Music Therapy Enhances Episodic Memory in Alzheimer's and Mixed Dementia: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether a music therapy (MT) intervention could improve memory decline in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. A dual-retrieval model of episodic memory was employed to estimate memory processes. Methods: Forty-three older adults with a mean age of 76.49 years (n = 25 with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mixed dementia, and n = 18 healthy older adults) were randomly selected for the experimental and control groups. The study design was a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial and a certified music therapist delivered the MT. The primary outcomes were measures of working memory, episodic memory, and autobiographical memory. Results: In the primary outcome measures, MT effects were restricted to episodic memory measures like the Figure Memory Test of the BCSB and the Speech and Sing Memory Test. In both tests, the experimental group improved from pre-test to post-test in delayed recall, but in the Speech and Sing Memory Test, the improvement was restricted to the AD and mixed dementia group. MT had no effects on the secondary outcome measures. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a structured MT intervention can be promising for rehabilitating episodic memory in older adults with dementia.

Can musical intervention improve memory in Alzheimer's patients? Evidence from a systematic review.

Treatment with music has shown effectiveness in the treatment of general behavioural and cognitive symptoms of patients with various types of dementia. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of treatment with music on the memory of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: A systematic search was performed on PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Lilacs databases up to June 2017 and included all randomized controlled trials that assessed memory using musical interventions in patients with AD. RESULTS: Forty-two studies were identified, and 24 studies were selected. After applying the exclusion criteria, four studies involving 179 patients were included. These studies showed the benefits of using music to treat memory deficit in patients with AD. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review focusing on randomized trials found in the literature that analysed the role of musical interventions specifically in the memory of patients with AD. Despite the positive outcome of this review, the available evidence remains inconsistent due to the small number of randomized controlled trials.

O tratamento com música vem demonstrando eficácia no tratamento de sintomas comportamentais e cognitivos gerais de pacientes com vários tipos de demência. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do tratamento com música para a memória de pacientes com doença de Alzheimer (DA). MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática nos bancos de dados PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Library, PsycINFO e Lilacs até junho de 2017 que incluiu todos os ensaios clínicos randomizados controlados usando intervenções musicais em pacientes com DA e que avaliaram a memória. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 42 estudos sendo selecionados 24 estudos completos. Após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, foram incluídos quatro estudos envolvendo 179 pacientes. Esses estudos mostraram os benefícios do uso da música para tratar o déficit de memória em pacientes com DA. CONCLUSÃO: Até o momento, este é o primeiro estudo de revisão sistemática que utilizou ensaios clínicos randomizados da literatura que analisou o papel das intervenções musicais especificamente na memória de pacientes com DA. Apesar do resultado positivo desta revisão, a evidência disponível permanece frágil devido ao pequeno número de ensaios clínicos randomizados.

O espectro clínico e laboratorial da doença de Alzheimer: uma perspectiva neurológica / The clinical and laboratory spectrum of Alzheimer's disease: a neurological perspective / El espectro clínico y de laboratorio de la enfermedad de Alzheimer: una perspectiva neurológica

Esta revisão da literatura tem como objetivo mostrar recentes mudanças relacionadas ao diagnóstico da doença de Alzheimer (DA). O diagnóstico permanece clínico, no entanto, há um entendimento crescente de que biomarcadores específicos no líquido cefalorraquidiano e na neuroimagem molecular possam desempenhar um papel importante na definição etiopatogênica da doença. Os biomarcadores podem ser importantes para o diagnóstico nos estágios iniciais da DA. Considerando que a DA seja um processo fisiopatológico cerebral, a presença de biomarcadores específicos indica o diagnóstico de DA. Atualmente, o uso de biomarcadores é direcionado para pesquisa clínica e para o desenvolvimento de novas drogas.

This narrative review of the literature aims to show the most recent changes related to the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The diagnosis remains clinical, however, there is a growing understanding that specific biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and molecular neuroimaging may play an important role in the etiopathogenic definition of the disease. Biomarkers may be particularly important for the diagnosis in the early stages of AD. Considering that AD is a brain pathophysiological process, the presence of AD biomarkers indicates the diagnosis of AD. Currently, the use of biomarkers is directed towards clinical research and the development of new drugs.

Esta revisión narrativa de la literatura tiene como objetivo mostrar los cambios recientes relacionados con el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA). El diagnóstico es clínico, sin embargo, existe una creciente comprensión de que los biomarcadores en el líquido cefalorraquídeo y neuroimagen molecular pueden desempeñar un papel importante en la definición etiopatogénica. Los biomarcadores pueden ser importantes para el diagnóstico en las primeras etapas de la EA. Reconociendo que la EA es un proceso fisiopatológico cerebral, la presencia de biomarcadores indica EA. Actualmente, el uso de biomarcadores está dirigido a la investigación clínica y al desarrollo de nuevos fármacos.

Can musical intervention improve memory in Alzheimer's patients? Evidence from a systematic review / Intervenção musical pode melhorar a memória em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer? Uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Treatment with music has shown effectiveness in the treatment of general behavioural and cognitive symptoms of patients with various types of dementia. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of treatment with music on the memory of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: A systematic search was performed on PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Lilacs databases up to June 2017 and included all randomized controlled trials that assessed memory using musical interventions in patients with AD. Results: Forty-two studies were identified, and 24 studies were selected. After applying the exclusion criteria, four studies involving 179 patients were included. These studies showed the benefits of using music to treat memory deficit in patients with AD. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review focusing on randomized trials found in the literature that analysed the role of musical interventions specifically in the memory of patients with AD. Despite the positive outcome of this review, the available evidence remains inconsistent due to the small number of randomized controlled trials.

RESUMO O tratamento com música vem demonstrando eficácia no tratamento de sintomas comportamentais e cognitivos gerais de pacientes com vários tipos de demência. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do tratamento com música para a memória de pacientes com doença de Alzheimer (DA). Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática nos bancos de dados PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Library, PsycINFO e Lilacs até junho de 2017 que incluiu todos os ensaios clínicos randomizados controlados usando intervenções musicais em pacientes com DA e que avaliaram a memória. Resultados: Foram encontrados 42 estudos sendo selecionados 24 estudos completos. Após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, foram incluídos quatro estudos envolvendo 179 pacientes. Esses estudos mostraram os benefícios do uso da música para tratar o déficit de memória em pacientes com DA. Conclusão: Até o momento, este é o primeiro estudo de revisão sistemática que utilizou ensaios clínicos randomizados da literatura que analisou o papel das intervenções musicais especificamente na memória de pacientes com DA. Apesar do resultado positivo desta revisão, a evidência disponível permanece frágil devido ao pequeno número de ensaios clínicos randomizados.

Multiple sclerosis in South America: month of birth in different latitudes does not seem to interfere with the prevalence or progression of the disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the month of birth in different latitudes of South America might influence the presence or severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life. METHODS: Neurologists in four South American countries working at MS units collected data on their patients' month of birth, gender, age, and disease progression. RESULTS: Analysis of data from 1207 MS patients and 1207 control subjects did not show any significant variation in the month of birth regarding the prevalence of MS in four latitude bands (0-10; 11-20; 21-30; and 31-40 degrees). There was no relationship between the month of birth and the severity of disease in each latitude band. CONCLUSION: The results from this study show that MS patients born to mothers who were pregnant at different Southern latitudes do not follow the seasonal pattern observed at high Northern latitudes.

Musical identity of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Musical autobiographies consist of a powerful therapeutic tool by which individuals define themselves. The use of this technique may help (re)construction personal identities and improve quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Eight adult patients on treatment at CIEM Multiple Sclerosis Investigation Center after selecting 10 to 15 pieces of music most significant in their lives were interviewed. The data collected were classified according to Even Rudd categories, which reveal how a person expresses his personal, social, temporal and transpersonal identities. We observed that recall of musical history makes MS patients get better perception both of their feelings and body awareness, as well as provide them with an alternative way to express themselves, activate and contextualize affective memories, and achieving a sense of life continuity in spite of the disease.

Multiple sclerosis in South America: month of birth in different latitudes does not seem to interfere with the prevalence or progression of the disease / Esclerose multipla na America do Sul: mes de nascimento em diferentes latitudes nao parece interferir com a prevalencia ou progressao da doenca

Objective To assess whether the month of birth in different latitudes of South America might influence the presence or severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life. Methods Neurologists in four South American countries working at MS units collected data on their patients' month of birth, gender, age, and disease progression. Results Analysis of data from 1207 MS patients and 1207 control subjects did not show any significant variation in the month of birth regarding the prevalence of MS in four latitude bands (0–10; 11–20; 21–30; and 31–40 degrees). There was no relationship between the month of birth and the severity of disease in each latitude band. Conclusion The results from this study show that MS patients born to mothers who were pregnant at different Southern latitudes do not follow the seasonal pattern observed at high Northern latitudes. .

Objetivo Avaliar se o mês de nascimento em diferentes latitudes da América do Sul pode influenciar a presença ou gravidade da esclerose múltipla (EM) na vida. Método Neurologistas de quatro países da América do Sul trabalhando em unidades de EM coletaram os dados de seus pacientes com referência ao mês de nascimento, gênero, idade e progressão da doença. Resultados A análise dos dados mostrou que, para 1207 pacientes com EM e 1207 controles, não havia diferença significativa no mês de nascimento com relação à prevalência de EM em quatro zonas de latitude (0–10; 11–20; 21–30; e 31–40 graus). Não houve relação entre o mês de nascimento e a gravidade da doença em nenhuma destas zonas. Conclusão Os resultados deste estudo mostram que pacientes com EM nascidos de mães grávidas em diferentes latitudes sul não seguem o padrão dos resultados sazonais encontrados nas latitudes norte. .

Musical identity of patients with multiple sclerosis / Identidade musical em pacientes com esclerose múltipla

Musical autobiographies consist of a powerful therapeutic tool by which individuals define themselves. The use of this technique may help (re)construction personal identities and improve quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Eight adult patients on treatment at CIEM Multiple Sclerosis Investigation Center after selecting 10 to 15 pieces of music most significant in their lives were interviewed. The data collected were classified according to Even Rudd categories, which reveal how a person expresses his personal, social, temporal and transpersonal identities. We observed that recall of musical history makes MS patients get better perception both of their feelings and body awareness, as well as provide them with an alternative way to express themselves, activate and contextualize affective memories, and achieving a sense of life continuity in spite of the disease.

Autobiografias musicais constituem um recurso terapêutico pelo qual indivíduos definem a si mesmos, auxiliando a (re)construção da identidade e contribuindo para a melhora da qualidade de vida de portadores de esclerose múltipla (EM). Oito pacientes adultos sob acompanhamento no Centro de Investigação em esclerose múltipla (CIEM) da UFMG, selecionaram entre 10 e 15 músicas significativas em sua vida, a respeito das quais discorreram em entrevista aberta. Os dados foram analisados qualitativamente segundo categorias criadas por Even Rudd, que visam revelar como o indivíduo expressa suas identidades pessoal, social, temporal e transpessoal. Submetidos a tratamento quantitativo, os dados demonstraram que, através da sua história musical, os pacientes aumentaram a percepção dos sentimentos e sensações corporais, expressaram-se de maneiras alternativas e ativaram memórias afetivas, contextualizando-as e adquirindo um senso de continuidade da vida.