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Loi Franzcp PhD Mbbs SM, Cadwallader CJ, Stretton-Smith PA, Flynn L, Wand AP, Bryant C, Baker FA. A mixed methods evaluation of the music and psychology and social connections (MAPS) pilot - A dyadic intervention for couples affected by young-onset dementia. DEMENTIA 2024:14713012241263151. [PMID: 38904256 DOI: 10.1177/14713012241263151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People living with young-onset dementia and their care-partners are at risk of a range of adverse mental health outcomes and social isolation. There are few interventions aimed at supporting couples affected by young-onset dementia, which poses unique psychosocial challenges for younger people. METHODOLOGY This pre-post interventional mixed methods pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an online group program for people with young-onset dementia and their care-partners living at home in Australia. The Music And Psychology and Social connections (MAPS) program aimed to address: (1) the challenges and changes associated with young-onset dementia; and (2) coping and wellbeing. The program involved six weekly two-hour sessions co-facilitated by a psychologist and music therapist, and a private Facebook group. The primary outcomes of feasibility and acceptability were assessed through a post-program focus group, separate individual feedback sessions with each couple, and a program evaluation questionnaire. Thematic analysis was conducted on the focus group transcripts and field notes from couple feedback sessions. We also examined the preliminary utility of MAPS in improving mental health and social connectedness, using quantitative pre-post-measures. RESULTS Five couples completed the MAPS program. The most common dementia type was Alzheimer's Disease. Participant attendance was 87% across all sessions. Qualitative findings supported acceptability of the program with four emergent themes: being connected to others with shared experiences; reframing thoughts and feelings about dementia; music as a therapeutic tool; and benefits of MAPS. CONCLUSION The high retention rate, qualitative findings and positive program evaluation suggest MAPS may be a promising, feasible and acceptable program for couples affected by young-onset dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Loi Franzcp PhD Mbbs
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Australia
- Neuropsychiatry Centre, John Cade level 2, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia
| | - Claire J Cadwallader
- Neuropsychiatry Centre, John Cade level 2, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia
| | | | - Libby Flynn
- Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anne Pf Wand
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Heath, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Older Peoples Mental Health, Sydney Local Health District, Australia
| | - Christina Bryant
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Felicity A Baker
- Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, The University of Melbourne, Australia
- Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo
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Yoo MJ, Kang M, Tsoukra P, Chen Z, Farrand S, Kelso W, Evans A, Eratne D, Walterfang M, Velakoulis D, Loi SM. Comparing survival and mortality in patients with late-onset and young-onset vascular dementia. Int Psychogeriatr 2023; 35:519-527. [PMID: 37052303 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610223000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vascular dementia (VD) is one of the more common types of dementia. Much is known about VD in older adults in terms of survival and associated risk factors, but comparatively less is known about VD in a younger population. This study aimed to investigate survival in people with young-onset VD (YO-VD) compared to those with late-onset VD (LO-VD) and to investigate predictors of mortality. DESIGN Retrospective file review from 1992 to 2014. SETTING The inpatient unit of a tertiary neuropsychiatry service in Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Inpatients with a diagnosis of VD. MEASUREMENTS AND METHODS Mortality information was obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Clinical variables included age of onset, sex, vascular risk factors, structural neuroimaging, and Hachinksi scores. Statistical analyses used were Kaplan-Meier curves for median survival and Cox regression for predictors of mortality. RESULTS Eighty-four participants were included with few clinical differences between the LO-VD and YO-VD groups. Sixty-eight (81%) had died. Median survival was 9.9 years (95% confidence interval 7.9, 11.7), with those with LO-VD having significantly shorter survival compared to those with YO-VD (6.1 years and 12.8 years, respectively) and proportionally more with LO-VD had died (94.6%) compared to those with YO-VD (67.5%), χ2(1) = 9.16, p = 0.002. The only significant predictor of mortality was increasing age (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION While there were few clinical differences, and older age was the only factor associated with survival, further research into the effects of managing cardiovascular risk factors and their impact on survival are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Yoo
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew Kang
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Alfred Mental and Addiction Health, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Farrand
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wendy Kelso
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Evans
- Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dhamidhu Eratne
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Walterfang
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Samantha M Loi
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Walia N, Eratne D, Loi SM, Farrand S, Li QX, Malpas CB, Varghese S, Walterfang M, Evans AH, Parker S, Collins SJ, Masters CL, Velakoulis D. Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light and cerebral atrophy in younger-onset dementia and primary psychiatric disorders. Intern Med J 2023; 53:1564-1569. [PMID: 36314730 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Neurodegeneration underpins the pathological processes of younger-onset dementia (YOD) and has been implicated in primary psychiatric disorders (PSYs). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light (NfL) has been used to investigate neurodegeneration severity through correlation with structural brain changes in various conditions, but has seldom been evaluated in YOD and PSYs. METHODS This retrospective study included patients with YOD or PSYs with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and CSF NfL analysis. Findings from brain MRI were analysed using automated volumetry (volBrain) to measure white matter (WM), grey matter (GM) and whole brain (WB) volumes expressed as percentages of total intracranial volume. Correlations between NfL and brain volume measurements were computed whilst adjusting for age. RESULTS Seventy patients (47 with YOD and 23 with PSY) were identified. YOD types included Alzheimer disease and behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia. PSY included schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. MRI brain sequences were either fast spoiler gradient-echo (FSPGR) or magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo (MPRAGE). In the total cohort, higher NfL was associated with reduced WB in the FSPGR and MPRAGE sequences (r = -0.402 [95% confidence interval (CI), -0.593 to -0.147], P = 0.008 and r = -0.625 [95% CI, -0.828 to -0.395], P < 0.001, respectively). Higher NfL was related to reduced GM in FSPGR (r = 0.385 [95% CI, -0.649 to -0.014], P = 0.017) and reduced WM in MPRAGE (r = -0.650 [95% CI, -0.777 to -0.307], P < 0.001). Similar relationships were seen in YOD, but not in PSY. CONCLUSION Higher CSF NfL is related to brain atrophy in YOD, further supporting its use as a nonspecific marker of neurodegeneration severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirbaanjot Walia
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dhamidhu Eratne
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre & Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha M Loi
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre & Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Farrand
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre & Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qiao-Xin Li
- National Dementia and Diagnostics Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charles B Malpas
- Clinical Outcomes Research Unit (CORe), Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shiji Varghese
- National Dementia and Diagnostics Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Walterfang
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre & Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew H Evans
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shaun Parker
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven J Collins
- National Dementia and Diagnostics Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin L Masters
- National Dementia and Diagnostics Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre & Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Lai M, Jeon YH, McKenzie H, Withall A. Journey to Diagnosis of Young-Onset Dementia: A Qualitative Study of People with Young-Onset Dementia and their Family Caregivers in Australia. DEMENTIA 2023:14713012231173013. [PMID: 37126513 DOI: 10.1177/14713012231173013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to explore the journey to dementia diagnosis and reaction to the diagnosis from the perspective of people with young-onset dementia living in the community from diverse areas in Australia (metropolitan, regional, rural) and their family caregivers. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community-dwelling people with early to moderate young-onset Alzheimer's disease (n = 8) or frontotemporal dementia (n = 5) and one person with both Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, and family caregivers of community-dwelling people with young-onset Alzheimer's disease and/or frontotemporal dementia (n = 28). This study employed interpretive description. Thematic analysis was conducted for emergent themes, comparisons and interplay between themes. FINDINGS The journey to the diagnosis is characterised as involving an extensive period of the gradual worsening of symptoms, drawn out investigations, and difficulties facing the prospect of a diagnosis of young-onset dementia. Participants with young-onset dementia struggled to manage their symptoms and the process of seeking a diagnosis was often slow due to difficulties during the course of their medical investigations and feeling reluctance to face the possibility of having dementia. Once participants finally received the diagnosis of young-onset dementia, participants with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers experienced feelings of devastation and shock, in some cases denial and avoidance, and even, confirmation and relief at having received a diagnosis. In some instances, participants experienced more than one of these reactions. There was a profound realisation by participants that a diagnosis of young-onset dementia had serious implications on their life and future. CONCLUSION The journey to diagnosis was found to be a drawn-out process and receiving the diagnosis was a shock for both people with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers. The findings highlight the significance of the role healthcare professionals play in both the diagnostic and post-diagnostic journey, particularly in terms of supporting patients with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Lai
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Yun-Hee Jeon
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather McKenzie
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Adrienne Withall
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Loi SM, Tsoukra P, Sun E, Chen Z, Wibawa P, Biase MD, Farrand S, Eratne D, Kelso W, Evans A, Walterfang M, Velakoulis D. Survival in Huntington's disease and other young-onset dementias. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 38:e5913. [PMID: 37062919 PMCID: PMC10946957 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare survival and risk factors associated with mortality in common young-onset dementias (YOD) including Huntington's disease. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included inpatients from an Australian specialist neuropsychiatry service, over 20 years. Dementia diagnoses were based on consensus criteria and Huntington's disease (HD) was confirmed genetically. Mortality and cause of death were determined using linkage to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Death Index. RESULTS There were 386 individuals with YOD included. The dementia types included frontotemporal dementia (FTD) (24.5%), HD (21.2%) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (20.5%). 63% (n = 243) individuals had died. The longest median survival was for those who had HD, 18.8 years from symptom onset and with a reduced mortality risk compared to AD and FTD (hazard ratio 0.5). Overall, people with YOD had significantly increased mortality, of 5-8 times, compared to the general population. Females with a YOD had higher standardised mortality ratio compared to males (9.3 vs. 4.9) overall. The most frequent cause of death in those with HD was reported as HD, with other causes of death in the other YOD-subtypes related to dementia and mental/behavioural disorders. DISCUSSION This is the first Australian study to investigate survival and risk factors of mortality in people with YOD. YOD has a significant risk of death compared to the general population. Our findings provide useful clinical information for people affected by YOD as well as future planning and service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Loi
- NeuropsychiatryNorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne HealthRoyal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PsychiatryThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Emily Sun
- NeuropsychiatryNorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne HealthRoyal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Zhibin Chen
- School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Pierre Wibawa
- NeuropsychiatryNorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne HealthRoyal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Maria di Biase
- Department of PsychiatryThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Sarah Farrand
- NeuropsychiatryNorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne HealthRoyal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Dhamidhu Eratne
- NeuropsychiatryNorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne HealthRoyal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PsychiatryThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Wendy Kelso
- NeuropsychiatryNorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne HealthRoyal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andrew Evans
- Department of MedicineRoyal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Mark Walterfang
- NeuropsychiatryNorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne HealthRoyal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PsychiatryThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- NeuropsychiatryNorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne HealthRoyal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PsychiatryThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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Borelli-Millott LF, Loi SM, Velakoulis D, Goh AMY. A thematic analysis of psychotic symptoms in young-onset dementia. Int Psychogeriatr 2023:1-9. [PMID: 36891935 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610223000169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exploration of the themes and content of psychotic symptoms in young-onset dementia (YOD) is limited to case analysis. The primary objective of this study was to determine the themes of psychotic symptoms in individuals diagnosed with YOD. DESIGN Comprehensive retrospective file review of discharge summaries. SETTING Neuropsychiatry, a specialist mental health service located at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Inpatients at Neuropsychiatry admitted between 2018 and 2020 (inclusive). MEASUREMENTS Data extracted included descriptions and prevalence of psychotic symptoms as well as general demographic and clinical data. Data analysis was conducted using a thematic approach. RESULTS Twenty-three inpatients had a diagnosis of YOD with psychotic symptoms. Themes were identified in the domains of delusions (six themes), auditory hallucinations (five themes), and visual hallucinations (two themes). Strong recurring themes across the modalities of hallucinations and delusions were beliefs and experiences relating to paranoia, suspicion, harm, and abuse. Themes did not clearly intersect across the modalities of hallucinations and delusions. A degree of thematic heterogeneity existed within individuals, and individuals experienced delusions or hallucinations of multiple themes. The themes of the psychotic symptoms did not clearly relate to diagnostic category, nor to time from diagnosis. CONCLUSION This study is the first thematic analysis of psychotic symptoms in YOD and provides further understanding of patient phenomenology and experiences of psychosis in YOD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam F Borelli-Millott
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha M Loi
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anita M Y Goh
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Loi SM, Cations M, Velakoulis D. Young-onset dementia diagnosis, management and care: a narrative review. Med J Aust 2023; 218:182-189. [PMID: 36807325 PMCID: PMC10952480 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Young-onset dementia comprises a heterogeneous range of dementias, with onset at less than 65 years of age. These include primary dementias such as Alzheimer disease, frontotemporal and vascular dementias; genetic/familial dementias; metabolic disorders; and secondary dementias such as those that result from alcohol use disorder, traumatic brain injury, and infections. The presentation of young-onset dementia is varied and may include cognitive, psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Diagnostic delay is common, with a frequent diagnostic conundrum being, "Is this young-onset dementia or is this psychiatric?". For assessment and accurate diagnosis, a thorough screen is recommended, such as collateral history and investigations such as neuroimaging, lumbar puncture, neuropsychology, and genetic testing. The management of young-onset dementia needs to be age-appropriate and multidisciplinary, with timely access to services and consideration of the family (including children).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Loi
- University of MelbourneMelbourneVIC
- Royal Melbourne HospitalMelbourneVIC
| | | | - Dennis Velakoulis
- University of MelbourneMelbourneVIC
- Royal Melbourne HospitalMelbourneVIC
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Young-onset dementia (YOD) refers to a dementia for which symptom onset occurs below the age of 65. This review summarizes the recent literature in this area, focusing on updates in epidemiology, diagnosis and service provision. RECENT FINDINGS In the last year, internationally, the prevalence of YOD was reported as 119 per 100 000, but this may vary according to population types. Although the commonest causes of YOD are Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), there is increasing recognition that YOD is diagnostically and phenotypically broader than AD and FTD. YOD may be due to many other diseases (e.g. Huntington's disease, vascular dementia) whereas accumulation of the same protein (e.g. amyloid protein) may lead to different phenotypes of Alzheimer's disease (such as posterior cortical atrophy and behavioural-variant/frontal-variant AD). This heterogeneity of phenotypic presentation is also seen in YOD due to known genetic mutations. Biomarkers such as plasma and cerebrospinal fluid proteins, neuroimaging and genetics have shown promise in the early identification of YOD as well as providing further understanding behind the overlap between psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions occurring in younger people. The management of YOD needs to consider age-specific issues for younger people with dementia and their family networks together with better integration with other health services such as aged, disability and improved access to services and financial assistance. SUMMARY These findings emphasize the need for early identification and appropriate age-specific and person-centred management for people with young-onset dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Loi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Yolande Pijnenburg
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Loi SM, Atee M, Morris T, Whiting D, Macfarlane S, Cunningham C, Velakoulis D. Clinico-demographics of people with younger-onset dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms referred to an Australian dementia support service: A comparison study with older-onset dementia. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:1653-1663. [PMID: 35191354 DOI: 10.1177/00048674221080709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Younger-onset dementia accounts for about 5-10% of all dementias in Australia. Little data is available on neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with younger-onset dementia compared to those with older-onset dementia. This study aims to compare the types of neuropsychiatric symptoms and their clinico-demographic characteristics of people with younger-onset dementia and older-onset dementia who are referred to a specific dementia support service. METHODS A 2-year retrospective observational cross-sectional analysis was undertaken on referrals with neuropsychiatric symptoms from Dementia Support Australia programmes. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were measured using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory total severity scores and distress scores. Contributing factors to neuropsychiatric symptoms for dementia groups were examined. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between individual neuropsychiatric symptoms and having older-onset dementia vs younger-onset dementia. RESULTS Of the 15,952 referrals, about 5% (n = 729, mean age: 60.7 years, standard deviation = 5.4) were individuals with younger-onset dementia. Referrals with older-onset dementia were more likely to be female (56%), whereas referrals with younger-onset dementia were more likely to be male (54%). There was a four times greater rate of frontotemporal dementia for those with younger-onset dementia (16.0%, n = 117) compared to those with older-onset dementia (2.8%, n = 427), χ2 (1) = 366.2, p < 0.001. Referrals with younger-onset dementia were more likely to be referred from community settings and those with older-onset dementia were more likely to be from residential aged care. Overall, there was no difference in the severity and distress of neuropsychiatric symptoms between the two groups. Contributing factors to neuropsychiatric symptoms were different between the groups, with pain being more frequently endorsed for individuals with older-onset dementia whereas communication difficulties were more commonly identified for those with younger-onset dementia. CONCLUSION Clinico-demographics of referrals with younger-onset dementia differ from those with older-onset dementia. There were some differences in the characteristics of neuropsychiatric symptoms between younger-onset dementia and older-onset dementia. Our findings have implications for service provision and support for people with dementia at different ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Loi
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mustafa Atee
- HammondCare, The Dementia Centre, Osborne Park, WA, Australia
| | - Thomas Morris
- HammondCare, The Dementia Centre, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Whiting
- HammondCare, The Dementia Centre, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Macfarlane
- HammondCare, The Dementia Centre, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Colm Cunningham
- HammondCare, The Dementia Centre, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Brown AD, Kelso W, Velakoulis D, Farrand S, Stolwyk RJ. Understanding Clinician's Experiences with Implementation of a Younger Onset Dementia Telehealth Service. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2022:8919887221141653. [PMID: 36433702 DOI: 10.1177/08919887221141653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The successful implementation of telehealth services depends largely on clinician acceptance of telehealth as a viable healthcare option and their adoption of telehealth methods into their clinical practice. While growing research supports the feasibility of telehealth services, no research has evaluated clinicians' experiences during the implementation of a younger onset dementia telehealth service. Semi-structured group interviews were conducted with 7 metropolitan (hub) clinicians and 16 rural (spoke) clinicians during the pre-and post-implementation phases of a novel Younger onset dementia (YOD) telehealth service. Reflexive thematic analysis identified five themes at pre-implementation: clinical need, previous experiences and views, potential telehealth barriers, solutions to potential telehealth barriers, and potential clinical outcomes. At post-implementation, nine themes were identified: clinical need, clinical relationships, concerns about the future of rural healthcare, clinical practice and resourcing factors, patient suitability, difficulties with technology, service quality, the way forward, and the impact of COVID-19. Most clinicians held positive views regarding the service, particularly the ability to provide more options to rural-dwelling patients. However, some concerns about threats to rural healthcare and the validity of telehealth assessments remained. Overall, this study has identified service implementation barriers and facilitators and contributes to the long-term sustainability of current and future telehealth YOD services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee D Brown
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, 2541School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wendy Kelso
- Neuropsychiatry, North Western Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Neuropsychiatry, North Western Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Farrand
- Neuropsychiatry, North Western Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Renerus J Stolwyk
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, 2541School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Eratne D, Loi SM, Li QX, Stehmann C, Malpas CB, Santillo A, Janelidze S, Cadwallader C, Walia N, Ney B, Lewis V, Senesi M, Fowler C, McGlade A, Varghese S, Ravanfar P, Kelso W, Farrand S, Keem M, Kang M, Goh AMY, Dhiman K, Gupta V, Watson R, Yassi N, Kaylor-Hughes C, Kanaan R, Perucca P, Dobson H, Vivash L, Ali R, O'Brien TJ, Hansson O, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Walterfang M, Masters CL, Berkovic SF, Collins S, Velakoulis D. Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain differentiates primary psychiatric disorders from rapidly progressive, Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal disorders in clinical settings. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:2218-2233. [PMID: 35102694 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many patients with cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms face diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis. We investigated whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light (NfL) and total-tau (t-tau) could assist in the clinical scenario of differentiating neurodegenerative (ND) from psychiatric disorders (PSY), and rapidly progressive disorders. METHODS Biomarkers were examined in patients from specialist services (ND and PSY) and a national Creutzfeldt-Jakob registry (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease [CJD] and rapidly progressive dementias/atypically rapid variants of common ND, RapidND). RESULTS A total of 498 participants were included: 197 ND, 67 PSY, 161 CJD, 48 RapidND, and 20 controls. NfL was elevated in ND compared to PSY and controls, with highest levels in CJD and RapidND. NfL distinguished ND from PSY with 95%/78% positive/negative predictive value, 92%/87% sensitivity/specificity, 91% accuracy. NfL outperformed t-tau in most real-life clinical diagnostic dilemma scenarios, except distinguishing CJD from RapidND. DISCUSSION We demonstrated strong generalizable evidence for the diagnostic utility of CSF NfL in differentiating ND from psychiatric disorders, with high accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhamidhu Eratne
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry & Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha M Loi
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry & Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qiao-Xin Li
- National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christiane Stehmann
- National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Australian National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Registry, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charles B Malpas
- Department of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Clinical Outcomes Research Unit (CORe), Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander Santillo
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Shorena Janelidze
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Claire Cadwallader
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nirbaanjot Walia
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Blair Ney
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victoria Lewis
- Australian National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Registry, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matteo Senesi
- Australian National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Registry, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Fowler
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amelia McGlade
- National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shiji Varghese
- National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Parsa Ravanfar
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry & Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wendy Kelso
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Farrand
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry & Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Keem
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Kang
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anita M Y Goh
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry & Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kunal Dhiman
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rosie Watson
- Population Health and Immunity Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nawaf Yassi
- Population Health and Immunity Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cath Kaylor-Hughes
- Department of General Practice, Integrated Mental Health Team, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Kanaan
- Department of Psychiatry, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Piero Perucca
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hannah Dobson
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucy Vivash
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rashida Ali
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Oskar Hansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Memory Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Mark Walterfang
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry & Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin L Masters
- National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samuel F Berkovic
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, Epilepsy Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Collins
- Australian National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Registry, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry & Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Loi SM, Tsoukra P, Chen Z, Wibawa P, Mijuskovic T, Eratne D, Di Biase MA, Evans A, Farrand S, Kelso W, Goh AM, Walterfang M, Velakoulis D. Mortality in dementia is predicted by older age of onset and cognitive presentation. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:852-861. [PMID: 34420425 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211041003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Survival information in dementia is important for future planning and service provision. There have been limited Australian data investigating survival duration and risk factors associated with mortality in younger-onset dementia. METHODS This was a cross-sectional retrospective study investigating survival in inpatients with a diagnosis of dementia admitted to a tertiary neuropsychiatry service from 1991 to 2014. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Death Index was used to obtain mortality information. RESULTS A total of 468 inpatients were identified, of which 75% had symptom onset at ⩽65 years of age (defined as younger-onset dementia). Dementia was categorised into four subtypes, Alzheimer's dementia, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia and other dementias; 72% of the patients had died. Overall median survival duration was 10.6 years with no significant differences in duration within the dementia subtypes (p = 0.174). Survival in older-onset dementia (symptom onset at >65 years of age) was about half of that in younger-onset dementia (median survival 6.3 years compared to 12.7 years, respectively). Independent predictors of mortality were having older-onset dementia (hazard ratio: 3.2) and having initial presenting symptoms being cognitive in nature (hazard ratio: 1.5). Females with an older-onset dementia had longer survival compared to males with an older-onset dementia, and this was reversed for younger-onset dementia. Older-onset dementia and younger-onset dementia conferred 3 and 6 times, respectively, increased risk of death compared to the general population. CONCLUSION This is the largest Australian study to date investigating survival and risk factors to mortality in dementia. We report important clinical information to patients with dementia and their families about prognosis which will assist with future planning. Our findings suggest that for both older-onset dementia and younger-onset dementia, 'new onset' psychiatric symptoms precede the cognitive symptoms of a neurodegenerative process. This, and sex differences in survival depending on the age of onset of the dementia warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Loi
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Paraskevi Tsoukra
- Department of Neurology, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Zhiben Chen
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Pierre Wibawa
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Dhamidhu Eratne
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Maria A Di Biase
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Evans
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Farrand
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wendy Kelso
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anita My Goh
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Walterfang
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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13
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Loi SM, Flynn L, Cadwallader C, Stretton-Smith P, Bryant C, Baker FA. Music and Psychology & Social Connections Program: Protocol for a Novel Intervention for Dyads Affected by Younger-Onset Dementia. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12040503. [PMID: 35448034 PMCID: PMC9031190 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12040503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial interventions targeting the specific needs of people affected by younger-onset dementia are lacking. Younger-onset dementia refers to dementia where symptom onset occurs at less than 65 years old. Because of its occurrence in middle age, the impact on spouses is particularly marked and dyadic-based interventions are recommended. Music And Psychology & Social Connections (MAPS) is a novel online intervention, informed by the theory of adaptive coping by Bannon et al. (2021) for dyads affected by younger-onset dementia. MAPS combines therapeutic songwriting, cognitive behaviour therapy, and a private social networking group that focuses on the dyads. This will be a randomised controlled trial with a waitlist control. The primary aims are to assess whether MAPS improves depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms in caregivers, with secondary aims to assess whether MAPS improves depressive symptoms in people with younger-onset dementia. The trial also aims to assess dyadic social connectedness; caregiver coping skills; and neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with younger-onset dementia. We will recruit 60 dyads to participate in a group-based weekly online program for 8 weeks facilitated by a credentialed music therapist and psychologist. Sessions 1 and 8 will include both caregivers and people with younger-onset dementia and Sessions 2–7 will involve separate group sessions for caregivers and those with dementia. There will be focus groups for qualitative feedback. Due to its online administration, MAPS has the potential to reach many dyads affected by younger-onset dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Loi
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Neuropsychiatry, John Cade Level 2, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +613-9342-8750
| | - Libby Flynn
- Department of Fine Arts and Music, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (L.F.); (C.C.); (P.S.-S.); (F.A.B.)
| | - Claire Cadwallader
- Department of Fine Arts and Music, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (L.F.); (C.C.); (P.S.-S.); (F.A.B.)
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Phoebe Stretton-Smith
- Department of Fine Arts and Music, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (L.F.); (C.C.); (P.S.-S.); (F.A.B.)
| | - Christina Bryant
- Department of Psychology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Felicity A. Baker
- Department of Fine Arts and Music, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (L.F.); (C.C.); (P.S.-S.); (F.A.B.)
- Music Education and Music Therapy Department, Norwegian Academy of Music, 0369 Oslo, Norway
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14
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Loi SM, Walterfang M, Kelso W, Bevilacqua J, Mocellin R, Velakoulis D. A description of the components of a specialist younger-onset dementia service: a potential model for a dementia-specific service for younger people. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:37-40. [PMID: 33626305 DOI: 10.1177/1039856221992643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This narrative paper describes the influences behind the development of, and key components of a specialist younger-onset dementia service located in metropolitan Victoria, Australia. CONCLUSION The Melbourne Young-Onset Dementia Service was established in 2013 and provides diagnosis and ongoing care for people with younger-onset dementia and their families, through collaboration with other medical units, allied health and community services. It is potentially a model for other younger-onset dementia services nationally and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Loi
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Mark Walterfang
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
| | - Wendy Kelso
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Psychology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | | | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Neuropsychiatry, NorthWestern Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville, Australia
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Walia N, Eratne D, Loi SM, Li QX, Varghese S, Malpas CB, Walterfang M, Evans AH, Parker S, Collins SJ, Masters CL, Velakoulis D. Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light predicts the rate of executive function decline in younger-onset dementia. J Neurol Sci 2022; 432:120088. [PMID: 34922179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Determining disease severity and predicting prognosis in younger onset-dementia (YOD) remains challenging. Whether CSF biomarkers neurofilament light (NfL), tau and amyloidβ 42 (Aβ42) can help provide such information has been underexplored. METHODS Patients with YOD and CSF analysis were identified. We compared baseline NfL, tau and Aβ42 concentrations with contemporaneous Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Assessment Tool (NUCOG) scores to assess their association with severity of cognitive impairment. Cognitive decline, as measured by longitudinal NUCOG assessment, was correlated against baseline biomarker levels to assess their utility in predicting the rate of cognitive decline. RESULTS 78 patients with YOD (mean age = 56 years, SD = 8) and CSF analysis were identified. Dementia types included Alzheimer's disease, behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, dementia not-otherwise-specified and other. Tau was associated with contemporaneous memory dysfunction (r = -0.556, 95% CI:[-0.702,-0.393], p < .001). 21 patients had longitudinal cognitive assessment up to 82 months from CSF sampling. NfL was associated with the rate of executive function decline (r = 0.755, 95% CI:[0.259,0.937], p < .001). Aβ42 was associated with the rate of memory decline (r = -0.582, 95% CI:[-0.855,-0.274], p = .007) and rate of total NUCOG decline (r = -0.515, 95% CI: [-0.809, -0.227], p = .017). CONCLUSION CSF tau is related to contemporaneous memory impairment in YOD. NfL and Aβ42 levels are associated with the rate of executive function and memory decline, respectively, and may have a role in prognostication in YOD.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Walia
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - D Eratne
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre & Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - S M Loi
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre & Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Q-X Li
- National Dementia and Diagnostics Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - S Varghese
- National Dementia and Diagnostics Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - C B Malpas
- Clinical Outcomes Research Unit (CORe), Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - M Walterfang
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre & Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - A H Evans
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - S Parker
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - S J Collins
- National Dementia and Diagnostics Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine (RMH), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - C L Masters
- National Dementia and Diagnostics Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - D Velakoulis
- Neuropsychiatry, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre & Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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