Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports - Volume 8, issue 1

Authors: Hu, Wenyi | Chu, Tiancheng | Liao, Huan | Wang, Wei | Ha, Jason | Kiburg, Katerina | Zhang, Xiayin | Shang, Xianwen | Huang, Yu | Zhang, Xueli | Tang, Shulin | Hu, Yijun | Yu, Honghua | Yang, Xiaohong | He, Mingguang | Zhu, Zhuoting

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Previous studies found that visual impairment (VI) is associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment, but the molecular basis of these conditions is unknown. Objective: We aim to compare the metabolite associations of VI and cognitive impairment. Methods: The study population with comprehensive measurements was derived from the UK Biobank study. Visual acuity worse than 0.3 logMAR units were defined as VI. Failure in one or more of the four cognitive tests was defined as cognitive impairment. A panel of 249 metabolites was measured using a nuclear magnetic resonance metabolites profiling platform. Logistic regression models …were applied to compare metabolite associations with VI and cognitive impairment. Results: 23,775 participants with complete data on visual acuity, cognitive tests and metabolomics, and without a history of neurological disorders at baseline were included. After adjusting for confounding factors, VI was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (odds ratio[OR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27–1.74, p  < 0.001). After multiple testing correction (p  < 9×10–4 ), five metabolites including the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) (OR = 1.18[1.10–1.27]), ratio of omega-3 to total FAs (OR = 0.84[0.77–0.91]), ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to total FAs (OR = 0.86[0.80–0.94]), DHA (OR = 0.85[0.78–0.92]), and omega-3 FAs (OR = 0.84[0.77–0.91]) were uniquely associated with VI. Glycoprotein acetyls (OR = 1.06[1.03–1.10]) and alanine (OR = 0.95[0.92–0.98]) were exclusively associated with cognitive impairment. Albumin was identified as the common metabolite shared by the two phenotypes (OR = 0.90[0.85–0.95] for VI, and 0.95[0.92–0.98]) for cognitive impairment). Conclusions: We identified distinct and overlapping metabolites associated with VI and cognitive impairment, unveiling their distinct metabolic profiles and potential common pathophysiology. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive impairment, metabolomics, visual impairment

DOI: 10.3233/ADR-230154

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1093-1104, 2024

Authors: Nanni, Alfredo Gabriele | Urso, Daniele | Caccamo, Martina | Gnoni, Valentina | Giugno, Alessia | Zecca, Chiara | Dell’Abate, Maria Teresa | Vilella, Davide | De Blasi, Roberto | Logroscino, Giancarlo

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: This report presents a challenging case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare and rapidly progressing neurological disorder. The patient exhibited diverse and progressive neuro-psychiatric symptoms, including memory impairment, behavioral changes, and hallucinations associated with cacosmia. The diagnosis of CJD is complicated due to its variable clinical presentation, limited awareness, and the need for tissue pathology confirmation. Diagnostic tests, particularly brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, played crucial roles in the evaluation. The MRI revealed characteristic cortical ribboning patterns. CSF analysis initially suggested Alzheimer’s disease pathology continuum. Repeated Real-time-quaking-induced assay testing (RT-QuIC) confirmed the diagnosis despite an …initial negative result. This case underscores the significance of contemplating CJD in individuals exhibiting rapidly progressive dementia, even in the presence of atypical clinical features. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing that an initial negative result from the RT-QuIC test should not preclude consideration of CJD, particularly when characteristic MRI findings are present. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid pathology, cacosmia, Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease, prion disease, RT-QuIC Test

DOI: 10.3233/ADR-230173

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1105-1110, 2024

Authors: Gordon, Marc L. | Christen, Erica | Keehlisen, Lynda | Gong, Michelle | Lam, Fung | Giliberto, Luca | Gomar, Jesus J. | Koppel, Jeremy

Article Type: Short Communication

Abstract: We conducted a small, open-label, pilot study of daratumumab to explore target engagement, safety, and potential efficacy in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Daratumumab SC 1800 mg was given subcutaneously weekly for 8 weeks, then every 2 weeks for 16 weeks. Flow cytometry to measure the CD38+ proportion of CD8 + CD4- T cells and cognitive assessments were performed at baseline, day 176, and day 246. Daratumumab significantly reduced CD38 + CD8 + CD4- T cells after 24 weeks and this effect persisted 11 weeks thereafter. There was no hematological toxicity or unexpected adverse events. Responder analysis showed no improvement on cognitive outcome measures.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, CD38, daratumumab, energy metabolism, NAD, neuroinflammation

DOI: 10.3233/ADR-240089

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1111-1114, 2024

Authors: Kaltsa, Maria | Tsolaki, Anthoula | Lazarou, Ioulietta | Mittas, Ilias | Papageorgiou, Mairi | Papadopoulou, Despina | Tsimpli, Ianthi Maria | Tsolaki, Magda

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Earlier research focuses primarily on the cognitive changes due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, little is known with regard to changes in language competence across the lifespan. Objective: The present study aims to investigate the decline of language skills at the grammatical and syntactic levels due to changes in cognitive function. Methods: We administered the Litmus Sentence Repetition Task (SRT) to 150 native speakers of Greek who fall into five groups: 1) young healthy speakers, 2) cognitively intact elder healthy speakers, 3) speakers with subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), 4) speakers with mild cognitive impairment (MCI); …and 5) speakers with AD dementia at the mild/moderate stages. All participants underwent a physical and neurological examination and cognitive screening with a standardized neuropsychological battery to assess cognitive status comprehensively and evaluate aspects like working memory, executive function, attention and memory to appropriately classify them. Results: The data analysis revealed that the SRT had high discriminatory value in the development of AD; specifically, both accuracy and grammaticality indices were related to cognitive decline. Additionally, syntax significantly affected the performance of speakers with structures such as clitics being particularly challenging and in most structures the performance of speakers with MCI drops significantly compared to speakers with SCI. Conclusions: Linguistic indices revealed subtle early signs of cognitive decline that can be helpful in the early detection of AD, thus facilitating the clinical process offering support to language-based assessment tools such as sentence repetition, a non-invasive type of assessment to evaluate symptoms of AD. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, grammar, healthy aging, language competence, mild cognitive impairment, sentence repetition, subjective cognitive impairment, syntax

DOI: 10.3233/ADR-230204

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1115-1132, 2024

Authors: Khan, Hafiz | Farhana, Fardous | Mostafa, Fahad | Rafiq, Aamrin | Nizia, Effat Walia | Razzaq, Refaya | Atique, Rumana | Dauenhauer, Megan | Zabin, Zawah | Palle, Komaraiah | Reddy, P. Hemachandra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is related to one or more chronic illnesses, which may develop cognitive decline and dementia. Cognitive impairment is increasing, and public health officials must address risk factors for AD to improve the health of rural West Texas communities. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the sociodemographic and chronic disease risk factors related to cognitive impairment among elderly adults living in Cochran, Parmer, and Bailey counties in rural West Texas. Methods: Statistical methods such as Pearson’s chi-squared, proportion tests, univariate binary logistic regression, and a multivariable logistic regression were utilized …to analyze data. SPSS software was used to detect the significant relationship between cognitive impairment and risk factors. Results: Summary statistics were obtained for sociodemographic and chronic diseases by using cross-tabulation analysis and comparing the county respondents with proportion tests. A univariate binary logistic regression method was utilized and found that age group 60–69, anxiety, depression, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were significantly associated with cognitive impairment. Using a multivariable logistic regression approach, it was found that Bailey County (age group 60–69) had a higher likelihood (p  = 0.002) of cognitive impairment than Parmer (p  = 0.067) and Cochran counties (p  = 0.064). The risk of females (p  = 0.033) in Parmer County was 78.3% lower compared to males in developing AD. Conclusions: Identifying significant risk factors for cognitive impairment are important in addressing issues of geographic variations and integrating such factors may guide relevant policy interventions to reduce cognitive impairment incidence in rural communities within West Texas. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, chronic diseases, cognitive impairment, FRONTIER database, risk factors, rural West Texas, sociodemographic variables

DOI: 10.3233/ADR-240092

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1133-1151, 2024

Authors: Ehteshamzad, Sharareh

Article Type: Systematic Review

Abstract: Background: As the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) grows with an aging population, the need for early diagnosis has led to increased focus on electroencephalography (EEG) as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. Objective: This review assesses advancements in EEG analysis, including the application of machine learning, for detecting AD from 2000 to 2023. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a search across major databases resulted in 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria, focusing on EEG’s application in AD diagnosis and the use of novel signal processing and machine learning techniques. Results: Progress in EEG analysis has …shown promise for early AD identification, with techniques like Hjorth parameters and signal compressibility enhancing detection capabilities. Machine learning has improved the precision of differential diagnosis between AD and mild cognitive impairment. However, challenges in standardizing EEG methodologies and data privacy remain. Conclusions: EEG stands out as a valuable tool for early AD detection, with the potential to integrate into multimodal diagnostic approaches. Future research should aim to standardize EEG procedures and explore collaborative, privacy-preserving research methods. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, diagnostic advancements, electroencephalography, machine learning, mild cognitive impairment, neurodiagnostic, neurophysiological biomarkers

DOI: 10.3233/ADR-230159

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1153-1169, 2024

Authors: Islam, Md Ariful | Kshirsagar, Sudhir | Reddy, Arubala P. | Sehar, Ujala | Reddy, P. Hemachandra

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Several decades of research on cell and animal models contributed tremendously to understanding human diseases. Particularly, research on rodents and non-human primates revealed that animal research is a major and important component in biomedical research in learning complex pathophysiological processes. Further, animal research helped us to understand human diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, animal research has also helped us to test hundreds of drugs and develop treatments for human use. Researchers can gain a better understanding of key biological and physiological processes in humans by comparing them to laboratory animals. Based on their relevance and resemblance to people, …or even usual living conditions, scientists rationalize the use of particular animal models in their studies. It is suggested that in the National Institutes of Health and other agencies-funded research, animal models should be carefully selected to study the biology and pathophysiology of human health and diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. However, it is critical to use a minimum number of animals for human research. Further, it is also noted that the use and reuse of behavioral,  molecular, and biochemical data from wild-type (WT) control mice with mutant lines of disease models, as long as the genetic background is the same in both WT and disease mice. On the other hand, anonymous readers have challenged the use and reuse of WT mice data for comparison. In the current article, we discuss the minimum utility of animals, covering the 3Rs, Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement, and also discuss the use and reuse of behavioral, molecular, and biochemical data. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, animal research, replacement, reduction and refinement, wild-type mice

DOI: 10.3233/ADR-240126

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1171-1184, 2024

Authors: Wang, Ying | Song, Xinhua | Wang, Rui | Xu, Xinzi | Du, Yaming | Chen, Guohua | Mei, Junhua

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) currently lacks effective disease-modifying treatments. Recent research suggests that ferroptosis could be a potential therapeutic target. Mendelian randomization (MR) is a widely used method for identifying novel therapeutic targets. Objective: Employ genetic information to evaluate the causal impact of ferroptosis-related genes on the risk of AD. Methods: 564 ferroptosis-related genes were obtained from FerrDb. We derived genetic instrumental variables for these genes using four brain quantitative trait loci (QTL) and two blood QTL datasets. Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) and two-sample MR methods were applied to estimate the causal effects of ferroptosis-related genes …on AD. Using extern transcriptomic datasets and triple-transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD) to further validate the gene targets identified by the MR analysis. Results: We identified 17 potential AD risk gene targets from GTEx, 13 from PsychENCODE, and 22 from BrainMeta (SMR p  < 0.05 and HEIDI test p  > 0.05). Six overlapping ferroptosis-related genes associated with AD were identified, which could serve as potential therapeutic targets (PEX10, CDC25A, EGFR, DLD, LIG3, and TRIB3 ). Additionally, we further pinpointed risk genes or proteins at the blood tissue and pQTL levels. Notably, EGFR demonstrated significant dysregulation in the extern transcriptomic datasets and 3xTg-AD models. Conclusions: This study provides genetic evidence supporting the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting the six druggable genes for AD treatment, especially for EGFR (validated by transcriptome and 3xTg-AD), which could be useful for prioritizing AD drug development in the field of ferroptosis. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, ferroptosis, Mendelian randomization, 3xTg-AD

DOI: 10.3233/ADR-240062

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1185-1197, 2024

Authors: Low, Serena | Moh, Angela | Goh, Kiat Sern | Khoo, Jonathon | Ang, Keven | Liu, Allen Yan Lun | Tang, Wern Ee | Lim, Ziliang | Subramaniam, Tavintharan | Sum, Chee Fang | Lim, Su Chi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Decline in renal function impairs systemic clearance of amyloid-β which characterizes Alzheimer’s disease while albuminuria is associated with blood-brain barrier disruption due to endothelial damage. Arterial stiffness adversely affects the brain with high pulsatile flow damaging cerebral micro-vessels. Objective: To examine association between a novel kidney disease index (KDI), which is a composite index of estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), and cognitive function with potential mediation by arterial stiffness. Methods: This was a longitudinal multi-center study of participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) aged 45 years and above. We assessed cognitive …function with Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Pulse wave velocity (PWV), an index of arterial stiffness, was measured using applanation tonometry method. KDI was calculated as geometric mean of 1/eGFR and natural logarithmically-transformed (ln)(ACR*100). Results: There were 1,303 participants with mean age 61.3±8.0 years. LnKDI was associated with lower baseline RBANS total score with adjusted coefficient –2.83 (95% CI –4.30 to –1.35; p  < 0.001). 590 participants were followed over up to 8.6 years. LnKDI was associated with lower follow-up RBANS score in total, immediate memory, visuo-spatial/construction and attention domains with corresponding adjusted coefficients –2.35 (95% CI –4.50 to –0.20; p  = 0.032), –2.93 (95% CI –5.84 to –0.02; p  = 0.049), –3.26 (95% CI –6.25 to –0.27; p  = 0.033) and –4.88 (95% CI –7.95 to –1.82; p  = 0.002). PWV accounted for 19.5% of association between and follow-up RBANS total score. Conclusions: KDI was associated with lower cognitive function globally, and in immediate memory, visuo-spatial/construction and attention domains. Arterial stiffness mediated the association between KDI and cognitive decline in patients with T2D. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive function, kidney disease index, type 2 diabetes

DOI: 10.3233/ADR-240067

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1199-1210, 2024

Authors: Yang, Yiwen | Tong, Ming | de la Monte, Suzanne M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one of the most prevalent causes of dementia, is mainly sporadic in occurrence but driven by aging and other cofactors. Studies suggest that excessive alcohol consumption may increase AD risk. Objective: Our study examined the degree to which short-term moderate ethanol exposure leads to molecular pathological changes of AD-type neurodegeneration. Methods: Long Evans male and female rats were fed for 2 weeks with isocaloric liquid diets containing 24% or 0% caloric ethanol (n  = 8/group). The frontal lobes were used to measure immunoreactivity to AD biomarkers, insulin-related endocrine metabolic molecules, and proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines …by duplex or multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results: Ethanol significantly increased frontal lobe levels of phospho-tau, but reduced Aβ, ghrelin, glucagon, leptin, PAI, IL-2, and IFN-γ . Conclusions: Short-term effects of chronic ethanol feeding produced neuroendocrine molecular pathologic changes reflective of metabolic dysregulation, together with abnormalities that likely contribute to impairments in neuroplasticity. The findings suggest that chronic alcohol consumption rapidly establishes a platform for impairments in energy metabolism that occur in both the early stages of AD and alcohol-related brain degeneration. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, alcohol, amyloid, cytokines, metabolism, neurodegeneration, neuroendocrine, rat model, tau

DOI: 10.3233/ADR-240026

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 1211-1228, 2024