Current Alzheimer research
-
Impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) starts as individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) transition to Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. However, most IADL scales have not shown IADL alterations in clinically normal (CN) elderly. The objective of this study was to determine which of the IADL-related Everyday Cognition (ECog) scale items are most sensitive for detection of early functional changes. ⋯ Our results indicate that a few simple questions targeting early functional changes, addressed either to the individual or informant, can effectively distinguish between CN elderly and individuals with MCI. Additionally, one of the above questions related to organization suggested which CN individuals are likely to progress to MCI.
-
Activities of daily living (ADL) impairment is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, but impairment in instrumental ADL (IADL) has been reported in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The Structured Interview and Scoring Tool-Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (MADRC)-Informant Report (SIST-MIR) includes 60 graded items that assist in scoring the Clinical Dementia Rating; it assesses the spectrum of cognitive and ADL changes relevant to early AD. Of the 60 SIST-M-IR items, 41 address IADL; we aimed to determine which of these best discriminate individuals with MCI from clinically normal (CN) elderly. ⋯ Our results point to the earliest functional changes seen in elderly at risk for AD, which could be captured by a few simple questions. Honing the sensitivity of clinical assessment tools will help clinicians differentiate those individuals with normal aging from those who are developing cognitive impairment.
-
Previous studies relating smoking and alcohol drinking with the incidence of dementia have been inconsistent. ⋯ Current smoking and daily drinking were found to be significantly associated with dementia in elderly men.
-
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is contributed by multiple pathogenic causes. The anomalous protein amyloid-β (Aβ) is regarded as a pivotal factor in AD, and originates from enzymatic cleavage of a precursor protein by the secretase family. 1-(3',4'-Dichloro-2-fluoro[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (CHF5074) is a non-steroidal antiinflammatory derivative able to inhibit Aβ deposition in the brain of transgenic mouse models of AD. The proapoptotic cytokine TRAIL has been reported to mediate Aβ-dependent neurotoxicity. ⋯ Then, investigation of related molecular mechanisms underlying such protective effect of CHF5074 suggested that the levels of caspases, as well as of various kinases, including stress and MAP kinases, are modulated by CHF5074. Finally, treatment of injured human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y with CHF5074 resulted in prominent protection from apoptotic death. The bulk of these data suggest that CHF5074 represents a potential candidate for pharmacological neuroprotective treatment in neurodegenerative disorders.
-
During the next decades a rapid increase is expected in the number of patients with dementia suffering from pain who often take less medication compared to normal elderly, due to several diagnostic barriers. Comorbid mood disorders result in great difficulties in pain assessment and further treatment. ⋯ It seems that depression and anxiety are associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain intensity in dementia, thus need to be taken into consideration by health professionals for patient's management.