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Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria May 2022The field of neurodegenerative dementia genetics has advanced significantly over the past two decades, but there are still more to be discovered (such as the gene... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The field of neurodegenerative dementia genetics has advanced significantly over the past two decades, but there are still more to be discovered (such as the gene mutation in some familial forms of dementia).
OBJECTIVE
to provide a brief review of the most recent discoveries regarding monogenic dementia, and covering the most frequent genetic diseases that can cause dementia (neurodegenerative or not).
METHODS
a review of the literature will be carried out.
RESULTS
neurodegenerative dementias, vascular dementias and leukoencephalopathies caused by single pathogenic variants are presented.
CONCLUSION
The spectrum of clinical presentations for most of the genes discussed is wide, and hence genetic testing in clinic should try to cover as many genes as possible.
Topics: Dementia; Humans; Mutation
PubMed: 35976293
DOI: 10.1590/0004-282X-ANP-2022-S103 -
La Revue Du Praticien Jan 2021
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Dementia; Humans; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 34160961
DOI: No ID Found -
Environmental Research Nov 2023The ageing population has been steadily increasing worldwide, leading to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Environmental toxicants, particularly metals,... (Review)
Review
The ageing population has been steadily increasing worldwide, leading to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Environmental toxicants, particularly metals, have been identified as modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment. Continuous exposure to metals occurs mainly through dietary sources, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. However, imbalances in the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, have also been associated with dementia. A literature review was conducted to explore the potential role of metals in the development of cognitive decline and the most prevalent primary neurodegenerative dementias, as well as their interaction with the gut microbiota. High levels of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), while low selenium (Se) levels are linked to poor cognitive status. Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) is associated with elevated levels of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), but the role of copper (Cu) remains unclear. The relationship between metals and Lewy body dementia (LBD) requires further investigation. High aluminium (Al) exposure is associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and elevated selenium (Se) levels may be linked to its onset. Challenges in comparing studies arise from the heterogeneity of metal analysis matrices and analytical techniques, as well as the limitations of small study cohorts. More research is needed to understand the influence of metals on cognition through the gut microbiota (GMB) and its potential relevance in the development of these diseases.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Dementia; Copper; Selenium; Parkinson Disease; Metals; Alzheimer Disease; Cognitive Dysfunction; Iron
PubMed: 37487923
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116722 -
Seminars in Nuclear Medicine May 2021Imaging has made an immense contribution toward supporting the diagnosis of dementias, detecting preclinical and prodromal pathology, and allowing disease progression to... (Review)
Review
Imaging has made an immense contribution toward supporting the diagnosis of dementias, detecting preclinical and prodromal pathology, and allowing disease progression to be objectively tracked. This has led to consensus guidelines for the use of imaging in dementias to be published and a future task will be to validate these guidelines. Additionally, there needs to be standardised approaches over the use of binary thresholds when assigning an abnormality status. Other medical unmet needs include the need for specific imaging markers of (1) linear tau tangles, TDP-43 and alpha synuclein aggregates; (2) microglial phenotypes that throw light on the activity of these inflammatory cells; (3) activity of intracellular processes which normally act to clear misfolded proteins; (4) epigenetic activity which regulates gene expression. Future imaging studies are predicted to be active in all these areas. Finally, as safer and more effective immunotherapy and other protective strategies against the pathologies of dementias are developed and trialed, imaging will play a major future role in determining the efficacy of neuroprotective treatments and their mechanism of action to be examined.
Topics: Biomarkers; Dementia; Diagnostic Imaging; Disease Progression; Humans; tau Proteins
PubMed: 33353722
DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2020.12.001 -
Zhurnal Nevrologii I Psikhiatrii Imeni... 2019Accurate establishment of the etiology of rapidly progressive dementia is a difficult but very important task, since a number of diseases and conditions that can cause...
Accurate establishment of the etiology of rapidly progressive dementia is a difficult but very important task, since a number of diseases and conditions that can cause cognitive decline are potentially curable and can be completely reversible with proper diagnosis and timely treatment. While a delay in treatment can lead to severe residual deficiency or death. The article provides current data on the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, diagnosis and treatment of major diseases and pathological conditions that may cause rapidly progressive dementia.
Topics: Cognitive Dysfunction; Dementia; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Progression; Humans
PubMed: 31825394
DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201911909278 -
Innere Medizin (Heidelberg, Germany) Feb 2023The prevalence of dementia increases with age. In rare cases, people younger than 65 years old are also affected, with substantial consequences for the professional... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of dementia increases with age. In rare cases, people younger than 65 years old are also affected, with substantial consequences for the professional life. The symptoms depend on the form of dementia and can vary individually. Impairment of short-term memory is not always in the foreground and other neurocognitive domains, such as the disturbance of executive functions can have a significant impact on the ability to cope with everyday life. Pathophysiologically, neurodegenerative dementias with the major forms of Alzheimer's dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are distinguished from vascular dementias. Mixed forms are common. There is no curative treatment, but progression can be slowed by nonpharmacological measures and, especially in Alzheimer's dementia, by pharmacological treatment. Appropriate measures can promote independence and autonomy for as long as possible; however, in the course of the disease restrictions in the extended activities of independent living will initially occur, such as banking transactions, use of means of transport and, in the further course, also in the basic activities of daily living. Legal capacity and the ability to consent to health interventions are restricted sooner or later; however, this must always be evaluated for the specific situation and is not generally the case with the diagnosis of dementia. Instruments such as living wills, identification of a health care proxy, and advanced care planning should be used at an early stage. To decrease family caregiver burden with the increased risk of developing depression, supportive, accompanying measures and education are of great importance.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Alzheimer Disease; Activities of Daily Living; Lewy Body Disease; Caregivers; Frontotemporal Dementia
PubMed: 36692517
DOI: 10.1007/s00108-022-01462-1 -
Revista de Investigacion Clinica;... 2016The most common dementias such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are associated with a decline in cognitive and... (Review)
Review
The most common dementias such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are associated with a decline in cognitive and social abilities. Although the molecular mechanisms of tissue damage in these dementias are not completely understood, these neurodegenerative illnesses share certain alterations such as neuroinflammation and gliosis. Increasing evidence suggests that microgliosis and astrogliosis play a key role in neuroinflammation observed in these dementias. Here we provide an overview of the participation of microglia and astrocytes in the neuroinflammatory response in common dementias.
Topics: Aged; Astrocytes; Cognition Disorders; Dementia; Humans; Inflammation; Microglia; Neurodegenerative Diseases
PubMed: 27028176
DOI: No ID Found -
Current Neuropharmacology 2021Dementia is a collection of symptoms affecting a person's cognition. Dementia is debilitating, and therefore, finding an effective treatment is of utmost importance.... (Review)
Review
Dementia is a collection of symptoms affecting a person's cognition. Dementia is debilitating, and therefore, finding an effective treatment is of utmost importance. Resveratrol, which exhibits neuroprotective effects, has low bioavailability. However, its glucoside polydatin is more bioavailable. Here, the evidence that supports the protective role of polydatin against dementia- related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, alcohol-related dementia, and Lewy body dementias is presented. The beneficial effects of polydatin from a mechanistic perspective are specifically emphasized in this review. Future directions in this area of research are also discussed.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Dementia; Glucosides; Humans; Lewy Body Disease; Stilbenes
PubMed: 32525774
DOI: 10.2174/1570159X18666200611144825 -
Internal Medicine Journal Jul 2016Young onset dementia (YOD), where symptoms of dementia have an onset before the age of 65, has become more prominent due to the population increase from the Baby Boomer...
Young onset dementia (YOD), where symptoms of dementia have an onset before the age of 65, has become more prominent due to the population increase from the Baby Boomer generation. This clinical perspective examines key issues in the assessment, diagnosis and management of YOD. Challenges in the assessment and diagnosis of YOD are partly due to the diverse range of types of YOD, where degenerative dementias are less common and secondary dementias more common than in late onset dementia. Early symptoms are broad and include depression, behavioural change, neurological disorders, systemic disorders and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Perceived diagnostic delay may result in frustration and distress in people with YOD and their families. Chronic depression and MCI are associated with longer time to diagnosis, and in these situations, clinicians need to establish appropriate review processes and communicate clearly. A diagnosis of YOD may have marked consequences for a younger person, including early retirement, financial impacts and the psychological challenge of coming to grips with cognitive decline. Partners, children and other supporters often have unmet needs, feel burdened by care and are at high risk of physical and emotional consequences. Concerns about the heritability of dementia may add to family distress. Recent community service developments in Australia for YOD are outlined and the challenges of residential care described.
Topics: Adult; Age of Onset; Australia; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cost of Illness; Delayed Diagnosis; Dementia; Depression; Humans; Middle Aged; Needs Assessment; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 27405890
DOI: 10.1111/imj.13099 -
Revista de Neurologia May 2018Virtual reality technology was first used in the treatment of psychological disorders in 1994. Since then, its application has aroused the interest of clinicians and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Virtual reality technology was first used in the treatment of psychological disorders in 1994. Since then, its application has aroused the interest of clinicians and researchers, and it has become a potential tool for use in psychological evaluation and neurorehabilitation.
AIM
To review the different studies that have been published on the treatment of dementias in which virtual reality has been used, with the aim of evaluating its efficacy.
DEVELOPMENT
A search was conducted over the last 10 years (2007-2017) in different databases (PubMed, PsycINFO and Dialnet), as well as in Google Scholar. Few studies were found and, judging by the results that were obtained, they cannot be said to be conclusive, although they do offer certain evidence suggesting that virtual reality is a promising field for intervention in persons with dementia.
CONCLUSIONS
Virtual reality is a growing and very promising area for psychological intervention in general, and more particularly for the treatment of dementia. It seems to enjoy a very favourable acceptance among persons suffering from dementia. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the new technologies as a tool rather than as a substitute for the therapist. Likewise, there is a need for more rigorous and systematic research that determines the efficacy of this kind of intervention.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dementia; Humans; Memory Disorders; Neuronal Plasticity; Psychomotor Performance; Therapy, Computer-Assisted; Treatment Outcome; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 29749595
DOI: No ID Found