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Soucy J, Chevrefils C, Osseiran S, Sylvestre J, Lesage F, Beaulieu S, Pascoal TA, Provost K, Arbour JD, Rhéaume M, Villeneuve S, Nasreddine ZS, Rosa‐Neto P, Gauthier S, Robillard A, Chayer C, Black SE, Kertes PJ, El Shahawy H, Scott CJ, Bhan A, Martins RN, Shah TM, Gupta SM, Calvin K, Hsu G, Lowe VJ, Chen JJ, Ritter A. A retinal deep phenotyping
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platform to predict the cerebral amyloid PET status in older adults. Alzheimers Dement 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.054582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean‐Paul Soucy
- PERFORM Centre, Concordia University Montréal QC Canada
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University Montreal QC Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Karine Provost
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Montreal QC Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sandra E. Black
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Peter J. Kertes
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, U of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Hossam El Shahawy
- L.C.Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Toronto ON Canada
| | - Christopher J.M. Scott
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Sunnybrook Research Institute Toronto ON Canada
| | - Aparna Bhan
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Sunnybrook Research Institute Toronto ON Canada
| | - Ralph N. Martins
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University Macquarie Park NSW Australia
| | | | | | - Kirsten Calvin
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health Las Vegas NV USA
| | | | | | - John J. Chen
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, Mayo Clinic Rochester MN USA
| | - Aaron Ritter
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health Las Vegas NV USA
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Soucy J, Chevrefils C, Osseiran S, Sylvestre J, Beaulieu S, Pascoal TA, Arbour JD, Rhéaume M, Villeneuve S, Nasreddine ZS, Rosa‐Neto P, Gauthier S, Robillard A, Chayer C, Black SE, Kertes PJ, Shahawy HE, Chen JJ, Knopman DS, Lowe VJ, Lesage F. Evaluation of a retinal deep phenotyping platform to detect the likely cerebral amyloid PET status in humans. Alzheimers Dement 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.043395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tharick A Pascoal
- McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging Montreal QC Canada
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory Montreal QC Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Pedro Rosa‐Neto
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory Montreal QC Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute Montreal QC Canada
| | - Serge Gauthier
- McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging Montreal QC Canada
| | | | | | - Sandra E. Black
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- L.C.Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Toronto ON Canada
| | - Peter J Kertes
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- The John and Liz Tory Eye Centre Toronto ON Canada
| | - Hossam El Shahawy
- L.C.Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Unit, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Toronto ON Canada
| | - John J Chen
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology Mayo Clinic Rochester MN USA
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Sharafi SM, Sylvestre JP, Chevrefils C, Soucy JP, Beaulieu S, Pascoal TA, Arbour JD, Rhéaume MA, Robillard A, Chayer C, Rosa-Neto P, Mathotaarachchi SS, Nasreddine ZS, Gauthier S, Lesage F. Vascular retinal biomarkers improves the detection of the likely cerebral amyloid status from hyperspectral retinal images. Alzheimers Dement (N Y) 2019; 5:610-617. [PMID: 31650017 PMCID: PMC6804547 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction This study investigates the relationship between retinal image features and β-amyloid (Aβ) burden in the brain with the aim of developing a noninvasive method to predict the deposition of Aβ in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Methods Retinal images from 20 cognitively impaired and 26 cognitively unimpaired cases were acquired (3 images per subject) using a hyperspectral retinal camera. The cerebral amyloid status was determined from binary reads by a panel of 3 expert raters on 18F-florbetaben positron-emission tomography (PET) studies. Image features from the hyperspectral retinal images were calculated, including vessels tortuosity and diameter and spatial-spectral texture measures in different retinal anatomical regions. Results Retinal venules of amyloid-positive subjects (Aβ+) showed a higher mean tortuosity compared with the amyloid-negative (Aβ−) subjects. Arteriolar diameter of Aβ+ subjects was found to be higher than the Aβ− subjects in a zone adjacent to the optical nerve head. Furthermore, a significant difference between texture measures built over retinal arterioles and their adjacent regions were observed in Aβ+ subjects when compared with the Aβ−. A classifier was trained to automatically discriminate subjects combining the extracted features. The classifier could discern Aβ+ subjects from Aβ− subjects with an accuracy of 85%. Discussion Significant differences in texture measures were observed in the spectral range 450 to 550 nm which is known as the spectral region known to be affected by scattering from amyloid aggregates in the retina. This study suggests that the inclusion of metrics related to the retinal vasculature and tissue-related textures extracted from vessels and surrounding regions could improve the discrimination performance of the cerebral amyloid status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jean-Paul Soucy
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvain Beaulieu
- Département de médecine nucléaire, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tharick A Pascoal
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, McGill Centre for Studies in Aging, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Alain Robillard
- Département de psychiatrie, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Céline Chayer
- Département de psychiatrie, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pedro Rosa-Neto
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, McGill Centre for Studies in Aging Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sulantha S Mathotaarachchi
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, McGill Centre for Studies in Aging Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Serge Gauthier
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, The McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Frédéric Lesage
- Genie Electrique, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Soucy JP, Chevrefils C, Sylvestre JP, Arbour JD, Rhéaume MA, Beaulieu S, Chayer C, Robillard A, Rosa-Neto P, Mathotaarachchi S, Nasreddine ZS, Gauthier S, Lesage F. IC‐P‐190: AN AMYLOID LIGAND‐FREE OPTICAL RETINAL IMAGING METHOD TO PREDICT CEREBRAL AMYLOID PET STATUS. Alzheimers Dement 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.06.2257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Soucy
- McConnell Brain Imaging CentreMcGill UniversityMontréalQCCanada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pedro Rosa-Neto
- McConnell Brain Imaging CentreMcGill UniversityMontréalQCCanada
- Translational Neuroimaging LaboratoryMcGill UniversityVerdunQCCanada
| | | | | | - Serge Gauthier
- McGill University Research Centre for Studies in AgingVerdunQCCanada
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Soucy JP, Chevrefils C, Sylvestre JP, Arbour JD, Rhéaume MA, Beaulieu S, Chayer C, Robillard A, Rosa-Neto P, Mathotaarachchi S, Nasreddine ZS, Gauthier S, Lesage F. P2‐252: AN AMYLOID LIGAND‐FREE OPTICAL RETINAL IMAGING METHOD TO PREDICT CEREBRAL AMYLOID PET STATUS. Alzheimers Dement 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.06.941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Soucy
- McConnell Brain Imaging CentreMcGill UniversityMontréalQCCanada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pedro Rosa-Neto
- McConnell Brain Imaging CentreMcGill UniversityMontréalQCCanada
- Translational Neuroimaging LaboratoryMcGill UniversityVerdunQCCanada
| | | | | | - Serge Gauthier
- McGill University Research Centre for Studies in AgingVerdunQCCanada
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Curk T, McDonald T, Zazelenchuk D, Weidensaul S, Brinker D, Huy S, Smith N, Miller T, Robillard A, Gauthier G, Lecomte N, Therrien JF. Winter irruptive Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) in North America are not starving. CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Winter irruptions, defined as irregular massive movement of individuals over large distances, have been linked to food supply. Two hypotheses have been put forward: the “lack-of-food” suggests that a shortage of food forces individuals to leave their regular winter range and the “breeding output” suggests that unusually large food supplies during the preceding breeding season allows production of a large number of offspring dispersing in winter. According to the breeding output hypothesis, irruptive Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus (Linnaeus, 1758)) in eastern North America should not exhibit a lower body condition than individuals in regular wintering regions and individuals on the breeding grounds. Additionally, body condition of irruptive individuals should be unrelated to irruption intensity. Although body condition of juveniles was generally lower than that of adults and improved during the winter, we measured a fair body condition in both juvenile and adult irruptive Snowy Owls across North America. The results showed that Snowy Owls are not in a starving state during winter and that body condition of all age classes was not related to winter irruption intensity. Those results support the breeding output hypothesis suggesting that winter irruptions seem to be primarily the result of a large number of offspring produced when food availability on the breeding grounds is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Curk
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Radolfzell, Germany
| | | | | | - S. Weidensaul
- Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, Millersburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - D. Brinker
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Catonsville, Maryland, USA
| | - S. Huy
- Project Owlnet, Maryland, USA
| | - N. Smith
- Mass Audubon, Lincoln, Massachusetts, USA
| | - T. Miller
- Conservation Science Global, Inc., Cape May, New Jersey, USA
| | - A. Robillard
- Université Laval, Centre d’études nordiques, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - G. Gauthier
- Université Laval, Centre d’études nordiques, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - N. Lecomte
- Canada Research Chair in Polar and Boreal Ecology, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - J.-F. Therrien
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
- Canada Research Chair in Polar and Boreal Ecology, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
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Olanrewaju AO, Robillard A, Dagher M, Juncker D. Autonomous microfluidic capillaric circuits replicated from 3D-printed molds. Lab Chip 2016; 16:3804-3814. [PMID: 27722504 PMCID: PMC5314688 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00764c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
We recently developed capillaric circuits (CCs) - advanced capillary microfluidic devices assembled from capillary fluidic elements in a modular manner similar to the design of electric circuits (Safavieh & Juncker, Lab Chip, 2013, 13, 4180-4189). CCs choreograph liquid delivery operations according to pre-programmed capillary pressure differences with minimal user intervention. CCs were thought to require high-precision micron-scale features manufactured by conventional photolithography, which is slow and expensive. Here we present CCs manufactured rapidly and inexpensively using 3D-printed molds. Molds for CCs were fabricated with a benchtop 3D-printer, poly(dimethylsiloxane) replicas were made, and fluidic functionality was verified with aqueous solutions. We established design rules for CCs by a combination of modelling and experimentation. The functionality and reliability of trigger valves - an essential fluidic element that stops one liquid until flow is triggered by a second liquid - was tested for different geometries and different solutions. Trigger valves with geometries up to 80-fold larger than cleanroom-fabricated ones were found to function reliably. We designed retention burst valves that encode sequential liquid delivery using capillary pressure differences encoded by systematically varied heights and widths. Using an electrical circuit analogue of the CC, we established design rules to ensure strictly sequential liquid delivery. CCs autonomously delivered eight liquids in a pre-determined sequence in <7 min. Taken together, our results demonstrate that 3D-printing lowers the bar for other researchers to access capillary microfluidic valves and CCs for autonomous liquid delivery with applications in diagnostics, research and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- A O Olanrewaju
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada. and McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - A Robillard
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada. and McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - M Dagher
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada. and McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - D Juncker
- Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada. and McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
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Robillard A, Therrien JF, Gauthier G, Clark KM, Bêty J. Pulsed resources at tundra breeding sites affect winter irruptions at temperate latitudes of a top predator, the snowy owl. Oecologia 2016; 181:423-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-016-3588-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Gauthier S, Robillard A, Cohen S, Black S, Sampalis J, Colizza D, de Takacsy F, Schecter R. Real-life effectiveness and tolerability of the rivastigmine transdermal patch in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: the EMBRACE study. Curr Med Res Opin 2013; 29:989-1000. [PMID: 23647369 DOI: 10.1185/03007995.2013.802230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the real-life effectiveness and tolerability of the rivastigmine transdermal patch in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Canada. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Eighteen-month observational, prospective, multi-center, open-label study conducted on AD patients with Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) score of 10-26 and Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) score of 4-6. Patients were treated with the rivastigmine transdermal patch (Exelon patch*) 5 cm² (4.6 mg/24 hours) or 10 cm² (9.5 mg/24 hours), once daily. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was change in SMMSE from baseline to 18 months. Secondary outcomes included change in SMMSE at 6 and 12 months and change in GDS, Assessment of Patient Ability (APA-C), Overall Patient Assessment Rating (OPAR), caregiver-reported compliance and treatment satisfaction at 6, 12, and 18 months. RESULTS Among the 1204 patients enrolled, 969 were included in the ITT analysis. Mean (SD) age was 80.2 (8.00) years, disease duration was 0.6 (1.26) years, 62.0% of patients were women, 80.4% were living in the community, and 69.3% were treatment naïve. Mean (SD) baseline SMMSE and GDS scores were 21.8 (3.98) and 4.2 (0.61), respectively. Over 18 months of treatment there were no clinically significant changes in SMMSE and GDS. The majority of patients showed improvement or no change in GDS, APA-C and OPAR over 18 months. The proportion with reported improvement in GDS, APA-C and OPAR was higher than the proportion that deteriorated. Compliance improved from baseline to 18 months and for 88.2% of patients caregivers preferred the transdermal patch to oral medications. CONCLUSIONS The rivastigmine transdermal patch is effective in maintaining cognitive function over 18 months of treatment in patients with mild-to-moderate AD. The safety profile was comparable to the data in the Canadian product monograph. Lack of a comparator group is a potential limitation of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Gauthier
- McGill Centre for Studies of Aging, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Chow TW, Binder C, Smyth S, Cohen S, Robillard A. 100 years after Alzheimer: contemporary neurology practice assessment of referrals for dementia. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2008; 23:516-27. [PMID: 19106275 PMCID: PMC10846208 DOI: 10.1177/1533317508328194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of dementia is placing an increased burden on specialists. METHODS Canadian neurologists responded to a structured questionnaire to assess reasons for referral and services provided as well as to compare the neurologists' perceptions of their practice characteristics against cases seen over a 3-month period. RESULTS The audit confirmed the participants' perception that family practitioners are the main referral source (358/453, 79%). Sixty-two percent of patients had undergone clinical investigation for dementia prior to being seen by the neurologist; 39% (177/453) were on pharmacotherapy at the time of referral, 68% were initiated on pharmacotherapy by the neurologist. A fifth of the referrals did not meet clinical criteria for dementia, which may be directly related to the prevalence of prior workup that did not include mental status testing. CONCLUSIONS Neurologists currently treat patients referred for dementia who may already have been adequately evaluated and treated by primary care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany W Chow
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Feldman HH, Jacova C, Robillard A, Garcia A, Chow T, Borrie M, Schipper HM, Blair M, Kertesz A, Chertkow H. Diagnosis and treatment of dementia: 2. Diagnosis. CMAJ 2008; 178:825-36. [PMID: 18362376 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.070798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia can now be accurately diagnosed through clinical evaluation, cognitive screening, basic laboratory evaluation and structural imaging. A large number of ancillary techniques are also available to aid in diagnosis, but their role in the armamentarium of family physicians remains controversial. In this article, we provide physicians with practical guidance on the diagnosis of dementia based on recommendations from the Third Canadian Consensus Conference on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, held in March 2006. METHODS We developed evidence-based guidelines using systematic literature searches, with specific criteria for study selection and quality assessment, and a clear and transparent decision-making process. We selected studies published from January 1996 to December 2005 that pertained to key diagnostic issues in dementia. We graded the strength of evidence using the criteria of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. RESULTS Of the 1591 articles we identified on all aspects of dementia diagnosis, 1095 met our inclusion criteria; 620 were deemed to be of good or fair quality. From a synthesis of the evidence in these studies, we made 32 recommendations related to the diagnosis of dementia. There are clinical criteria for diagnosing most forms of dementia. A standard diagnostic evaluation can be performed by family physicians over multiple visits. It involves a clinical history (from patient and caregiver), a physical examination and brief cognitive testing. A list of core laboratory tests is recommended. Structural imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is recommended in selected cases to rule out treatable causes of dementia or to rule in cerebrovascular disease. There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine functional imaging, measurement of biomarkers or neuropsychologic testing. INTERPRETATION The diagnosis of dementia remains clinically integrative based on history, physical examination and brief cognitive testing. A number of core laboratory tests are also recommended. Structural neuroimaging is advised in selected cases. Other diagnostic approaches, including functional neuroimaging, neuropsychological testing and measurement of biomarkers, have shown promise but are not yet recommended for routine use by family physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard H Feldman
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, and the University of British Columbia Hospital Clinic for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Vancouver, BC.
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Richards BA, Chertkow H, Singh V, Robillard A, Massoud F, Evans AC, Kabani NJ. Patterns of cortical thinning in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Neurobiol Aging 2008; 30:1626-36. [PMID: 18261828 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2007.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2007] [Revised: 12/05/2007] [Accepted: 12/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In vivo measurement of cortical thickness is a sensitive representation of pathology in neurodegenerative disorders which primarily target the gray mantle. In this study we used magnetic resonance images to describe the patterns of cortical thinning in 11 frontotemporal dementia (FTD), 38 Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 34 healthy elderly (H(E)) subjects. AD and FTD displayed significant thinning of the cortical mantle compared to the H(E) group, but with distinctive distributions. AD subjects had significantly thinner cortex in all lobes whereas FTD compared to H(E) showed significant differences only in specific regions of frontal and temporal lobes. When compared to AD, the FTD subjects had a trend of thinner cortex in the anterior cingulate region and in selective regions of anterior frontal and temporal regions. In conclusion, the cortical thinning in dementia when compared to H(E), is disease specific whereby FTD subjects display a pattern distinct than that seen in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A Richards
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 3080 Yonge Street, Suite 6020, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3N1, Canada.
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Gagnon JF, Petit D, Fantini ML, Rompré S, Gauthier S, Panisset M, Robillard A, Montplaisir J. REM sleep behavior disorder and REM sleep without atonia in probable Alzheimer disease. Sleep 2007; 29:1321-5. [PMID: 17068986 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/29.10.1321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and REM sleep without atonia among patients with Alzheimer disease and control subjects. DESIGN Overnight polysomnography. SETTINGS Sleep laboratory. PATIENTS Fifteen patients with probable Alzheimer disease (mean age +/-SD, 70.2+/-5.6) and 15 age-matched healthy control subjects (mean age +/- SD, 67.9 +/-5.4). INTERVENTION N/A. RESULTS Four patients with Alzheimer disease presented REM sleep with-out atonia. One of these patients had all the polysomnographic features of RBD, including behavioral manifestations during REM sleep. CONCLUSION RBD is rare, but REM sleep without atonia is relatively fre-quent in patients with probable Alzheimer disease, a tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Gagnon
- Centre d'étude du sommeil et des rythmes biologiques, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Qudbec, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Although physicians in most provinces are mandated to report patients whose driving ability is impaired by illness, little is known about dementia-related factors associated with driving cessation. The purpose of our study was to explore factors that may affect the likelihood of driving cessation in a sample of elderly, community-dwelling patients with dementia. METHODS A 3-year prospective study, the Canadian Outcomes Study in Dementia (COSID) has enrolled 883 patients with mild-to-moderate dementia at 32 centres across Canada. Assessment tools included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognition, the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) for staging (severity), the Functional Autonomy Measurement System (SMAF) for function, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) for behaviour. Factors associated with the decision to quit driving after the baseline assessment were tested with Cox survival analysis. RESULTS Of 719 subjects who were or had been drivers, 203 (28.2%) were still driving at baseline. Over an observation period that averaged 23 months, 97 (48.5%) of 200 patients quit driving. Factors predictive of driving cessation included GDS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-2.45), MMSE score (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83-0.97) and NPI findings (HR 1.63 for presence of > or = 3 behaviours, 95% CI 1.01-2.62). Among the NPI behaviours, when they were analyzed separately, agitation led to a decreased likelihood of driving cessation (p = 0.019), whereas apathy (p = 0.031) and hallucinations (p = 0.050) led to an increased likelihood. INTERPRETATION Cognitive impairment and behaviours such as agitation, apathy and hallucinations were significant predictors of driving cessation in patients with a mild to moderate degree of dementia. These findings should be considered when one counsels patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Herrmann
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
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Herrmann N, Lanctôt KL, Sambrook R, Lesnikova N, Hébert R, McCracken P, Robillard A, Nguyen E. The contribution of neuropsychiatric symptoms to the cost of dementia care. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2006; 21:972-6. [PMID: 16955429 DOI: 10.1002/gps.1594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the contribution of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) to the costs of care. METHOD A one-year prospective study of resource utilization recorded monthly by 500 caregivers of community dwelling patients with dementia. The effect of behavior on total, direct and indirect costs of care was examined. RESULTS The total cost of care was $1,298 per month and there was a significant independent relationship between costs and BPSD. The incremental cost of a one point increase in Neuropsychiatric Inventory score was $30 per month (95% CI: $19-$41). CONCLUSION BPSD contribute significantly to the overall costs of dementia care. Interventions targeted at BPSD may help to reduce the staggering societal costs of this illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Herrmann
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Emre M, Aarsland D, Albanese A, Byrne EJ, Deuschl G, De Deyn PP, Durif F, Kulisevsky J, van Laar T, Lees A, Poewe W, Robillard A, Rosa MM, Wolters E, Quarg P, Tekin S, Lane R. Rivastigmine for dementia associated with Parkinson's disease. N Engl J Med 2004; 351:2509-18. [PMID: 15590953 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa041470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 659] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholinergic deficits are prominent in patients who have dementia associated with Parkinson's disease. We investigated the effects of the dual cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine in such patients. METHODS Patients in whom mild-to-moderate dementia developed at least 2 years after they received a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease were randomly assigned to receive placebo or 3 to 12 mg of rivastigmine per day for 24 weeks. Primary efficacy variables were the scores for the cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog) and Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Clinician's Global Impression of Change (ADCS-CGIC). Secondary clinical outcomes were the scores for the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living, the 10-item Neuropsychiatric Inventory, the Mini-Mental State Examination, Cognitive Drug Research power of attention tests, the Verbal Fluency test, and the Ten Point Clock-Drawing test. RESULTS A total of 541 patients were enrolled, and 410 completed the study. The outcomes were better among patients treated with rivastigmine than among those who received placebo; however, the differences between these two groups were moderate and similar to those reported in trials of rivastigmine for Alzheimer's disease. Rivastigmine-treated patients had a mean improvement of 2.1 points in the score for the 70-point ADAS-cog, from a baseline score of 23.8, as compared with a 0.7-point worsening in the placebo group, from a baseline score of 24.3 (P<0.001). Clinically meaningful improvements in the scores for the ADCS-CGIC were observed in 19.8 percent of patients in the rivastigmine group and 14.5 percent of those in the placebo group, and clinically meaningful worsening was observed in 13.0 percent and 23.1 percent, respectively (mean score at 24 weeks, 3.8 and 4.3, respectively; P=0.007). Significantly better outcomes were seen with rivastigmine with respect to all secondary efficacy variables. The most frequent adverse events were nausea (affecting 29.0 percent of patients in the rivastigmine group and 11.2 percent of those in the placebo group, P<0.001), vomiting (16.6 and 1.7 percent, P<0.001), and tremor (10.2 and 3.9 percent, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS In this placebo-controlled study, rivastigmine was associated with moderate improvements in dementia associated with Parkinson's disease but also with higher rates of nausea, vomiting, and tremor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Emre
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Rockwood K, Black SE, Robillard A, Lussier I. Potential treatment effects of donepezil not detected in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials: a physician survey. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2004; 19:954-60. [PMID: 15449367 DOI: 10.1002/gps.1188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical trials of the cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil have used standard psychometric tools to evaluate treatment efficacy. These trials, however, appear not to capture clinically demonstrable, but otherwise unmeasured, beneficial treatment effects. We sought to identify and categorize clinically recognizable effects of donepezil treatment in Alzheimer's disease. METHODS A list of potential effects was developed using clinical trials data and the experience of an expert panel. These were incorporated in a questionnaire, which was tested with a focus group, revised and then used in a postal survey of physicians. Data were classified by cognitive domain, and reviewed by a second panel. RESULTS Items that were most often rated as being improved were related to frontal systems function, including attentional capacity and initiative. Behavioral symptoms that were among the highest rated items were apathy, mood, and agitation. The top two other items were social interactions and involvement in domestic activities. Of the top ten symptomatic treatment effects, only four appeared to be readily identified by current standard measures. CONCLUSIONS Physicians recognize as important several treatment effects that are not well captured by current standard measures. New methods are needed to capture such effects, which also have the potential to offer insight into the neurobiology of the human cholinergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Rockwood
- Divisions of Geriatric Medicine & Neurology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2E1, Canada.
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18
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Sambrook R, Herrmann N, Hébert R, McCracken P, Robillard A, Luong D, Yu A. Canadian Outcomes Study in Dementia: study methods and patient characteristics. Can J Psychiatry 2004; 49:417-27. [PMID: 15362245 DOI: 10.1177/070674370404900702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the methods and patient characteristics of the Canadian Outcomes Study in Dementia (COSID). METHODS COSID is a 3-year prospective study of dementia patients living in the community at the time of study registration. We assessed patients' cognition, behaviour, and functioning every 6 months, using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and the Functional Autonomy Measurement System (SMAF), respectively. We assessed caregivers, using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Additional information included the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), patients' driving status, and clinical information including family history, dementia type, concomitant medications, and comorbid conditions. From the patient or caregiver, we collected details of inpatient and outpatient resources used by the patient and (or) caregiver. RESULTS We enrolled 766 patients from 31 Canadian sites. Overall mean age was 76.8 years, and mean age of onset was 73.1 years. Of the total patients, 98% were white, 54% were women, and 84% were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Mean baseline 3MS was 66.5, NPI was 9.5, and SMAF was 18.30. Of these patients, 48% reported a GDS score of 3 (that is, moderate), 16% reported a GDS score of 4 (that is, moderately severe), and the remaining 36% reported a GDS score of 1 or 2 (that is, mild or very mild). At baseline, 83% of patients received cholinesterase inhibitors, 46% received nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, 39% received vitamin E, and 25% received antidepressants. Adult day care and home help were the largest cost factors in this population, with mean monthly costs of $65 and $64, respectively. We found interesting differences in the resources used among geographic regions and care settings. CONCLUSIONS COSID is already generating valuable information about treatment patterns, outcomes, and resource use in Canadian patients with dementia. As the data mature, it will be possible to build robust models on treatment effectiveness and costs of care.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Some histological investigations have reported anomalies in the primary visual pathways of individuals with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT), while others have suggested that these visual structures are spared by the disease process. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to address this issue of substantial controversy. We determined in vivo whether DAT alters the functioning of the primary visual pathways by evaluating pattern-reversal electroretinograms (ERGs) and cortical visual evoked potentials (VEPs). METHODS Twenty-seven individuals with mild to moderate DAT and 27 age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in the investigation. ERG and VEP recordings were obtained from all participants with the use of a clinical electrodiagnostic system. Stimulus conditions were biased towards a preferential response from the magnocellular and parvocellular subdivisions of the visual system. RESULTS Amplitude and latency of the ERG were not affected by DAT. The VEP amplitude was not attenuated in DAT individuals, but there was a delay in the latency of the VEPs arising from both magnocellular and parvocellular streams of visual processing. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that while the inner retina appears to be spared by the disease process, the visual function is altered upstream in the retinocortical visual pathways of individuals with DAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Kergoat
- School of Optometry, University of Montreal, Qué., Canada.
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20
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Braithwaite R, Robillard A, Woodring T, Stephens T, Arriola KJ. Tattooing and body piercing among adolescent detainees: relationship to alcohol and other drug use. J Subst Abuse 2002; 13:5-16. [PMID: 11547624 DOI: 10.1016/s0899-3289(01)00061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this preliminary study was to document self-reported tattooing and body piercing behavior among a sample of 860 adolescent detainees. Additionally, the study examined the relationship of alcohol and drug use to tattooing and body piercing--an often overlooked HIV risk behavior. METHODS Adolescents (N = 860) participating in a substance use and HIV risk reduction intervention were surveyed upon entrance to a Youth Development Campus (YDC). RESULTS Twenty-nine percent of the sample (N = 245) had at least one tattoo, and more than half (69%) had at least one body piercing. Fifteen percent had two or more tattoos, while 28% had three or more piercings. Although a small percentage of the youth reported knowingly sharing needles for tattoos or piercings (2% and 1.5%, respectively), 21% had tattoos that had been administered unprofessionally and 20% had unprofessionally administered piercings. Marijuana and alcohol were the highest reported substances used in this sample, 62% and 54%, respectively. Alcohol, marijuana, antidepressants, and sedatives were significant correlates of having tattoos. Alcohol was found to be a marginally significant (P = .052) correlate of body piercing. CONCLUSION The popularity of tattooing and piercing and the risk involved with these activities make them an HIV risk behavior worthy of address. Risk reduction messages to youth should consistently address these behaviors and focus on them as they relate to substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Braithwaite
- Emory University, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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21
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Kergoat H, Kergoat MJ, Justino L, Robillard A, Bergman H, Chertkow H. Normal optic nerve head topography in the early stages of dementia of the Alzheimer type. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2001; 12:359-63. [PMID: 11598306 DOI: 10.1159/000051281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In view of the existing controversy as to whether or not the optic nerve head (ONH) is altered in Alzheimer disease, we used modern imaging technology to evaluate the ONH structure in individuals with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). Real-time topographical images of the ONH were obtained with a Heidelberg retina tomograph from individuals in the early stages of DAT and age-matched controls. The various ONH parameters examined in this study did not differ significantly between DAT and age-matched subjects. These results suggest that the deficits in visual function that are known to occur in DAT are not related to ONH structural anomalies, at least in the earlier stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kergoat
- School of Optometry, University of Montréal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada.
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Rasmusen L, Yan B, Robillard A, Dunbar F. Effects of washout and dose-escalation periods on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of galantamine in patients previously treated with donepezil: ongoing clinical trials. Clin Ther 2001; 23 Suppl A:A25-30. [PMID: 11396868 DOI: 10.1016/s0149-2918(01)80165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
With the increasing number of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) being marketed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), physicians will need protocols for discontinuing one AChEI and initiating another ("switching"). Three clinical trials have been designed to provide data that will assist in the determination of the optimal conditions for switching patients from donepezil (the most widely prescribed AChEI) to galantamine (the most recently approved AChEI). The main objective of these studies is to investigate the effects of different washout periods (0 to 7 days) and dose-escalation schedules (fixed, fast vs slow) on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of galantamine in patients with AD who were previously taking donepezil. The duration of the trials ranges from 12 to 52 weeks, and the last trial is expected to end in May 2002. No conclusions can yet be drawn from these ongoing trials, but the results should be helpful in establishing guidelines for physicians to use when switching patients with AD from donepezil to galantamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rasmusen
- Inova Health Research, Inc, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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23
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Abstract
We recently demonstrated that retinal ganglion cell function, optic nerve head parameters and the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness are not altered in early dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). Our current objective was to assess whether the function of cells located more distally in the retina is also unaffected by the disease. We evaluated 23 individuals with early to moderate DAT and 23 healthy age-matched subjects, all displaying clinically normal visual function. Scotopic and photopic flash electroretinograms (fERGs) and oscillatory potentials (OPs) were recorded. The amplitude and latency of the retinal potentials did not differ between DAT and control subjects. Our current results showing normal fERGs and OPs in early DAT indicate that the underlying neurons giving rise to these signals are not impaired by the disease process. These data support and extend our recent findings suggesting that visual deficits in DAT do not stem from neuroretinal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Justino
- School of Optometry, University of Montreal, Montréal, P. Québec, Canada
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Kergoat H, Kergoat MJ, Justino L, Chertkow H, Robillard A, Bergman H. An evaluation of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness by scanning laser polarimetry in individuals with dementia of the Alzheimer type. Acta Ophthalmol Scand 2001; 79:187-91. [PMID: 11284761 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2001.079002187.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine, using scanning laser polarimetry, whether or not the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) is altered in dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). METHODS Thirty individuals with mild to moderate DAT and 30 healthy age-matched controls participated in the study. Fundus images were acquired with a Nerve Fiber Analyzer. RNFL thickness measurements were obtained under an ellipse located 1.75 disc diameter from the optic nerve head (ONH) center. RESULTS No differences in RNFL thickness were observed between DAT and healthy subjects. The regional distribution of RNFL thickness was similar between the two test groups, with the RNFL being thickest in the superior and inferior retinal segments relative to the nasal and temporal regions. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that the RNFL is not altered in DAT, at least in the earlier stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kergoat
- School of Optometry, University of Montreal, Québec, Canada.
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25
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Baladi JF, Bailey PA, Black S, Bouchard RW, Farcnik KD, Gauthier S, Kertesz A, Mohr E, Robillard A. Rivastigmine for Alzheimer's disease: Canadian interpretation of intermediate outcome measures and cost implications. Clin Ther 2000; 22:1549-61. [PMID: 11192146 DOI: 10.1016/s0149-2918(00)83053-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical studies have shown that patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who are treated with rivastigmine have statistically significantly better scores on 5 scales used to assess AD than control patients receiving placebo. However, the clinical meaning and cost implications of these differences are not clear. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical meaning and cost implications of statistically significant results obtained in clinical trials of rivastigmine for the treatment of AD. Potential cost implications for the health care system, caregivers, and society are considered. METHODS Data on clinical effects of rivastigmine were obtained from published North American and European clinical studies of patients with mild to moderately severe AD receiving rivastigmine 6 to 12 mg/d (n = 828) or placebo (n = 647). Differences in scores on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Function, Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change with both clinical and caregiver information considered, Progressive Deterioration Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Global Deterioration Scale were assessed. A convenience panel of 9 Canadian specialists experienced in the treatment of AD provided their opinions on the clinical importance of the trial results. Chart review was performed to identify specific behaviors that improved, and cost implications of improvements were assessed. RESULTS The panel determined that statistically significant differences in scores on all scales except the MMSE were likely associated with functional or cognitive differences that were clinically relevant for patients, reflecting stabilization that would have beneficial consequences for caregivers and health care resource use. Subsequent chart review showed that improvement on specific scale items confirmed the physician panel's opinion. Analysis of possible cost implications to society indicated that medication expenditures would be offset largely by delays in the need for paid home care and institutionalization, positive effects on caregiver health, and less time lost from work for the caregiver. CONCLUSIONS From the perspective of a Canadian specialist panel, rivastigmine treatment for AD produces clinically relevant effects for patients that are beneficial to caregivers. These effects suggest decreased use of caregiver resources and delays in the need for institutionalization, both of which reduce societal costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Baladi
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc, Dorval, Quebec, Canada.
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26
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Teitelbaum J, Robillard A, Nguyen D. Thrombolysis of carotid artery dissection; what are the risks. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s1052-3057(97)80158-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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27
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Feldman H, Anand R, Blesa R, Dubois B, Gray J, Homma A, Mohr E, Morris JC, Parys W, Raschig A, Robillard A. Translation issues in clinical trials of dementia drugs. Position paper from the International Working Group on Harmonization of Dementia Drug Guidelines. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 1997; 11 Suppl 3:61-4. [PMID: 9305520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H Feldman
- Division of Neurology, Vancouver Hospital, British Columbia, Canada
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Demers P, Létourneau H, Robillard A, St-André E. ["The living image sign" in a patient with Alzheimer's disease]. J Psychiatry Neurosci 1996; 21:198-201. [PMID: 8935332 PMCID: PMC1188767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P Demers
- Service de psychologie, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Cappeliez P, Quintal M, Blouin M, Gagné S, Bourgeois A, Finlay M, Robillard A. [Psychometric properties of the French version of the Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS) in elderly patients evaluated in geriatric psychiatry]. Can J Psychiatry 1996; 41:114-21. [PMID: 8705957 DOI: 10.1177/070674379604100209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This research evaluates the psychometric properties of the French version of the Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS), an instrument for the screening of dementia, in a sample of patients seen in geriatric psychiatry. METHODS Subjects (N = 94, 63 to 93 years of age) were outpatients of a service in geriatric psychiatry. In addition to the 3MS, a battery of tests evaluating the cognitive functioning and depressive symptomatology was administered. RESULTS Test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.87 for a subsample of 35 subjects. An exploratory factor analysis revealed 4 factors accounting for 63.2% of the variance. Cut-off scores of 79 to 80 (with years of education > or = 8) and 71 to 72 (with years of education < or = 7) presented the best combination sensitivity/specificity, respectively 0.80 and 0.96. CONCLUSIONS This study documents the psychometric properties of the French version of the 3MS for use in patients seen in geriatric psychiatry, in suggesting cut-off scores which take into account the level of education. This study underlines the influence of sociodemographic variables on test performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cappeliez
- Ecole de Psychologie, Université d'Ottawa, Ontario
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30
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Demers P, Robillard A, Laflèche G, Nash F, Heyman A, Fillenbaum G. Translation of clinical and neuropsychological instruments into French: the CERAD experience. Age Ageing 1994; 23:449-51. [PMID: 9231936 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/23.6.449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of international and epidemiological studies of Alzheimer's disease points to the need for linguistically equivalent translations of measures for identifying the presence, types, and severity of dementia in cross-cultural populations. In translating the CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease) neuropsychological instruments into French, several linguistic issues have emerged such as semantic, phonetic, and word-frequency equivalences. In verbal memory tests, these problems, though minor in appearance, can be major pitfalls in studies comparing cognitive function in populations differing in language. Description of the translation procedure and examples of problems encountered are presented, with measures taken to resolve them.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Demers
- Department of Psychology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Vanier M, Gauthier L, Lambert J, Pepin EP, Robillard A, Dubouloz CJ, Gagnon R, Joannette Y. Evaluation of left visuospatial neglect: Norms and discrimination power of two tests. Neuropsychology 1990. [DOI: 10.1037/0894-4105.4.2.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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32
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Poncet M, Habib M, Robillard A. Deep left parietal lobe syndrome: conduction aphasia and other neurobehavioural disorders due to a small subcortical lesion. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1987; 50:709-13. [PMID: 3612151 PMCID: PMC1032075 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.50.6.709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A patient with sudden onset of conduction aphasia in the context of an ischaemic stroke is reported. Other neurological and neuropsychological findings included bilateral ideomotor apraxia, right hemisensory defect and paradoxical left ear extinction on a dichotic listening test. Lesion location, as inferred from magnetic resonance imaging, involved a restricted subcortical area in the left parietal lobe, near the lateral wall of the cerebral ventricle. The anatomical correlate for each of the clinical findings is discussed in the light of classical anatomo-clinical correlations. It is concluded that this tetrad constitutes a specific syndrome which may be easily recognised and ascribed to a single lesion in the deep white matter of the left parietal lobe.
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Abstract
We studied 24 patients who had adversion as the first clinical manifestation of seizures. Seizures were recorded with depth electrodes as part of the evaluation for possible surgery for epilepsy. Head rotation did not help to lateralize the epileptic focus clinically, because deviations occurred ipsilaterally to the EEG focus in some patients, and because some patients had head rotation in either direction despite a unifocal epileptogenic abnormality. Furthermore, no cortical localization was consistently linked to either direction or degree of adversion. Adversion has no consistent lateralizing or localizing value.
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