The Memory Alteration Test Is Correlated with Clinical, Cerebrospinal Fluid, and Brain Imaging Markers of Alzheimer Disease in Lima, Peru.

INTRODUCTION: As disease-modifying therapies become available for Alzheimer's disease (AD), detection of AD in early stages of illness (mild cognitive impairment [MCI], early dementia) becomes increasingly important. Biomarkers for AD in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are costly and not widely available; hence, it is important to identify cognitive tests that correlate well with AD biomarker status. In this study, we evaluated the memory alteration test (M@T) to detect biomarker-proven AD and quantify its correlation with neurodegeneration and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers in a cohort of participants from Lima, Peru. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a cohort of 185 participants: 63 controls, 53 with amnestic MCI (aMCI), and 69 with dementia due to AD. Participants underwent testing with M@T and a gold standard neuropsychological battery. We measured total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and beta-amyloid (ß-amyloid) in CSF, and evaluated neurodegeneration via medial temporal atrophy score in MRI. We used receiver-operator curves to determine the discriminative capacity of the total M@T score and its subdomains. We used the Pearson coefficient to correlate M@T score and CSF biomarkers. RESULTS: The M@T had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.994 to discriminate between controls and cognitively impaired (aMCI or AD) patients, and an AUC of 0.98 to differentiate between aMCI and AD patients. Free-recall and cued recall had the highest AUCs of all subdomains. Total score was strongly correlated with t-tau (-0.77) and p-tau (-0.72), and moderately correlated with ß-amyloid (0.66). The AUC for discrimination of neurodegeneration was 0.87. CONCLUSION: The M@T had excellent discrimination of aMCI and dementia due to AD. It was strongly correlated with CSF biomarkers and had good discrimination of neurodegeneration. In LMICs, the M@T may be a cost-effective screening tool for aMCI and dementia caused by AD.

Biomarkers for dementia in Latin American countries: Gaps and opportunities.

Limited knowledge on dementia biomarkers in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries remains a serious barrier. Here, we reported a survey to explore the ongoing work, needs, interests, potential barriers, and opportunities for future studies related to biomarkers. The results show that neuroimaging is the most used biomarker (73%), followed by genetic studies (40%), peripheral fluids biomarkers (31%), and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers (29%). Regarding barriers in LAC, lack of funding appears to undermine the implementation of biomarkers in clinical or research settings, followed by insufficient infrastructure and training. The survey revealed that despite the above barriers, the region holds a great potential to advance dementia biomarkers research. Considering the unique contributions that LAC could make to this growing field, we highlight the urgent need to expand biomarker research. These insights allowed us to propose an action plan that addresses the recommendations for a biomarker framework recently proposed by regional experts.

Diagnostic accuracy of brief cognitive screening tools to diagnose vascular cognitive impairment in Peru.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of three brief cognitive screening (BCS) tools, Peruvian version of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-Pe), of INECO Frontal Screening (IFS-Pe) and of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-Pe), for the diagnosis of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and its non-dementia stages (VCI-ND) and vascular dementia (VD) in patients with cerebral stroke in Lima-Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of three BCS for VCI. RESULTS: Two hundred and four patients were evaluated: 61% Non-VCI, 30% VCI-ND and 9% VD. To discriminate patients with VCI from controls, the area under the curve (AUC) of ACE-Pe, IFS-Pe and MMs-Pe were 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98-0.99), 0.99 (95%CI 0.98-0.99) and 0.87 (95%CI 0.82-0.92), respectively. Of the three BCS, the IFS-Pe presented a larger AUC to discriminate VCI-ND from VD (AUC = 0.98 [95%CI 0.95-1]) compared to ACE-Pe (AUC = 0.84 [95%CI 0.74-0.95]) and MMSE-Pe (0.92 [95%CI 0.86-0.99]). The IFS-Pe presented a higher sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp), and positive (+LR) and negative likelihood ratios (-LR) (S = 96.72%, Sp = 89.47%, +LR = 9.1 and -LR = 0.03) than ACE-Pe (S = 96.72%, Sp = 63.16%, +LR = 2.62 and -LR = 0.05) and MMSE-Pe (S = 90.16%, Sp = 78.95%, +LR = 4.28 and -LR = 0.12). In the multiple regression analysis, the IFS-Pe was not affected by age, sex or years of schooling. CONCLUSION: The IFS-Pe has the best diagnostic accuracy for detecting VCI and discriminating between pre-dementia (VCI-ND) and dementia (VD) stages.

Impact of COVID-19 Mandatory Lockdown Measures on Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Persons with Alzheimer's Disease in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) worsened during the COVID-19 lockdowns, but their progression thereafter is unknown. We present the first longitudinal study tracking them before, during, and after restrictions. OBJECTIVES: To describe the effect of the COVID-19 mandatory lockdowns on Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). METHODS: Cohort of 48 patients with amnestic MCI and 38 with AD in Lima, Peru. They received three rounds of cognitive (RUDAS, CDR, M@T), behavioral (NPI), and functional (ADCS-ADL) assessments. We assessed the change in score means across the time points and for each domain of NPS and tracked the changes in individual patients. RESULTS: RUDAS declined 0.9 (SD 1.0) from baseline to lockdown and 0.7 (SD 1.0) after restrictions. M@T declined 1.0 (SD 1.5) from baseline to lockdown and 1.4 (SD 2.0) after restrictions. CDR worsened in 72 patients (83.72%) from baseline to post-lockdown. NPI worsened by 10 (SD 8.3) from baseline to lockdown but improved by 4.8 (SD 6.4) after restrictions. Proportionally, 81.3% of all patients had worsened NPS during the lockdowns, but only 10.7% saw an increase thereafter. Improvement was statistically significant for specific NPS domains except hallucinations, delusions, and appetite changes. Anxiety, irritability, apathy, and disinhibition returned to baseline levels. CONCLUSION: Following confinement, cognition continued to decline, but NPS demonstrated either stability or improvement. This highlights the role modifiable risk factors may have on the progression of NPS.

[Usefulness of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (Spanish version) in Peruvian patients with Alzheimer's disease and Frontotemporal Dementia]. / Utilidad del Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination versión en español en pacientes peruanos con enfermedad de Alzheimer y demencia frontotemporal.

INTRODUCTION: The development of screening tools for the assessment of cognitive status in patients with dementia must be brief yet both highly sensitive and specific in order to ensure its clinical utility. In this sense, it is important to adapt tools widely used around the world to particular populations, allowing for a more proper validity of its use in everyday clinical practice. One of the most popular general cognitive screening tools is the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE), which has been adapted and validated in multiple languages and populations. OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of the Peruvian version of the ACE in patients with dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy controls, patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and patients with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) were assessed with the Peruvian version of the ACE, the ADAScog to determine dementia severity, and a complete neuropsychological battery. RESULTS: The Peruvian version of the ACE showed very good internal consistency, strong concurrent validity as revealed by significant correlations between the ACE total score and both the MMSE and ADAScog. The ACE was able to differentiate healthy controls from patients with dementia with high discriminatory accuracy. Using a cut-off score of 86 (out of 100), the ACE was exhibited a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100%.

Comparative study of the word capacity and episodic memory of patients with degenerative dementia.

INTRODUCTION: Although the absence of memory impairment was considered among the diagnostic criteria to differentiate Alzheimer's disease (AD) from Behavioural Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD), current and growing evidence indicates that a significant percentage of cases of bvFTD present with episodic memory deficits. In order to compare the performance profile of the naming capacity and episodic memory in patients with AD and bvFTD the present study was designed. METHODS: Cross-sectional and analytical study with control group (32 people). The study included 42 people with probable AD and 22 with probable bvFTD, all over 60 years old. Uniform Data Set instruments validated in Spanish were used: Multilingual Naming Test (MINT), Craft-21 history and Benson's complex figure, among others. RESULTS: A higher average age was observed among the patients with AD. The naming capacity was much lower in patients with bvFTD compared to patients with AD, measured according to the MINT and the nouns/verbs naming coefficient. All patients with bvFTD, 73.81% of those with AD and only 31.25% of the control group failed to recognise Benson's complex figure. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). RESULTS: This study confirms the amnesic profile of patients with AD and reveals the decrease in naming capacity in patients with bvFTD, an area of ​​language that is typically affected early on with executive functions, according to recent findings. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AD perform worse in verbal and visual episodic memory tasks, while patients with bvFTD perform worse in naming tasks. These findings open the possibility of exploring the mechanisms of prefrontal participation in episodic memory, typically attributed to the hippocampus.

Combining visual rating scales to identify prodromal Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease dementia in a population from a low and middle-income country.

Background: Many low- and middle-income countries, including Latin America, lack access to biomarkers for the diagnosis of prodromal Alzheimer's Disease (AD; mild cognitive impairment due to AD) and AD dementia. MRI visual rating scales may serve as an ancillary diagnostic tool for identifying prodromal AD or AD in Latin America. We investigated the ability of brain MRI visual rating scales to distinguish between cognitively healthy controls, prodromal AD and AD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from a multidisciplinary neurology clinic in Lima, Peru using neuropsychological assessments, brain MRI and cerebrospinal fluid amyloid and tau levels. Medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA), posterior atrophy (PA), white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and MTA+PA composite MRI scores were compared. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were determined. Results: Fifty-three patients with prodromal AD, 69 with AD, and 63 cognitively healthy elderly individuals were enrolled. The median age was 75 (8) and 42.7% were men. Neither sex, mean age, nor years of education were significantly different between groups. The MTA was higher in patients with AD (p < 0.0001) compared with prodromal AD and controls, and MTA scores adjusted by age range (p < 0.0001) and PA scores (p < 0.0001) were each significantly associated with AD diagnosis (p < 0.0001) but not the WMH score (p=0.426). The MTA had better performance among ages <75 years (AUC 0.90 [0.85-0.95]), while adjusted MTA+PA scores performed better among ages>75 years (AUC 0.85 [0.79-0.92]). For AD diagnosis, MTA+PA had the best performance (AUC 1.00) for all age groups. Conclusions: Combining MTA and PA scores demonstrates greater discriminative ability to differentiate controls from prodromal AD and AD, highlighting the diagnostic value of visual rating scales in daily clinical practice, particularly in Latin America where access to advanced neuroimaging and CSF biomarkers is limited in the clinical setting.

Thyroid Dysfunction, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid Deficiencies Are Not Associated With Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults in Lima, Peru.

Background: Reversible etiologies of cognitive impairment are common and treatable, yet the majority of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia research in Latin America has focused on irreversible, neurodegenerative etiologies. Objective: We sought to determine if thyroid dysfunction and vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are associated with cognitive disorders among older adults with memory complaints in Lima, Peru. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients who presented for cognitive evaluations to a multidisciplinary neurology clinic in Lima, Peru from January 2014 to February 2020. We included individuals aged ≥60 years, native Spanish-speakers, with at least a primary school educational level and a complete clinical assessment. Patients had either subjective cognitive decline (SCD), MCI, or dementia. One-way ANOVA and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: We included 720 patients (330 SCD, 154 MCI, and 236 dementia); the dementia group was significantly older [mean age SCD 69.7 ± 4.1, dementia 72.4 ± 3.7 (p = 0.000)] and had lower folate levels than SCD patients. The MCI group had higher free T3 levels compared with SCD patients. Those with lower TSH had greater dementia risk (OR = 2.91, 95%CI: 1.15-6.86) but not MCI risk in unadjusted models. B12 deficiency or borderline B12 deficiency was present in 34% of the dementia group, yet no clear correlation was seen between neuropsychological test results and B12 levels in our study. There was no association between MCI or dementia and thyroid hormone, B12 nor folate levels in adjusted models. Conclusion: Our findings do not support an association between metabolic and endocrine disorders and cognitive impairment in older Peruvians from Lima despite a high prevalence of B12 deficiency. Future work may determine if cognitive decline is associated with metabolic or endocrine changes in Latin America.

Brief cognitive tests validated in Peru for detection of cognitive impairment A systematic mapping of the scientific literature.

Brief cognitive tests (BCTs) are necessary for early detection of cognitive impairment, particularly in primary care settings. OBJECTIVE: This report describes a systematic review of BCTs evaluated in Peruvian populations. METHODS: We used systematic mapping techniques to identify articles on screening tests for cognitive impairment involving Peruvian subjects. We included studies published in English and Spanish up to 2018. We reviewed 6 reference databases within the Virtual Health Library network, as well as the Web of Science, Scopus (MEDLINE), and EMBASE databases. RESULTS: Ten out of 447 articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies included both outpatient (9) and community-based (2) samples. Eligibility criteria of the studies were similar. Although different protocols were applied, the diagnostic criteria were standardized. For discrimination between dementia and controls, IFS (AUC: 0.99) and ACE (AUC: 0.95 to 1.00) showed superior performance, as did the M@T (AUC: 1.00) and CDT-Mv (AUC: 0.94 to 1.00) for discriminating between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and controls. CONCLUSION: The available evidence is limited. However, our analysis of national data suggests that the ACE may be a good choice whenever it can be applied to Peruvian patients. Alternatively, the M@T and IFS can be used for screening patients with suspected AD or FTD, respectively.

Testes cognitivos breves (TCBs) são necessários para a detecção precoce do comprometimento cognitivo, particularmente nos serviços de atenção primária. OBJETIVO: Este artigo descreve uma revisão sistemática dos TCBs avaliados em populações peruanas. MÉTODOS: Utilizamos técnicas de mapeamento sistemático para identificar artigos sobre testes de triagem para comprometimento cognitivo envolvendo indivíduos peruanos. Incluímos estudos publicados em inglês e espanhol até 2018. Revisamos 6 bancos de dados de referência na rede da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e no Web of Science; Scopus (MEDLINE) e banco de dados EMBASE. RESULTADOS: Dez dos 447 artigos preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os estudos incluíram amostras ambulatoriais (9) e comunitárias (2). Os critérios de elegibilidade entre os estudos foram semelhantes. Embora os diferentes protocolos tenham sido aplicados, os critérios diagnósticos foram padronizados. Para a discriminação entre demência e controles, INECO Frontal Screening (IFS) (AUC: 0.99), Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE) (AUC: 0.95 to 1.00) mostraram desempnho superior, assim como o Memory Alteration Test (M@T) (AUC: 1.00) o Desenho do relógio (CDT-Mv) (AUC: 0,94 a 1,00) para discriminação entre a doença de Alzheimer (DA) e os controles. CONCLUSÃO: As evidências disponíveis são limitadas. No entanto, nossa análise com dados nacionais sugere que o ACE pode ser uma boa opção sempre que possível com pacientes peruanos. Alternativamente, o M @ T e o IFS podem ser usados ​​para rastrear pacientes com suspeita de DA ou DFT, respectivamente.

Comparative Study of the Word Capacity and Episodic Memory of Patients with Degenerative Dementia. / Estudio comparativo de la capacidad denominativa y la memoria episódica de los pacientes con demencia degenerativa.

INTRODUCTION: Although the absence of memory impairment was considered among the diagnostic criteria to differentiate Alzheimer's disease (AD) from Behavioural Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD), current and growing evidence indicates that a significant percentage of cases of bvFTD present with episodic memory deficits. In order to compare the performance profile of the naming capacity and episodic memory in patients with AD and bvFTD the present study was designed. METHODS: Cross-sectional and analytical study with control group (32 people). The study included 42 people with probable AD and 22 with probable bvFTD, all over 60 years old. Uniform Data Set instruments validated in Spanish were used: Multilingual Naming Test (MINT), Craft-21 history and Benson's complex figure, among others. RESULTS: A higher average age was observed among the patients with AD. The naming capacity was much lower in patients with bvFTD compared to patients with AD, measured according to the MINT and the nouns/verbs naming coefficient. All patients with bvFTD, 73.81% of those with AD and only 31.25% of the control group failed to recognise Benson's complex figure. All differences were statistically significant (p <0.001). RESULTS: This study confirms the amnesic profile of patients with AD and reveals the decrease in naming capacity in patients with bvFTD, an area of language that is typically affected early on with executive functions, according to recent findings. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AD perform worse in verbal and visual episodic memory tasks, while patients with bvFTD perform worse in naming tasks. These findings open the possibility of exploring the mechanisms of prefrontal participation in episodic memory, typically attributed to the hippocampus.

Validation of the RUDAS for the Identification of Dementia in Illiterate and Low-Educated Older Adults in Lima, Peru.

Objectives: To evaluate the performance of the Peruvian version of the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS-PE) in discriminating between controls and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in an illiterate population with low-levels of education. Methods: We compared the cognitive performance of 187 elderly subjects who were illiterate (controls n = 60; MCI n = 64; dementia n = 63). Neuropsychological measures included the RUDAS-PE, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), INECO Frontal Screening (IFS), and Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (PFAQ). The results were compared to a neuropsychological evaluation (gold standard), including use of Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores. Results: We found a Cronbach's alpha was 0.65; Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0.79 (p < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the RUDAS to discriminate dementia from MCI was 98.0% with an optimal cut-off <19 (sensitivity 95%, specificity 97%); whereas, to differentiate MCI and controls was 98.0% with an optimal cut-off <23 (sensitivity 89%, specificity 93%). Conclusions: Based on its excellent psychometric properties, we find the RUDAS-PE suitable to aid in the opportune detection of dementia in a geriatric illiterate population with low-levels of education.

Validation of the RUDAS in Patients With a Middle-Level Education in Lima, Peru.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the psychometric properties of the Peruvian version of the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS-PE) to discriminate controls from patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia (ED) in a population with a mid-level education. METHODS: A total of 133 patients from a memory clinic were administered the RUDAS-PE, INECO Frontal Screening, Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination, and Mini-Mental State Examination. Results were compared against a neuropsychological evaluation (gold standard). Validity measures, internal consistency, and concurrent validity were calculated. RESULTS: Cronbach's α was 0.68; Pearson's ratio was 0.79 (P < .01). The area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve of the RUDAS to discriminate between ED and MCI was 89.0% (optimal cutoff at <21), whereas between MCI and controls, it was 99.0% (optimal cutoff at <24). CONCLUSIONS: The RUDAS-PE has acceptable psychometric properties performing well in its ability to discriminate controls from patients with MCI and ED.

Factors associated with depression in patients with Parkinson's disease A multicenter study in Lima, Peru.

The diagnosis and treatment of depression in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is inadequate, often contributing to a reduced quality of life, rapid disease progression, higher cognitive impairment, and an increased burden of care for family members of patients with PD. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with depression in PD and to examine the frequency of depressive symptoms among patients with PD. METHODS: This study was an observational, analytical, multicenter study of a cross-sectional cohort, conducted between July 2016 and May 2017. PD patients were recruited from neurology clinics in Lima, Peru. All statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were calculated using STATA. RESULTS: Out of 124 patients (average age: 68.7 years; 58% males) included in the study 60.5% (75/124) presented with symptoms of depression; only 20% (25/124) received antidepressants. Factors associated with depression in PD included: unemployment, falls, freezing of gait, involuntary movements micrographia, stooped posture, hyposmia, movement disorders in sleep, rapid disease progression, and the use of MAOIs. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found in disease duration, UPDRS and MMSE scores, Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stage, and length of time taking L-dopa between PD patients with and without depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with depressive symptoms in patients with PD were hyposmia, rapid progression of the disease, the use of L-dopa, and use of MAOIs. The frequency of depressive symptoms in patients with PD is high; early diagnosis and prompt treatment are needed to improve their quality of life and the family environment.

O diagnóstico e tratamento da depressão em pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) é inadequado, frequentemente contribuindo para a redução da qualidade de vida, progressão rápida da doença, maior comprometimento cognitivo e aumento da carga de cuidado aos familiares de pacientes com DP. OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores associados à depressão na DP e examinar a frequência de sintomas depressivos entre pacientes com DP. MÉTODOS: Este estudo foi um estudo observacional, analítico, multicêntrico, de uma coorte transversal conduzida entre julho de 2016 e maio de 2017. Os pacientes com DP foram recrutados em clínicas de neurologia em Lima, Peru. Todas as análises estatísticas foram realizadas por meio de estatística descritiva. Análises de regressão logística bivariada e multivariada foram calculadas usando STATA. RESULTADOS: Dos 124 pacientes (idade média: 68,7 anos; 58% homens) incluídos no estudo, 60,5% (75/124) apresentaram sintomas de depressão; apenas 20% (25/124) receberam antidepressivos. Os fatores associados à depressão na DP incluíram: desemprego, quedas, congelamento da marcha, movimentos involuntários micrografia, postura inclinada, hiposmia, distúrbios do movimento no sono, progressão rápida da doença e uso de inibidores da MAO. Além disso, houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas encontradas em: duração da doença, escores nas escalas UPDRS e MMSE, estágio Hoehn e Yahr (HY) e tempo de duração da L-dopa entre os pacientes com DP, entre aqueles com e sem sintomas depressivos. CONCLUSÃO: Fatores associados a sintomas depressivos em pacientes com DP foram hiposmia, rápida progressão da doença, uso de L-dopa e uso de IMAOs. A frequência de sintomas depressivos em pacientes com DP é alta; o diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento imediato são necessários para melhorar a qualidade de vida e o ambiente familiar.

Dementia in Latin America: Assessing the present and envisioning the future.

The demographic structure of Latin American countries (LAC) is fast approaching that of developing countries, and the predicted prevalence of dementia in the former already exceeds the latter. Dementia has been declared a global challenge, yet regions around the world show differences in both the nature and magnitude of such a challenge. This article provides evidence and insights on barriers which, if overcome, would enable the harmonization of strategies to tackle the dementia challenge in LAC. First, we analyze the lack of available epidemiologic data, the need for standardizing clinical practice and improving physician training, and the existing barriers regarding resources, culture, and stigmas. We discuss how these are preventing timely care and research. Regarding specific health actions, most LAC have minimal mental health facilities and do not have specific mental health policies or budgets specific to dementia. In addition, local regulations may need to consider the regional context when developing treatment and prevention strategies. The support needed nationally and internationally to enable a smooth and timely transition of LAC to a position that integrates global strategies is highlighted. We focus on shared issues of poverty, cultural barriers, and socioeconomic vulnerability. We identify avenues for collaboration aimed to study unique populations, improve valid assessment methods, and generate opportunities for translational research, thus establishing a regional network. The issues identified here point to future specific actions aimed at tackling the dementia challenge in LAC.

Memory Alteration Test to Detect Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Dementia in Population with Low Educational Level.

Background/Aims: Short tests to early detection of the cognitive impairment are necessary in primary care setting, particularly in populations with low educational level. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of Memory Alteration Test (M@T) to discriminate controls, patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) and patients with early Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) in a sample of individuals with low level of education. Methods: Cross-sectional study to assess the performance of the M@T (study test), compared to the neuropsychological evaluation (gold standard test) scores in 247 elderly subjects with low education level from Lima-Peru. The cognitive evaluation included three sequential stages: (1) screening (to detect cases with cognitive impairment); (2) nosological diagnosis (to determinate specific disease); and (3) classification (to differentiate disease subtypes). The subjects with negative results for all stages were considered as cognitively normal (controls). The test performance was assessed by means of area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We calculated validity measures (sensitivity, specificity and correctly classified percentage), the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient), and concurrent validity (Pearson's ratio coefficient between the M@T and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores). Results: The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.79 and Pearson's ratio coefficient was 0.79 (p < 0.01). The AUC of M@T to discriminate between early AD and aMCI was 99.60% (sensitivity = 100.00%, specificity = 97.53% and correctly classified = 98.41%) and to discriminate between aMCI and controls was 99.56% (sensitivity = 99.17%, specificity = 91.11%, and correctly classified = 96.99%). Conclusions: The M@T is a short test with a good performance to discriminate controls, aMCI and early AD in individuals with low level of education from urban settings.

Mixed dementia: A review of the evidence.

Mixed dementia is the coexistence of Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in the same demented patient. Currently, its diagnosis and treatment remains a challenge for practitioners. To provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, natural history, diagnosis, and therapy of Mixed Vascular-Alzheimer Dementia (MVAD). The literature was reviewed for articles published between 1990-2016 by using the keywords linked to MVAD. Neuropathological studies indicate that MVAD is a very common pathological finding in the elderly with a prevalence about of 22%. The distinction between Alzheimer's dementia and vascular dementia (VD) is complex because their clinical presentation can overlap. There are international criteria for the MVAD diagnosis. The pharmacologic therapy shows modest clinical benefits that are similar among all drugs used in patients with Alzheimer's dementia and VD. The non-pharmacologic therapy includes the rigorous management of cardiovascular risk factors (especially hypertension) and the promotion of a healthy diet. The diagnosis and treatment of MVAD cannot be improved without further studies. Currently available medications provide only modest clinical benefits once a patient has developed MVAD. In subjects at risk, the antihypertensive therapy and healthy diet should be recommend for preventing or slowing the progression of MVAD.

Demência mista é denominação usual para a coexistência da doença de Alzheimer e doença cerebrovascular (DCV) no mesmo paciente demente. Atualmente, seu diagnóstico e tratamento continuam sendo um desafio. Fornecer uma visão geral da epidemiologia, patogênese, história natural, diagnóstico e terapia da Demência Mista Alzheimer-Vascular (DMAV). Foi realizada revisão da literatura buscando por artigos publicados entre 1990 e 2016 usando palavras-chave relacionadas ao DMAV. Estudos neuropatológicos indicam que DMAV é um achado patológico muito comum em idosos, com uma prevalência de cerca de 22%. A distinção entre demência de Alzheimer e demência vascular (DV) é complexa porque suas apresentações clínicas podem se sobrepor. Existem critérios internacionais para o diagnóstico DMAV. A terapia farmacológica mostra benefícios clínicos modestos que são semelhantes para todos os medicamentos utilizados em pacientes com demência de Alzheimer e DV. A terapia não-farmacológica inclui o manejo rigoroso dos fatores de risco cardiovascular (especialmente a hipertensão) e a promoção de uma dieta saudável. O diagnóstico e o tratamento do DMAV não podem ser melhorados sem outros estudos. Os medicamentos atualmente disponíveis fornecem apenas benefícios clínicos modestos, depois que DMAV instalou-se. Em indivíduos em risco, a terapia anti-hipertensiva e uma dieta saudável devem ser recomendadas para prevenir ou retardar a progressão da DMAV.

Evolution of short cognitive test performance in stroke patients with vascular cognitive impairment and vascular dementia: Baseline evaluation and follow-up.

There is limited evidence about the progression of cognitive performance during the post-stroke stage. OBJECTIVE: To assess the evolution of cognitive performance in stroke patients without vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), patients with vascular mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and patients with vascular dementia (VD). METHODS: A prospective cohort of stroke outpatients from two secondary medical centers in Lima, Peru was studied. We performed standardized evaluations at definitive diagnosis (baseline evaluation), and control follow-ups at 6 and 12 months, including a battery of short cognitive tests: Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE), and INECO Frontal Screening (IFS). RESULTS: 152 outpatients completed the follow-up, showing progressive increase in mean score on the CDR(0.34 to 0.46), contrary to the pattern observed on the ACE and IFS (78.18 to 76.48 and 23.63 to 22.24). The box plot for the CDR test showed that VCI patients had progressive worsening (0.79 to 0.16). Conversely, this trend was not observed in subjects without VCI. The box plot for the ACE and IFS showed that, for the majority of the differentiated stroke types, both non-VCI and VCI patients had progressive worsening. CONCLUSION: According to both ACE and IFS results during a 1-year follow-up, the cognitive performance of stroke patients worsened, a trend which was particularly consistent in infarction-type stroke patients.

Há evidências limitadas sobre a progressão do desempenho cognitivo durante o estágio pós- acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução do desempenho cognitivo em pacientes com AVC sem comprometimento cognitivo vascular (SCCV), pacientes com comprometimento cognitivo leve vascular (CCL-V) e pacientes com demência vascular (DV). MÉTODOS: Coorte prospectivo de pacientes ambulatoriais com AVC de dois centros médicos secundários de Lima, Peru. Realizamos avaliações padronizadas no diagnóstico definitivo (avaliação inicial) e controles aos 6 e 12 meses depois, incluindo um conjunto de testes cognitivos breves: Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE), and INECO Frontal Screening (IFS). RESULTADOS: Completaram o estudo 152 pacientes ambulatoriais, mostrando que as médias de pontuação da CDR apresentaram aumento progressivo (0,34 a 0,46), contrariamente ao observado com ACE e IFS (78,18 a 76,48 e 23,63 a 22,24). A soma das caixas do teste CDR mostrou que os pacientes com comprometimento cognitivo vascular (CCL-V e DV) apresentaram piora progressiva (0,79 a 0,16). Por outro lado, em indivíduos SCCV, essa tendência não foi observada. O gráfico box-plot para ACE e IFS mostrou que, para a maioria dos tipos de AVC observados, tanto os pacientes SCCV como aqueles com CCV apresentaram piora progressiva. CONCLUSÃO: De acordo com os resultados de ACE e IFS durante o acompanhamento de 1 ano, o desempenho cognitivo em pacientes com AVC piora, o que é particularmente consistente em pacientes com AVC tipo infarto.

Estudio comparativo de la capacidad denominativa y la memoria episódica de los pacientes con demencia degenerativa / Comparative Study of the Word Capacity and Episodic Memory of Patients with Degenerative Dementia

RESUMEN Introducción: Aunque la ausencia de deterioro de la memoria se consideró entre los criterios diagnósticos para diferenciar la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) de la demencia frontotemporal variante conductual (DFTvC), la evidencia actual, en aumento, sería la un importante porcentaje de casos de DFTvC con déficits de la memoria episódica. El presente estudio se diseñó con el fin de comparar el perfil de desempeño de la capacidad denominativa y de la memoria episódica de los pacientes con EA y DFTvC. Métodos: Estudio transversal y analítico con grupo de control (n = 32). Se incluyó a 42 sujetos con probable EA y 22 con probable DFTvC, todos mayores de 60 años. Se utilizaron instrumentos del Uniform Data Set validados en español: Multilingual Naming Test (MINT), historia de Craft-21 y Figura compleja de Benson, entre otros. Resultados: Se observó un mayor promedio de edad entre los pacientes con EA. La capacidad denominativa fue mucho menor en los pacientes con DFTvC que en aquellos con EA, medida según el MINT y el coeficiente de denominación sustantivos/verbos. Todos los pacientes con DFTvC, el 73,81% de aquellos con EAy solo el 31,25% de los controles no lograron reconocer la Figura compleja de Benson. Todas las diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas (p< 0,001). Resultados: Este estudio confirma el perfil amnésico de los pacientes con EA y revela la disminución de la capacidad denominativa de los pacientes con DFTvC, un área del lenguaje que se afecta típica y tempranamente con las funciones ejecutivas, según recientes hallazgos. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con EA rinden peor en las tareas de memoria episódica verbal y visual, mientras que los pacientes con DFTvC rinden peor en tareas de denominación. Estos hallazgos abren la posibilidad de explorar los mecanismos de participación prefrontal en la memoria episódica, típicamente atribuida al hipocampo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although the absence of memory impairment was considered among the Alzheimer's disease diagnostic criteria to differentiate Alzheimer's disease (AD) from Behavioural Variant of Frontotemporal dementia Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD), current and growingevidence indicates that a significant Neuropsychological assessment percentage of cases of bvFTD present with episodic memory deficits. In order to compare Memory the performance profile of the naming capacity and episodic memory in patients with AD and bvFTD the present study was designed. Methods: Cross-sectional and analytical study with control group (32 people). The study included 42 people with probable AD and 22 with probable bvFTD, all over 60 years old. Uniform Data Set instruments validated in Spanish were used: Multilingual Naming Test (MINT), Craft-21 history and Benson's complex figure, among others. Results: A higher average age was observed among the patients with AD. The naming capacity was much lower in patients with bvFTD compared to patients with AD, measured according to the MINT and the nouns/verbs naming coefficient. All patients with bvFTD, 73.81% of those with AD and only 31.25% of the control group failed to recognise Benson's complex figure. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Results:This study confirms the amnesic profile of patients with AD and reveals the decrease in naming capacity in patients with bvFTD, an area of language that is typically affected early on with executive functions, according to recent findings. Conclusions: Patients with AD perform worse in verbal and visual episodic memory tasks, while patients with bvFTD perform worse in naming tasks. These findings open the possibility of exploring the mechanisms of prefrontal participation in episodic memory, typically attributed to the hippocampus.

Predictive model for falling in Parkinson disease patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Falls are a common complication of advancing Parkinson's disease (PD). Although numerous risk factors are known, reliable predictors of future falls are still lacking. The aim of this study was to develop a multivariate model to predict falling in PD patients. METHODS: Prospective cohort with forty-nine PD patients. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate predictive performance of the purposed multivariate model. RESULTS: The median of PD duration and UPDRS-III score in the cohort was 6 years and 24 points, respectively. Falls occurred in 18 PD patients (30%). Predictive factors for falling identified by univariate analysis were age, PD duration, physical activity, and scores of UPDRS motor, FOG, ACE, IFS, PFAQ and GDS (p-value < 0.001), as well as fear of falling score (p-value = 0.04). The final multivariate model (PD duration, FOG, ACE, and physical activity) showed an AUC = 0.9282 (correctly classified = 89.83%; sensitivity = 92.68%; specificity = 83.33%). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that our multivariate model have a high performance to predict falling in a sample of PD patients.

Evaluation of the INECO Frontal Screening and the Frontal Assessment Battery in Peruvian patients with Alzheimer's disease and behavioral variant Frontotemporal dementia.

BACKGROUND: The physicians often confuse the early symptoms of Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) with Alzheimer dementia (AD), leading to misdiagnosis. There are some cognitive tests to discriminate between AD and behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), and the INECO Frontal Screening (IFS) is a promising test for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of the IFS to differentiate patients with AD from patients with bvFTD, compared with the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). METHODS: A prospective study with 117 patients of our cognitive unit (35 case-patients with AD, 34 case-patients with bvFTD, and 48 control subjects). They were submitted to the following successive phases of evaluation: 1) screening; 2) dementia diagnosis; and 3) dementia sub-type diagnosis. The IFS and FAB were blind and independently applied by one neurologist to all the participants to end of phase 1 (screening), before to the definitive diagnosis establishment. RESULTS: bvFTD showed a lower performance than AD patients on the IFS total score (F(1, 66) = 70.10, p < 0.01) and FAB total score (F(1, 66) = 17.91, p < 0.01). The IFS and FAB showed a sensitivity of 94.12% (95%CI = 80.3-99.2) and 82.3% (95%CI = 65.4-93.2), and a specificity of 94.2% (95%CI = 80.8-99.3) and 48.5% (95%CI = 31.3, 66.1), respectively. The IFS showed significantly superior discriminatory accuracy than the FAB (AuCIFS = 0.98; AuCFAB = 0.73, p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: The IFS is useful for discriminating between AD and bvFTD patients. The performance of the IFS to differentiate patients with AD from patients with bvFTD is greater than FAB.