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Van Bogart K, Harrington EE, Witzel DD, Kang JE, Sliwinski MJ, Engeland CG, Graham-Engeland JE. Momentary loneliness and intrusive thoughts among older adults: the interactive roles of mild cognitive impairment and marital status. Aging Ment Health 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38907581 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2368643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Loneliness is associated with maladaptive cognitions, yet little is known about the association between loneliness and intrusive thinking during older adulthood. Links between loneliness and intrusive thoughts may be particularly strong among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), who may have greater difficulty regulating emotion and intrusive thoughts. In contrast, having close relationships (e.g. being married) may serve as a protective factor as marital status is associated with better overall well-being. METHOD Participants were 316 older adults (recruited from the Bronx, NY, as part of a larger study) without dementia at study intake (40% Black; 13% Hispanic, Mage = 77.45 years, 67% women) who completed ecological momentary assessments five times daily for 14 consecutive days (13,957 EMAs total). Multilevel modeling was used to examine the association between momentary loneliness and intrusive thoughts and whether MCI and marital status interacted to moderate this association. RESULTS There was a significant three-way interaction (β = -0.17, p < 0.05), such that lagged momentary loneliness was positively associated with intrusive thoughts (3-4 h later) for those with MCI who were not married. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that among older adults with MCI, being married may be a protective factor and being unmarried may be a risk factor for experiencing loneliness and subsequent intrusive thoughts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Van Bogart
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Dakota D Witzel
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Jee Eun Kang
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Martin J Sliwinski
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Christopher G Engeland
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer E Graham-Engeland
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Oken BS, Kaplan J, Klee D, Gallegos AM. Contributions of loneliness to cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults are independent of other risk factors and Alzheimer's pathology: a narrative review. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1380002. [PMID: 38873650 PMCID: PMC11169707 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1380002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Loneliness significantly contributes to cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. Loneliness is a distressing feeling resulting from a perceived lack of social connection (i.e., a discrepancy between desired and actual social relationships), while social isolation is a related term that can be defined by number and type of social relationships. Importantly, loneliness is distinct from social isolation in that it is associated with a distressing self-perception. The primary focus of this narrative review is the impact of chronic loneliness on cognitive impairment and dementia among older adults. Loneliness has a significant association with many factors that are related to worse cognition, and therefore we include discussion on health, mental health, as well as the physiological effects of loneliness, neuropathology, and potential treatments. Loneliness has been shown to be related to development of dementia with a hazard ratio (HR) risk comparable to having a single APOE4 gene. The relationship of dementia to loneliness appears to be at least partially independent of other known dementia risk factors that are possibly associated with loneliness, such as depression, educational status, social isolation, and physical activity. Episodic memory is not consistently impacted by loneliness, which would be more typically impaired if the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia was due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. In addition, the several longitudinal studies that included neuropathology showed no evidence for a relationship between loneliness and AD neuropathology. Loneliness may decrease resilience, or produce greater cognitive change associated with the same level of AD neuropathology. Intervention strategies to decrease loneliness in older adults have been developed but need to consider key treatment targets beyond social isolation. Loneliness needs to be assessed in all studies of cognitive decline in elders, since it significantly contributes to the variance of cognitive function. It will be useful to better define the underlying mechanism of loneliness effects on cognition to determine if it is similar to other psychological factors related to excessive stress reactivity, such as neuroticism or even depression, which are also associated with cognitive decline. It is important from a health perspective to develop better strategies to decrease loneliness in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry S. Oken
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Josh Kaplan
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Daniel Klee
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Autumn M. Gallegos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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Barton S, Zovko A, Müller C, Krabichler Q, Schulze J, Wagner S, Grinevich V, Shamay-Tsoory S, Hurlemann R. A translational neuroscience perspective on loneliness: Narrative review focusing on social interaction, illness and oxytocin. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105734. [PMID: 38796125 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
This review addresses key findings on loneliness from the social, neurobiological and clinical fields. From a translational perspective, results from studies in humans and animals are included, with a focus on social interaction, mental and physical illness and the role of oxytocin in loneliness. In terms of social interactions, lonely individuals tend to exhibit a range of abnormal behaviors based on dysfunctional social cognitions that make it difficult for them to form meaningful relationships. Neurobiologically, a link has been established between loneliness and the hypothalamic peptide hormone oxytocin. Since social interactions and especially social touch regulate oxytocin signaling, lonely individuals may have an oxytocin imbalance, which in turn affects their health and well-being. Clinically, loneliness is a predictor of physical and mental illness and leads to increased morbidity and mortality. There is evidence that psychopathology is both a cause and a consequence of loneliness. The final section of this review summarizes the findings from social, neurobiological and clinical perspectives to present a new model of the complex construct of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Barton
- Dept. of Psychiatry, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Ana Zovko
- Dept. of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Christina Müller
- Dept. of Psychiatry, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Quirin Krabichler
- Dept. of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Janna Schulze
- Dept. of Psychiatry, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Shlomo Wagner
- Dep. of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Dept. of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Simone Shamay-Tsoory
- Dept. of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel
| | - René Hurlemann
- Dept. of Psychiatry, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, Oldenburg 26129, Germany.
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Imboden M. Maintaining Brain Health: An Imperative for Successful Aging and Business Performance. Am J Health Promot 2024; 38:576-580. [PMID: 38553419 DOI: 10.1177/08901171241232042a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Imboden
- Center for Cardiovascular Analytics, Research and Data Science, Providence Heart Institute, Providence Saint Joseph Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Imboden M. Maintaining Brain Health: An Imperative for Successful Aging and Business Performance. Am J Health Promot 2024; 38:576-589. [PMID: 38553416 DOI: 10.1177/08901171241232042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Imboden
- Center for Cardiovascular Analytics, Research and Data Science, Providence Heart Institute, Providence Saint Joseph Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
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6
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Hounkpatin H, Simpson G, Santer M, Farmer A, Dambha-Miller H. Multiple long-term conditions, loneliness and social isolation: A scoping review of recent quantitative studies. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 120:105347. [PMID: 38309103 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105347] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple long-term conditions (MLTC), loneliness and social isolation are common in older adults. Recent studies have explored the association of MLTC with loneliness and social isolation. This scoping review aimed to map this current evidence and identify gaps in the literature. METHODS A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, and Bielefeld Academic Search Engine were searched for studies published between January 2020-April 2023. Quantitative studies, published in any language, that assessed the association of MLTC with loneliness and/or social isolation were included. RESULTS 1827 records were identified and screened. Of these, 17 met inclusion criteria. Most studies were cross-sectional and based on older adults. Studies were conducted in Europe, the US, Canada, and low- and middle-income countries. Ten studies focused on the association between MLTC and loneliness, six assessed the association between MLTC and social isolation and one examined associations with both loneliness and social isolation. Most studies reported a significant cross-sectional association of MLTC with loneliness, but there was weaker evidence for a longitudinal association between MLTC and loneliness and an association between MLTC and social isolation. Studies were heterogenous in terms of measures and definitions of loneliness/social isolation and MLTC, confounders adjusted for, and analytical models used, making comparisons difficult. CONCLUSIONS Further population-based longitudinal studies using consistent measures and methodological approaches are needed to improve understanding of the association of MLTC with both loneliness and social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Hounkpatin
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, UK.
| | - Glenn Simpson
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Miriam Santer
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Andrew Farmer
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Hajira Dambha-Miller
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, UK
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Zarling A, Kim J, Russell D, Cutrona C. Increasing Older Adults' Social Connectedness: Development and Implementation of a Web-Assisted Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Intervention. JMIR Aging 2024; 7:e47943. [PMID: 38647321 PMCID: PMC11058557 DOI: 10.2196/47943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In this article, we will provide a rationale for a web-assisted acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approach to loneliness among older adults, drawing upon theories from the literature on adult development and aging, emotion regulation, and loneliness. The intervention program was developed using the principles of ACT, which is a cognitive behavioral approach and unified model of human behavior change and psychological growth. The ACT intervention focuses on developing nonjudgmental present-focused awareness of internal experiences (thoughts, emotions, and memories) through strategies such as acceptance and mindfulness rather than directly modifying or removing them per se. The ACT intervention appears well-suited to assist older adults in coping with the challenges of aging, as the focus is on an individual’s willingness to sit with internal experiences out of one’s control (ie, acceptance), stepping back from negative or critical thoughts and developing greater kindness toward oneself (ie, defusion), discerning what is most important to one’s true self (ie, values), and building larger patterns of effective action based on such values (ie, committed action). The ACT intervention was developed as a resource for older adults who are socially isolated or having difficulty with social connectedness. Eight modules comprise the web-assisted ACT intervention program, which includes reading materials, video clips, and activities. Each module is followed by a summary, a homework assignment, a short quiz to assess learning, and a moderated discussion with a coach. The intervention program begins with reconnecting participants with their values. The goal of the ACT intervention program is to foster flexibility in a participant’s behavior so they can behave consistently with their chosen values, rather than becoming locked into a pattern of behavior that is driven by avoiding distress or discomfort. The ACT intervention approach is both novel and innovative, as it is based on ACT and leverages a behavioral health web platform that is flexible and inclusive in its design. The ACT intervention aims to help older adults become more socially connected, less lonely, and more satisfied with their relationships with other people. The emphasis that ACT places on values and living life in accordance with one’s values renders it an approach ideally suited to older adults. Finally, recommendations for future research regarding this approach to addressing loneliness among older adults is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie Zarling
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Joseph Kim
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Daniel Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Carolyn Cutrona
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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Kostopoulou S, Varveri AP, Nikoloudi M, Tsilika E, Parpa E, Zygogianni A, Mystakidou K. Exploring the occurrence and the risk factors of the desire for hastened death and depression in people with early-stage dementia in Greece. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:265-273. [PMID: 37427608 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001062] [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] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the factors associated with desire for hastened death and depression in early-stage dementia as well as the association between them. Also, to explore the mediator and moderator role of age in the relationship between depression and desire for hasten death. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study including 100 patients diagnosed with early-stage dementia from a rehabilitation center between December 2018 and July 2019. Measurement tools used were the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Greek Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Greek Schedule of Attitudes toward Hastened Death, and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 item. Patients diagnosed with dementia as a result of Stroke history were excluded. RESULTS Factors of multifactorial analysis significantly associated with desire for hastened death were as follows: age (p = 0.009), marital status (p = 0.001), and depression (p < 0.001). The factor significantly associated with depression was age (p = 0.001). Also, a mediation/moderation analysis has shown that depression and age are significant predictors of desire for hasten death. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The desire for hastened death and depression in people diagnosed with early-stage dementia includes many components. Younger patients, men, higher educated patients, single, childless, and those with higher depression scores had higher desire for hastened death, while men and older patients had higher scores of desire for depression. Our study provides important information about the desire for hastened death and depression in early-stage dementia, their risk factors, and their association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotiria Kostopoulou
- Pain Relief and Palliative Care Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Maria Nikoloudi
- Pain Relief and Palliative Care Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Tsilika
- Health Psychologist, Pain Relief and Palliative Care Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Efi Parpa
- Pain Relief and Palliative Care Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Zygogianni
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Areteion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Mystakidou
- Pain Relief and Palliative Care Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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9
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Huang HZ, Ai WQ, Wei N, Zhu LS, Liu ZQ, Zhou CW, Deng MF, Zhang WT, Zhang JC, Yang CQ, Hu YZ, Han ZT, Zhang HH, Jia JJ, Wang J, Liu FF, Li K, Xu Q, Yuan M, Man H, Guo Z, Lu Y, Shu K, Zhu LQ, Liu D. Senktide blocks aberrant RTN3 interactome to retard memory decline and tau pathology in social isolated Alzheimer's disease mice. Protein Cell 2024; 15:261-284. [PMID: 38011644 PMCID: PMC10984625 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporadic or late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) accounts for more than 95% of Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases without any family history. Although genome-wide association studies have identified associated risk genes and loci for LOAD, numerous studies suggest that many adverse environmental factors, such as social isolation, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, the underlying mechanisms of social isolation in AD progression remain elusive. In the current study, we found that 7 days of social isolation could trigger pattern separation impairments and presynaptic abnormalities of the mossy fibre-CA3 circuit in AD mice. We also revealed that social isolation disrupted histone acetylation and resulted in the downregulation of 2 dentate gyrus (DG)-enriched miRNAs, which simultaneously target reticulon 3 (RTN3), an endoplasmic reticulum protein that aggregates in presynaptic regions to disturb the formation of functional mossy fibre boutons (MFBs) by recruiting multiple mitochondrial and vesicle-related proteins. Interestingly, the aggregation of RTN3 also recruits the PP2A B subunits to suppress PP2A activity and induce tau hyperphosphorylation, which, in turn, further elevates RTN3 and forms a vicious cycle. Finally, using an artificial intelligence-assisted molecular docking approach, we determined that senktide, a selective agonist of neurokinin3 receptors (NK3R), could reduce the binding of RTN3 with its partners. Moreover, application of senktide in vivo effectively restored DG circuit disorders in socially isolated AD mice. Taken together, our findings not only demonstrate the epigenetic regulatory mechanism underlying mossy fibre synaptic disorders orchestrated by social isolation and tau pathology but also reveal a novel potential therapeutic strategy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Zhou Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wen-Qing Ai
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Na Wei
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Ling-Shuang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chao-Wen Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Man-Fei Deng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wen-Tao Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Neurology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Jia-Chen Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chun-Qing Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ya-Zhuo Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Institute of Geriatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital and Chinese PLA Medical Academy, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhi-Tao Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Institute of Geriatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital and Chinese PLA Medical Academy, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Hong-Hong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Institute of Geriatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital and Chinese PLA Medical Academy, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jian-Jun Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Aging and Geriatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Institute of Geriatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital and Chinese PLA Medical Academy, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Fang-Fang Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mei Yuan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Neurology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Hengye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ziyuan Guo
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Youming Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kai Shu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Musyimi CW, Ndetei DM, Muyela LA, Masila J, Farina N. Dementia Screening in Rural Kenya: The Prevalence and Impact of Screening Positive for Dementia. Neuroepidemiology 2024; 58:174-181. [PMID: 38479366 DOI: 10.1159/000536012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Kenya, there is a lack of data on the number of people with dementia. In this article, we aim to estimate the number of community-dwelling older adults (aged 60 years and above) that are potentially living with dementia in rural Kenya. METHODS Recruitment of older adults occurred through adopting a convenience approach based on the catchment areas served by ten trained community health workers. Screening was conducted using the Brief Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSI-D), in which prevalence ratios were reported. Regression analyses were run to understand the association between screening outcome and wellbeing, social isolation, and employment status (adjusted for age, sex, literacy, geography, and social status). RESULTS Of the 3,546 older adults who were screened for dementia, 652 screened positive (PR = 0.18, 95% CIs: 0.17-0.20). Back estimating screen positives based on established sensitivity and specificity of the tool against a gold standard (clinical diagnosis), yielded a prevalence of 9.4% (0.09, 95% CIs: 0.08-0.11). Screening positive for dementia was associated with poorer quality of life (B = -0.17, p < 0.001) and loneliness (B = 0.28, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION There are potentially 258,000 older adults living with dementia in Kenya, who likely have poorer outcomes. We need to encourage a timely diagnosis and develop better ways to support people living with dementia in Kenya and other resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David M Ndetei
- Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Levi A Muyela
- Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joe Masila
- Makueni County Referral Hospital, Makueni, Kenya
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11
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Kanchibhotla D, Harsora P, Subramanian S. Influence of yogic breathing in increasing social connectedness among Indian adults. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 243:104164. [PMID: 38309223 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104164] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is quickly becoming an enormous problem among individuals of all age groups. The onset of Covid-19 has worsened this situation. Therefore, there is urgent need for a practical intervention, which may improve the social well-being of an individual addressing the root cause of loneliness. AIM In this study we examine the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a yogic breathing practice to enhance social connectedness among individuals by reducing stress. METHODOLOGY 473 participants registering for the SKY program enrolled in the current open feasible trial. Assessment of social connectedness was done using Social Connectedness Scale (SCS). Stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) pre- and post- SKY intervention. Outcomes were measured at three different time points namely, baseline (pre-program), post-program, and day 40. Day 40 was 40 days after the completion of the Sudarshan Kriya program. RESULTS Significant increase in SCS scores (p value <0.001) was found immediately after the SKY intervention. The SCS scores improved positively with regular practice of the intervention with a large effect size (p value <0.001, measured on day 40). The Stress scores significantly reduced post-intervention (p value <0.001). CONCLUSION The study suggested a positive connection between the SKY practice and subsequent improvement in social connectedness. The reduction in stress levels post SKY program as indicated in the study may be a reason of enhanced social connectedness. Large scale studies with inclusion of control group can further affirm the study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Kanchibhotla
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, 21st Km Kanakapura Rd, Udaypura, Bangalore, Karnataka 560082, India.
| | - Prateek Harsora
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, 21st Km Kanakapura Rd, Udaypura, Bangalore, Karnataka 560082, India
| | - Saumya Subramanian
- Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research, 21st Km Kanakapura Rd, Udaypura, Bangalore, Karnataka 560082, India
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12
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Zhang Y, Li J, Zhang M, Ai B, Jia F. Bidirectional associations between loneliness and problematic internet use: A meta-analytic review of longitudinal studies. Addict Behav 2024; 150:107916. [PMID: 37995611 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107916] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness and problematic Internet use (PIU) are both major public health concerns around the world. These two constructs have long been linked, but there is conflicting evidence regarding the temporal nature of the loneliness-PIU relationship. METHOD We searched 8 databases to identify studies examining longitudinal associations between loneliness and PIU published on or before August 2023. From the 316 articles identified, 26 studies were included with a total of 23,382 participants. RESULTS Moderate, positive, and significant prospective pathways were found from loneliness to PIU (r = 0.287, p < 0.001, 95 % CI [0.241, 0.331]), and from PIU to loneliness (r = 0.255, p < 0.001, 95 % CI [0.205, 0.303]). Moderator analyses suggested that the association of loneliness with PIU was stronger in samples from Eastern countries, with more males, more young adults, less time passed, and in more recent years. The association of PIU with loneliness was stronger in samples from Eastern countries, with more males, more young adults, and in more recent years. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analytic review provided the first estimation for the overall bidirectional longitudinal associations between loneliness and PIU. A deeper comprehension of the relations has implications for loneliness and PIU intervention programs, where interventions targeting both constructs might be fruitfully applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Zhang
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong.
| | - Jun Li
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- School of Education, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Bote Ai
- Department of Linguistics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Fenglin Jia
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, The Education University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong
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13
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AboJabel H, Welsch J, Schicktanz S. Cross-cultural perspectives on intelligent assistive technology in dementia care: comparing Israeli and German experts' attitudes. BMC Med Ethics 2024; 25:15. [PMID: 38326778 PMCID: PMC10848426 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-024-01010-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the great benefits of intelligent assistive technology (IAT) for dementia care - for example, the enhanced safety and increased independence of people with dementia and their caregivers - its practical adoption is still limited. The social and ethical issues pertaining to IAT in dementia care, shaped by factors such as culture, may explain these limitations. However, most studies have focused on understanding these issues within one cultural setting only. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore and compare the attitudes of Israeli and German dementia experts toward IAT in dementia care, to contribute to a more cultural-comparative perspective. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 experts (15 Israelis and 20 Germans) in key roles in health and community services for people with dementia as well as in the fields of dementia and IAT (e.g., computer science, electrical/biomedical engineering, ethics, nursing, and gerontology). Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. FINDINGS Israeli and German experts identified the same social accelerators in the development and implementation of IAT in dementia care (i.e., changes in family structure and social digitization) and benefits of adopting IAT (e.g., enhancing the safety of people with dementia and increasing their independence). However, there were differences in inhibitor/risk assessments between the two groups. Namely, economic considerations and the cognitive capacity of people with dementia were identified by both groups as inhibitors, while Israeli experts additionally reported stigma and ageism. Whereas both groups agreed that IAT might reduce human connection, and that the technology is not yet reliable enough, German experts highlighted concerns regarding privacy; in contrast, Israeli experts prioritized safety over privacy. CONCLUSIONS Our research findings allow for the identification of relevant similarities but also important differences between German and Israeli experts' perspectives. As such, an important basis has been provided for a more in-depth discussion regarding where, why, and how culturally-sensitive technology development is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan AboJabel
- Department of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Johannes Welsch
- Department of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Silke Schicktanz
- Department of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Dabiri S, Mwendwa DT, Campbell A. Psychological and neurobiological mechanisms involved in the relationship between loneliness and cognitive decline in older adults. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 116:10-21. [PMID: 38008386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness, among older adults, is one of the risk factors for developing dementia. Still, little is known about the neurobiological and psychological conditions that link loneliness to cognitive decline. The current study investigated several research aims: First, it sought to identify neurobiological and psychological pathways that may account for the relationship between loneliness and decline across several cognitive domains. These pathways included depressive symptoms, total gray matter volume, and conditional analyses of pro-inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Second, it examined loneliness as a predictor of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Third, it sought to determine whether the relationship between loneliness and cognitive decline is sex-specific in older adults. Longitudinal data were collected from 2130 Rush Memory and Aging Project participants. Participants underwent annual cognitive and psychological assessments and neuroimaging procedures every year. BDNF gene expression was measured in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, cytokines were measured in serum, and the final consensus clinical diagnosis was identified at the time of death. All linear mixed and multinomial logistic regression models controlled for age at baseline, education, sex, and APOE genotype. Participants were largely women (73 %), and Caucasian (93 %). The average education was 14.93 (SD = 3.34). The average age at baseline was 80.05 (SD = 7.57). Results showed that gray matter volume and depressive symptoms partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and cognitive decline. There was a significant interaction between loneliness and BDNF expression in relation to cognitive decline. Higher levels of BDNF expression was associated with slower decline in semantic memory and visuospatial ability. Finally, the current study also established that higher levels of loneliness was positively associated with the incidence of AD and other dementias. The present findings support the growing literature, which tends to show that the consequence of loneliness goes beyond the feeling of being isolated. Loneliness may induce physiological changes in our brains, leading to cognitive decline. Future research can explore a wide range of biological and psychological expressions of loneliness to clarify how loneliness relates to dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Dabiri
- The Alzheimer's Trial Recruitment Innovation Lab, University of Southern California, United States.
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15
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Mu S, Lu W, Yu G, Zheng L, Qiu J. Deep learning-based grading of white matter hyperintensities enables identification of potential markers in multi-sequence MRI data. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 243:107904. [PMID: 37924768 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2023.107904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are widely-seen in the aging population, which are associated with cerebrovascular risk factors and age-related cognitive decline. At present, structural atrophy and functional alterations coexisted with WMHs lacks comprehensive investigation. This study developed a WMHs risk prediction model to evaluate WHMs according to Fazekas scales, and to locate potential regions with high risks across the entire brain. METHODS We developed a WMHs risk prediction model, which consisted of the following steps: T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR) image of each participant was firstly segmented into 1000 tiles with the size of 32 × 32 × 1, features from the tiles were extracted using the ResNet18-based feature extractor, and then a 1D convolutional neural network (CNN) was used to score all tiles based on the extracted features. Finally, a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) was constructed to predict the Fazekas scales based on the tile scores. The proposed model was trained using T2-FLAIR images, we selected tiles with abnormal scores in the test set after prediction, and evaluated their corresponding gray matter (GM) volume, white matter (WM) volume, fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) via longitudinal and multi-sequence Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data analysis. RESULTS The proposed WMHs risk prediction model could accurately predict the Fazekas ratings based on the tile scores from T2-FLAIR MRI images with accuracy of 0.656, 0.621 in training data set and test set, respectively. The longitudinal MRI validation revealed that most of the high-risk tiles predicted by the WMHs risk prediction model in the baseline images had WMHs in the corresponding positions in the longitudinal images. The validation on multi-sequence MRI demonstrated that WMHs were associated with GM and WM atrophies, WM micro-structural and perfusion alterations in high-risk tiles, and multi-modal MRI measures of most high-risk tiles showed significant associations with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. CONCLUSION Our proposed WMHs risk prediction model can not only accurately evaluate WMH severities according to Fazekas scales, but can also uncover potential markers of WMHs across modalities. The WMHs risk prediction model has the potential to be used for the early detection of WMH-related alterations in the entire brain and WMH-induced cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Mu
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271000, China
| | - Weizhao Lu
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271000, China
| | - Guanghui Yu
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271000, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Rushan Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Rushan, Shandong, 264500, China.
| | - Jianfeng Qiu
- School of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medicine Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong, 271000, China; Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China.
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16
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Selles MC, Oliveira MM. The Oxytocin Puzzle: Unlocking Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:1101-1104. [PMID: 38189754 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231127] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a multi-factorial disease that disrupts many aspects of human behavior. In this comment, we highlight the work by Koulousakis et al. published in a recent issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. In this study, the authors tested the therapeutic potential of the neuropeptide oxytocin in a pre-clinical model of Alzheimer's disease and found positive behavioral outcomes on memory assessments. We discuss these findings in the context of oxytocin research in the field of Alzheimer's disease and the literature regarding oxytocin-based therapeutics, including administration protocols and potential underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clara Selles
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Baron DH, Coulthard E, David C, Sinclair LI. The risk of developing dementia in the COVID-19 pandemic; a cohort study. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 39:e6041. [PMID: 38217550 PMCID: PMC10952166 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cognitive decline are not fully understood. Higher social activity and relationships have been associated with decreased risk of dementia. We hypothesised that risk of transition to dementia would increase after the start of the first national lockdown. METHODS We obtained data from the Brains for Dementia (BDR) cohort, which has collected roughly annual data on 3726 older adults with and without dementia since 2008. Data continued to be collected during the lockdowns, although by telephone and/or video call instead of in person. Individuals diagnosed with dementia at study entry were excluded from this study as were individuals with only one visit. Cognitive status was classified using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) global score. Poisson regression with cubic splines to account for differences in age was used to compare the incidence of dementia before and after March 1st 2020. RESULTS Out of 2242 individuals, 208 individuals developed dementia before and 50 developed dementia after 01/03/20. The incidence rate ratio of developing dementia after 01/03/20 was 0.847 (0.538-1.335) p = 0.570. In our secondary analysis we found that the positive association between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia incidence decreased after 1/3/20 (interaction effect p = 0.031). CONCLUSION The incidence of dementia as defined using the CDR global score did not change significantly after the first lockdown began, but we found evidence that lockdown decreased the positive association between MCI and dementia incidence. This may reflect that individuals were progressing to dementia more rapidly and thus missing the MCI stage or that assessing patients over the phone made diagnosing MCI more challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hendrik Baron
- Dementia Research GroupUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- Frimley Health NHS Foundation TrustSurreyUK
| | | | - Carslake David
- Population Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology UnitUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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18
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Karska J, Pszczołowska M, Gładka A, Leszek J. Correlations between Dementia and Loneliness. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:271. [PMID: 38203442 PMCID: PMC10779072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010271] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This review describes associations between dementia and loneliness on the neurobiological and epidemiological levels according to the recent body of literature. The aim of this study was to highlight major lines of research in this field. Sociocognitive skills and social interactions present complex interdependencies with dementia which may be explained by two theories. According to the first one, not sufficiently engaging in social or cognitive activities results in brain atrophy. The second one claims that brain neurogenesis and synaptic density are being increased by social connections. The relationship between loneliness and dementia could be mediated by sensory loss, including hearing and visual impairment, as well as depression and psychotic symptoms. Loneliness itself might cause a depletion in sensory and cognitive stimulation which results in a decrease in neural reserve. Certain changes in the structures of the brain caused by loneliness were found in imaging examination. Loneliness appears to be a crucial risk factor for dementia in recent times due to the modern lifestyle and consequences of the outbreak of COVID-19. Additional studies are required to understand more completely the key tenets of this topic and therefore to improve the prevention and treatment of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Karska
- Department of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, Pasteura 10, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland; (J.K.)
| | | | - Anna Gładka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, Pasteura 10, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland; (J.K.)
| | - Jerzy Leszek
- Department of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, Pasteura 10, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland; (J.K.)
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19
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Hayslip B, Maiden RJ, Greil AL. Social and Emotional Loneliness: Their Relationship to Multiple Domains of Cognition in Later Life. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2023; 97:456-478. [PMID: 36476123 DOI: 10.1177/00914150221143961] [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] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that the literature suggests loneliness to undermine cognitive functioning in later life, no work has simultaneously examined the relationships between these constructs taking a multidimensional approach to the assessment of each. The present study explored relationships among social and emotional loneliness and both general crystallized (Gc) and general fluid (Gf) ability, as well as to several indices of everyday intellectual functioning in later life. Sequential regression analyses suggested that neither social nor emotional loneliness predicted Gc. However, only when eliminating health as a covariate was more social loneliness associated with lower scores for Gf. Surprisingly, more emotional loneliness was associated with higher scores for Gf. More social loneliness also predicted more everyday cognitive failures and with less positive lifestyle attitudes. These findings support a view of loneliness-cognition relationships in later life that reflects the multidimensional nature of each construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Hayslip
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Maiden
- Department of Psychology, Alfred University, Alfred, NY, USA
| | - Arthur L Greil
- Department of Social Sciences, Alfred University, Alfred, NY, USA
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20
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Käll A, Andersson G. Knowledge acquisition following internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for loneliness - A secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101872. [PMID: 37209636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Knowledge about a condition and how to treat it is part of most cognitive behavioural therapies. This is particularly relevant for self-help treatments such as internet-based CBT, which is commonly delivered in the form of didactic materials. The role of knowledge acquisition in treatment outcomes is an understudied area. The present study sought to investigate knowledge acquisition as part of an ICBT trial targeting loneliness and discern its role in the outcome of treatment. METHODS We used secondary data from a randomised controlled trial of ICBT targeting loneliness with 73 participants. A knowledge test including certainty ratings was constructed and used to investigate whether knowledge increased for the treatment group in comparison to the control group, whether changes in knowledge predicted changes in loneliness during the treatment phase, and how the acquired knowledge related to outcomes at a two-year follow-up. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyse the data. RESULTS The treatment group had significantly higher knowledge scores compared to the waitlist group at posttreatment, both in terms of correct answers (Cohen's d = 0.73) and certainty-weighted sum scores (Cohen's d = 1.20). Acquired knowledge did not predict reductions in loneliness in the short-term, and neither loneliness ratings nor use of treatment techniques in the long-term. LIMITATIONS The sample size was relatively small, which limits the statistical inferences. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of treatment relevant principles increase as part of the treatment in ICBT for loneliness. This increase was not related to other short- and long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Käll
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Villasán-Rueda A, Sánchez-Cabaco A, Mejía-Ramírez M, Afonso RM, Castillo-Riedel E. Transcultural Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Reminiscence Therapy for Mexican and Spanish Older Adults with Different Levels of Cognitive Decline. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2023; 38:371-388. [PMID: 37642891 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-023-09486-2] [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] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The main objective for this study is to analyze the impact of a positive reminiscence therapy program (REMPOS) in cognitive functioning and depressive symptomatology for older adults in different vital situations (healthy aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease).This is a transcultural comparative study (older people from Spain and Mexico). A randomized design with pre-posttest measurement and twelve groups was formulated, during a period of six months of intervention (3 in Mexico and 3 in Spain). The design had: 6 experimental groups with REMPOS intervention (3 in Mexico and 3 in Spain) during a period of six months and 6 control groups that received cognitive stimulation.While a key aspect of this study is the cross-cultural differences, an important part is to determine whether each experimental group had similar results in terms of the change in magnitude between the pre and post analysis. In general, intervention significantly improved cognitive function and decreased depressive symptoms.These findings provide further evidence about the efficacy of the REMPOS therapy between different types of aging and both geographical and cultural contexts (Spain and Mexico).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rosa Marina Afonso
- Departament of Psychology and Education, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
- CINTESIS@RISE, Department of Psychology and Education, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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Pengpid S, Peltzer K, Anantanasuwong D. Longitudinal associations of loneliness with mental ill-health, physical ill-health, lifestyle factors and mortality in ageing adults in Thailand. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:855. [PMID: 37978470 PMCID: PMC10656829 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05263-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the longitudinal association between loneliness, mental and physical ill-health indicators, lifestyle factors and mortality among middle-aged and older adults in Thailand. METHODS We analyzed prospective cohort data of participants 45 years and older from three consecutive waves in 2015 (n = 5616), 2017 (n = 3600), and in 2020 (n = 2863) of the Health, Aging and Retirement in Thailand (HART) study. Loneliness was assessed with a single item. To assess the longitudinal associations between loneliness and health outcomes between 2015 (baseline), 2017 (first follow-up) and 2020 (second follow-up), we conducted Generalized Estimating Equations analysis (GEE). RESULTS The proportion of loneliness was 21.6% in 2015, 23.8% in 2017 and 21.3% in 2020. In the adjusted GEE logistic regression model, loneliness was positively associated with mental ill-health (poor self-rated mental health status, poor quality of life/happiness, depressive symptoms, and insomnia symptoms), physical ill-health (poor self-rated physical health status, hypertension, kidney disease, osteoporosis, and ADL disability), and lifestyle factors (physical inactivity, and having underweight). Furthermore, in adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression, loneliness was associated with mortality. In adjusted logistic regression, compared to without loneliness in all three study waves, having loneliness in one wave and/or two to three waves was positively associated with incident mental ill-health (incident poor self-rated mental health status, incident poor quality of life/happiness, incident depressive symptoms, and incident insomnia symptoms), incident physical ill-health (incident poor self-rated physical health status, incident diabetes, incident kidney disease, and incident ADL disability), and incident lifestyle factors (having incident underweight). CONCLUSION We found that loneliness was associated with several mental and physical ill-health indicators, lifestyle factors and mortality. Enhanced screening and treatment of loneliness may reduce mental and physical ill-health indicators in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supa Pengpid
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.
- Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Karl Peltzer
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Dararatt Anantanasuwong
- Center for Aging Society Research (CASR), National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Bangkapi Bangkok, Thailand
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23
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Kassam K, McMillan JM. The impact of loneliness and social isolation during COVID-19 on cognition in older adults: a scoping review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1287391. [PMID: 38045621 PMCID: PMC10690360 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1287391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic required implementation of public health measures to reduce the spread of SARS CoV-2. This resulted in social isolation and loneliness for many older adults. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with cognitive decline, however, the impact of this during COVID-19 has not been fully characterized. Objective The aim of this scoping review was to explore the impact of social isolation and loneliness during COVID-19 on cognition in older adults. Eligibility criteria Eligible studies occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, enrolled older adults and reported longitudinal quantitative data on both loneliness (exposure) and cognition (outcome). Sources of evidence A comprehensive search was conducted in CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and Psychinfo databases (updated October 10, 2023). Charting methods Studies were screened independently by two reviewers and study characteristics, including participant demographics, loneliness and cognition measurement tools, study objectives, methods and results were extracted. Results The search yielded 415 results, and seven were included in the final data synthesis. All studies were conducted between 2019 and 2023. Six studies enrolled community-dwelling individuals while the remaining study was conducted in long-term care. In 6 studies, loneliness and/or social isolation was correlated with poorer cognitive function. In the seventh study, subjective memory worsened, while objective cognitive testing did not. Conclusion Loneliness and social isolation during COVID-19 were correlated with cognitive decline in older adults. The long-term effect of these impacts remains to be shown. Future studies may focus on interventions to mitigate the effects of loneliness and social isolation during future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacqueline M. McMillan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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24
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Akhter R, Sun W, Quevedo AJU, Lemonde M, Liscano R, Horsburgh S. Perceived barriers and solutions identified by healthcare professionals in utilizing web-based reminiscence therapy to support dementia care during the pandemic. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:2843-2846. [PMID: 37581860 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02520-w] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents findings from a qualitative study conducted in Ontario, Canada, exploring healthcare professionals' perceptions of barriers and solutions for implementing Web-Based Reminiscence Therapy (WBRT) in an institutionalized settings for dementia care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study identified five major barriers, including the lack of on-boarding/educational training, need for technology availability and technical support, limited attention span of persons with dementia (PWD), availability of multi-sensory features, and time constraints due to staff workload. Seven major themes emerged related to proposed solutions/suggestions: (1) involving younger generations, (2) focusing on technology training, (3) integrating with other digital platforms, (4) adding narratives/descriptions to recollect memories, (5) ensuring accessibility, (6) adding QR codes for retrieving information, and (7) combining digital/traditional reminiscence methods. These findings provide valuable insights for implementing WBRT to facilitate dementia care and for the future refinement of its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Akhter
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Winnie Sun
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Manon Lemonde
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ramiro Liscano
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sheri Horsburgh
- Geriatric Psychiatry Unit, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Whitby, ON, Canada
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Van Bogart K, Scott SB, Harrington KD, Felt JM, Sliwinski MJ, Graham-Engeland JE. Examining the Bidirectional Nature of Loneliness and Anxiety Among Older Adults in Daily Life. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:1676-1685. [PMID: 37527478 PMCID: PMC10561887 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Loneliness in later life increases the risk for adverse health outcomes; however, less is known about how loneliness is maintained. Anxiety may play an important role in maintaining loneliness, but little is known about how this connection plays out over time in daily life. This study thus focused on the within-person associations between momentary loneliness and anxiety among older adults. METHODS Participants were 317 diverse older adults (40% Black; 13% Hispanic, mean age = 77.45 years, 67% women) systematically recruited from the Bronx, NY, who completed ecological momentary assessments 5 times daily for 14 consecutive days. Multilevel models tested bidirectional contemporaneous, momentary cross-lagged (t - 1), day-level cross-lagged (average day to end of day), and day-to-day cross-lagged associations between loneliness and anxiety. Separate sensitivity analyses controlled for concurrent overall mood valence or depressed state. Gender and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) status were tested as moderators at all timescales. RESULTS Significant bidirectional associations between loneliness and anxiety were found at the contemporaneous and momentary cross-lagged (t - 1) timescales. Higher average daily loneliness predicted higher end-of-day anxiety, but not vice versa. Loneliness and anxiety were not significantly associated from day to day. Sensitivity analyses revealed some associations varied depending on inclusion of either concurrent mood valence or depressed state. Neither gender nor MCI status moderated associations at any timescale. DISCUSSION Findings shed light on the complex temporal ordering of loneliness and anxiety in daily life and extend contemporary theoretical notions of loneliness, including the possibility of interventions that target key moments in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Van Bogart
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stacey B Scott
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Karra D Harrington
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John M Felt
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Martin J Sliwinski
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jennifer E Graham-Engeland
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Guarnera J, Yuen E, Macpherson H. The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Cognitive Aging: A Narrative Review. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:699-714. [PMID: 37483321 PMCID: PMC10357115 DOI: 10.3233/adr-230011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Social concepts such as loneliness and social isolation are fairly new factors that have been recently gaining attention as to their involvement in changes in cognitive function and association with dementia. The primary aim of this narrative review was to describe the current understanding of how loneliness and social isolation influence cognitive aging and how they are linked to dementia. Studies have shown that there is an association between loneliness, social isolation, and reduced cognitive function, in older adults, across multiple cognitive domains, as well as a heightened risk of dementia. Numerous changes to underlying neural biomechanisms including cortisol secretion and brain volume alterations (e.g., white/grey matter, hippocampus) may contribute to these relationships. However, due to poor quality research, mixed and inconclusive findings, and issues accurately defining and measuring loneliness and social isolation, more consistent high-quality interventions are needed to determine whether studies addressing loneliness and social isolation can impact longer term risk of dementia. This is especially important given the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social isolation in older people is yet to be fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Guarnera
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Eva Yuen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety-Monash Health Partnership, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Helen Macpherson
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Sutin AR, Luchetti M, Aschwanden D, Zhu X, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. Loneliness and risk of all-cause, Alzheimer's, vascular, and frontotemporal dementia: a prospective study of 492,322 individuals over 15 years. Int Psychogeriatr 2023; 35:283-292. [PMID: 36482759 PMCID: PMC10198800 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610222001028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined the association between loneliness and risk of incident all-cause dementia and whether the association extends to specific causes of dementia. DESIGN Longitudinal. SETTING Community. PARTICIPANTS Participants were from the UK Biobank (N = 492,322). INTERVENTION None. MEASUREMENTS Loneliness was measured with a standard item. The diagnosis of dementia was derived from health and death records, which included all-cause dementia and the specific diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), over 15 years of follow-up. RESULTS Feeling lonely was associated with a nearly 60% increased risk of all-cause dementia (HR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.51-1.65; n = 7,475 incident all-cause). In cause-specific analyses, loneliness was a stronger predictor of VD (HR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.62-2.03; n = 1,691 incident VD) than AD (HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.28-1.53; n = 3135 incident AD) and was, surprisingly, a strong predictor of FTD (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.22-2.20; n = 252 incident FTD). The associations were robust to sensitivity analyses and were attenuated but remained significant accounting for clinical (e.g. diabetes) and behavioral (e.g. physical activity) risk factors, depression, social isolation, and genetic risk. The association between loneliness and all-cause and AD risk was moderated by APOE ϵ4 risk status such that the increased risk was apparent in both groups but stronger among non-carriers than carriers of the risk allele. CONCLUSION Loneliness is associated with increased risk of multiple types of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina Luchetti
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | | | - Xianghe Zhu
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Desai P, Krueger KR, Mendes de Leon C, Wilson RS, Evans DA, Rajan KB. Race and Apolipoprotein E-e4 Allele Status Differences in the Association Between Loneliness and Cognitive Decline. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:231-237. [PMID: 36626598 PMCID: PMC10073257 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine race and apolipoprotein E-e4 allele (APOE-e4) status differences in the longitudinal associations between loneliness and cognitive decline. METHODS The study sample is composed of participants ( N = 7696, 64% Black participants and 36% White participants) from the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a population-based cohort study. Mixed-effects regression models were conducted to examine the longitudinal associations between loneliness on global cognitive function and individual tests of cognitive function. Models were also stratified by race and APOE-e4. RESULTS A greater percentage of Black participants (17%) reported loneliness at baseline visit compared with White participants (12%). Black and White participants who were lonely individuals had a similar rate of decline in global cognitive function at 0.075 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.082 to -0.068) standard deviation unit (SDU) per year for Black participants and at 0.075 (95% CI = -0.086 to -0.063) SDU per year for White participants. Lonely participants with APOE-e4 had a higher rate of global cognitive decline at -0.102 (95% CI = -0.115 to -0.088) SDU per year than for lonely participants without APOE-e4 at -0.052 (95% CI = -0.059 to -0.045) SDU per year. CONCLUSIONS The burden of loneliness and its relation to cognitive decline is higher among participants with APOE-e4 compared with those without APOE-e4. Loneliness is associated with cognitive decline in both Black and White participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaja Desai
- Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Kristin R. Krueger
- Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Robert S. Wilson
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Denis A. Evans
- Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Kumar B. Rajan
- Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
- Department of Neurology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA
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Kallianpur KJ, Masaki KH, Chen R, Willcox BJ, Allsopp RC, Davy P, Dodge HH. Weak Social Networks in Late Life Predict Incident Alzheimer's Disease: The Kuakini Honolulu-Asia Aging Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:663-672. [PMID: 36208464 PMCID: PMC10061568 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed 10-year longitudinal associations between late-life social networks and incidence of all-cause dementia (ACD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) in Japanese-American men. METHODS We prospectively analyzed, from baseline (1991-1993) through 1999-2000, 2636 initially nondemented Kuakini Honolulu-Asia Aging Study participants who remained dementia-free during the first 3 years of follow-up. Global cognition was evaluated by the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI); depressive symptoms by the 11-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale; and social networks by the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS). Median split of LSNS scores defined weak/strong social network groups. A panel of neurologists and geriatricians diagnosed and classified dementia; AD and VaD diagnoses comprised cases in which AD or VaD, respectively, were considered the primary cause of dementia. RESULTS Median (range) baseline age was 77 (71-93) years. Participants with weak (LSNS score ≤29) versus strong (>29) social networks had higher age-adjusted incidence (in person-years) of ACD (12.6 vs. 8.7; p = .014) and AD (6.7 vs. 4.0; p = .007) but not VaD (2.4 vs. 1.4; p = .15). Kaplan-Meier curves showed a lower likelihood of survival free of ACD (log-rank p < .0001) and AD (p = .0006) for men with weak networks. In Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for age, education, APOE ɛ4, prevalent stroke, depressive symptoms, and CASI score (all at baseline), weak networks predicted increased incidence of ACD (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.52, p = .009) and AD (HR = 1.67, p = .014) but not VaD (p > .2). CONCLUSION Weak social networks may heighten the risk of dementia and AD, underscoring the need to promote social connectedness in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana J Kallianpur
- Kuakini Center for Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Kamal H Masaki
- Kuakini Center for Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Randi Chen
- Kuakini Center for Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Bradley J Willcox
- Kuakini Center for Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Richard C Allsopp
- Kuakini Center for Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Philip Davy
- Kuakini Center for Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Hiroko H Dodge
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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30
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Neumann E, Ballmer L, Studhalter O, Schmid N, Jung HH. Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences From Clinicians, Patients, and Caregivers in Switzerland. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2023; 9:23337214231164911. [PMID: 37013164 PMCID: PMC10064187 DOI: 10.1177/23337214231164911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the Swiss health care system, affecting especially vulnerable people, such as patients suffering from dementia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges experienced by dementia patients, their carers, and clinicians during the pandemic in Switzerland. Methods: An online survey was sent to all memory clinics in the German speaking part of Switzerland. Patients diagnosed with dementia and their carers were recruited for semi-structured telephone interviews at the memory clinic of the University Hospital Zurich. Results: A total of 28 clinicians, 17 carers, and seven patients participated in this study. According to the clinicians, all aspects of clinical work were affected by the pandemic. Carers did not perceive a significant role of the pandemic in the disease progression of the patients, despite many challenges faced. Patients described a high level of conscientiousness during the pandemic. Recommendations for future scenarios were provided from all groups. Conclusion: In order to increase the systemic resilience of the Swiss health care system, it is important to consider the experiences and recommendations of vulnerable groups and health care professionals for future public health measures and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Neumann
- University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Eileen Neumann, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, Zurich 8091, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | - Hans H. Jung
- University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Switzerland
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31
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Pluim CF, Anzai JAU, Martinez JE, Munera D, Garza-Naveda AP, Vila-Castelar C, Guzmán-Vélez E, Ramirez-Gomez L, Bustin J, Serrano CM, Babulal GM, Okada de Oliveira M, Quiroz YT. Associations Among Loneliness, Purpose in Life and Subjective Cognitive Decline in Ethnoracially Diverse Older Adults Living in the United States. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:376-386. [PMID: 36396599 PMCID: PMC9679324 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221139479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), which precedes Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia, may be affected by purpose in life (PiL) and loneliness in older adults. We investigated associations among PiL, loneliness, and SCD in US Latino (n = 126), Black (n = 74), Asian (n = 33), and White (n = 637) adults. Higher PiL predicted lower SCD in all groups (p-values < .012), except Black participants. Lower loneliness predicted lower SCD in Latino and White groups (p-values < .05), and PiL moderated this association in White adults. PiL and loneliness may play important roles in cognitive decline. Differential predictors of SCD suggest differential targets for preventing cognitive decline and dementia across ethnoracial groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina F. Pluim
- Department of Psychological and
Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juliana A. U. Anzai
- Department of Psychological and
Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jairo E. Martinez
- Department of Psychological and
Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diana Munera
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana Paola Garza-Naveda
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Clara Vila-Castelar
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edmarie Guzmán-Vélez
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liliana Ramirez-Gomez
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Cecilia M. Serrano
- Department of Neurology, Cesar Milstein Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Maira Okada de Oliveira
- Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Santa Marcelina, São
Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yakeel T. Quiroz
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Yakeel T. Quiroz, Departments of Psychiatry
and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 391st
Ave., Suite #101, Charlestown, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
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Ren Y, Savadlou A, Park S, Siska P, Epp JR, Sargin D. The impact of loneliness and social isolation on the development of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101061. [PMID: 36758770 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, observed at a higher incidence in women compared with men. Treatments aimed at improving pathology in AD remain ineffective to stop disease progression. This makes the detection of the early intervention strategies to reduce future disease risk extremely important. Isolation and loneliness have been identified among the major risk factors for AD. The increasing prevalence of both loneliness and AD emphasizes the urgent need to understand this association to inform treatment. Here we present a comprehensive review of both clinical and preclinical studies that investigated loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for AD. We discuss that understanding the mechanisms of how loneliness exacerbates cognitive impairment and AD with a focus on sex differences will shed the light for the underlying mechanisms regarding loneliness as a risk factor for AD and to develop effective prevention or treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ren
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Canada; Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Aisouda Savadlou
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Soobin Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Paul Siska
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Jonathan R Epp
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Canada; Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Derya Sargin
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada.
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Wang S, Molassiotis A, Guo C, Leung ISH, Leung AYM. Association between social integration and risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:632-645. [PMID: 36307921 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia is an emerging public health issue. Growing evidence emerged on the association between social integration and the risk of dementia. However, the magnitude of the association between different aspects of social integration and the risk of dementia is unclear. METHODS Five databases were systematically searched. Newcastle-Ottawa scale for assessing the quality of the reporting was used for quality appraisal. Longitudinal cohort studies examining the association between social integration and the risk of dementia were analyzed using random effects model. A series of sensitivity analyses was conducted to enhance the robustness of the findings. RESULTS Forty publications generated from 32 studies/databases were included. The meta-analysis showed that strong social engagement (overall RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.74-0.89, p < 0.001) and frequent social contact (overall RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.76-0.97, p = 0.018) were positively associated with decreased risk of dementia. The influence of social support (overall RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.80-1.06, p = 0.238) and close social contact (overall RR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.48-1.13, p = 0.167) was not significant. Loneliness was significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia (overall RR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.26-1.60, p < 0.001), whereas the influence of social isolation (overall RR = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.80-3.12, p = 0.192) was not significant. A larger social network size (RR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.59-0.97, p = 0.028) was a promising influencing factor even though the number of studies was insufficient for a meta-analysis. However, the heterogeneity among studies was generally high even though sensitivity analysis was conducted. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that high social engagement and frequent social contact are significantly associated with a lower risk of dementia, whereas loneliness is associated with a higher risk. The promising impact of large social network size is also identified. Substantial heterogeneity appeared in most of the analysis, making the inference tentative. Nevertheless, the sensitivity analysis provided valuable implications that enhancing social engagement and reducing loneliness may prevent or delay the onset of dementia among middle-aged and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
- WHO Collaborating Center for Community Health Services, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alex Molassiotis
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
- WHO Collaborating Center for Community Health Services, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunlan Guo
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Isaac Sze Him Leung
- Department of Statistics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Angela Yee Man Leung
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
- WHO Collaborating Center for Community Health Services, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zhu X, Luchetti M, Aschwanden D, Sesker AA, Stephan Y, Sutin AR, Terracciano A. Multidimensional Assessment of Subjective Well-Being and Risk of Dementia: Findings from the UK Biobank Study. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2023; 24:629-650. [PMID: 37153640 PMCID: PMC10162491 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00613-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the associations between subjective well-being (SWB) and risk of all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VD). We adopted a multidimensional approach to SWB that included the level and breadth of SWB, the latter indicating the extent to which SWB spreads across life domains. Participants (N=171,197; mean age=56.78; SD=8.16 years) were part of the UK Biobank and were followed up to 8.78 years. Domain-general and domain-specific SWB were measured by single items, and the breadth of SWB was indexed with a cumulative score of satisfaction across domains. Dementia incidence was ascertained through hospital and death records. Cox regression was used to examine the association between SWB indicators and risk of all-cause dementia, AD, and VD. General happiness, health and family satisfaction, and satisfaction breadth (satisfaction in multiple domains) were associated with lower risk of all-cause dementia. The associations held after accounting for socio-demographics, health, behavioral, and economic covariates, and depressive symptoms. Health satisfaction and the breadth of satisfaction were also associated with lower risk of AD and VD, with a pattern of slightly stronger associations for VD compared to AD. Some life domains (e.g., health) may be more fruitfully targeted to promote well-being and help protect against dementia, but it is also important to enhance well-being across multiple domains to maximize the protective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghe Zhu
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, USA
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Beller J. Loneliness and mortality: The moderating effect of positive affect. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2023; 15:49-65. [PMID: 35233957 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although the adverse association of loneliness with health and mortality are well documented, less is known about moderating factors of this relationship. According to the "buffering theory," it is argued that positive affect moderates the negative associations of stressors with health. The current study contributes to the literature by asking: Does positive affect also moderate the relationship between loneliness and mortality? A large population-based sample of middle-aged and older adults in Germany from 2008 was used (N = 4442). Mortality was monitored up to 2020, resulting in a maximum follow-up period of observation of 12 years, in which mortality events could be observed. Loneliness was measured using an adapted German version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, while positive affect was measured with an adapted German version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Using Cox survival regression, it was found that loneliness significantly predicted increased mortality risk (HR = 1.20; p = .029); conversely, positive affect significantly predicted decreased mortality risk (HR = 0.63; p < .001). Furthermore, a significant interaction emerged between loneliness and positive affect in predicting mortality (HR = 0.70; p = .001): The strength of the association of loneliness with mortality decreased with increasing levels of positive affect. Positive affect attenuates the association between loneliness and mortality, supporting previous empirical research and theories on the buffering effect of positive affect. If replicated in further studies, interventions that promote positive affect might be beneficial to mitigate the negative associations of loneliness with health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Beller
- Center for Public Health and Healthcare: Medical Sociology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Maillard E, Joyal M, Murray MM, Tremblay P. Are musical activities associated with enhanced speech perception in noise in adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
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Lanooij SD, Eisel ULM, van der Zee EA, Kas MJH. Variation in Group Composition Alters an Early-Stage Social Phenotype in hAPP-Transgenic J20 Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 93:211-224. [PMID: 36970900 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered social behavior is one of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that results in social withdrawal and loneliness and provides a major burden on patients and their relatives. Furthermore, loneliness is associated with an increased risk to develop AD and related dementias. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate if altered social behavior is an early indicator of amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology in J20 mice, and if co-housing with wild type (WT) mice can positively influence this social phenotype. METHODS The social phenotype of group-housed mice was assessed using an automated behavioral scoring system for longitudinal recordings. Female mice were housed in a same-genotype (4 J20 or WT mice per colony) or mixed-genotype (2 J20 mice + 2 WT mice) colony. At 10 weeks of age, their behavior was assessed for five consecutive days. RESULTS J20 mice showed increased locomotor activity and social sniffing, and reduced social contact compared to WT mice housed in same-genotype colonies. Mixed-genotype housing reduced the social sniffing duration of J20 mice, increased social contact frequency of J20 mice, and increased nest hide by WT mice. CONCLUSION Thus, altered social behavior can be used as an early indicator of Aβ-pathology in female J20 mice. Additionally, when co-housed with WT mice, their social sniffing phenotype is not expressed and their social contact phenotype is reduced. Our findings highlight the presence of a social phenotype in the early stages of AD and indicate a role for social environment variation in the expression of social behavior of WT and J20 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne D Lanooij
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich L M Eisel
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eddy A van der Zee
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Harrington KD, Vasan S, Kang JE, Sliwinski MJ, Lim MH. Loneliness and Cognitive Function in Older Adults Without Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 91:1243-1259. [PMID: 36617781 PMCID: PMC9983432 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness has been highlighted as a risk factor for dementia. However, the nature of the relationship between loneliness and cognitive function prior to onset of dementia is unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the relationship between loneliness and cognitive function in samples screened for dementia at study commencement. METHODS Five electronic databases (PubMed, PsycNET, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Scopus) were searched from inception to August 31, 2021. A narrative review and random-effects meta-analysis were conducted on studies meeting search criteria. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020155539. RESULTS The sixteen studies that met inclusion criteria involved 30,267 individuals, with mean age ranging from 63.0 to 84.9 years. Studies varied in dementia screening criteria, measurement of loneliness and cognitive function, and statistical modeling approach. The narrative review indicated that loneliness was associated with poorer global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, visuospatial function, processing speed, and semantic verbal fluency. Results of the meta-analysis indicated that loneliness was negatively associated with global cognitive function (overall r = -0.08; 95% CI = -0.14, -0.02; n = 6). Due to lack of sufficient data and heterogeneity between studies, we were unable to explore associations with other cognitive domains or longitudinal associations. CONCLUSION Loneliness is associated with subtle impairment across multiple cognitive domains in older adults who were screened for dementia. Better characterization of this relationship will provide important information about how loneliness contributes to the clinical and pathological sequalae of AD and be informative for risk reduction and early detection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karra D Harrington
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia,Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Shradha Vasan
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Jee eun Kang
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA,Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Martin J Sliwinski
- Center for Healthy Aging, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA,Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Michelle H Lim
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia,Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Shafighi K, Villeneuve S, Rosa Neto P, Badhwar A, Poirier J, Sharma V, Medina YI, Silveira PP, Dube L, Glahn D, Bzdok D. Social isolation is linked to classical risk factors of Alzheimer's disease-related dementias. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280471. [PMID: 36724157 PMCID: PMC9891507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is a major public health burden-compounding over upcoming years due to longevity. Recently, clinical evidence hinted at the experience of social isolation in expediting dementia onset. In 502,506 UK Biobank participants and 30,097 participants from the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging, we revisited traditional risk factors for developing dementia in the context of loneliness and lacking social support. Across these measures of subjective and objective social deprivation, we have identified strong links between individuals' social capital and various indicators of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias risk, which replicated across both population cohorts. The quality and quantity of daily social encounters had deep connections with key aetiopathological factors, which represent 1) personal habits and lifestyle factors, 2) physical health, 3) mental health, and 4) societal and external factors. Our population-scale assessment suggest that social lifestyle determinants are linked to most neurodegeneration risk factors, highlighting them as promising targets for preventive clinical action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Shafighi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Sylvia Villeneuve
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre (BIC), MNI, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Studies on Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease (StoP-AD) Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pedro Rosa Neto
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Studies on Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease (StoP-AD) Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit, Montreal, Canada
- Le Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - AmanPreet Badhwar
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie & Institut de Génie Biomédical, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM), Montréal, Canada
| | - Judes Poirier
- Centre for Studies in the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, Douglas Mental Health Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Vaibhav Sharma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Yasser Iturria Medina
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre (BIC), MNI, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI), Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Patricia P. Silveira
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Laurette Dube
- Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill Center for the Convergence of Health and Economics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Glahn
- Tommy Fuss Center for Neuropsychiatric Disease Research, Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Danilo Bzdok
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre (BIC), MNI, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Mila—Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, Montreal, Canada
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Ramasubramanian B, Reddy VS, Chellappan V, Ramakrishna S. Emerging Materials, Wearables, and Diagnostic Advancements in Therapeutic Treatment of Brain Diseases. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:1176. [PMID: 36551143 PMCID: PMC9775999 DOI: 10.3390/bios12121176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Among the most critical health issues, brain illnesses, such as neurodegenerative conditions and tumors, lower quality of life and have a significant economic impact. Implantable technology and nano-drug carriers have enormous promise for cerebral brain activity sensing and regulated therapeutic application in the treatment and detection of brain illnesses. Flexible materials are chosen for implantable devices because they help reduce biomechanical mismatch between the implanted device and brain tissue. Additionally, implanted biodegradable devices might lessen any autoimmune negative effects. The onerous subsequent operation for removing the implanted device is further lessened with biodegradability. This review expands on current developments in diagnostic technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, mass spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, angiography, and electroencephalogram while providing an overview of prevalent brain diseases. As far as we are aware, there hasn't been a single review article that addresses all the prevalent brain illnesses. The reviewer also looks into the prospects for the future and offers suggestions for the direction of future developments in the treatment of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brindha Ramasubramanian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Nanofibers & Nanotechnology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117574, Singapore
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, Singapore 138634, Singapore
| | - Vundrala Sumedha Reddy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Nanofibers & Nanotechnology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117574, Singapore
| | - Vijila Chellappan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), #08-03, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, Singapore 138634, Singapore
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Nanofibers & Nanotechnology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117574, Singapore
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Li Y, Wang X, Guo L, Zhu L, Shi J, Wang W, Lu C. Eight-Year Trajectories of Late-Life Loneliness and Incident Dementia: A Nationally Representative Cohort Study. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022:S1064-7481(22)00575-9. [PMID: 36549995 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Some older adults with loneliness might have transient loneliness, followed by full remission, while others might have persistent loneliness. Such different courses might differ in predicting the risk of dementia, but most previous studies assessed short-term loneliness at a single time point, ignoring the long-term changes of loneliness. This study aimed to explore the association between 8-year trajectories of late-life loneliness and incident dementia. METHODS Data were from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (waves 2-9). This study included 6,722 older adults measured for loneliness greater than or equal to three times from wave 2 (2004-2005) to wave 6 (2012-2013) and free from dementia in wave 6. Loneliness was assessed using the short 1980 version of the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to explore loneliness trajectories during waves 2-6. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the association of loneliness trajectories with incident dementia during waves 6-9. RESULTS Five distinct loneliness trajectories were identified: long-term low, persistently decreasing, persistently increasing, long-term moderate, and long-term high. Compared with long-term low loneliness, the HRs (95% confidence intervals) for persistently decreasing, persistently increasing, long-term moderate, and long-term high loneliness were 1.29 (0.83-2.00), 1.55 (1.04-2.31), 1.56 (1.03-2.38), and 3.35 (1.89-5.91), respectively. CONCLUSION The elderly show distinct patterns of loneliness over time, which cannot be captured by a single assessment of loneliness. The elderly with long-term loneliness and persistently increasing loneliness might be the high-risk group for dementia. Further studies are needed to determine whether reducing loneliness can prevent dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhi Li
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Shekou People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lan Guo
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liwan Zhu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingman Shi
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanxin Wang
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ciyong Lu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Kobayashi LC, O'Shea BQ, Joseph C, Finlay JM. Acute relationships between mental health and cognitive function during the COVID-19 pandemic: Longitudinal evidence from middle-aged and older US adults. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 2:100097. [PMID: 35434675 PMCID: PMC8993427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The acute impacts of COVID-19-related mental health concerns on cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults are unknown. We investigated whether between-person (BP) differences and within-person (WP) changes in loneliness, anxiety, and worry about COVID-19 were related to cognitive function and abilities in a longitudinal cohort of middle-aged and older United States (US) adults over a nine-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data were from bimonthly questionnaires in the nationwide COVID-19 Coping Study from August/September 2020 through April/May 2021 (N = 2262 adults aged ≥55). Loneliness was assessed with the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, anxiety with the 5-item Beck Anxiety Inventory, and COVID-19 worry on a 5-point Likert-type scale. Cognitive outcomes were assessed with the 6-item Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Cognitive Function and Abilities scales. Marginal structural models incorporating inverse probability of treatment and attrition weights as well as sampling weights estimated the BP and WP relationships between the mental health predictors and PROMIS® cognitive scores over time. Results In any given month, experiencing a loneliness or anxiety symptom score higher than the sample mean (BP difference) or higher than one's personal mean across the nine-month period (WP change) was negatively associated with cognitive function and abilities in that month. The observed magnitudes of associations were stronger for BP differences than for WP changes and were the strongest for anxiety symptom scale scores. Conclusions Elevated loneliness and anxiety symptoms, both relative to other adults and to one's usual levels, were acutely associated with worse perceived cognitive function and abilities over a nine-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The long-term impacts of mental health symptoms experienced during the pandemic for population cognitive health should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay C. Kobayashi
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,MRC/Wits Rural Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Corresponding author. 1415 Washington Heights, SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Brendan Q. O'Shea
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carly Joseph
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Jessica M. Finlay
- Social Environment and Health Program, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Qiao L, Wang G, Tang Z, Zhou S, Min J, Yin M, Li M. Association between loneliness and dementia risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:899814. [PMID: 36530204 PMCID: PMC9751343 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.899814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of dementia; however, the extent of this relationship remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the strength of the relationship between loneliness and dementia using a meta-analysis approach. PubMed, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Internet databases were systematically searched for potentially included studies from inception up to 17 February 2022. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to assess pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A literature search identified 16 cohort studies (published in 15 articles), among which 4,625 dementia cases and 62,345 individuals were selected for further meta-analysis. Loneliness was associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (RR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.32-2.23; P < 0.001) and dementia (RR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.16-1.31; P < 0.00001). However, no significant association between loneliness and risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (RR: 1.34, 95% CI: 0.97-1.87; P = 0.080) or vascular dementia (VaD) (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.51-1.99; P = 0.973) was observed. Results revealed that loneliness might increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Early interventions that limit loneliness may reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Qiao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Gege Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhenyu Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Siqi Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jun Min
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Min Yin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Imai A, Matsuoka T, Narumoto J. Older people with severe loneliness have an atrophied thalamus, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 37. [PMID: 36394171 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Loneliness has been shown to increase the risk of dementia. However, it is unclear why greater loneliness is associated with greater susceptibility to dementia. Herein, we aimed to examine the morphological characteristics of the brain associated with loneliness in older people concerned about cognitive dysfunction. METHODS In this retrospective study, 110 participants (80 with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and 30 cognitively healthy individuals) were included. Participants were assessed using the revised University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness scale and had undergone magnetic resonance imaging. Spearman correlation analysis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine the clinical factors associated with loneliness. Multiple regression was performed to examine the relationship between the revised UCLA loneliness scale score and regional gray matter (GM) volume on voxel-based morphometry. RESULTS The revised UCLA loneliness scale scores were not significantly correlated with age, sex, or mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores. Multiple regression using age, sex, MMSE score, and total brain volume as covariates showed negative correlations of the revised UCLA loneliness scale scores with the grey matter volume in regions centered on the bilateral thalamus, left hippocampus and left parahippocampal gyrus, and left entorhinal area. CONCLUSIONS Subjective loneliness was associated with decreased GM volume in the bilateral thalamus, left hippocampus, and left entorhinal cortex of the brain in the older people, thereby providing a morphological basis for the increased risk of dementia associated with greater loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayu Imai
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Teruyuki Matsuoka
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jin Narumoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Patel Y, Vassilev I, du Toit SHJ. Implementing a digital tool to support meaningful engagement with socially isolated or lonely older adults. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e6456-e6466. [PMID: 36308765 PMCID: PMC10092141 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.14090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness are significant concerns in community dwelling older adults due to associated poorer health outcomes, inadequate crises responsiveness and increased societal burdens of care and cost. Generating Engagement in Networks Involvement (GENIE) is an online evidence-based, client-centred social network tool piloted by community-aged care services in Sydney, Australia. GENIE facilitates access to community resources, activities and people to extend or re-establish a client's social connections. This study aimed to identify GENIE's potential to maintain and promote social connections in older adults from the perspective of allied health professionals who could deliver GENIE. This qualitative exploratory study involved 33 participants on an emerging placement across two organisations who piloted GENIE. Data included consensus and priority statements produced from six nominal group technique-facilitated discussions, and an inductive thematic analysis of student documentation and all consensus statements. The main findings indicated that participants prioritised GENIE's clinical advantages, implementation barriers and recommendations for future implementation. The inductive thematic analysis revealed the two themes of practice applications, and client and professional experiences when using GENIE. As a time-efficient and personalised intervention, the research team concluded that GENIE could empower service providers to address the overarching needs of clients through rapidly connecting older adults to resources of their interests within the overburdened Australian-aged care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasheeka Patel
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Drinkwater E, Davies C, Spires-Jones TL. Potential neurobiological links between social isolation and Alzheimer's disease risk. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:5397-5412. [PMID: 34184343 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that 40% of dementia cases could be prevented by modification of lifestyle factors that associate with disease risk. One of these potentially modifiable lifestyle factors is social isolation. In this review, we discuss what is known about associations between social isolation and Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia. This is particularly relevant in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when social isolation has been enforced with potential emerging negative impacts on cognition. While there are neurobiological mechanisms emerging that may account for the observed epidemiological associations between social isolation and Alzheimer's disease, more fundamental research is needed to fully understand the brain changes induced by isolation that may make people vulnerable to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin Davies
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tara L Spires-Jones
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Examining Differences, Relationships, and Predictors for Loneliness in an Adult Population: The Roles of Personal Characteristics, Place of Residence, Leisure Activities, Mental Health, and Social Outcomes. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11090425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Loneliness is associated with poor mental and social outcomes globally. The literature suggests an association between loneliness and personal characteristics, place of residence, and leisure activities. However, the current literature has produced inconsistent findings and has focused largely on older adults. This study is one of the first to examine the differences, relationships, and predictors of loneliness in an adult population, and the roles of personal characteristics, place of residence, leisure activities, mental health, and social outcomes. A cross-sectional online survey was undertaken. A sample of 155 adults responded, with a mean age of 34.5 years (SD = 13.2), and with 54.1% identifying as female. An analysis revealed experiences of loneliness across the sample. In addition, age was moderately associated with loneliness, while psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and social networks were significantly associated with loneliness. Depressive symptoms were a positive predictor for loneliness, and social networks were a negative predictor for loneliness. This study has confirmed findings from previous research and provided new information on loneliness, which can guide future research and interventions to prevent or support people who suffer from loneliness.
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Finlay J, Esposito M, Langa KM, Judd S, Clarke P. Cognability: An Ecological Theory of neighborhoods and cognitive aging. Soc Sci Med 2022; 309:115220. [PMID: 35926362 PMCID: PMC9661364 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
While a growing body of evidence points to potentially modifiable individual risk factors for dementia, the built and social environments in which people develop and navigate cognitive decline are largely overlooked. This paper proposes a new theoretical concept, Cognability, to conceptualize how supportive an area is to cognitive health among aging residents. Cognability incorporates a constellation of both positive and negative neighborhood features related to physical activity, social interaction and cognitive stimulation in later life. We analyzed data from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke Study, a national sample of older Black and white adults in the United States (n = 21,151; mean age at assessment = 67; data collected 2006-2017). Generalized additive multilevel models examined how cognitive function varied by neighborhood features. Access to civic and social organizations, recreation centers, fast-food and coffee establishments, arts centers, museums, and highways were significantly associated with cognitive function. Race-, gender-, and education-specific models did not yield substantial improvements to the full-model. Our results suggest that the unequal distribution of amenities and hazards across neighborhoods may help account for considerable inequities observed in cognitive health among older adults. Cognability advances ecological theories of aging through an innovative "whole neighborhood" approach. It aims to identify which specific neighborhood features are most protective of cognitive health among aging adults to inform upstream public health initiatives, community interventions, and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Finlay
- Social Environment and Health Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States; Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
| | - Michael Esposito
- Department of Sociology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, United States
| | - Kenneth M Langa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Suzanne Judd
- School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35233, United States
| | - Philippa Clarke
- Social Environment and Health Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States; Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
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Chang YK, Erickson KI, Aghjayan SL, Chen FT, Li RH, Shih JR, Chang SH, Huang CM, Chu CH. The multi-domain exercise intervention for memory and brain function in late middle-aged and older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease: A protocol for Western-Eastern Brain Fitness Integration Training trial. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:929789. [PMID: 36062144 PMCID: PMC9435311 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.929789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aging is associated with cognitive decline, increased risk for dementia, and deterioration of brain function. Modifiable lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise, meditation, and social interaction) have been proposed to benefit memory and brain function. However, previous studies have focused on a single exercise modality or a single lifestyle factor. Consequently, the effect of a more comprehensive exercise program that combines multiple exercise modalities and lifestyle factors, as well as examines potential mediators and moderators, on cognitive function and brain health in late middle-aged and older adults remains understudied. This study's primary aim is to examine the effect of a multi-domain exercise intervention on memory and brain function in cognitively healthy late middle-aged and older adults. In addition, we will examine whether apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes, physical fitness (i.e., cardiovascular fitness, body composition, muscular fitness, flexibility, balance, and power), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) moderate and mediate the exercise intervention effects on memory and brain function. Methods The Western-Eastern Brain Fitness Integration Training (WE-BFit) is a single-blinded, double-arm, 6-month randomized controlled trial. One hundred cognitively healthy adults, aged 45-70 years, with different risks for Alzheimer's disease (i.e., ApoE genotype) will be recruited and randomized into either a multi-domain exercise group or an online educational course control group. The exercise intervention consists of one 90-min on-site and several online sessions up to 60 min per week for 6 months. Working memory, episodic memory, physical fitness, and BDNF will be assessed before and after the 6-month intervention. The effects of the WE-BFit on memory and brain function will be described and analyzed. We will further examine how ApoE genotype and changes in physical fitness and BDNF affect the effects of the intervention. Discussion WE-BFit is designed to improve memory and brain function using a multi-domain exercise intervention. The results will provide insight into the implementation of an exercise intervention with multiple domains to preserve memory and brain function in adults with genetic risk levels for Alzheimer's disease. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05068271.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kai Chang
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kirk I. Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- AdventHealth Research Institute, Neuroscience Institute, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Sarah L. Aghjayan
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Feng-Tzu Chen
- Department of Sport Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Hong Li
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Ru Shih
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hsi Chang
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Mao Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Heng Chu
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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50
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Sato K, Niimi Y, Iwatsubo T, Ishii S. Change in long‐term care service usage in Japan following the
COVID
‐19 pandemic: A survey using a nationwide statistical summary in 2018–2021. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22:803-809. [PMID: 36058628 PMCID: PMC9539262 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14461] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Aim Social restrictions due to the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic forced many long‐term care (LTC) service‐users to refrain from using services. We aimed to evaluate the degree of change in the use of LTC services. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from the publicly distributed nationwide statistics summarizing the monthly number of public LTC insurance users in Japan between April 2018 and March 2021. The degree of decline was quantified as a ratio, where the ratio of a certain month to the reference month was divided by the ratio in the previous year. Results The use of LTC services started to decline in March 2020 and reached its largest decline in May 2020. Thereafter, it recovered but insufficiently, even as of late 2020. The degree of decline was particularly large for services provided in facilities for community‐dwelling elderly individuals [Ratio to the previous year = 0.717 (95% CI: 0.645–0.796) in short‐stay services, and Ratio = 0.876 (95% CI: 0.802–0.957) in outpatient services], but was non‐significant in other types of services, including those provided for elderly individuals living in nursing homes. Conclusions Community‐dwelling elderly individuals who had used outpatient or short‐stay services were especially affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020. This underlines the need for further investigation of the medium‐ or long‐term influence of the decline in service usage on the mental and physical health of the LTC service‐users and their caregivers. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 803–809.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Sato
- Department of Medicine for Integrated Approach to Social Inclusion, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medicine University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
- Unit for Early and Exploratory Development University of Tokyo Hospital Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshiki Niimi
- Unit for Early and Exploratory Development University of Tokyo Hospital Tokyo Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwatsubo
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medicine University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
- Unit for Early and Exploratory Development University of Tokyo Hospital Tokyo Japan
| | - Shinya Ishii
- Department of Medicine for Integrated Approach to Social Inclusion, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
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