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Zafeiridi E, McMichael A, O’Hara L, Passmore P, McGuinness B. Hospital admissions and emergency department visits for people with dementia. QJM 2024; 117:119-124. [PMID: 37812203 PMCID: PMC10896632 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that people with dementia (PwD) are more likely to be admitted to hospital, have prolonged hospital stay, or visit an emergency department (ED), compared to people without dementia. AIM This study assessed the rates of hospital admissions and ED visits in PwD and investigated the causes and factors predicting this healthcare use. Further, this study assessed survival following hospital admissions and ED visits. DESIGN This was a retrospective study with data from 26 875 PwD and 23 961 controls. METHODS Data from national datasets were extracted for demographic characteristics, transitions to care homes, hospital and ED use and were linked through the Honest Broker Service. PwD were identified through dementia medication and through causes for hospital admissions and death. RESULTS Dementia was associated with increased risk of hospital admissions and ED visits, and with lower odds of hospital readmission. Significant predictors for hospital admissions and readmissions in PwD were transitioning to a care home, living in urban areas and being widowed, while female gender and living in less deprived areas reduced the odds of admissions. Older age and living in less deprived areas were associated with lower odds of an ED visit for PwD. In contrast to predictions, mortality rates were lower for PwD following a hospital admission or ED visit. CONCLUSIONS These findings result in a better understanding of hospital and ED use for PwD. Surprisingly, survival for PwD was prolonged following hospital admissions and ED visits and thus, policies and services enabling these visits are necessary, especially for people who live alone or in rural areas; however, increased primary care and other methods, such as eHealth, could provide equally effective care in order to avoid distress and costs for hospital admissions and ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Zafeiridi
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - A McMichael
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - L O’Hara
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - P Passmore
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - B McGuinness
- Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
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Marley A, Potter C, Passmore P, Linden G, McEvoy C, Patterson C, McGuinness B. 211 ASSOCIATION OF PLASMA ANTIOXIDANTS AND COGNITIVE OUTCOMES IN NORTHERN IRISH MEN FROM PROSPECTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (PRIME) STUDY. Age Ageing 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac218.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation have been demonstrated to contribute to cognitive decline in older age and the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxidants have been revealed to help mitigate the effects of the damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation, but their relationship with cognitive decline is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between various plasma antioxidant levels and cognitive status in participants from the Prospective Epidemiological Study of Myocardial Infarction (PRIME) study.
Methods
10,600 men were recruited to the PRIME study between 1991-1993 and have been followed up across eleven time points. Baseline health and lifestyle characteristics were assessed, and plasma antioxidants were obtained and quantified. Baseline cognitive status was screened in 2000 using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Follow up assessment of cognitive status was performed in 2015 with MMSE and Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) examinations.
Results
2,009 men underwent cognitive assessment in 2000 and 873 men in 2015. At both 2000 and 2015 with the use of the MMSE and ACE-R examinations to assess cognitive status, serum concentration of all the antioxidants except for gamma-tocopherol and lycopene were higher in the men with better cognitive performance at a significant level of p<0.05. Better cognitive performance was associated with more time spent in education and higher level of education achieved at a statistically significant level (p<0.01). Furthermore, those with cognitive impairment were more likely to be older. After adjustments for lifestyle variables with a linear regression model, the only significant variable associated with cognition was time spent in education (B = 0.521, p= 0.02).
Conclusion
The findings suggest that the concentration of plasma antioxidants is associated with cognitive status. Smoking and education, as well as other lifestyle factors were, demonstrated to have an impact on cognitive status.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Marley
- Queen's University Belfast , Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - C Potter
- Queen's University Belfast , Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - P Passmore
- Queen's University Belfast , Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - G Linden
- Queen's University Belfast , Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - C McEvoy
- Queen's University Belfast , Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - C Patterson
- Queen's University Belfast , Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - B McGuinness
- Queen's University Belfast , Belfast, United Kingdom
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Frederiksen KS, Cooper C, Frisoni GB, Frölich L, Georges J, Kramberger MG, Nilsson C, Passmore P, Mantoan Ritter L, Religa D, Schmidt R, Stefanova E, Verdelho A, Vandenbulcke M, Winblad B, Waldemar G. A European Academy of Neurology guideline on medical management issues in dementia. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:1805-1820. [PMID: 32713125 PMCID: PMC7540303 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Dementia is one of the most common disorders and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and decreased quality of life. The present guideline addresses important medical management issues including systematic medical follow-up, vascular risk factors in dementia, pain in dementia, use of antipsychotics in dementia and epilepsy in dementia. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was carried out. Based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework, we developed a guideline. Where recommendations based on GRADE were not possible, a good practice statement was formulated. RESULTS Systematic management of vascular risk factors should be performed in patients with mild to moderate dementia as prevention of cerebrovascular pathology may impact on the progression of dementia (Good Practice statement). Individuals with dementia (without previous stroke) and atrial fibrillation should be treated with anticoagulants (weak recommendation). Discontinuation of opioids should be considered in certain individuals with dementia (e.g. for whom there are no signs or symptoms of pain or no clear indication, or suspicion of side effects; Good Practice statement). Behavioral symptoms in persons with dementia should not be treated with mild analgesics (weak recommendation). In all patients with dementia treated with opioids, assessment of the individual risk-benefit ratio should be performed at regular intervals. Regular, preplanned medical follow-up should be offered to all patients with dementia. The setting will depend on the organization of local health services and should, as a minimum, include general practitioners with easy access to dementia specialists (Good Practice statement). Individuals with dementia and agitation and/or aggression should be treated with atypical antipsychotics only after all non-pharmacological measures have been proven to be without benefit or in the case of severe self-harm or harm to others (weak recommendation). Antipsychotics should be discontinued after cessation of behavioral disturbances and in patients in whom there are side effects (Good Practice statement). For treatment of epilepsy in individuals with dementia, newer anticonvulsants should be considered as first-line therapy (Good Practice statement). CONCLUSION This GRADE-based guideline offers recommendations on several important medical issues in patients with dementia, and thus adds important guidance for clinicians. For some issues, very little or no evidence was identified, highlighting the importance of further studies within these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. S. Frederiksen
- Department of NeurologyDanish Dementia Research CenterRigshospitaletUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - C. Cooper
- Department of Clinical Educational and Health PsychologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - G. B. Frisoni
- Memory ClinicUniversity Hospital of GenevaUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - L. Frölich
- Department of Geriatric PsychiatryZentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit MannheimMedical Faculty MannheimUniversity of HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | | | - M. G. Kramberger
- Department of NeurologyCenter for Cognitive ImpairmentsUniversity Medical Center Ljubljana, and Medical facultyUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - C. Nilsson
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation MedicineSkåne University HospitalLundSweden
- Clinical Memory Research UnitDepartment of Clinical SciencesLund UniversityMalmöSweden
| | | | - L. Mantoan Ritter
- Epilepsy CentreKing's College NHS Foundation TrustKing´s College LondonLondonUK
| | - D. Religa
- Division of Clinical GeriatricsDepartment of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetNeo, StockholmSweden
- Karolinska University HospitalTheme AgingHuddingeSweden
| | - R. Schmidt
- University Clinic for NeurologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - E. Stefanova
- Medical FacultyNeurology clinic CCSUniversity of BelgradeBelgradeSerbia
| | - A. Verdelho
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental HealthCHLNorte‐Hospital de Santa MariaIMMISAMBFaculty of MedicineUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
| | - M. Vandenbulcke
- Department of NeurosciencesKU LeuvenGeriatric PsychiatryUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - B. Winblad
- Karolinska University HospitalTheme AgingHuddingeSweden
- Division of NeurogeriatricsDepartment of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetBioClinicumSolnaSweden
| | - G. Waldemar
- Department of NeurologyDanish Dementia Research CenterRigshospitaletUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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Ritchie CW, Bajwa J, Coleman G, Hope K, Jones RW, Lawton M, Marven M, Passmore P. Souvenaid®: a new approach to management of early Alzheimer's disease. J Nutr Health Aging 2014; 18:291-9. [PMID: 24626757 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-013-0411-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic loss correlates closely with cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease and represents a new target for intervention. Souvenaid® is the first medical nutrition product to be designed to support synapse formation and function in early Alzheimer's disease, and has undergone an extensive, 12-year development programme. The relatively large amount of clinical data available for Souvenaid® is unusual for a medical nutrition product. Souvenaid® contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid), uridine (as uridine monophosphate) and choline which are nutritional precursors required for synaptic membrane phospholipid synthesis, together with phospholipids and other cofactors. Souvenaid® has demonstrated cognitive benefits in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease but not in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Two randomised, double-blind, controlled trials (duration 12 and 24 weeks) in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease untreated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine have demonstrated that Souvenaid® is well tolerated and improves episodic memory performance. The daily intake of Souvenaid® has not been associated with any harmful effects or interactions with medications and none are anticipated. The ongoing, 24-month, European Union-funded LipiDiDiet trial in subjects with prodromal Alzheimer's disease is evaluating the potential benefits of Souvenaid® on memory and in slowing progression to Alzheimer's dementia. If Souvenaid® induces synaptogenesis and improved synaptic function, it may provide benefits in other clinical conditions characterised by neurodegeneration. A number of trials are ongoing and planned to evaluate the potential wider benefits of Souvenaid®.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Ritchie
- C Ritchie, Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK, ;
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Lambert JC, Ibrahim-Verbaas CA, Harold D, Naj AC, Sims R, Bellenguez C, DeStafano AL, Bis JC, Beecham GW, Grenier-Boley B, Russo G, Thorton-Wells TA, Jones N, Smith AV, Chouraki V, Thomas C, Ikram MA, Zelenika D, Vardarajan BN, Kamatani Y, Lin CF, Gerrish A, Schmidt H, Kunkle B, Dunstan ML, Ruiz A, Bihoreau MT, Choi SH, Reitz C, Pasquier F, Cruchaga C, Craig D, Amin N, Berr C, Lopez OL, De Jager PL, Deramecourt V, Johnston JA, Evans D, Lovestone S, Letenneur L, Morón FJ, Rubinsztein DC, Eiriksdottir G, Sleegers K, Goate AM, Fiévet N, Huentelman MW, Gill M, Brown K, Kamboh MI, Keller L, Barberger-Gateau P, McGuiness B, Larson EB, Green R, Myers AJ, Dufouil C, Todd S, Wallon D, Love S, Rogaeva E, Gallacher J, St George-Hyslop P, Clarimon J, Lleo A, Bayer A, Tsuang DW, Yu L, Tsolaki M, Bossù P, Spalletta G, Proitsi P, Collinge J, Sorbi S, Sanchez-Garcia F, Fox NC, Hardy J, Deniz Naranjo MC, Bosco P, Clarke R, Brayne C, Galimberti D, Mancuso M, Matthews F, Moebus S, Mecocci P, Del Zompo M, Maier W, Hampel H, Pilotto A, Bullido M, Panza F, Caffarra P, Nacmias B, Gilbert JR, Mayhaus M, Lannefelt L, Hakonarson H, Pichler S, Carrasquillo MM, Ingelsson M, Beekly D, Alvarez V, Zou F, Valladares O, Younkin SG, Coto E, Hamilton-Nelson KL, Gu W, Razquin C, Pastor P, Mateo I, Owen MJ, Faber KM, Jonsson PV, Combarros O, O'Donovan MC, Cantwell LB, Soininen H, Blacker D, Mead S, Mosley TH, Bennett DA, Harris TB, Fratiglioni L, Holmes C, de Bruijn RF, Passmore P, Montine TJ, Bettens K, Rotter JI, Brice A, Morgan K, Foroud TM, Kukull WA, Hannequin D, Powell JF, Nalls MA, Ritchie K, Lunetta KL, Kauwe JS, Boerwinkle E, Riemenschneider M, Boada M, Hiltuenen M, Martin ER, Schmidt R, Rujescu D, Wang LS, Dartigues JF, Mayeux R, Tzourio C, Hofman A, Nöthen MM, Graff C, Psaty BM, Jones L, Haines JL, Holmans PA, Lathrop M, Pericak-Vance MA, Launer LJ, Farrer LA, van Duijn CM, Van Broeckhoven C, Moskvina V, Seshadri S, Williams J, Schellenberg GD, Amouyel P. Meta-analysis of 74,046 individuals identifies 11 new susceptibility loci for Alzheimer's disease. Nat Genet 2013; 45:1452-8. [PMID: 24162737 PMCID: PMC3896259 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2947] [Impact Index Per Article: 267.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Eleven susceptibility loci for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) were identified by previous studies; however, a large portion of the genetic risk for this disease remains unexplained. We conducted a large, two-stage meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in individuals of European ancestry. In stage 1, we used genotyped and imputed data (7,055,881 SNPs) to perform meta-analysis on 4 previously published GWAS data sets consisting of 17,008 Alzheimer's disease cases and 37,154 controls. In stage 2, 11,632 SNPs were genotyped and tested for association in an independent set of 8,572 Alzheimer's disease cases and 11,312 controls. In addition to the APOE locus (encoding apolipoprotein E), 19 loci reached genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10(-8)) in the combined stage 1 and stage 2 analysis, of which 11 are newly associated with Alzheimer's disease.
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Abstract
Recently there has been increasing research interest in displaying graphs with curved edges to produce more readable visualizations. While there are several automatic techniques, little has been done to evaluate their effectiveness empirically. In this paper we present two experiments studying the impact of edge curvature on graph readability. The goal is to understand the advantages and disadvantages of using curved edges for common graph tasks compared to straight line segments, which are the conventional choice for showing edges in node-link diagrams. We included several edge variations: straight edges, edges with different curvature levels, and mixed straight and curved edges. During the experiments, participants were asked to complete network tasks including determination of connectivity, shortest path, node degree, and common neighbors. We also asked the participants to provide subjective ratings of the aesthetics of different edge types. The results show significant performance differences between the straight and curved edges and clear distinctions between variations of curved edges.
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Chikhman VN, Shelepin YE, Foreman N, Passmore P. Perception of fragmented images of three-dimensional objects as the observation angle changes. Neurosci Behav Physiol 2010; 40:565-572. [PMID: 20464503 DOI: 10.1007/s11055-010-9300-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Recognition thresholds for incomplete two-dimensional images of three-dimensional objects were measured as the observation angle was changed. A new experimental psychophysical method was developed and programmed for this purpose, this being a modification of the Gollin test, which measures perception thresholds of incomplete outline images. After training to a stimulus alphabet, observers' responses were found to be invariant to changes in the observation angles of three-dimensional objects from 15 degrees to 60 degrees. It is suggested that possible algorithms for the formation of models of three-dimensional images in the human visual system do not operate on the basis of simple section, but involve invariance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- V N Chikhman
- I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 6 Makarov Bank, 199034, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Abstract
Drusen are small focal extracellular deposits underneath the retina, visible ophthalmoscopically as yellow dots. The more hard drusen there are, the greater the risk of developing soft drusen and retinal pigmentary changes, which in turn increase the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration. Much remains to be discovered about drusen. For the patient with drusen, basic advice on diet and smoking and maintenance of a high level of vigilance for visual changes is appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Williams
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Whitla Medical Building, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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Proitsi P, Hamilton G, Tsolaki M, Lupton M, Daniilidou M, Hollingworth P, Archer N, Foy C, Stylios F, McGuinness B, Todd S, Lawlor B, Gill M, Brayne C, Rubinsztein DC, Owen M, Williams J, Craig D, Passmore P, Lovestone S, Powell JF. A Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia (BPSD). Neurobiol Aging 2009; 32:434-42. [PMID: 19386383 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2009.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2008] [Revised: 02/11/2009] [Accepted: 03/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although there is evidence for distinct behavioural sub-phenotypes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), their inter-relationships and the effect of clinical variables on their expression have been little investigated. METHODS We have analysed a sample of 1850 probable AD patients from the UK and Greece with 10 item Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) data. We applied a Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) approach to investigate the effect of MMSE, disease duration, gender, age and age of onset on the structure of a four-factor model consisting of "psychosis", "moods", "agitation" and "behavioural dyscontrol". RESULTS Specific clinical variables predicted the expression of individual factors. When the inter-relationship of factors is modelled, some previously significant associations are lost. For example, lower MMSE scores predict psychosis, agitation and behavioural dyscontrol factors, but psychosis and mood predict the agitation factor. Taking these associations into account MMSE scores did not predict agitation. CONCLUSIONS The complexity of the inter-relations between symptoms, factors and clinical variables is efficiently captured by this MIMIC model.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Proitsi
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
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McGuinness B, Todd S, Passmore P, Bullock R. The effects of blood pressure lowering on development of cognitive impairment and dementia in patients without apparent prior cerebrovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006:CD004034. [PMID: 16625595 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004034.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension and cognitive impairment are prevalent in older people. It is known that hypertension is a direct risk factor for vascular dementia and recent studies have suggested hypertension also impacts upon prevalence of Alzheimer's disease. The question is therefore whether treatment of hypertension lowers the rate of cognitive decline. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of blood pressure lowering treatments for the prevention of dementia and cognitive decline in patients with hypertension but no history of cerebrovascular disease. SEARCH STRATEGY The trials were identified through a search of CDCIG's Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL on 27 April 2005. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trials in which pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions to lower blood pressure were given for at least six months. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two independent reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data. The following outcomes were assessed: incidence of dementia, cognitive change from baseline, blood pressure level, incidence and severity of side effects and quality of life. MAIN RESULTS Three trials including 12,091 hypertensive subjects were identified. Average age was 72.8 years. Participants were recruited from industrialised countries. Mean blood pressure at entry across the studies was 170/84 mmHg. All trials instituted a stepped care approach to hypertension treatment, starting with a calcium-channel blocker, a diuretic or an angiotensin receptor blocker. The combined result of the three trials reporting incidence of dementia indicated no significant difference between treatment and placebo (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.89, 95% CI 0.69, 1.16). Blood pressure reduction resulted in a 11% relative risk reduction of dementia in patients with no prior cerebrovascular disease but this effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.38) and there was considerable heterogeneity between the trials. The combined results from the two trials reporting change in Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) did not indicate a benefit from treatment (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) = 0.10, 95% CI -0.03, 0.23). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were reduced significantly in the two trials assessing this outcome (WMD = -7.53, 95% CI -8.28, -6.77 for systolic blood pressure, WMD = -3.87, 95% CI -4.25, -3.50 for diastolic blood pressure). Two trials reported adverse effects requiring discontinuation of treatment and the combined results indicated a significant benefit from placebo (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.06, 1.30). When analysed separately, however, more patients on placebo in SCOPE were likely to discontinue treatment due to side effects; the converse was true in SHEP 1991. Quality of life data could not be analysed in the three studies. There was difficulty with the control group in this review as many of the control subjects received antihypertensive treatment because their blood pressures exceeded pre-set values. In most cases the study became a comparison between the study drug against a usual antihypertensive regimen. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There was no convincing evidence from the trials identified that blood pressure lowering prevents the development of dementia or cognitive impairment in hypertensive patients with no apparent prior cerebrovascular disease. There were significant problems identified with analysing the data, however, due to the number of patients lost to follow-up and the number of placebo patients given active treatment. This introduced bias. More robust results may be obtained by analysing one year data to reduce differential drop-out or by conducting a meta-analysis using individual patient data.
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Affiliation(s)
- B McGuinness
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Whitla Medical Building, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, UK, BT9 5 HP.
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Leininger-Muller B, Hoy A, Herbeth B, Pfister M, Serot JM, Stavljenic-Rukavina M, Massana L, Passmore P, Siest G, Visvikis S. Myeloperoxidase G-463A polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease in the ApoEurope study. Neurosci Lett 2003; 349:95-8. [PMID: 12946561 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(03)00795-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. Epidemiological and molecular genetic studies have shown the existence of several genes associated with increased risk of AD, the major genetic susceptibility locus coding for apolipoprotein E (apoE). A polymorphism in the myeloperoxidase gene (MPO) has previously been associated with AD susceptibility. However, results in the literature are controversial and seem to be dependent on several factors such as gender, apoE polymorphism or the genetic structure of the population. We investigated MPO G-463A and apoE polymorphism in 265 cases and 246 controls from the ApoEurope Study. In females, we found a significant association between MPO genotype and AD (P=0.034), GG genotype frequency being lower in cases (52.4%) as compared to controls (64.2%). In men, there was no significant effect of MPO polymorphism. No interaction was found between MPO polymorphism and apoE epsilon 4 allele. In conclusion, the G-463A polymorphism of MPO was statistically associated with AD in a gender-specific manner. However, given the low significance of P value we suggest no causal effect of the MPO gene in AD, as also evidenced in a recent meta-analysis. Our results support the hypothesis of a possible linkage disequilibrium between the MPO G-463A gene polymorphism and another functional variant involved in AD.
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McGuinness B, Todd S, Passmore P, Bullock R. The effects of blood pressure lowering on development of cognitive impairment and dementia in patients without apparent prior cerebrovascular disease. Hippokratia 2003. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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McIlroy SP, Dynan KB, Vahidassr DJ, Lawson JT, Patterson CC, Passmore P. Common polymorphisms in LRP and A2M do not affect genetic risk for Alzheimer disease in Northern Ireland. Am J Med Genet 2001; 105:502-6. [PMID: 11496365 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.1474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variation in one of the major APOE receptors in the brain has been associated with increased risk for Alzheimer disease (AD). A C/T polymorphism in exon 3 and a tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism in the 5' region of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein gene have been reported to increase risk in some studies but these reports have not been universally replicated. In addition, genetic variation in another ligand of LRP, alpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M), has also been associated with increased AD risk. However, these reports also remain controversial. We have genotyped both LRP polymorphisms and two polymorphisms in the A2M gene in a large group of clinically well-defined AD cases and controls from the relatively genetically homogeneous Northern Ireland population. Comparison of genotype and allele frequencies for polymorphisms in LRP revealed no significant differences between cases and controls. Multiple logistic regression analysis performed to assess any possible interaction between LRP and APOE revealed little evidence for genetic interaction despite the obvious biological interaction. Genotype and allele comparisons between the groups for the A2M polymorphisms also gave no evidence that either polymorphism increased risk for disease. The results from this study indicate that polymorphisms in LRP and A2M are not associated with increased risk for AD in Northern Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P McIlroy
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Queen's University of Belfast, Whitla Medical Building, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland.
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Bullock R, Passmore P, Wilkinson D, Howard R, Jones R. Effectiveness of rivastigmine in Alzheimer's disease. Participation in trials should be based on clinical uncertainty, not enforcement. BMJ 2000; 320:511-2. [PMID: 10678874 PMCID: PMC1127540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
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Kehoe PG, Russ C, McIlory S, Williams H, Holmans P, Holmes C, Liolitsa D, Vahidassr D, Powell J, McGleenon B, Liddell M, Plomin R, Dynan K, Williams N, Neal J, Cairns NJ, Wilcock G, Passmore P, Lovestone S, Williams J, Owen MJ. Variation in DCP1, encoding ACE, is associated with susceptibility to Alzheimer disease. Nat Genet 1999; 21:71-2. [PMID: 9916793 DOI: 10.1038/5009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Seifer C, McNeill B, O’Donnell M, Daly K, Kellett J, McGee HM, Montogomery AJ, O’Callaghan D, Horgan JH, Mahon NG, Codd M, Brennan J, Egan B, McCann HA, Sugrue DD, Menown IBA, Patterson RSHW, McMechan SR, Hameed S, Adgey AAJ, Baird SH, McBride SJ, Trouton TG, Wilson C, McRedmond JP, Fitzgerald DJ, Crowley JJ, Tanguay JF, Santos RM, Stack RS, Mahon NG, Keelan P, McCann HA, Sugrue DD, McKenna CJ, AuBuchon R, Camrud AR, Holmes DR, Schwartz RS, McKenna CJ, Camrud AR, Wolff R, Edwards WD, Holmes DR, Schwartz RS, Hanratty C, McAuley D, Young I, Murtagh G, O’Keeffe B, Richardson G, Scott M, Chew EW, Bailie NA, Graham AMJ, O’Kane H, McKenna CJ, Kwon HM, Ellis L, Holmes DR, Virmani R, Schwartz RS, Noelke L, Wood AE, Javadpour H, Veerasingham D, Wood AE, O’Kane D, Allen JD, Adgey AAJ, Hennessy T, Johnson P, Hildick-Smith D, Winter E, Shapiro L, McKenna CJ, Edwards WD, Lerman A, Holmes DR, Schwartz RS, McGrath LT, Passmore P, Silke B, McAuley D, Nugent AG, McGurk C, Hanratty C, Maguire S, Johnston GD, McAuley D, Nugent AG, McGurk C, Hanratty C, Maguire S, Johnston GD, Lovell SL, McDowell G, McEneany D, Riley MS, Nicholls DP, Gilligan D, Sargent D, Dan D, Gilligan D, Elam G, Rhee B, Keane D, Zhou L, McGovern B, Garan H, Ruskin J, O’Shea JC, Tan HC, Zidar JP, Stack RS, Crowley JJ, O’Keeffe DB, Graffin S, Fitzsimmons D, Brown S, Duff D, Denham B, Woods F, Neligan M, Oslizlok P, Connolly CK, Danton MHD, O’Kane H, Danton M, Gladstone DJ, Craig B, Mulholland HC, Casey F, Chaudhuri S, Hinchion J, Wood AE, Hinchion J, Wood AE, Menown IBA, Patterson RHSW, MacKenzie G, Adgey AAJ, Harbinson MT, Burgess LM, Moohan V, McEneaney DJ, Adgey AAJ, Menown IBA, MacKenzie G, Patterson RSHW, Adgey AAJ, Finnegan OC, Doherty L, Silke B, Riddell JG, Meleady R, Daly L, Graham I, Quinn M, Foley B, Lee J, Mulvihill N, Crean P, Walsh M, O’Morain C, Quinn M, Crean P, Foley B, Walsh M, Hynes C, King SM, David S, Newton H, Maguire M, Rafferty F, Horgan JH, Sullivan PA, Murphy D, Gallagher S, Menown IBA, Allen J, Anderson JM, Adgey AAJ, Dan D, Hoag J, Eckberg D, Gilligan D, Galvin J, Garan H, McGovern B, Ruskin J, Mahon NG, Diamond P, Neilan T, Keelan E, H. A., McCarthy C, Sugrue DD, Harbinson MT, Moohan VP, McEneaney DJ, Burgess LM, Anderson JM, Ayers GM, Adgey AAJ, Roberts M, Burgess L, Anderson C, Wilson C, Khan M, Clements IP, Miller WL, Seifer C, O’Donnell M, McNeill B, Daly K, Turtle F, McDowell G, Long H, McNair W, Campbell NPS, Mathew TP, Turtle F, Smye M, Nesbitt GS, Young IS, Adgey AAJ, Meleady R, Mulcahy D, Graham IM, Moore D, Menown IBA, McMechan SR, MacKenzie G, Adgey AAJ, Diamond P, Sugrue D, Codd MB, Galvin J, Zimmerman P, Winget J, Capeless M, Galvin J, Garan H, McGovern B, Ruskin J, McKelvey TA, Danton MHD, Sarsam MIA, McEneaney D, Roberts M, Burgess L, Anderson C, Wilson C, Khan M. Irish cardiac society. Ir J Med Sci 1998. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02937898] [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: 10/21/2022]
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Lye M, Valacio R, Reckless J, Ghosh A, Findlay I, Ghosh M, Passmore P, Fulcher R. 110 Elderly patients with hypercholesterolaemia: results with fluvastatin. Atherosclerosis 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9150(97)87533-8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Taggart AJ, McElnay JC, Kerr B, Passmore P. The chronopharmacokinetics of indomethacin suppositories in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1987; 31:617-9. [PMID: 3830248 DOI: 10.1007/bf00606642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of a single 100 mg indomethacin suppository were studied in 12 healthy volunteers on two occasions at least 7 days apart. Suppositories were administered in randomised order at 9.00 and 21.00 hours to see if there was evidence of a diurnal variation in kinetic parameters. The study failed to show a significant change in single dose kinetics with the time of suppository administration. This is in contrast to previous work [1] demonstrating a circadian rhythm in the kinetics of a single oral dose of indomethacin. This suggests that the chronopharmacokinetics of indomethacin is dependent on the function of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
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Quillan JP, Kwong A, Passmore P. An epidemiological investigation of pre-eclampsia and elevated blood pressure among Kampuchean refugee women at Sakaeo Holding Center, Thailand. J Trop Med Hyg 1983; 86:185-91. [PMID: 6668639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
An investigation was undertaken at Sakaeo Holding Center in Thailand to determine the cause for an increase in the frequency of pre-eclampsia and elevated blood pressure among Kampuchean refugee women. A review of the admission and delivery logs revealed an incidence rate of 12.6 per 100 deliveries from March to August 1982. A study based on review of antenatal records indicated that haematocrit levels were significantly lower in the second and third trimesters among cases. When other Kampuchean holding centres were visited, pre-eclampsia and elevated blood pressure cases were few, and haematocrit levels were substantially higher than at Sakaeo. After an iron therapy programme was instituted at Sakaeo, there was a decrease in the number of pre-eclampsia cases.
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