reality. AT-based interventions were effective and suitable to promote adaptive behaviors of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. VR setups were helpful to assess and recover persons with neurodegenerative disorders.

Fostering Daily Life Skills in Young and Older Adults With Neurodegenerative Diseases Through Technological Supports

2022 ◽  
pp. 1102-1118
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Stasolla ◽  
Sara Bottiroli
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Social Impairments ◽  
Leisure And Recreation ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Critical Overview

Persons with neurodegenerative diseases may have behavioral, cognitive, emotional, motor, and social impairments due to their clinical conditions. The objective of this article is to provide the reader with the newest empirical contributions available and a comprehensive critical overview on the use of assistive technology-based interventions and virtual reality-mediated setups to assess and recover individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. A literature overview was carried out. Thirty-one studies published along last decade were selected. The retained studies overall recruited 438 participants. Four categories of studies were identified, namely (1) recovering of functional and physical activities, (2) communication abilities, (3) leisure and recreation, and (4) virtual reality. AT-based interventions were effective and suitable to promote adaptive behaviors of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. VR setups were helpful to assess and recover persons with neurodegenerative disorders.

scholarly journals A Scoping Review of Cognitive Training in Neurodegenerative Diseases via Computerized and Virtual Reality Tools: What We Know So Far

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 528
Author(s):  
Stefano Lasaponara ◽  
Fabio Marson ◽  
Fabrizio Doricchi ◽  
Marco Cavallo
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Clinical Profiles ◽  
Therapeutic Tools ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Underlying Pathophysiology

Most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis are heterogeneous in their clinical profiles and underlying pathophysiology, although they typically share the presence of cognitive impairment that worsens significantly during the course of the disease. Viable pharmacological options for cognitive symptoms in these clinical conditions are currently lacking. In recent years, several studies have started to apply Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) and Virtual Reality (VR) tools to try and contrast patients’ cognitive decay over time. However, no in-depth literature review of the contribution of these promising therapeutic options across main neurodegenerative diseases has been conducted yet. The present paper reports the state-of-the-art of CCT and VR studies targeting cognitive impairment in most common neurodegenerative conditions. Our twofold aim is to point out the scientific evidence available so far and to support health professionals to consider these promising therapeutic tools when planning rehabilitative interventions, especially when the access to regular and frequent hospital consultations is not easy to be provided.

Purines and Pyrimidines: Metabolism, Function and Potential as therapeutic options in neurodegenerative diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debanjan Kundu ◽  
Vikash Kumar Dubey
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Protein Misfolding ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Loss Of Balance ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Unexplored Area ◽  
Molecular Origin ◽  
Purines And Pyrimidines

Abstract:: Various neurodegenerative disorders have molecular origin but some common molecular mechanisms. In the current scenario, there are very few treatment regimens present for advanced neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, there is an urgent need for alternate options in the form of natural compounds with an ameliorating effect on patients. There have been individual scattered experiments trying to identify potential values of various intracellular metabolites. Purines and Pyrimidines, which are vital molecules governing various aspects of cellular biochemical reactions, have been long sought as crucial candidates for the same, but there are still many questions that go unanswered. Some critical functions of these molecules associated with neuromodulation activities have been identified. They are also known to play a role in foetal neurodevelopment, but there is a lacuna in understanding their mechanisms. In this review, we have tried to assemble and identify the importance of purines and pyrimidines, connecting them with the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases. The leading cause of this class of diseases is protein misfolding and the formation of amyloids. A direct correlation between loss of balance in cellular homeostasis and amyloidosis is yet an unexplored area. This review aims at bringing the current literature available under one umbrella serving as a foundation for further extensive research in this field of drug development in neurodegenerative diseases.

scholarly journals Neurodegenerative disorders associated with genes of mitochondria

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaibhav S. Marde ◽  
Prerna L. Tiwari ◽  
Nitu L. Wankhede ◽  
Brijesh G. Taksande ◽  
Aman B. Upaganlawar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Friedreich Ataxia ◽  
Mitochondrial Genes ◽  
Disease Development ◽  
Main Text ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Dominant Part ◽  
Causative Link

Abstract Background Over the last decade, aggregating evidences suggested that there is a causative link between mutation in gene associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and development of several neurodegenerative disorders. Main text Recent structural and functional studies associated with mitochondrial genes have shown that mitochondrial abnormalities possibly lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. Several studies on animal models of neurodegenerative diseases and mitochondrial genes have provided compelling evidence that mitochondria is involved in the initiation as well as progression of diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and Friedreich ataxia (FA). Conclusion In this mini-review, we have discussed the different etiologic and pathogenesis connected with the mitochondrial dysfunction and relevant neurodegenerative diseases that underlie the dominant part of mitochondrial genes in the disease development and its progress.

scholarly journals From virtual to real healing: a critical overview of the therapeutic use of virtual reality to cope with mourning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Francesca Maria Pizzoli ◽  
Dario Monzani ◽  
Laura Vergani ◽  
Virginia Sanchini ◽  
Ketti Mazzocco
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Therapeutic Use ◽  
Health Care Needs ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Critical Overview

AbstractIn recent years, virtual reality (VR) has been effectively employed in several settings, ranging from health care needs to leisure and gaming activities. A new application of virtual stimuli appeared in social media: in the documentary ‘I met you’ from the South-Korean Munhwa Broadcasting, a mother made the experience of interacting with the avatar of the seven-year-old daughter, who died four years before. We think that this new application of virtual stimuli should open a debate on its possible implications: it represents contents related to grief, a dramatic and yet natural experience, that can have deep psychological impacts on fragile subjects put in virtual environments. In the present work, possible side-effects, as well as hypothetical therapeutical application of VR for the treatment of mourning, are discussed.

scholarly journals Molecular and cellular pathways contributing to brain aging

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliabbas Zia ◽  
Ali Mohammad Pourbagher-Shahri ◽  
Tahereh Farkhondeh ◽  
Saeed Samarghandian
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Neuroprotective Effect ◽  
Ros Generation ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Cellular Pathways ◽  
Aging Mechanisms ◽  
Oxidatively Modified ◽  
Biology Of Aging

AbstractAging is the leading risk factor for several age-associated diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the biology of aging mechanisms is essential to the pursuit of brain health. In this regard, brain aging is defined by a gradual decrease in neurophysiological functions, impaired adaptive neuroplasticity, dysregulation of neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis, neuroinflammation, and oxidatively modified molecules and organelles. Numerous pathways lead to brain aging, including increased oxidative stress, inflammation, disturbances in energy metabolism such as deregulated autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and IGF-1, mTOR, ROS, AMPK, SIRTs, and p53 as central modulators of the metabolic control, connecting aging to the pathways, which lead to neurodegenerative disorders. Also, calorie restriction (CR), physical exercise, and mental activities can extend lifespan and increase nervous system resistance to age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. The neuroprotective effect of CR involves increased protection against ROS generation, maintenance of cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and inhibition of apoptosis. The recent evidence about the modem molecular and cellular methods in neurobiology to brain aging is exhibiting a significant potential in brain cells for adaptation to aging and resistance to neurodegenerative disorders.

scholarly journals Prion Diseases: A Unique Transmissible Agent or a Model for Neurodegenerative Diseases?

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 207
Author(s):  
Diane L. Ritchie ◽  
Marcelo A. Barria
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Prion Protein ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Prion Diseases ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Misfolded Proteins ◽  
Current Evidence

The accumulation and propagation in the brain of misfolded proteins is a pathological hallmark shared by many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (Aβ and tau), Parkinson’s disease (α-synuclein), and prion disease (prion protein). Currently, there is no epidemiological evidence to suggest that neurodegenerative disorders are infectious, apart from prion diseases. However, there is an increasing body of evidence from experimental models to suggest that other pathogenic proteins such as Aβ and tau can propagate in vivo and in vitro in a prion-like mechanism, inducing the formation of misfolded protein aggregates such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Such similarities have raised concerns that misfolded proteins, other than the prion protein, could potentially transmit from person-to-person as rare events after lengthy incubation periods. Such concerns have been heightened following a number of recent reports of the possible inadvertent transmission of Aβ pathology via medical and surgical procedures. This review will provide a historical perspective on the unique transmissible nature of prion diseases, examining their impact on public health and the ongoing concerns raised by this rare group of disorders. Additionally, this review will provide an insight into current evidence supporting the potential transmissibility of other pathogenic proteins associated with more common neurodegenerative disorders and the potential implications for public health.

scholarly journals Evaluation of oral conditions in patients with neurodegenerative diseases treated in geriatric centers

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-23
Author(s):  
Bruna Marjorie Dias FROTA ◽  
Sarah Nascimento HOLANDA ◽  
Fabrício Bitú SOUSA ◽  
Ana Paula Negreiros Nunes ALVES
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Oral Pathology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Oral Manifestations ◽  
Denture Stomatitis ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Oral Conditions ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the general clinical conditions and oral alterations, and also evaluate the prosthesis, in subjects diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Parkinson's disease (PD), attended at two geriatric centers in the city of Fortaleza - Ceará. Methods: 70 patients were analyzed (between 57 to 91 years) with AD and PD, through evaluation of neurological medical records and oral clinical examination. Variables as sex, age, race, comorbidities, oral manifestations and prosthetic conditions were observed. A total of 20 elderly patients without neurological disease consisted the control group (CG). Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis were used as statistical analysis. Results: In both groups, blood hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity. As for the oral examination in the group with AD, it was observed that 54.2% had periodontal disease, 34.2% caries. Similar results were found in PD patients (31.4%; 22.8% - respectively). However, no difference was observed between the groups, as the systemic and oral manifestations in both geriatric centers (p> 0.05). Was identified more than half of the subjects (57.7%) using dentures, and 86.5% of these had become maladaptive, with some kind of defect. There was statistical difference in the presence of associated oral pathology, denture stomatitis, between dementia and control group (p = 0.0213). Conclusion: Elderly patients with AD and PD have poor oral health, as well as those without neurodegenerative diseases. However, have more defects and disorders associated with the use of removable dentures.

scholarly journals Aerobic or strength training and flexibility activities and mild cognitive impairment: CETI cohort

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Dupré ◽  
B Bongue ◽  
L Fruteau de Laclos ◽  
J Blais ◽  
M-J Sirois
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Initiative Program ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Previous studies have been notably criticized for not studying the different types of physical activity. The objective of this work was to examine the association between types of physical activity and cognitive decline in older people. Methods This is a sub-group analysis from the CETI cohort, a multicenter prospective study conducted by the Canadian Emergency Team Initiative Program (CETIE), between 2011 and 2016. Participants were community-dwelling seniors aged ≥ 65 years, consult emergency services for minor injuries with follow-up at 3 and 6 months. Physical activity was assessed by the RAPA (Rapid assessment of Physical activity), which describes the level of aerobic activities and the overall level of muscle strength and flexibility activities. The cognitive status was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), using their current cut-offs (MoCA <26/30 and TICS < = 35/50) for mild cognitive impairments (MCI). Logistic regression, COX models and splines were used to examine the association between the type of physical activities and the onset of cognitive impairment. Results At inclusion, 281 individuals were free of MCI, or 43.8% of the total sample, with an average age of 73 years. During follow-ups, MCI appeared in 31.7% of participants initially free of it. The risk of MCI was lower with higher muscular strength & flexibility physical activities (HR = 0.84 [0.70-0.99]), while the relationship with aerobic physical activities was not significant. Conclusions These results showed a potential link between strength & flexibility activities and cognitive impairments, but not with aerobic physical activities. Further analyses are needed to examine whether these relationships persist as a function of the adjustment variables, or statistical methods. This study contributes to the debate on the evaluation of physical activity in the elderly, and its link with neurodegenerative diseases. Key messages This study analyzed the link between types of physical activity and mild cognitive disorders. The aim is to put in place preventive policies of aging, specially in neurodegenerative diseases. The work allowed us to see the effect of the different types of physical activity and the impact of the statistical method on the results.

Mechanistic roles for altered O-GlcNAcylation in neurodegenerative disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 478 (14) ◽  
pp. 2733-2758
Author(s):  
Aaron T. Balana ◽  
Matthew R. Pratt
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Posttranslational Modification ◽  
Protein Quality ◽  
Neuronal Dysfunction ◽  
Neuronal Communication ◽  
Programmed Death ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
Therapeutic Avenue

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's remain highly prevalent and incurable disorders. A major challenge in fully understanding and combating the progression of these diseases is the complexity of the network of processes that lead to progressive neuronal dysfunction and death. An ideal therapeutic avenue is conceivably one that could address many if not all of these multiple misregulated mechanisms. Over the years, chemical intervention for the up-regulation of the endogenous posttranslational modification (PTM) O-GlcNAc has been proposed as a potential strategy to slow down the progression of neurodegeneration. Through the development and application of tools that allow dissection of the mechanistic roles of this PTM, there is now a growing body of evidence that O-GlcNAc influences a variety of important neurodegeneration-pertinent mechanisms, with an overall protective effect. As a PTM that is appended onto numerous proteins that participate in protein quality control and homeostasis, metabolism, bioenergetics, neuronal communication, inflammation, and programmed death, O-GlcNAc has demonstrated beneficence in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, and its up-regulation is now being pursued in multiple clinical studies.

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