A Feasibility Study with Image-Based Rendered Virtual Reality in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool in many domains of therapy and rehabilitation, and has recently attracted the attention of researchers and clinicians working with elderly people with MCI, Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Here we present a study testing the feasibility of using highly realistic image-based rendered VR with patients with MCI and dementia. We designed an attentional task to train selective and sustained attention, and we tested a VR and a paper version of this task in a single-session within-subjects design. Results showed that participants with MCI and dementia reported to be highly satisfied and interested in the task, and they reported high feelings of security, low discomfort, anxiety and fatigue. In addition, participants reported a preference for the VR condition compared to the paper condition, even if the task was more difficult. Interestingly, apathetic participants showed a preference for the VR condition stronger than that of non-apathetic participants. These findings suggest that VR-based training can be considered as an interesting tool to improve adherence to cognitive training in elderly people with cognitive impairment.     

轻度认知损伤患者的联系记忆损伤特征

遗忘型轻度认知损伤患者(aMCI)在项目记忆和联系记忆上都有损伤．本文通过临床记忆量表中的项目记忆和联系记忆测验,研究aMCI的联系记忆是否比项目记忆有更显著的损伤．另外,通过分析配对联想学习测验,进一步研究aMCI联系记忆损伤的特点．25名aMCI和28名健康老人参与了两个联系记忆测验(配对联想学习测验和联想回忆测验)和两个项目记忆测验(图像自由回忆和无意义图形再认),aMCI患者在联系记忆测验上表现出了更显著的损伤,即使控制了项目记忆的损伤,aMCI的联系记忆仍然比健康老人显著降低．另外,ROC分析表明联系记忆测验比项目记忆测验对aMCI病人有更高的区分度．对配对联想学习测验的分析表明,相对于健康老人,aMCI患者在记忆有语言联系的词对要比记忆无语义联系的词对更为困难．本研究进一步表明aMCI患者的联系记忆比项目记忆有更大的损伤．相对于健康老人,aMCI患者不仅难以在两个无关项目间创建记忆连接,而且在有效利用项目间本身的语义联系方面存在更大的损伤．联系记忆测验比项目记忆测验对aMCI患者有更高的区分度．在神经心理评估中增加联系记忆测验,能更加有效地识别aMCI患者．     

Serum Levels of Inflammatory Markers in Depressed Elderly Patients with Diabetes and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the serum levels of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in elderly diabetic patients with depressive syndrome alone or with coexisting mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

276 diabetics elders were screened for depressive symptoms (using Geriatric Depression Scale: GDS-30) and MCI (using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: MoCA score). Data of HbA1c, blood lipids and inflammatory markers levels were collected.

Results

In all groups of patients levels of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly higher as compared to controls. The highest level of inflammatory markers was detected in group with depressive mood and coexisting MCI, however IL-6 level didn’t significantly differ as compared to MCI group. We founded correlations between all inflammatory markers in group of patients with depressive mood and in group of subjects with depressive symptoms and coexisting MCI. GDS-30 score was correlated with levels of inflammatory markers in group with depressive mood, and with levels of CRP and TNF-α in group with depressive mood and coexisting MCI. In the group with depressive mood and coexisting MCI we founded that MoCA score was negatively correlated with CRP and TNF-α levels; and HbA1c level was positively correlated with all inflammatory markers. The univariate logistic regression models revealed that variables which increased the likelihood of having been diagnosed with MCI in depressed patients were: higher levels of HbA1c, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α, previous CVD or stroke, increased number of co-morbidities and microvascular complications, older age, less years of formal education. The multivariable model showed that previous CVD, higher HbA1c and IL-6 levels are significant factors.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the presence of depressive syndrome is associated with higher levels of inflammatory markers in elderly patients with diabetes. The presence of MCI in these depressed subjects has additive effect on levels of inflammatory mediators.     

Use of a Modified Spatial-Context Memory Test to Detect Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

In this study we sought to differentiate participants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (a-MCI) from those with mild dementia of Alzheimer’s type (m-DAT) and normal controls by modifying an existing test of spatial context memory (SCMT) designed so as to evaluate the function of brain regions affected in early m-DAT. We found that participants with a-MCI had better total scores on our modified SCMT than those with m-DAT. Furthermore, the locational memory subtest was able to discriminate between those with a-MCI and m-DAT. Additionally, compared with other screening tests, our spatial context memory test showed high sensitivity and specificity in discerning those with a-MCI from the normal population but, was relatively ineffective in discriminating a-MCI patients from those with m-DAT. We conclude that our modified test of SCMT is an effective tool for discriminating a-MCI from m-DAT and does so by detecting differences in locational memory.     

EEG and Cognitive Biomarkers Based Mild Cognitive Impairment Diagnosis

Objective

Recently, Electroencephalogram (EEG) shows potential in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. We aim to investigate whether EEG and selected cognitive biomarkers can classify mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia and healthy subjects using support vector machine classifier in Indian cohort.

Age-Correction of Test Scores Reduces the Validity of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Predicting Progression to Dementia

Objectives

A phase of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) precedes most forms of neurodegenerative dementia. Many definitions of MCI recommend the use of test norms to diagnose cognitive impairment. It is, however, unclear whether the use of norms actually improves the detection of individuals at risk of dementia. Therefore, the effects of age- and education-norms on the validity of test scores in predicting progression to dementia were investigated.

Methods

Baseline cognitive test scores (Syndrome Short Test) of dementia-free participants aged ≥65 were used to predict progression to dementia within three years. Participants were comprehensively examined one, two, and three years after baseline. Test scores were calculated with correction for (1) age and education, (2) education only, (3) age only and (4) without correction. Predictive validity was estimated with Cox proportional hazard regressions. Areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated for the one-, two-, and three-year intervals.

Results

82 (15.3%) of initially 537 participants, developed dementia. Model coefficients, hazard ratios, and AUCs of all scores were significant (p<0.001). Predictive validity was the lowest with age-corrected scores (−2 log likelihood  = 840.90, model fit χ² (1)  = 144.27, HR  = 1.33, AUCs between 0.73 and 0.87) and the highest with education-corrected scores (−2 log likelihood  = 815.80, model fit χ² (1)  = 171.16, HR  = 1.34, AUCs between 0.85 and 0.88).

Conclusion

The predictive validity of test scores is markedly reduced by age-correction. Therefore, definitions of MCI should not recommend the use of age-norms in order to improve the detection of individuals at risk of dementia.     

RAGE and AGEs in Mild Cognitive Impairment of Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective

Receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGEs; RAGE) binds to both AGEs and amyloid-beta peptides. RAGE is involved in chronic complications of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. We aimed to investigate the roles of RAGE, AGEs and the Gly82Ser polymorphism of RAGE in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods

Of the 167 hospitalized type 2 diabetes patients recruited, 82 satisfied the diagnostic criteria for MCI, and 85 matched control individuals were classified as non-MCI. Demographic data were collected, and the soluble RAGE (sRAGE) concentrations, serum AGE-peptide (AGE-P) levels, RAGE Gly82Ser genotype and neuropsychological test results were examined.

Results

The MCI group exhibited a decreased sRAGE level (0.87±0.35 vs. 1.05±0.52 ng/ml, p<0.01) and an increased serum AGE-P level (3.54±1.27 vs. 2.71±1.18 U/ml, p<0.01) compared with the control group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that each unit reduction in the sRAGE concentration increased the MCI risk by 54% (OR 0.46[95% CI 0.22–0.96], p = 0.04) and that each unit increase in the AGE-P level increased the MCI risk by 72% in the type 2 diabetes patients (OR 1.72[95% CI 1.31–2.28], p<0.01). The serum sRAGE level was negatively correlated with the score on the trail making test-B (TMT-B) (r = -0.344, p = 0.002), which indicates early cognitive deficits related to diabetes. Moreover, the AGE-P level was positively correlated with multiple cognitive domains (all p<0.05). No significant differences in the neuropsychological test results or serum RAGE concentrations between the different RAGE genotypes or in the RAGE genotype frequencies between the MCI and control groups were identified (all p>0.05).

Conclusions

The RAGE pathway partially mediates AGE-induced MCI in diabetic patients. The serum AGE-P level may serve as a serum biomarker of MCI in these individuals, and sRAGE represents a predictor and even a potential intervention target of early cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes patients.

Trial registration

Advanced Glycation End Products Induced Cognitive Impairment in Diabetes: BDNF Signal Meditated Hippocampal Neurogenesis ChiCTR-OCC-15006060     

White Matter Changes in Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Detected by Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Compared to normal aging adults, individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) have significantly increased risk for progressing into Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Autopsy studies found that most of the brains of aMCI cases showed anatomical features associated with AD pathology. The recent development of non-invasive neuroimaging technique, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), makes it possible to investigate the microstructures of the cerebral white matter in vivo. We hypothesized that disrupted white matter (WM) integrity existed in aMCI. So we used DTI technique, by measuring fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), to test the brain structures involved in patients with aMCI. DTI scans were collected from 40 patients with aMCI, and 28 normal controls (NC). Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analyses of whole-brain FA and MD images in each individual and group comparisons were carried out. Compared to NC, aMCI patients showed significant FA reduction bilaterally, in the association and projection fibers of frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, corpus callosum, bilateral corona radiation, right posterior thalamic radiation and right sagittal stratum. aMCI patients also showed significantly increased MD widespreadly in the association and projection fibers of frontal, parietal and temporal lobes, and corpus callosum. Assessment of the WM integrity of the frontal, parietal, temporal lobes, and corpus callosum by using DTI measures may aid early diagnosis of aMCI.     

Cognitive Behavioral Performance of Untreated Depressed Patients with Mild Depressive Symptoms

This study evaluated the working memory performance of 18 patients experiencing their first onset of mild depression without treatment and 18 healthy matched controls. The results demonstrated that working memory impairment in patients with mild depression occurred when memorizing the position of a picture but not when memorizing the pictures themselves. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the emotional impact on the working memory, indicating that the attenuation of spatial working memory was not affected by negative emotion; however, cognitive control selectively affected spatial working memory. In addition, the accuracy of spatial working memory in the depressed patients was not significantly reduced, but the reaction time was significantly extended compared with the healthy controls. This finding indicated that there was no damage to memory encoding and function maintenance in the patients but rather only impaired memory retrieval, suggesting that the extent of damage to the working memory system and cognitive control abilities was associated with the corresponding depressive symptoms. The development of mild to severe depressive symptoms may be accompanied by spatial working memory damage from the impaired memory retrieval function extending to memory encoding and memory retention impairments. In addition, the impaired cognitive control began with an inadequate capacity to automatically process internal negative emotions and further extended to impairment of the ability to regulate and suppress external emotions. The results of the mood-congruent study showed that the memory of patients with mild symptoms of depression was associated with a mood-congruent memory effect, demonstrating that mood-congruent memory was a typical feature of depression, regardless of the severity of depression. This study provided important information for understanding the development of cognitive dysfunction.     

老年轻度认知障碍患者生活高危因素探讨

目的:探讨生活高危因素对老年轻度认知障碍的影响。方法:应用简明精神状态量表(MMSE)、蒙特利尔认知测验量表(MoCA)、临床痴呆评定量表(CDR)和生活高危因素量表对219例老年人进行调查,分析生活高危因素对老年轻度认知障碍的影响。结果:女性患MCI风险高于男性(P=0.03);文盲组患MCI风险高于小学组,小学组高于初中及以上组(P=0.00);农民组患MCI风险高于工人组,工人组高于管理人员组(P=0.01);农村居民患MCI风险高于城市居民(P=0.01);运动影响MCI发病,不运动组患MCI风险高于运动组(P=0.00),运动频率<4次/周高于运动频率≥4次/周(P=0.00),运动年数≤10年组高于运动>10年组(P=0.01);业余爱好影响MCI发病,无业余爱好组患MCI风险高于有业余爱好组(P=0.00),业余爱好史≤10年组高于业余爱好史>10组(P=0.00)。不同年龄的老年人其MCI发病风险无统计学差异(P>0.05);吸烟、饮酒、喝茶等不同年数及频率的老年人其MCI发病风险无统计学差异(P>0.05);是否午休及不同午休频率和不同每晚睡眠时间的老年人其MCI发病风险无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:性别、教育程度、职业、居住地、运动时间及频率、业余爱好时间等因素与老年MCI发病有关。     

老年轻度认知障碍患者生活高危因素探讨

目的：探讨生活高危因素对老年轻度认知障碍的影响。方法：应用简明精神状态量表（MMSE）、蒙特利尔认知测验量表（MoCA）、临床痴呆评定量表（CDR）和生活高危因素量表对219例老年人进行调查,分析生活高危因素对老年轻度认知障碍的影响。结果：女性患MCI风险高于男性（P=0．03）;文盲组患MCI风险高于小学组,小学组高于初中及以上组（P=0．00）;农民组患MCI风险高于工人组,工人组高于管理人员组（P=O．01）;农村居民患MCI风险高于城市居民（P=O．01）;运动影响MCI发病,不运动组患McI风险高于运动组（P=0．00）,运动频率〈4次／周高于运动频率≥4次／周（P=0．00）,运动年数≤10年组高于运动〉10年组（P=O．01）;业余爱好影响MCI发病,无业余爱好组患MCI风险高于有业余爱好组（P=O．00）,业余爱好史≤10年组高于业余爱好史〉10组（P=O.00）。不同年龄的老年人其MCI发病风险无统计学差异（P〉O．05）;吸烟、饮酒、喝茶等不同年数及频率的老年人其MCI发病风险无统计学差异（P〉0．05）;是否午休及不同午休频率和不同每晚睡眠时间的老年人其MCI发病风险无统计学差异俨（〉O．05）。结论：性别、教育程度、职业、居住地、运动时间及频率、业余爱好时问等因素与老年MCI发病有关。     

Predicting Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Dementia Using Clinical,MRI, and Plasma Biomarkers via Probabilistic Pattern Classification

Background

Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have a substantially increased risk of developing dementia due to Alzheimer''s disease (AD). In this study, we developed a multivariate prognostic model for predicting MCI-to-dementia progression at the individual patient level.

Methods

Using baseline data from 259 MCI patients and a probabilistic, kernel-based pattern classification approach, we trained a classifier to distinguish between patients who progressed to AD-type dementia (n = 139) and those who did not (n = 120) during a three-year follow-up period. More than 750 variables across four data sources were considered as potential predictors of progression. These data sources included risk factors, cognitive and functional assessments, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, and plasma proteomic data. Predictive utility was assessed using a rigorous cross-validation framework.

Results

Cognitive and functional markers were most predictive of progression, while plasma proteomic markers had limited predictive utility. The best performing model incorporated a combination of cognitive/functional markers and morphometric MRI measures and predicted progression with 80% accuracy (83% sensitivity, 76% specificity, AUC = 0.87). Predictors of progression included scores on the Alzheimer''s Disease Assessment Scale, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and Functional Activities Questionnaire, as well as volume/cortical thickness of three brain regions (left hippocampus, middle temporal gyrus, and inferior parietal cortex). Calibration analysis revealed that the model is capable of generating probabilistic predictions that reliably reflect the actual risk of progression. Finally, we found that the predictive accuracy of the model varied with patient demographic, genetic, and clinical characteristics and could be further improved by taking into account the confidence of the predictions.

Conclusions

We developed an accurate prognostic model for predicting MCI-to-dementia progression over a three-year period. The model utilizes widely available, cost-effective, non-invasive markers and can be used to improve patient selection in clinical trials and identify high-risk MCI patients for early treatment.     

Application and Revision of Montreal Cognitive Assessment in China's Military Retirees with Mild Cognitive Impairment

ObjectiveIn an effort to accommodate MOCA to better fit for the Chinese context, this study was designed to employ the MOCA criteria to screen mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and analyze associated risk factors in military retirees.MethodsThree hundred and four retired military cadres were recruited using a random cluster sampling technique with information collected including personal, prevalence, MOCA scale, and related neuropsychiatry scale. Thirty retirees were randomly chosen to be further analyzed one month later using the revised MOCA scale.Results①Our data indicated an incidence rate of 64.8% for mild cognitive impairment in retired military cadres. The incidence rate for MCI was significantly higher in those aged 80 or above compared with those 80 years of age or younger (P<0.05). The incidence rate of MCI was significantly higher in those with fewer than 6 years of education compared with those with over 7 years of education (P<0.05). The MCI incidence was higher for those with little exercise than those taking regular exercise (P<0.01). Moreover, the MCI incidence was higher in stroke patients than those who never had a stroke episode (P<0.05). ②There was a significant correlation between MOCA and MMSE scale scores (r = 0.81). MOCA scale scores were negatively correlated with ADL and CES-D scores (although not PSQI scores). ③ MOCA recension Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.862. The related coefficient of MOCA and MOCA recension was 0.878(P<0.01). When the Score of cut-off -point of the MOCA recension was 28, the area in ROC curve analyses was 0.859, as well as the largest area.ConclusionRetired cadres exhibited a greater incidence of MCI (than general population), which was closely associated with age, level of education and physical exercise and cerebral apoplexy. Revised MOCA scale displays a better validity and reaction degree of reliability and is more suitable for screening and diagnosis of MCI in the elderly in China.     

A Clinical Index to Predict Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia Due to Alzheimer's Disease

Background

Mild cognitive impairment is often a precursor to dementia due to Alzheimer''s disease, but many patients with mild cognitive impairment never develop dementia. New diagnostic criteria may lead to more patients receiving a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment.

Objective

To develop a prediction index for the 3-year risk of progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia relying only on information that can be readily obtained in most clinical settings.

Design and Participants

382 participants diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment enrolled in the Alzheimer''s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), a multi-site, longitudinal, observational study.

Main Predictors Measures

Demographics, comorbid conditions, caregiver report of participant symptoms and function, and participant performance on individual items from basic neuropsychological scales.

Main Outcome Measure

Progression to probable Alzheimer''s disease.

Key Results

Subjects had a mean (SD) age of 75 (7) years and 43% progressed to probable Alzheimer''s disease within 3 years. Important independent predictors of progression included being female, resisting help, becoming upset when separated from caregiver, difficulty shopping alone, forgetting appointments, number of words recalled from a 10-word list, orientation and difficulty drawing a clock. The final point score could range from 0 to 16 (mean [SD]: 4.2 [2.9]). The optimism-corrected Harrell''s c-statistic was 0.71(95% CI: 0.68–0.75). Fourteen percent of subjects with low risk scores (0–2 points, n = 124) converted to probable Alzheimer''s disease over 3 years, compared to 51% of those with moderate risk scores (3–8 points, n = 223) and 91% of those with high risk scores (9–16 points, n = 35).

Conclusions

An index using factors that can be obtained in most clinical settings can predict progression from amnestic mild cognitive impairment to probable Alzheimer''s disease and may help clinicians differentiate between mild cognitive impairment patients at low vs. high risk of progression.     

Clinical Characteristics with an Impact on ADL Functions of PD Patients with Cognitive Impairment Indicative of Dementia

Background

Dementia in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is defined as cognitive decline severe enough to affect activities of daily living function (ADL). The aim of our exploratory study was to compare two groups of PD patients. Both groups had cognitive deficits severe enough to justify diagnosis of dementia, but they differed according to caregivers’ rating on ADL dysfunction. Parameters which differed between the two groups were interpreted to affect the caregivers’ perception of ADL dysfunction in PD patients with cognitive impairment indicative of Parkinson’s disease dementia.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Thirty of 131 Parkinson’s disease patients fulfilled the Movement Disorders Society Task Force – recommended, cognitive Level-I-criteria for dementia. According to standardized caregiver ratings, volunteers were grouped into 18 patients with (ADL-) and 12 without instrumental activities of daily living dysfunction (ADL+). Caregiver activities of daily living function ratings closely correlated with self-estimates of patients and those of physician (p<0.001). ADL- patients performed worse on tests assessing visual-construction (p<0.05) and attention (p=0.03) than ADL+ patients. Moreover, the postural instability and gait disorder subtype was more frequent in ADL- patients (p=0.009). ADL- patients tended to have more communication problems (p=0.05), more anxiety (p=0.05) and showed a tendency to be treated more often with neuroleptics (p=0.049) than ADL+.

Conclusions/Significance

Results indicate that worse attention, visual-construction abilities, the postural instability and gait disorder subtype, communication problems, medication and presence of anxiety are related to activities of daily living dysfunctions in Parkinson’s disease patients with cognitive decline indicative of dementia. Our data suggests that not only cognitive factors but also non-cognitive factors seem to be linked to the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease dementia associated with significant impact on instrumental activities of daily living function. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to verify our results.     

Mild Cognitive Impairment: Vascular Risk Factors in Community Elderly in Four Cities of Hebei Province,China

BackgroundEvidence has demonstrated that vascular risk factors (VRFs) contribute to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly population. Because of the race and different diagnosis standard, there is still no definitive conclusions.ObjectiveTo estimate the VRFs and potential protective factors for MCI in elderly population living in the community in North China.MethodsA total of 3136 participants entered the study. They were screened for hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Cognitive function was assessed with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The diagnosis of MCI was made according to Petersen’s criteria. We investigated the relationship between vascular risk factors, potential protective factors and MCI.ResultsA total of 2511 (80%) participant belonged to normal group and 625 (20%) participants showed MCI. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that stroke and diabetes, but not hypertension or CHD was associated with MCI. Besides, exercise habit could lower the risk of MCI.ConclusionsVascular Risk Factors, including stroke and diabetes, rather than hypertension and CHD are independent risk factors of MCI. Involvement in physical activities seems to reduce the risk of MCI.     

中青年2型糖尿病患者并发轻度认知功能障碍相关影响因素研究

摘要 目的：探究中青年2型糖尿病（T2DM）患者并发轻度认知功能障碍（MCI）的临床特点及相关影响因素。方法：选择2020年2月-2020年10月在上海交通大学医学院附属新华医院收治的中青年（18~60岁）T2DM患者,用蒙特利尔认知评估量表（MoCA）对患者进行认知功能测评,根据结果分为认知功能正常组（MoCA≥26分）和MCI组（MoCA＜26分）。收集两组患者的一般资料、生化指标以及认知功能量表得分进行两组比较,并采用Logistic回归分析中青年T2DM患者合并MCI的影响因素。结果：共收集161例中青年T2DM患者,其中认知功能正常者101例（62.73%）,MCI者60例（37.27%）。MCI组在视空间与执行能力、命名、注意、语言、抽象及延迟回忆各维度的异常率均高于认知功能正常组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,其中以延迟回忆受损（98.33%）最常见,其次为语言受损（90.00%）和抽象受损（81.67%）。两组年龄、受教育程度、糖尿病病程、糖化血红蛋白（HbA1c）比较,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;以认知功能障碍作为因变量进行Logistic回归分析结果显示,糖尿病病程、HbA1c为中青年T2DM患者并发认知功能障碍的危险因素,受教育程度则是保护因素。结论：中青年T2DM患者认知功能障碍发生率较高,且以延迟回忆受损较为常见,糖尿病病程长、血糖控制不佳的中青年T2DM患者尤其需要注意认知功能的筛查。     

非痴呆型血管性认知功能障碍的研究进展

随着血管性痴呆(vascular dementia,VD)的发病率逐年升高,我们对血管性痴呆的研究也不断深入。目前国内外学者主张根据疾病的发展阶段对VD进行划分,从而针对不同阶段病情的发展进行有效的治疗,以免延误最佳治疗时机。非痴呆型血管性认知功能障碍(vascular cognitive impairment no dementia,VCIND)是血管性痴呆的早期阶段,多发生在血管性认知损害之前或早期。在认知损害发生之前,血管性因素及脑血管疾病是唯一可去除的病因,并且能够成为延缓甚至逆转痴呆进展的干预靶点。因此,早期诊断并及时治疗血管性因素及脑血管疾病对于降低血管性痴呆的发病率,预防血管性认知障碍(vascular cognitive impairment,VCI)具有重要意义。本文对近年来VCIND的流行病学、神经心理学、影像学、预防和治疗的进展作一综述。     

A Mutual Self- and Informant-Report of Cognitive Complaint Correlates with Neuropathological Outcomes in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background

This study examines whether different sources of cognitive complaint (i.e., self and informant) predict Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology in elders with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

Data were drawn from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform and Neuropathology Datasets (observational studies) for participants with a clinical diagnosis of MCI and postmortem examination (n = 1843, 74±8 years, 52% female). Cognitive complaint (0.9±0.5 years prior to autopsy) was classified into four mutually exclusive groups: no complaint, self-only, informant-only, or mutual (both self and informant) complaint. Postmortem neuropathological outcomes included amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Proportional odds regression related complaint to neuropathology, adjusting for age, sex, race, education, depressed mood, cognition, APOE4 status, and last clinical visit to death interval.

Results

Mutual complaint related to increased likelihood of meeting NIA/Reagan Institute (OR = 6.58, p = 0.004) and Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease criteria (OR = 5.82, p = 0.03), and increased neurofibrillary tangles (OR = 3.70, p = 0.03), neuritic plaques (OR = 3.52, p = 0.03), and diffuse plaques (OR = 4.35, p = 0.02). Informant-only and self-only complaint was not associated with any neuropathological outcome (all p-values>0.12).

Conclusions

In MCI, mutual cognitive complaint relates to AD pathology whereas self-only or informant-only complaint shows no relation to pathology. Findings support cognitive complaint as a marker of unhealthy brain aging and highlight the importance of obtaining informant corroboration to increase confidence of underlying pathological processes.