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Tippett DC, Neophytou K, Tao Y, Gallegos J, Morrow C, Onyike CU, Tsapkini K. Long-term, home-based transcranial direct current stimulation coupled with computerized cognitive training in frontotemporal dementia: A case report. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2024; 16:11795735241258435. [PMID: 38835997 PMCID: PMC11149448 DOI: 10.1177/11795735241258435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
We present the case of a 62-year-old woman with probable behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) with cognitive/language deficits who demonstrated improved performance on cognitive/language testing and in functional tasks following long-term, home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) coupled with computerized cognitive training (CCT). The patient underwent home-based tDCS (anode on the left prefrontal cortex and cathode on the right homologue) for 46 sessions over 10 weeks along with CCT. On post-treatment testing, the patient improved by 3 points on the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) (23 to 26). She also showed improvement on several cognitive/language tasks, such as immediate recall of single words and word pairs, total accurate words in sentence repetition, delayed recall, semantic processing, and sentence level comprehension. There was no decline in several other cognitive and language tasks. Family members reported subjective improvements in expressiveness, communication, and interaction with others as well as increased attention to grooming and style which contrasted with her pre-treatment condition. This report suggests that home-based tDCS combined with CCT for an extended period may slow decline, and improve cognitive/language performance and everyday function in FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna C Tippett
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kyriaki Neophytou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yuan Tao
- Department of Cognitive Science, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica Gallegos
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chiadi U Onyike
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kyrana Tsapkini
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Cappiello A, Abate F, Adamo S, Tepedino MF, Donisi L, Ricciardi C, Avallone AR, Caterino M, Cuoco S, Pellecchia MT, Amboni M, Barone P, Erro R, Picillo M. Direct Current Stimulation of Prefrontal Cortex Is Not Effective in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Randomized Trial. Mov Disord 2024; 39:1043-1048. [PMID: 38468604 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare 4R-tauopathy. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may improve specific symptoms. OBJECTIVES This randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial aimed at verifying the short-, mid-, and long-term effect of multiple sessions of anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) cortex in PSP. METHODS Twenty-five patients were randomly assigned to active or sham stimulation (2 mA for 20 minute) for 5 days/week for 2 weeks. Participants underwent assessments at baseline, after the 2-week stimulation protocol, then after 45 days and 3 months from baseline. Primary outcomes were verbal and semantic fluency. The efficacy was verified with analysis of covariance. RESULTS We failed to detect a significant effect of active stimulation on primary outcomes. Stimulation was associated to worsening of specific behavioral complaints. CONCLUSIONS A 2-week protocol of anodal left DLPFC tDCS is not effective in PSP. Specific challenges in running symptomatic clinical trials with classic design are highlighted. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Cappiello
- Center for Neurodegenerative diseases (CEMAND), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Filomena Abate
- Center for Neurodegenerative diseases (CEMAND), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Sarah Adamo
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Tepedino
- Center for Neurodegenerative diseases (CEMAND), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Leandro Donisi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Carlo Ricciardi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Avallone
- Center for Neurodegenerative diseases (CEMAND), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Miriam Caterino
- Center for Neurodegenerative diseases (CEMAND), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Sofia Cuoco
- Center for Neurodegenerative diseases (CEMAND), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Pellecchia
- Center for Neurodegenerative diseases (CEMAND), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Marianna Amboni
- Center for Neurodegenerative diseases (CEMAND), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
- IDC Hermitage-Capodimonte, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Barone
- Center for Neurodegenerative diseases (CEMAND), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Roberto Erro
- Center for Neurodegenerative diseases (CEMAND), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Marina Picillo
- Center for Neurodegenerative diseases (CEMAND), Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
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Mirzai N, Polet K, Morisot A, Hesse S, Pesce A, Louchart de la Chapelle S, Iakimova G. Can the Ability to Recognize Facial Emotions in Individuals With Neurodegenerative Disease be Improved? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Cogn Behav Neurol 2023; 36:202-218. [PMID: 37410880 PMCID: PMC10683976 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0000000000000348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facial emotion recognition (FER) is commonly impaired in individuals with neurodegenerative disease (NDD). This impairment has been linked to an increase in behavioral disorders and caregiver burden. OBJECTIVE To identify interventions targeting the improvement of FER ability in individuals with NDD and investigate the magnitude of the efficacy of the interventions. We also wanted to explore the duration of the effects of the intervention and their possible impacts on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and caregiver burden. METHOD We included 15 studies with 604 individuals who had been diagnosed with NDD. The identified interventions were categorized into three types of approach (cognitive, neurostimulation, and pharmacological) as well as a combined approach (neurostimulation with pharmacological). RESULTS The three types of approaches pooled together had a significant large effect size for FER ability improvement (standard mean difference: 1.21, 95% CI = 0.11, 2.31, z = 2.15, P = 0.03). The improvement lasted post intervention, in tandem with a decrease in behavioral disorders and caregiver burden. CONCLUSION A combination of different approaches for FER ability improvement may be beneficial for individuals with NDD and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naz Mirzai
- Clinical Research Unit–Memory Clinic, Princess Grace Hospital, Monaco
- Cote d’Azur University, Laboratory of Clinical, Cognitive and Social Anthropology and Psychology, Nice, France
| | - Kévin Polet
- Clinical Research Unit–Memory Clinic, Princess Grace Hospital, Monaco
| | - Adeline Morisot
- Clinical Research Unit–Memory Clinic, Princess Grace Hospital, Monaco
- Public Health Department, Cote d’Azur University, University Hospital Center of Nice, Nice, France
| | - Solange Hesse
- Clinical Research Unit–Memory Clinic, Princess Grace Hospital, Monaco
| | - Alain Pesce
- Bibliographic Research Association for Neurosciences, Nice, France
| | | | - Galina Iakimova
- Cote d’Azur University, Laboratory of Clinical, Cognitive and Social Anthropology and Psychology, Nice, France
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Neylan KD, Miller BL. New Approaches to the Treatment of Frontotemporal Dementia. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1055-1065. [PMID: 37157041 PMCID: PMC10457270 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) comprises a diverse group of clinical neurodegenerative syndromes characterized by progressive changes in behavior, personality, executive function, language, and motor function. Approximately 20% of FTD cases have a known genetic cause. The three most common genetic mutations causing FTD are discussed. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration refers to the heterogeneous group of neuropathology underlying FTD clinical syndromes. While there are no current disease-modifying treatments for FTD, management includes off-label pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological approaches to target symptoms. The utility of several different drug classes is discussed. Medications used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease have no benefit in FTD and can worsen neuropsychiatric symptoms. Non-pharmacological approaches to management include lifestyle modifications, speech-, occupational-, and physical therapy, peer and caregiver support, and safety considerations. Recent developments in the understanding of the genetics, pathophysiology, neuropathology, and neuroimmunology underlying FTD clinical syndromes have expanded possibilities for disease-modifying and symptom-targeted treatments. Different pathogenetic mechanisms are targeted in several active clinical trials, opening up exciting possibilities for breakthrough advances in treatment and management of FTD spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra D Neylan
- University of California San Francisco Memory and Aging Center, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Bruce L Miller
- University of California San Francisco Memory and Aging Center, San Francisco, USA
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Benussi A, Borroni B. Advances in the treatment and management of frontotemporal dementia. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:621-639. [PMID: 37357688 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2228491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by a wide range of pathological conditions associated with the buildup of proteins such as tau and TDP-43. With a strong hereditary component, FTD often results from genetic variants in three genes - MAPT, GRN, and C9orf72. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors explore abnormal protein accumulation in FTD and forthcoming treatments, providing a detailed analysis of new diagnostic advancements, including innovative markers. They analyze how these discoveries have influenced therapeutic strategies, particularly disease-modifying treatments, which could potentially transform FTD management. This comprehensive exploration of FTD from its molecular underpinnings to its therapeutic prospects offers a compelling overview of the current state of FTD research. EXPERT OPINION Notable challenges in FTD management involve identifying reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and response monitoring. Genetic forms of FTD, particularly those linked to C9orf72 and GRN, show promise, with targeted therapies resulting in substantial progress in disease-modifying strategies. The potential of neuromodulation techniques, like tDCS and rTMS, is being explored, requiring further study. Ongoing trials and multi-disciplinary care highlight the continued push toward effective FTD treatments. With increasing understanding of FTD's molecular and clinical intricacies, the hope for developing effective interventions grows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Perl YS, Zamora-Lopez G, Montbrió E, Monge-Asensio M, Vohryzek J, Fittipaldi S, Campo CG, Moguilner S, Ibañez A, Tagliazucchi E, Yeo BTT, Kringelbach ML, Deco G. The impact of regional heterogeneity in whole-brain dynamics in the presence of oscillations. Netw Neurosci 2023; 7:632-660. [PMID: 37397876 PMCID: PMC10312285 DOI: 10.1162/netn_a_00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Large variability exists across brain regions in health and disease, considering their cellular and molecular composition, connectivity, and function. Large-scale whole-brain models comprising coupled brain regions provide insights into the underlying dynamics that shape complex patterns of spontaneous brain activity. In particular, biophysically grounded mean-field whole-brain models in the asynchronous regime were used to demonstrate the dynamical consequences of including regional variability. Nevertheless, the role of heterogeneities when brain dynamics are supported by synchronous oscillating state, which is a ubiquitous phenomenon in brain, remains poorly understood. Here, we implemented two models capable of presenting oscillatory behavior with different levels of abstraction: a phenomenological Stuart-Landau model and an exact mean-field model. The fit of these models informed by structural- to functional-weighted MRI signal (T1w/T2w) allowed us to explore the implication of the inclusion of heterogeneities for modeling resting-state fMRI recordings from healthy participants. We found that disease-specific regional functional heterogeneity imposed dynamical consequences within the oscillatory regime in fMRI recordings from neurodegeneration with specific impacts on brain atrophy/structure (Alzheimer's patients). Overall, we found that models with oscillations perform better when structural and functional regional heterogeneities are considered, showing that phenomenological and biophysical models behave similarly at the brink of the Hopf bifurcation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan Sanz Perl
- Department of Physics, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San Andrés, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gorka Zamora-Lopez
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ernest Montbrió
- Neuronal Dynamics Group, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martí Monge-Asensio
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jakub Vohryzek
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sol Fittipaldi
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San Andrés, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cecilia González Campo
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San Andrés, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Moguilner
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile
| | - Agustín Ibañez
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San Andrés, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience (TCIN), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Enzo Tagliazucchi
- Department of Physics, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San Andrés, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile
| | - B. T. Thomas Yeo
- Centre for Sleep and Cognition, Centre for Translational MR Research, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, N.1 Institute for Health and Institute for Digital Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Morten L. Kringelbach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gustavo Deco
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de la Recerca i Estudis Avancats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Sanz Perl Y, Fittipaldi S, Gonzalez Campo C, Moguilner S, Cruzat J, Fraile-Vazquez ME, Herzog R, Kringelbach ML, Deco G, Prado P, Ibanez A, Tagliazucchi E. Model-based whole-brain perturbational landscape of neurodegenerative diseases. eLife 2023; 12:e83970. [PMID: 36995213 PMCID: PMC10063230 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is hindered by lack of interventions capable of steering multimodal whole-brain dynamics towards patterns indicative of preserved brain health. To address this problem, we combined deep learning with a model capable of reproducing whole-brain functional connectivity in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). These models included disease-specific atrophy maps as priors to modulate local parameters, revealing increased stability of hippocampal and insular dynamics as signatures of brain atrophy in AD and bvFTD, respectively. Using variational autoencoders, we visualized different pathologies and their severity as the evolution of trajectories in a low-dimensional latent space. Finally, we perturbed the model to reveal key AD- and bvFTD-specific regions to induce transitions from pathological to healthy brain states. Overall, we obtained novel insights on disease progression and control by means of external stimulation, while identifying dynamical mechanisms that underlie functional alterations in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan Sanz Perl
- Department of Physics, University of Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), CABABuenos AiresArgentina
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San AndrésBuenos AiresArgentina
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Universitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
| | - Sol Fittipaldi
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), CABABuenos AiresArgentina
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San AndrésBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Cecilia Gonzalez Campo
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), CABABuenos AiresArgentina
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San AndrésBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Sebastián Moguilner
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo IbáñezSantiagoChile
| | - Josephine Cruzat
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Universitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo IbáñezSantiagoChile
| | | | - Rubén Herzog
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo IbáñezSantiagoChile
| | - Morten L Kringelbach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus UniversityÅrhusDenmark
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of MinhoBragaPortugal
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Gustavo Deco
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Universitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
- Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
- Institució Catalana de la Recerca i Estudis Avancats (ICREA)BarcelonaSpain
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Pavel Prado
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo IbáñezSantiagoChile
- Escuela de Fonoaudiología, Facultad de Odontología y Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Universidad San SebastiánSantiagoChile
| | - Agustin Ibanez
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), CABABuenos AiresArgentina
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San AndrésBuenos AiresArgentina
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo IbáñezSantiagoChile
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience (TCIN), Trinity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Enzo Tagliazucchi
- Department of Physics, University of Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), CABABuenos AiresArgentina
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San AndrésBuenos AiresArgentina
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo IbáñezSantiagoChile
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Termine A, Fabrizio C, Caltagirone C, Petrosini L. A Reproducible Deep-Learning-Based Computer-Aided Diagnosis Tool for Frontotemporal Dementia Using MONAI and Clinica Frameworks. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:947. [PMID: 35888037 PMCID: PMC9323676 DOI: 10.3390/life12070947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite Artificial Intelligence (AI) being a leading technology in biomedical research, real-life implementation of AI-based Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) tools into the clinical setting is still remote due to unstandardized practices during development. However, few or no attempts have been made to propose a reproducible CAD development workflow for 3D MRI data. In this paper, we present the development of an easily reproducible and reliable CAD tool using the Clinica and MONAI frameworks that were developed to introduce standardized practices in medical imaging. A Deep Learning (DL) algorithm was trained to detect frontotemporal dementia (FTD) on data from the NIFD database to ensure reproducibility. The DL model yielded 0.80 accuracy (95% confidence intervals: 0.64, 0.91), 1 sensitivity, 0.6 specificity, 0.83 F1-score, and 0.86 AUC, achieving a comparable performance with other FTD classification approaches. Explainable AI methods were applied to understand AI behavior and to identify regions of the images where the DL model misbehaves. Attention maps highlighted that its decision was driven by hallmarking brain areas for FTD and helped us to understand how to improve FTD detection. The proposed standardized methodology could be useful for benchmark comparison in FTD classification. AI-based CAD tools should be developed with the goal of standardizing pipelines, as varying pre-processing and training methods, along with the absence of model behavior explanations, negatively impact regulators' attitudes towards CAD. The adoption of common best practices for neuroimaging data analysis is a step toward fast evaluation of efficacy and safety of CAD and may accelerate the adoption of AI products in the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Termine
- Data Science Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Carlo Fabrizio
- Data Science Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy;
| | - Laura Petrosini
- Experimental and Behavioral Neurophysiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
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Assogna M, Sprugnoli G, Press D, Dickerson B, Macone J, Bonnì S, Borghi I, Connor A, Hoffman M, Grover N, Wong B, Shen C, Martorana A, O'Reilly M, Ruffini G, El Fakhri G, Koch G, Santarnecchi E. Gamma-induction in frontotemporal dementia (GIFTeD) randomized placebo-controlled trial: Rationale, noninvasive brain stimulation protocol, and study design. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2022; 7:e12219. [PMID: 35141396 PMCID: PMC8813035 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no effective pharmacological treatment. Recently, interneuron activity responsible for fast oscillatory brain activity has been found to be impaired in a mouse model of FTD with consequent cognitive and behavioral alterations. In this study, we aim to investigate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a novel promising therapeutic intervention for FTD based on 40 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation thought to engage neural activity in a frequency-specific manner and thus suited to restore altered brain oscillatory patterns. METHODS This is a multi-site, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on 50 patients with a diagnosis of behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD). Participants will be randomized to undergo either 30 days of 1-hour daily tACS or Sham (placebo) tACS. The outcomes will be assessed at baseline, right after the intervention and at a 3- to 6-months follow-up. The primary outcome measures are represented by the safety and feasibility of tACS administration, which will be assessed considering the nature, frequency, and severity of adverse events as well as attrition rate, respectively. To assess secondary outcomes, participants will undergo extensive neuropsychological and behavioral assessments and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) scans to evaluate changes in brain metabolism, functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), resting and evoked electroencephalography, as well as blood biomarkers to measure changes in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory markers. RESULTS The trial started in October 2020 and will end in October 2023. Study protocols have been approved by the local institutional review board (IRB) at each data-collection site. DISCUSSION This study will evaluate the safety and tolerability of 40 Hz tACS in bvFTD patients and its efficacy on gamma oscillatory activity, cognitive function, and brain glucose hypometabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Assogna
- Berenson‐Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain StimulationBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Non‐Invasive Brain Stimulation UnitDepartment of Behavioural and Clinical NeurologySanta Lucia Foundation IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Giulia Sprugnoli
- Berenson‐Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain StimulationBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Radiology UnitDepartment of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Daniel Press
- Berenson‐Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain StimulationBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Brad Dickerson
- Frontotemporal Disorders Unit and Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterDepartments of Psychiatry and NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Joanna Macone
- Berenson‐Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain StimulationBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sonia Bonnì
- Non‐Invasive Brain Stimulation UnitDepartment of Behavioural and Clinical NeurologySanta Lucia Foundation IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Ilaria Borghi
- Non‐Invasive Brain Stimulation UnitDepartment of Behavioural and Clinical NeurologySanta Lucia Foundation IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Ann Connor
- Berenson‐Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain StimulationBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Megan Hoffman
- Berenson‐Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain StimulationBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Nainika Grover
- Berenson‐Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain StimulationBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Bonnie Wong
- Frontotemporal Disorders Unit and Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterDepartments of Psychiatry and NeurologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Changyu Shen
- Richard and Susan Smith Center for Outcomes Research in CardiologyDivision of CardiologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Molly O'Reilly
- Berenson‐Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain StimulationBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Georges El Fakhri
- Gordon Center for Medical ImagingDepartment of RadiologyMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Non‐Invasive Brain Stimulation UnitDepartment of Behavioural and Clinical NeurologySanta Lucia Foundation IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Emiliano Santarnecchi
- Berenson‐Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain StimulationBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Gordon Center for Medical ImagingDepartment of RadiologyMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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10
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Aloizou AM, Pateraki G, Anargyros K, Siokas V, Bakirtzis C, Sgantzos M, Messinis L, Nasios G, Peristeri E, Bogdanos DP, Doskas TK, Tzeferakos G, Dardiotis E. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9080949. [PMID: 34442086 PMCID: PMC8391181 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9080949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a debilitating impairment of cognitive functions that affects millions of people worldwide. There are several diseases belonging to the dementia spectrum, most prominently Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), Lewy body dementia (LBD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a safe, non-invasive form of brain stimulation that utilizes a magnetic coil to generate an electrical field and induce numerous changes in the brain. It is considered efficacious for the treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders. In this paper, we review the available studies involving rTMS in the treatment of these dementia types. The majority of studies have involved AD and shown beneficial effects, either as a standalone, or as an add-on to standard-of-care pharmacological treatment and cognitive training. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex seems to hold a central position in the applied protocols, but several parameters still need to be defined. In addition, rTMS has shown potential in mild cognitive impairment as well. Regarding the remaining dementias, research is still at preliminary phases, and large, randomized studies are currently lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina-Maria Aloizou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly Biopolis, Mezourlo Hill, 41100 Larissa, Greece; (A.-M.A.); (G.P.); (K.A.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (E.P.)
| | - Georgia Pateraki
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly Biopolis, Mezourlo Hill, 41100 Larissa, Greece; (A.-M.A.); (G.P.); (K.A.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (E.P.)
| | - Konstantinos Anargyros
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly Biopolis, Mezourlo Hill, 41100 Larissa, Greece; (A.-M.A.); (G.P.); (K.A.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (E.P.)
| | - Vasileios Siokas
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly Biopolis, Mezourlo Hill, 41100 Larissa, Greece; (A.-M.A.); (G.P.); (K.A.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (E.P.)
| | - Christos Bakirtzis
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, B’Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Markos Sgantzos
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly Biopolis, Mezourlo Hill, 41100 Larissa, Greece; (A.-M.A.); (G.P.); (K.A.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (E.P.)
| | - Lambros Messinis
- Neuropsychology Section, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Patras and University of Patras, Medical School, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Grigorios Nasios
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Eleni Peristeri
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly Biopolis, Mezourlo Hill, 41100 Larissa, Greece; (A.-M.A.); (G.P.); (K.A.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (E.P.)
| | - Dimitrios P. Bogdanos
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, 40500 Larissa, Greece;
| | | | - Georgios Tzeferakos
- Association for Regional Development and Mental Health (EPAPSY), 15124 Marousi, Greece;
| | - Efthimios Dardiotis
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly Biopolis, Mezourlo Hill, 41100 Larissa, Greece; (A.-M.A.); (G.P.); (K.A.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (E.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-241-350-1137 or +30-697-422-4279
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11
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Benussi A, Cantoni V, Manes M, Libri I, Dell'Era V, Datta A, Thomas C, Ferrari C, Di Fonzo A, Fancellu R, Grassi M, Brusco A, Alberici A, Borroni B. Motor and cognitive outcomes of cerebello-spinal stimulation in neurodegenerative ataxia. Brain 2021; 144:2310-2321. [PMID: 33950222 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias represent a heterogeneous group of disabling disorders characterized by motor and cognitive disturbances, for which no effective treatment is currently available. In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial, followed by an open-label phase, we investigated whether treatment with cerebello-spinal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could improve both motor and cognitive symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative ataxia at short and long-term. Sixty-one patients were randomized in two groups for the first controlled phase. At baseline (T0), Group 1 received placebo stimulation (sham tDCS) while Group 2 received anodal cerebellar tDCS and cathodal spinal tDCS (real tDCS) for 5 days/week for two weeks (T1), with a 12-week (T2) follow-up (randomized, double-blind, sham controlled phase). At the 12-week follow-up (T2), all patients (Group 1 and Group 2) received a second treatment of anodal cerebellar tDCS and cathodal spinal tDCS (real tDCS) for 5 days/week for two weeks, with a 14-week (T3), 24-week (T4), 36-week (T5) and 52-week follow-up (T6) (open-label phase). At each time point, a clinical, neuropsychological and neurophysiological evaluation was performed. Cerebellar-motor cortex connectivity was evaluated using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We observed a significant improvement in all motor scores (scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia, international cooperative ataxia rating scale), in cognition (evaluated with the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome scale), in quality-of-life scores, in motor cortex excitability and in cerebellar inhibition after real tDCS compared to sham stimulation and compared to baseline (T0), both at short and long-term. We observed an addon-effect after two repeated treatments with real tDCS compared to a single treatment with real tDCS. The improvement at motor and cognitive scores correlated with the restoration of cerebellar inhibition evaluated with TMS. Cerebello-spinal tDCS represents a promising therapeutic approach for both motor and cognitive symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative ataxia, a still orphan disorder of any pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Cantoni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Manes
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Aulss2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Ilenia Libri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Dell'Era
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Neurology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Abhishek Datta
- Research & Development, Soterix Medical, Inc., New York, USA
| | - Chris Thomas
- Research & Development, Soterix Medical, Inc., New York, USA
| | - Camilla Ferrari
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Di Fonzo
- Dino Ferrari Center, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Fancellu
- UO Neurologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Medical and Genomic Statistics Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Medical Genetics Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
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12
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Giunta M, Solje E, Gardoni F, Borroni B, Benussi A. Experimental Disease-Modifying Agents for Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration. J Exp Pharmacol 2021; 13:359-376. [PMID: 33790662 PMCID: PMC8005747 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s262352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia is a clinically, genetically and pathologically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder, enclosing a wide range of different pathological entities, associated with the accumulation of proteins such as tau and TPD-43. Characterized by a high hereditability, mutations in three main genes, MAPT, GRN and C9orf72, can drive the neurodegenerative process. The connection between different genes and proteinopathies through specific mechanisms has shed light on the pathophysiology of the disease, leading to the identification of potential pharmacological targets. New experimental strategies are emerging, in both preclinical and clinical settings, which focus on small molecules rather than gene therapy. In this review, we provide an insight into the aberrant mechanisms leading to FTLD-related proteinopathies and discuss recent therapies with the potential to ameliorate neurodegeneration and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Giunta
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Fabrizio Gardoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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13
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The Role of White Matter Dysfunction and Leukoencephalopathy/Leukodystrophy Genes in the Aetiology of Frontotemporal Dementias: Implications for Novel Approaches to Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052541. [PMID: 33802612 PMCID: PMC7961524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a common cause of presenile dementia and is characterized by behavioural and/or language changes and progressive cognitive deficits. Genetics is an important component in the aetiology of FTD, with positive family history of dementia reported for 40% of cases. This review synthesizes current knowledge of the known major FTD genes, including C9orf72 (chromosome 9 open reading frame 72), MAPT (microtubule-associated protein tau) and GRN (granulin), and their impact on neuronal and glial pathology. Further, evidence for white matter dysfunction in the aetiology of FTD and the clinical, neuroimaging and genetic overlap between FTD and leukodystrophy/leukoencephalopathy are discussed. The review highlights the role of common variants and mutations in genes such as CSF1R (colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor), CYP27A1 (cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily A member 1), TREM2 (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2) and TMEM106B (transmembrane protein 106B) that play an integral role in microglia and oligodendrocyte function. Finally, pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches for enhancing remyelination are discussed in terms of future treatments of FTD.
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14
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Marson F, Lasaponara S, Cavallo M. A Scoping Review of Neuromodulation Techniques in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Useful Tool for Clinical Practice? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57030215. [PMID: 33673455 PMCID: PMC7997187 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57030215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Neurodegenerative diseases that typically affect the elderly such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and frontotemporal dementia are typically characterised by significant cognitive impairment that worsens significantly over time. To date, viable pharmacological options for the cognitive symptoms in these clinical conditions are lacking. In recent years, various studies have employed neuromodulation techniques to try and contrast patients’ decay. Materials and Methods: We conducted an in-depth literature review of the state-of-the-art of the contribution of these techniques across these neurodegenerative diseases. Results: The present review reports that neuromodulation techniques targeting cognitive impairment do not allow to draw yet any definitive conclusion about their clinical efficacy although preliminary evidence is very encouraging. Conclusions: Further and more robust studies should evaluate the potentialities and limitations of the application of these promising therapeutic tools to neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Marson
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti, 06081 Assisi, Italy;
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Lasaponara
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Cavallo
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
- Clinical Psychology Service, Saint George Foundation, 12030 Cavallermaggiore, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3478306430
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15
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Sanches C, Stengel C, Godard J, Mertz J, Teichmann M, Migliaccio R, Valero-Cabré A. Past, Present, and Future of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Approaches to Treat Cognitive Impairment in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Time for a Comprehensive Critical Review. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 12:578339. [PMID: 33551785 PMCID: PMC7854576 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.578339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Low birth rates and increasing life expectancy experienced by developed societies have placed an unprecedented pressure on governments and the health system to deal effectively with the human, social and financial burden associated to aging-related diseases. At present, ∼24 million people worldwide suffer from cognitive neurodegenerative diseases, a prevalence that doubles every five years. Pharmacological therapies and cognitive training/rehabilitation have generated temporary hope and, occasionally, proof of mild relief. Nonetheless, these approaches are yet to demonstrate a meaningful therapeutic impact and changes in prognosis. We here review evidence gathered for nearly a decade on non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), a less known therapeutic strategy aiming to limit cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative conditions. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, two of the most popular NIBS technologies, use electrical fields generated non-invasively in the brain to long-lastingly enhance the excitability/activity of key brain regions contributing to relevant cognitive processes. The current comprehensive critical review presents proof-of-concept evidence and meaningful cognitive outcomes of NIBS in eight of the most prevalent neurodegenerative pathologies affecting cognition: Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Primary Progressive Aphasias (PPA), behavioral variant of Frontotemporal Dementia, Corticobasal Syndrome, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and Posterior Cortical Atrophy. We analyzed a total of 70 internationally published studies: 33 focusing on Alzheimer's disease, 19 on PPA and 18 on the remaining neurodegenerative pathologies. The therapeutic benefit and clinical significance of NIBS remains inconclusive, in particular given the lack of a sufficient number of double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials using multiday stimulation regimes, the heterogeneity of the protocols, and adequate behavioral and neuroimaging response biomarkers, able to show lasting effects and an impact on prognosis. The field remains promising but, to make further progress, research efforts need to take in account the latest evidence of the anatomical and neurophysiological features underlying cognitive deficits in these patient populations. Moreover, as the development of in vivo biomarkers are ongoing, allowing for an early diagnosis of these neuro-cognitive conditions, one could consider a scenario in which NIBS treatment will be personalized and made part of a cognitive rehabilitation program, or useful as a potential adjunct to drug therapies since the earliest stages of suh diseases. Research should also integrate novel knowledge on the mechanisms and constraints guiding the impact of electrical and magnetic fields on cerebral tissues and brain activity, and incorporate the principles of information-based neurostimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Sanches
- Cerebral Dynamics, Plasticity and Rehabilitation Group, FRONTLAB Team, CNRS UMR 7225, INSERM U 1127, Institut du Cerveau, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Stengel
- Cerebral Dynamics, Plasticity and Rehabilitation Group, FRONTLAB Team, CNRS UMR 7225, INSERM U 1127, Institut du Cerveau, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Godard
- Cerebral Dynamics, Plasticity and Rehabilitation Group, FRONTLAB Team, CNRS UMR 7225, INSERM U 1127, Institut du Cerveau, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Justine Mertz
- Cerebral Dynamics, Plasticity and Rehabilitation Group, FRONTLAB Team, CNRS UMR 7225, INSERM U 1127, Institut du Cerveau, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Marc Teichmann
- Cerebral Dynamics, Plasticity and Rehabilitation Group, FRONTLAB Team, CNRS UMR 7225, INSERM U 1127, Institut du Cerveau, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
- National Reference Center for Rare or Early Onset Dementias, Department of Neurology, Institute of Memory and Alzheimer’s Disease, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique -Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Raffaella Migliaccio
- Cerebral Dynamics, Plasticity and Rehabilitation Group, FRONTLAB Team, CNRS UMR 7225, INSERM U 1127, Institut du Cerveau, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
- National Reference Center for Rare or Early Onset Dementias, Department of Neurology, Institute of Memory and Alzheimer’s Disease, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique -Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Antoni Valero-Cabré
- Cerebral Dynamics, Plasticity and Rehabilitation Group, FRONTLAB Team, CNRS UMR 7225, INSERM U 1127, Institut du Cerveau, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
- Laboratory for Cerebral Dynamics Plasticity & Rehabilitation, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Information Technology Research Program, Open University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
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