Alzheimers Research & Therapy

Correction: Different associations between body mass index and Alzheimer's markers depending on metabolic health
Lee EH, Yoo H, Kim YJ, Cheon BK, Ryu S, Chang Y, Yun J, Jang H, Kim JP, Kim HJ, Koh SB, Jeong JH, Na DL, Seo SW and Kang SH
Facial aging, cognitive impairment, and dementia risk
Xu X, Jigeer G, Gunn DA, Liu Y, Chen X, Guo Y, Li Y, Gu X, Ma Y, Wang J, Wang S, Sun L, Lin X and Gao X
Facial aging, cognitive impairment, and dementia are all age-related conditions. However, the temporal relation between facial age and future risk of dementia was not systematically examined.
Associations between sex and lifestyle activities with cognitive reserve in mid-life adults with genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease
Qi Q, Deng F, Sammon R, Ritchie K, Muniz-Terrera G, Koychev I, Malhotra P, Hutchinson S, Robinson D, O'Brien JT, Ritchie CW, Lawlor B and Naci L
Females have a higher age-adjusted incidence of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) than males, even when accounting for longer lifespan and, therefore, stand to benefit the most from dementia prevention efforts. As exposure to many modifiable risk factors for dementia begins in mid-life, interventions must be implemented from middle-age. Building cognitive reserve, particularly through stimulating avocational activities and occupational attainment presents a crucial, underexplored, dementia prevention approach for mid-life. It is currently unknown, however, whether modifiable lifestyle factors can protect against AD processes, from mid-life, differentially for females and males who carry inherited risk for late-life dementia. To address this gap, this study investigated the impact of biological sex and APOE4 carrier status on the relationship between stimulating activities, occupational attainment, and cognition in mid-life.
Correction: F-FDG PET can effectively rule out conversion to dementia and the presence of CSF biomarker of neurodegeneration: a real-world data analysis
Heyer S, Simon M, Doyen M, Mortada A, Roch V, Jeanbert E, Thilly N, Malaplate C, Kearney-Schwartz A, Jonveaux T, Bannay A and Verger A
Changes in choroidal thickness quantified by Optical Coherence Tomography across cognitive impairment: data from the NORFACE cohort
Castilla-Martí L, García-Sánchez A, Martínez J, Rosende-Roca M, Vargas L, Tartari JP, Casales F, Rodríguez JN, Bein N, Alegret M, Ortega G, Espinosa A, Sanabria Á, Pérez-Cordón A, Muñoz N, García-Gutiérrez F, Blazquez-Folch J, Miguel A, de Rojas I, García-González P, Puerta R, Olivé C, Capdevila M, Muñoz-Morales Á, Bayón-Buján P, Cano A, Fernández V, Valero S, Tárraga L, Ruiz A, Boada M, Castilla-Martí M and Marquié M
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) enables high-resolution imaging of ocular structures in health and disease. Choroid thickness (CT) is a key vascular retinal parameter that can be assessed by OCT and might be relevant in the evaluation of the vascular component of cognitive decline. We aimed to investigate CT changes in a large cohort of individuals cognitive unimpaired (CU), with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's (MCI-AD), mild cognitive impairment due to cerebrovascular disease (MCI-Va), Alzheimer's disease dementia (ADD), and vascular dementia (VaD).
Age of onset moderates the effects of Vascular Risk Factors on Neurodegeneration, Blood-Brain-Barrier permeability, and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's Disease
Bonomi CG, Motta C, Di Donna MG, Poli M, Nuccetelli M, Bernardini S, Mercuri NB, Koch G and Martorana A
The role of Vascular risk factors (VRFs) in the progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and cognitive decline remains to be elucidated, with previous studies resulting in conflicting findings. The possible impact of age-specific mechanisms of resilience/vulnerability is an under addressed issue. We evaluated the association of VRFs with markers of amyloid deposition, neurodegeneration, and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability (Albumin quotient, Qalb), stratifying patients into early-onset (< 65, EOAD), classic late-onset (65-75, cLOAD) and very late-onset (> 75, vLOAD), to evaluate the moderating effect of age of onset. Moreover, we explored the effects of VRFs on cognitive decline at one year follow-up (ΔMMSE).
Alzheimer's disease-specific transcriptomic and epigenomic changes in the tryptophan catabolic pathway
Choe K, Ali M, Lardenoije R, Riemens RJM, Pishva E, Bickel H, Weyerer S, Hoffmann P, Pentzek M, Riedel-Heller S, Wiese B, Scherer M, Wagner M, Mastroeni D, Coleman PD, Ramirez A, Ramakers IHGB, Verhey FRJ, Rutten BPF, Kenis G and van den Hove DLA
Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), have been linked to alterations in tryptophan (TRP) metabolism. However, no studies to date have systematically explored changes in the TRP pathway at both transcriptional and epigenetic levels. This study aimed to investigate transcriptomic, DNA methylomic (5mC) and hydroxymethylomic (5hmC) changes within genes involved in the TRP and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) pathways in AD, using three independent cohorts.
Can the clinical sign "head-turning sign" and simple questions in "Neucop-Q" predict amyloid β pathology?
Daté Y, Bun S, Takahata K, Kubota M, Momota Y, Iwabuchi Y, Tezuka T, Tabuchi H, Seki M, Yamamoto Y, Shikimoto R, Mimura Y, Hoshino T, Kurose S, Shimohama S, Suzuki N, Morimoto A, Oosumi A, Hoshino Y, Jinzaki M, Mimura M and Ito D
To establish simple screening tests to suspect Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, the clinical sign "head-turning sign" (HTS), which is a patient's behavior of turning their head towards their partner to seek assistance with questions posed by the examiner during the interview, and the simple screening questionnaire for dementia named "Neucop-Q" were validated in participants diagnosed with amyloid and tau positron emission tomography (PET).
A digitally supported multimodal lifestyle program to promote brain health among older adults (the LETHE randomized controlled feasibility trial): study design, progress, and first results
Rosenberg A, Untersteiner H, Guazzarini AG, Bödenler M, Bruinsma J, Buchgraber-Schnalzer B, Colombo M, Crutzen R, Diaz A, Fotiadis DI, Hilberger H, Huber S, Kaartinen N, Kassiotis T, Kivipelto M, Lehtisalo J, Loukas VS, Lötjönen J, Pirani M, Thunborg C, Hanke S, Mangialasche F, Mecocci P, Stögmann E, Ngandu T and
The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) multimodal lifestyle intervention yielded cognitive and other health benefits in older adults at risk of cognitive decline. The two-year multinational randomized controlled LETHE trial evaluates the feasibility of a digitally supported, adapted FINGER intervention among at-risk older adults. Technology is used to complement in-person activities, streamline the intervention delivery, personalize recommendations, and collect digital biomarkers.
Elevated plasma p-tau231 is associated with reduced generalization and medial temporal lobe dynamic network flexibility among healthy older African Americans
Budak M, Fausto BA, Osiecka Z, Sheikh M, Perna R, Ashton N, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Fitzgerald-Bocarsly P and Gluck MA
Phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and amyloid beta (Aβ) in human plasma may provide an affordable and minimally invasive method to evaluate Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. The medial temporal lobe (MTL) is susceptible to changes in structural integrity that are indicative of the disease progression. Among healthy adults, higher dynamic network flexibility within the MTL was shown to mediate better generalization of prior learning, a measure which has been demonstrated to predict cognitive decline and neural changes in preclinical AD longitudinally. Recent developments in cognitive, neural, and blood-based biomarkers of AD risk that may correspond with MTL changes. However, there is no comprehensive study on how these generalization biomarkers, long-term memory, MTL dynamic network flexibility, and plasma biomarkers are interrelated. This study investigated (1) the relationship between long-term memory, generalization performance, and MTL dynamic network flexibility and (2) how plasma p-tau231, p-tau181, and Aβ42/Aβ40 influence generalization, long-term memory, and MTL dynamics in cognitively unimpaired older African Americans.
Frontotemporal structure preservation underlies the protective effect of lifetime intellectual cognitive reserve on cognition in the elderly
Wang D, Li X, Dang M, Zhao S, Sang F and Zhang Z
Cognitive decline with age has heterogeneous, which might be related to the accumulation of protective factors called cognitive reserve, especially intellectual engagement factors over the life course. However, how lifetime intellectual cognitive reserve (LICR) protects cognitive function in the elderly remains unclear. We aimed to examine the relationship between LICR and cognition and the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) risk, as well as the neural mechanism of LICR on cognition.
Post hoc analysis of ADAMANT, a phase 2 clinical trial of active tau immunotherapy with AADvac1 in patients with Alzheimer's disease, positive for plasma p-tau217
Kovacech B, Cullen NC, Novak P, Hanes J, Kontsekova E, Katina S, Parrak V, Fresser M, Vanbrabant J, Feldman HH, Winblad B, Stoops E, Vanmechelen E and Zilka N
The spread of tau pathology closely correlates with the disease course and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau-targeting immunotherapies are being developed to stop the spread of tau pathology and thus halt disease progression. In this post hoc analysis of the ADAMANT clinical trial, we examined the performance of AADvac1, an active immunotherapy targeting the microtubule-binding region (MTBR) of tau, in a subgroup of participants with elevated plasma p-tau217, indicating AD-related neuropathological changes.
Computerized decision support to optimally funnel patients through the diagnostic pathway for dementia
van Gils AM, Tolonen A, van Harten AC, Vigneswaran S, Barkhof F, Visser LNC, Koikkalainen J, Herukka SK, Hasselbalch SG, Mecocci P, Remes AM, Soininen H, Lemstra AW, Teunissen CE, Jönsson L, Lötjönen J, van der Flier WM and Rhodius-Meester HFM
The increasing prevalence of dementia and the introduction of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) highlight the need for efficient diagnostic pathways in memory clinics. We present a data-driven approach to efficiently guide stepwise diagnostic testing for three clinical scenarios: 1) syndrome diagnosis, 2) etiological diagnosis, and 3) eligibility for DMT.
Correction: Glymphatic inhibition exacerbates tau propagation in an Alzheimer's disease model
Lopes DM, Wells JA, Ma D, Wallis L, Park D, Llewellyn SK, Ahmed Z, Lythgoe MF and Harrison IF
Head-to-head comparison of tau PET tracers [F]PI-2620 and [F]RO948 in non-demented individuals with brain amyloid deposition: the TAU-PET FACEHBI cohort
Tonietto M, Sotolongo-Grau O, Roé-Vellvé N, Bullich S, Tartari JP, Sanabria Á, García-Sánchez A, Borroni E, Galli C, Pérez-Martínez E, Castell-Conesa J, Roca I, Tárraga L, Ruiz A, Stephens AW, Boada M, Klein G, Marquié M, and
Second-generation tau tracers for positron emission tomography (PET) show high affinity for paired helical filaments tau deposits characteristic of Alzheimer´s disease and low off-target binding. Differences in their chemical structure though may lead to variations in their regional tau uptake and off-target signal. In this work, we aimed to compare the in-vivo uptake of tau tracers [F]PI-2620 and [F]RO948 in the early stages of the AD continuum.
Exploring easily accessible neurophysiological biomarkers for predicting Alzheimer's disease progression: a systematic review
Costanzo M, Cutrona C, Leodori G, Malimpensa L, D'antonio F, Conte A and Belvisi D
Alzheimer disease (AD) remains a significant global health concern. The progression from preclinical stages to overt dementia has become a crucial point of interest for researchers. This paper reviews the potential of neurophysiological biomarkers in predicting AD progression, based on a systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines, including 55 studies. EEG-based techniques have been predominantly employed, whereas TMS studies are less common. Among the investigated neurophysiological measures, spectral power measurements and event-related potentials-based measures, including P300 and N200 latencies, have emerged as the most consistent and reliable biomarkers for predicting the likelihood of conversion to AD. In addition, TMS-based indices of cortical excitability and synaptic plasticity have also shown potential in assessing the risk of conversion to AD. However, concerns persist regarding the methodological discrepancies among studies, the accuracy of these neurophysiological measures in comparison to established AD biomarkers, and their immediate clinical applicability. Further research is needed to validate the predictive capabilities of EEG and TMS measures. Advancements in this area could lead to cost-effective, reliable biomarkers, enhancing diagnostic processes and deepening our understanding of AD pathophysiology.
Unveiling the molecular mechanisms of Danggui-Shaoyao-San against Alzheimer's disease in APP/PS1 mice via integrating proteomic and metabolomic approaches
Wu Q, Wang W, Huang Z, Lin X, Yao M, Cai C, Weng G, Gu Y, Li H, Liu J, Fang J and Li W
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder for which no effective therapy is currently available. Given that various attempts to target beta-amyloid (Aβ) have been unsuccessful in clinical trials, other potential pathogenic factors such as brain energy metabolism (EM) have attracted increasing attention. Traditional Chinese medicines, including danggui-shaoyao-san (DSS), play a notable role in AD. However, it remains unclear whether DSS exerts therapeutic effects on AD through EM regulation.
Sex-specific risk factors and clinical dementia outcomes for white matter hyperintensities in a large South Korean cohort
Schweitzer N, Son SJ, Thurston RC, Li J, Chen CL, Aizenstein H, Yang S, Iordanova B, Hong CH, Roh HW, Cho YH, Hong S, Nam YJ, Lee DY, Park B, Kim NR, Choi JW, Cheong J, Seo SW, An YS, Moon SY, Han SJ and Wu M
White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on brain MRI images are the most common feature of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Studies have yielded divergent findings on the modifiable risk factors for WMH and WMH's impact on cognitive decline. Mounting evidence suggests sex differences in WMH burden and subsequent effects on cognition. Thus, we aimed to identify sex-specific modifiable risk factors for WMH. We then explored whether there were sex-specific associations of WMH to longitudinal clinical dementia outcomes.
Longitudinal evidence for a mutually reinforcing relationship between white matter hyperintensities and cortical thickness in cognitively unimpaired older adults
Bernal J, Menze I, Yakupov R, Peters O, Hellmann-Regen J, Freiesleben SD, Priller J, Spruth EJ, Altenstein S, Schneider A, Fliessbach K, Wiltfang J, Schott BH, Jessen F, Rostamzadeh A, Glanz W, Incesoy EI, Buerger K, Janowitz D, Ewers M, Perneczky R, Rauchmann BS, Teipel S, Kilimann I, Laske C, Sodenkamp S, Spottke A, Esser A, Lüsebrink F, Dechent P, Hetzer S, Scheffler K, Schreiber S, Düzel E and Ziegler G
For over three decades, the concomitance of cortical neurodegeneration and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) has sparked discussions about their coupled temporal dynamics. Longitudinal studies supporting this hypothesis nonetheless remain scarce.
Assessing the metabolism of the olfactory circuit by use of F-FDG PET-CT imaging in patients suspected of suffering from Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia
Loewenstein DSL, van Grinsven M, de Pont C, Dautzenberg PLJ, van Strien AM and Henssen D
The loss of olfactory function is known to occur in patients suffering from (behavioral variant) frontotemporal dementia ((bv)FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), although different pathophysiological mechanisms underpin this clinical symptom in both disorders. This study assessed whether brain metabolism of the olfactory circuit as assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([F]-FDG) can distinguish these entities in different subsets of patients.
Perivascular space enlargement accelerates in ageing and Alzheimer's disease pathology: evidence from a three-year longitudinal multicentre study
Menze I, Bernal J, Kaya P, Aki Ç, Pfister M, Geisendörfer J, Yakupov R, Coello RD, Valdés-Hernández MDC, Heneka MT, Brosseron F, Schmid MC, Glanz W, Incesoy EI, Butryn M, Rostamzadeh A, Meiberth D, Peters O, Preis L, Lammerding D, Gref D, Priller J, Spruth EJ, Altenstein S, Lohse A, Hetzer S, Schneider A, Fliessbach K, Kimmich O, Vogt IR, Wiltfang J, Bartels C, Schott BH, Hansen N, Dechent P, Buerger K, Janowitz D, Perneczky R, Rauchmann BS, Teipel S, Kilimann I, Goerss D, Laske C, Munk MH, Sanzenbacher C, Hinderer P, Scheffler K, Spottke A, Roy-Kluth N, Lüsebrink F, Neumann K, Wardlaw J, Jessen F, Schreiber S, Düzel E and Ziegler G
Perivascular space (PVS) enlargement in ageing and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the drivers of such a structural change in humans require longitudinal investigation. Elucidating the effects of demographic factors, hypertension, cerebrovascular dysfunction, and AD pathology on PVS dynamics could inform the role of PVS in brain health function as well as the complex pathophysiology of AD.