Dementia Of Alzheimer Type Research Articles

The Diagnostic Challenge of Young-Onset Dementia Syndromes and Primary Psychiatric Diseases: Results From a Retrospective 20-Year Cross-Sectional Study.

Distinguishing a dementia syndrome from a primary psychiatric disease in younger patients can be challenging and may lead to diagnostic change over time. The investigators aimed to examine diagnostic stability in a cohort of patients with younger-onset neurocognitive disorders. A retrospective review of records was conducted for patients who were admitted to an inpatient neuropsychiatry service unit between 2000 and 2019, who were followed up for at least 12 months, and who received a diagnosis of young-onset dementia at any time point. Initial diagnosis included Alzheimer's disease-type dementia (N=30), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) syndromes (N=44), vascular dementia (N=7), mild cognitive impairment (N=10), primary psychiatric diseases (N=6), and other conditions, such as Lewy body dementia (N=30). Among 127 patients, 49 (39%) had a change in their initial diagnoses during the follow-up period. Behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) was the least stable diagnosis, followed by dementia not otherwise specified and mild cognitive impairment. Compared with patients with a stable diagnosis, those who changed exhibited a higher cognitive score at baseline, a longer follow-up period, greater delay to final diagnosis, and no family history of dementia. Patients whose diagnosis changed from a neurodegenerative to a psychiatric diagnosis were more likely to have a long psychiatric history, while those whose diagnosis changed from a psychiatric to a neurodegenerative one had a recent manifestation of psychiatric symptoms. Misdiagnosis of younger patients with neurocognitive disorders is not uncommon, especially in cases of bvFTD. Late-onset psychiatric symptoms may be the harbinger to a neurodegenerative disease. Close follow-up and monitoring of these patients are necessary.

Should Canadian patients look forward to aducanumab for Alzheimer disease?

KEY POINTS In Canada, 190 000 people are living with mild Alzheimer-type dementia and 532 000 to 799 000 people are living with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.[1][1]–[4][2] Developing treatments for Alzheimer disease is challenging, with few effective therapies that only target symptoms.

Association of Stressful Life Events with Dementia in North Indian Populations.

Chronic stress is known to be associated with dementia. This study looked for major stressors and their associations with dementia in the elderly demented population. Case group consisted of 60 subjects (age group 55-75 years; M:F = 7:3) with postscreening for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer's type dementia. Control group consisted of two subgroups: related (N = 60) and not-related (N = 60) subjects screened and confirmed not to be suffering from cognitive impairment. Sociodemographic variables were collected using a personal data sheet. The severity of cognitive impairment was assessed using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale. Subjects with a CDR score of range 0.5-1 were included in mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's type dementia. Stressful life events were evaluated using the Presumptive Stressful Life Event Scale (PSLES). A present stress level of caregivers was evaluated using Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). Assessed stress level scores were compared and validated with serum and plasma levels of cortisol and ACTH respectively. Different groups exhibited distinct PSLES and DASS scores with statistical significance. It was also observed that Cortisol and ACTH levels were elevated in case group as compared with that of both sub-group controls. The outcome measures of this study projected that neural degeneration leading to mild cognitive impairment and dementia may be due to accumulative cortisol hormone associated with stressful life events.

Identification of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii strains for gut microbiome-based intervention in Alzheimer’s-type dementia

SummaryEvidence linking the gut-brain axis to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is accumulating, but the characteristics of causally important microbes are poorly understood. We perform a fecal microbiome analysis in healthy subjects and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. We find that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) correlates with cognitive scores and decreases in the MCI group compared with the healthy group. Two isolated strains from the healthy group, live Fp360 and pasteurized Fp14, improve cognitive impairment in an AD mouse model. Whole-genome comparison of isolated strains reveals specific orthologs that are found only in the effective strains and are more abundant in the healthy group compared with the MCI group. Metabolome and RNA sequencing analyses of mouse brains provides mechanistic insights into the relationship between the efficacy of pasteurized Fp14, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function. We conclude that F. prausnitzii strains with these specific orthologs are candidates for gut microbiome-based intervention in Alzheimer's-type dementia.

Blood Pressure Profiles and Cognitive Function from Adulthood to Old Age: Chasing a Golden Middle Way?

With the demographic shift toward advanced ages, it is imperative to understand the biological mechanisms behind common, disabling age-related diseases such as cognitive impairment in its mild form to overt dementia. Hypertension, a major cardiovascular risk factor, is epidemiologically linked to vascular and Alzheimer-type dementia, with possible mechanisms being atherosclerotic macro- and microvascular damage leading to neuronal cell death, as well as proinflammatory events responsible for neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, there is currently a knowledge gap as to which population to target, what the diagnostics test, and how to manage early pathogenic events in order to prevent such a dramatic and disabling condition. While clinical trials data support the benefit of active BP control with antihypertensive medications on the risk of future cognitive impairment, hypotension appears to be related to accelerated cognitive decline in both the fit and the cognitively frail elderly. Dedicated, technologically advanced studies assessing the relation of BP with dementia are needed to clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms in the association before a tailored preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approach to one of the most widespread modern medical challenges becomes a reality.

IS THYROID ASSOCIATED WITH DEMENTIA? A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Objectives: The present study was undertaken with an objective to explore if thyroid is related to dementia among participants aged 45 years and above. Design: Participants aged more than 45 years of age, giving written informed consent and meeting the selection criteria were enrolled in the study. The participants were administered with a series of paper pencil tests. The data was further analyzed for any association using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22 (SPSS 22). Setting: Participants attending the Outpatient Department (OPD) at Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied sciences (IHBAS), a tertiary care neuropsychiatric hospital and normal elderly controls from local community. Participants: A sample size of at least 40 cases of Dementia of Alzheimer type and at least 40 cases of vascular/ mixed dementia and 60 normal controls were recruited. Measurements: Semi-structured Performa for demographic and clinical variables; Hindi mental status examination (HMSE) for cognitive functions was applied as screening tools for both case and control groups;Tools for patients with dementia: NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for Probable Alzheimer's disease (McKhann et al), NINDS /AIREN criteria for diagnosis of probable vascular dementia (VaD), NINDS-AIREN diagnostic criteria for “Alzheimer's disease with Cerebro-Vascular Disease” (mixed dementia), Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (Morris et al 1997), and 5 ml blood sample collection and analysis through vein puncture. Results: The results of the study indicate that subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with dementia of Alzheimer type. Conclusion: When considered in light with varied ndings of prior studies, it may be implied that subclinical thyroid dysfunction not especially hypo or hyperthyroidism is a risk for DAT.

Evaluation of retinal and choroidal changes in patients with Alzheimer's type dementia using optical coherence tomography angiography.

To evaluate the changes in fundus parameters in patients with Alzheimer's type dementia (ATD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), to record flash electroretinograms (ERG) using the RETeval system and to explore changes in retinal function. Twenty-nine patients with ATD and 26 age-matched normal subjects were enrolled. All subjects underwent OCTA scans to analyse the superficial retinal vessel parameters in the macular area, including the vessel length density, the vessel perfusion density and the area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), as well as the choroidal thickness. The differences between the patients with ATD and the normal control group were compared and explored the relevant factors affecting vessel parameters. We also recorded the flash ERGs using the RETeval system and intended to explore changes in retinal function by analysing the ERG image amplitude in patients with ATD. The vessel parameters [P vessel length density=0.005 and P vessel perfusion density=0.006) and average choroid thickness (P<0.001) in the macular area of the ATD group was less than the control group. The FAZ area was statistically significantly enlarged in the ATD group (P<0.001). These parameters were correlated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Patients with ATD exhibit decreases in the parameters associated with fundus. In addition, these indicators significantly correlate with the MMSE score and the MoCA score. OCTA may be an adjunct tool with strong potential to track changes in the diagnosis and monitoring the progression of the disease.

Using Video Replay of Simulated Driving to Estimate Driving Safety and Cognitive Status

Cognitive decline resulting from Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type (DAT) can lead to reduced ability to perform complex daily tasks required for independent living, including driving an automobile. This study explores the ability of untrained observers to classify driving safety using short video clips of simulated driving through intersections; it also examined whether untrained observers could predict whether the driver was cognitively healthy or cognitively impaired. Participants (n = 54) were shown a series of 30 video clips arranged in an online survey and asked to answer questions following each clip regarding the safety of the maneuver and the cognitive status of the driver. Results showed that participants’ subjectively rated DAT drivers as significantly less safe in comparison to control drivers, F (1, 52) = 228.44, p &lt; 0.001. Participant’s classification of DAT drivers and controls was also significantly higher than chance (i.e., &gt;50% correct). Findings provide preliminary support for the development of a clinical decision-making aid using video replay of driving simulator performance in fitness-to-drive assessments for individuals with cognitive impairment.

Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamic Analysis to Link Pharmacokinetics to Efficacy and Drug Interaction of Alzheimer's Disease Drugs

In recent years, the number of patients with Alzheimer's type dementia continues to increase year by year. As a first-line drug, cholinesterase inhibitor is used. There is a close relationship between the time course of the drug plasma concentration (pharmacokinetics; PK) and the time course of its effects and side effects (pharmacodynamics; PD). However, the relationship between PK and PD is not simply that plasma concentrations are proportional to the effects. The effect is expressed through the characteristics of various pharmacokinetic processes. Therefore, it is important to investigate the transition of effects accompanying its pharmacokinetics. We conducted a fundamental PK/PD analysis using donepezil. Time course of acetylcholine in the hippocampus was investigated with relation to its PK after donepezil administration using rats. The PK and PD characteristics of the drug, including its active metabolite, were investigated. Additionally, Alzheimer's type dementia drugs are often given in combination with antiplatelet drugs such as cilostazol. It is reported that donepezil and cilostazol interact clinically, partly due to inhibition in the efflux transporters in certain tissues. There are various transporters in the body, and interactions through them may cause unexpected changes in the effects. So, it is important to calculate the correlation between the donepezil level in plasma and tissues after their combined administration. From the PK/PD point of view, the results of this study will provide insight into the time course of effects and the characteristics of drug-drug interaction in clinical practice.

Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease Benefit From Audiovisual Speech Cues and Supportive Sentence Context

Purpose Speech perception in noise becomes difficult with age but can be facilitated by audiovisual (AV) speech cues and sentence context in healthy older adults. However, individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may present with deficits in AV integration, potentially limiting the extent to which they can benefit from AV cues. This study investigated the benefit of these cues in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), individuals with AD, and healthy older adult controls. Method This study compared auditory-only and AV speech perception of sentences presented in noise. These sentences had one of two levels of context: high (e.g., "Stir your coffee with a spoon") and low (e.g., "Bob didn't think about the spoon"). Fourteen older controls (M age = 72.71 years, SD = 9.39), 13 individuals with MCI (M age = 79.92 years, SD = 5.52), and nine individuals with probable Alzheimer's-type dementia (M age = 79.38 years, SD = 3.40) completed the speech perception task and were asked to repeat the terminal word of each sentence. Results All three groups benefited (i.e., identified more terminal words) from AV and sentence context. Individuals with MCI showed a smaller AV benefit compared to controls in low-context conditions, suggesting difficulties with AV integration. Individuals with AD showed a smaller benefit in high-context conditions compared to controls, indicating difficulties with AV integration and context use in AD. Conclusions Individuals with MCI and individuals with AD do benefit from AV speech and semantic context during speech perception in noise (albeit to a lower extent than healthy older adults). This suggests that engaging in face-to-face communication and providing ample context will likely foster more effective communication between patients and caregivers, professionals, and loved ones.

The multifaceted role of sortilin/neurotensin receptor 3 in human cancer development

Sortilin (also known as neurotensin receptor 3) is a multitasking protein implicated in numerous pathophysiological processes, including cancer development, cardiovascular impairment, Alzheimer-type dementia, and depression. Althoughthe definitive role of sortilin in human solid and hematological malignancies has been evidenced, few articles reviewed the task. The aim of the current review is to unravel the mechanisms by which sortilin controls oncogenicity and cancer progression; and alsoto summarize and discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on this topic. Questions on how sortilin is involving in the impairment of cell junctions, in exosomes composition and release, as well as in the regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor trafficking are also responded. In addition, we provide a special focus on the regulatory role of sortilin in signal transduction by either neurotrophins or neurotensin in normal and malignant cells. The relevance of sortilin with normal and cancer stem cells is also discussed. The last section provides a general overview of sortilin applications as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in the context of cancer detection. Finally, we comment on the future research aspects in which the field of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy might be developed.

Working memory training in normal and pathological ageing: neurocognitive gains and their impact on daily-living activities.

Working memory is one of the cognitive functions that is the most sensitive to the effects of normal and pathological ageing. In older individuals with mild cognitive impairments, working memory deficits are frequent and can precede episodic memory impairments, in addition to having a strong prognostic value of evolution toward an Alzheimer-type dementia. Due to its involvement in numerous cognitive and cognitive-motor tasks, working memory is called upon in a wide range of daily activities. An impaired working memory therefore increases the risk of loss of autonomy. In this review, we present different working memory training programmes. We show how these training programmes are associated with specific effects, and near and far transfer effects on other cognitive functions in older adults without cognitive impairment or with mild cognitive impairment, as well as in patients with dementia. We show that the benefits are confirmed by neuronal modifications, suggesting an improvement in the neuronal efficiency of the processes that are trained or related to them. Finally, we consider the central question of the impact of the cognitive gains made by working memory training on activities of daily living.

Quantification of Oscillatory Shear Stress from Reciprocating CSF Motion on 4D Flow Imaging.

Oscillatory shear stress could not be directly measured in consideration of direction, although cerebrospinal fluid has repetitive movements synchronized with heartbeat. Our aim was to evaluate the important of oscillatory shear stress in the cerebral aqueduct and foramen magnum in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus by comparing it with wall shear stress and the oscillatory shear index in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. By means of the 4D flow application, oscillatory shear stress, wall shear stress, and the oscillatory shear index were measured in 41 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, 23 with co-occurrence of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and Alzheimer-type dementia, and 9 age-matched controls. These shear stress parameters at the cerebral aqueduct were compared with apertures and stroke volumes at the foramen of Magendie and cerebral aqueduct. Two wall shear stress magnitude peaks during a heartbeat were changed to periodic oscillation by converting oscillatory shear stress. The mean oscillatory shear stress amplitude and time-averaged wall shear stress values at the dorsal and ventral regions of the cerebral aqueduct in the idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus groups were significantly higher than those in controls. Furthermore, those at the ventral region of the cerebral aqueduct in the idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus group were also significantly higher than those in the co-occurrence of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus with Alzheimer-type dementia group. The oscillatory shear stress amplitude at the dorsal region of the cerebral aqueduct was significantly associated with foramen of Magendie diameters, whereas it was strongly associated with the stroke volume at the upper end of the cerebral aqueduct rather than that at the foramen of Magendie. Oscillatory shear stress, which reflects wall shear stress vector changes better than the conventional wall shear stress magnitude and the oscillatory shear index, can be directly measured on 4D flow MR imaging. Oscillatory shear stress at the cerebral aqueduct was considerably higher in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

The Future of Occupational Therapy in Rehabilitation Sciences: Global Impact

Occupational therapy (OT) is a part of quality care that adds value in holistic team of health care since it focuses on assisting people across the lifespan to recover, grow, or enhance life skills to live autonomously, productive, and content. In its least complex terms, occupational therapists assist individuals of all age group to take part in life activities with interest and desire through the beneficial use of everyday activities (occupations). Occupational Therapists (OTs) serve diverse population and diagnoses that may include mental health, psychiatric and psychosocial conditions (i.e., depression, anxiety), pediatric and developmental conditions (i.e., developmental delays, autism), geriatric conditions (i.e., dementia Alzheimer type), neurological conditions (i.e., stroke, spinal cord injuries, hand injuries), physical conditions (i.e., burns, fractures), and any other conditions that restrict participation and functional performance for individuals.

Associations between metabolic syndrome and type of dementia: analysis based on the National Health Insurance Service database of Gangwon province in South Korea

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and dementia has remained controversial. Using nationwide population cohort data, we investigated the association between metabolic syndrome and dementia, according to the dementia type.MethodsWe analyzed data of 84,144 individuals, in the aged group of more than 60 years, between January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009, at Gangwon province by using the information of the (Korean) National Health Insurance Service. After eight years of gap, in 2017, we investigated the relationship between metabolic syndrome and dementia. We classified Dementia either as dementia of the Alzheimer type (AD) or vascular dementia (VD). AD and VD were defined as per the criteria of International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Multiple logistic regression analyses examined the associations between metabolic syndrome or five metabolic syndrome components and dementia. Analyses included factors like age, sex, smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity, previous stroke, and previous cardiac disease.ResultsMetabolic syndrome was associated with AD (OR = 11.48, 95% CI 9.03–14.59), not with VD. Each of five components of metabolic syndrome were also associated with AD. (high serum triglycerides: OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.60–2.19; high blood pressure: OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.55–2.21; high glucose: OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.52–2.06; abdominal obesity: OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.57–2.25; low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.63–2.24) However, among components of metabolic syndrome, only the high glucose level was associated with VD. (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.01–1.56) body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, and smoking were also associated with AD. (BMI: OR = 0.951, 95% CI 0.927–0.975; fasting glucose: OR = 1.003, 95% CI 1.001–1.005; smoking: OR = 1.020, 95% CI 1.003–1.039) A history of the previous stroke was associated with both AD and VD. (AD: OR = 1.827, 95% CI 1.263–2.644; VD: OR 2.775, 95% CI 1.747–4.406)ConclusionsMetabolic syndrome was associated with AD but not with VD. Patients with metabolic syndrome had an 11.48 times more likeliness to develop AD compared to those without metabolic syndrome. VD was associated only with several risk factors that could affect the vascular state rather than a metabolic syndrome. We suggested that the associations between metabolic syndrome and dementia would vary depending on the type of dementia.

Apathy symptoms increase the risk of dementia conversion: a case-matching cohort study on patients with post-stroke mild cognitive impairment in China.

Apathy is a neuropsychiatric symptom frequently observed in patients with cognitive impairment. It has been found to be a predictor of conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia of Alzheimer disease type. However, this association between apathy and dementia conversion has not yet been confirmed in vascular MCI, especially post-stroke MCI. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether apathy would increase the risk of dementia conversion in patients with post-stroke MCI after 6 months. A prospective multi-centre cohort study was performed in 14 clinics in seven provinces and cities of China. A total of 989 subjects were included 2 weeks to 6 months after stroke, and met the diagnostic criteria of International Working Group for MCI. Symptoms of apathy were assessed using the apathy subscale of Geriatric Depression Scale. Subjects were divided into an apathy group (n = 128) and a non-apathy group (n = 861). The primary outcome was the dementia conversion after 6 months. To eliminate potential biases, subjects were chosen from 861 non-apathy patients with similarity in seven potential predictors of cognitive impairment to match with the apathy group (n = 128) at a 1:1 ratio, as a matched non-apathy group (n = 128). The dementia conversion rate was compared between the apathy group (n = 128) and its correspondingly matched non-apathy group (n = 128), and the relative risk (RR) was calculated. The prevalence of apathy in post-stroke MCI was 12.9%. After 6 months, 5.2% of patients with post-stroke MCI converted to dementia. The dementia conversion rate of the apathy group was significantly higher than that of the non-apathy group before case-matching (17.2% vs 3.4%, P < 0.001), and also after case-matching (17.2% vs 6.3%, P < 0.001). Symptoms of apathy increased the risk of conversion from MCI to dementia (RR 2.75, 95% CI 1.272-5.947, P < 0.001). For patients with post-stroke MCI, apathy symptoms increase the risk of conversion from MCI to dementia.

Mikrocirkulatornom kapilarnom koritu pacova sa demencijom Alchajmerovog tipa indukovanog nitritom na terenu mezenhimalnih matičnih ćelija

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the vascular endothelium morphofunctional state of the brain microcirculatory bed in rats with nitrite-induced Alzheimer's type dementia on the background of stem cells administration. Methods. 14 days after the experiment's end, the endothelin-1, VEGF-A, eNOS, von Willebrand factor were determined in blood serum by the enzyme immunoassay and photometric methods in rats with a model of nitrite-induced dementia (14 and 28 days of sodium nitrite intraperitoneal introduction) with and without mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) administration. The brain slices were stained according to the Einarson's method and immunohistochemically by staging the reaction with antibodies to VEGF. Results. With an increase in the sodium nitrite administration period, the degree of damage of brain capillaries and neurons increased, dystrophy of "surviving" neurons developed and ability to produce VEGF decreased. After 14 days of "regeneration period" in groups without MSCs administration, further stimulation of VEGF production by endotheliocytes, cortex and hippocampus neurons of varying degrees was observed. In groups where stem cells were introduced, the number of capillaries increased, with endothelial hyperplasia in some cases. Conclusion. In animals with nitrite-induced dementia, dose-dependent damage to the endothelium of the capillary bed is noted. From the first day damage the vascular regeneration can be proved by VEGF expression. The stem cells administration more effectively stimulates capillary regeneration, as evidenced by a noticeable increase of the number of brain capillaries.

A case suspected of Alzheimer type dementia showing multimodal (face and voice) person recognition disorder from face and voice

A 90-year-old woman presented with a multimodal (face and voice) person recognition disorder. Although she had moderate general cognitive impairment, her visual cognitive capacity, other than face recognition, was well preserved. She could identify the faces and voices of family members but could not recall the names and voices of relatives whom she met infrequently, famous individuals, or the medical staff. She could remember the first names and some information about prominent individuals when supplied with their surnames. Therefore, we thought that her person-specific semantic memory was intact but she was unable to access it through their faces and voices. MRI revealed predominantly right-sided bilateral anterior temporal lobe and hippocampal atrophy. SPECT images showed decreased blood flow in the bilateral anterior temporal lobes and inferior parietal lobule (heavily and predominantly right-sided), right posterior cingulate gyrus, and precuneus. Progressive person recognition disorder or prosopagnosia has been considered a right temporal variant of frontotemporal lobar degeneration because abnormal behaviors and psychiatric symptoms frequently coexist. However, no such symptoms were observed in this case, therefore we suspected dementia of the Alzheimer type.

Transfer learning for predicting conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia of Alzheimer's type based on a three-dimensional convolutional neural network

Dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT) is associated with devastating and irreversible cognitive decline. Predicting which patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will progress to DAT is an ongoing challenge in the field. We developed a deep learning model to predict conversion from MCI to DAT. Structural magnetic resonance imaging scans were used as input to a 3-dimensional convolutional neural network. The 3-dimensional convolutional neural network was trained using transfer learning; in the source task, normal control and DAT scans were used to pretrain the model. This pretrained model was then retrained on the target task of classifying which MCI patients converted to DAT. Our model resulted in 82.4% classification accuracy at the target task, outperforming current models in the field. Next, we visualized brain regions that significantly contribute to the prediction of MCI conversion using an occlusion map approach. Contributory regions included the pons, amygdala, and hippocampus. Finally, we showed that the model's prediction value is significantly correlated with rates of change in clinical assessment scores, indicating that the model is able to predict an individual patient's future cognitive decline. This information, in conjunction with the identified anatomical features, will aid in building a personalized therapeutic strategy for individuals with MCI.

Brain Injury in Critical Illness and a Note on the Virus

Brain Injury in Critical Illness and a Note on the Virus