The effects of synthetic glucocorticoid treatment for inflammatory disease on brain structure, function, and dementia outcomes: A systematic review.

Many regions of the brain have a high density of glucocorticoid receptors, and the prolonged elevation of endogenous glucocorticoids may cause neurotoxicity and increase risk for cognitive decline and dementia. However, despite synthetic glucocorticoids being the first line of treatment for many inflammatory diseases, few studies have addressed whether therapeutic glucocorticoids may have similar undesirable effects on the brain. Thus, our systematic review investigated the impact of long-term glucocorticoid usage on adult brain structure, cognitive function, and dementia risk. We identified 13 studies that met our eligibility criteria and found conflicting results dependent on the outcome studied. In particular, all but one study on hippocampal and amygdalar volumes found significant atrophy of both structures occurred in those who took glucocorticoids. Additionally, executive function, particularly working memory, and global cognitive function were significantly poorer in those taking long-term glucocorticoids. Notably, declines in episodic memory were not associated with long-term usage. Furthermore, most studies of dementia (all-cause) and Alzheimer's disease, excluding vascular dementia, showed null to negative associations with glucocorticoids, suggesting a potential protective effect. Therefore, glucocorticoid therapy in those with inflammatory disease may impair certain brain structures and specific cognitive functions, but could lead to a significantly reduced risk of dementia.

Prevalence and predictors of influenza vaccination in long-term care homes: a cross-national retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare facility-level influenza vaccination rates in long-term care (LTC) homes from four countries and to identify factors associated with influenza vaccination among residents. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cross-sectional study of individuals residing in LTC homes in New Brunswick (Canada), New Zealand, Switzerland, and the Netherlands between 2017 and 2020. PARTICIPANTS: LTC home residents assessed with interRAI assessment system instruments as part of routine practice in New Brunswick (n=7006) and New Zealand (n=34 518), and national pilot studies in Switzerland (n=2760) and the Netherlands (n=1508). End-of-life residents were excluded from all country cohorts. OUTCOMES: Influenza vaccination within the past year. RESULTS: Influenza vaccination rates among LTC home residents were highest in New Brunswick (84.9%) and lowest in Switzerland (63.5%). For all jurisdictions where facility-level data were available, substantial interfacility variance was observed. There was approximately a fourfold difference in the coefficient of variation for facility-level vaccination rates with the highest in Switzerland at 37.8 and lowest in New Brunswick at 9.7. Resident-level factors associated with vaccine receipt included older age, severe cognitive impairment, medical instability, health conditions affecting a greater number of organ systems and social engagement. Residents who displayed aggressive behaviours and smoke tobacco were less likely to be vaccinated. CONCLUSION: There are opportunities to increase influenza vaccine uptake at both overall country and individual facility levels. Enhanced vaccine administration monitoring programmes in LTC homes that leverage interRAI assessment systems should be widely adopted.