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Costa C, Nardi Cesarini E, Eusebi P, Franchini D, Casucci P, De Giorgi MF, Calvello C, Paolini Paoletti F, Romoli M, Parnetti L. Incidence and Risk Factors Epilepsy in Patients with Dementia: A Population-Based Study Using Regional Healthcare Databases in Umbria. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:1533-1542. [PMID: 38607757 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231309] [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: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Dementia is prevalent among the elderly, also representing a risk for seizures/epilepsy. Estimations of epilepsy risk in dementia patients are not widely available. Objective Our research aims to ascertain the incidence of epilepsy and its associated risk factors in subjects with dementia in the Umbria region, based on data from healthcare databases. Methods In this retrospective study based on the healthcare administrative database of Umbria, we identified all patients diagnosed with dementia from 2013 to 2017, based on ICD-9-CM codes. For epilepsy ascertainment, we used a validated algorithm that required an EEG and the prescription of one or more anti-seizure medications post-dementia diagnosis. A case-control analysis was conducted, matching five non-dementia subjects by gender and age to each dementia patient. Cox proportional hazards models were then utilized in the analysis. Results We identified 7,314 dementia cases, also including 35,280 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Out of patients with dementia, 148 individuals (2.02%) were diagnosed with epilepsy. We observed a progressive increase in the cumulative incidence of seizures over time, registering 1.45% in the first year following the diagnosis, and rising to 1.96% after three years. Analysis using Cox regression revealed a significant association between the development of epilepsy and dementia (HR = 4.58, 95% CI = 3.67-5.72). Additional risk factors were male gender (HR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.07-1.69) and a younger age at dementia onset (HR = 1.03, 95% CI=1.02-1.04). Conclusions Dementia increases epilepsy risk, especially with early onset and male gender. Clinicians should have a low threshold to suspect seizures in dementia cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Costa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neurology Clinic, University of Perugia, S.M. Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Nardi Cesarini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neurology Clinic, University of Perugia, S.M. Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
- UOC Neurologia, Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, Fano-Pesaro, Italy
| | - Paolo Eusebi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neurology Clinic, University of Perugia, S.M. Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - David Franchini
- Health ICT Service, Regional Health Authority of Umbria, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paola Casucci
- Health ICT Service, Regional Health Authority of Umbria, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Carmen Calvello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neurology Clinic, University of Perugia, S.M. Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
- UOC Neurologia, SM Goretti, Latina, Italy
| | - Federico Paolini Paoletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neurology Clinic, University of Perugia, S.M. Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Michele Romoli
- Neurology and Stroke Unit, Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, Italy
| | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neurology Clinic, University of Perugia, S.M. Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
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Isop LM, Neculau AE, Necula RD, Kakucs C, Moga MA, Dima L. Metformin: The Winding Path from Understanding Its Molecular Mechanisms to Proving Therapeutic Benefits in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1714. [PMID: 38139841 PMCID: PMC10748332 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121714] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a widely prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes, has garnered increasing attention for its potential neuroprotective properties due to the growing demand for treatments for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and motor neuron diseases. This review synthesizes experimental and clinical studies on metformin's mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic benefits for neurodegenerative disorders. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane library, focused on key phrases such as "metformin", "neuroprotection", and "neurodegenerative diseases", with data up to September 2023. Recent research on metformin's glucoregulatory mechanisms reveals new molecular targets, including the activation of the LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway, which is crucial for chronic administration of metformin. The pleiotropic impact may involve other stress kinases that are acutely activated. The precise role of respiratory chain complexes (I and IV), of the mitochondrial targets, or of the lysosomes in metformin effects remains to be established by further research. Research on extrahepatic targets like the gut and microbiota, as well as its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, is crucial for understanding neurodegenerative disorders. Experimental data on animal models shows promising results, but clinical studies are inconclusive. Understanding the molecular targets and mechanisms of its effects could help design clinical trials to explore and, hopefully, prove its therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mihaela Isop
- Department of Fundamental, Prophylactic and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania; (L.M.I.)
| | - Andrea Elena Neculau
- Department of Fundamental, Prophylactic and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania; (L.M.I.)
| | - Radu Dan Necula
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
| | - Cristian Kakucs
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
| | - Marius Alexandru Moga
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
| | - Lorena Dima
- Department of Fundamental, Prophylactic and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania; (L.M.I.)
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Bosco F, Guarnieri L, Rania V, Palma E, Citraro R, Corasaniti MT, Leo A, De Sarro G. Antiseizure Medications in Alzheimer's Disease from Preclinical to Clinical Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12639. [PMID: 37628821 PMCID: PMC10454935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612639] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and epilepsy are common neurological disorders in the elderly. A bi-directional link between these neurological diseases has been reported, with patients with either condition carrying almost a two-fold risk of contracting the other compared to healthy subjects. AD/epilepsy adversely affects patients' quality of life and represents a severe public health problem. Thus, identifying the relationship between epilepsy and AD represents an ongoing challenge and continuing need. Seizures in AD patients are often unrecognized because they are often nonconvulsive and sometimes mimic some behavioral symptoms of AD. Regarding this, it has been hypothesized that epileptogenesis and neurodegeneration share common underlying mechanisms. Targeted treatment to decrease epileptiform activity could represent a valuable strategy for delaying the neurodegenerative process and related cognitive impairment. Several preclinical studies have shown that some antiseizure medications (ASMs) targeting abnormal network hyperexcitability may change the natural progression of AD. However, to date, no guidelines are available for managing seizures in AD patients because of the paucity of randomized clinical trials sufficient for answering the correlated questions. Future AD clinical studies are mandatory to update clinicians about the symptomatic treatment of seizures in AD patients and recognize whether ASM therapy could change the natural progression of the disease, thereby rescuing cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bosco
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Lorenza Guarnieri
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Rania
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.P.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Rita Citraro
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
- System and Applied Pharmacology, University Magna Graecia (FAS@UMG) Research Center, Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Tiziana Corasaniti
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.P.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Antonio Leo
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
- System and Applied Pharmacology, University Magna Graecia (FAS@UMG) Research Center, Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.B.); (L.G.); (V.R.); (R.C.); (G.D.S.)
- System and Applied Pharmacology, University Magna Graecia (FAS@UMG) Research Center, Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Tombini M, Boscarino M, Di Lazzaro V. Tackling seizures in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:1131-1145. [PMID: 37946507 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2278487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In past years, a possible bidirectional link between epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been proposed: if AD patients are more likely to develop epilepsy, people with late-onset epilepsy evidence an increased risk of dementia. Furthermore, current research suggested that subclinical epileptiform discharges may be more frequent in patients with AD and network hyperexcitability may hasten cognitive impairment. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, the authors discuss the recent evidence linking AD and epilepsy as well as seizures semeiology and epileptiform activity observed in patients with AD. Finally, anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and therapeutic trials to tackle seizures and network hyperexcitability in this clinical scenario have been summarized. EXPERT OPINION There is growing experimental evidence demonstrating a strong connection between seizures, neuronal hyperexcitability, and AD. Epilepsy in AD has shown a good response to ASMs both at the late and prodromal stages. The new generation ASMs with fewer cognitive adverse effects seem to be a preferable option. Data on the possible effects of network hyperexcitability and ASMs on AD progression are still inconclusive. Further clinical trials are mandatory to identify clear guidelines about treatment of subclinical epileptiform discharges in patients with AD without seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Tombini
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilisa Boscarino
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurorehabilitation Department, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
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Spitznagel BD, Buchanan RA, Consoli DC, Thibert MK, Bowman AB, Nobis WP, Harrison FE. Acute manganese exposure impairs glutamatergic function in a young mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurotoxicology 2023; 95:1-11. [PMID: 36621467 PMCID: PMC9998360 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal that serves as a cofactor for metalloenzymes important in moderating oxidative stress and the glutamate/glutamine cycle. Mn is typically obtained through the diet, but toxic overexposure can occur through other environmental or occupational exposure routes such as inhalation. Mn is known to accumulate in the brain following exposure and may contribute to the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) even in the absence of acute neurotoxicity. In the present study, we used in vitro primary cell culture, ex vivo slice electrophysiology and in vivo behavioral approaches to determine if Mn-induced changes in glutamatergic signaling may be altered by genetic risk factors for AD neuropathology. Primary cortical astrocytes incubated with Mn exhibited early rapid clearance of glutamate compared to saline treated astrocytes but decreased clearance over longer time periods, with no effect of the AD genotype. Further, we found that in vivo exposure to a subcutaneous subacute, high dose of Mn as manganese chloride tetrahydrate (3 ×50 mg/kg MnCl2·4(H2O) over 7 days) resulted in increased expression of cortical GLAST protein regardless of genotype, with no changes in GLT-1. Hippocampal long-term potentiation was not altered in APP/PSEN1 mice at this age and neither was it disrupted following Mn exposure. Mn exposure did increase sensitivity to seizure onset following treatment with the excitatory agonist kainic acid, with differing responses between APP/PSEN1 and control mice. These results highlight the sensitivity of the glutamatergic system to Mn exposure. Experiments were performed in young adult APP/PSEN1 mice, prior to cognitive decline or accumulation of hallmark amyloid plaque pathology and following subacute exposure to Mn. The data support a role of Mn in pathophysiology of AD in early stages of the disease and support the need to better understand neurological consequences of Mn exposure in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany D Spitznagel
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - David C Consoli
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Megan K Thibert
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - William P Nobis
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Fiona E Harrison
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Yang F, Chen L, Yu Y, Xu T, Chen L, Yang W, Wu Q, Han Y. Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy: An increasingly recognized comorbidity. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:940515. [PMID: 36438002 PMCID: PMC9685172 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.940515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and epilepsy are common chronic diseases in older people. Seizures and epileptiform discharges are very prevalent in AD and can occur since any stage of AD. Increasing evidence indicates that AD and epilepsy may be comorbid. Several factors may be related to the underlying mechanism of the comorbidity. Identifying seizures in patients with AD is a challenge because seizures are often clinically non-motor and may overlap with some AD symptoms. Not only seizures but also epileptiform discharges may exacerbate the cognitive decline in AD patients, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of seizures in AD from multiple aspects to provide more insight.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yanbing Han
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Leo A, Tallarico M, Sciaccaluga M, Citraro R, Costa C. Epilepsy and Alzheimer's Disease: Current Concepts and Treatment Perspective on Two Closely Related Pathologies. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:2029-2033. [PMID: 35524669 PMCID: PMC9886839 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220507020635] [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: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The literature on epileptic seizures in Alzheimer's disease has significantly increased over the past decades. Remarkably, several studies suggest a bi-directional link between these two common neurological diseases, with either condition carrying a nearly 2-fold risk of contracting the other in comparison to healthy subjects. In this respect, evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies indicates that epileptogenesis and neurodegeneration possibly share common underlying mechanisms. However, the precise association between epileptogenesis and neurodegeneration still needs to be fully elucidated. Targeted intervention to reduce abnormal network hyperexcitability might constitute a therapeutic strategy to postpone the onset of later neurodegenerative changes and consequent cognitive decline by many years in patients. By virtue of this, an early diagnosis and treatment of seizures in patients with Alzheimer's disease should be pursued. To date, no guidelines are available for treating epileptic activity in this context, largely due to the paucity of studies sufficient to answer the related questions. Accordingly, clinical trials are mandatory, not only to inform clinicians about symptomatic management of seizures in Alzheimer's disease patients but also to detect if treatment with antiseizure medications could have disease-modifying effects. Moreover, it will be fundamental to expand the application of animal models of Alzheimer's disease to comorbid conditions, such as epilepsy both to reveal the mechanisms underlying seizure onset and to better define their role in cognitive decline. Such models could also be useful to identify pharmacological compounds having therapeutically effectiveness as well as reliable early biomarkers for seizures in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia (FAS@UMG) Research Center, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Martina Tallarico
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia (FAS@UMG) Research Center, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Miriam Sciaccaluga
- Neurology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Santa Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia (FAS@UMG) Research Center, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy; ,Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Science of Health, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa – Germaneto 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; Tel: +39 0961 3694191; Fax: +39 0961 3694192; E-mail:
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Neurology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Santa Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
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Yeh WC, Hsu CY, Li KY, Chien CF, Huang LC, Yang YH. Association between Subclinical Epileptiform Discharge and the Severity of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:305-312. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-220567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Aging is a risk factor for both AD and seizures. Subclinical epileptiform discharge (SED) has no evident clinical manifestation in patients with AD. Therefore, SED is liable to be overlooked in these patients since electroencephalography is not routinely performed in clinical settings. Previous studies about the association between SED and AD have yielded inconsistent results. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of SED and its effect on AD severity and clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients with AD from Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-tung Hospital were included in this study. International 10–20 system scalp electroencephalography for 13 minutes was performed to detect SED. Clinical outcomes of patients with and without SED were assessed by neuropsychological tests [Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SOB)]. Results: 288 patients (mean age 80.5 years, 60.4% female) were enrolled in this study. Fifty-seven (19.8%) out of 288 patients with AD had SED. The prevalence of SED increased with the severity of cognitive impairment. Compared with patients without SED, those with SED showed significantly greater decline in CASI (–9.32 versus –3.52 points, p = 0.0001) and MMSE (–2.52 versus –1.12 points, p = 0.0042) scores in one year. Conclusion: SED may play a significant role in AD progression and is a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chih Yeh
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yao Hsu
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Ying Li
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Fang Chien
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Chun Huang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Han Yang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Bartolini E, Ferrari AR, Lattanzi S, Pradella S, Zaccara G. Drug-resistant epilepsy at the age extremes: Disentangling the underlying etiology. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 132:108739. [PMID: 35636351 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of epilepsy is highest at the extreme age ranges: childhood and elderly age. The most common syndromes in these demographics - self-limited epilepsies of childhood and idiopathic generalized epilepsies in pediatric age, focal epilepsy with structural etiology in older people - are expected to be drug responsive. In this work, we focus on such epilepsy types, overviewing the complex clinical background of unexpected drug-resistance. For self-limited epilepsies of childhood and idiopathic generalized epilepsies, we illustrate drug-resistance resulting from syndrome misinterpretation, reason on possible unexpected courses of epilepsy, and explicate the influence of inappropriate treatments. For elderly-onset epilepsy, we show the challenges in differential diagnosis possibly leading to pseudoresistance and analyze how drug-resistant epilepsy can arise in stroke, neurocognitive disorders, brain tumors, and autoimmune encephalitis. In children and senior people, drug-resistance can be regarded as a hint to review the diagnosis or explore alternative therapeutic strategies. Refractory seizures are not only a therapeutic challenge, but also a cardinal sign not to be overlooked in syndromes commonly deemed to be drug-responsive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Bartolini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Anna Rita Ferrari
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Pradella
- USL Centro Toscana, Neurology Unit, Nuovo Ospedale Santo Stefano, Prato, Italy.
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Ward K, Citrome L. AXS-05: an investigational treatment for Alzheimer's disease-associated agitation. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:773-780. [PMID: 35763451 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2096006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Agitation is common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although nonpharmacologic de-escalation strategies are recommend as first-line treatment, medication is often needed to treat agitation. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for this indication. Psychotropics used to treat agitation include antipsychotics, which are notable for their efficacy but also their potential to cause serious side effects. AXS-05, a combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion, is currently being investigated for this indication. AREAS COVERED This review will discuss the pharmacology of AXS-05 and available clinical trial results from completed Phase I and Phase II/III studies assessing the potential for this compound to treat agitation in patients with AD. Ongoing research investigating AXS-05 for this indication will also be highlighted. Resources used for this review include PubMed, Embase, clinicaltrials.gov, and literature available on the manufacturer's website. EXPERT OPINION Early released clinical trial data indicate that AXS-05 may be a useful option to treat agitation in patients with AD, and that it appears to be generally well tolerated. AXS-05 may be especially helpful for patients with comorbid depression, when considering available data from separate phase III studies assessing the efficacy and safety of this compound in the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Ward
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Leslie Citrome
- Clinical Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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Saggu S, Chen Y, Chen L, Pizarro D, Pati S, Law WJ, McMahon L, Jiao K, Wang Q. A peptide blocking the ADORA1-neurabin interaction is anticonvulsant and inhibits epilepsy in an Alzheimer's model. JCI Insight 2022; 7:155002. [PMID: 35674133 PMCID: PMC9220929 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.155002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epileptic seizures are common sequelae of stroke, acute brain injury, and chronic neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and cannot be effectively controlled in approximately 40% of patients, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic agents. Activation of the A1 receptor (A1R) by endogenous adenosine is an intrinsic mechanism to self-terminate seizures and protect neurons from excitotoxicity. However, targeting A1R for neurological disorders has been hindered by side effects associated with its broad expression outside the nervous system. Here we aim to target the neural-specific A1R/neurabin/regulator of G protein signaling 4 (A1R/neurabin/RGS4) complex that dictates A1R signaling strength and response outcome in the brain. We developed a peptide that blocks the A1R-neurabin interaction to enhance A1R activity. Intracerebroventricular or i.n. administration of this peptide shows marked protection against kainate-induced seizures and neuronal death. Furthermore, in an AD mouse model with spontaneous seizures, nasal delivery of this blocking peptide reduces epileptic spike frequency. Significantly, the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of this peptide are achieved through enhanced A1R function in response to endogenous adenosine in the brain, thus, avoiding side effects associated with A1R activation in peripheral tissues and organs. Our study informs potentially new anti-seizure therapy applicable to epilepsy and other neurological illness with comorbid seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Saggu
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
| | - Yunjia Chen
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
| | - Liping Chen
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
| | | | | | - Wen Jing Law
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
| | - Lori McMahon
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
| | - Kai Jiao
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Qin Wang
- Departments of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
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12
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Chou YH, Sundman M, Ton That V, Green J, Trapani C. Cortical excitability and plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of transcranial magnetic stimulation studies. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 79:101660. [PMID: 35680080 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique. When stimulation is applied over the primary motor cortex and coupled with electromyography measures, TMS can probe functions of cortical excitability and plasticity in vivo. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the utility of TMS-derived measures for differentiating patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from cognitively normal older adults (CN). METHODS Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Medline, and CINAHL Plus from inception to July 2021. RESULTS Sixty-one studies with a total of 2728 participants (1454 patients with AD, 163 patients with MCI, and 1111 CN) were included. Patients with AD showed significantly higher cortical excitability, lower cortical inhibition, and impaired cortical plasticity compared to the CN cohorts. Patients with MCI exhibited increased cortical excitability and reduced plasticity compared to the CN cohort. Additionally, lower cognitive performance was significantly associated with higher cortical excitability and lower inhibition. No seizure events due to TMS were reported, and the mild adverse response rate is approximately 3/1000 (i.e., 9/2728). CONCLUSIONS Findings of our meta-analysis demonstrate the potential of using TMS-derived cortical excitability and plasticity measures as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD and MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hui Chou
- Brain Imaging and TMS Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA; Evelyn F McKnight Brain Institute, Arizona Center on Aging, and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA.
| | - Mark Sundman
- Brain Imaging and TMS Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Viet Ton That
- Brain Imaging and TMS Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Jacob Green
- Brain Imaging and TMS Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Chrisopher Trapani
- Brain Imaging and TMS Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
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13
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Rummel NG, Butterfield DA. Altered Metabolism in Alzheimer Disease Brain: Role of Oxidative Stress. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:1289-1305. [PMID: 34416829 PMCID: PMC9229240 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Alzheimer disease (AD) is an all-too-common condition in the aging population. However, aging does not automatically equal neurodegeneration and memory decline. Recent Advances: This review article involves metabolic changes in the AD brain that are related to oxidative stress. Selected pathways are identified as potential targets for intervention in AD. Critical Issues: One of the main factors of AD is the oxidative imbalance within the central nervous system, causing a disruption in metabolic processes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a natural consequence of many cellular processes, especially those associated with mitochondria, such as the electron transport chain. Some ROS, when kept under control and maintained at reasonable levels, often play roles in cell signaling. The cellular damage of ROS arises when oxidative imbalance occurs, in which case ROS are not controlled, leading to a myriad of alterations in cellular metabolic processes. These altered pathways include, among others, dysfunctional glycolysis, calcium regulation, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial processes, and mammalian target of rapamycin pathway dysregulation. Future Directions: Understanding how ROS can lead to these alterations can, ideally, elucidate therapeutic options for retarding AD progression in the aging population. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 1289-1305.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole G Rummel
- Department of Chemistry and University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - D Allan Butterfield
- Department of Chemistry and University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.,Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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14
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Mechanisms Involved in Epileptogenesis in Alzheimer's Disease and Their Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084307. [PMID: 35457126 PMCID: PMC9030029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease (AD) incidence increases with age. There are reciprocal relationships between epilepsy and AD. Epilepsy is a risk factor for AD and, in turn, AD is an independent risk factor for developing epilepsy in old age, and abnormal AD biomarkers in PET and/or CSF are frequently found in late-onset epilepsies of unknown etiology. Accordingly, epilepsy and AD share pathophysiological processes, including neuronal hyperexcitability and an early excitatory-inhibitory dysregulation, leading to dysfunction in the inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic systems. Moreover, both β-amyloid and tau protein aggregates, the anatomopathological hallmarks of AD, have proepileptic effects. Finally, these aggregates have been found in the resection material of refractory temporal lobe epilepsies, suggesting that epilepsy leads to amyloid and tau aggregates. Some epileptic syndromes, such as medial temporal lobe epilepsy, share structural and functional neuroimaging findings with AD, leading to overlapping symptomatology, such as episodic memory deficits and toxic synergistic effects. In this respect, the existence of epileptiform activity and electroclinical seizures in AD appears to accelerate the progression of cognitive decline, and the presence of cognitive decline is much more prevalent in epileptic patients than in elderly patients without epilepsy. Notwithstanding their clinical significance, the diagnosis of clinical seizures in AD is a challenge. Most are focal and manifest with an altered level of consciousness without motor symptoms, and are often interpreted as cognitive fluctuations. Finally, despite the frequent association of epilepsy and AD dementia, there is a lack of clinical trials to guide the use of antiseizure medications (ASMs). There is also a potential role for ASMs to be used as disease-modifying drugs in AD.
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15
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Foliaki ST, Schwarz B, Groveman BR, Walters RO, Ferreira NC, Orrù CD, Smith A, Wood A, Schmit OM, Freitag P, Yuan J, Zou W, Bosio CM, Carroll JA, Haigh CL. Neuronal excitatory-to-inhibitory balance is altered in cerebral organoid models of genetic neurological diseases. Mol Brain 2021; 14:156. [PMID: 34635127 PMCID: PMC8507222 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00864-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuro-physiological properties of individuals with genetic pre-disposition to neurological disorders are largely unknown. Here we aimed to explore these properties using cerebral organoids (COs) derived from fibroblasts of individuals with confirmed genetic mutations including PRNPE200K, trisomy 21 (T21), and LRRK2G2019S, which are associated with Creutzfeldt Jakob disease, Down Syndrome, and Parkinson's disease. We utilized no known disease/healthy COs (HC) as normal function controls. At 3-4 and 6-10 months post-differentiation, COs with mutations showed no evidence of disease-related pathology. Electrophysiology assessment showed that all COs exhibited mature neuronal firing at 6-10 months old. At this age, we observed significant changes in the electrophysiology of the COs with disease-associated mutations (dCOs) as compared with the HC, including reduced neuronal network communication, slowing neuronal oscillations, and increased coupling of delta and theta phases to the amplitudes of gamma oscillations. Such changes were linked with the detection of hypersynchronous events like spike-and-wave discharges. These dysfunctions were associated with altered production and release of neurotransmitters, compromised activity of excitatory ionotropic receptors including receptors of kainate, AMPA, and NMDA, and changed levels and function of excitatory glutamatergic synapses and inhibitory GABAergic synapses. Neuronal properties that modulate GABAergic inhibition including the activity of Na-K-Cl cotransport 1 (NKCC1) in Cl- homeostasis and the levels of synaptic and extra-synaptic localization of GABA receptors (GABARs) were altered in the T21 COs only. The neurosteroid allopregnanolone, a positive modulator of GABARs, was downregulated in all the dCOs. Treatment with this neurosteroid significantly improved the neuronal communication in the dCOs, possibly through improving the GABAergic inhibition. Overall, without the manifestation of any disease-related pathology, the genetic mutations PRNPE200K, T21, and LRRK2G2019S significantly altered the neuronal network communication in dCOs by disrupting the excitatory-to-inhibitory balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simote T Foliaki
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Benjamin Schwarz
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Bradley R Groveman
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Ryan O Walters
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Natalia C Ferreira
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Christina D Orrù
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Anna Smith
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Aleksandar Wood
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Olivia M Schmit
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Phoebe Freitag
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Jue Yuan
- Departments of Pathology and Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Wenquan Zou
- Departments of Pathology and Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Catharine M Bosio
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - James A Carroll
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Cathryn L Haigh
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
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16
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Price BR, Johnson LA, Norris CM. Reactive astrocytes: The nexus of pathological and clinical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 68:101335. [PMID: 33812051 PMCID: PMC8168445 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte reactivity is a hallmark of neuroinflammation that arises with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and nearly every other neurodegenerative condition. While astrocytes certainly contribute to classic inflammatory processes (e.g. cytokine release, waste clearance, and tissue repair), newly emerging technologies for measuring and targeting cell specific activities in the brain have uncovered essential roles for astrocytes in synapse function, brain metabolism, neurovascular coupling, and sleep/wake patterns. In this review, we use a holistic approach to incorporate, and expand upon, classic neuroinflammatory concepts to consider how astrocyte dysfunction/reactivity modulates multiple pathological and clinical hallmarks of AD. Our ever-evolving understanding of astrocyte signaling in neurodegeneration is not only revealing new drug targets and treatments for dementia but is suggesting we reimagine AD pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittani R Price
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Lance A Johnson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY, 40356, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY, 40356, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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17
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Adan G, Mitchell JW, Ziso B, Larner AJ. Diagnosis and Management of Seizures in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-020-00656-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Brown M, Tolson D, Ritchie L. Changing needs in advanced dementia. Nurs Older People 2020; 32:e1204. [PMID: 32431132 DOI: 10.7748/nop.2020.e1204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This is the first article in a six-part series in Nursing Older People exploring the nursing care of people living with advanced dementia. This article discusses the changes that may occur as dementia progresses, from the perspective of the individual, their family and other carers. A person living with advanced dementia is likely to experience physical, cognitive and social changes that can be profound and debilitating. Healthcare needs intensify as new and co-existing issues result in increasing dependency on others for support with activities of daily living. These activities can include eating, drinking, mobility and personal care. Consequently, family carers may find their role has to develop and change to provide increasing support in response to these complex needs. These increasing needs can result in care transitions to hospitals or care homes. Careful and collaborative management of care is crucial to maintain quality of life for the person with dementia and family carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Brown
- Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, Scotland
| | - Debbie Tolson
- Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, Scotland
| | - Louise Ritchie
- Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, Scotland
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19
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Horvath A, Kiss M, Szucs A, Kamondi A. Precuneus-Dominant Degeneration of Parietal Lobe Is at Risk of Epilepsy in Mild Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurol 2019; 10:878. [PMID: 31507508 PMCID: PMC6713905 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of cognitive decline. Epilepsy is a frequent comorbid condition of AD. While previous studies analyzed the risk factors of AD-related epileptic seizures, we still lack biomarkers of epilepsy in mild AD cases. Purpose: The aim of our study was to analyze the correlations between neuropsychology, cortical thickness, and brain volumetric measurements in mild Alzheimer patients with concomitant epileptic seizures. Materials and methods: We selected mild AD patients from our database to examine them with structural magnetic resonance imaging, 24 h electroencephalography, and detailed neuropsychology. We made the diagnosis of epilepsy based on epileptology data including neurophysiology. We retrospectively analyzed the neuropsychology pattern, clinical and epidemiologic features, cortical thickness, and volumetric values of mild AD patients with and without overt clinical seizures using covariance weighted general linear model. Results: We found epileptic seizures in 26% of mild AD patients. Patients with seizures performed worse in visuo-spatial scores than patients without (p = 0.003). Patients with seizures had smaller parietal thickness (p = 0.018), being associated to reduced thickness of left (p = 0.007), and right precunei (p = 0.005). The visuo-spatial performance positively and strongly correlated with the thickness of the parietal lobe (r = 0.67; p = 0.002) and with the volume of the precuneus (r = 0.612; p = 0.005). Conclusion: Epileptic seizures are common even in mild AD. We found that a prominent deficit in visuo-spatial skills is a red flag for epileptic seizures in the initial phase of AD, indicating the early involvement of parietal lobe in the neurodegenerative process. Because our findings suggest that the degeneration of precuneus is a sensitive marker of seizures associated to mild AD, clinicians need to pay special attention to the pattern of atrophy shown by structural MRI. Our results confirm previous data suggesting that epileptic seizures might be associated to a faster progressing type of AD with the early degeneration of posterior cortical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Horvath
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Anatomy Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mate Kiss
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Szucs
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anita Kamondi
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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20
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H S N, Paudel YN, K L K. Envisioning the neuroprotective effect of Metformin in experimental epilepsy: A portrait of molecular crosstalk. Life Sci 2019; 233:116686. [PMID: 31348946 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate and aggravate epileptic seizures affecting around 1% of global population making it a serious health concern. Despite the recent advances in epilepsy research, no disease-modifying treatment able to terminate epileptogenesis have been reported yet reflecting the complexity in understanding the disease pathogenesis. To overcome the current treatment gap against epilepsy, one effective approach is to explore anti-epileptic effects from a drug that are approved to treat non-epileptic diseases. In this regard, Metformin emerged as an ideal candidate which is a first line treatment option for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has conferred neuroprotection in several in vivo neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's diseases (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Stroke, Huntington's diseases (HD) including epilepsy. In addition, Metformin has ameliorated cognitive alteration, learning and memory induced by epilepsy as well as in animal model of AD. Herein, we review the promising findings demonstrated upon Metformin treatment against animal model of epilepsy however, the precise underlying mechanism of anti-epileptic potential of Metformin is not well understood. However, there is a growing understanding that Metformin demonstrates its anti-epileptic effect mainly via ameliorating brain oxidative damage, activation of AMPK, inhibition of mTOR pathway, downregulation of α-synuclein, reducing apoptosis, downregulation of BDNF and TrkB level. These reflects that Metformin being non-anti-epileptic drug (AED) has a potential to ameliorate the cellular pathways that were impaired in epilepsy reflecting its therapeutical potential against epileptic seizure that might plausibly overcome the limitations of today epilepsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini H S
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Yam Nath Paudel
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Krishna K L
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagara, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India.
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21
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Bjekić J, Vulić K, Živanović M, Vujičić J, Ljubisavljević M, Filipović SR. The immediate and delayed effects of single tDCS session over posterior parietal cortex on face-word associative memory. Behav Brain Res 2019; 366:88-95. [PMID: 30880221 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Associative memory (AM), an ability to form and retrieve associations between information units is crucial for everyday functioning and is affected by aging as well as by different neurological conditions. It was shown that rTMS over posterior parietal cortex (PPC) can improve AM of face-word pairs. Therefore, we examined if tDCS will produce comparable effects and explore whether the effect would persist one and five days following the stimulation. Thirty-seven healthy participants took part in cross-over sham-controlled study in which they received 20 min of anodal (1.5 mA) or sham tDCS over left PPC. Following tDCS participants completed face-cued word recall and verbal fluency tasks. A randomly selected subsample (N = 18) has completed follow up memory assessments one and five days after the stimulation. Anodal tDCS facilitated AM performance in comparison to sham with the same trend persisting during the 5-day follow-up period. Additionally, participants with lower AM scores had higher relative gain following anodal tDCS. Anodal tDCS had no effect on the control task (verbal fluency). Results support the existence of a specific enhancing effect on AM produced by facilitatory neuromodulation of the PPC. The effect was more prominent in low-performers and it persisted at least 5 days post-stimulation. These findings support the robustness of tDCS effect on AM and provide a foundation for future research that could lead to its future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Bjekić
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Medical Research, Dr. Subotića 4, P.O. Box 102, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Katarina Vulić
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Medical Research, Dr. Subotića 4, P.O. Box 102, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, Čika Ljubina 18-20, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Živanović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, Čika Ljubina 18-20, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Vujičić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, Čika Ljubina 18-20, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miloš Ljubisavljević
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Medical Research, Dr. Subotića 4, P.O. Box 102, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia; UAE University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Physiology, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saša R Filipović
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Medical Research, Dr. Subotića 4, P.O. Box 102, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia
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