scholarly journals The Relationship between Serum Endocan Levels and Depression in Alzheimer’s Disease

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung Hee Yoon ◽  
So Yeon Kim ◽  
Yoo Sun Moon ◽  
Daeyoung Roh ◽  
Sang Kyu Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Korean Version ◽  
State Examination

Objectives. Growing evidence suggests that angiogenic vascular factors may be involved in the pathogenic mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and recently endocan has been proposed as an angiogenic biomarker. The aim of this study was to measure serum endocan levels according to the presence of depression in AD and to investigate the association among the serum endocan levels, cognitive function, and depression in these patients.Methods. Serum endocan levels were measured in 26 AD patients with depression, 29 AD patients without depression, and 29 healthy controls using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The Mini-Mental State Examination-Korean version (MMSE-KC) and the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (SGDS-K) were used to evaluate cognitive function and depressive symptoms, respectively.Results. Serum endocan levels were significantly lower in AD patients with depression than in AD patients without depression or healthy controls. Serum endocan levels were negatively correlated with SGDS-K scores but not with MMSE-KC scores in AD patients.Conclusions. This study suggests that serum endocan levels might be associated with depression in AD. Future studies are needed to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms or the role of endocan in AD with depression.

scholarly journals The Effect of Depression on Serum VEGF Level in Alzheimer’s Disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
JaeHoon Jung ◽  
SoYeon Kim ◽  
KyungHee Yoon ◽  
YooSun Moon ◽  
Daeyoung Roh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Clinical Dementia Rating ◽  
Korean Version ◽  
Mini Mental Status Examination

Objective. Growing evidence suggests that angiogenesis might represent a new pathogenic mechanism involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Among angiogenic cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in AD patients have been evaluated, but the results are controversial among studies. We investigated serum levels of VEGF in AD patients with depression, AD patients without depression, and the controls, respectively. The aim of this study is to elucidate the relationship between VEGF, depression, and cognitive impairment in AD.Methods. The CDR (Clinical Dementia Rating), MMSE-KC (the Mini-Mental Status Examination-Korean version), and SGDS-K (the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form) were measured in the subjects. Serum VEGF levels were measured in 24 AD patients with depression, 25 AD patients without depression, and 26 controls, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.Results. Serum VEGF levels in AD patients with depression were significantly higher than AD patients without depression or the control. A correlation was observed between VEGF and scores on SGDS-K, but no correlation was detected between VEGF and MMSE-KC scores.Conclusion. Serum VEGF levels in AD patients with depression were higher than those without depression. Depression might be associated with changes in serum levels of VEGF in AD patients.

scholarly journals Rivastigmine improves dual-task gait velocity in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideki Shimura ◽  
Saiko Aiba ◽  
Akito Hayashi ◽  
Nobutaka Hattori ◽  
Takao Urabe
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Gait Velocity ◽  
Single Task ◽  
Fast Pace ◽  
State Examination

Abstract Background Gait impairments are common in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat the symptoms of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, but they have not been shown to reduce Alzheimer’s disease-related gait disorders.Methods The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine on gait in 21 newly diagnosed patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The outcome variables were velocity, stride length, and cadence during single-task and dual-task gait trials. The subjects were also assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living, Functional Assessment Staging, and Geriatric Depression Scale.Results After 12 weeks of treatment with rivastigmine, gait velocity was significantly improved in dual-task gait trials; gait velocity was increased from 40.59 ± 13.59 m/min at baseline to 46.88 ± 12.73 m/min when counting backward from 100 in steps of 7 while walking, and gait velocity was increased from 37.06 ± 15.57 m/min at baseline to 42.03 ± 14.02 m/min when naming animals while walking. In the single-task gait trials, which consisted only of walking at their usual pace or at a fast pace, gait velocity was not increased by rivastigmine administration.Conclusion Our findings indicated that rivastigmine improved gait in subjects with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The observed enhancement of dual-task gait might be caused by an improvement of cognitive function rather than motor function.

scholarly journals Value of Neuropsychological Tests to Identify Patients with Depressive Symptoms on the Alzheimer’s Disease Continuum

2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 819-826
Author(s):  
Felix Menne ◽  
Carola Gertrud Schipke ◽  
Arne Klostermann ◽  
Manuel Fuentes-Casañ ◽  
Silka Dawn Freiesleben ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Neuropsychological Tests ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Csf Biomarkers

Background: Depressive symptoms often co-occur with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and can impact neuropsychological test results. In early stages of AD, disentangling cognitive impairments due to depression from those due to neurodegeneration often poses a challenge. Objective: We aimed to identify neuropsychological tests able to detect AD-typical pathology while taking into account varying degrees of depressive symptoms. Methods: A battery of neuropsychological tests (CERAD-NP) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were assessed, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers were obtained. After stratifying patients into CSF positive or negative and into low, moderate, or high GDS score groups, sensitivity and specificity and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for each subtest. Results: 497 participants were included in the analyses. In patients with low GDS scores (≤10), the highest AUC (0.72) was achieved by Mini-Mental State Examination, followed by Constructional Praxis Recall and Wordlist Total Recall (AUC = 0.714, both). In patients with moderate (11–20) and high (≥21) GDS scores, Trail Making Test-B (TMT-B) revealed the highest AUCs with 0.77 and 0.82, respectively. Conclusion: Neuropsychological tests showing AD-typical pathology in participants with low GDS scores are in-line with previous results. In patients with higher GDS scores, TMT-B showed the best discrimination. This indicates the need to focus on executive function rather than on memory task results in depressed patients to explore a risk for AD.

scholarly journals Do age and education predict performance of older adults on the d2 Test?

Psico ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Luis Henrique Paloski ◽  
Adriano Medeiros da Cunha ◽  
Camila Rosa de Oliveira ◽  
Marianne Farina ◽  
Valéria Gonzatti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Partial Correlations ◽  
State Examination ◽  
One Way Anova

The objective of this study was to investigate the association of age and education in the performance of cognitively preserved older adults in the d2 Sustained-Attention Test, and to compare the results of different age groups and levels of schooling in this instrument. The sample was composed of 211 adults, 60 years of age or older, who were not institutionalized, and who completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini Mental State Examination, the Geriatric Depression Scale (short form), and the d2 Test. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, partial correlations, multiple linear regression and one-way ANOVA. The results of partial correlations and multiple linear regression showed that age and years of schooling demonstrated significant associations with all d2 Test scores, with age being the predictive variable that showed the greatest influence on the performance of the older adults. Comparison of performance in the d2 Test among the six groups according to the distribution by age group (60-69 years and 70 years or more) and by levels of schooling (primary, secondary and higher) showed that younger adults with a higher level of schooling scored better on the d2 Test, suggesting the need for normative data studies for this population.***Idade e escolaridade são preditoras de desempenho de adultos idosos no Teste d2?***O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação da idade e da escolaridade com o desempenho de idosos cognitivamente preservados no Teste d2 de Atenção Concentrada, além de comparar os resultados de diferentes grupos etários e de níveis de escolaridade nesse instrumento. Participaram 211 adultos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, não institucionalizados, que responderam a uma ficha de dados sociodemográficos, ao Mini Exame do Estado Mental, à Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (versão reduzida), e ao Teste d2. A análise dos dados foi conduzida por meio de estatística descritiva, correlações parciais, regressão linear múltipla e ANOVA de uma via (one-way ANOVA). Os resultados das correlações parciais e da regressão linear múltipla revelaram que a idade e os anos de escolaridade demonstraram associações significativas com todos os escores do Teste d2, sendo a idade a variável preditora que demonstrou maior influência no desempenho dos idosos. A comparação de desempenho no teste d2 entre os seis grupos conforme distribuição por faixa etária (60-69 anos e 70 anos ou mais) e por níveis de escolaridade (fundamental, médio e superior) demonstrou que os idosos mais jovens e com maior nível de escolaridade apresentam melhores pontuações no Teste d2, sugerindo a necessidade de estudos de dados normativos para essa população.

scholarly journals Kihito, a Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine, Improves Cognitive Function in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidetoshi Watari ◽  
Yutaka Shimada ◽  
Mie Matsui ◽  
Chihiro Tohda
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Mini Mental State Examination ◽  
Mmse Score ◽  
Photon Emission ◽  
Emission Computed Tomography ◽  
State Examination

Background and Aims. We previously reported that the administration of traditional Japanese medicines, kihito (Gui-Pi-Tang in Chinese) and kamikihito (Jia-Wei-Gui-Pi-Tang in Chinese), to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice improved memory impairment. There are a few reports that show kihito and kamikihito have a beneficial effect on the cognitive function of AD patients in clinical studies. However, these studies are not comparative and are retrospective studies; thus, more evidence is needed. Therefore, we conducted an open-label, crossover designed clinical trial to investigate the effect of kihito on cognitive function of AD patients. Methods. The inclusion criteria for eligible patients were as follows: (1) imaging diagnosis (magnetic resonance imaging and single-photon emission computed tomography) of AD, (2) a treatment regimen including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), and (3) a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥15. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) change in ChEI dosage, (2) memantine usage, and (3) MMSE score < 15. To prevent bias in age and baseline cognitive function, patients were divided into two groups: the first group received 2.5 g of kihito extract 3 times/day during the first half of the study (weeks 0-16) and the second group received the same dose of kihito during the second half of the study (weeks 17-32). ChEI dosage did not change during the study period. Patients underwent a cognitive function test during weeks 0, 16, and 32. Cognitive function was evaluated by Japanese versions of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-J) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS-J) test. Results. Ten patients completed the clinical trial (4 males, 6 females, average age 71.7 years). MMSE-J scores significantly increased during the kihito intake period. RBANS-J test scores had a slight improvement during the kihito intake period compared with the ChEI alone treatment period, but no significant changes were observed. Conclusion. Kihito improves cognitive function in AD patients.

scholarly journals Awareness of the COVID-19 Outbreak and Resultant Depressive Tendencies in Patients with Severe Alzheimer’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 539-541
Author(s):  
Akito Tsugawa ◽  
Shu Sakurai ◽  
Yuta Inagawa ◽  
Daisuke Hirose ◽  
Yoshitsugu Kaneko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Recognition Rate ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Geriatric Depression ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Current Events

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has substantially affected patients with dementia and their caregivers. However, we found not all Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients were afraid of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, we investigated the association between rate of awareness of COVID-19 and depressive tendency in AD. 126 consecutive outpatients with AD were enrolled in this study from May 25, on the day when the declaration of emergency was lifted in Japan, through June 30, 2020. In addition to routine psychological tests, the participants were asked the following two questions: “Do you know COVID-19?” and “Why are you wearing a face mask?”. Moderate to severe AD patients were found to have a low COVID-19 recognition rate and did not fully understand why they were wearing face masks. In addition, because they did not understand the seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak, their Geriatric Depression Scale scores were also substantially lower. These results may appear to simply indicate that people with severe dementia are unaware of current events. However, these results provide insights into how to care for patients with dementia and how to allocate the time and support of our limited staff during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Music Training Improves Depressed Mood Symptoms in Elderly People: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Biasutti ◽  
Anthony Mangiacotti
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Depressed Mood ◽  
Mini Mental State Examination ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Geriatric Depression ◽  
Music Training ◽  
State Examination

The effectiveness of music training on depressed mood and general cognitive function in elderly participants is verified in this study. Music activities consisted of improvisation exercises for stimulating interpersonal skills, mood, and cognitive functions. A mixed research method was adopted, including standardized measures (Mini-Mental State Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale) and follow-up semistructured interviews. The research design included pre- and postevaluation with randomized experimental and control groups. Participants were 45 care residents aged 62 to 95, healthy and with cognitive impairment. Results revealed a significant improvement in depression index (Geriatric Depression Scale) for the experimental period ( t = 1.450; p < .005; d = 0.453) while the control group had no improvement ( t = 0.080; p > .1; d = 0.025). In addition, a significant improvement was found in the cognitive level (Mini-Mental State Examination) for the experimental ( t = 2.300; p < .005; d =  0.668) than the control group that had a significant reduction ( t = 1.240; p < .05; d = 0.273). This study provides evidence that music training has a positive impact on depressed mood and general cognitive function in elderly participants. These types of music training sessions could provide aid to control the symptoms of depression, delay the deterioration of cognitive function, and enhance social–cognitive function, especially in individuals presenting with cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals Neurogranin and BACE1 in CSF as Potential Biomarkers Differentiating Depression with Cognitive Deficits from Early Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carola G. Schipke ◽  
Ann De Vos ◽  
Manuel Fuentes ◽  
Dirk Jacobs ◽  
Eugeen Vanmechelen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Csf Biomarkers ◽  
Postsynaptic Protein ◽  
Depressive Symptom Severity ◽  
Early Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
T Tau

Background/Aims: Major depressive disorder (MDD) can cooccur with early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or may cause memory problems independently of AD. Previous studies have suggested that the AD-related cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers tau and Aβ(1–42) could help discriminate between early AD and depression unrelated to AD. Moreover, the postsynaptic protein neurogranin and presynaptic BACE1 have increasingly gained attention as potential new AD biomarkers, but they have not yet been investigated concerning depression. Methods: Using ELISAs, we studied CSF neurogranin and BACE1 levels in patients with mild (n = 21) and moderate (n = 19) AD, as well as in MDD patients with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) cognitive deficits. The clinical examinations included analyses of t-tau, Aβ(1–42), and Aβ(1–40), besides neuropsychological tests and cranial magnetic resonance imaging. Depressive symptom severity was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: Along with classic AD biomarkers, neurogranin and BACE1 CSF levels differed between moderate AD and MDD (p ≤ 0.01). MDD associated with cognitive deficits was distinguished from mild AD through the CSF neurogranin/BACE1 ratio (p < 0.05), which was strongly correlated with GDS scores (ρ = –0.656; p < 0.01). Conclusion: The neurogranin/BACE1 ratio in CSF can distinguish between depression and AD among patients with similar cognitive deficits, along with the classic AD biomarkers. Further longitudinal studies are ongoing to identify which biomarkers have prognostic value.

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