Editorial

5 pages, 172 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia

by Takao Yamasaki and Takuro Ikeda

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(4), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14040353 - 01 Apr 2024

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Although “brain health” has many definitions, the core definition is the maintenance of optimal brain structure and function [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

10 pages, 453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Try to Build This Bunny as Fast as Possible without Using Red or Pink Bricks”: How Simple Assembly Tasks Might Aid in Detecting People with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

by Wolfgang Trapp, Andreas Heid, Susanne Röder, Franziska Wimmer, Helmar Weiß and Göran Hajak

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(12), 1693; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13121693 - 08 Dec 2023

Viewed by 824

Abstract

(1) Background: Dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are still underdiagnosed in the general population. Impaired odor identification has been identified as an early marker of MCI and dementia. We aim to investigate whether short tasks, in which simple forms must be assembled [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are still underdiagnosed in the general population. Impaired odor identification has been identified as an early marker of MCI and dementia. We aim to investigate whether short tasks, in which simple forms must be assembled from single building blocks based on a template or while considering specific re-strictions, could increase the diagnostic quality of established cognitive screening tests in detecting MCI or dementia. (2) Methods: A brief assembly test, where participants had to assemble simple animal shapes from Lego^® Duplo^® building blocks, the Frontal Assessment Battery, and the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) were administered to a consecutive series of 197 patients (89 with mild dementia, 62 with mild cognitive impairment, and 46 without cognitive impairment) referred for neuropsychological testing. (3) Results: Both participants with dementia and with MCI performed badly in the assembly tasks. The assembly tasks and the Frontal Assessment Battery were substantially correlated. Complementing MMSE scores with the assembly tasks improved the diagnostic accuracy of individuals with dementia and MCI. (4) Conclusions: People with suspected dementia or MCI may already benefit from simple assembly tasks. Although these tests require little additional time, they can notably increase sensitivity for dementia or MCI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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10 pages, 1050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Mmm, Smells like Coffee!”: How a Brief Odor Identification Test Could Help to Identify People with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

by Wolfgang Trapp, Andreas Heid, Susanne Röder, Franziska Wimmer and Göran Hajak

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(7), 1052; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13071052 - 10 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1055

Abstract

(1) Background: Dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are still underdiagnosed in the general population. Impaired odor identification has been identified as an early marker of MCI and dementia. We aimed to compare the additional diagnostic value of two odor identification tests to [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are still underdiagnosed in the general population. Impaired odor identification has been identified as an early marker of MCI and dementia. We aimed to compare the additional diagnostic value of two odor identification tests to a cognitive screening test in detecting MCI or dementia. (2) Methods: The Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification test (SS-OIT), a brief odor identification test (B-OIT) requiring the identification of coffee scent, and the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) were administered to a consecutive series of 174 patients (93 with dementia, 42 with mild cognitive impairment, and 39 without cognitive impairment) referred for neuropsychological testing. (3) Results: Both participants with dementia and with MCI exhibited impairments in odor identification. The SS-OIT and the B-OIT were substantially correlated. Complementing MMSE scores with the SS-OIT or the B-OIT similarly improved the diagnostic accuracy of individuals with dementia and MCI. (4) Conclusions: People with suspected dementia or MCI may already benefit from brief odor identification tests. Although these tests require little additional time, they can notably increase sensitivity for dementia or MCI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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13 pages, 611 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome with Sarcopenia and Systemic Inflammation in Pre-Frail Older Adults

by Reshma Aziz Merchant, Yiong Huak Chan, Denishkrshna Anbarasan and Ivan Aprahamian

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(6), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13060936 - 09 Jun 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1750

Abstract

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is defined by the presence of slow gait and subjective cognitive decline. It is well recognized as a prodrome for dementia, but the biological mechanism and trajectory for MCR are still lacking. The objective of this study was [...] Read more.

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is defined by the presence of slow gait and subjective cognitive decline. It is well recognized as a prodrome for dementia, but the biological mechanism and trajectory for MCR are still lacking. The objective of this study was to explore the association of MCR with body composition, including sarcopenia and systemic inflammation, in pre-frail older adults in a cross-sectional study of 397 pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Data on demographics, physical function, frailty, cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)), perceived health and depression were collected. Body composition was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Systemic inflammatory biomarkers, such as progranulin, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the association between MCR, body composition, sarcopenia and systemic inflammatory biomarkers. The prevalence of MCR was 14.9%. They were significantly older and there were more females, depression, functional impairment, lower education, physical activity and MoCA scores. Body fat percentage (BF%), fat mass index, fat to fat free mass ratio (FM/FFM) and sarcopenia prevalence were significantly higher in MCR. Serum GDF-15 and TNF-α levels were highest with progranulin/TNF-α and IL-10/TNF-α ratio lowest in MCR. Compared to healthy patients, MCR was significantly associated with sarcopenia (aOR 2.62; 95% CI 1.46–3.17), BF% (aOR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01–1.12), FMI (aOR 1.16; 95% CI 1.02–1.30) and FM/FFM (aOR 6.38; 95% CI 1.20–33.98). The association of IL-10 to TNF-α ratio (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99) and IL-10 (aOR 2.22, 95% CI 0.05–0.98) with MCR were independent of sarcopenia and BF%. Longitudinal population studies are needed to understand the role of body fat indices and IL-10 in pre-frail older adults with MCR and trajectory to dementia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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Graphical abstract

22 pages, 1275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Brain Health Indicators Following Acute Neuro-Exergaming: Biomarker and Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) after Pedal-n-Play (iPACES)

by Kartik Nath, IreLee Ferguson, Alexa Puleio, Kathryn Wall, Jessica Stark, Sean Clark, Craig Story, Brian Cohen and Cay Anderson-Hanley

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(6), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13060844 - 23 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1336

Abstract

Facing an unrelenting rise in dementia cases worldwide, researchers are exploring non-pharmacological ways to ameliorate cognitive decline in later life. Twenty older adults completed assessments before and after a single bout of interactive physical and cognitive exercise, by playing a neuro-exergame that required [...] Read more.

Facing an unrelenting rise in dementia cases worldwide, researchers are exploring non-pharmacological ways to ameliorate cognitive decline in later life. Twenty older adults completed assessments before and after a single bout of interactive physical and cognitive exercise, by playing a neuro-exergame that required pedaling and steering to control progress in a tablet-based video game tailored to impact executive function (the interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise System; iPACES v2). This study explored the cognitive and biomarker outcomes for participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and normative older adults after 20 min of pedal-to-play exercise. Neuropsychological and salivary assessments were performed pre- and post-exercise to assess the impact. Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed significant interaction effects, with MCI participants experiencing greater changes in executive function and alpha-amylase levels than normative older adults; within-group changes were also significant. This study provides further data regarding cognitive effects and potential mechanisms of action for exercise as an intervention for MCI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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14 pages, 4981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging for the Differential Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease Spectrum

by Huiqin Zhang, Zuojun Wang, Koon-Ho Chan, Yat-Fung Shea, Chi-Yan Lee, Patrick Ka-Chun Chiu, Peng Cao and Henry Ka-Fung Mak

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(4), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13040595 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1534

Abstract

Structural and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) can be used to assess hippocampal macrostructural and microstructural alterations respectively, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) spectrum, spanning from subjective cognitive decline (SCD) to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. In this study, we explored the diagnostic performance [...] Read more.

Structural and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) can be used to assess hippocampal macrostructural and microstructural alterations respectively, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) spectrum, spanning from subjective cognitive decline (SCD) to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. In this study, we explored the diagnostic performance of structural imaging and DKI of the hippocampus in the AD spectrum. Eleven SCD, thirty-seven MCI, sixteen AD, and nineteen age- and sex-matched normal controls (NCs) were included. Bilateral hippocampal volume, mean diffusivity (MD), and mean kurtosis (MK) were obtained. We detected that in AD vs. NCs, the right hippocampal volume showed the most prominent AUC value (AUC = 0.977); in MCI vs. NCs, the right hippocampal MD was the most sensitive discriminator (AUC = 0.819); in SCD vs. NCs, the left hippocampal MK was the most sensitive biomarker (AUC = 0.775). These findings suggest that, in the predementia stage (SCD and MCI), hippocampal microstructural changes are predominant, and the best discriminators are microstructural measurements (left hippocampal MK for SCD and right hippocampal MD for MCI); while in the dementia stage (AD), hippocampal macrostructural alterations are superior, and the best indicator is the macrostructural index (right hippocampal volume). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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16 pages, 2341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Smart 2-Min Mobile Alerting Method for Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer’s Disease in the Community

by Yujia Wang, Tong Chen, Chen Wang, Atsushi Ogihara, Xiaowen Ma, Shouqiang Huang, Siyu Zhou, Shuwu Li, Jiakang Liu and Kai Li

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(2), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13020244 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1783

Abstract

The early identification of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in an early stage of AD can expand the AD warning window. We propose a new capability index evaluating the spatial execution process (SEP), which can dynamically evaluate the execution [...] Read more.

The early identification of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in an early stage of AD can expand the AD warning window. We propose a new capability index evaluating the spatial execution process (SEP), which can dynamically evaluate the execution process in the space navigation task. The hypothesis is proposed that there are neurobehavioral differences between normal cognitive (NC) elderly and AD patients with MCI reflected in digital biomarkers captured during SEP. According to this, we designed a new smart 2-min mobile alerting method for MCI due to AD, for community screening. Two digital biomarkers, total mission execution distance (

M E T R_{t o t a l}

) and execution distance above the transverse obstacle (

E D_{a b o v e}

), were selected by step-up regression analysis. For the participants with more than 9 years of education, the alerting efficiency of the combination of the two digital biomarkers for MCI due to AD could reach 0.83. This method has the advantages of fast speed, high alerting efficiency, low cost and high intelligence and thus has a high application value for community screening in developing countries. It also provides a new intelligent alerting approach based on the human–computer interaction (HCI) paradigm for MCI due to AD in community screening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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11 pages, 4152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gastrodin Improves Cognitive Dysfunction in REM Sleep-Deprived Rats by Regulating TLR4/NF-κB and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways

by Bo Liu, Fei Li, Yunyan Xu, Qin Wu and Jingshan Shi

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13020179 - 21 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1821

Abstract

Gastrodin is the active ingredient in Gastrodia elata. Our previous studies demonstrated that gastrodin ameliorated cerebral ischemia–reperfusion and hypoperfusion injury and improved cognitive deficit in Alzheimer’s disease. This study aims to examine the effects of gastrodin on REM sleep deprivation in rats. Gastrodin [...] Read more.

Gastrodin is the active ingredient in Gastrodia elata. Our previous studies demonstrated that gastrodin ameliorated cerebral ischemia–reperfusion and hypoperfusion injury and improved cognitive deficit in Alzheimer’s disease. This study aims to examine the effects of gastrodin on REM sleep deprivation in rats. Gastrodin (100 and 150 mg/kg) was orally administered for 7 consecutive days before REM sleep deprivation. Seventy-two hours later, pentobarbital-induced sleep tests and a Morris water maze were performed to measure REM sleep quality and learning and memory ability. Histopathology was observed with hematoxylin–eosin staining, and the expression of the NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways was examined using Western blot. After REM sleep deprivation, sleep latency increased and sleep duration decreased, and the ability of learning and memory was impaired. Neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region and the cortex were damaged. Gastrodin treatment significantly improved REM sleep-deprivation-induced sleep disturbance, cognitive deficits and neuron damage in the hippocampus CA1 region and cerebral cortex. A mechanism analysis revealed that the NF-κB pathway was activated and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was inhibited after REM sleep deprivation, and gastrodin ameliorated these aberrant changes. Gastrodin improves REM sleep-deprivation-induced sleep disturbance and cognitive dysfunction by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and can be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of REM sleep deprivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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13 pages, 2947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prefrontal Cerebral Oxygenated Hemoglobin Concentration during the Category Fluency and Finger-Tapping Tasks in Adults with and without Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study

by Shingo Takahashi, Yosuke Tomita, Shigeya Tanaka, Noriko Sakurai and Naoki Kodama

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(12), 1636; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12121636 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1564

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered to be the limit between the cognitive changes of aging and early dementia; thus, discriminating between participants with and without MCI is important. In the present study, we aimed to examine the differences in the cerebral oxyhemoglobin [...] Read more.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered to be the limit between the cognitive changes of aging and early dementia; thus, discriminating between participants with and without MCI is important. In the present study, we aimed to examine the differences in the cerebral oxyhemoglobin signal between individuals with and without MCI. The cerebral oxyhemoglobin signal was measured when the participants (young and elderly controls as well as patients with MCI) performed category fluency, finger tapping, and dual tasks using head-mounted near-infrared spectroscopy; the results were compared between the groups. The cerebral oxyhemoglobin signal trended toward the highest values during the category fluency task in young participants and during the finger-tapping task in elderly participants regardless of the MCI status. The area under the curve was approximately 0.5, indicating a low discrimination ability between elderly participants with and without MCI. The measurement of the blood flow in the prefrontal cortex may not accurately quantify cognitive and motor performance to detect MCI. Finger tapping may increase cerebral blood flow in individuals with and without MCI during the task. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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15 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Sensitivity of Prodromal Dementia with Lewy Bodies Research Criteria

by Joseph R. Phillips, Elie Matar, Kaylena A. Ehgoetz Martens, Ahmed A. Moustafa, Glenda M. Halliday and Simon J. G. Lewis

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(12), 1594; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12121594 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1926

Abstract

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is an insidious neurodegenerative disease characterised by a precipitous decline in cognition, sleep disturbances, motor impairment and psychiatric features. Recently, criteria for prodromal DLB (pDLB) including clinical features and biomarkers have been put forward to aid the classification [...] Read more.

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is an insidious neurodegenerative disease characterised by a precipitous decline in cognition, sleep disturbances, motor impairment and psychiatric features. Recently, criteria for prodromal DLB (pDLB) including clinical features and biomarkers have been put forward to aid the classification and research of this ambiguous cohort of patients. Researchers can use these criteria to classify patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) as either possible (either one core clinical feature or one biomarker are present) or probable pDLB (at least two core clinical features, or one core clinical feature and at least one biomarker present). However, as isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) confirmed with polysomnography (PSG) can be included as both a clinical and a biomarker feature, potentially reducing the specificity of these diagnostic criteria. To address this issue, the current study classified a cohort of 47 PSG-confirmed iRBD patients as probable prodromal DLB only in the presence of an additional core feature or if there was an additional non-PSG biomarker. Thirteen iRBD patients demonstrated MCI (iRBD-MCI). In the iRBD-MCI group, one presented with parkinsonism and was thus classified as probable pDLB, whilst the remaining 12 were classified as only possible pDLB. All patients performed three tasks designed to measure attentional deficits, visual hallucinations and visuospatial impairment. Patients also attended clinical follow-ups to monitor for transition to DLB or another synucleinopathy. Findings indicated that the only patient categorised by virtue of having two core clinical features as probable pDLB transitioned over 28 months to a diagnosis of DLB. The performance of this probable pDLB patient was also ranked second-highest for their hallucinatory behaviours and had comparatively lower visuospatial accuracy. These findings highlight the need for more stringent diagnostic research criteria for pDLB, given that only one of the 13 patients who would have satisfied the current guidelines for probable pDLB transitioned to DLB after two years and was indeed the patient with two orthogonal core clinical features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

11 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Motor Signs and Cognitive Performance in Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the NACC Database

by Vasileios Siokas, Ioannis Liampas, Constantine G. Lyketsos and Efthimios Dardiotis

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(10), 1365; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12101365 - 08 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1405

Abstract

Aiming to examine whether specific motor signs are associated with worse performance in specific cognitive domains among cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the baseline evaluations of older, CU participants from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) [...] Read more.

Aiming to examine whether specific motor signs are associated with worse performance in specific cognitive domains among cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the baseline evaluations of older, CU participants from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set. In total, 8149 CU (≥60 years) participants were included. Of these, 905 individuals scored ≥ 2 on at least one of the motor domains of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRSIII). Cognitively impaired individuals, participants with psychiatric disorders and/or under treatment with antipsychotic, anxiolytic, sedative or hypnotic agents were excluded. Nine motor signs were examined: hypophonia, masked facies, resting tremor, action/postural tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, impaired chair rise, impaired posture/gait and postural instability. Their association with performance on episodic memory, semantic memory, language, attention, processing speed or executive function was assessed using crude and adjusted linear regression models. Individuals with impaired chair rise had worse episodic memory, semantic memory, processing speed and executive function, while those with bradykinesia had worse language, processing speed and executive function. Sensitivity analyses, by excluding participants with cerebrovascular disease or PD, or other Parkinsonism, produced similar results with the exception of the relationship between bradykinesia and language performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

Review

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16 pages, 1928 KiB

Open AccessReview

Brain Health and Cognition in Older Adults: Roadmap and Milestones towards the Implementation of Preventive Strategies

by Federico Emanuele Pozzi, Giulia Remoli, Lucio Tremolizzo, Ildebrando Appollonio, Carlo Ferrarese and Luca Cuffaro

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14010055 - 06 Jan 2024

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Abstract

In this narrative review, we delve into the evolving concept of brain health, as recognized by the WHO, focusing on its intersection with cognitive decline. We emphasize the imperative need for preventive strategies, particularly in older adults. We describe the target population that [...] Read more.

In this narrative review, we delve into the evolving concept of brain health, as recognized by the WHO, focusing on its intersection with cognitive decline. We emphasize the imperative need for preventive strategies, particularly in older adults. We describe the target population that might benefit the most from risk-based approaches—namely, people with subjective cognitive decline. Additionally, we consider universal prevention in cognitively unimpaired middle-aged and older adults. Delving into multidomain personalized preventive strategies, we report on empirical evidence surrounding modifiable risk factors and interventions crucial in mitigating cognitive decline. Next, we highlight the emergence of brain health services (BHS). We explain their proposed role in risk assessment, risk communication, and tailored interventions to reduce the risk of dementia. Commenting on ongoing BHS pilot experiences, we present the inception and framework of our own BHS in Monza, Italy, outlining its operational structure and care pathways. We emphasize the need for global collaboration and intensified research efforts to address the intricate determinants of brain health and their potential impact on healthcare systems worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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13 pages, 653 KiB

Open AccessReview

Preventive Strategies for Cognitive Decline and Dementia: Benefits of Aerobic Physical Activity, Especially Open-Skill Exercise

by Takao Yamasaki

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(3), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13030521 - 21 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3683

Abstract

As there is no curative treatment for dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it is important to establish an optimal nonpharmaceutical preventive intervention. Physical inactivity is a representative modifiable risk factor for dementia, especially for AD in later life (>65 years). As physical activity [...] Read more.

As there is no curative treatment for dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it is important to establish an optimal nonpharmaceutical preventive intervention. Physical inactivity is a representative modifiable risk factor for dementia, especially for AD in later life (>65 years). As physical activity and exercise are inexpensive and easy to initiate, they may represent an effective nonpharmaceutical intervention for the maintenance of cognitive function. Several studies have reported that physical activity and exercise interventions are effective in preventing cognitive decline and dementia. This review outlines the effects of physical activity and exercise-associated interventions in older adults with and without cognitive impairment and subsequently summarizes their possible mechanisms. Furthermore, this review describes the differences between two types of physical exercise—open-skill exercise (OSE) and closed-skill exercise (CSE)—in terms of their effects on cognitive function. Aerobic physical activity and exercise interventions are particularly useful in preventing cognitive decline and dementia, with OSE exerting a stronger protective effect on cognitive functions than CSE. Therefore, the need to actively promote physical activity and exercise interventions worldwide is emphasized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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Other

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19 pages, 3195 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Peripheral Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of YKL-40 in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Yuchen Zhang, Jinzhou Tian, Jingnian Ni, Mingqing Wei, Ting Li and Jing Shi

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(10), 1364; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13101364 - 23 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1332

Abstract

The pathogenesis associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is particularly complicated, and early diagnosis and course monitoring of the disease are not ideal based on the available core biomarkers. As a biomarker closely related to neuroinflammation, YKL-40 provides a potential scalable approach in AD, [...] Read more.

The pathogenesis associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is particularly complicated, and early diagnosis and course monitoring of the disease are not ideal based on the available core biomarkers. As a biomarker closely related to neuroinflammation, YKL-40 provides a potential scalable approach in AD, but its association remains controversial and inconclusive with AD. We conducted this study to assess the utility of YKL-40 levels in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD patients and healthy controls (HCs) by meta-analysis. We systematically searched and screened relevant trials for comparing YKL-40 levels between AD patients and HCs in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, with a search deadline of 14 March 2023 for each database. A total of 17 eligible and relevant studies involving 1811 subjects, including 949 AD patients and 862 HCs, were included. The results showed that YKL-40 levels in the peripheral blood of AD patients and HCs did not possess significant differences. Subgroup analysis showed YKL-40 significantly differed in plasma (SMD = 0.527, 95%CI: [0.302, 0.752]; p = 0.000), but did not in serum. In the case of comparison with HCs, YKL-40 was significantly higher in CSF of AD patients (SMD = 0.893, 95%CI: [0.665, 1.121]; p = 0.000). Besides that, when we performed a combined analysis of total YKL-40 in both peripheral blood and CSF, overall YKL-40 concentrations were also significantly increased among AD patients (SMD = 0.608, 95%CI: [0.272, 0.943]; p = 0.000). YKL-40 provides support and rationale for the neuroinflammatory pathogenesis of AD. The significance of CSF levels of YKL-40 for early screening of AD is definite. Plasma levels of YKL-40 also appear to assist in discriminating AD patients from HCs, which facilitates early screening and monitoring of the natural course of AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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12 pages, 760 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

C-Reactive Protein Levels and Cognitive Decline following Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Likun Wang, Lining Yang, Haiyan Liu, Juncai Pu, Yi Li, Lu Tang, Qing Chen, Fang Pu and Dingqun Bai

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(7), 1082; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13071082 - 17 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1040

Abstract

Cognitive decline (CD) is devastating with a high incidence in patients after stroke. Although some studies have explored underlying associations between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and cognitive decline after stroke, consistent results have not been obtained. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to explore whether [...] Read more.

Cognitive decline (CD) is devastating with a high incidence in patients after stroke. Although some studies have explored underlying associations between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and cognitive decline after stroke, consistent results have not been obtained. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to explore whether or not higher levels of C-reactive proteins were associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline after stroke. To this end, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies, and pooled effect sizes from eligible studies were calculated using random effect models. Furthermore, subgroups were established and meta-regression analyses were performed to explain the causes of heterogeneity. Eventually, nine studies with 3893 participants were included. Our statistical results suggested that the concentrations of peripheral CRP may be significantly increased for CD patients after stroke, compared to those of non-CD patients. Subgroup analyses showed that CRP was higher in CD than that in non-CD patients when the mini-mental state examination was used. A higher level of CRP in the acute phase of ischemic stroke may suggest an increased risk of CD after stroke. However, these results should be cautiously interpreted because of the limited sample sizes and the diversity of potential confounders in the studies included in this meta-analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Brain Health and Dementia: Prevention and Early Detection of Cognitive Decline and Dementia)

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