National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-Canadian Stroke Network vascular cognitive impairment harmonization standards

Domain-specific neuropsychological investigation of CAA with and without intracerebral haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is associated with cognitive impairment, but the contributions of lobar intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), underlying diffuse vasculopathy, and neurodegeneration, remain uncertain. We investigated the domain-specific neuropsychological profile of CAA with and without ICH, and their associations with structural neuroimaging features.

METHODS

Data were collected from patients with possible or probable CAA attending a specialist outpatient clinic. Patients completed standardised neuropsychological assessment covering seven domains. MRI scans were scored for markers of cerebral small vessel disease and neurodegeneration. Patients were grouped into those with and without a macro-haemorrhage (CAA-ICH and CAA-non-ICH).

RESULTS

We included 77 participants (mean age 72, 65% male). 26/32 (81%) CAA-non-ICH patients and 41/45 (91%) CAA-ICH patients were impaired in at least one cognitive domain. Verbal IQ and non-verbal IQ were the most frequently impaired, followed by executive functions and processing speed. We found no significant differences in the frequency of impairment across domains between the two groups. Medial temporal atrophy was the imaging feature most consistently associated with cognitive impairment (both overall and in individual domains) in both univariable and multivariable analyses.

DISCUSSION

Cognitive impairment is common in CAA, even in the absence of ICH, suggesting a key role for diffuse processes related to small vessel disease and/or neurodegeneration. Our findings indicate that neurodegeneration, possibly due to co-existing Alzheimer's disease pathology, may be the most important contributor. The observation that general intelligence is the most frequently affected domain suggests that CAA has a generalised rather than focal cognitive impact.

Measurement of resistance-area product by transcranial Doppler: An alternative tool for cognitive screening in hypertensive on drug treatment?

Introduction

Arterial hypertrophy and remodeling are adaptive responses present in systemic arterial hypertension that can result in silent ischemia and neurodegeneration, compromising brain connections and cognitive performance (CP). However, CP is affected differently over time, so traditional screening methods may become less sensitive in assessing certain cognitive domains. The study aimed to evaluate whether cerebrovascular hemodynamic parameters can serve as a tool for cognitive screening in hypertensive without clinically manifest cognitive decline.

Methods

Participants were allocated into groups: non-hypertensive (n = 30) [group 1], hypertensive with systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 140 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < 90 mmHg (n = 54) [group 2] and hypertensive with SBP ≥ 140 or DBP ≥ 90 (n = 31) [group 3]. Measurements of blood pressure and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity were obtained from digital plethysmography and transcranial Doppler. For the cognitive assessment, the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and a broad neuropsychological battery were applied.

Results

Patients in groups 2 and 3 show no significant differences in most of the clinical-epidemiological variables or pulsatility index (p = 0.361), however compared to group 1 and 2, patients in group 3 had greater resistance-area product [RAP] (1.7 [±0.7] vs. 1.2 [±0.2], p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between RAP, episodic memory (r = -0.277, p = 0.004) and cognitive processing speed (r = -0.319, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

RAP reflects the real cerebrovascular resistance, regardless of the direct action of antihypertensive on the microcirculation, and seems to be a potential alternative tool for cognitive screening in hypertensive.

Neuropsychological differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: a systematic review with meta-regressions

Introduction

Diagnostic classification systems and guidelines posit distinguishing patterns of impairment in Alzheimer's (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). In our study, we aim to identify which diagnostic instruments distinguish them.

Methods

We searched PubMed and PsychInfo for empirical studies published until December 2020, which investigated differences in cognitive, behavioral, psychiatric, and functional measures in patients older than 64 years and reported information on VaD subtype, age, education, dementia severity, and proportion of women. We systematically reviewed these studies and conducted Bayesian hierarchical meta-regressions to quantify the evidence for differences using the Bayes factor (BF). The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale and funnel plots.

Results

We identified 122 studies with 17,850 AD and 5,247 VaD patients. Methodological limitations of the included studies are low comparability of patient groups and an untransparent patient selection process. In the digit span backward task, AD patients were nine times more probable (BF = 9.38) to outperform VaD patients (β g = 0.33, 95% ETI = 0.12, 0.52). In the phonemic fluency task, AD patients outperformed subcortical VaD (sVaD) patients (β g = 0.51, 95% ETI = 0.22, 0.77, BF = 42.36). VaD patients, in contrast, outperformed AD patients in verbal (β g = -0.61, 95% ETI = -0.97, -0.26, BF = 22.71) and visual (β g = -0.85, 95% ETI = -1.29, -0.32, BF = 13.67) delayed recall. We found the greatest difference in verbal memory, showing that sVaD patients outperform AD patients (β g = -0.64, 95% ETI = -0.88, -0.36, BF = 72.97). Finally, AD patients performed worse than sVaD patients in recognition memory tasks (β g = -0.76, 95% ETI = -1.26, -0.26, BF = 11.50).

Conclusion

Our findings show inferior performance of AD in episodic memory and superior performance in working memory. We found little support for other differences proposed by diagnostic systems and diagnostic guidelines. The utility of cognitive, behavioral, psychiatric, and functional measures in differential diagnosis is limited and should be complemented by other information. Finally, we identify research areas and avenues, which could significantly improve the diagnostic value of cognitive measures.

Effects of asymptomatic cerebral artery stenosis of anterior circulation and establishment of collateral circulation on cognition

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate how cognition is affected by asymptomatic cerebral artery stenosis (CAS) of the anterior circulation and its related collateral circulation.

METHODS

102 patients with CAS of the anterior circulation and 52 controls were enrolled from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022. Patients with CAS of anterior circulation were further divided into different subgroups according to the degree of stenosis, cerebral perfusion, and collateral circulation. A series of neuropsychological scales were used to evaluate the participant's cognitive function, activities of daily living, and neuropsychiatric symptoms (such as memory, execution, psychomotor speed, etc.). The data were analyzed using T-test, F-test, chi-square test, rank sum test, and other statistical methods, moreover, the quantitative data were further examined for trends. The relationship between the degree of CAS, cerebral perfusion, collateral circulation, and the outcome of the cognitive test was investigated using Spearman correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, there were severe impairments of global cognition, psychomotor speed/execution, memory, attention, activities of daily living, and more neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with anterior circulation CAS (p < 0.05), and these impairments got worsened with the aggravation of CAS (p < 0.05). The global cognition, psychomotor speed / executive function, memory function, and daily living ability were impaired both in the cerebral perfusion-compensated group and decompensated group(p < 0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). With the aggravation of CAS, the proportion of poor collateral formation increased, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The degree of stenosis, cerebral perfusion, and collateral circulation establishment of anterior circulation CAS was correlated with global cognition, memory, psychomotor speed, execution, attention, activities of daily living, and neuropsychiatric symptoms (all p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Cognitive impairment and the percentage of inadequate collateral circulation development rise as stenosis progresses in patients with anterior circulation CAS. The decline in global cognitive function was accompanied by impairments in psychomotor speed / executive function, memory function, attention, and daily living skills, as well as the aggravation of neuropsychiatric symptoms, especially in patients with impaired cerebral perfusion and poor collateral circulation formation.

The relevance of the socio-emotional deficits in cerebral small vessels disease (CSVD): An exploratory study with sporadic CSVD and CADASIL patients

Background

Cerebral Small Vessels Disease (CSVD) is categorized in different forms, the most common being the sporadic form and a genetic variant - Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Amongst the most frequent clinical manifestations are the neuropsychological changes of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional nature, whose features are still under debate.

Objective

This exploratory study aimed to compare the neuropsychological profile of a sporadic CSVD sample and a CADASIL sample with an age, education, and gender matched control group, between the ages of 30-65 YO (total sample mean age=51.16; SD=4.31).

Methods

20 patients with sporadic CSVD, 20 patients with CADASIL and 20 matched controls completed a neuropsychological assessment battery. Global cognitive state, processing speed, working memory, attention, executive dysfunction, episodic memory, social cognition, impulsivity, apathy, alexithymia, depression, and anxiety were measured. White matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume were quantified and measured as lesion burden.

Results

The cognitive differences found between the clinical groups combined (after confirming no differences between the two clinical groups) and matched controls were restricted to speed processing scores (d = 0.32 95 % CI [.12-.47]). The socio-emotional and behavioral profile revealed significantly higher levels of depression (d = 0.21, 95 % CI [.16-.33]). and anxiety (d = 0.25 95 % CI [.19-.32]) in CADASIL and sporadic CSVD groups, and the same for the alexithymia score (d = 0.533 95 % CI [.32-.65]) were the clinical groups revealed impoverished emotional processing compared to controls. WMH only significantly correlated with the cognitive changes and age.

Conclusions

In our study, CADASIL and sporadic cSVD patients combined, present multiple emotional-behavioral symptoms - alexithymia, anxiety, depression, and in a lower extent apathy and impulsivity - suggesting for the presence of emotion dysregulation behaviors, present independently of age and of the presence of cognitive deficits. Despite of the small sample size that could underpower some findings, this exploratory research supported that these symptoms may have a significant impact in disease monitoring, progression, and prognosis, requiring further investigation regarding their neurophysiological substrates.

A mini-review on functional magnetic resonance imaging on brain structure of vascular cognitive impairment

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is the initial stage of vascular dementia (VaD). Early diagnosis and treatment of VCI are crucial to prevent the progression of VaD. In order to gain a better understanding of VCI, this study aimed to investigate the use of advanced imaging techniques such as structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). These techniques allow researchers to observe the structural and functional changes in the brain that are associated with VCI. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and sMRI techniques have been widely used in studies focusing on gray matter, brain networks, and functional abnormalities during rest. By searching and summarizing recent literature, this study has provided valuable evidence on the use of advanced imaging techniques in understanding and treating VCI. The findings from this study can aid in the development of early intervention strategies for patients with VCI, potentially slowing down or even halting the progression of VCI to full-blown VaD.

Bayesian modeling disentangles language versus executive control disruption in stroke

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Incurred brain damage disrupts cognition, often with persisting deficits in language and executive capacities. Despite their clinical relevance, the commonalities, and differences of language versus executive control impairments remain under-specified. We tailored a Bayesian hierarchical modeling solution in a largest-of-its-kind cohort (1080 stroke patients) to deconvolve language and executive control in the brain substrates of stroke insults. Four cognitive factors distinguished left- and right-hemispheric contributions to ischemic tissue lesion. One factor delineated language and general cognitive performance and was mainly associated with damage to left-hemispheric brain regions in the frontal and temporal cortex. A factor for executive control summarized control and visual-constructional abilities. This factor was strongly related to right-hemispheric brain damage of posterior regions in the occipital cortex. The interplay of language and executive control was reflected in two factors: executive speech functions and verbal memory. Impairments on both were mainly linked to left-hemispheric lesions. These findings shed light onto the causal implications of hemispheric specialization for cognition; and make steps towards subgroup-specific treatment protocols after stroke.

Association Between Postoperative Delirium and Long-Term Subjective Cognitive Decline in Older Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Secondary Analysis of the Minimizing Intensive Care Unit Neurological Dysfunction with Dexmedetomidine-Induced Sleep Trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate whether a measure of subjective cognitive decline (SCD), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Applied Cognition-Abilities questionnaire, was associated with postoperative delirium. It was hypothesized that delirium during the surgical hospitalization would be associated with a decrease in subjective cognition up to 6 months after cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis of data from the Minimizing Intensive Care Unit Neurological Dysfunction with Dexmedetomidine-induced Sleep randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm superiority trial.

SETTING

Data from patients recruited between March 2017 and February 2022 at a tertiary medical center in Boston, Massachusetts were analyzed in February 2023.

PARTICIPANTS

Data from 337 patients aged 60 years or older who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 30, 90, and 180 days using the subjective PROMIS Applied Cognition-Abilities and telephonic Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

Postoperative delirium occurred within 3 days in 39 participants (11.6%). After adjusting for baseline function, participants who developed postoperative delirium self-reported worse cognitive function (mean difference [MD] -2.64 [95% CI -5.25, -0.04]; p = 0.047) up to 180 days after surgery, as compared with nondelirious patients. This finding was consistent with those obtained from objective t-MoCA assessments (MD -0.77 [95% CI -1.49, -0.04]; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of older patients undergoing cardiac surgery, in-hospital delirium was associated with SCD up to 180 days after surgery. This finding suggested that measures of SCD may enable population-level insights into the burden of cognitive decline associated with postoperative delirium.

Stroke imaging modality for endovascular therapy in the extended window: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the extended time window, the guidelines recommend advanced imaging (ADVI) to select patients for endovascular therapy (EVT). However, questions remain regarding its availability and applicability in the real world. It is unclear whether an approach to the extended window EVT that does not use ADVI would be equivalent.

METHODS

In April 2022, a literature search was performed to identified randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies describing 90-day outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis of the proportion of aggregate using a random effect to estimate rates of functional independence, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2 at 90 days, mean mRS, mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) stratified by imaging modality.

RESULTS

Four RCTs and 28 observational studies were included. The pooled proportion of functional independence among patients selected by ADVI was 44% (95% CI 39% to 48%; I2=80%) and 48% (95% CI 41% to 55%; I2=75%) with non-contrast CT/CT angiography (NCCT/CTA) (p=0.36). Mean mRS with ADVI was 2.88 (95% CI 2.36 to 3.41; I2=0.0%) and 2.79 (95% CI 2.31 to 3.27; I2=0.0%) with NCCT (p=0.79). Mortality in patients selected by ADVI was 13% (95% CI 10% to 17%; I2=81%) and 16% (95% CI 12% to 22%; I2=69%) with NCCT (p=0.29). sICH with ADVI was 4% (95% CI 3% to 7%; I2=73%) and 6% with NCCT/CTA (95% CI 4% to 8%; I2=6%, p=0.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that, in anterior circulation LVO, the rates of functional independence may be similar when patients are selected using ADVI or NCCT for EVT in the extended time window. A simplified triage protocol does not seem to increase mortality or sICH. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021236092).

Prevalence and predictors of low folate levels among stroke survivors in a country without mandatory folate food fortification: Analysis of a Ghanaian sample

BACKGROUND

While additional folic acid (FA) treatment has a neutral effect on lowering overall vascular risk in countries that mandate FA fortification of food, meta-analytic data suggest that folate supplementation reduces stroke risk in certain patient subgroups, and among people living in countries without mandatory folate food fortification. However, the burden of folate deficiency among adults with stroke in the world's poorest continent is unknown.

PURPOSE

To assess the prevalence and predictors of folate deficiency among recent ischemic stroke survivors.

METHODS

We analyzed data among consecutively encountered ischemic stroke patients aged ≥18 years at a tertiary medical center in Kumasi, Ghana between 10/2020 - 08/2021. We identified a modest sample of stroke free adults to serve as a comparator group. Fasting serum folate was measured using a radioimmunoassay and a cut-off of 4ng/mL used to define folate deficiency. Factors associated with serum folate concentration were assessed using a multilinear regression model.

RESULTS

Comparing stroke cases (n = 116) with stroke-free comparators (n = 20), mean folate concentration was lower among stroke cases (7 ng/ml vs. 10.2 ng/ml, p = 0.004). Frequency of folate deficiency was higher among stroke cases vs. stroke-free controls (31% vs 5%, p = 0.02). Male sex (beta coefficient of -2.6 (95% CI: -4.2, -0.9) and LDL (β: -0.76; -1.4, -0.07) were significantly associated with serum folate concentration.

CONCLUSION

Almost one in three ischemic stroke survivors have folate deficiency potentially accentuating their risk for further adverse atherosclerotic events in a setting without folate fortification. A clinical trial of folate supplementation among stroke survivors is warranted.

Analysis of endothelial gene polymorphisms in Spanish patients with vascular dementia and Alzheimer´s disease

There is increasing evidence for the involvement of blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer´s disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, the role of endothelial function-related genes in these disorders remains unclear. We evaluated the association of four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (VEGF, VEGFR2 and NOS3) with diagnosis and rate of cognitive decline in AD and VaD in a Spanish case-control cohort (150 VaD, 147 AD and 150 controls). Participants carrying -604AA genotype in VEGFR2 (rs2071559) were less susceptible to VaD after multiple testing. Further analysis for VaD subtype revealed a significant difference between small-vessel VaD patients and controls, but not for large-vessel VaD patients. In addition, -2578A and -460C alleles in VEGF (rs699947 and rs833061) showed to decrease the risk of AD, whereas NOS3 (rs1799983) influenced disease progression. Our study supports previous findings of a deleterious effect of VEGFR2 reduced expression on small-vessel disease, but not on large-vessel disease; as well as a detrimental effect of down-regulating VEGF and eNOS in AD, affecting vascular permeability and neuronal survival. These data highlight the relevance of endothelial function and, therefore, BBB in both VaD and AD.

Placental growth factor as a sensitive biomarker for vascular cognitive impairment

INTRODUCTION

High-performing biomarkers measuring the vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia are lacking.

METHODS

Using a multi-site observational cohort study design, we examined the diagnostic accuracy of plasma placental growth factor (PlGF) within the MarkVCID Consortium (n = 335; CDR 0-1). Subjects underwent clinical evaluation, cognitive testing, MRI, and blood sampling as defined by Consortium protocols.

RESULTS

In the prospective population of 335 subjects (72.2 ± 7.8 years of age, 49.3% female), plasma PlGF (pg/mL) shows an ordinal odds ratio (OR) of 1.16 (1.07-1.25; P = .0003) for increasing Fazekas score and ordinal OR of 1.22 (1.14-1.32; P < .0001) for functional cognitive impairment measured by the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. We achieved the primary study outcome of a site-independent association of plasma PlGF (pg/mL) with white matter injury and cognitive impairment in two of three study cohorts. Secondary outcomes using the full MarkVCID cohort demonstrated that plasma PlGF can significantly discriminate individuals with Fazekas ≥ 2 and CDR = 0.5 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.74) and CDR = 1 (AUC = 0.89) from individuals with CDR = 0.

DISCUSSION

Plasma PlGF measured by standardized immunoassay functions as a stable, reliable, diagnostic biomarker for cognitive impairment associated with substantial white matter burden.

New horizons in cognitive and functional impairment as a consequence of cerebral small vessel disease

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is a frequent finding in imaging of the brain in older adults, especially in the concomitance of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Despite the well-established link between cSVD and (vascular) cognitive impairment (VCI), it remains uncertain how and when these vascular alterations lead to cognitive decline. The extent of acknowledged markers of cSVD is at best modestly associated with the severity of clinical symptoms, but technological advances increasingly allow to identify and quantify the extent and perhaps also the functional impact of cSVD more accurately. This will facilitate a more accurate diagnosis of VCI, against the backdrop of concomitant other neurodegenerative pathology, and help to identify persons with the greatest risk of cognitive and functional deterioration. In this study, we discuss how better assessment of cSVD using refined neuropsychological and comprehensive geriatric assessment as well as modern image analysis techniques may improve diagnosis and possibly the prognosis of VCI. Finally, we discuss new avenues in the treatment of cSVD and outline how these contemporary insights into cSVD can contribute to optimise screening and treatment strategies in older adults with cognitive impairment and multimorbidity.

Exploring the Effects of a Mediterranean Diet and Weight Loss on the Gut Microbiome and Cognitive Performance in Older, African American Obese Adults: A Post Hoc Analysis

African American adults have a higher prevalence of Alzheimer's dementia (AD) than non-Hispanic Whites. The impact of a Mediterranean Diet (Med Diet) and intentional weight loss (IWL) on the gut microbiome may alter AD risk. A post hoc analysis of the Building Research in Diet and Cognition (BRIDGE) trial was performed to determine whether participation in an 8-month Med Diet lifestyle intervention with (n = 35) or without IWL (n = 31) was associated with changes in gut microbiota structure, abundance, and function and whether these changes were related to changes in cognitive performance. The results showed that family and genus alpha diversity increased significantly in both groups combined (p = 0.0075 and p = 0.024, respectively). However, there were no other significant microbially related within- or between-group changes over time. Also, an increase in Med Diet adherence was significantly associated with a decrease in alpha diversity at the phylum level only (p = 0.049). Increasing alpha diversity was associated with decreasing cognitive performance, but this association was attenuated after controlling for Med Diet adherence. In sum, an 8-month Med Diet lifestyle intervention with or without IWL did not appreciably alter the gut microbiome.

A bibliometric analysis of cerebral microbleeds and cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are imaging markers for small cerebral vascular diseases, which can accumulate and impact the corresponding brain networks. CMBs can affect cognitive function, including executive function, information processing speed, and visuospatial memory. Bibliometrics is a scientific and innovative method that can analyze and visualize the scientific field quantitatively. In this study, we aimed to use bibliometric analysis to demonstrate the relationship and mechanisms between CMBs and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, we reviewed the relationship between CMBs and different cognitive disorders. The use of bibliometrics can help further clarify this relationship.

METHODS

We retrieved articles on CMBs and cognitive impairment from the Web of Science Core Collection. The keywords (such as stroke, dementia, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy), authors, countries, institutions and journals, in the field were visually analyzed using VOSviewer software and bibliometric websites.

RESULTS

This bibliometric analysis reveals the related trends of CMBs in the field of cognitive impairment. CMBs, along with other small vascular lesions, constitute the basis of cognitive impairment, and studying CMBs is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION

This bibliometric analysis reveals a strong link between CMBs and cognitive impairment-related diseases and that specific brain networks were affected by CMBs. This provides further insights into the possible mechanisms and causes of CMBs and cognitive impairment. The direct and indirect damage (such as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation) to the brain caused by CMBs, destruction of the frontal-subcortical circuits, elevated Cystatin C levels, and iron deposition are involved in the occurrence and development of cognitive impairment. CMBs may be a potential marker for detecting, quantifying, and predicting cognitive impairment.

Cytochrome P450-soluble epoxide hydrolase derived linoleic acid oxylipins and cognitive performance in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Disruptions in the cytochrome P450-soluble epoxide hydrolase (CYP450-sEH) pathway have been reported in T2DM, obesity and cognitive impairment. We examine linoleic acid (LA)-derived CYP450-sEH oxylipins and cognition in T2DM and explore potential differences between obese and nonobese individuals. The study included 51 obese and 57 nonobese participants (mean age 63.0 ± 9.9, 49% women) with T2DM. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop Color-Word Interference Test, FAS-Verbal Fluency Test, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, and Trails Making Test-Part B. Verbal memory was assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test, second Edition. Four LA-derived oxylipins were analyzed by ultra-high-pressure-LC/MS, and the 12,13-dihydroxyoctadecamonoenoic acid (12,13-DiHOME) considered the main species of interest. Models controlled for age, sex, BMI, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, diabetes duration, depression, hypertension, and education. The sEH-derived 12,13-DiHOME was associated with poorer executive function scores (F1,98 = 7.513, P = 0.007). The CYP450-derived 12(13)-epoxyoctadecamonoenoic acid (12(13)-EpOME) was associated with poorer executive function and verbal memory scores (F1,98 = 7.222, P = 0.008 and F1,98 = 4.621, P = 0.034, respectively). There were interactions between obesity and the 12,13-DiHOME/12(13)-EpOME ratio (F1,97 = 5.498, P = 0.021) and between obesity and 9(10)-epoxyoctadecamonoenoic acid (9(10)-EpOME) concentrations (F1,97 = 4.126, P = 0.045), predicting executive function such that relationships were stronger in obese individuals. These findings suggest that the CYP450-sEH pathway as a potential therapeutic target for cognitive decline in T2DM. For some markers, relationships may be obesity dependent.

Teleneuropsychology for vascular cognitive impairment: Which tools do we have?

The halt of clinical activities imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic forced clinicians to find alternative strategies to provide continuity of care and services, and led to a renewed interest in use of teleneuropsychology (TNP) to remotely assess patients. Recent TNP guidelines recommend maximizing the reproduction of standard in-person assessment, particularly through videoconferences. However, consistency of the adaptations of usual cognitive tests to videoconference needs further elucidation. This review aims at critical reviewing which cognitive tests could be recommended for a remote evaluation of patients with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) among those widely recognized as reference standards. Current evidence supports the use of global cognitive efficiency (MMSE and MoCA), verbal memory (Revised Hopkins Verbal Learning Test), and language tests (phonemic and semantic verbal fluencies, Boston Naming Test), while there is a lack of strong validity support for measures of visuospatial functions (Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure), and executive functioning and processing speed (Trail making Test, and Digit symbol or Symbol digit tests). This represents a major limitation in the evaluation of VCI because its cognitive profile in often characterized by attention and executive deficits. At present, a videoconference TNP visit appears useful for a brief evaluation of global cognitive efficiency, and to 'triage' patients towards a second level in person evaluation. In future, hybrid models of TNP based on data collected across multiple modalities, incorporating both adaptation of usual cognitive tools and new computerized tools in the supervised videoconference setting, are likely to become the best option for a comprehensive remote cognitive assessment.

White matter hyperintensities and smaller cortical thickness are associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms in neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases

BACKGROUND

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are a core feature of most neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. White matter hyperintensities and brain atrophy have been implicated in NPS. We aimed to investigate the relative contribution of white matter hyperintensities and cortical thickness to NPS in participants across neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases.

METHODS

Five hundred thirteen participants with one of these conditions, i.e. Alzheimer's Disease/Mild Cognitive Impairment, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Frontotemporal Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, or Cerebrovascular Disease, were included in the study. NPS were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory - Questionnaire and grouped into hyperactivity, psychotic, affective, and apathy subsyndromes. White matter hyperintensities were quantified using a semi-automatic segmentation technique and FreeSurfer cortical thickness was used to measure regional grey matter loss.

RESULTS

Although NPS were frequent across the five disease groups, participants with frontotemporal dementia had the highest frequency of hyperactivity, apathy, and affective subsyndromes compared to other groups, whilst psychotic subsyndrome was high in both frontotemporal dementia and Parkinson's disease. Results from univariate and multivariate results showed that various predictors were associated with neuropsychiatric subsyndromes, especially cortical thickness in the inferior frontal, cingulate, and insula regions, sex(female), global cognition, and basal ganglia-thalamus white matter hyperintensities.

CONCLUSIONS

In participants with neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases, our results suggest that smaller cortical thickness and white matter hyperintensity burden in several cortical-subcortical structures may contribute to the development of NPS. Further studies investigating the mechanisms that determine the progression of NPS in various neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases are needed.

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion: a critical feature in unravelling the etiology of vascular cognitive impairment

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) describes a wide spectrum of cognitive deficits related to cerebrovascular diseases. Although the loss of blood flow to cortical regions critically involved in cognitive processes must feature as the main driver of VCI, the underlying mechanisms and interactions with related disease processes remain to be fully elucidated. Recent clinical studies of cerebral blood flow measurements have supported the role of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) as a major driver of the vascular pathology and clinical manifestations of VCI. Here we review the pathophysiological mechanisms as well as neuropathological changes of CCH. Potential interventional strategies for VCI are also reviewed. A deeper understanding of how CCH can lead to accumulation of VCI-associated pathology could potentially pave the way for early detection and development of disease-modifying therapies, thus allowing preventive interventions instead of symptomatic treatments.

Imaging, Genetic, and Pathological Features of Vascular Dementia

BACKGROUND

Over the past decades, marked progress has been made in detecting vascular dementia (VD) both through maturation of diagnostic concepts and advances in brain imaging, especially MRI. We summarized the imaging, genetic, and pathological features of VD in this review.

SUMMARY

It is a challenge for the diagnosis and treatment of VD, particularly in patients where there is no evident temporal relation between cerebrovascular events and cognitive dysfunction. In patients with cognitive dysfunction with poststroke onset, the etiological classification is still complicated.

KEY MESSAGES

In this review, we summarized the clinical, imaging, and genetic as well as pathological features of VD. We hope to offer a framework to translate diagnostic criteria to daily practice, address treatment, and highlight some future perspectives.

Train Smart Study: protocol for a randomised trial investigating the role of exercise training dose on markers of brain health in sedentary middle-aged adults

INTRODUCTION

Regular aerobic exercise is associated with improved cognitive function, implicating it as a strategy to reduce dementia risk. This is reinforced by the association between greater cardiorespiratory fitness and larger brain volume, superior cognitive performance and lower dementia risk. However, the optimal aerobic exercise dose, namely the intensity and mode of delivery, to improve brain health and lower dementia risk has received less attention. We aim to determine the effect of different doses of aerobic exercise training on markers of brain health in sedentary middle-aged adults, hypothesising that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) will be more beneficial than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In this two-group parallel, open-label blinded endpoint randomised trial, 70 sedentary middle-aged (45-65 years) adults will be randomly allocated to one of two 12-week aerobic exercise training interventions matched for total exercise training volume: (1) MICT (n=35) or HIIT (n=35). Participants will perform ~50 min exercise training sessions, 3 days per week, for 12 weeks. The primary outcome will be measured as between-group difference in cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake) change from baseline to the end of training. Secondary outcomes include between-group differences in cognitive function and ultra-high field MRI (7T) measured markers of brain health (brain blood flow, cerebrovascular function, brain volume, white matter microstructural integrity and resting state functional brain activity) changes from baseline to the end of training.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee (VUHREC) has approved this study (HRE20178), and all protocol modifications will be communicated to the relevant parties (eg, VUHREC, trial registry). Findings from this study will be disseminated via peer-review publications, conference presentations, clinical communications and both mainstream and social media.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ANZCTR12621000144819.

Sleep Quality, Metabolic Function, Physical Activity, and Neurocognition Among Individuals with Resistant Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Resistant hypertension (RH) is a major risk factor for stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia. Sleep quality is increasingly suggested to play an important role linking RH to cognitive outcomes, although the mechanisms linking sleep quality to poor cognitive function have yet to be fully delineated.

OBJECTIVE

To delineate biobehavioral mechanisms linking sleep quality, metabolic function, and cognitive function among 140 overweight/obese adults with RH in the TRIUMPH clinical trial.

METHODS

Sleep quality was indexed using actigraphy measures of sleep quality and sleep fragmentation, as well as self-reported sleep quality from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Cognitive function was assessed using a 45-minute battery assessing executive function, processing speed, and memory. Participants were randomized to a cardiac rehabilitation-based lifestyle program (C-LIFE) or a standardized education and physician advice condition (SEPA) for 4 months.

RESULTS

Better sleep quality at baseline was associated with better executive function (B = 0.18 p = 0.027), as well as greater fitness (B = 0.27, p = 0.007) and lower HBA1c (B = -0.25, p = 0.010). Cross-sectional analyses revealed that the sleep quality executive function association was mediated by HBA1c (B = 0.71 [0.05, 2.05]). C-LIFE improved sleep quality (-1.1 [-1.5, -0.6] versus+-0.1 [-0.8, 0.7]) and actigraphy steps (+922 [529, 1316] versus+56 [-548, 661]), with actigraphy mediating improvements in executive function (B = 0.40 [0.02, 1.07]).

CONCLUSION

Better metabolic function and improved physical activity patterns levels play important roles linking sleep quality and executive function in RH.

Associations Between Vascular Risk Factor Levels and Cognitive Decline Among Stroke Survivors

Importance

Incident stroke is associated with accelerated cognitive decline. Whether poststroke vascular risk factor levels are associated with faster cognitive decline is uncertain.

Objective

To evaluate associations of poststroke systolic blood pressure (SBP), glucose, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels with cognitive decline.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Individual participant data meta-analysis of 4 US cohort studies (conducted 1971-2019). Linear mixed-effects models estimated changes in cognition after incident stroke. Median (IQR) follow-up was 4.7 (2.6-7.9) years. Analysis began August 2021 and was completed March 2023.

Exposures

Time-dependent cumulative mean poststroke SBP, glucose, and LDL cholesterol levels.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was change in global cognition. Secondary outcomes were change in executive function and memory. Outcomes were standardized as t scores (mean [SD], 50 [10]); a 1-point difference represents a 0.1-SD difference in cognition.

Results

A total of 1120 eligible dementia-free individuals with incident stroke were identified; 982 (87.7%) had available covariate data and 138 (12.3%) were excluded for missing covariate data. Of the 982, 480 (48.9%) were female individuals, and 289 (29.4%) were Black individuals. The median age at incident stroke was 74.6 (IQR, 69.1-79.8; range, 44.1-96.4) years. Cumulative mean poststroke SBP and LDL cholesterol levels were not associated with any cognitive outcome. However, after accounting for cumulative mean poststroke SBP and LDL cholesterol levels, higher cumulative mean poststroke glucose level was associated with faster decline in global cognition (-0.04 points/y faster per each 10-mg/dL increase [95% CI, -0.08 to -0.001 points/y]; P = .046) but not executive function or memory. After restricting to 798 participants with apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) data and controlling for APOE4 and APOE4 × time, higher cumulative mean poststroke glucose level was associated with a faster decline in global cognition in models without and with adjustment for cumulative mean poststroke SBP and LDL cholesterol levels (-0.05 points/y faster per 10-mg/dL increase [95% CI, -0.09 to -0.01 points/y]; P = .01; -0.07 points/y faster per 10-mg/dL increase [95% CI, -0.11 to -0.03 points/y]; P = .002) but not executive function or memory declines.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, higher poststroke glucose levels were associated with faster global cognitive decline. We found no evidence that poststroke LDL cholesterol and SBP levels were associated with cognitive decline.

Prevalence and predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment among stroke survivors in Uganda

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the characteristics and determinants of post-stroke cognitive impairment in residents of low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to determine the frequencies, patterns, and risk factors for cognitive impairment in a cross-sectional study of consecutive stroke patients cared for at Uganda's Mulago Hospital, located in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

131 patients were enrolled a minimum of 3-months after hospital admission for stroke. A questionnaire, clinical examination findings, and laboratory test results were used to collect demographic information and data on vascular risk factors and clinical characteristics. Independent predictor variables associated with cognitive impairment were ascertained. Stroke impairments, disability, and handicap were assessed using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Barthel Index (BI), and modified Rankin scale (mRS), respectively. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess participants' cognitive function. Stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to identify variables independently associated with cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

The overall mean MoCA score was 11.7-points (range 0.0-28.0-points) for 128 patients with available data of whom 66.4% were categorized as cognitively impaired (MoCA < 19-points). Increasing age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.07; p = 0.026), low level of education (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.25-8.33; p = 0.016), functional handicap (mRS 3-5; OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.28-2.63; p < 0.001) and high LDL cholesterol (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.14-6.56; p = 0.024) were independently associated with cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the high burden and need for awareness of cognitive impairment in post stroke populations in the sub-Saharan region and serve to emphasize the importance of detailed cognitive assessment as part of routine clinical evaluation of patients who have had a stroke.

Features of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in patients with first-episode depression and their relationship with the clinical symptoms

Objective

To compare the differences in gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; metabolites of gut microbiota) in the serum of patients with first-episode depression and the healthy population and to analyze the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolite SCFAs and the clinical symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

A total of 45 patients with first-episode depression and 22 healthy volunteers were chosen to complete relevant scale evaluations, and feces samples and venous blood samples were collected. The 16S RNA method was used to analyze the intestinal microflora and the characteristics of serum SCFAs detection by ELISA kit, as well as the intestinal flora, SCFAs content and their correlation with MDD clinical indicators.

Results

The abundance of Akkermansia, Megamonas, Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group, and butyrate-producing bacteria, Lachnospira, Subdoligranulum, Blautia, and Dialister, and acetate-producing bacteria, Streptococcus, in the gut microbiota of the MDD group was lower than that in the control (C) group. The abundance of Parasutterella in the MDD group was higher than that in the C group. Dialister negatively correlated with all measured clinical symptoms (r < 0, P < 0.05). The serum SCFA content in the MDD group was higher than that in the C group, and the content positively correlated with the Hamilton anxiety scale scores (r = 0.584, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that the MDD group differed from the C group in terms of gut microbiota and SCFAs in the serum and that the change in certain intestinal bacteria might participate in the pathogenic mechanism of MDD.

Quantitative Lipidomic Analysis of Serum Phospholipids Reveals Dissociable Markers of Alzheimer's Disease and Subcortical Cerebrovascular Disease

BACKGROUND

Circulating phospholipid species have been shown to predict Alzheimer's disease (AD) prognosis but the link between phospholipid disturbances and subcortical small vessel cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) common in AD patients is not known.

OBJECTIVE

This study used quantitative lipidomics to measure serum diacyl, alkenyl (ether), alkyl, and lyso phospholipid species in individuals with extensive CeVD (n = 29), AD with minimal CeVD (n = 16), and AD with extensive CeVD (n = 14), and compared them to age-matched controls (n = 27). Memory was assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test. 3.0T MRI was used to assess hippocampal volume, atrophy, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes as manifestations of CeVD.

RESULTS

AD was associated with significantly higher concentrations of choline plasmalogen 18:0_18:1 and alkyl-phosphocholine 18:1. CeVD was associated with significantly lower lysophospholipids containing 16:0. Phospholipids containing arachidonic acid (AA) were associated with poorer memory in controls, whereas docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-containing phospholipids were associated with better memory in individuals with AD+CeVD. In controls, DHA-containing phospholipids were associated with more atrophy and phospholipids containing linoleic acid and AA were associated with less atrophy. Lysophospholipids containing 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1 were correlated with less atrophy in controls, and of these, alkyl-phosphocholine 18:1 was correlated with smaller WMH volumes. Conversely, 16:0_18:1 choline plasmalogen was correlated with greater WMH volumes in controls.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates discernable differences in circulating phospholipids in individuals with AD and CeVD, as well as new associations between phospholipid species with memory and brain structure that were specific to contexts of commonly comorbid vascular and neurodegenerative pathologies.

Incidence of post-stroke cognitive impairment in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China

Background

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common sequela after stroke. China has a large population of stroke survivors, but a large-scale survey on the incidence and risk factors for PSCI has not been undertaken. We aimed to calculate the incidence and risk factors for vascular cognitive symptoms among first-ever stroke survivors in China through a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Methods

From May 1, 2019 to November 30, 2019, patients with a clinical diagnosis of first-ever ischemic stroke were recruited from 563 hospitalized-based stroke center networks in 30 provinces of China. Cognitive impairment was measured by 5-min National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke-Canadian Stroke Network (NINDS-CSN) at 3-6 months after the indexed stroke. Stepwise multivariate regression and stratified analysis were performed to assess the association between PSCI and demographic variables.

Findings

A total of 24,055 first-ever ischemic stroke patients were enrolled, with an average age of 70.25 ± 9.88 years. The incidence of PSCI as per the 5-min NINDS-CSN was 78.7%. Age ≥75 years old (OR: 1.887, 95%CI: 1.391-2.559), western regional residence (OR: 1.620, 95%CI: 1.411-1.860) and lower education level were associated with increased PSCI risk. Hypertension might be related to non-PSCI (OR: 0.832, 95%CI: 0.779-0.888). For patients under 45 years old, unemployment was an independent risk factor for PSCI (OR: 6.097, 95%CI: 1.385-26.830). For patients who were residents of the southern region (OR: 1.490, 95%CI: 1.185-1.873) and non-manual workers (OR: 2.122, 95%CI: 1.188-3.792), diabetes was related to PSCI.

Interpretation

PSCI is common in Chinese patients with first-ever stroke, and many risk factors are related to the occurrence of PSCI.

Funding

The Beijing Hospitals Authority Youth Program (No. QMS20200801); Youth Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81801142); the Key Project of Science and Technology Development of China Railway Corporation (No. K2019Z005); The Capital Health Research and Development of Special (No. 2020-2-2014); Science and Technology Innovation 2030-Major Project (No. 2021ZD0201806).

Bayesian stroke modeling details sex biases in the white matter substrates of aphasia

Ischemic cerebrovascular events often lead to aphasia. Previous work provided hints that such strokes may affect women and men in distinct ways. Women tend to suffer strokes with more disabling language impairment, even if the lesion size is comparable to men. In 1401 patients, we isolate data-led representations of anatomical lesion patterns and hand-tailor a Bayesian analytical solution to carefully model the degree of sex divergence in predicting language outcomes ~3 months after stroke. We locate lesion-outcome effects in the left-dominant language network that highlight the ventral pathway as a core lesion focus across different tests of language performance. We provide detailed evidence for sex-specific brain-behavior associations in the domain-general networks associated with cortico-subcortical pathways, with unique contributions of the fornix in women and cingular fiber bundles in men. Our collective findings suggest diverging white matter substrates in how stroke causes language deficits in women and men. Clinically acknowledging such sex disparities has the potential to improve personalized treatment for stroke patients worldwide.

Sensitivity and specificity of 5 min cognitive screening tests in patients with acute coronary syndrome

AIMS

This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the Canadian Stroke Network (CSN) brief (5 min) screen composed of three items of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients during hospital admission, relative to the full MoCA and potential alternative combinations of other items.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Participants were consecutively recruited during ACS admission and administered the MoCA before discharge. The three NINDS-CSN screen items were extracted, collated and compared to the full MoCA. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were created to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and appropriate cut-off scores of the screens. The mean age of the sample (n = 81) was 63.49 [standard deviation (SD) 10.85] years and 49.4% screened positive for cognitive impairment. The NINDS-CSN mean score was 9.22 (SD 2.09 of the potential range 0-12). Area under the ROC (AUC) indicated high accuracy levels for screening for cognitive impairment (AUC = 0.89, P < 0.01, 95% confidence interval 0.82, 0.96) with none of the alternative combination screens performing better on both sensitivity and specificity. A cut-off score of ≤10 on the NINDS-CSN protocol provided 83% sensitivity and 80% specificity for classifying cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION

The NINDS-CSN protocol presents an accurate, feasible screen for cognitive impairment in patients following ACS for use at the bedside and potentially also for telephone screens. Diagnostic accuracy should be confirmed using a neurocognitive battery.

We are preventing some dementias now-But how? The Potamkin lecture

Most dementias are untreatable and their prevalence is increasing around the world. However, the incidence of dementia is declining in some countries. We need to find out urgently why and how and apply the lessons promptly and widely. Given the multiplicity and variability of environmental, socioeconomic, and individual risk and protective factors, the approach needs to be comprehensive, customized to work in a particular setting, and cost effective, to justify the needed funding. Stroke, heart disease, and dementia share the same major preventable risk and protective factors and pose risks for each other. Preventing them together might result in efficiencies and economies of scale. Prevention can best occur in existing actionable population health units through established leaders in government, non-governmental organizations, and the community, around a positive message of promoting brain health as the key to health, productivity, and well-being.

Evidence of validity based on the relation to other variables and inter-rater reliability of the Cognitive Screening (TRIACOG) for adults with cerebrovascular diseases

This study presents evidence of validity and reliability of the results obtained with the Cognitive Screening (TRIACOG) to evaluate post-stroke adults. The TRIACOG assesses orientation memory, language, arithmetic, praxis, information processing speed, and executive functions. A total of 126 post-stroke adults (M = 63.50; SD = 13.28 years old) and 126 neurologically healthy adults (M = 61.97; SD = 11.48 years old) participated in the study. Performance on the TRIACOG was positively correlated with scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B), schooling, and reading and writing habits, and negatively correlated with the NIHSS and Rankin scales. Post-stroke adults scored lower and took longer to complete the instrument than neurologically healthy adults. Inter-rater agreement was achieved in scoring the TRIACOG. The TRIACOG presents evidence of validity based on its relationships to other variables (criterion and convergent) and on response processes, in addition to presenting reliability evidence established by inter-rater agreement. We expect that the TRIACOG will be employed by health workers in hospital settings, health units, and medical offices.

Comparing the gut microbiome of obese, African American, older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment

Those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia, have a gut microbiome distinct from healthy individuals, but this has only been shown in healthy individuals, not in those exhibiting several risk factors for dementia. Using amplicon 16S rRNA gene sequencing in a case-control study of 60 older (ages 55-76), obese, predominately female, African American adults, those with MCI (cases) had different gut microbiota profiles than controls. While microbial community diversity was similar between cases and controls, the abundances of specific microbial taxa weren't, such as Parabacteroides distasonis (lower in cases) and Dialister invisus (higher in cases). These differences disappeared after adjusting for markers of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Cognitive scores were positively correlated with levels of Akkermansia muciniphila, a bacterium associated with reduced inflammation. Our study shows that gut microbial composition may be associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and MCI in those at high risk for dementia.

Whole-brain DTI parameters associated with tau protein and hippocampal volume in Alzheimer's disease

The causes of the neurodegenerative processes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are not completely known. Recent studies have shown that white matter (WM) damage could be more severe and widespread than whole-brain cortical atrophy and that such damage may appear even before the damage to the gray matter (GM). In AD, Amyloid-beta (Aβ₄₂ ) and tau proteins could directly affect WM, spreading across brain networks. Since hippocampal atrophy is common in the early phase of disease, it is reasonable to expect that hippocampal volume (HV) might be also related to WM integrity. Our study aimed to evaluate the integrity of the whole-brain WM, through diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters, in mild AD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) due to AD (with Aβ₄₂ alteration in cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]) in relation to controls; and possible correlations between those measures and the CSF levels of Aβ₄₂ , phosphorylated tau protein (p-Tau) and total tau (t-Tau). We found a widespread WM alteration in the groups, and we also observed correlations between p-Tau and t-Tau with tracts directly linked to mesial temporal lobe (MTL) structures (fornix and hippocampal cingulum). However, linear regressions showed that the HV better explained the variation found in the DTI measures (with weak to moderate effect sizes, explaining from 9% to 31%) than did CSF proteins. In conclusion, we found widespread alterations in WM integrity, particularly in regions commonly affected by the disease in our group of early-stage disease and patients with Alzheimer's disease. Nonetheless, in the statistical models, the HV better predicted the integrity of the MTL tracts than the biomarkers in CSF.

Secondary thalamic atrophy related to brain infarction may contribute to post-stroke cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The thalamus is a key brain hub that is globally connected to many cortical regions. Previous work highlights thalamic contributions to multiple cognitive functions, but few studies have measured thalamic volume changes or cognitive correlates. This study investigates associations between thalamic volumes and post-stroke cognitive function.

METHODS

Participants with non-thalamic brain infarcts (3-42 months) underwent MRI and cognitive testing. Focal infarcts and thalami were traced manually. In cases with bilateral infarcts, the side of the primary infarct volume defined the hemisphere involved. Brain parcellation and volumetrics were extracted using a standardized and previously validated neuroimaging pipeline. Age and gender-matched healthy controls provided normal comparative thalamic volumes. Thalamic atrophy was considered when the volume exceeded 2 standard deviations greater than the controls.

RESULTS

Thalamic volumes ipsilateral to the infarct in stroke patients (n=55) were smaller than left (4.4 ± 1.4 vs. 5.4 ± 0.5 cc, p < 0.001) and right (4.4 ± 1.4 vs. 5.5 ± 0.6 cc, p < 0.001) thalamic volumes in the controls. After controlling for head-size and global brain atrophy, infarct volume independently correlated with ipsilateral thalamic volume (β= -0.069, p=0.024). Left thalamic atrophy correlated significantly with poorer cognitive performance (β = 4.177, p = 0.008), after controlling for demographics and infarct volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the remote effect of infarction on ipsilateral thalamic volume is associated with global post-stroke cognitive impairment.

Prevalence and Predictors of Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment among Stroke Survivors in Uganda

Background Little is known about the characteristics and determinants of post-stroke cognitive impairments in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to determine the frequencies, patterns, and risk factors for cognitive impairment in a cross-sectional study of consecutive stroke patients cared for at Uganda's Mulago Hospital, located in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods From August 2019 to July 2020, patients were enrolled a minimum of 3-months post-stroke hospital admission. We collected data on their demographics, vascular risk factors and clinical factors using a questionnaire, clinical examination findings, and test results. Independent predictor variables associated with cognitive impairment were ascertained. Stroke impairments, disability, and handicap were assessed using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Barthel Index (BI), and modified Rankin scale (mRS), respectively. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess participants' cognitive function. Stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to identify variables independently associated with cognitive impairment. Results The overall mean MoCA score was 11.7-points (range 0.0-28.0-points) for 128 patients with available data of whom 66.4% were categorized as cognitively impaired (MoCA < 19-points). Increasing age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.07; p = 0.026), low level of education (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.25-8.33; p = 0.016), functional handicap (mRS 3-5; OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.28-2.63; p < 0.001) and high LDL cholesterol (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.14-6.56; p = 0.024) were independently associated with cognitive impairment. Discussion Further longitudinal, prospective studies are required to confirm these findings and identify strategies for reducing the risk of post-stroke cognitive impairment in this population.

Is the female sex associated with an increased risk for long-term cognitive decline after the first-ever lacunar stroke? Prospective study on small vessel disease cohort

Background

Sex is a significant determinant of survival and functional outcome after stroke. Long-term cognitive outcome after acute lacunar stroke in the context of sex differences has been rarely reported.

Methods

A cohort of small vessel disease (SVD) patients presenting with first-ever acute lacunar stroke and normal cognitive status has been evaluated 4 years after the qualifying event for the presence of cognitive impairment (CI) with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Differences in baseline clinical and neuroimaging characteristics were compared between sexes in relation to cognitive status.

Results

A total of 124 female and 150 male patients were analyzed. No difference was detected between the groups regarding age (p = 0.932) or frequency of common vascular risk factors (p > 0.1 for all). At the baseline assessment, women had more disabilities compared to men with a mean modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 2.5 (1.5 in men, p < 0.0001). Scores of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) of presumed vascular origin and a total number of lacunes of presumed vascular origin on brain MRI were higher in women compared to men (p < 0.0001 for all). As many as 64.6% of patients had CI of any severity on follow-up, women more frequently (77.4%) than men (54.0%; p < 0.0001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that female sex, higher NIHSS and mRS scores, presence of depression, and increasing WMH severity were associated with an increased risk for CI. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that only depression (OR 1.74, 95%CI 1.25-2.44; p = 0.001) and WMH severity (OR 1.10, 95%CI 1.03-1.17; p = 0.004) were independently associated with the CI.

Conclusion

At the long-term follow-up, women lacunar stroke survivors, compared to men, more frequently had CI in the presence of more severe vascular brain lesions, but this association was dependent on the occurrence of depression and severity of WMH, and could not be explained by differences in common vascular risk factors.

Association of Obesity With Cognitive Decline in Black and White Americans

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There are disparities in the prevalence of obesity by race, and the relationship between obesity and cognitive decline is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether obesity is independently associated with cognitive decline and whether the association between obesity and cognitive decline differs in Black and White adults. We hypothesized that obesity is associated with greater cognitive decline compared with normal weight and that the effect of obesity on cognitive decline is more pronounced in Black adults compared with their White counterparts.

METHODS

We pooled data from 28,867 participants free of stroke and dementia (mean, SD: age 61 [10.7] years at the first cognitive assessment, 55% female, 24% Black, and 29% obese) from 6 cohorts. The primary outcome was the annual change in global cognition. We performed linear mixed-effects models with and without time-varying cumulative mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Global cognition was set to a t-score metric (mean 50, SD 10) at a participant's first cognitive assessment; a 1-point difference represents a 0.1 SD difference in global cognition across the 6 cohorts. The median follow-up was 6.5 years (25th percentile, 75th percentile: 5.03, 20.15).

RESULTS

Obese participants had lower baseline global cognition than normal-weight participants (difference in intercepts, -0.36 [95% CI, -0.46 to -0.17]; p < 0.001). This difference in baseline global cognition was attenuated but was borderline significant after accounting for SBP and FPG (adjusted differences in intercepts, -0.19 [95% CI, -0.39 to 0.002]; p = 0.05). There was no difference in the rate of decline in global cognition between obese and normal-weight participants (difference in slope, 0.009 points/year [95% CI, -0.009 to 0.03]; p = 0.32). After accounting for SBP and FPG, obese participants had a slower decline in global cognition (adjusted difference in slope, 0.03 points/year slower [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.05]; p < 0.001). There was no evidence that race modified the association between body mass index and global cognitive decline (p = 0.34).

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that obesity is associated with lower initial cognitive scores and may potentially attenuate declines in cognition after accounting for BP and FPG.

Validation of STOP, STOP-BANG, STOP-BAG, STOP-B28, and GOAL screening tools for identification of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with Parkinson disease

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in Parkinson disease (PD). Questionnaires can be used as screening tools and have been used as a surrogate definition of OSA in large-scale research. This study aimed to validate the performance of STOP, STOP-BANG, STOP-BAG, STOP-B28, and GOAL and OSA predictors as tools to identify OSA in PD.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from a PD cohort study in which OSA was diagnosed using laboratory polysomnography. We calculated sensitivity and specificity of each questionnaire for OSA using different definitions and performed receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. Linear regression was used to assess adjusted associations between questionnaires and outcomes: Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Movement Disorder Society revision of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale.

RESULTS

Questionnaire data were available for 68 PD patients (61.8% male, mean age 64.5 [standard deviation 9.9] years, and Hoehn and Yahr score 2.1 [0.8]). OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h) occurred in 69.4% of participants. STOP-B28 ≥ 2 presented a higher sensitivity for OSA than STOP ≥ 2 (0.76 vs 0.65, respectively) and slightly lower specificity (0.65 vs 0.70, respectively). GOAL ≥ 2 had the highest sensitivity but poor specificity. Loud snoring had sensitivity 0.63 and specificity 0.65. STOP and snoring were significantly associated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Movement Disorder Society revision of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (total, motor, and nonmotor); STOP-BANG, STOP-BAG, and STOP-B28 showed associations with most outcomes, but the GOAL showed none.

CONCLUSIONS

The STOP-B28 followed by STOP and presence of loud snoring alone seem to have the best overall properties to identify PD patients with OSA, whose clinical characteristics differ from the general population with OSA.

CITATION

Gomes T, Benedetti A, Lafontaine A-L, Kimoff RJ Robinson A, Kaminska M. Validation of STOP, STOP-BANG, STOP-BAG, STOP-B28, and GOAL screening tools for identification of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with Parkinson disease. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(1):45-54.

Cognitive Recovery After Stroke: Memory

Memory impairment occurs in over a third of patients after symptomatic stroke. Memory deficits rarely occur in isolation but are an important component of the poststroke cognitive syndrome because of the strong relationship with the risk of poststroke dementia. In this review, we summarize available data on impairment of episodic memory, with a particular emphasis on the natural history of memory impairment after stroke and the factors influencing trajectory informed by an updated systematic review. We next discuss the pathophysiology of memory impairment and mechanisms of both decline and recovery of function. We then turn to the practical issue of measurement of memory deficits after stroke, emerging biomarkers, and therapeutic approaches. Our review identifies critical gaps, particularly in studies of the natural history that properly map the long-term trajectory of memory and the associations with factors that modulate prognosis. Few studies have used advanced neuroimaging and this, in conjunction with other biomarker approaches, has the potential to provide a much richer understanding of the mechanisms at play and promising therapeutic avenues.

Associations of Telomere Length and Change With Cognitive Decline Were Modified by Sex and Race: The REGARDS Study

INTRODUCTION

We examined the associations of baseline telomere length (TL) and TL change with cognitive function over time in older US adults, as well as differences by sex and race.

METHODS

A total of 1820 cognitively healthy individuals (median baseline age: 63 years) were included. Telomere length was measured using qPCR-based method at baseline and among 614 participants in the follow-up examination 10 years later. Cognitive function was assessed by a four-test battery every 2 years.

RESULTS

In multivariable-adjusted linear mixed models, longer baseline TL and smaller attrition/lengthening of TL over time were associated with better Animal Fluency Test score. Longer baseline TL was also linearly associated with better Letter Fluency Test score. The observed associations were consistently more pronounced in women than men and in Black compared to White participants.

DISCUSSION

Telomere length may be a biomarker that predicts long-term verbal fluency and executive function, particularly in women and Black Americans.

The clinical profile of cerebral small vessel disease: Toward an evidence-based identification of cognitive markers

There is no consensus on which test is more suited to outline the cognitive deficits of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) patients. We explored the ability of eight cognitive tests, selected in a previous systematic review as the most commonly used in this population, to differentiate among cSVD patients, controls, and other dementing conditions performing a meta-analysis of 86 studies. We found that cSVD patients performed worse than healthy controls in all tests while data on the comparison to neurodegenerative diseases were limited. We outlined a lack of data on these tests' accuracy on the diagnosis. Cognitive tests measuring processing speed were those mostly associated with neuroimaging cSVD markers. There is currently incomplete evidence that a single test could differentiate cSVD patients with cognitive decline from other dementing diseases. We make preliminary proposals on possible strategies to gain information about the clinical definition of cSVD that currently remains a neuroimaging-based one.

Nomogram to Predict Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Asymptomatic Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of cognitive impairment in patients with asymptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis (aMCAS) and to construct a nomogram to predict the risk of cognitive impairment in patients with aMCAS.

Patients and Methods

We collected 54 patients with aMCAS and 35 healthy controls to investigate the impaired cognitive domains and pathogenesis in patients with aMCAS. All patients underwent a cranial MRI, CT perfusion, transcranial Doppler ultrasound, blood tests, and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. According to the MoCA score, patients were divided into cognitively normal and cognitively impaired groups. To construct the nomogram, we conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify factors that affect cognitive function. And the performance of nomogram was evaluated by ROC curves, calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curve (CIC).

Results

In 54 patients with aMCAS, 24 patients presented with cognitive normal, and 30 patients presented with cognitive impairment. The results of multivariate logistic regression suggested that perfusion decompensation, middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity, and LDL-cholesterol levels were independent influencing factors of cognitive impairment. In the following step, a nomogram was constructed. The AUC of the nomogram is 0.862. Calibrating curves show good agreement between nomogram predictions and actual observations, while DCA and CIC show great clinical usefulness.

Conclusion

Patients with aMCAS have cognitive impairment in multiple cognitive domains, and impaired executive function was observed during the perfusion compensation period. Furthermore, a nomogram was constructed and validated to predict the risk of cognitive impairment in patients with aMCAS, which can help clinicians to identify at an early stage and improve the management of patients.

Designing stroke services for the delivery of cognitive rehabilitation: A qualitative study with stroke rehabilitation professionals

This qualitative study explored the potential to deliver cognitive rehabilitation for post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), with a specific focus on barriers and facilitators to its delivery from the perspective of Irish stroke rehabilitation professionals. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were completed with healthcare professionals in both hospital and community settings. The sample comprised physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, a stroke physician, a psychologist, a neuropsychologist, a speech and language therapist, a dietician, and a public health nurse. Interviews were audio-recorded and analysed in NVivo using inductive Thematic Analysis. Barriers and facilitators to the delivery of cognitive rehabilitation were identified and described under four key themes: (i) Cognitive screening; (ii) Cognitive rehabilitation: no one size fits all; (iii) Psychology: the lost dimension of stroke rehabilitation; and (iv) Joining the dots in the community. Staffing required to deliver cognitive rehabilitation for PSCI was highlighted as under-resourced in the Republic of Ireland. Inadequate resourcing of neuropsychology and stroke-related psychological services, in particular, has had negative implications for the delivery of cognitive rehabilitation. Stroke-specific cognitive rehabilitation expertise is virtually inaccessible in the community, highlighting an urgent need for investment in specialist rehabilitation teams to deliver cognitive rehabilitation in this setting.

Language discordance as a marker of disparities in cerebrovascular risk and stroke outcomes: A multi-center Canadian study

Background

Differences in ischemic stroke outcomes occur in those with limited English proficiency. These health disparities might arise when a patient's spoken language is discordant from the primary language utilized by the health system. Language concordance is an understudied concept. We examined whether language concordance is associated with differences in vascular risk or post-stroke functional outcomes, depression, obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive impairment.

Methods

This was a multi-center observational cross-sectional cohort study. Patients with ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) were consecutively recruited across eight regional stroke centers in Ontario, Canada (2012 - 2018). Participants were language concordant (LC) if they spoke English as their native language, ESL if they used English as a second language, or language discordant (LD) if non-English speaking and requiring translation.

Results

8156 screened patients. 6,556 met inclusion criteria: 5067 LC, 1207 ESL and 282 LD. Compared to LC patients: (i) ESL had increased odds of diabetes (OR = 1.28, p = 0.002), dyslipidemia (OR = 1.20, p = 0.007), and hypertension (OR = 1.37, p<0.001) (ii) LD speaking patients had an increased odds of having dyslipidemia (OR = 1.35, p = 0.034), hypertension (OR = 1.37, p<0.001), and worse functional outcome (OR = 1.66, p<0.0001). ESL (OR = 1.88, p<0.0001) and LD (OR = 1.71, p<0.0001) patients were more likely to have lower cognitive scores. No associations were noted with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or depression.

Conclusions

Measuring language concordance in stroke/TIA reveals differences in neurovascular risk and functional outcome among patients with limited proficiency in the primary language of their health system. Lower cognitive scores must be interpreted with caution as they may be influenced by translation and/or greater vascular risk. Language concordance is a simple, readily available marker to identify those at risk of worse functional outcome. Stroke systems and practitioners must now study why these differences exist and devise adaptive care models, treatments and education strategies to mitigate barriers influenced by language discordance.

'My neighbourhood is fuzzy, not hard and fast': Individual and contextual associations with perceived residential neighbourhood boundaries among ageing Americans

Neighborhoods are fluid social and spatial constructs that vary by person and place. How do residential neighborhoods shift as people age? This mixed-method study investigates how perceived neighborhood boundaries and size vary by individual and contextual characteristics. Semi-structured interviews with 125 adults aged 55-92 living in the Minneapolis (Minnesota) metropolitan area suggested that neighborhood boundaries are "fuzzy". Qualitative thematic analysis identified duration of residence and housing stability, race, life-space mobility, social capital, sense of safety, and the built and social environment as key neighborhood determinants. This informed quantitative analyses among 7,811 respondents (mean age 72) from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study who self-reported how many blocks composed their neighborhoods. We tested individual and contextual factors identified in the qualitative results as related to perceived neighborhood size. Three-level gamma regression models showed that being older, white, less educated, lower income, less physically and cognitively healthy, less active, less socially supported, and feeling unsafe were significantly associated with smaller self-reported neighborhood sizes. Further, living in less racially diverse, less dense, and less affluent areas were significantly associated with smaller neighborhoods. The mixed-methods findings deepen understanding of scale in neighborhood-based research, inform urban planning interventions, and help understand what "neighborhood" means among diverse aging Americans.

Effects of electroacupuncture on rats with cognitive impairment: An iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis

OBJECTIVE

The study explores the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the governing vessel (GV) on proteomic changes in the hippocampus of rats with cognitive impairment.

METHODS

Healthy male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham, model and EA. Cognitive impairment was induced by left middle cerebral artery occlusion in the model and EA groups. Rats in the EA group were treated with EA at Shenting (GV24) and Baihui (GV20) for 7 d. Neurological deficit was scored using the Longa scale, the learning and memory ability was detected using the Morris water maze (MWM) test, and the proteomic profiling in the hippocampus was analyzed using protein-labeling technology based on the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). The Western blot (WB) analysis was used to detect the proteins and validate the results of iTRAQ.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, the neurological deficit score was significantly reduced, and the escape latency in the MWM test was significantly shortened, while the number of platform crossings increased in the EA group. A total of 2872 proteins were identified by iTRAQ. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between different groups: 92 proteins were upregulated and 103 were downregulated in the model group compared with the sham group, while 142 proteins were upregulated and 126 were downregulated in the EA group compared with the model group. Most of the DEPs were involved in oxidative phosphorylation, glycolipid metabolism and synaptic transmission. Furthermore, we also verified 4 DEPs using WB technology. Although the WB results were not exactly the same as the iTRAQ results, the expression trends of the DEPs were consistent. The upregulation of heat-shock protein β1 (Hspb1) was the highest in the EA group compared to the model group.

CONCLUSION

EA can effect proteomic changes in the hippocampus of rats with cognitive impairment. Hspb1 may be involved in the molecular mechanism by which acupuncture improves cognitive impairment.

Examining the association between blood-based biomarkers and human post mortem neuropathology in the University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Research Center autopsy cohort

INTRODUCTION

Clinically, detection of disease-causing pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is limited to magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scans, which are expensive and not widely accessible. Here, we assess angiogenic, inflammatory, and AD-related plasma biomarkers to determine their relationships with human post mortem neuropathology.

METHOD

Plasma samples were analyzed using a digital immunoassay and pathological evaluation was performed by University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Research Center neuropathologists. The association of plasma markers with neuropathology was estimated via proportional odds and logistic regressions adjusted for age.

RESULTS

Included cases (N = 90) showed increased tau/amyloid beta (Aβ)42 ratio, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and placental growth factor (PlGF) were positively associated with higher level of AD neuropathological change, while higher Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio was inversely associated. Higher PlGF, VEGF-A, and interleukin 6 were inversely associated with chronic cerebrovascular disease, while Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio was positively associated.

DISCUSSION

Our results provide support for the continued study of plasma biomarkers as a clinical screening tool for AD and VCID pathology.

Persisting cognitive impairment predicts functional dependence at 1 year after stroke and transient ischemic attack: a longitudinal, cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) usually have mild and nondisabling symptoms, and these functional deficits may recover fully e.g., TIA, however, part of them still suffer from cognitive impairment and poor outcomes. We conducted a study to determine the relationship between cognition evaluated by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and poor functional outcomes assessed by the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) (mRS ≥ 2) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS)-16(SIS-16<25%).

METHODS

The data of this study come from the impairment of cognition and Sleep (ICONS) after acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in Chinese patients study. A total of 1675 minor stroke patients and TIA patients were finally recruited. Patients' cognition were evaluated by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale at 2-week (2w), 3 months (3 m) and 1 year(1y). Cognitive impairment (CI) was defined as MoCA score ≤ 22. According to MoCA score, patients were divided into 4 groups: no PSCI group: with MoCA-2w>22 and MoCA-3 m>22; improved PSCI group: with MoCA-2w ≤ 2 and MoCA-3 m>22;delayed PSCI group: MoCA-2w>22 and MoCA-3 m ≤ 22; persisting PSCI group: with MoCA-2w ≤ 22 and MoCA-3 m ≤ 22.

RESULTS

A total of 1675 stroke patients were recruited in this study. There were 818 patients (48.84%) who had PSCI at baseline. Of these, 123 patients (15%) had mRS ≥2 at 3 months. The persisting PSCI group was a significant predictor of functional dependence at 3 months and 1 year after stroke and when adjusted for covariates such as gender, age, history of stroke, depression and intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, stroke subtype and acute infarction type.

CONCLUSION

Persisting PSCI increased the risk of poor functional outcome after 3 months and 1 year follow-up. These high-risk individuals should be identified for targeted rehabilitation and counseling to improve longer-term post-stroke outcome.

Application of Immersive Virtual-Reality-Based Puzzle Games in Elderly Patients with Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study

Background: The society is aging in China, and the cognitive level of elderly post-stroke patients gradually declines. Face-to-face cognitive functional training is no longer sufficient. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a promising rehabilitation training device. In this study, we developed an IVR-based puzzle game to explore its effectiveness, feasibility, and safety in elderly stroke patients with cognitive dysfunction. Methods: A total of 30 patients with mild post-stroke cognitive impairment after stroke were randomly assigned to a control or IVR group. Patients in both groups received routine rehabilitation therapy. Patients in the control group received traditional cognitive training, and those in the IVR group received IVR-based puzzle game therapy. Before and after treatment, Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA), trail-making test-A (TMT-A), digit symbol substitution test (DSST), digital span test (DST), verbal fluency test (VFT), and modified Barthel index (MBI) were evaluated in both groups. In addition, the IVR group was administered a self-report questionnaire to obtain feedback on user experience. Results: There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups. After six weeks of treatment, the cognitive assessment scores were improved in both groups. Moreover, the IVR group showed more improvements than the control group in the DSST (Z = 2.203, p = 0.028 < 0.05, η2 = 0.16); MOCA (T = 1.186, p = 0.246 > 0.05, d = 0.44), TMT-A (T = 1.791, p = 0.084 > 0.05, d = 0.65), MBI (T = 0.783, p = 0.44 > 0.05, d = 0.28), FDST (Z = 0.78, p = 0.435 > 0.05, η2 = 0.02), BDST (Z = 0.347, p = 0.728 > 0.05, η2 = 0.004), and VFT(Z = 1.087, p = 0.277 > 0.05, η2 = 0.039) did not significantly improve. The significant difference in DSST represents an improvement in executive function and visual−spatial cognitive characteristics. The other assessment scores did not show such features. Therefore, we did not observe significant differences through this measure. According to the results of the self-report questionnaire, most of the patients were satisfied with the equipment stability and training content. Several individuals reported mild adverse reactions. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that IVR-based puzzle games are a promising approach to improve post-stroke cognitive function, especially executive cognitive function, and visual−spatial attention in older adults.

Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Derived Linoleic Acid Oxylipins, Small Vessel Disease Markers, and Neurodegeneration in Stroke

Background Cerebral small vessel disease is associated with higher ratios of soluble-epoxide hydrolase derived linoleic acid diols (12,13-dihydroxyoctadecenoic acid [DiHOME] and 9,10-DiHOME) to their parent epoxides (12(13)-epoxyoctadecenoic acid [EpOME] and 9(10)-EpOME); however, the relationship has not yet been examined in stroke. Methods and Results Participants with mild to moderate small vessel stroke or large vessel stroke were selected based on clinical and imaging criteria. Metabolites were quantified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Volumes of stroke, lacunes, white matter hyperintensities, magnetic resonance imaging visible perivascular spaces, and free water diffusion were quantified from structural and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (3 Tesla). Adjusted linear regression models were used for analysis. Compared with participants with large vessel stroke (n=30), participants with small vessel stroke (n=50) had a higher 12,13-DiHOME/12(13)-EpOME ratio (β=0.251, P=0.023). The 12,13-DiHOME/12(13)-EpOME ratio was associated with more lacunes (β=0.266, P=0.028) but not with large vessel stroke volumes. Ratios of 12,13-DiHOME/12(13)-EpOME and 9,10-DiHOME/9(10)-EpOME were associated with greater volumes of white matter hyperintensities (β=0.364, P<0.001; β=0.362, P<0.001) and white matter MRI-visible perivascular spaces (β=0.302, P=0.011; β=0.314, P=0.006). In small vessel stroke, the 12,13-DiHOME/12(13)-EpOME ratio was associated with higher white matter free water diffusion (β=0.439, P=0.016), which was specific to the temporal lobe in exploratory regional analyses. The 9,10-DiHOME/9(10)-EpOME ratio was associated with temporal lobe atrophy (β=-0.277, P=0.031). Conclusions Linoleic acid markers of cytochrome P450/soluble-epoxide hydrolase activity were associated with small versus large vessel stroke, with small vessel disease markers consistent with blood brain barrier and neurovascular-glial disruption, and temporal lobe atrophy. The findings may indicate a novel modifiable risk factor for small vessel disease and related neurodegeneration.