Metals linked with the most prevalent primary neurodegenerative dementias in the elderly: A narrative review.

The ageing population has been steadily increasing worldwide, leading to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Environmental toxicants, particularly metals, have been identified as modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment. Continuous exposure to metals occurs mainly through dietary sources, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. However, imbalances in the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, have also been associated with dementia. A literature review was conducted to explore the potential role of metals in the development of cognitive decline and the most prevalent primary neurodegenerative dementias, as well as their interaction with the gut microbiota. High levels of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), while low selenium (Se) levels are linked to poor cognitive status. Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) is associated with elevated levels of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), but the role of copper (Cu) remains unclear. The relationship between metals and Lewy body dementia (LBD) requires further investigation. High aluminium (Al) exposure is associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and elevated selenium (Se) levels may be linked to its onset. Challenges in comparing studies arise from the heterogeneity of metal analysis matrices and analytical techniques, as well as the limitations of small study cohorts. More research is needed to understand the influence of metals on cognition through the gut microbiota (GMB) and its potential relevance in the development of these diseases.

Estudio preliminar de la efectividad de la terapia asistida con perros en personas de la tercera edad / Effectiveness of dog-assisted therapy in the elderly. A preliminary study

Introducción. Las terapias asistidas con animales están cada vez más presentes en diferentes ámbitos educativos y sanitarios. El objetivo del presente estudio es valorar la efectividad de este tipo de intervenciones en la población de edad avanzada residente en centros privados. Material y métodos. Se diseñó un programa de intervención asistida por un perro en el que participaron 16 usuarios de una residencia geriátrica, divididos en un grupo experimental y un grupo control, durante 12 semanas. Resultados. Se evaluaron diferentes variables físicas y psicológicas antes y después de la intervención y, mientras que en el grupo control no se encontraron diferencias significativas, en el grupo experimental aparecieron mejoras posteriores a la intervención. Conclusiones. Los resultados obtenidos refuerzan la hipótesis de que las terapias asistidas con animales pueden resultar beneficiosas para las personas de la tercera edad residentes en centros geriátricos (AU)

Introduction. Animal-assisted therapy is increasingly present in several educational and health areas. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of such interventions in the elderly population living in residential settings. Materials and methods. A 12-week dog-assisted intervention program was designed, with 16 participants from a nursing home divided into an experimental group and a control group. Results. Several physical and psychological variables were assessed before and after the intervention. While there were no significant differences in the control group, the experimental group improved significantly after participating in the program. Discussion. The results support the hypothesis that animal-assisted interventions may be beneficial for residents in elderly care homes (AU)

[Effectiveness of dog-assisted therapy in the elderly. A preliminary study]. / Estudio preliminar de la efectividad de la terapia asistida con perros en personas de la tercera edad.

INTRODUCTION: Animal-assisted therapy is increasingly present in several educational and health areas. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of such interventions in the elderly population living in residential settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 12-week dog-assisted intervention program was designed, with 16 participants from a nursing home divided into an experimental group and a control group. RESULTS: Several physical and psychological variables were assessed before and after the intervention. While there were no significant differences in the control group, the experimental group improved significantly after participating in the program. DISCUSSION: The results support the hypothesis that animal-assisted interventions may be beneficial for residents in elderly care homes.