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Tombini M, Boscarino M, Di Lazzaro V. Tackling seizures in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:1131-1145. [PMID: 37946507 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2278487] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In past years, a possible bidirectional link between epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been proposed: if AD patients are more likely to develop epilepsy, people with late-onset epilepsy evidence an increased risk of dementia. Furthermore, current research suggested that subclinical epileptiform discharges may be more frequent in patients with AD and network hyperexcitability may hasten cognitive impairment. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, the authors discuss the recent evidence linking AD and epilepsy as well as seizures semeiology and epileptiform activity observed in patients with AD. Finally, anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and therapeutic trials to tackle seizures and network hyperexcitability in this clinical scenario have been summarized. EXPERT OPINION There is growing experimental evidence demonstrating a strong connection between seizures, neuronal hyperexcitability, and AD. Epilepsy in AD has shown a good response to ASMs both at the late and prodromal stages. The new generation ASMs with fewer cognitive adverse effects seem to be a preferable option. Data on the possible effects of network hyperexcitability and ASMs on AD progression are still inconclusive. Further clinical trials are mandatory to identify clear guidelines about treatment of subclinical epileptiform discharges in patients with AD without seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Tombini
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilisa Boscarino
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurorehabilitation Department, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
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Baksh RA, Pape SE, Chan LF, Aslam AA, Gulliford MC, Strydom A. Multiple morbidity across the lifespan in people with Down syndrome or intellectual disabilities: a population-based cohort study using electronic health records. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8:e453-e462. [PMID: 37119823 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00057-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Down syndrome phenotype is well established, but our understanding of its morbidity patterns is limited. We comprehensively estimated the risk of multiple morbidity across the lifespan in people with Down syndrome compared with the general population and controls with other forms of intellectual disability. METHODS In this matched population-based cohort-study design, we used electronic health-record data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CRPD) from Jan 1, 1990, to June 29, 2020. We aimed to explore the pattern of morbidities throughout the lifespan of people with Down syndrome compared with people with other intellectual disabilities and the general population, to identify syndrome-specific health conditions and their age-related incidence. We estimated incidence rates per 1000 person-years and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for 32 common morbidities. Hierarchical clustering was used to identify groups of associated conditions using prevalence data. FINDINGS Between Jan 1, 1990, and June 29, 2020, a total of 10 204 people with Down syndrome, 39 814 controls, and 69 150 people with intellectual disabilities were included. Compared with controls, people with Down syndrome had increased risk of dementia (IRR 94·7, 95% CI 69·9-128·4), hypothyroidism (IRR 10·6, 9·6-11·8), epilepsy (IRR 9·7, 8·5-10·9), and haematological malignancy (IRR 4·7, 3·4-6·3), whereas asthma (IRR 0·88, 0·79-0·98), cancer (solid tumour IRR 0·75, 0·62-0·89), ischaemic heart disease (IRR 0·65, 0·51-0·85), and particularly hypertension (IRR 0·26, 0·22-0·32) were less frequent in people with Down syndrome than in controls. Compared to people with intellectual disabilities, risk of dementia (IRR 16·60, 14·23-19·37), hypothyroidism (IRR 7·22, 6·62-7·88), obstructive sleep apnoea (IRR 4·45, 3·72-5·31), and haematological malignancy (IRR 3·44, 2·58-4·59) were higher in people with Down syndrome, with reduced rates for a third of conditions, including new onset of dental inflammation (IRR 0·88, 0·78-0·99), asthma (IRR 0·82, 0·73-0·91), cancer (solid tumour IRR 0·78, 0·65-0·93), sleep disorder (IRR 0·74, 0·68-0·80), hypercholesterolaemia (IRR 0·69, 0·60-0·80), diabetes (IRR 0·59, 0·52-0·66), mood disorder (IRR 0·55, 0·50-0·60), glaucoma (IRR 0·47, 0·29-0·78), and anxiety disorder (IRR 0·43, 0·38-0·48). Morbidities in Down syndrome could be categorised on age-related incidence trajectories, and their prevalence clustered into typical syndromic conditions, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders, and mental health conditions. INTERPRETATION Multiple morbidity in Down syndrome shows distinct patterns of age-related incidence trajectories and clustering that differ from those found in the general population and in people with other intellectual disabilities, with implications for provision and timing of health-care screening, prevention, and treatment for people with Down syndrome. FUNDING The European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation, the Alzheimer's Society, the Medical Research Council, the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Wellcome Trust, and William Harvey Research Limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Asaad Baksh
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The LonDowns Consortium, London, UK
| | - Sarah E Pape
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The LonDowns Consortium, London, UK
| | - Li F Chan
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Aisha A Aslam
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Martin C Gulliford
- School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andre Strydom
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; The LonDowns Consortium, London, UK.
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Corniello C, Dono F, Evangelista G, Consoli S, De Angelis S, Cipollone S, Liviello D, Polito G, Melchiorre S, Russo M, Granzotto A, Anzellotti F, Onofrj M, Thomas A, Sensi SL. Diagnosis and treatment of late-onset myoclonic epilepsy in Down syndrome (LOMEDS): A systematic review with individual patients' data analysis. Seizure 2023; 109:62-67. [PMID: 37267668 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The late onset myoclonic epilepsy in Down Syndrome (LOMEDS) is a peculiar epilepsy type characterized by cortical myoclonus and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), in people suffering from cognitive decline in Down syndrome (DS). In this review, we analyzed available data on the diagnostic and therapeutic management of individuals with LOMEDS. METHODS We performed a systematic search of the literature to identify the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with LOMEDS. The following databases were used: PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, CrossRef. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registration code: CRD42023390748). RESULTS Data from 46 patients were included. DS was diagnosed according to the patient's clinical and genetic characteristics. Diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia (AD) preceded the onset of epilepsy in all cases. Both myoclonic seizures (MS) and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) were reported, the latter preceding the onset of MS in 28 cases. EEG was performed in 45 patients, showing diffuse theta/delta slowing with superimposed generalized spike-and-wave or polyspike-and-wave. A diffuse cortical atrophy was detected in 34 patients on neuroimaging. Twenty-seven patients were treated with antiseizure medication (ASM) monotherapy, with reduced seizure frequency in 17 patients. Levetiracetam and valproic acid were the most used ASMs. Up to 41% of patients were unresponsive to first-line treatment and needed adjunctive therapy for seizure control. CONCLUSIONS AD-related pathological changes in the brain may play a role in LOMEDS onset, although the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is still unknown. EEG remains the most relevant investigation to be performed. A significant percentage of patients developed a first-line ASM refractory epilepsy. ASMs which modulate the glutamatergic system may represent a good therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Corniello
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital, Chieti, Italy
| | - Fedele Dono
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital, Chieti, Italy; Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Evangelista
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital, Chieti, Italy; Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Stefano Consoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital, Chieti, Italy; Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Sibilla De Angelis
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Cipollone
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital, Chieti, Italy
| | - Davide Liviello
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Epilepsy Center, "SS Annunziata" Hospital, Chieti, Italy
| | - Gaetano Polito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Melchiorre
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirella Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Alberto Granzotto
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | | | - Marco Onofrj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Astrid Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology - CAST, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Yang F, Chen L, Yu Y, Xu T, Chen L, Yang W, Wu Q, Han Y. Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy: An increasingly recognized comorbidity. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:940515. [PMID: 36438002 PMCID: PMC9685172 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.940515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and epilepsy are common chronic diseases in older people. Seizures and epileptiform discharges are very prevalent in AD and can occur since any stage of AD. Increasing evidence indicates that AD and epilepsy may be comorbid. Several factors may be related to the underlying mechanism of the comorbidity. Identifying seizures in patients with AD is a challenge because seizures are often clinically non-motor and may overlap with some AD symptoms. Not only seizures but also epileptiform discharges may exacerbate the cognitive decline in AD patients, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of seizures in AD from multiple aspects to provide more insight.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yanbing Han
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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5
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Fleming V, Hom CL, Clare ICH, Hurd-Thomas SL, Krinsky-McHale S, Handen B, Hartley SL. Cognitive outcome measures for tracking Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 62:227-263. [PMID: 37396708 PMCID: PMC10312212 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irrdd.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is now viewed as a genetic type of Alzheimer's disease (AD), given the near-universal presence of AD pathology in middle adulthood and the elevated risk for developing clinical AD in DS. As the field of DS prepares for AD clinical intervention trials, there is a strong need to identify cognitive measures that are specific and sensitive to the transition from being cognitively stable to the prodromal (e.g., Mild Cognitive Impairment-Down syndrome) and clinical AD (e.g., Dementia) stages of the disease in DS. It is also important to determine cognitive measures that map onto biomarkers of early AD pathology during the transition from the preclinical to the prodromal stage of the disease, as this transition period is likely to be targeted and tracked in AD clinical trials. The present chapter discusses the current state of research on cognitive measures that could be used to screen/select study participants and as potential outcome measures in future AD clinical trials with adults with DS. In this chapter, we also identify key challenges that need to be overcome and questions that need to be addressed by the DS field as it prepares for AD clinical trials in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Fleming
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Christy L Hom
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Isabel C H Clare
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sharon Krinsky-McHale
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Benjamin Handen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sigan L Hartley
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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6
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Kim P, Park J, Lee DJ, Mizuno S, Shinohara M, Hong CP, Jeong Y, Yun R, Park H, Park S, Yang KM, Lee MJ, Jang SP, Kim HY, Lee SJ, Song SU, Park KS, Tanaka M, Ohshima H, Cho JW, Sugiyama F, Takahashi S, Jung HS, Kim SJ. Mast4 determines the cell fate of MSCs for bone and cartilage development. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3960. [PMID: 35803931 PMCID: PMC9270402 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31697-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) differentiation into different lineages is precisely controlled by signaling pathways. Given that protein kinases play a crucial role in signal transduction, here we show that Microtubule Associated Serine/Threonine Kinase Family Member 4 (Mast4) serves as an important mediator of TGF-β and Wnt signal transduction in regulating chondro-osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Suppression of Mast4 by TGF-β1 led to increased Sox9 stability by blocking Mast4-induced Sox9 serine 494 phosphorylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation, ultimately enhancing chondrogenesis of MSCs. On the other hand, Mast4 protein, which stability was enhanced by Wnt-mediated inhibition of GSK-3β and subsequent Smurf1 recruitment, promoted β-catenin nuclear localization and Runx2 activity, increasing osteogenesis of MSCs. Consistently, Mast4-/- mice demonstrated excessive cartilage synthesis, while exhibiting osteoporotic phenotype. Interestingly, Mast4 depletion in MSCs facilitated cartilage formation and regeneration in vivo. Altogether, our findings uncover essential roles of Mast4 in determining the fate of MSC development into cartilage or bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pyunggang Kim
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, 06668, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam City, 463-400, Kyunggi-do, Korea
| | - Jinah Park
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, 06668, Korea
- Amoris Bio Inc, Seoul, 06668, Korea
| | - Dong-Joon Lee
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Seiya Mizuno
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinohara
- Department of Rehabilitation for the Movement Functions, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, 359-8555, Japan
| | | | - Yealeen Jeong
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, 06668, Korea
| | - Rebecca Yun
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, 06668, Korea
| | - Hyeyeon Park
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, 06668, Korea
| | - Sujin Park
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, 06668, Korea
| | | | - Min-Jung Lee
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | | | - Hyun-Yi Kim
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Korea
- NGeneS Inc., Ansan-si, 15495, Korea
| | - Seung-Jun Lee
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Sun U Song
- Research Institute, SCM Lifescience Inc., Incheon, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Kyung-Soon Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam City, 463-400, Kyunggi-do, Korea
| | - Mikako Tanaka
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology of the Hard Tissue, Department of Tissue Regeneration and Reconstruction, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8514, Japan
- Division of Dental Laboratory Technology, Meirin College, Niigata, 950-2086, Japan
| | - Hayato Ohshima
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology of the Hard Tissue, Department of Tissue Regeneration and Reconstruction, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 951-8514, Japan
| | - Jin Won Cho
- Department of Systems Biology and Glycosylation Network Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Fumihiro Sugiyama
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Han-Sung Jung
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Seong-Jin Kim
- GILO Institute, GILO Foundation, Seoul, 06668, Korea.
- Medpacto Inc., Seoul, 06668, Korea.
- TheragenEtex Co., Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
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Bartolini E, Ferrari AR, Lattanzi S, Pradella S, Zaccara G. Drug-resistant epilepsy at the age extremes: Disentangling the underlying etiology. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 132:108739. [PMID: 35636351 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of epilepsy is highest at the extreme age ranges: childhood and elderly age. The most common syndromes in these demographics - self-limited epilepsies of childhood and idiopathic generalized epilepsies in pediatric age, focal epilepsy with structural etiology in older people - are expected to be drug responsive. In this work, we focus on such epilepsy types, overviewing the complex clinical background of unexpected drug-resistance. For self-limited epilepsies of childhood and idiopathic generalized epilepsies, we illustrate drug-resistance resulting from syndrome misinterpretation, reason on possible unexpected courses of epilepsy, and explicate the influence of inappropriate treatments. For elderly-onset epilepsy, we show the challenges in differential diagnosis possibly leading to pseudoresistance and analyze how drug-resistant epilepsy can arise in stroke, neurocognitive disorders, brain tumors, and autoimmune encephalitis. In children and senior people, drug-resistance can be regarded as a hint to review the diagnosis or explore alternative therapeutic strategies. Refractory seizures are not only a therapeutic challenge, but also a cardinal sign not to be overlooked in syndromes commonly deemed to be drug-responsive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Bartolini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Anna Rita Ferrari
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Pradella
- USL Centro Toscana, Neurology Unit, Nuovo Ospedale Santo Stefano, Prato, Italy.
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Teplyshova AM, Datieva VK. [Alzheimer disease and epilepsy]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2021; 121:23-29. [PMID: 34870910 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202112110223] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of memory, difficulty in thinking, changes in behavior and personality disorders. The risk of developing epileptic seizures (ES) in patients with AD increases significantly. Animal and human studies have shown a close relationship between the pathogenesis of ES and AD. The exact prevalence of ES in AD remains unclear due to methodological difficulties, in particular, detection of ES in patients with cognitive impairment. EP types differ in sporadic and hereditary forms of AD. Antiepileptic therapy in AD has its own characteristics. Certain antiepileptic drugs can have a positive effect on cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V K Datieva
- State Outpatient Clinic No 62, Moscow, Russia
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9
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Rujeedawa T, Carrillo Félez E, Clare ICH, Fortea J, Strydom A, Rebillat AS, Coppus A, Levin J, Zaman SH. The Clinical and Neuropathological Features of Sporadic (Late-Onset) and Genetic Forms of Alzheimer's Disease. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4582. [PMID: 34640600 PMCID: PMC8509365 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to compare and highlight the clinical and pathological aspects of genetic versus acquired Alzheimer's disease: Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer's disease in (DSAD) and Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) are compared with the late-onset form of the disease (LOAD). DSAD and ADAD present in a younger population and are more likely to manifest with non-amnestic (such as dysexecutive function features) in the prodromal phase or neurological features (such as seizures and paralysis) especially in ADAD. The very large variety of mutations associated with ADAD explains the wider range of phenotypes. In the LOAD, age-associated comorbidities explain many of the phenotypic differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanzil Rujeedawa
- Cambridge Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 8PQ, UK; (T.R.); (E.C.F.); (I.C.H.C.)
| | - Eva Carrillo Félez
- Cambridge Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 8PQ, UK; (T.R.); (E.C.F.); (I.C.H.C.)
| | - Isabel C. H. Clare
- Cambridge Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 8PQ, UK; (T.R.); (E.C.F.); (I.C.H.C.)
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation NHS Trust, Fulbourn CB21 5EF, UK
| | - Juan Fortea
- Sant Pau Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
- Center of Biomedical Investigation Network for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Barcelona Down Medical Center, Fundació Catalana Síndrome de Down, 08029 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andre Strydom
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK;
- South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, The LonDowns Consortium, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | | | - Antonia Coppus
- Department for Primary and Community Care, Department of Primary and Community Care (149 ELG), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Johannes Levin
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80539 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Shahid H. Zaman
- Cambridge Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 8PQ, UK; (T.R.); (E.C.F.); (I.C.H.C.)
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation NHS Trust, Fulbourn CB21 5EF, UK
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10
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Santoro JD, Pagarkar D, Chu DT, Rosso M, Paulsen KC, Levitt P, Rafii MS. Neurologic complications of Down syndrome: a systematic review. J Neurol 2020; 268:4495-4509. [PMID: 32920658 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10179-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most well-recognized genetic disorders. Persons with DS are known to have a variety of co-morbid medical problems, affecting nearly all organ systems. Improved healthcare interventions and research have allowed for increased life span of persons with DS, although disorders of the neurologic system remain underexplored. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide clinically pertinent information on the neurological phenotypes of frequently occurring or clinically relevant conditions. A retrospective review of MEDLINE, Scopus, and Pubmed were used to identify sources among seventeen, clinically relevant, search categories. MeSH terms all contained the phrase "Down Syndrome" in conjunction with the topic of interest. 'Frequently-occurring' was defined as prevalent in more than 10% of persons with DS across their lifespan, whereas 'clinically-relevant' was defined as a disease condition where early diagnosis or intervention can augment the disease course. In total, 4896 sources were identified with 159 sources meeting criteria for inclusion. Seventeen clinical conditions were grouped under the following subjects: hypotonia, intellectual and learning disability, cervical instability, autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and neuropsychiatric disease. The results of this review provide a blueprint for the clinical neurologist taking care of persons with DS across the age spectrum and indicate that there are many underrecognized and misdiagnosed co-occurring conditions in DS, highlighting the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Santoro
- Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Dania Pagarkar
- Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Duong T Chu
- Faculty of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mattia Rosso
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kelli C Paulsen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Developmental Neuroscience and Developmental Neurogenetics, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Rafii
- Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI), Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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11
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Obara K, Imota T, Mamiya S, Toyoshima I. The Effectiveness of Perampanel for Myoclonic Seizures in Down Syndrome with Isodicentric Chromosome 21. Case Rep Neurol 2020; 12:270-275. [PMID: 33082764 PMCID: PMC7548920 DOI: 10.1159/000508357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epileptic seizures are common in the elderly Down syndrome population. We encountered a patient with Down syndrome in whom karyotyping showed the rare isodicentric chromosome 21 and who suffered from myoclonic seizures. A 52-year-old woman with Down syndrome experienced sudden onset of drowsiness and frequent myoclonic jerks in the upper body. Video-EEG recordings demonstrated generalized polyspike-wave discharges consistent with myoclonic jerks, which were exacerbated by photo-stimulation. Her myoclonus completely resolved with perampanel administration. Perampanel was effective for myoclonic seizures in our patient. We suggest that perampanel is an option as first-line therapy for epilepsy and myoclonus in elderly Down syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Obara
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization, Akita National Hospital, Yurihonjo, Japan
- *Koji Obara, Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization, Akita National Hospital, 84-40 Iwaki, Uchimitchikawa-aza, Idonosawa, Yurihonjo, Akita 018-1393 (Japan),
| | - Tsuyoshi Imota
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization, Akita National Hospital, Yurihonjo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Mamiya
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization, Akita National Hospital, Yurihonjo, Japan
| | - Itaru Toyoshima
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization, Akita National Hospital, Yurihonjo, Japan
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12
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Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at high risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and this has provided significant insights into our understanding of the genetic basis of AD. The present review summarizes recent clinical, neuropathologic, imaging, and fluid biomarker studies of AD in DS (DSAD), highlighting the striking similarities, as well as some notable differences, between DSAD and the more common late-onset form of AD (LOAD) in the general population, as well as the much rarer, autosomal-dominant form of AD (ADAD). There has been significant progress in our understanding of the natural history of AD biomarkers in DS and their relationship to clinically meaningful changes. Additional work is needed to clearly define the continuum of AD that has been described in the general population, such as the preclinical, prodromal, and dementia stages of AD. Multiple therapeutic approaches, including those targeting not only β-amyloid but also tau and the amyloid precursor protein itself, require consideration. Recent developments in the field are presented within the context of such efforts to conduct clinical trials to treat and potentially prevent AD in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Rafii
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI), Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 9860 Mesa Rim Road, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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13
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Antonarakis SE, Skotko BG, Rafii MS, Strydom A, Pape SE, Bianchi DW, Sherman SL, Reeves RH. Down syndrome. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2020; 6:9. [PMID: 32029743 PMCID: PMC8428796 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-019-0143-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 356] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Trisomy 21, the presence of a supernumerary chromosome 21, results in a collection of clinical features commonly known as Down syndrome (DS). DS is among the most genetically complex of the conditions that are compatible with human survival post-term, and the most frequent survivable autosomal aneuploidy. Mouse models of DS, involving trisomy of all or part of human chromosome 21 or orthologous mouse genomic regions, are providing valuable insights into the contribution of triplicated genes or groups of genes to the many clinical manifestations in DS. This endeavour is challenging, as there are >200 protein-coding genes on chromosome 21 and they can have direct and indirect effects on homeostasis in cells, tissues, organs and systems. Although this complexity poses formidable challenges to understanding the underlying molecular basis for each of the many clinical features of DS, it also provides opportunities for improving understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying the development and function of many cell types, tissues, organs and systems. Since the first description of trisomy 21, we have learned much about intellectual disability and genetic risk factors for congenital heart disease. The lower occurrence of solid tumours in individuals with DS supports the identification of chromosome 21 genes that protect against cancer when overexpressed. The universal occurrence of the histopathology of Alzheimer disease and the high prevalence of dementia in DS are providing insights into the pathology and treatment of Alzheimer disease. Clinical trials to ameliorate intellectual disability in DS signal a new era in which therapeutic interventions based on knowledge of the molecular pathophysiology of DS can now be explored; these efforts provide reasonable hope for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos E Antonarakis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Brian G Skotko
- Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael S Rafii
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, California, CA, USA
| | - Andre Strydom
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah E Pape
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Diana W Bianchi
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie L Sherman
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Roger H Reeves
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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14
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Bathini P, Brai E, Auber LA. Olfactory dysfunction in the pathophysiological continuum of dementia. Ageing Res Rev 2019; 55:100956. [PMID: 31479764 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2019.100956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sensory capacities like smell, taste, hearing, vision decline with aging, but increasing evidence show that sensory dysfunctions are one of the early signs diagnosing the conversion from physiological to pathological brain state. Smell loss represents the best characterized sense in clinical practice and is considered as one of the first preclinical signs of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, occurring a decade or more before the onset of cognitive and motor symptoms. Despite the numerous scientific reports and the adoption in clinical practice, the etiology of sensory damage as prodromal of dementia remains largely unexplored and more studies are needed to resolve the mechanisms underlying sensory network dysfunction. Although both cognitive and sensory domains are progressively affected, loss of sensory experience in early stages plays a major role in reducing the autonomy of demented people in their daily tasks or even possibly contributing to their cognitive decline. Interestingly, the chemosensory circuitry is devoid of a blood brain barrier, representing a vulnerable port of entry for neurotoxic species that can spread to the brain. Furthermore, the exposure of the olfactory system to the external environment make it more susceptible to mechanical injury and trauma, which can cause degenerative neuroinflammation. In this review, we will summarize several findings about chemosensory impairment signing the conversion from healthy to pathological brain aging and we will try to connect those observations to the promising research linking environmental influences to sporadic dementia. The scientific body of knowledge will support the use of chemosensory diagnostics in the presymptomatic stages of AD and other biomarkers with the scope of finding treatment strategies before the onset of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bathini
- Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Emanuele Brai
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lavinia Alberi Auber
- Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Swiss Integrative Center of Human Health, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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15
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Powell G, Ziso B, Larner AJ. The overlap between epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease and the consequences for treatment. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 19:653-661. [PMID: 31238746 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1629289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease may be associated with both clinical and subclinical epileptic seizure activity. Once regarded as an epiphenomenon, epileptiform activity may, in fact, be an integral part of the Alzheimer's phenotype, and may be not only a symptomatic therapeutic target but also a possible mechanism to retard or prevent disease progression. Areas covered: The authors review clinical research articles with a focus on the semiology, epidemiology, and treatment of seizures in Alzheimer's disease, and also look at some experimental animal model studies which have informed clinical thinking on seizure aetiopathogenesis. The evidence base for treatment decisions is sparse. A brief overview of the clinical assessment of Alzheimer's disease patients considering relevant differential diagnoses and diagnostic pitfalls is presented. Expert opinion: Studies of epileptic seizures in Alzheimer's disease have become more frequent over the last 5-10 years. Understanding of seizure semiology, epidemiology, and possible pathogenesis has increased. However, the optimal management of seizures in this context remains unknown, largely due to the paucity of studies sufficient to examine this question. Clearly, such studies will be required, not only to inform clinicians about symptomatic control of seizures in Alzheimer's disease but also to investigate whether this might impact on disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Powell
- a Mersey Regional Epilepsy Clinic , Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery , Liverpool , UK
| | - Besa Ziso
- a Mersey Regional Epilepsy Clinic , Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery , Liverpool , UK
| | - A J Larner
- b Cognitive Function Clinic , Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery , Liverpool , UK
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16
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Rodrigues M, Nunes J, Figueiredo S, Martins de Campos A, Geraldo AF. Neuroimaging assessment in Down syndrome: a pictorial review. Insights Imaging 2019; 10:52. [PMID: 31111268 PMCID: PMC6527671 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-019-0729-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), or trisomy 21, is the leading genetic cause of intellectual incapacity worldwide, with a reported incidence of about 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births. Besides the several commonly known physical features characteristic of this syndrome present at birth, DS may additionally affect every organ system. In addition, despite the large number of published papers concerning this syndrome, there is scarce literature focusing specifically in the typical neuroimaging features associated with this condition. The aim of this paper is to review and systematize the distinctive characteristics and abnormalities of the central nervous system, head and neck, and spine present in DS patients that should actively be searched for and evaluated by radiologists and/or neuroradiologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rodrigues
- Neuroradiology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, R. Conceição Fernandes, 1079, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - Joana Nunes
- Neuroradiology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, R. Conceição Fernandes, 1079, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Sofia Figueiredo
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Filipa Geraldo
- Neuroradiology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, R. Conceição Fernandes, 1079, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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17
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Cretin B. Pharmacotherapeutic strategies for treating epilepsy in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018; 19:1201-1209. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1496237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Cretin
- Unité de Neuropsychologie, Service de Neurologie des Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Centre Mémoire, de Ressources et de Recherche d’Alsace (Strasbourg-Colmar), Strasbourg, France
- ICube laboratory UMR 7357 and FMTS (Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg), University of Strasbourg and CNRS, team IMIS/Neurocrypto, Strasbourg, France
- Centre de Compétences des démences rares des Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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18
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Sánchez MP, García-Cabrero AM, Sánchez-Elexpuru G, Burgos DF, Serratosa JM. Tau-Induced Pathology in Epilepsy and Dementia: Notions from Patients and Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041092. [PMID: 29621183 PMCID: PMC5979593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with dementia present epilepsy more frequently than the general population. Seizures are more common in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (LBD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) than in other dementias. Missense mutations in the microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) gene have been found to cause familial FTD and PSP, while the P301S mutation in MAPT has been associated with early-onset fast progressive dementia and the presence of seizures. Brains of patients with AD, LBD, FTD and PSP show hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates, amyloid-β plaques and neuropil threads. Increasing evidence suggests the existence of overlapping mechanisms related to the generation of network hyperexcitability and cognitive decline. Neuronal overexpression of tau with various mutations found in FTD with parkinsonism-linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17) in mice produces epileptic activity. On the other hand, the use of certain antiepileptic drugs in animal models with AD prevents cognitive impairment. Further efforts should be made to search for plausible common targets for both conditions. Moreover, attempts should also be made to evaluate the use of drugs targeting tau and amyloid-β as suitable pharmacological interventions in epileptic disorders. The diagnosis of dementia and epilepsy in early stages of those diseases may be helpful for the initiation of treatments that could prevent the generation of epileptic activity and cognitive deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina P Sánchez
- Laboratory of Neurology, IIS (Instituto Investigación Sanitaria/Health Research Institute)-Jiménez Díaz Foundation, UAM (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid/Autonomous University of Madrid) and Biomedical Research Network Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28045 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana M García-Cabrero
- Laboratory of Neurology, IIS (Instituto Investigación Sanitaria/Health Research Institute)-Jiménez Díaz Foundation, UAM (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid/Autonomous University of Madrid) and Biomedical Research Network Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28045 Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Immunology and Oncology and Protein Tools Unit, Biotechnology National Center (CNB/CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gentzane Sánchez-Elexpuru
- Laboratory of Neurology, IIS (Instituto Investigación Sanitaria/Health Research Institute)-Jiménez Díaz Foundation, UAM (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid/Autonomous University of Madrid) and Biomedical Research Network Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28045 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Daniel F Burgos
- Laboratory of Neurology, IIS (Instituto Investigación Sanitaria/Health Research Institute)-Jiménez Díaz Foundation, UAM (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid/Autonomous University of Madrid) and Biomedical Research Network Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28045 Madrid, Spain.
| | - José M Serratosa
- Laboratory of Neurology, IIS (Instituto Investigación Sanitaria/Health Research Institute)-Jiménez Díaz Foundation, UAM (Universidad Autonoma de Madrid/Autonomous University of Madrid) and Biomedical Research Network Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 28045 Madrid, Spain.
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19
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Zis P, Strydom A. Clinical aspects and biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 114:3-9. [PMID: 28870521 PMCID: PMC6451620 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) may affect in excess of 90% of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) after age 60, due to duplication of the APP gene in trisomy of chromosome 21, with neuropathology that is comparable to Sporadic AD and Familial AD (FAD). Previous literature suggested some unique features in clinical presentation of dementia in DS (DSd), which might be due to diagnostic difficulties, or represent a real difference compared to SAD or FAD. We review current knowledge on clinical diagnosis and presentation of dementia in DS in comparison with FAD due to APP mutations and APP duplication. We suggest that the clinical presentation in DS (prominent memory decline and behavioral symptoms, and early development of myoclonus and seizures) are similar to the clinical features associated with APP mutations that is known to have an increased Aβ42/ Aβ40 ratio, and highlight the relative lack of vascular complications associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy in DS in comparison with those rare individuals with FAD due to duplication APP. We consider the biomarker evidence associated with DS and DSd with reference to Aβ peptide levels and oxidative stress, and suggest future directions for research to explore the potential mechanisms associated with the clinical presentation of DSd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Zis
- Academic Department of Neurosciences, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Andre Strydom
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK; Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College London, London, UK; The LonDownS Consortium, London, UK.
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20
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Gongol B, Marin TL, Jeppson JD, Mayagoitia K, Shin S, Sanchez N, Kirsch WM, Vinters HV, Wilson CG, Ghribi O, Soriano S. Cellular hormetic response to 27-hydroxycholesterol promotes neuroprotection through AICD induction of MAST4 abundance and kinase activity. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13898. [PMID: 29066835 PMCID: PMC5654999 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13933-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in brain health remains unclear. This study elucidated a novel cytoprotective signaling pathway initiated by the APP transcriptionally active intracellular domain (AICD) in response to 27-hydroxycholesterol (27OHC), an oxidized cholesterol metabolite associated with neurodegeneration. The cellular response to 27OHC was hormetic, such that low, but not high, doses promoted AICD transactivation of microtubule associated serine/threonine kinase family member 4 (MAST4). MAST4 in turn phosphorylated and inhibited FOXO1-dependent transcriptional repression of rhotekin 2 (RTKN2), an oxysterol stress responder, to optimize cell survival. A palmitate-rich diet, which increases serum 27OHC, or APP ablation, abrogated this response in vivo. Further, this pathway was downregulated in human Alzheimer's Disease (AD) brains but not in frontotemporal dementia brains. These results unveil MAST4 as functional kinase of FOXO1 in a 27OHC AICD-driven, hormetic pathway providing insight for therapeutic approaches against cholesterol associated neuronal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Gongol
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Division of Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
- Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Schools of Allied Health Professions and Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Traci L Marin
- Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Schools of Allied Health Professions and Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - John D Jeppson
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Division of Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Karina Mayagoitia
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Division of Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Samuel Shin
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Division of Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Nicholas Sanchez
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Wolff M Kirsch
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Harry V Vinters
- Section of Neuropathology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, 90095, USA
| | - Christopher G Wilson
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Othman Ghribi
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA
| | - Salvador Soriano
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Division of Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
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21
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McCarron M, McCallion P, Reilly E, Dunne P, Carroll R, Mulryan N. A prospective 20-year longitudinal follow-up of dementia in persons with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2017; 61:843-852. [PMID: 28664561 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
GOAL To examine dementia characteristics, age at onset and associated co-morbidities in persons with Down syndrome. METHOD A total of 77 people with Down syndrome aged 35 years and older were followed up from 1996 to 2015. The diagnosis of dementia was established using the modified ICD 10 Criteria and a combination of objective and informant-based tests. Cognitive tests included the Test for Severe Impairment and the Down Syndrome Mental Status Examination; adaptive behaviour was measured using the Daily Living Skills Questionnaire, and data from the Dementia Questionnaire for People with Intellectual Disabilities have been available since 2005. RESULTS Over the 20-year period, 97.4% (75 of 77) persons developed dementia with a mean age of dementia diagnosis of 55 years (SD = 7.1, median = 56 years). Clinical dementia was associated with cognitive and function decline and seizure activity. Risk for dementia increased from 23% in those aged 50 years to 80% in those aged 65 years and above. There were no differences by level of ID. CONCLUSION The previously reported high risk levels for dementia among people with Down syndrome were confirmed in this data as was the relationship with late onset epilepsy. The value of the instruments utilised in tracking decline and helping to confirm diagnosis is further highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- M McCarron
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P McCallion
- Center for Excellence in Aging & Community Wellness, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - E Reilly
- Daughters of Charity Disability Support Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P Dunne
- Daughters of Charity Disability Support Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | - R Carroll
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - N Mulryan
- Daughters of Charity Disability Support Service, Dublin, Ireland
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22
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Aller-Alvarez J, Menéndez-González M, Ribacoba-Montero R, Salvado M, Vega V, Suárez-Moro R, Sueiras M, Toledo M, Salas-Puig J, Álvarez-Sabin J. Myoclonic epilepsy in Down syndrome and Alzheimer disease. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2014.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Aller-Alvarez J, Menéndez-González M, Ribacoba-Montero R, Salvado M, Vega V, Suárez-Moro R, Sueiras M, Toledo M, Salas-Puig J, Álvarez-Sabin J. Epilepsia mioclónica en el síndrome de Down y en la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Neurologia 2017; 32:69-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2014.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Gholipour T, Mitchell S, Sarkis RA, Chemali Z. The clinical and neurobehavioral course of Down syndrome and dementia with or without new-onset epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 68:11-16. [PMID: 28109983 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult patients with Down syndrome (DS) are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer-type dementia and epilepsy. The relationship between developing dementia and the risk of developing seizures in DS is poorly characterized to date. In addition, treatment response and medication tolerability have not been rigorously studied. METHODS We identified 220 patients with a diagnosis of DS and dementia. Those without a history of developing seizures (DD) were compared to patients with new-onset seizures (DD+S) after the age of 35. Electronic records were reviewed for demographics, seizure characteristics, cognitive status, and psychiatric comorbidities. RESULTS Of the patients included for analysis, twenty-six out of 60 patients had new-onset seizures or developed seizures during the follow-up period (the DD+S group) with a median onset of 2.0years after the dementia diagnosis. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most common seizure type (61.5% of DD+S). Sixteen (61.5%) patients were reported to have myoclonus. Levetiracetam was the most commonly used initial medication, with the majority (73%) of patients treated achieving partial or complete seizure control. The DD+S patients tended to have a similar burden of new-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms compared to the DD group. DISCUSSION New-onset epilepsy seems to occur early in the course of dementia in DS patients. Patients generally respond to treatment. A great burden of neuropsychiatric symptoms is seen. Future studies need to explore the relationship between β-amyloid accumulation and epileptiform activity and attend to the care and needs of DS patients with dementia and seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Gholipour
- Department of Neurology, Edward B. Bromfield Epilepsy Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Sara Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Rani A Sarkis
- Department of Neurology, Edward B. Bromfield Epilepsy Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Zeina Chemali
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Choong XY, Tosh JL, Pulford LJ, Fisher EMC. Dissecting Alzheimer disease in Down syndrome using mouse models. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:268. [PMID: 26528151 PMCID: PMC4602094 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a common genetic condition caused by the presence of three copies of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). This greatly increases the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD), but although virtually all people with DS have AD neuropathology by 40 years of age, not all develop dementia. To dissect the genetic contribution of trisomy 21 to DS phenotypes including those relevant to AD, a range of DS mouse models has been generated which are trisomic for chromosome segments syntenic to human chromosome 21. Here, we consider key characteristics of human AD in DS (AD-DS), and our current state of knowledge on related phenotypes in AD and DS mouse models. We go on to review important features needed in future models of AD-DS, to understand this type of dementia and so highlight pathogenic mechanisms relevant to all populations at risk of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Yu Choong
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London London, UK ; The LonDownS Consortium London, UK
| | - Justin L Tosh
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London London, UK ; The LonDownS Consortium London, UK
| | - Laura J Pulford
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London London, UK ; The LonDownS Consortium London, UK
| | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London London, UK ; The LonDownS Consortium London, UK
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Wiseman FK, Al-Janabi T, Hardy J, Karmiloff-Smith A, Nizetic D, Tybulewicz VLJ, Fisher EMC, Strydom A. A genetic cause of Alzheimer disease: mechanistic insights from Down syndrome. Nat Rev Neurosci 2015; 16:564-74. [PMID: 26243569 PMCID: PMC4678594 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome, which arises in individuals carrying an extra copy of chromosome 21, is associated with a greatly increased risk of early-onset Alzheimer disease. It is thought that this risk is conferred by the presence of three copies of the gene encoding amyloid precursor protein (APP)--an Alzheimer disease risk factor--although the possession of extra copies of other chromosome 21 genes may also play a part. Further study of the mechanisms underlying the development of Alzheimer disease in people with Down syndrome could provide insights into the mechanisms that cause dementia in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances K Wiseman
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Tamara Al-Janabi
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, UK
| | - John Hardy
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Annette Karmiloff-Smith
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Dean Nizetic
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232; and the Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK
| | | | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - André Strydom
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, UK
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Nava-Mesa MO, Jiménez-Díaz L, Yajeya J, Navarro-Lopez JD. GABAergic neurotransmission and new strategies of neuromodulation to compensate synaptic dysfunction in early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:167. [PMID: 24987334 PMCID: PMC4070063 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive decline, brain atrophy due to neuronal and synapse loss, and formation of two pathological lesions: extracellular amyloid plaques, composed largely of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ), and neurofibrillary tangles formed by intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Lesions mainly accumulate in brain regions that modulate cognitive functions such as the hippocampus, septum or amygdala. These brain structures have dense reciprocal glutamatergic, cholinergic, and GABAergic connections and their relationships directly affect learning and memory processes, so they have been proposed as highly susceptible regions to suffer damage by Aβ during AD course. Last findings support the emerging concept that soluble Aβ peptides, inducing an initial stage of synaptic dysfunction which probably starts 20–30 years before the clinical onset of AD, can perturb the excitatory–inhibitory balance of neural circuitries. In turn, neurotransmission imbalance will result in altered network activity that might be responsible of cognitive deficits in AD. Therefore, Aβ interactions on neurotransmission systems in memory-related brain regions such as amygdaloid complex, medial septum or hippocampus are critical in cognitive functions and appear as a pivotal target for drug design to improve learning and dysfunctions that manifest with age. Since treatments based on glutamatergic and cholinergic pharmacology in AD have shown limited success, therapies combining modulators of different neurotransmission systems including recent findings regarding the GABAergic system, emerge as a more useful tool for the treatment, and overall prevention, of this dementia. In this review, focused on inhibitory systems, we will analyze pharmacological strategies to compensate neurotransmission imbalance that might be considered as potential therapeutic interventions in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lydia Jiménez-Díaz
- Neurophysiology and Behavior Lab, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, University of Castilla-La Mancha Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Javier Yajeya
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca Salamanca, Spain
| | - Juan D Navarro-Lopez
- Neurophysiology and Behavior Lab, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, University of Castilla-La Mancha Ciudad Real, Spain
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d'Orsi G, Specchio LM. Progressive myoclonus epilepsy in Down syndrome patients with dementia. J Neurol 2014; 261:1584-97. [PMID: 24893590 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-014-7376-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the natural history of senile myoclonic epilepsy, a type of myoclonic epilepsy associated with Alzheimer's disease in adult Down syndrome patients. Twelve Down syndrome patients over the age of 40 years with myoclonic epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease underwent clinical, neuropsychological, neurophysiological, and neuroradiological study. The kariotypes, APOE polymorphisms, all exons in the PSEN1 and PSEN2 genes, and exons 16 and 17 in the APP gene were determined for all patients. CSF Aβ42, p-tau181, and t-tauAg were determined for two patients. Three main stages appeared during the course of the syndrome. The first stage was characterized by dementia onset (mean age: 51 ± 6.6 years), diffuse EEG abnormalities during sleep, and cerebral atrophy determined using neuroimaging. During the second stage, myoclonic epilepsy manifested (mean age: 51.4 ± 7.2 years) with myoclonic jerks time-locked to diffuse epileptiform abnormalities upon awakening, which was controlled with antiepileptic drugs. During the third stage (mean age: 54.8 ± 7.6 years), myoclonic seizures were replaced with nonepileptic myoclonus, and cerebellar signs, severe dementia, and photosensitivity developed. All patients showed complete trisomy 21. Mutations were ruled out on the APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes, and APOE analysis revealed ε3/ε3 homozygosity. CSF biomarkers showed a decrease in Aβ42 and an increase in p-tau181. The natural history of senile myoclonic epilepsy is consistent with progressive myoclonus epilepsy. Chromosome 21 is implicated in its pathophysiology; however, other genetic and/or environmental risk factors cannot be excluded. The absence of the APOE type 4 allele could predict its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe d'Orsi
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Epilepsy Centre, Clinic of Nervous System Diseases, Ospedali Riuniti Foggia, University of Foggia, Via Luigi Pinto 1, 71100, Foggia, Italy,
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McCarron M, McCallion P, Reilly E, Mulryan N. A prospective 14-year longitudinal follow-up of dementia in persons with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2014; 58:61-70. [PMID: 23902161 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine dementia characteristics, age at onset and associated comorbidities in persons with Down syndrome. METHOD Seventy-seven people with Down syndrome aged 35 years and older were followed longitudinally. The diagnosis of dementia was established using the modified International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) criteria and a combination of objective and informant-based tests. Cognitive tests included the Test for Severe Impairment and the Down Syndrome Mental Status Examination; adaptive behaviour was measured using the Daily Living Skills Questionnaire. The Dementia Questionnaire for Mental Retarded Persons (DMR) was added to the test battery in 2005 and this study includes follow-up data for this instrument. RESULTS Over the 14-year period the average age of diagnosis at 55.41 years (SD = 7.14) was in the higher range of previously reported estimates (51-56 years) and a median survival of 7 years after diagnosis. Persons with dementia in the sample were significantly older than persons without dementia. The presence of dementia was also associated with epilepsy and sensory impairments. Among instruments the DMR appeared most sensitive to tracking change in symptoms over time before diagnosis. CONCLUSION The previously reported high risk levels for dementia among people with Down syndrome was confirmed in these data as was the value of the instruments utilised in tracking decline and helping to confirm diagnosis even in persons with severe intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- M McCarron
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Milenkovic I, Vasiljevic M, Maurer D, Höger H, Klausberger T, Sieghart W. The parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the mouse dentate gyrus express GABAA receptor subunits α1, β2, and δ along their extrasynaptic cell membrane. Neuroscience 2013; 254:80-96. [PMID: 24055402 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal circuitries in the hippocampus are involved in navigation and memory and are controlled by major networks of GABAergic interneurons. Parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) are identified as fast-spiking cells, playing a crucial role in network oscillation and synchrony. The inhibitory modulation of these interneurons is thought to be mediated mainly through GABAA receptors, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. Here we show that all PV-positive interneurons in the granular/subgranular layer (GL/SGL) of the mouse DG express high levels of the GABAA receptor δ subunit. PV-containing interneurons in the hilus and the molecular layer, however, express the δ subunit to a lower extent. Only 8% of the somatostatin-containing interneurons express the δ subunit, whereas calbindin- or calretinin-containing interneurons in the DG seem not to express the GABAA receptor δ subunit at all. Hence, these cells receive a GABAergic control different from that of PV-containing interneurons in the GL/SGL. Experiments investigating a possible co-expression of GABAA receptor α1, α2, α3, α4, α5, β1, β2, β3, or γ2 subunits with PV and δ subunits indicated that α1 and β2 subunits are co-expressed with δ subunits along the extrasynaptic membranes of PV-interneurons. These results suggest a robust tonic GABAergic control of PV-containing interneurons in the GL/SGL of the DG via δ subunit-containing receptors. Our data are important for better understanding of the neuronal circuitries in the DG and the role of specific cell types under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Milenkovic
- Center for Brain Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Nervous System, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1097 Vienna, Austria.
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Tiveron C, Fasulo L, Capsoni S, Malerba F, Marinelli S, Paoletti F, Piccinin S, Scardigli R, Amato G, Brandi R, Capelli P, D'Aguanno S, Florenzano F, La Regina F, Lecci A, Manca A, Meli G, Pistillo L, Berretta N, Nisticò R, Pavone F, Cattaneo A. ProNGF\NGF imbalance triggers learning and memory deficits, neurodegeneration and spontaneous epileptic-like discharges in transgenic mice. Cell Death Differ 2013; 20:1017-30. [PMID: 23538417 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2013.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
ProNGF, the precursor of mature nerve growth factor (NGF), is the most abundant form of NGF in the brain. ProNGF and mature NGF differ significantly in their receptor interaction properties and in their bioactivity. ProNGF increases markedly in the cortex of Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains and proNGF\NGF imbalance has been postulated to play a role in neurodegeneration. However, a direct proof for a causal link between increased proNGF and AD neurodegeneration is lacking. In order to evaluate the consequences of increased levels of proNGF in the postnatal brain, transgenic mice expressing a furin cleavage-resistant form of proNGF, under the control of the neuron-specific mouse Thy1.2 promoter, were derived and characterized. Different transgenic lines displayed a phenotypic gradient of neurodegenerative severity features. We focused the analysis on the two lines TgproNGF#3 and TgproNGF#72, which shared learning and memory impairments in behavioral tests, cholinergic deficit and increased Aβ-peptide immunoreactivity. In addition, TgproNGF#3 mice developed Aβ oligomer immunoreactivity, as well as late diffuse astrocytosis. Both TgproNGF lines also display electrophysiological alterations related to spontaneous epileptic-like events. The results provide direct evidence that alterations in the proNGF/NGF balance in the adult brain can be an upstream driver of neurodegeneration, contributing to a circular loop linking alterations of proNGF/NGF equilibrium to excitatory/inhibitory synaptic imbalance and amyloid precursor protein (APP) dysmetabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tiveron
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, EBRI-European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
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Lott IT, Doran E, Nguyen VQ, Tournay A, Movsesyan N, Gillen DL. Down syndrome and dementia: seizures and cognitive decline. J Alzheimers Dis 2012; 29:177-85. [PMID: 22214782 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2012-111613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the association of seizures and cognitive decline in adults with Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer's-type dementia. A retrospective data analysis was carried out following a controlled study of antioxidant supplementation for dementia in DS. Observations were made at baseline and every 6 months for 2 years. Seizure history was obtained from study records. The primary outcome measures comprised the performance-based Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) and Brief Praxis Test (BPT). Secondary outcome measures comprised the informant-based Dementia Questionnaire for Mentally Retarded Persons and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Because a large proportion of patients with seizures had such severe cognitive decline as to become untestable on the performance measures, time to "first inability to test" was measured. Adjustments were made for the potentially confounding co-variates of age, gender, APOE4 status, baseline cognitive impairment, years since dementia onset at baseline, and treatment assignment. The estimated odds ratio for the time to "first inability to test" on SIB comparing those with seizures to those without is 11.02 (95% CI: 1.59, 76.27), a ratio that is significantly different from 1 (p = 0.015). Similarly, we estimated an odds ratio of 9.02 (95% CI: 1.90, 42.85) on BPT, a ratio also significantly different than 1 (p = 0.006). Results from a secondary analysis of the informant measures showed significant decline related to seizures. We conclude that there is a strong association of seizures with cognitive decline in demented individuals with DS. Prospective studies exploring this relationship in DS are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira T Lott
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine (UCI), Orange, CA92868, USA.
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Abstract
This chapter reviews the neurological phenotype of Down syndrome (DS) in early development, childhood, and aging. Neuroanatomic abnormalities in DS are manifested as aberrations in gross brain structure as well as characteristic microdysgenetic changes. As the result of these morphological abnormalities, brain circuitry is impaired. While an intellectual disability is ubiquitous in DS, there is a wide range of variation in cognitive performance and a growing understanding between aberrant brain circuitry and the cognitive phenotype. Hypotonia is most marked at birth, affecting gait and ligamentous laxity. Seizures are bimodal in presentation with infantile spasms common in infancy and generalized seizures associated with cognitive decline observed in later years. While all individuals have the characteristic neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by age 40 years, the prevalence of dementia is not universal. The tendency to develop AD is related, in part, to several genes on chromosome 21 that are overexpressed in DS. Intraneuronal accumulation of β-amyloid appears to trigger a cascade of neurodegeneration resulting in the neuropathological and clinical manifestations of dementia. Functional brain imaging has elucidated the temporal sequence of amyloid deposition and glucose metabolic rate in the development of dementia in DS. Mitochondrial abnormalities contribute to oxidative stress which is part of AD pathogenesis in DS as well as AD in the general population. A variety of medical comorbidities threaten cognitive performance including sleep apnea, abnormalities in thyroid metabolism, and behavioral disturbances. Mouse models for DS are providing a platform for the formulation of clinical trials with intervention targeted to synaptic plasticity, brain biochemistry, and morphological brain alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira T Lott
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine (UCI), Orange, CA, USA.
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Olson LE, Mohan S. Bone density phenotypes in mice aneuploid for the Down syndrome critical region. Am J Med Genet A 2011; 155A:2436-45. [PMID: 21915988 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.34203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Accepted: 05/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is associated with reduced bone density in humans, but it is unclear whether this is due to specific effects of chromosome 21 genes or lifestyle factors. Mouse models with aneuploidy of segments of mouse chromosome 16 that are homologous to human chromosome 21 can be used to elucidate the mechanism by which Down syndrome phenotypes arise. Ts1Rhr and Ms1Rhr mice are trisomic and monosomic, respectively, for the hypothesized "Down syndrome critical region" containing approximately 33 genes. We assessed the skeletons of these mice from 3 to 16 weeks of age using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Ts1Rhr mice were unexpectedly similar to normal controls, showing that a larger region of trisomy is necessary to recapitulate the Down syndrome phenotype. Ms1Rhr mice, in contrast, showed decreases in weight, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and bone area from weaning to adulthood. Regional bone density was also decreased in the femur, tibia, and lower lumbar spine. The microarchitecture of 3 week old Ms1Rhr femurs was then analyzed using µCT. Volumetric density, total tissue volume, bone volume, and bone fraction were all reduced in both cortical and trabecular bone. Ms1Rhr trabeculae were thinner and had decreased connectivity. A 31.5% reduction in the level of insulin-like growth factor I in the serum was found, and we hypothesize that this is responsible for the bone density phenotype. We discuss bone-related genes in the region and propose that humans with distal chromosome 21 deletions may exhibit reduced bone density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Olson
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, Loma Linda University, California, USA.
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Rissman RA, Mobley WC. Implications for treatment: GABAA receptors in aging, Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2011; 117:613-22. [PMID: 21388375 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07237.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In addition to progressive dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by increased incidence of seizure activity. Although originally discounted as a secondary process occurring as a result of neurodegeneration, more recent data suggest that alterations in excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) balance occur in AD and may be a primary mechanism contributing AD cognitive decline. In this study, we discuss relevant research and reports on the GABA(A) receptor in developmental disorders, such as Down syndrome, in healthy aging, and highlight documented aberrations in the GABAergic system in AD. Stressing the importance of understanding the subunit composition of individual GABA(A) receptors, investigations demonstrate alterations of particular GABA(A) receptor subunits in AD, but overall sparing of the GABAergic system. In this study, we review experimental data on the GABAergic system in the pathobiology of AD and discuss relevant therapeutic implications. When developing AD therapeutics that modulate GABA it is important to consider how E/I balance impacts AD pathogenesis and the relationship between seizure activity and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0624, USA.
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