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Vassilaki M, Syrjanen JA, Krell-Roesch J, Graff-Radford J, Vemuri P, Scharf EL, Machulda MM, Fields JA, Kremers WK, Lowe VJ, Jack CR, Knopman DS, Petersen RC, Geda YE. Association of Cerebrovascular Imaging Biomarkers, Depression, and Anxiety, with Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:1237-1246. [PMID: 38025797 PMCID: PMC10657723 DOI: 10.3233/adr-230073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The study included 1,738 Mayo Clinic Study of Aging participants (≥50 years old; 1,460 cognitively unimpaired and 278 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)) and examined the cross-sectional association between cerebrovascular (CVD) imaging biomarkers (e.g., white matter hyperintensities (WMH), infarctions) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores, as well as their association with MCI. High (abnormal) WMH burden was significantly associated with having BDI-II>13 and BAI > 7 scores, and both (CVD imaging biomarkers and depression/anxiety) were significantly associated with MCI when included simultaneously in the model, suggesting that both were independently associated with the odds of MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vassilaki
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jeremy A. Syrjanen
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Janina Krell-Roesch
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Mary M. Machulda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Julie A. Fields
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Walter K. Kremers
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Val J. Lowe
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Ronald C. Petersen
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yonas E. Geda
- Department of Neurology, and the Franke Barrow Global Neuroscience Education Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Clancy U, Ramirez J, Chappell FM, Doubal FN, Wardlaw JM, Black SE. Neuropsychiatric symptoms as a sign of small vessel disease progression in cognitive impairment. CEREBRAL CIRCULATION - COGNITION AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 3:100041. [PMID: 36324402 PMCID: PMC9616231 DOI: 10.1016/j.cccb.2022.100041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Neuropsychiatric symptoms associate cross-sectionally with cerebral small vessel disease but it is not clear whether these symptoms could act as early clinical markers of small vessel disease progression. We investigated whether longitudinal change in Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) scores associated with white matter hyperintensity (WMH) progression in a memory clinic population. Material and methods We included participants from the prospective Sunnybrook Dementia Study with Alzheimer's disease and vascular subtypes of mild cognitive impairment and dementia with two MRI and ≥ 1 NPI. We conducted linear mixed-effects analyses, adjusting for age, atrophy, vascular risk factors, cognition, function, and interscan interval. Results At baseline (n=124), greater atrophy, age, vascular risk factors and total NPI score were associated with higher baseline WMH volume, while longitudinally, all but vascular risk factors were associated. Change in total NPI score was associated with change in WMH volume, χ2 = 7.18, p = 0.007, whereby a one-point change in NPI score from baseline to follow-up was associated with a 0.0017 change in normalized WMH volume [expressed as cube root of (WMH volume cm³ as % intracranial volume)], after adjusting for age, atrophy, vascular risk factors and interscan interval. Conclusions In memory clinic patients, WMH progression over 1-2 years associated with worsening neuropsychiatric symptoms, while WMH volume remained unchanged in those with stable NPI scores in this population with low background WMH burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Clancy
- Brain Research Imaging Centre, Division of Neuroimaging Sciences, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joel Ramirez
- Dr. Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience & Recovery, LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room A4 21, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada,Corresponding author.
| | - Francesca M. Chappell
- Brain Research Imaging Centre, Division of Neuroimaging Sciences, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Fergus N. Doubal
- Brain Research Imaging Centre, Division of Neuroimaging Sciences, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joanna M. Wardlaw
- Brain Research Imaging Centre, Division of Neuroimaging Sciences, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sandra E. Black
- Dr. Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience & Recovery, LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room A4 21, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada,Department of Medicine (Neurology), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Clancy U, Gilmartin D, Jochems ACC, Knox L, Doubal FN, Wardlaw JM. Neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with cerebral small vessel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 2021; 8:225-236. [PMID: 33539776 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(20)30431-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral small vessel disease, a common cause of vascular dementia, is often considered clinically silent before dementia or stroke become apparent. However, some individuals have subtle symptoms associated with acute MRI lesions. We aimed to determine whether neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms vary according to small vessel disease burden. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for articles published in any language from database inception to Jan 24, 2020. We searched for studies assessing anxiety, apathy, delirium, emotional lability, fatigue, personality change, psychosis, dementia-related behavioural symptoms or cognitive symptoms (including subjective memory complaints), and radiological features of cerebral small vessel disease. We extracted reported odds ratios (OR), standardised mean differences (SMD), and correlations, stratified outcomes by disease severity or symptom presence or absence, and pooled data using random-effects meta-analyses, reporting adjusted findings when possible. We assessed the bias on included studies using the Risk of Bias for Non-randomized Studies tool. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018096673. FINDINGS Of 7119 papers identified, 81 studies including 79 cohorts in total were eligible for inclusion (n=21 730 participants, mean age 69·2 years). Of these 81 studies, 45 (8120 participants) reported effect estimates. We found associations between worse white matter hyperintensity (WMH) severity and apathy (OR 1·41, 95% CI 1·05-1·89) and the adjusted SMD in apathy score between WMH severities was 0·38 (95% CI 0·15-0·61). Worse WMH severity was also associated with delirium (adjusted OR 2·9, 95% CI 1·12-7·55) and fatigue (unadjusted OR 1·63, 95% CI 1·20-2·22). WMHs were not consistently associated with subjective memory complaints (OR 1·34, 95% CI 0·61-2·94) and unadjusted SMD for WMH severity between these groups was 0·08 (95% CI -0·31 to 0·47). Anxiety, dementia-related behaviours, emotional lability, and psychosis were too varied or sparse for meta-analysis; these factors were reviewed narratively. Overall heterogeneity varied from 0% to 79%. Only five studies had a low risk of bias across all domains. INTERPRETATION Apathy, fatigue, and delirium associated independently with worse WMH, whereas subjective cognitive complaints did not. The association of anxiety, dementia-related behaviours, emotional lability, and psychosis with cerebral small vessel disease require further investigation. These symptoms should be assessed longitudinally to improve early clinical detection of small vessel disease and enable prevention trials to happen early in the disease course, long before cognition declines. FUNDING Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government, UK Dementia Research Institute, Fondation Leducq, Stroke Association Garfield-Weston Foundation, Alzheimer's Society, and National Health Service Research Scotland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Clancy
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Gilmartin
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Angela C C Jochems
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lucy Knox
- Department of Medicine, Borders General Hospital, NHS Borders, Melrose, UK
| | - Fergus N Doubal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joanna M Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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Anor CJ, Dadar M, Collins DL, Tartaglia MC. The Longitudinal Assessment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease and Their Association With White Matter Hyperintensities in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center's Uniform Data Set. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2021; 6:70-78. [PMID: 32389747 PMCID: PMC7529680 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) are common in Alzheimer's disease (AD). NPSs contribute to patients' distress, caregiver burden, and institutionalization. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) appear on magnetic resonance imaging, usually indicative of cerebrovascular disease. WMHs have been associated with certain NPSs. We aimed to assess the relationship between WMH and NPS severity in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD (MCI-AD) and in AD and to assess the ability of WMHs to predict NPS progression. Data were obtained from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. METHODS A total of 252 participants (114 with MCI-AD and 138 with AD) were used in this study. Baseline WMHs were quantified using an automated segmentation technique. NPSs were measured using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Mixed-effect models and correlations were used to determine the relationship between WMHs and NPSs. RESULTS Longitudinal mixed-effect models revealed a significant relationship between increase in Neuropsychiatric Inventory total scores and baseline WMHs (p = .014). There was a significant relationship between baseline WMHs and an increase in delusions (p = .023), hallucinations (p = .040), agitation (p = .093), depression (p = .017), and irritability (p = .002). Correlation plot analysis showed that baseline whole-brain WMHs predicted change in future Neuropsychiatric Inventory total scores (r = .169, p = .008) and predicted change in future agitation severity scores (r = .165, p = .009). WMHs in the temporal lobes (r = .169, p = .008) and frontal lobes (r = .153, p = .016) contributed most to this change. CONCLUSIONS Depression, irritability, and agitation are common NPSs and very distressful to patients and caregivers. Our findings of increased NPS severity over time in MCI-AD and AD with increased WMHs have important implications for treatment, arguing for aggressive treatment of vascular risk factors in patients with MCI-AD or AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra J Anor
- University Health Network Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mahsa Dadar
- McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - D Louis Collins
- McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - M Carmela Tartaglia
- University Health Network Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Custodio N, Montesinos R, Lira D, Herrera-Pérez E, Bardales Y, Valeriano-Lorenzo L. Mixed dementia: A review of the evidence. Dement Neuropsychol 2017; 11:364-370. [PMID: 29354216 PMCID: PMC5769994 DOI: 10.1590/1980-57642016dn11-040005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed dementia is the coexistence of Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in the same demented patient. Currently, its diagnosis and treatment remains a challenge for practitioners. To provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, natural history, diagnosis, and therapy of Mixed Vascular-Alzheimer Dementia (MVAD). The literature was reviewed for articles published between 1990-2016 by using the keywords linked to MVAD. Neuropathological studies indicate that MVAD is a very common pathological finding in the elderly with a prevalence about of 22%. The distinction between Alzheimer's dementia and vascular dementia (VD) is complex because their clinical presentation can overlap. There are international criteria for the MVAD diagnosis. The pharmacologic therapy shows modest clinical benefits that are similar among all drugs used in patients with Alzheimer's dementia and VD. The non-pharmacologic therapy includes the rigorous management of cardiovascular risk factors (especially hypertension) and the promotion of a healthy diet. The diagnosis and treatment of MVAD cannot be improved without further studies. Currently available medications provide only modest clinical benefits once a patient has developed MVAD. In subjects at risk, the antihypertensive therapy and healthy diet should be recommend for preventing or slowing the progression of MVAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilton Custodio
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia. Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias. Lima, Perú.,Servicio de Neurología. Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias. Lima, Perú
| | - Rosa Montesinos
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia. Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias. Lima, Perú.,Servicio de Medicina de Rehabilitación. Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias. Lima, Perú
| | - David Lira
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia. Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias. Lima, Perú.,Servicio de Neurología. Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias. Lima, Perú
| | - Eder Herrera-Pérez
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia. Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias. Lima, Perú.,Unidad de Diseño y Elaboración de Proyectos de Investigación. Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño. Lima, Perú.,GESID. Lima, Peru
| | - Yadira Bardales
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia. Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias. Lima, Perú.,Unidad de Geriatría. Instituto Peruano de neurociencias. Lima, Perú
| | - Lucía Valeriano-Lorenzo
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia. Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias. Lima, Perú.,Unidad de Neuropsicología. Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias. Lima. Perú
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Jin WS, Bu XL, Wang YR, Li L, Li WW, Liu YH, Zhu C, Yao XQ, Chen Y, Gao CY, Zhang T, Zhou HD, Zeng F, Wang YJ. Reduced Cardiovascular Functions in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2017; 58:919-925. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-170088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Urbanova B, Tomek A, Mikulik R, Magerova H, Horinek D, Hort J. Neurosonological Examination: A Non-Invasive Approach for the Detection of Cerebrovascular Impairment in AD. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:4. [PMID: 24478651 PMCID: PMC3896883 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a growing interest in vascular impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This interest was stimulated by the findings of higher incidence of vascular risk factors in AD. Signs of vascular impairment were investigated notably in the field of imaging methods. Our aim was to explore ultrasonographic studies of extra- and intracranial vessels in patients with AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and define implications for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the disease. The most frequently studied parameters with extracranial ultrasound are intima-media thickness in common carotid artery, carotid atherosclerosis, and total cerebral blood flow. The transcranial ultrasound concentrates mostly on flow velocities, pulsatility indices, cerebrovascular reserve capacity, and cerebral microembolization. Studies suggest that there is morphological and functional impairment of cerebral circulation in AD compared to healthy subjects. Ultrasound as a non-invasive method could be potentially useful in identifying individuals in a higher risk of progression of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Urbanova
- Department of Neurology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Motol University Hospital, Charles University , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Ales Tomek
- Department of Neurology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Motol University Hospital, Charles University , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Robert Mikulik
- Department of Neurology, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Hana Magerova
- Department of Neurology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Motol University Hospital, Charles University , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Horinek
- Department of Neurosurgery, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Central Military Hospital, Charles University , Prague , Czech Republic ; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Hort
- Department of Neurology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Motol University Hospital, Charles University , Prague , Czech Republic ; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital , Brno , Czech Republic
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Soennesyn H, Oppedal K, Greve OJ, Fritze F, Auestad BH, Nore SP, Beyer MK, Aarsland D. White matter hyperintensities and the course of depressive symptoms in elderly people with mild dementia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra 2012; 2:97-111. [PMID: 22590471 PMCID: PMC3347877 DOI: 10.1159/000335497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To explore the relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and the prevalence and course of depressive symptoms in mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Lewy body dementia. Design: This is a prospective cohort study conducted in secondary care outpatient clinics in western Norway. Subjects: The study population consisted of 77 elderly people with mild dementia diagnosed according to standardised criteria. Methods Structured clinical interviews and physical, neurological, psychiatric, and neuropsychological examinations were performed and routine blood tests were taken. Depression was assessed using the depression subitem of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). A standardised protocol for magnetic resonance imaging scan was used, and the volumes of WMH were quantified using an automated method, followed by manual editing. Results The volumes of total and frontal deep WMH were significantly and positively correlated with baseline severity of depressive symptoms, and depressed patients had significantly higher volumes of total and frontal deep WMH than non-depressed patients. Higher volumes of WMH were also associated with having a high MADRS score and incident and persistent depression at follow-up. After adjustment for potential confounders, frontal deep WMH, in addition to prior depression and non-AD dementia, were still significantly associated with baseline depressive symptoms (p = 0.015, OR 3.703, 95% CI 1.294–10.593). Similar results emerged for total WMH. Conclusion In elderly people with mild dementia, volumes of WMH, in particular frontal deep WMH, were positively correlated with baseline severity of depressive symptoms, and seemed to be associated with persistent and incident depression at follow-up. Further studies of the mechanisms that determine the course of depression in mild dementia are needed.
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Role of cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) in the patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2012; 54:330-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2011.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Vigliecca NS, Aleman GP. A novel neuropsychological assessment to discriminate between ischemic and nonischemic dementia. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2010; 61:38-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2009.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2009] [Revised: 10/02/2009] [Accepted: 10/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Appel J, Potter E, Bhatia N, Shen Q, Zhao W, Greig MT, Raj A, Barker WW, Potter H, Schofield E, Wu Y, Loewenstein DA, Duara R. Association of white matter hyperintensity measurements on brain MR imaging with cognitive status, medial temporal atrophy, and cardiovascular risk factors. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2009; 30:1870-6. [PMID: 19643919 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a1693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are frequently characterized as markers of cerebrovascular disease, whereas medial temporal atrophy (MTA) is a recognized marker of Alzheimer disease (AD). Our purpose was to test the reliability of a visual rating system (VRS) in evaluating WMHs and MTA and in distinguishing healthy from cognitively impaired subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Subjects (n = 192) enrolled in the Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center were diagnosed with no cognitive impairment, nonamnestic mild cognitive impairment (na-MCI), amnestic MCI (a-MCI), or probable AD. The severity of WMHs was assessed on T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery axial MR images, and the severity of MTA was evaluated on 1.5-mm-thick coronal MR images by using a computer-based visual rating system. Cardiovascular risk factor scores were calculated as the sum of 10 independent cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS WMH and MTA scores were greater in subjects with probable AD, relative to those with no cognitive impairment and na-MCI. MTA scores differentiated subjects with a-MCI from those with no cognitive impairment and na-MCI. The total WMH score was significantly related to MTA (r = 0.39; P < .001) but not to cardiovascular risk factor scores (r = 0.07; P = not significant). The overall correct classification rate of probable AD versus no cognitive impairment by using MTA scores was 81.8%, improving to 86.5% when combined with WMH scores. CONCLUSIONS Both MTA and WMH scores distinguished subjects with no cognitive impairment and probable AD. Combining MTA and WMH scores improved the correct classification rate, whereas WMH scores were significantly related to MTA scores, but not to cardiovascular risk factor scores. This finding suggests that among subjects with a-MCI and probable AD, WMHs on MR images are primarily associated with neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Appel
- Department of Radiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
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Heo JH, Lee ST, Kon Chu, Park HJ, Shim JY, Kim M. White matter hyperintensities and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer disease. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2009; 22:207-12. [PMID: 19433863 DOI: 10.1177/0891988709335800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The effect of white matter lesions in magnetic resonance imaging or vascular atherosclerosis on cognitive function is not fully understood in Alzheimer disease (AD). In this investigation, we examined the influence of white matter lesions on cognitive decline in AD. A total of 142 patients with AD (44 men, mean age 65.7 + 7.6 years; mean education period 7.8 + 5.0 years) were included. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the severities of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) using Fazekas scale. Cognitive functions were determined using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale before acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were administered. Of the 142 patients, 30% (43/142) had no white matter signal abnormality (grade 0). Fourteen percentage (20/142) were grade 1, 42% (59/142) grade 2, and 14% (20/142) were grade 3. Mean K-MMSE scores declined as MRI grades increased to grade 2 and 3 compared to grade 0 (P < .01). Clinical Dementia Ratings were also aggravated by MRI grade. These results remained significant after adjusting for compounding factors affecting cognitive functions; sex, age, number of years in full-time education, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and atrial fibrillation. The presence of WMHs were associated with score of MMSE and CDR impairment in patients with AD. These features could be a correctable factor hastening cognitive decline in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hyeok Heo
- Department of Neurology, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Tabet N, Quinn R, Klugman A. Prevalence and cognitive impact of cerebrovascular findings in Alzheimer's disease: a retrospective, naturalistic study. Int J Clin Pract 2009; 63:338-45. [PMID: 19196375 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01971.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a major risk factor for cognitive decline associated with progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia. The objective of this study was to retrospectively assess the prevalence of CVD and its cognitive impact in patients with AD in everyday clinical practice. METHODS Medical notes were retrospectively reviewed for all individuals who presented at East Sussex Memory Clinic (2004-2008) for investigation of cognitive impairment and had brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of their clinical work-up. Global cognitive status was assessed with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Cambridge Cognitive Examination. The extent of cerebrovascular abnormalities was qualitatively evaluated with MRI. RESULTS Notes were reviewed for 232 patients (109 males, 123 females), mean age 76 years (range 62-93), who underwent MRI. Of these, 167 (72%) patients were diagnosed with AD. CVD was present in 89% of AD patients and 47% of patients had moderate to severe cerebrovascular abnormalities. The majority of patients (57%) had MMSE scores in the 21-26 range, indicative of mild AD. There was a trend towards worse cognitive status in patients with more severe CVD, which did not reach significance. Hachinski Ischaemic score indicated these patients did not have vascular dementia (VaD) (mean +/- standard deviation 1.1 +/- 1.3). CONCLUSION These findings, based on qualitative MRI, indicate that cerebrovascular pathology is a very common associated feature in patients with mild to moderate AD, without VaD. Although the study suggests that CVD does not contribute to cognitive decline, and is not associated with the development of VaD, a non-significant trend was observed towards worsening cognitive status with increasing severity of CVD. The finding of this trend suggests a need for additional research, especially a prospective quantitative method of assessing CVD, to improve our understanding of how CVD contributes to cognitive impairment in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tabet
- Institute of Postgraduate Medicine, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, East Sussex, UK.
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