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Dávila G, Torres-Prioris MJ, López-Barroso D, Berthier ML. Turning the Spotlight to Cholinergic Pharmacotherapy of the Human Language System. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:599-637. [PMID: 37341896 PMCID: PMC10374790 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Even though language is essential in human communication, research on pharmacological therapies for language deficits in highly prevalent neurodegenerative and vascular brain diseases has received little attention. Emerging scientific evidence suggests that disruption of the cholinergic system may play an essential role in language deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment, including post-stroke aphasia. Therefore, current models of cognitive processing are beginning to appraise the implications of the brain modulator acetylcholine in human language functions. Future work should be directed further to analyze the interplay between the cholinergic system and language, focusing on identifying brain regions receiving cholinergic innervation susceptible to modulation with pharmacotherapy to improve affected language domains. The evaluation of language deficits in pharmacological cholinergic trials for Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment has thus far been limited to coarse-grained methods. More precise, fine-grained language testing is needed to refine patient selection for pharmacotherapy to detect subtle deficits in the initial phases of cognitive decline. Additionally, noninvasive biomarkers can help identify cholinergic depletion. However, despite the investigation of cholinergic treatment for language deficits in Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment, data on its effectiveness are insufficient and controversial. In the case of post-stroke aphasia, cholinergic agents are showing promise, particularly when combined with speech-language therapy to promote trained-dependent neural plasticity. Future research should explore the potential benefits of cholinergic pharmacotherapy in language deficits and investigate optimal strategies for combining these agents with other therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Dávila
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - María José Torres-Prioris
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Diana López-Barroso
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Marcelo L Berthier
- Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, Marqués de Beccaria 3, 29010, Malaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain.
- Language Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain.
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Pozzi FE, Conti E, Appollonio I, Ferrarese C, Tremolizzo L. Predictors of response to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in dementia: A systematic review. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:998224. [PMID: 36203811 PMCID: PMC9530658 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.998224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mainstay of therapy for many neurodegenerative dementias still relies on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI); however, there is debate on various aspects of such treatment. A huge body of literature exists on possible predictors of response, but a comprehensive review is lacking. Therefore, our aim is to perform a systematic review of the predictors of response to AChEI in neurodegenerative dementias, providing a categorization and interpretation of the results. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature up to December 31st, 2021, searching five different databases and registers, including studies on rivastigmine, donepezil, and galantamine, with clearly defined criteria for the diagnosis of dementia and the response to AChEI therapy. Records were identified through the string: predict * AND respon * AND (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors OR donepezil OR rivastigmine OR galantamine). The results were presented narratively. Results We identified 1,994 records in five different databases; after exclusion of duplicates, title and abstract screening, and full-text retrieval, 122 studies were finally included. Discussion The studies show high heterogeneity in duration, response definition, drug dosage, and diagnostic criteria. Response to AChEI seems associated with correlates of cholinergic deficit (hallucinations, fluctuating cognition, substantia innominate atrophy) and preserved cholinergic neurons (faster alpha on REM sleep EEG, increased anterior frontal and parietal lobe perfusion after donepezil); white matter hyperintensities in the cholinergic pathways have shown inconsistent results. The K-variant of butyrylcholinesterase may correlate with better response in late stages of disease, while the role of polymorphisms in other genes involved in the cholinergic system is controversial. Factors related to drug availability may influence response; in particular, low serum albumin (for donepezil), CYP2D6 variants associated with reduced enzymatic activity and higher drug doses are the most consistent predictors, while AChEI concentration influence on clinical outcomes is debatable. Other predictors of response include faster disease progression, lower serum cholesterol, preserved medial temporal lobes, apathy, absence of concomitant diseases, and absence of antipsychotics. Short-term response may predict subsequent cognitive response, while higher education might correlate with short-term good response (months), and long-term poor response (years). Age, gender, baseline cognitive and functional levels, and APOE relationship with treatment outcome is controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisa Conti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMi), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Ildebrando Appollonio
- Neurology Department, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMi), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrarese
- Neurology Department, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMi), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucio Tremolizzo
- Neurology Department, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMi), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Meguro K, Yamaguchi S. Decreased Behavioral Abnormalities After Treatment with Combined Donepezil and Yokukansankachimpihange in Alzheimer Disease: An Observational Study. The Osaki-Tajiri Project. Neurol Ther 2018; 7:333-340. [PMID: 30255467 PMCID: PMC6283791 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-018-0109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Yokukansan is one of the traditional herbal medicines (Kampo medicine in Japan) commonly used in the treatment of the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). We performed an observational study using yokukansankachimpihange, which contains a nobiletin-rich Citrus reticulata, to determine whether it could improve BPSD as well as cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer disease (NINCDS-ADRDA). METHODS Forty-six (23 vs. 23) patients were enrolled in the study sample (donepezil group vs. donepezil + yokukansankachimpihange group). The BPSD were assessed using the Frequency-Weighted Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD-FW). The Mini-Mental State Examination and the Digit Symbol test of WAIS-R were used to evaluate impairment of global cognitive function and executive function, respectively. RESULTS No significant changes in the cognitive functions or the total BPSD scores were noted for either treatment group. Regarding the subscales of the BPSD, the subscale of Diurnal Rhythm showed a significant decrease after the treatment, and those of Affective Disturbance and Anxiety and Phobias tended to be decreased. The donepezil + yokukansankachimpihange group had a lower rate of use of anti-psychotics compared with the donepezil group, although this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION These results suggest that combined treatment of yokukansankachimpihange with donepezil has a positive clinical effect on improving the behavioral abnormalities, despite the lack of any effect on cognitive functions. Improvements in the diurnal rhythm may improve affective disturbance and anxiety. Thus, yokukansankachimpihange is considered to have a mild stabilizing effect on emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Meguro
- Geriatric Behavioral Neurology, Tohoku University CYRIC, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
- Osaki-Tajiri SKIP Center, Osaki-Tajiri, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Yamaguchi
- Geriatric Behavioral Neurology, Tohoku University CYRIC, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
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Valotassiou V, Malamitsi J, Papatriantafyllou J, Dardiotis E, Tsougos I, Psimadas D, Alexiou S, Hadjigeorgiou G, Georgoulias P. SPECT and PET imaging in Alzheimer’s disease. Ann Nucl Med 2018; 32:583-593. [PMID: 30128693 DOI: 10.1007/s12149-018-1292-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Valotassiou
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece.
| | - Julia Malamitsi
- Medical Physics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioannis Tsougos
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Psimadas
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Sotiria Alexiou
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - George Hadjigeorgiou
- Neurology Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Georgoulias
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
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Meguro K. Cholinesterase inhibitors are compatible with psychosocial intervention for Alzheimer disease patients suggested by neuroimaging findings. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2017; 259:29-33. [PMID: 27940150 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that the frontal lobe was stimulated by psychosocial intervention for dementia patients, and that the parietal lobe was associated with logical judgment. We hypothesized that the combined therapeutic approach with symptomatic drug treatment can directly stimulate not only attention function but also judgment function indirectly to observing other participants' behaviors. Fifty-two patients with Alzheimer disease underwent the group reminiscence approach with reality orientation, as well as the donepezil treatment. The cerebral blood flow (CBF) was assessed with 99mTc-ECD SPECT. Two analyses were performed: Analysis 1 was to compare Responders vs. Non-responders as shown by MMSE scores, whereas Analysis 2 was to compare Good vs. Poor reminders of the intervention content. We found that the CBF in the frontal lobe was significantly higher in Responders (vs. Non-responders). The CBF in the parietal lobe, especially the left side, was significantly higher in the Good reminders (vs. Poor reminders). The donepezil stimulated the areas similar to where the psychosocial intervention was previously found to be stimulated directly, thus the drug was thought to be compatible for psychosocial intervention. The parietal lobe was stimulated indirectly, suggesting that the indirect effect of the intervention may be based on logical judgment function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Meguro
- Division of Geriatric Behavioral Neurology, Tohoku University CYRIC, 4-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, 980-8575 Sendai, Japan.
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Normal Hearing Ability but Impaired Auditory Selective Attention Associated with Prediction of Response to Donepezil in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Behav Neurol 2015; 2015:540348. [PMID: 26161001 PMCID: PMC4487900 DOI: 10.1155/2015/540348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients have a poor response to the voices of caregivers. After administration of donepezil, caregivers often find that patients respond more frequently, whereas they had previously pretended to be “deaf.” We investigated whether auditory selective attention is associated with response to donepezil. Methods. The subjects were40 AD patients, 20 elderly healthy controls (HCs), and 15 young HCs. Pure tone audiometry was conducted and an original Auditory Selective Attention (ASA) test was performed with a MoCA vigilance test. Reassessment of the AD group was performed after donepezil treatment for 3 months. Results. Hearing level of the AD group was the same as that of the elderly HC group. However, ASA test scores decreased in the AD group and were correlated with the vigilance test scores. Donepezil responders (MMSE 3+) also showed improvement on the ASA test. At baseline, the responders had higher vigilance and lower ASA test scores. Conclusion. Contrary to the common view, AD patients had a similar level of hearing ability to healthy elderly. Auditory attention was impaired in AD patients, which suggests that unnecessary sounds should be avoided in nursing homes. Auditory selective attention is associated with response to donepezil in AD.
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Kikuchi T, Okamura T, Zhang MR, Irie T. PET probes for imaging brain acetylcholinesterase. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2013; 56:172-9. [DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 11/08/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Kikuchi
- Probe Research Team, Molecular Probe Program, Molecular Imaging Center; National Institute of Radiological Sciences; Chiba; 263-8555; Japan
| | - Toshimitsu Okamura
- Probe Research Team, Molecular Probe Program, Molecular Imaging Center; National Institute of Radiological Sciences; Chiba; 263-8555; Japan
| | - Ming-Rong Zhang
- Probe Research Team, Molecular Probe Program, Molecular Imaging Center; National Institute of Radiological Sciences; Chiba; 263-8555; Japan
| | - Toshiaki Irie
- Probe Research Team, Molecular Probe Program, Molecular Imaging Center; National Institute of Radiological Sciences; Chiba; 263-8555; Japan
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