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Mendez MF, Sheppard A, Chavez D, Holiday KA. Jargonaphasia in logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia. J Neurol Sci 2023; 453:120779. [PMID: 37660525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120779] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA), which is most commonly an early onset variant of Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a progressive impairment in word retrieval and language expression. Clinicians often misdiagnose these patients when they present with severely unintelligible speech consistent with jargonaphasia. METHODS We reviewed all patients presenting to a behavioral neurology program over a 23-year period who met criteria for lvPPA after completion of an evaluation extending to positron emission tomography (PET) of the brain. Among these lvPPA patients, we additionally identified and characterized those whose presentation involved incomprehensible yet fluent verbal output. RESULTS Out of 95 patients with lvPPA, 9 (9.47%) had jargonaphasia on presentation. These patients differed from the remaining 86 patients in lacking awareness or concern for their impaired communication, having worse mental status scale scores, greater auditory comprehension difficulty, and more bilateral temporo-parietal hypometabolism. In addition, 44.4% of those with jargonaphasia, compared to 14% of those without, were bi/multilingual. CONCLUSION Nearly 1 in 10 patients with lvPPA present with severely unintelligible speech. These patients have disease extending to bilateral temporoparietal areas affecting language comprehension and disease awareness. Jargonaphasia can be a confusing presentation of AD and must be differentiated from other progressive aphasias, Wernicke's aphasia, and the word salad of "schizoaphasia".
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario F Mendez
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), USA; Neurology Service, Neurobehavior Unit, V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, USA.
| | - Alexander Sheppard
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), USA.
| | - Diana Chavez
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), USA; Neurology Service, Neurobehavior Unit, V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, USA.
| | - Kelsey A Holiday
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), USA; Neurology Service, Neurobehavior Unit, V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, USA.
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Bertrand E, Marinho V, Naylor R, Bomilcar I, Laks J, Spector A, Mograbi DC. Metacognitive Improvements Following Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for People with Dementia: Evidence from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Gerontol 2023; 46:267-276. [PMID: 36482733 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2022.2155283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Impaired self-awareness is a common feature of dementia, with considerable clinical impact. Some therapeutic strategies such as cognitive stimulation and psychotherapy have been suggested to mitigate loss of awareness. Nevertheless, evidence of intervention improving awareness of deficits is scarce. The present study aims to explore the impact of a Brazilian adapted version of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST-Brasil), an evidence-based psychosocial intervention for people with dementia (PwD), on the level of awareness, reporting here a secondary outcome of a pilot randomized controlled trial. METHODS 47 people with mild to moderate dementia attending an out-patient unit were randomly allocated to CST (n = 23) or treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 24) across 7 weeks, in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Awareness was measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS Results indicated that people in both groups increased in overall awareness of the disease, but only those receiving CST exhibited improvements of awareness of cognitive ability. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that CST may also improve metacognitive abilities in PwD, which could potentially be applied to other settings with beneficial effects. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Considering the negative impacts of anosognosia, CST-led improvements in awareness have the potential to benefit PwD and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Bertrand
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition (LMC2 UR7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Valeska Marinho
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renata Naylor
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Iris Bomilcar
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jerson Laks
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Translational Biomedicine Postgraduate Programme, Universidade do Grande Rio (Unigranrio), Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Aimee Spector
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel C Mograbi
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Psychology & Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
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Dufour I, Vedel I, Quesnel-Vallée A. Identification of Major Cognitive Disorders in Self-Reported versus Administrative Health Data: A Cohort Study in Quebec. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 89:1091-1101. [PMID: 35964188 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220327] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first imperative in producing the relevant and needed knowledge about major neurocognitive disorder (MNCD) is to identify people presenting with the condition adequately. To document potential disparities between administrative health databases and population-based surveys could help identify specific challenges in this population and methodological shortfalls. OBJECTIVE To describe and compare the characteristics of community-dwelling older adults according to four groups: 1) No MNCD; 2) Self-reported MNCD only; 3) MNCD in administrative health data only; 4) MNCD in both self-reported and administrative health data. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used the Care Trajectories-Enriched Data (TorSaDE) cohort, a linkage between five waves of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) and health administrative health data. We included older adults living in the community who participated in at least one cycle of the CCHS. We reported on positive and negative MNCD in self-reported versus administrative health data. We then compared groups' characteristics using chi-square tests and ANOVA. RESULTS The study cohort was composed of 25,125 older adults, of which 784 (3.12%) had MNCD. About 70% of people with an MNCD identified in administrative health data did not report it in the CCHS. The four groups present specific challenges related to the importance of perception, timely diagnosis, and the caregivers' roles in reporting health information. CONCLUSION To a certain degree, both data sources fail to consider subgroups experiencing issues related to MNCD; studies like ours provide insight to understand their characteristics and needs better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Dufour
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, andOccupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Vedel
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
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Valotassiou V, Sifakis N, Tzavara C, Lykou E, Tsinia N, Kamtsadeli V, Sali D, Angelidis G, Psimadas D, Theodorou E, Tsougos I, Papageorgiou SG, Georgoulias P, Papatriantafyllou J. Anosognosia in Dementia: Evaluation of Perfusion Correlates Using 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT and Automated Brodmann Areas Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051136. [PMID: 35626292 PMCID: PMC9140080 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Considerable inconsistency exists regarding the neural substrates of anosognosia in dementia in previous neuroimaging studies. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of anosognosia perfusion correlates across various types of dementia using automated Brodmann areas (BAs) analysis and comparison with a database of normal subjects. (2) Methods: We studied 72 patients: 32 with Alzheimer’s disease, 26 with frontotemporal dementia—FTD (12 behavioral FTD, 9 semantic FTD, 5 Progressive Non-Fluent Aphasia), 11 with corticobasal syndrome, and 3 with progressive supranuclear palsy. Addenbrook’s Cognitive Examination—Revised (ACE-R) mean(±SD) was 55.6(±22.8). For anosognosia measurement, the Anosognosia Questionnaire—Dementia was used. Total anosognosia score mean(±SD) was 22.1(±17.9), cognitive anosognosia score mean(±SD) was 18.1(±15.1) and behavioral–mood anosognosia score mean(±SD) was 3.3(±4.7). (3) Results: Higher anosognosia total score was associated with hypoperfusion in the inferior temporal, anterior cingulate, and inferior frontal cortices of the right hemisphere (BAs 20R, 24R, 32R, 45R). Higher anosognosia cognitive score was correlated with hypoperfusion in the left middle and anterior temporal cortices, and right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (BAs 21L, 22L, 32R). No association was found with behavioral–mood anosognosia. (4) Conclusions: Automated analysis of brain perfusion Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography could be useful for the investigation of anosognosia neural correlates in dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Valotassiou
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (C.T.); (G.A.); (D.P.); (E.T.); (P.G.)
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +30-2413502916; Fax: +302413501851
| | - Nikolaos Sifakis
- Nuclear Medicine Department, “Alexandra” General Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Chara Tzavara
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (C.T.); (G.A.); (D.P.); (E.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Evi Lykou
- 3rd Age Day Care Center, IASIS, 16562 Athens, Greece; (E.L.); (V.K.); (J.P.)
| | - Niki Tsinia
- 1st University Psychiatric Department, Aeginition Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Vasiliki Kamtsadeli
- 3rd Age Day Care Center, IASIS, 16562 Athens, Greece; (E.L.); (V.K.); (J.P.)
| | - Dimitra Sali
- Neurology Department, Evrokliniki, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Angelidis
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (C.T.); (G.A.); (D.P.); (E.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Dimitrios Psimadas
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (C.T.); (G.A.); (D.P.); (E.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Eudoxia Theodorou
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (C.T.); (G.A.); (D.P.); (E.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Ioannis Tsougos
- Medical Physics Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | | | - Panagiotis Georgoulias
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (C.T.); (G.A.); (D.P.); (E.T.); (P.G.)
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - John Papatriantafyllou
- 3rd Age Day Care Center, IASIS, 16562 Athens, Greece; (E.L.); (V.K.); (J.P.)
- Memory Disorders Clinic, Medical Center, 15125 Athens, Greece
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Alexander CM, Martyr A, Clare L. Changes in awareness of condition in people with mild-to-moderate dementia: Longitudinal findings from the IDEAL cohort. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 37:10.1002/gps.5702. [PMID: 35294792 PMCID: PMC9314100 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Awareness of difficulties shown by people with dementia is known to vary, but few studies have explored changes in awareness over time. Investigating this could further the understanding of surrounding concepts and reasons for impaired awareness. Recognising emerging or diminishing awareness could facilitate discussions about diagnosis and appropriate post-diagnostic support. METHODS Using longitudinal data from the Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life (IDEAL) cohort, awareness in community-dwelling people with mild-to-moderate dementia was assessed at three timepoints over 2 years. A validated checklist was used to evaluate awareness of difficulties associated with dementia. We examined changes in awareness for people with low awareness at baseline, and used case-matching to describe differences in characteristics between people who gained awareness, and those who continued with low awareness. RESULTS At baseline, 83 people from a sample of 917 showed low awareness. The majority of those remaining in the study at later timepoints had gained awareness, some as late as four or more years after diagnosis. Case-matched comparisons revealed few distinguishing characteristics: cases with stable low awareness had similar or better cognitive and functional ability than those who gained and retained awareness at 12 and 24 months, but may have had more co-morbidities. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported awareness of difficulties can change and may increase over time in people with mild-to-moderate dementia. There may be individual reasons for ongoing low awareness, not explained by cognitive or functional ability. This challenges the view that a single record of low awareness represents a fixed disease-related symptom, and highlights the complex, individual and dynamic nature of awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M. Alexander
- REACH: The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, South Cloisters, St Luke's CampusExeterUK
| | - Anthony Martyr
- REACH: The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, South Cloisters, St Luke's CampusExeterUK
| | - Linda Clare
- REACH: The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, South Cloisters, St Luke's CampusExeterUK
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration South‐West PeninsulaExeterUK
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Mayelle A, Hazebrouck C, El Haj M, Mograbi DC, Antoine P. Awareness for People With Alzheimer’s Disease: Profiles and Weekly Trajectories. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:781426. [PMID: 35095469 PMCID: PMC8792992 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.781426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To understand awareness and fluctuations of awareness in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it is fruitful to consider the objects of awareness, e.g., cognitive functioning or recognition of the disease, as well as the mechanisms and modes of expression underlying awareness. With a holistic and discourse-centered approach, we aimed to identify different awareness profiles and test whether these profiles were stable or whether transitions from one profile to another occurred over short time intervals. Methods: Twenty-eight residents of nursing homes with a diagnosis of AD participated in four semistructured interviews at biweekly intervals. These interviews were cluster analyzed to determine profiles of awareness. A Markov chain was applied to model their fluctuation. Results: Five awareness profiles were observed that differed in terms of objects and underlying processes. Awareness proved to be quite stable for four of the five profiles. Interindividual variability in awareness was also observed through numerous different trajectories that were identified. Discussion: Self-awareness and disease awareness are characterized by profiles that vary subtly between individuals. Fluctuations in awareness underscore the need to employ assessment intervals that closely reflect daily life in institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Mayelle
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193—SCALab—Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, Lille, France
| | - Capucine Hazebrouck
- Etablissements Pour Personnes Âgées Dépendantes La Colombe, Roncq and L’Orée du Monde, Halluin, France
| | - Mohamad El Haj
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, Laboratoire de Psychologie des Pays de la Loire (LPPL—EA 4638), Nantes, France
- Unité de Gériatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Tourcoing, Tourcoing, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Daniel C. Mograbi
- Pontifical Catholic University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pascal Antoine
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193—SCALab—Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, Lille, France
- *Correspondence: Pascal Antoine,
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Alexander CM, Martyr A, Gamble LD, Savage SA, Quinn C, Morris RG, Collins R, Clare L. Does awareness of condition help people with mild-to-moderate dementia to live well? Findings from the IDEAL programme. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:511. [PMID: 34563135 PMCID: PMC8467163 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02468-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People living with dementia vary in awareness of their abilities. We explored awareness of the condition and diagnosis in people with mild-to-moderate dementia, and how this relates to quality of life, well-being, life satisfaction, and caregiver stress. Methods This study was a cross-sectional exploratory analysis of data from the IDEAL cohort, which recruited people with dementia living at home and available caregivers from 29 research sites in Great Britain. Our study included 917 people with mild-to-moderate dementia and 755 carers. Low and high awareness groups were derived from self-reported responses to a dementia representation measure. Logistic regression was used to explore predictors of awareness of condition and diagnosis using demographic, cognitive, functional and psychological measures, and the relationship with quality of life, well-being and life satisfaction (‘living well’), and caregiver stress. Results There were 83 people with low awareness of their condition. The remaining 834 people showed some awareness and 103 of these had high awareness of their condition and diagnosis. Psychosocial factors were stronger predictors of awareness than cognitive and functional ability. Those with higher awareness reported lower mood, and lower scores on indices of living well as well as lower optimism, self-efficacy and self-esteem. Low awareness was more likely in those aged 80y and above, and living in more socially deprived areas. No relationship was seen between caregiver stress and awareness. Conclusions Awareness of the condition and diagnosis varies in people with mild-to-moderate dementia and is relevant to the capability to live well. Awareness should be considered in person-centered clinical care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02468-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Alexander
- REACH: The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, South Cloisters, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK.
| | - Anthony Martyr
- REACH: The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, South Cloisters, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Laura D Gamble
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sharon A Savage
- School of Psychology, The University of Newcastle, Australia, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Catherine Quinn
- Centre for Applied Dementia Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Robin G Morris
- Department of Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Rachel Collins
- REACH: The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, South Cloisters, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Linda Clare
- REACH: The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, South Cloisters, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration South-West Peninsula, Exeter, UK
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Functional connectivity differences in Alzheimer's disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment associated with AT(N) classification and anosognosia. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 101:22-39. [PMID: 33561787 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's continuum biological profiles (A+T-N-, A+T+N-, A+T-N+, and A+T+N+) were established in the 2018 National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association research framework for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aim to assess the relation between AT(N) biomarker profiles and brain functional connectivity (FC) and assess the neural correlates of anosognosia. We assessed local functional coupling and between-network connectivity through between-group intrinsic local correlation and independent component analyses. The neural correlates of anosognosia were assessed via voxel-wise linear regression analysis in prodromal AD. Statistical significance for the FC analysis was set at p ≤ 0.05 false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected for cluster size. One hundred and twenty-one and 73 participants were included in the FC and the anosognosia analysis, respectively. The FC in the default mode network is greater in prodromal AD than AD with dementia (i.e., local correlation: T = 8.26, p-FDR < 0.001, k = 1179; independent component analysis: cerebellar network, T = 4.01, p-FDR = 0.0012, k = 493). The default mode network is persistently affected in the early stages of Alzheimer's biological continuum. The anterior cingulate cortex (T = 2.52, p-FDR = 0.043, k = 704) is associated with anosognosia in prodromal AD.
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Azocar I, Livingston G, Huntley J. The Association Between Impaired Awareness and Depression, Anxiety, and Apathy in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:633081. [PMID: 33613344 PMCID: PMC7889585 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.633081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Impaired awareness of cognitive and functional deficits is a common feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although a lack of awareness has been suggested to be a protective factor against experiencing affective symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and apathy which are common in AD, there is conflicting evidence about the links between them. This systematic review examines the evidence for an association between impaired awareness and depressive, anxiety, and apathy symptoms in mild to moderate AD. Method: We searched four databases (OvidMedline, Embase, PsycInfo, and PsycArticles) using terms encompassing awareness, apathy, depression, anxiety, and mild-moderate AD. We included studies that assessed the relationship between awareness and depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, or apathy. We assessed included papers for quality and report results using a narrative approach, prioritizing high quality studies. Results: We identified 1,544 articles, and twenty-seven studies fulfilled inclusion criteria (high-quality = 15; moderate-quality = 12). Most high-quality studies reported that impaired awareness in early-stage AD is cross-sectionally linked with fewer depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms (correlation ranged from -0.3 to -0.7), but with more apathy. Conclusions: High-quality studies suggested that in people with early AD, impaired awareness is related to fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms and to more apathy. Future research should focus on elucidating causality among impaired awareness and these symptoms in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacia Azocar
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Huntley
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Jordan A, Bleakley A, Harkins K, Hailu T, Cassidy K, Hachey S, Karlawish J. "Together Make a Visit; Together Make a Plan": Messaging to Adult Children with Concerns about a Parent's Memory Loss. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 35:512-523. [PMID: 30706743 PMCID: PMC7237954 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2019.1570428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Using the integrative model (IM), we developed and tested messages to encourage adults to accompany their parent to a memory doctor for a cognitive evaluation. We conducted in-depth interviews (n = 60) with African American and White adults with a parent age 65+ to identify key beliefs. Next, we carried out an IM-based telephone survey with a representative sample of the target population (n = 541). Analyses revealed that attitudes varied depending on the gender of the parent. Resulting messages featuring mothers countered the fear of hearing bad news and the belief that mother does not want to be accompanied to the doctor's office. Messages featuring fathers highlighted the belief that attending a doctor's visit will provide father emotional support. We subsequently tested messages with focus group participants (n = 48) and refined them. This study advances our understanding of opportunities to communicate about memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia, in ways that encourage a behavioral action that will benefit older adults and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Jordan
- School of Communication and Information Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
| | - Amy Bleakley
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania
| | | | - Tigist Hailu
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Kyle Cassidy
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania
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d'Oleire Uquillas F, Jacobs HIL, Schultz AP, Hanseeuw BJ, Buckley RF, Sepulcre J, Pascual-Leone A, Donovan NJ, Johnson KA, Sperling RA, Vannini P. Functional and Pathological Correlates of Judgments of Learning in Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:1974-1983. [PMID: 31696223 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Judgments of learning (JOL) pertain to introspective metamemory processes evaluating how well information is learned. Using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task, we investigated the neural substrates of JOL predictions in a group of 105 cognitively unimpaired older adults from the Harvard Aging Brain Study. Associations of JOL performance and its neural correlates with amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathology, two proteinopathies associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and aging, were also examined. We found that trials judged as learned well relative to trials judged as learned less well (high JOL > low JOL) engaged the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and precuneus, among other midline regions, in addition to bilateral hippocampi. In this cohort of older adults, greater levels of entorhinal tau deposition were associated with overestimation of memory performance and with lower fMRI signal in midline regions during predicted memory success. No associations with Aβ were found. The findings suggest that tau pathology in unimpaired older adults may play a role in altered metamemory processes. We discuss our findings in light of the hypothesis that JOLs are partially dependent on a process involving attempts to retrieve a correct answer from memory, as well as implications for clinical research investigating unawareness of memory performance (i.e., anosognosia) in patients with AD dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi I L Jacobs
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Aaron P Schultz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Bernard J Hanseeuw
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Department of Neurology, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rachel F Buckley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Florey Institutes of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 3010 Melbourne, Australia.,Melbourne School of Psychological Science, University of Melbourne, 3010 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jorge Sepulcre
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.,Department of Radiology, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research and the Center for Memory Health at Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA 02131, USA
| | - Nancy J Donovan
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Keith A Johnson
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Reisa A Sperling
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Patrizia Vannini
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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12
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Wibawa P, Zombor R, Dragovic M, Hayhow B, Lee J, Panegyres PK, Rock D, Starkstein SE. Anosognosia Is Associated With Greater Caregiver Burden and Poorer Executive Function in Huntington Disease. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2020; 33:52-58. [PMID: 31213121 DOI: 10.1177/0891988719856697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anosognosia, or unawareness of one's deficits, is estimated to occur in 25% to 50% of Huntington disease (HD). The relationship between anosognosia and increased caregiver burden found in other dementias has not been determined in HD. METHODS Patient-caregiver dyads presenting to a statewide HD clinic were assessed using the Anosognosia Scale and grouped into "anosognosia" and "no anosognosia." Caregiver burden, measured by Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), demographic data, and Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale, including Mini-Mental State Examination, Stroop, Trail Making, Verbal Fluency, and Symbol Digit Modalities Tests, were compared between groups. RESULTS Of the 38 patients recruited, 10 (26.3%) met criteria for anosognosia. Patients with anosognosia elicited higher caregiver burden ratings on both the ZBI (mean difference 16.4 [12.1], P < .001) and CBI (16.7 [15.0], P < .005) while also demonstrating poorer executive function. Except for CAG burden score, between-group characteristics did not differ significantly. Stroop Interference predicted both anosognosia and caregiver burden. CONCLUSIONS In HD, anosognosia is associated with greater caregiver burden and executive deficits. Its occurrence should prompt further patient assessment and increased caregiver support.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Wibawa
- Neurosciences Unit, North Metropolitan Health Service-Mental Health, Perth, Australia.,Clinical Research Centre, North Metropolitan Health Service-Mental Health, Perth, Australia
| | - R Zombor
- Neurosciences Unit, North Metropolitan Health Service-Mental Health, Perth, Australia
| | - M Dragovic
- Clinical Research Centre, North Metropolitan Health Service-Mental Health, Perth, Australia.,The University of Western Australia, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Perth, Australia
| | - B Hayhow
- Neurosciences Unit, North Metropolitan Health Service-Mental Health, Perth, Australia.,The University of Western Australia, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Perth, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, Australia
| | - J Lee
- Neurosciences Unit, North Metropolitan Health Service-Mental Health, Perth, Australia
| | - P K Panegyres
- Neurosciences Unit, North Metropolitan Health Service-Mental Health, Perth, Australia
| | - D Rock
- The University of Western Australia, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Perth, Australia.,WA Primary Health Alliance, Perth, Australia
| | - S E Starkstein
- The University of Western Australia, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Perth, Australia.,Department of Health, Fremantle Hospital, Perth, Australia
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13
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Rahman-Filipiak AM, Giordani B, Heidebrink J, Bhaumik A, Hampstead BM. Self- and Informant-Reported Memory Complaints: Frequency and Severity in Cognitively Intact Individuals and those with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegenerative Dementias. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 65:1011-1027. [PMID: 30124444 DOI: 10.3233/jad-180083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are incorporated into the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and neurodegenerative dementias; however, the relative frequency of SMCs in cognitively intact older adults and those with different types of dementia is poorly understood. Similarly, the concordance between self- versus informant-reported SMCs has not been compared across different diagnostic groups. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of self-reported (Objective 1) and informant-reported (Objective 2) SMCs in cognitively intact adults or those diagnosed with MCI or a neurodegenerative dementia. Agreement between participant and informant complaints was also evaluated (Objective 3). METHODS Baseline evaluation data were drawn from 488 participants (Mage = 70.49 years; Medu = 15.62 years) diagnosed as cognitively intact, non-amnestic MCI, amnestic single domain MCI, amnestic multi-domain MCI, possible/probable Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or frontotemporal dementia. Participants and their informants completed the Memory Assessment Clinic Questionnaire. RESULTS One-way ANCOVAs controlling for age, education, and depression revealed no group differences in severity of self-reported SMCs. In contrast, informant memory ratings followed the expected clinical pattern, with comparable and most impaired ratings given to participants with any dementia diagnosis, followed by those with any MCI diagnosis, followed by cognitively intact participants. There was inconsistent agreement between self- and informant-reported SMC ratings in any of the impaired groups. CONCLUSIONS Given greater diagnostic specificity and internal consistency of informant report, clinicians should weigh this information more heavily than self-report in the diagnostic process.
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14
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Mondragón JD, Salame L, Kraus A, De Deyn PP. Clinical Considerations in Physician-Assisted Death for Probable Alzheimer's Disease: Decision-Making Capacity, Anosognosia, and Suffering. Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra 2019; 9:217-226. [PMID: 31275347 PMCID: PMC6600029 DOI: 10.1159/000500183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Requests for physician-assisted death (PAD) in patients with cognitive impairment are complex and require careful consideration. Of particular difficulty is determination of whether the request is voluntary and well considered. Results Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS) are both legal in The Netherlands, Luxemburg, Colombia, and Canada. Euthanasia is legal in Belgium, while PAS is legal in Switzerland and Oregon, Washington, Montana, Vermont, and California (USA). Upon a PAD request, evaluation of the capacity to consent medical treatment is relevant for the decision-making process, while evaluation of testamentary capacity is appropriate before an advance euthanasia directive is written. Anosognosia assessment throughout the Alzheimer's disease continuum provides essential and relevant information regarding the voluntary and well-considered nature of the PAD request; meanwhile, early assessment of hypernosognosia or subjective cognitive decline assists in formulation of a clinical prognosis. Furthermore, the assessment of physical and psychological suffering should incorporate verbal and nonverbal cues as well as consideration of the psychosocial factors that might affect due care criteria. Conclusion The clinical approach to a PAD request should consider the legal framework and the decision-making capacity, assess memory deficit awareness and the perception of suffering, and evaluate mental competency when considered pertinent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime D Mondragón
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Alzheimer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Latife Salame
- Unidad de Posgrado, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Internal Medicine, The American British Cowdray Medical Center, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arnoldo Kraus
- Unidad de Posgrado, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Internal Medicine, The American British Cowdray Medical Center, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Peter Paul De Deyn
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Alzheimer Research Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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15
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Functional Neural Correlates of Anosognosia in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: a Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2019; 29:139-165. [PMID: 31161466 PMCID: PMC6560017 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-019-09410-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Functional neuroimaging techniques (i.e. single photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and functional magnetic resonance imaging) have been used to assess the neural correlates of anosognosia in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). A systematic review of this literature was performed, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses statement, on PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases. Twenty-five articles met all inclusion criteria. Specifically, four brain connectivity and 21 brain perfusion, metabolism, and activation articles. Anosognosia is associated in MCI with frontal lobe and cortical midline regional dysfunction (reduced perfusion and activation), and with reduced parietotemporal metabolism. Reduced within and between network connectivity is observed in the default mode network regions of AD patients with anosognosia compared to AD patients without anosognosia and controls. During initial stages of cognitive decline in anosognosia, reduced indirect neural activity (i.e. perfusion, metabolism, and activation) is associated with the cortical midline regions, followed by the parietotemporal structures in later stages and culminating in frontotemporal dysfunction. Although the current evidence suggests differences in activation between AD or MCI patients with anosognosia and healthy controls, more evidence is needed exploring the differences between MCI and AD patients with and without anosognosia using resting state and task related paradigms.
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16
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Repressive Coping Does Not Contribute to Anosognosia in First-Diagnosis Patients With Alzheimer Disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2018; 31:249-255. [PMID: 27819840 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anosognosia is common in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) even in early stages. Although neural correlates and the impact of cognitive dysfunctions have been described, possible psychodynamic processes such as a repressive coping style as described in other illnesses, have not been examined. Our study aimed to examine possible psychological influence factors on illness perception embracing a repressive coping style and cognitive functions in AD patients in the diagnostic process. Fifty-four subjects with mild AD diagnosed in our memory clinic were enrolled. Anosognosia was evaluated using a patient-caregiver discrepancy rating. All patients underwent comprehensive neuropsychological testing. In addition, characteristics of a repressive coping style were assessed. In total, 79.6% of our patients showed a lack of awareness at least to some degree. 33.3% of the patients were classified as repressors. Repressors and nonrepressors did not differ in cognition, or the unawareness score. Multivariate regression analysis showed that repressive coping style did not significantly contribute to anosognosia, but that verbal memory and naming ability had a strong influence. Although our data indicate that a high proportion of patients with mild AD show characteristics of repressive coping, this possible defense mechanism had no influence on the awareness of illness-related deficits measured by caregiver patient discrepancy.
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17
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Stites SD, Karlawish J, Harkins K, Rubright JD, Wolk D. Awareness of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer's Disease Dementia Diagnoses Associated With Lower Self-Ratings of Quality of Life in Older Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2017; 72:974-985. [PMID: 28958089 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study examined how awareness of diagnostic label impacted self-reported quality of life (QOL) in persons with varying degrees of cognitive impairment. Method Older adults (n = 259) with normal cognition, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), or mild Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD) completed tests of cognition and self-report questionnaires that assessed diagnosis awareness and multiple domains of QOL: cognitive problems, activities of daily living, physical functioning, mental wellbeing, and perceptions of one's daily life. We compared measures of QOL by cognitive performance, diagnosis awareness, and diagnostic group. Results Persons with MCI or AD who were aware of their diagnosis reported lower average satisfaction with daily life (QOL-AD), basic functioning (BADL Scale), and physical wellbeing (SF-12 PCS), and more difficulties in daily life (DEM-QOL) than those who were unaware (all p ≤ .007). Controlling for gender, those expecting their condition to worsen over time reported greater depression (GDS), higher stress (PSS), lower quality of daily life (QOL-AD, DEM-QOL), and more cognitive difficulties (CDS) compared to others (all p < .05). Discussion Persons aware of their diagnostic label-either MCI or AD-and its prognosis report lower QOL than those unaware of these facts about themselves. These relationships are independent of the severity of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana D Stites
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perlman School of Medicine
| | - Jason Karlawish
- Penn Memory Center, Departments of Medicine, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, and Neurology
| | - Kristin Harkins
- Penn Memory Center, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | - David Wolk
- Penn Memory Center, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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18
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Sunderaraman P, Cosentino S. Integrating the Constructs of Anosognosia and Metacognition: a Review of Recent Findings in Dementia. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2017; 17:27. [PMID: 28283961 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-017-0734-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The current review integrates recent findings regarding the construct of self-awareness in dementia from both clinical and cognitive perspectives. We present the predominant theoretical models of awareness and summarize both traditional and emerging approaches to assessing awareness from clinical and meta-cognitive perspectives. In this review, we focus primarily on findings from recent studies in anosognosia and meta-cognition in the context of neurodegenerative disease with special emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Emerging trends in the study of awareness, including examination of the longitudinal course of anosognosia, and investigation of the neural substrates underlying meta-cognitive abilities are addressed. Finally, the practical importance of studying and assessing awareness from both theoretical and clinical angles is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sunderaraman
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division of the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Aging Brain, G.H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Taub Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th St., P&S Box 16, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Stephanie Cosentino
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division of the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Aging Brain, G.H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Taub Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th St., P&S Box 16, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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19
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Contador I, Fernández-Calvo B, Ramos F, Mograbi DC, Morris RG. Interaction Effect of Awareness and Educational Attainment on the Benefits of Multicomponent Intervention for Persons with Mild Alzheimer's Disease. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2016; 31:1037-1042. [PMID: 27600447 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acw074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study investigated the effect of education on cognitive outcome following a multicomponent intervention program (MIP) for people with Alzheimer's disease (AD), also exploring the additional effect of level of awareness. METHODS Fifty-five participants with mild AD were randomized to an MIP (intervention group; IG) or a waiting-list (WL) group. They were further stratified into 4 groups by educational attainment (high vs. low) and level of awareness (aware [IGU-] vs. unaware [IGU+]). MIP efficacy in the different groups was measured using the mean change scores (MCSs) in the Cognitive subscale of Alzheimer's disease Assessment Scale, with pre- and post-treatment testing. RESULTS A negative correlation was found between educational level and the MCS in the IG, whereas the correlation in the WL group was positive. Moreover, an interaction effect emerged between education and awareness. Here, in the group of aware individuals, those with high education benefited more from the intervention than those with low education. This difference was not observed in the unawareness group. CONCLUSION Higher education may diminish the progression of cognitive decline after MIP, but this potentially depends on the level of awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Contador
- Department of Basic Psychology, Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioral Science, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Ramos
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Daniel C Mograbi
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Robin G Morris
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
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