Time to diagnosis in young-onset dementia as compared with late-onset dementia

Documentation of shared decision-making in diagnostic testing for dementia in Dutch general practice: A retrospective study in electronic patient records

OBJECTIVE

To explore (1) documentation of shared decision-making (SDM) in diagnostic testing for dementia in electronic patient records (EPR) in general practice and (2) study whether documentation of SDM is related to specific patient characteristics.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, EPRs of 228 patients in three Dutch general practices were explored for the documentation of SDM elements using Elwyn's model (team talk, option talk, decision talk). Patient characteristics (gender, age, comorbidities, chronic polypharmacy, the number of consultations on memory complaints) and decision outcome (wait-and-see, GP diagnostics, referral) were also extracted.

RESULTS

In EPRs of most patients (62.6 %), at least one SDM element was documented. Most often this concerned team talk (61.6 %). Considerably less often option talk (4.3 %) and decision talk (12.8 %) were documented. SDM elements were more frequently documented in patients with lower comorbidity scores and patients with a relatively high number of consultations. Decision talk was more frequently documented in referred patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients' and significant others' needs, goals, and wishes on diagnostic testing for dementia are often documented in EPRs.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Limited documentation of option and decision talk stresses the need for future SDM interventions to facilitate timely dementia diagnosis.

The effect of herpes zoster vaccination at different stages of the disease course of dementia: Two quasi-randomized studies

The varicella zoster virus, a neurotropic herpesvirus, has been hypothesized to play a role in the pathophysiology of dementia, such as through neuroinflammatory processes or intracerebral vasculopathy. Using unique natural experiments, our group has previously found that live-attenuated herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination reduced the incidence of new diagnoses of dementia in both Wales and Australia. To inform further research and ultimately clinical care, it is crucial to understand at which stage of the disease course of dementia the HZ vaccine has its effect. Representing the two opposing ends of the dementia disease course as it can be ascertained from electronic health record data, the aims of this study were twofold: to determine the effect of HZ vaccination on i) new diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among individuals without any record of cognitive impairment, and ii) deaths due to dementia among individuals living with dementia. Our approach took advantage of the fact that at the time of the start date (September 1 2013) of the HZ vaccination program in Wales, individuals who had their eightieth birthday just after this date were eligible for HZ vaccination for one year whereas those who had their eightieth birthday just before were ineligible and remained ineligible for life. This eligibility rule created comparison groups just on either side of the September 2 1933 date-of-birth eligibility threshold who differed in their age by merely a week but had a large difference in their probability of receiving HZ vaccination. The key strength of our study is that these comparison groups should be similar in their health characteristics and behaviors except for a minute difference in age. We used regression discontinuity analysis to estimate the difference in our outcomes between individuals born just on either side of the date-of-birth eligibility threshold for HZ vaccination. Our dataset consisted of detailed country-wide electronic health record data from primary care in Wales, linked to hospital records and death certificates. We restricted our dataset to individuals born between September 1 1925 and September 1 1942. Among our study cohort of 282,557 without any record of cognitive impairment at baseline, HZ vaccination eligibility and receipt reduced the incidence of a new MCI diagnosis by 1.5 (95% CI: 0.5 - 2.9, p=0.006) and 3.1 (95% CI: 1.0 - 6.2, p=0.007) percentage points over nine years, respectively. Similarly, among our study cohort of 14,350 individuals who were living with dementia at baseline, being eligible for and receiving HZ vaccination reduced deaths due to dementia by 8.5 (95% CI: 0.6 - 18.5, p=0.036) and 29.5 (95% CI: 0.6 - 62.9, p=0.046) percentage points over nine years, respectively. Except for dementia, HZ vaccination did not have an effect on any of the ten most common causes of morbidity and mortality among adults aged 70 years and older in Wales in either of our two study cohorts. The protective effects of HZ vaccination for both MCI and deaths due to dementia were larger among women than men. Our findings suggest that the live-attenuated HZ vaccine has benefits for the dementia disease process at both ends of the disease course of dementia.

A Systematic Review of Palliative Care Needs in Young-Onset Dementia

BACKGROUND

The distinctive differences in clinical needs and disease trajectory between people with young-onset (YOD) and late-onset dementia (LOD) make dementia palliative care unique. Limited studies have reported on the differences in palliative care needs between YOD and LOD, and the optimal time point to introduce palliative care in YOD remains controversial. We performed a systematic review to summarize key issues surrounding palliative care in YOD and highlight unmet needs in this pertinent area.

METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched the PubMed database for all studies published between January 2000 and July 2022 that reported on palliative care in YOD.

RESULTS

Of 32 records identified, 8 articles were eligible for inclusion. The top 3 themes extracted centered around (1) clinical differences between YOD and LOD, (2) symptoms and causes of death in end-stage YOD, and (3) the importance of early advanced care planning (ACP). YOD diagnosis is often delayed and people with YOD have fewer somatic comorbidities but more neuropsychiatric symptoms, longer survival times, and a more malignant disease course. People with YOD and their families face unique psychosocial challenges when symptoms start at a younger age. End-stage YOD is not dissimilar to LOD where patients suffer from a broad spectrum of physical and psychological symptoms requiring palliation. Early initiation of ACP discussion is crucial in YOD given the more rapid progression of disease affecting cognition and decision-making capacity; however, rates of ACP completion in YOD remain low.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the complex care needs and more rapid disease trajectory in YOD, palliative care in YOD should be considered from the time of diagnosis, and to be incorporated into routine dementia care.

'Too young to sit at home': a qualitative study conducted among employees with young-onset dementia and their relatives

OBJECTIVES

Young-onset dementia (YOD) symptoms often first present in the workplace, resulting in work performance challenges and eventually loss of employment. This study aims to investigate the experiences, work values, and support needs of employees with YOD and their relatives.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the experiences, work values, and support needs of (former) employees with YOD and their relatives. Subsequently, separate focus group discussions were conducted for employees and relatives to review and prioritize interview findings. Inductive thematic analysis was applied to both datasets.

RESULTS

A total of 15 interviews (six employees; nine relatives) and four focus group discussions (ten employees; six relatives) were conducted. Six themes emerged, with five revolving around the central theme: desire to work. The other themes represent essential contributing factors, including importance of receiving a YOD diagnosis; knowledge, awareness, and understanding regarding YOD; open communication, joint decision making, and collaboration; work adjustments, involvement, and support; phasing out work and future perspectives.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight a strong desire to work post-YOD diagnosis, serving as a foundation for developing workplace support tools and guidance. This has the potential to help individuals with YOD preserve their self-confidence and identity while working within their capabilities.

Demographics, Symptoms, Psychotropic Use, and Caregiver Distress in Patients With Early vs Late Onset Dementia

BACKGROUND

Understanding experiences and challenges faced by persons living with Early-Onset Dementia (EOD) compared to individuals diagnosed with Late-Onset Dementia (LOD) is important for the development of targeted interventions.

OBJECTIVE

Describe differences in sociodemographic, neuropsychiatric behavioral symptoms, caregiver characteristics, and psychotropic use.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS

Cross-sectional, retrospective study including 908 UCLA Alzheimer's Dementia Care Program participants (177 with EOD and 731 with LOD).

MEASUREMENTS

Onset of dementia was determined using age at program enrollment, with EOD defined as age <65 years and LOD defined as age >80 years. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were measured once at enrollment. Behavioral symptoms were measured using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) severity score and caregiver distress was measured using the NPI-Q distress score. Medications included antipsychotic, antidepressant, benzodiazepines and other hypnotics, antiepileptics, and dementia medications.

RESULTS

EOD compared to LOD participants were more likely men, college graduates, married, live alone, and have fewer comorbidities. EOD caregivers were more often spouses (56% vs 26%, p <0.01), whereas LOD caregivers were more often children (57% vs 10%, p <0.01). EOD was associated with lower odds of being above the median (worse) NPI-Q severity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.58; 95% CI 0.35-0.96) and NPI-Q distress scores (aOR, 0.53; 95% CI 0.31-0.88). Psychotropic use did not differ between groups though symptoms were greater for LOD compared to EOD.

CONCLUSION

Persons with EOD compared to LOD had sociodemographic differences, less health conditions, and fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms. Future policies could prioritize counseling for EOD patients and families, along with programs to support spousal caregivers of persons with EOD.

Time to Diagnosis and Its Predictors in Syndromes Associated With Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration

OBJECTIVES

Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) causes a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders with a wide range of clinical features. This might delay time to diagnosis. The aim of the present study is to establish time to diagnosis and its predictors in patients with FTLD-associated syndromes.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1029 patients with FTLD-associated syndromes (age: 68 [61-73] years, females: 46%) from 1999 to 2023 were included in the present study.

MEASUREMENTS

Time to diagnosis was operationalized as the time between symptom onset and the diagnosis of a FTLD-associated syndrome. The associations between time to diagnosis and possible predictors (demographic and clinical variables) were investigated through univariate and multivariate linear models.

RESULTS

Median time to diagnosis was 2 [1-3] years. We observed that younger age at onset (β = -0.03, p <0.001), having worked as a professional rather than as a blue (β = 0.52, p = 0.024) or a white (β = 0.46, p = 0.050) collar, and having progressive supranuclear palsy (p <0.05) or the semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (p <0.05) phenotypes were significantly associated with increased time to diagnosis. No significant changes of time to diagnosis have been observed over 20 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of predictors of time to diagnosis might improve current diagnostic algorithms, resulting in a timely initiation of symptomatic treatments, early involvement in clinical trials, and more adequate public health policies for patients and their families.

Investigating Equivalence of In-Person and Telehealth-Based Neuropsychological Assessment Performance for Individuals Being Investigated for Younger Onset Dementia

OBJECTIVE

Given the rapid shift to in-home teleneuropsychology models, more research is needed to investigate the equivalence of non-facilitator models of teleneuropsychology delivery for people with younger onset dementia (YOD). This study aimed to determine whether equivalent performances were observed on neuropsychological measures administered in-person and via teleneuropsychology in a sample of people being investigated for YOD.

METHOD

Using a randomized counterbalanced cross-over design, 43 participants (Mage = 60.26, SDage = 7.19) with a possible or probable YOD diagnosis completed 14 neuropsychological tests in-person and via teleneuropsychology, with a 2-week interval. Repeated measures t-tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland Altman analyses were used to investigate equivalence across the administration conditions.

RESULTS

No statistical differences were found between in-person and teleneuropsychology conditions, except for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Anxiety subtest. Small to negligible effect sizes were observed (ranging from .01 to .20). ICC estimates ranged from .71 to .97 across the neuropsychological measures. Bland Altman analyses revealed that the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition Block Design subtest had slightly better overall performance in the in-person condition and participants reported higher levels of anxiety symptoms during the teleneuropsychology condition; however, average anxiety symptoms remained within the clinically normal range. Participants reported a high level of acceptability for teleneuropsychology assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that performances are comparable between in-person and teleneuropsychology assessment modalities. Our findings support teleneuropsychology as a feasible alternative to in-person neuropsychological services for people under investigation of YOD, who face significant barriers in accessing timely diagnoses and treatment options.

Sources and perceptions of hope: A qualitative study involving younger people with dementia

Hope is an important but overlooked phenomenon in dementia studies. Few studies have examined how people with dementia experience or perceive hope, possibly because it is seen as a diagnosis without hope. In this article, we report on a doctoral study, the aim of which was to examine the phenomenon of hope from the perspective of younger people with dementia to generate new understanding and enable community-based healthcare professionals to support well-being. The study was conducted in the Midlands, England, and used a modified diary-interview method. Six participants were given a camera and asked to take pictures of whatever made them feel hopeful. During a post-diary semi-structured interview, a conversation about hope took place. Interviews were transcribed and interpreted using the 'Voice-Centred Relational Method'. Findings show that hope is important to younger people with dementia. Sources of hope were the surrounding environment, keeping connected, taking action, and drawing on internal resources. An over-arching theme was 'defying dementia' and participants demonstrated resistance to negative stereotypes. Living with dementia did not curtail hope, although it could be weakened when participants felt 'cast adrift' by services. The In vivo codes generated were fear of dementia, threats to identity, disconnection from others, and frustrations and restrictions. It is concluded that hope should be a more central part of practice-based conversations with people with dementia.

Association between depression and young-onset dementia in middle-aged women

BACKGROUND

Dementia is associated with older adults; however, it can also affect younger individuals, known as young-onset dementia (YOD), when diagnosed before the age of 65 years. We aimed to conduct a retrospective cohort study involving middle-aged women to investigate the association between premorbid depression and YOD development.

METHODS

We included 1.6 million women aged 40-60 years who underwent health checkups under the Korean National Health Insurance Service and investigated the association between depression and YOD.

RESULTS

Women with depression had a significantly higher risk of developing YOD than women without depression. Among premenopausal women, those with depression had a 2.67-fold increased risk, whereas postmenopausal women with depression had a 2.50-fold increased risk. Late age at menarche (> 16 years) and young age at menopause (< 40 years) was associated with an increased risk of YOD.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression in middle-aged women is a significant risk factor for the development of YOD. Understanding the role of reproductive factors can aid in the development of targeted therapeutic interventions to prevent or delay YOD.

Cognitive Impairment in the Primary Care Clinic

Cognitive impairment is a common problem in the geriatric population and is characterized by variable symptoms of memory difficulties, executive dysfunction, language or visuospatial problems, and behavioral changes. It is imperative that primary care clinicians recognize and differentiate the variable symptoms associated with cognitive impairment from changes attributable to normal aging or secondary to other medical conditions. A thorough evaluation for potentially reversible causes of dementia is required before diagnosis with a neurodegenerative dementia. Other abnormal neurologic findings, rapid progression, or early age of onset are red flags that merit referral to neurology for more specialized evaluation and treatment.

A systematic review of cognitive and behavioral tools to differentiate behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia from other conditions

The behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is thought to be the commonest clinical presentation of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and is predominantly characterized by changes in behavior. In patients lacking unequivocal biomarker evidence of frontotemporal neurodegeneration, the clinical diagnosis of bvFTD is often unstable. In response, we conducted a systematic review and critical appraisal of cognitive and behavioral tools that have sought to differentiate bvFTD from other conditions. A systematic literature review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted on December 31, 2023 for cognitive and behavioral tools that differentiated bvFTD from other cohorts. Ninety-six studies were included. The quality appraisal of almost all studies was low and introduced a high risk of bias. The few studies that were of high quality had a prospective study design and recruited patients suspected (but not yet confirmed) to have bvFTD. These studies reported that behavioral tools (e.g., the Frontal Behavioral Inventory) and social cognition tests (e.g., the Ekman's Faces Test) had good test performance in differentiating bvFTD from a broad range of psychiatric and neurological conditions. Importantly, the review highlighted the extreme paucity of studies that have evaluated methods where, in Bayesian terms, there is genuine clinical uncertainty regarding a diagnosis of bvFTD. Most studies used healthy controls of typical Alzheimer's disease as comparators-groups that often have negligible pretest probability of bvFTD. In response, we propose a study design checklist for studies seeking to develop diagnostic algorithms in bvFTD research.

Predictors of primary care psychological therapy outcomes for depression and anxiety in people living with dementia: evidence from national healthcare records in England

BACKGROUND

Psychological therapies can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in people living with dementia (PLWD). However, factors associated with better therapy outcomes in PLWD are currently unknown.

AIMS

To investigate whether dementia-specific and non-dementia-specific factors are associated with therapy outcomes in PLWD.

METHOD

National linked healthcare records were used to identify 1522 PLWD who attended psychological therapy services across England. Associations between various factors and therapy outcomes were explored.

RESULTS

People with frontotemporal dementia were more likely to experience reliable deterioration in depression/anxiety symptoms compared with people with vascular dementia (odds ratio 2.98, 95% CI 1.08-8.22; P = 0.03) or Alzheimer's disease (odds ratio 2.95, 95% CI 1.15-7.55; P = 0.03). Greater depression severity (reliable recovery: odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98, P < 0.001; reliable deterioration: odds ratio 1.73, 95% CI 1.04-2.90, P = 0.04), lower work and social functioning (recovery: odds ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99, P = 0.002), psychotropic medication use (recovery: odds ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.51-0.90, P = 0.01), being of working age (recovery: odds ratio 2.03, 95% CI 1.10-3.73, P = 0.02) and fewer therapy sessions (recovery: odds ratio 1.12, 95% CI 1.09-1.16, P < 0.001) were associated with worse therapy outcomes in PLWD.

CONCLUSIONS

Dementia type was generally not associated with outcomes, whereas clinical factors were consistent with those identified for the general population. Additional support and adaptations may be required to improve therapy outcomes in PLWD, particularly in those who are younger and have more severe depression.

The experiences and perspectives of older adult mental health professional staff teams when supporting people with young-onset dementia

Background. The diagnosis of young-onset dementia presents significant challenges both for the person and their families, which often differ from the challenges faced with late-onset dementia. Evidence of the experience of service users and carers tends to reveal a negative appraisal of the care received, citing longer diagnosis times, poor clinician knowledge and lack of age-appropriate care. However, evidence looking into staff experiences of supporting someone with young-onset dementia is relatively scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and reflections of health and social care staff who support people with young-onset dementia within older adult mental health services, and whether their knowledge of the systems they work in could reveal the existence of barriers or facilitators to young-onset dementia care. Methods. Health and social care professionals working with people and carers with young-onset dementia across England were remotely interviewed between September and December 2021. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings. Sixteen staff members were interviewed. Three themes were constructed with six sub-themes. The first theme related to the perception of greater complexity around young-onset dementia support. The second theme describes staff fears around their ability to effectively support people with young-onset dementia, including the perception that young-onset dementia requires specialist input. The final theme describes systemic and structural inefficiencies which provide additional challenges for staff. Conclusions. Providing effective support for people with young-onset dementia and their families requires adjustments both within the clinician role and mental health services. Staff considered young-onset dementia support to be a specialist intervention and felt the services they work for are suited to generic mental health and dementia provision. Findings are discussed with recommendations relating to developing a standardised model of dementia care for young-onset dementia which recognises and responds to the unique experiences of young-onset dementia.

An analysis of the contents of the young-onset dementia helpline: profiles of clients who consulted the helpline themselves

BACKGROUND

Young-onset dementia (YOD) community care requires personalised approaches. Yet, the specific details of YOD consultations are unclear. This study explored how initial consultations correlate with client profiles.

METHODS

Data from regional YOD helplines were used to analyze the main characteristics of people living with YOD or who had concerns about the possibility of YOD (n = 132). Among several categorical variables, the following were used for analysis: age group, sex, type of living arrangement, employment status, presence of dementia, and content of the consultation. To identify groups of items that frequently occur together, strongly connected rules were identified using association rule analysis with the a priori algorithm. To focus on the characteristics of clients, rules related to client characteristics were extracted based on the type of consultation.

RESULTS

A total of 51 rules were identified for the consultations. These rules fell into two categories: (1) consultations for medical matters, which mainly involved employed individuals with undiagnosed dementia, and (2) other consultations on daily life or work, which mainly involved individuals diagnosed with dementia and were characterised by the influence of sex. These rules indicate the importance of medical involvement in confirming the diagnosis and specific individualised care following diagnosis for people living with YOD.

CONCLUSION

Clients with or without a dementia diagnosis were consulted differently in the YOD helplines. Before receiving a diagnosis, medical matters were the main theme of consultations, whereas after receiving a diagnosis, adjustments to daily life or work were the main themes. The results of this study suggest that the needs of people living with YOD and the services they require may vary depending on their backgrounds.

Utility of the INECO Frontal Screening and the Frontal Assessment Battery in detecting executive dysfunction in early-onset cognitive impairment and dementia

OBJECTIVE

The INECO Frontal Screening (IFS) and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) are executive dysfunction (ED) screening tools that can distinguish patients with neurodegenerative disorders from healthy controls and, to some extent, between dementia subtypes. This paper aims to examine the suitability of these tests in assessing early-onset cognitive impairment and dementia patients.

METHOD

In a memory clinic patient cohort (age mean = 57.4 years) with symptom onset at ≤65 years, we analyzed the IFS and the FAB results of four groups: early-onset dementia (EOD, n = 49), mild cognitive impairment due to neurological causes (MCI-n, n = 34), MCI due to other causes such as depression (MCI-o, n = 99) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD, n = 14). Data were gathered at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. We also studied the tests' accuracy in distinguishing EOD from SCD patients and ED patients from those with intact executive functioning. Correlations with neuropsychological measures were also studied.

RESULTS

The EOD group had significantly (p < .05) lower IFS and FAB total scores than the MCI-o and SCD groups. Compared with the FAB, the IFS showed more statistically significant (p < .05) differences between diagnostic groups, greater accuracy (IFS AUC = .80, FAB AUC = .75, p = .036) in detecting ED and marginally stronger correlations with neuropsychological measures. We found no statistically significant differences in the EOD group scores from baseline up to 6- or 12-months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

While both tests can detect EOD among memory clinic patients, the IFS may be more reliable in detecting ED than the FAB.

Imaging Biomarkers of VCI: A Focused Update

Vascular cognitive impairment is common after stroke, in memory clinics, medicine for the elderly services, and undiagnosed in the community. Vascular disease is said to be the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer disease, yet vascular dysfunction is now known to predate cognitive decline in Alzheimer disease, and most dementias at older ages are mixed. Neuroimaging has a major role in identifying the proportion of vascular versus other likely pathologies in patients with cognitive impairment. Here, we aim to provide a pragmatic but evidence-based summary of the current state of potential imaging biomarkers, focusing on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, which are relevant to diagnosing, estimating prognosis, monitoring vascular cognitive impairment, and incorporating our own experiences. We focus on markers that are well-established, with a known profile of association with cognitive measures, but also consider more recently described, including quantitative tissue markers of vascular injury. We highlight the gaps in accessibility and translation to more routine clinical practice.

Understanding the Complexity of Early-Onset Dementia

Dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, affects millions globally, with its prevalence increasing notably with age. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease, however, affects individuals under 65 years old. Unfortunately, diagnosing dementia in patients under 65 years old is quite challenging and is often delayed, missed, or wrong. Thus, we present the case of a 60-year-old female, with a medical history of hypothyroidism and presumed dementia on donepezil, who presented to the emergency department for agitation, dramatic change in personality and behavior, as well as cognitive decline that started in her late 50s. We discuss the importance of performing a thorough history and physical examination, as well as a comprehensive workup for patients who present with dramatic changes in behavior due to the wide range of potential diagnoses. While certain reversible causes, such as hypothyroidism, nutritional deficiencies, and polypharmacy, can be promptly identified and treated, chronic neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease demand a timely evaluation for early multidisciplinary treatment to enhance patient outcomes.

Survey on the current situation for early diagnosis of dementia and contributing factors in Japan

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of dementia is important for both initiation of non-pharmacological activities to slow cognitive decline as well as the development of disease-modifying drugs; however, it appears there may be a tendency for formal diagnosis to be delayed. Since the current status of diagnosis in Japan is unclear, we conducted a survey with family caregivers of patients with dementia using questionnaires and interviews to investigate the factors regarding the dementia diagnosis process in Japan.

METHODS

We distributed questionnaires to family caregivers of people with dementia and conducted additional follow-up interviews with approximately half of them. We calculated odds ratios for the time to diagnosis using logistic regression analysis for each characteristic from the questionnaire data. We also created co-occurrence networks from the interview data in order to provide qualitative context to the questionnaire data.

RESULTS

We collected 68 questionnaires and conducted 32 interviews. The median time to diagnosis was 12 months, and logistic regression analysis showed a significant trend toward shorter time to diagnosis in the absence of other caregivers. In addition, there were significant differences in age, relationship with patients and the time from the first visit to the final diagnosis between groups with and without other caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the presence or absence of other caregivers may affect caregivers' behaviour and the time taken to receive a diagnosis of dementia. These findings indicate it may be beneficial to predict inhibiting factors and change approaches based on caregivers' and patients' background to promote early diagnosis.

VentRa: distinguishing frontotemporal dementia from psychiatric disorders

The volume of the lateral ventricles is a reliable and sensitive indicator of brain atrophy and disease progression in behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia. In this study, we validate our previously developed automated tool using ventricular features (known as VentRa) for the classification of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia versus a mixed cohort of neurodegenerative, vascular and psychiatric disorders from a clinically representative independent dataset. Lateral ventricles were segmented for 1110 subjects-14 behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, 30 other frontotemporal dementia, 70 Lewy body disease, 898 Alzheimer's disease, 62 vascular brain injury and 36 primary psychiatric disorder from the publicly accessible National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center dataset to assess the performance of VentRa. Using ventricular features to discriminate behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia subjects from primary psychiatric disorders, VentRa achieved an accuracy rate of 84%, a sensitivity rate of 71% and a specificity rate of 89%. VentRa was able to identify behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia from a mixed age-matched cohort (i.e. other frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body disease, Alzheimer's disease, vascular brain injury and primary psychiatric disorders) and to correctly classify other disorders as 'not compatible with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia' with a specificity rate of 83%. The specificity rates against each of the other individual cohorts were 80% for other frontotemporal dementia, 83% for Lewy body disease, 83% for Alzheimer's disease, 84% for vascular brain injury and 89% for primary psychiatric disorders. VentRa is a robust and generalizable tool with potential usefulness for improving the diagnostic certainty of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, particularly for the differential diagnosis with primary psychiatric disorders.

C9orf72 gene networks in the human brain correlate with cortical thickness in C9-FTD and implicate vulnerable cell types

Introduction

A hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) intronic to chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) is recognized as the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and ALS-FTD. Identifying genes that show similar regional co-expression patterns to C9orf72 may help identify novel gene targets and biological mechanisms that mediate selective vulnerability to ALS and FTD pathogenesis.

Methods

We leveraged mRNA expression data in healthy brain from the Allen Human Brain Atlas to evaluate C9orf72 co-expression patterns. To do this, we correlated average C9orf72 expression values in 51 regions across different anatomical divisions (cortex, subcortex, and cerebellum) with average gene expression values for 15,633 protein-coding genes, including 54 genes known to be associated with ALS, FTD, or ALS-FTD. We then performed imaging transcriptomic analyses to evaluate whether the identified C9orf72 co-expressed genes correlated with patterns of cortical thickness in symptomatic C9orf72 pathogenic HRE carriers (n = 19) compared to controls (n = 23). Lastly, we explored whether genes with significant C9orf72 imaging transcriptomic correlations (i.e., "C9orf72 imaging transcriptomic network") were enriched in specific cell populations in the brain and enriched for specific biological and molecular pathways.

Results

A total of 2,120 genes showed an anatomical distribution of gene expression in the brain similar to C9orf72 and significantly correlated with patterns of cortical thickness in C9orf72 HRE carriers. This C9orf72 imaging transcriptomic network was differentially expressed in cell populations previously implicated in ALS and FTD, including layer 5b cells, cholinergic neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem and medium spiny neurons of the striatum, and was enriched for biological and molecular pathways associated with protein ubiquitination, autophagy, cellular response to DNA damage, endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi vesicle-mediated transport, among others.

Conclusion

Considered together, we identified a network of C9orf72 associated genes that may influence selective regional and cell-type-specific vulnerabilities in ALS/FTD.

Risk Factors for Young-Onset Dementia in the UK Biobank

Importance

There is limited information on modifiable risk factors for young-onset dementia (YOD).

Objective

To examine factors that are associated with the incidence of YOD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study used data from the UK Biobank, with baseline assessment between 2006 and 2010 and follow-up until March 31, 2021, for England and Scotland, and February 28, 2018, for Wales. Participants younger than 65 years and without a dementia diagnosis at baseline assessment were included in this study. Participants who were 65 years and older and those with dementia at baseline were excluded. Data were analyzed from May 2022 to April 2023.

Exposures

A total of 39 potential risk factors were identified from systematic reviews of late-onset dementia and YOD risk factors and grouped into domains of sociodemographic factors (education, socioeconomic status, and sex), genetic factors (apolipoprotein E), lifestyle factors (physical activity, alcohol use, alcohol use disorder, smoking, diet, cognitive activity, social isolation, and marriage), environmental factors (nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, pesticide, and diesel), blood marker factors (vitamin D, C-reactive protein, estimated glomerular filtration rate function, and albumin), cardiometabolic factors (stroke, hypertension, diabetes, hypoglycemia, heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and aspirin use), psychiatric factors (depression, anxiety, benzodiazepine use, delirium, and sleep problems), and other factors (traumatic brain injury, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid dysfunction, hearing impairment, and handgrip strength).

Main Outcome and Measures

Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to study the association between the risk factors and incidence of YOD. Factors were tested stepwise first within domains and then across domains.

Results

Of 356 052 included participants, 197 036 (55.3%) were women, and the mean (SD) age at baseline was 54.6 (7.0) years. During 2 891 409 person-years of follow-up, 485 incident YOD cases (251 of 485 men [51.8%]) were observed, yielding an incidence rate of 16.8 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI, 15.4-18.3). In the final model, 15 factors were significantly associated with a higher YOD risk, namely lower formal education, lower socioeconomic status, carrying 2 apolipoprotein ε4 allele, no alcohol use, alcohol use disorder, social isolation, vitamin D deficiency, high C-reactive protein levels, lower handgrip strength, hearing impairment, orthostatic hypotension, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, several factors, mostly modifiable, were associated with a higher risk of YOD. These modifiable risk factors should be incorporated in future dementia prevention initiatives and raise new therapeutic possibilities for YOD.

Why to test for dementia: perspectives of patients, significant others and general practitioners

BACKGROUND

This study aims to provide greater insight into the current decision-making process on diagnostic testing for dementia by exploring the expectations, needs and experiences of patients with memory complaints, significant others and general practitioners (GPs).

METHODS

We performed semi-structured interviews with patients (>60 years) who consulted their GP on memory complaints, significant others and GPs. Participants were recruited until data saturation was reached in thematic analysis of interview transcripts.

RESULTS

We performed 51 interviews (patients n = 20, significant others n = 15, GPs n = 16). Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (i) 'drivers to (not) testing', i.e. need to act on symptoms, beliefs on the necessity and expected outcomes of diagnostic testing; (ii) 'patient preferences and context are critical in the actual decision', i.e. in the actual decision-making process interpretation of symptoms, GPs' desire to meet patient preferences, social context and healthcare system dynamics guided the decision; (iii) 'need for individualised communication in the decision-making process', i.e. for patients feeling heard was a prerequisite for decision-making and GPs tailored communication strategies to individual patients and (iv) 'GP practice and barriers to shared decision-making (SDM)', i.e. although GPs value SDM in the decision on diagnostic testing for dementia, patients express limited awareness of the decision and options at stake.

CONCLUSIONS

Decision-making on diagnostic testing for dementia is a multifactorial and preference-guided process for all involved stakeholders, but decisions are often not explicitly jointly made. Development of patient decision aids could facilitate better involvement and more informed choices by patients.

Neuropsychological Profiles, Etiologies, and Medical Comorbidities in Early-Onset Dementia and Cognitive Impairment: A Memory Outpatient Clinic Cohort Study

Background

Although early-onset dementia (EOD) is associated with diagnostic challenges that differ from those of related to late-onset dementia, only limited studies have addressed the neuropsychological and health characteristics or specified the diagnoses underlying early-onset cognitive impairment in a real-world clinical setting.

Objective

To investigate the neuropsychological profiles, etiologies, and comorbidities of an unselected cohort of memory clinic patients (≤65 years at symptom onset).

Methods

The patients' (n = 210) diagnoses were determined based on comprehensive diagnostic workup. Medical comorbidities and neuropsychological profiles were compared between clinically relevant patient groups, namely early-onset dementia (n = 55), mild cognitive impairment due to vascular or suspected neurodegenerative (MCI-n, n = 35) or non-neurodegenerative (MCI-o, n = 106) etiologies, and subjective cognitive decline (n = 14).

Results

The most prevalent diagnoses were Alzheimer's disease (AD, 14%) and depression (11%). Multiple prior medical conditions were common (67%); however, EOD patients had fewer other diagnoses (p = 0.008) than MCI-o patients. Compared to other groups, EOD patients had more severe deficits (p < 0.001) on immediate and delayed memory, processing speed, symptom awareness, and global cognition. AD patients had weaker memory retention ability but less behavioral symptoms than frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients (p≤0.05). Depression was associated with better immediate memory, symptom awareness, and global cognition than AD and FTD (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

EOD is associated with more severe and widespread neuropsychological deficits but fewer prior medical diagnoses than nondegenerative etiologies of cognitive impairment. AD and depression are common etiologies and the neuropsychological profiles are partly overlapping; however, memory, symptom awareness and global cognitive impairment measures may help in the differential diagnosis.

Exploring diagnostic strategies for memory complaints in older adults: A retrospective general practice database study

OBJECTIVES

For older people who worry about their memory, their general practitioner (GP) is often the first healthcare professional they turn to. This study aims to increase knowledge of GPs' daily practice on diagnostic strategies for patients who present themselves with memory complaints and/or worries about dementia for the first time in general practice and to explore associations of patients' characteristics with these strategies.

METHOD

Retrospective observational study using electronic patient records from patients presenting with memory complaints between 2012 and 2019. The patient records are derived from a Dutch primary care registration network. The decision on diagnostic strategy was extracted and categorized as (1) wait and see, (2) diagnostic testing in primary care, or (3) referral. Patient characteristics (gender, age, general practice, level of comorbidities, chronic polypharmacy, and the number of consultations on memory complaints), fear of developing dementia, and information on why the first consultation on memory complaints was scheduled were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 228 patients were included. Most patients were cared for within primary care, either for further primary care diagnostics (56.1%) or because a wait-and-see strategy was pursued (14.9%). One-third (28.9%) of patients were referred. Differences between diagnostic strategies in patient characteristics, fear of developing dementia, or reason for first consultation between these diagnostic strategies were not found, nor were these variables predictive of referral.

CONCLUSION

Most Dutch patients with memory complaints and/or worries about dementia who seek help from their GP for the first time are cared for in the primary care setting for the following 6 months. The lack of association between included patient characteristics and diagnostic strategies highlights the complexity of the decision-making process on diagnostic testing for dementia in general practice.

Incidence of young-onset dementia in Italy: The Brescia register study

INTRODUCTION

The goal of the present work was to assess the incidence of dementia with onset before the age of 65 years (i.e., young-onset dementia [YOD]) and define the frequencies of young-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in the general population.

METHODS

The study was conducted from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 in Brescia province (population: 1,268,455). During the study period, all new YOD cases (incident YOD) were counted, and all patients' records reviewed. The incidence was standardized to the Italian general population in 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 29 YOD patients were diagnosed. The age-sex standardized incidence rate was 4.58 (95% confidence interval, 3.07-6.58) per 100,000 person-years. No difference in incidence rate between YOD due to AD or FTLD (P = 0.83) and between sexes (P = 0.81) was observed. YOD incidence increased with age, reaching its peak after 60 years.

DISCUSSION

Presenting neurodegenerative YOD phenotypes encompasses both AD and FTLD. Improved knowledge on YOD epidemiology is essential to adequately plan and organize health services.

Rationale and Design of the "DIagnostic and Prognostic Precision Algorithm for behavioral variant Frontotemporal Dementia" (DIPPA-FTD) Study: A Study Aiming to Distinguish Early Stage Sporadic FTD from Late-Onset Primary Psychiatric Disorders

BACKGROUND

The behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is very heterogeneous in pathology, genetics, and disease course. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, reliable biomarkers are lacking and sporadic bvFTD is often misdiagnosed as a primary psychiatric disorder (PPD) due to overlapping clinical features. Current efforts to characterize and improve diagnostics are centered on the minority of genetic cases.

OBJECTIVE

The multi-center study DIPPA-FTD aims to develop diagnostic and prognostic algorithms to help distinguish sporadic bvFTD from late-onset PPD in its earliest stages.

METHODS

The prospective DIPPA-FTD study recruits participants with late-life behavioral changes, suspect for bvFTD or late-onset PPD diagnosis with a negative family history for FTD and/or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Subjects are invited to participate after diagnostic screening at participating memory clinics or recruited by referrals from psychiatric departments. At baseline visit, participants undergo neurological and psychiatric examination, questionnaires, neuropsychological tests, and brain imaging. Blood is obtained to investigate biomarkers. Patients are informed about brain donation programs. Follow-up takes place 10-14 months after baseline visit where all examinations are repeated. Results from the DIPPA-FTD study will be integrated in a data-driven approach to develop diagnostic and prognostic models.

CONCLUSIONS

DIPPA-FTD will make an important contribution to early sporadic bvFTD identification. By recruiting subjects with ambiguous or prodromal diagnoses, our research strategy will allow the characterization of early disease stages that are not covered in current sporadic FTD research. Results will hopefully increase the ability to diagnose sporadic bvFTD in the early stage and predict progression rate, which is pivotal for patient stratification and trial design.

Perceived barriers and solutions by generalist physicians to work towards timely young-onset dementia diagnosis

Objectives: Timely diagnosis of young-onset dementia (YOD) is an important prerequisite to initiate appropriate support. However, YOD diagnosis is often late. We aimed to explore the perspectives of referring general practitioners and occupational physicians, to better understand their barriers to YOD diagnosis and reveal potential solutions to facilitate timely diagnosis.Methods: We conducted 16 semi-structured qualitative interviews with general practitioners and occupational physicians in the Netherlands. Inductive thematic analysis was applied to the transcripts with a team including researchers from various (clinical) backgrounds.Results: Thematic analysis revealed three themes related to: (1) disease characteristics that hinder YOD recognition, being the low incidence and the fact that they mimic other prevalent conditions like burn-out and depression; (2) physicians' attitudes that delay YOD diagnosis, as fear of mis-diagnosis and therapeutic nihilism; and (3) proposed solutions to navigate the challenging YOD diagnostic trajectory including monitoring people with depression and burn-out to consider YOD when recovery stagnates, and more effective interprofessional collaboration.Conclusion: In this study, referring physicians confirmed barriers known to YOD diagnosis and suggested potential solutions to improve YOD diagnosis. Future prospective studies in people with a primary diagnosis of depression or burn-out may show whether these interventions are potentially effective.

Living with young-onset dementia in the family - a mixed method study

Background: Studies on disease-related obstructions experienced in everyday life of younger people with dementia (YOD ≤ 65 years) and their families are encouraged.Aim: To explore how the family carers experience six predefined topics that influence the everyday life and needs of persons with YOD.Method: A quantitative and a qualitative study including family carers of persons with young-onset Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Seventy-four informants responded to the Camberwell Assessment of Needs in the Elderly (CANE) and individual interviews were conducted with 13 informants.Results: Family carers of persons with YOD reported few unmet needs in the CANE assessment. Needs related to behavior and close relationships were reported significantly more frequent (p < 0.1) in persons with FTD than in persons with AD. From the qualitative data, six main themes were emphasized: daily activities turned upside down, involuntary loss of previous social network, losing close relationship, but maintaining a friendship with the spouse, unpredictable behavior adds burdens to a changing life, health and life risks, and economic insecurity for future life and caring costs.Conclusion: Whilst family carers quantitatively reported unmet needs, the individual interviews reported several major difficulties in everyday life.

Connecting, learning, supporting: Caregivers' experiences of a stress and distress biopsychosocial group intervention

BACKGROUND

Family caregivers are fundamental in supporting people living with dementia to remain at home, however, psychological distress can occur as a result of their caring role. Research into interventions for caregivers of people living with young-onset dementia, including their experience of and the mediating processes of such interventions, remains limited.

METHODS

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis explored caregiver experiences and influence on caregiving of participating in a "Responding to Distress in Dementia" group. Five family caregivers were interviewed with discussions covering the period from first noticing symptoms to the interview session.

RESULTS

Within the group experience, four superordinate themes were identified: 'connecting to other caregivers', 'learning about caregiving', 'group factors' and 'reduced caregiver distress'. During the post-group period, three superordinate themes were recognised: 'maintaining support', 'applying learning', and 'normalising caregiving'.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlighted several interrelated themes involving creating connections amongst caregivers with similar experiences, social learning, and supportive learning through group structure and facilitation. Many of the processes reflected those found in existing dementia caregiver intervention research. Recommendations included facilitating peer support groups and exploring whole-family approaches.

Autonomic modulation and the risk of dementia in a middle-aged cohort: A 17-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Altered autonomic modulation, measured by heart rate variability (HRV), has been found to be associated with dementia risk in the elderly. However, long-term follow-up study evaluating the association between autonomic modulation from middle-age and the incidence of dementia has been limited.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort analyzed data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Database covering the period from 2001 to 2017, with a linkage to citywide health examinations conducted by Tainan Metropolitan City, Taiwan. We included subjects aged 45-64 years. The mean follow-up period was 15.75 ± 3.40 years. The measurements of HRV included resting heart rate, high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN), ratio between the 30th and 15th R-R interval after standing up from the supine position (30/15 ratio), ratio between the R-R intervals during expiration and inspiration, and the ratio between the high- and low-frequency components (LF/HF). The main study outcome was the incidence of dementia. We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models to compare the risk of dementia among different HRV subgroups.

RESULTS

We included 565 participants with a mean age of 53 (SD: 6) years, of whom 44% were male. The risk of dementia was significantly increased in association with lower parasympathetic HRV modulation, including SDNN (HR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.55-6.73) and 30/15 ratio (HR: 3.52, 95%CI: 1.67-7.42). Moreover, the risk of dementia was increased in subjects with higher LF/HF ratios (HR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.12-3.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower parasympathetic activity and higher sympathetic-vagal imbalance in middle-age were associated with dementia risk.

"Give me the knowledge, and I can do what I want with it, it's my right and my choice": Triangulated perspectives on the disclosure of young onset dementia

INTRODUCTION

Receiving a diagnosis of young onset dementia is particularly distressing; the person under 65 years is often in employment, with financial commitments, young children, and an active social life. Some of the stress experienced by younger people experiencing cognitive changes can be reduced by an early and accurate diagnosis, but this is contingent on the timing of disclosure and a process which is sensitive and appropriate to the person. The study aim was to explore experiences of giving and receiving a diagnosis of young onset dementia, by triangulating the perspectives of the key parties involved.

METHODS

A qualitative design was employed, using semi-structured interviews. Participants (N = 47) included people with young onset dementia (n = 10), family members (n = 12), and health and social care professionals (n = 25). Thematic analysis and triangulation enabled identification of overall themes across different participant groups.

RESULTS

All participant groups agreed on key aspects of good disclosure practice, with two overarching themes: The optimal conditions for disclosure, and how best to disclose a diagnosis. Positive experiences of disclosure were prefaced on having the appropriate space and time; having a support person present; clearly labelling the diagnosis; providing appropriate information at the right pace. Other findings include recommendations for longer appointment times, offering additional support for young families, and for carers of people with atypical presentations (e.g. frontotemporal dementia).

CONCLUSION

Many people with young onset dementia had unsatisfactory disclosure experiences. Health and social care professionals should provide a 'pre-disclosure' appointment, elicit the amount of information the person may want at the point of disclosure of the diagnosis, balance truth and hope, provide contact details for follow-up, and overall be mindful of the individual in front of them. While young onset dementia may be a life-altering diagnosis, a disclosure meeting which is sensitively undertaken can increase the person's agency, coping ability, and ultimately empower them to live well with their diagnosis.

Diagnostic Instability Over Time in the Late-Onset Frontal Lobe Syndrome: When Can We Say it's FTD?

OBJECTIVES

Distinguishing sporadic behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) from late-onset primary psychiatric disorders (PPD) remains challenging with the lack of robust biomarkers. An early bvFTD misdiagnosis in PPD cases and vice-versa is common. Little is known about diagnostic (in)stability over longer period of time. We investigated diagnostic instability in a neuropsychiatric cohort up to 8 years after baseline visit and identified which clinical hallmarks contribute to diagnostic instability.

DESIGN

Diagnoses of participants of the late-onset frontal lobe (LOF) study were collected from the baseline visit (T0) and the 2-year follow-up visit (T2). Clinical outcomes were retrieved 5-8 years after baseline visit (Tfinal). Endpoint diagnoses were categorized into bvFTD, PPD and other neurological disorders (OND). We calculated the total amount of participants that switched diagnosis between T0-T2 and T2-Tfinal. Clinical records of participants that switched diagnosis were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 137 patients that were included in the study, the final diagnoses at Tfinal were bvFTD 24.1% (n = 33), PPD 39.4% (n = 54), OND 33.6% (n = 46) and unknown 2.9% (n = 4). Between T0 and T2, a total of 29 (21.2%) patients switched diagnosis. Between T2 and Tfinal, 8 (5.8%) patients switched diagnosis. Prolonged follow-up identified few cases with diagnostic instability. Major contributors to diagnostic instability where a nonconverting diagnosis of possible bvFTD and a probable bvFTD diagnosis based on informant-based history and an abnormal FDG-PET scan whilst having a normal MRI.

CONCLUSION

Considering these lessons, a FTD diagnosis remains stable enough to conclude that 2 years is sufficient to say if a patient with late-life behavioral disorder has FTD.

The Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Whole-Genome Sequencing Project: Study design and methodology

INTRODUCTION

Sequencing efforts to identify genetic variants and pathways underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) have largely focused on late-onset AD although early-onset AD (EOAD), accounting for ∼10% of cases, is largely unexplained by known mutations, resulting in a lack of understanding of its molecular etiology.

METHODS

Whole-genome sequencing and harmonization of clinical, neuropathological, and biomarker data of over 5000 EOAD cases of diverse ancestries.

RESULTS

A publicly available genomics resource for EOAD with extensive harmonized phenotypes. Primary analysis will (1) identify novel EOAD risk loci and druggable targets; (2) assess local-ancestry effects; (3) create EOAD prediction models; and (4) assess genetic overlap with cardiovascular and other traits.

DISCUSSION

This novel resource complements over 50,000 control and late-onset AD samples generated through the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP). The harmonized EOAD/ADSP joint call will be available through upcoming ADSP data releases and will allow for additional analyses across the full onset range.

HIGHLIGHTS

Sequencing efforts to identify genetic variants and pathways underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) have largely focused on late-onset AD although early-onset AD (EOAD), accounting for ∼10% of cases, is largely unexplained by known mutations. This results in a significant lack of understanding of the molecular etiology of this devastating form of the disease. The Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Whole-genome Sequencing Project is a collaborative initiative to generate a large-scale genomics resource for early-onset Alzheimer's disease with extensive harmonized phenotype data. Primary analyses are designed to (1) identify novel EOAD risk and protective loci and druggable targets; (2) assess local-ancestry effects; (3) create EOAD prediction models; and (4) assess genetic overlap with cardiovascular and other traits. The harmonized genomic and phenotypic data from this initiative will be available through NIAGADS.

C9orf72 gene networks in the human brain correlate with cortical thickness in C9-FTD and implicate vulnerable cell types

Introduction

A hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) intronic to chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) is recognized as the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and ALS-FTD. Identifying genes that show similar regional co-expression patterns to C9orf72 may help identify novel gene targets and biological mechanisms that mediate selective vulnerability to ALS and FTD pathogenesis.

Methods

We leveraged mRNA expression data in healthy brain from the Allen Human Brain Atlas to evaluate C9orf72 co-expression patterns. To do this, we correlated average C9orf72 expression values in 51 regions across different anatomical divisions (cortex, subcortex, cerebellum) with average gene expression values for 15,633 protein-coding genes, including 50 genes known to be associated with ALS, FTD, or ALS-FTD. We then evaluated whether the identified C9orf72 co-expressed genes correlated with patterns of cortical thickness in symptomatic C9orf72 pathogenic HRE carriers (n=19). Lastly, we explored whether genes with significant C9orf72 radiogenomic correlations (i.e., 'C9orf72 gene network') were enriched in specific cell populations in the brain and enriched for specific biological and molecular pathways.

Results

A total of 1,748 genes showed an anatomical distribution of gene expression in the brain similar to C9orf72 and significantly correlated with patterns of cortical thickness in C9orf72 HRE carriers. This C9orf72 gene network was differentially expressed in cell populations previously implicated in ALS and FTD, including layer 5b cells, cholinergic motor neurons in the spinal cord, and medium spiny neurons of the striatum, and was enriched for biological and molecular pathways associated with multiple neurotransmitter systems, protein ubiquitination, autophagy, and MAPK signaling, among others.

Conclusions

Considered together, we identified a network of C9orf72-associated genes that may influence selective regional and cell-type-specific vulnerabilities in ALS/FTD.

Distinct cerebral small vessel disease impairment in early- and late-onset Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) damage patterns in early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD and LOAD) and their effects on cognitive function.

METHODS

This study included 93 participants, 45 AD patients (14 EOAD and 31 LOAD), and 48 normal controls (13 YNC and 35 ONC) from the ADNI database. All participants had diffusion tensor imaging data; some had amyloid PET and plasma p-tau181 data. The study used peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD) to measure CSVD severity and compared PSMD between patients and age-matched controls. The effect of age on the relationship between PSMD and cognition was also examined. The study also repeated the analysis in amyloid-positive AD patients and amyloid-negative controls in another independent database (31 EOAD and 38 LOAD), and the merged database.

RESULTS

EOAD and LOAD showed similar cognitive function and disease severity. PSMD was validated as a reliable correlate of cognitive function. In the ADNI database, PSMD was significantly higher for LOAD and showed a tendency to increase for EOAD; in the independent and merged databases, PSMD was significantly higher for both LOAD and EOAD. The impact of PSMD on cognitive function was notably greater in the younger group (YNC and EOAD) than in the older group (ONC and LOAD), as supported by the ADNI and merged databases.

INTERPRETATION

EOAD has less CSVD burden than LOAD, but has a greater impact on cognition. Proactive cerebrovascular prevention strategies may have potential clinical value for younger older adults with cognitive decline.

Altered brain metabolism in frontotemporal dementia and psychiatric disorders: involvement of the anterior cingulate cortex

BACKGROUND

Behavioural symptoms and frontotemporal hypometabolism overlap between behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and primary psychiatric disorders (PPD), hampering diagnostic distinction. Voxel-wise comparisons of brain metabolism might identify specific frontotemporal-(hypo)metabolic regions between bvFTD and PPD. We investigated brain metabolism in bvFTD and PPD and its relationship with behavioural symptoms, social cognition, severity of depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, bvFTD showed decreased metabolism in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) (p < 0.001), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), temporal pole, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and caudate, whereas PPD showed no hypometabolism. Compared to PPD, bvFTD showed decreased metabolism in the dACC (p < 0.001, p < 0.05_FWE), insula, Broca's area, caudate, thalamus, OFC and temporal cortex (p < 0.001), whereas PPD showed decreased metabolism in the motor cortex (p < 0.001). Across bvFTD and PPD, decreased metabolism in the temporal cortex (p < 0.001, p < 0.05_FWE), dACC and frontal cortex was associated with worse social cognition. Decreased metabolism in the dlPFC was associated with compulsiveness (p < 0.001). Across bvFTD, PPD and controls, decreased metabolism in the PFC and motor cortex was associated with executive dysfunctioning (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate subtle but distinct metabolic patterns in bvFTD and PPD, most strongly in the dACC. The degree of frontotemporal and cingulate hypometabolism was related to impaired social cognition, compulsiveness and executive dysfunctioning. Our findings suggest that the dACC might be an important region to differentiate between bvFTD and PPD but needs further validation.

Clinical characteristics of early-onset versus late-onset Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

A number of studies have compared Alzheimer's disease (AD), the commonest form of dementia, based on their age of onset, i.e. before the age of 65 years (early-onset AD, EO-AD) to those developing after 65 years of age (late-onset AD, LO-AD), but the differences are not clear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare clinical characteristics between EO-AD and LO-AD.

DESIGN, MEASUREMENTS, AND PARTICIPANTS

Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were systematically searched for studies comparing time to diagnosis, cognitive scores, annual cognitive decline, activities of daily living (ADLs), neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), quality of life (QoL), and survival time for EO-AD and LO-AD patients.

RESULTS

Forty-two studies were included (EO-AD participants n = 5,544; LO-AD participants n = 16,042). An inverse variance method with random effects models was used to calculate overall effect estimates for each outcome. People with EO-AD had significantly poorer baseline cognitive performance and faster cognitive decline but longer survival times than people with LO-AD. There was no evidence that EO-AD patients differ from people with LO-AD in terms of symptom onset to diagnosis time, ADLs, and NPS. There were insufficient data to estimate overall effects of differences in QoL in EO-AD compared to LO-AD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that EO-AD differs from LO-AD in baseline cognition, cognitive decline, and survival time but otherwise has similar clinical characteristics to LO-AD. Larger studies using standardized questionnaires focusing on the clinical presentations are needed to better understand the impact of age of onset in AD.

Young-onset dementia in memory clinics in the Netherlands: Study design and description of PRECODE-GP

The disease trajectory and healthcare requirements of patients with young-onset dementia (YOD) differ from those of older patients. Accurate data about YOD is crucial to improve diagnosis and optimize care. PRECODE-GP aims to set up a prospective national database of patients with YOD to gain insight into the occurrence and characteristics of patients with YOD in memory clinics in the Netherlands. The national database includes data from dementia patients aged <70 years at diagnosis, collected by local memory clinics (MCs). Data included demographic information, clinical variables, and (etiological) diagnoses. Between July 2019 and December 2022, 781 patients with a mean age of 62±6y at diagnosis (range 37 to 69y) were included from 39 MCs. Most (n = 547,70%) were diagnosed with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Patients with Frontotemporal lobe dementia (FTD, n = 87, 11%) were youngest (61±6.0y). Over half (55%) of patients were experiencing symptoms for ≥2 years. We initiated a Dutch national YOD database to improve diagnosis and care for this underrepresented and vulnerable patient group. The database provides a basis for future in-depth studies on YOD.

Journey to Diagnosis of Young-Onset Dementia: A Qualitative Study of People with Young-Onset Dementia and their Family Caregivers in Australia

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to explore the journey to dementia diagnosis and reaction to the diagnosis from the perspective of people with young-onset dementia living in the community from diverse areas in Australia (metropolitan, regional, rural) and their family caregivers.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community-dwelling people with early to moderate young-onset Alzheimer's disease (n = 8) or frontotemporal dementia (n = 5) and one person with both Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, and family caregivers of community-dwelling people with young-onset Alzheimer's disease and/or frontotemporal dementia (n = 28). This study employed interpretive description. Thematic analysis was conducted for emergent themes, comparisons and interplay between themes.

FINDINGS

The journey to the diagnosis is characterised as involving an extensive period of the gradual worsening of symptoms, drawn out investigations, and difficulties facing the prospect of a diagnosis of young-onset dementia. Participants with young-onset dementia struggled to manage their symptoms and the process of seeking a diagnosis was often slow due to difficulties during the course of their medical investigations and feeling reluctance to face the possibility of having dementia. Once participants finally received the diagnosis of young-onset dementia, participants with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers experienced feelings of devastation and shock, in some cases denial and avoidance, and even, confirmation and relief at having received a diagnosis. In some instances, participants experienced more than one of these reactions. There was a profound realisation by participants that a diagnosis of young-onset dementia had serious implications on their life and future.

CONCLUSION

The journey to diagnosis was found to be a drawn-out process and receiving the diagnosis was a shock for both people with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers. The findings highlight the significance of the role healthcare professionals play in both the diagnostic and post-diagnostic journey, particularly in terms of supporting patients with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers.

Young-onset dementia diagnosis, management and care: a narrative review

Young-onset dementia comprises a heterogeneous range of dementias, with onset at less than 65 years of age. These include primary dementias such as Alzheimer disease, frontotemporal and vascular dementias; genetic/familial dementias; metabolic disorders; and secondary dementias such as those that result from alcohol use disorder, traumatic brain injury, and infections. The presentation of young-onset dementia is varied and may include cognitive, psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Diagnostic delay is common, with a frequent diagnostic conundrum being, "Is this young-onset dementia or is this psychiatric?". For assessment and accurate diagnosis, a thorough screen is recommended, such as collateral history and investigations such as neuroimaging, lumbar puncture, neuropsychology, and genetic testing. The management of young-onset dementia needs to be age-appropriate and multidisciplinary, with timely access to services and consideration of the family (including children).

Global incidence of young-onset dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Reliable data on the incidence rates for young-onset dementia (YOD) are lacking, but are necessary for research on disease etiology and to raise awareness among health care professionals.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on population-based studies on the incidence of YOD, published between January 1, 1990 and February 1, 2022, according to Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analyses. Results were age-standardized, and heterogeneity was assessed by subgroup analyses and meta-regression.

RESULTS

Sixty-one articles were included. Global age-standardized incidence rates increased from 0.17/100,000 in age 30 to 34 years, to 5.14/100,000 in age 60 to 64 years, giving a global total age-standardized incidence rate of 11 per 100,000 in age 30 to 64. This corresponds to 370,000 new YOD cases annually worldwide. Heterogeneity was high and meta-regression showed geographic location significantly influenced this heterogeneity.

DISCUSSION

This meta-analysis shows the current best estimate of YOD incidence. New prospective cohort studies are needed.

Receiving a diagnosis of young onset dementia: a scoping review of lived experiences

OBJECTIVES

Personal experiences of receiving a diagnosis of young onset dementia (YOD) are often overlooked in a complex assessment process requiring substantial investigation. A thematic synthesis of published until November 2018 qualitative studies was completed to understand the lived experiences of younger people. This informed a Delphi study to learn how diagnostic processes could be improved, identify the strengths and weaknesses of current approaches, and help educate professionals concerning key issues.

METHOD

Systematic searches of bibliographic databases were conducted involving self-reported experiences of diagnosis of YOD. Eight out of 47 papers identified were quality assessed using Walsh & Browne's criteria for methodological appraisal.

RESULTS

The review emphasises that delays in diagnosis can often be attributed to (1) delays in accessing help, and (2) misattribution of symptoms by the clinician. The impact of diagnosis is influenced by the clinician's use of language; and reactions to diagnosis varied from feelings of reassurance (in that their symptoms are now explained), to shock and destabilisation.

CONCLUSION

This review suggests that improving the recognition of presenting symptoms, reducing diagnostic errors, and identifying the emotional needs arising from diagnosis are required to improve the diagnostic experience for younger adults, and to promote future engagement with services.

Diagnosis and Care Use for People with Young-Onset Dementia in Primary Care in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

Timely diagnosis and adequate care is important for persons with young-onset dementia (YOD) and their caregivers, due to the high impact of the disease. Initiating care can be difficult for the general practitioner (GP) and other healthcare professionals.

OBJECTIVE

Provide insight in the care use of persons with YOD and identify factors influencing care use.

METHODS

A primary care register was used for this study. Information on the care use of persons with YOD was extracted from the GPs written notes. Information entailed time until start of care use, reasons and factors influencing the GP's decision, and reasons and factors influencing actual care use were included. Analyses included quantitative explorative descriptive analyses, and qualitative manifest content analyses.

RESULTS

75 persons with YOD were included in this study. The main reason for GPs to refer for diagnosis was concerns of caregivers. After diagnosis, 72% of the persons were assigned a case manager, 42.7% received day care, and 44% were admitted to a long-term care facility. A higher percentage of persons without a case manager was admitted to a long-term care facility (64%) compared to the persons with a case manager (36%). Reasons for not initiating care were reluctancy of the persons with YOD or their caregivers, the person deceased, or because the GP did not refer for care.

CONCLUSION

Care use differed between persons due to different needs and reasons. Although most persons with YOD receive care in the years after diagnosis, there are still factors that could be improved.

Good practice in needs-based post-diagnostic support for people with young onset dementia: findings from the Angela Project

Evidence on post-diagnostic support for people with young onset dementia is scarce. Previous studies have employed a problem-focused approach; however, evidence on ‘what works’ in real-life practice is essential to develop recommendations for service design and delivery. This study aimed to provide insight into ‘what works’ from the perspectives of people with young onset dementia and their supporters. We gathered free-text responses on positive service experiences via a UK cross-sectional survey. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify the objectives of positive services and the needs these met. Follow-up interviews enabled in-depth insights from people with diverse diagnoses, ages and social situations. These were analysed using a template drawn from the survey. The 233 survey respondents gave 856 examples of positive support. Analysis of 24 follow-up interviews led to 16 themes clustered under three superordinate themes: ‘maintaining autonomy’, ‘being myself’ and ‘togetherness’. We found that positive services address the disruptions to sense of agency, selfhood and meaningful relationships that are experienced by those with young onset dementia. The study provides an in-depth understanding of the needs met by positive services for younger people with dementia. Our nuanced findings on good practice can inform age-specific guidelines for young onset dementia and indicate how personalisation can work in practice to help people with young onset dementia to maintain identity, autonomy and connections.

How gender matters in demanding caring for a spouse with young-onset dementia. A narrative study

BACKGROUND

The gendered aspects of extraordinary demanding spousal caring for people with young-onset dementia have been scarcely researched.

AIM

To analyze spouses' experiences of the meaning, content, and effort of intensive caring for spouses/partners with young-onset frontotemporal dementia (YO-FTD), concentrating on a female perspective.

METHOD

A qualitative Norwegian study using narrative interviews with 10 wives and 6 husbands were conducted in 2014 and 2015.

FINDINGS

The analysis resulted in four gendered main themes: Different caregiving periods, Distancing: experiencing a transformed spouse and relationship, Social isolation, and Needing assistance and relief. A case analysis of wives' and men's stories was applied, especially focusing on a wife's story, to examine the detailed interrelationships between life situation, caring demands, experiences, and reactions. Spousal care is influenced by gendered caring norms and roles. The study finds marked differences between wives and husbands in the meaning, content and sustainability of care, and needs for support vary. Wives endured more stress longer than husbands, with a greater emotional impact and negative health consequences, and their needs are more easily neglected. Husbands presented their needs more efficiently and obtained public relief earlier.

CONCLUSION

Women may need more support earlier during different stages of caring for a spouse with YO-FTD. They need gender sensitive person-centered support to live their own lives and preserve their selves.

Perfusion Imaging and Inflammation Biomarkers Provide Complementary Information in Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) can detect early changes in brain perfusion to support the diagnosis of dementia. Inflammation is a driver for dementia progression and measures of inflammation may further support dementia diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we assessed whether combining imaging with markers of inflammation improves prediction of the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

We analyzed 91 participants datasets (Institutional Ethics Approval 20/NW/0222). AD biomarkers and markers of inflammation were measured in cerebrospinal fluid. Statistical parametric mapping was used to quantify brain perfusion differences in perfusion SPECT images. Logistic regression models were trained to evaluate the ability of imaging and inflammation markers, both individually and combined, to predict AD.

RESULTS

Regional perfusion reduction in the precuneus and medial temporal regions predicted Aβ42 status. Increase in inflammation markers predicted tau and neurodegeneration. Matrix metalloproteneinase-10, a marker of blood-brain barrier regulation, was associated with perfusion reduction in the right temporal lobe. Adenosine deaminase, an enzyme involved in sleep homeostasis and inflammation, was the strongest predictor of neurodegeneration with an odds ratio of 10.3. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for the logistic regression model was 0.76 for imaging and 0.76 for inflammation. Combining inflammation and imaging markers yielded an area under the curve of 0.85.

CONCLUSIONS

Study results showed that markers of brain perfusion imaging and markers of inflammation provide complementary information in AD evaluation. Inflammation markers better predict tau status while perfusion imaging measures represent amyloid status. Combining imaging and inflammation improves AD prediction.

System and policy-level barriers and facilitators for timely and accurate diagnosis of young onset dementia

OBJECTIVE

The multiyear diagnostic journey for young onset dementia (YOD) is fraught with clinical and personal difficulties and poses significant uncertainty for people living with YOD and their families. Most existing research has examined the personal and/or clinical barriers to a timely diagnosis of YOD, but less evidence exists regarding system level factors. The aim of this study is to investigate health professionals' insights for a timely and accurate YOD diagnosis at the system level.

DESIGN

Grounded theory qualitative study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 11 health professionals working across varied healthcare settings were conducted online via videoconference.

MEASUREMENTS

Data were contrasted and compared within and between transcripts using the constant comparative method.

RESULTS

Seven themes emerged about barriers and facilitators for timely and accurate diagnosis of YOD: (1) stigma and awareness of YOD; (2) mismatched policy; (3) fractured health system; (4) inadequate pathways for YOD diagnostic care; (5) effective use of General Practitioners; (6) inequitable access and fragmented service navigation; (7) diverse and marginalised groups.

CONCLUSION

A complex web of systemic and system level barriers contributes to the delay of accurate and timely diagnosis for YOD. Diverse and marginalised groups experience greater inequitable disadvantage regarding YOD diagnostic care. There is an urgent need to focus on YOD diagnosis facilitators at the broader health system level.

Risks and Benefits of Clinical Diagnosis Around the Time of Dementia Onset

Diagnostic delay in dementia is common in the U.S. Drivers of diagnostic delay are poorly understood, but appear related to misconceptions about dementia, stigma, concerns about autonomy, the nature of the diagnostic process, and provider-related factors. There is little quantitative evidence underlying cited risks and benefits of receiving a diagnosis around the time of dementia onset, including impacts on physical health, impacts on mental health, care partner interactions, costs of care, increased time for care planning, or earlier access to treatment. While various groups continue to push for reductions in diagnostic delay, realization of benefits and mitigation of harms will require new research on potential benefits and harms. Workforce and resource constraints, coupled with the expected growth in the number of persons living with dementia, may be a barrier to realization of potential benefits and mitigation of identified harms, which will require adequate access to providers, services, and supports.

Young onset dementia: implications for employment and finances

BACKGROUND

People with young onset dementia face unique challenges. Notably, at time of symptom presentation, many people affected by young onset dementia are still employed with significant financial obligations. The aim of this study was to explore the specific impact that young onset dementia has on continued employment and finances and to identify ways to optimise post-diagnostic approaches in this regard.

METHODS

Purposive sampling, with a maximum variation technique, was used to recruit a small but diverse range of people with young onset dementia in Ireland. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. In total, 22 interviews were conducted with 10 people with young onset dementia and 12 spouses and children. Two themes were constructed: impact of young onset dementia on (I) employment and (II) finances.

FINDINGS

Participants' lived accounts showed the devastating effect of a diagnosis of young onset dementia on working life, and the resultant financial, social, and psychological consequences. Participants reported having to leave paid employment early, reported losing contracts and retiring on medical grounds. There were financial implications caused by loss of income, and many additional expenses owing to dementia were incurred. In some families, spouses had to take up employment at the same time as a caring role to mitigate the loss of income, and young children were anxious at the resultant occupational and financial tensions.

CONCLUSION

People diagnosed with young onset dementia encounter significant challenges associated with employment, and individual and family finances. There is a need for more specific information and guidance from healthcare professionals around employment rights, income support and welfare benefits and the pension status for this group of people. Additionally, healthcare professionals should be cognisant of the additional financial burden people face in young onset dementia when advising on services which incur out-of-pocket costs.

Psychopharmacological Medication Use in Frontotemporal Dementia at the Time of Diagnosis: Comparison with Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Due to the significant presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum disorders, psychiatric misdiagnoses, diagnostic delay, and use of psychiatric treatments are common prior to the FTD diagnosis. Furthermore, treatment of diagnosed FTD patients mainly relies on off-label psychopharmacological approaches. Currently, limited real-world data are available regarding the actual use of psychopharmacological medications in FTD.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate psychopharmacological medication use at the time of FTD diagnosis.

METHODS

Psychopharmacological medication use was evaluated in a Finnish FTD cohort containing 222 FTD patients, including the major clinical disease phenotypes (behavioral, language, and motor variants) and genetic patients carrying the C9orf72 repeat expansion. A cohort of 214 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients was used as a neurodegenerative disease reference group.

RESULTS

Active use of psychopharmacological medications at the time of diagnosis was significantly more common in FTD compared to AD, especially in the case of antidepressants (26.1% versus 15.0%, OR = 2.01, p = 0.008), antipsychotics (23.9% versus 9.3%, OR = 3.15, p < 0.001), and mood-stabilizers (6.3% versus 1.9%, OR = 2.93, p = 0.085; not statistically significant), whereas the use of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine was nearly nonexistent in FTD patients. Female gender and behavioral variant of FTD phenotype alongside with depressive and psychotic symptoms were the most prominent factors associating with the use of these medications among the FTD spectrum patients.

CONCLUSION

Use of off-label psychopharmacological medication and polypharmacy is substantially common at the time of FTD diagnosis. This likely reflects the challenges in using symptom-driven treatment approaches, especially prior to the eventual diagnosis.