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Awareness weeks guide

World Alzheimer’s Month

World Alzheimer’s Month

Each September, people unite from all corners of the world to raise awareness and to challenge the stigma that persists around Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia. The 2024 World Alzheimer’s Month campaign will centre around the taglines ‘Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer’s’. The global awareness raising campaign focusses on attitudes toward dementia and seeks to redress stigma and discrimination which still exists around the condition, while highlighting the positive steps being undertaken by organisations and governments globally to develop a more dementia friendly society.  Alzheimer’s Disease International

UpToDate

Cochrane Library

Online resources

Reports

Articles

Diagnosis

Research

Risks

Treatment and therapeutics

E-books

E-journals

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Articles

Diagnosis

Development of an AI-based predictive algorithm for early diagnosis of high-risk dementia groups among the elderly: Utilizing health lifelog data
This study demonstrates that lifelog data, which are easily collected in daily life, can significantly enhance the accessibility and efficiency of dementia diagnosis, aiding in the effective use of medical resources and potentially delaying disease progression. Healthcare 18 September 2024

The effects of machine learning algorithms in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biomarkers on early detection of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a disorder that worsens over time causing loss of memory and decline of cognitive functions. Current methods for diagnosis consist of neuroimaging scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scans), positron emission tomography (PET scans), and identifying biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). New forms of advanced technology such as machine learning are rising to quickly diagnose AD. This work is a comprehensive review of the research that uses machine learning methods to classify AD cases early. It is a study to provide details for MRI scans and biomarkers used for the recognition of AD and evaluates the execution of both applications while using different classifiers. This paper will discuss and compare various machine learning methods that can be implemented for the classification of Alzheimer’s disease. The applications of these algorithms (MRI and biomarkers) are also discussed ultimately proposing the best algorithm and application for classification. Advances in biomarker sciences and technology 31 August 2024

Pathogenesis, diagnostics, and therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease: Breaking the memory barrier
Highlights:

  • AD has posed a significant global burden.
  • Better understanding of etiology, improving diagnoses, and developing effective treatments are crucial.
  • Disease heterogeneity, drug delivery to the brain and ethical considerations are the major challenges.
  • Advanced research techniques like ML and AI may help overcome these obstacles.

Ageing research reviews 3 September 2024

White matter structure and derived network properties are used to predict the progression from mild cognitive impairment of older adults to Alzheimer’s disease
The present results demonstrate that a joint model combining neuropsychological scales can be constructed by using machine learning and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) technology to identify mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients who are at high-risk of progressing to AD. BMC geriatrics 19 August 2024

Predicting progression from subjective cognitive decline to mild cognitive impairment or dementia based on brain atrophy patterns
When predicting conversion from  subjective cognitive decline (SCD) to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia using structural MRI data, prediction models based on individuals with milder levels of atrophy (i.e. aMCI) may offer superior clinical value compared to standard dementia-based models. Alzheimer's research & therapy 5 July 2024

Diagnostic performance of plasma pTau217, pTau181, Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-40 in the LUMIPULSE automated platform for the detection of Alzheimer disease
The evaluation of blood biomarkers on an automated platform exhibited high diagnostic accuracy for AD pathophysiology, and pTau217 showed excellent diagnostic accuracy to identify participants with AD in a consecutive sample representing the routine clinical practice in a specialized memory unit. Alzheimer's research & therapy 26 June 2024

Stable potassium isotope ratios in human blood serum towards biomarker development in Alzheimer's disease
The Alzheimer's disease (AD) affected brain purges K with concurrently increasing serum K, suggesting brain-blood K transferal. Here, natural stable K isotope ratios—δ41K—of human serum samples were characterized in an AD biomarker pilot study (plus two paired Li-heparin and K-EDTA plasma samples). AD serum was found to have a significantly lower mean δ41K relative to controls. To mechanistically explore this change, novel ab initio calculations (Density Functional Theory, DFT) of relative K isotope compositions between hydrated K+ and organically bound K were performed, identifying hydrated K+ as isotopically light (lower δ41K) compared to organically bound K. Taken together with literature, serum δ41K and DFT results are consistent with efflux of hydrated K+ from the brain to the bloodstream, manifesting a measurable decrease in serum δ41K. These data introduce serum δ41K for further investigation as a minimally invasive AD biomarker, with cost, scalability and stability advantages over current techniques. Metallomics 31 August 2024

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Research

Updates in Alzheimer's disease: from basic research to diagnosis and therapies
In this review, the authors first provide an update on how the risk factors, including APOE variants, infections and inflammation, contribute to AD; how Aβ and tau become abnormally accumulated and how this accumulation plays a role in AD neurodegeneration. Then they summarize the commonly used experimental models, diagnostic and prediction strategies, and advances in periphery biomarkers from high-risk populations for AD. Finally, they introduce current status of development of disease-modifying drugs, including the newly officially approved Aβ vaccines, as well as novel and promising strategies to target the abnormal pTau. Together, this paper was aimed to update AD research progress from fundamental mechanisms to the clinical diagnosis and therapies. Translational neurodegeneration 4 September 2024

Understanding machine learning applications in dementia research and clinical practice: a review for biomedical scientists and clinicians
Several (inter)national longitudinal dementia observational datasets encompassing demographic information, neuroimaging, biomarkers, neuropsychological evaluations, and muti-omics data, have ushered in a new era of potential for integrating machine learning (ML) into dementia research and clinical practice. ML, with its proficiency in handling multi-modal and high-dimensional data, has emerged as an innovative technique to facilitate early diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and to predict onset and progression of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. In this review, the authors  evaluate current and potential applications of ML, including its history in dementia research, how it compares to traditional statistics, the types of datasets it uses and the general workflow. Moreover, we identify the technical barriers and challenges of ML implementations in clinical practice. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of ML with non-technical explanations for broader accessibility to biomedical scientists and clinicians. Alzheimer's research & therapy 1 August 2024

Alzheimer’s disease: a review on the current trends of the effective diagnosis and therapeutics
The most prevalent cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive decline and accelerating memory loss characterize it. Alzheimer’s disease advances sequentially, starting with preclinical stages, followed by mild cognitive and/or behavioral impairment, and ultimately leading to Alzheimer’s disease dementia. In recent years, healthcare providers have been advised to make an earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, prior to individuals developing Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Regrettably, the identification of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in clinical settings can be arduous due to the tendency of patients and healthcare providers to disregard symptoms as typical signs of aging. Therefore, accurate and prompt diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is essential in order to facilitate the development of disease-modifying and secondary preventive therapies prior to the onset of symptoms. There has been a notable shift in the goal of the diagnosis process, transitioning from merely confirming the presence of symptomatic AD to recognizing the illness in its early, asymptomatic phases. Understanding the evolution of disease-modifying therapies and putting effective diagnostic and therapeutic management into practice requires an understanding of this concept. The outcomes of this study will enhance in-depth knowledge of the current status of Alzheimer’s disease’s diagnosis and treatment, justifying the necessity for the quest for potential novel biomarkers that can contribute to determining the stage of the disease, particularly in its earliest stages. Interestingly, latest clinical trial status on pharmacological agents, the nonpharmacological treatments such as behavior modification, exercise, and cognitive training as well as alternative approach on phytochemicals as neuroprotective agents have been covered in detailed. Frontiers in aging neuroscience 9 August 2024

Glymphotherapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease: time to move the needle
Highlights

  • In the central nervous system, the glymphatic system represent an important neuro-perivascular clearance pathway.
  • The aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a water channel part of the glymphatic system, through which soluble Aβ, tau, ions and other compounds are continuously cleared from the brain parenchyma.
  • AQP4 function is reduced with aging, and studies have shown that is significantly impaired in Alzheimer’s disease resulting in a progressive reduction in solutes that are cleared from the brain, which will tend to accumulate.
  • Glymphatic-targeted pharmacological interventions modulating AQP4 function and aimed at restoring clearance of these substances from the brain are offering a new avenue for drug discover in Alzheimer’s disease.

Ageing research reviews 31 August 2024

Impact of micronutrients and nutraceuticals on cognitive function and performance in Alzheimer's disease
Highlights

  • Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia today.
  • Malnutrition and weight loss are associated with greater cognitive decline.
  • Some micronutrients exert positive effects on aging-related changes in the brain.
  • The Mediterranean diet may prevent neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease.

Ageing research reviews 1 February 2024

Capturing biomarkers associated with Alzheimer disease subtypes using data distribution characteristics
Late-onset Alzheimer disease (AD) is a highly complex disease with multiple subtypes, as demonstrated by its disparate risk factors, pathological manifestations, and clinical traits. Discovery of biomarkers to diagnose specific AD subtypes is a key step towards understanding biological mechanisms underlying this enigmatic disease, generating candidate drug targets, and selecting participants for drug trials. In order to reveal novel AD biomarkers for heterogeneous subtypes, the authors applied Bimodality Coefficient Difference (BCD) to gene expression data for 8,650 genes for 176 AD cases and 187 controls. These results confirm the utility of BCD for identifying subtypes of heterogeneous diseases. Frontiers in computational neuroscience 3 September 2024

Protein intake and episodic memory: the moderating role of the apolipoprotein E ε4 status
The study results demonstrated that high protein intake is associated with better episodic memory among older adults without dementia. Furthermore, the findings highlight the significant role of APOE4 status in moderating the relationship between protein consumption and episodic memory. These results suggest that dietary interventions focusing on protein intake could be beneficial for cognitive health, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition to AD. Alzheimer's research & therapy 12 August 2024

Determinants of hospital readmissions in older people with dementia: a narrative review
Poorly defined roles and responsibilities of health and social care professionals and poor communication during care transitions, increase the risk of readmission in older people with dementia. These identified psychosocial determinants are likely to significantly contribute to readmissions. However, future research should focus on the understanding of the interaction between a host of psychosocial and physical determinants, and multidisciplinary interventions across care settings to reduce hospital readmissions. BMC geriatrics 12 April 2024

The representation of Australians living with dementia in voluntary assisted dying research: A scoping review
This review identified the exclusion of people living with dementia from Australian voluntary assisted dying (VAD) research. This finding highlights the need for the representation of people living with dementia in future VAD research, to create new opportunities for potential end users to contribute to research-informed policy development in this space.  Australasian journal of ageing 9 September 2024

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Risks

Association between alcohol consumption and incidence of dementia in current drinkers: linear and non-linear mendelian randomization analysis
This study identified a positive linear causal relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia among current drinkers. The J-shaped association found in conventional epidemiological analysis was not supported by non-linear MR analyses. These findings suggested that there was no safe level of alcohol consumption for dementia. eClinicalMedicine 9 September 2024

The risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment characteristics in eight mental disorders: A UK Biobank observational study and Mendelian randomization analysis
Observational study and MR provide consistent evidence that mental disorders are independent risk factors for AD. Mental disorders exhibit distinct cognitive impairment prior to dementia, indicating the potential different mechanisms in AD pathogenesis. Early detection of these impairments in mental disorders is crucial for AD prevention. Alzheimer’s and dementia 11 June 2024

Obesity-induced chronic low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue: A pathway to Alzheimer’s disease
Highlights

  • Obesity-induced chronic low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue is linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
  • Adipose tissue expansion and remodeling in obesity involves immunometabolic and functional shifts.
  • Chronic low-grade inflammation leads to neurodystrophy, apoptosis, and disruption of brain homeostasis.
  • Adipokines and adipose tissue-resident immune cells mediate the onset and progression of AD.

Ageing research reviews 6 July 2024

Subjective cognitive decline plus and longitudinal assessment and risk for cognitive impairment
Results of this cohort study suggest that in a community setting, subjective cognitive decline (SCD) reflecting SCD+ features was associated with an increased risk of future mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer disease (AD) and all-cause dementia with similar hazards estimated in clinic-based settings. SCD may be an independent risk factor for AD and other dementias beyond the risk incurred by APOE ε4 and AD polygenic risk score (PRS). JAMA 3 July 2024

Different associations between body mass index and Alzheimer’s markers depending on metabolic health
These findings provide new evidence that metabolic health has a significant effect on the relationship between obesity and Alzheimer’s markers, which, in turn, lead to better clinical outcomes. Alzheimer's research & therapy 29 August 2024

Clinical implications of head trauma in frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia
Lifetime head trauma may represent a preventable environmental risk factor for Frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia (FTD/PPA). Dose-dependent exposure to traumatic brain injury (TBI) or repetitive head impacts (RHI) influences FTD/PPA symptom onset and memory function in bvFTD. Clinico-pathological studies are needed to better understand the neuropathological correlates linking RHI or TBI to FTD/PPA onset and symptoms. Alzheimer's research & therapy 29 August 2024

Herpes zoster and long-term risk of subjective cognitive decline
Data from three large independent cohorts of women and men showed that herpes zoster (HZ) was associated with higher long-term risk of subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and the risk may differ by APOE ε4-carrier status. Alzheimer's research & therapy 14 August 2024

Prescription medication use in the 10 years prior to diagnosis of young onset Alzheimer’s disease: a nationwide nested case-control study
In this study, medication use in several categories was associated with  young onset Alzheimer’s disease (YOAD). Onset of treatment-requiring psychiatric symptoms such as depression or psychosis in mid-life may serve as potential early indicators of YOAD. Alzheimer's research & therapy 5 July 2024

Subjective cognitive concerns, APOE ε4, PTSD symptoms, and risk for dementia among older veterans
The findings underscore the value of subjective cognitive concerns (SCC) as an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) risk in Veterans 65 and older when considered in conjunction with other influential genetic, clinical, and demographic risk factors. Alzheimer's research & therapy 29 June 2024

Benefits of population-level interventions for dementia risk factors: an economic modelling study for England
Individual-level interventions for dementia risk factors could reduce costs associated with dementia and some are cost-effective. The authors aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of population-level interventions for tackling dementia risk factors. The Lancet - healthy longevity 31 July 2024

Very high high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may be associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment in older adults
Very high  high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. HDL-C may not be a protective factor for maintaining brain health in older adults at very high levels. Nutrition journal 17 July 2024

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Treatment

Towards establishing quality standards on human rights for services in dementia care
This study suggests that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD)  can serve as a benchmark for human rights-based practices in dementia services globally that could enhance nursing care practice. Nursing staff are encouraged to consider human rights in relation to the complexities associated with people with dementia, their caregivers, and other services involved in their care. International journal of older people nursing 11 September 2024

New and emerging drug therapies for Alzheimer disease
Established drug therapies for Alzheimer disease (cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine) do not modify the disease course and provide only modest clinical benefit. Biomarker measures of amyloid, tau and neurodegeneration have been integral to Alzheimer disease clinical trials for biologic drugs, for patient selection and efficacy monitoring. At the time of writing, two monoclonal antibodies targeting the amyloid-beta protein (aducanumab and lecanemab) have been approved in the USA, and two agents (lecanemab and donanemab) are under evaluation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia. Clinical trials have demonstrated that monoclonal antibodies are effective at removing amyloid from the brain in people with early Alzheimer disease. Cognitive benefits are statistically significant, but do not achieve the minimal clinically important difference. Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities of vasogenic oedema and microhaemorrhages occur more frequently on treatment; although these are usually asymptomatic or transient, in some people they are serious or fatal. Targeting amyloid as a unimodal strategy is unlikely to be sufficient and future therapies may need to be multimodal, targeting multiple pathogenic pathways. The burden of dementia is greatest in the older population where mixed dementia pathology dominates; the relationship between biomarkers, clinical phenotype and pathology attenuates; and frailty and comorbidity impact cognition. This creates challenges in identifying effective therapies for the group where dementia is most prevalent. Australian prescriber 18 June 2024

Efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors-related antidepressants in Alzheimer’s disease: a meta-analysis
This study suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)-related antidepressants have great potential values in AD treatment, and further research on the application of SSRI-related antidepressants in AD treatment is necessary. European journal of medical research 29 August 2024

The impact of physical exercise on neuroinflammation mechanism in Alzheimer’s disease
The findings underscore the potential of integrating physical exercise into comprehensive AD management strategies. Emphasizing the necessity for further research, this review advocates for the refinement of exercise regimens to maximize their enduring benefits in decelerating the progression of AD. Frontiers in aging neuroscience 21 August 2024

Efficacy of acoustic stimulation techniques on cognitive functions in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease—a scoping review
The literature suggests that auditory stimulation may positively influence cortical wiring and enhance cognitive abilities. Multimodal interventions that combine auditory stimulation with other sensory or behavioural approaches could yield more substantial effects on global cognition. However, the study design, intervention characteristics and outcome measures varied across studies, underscoring the necessity for standardised reporting. Well-designed studies using standard cognitive assessment protocols are recommended. Alzheimer's research & therapy 1 August 2024

Effects of intensive lifestyle changes on the progression of mild cognitive impairment or early dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Comprehensive lifestyle changes may significantly improve cognition and function after 20 weeks in many patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early dementia due to AD. Alzheimer's research & therapy 7 June 2024

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E-books

This is just a sample of the e-books the library subscribes to – you will need your library login

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E-Journals

A sample of the journals the library subscribes to – you will need your library login

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