Effects of safinamide on REM sleep behavior disorder in Parkinson disease: A randomized, longitudinal, cross-over pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Rapid Eye Movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is characterized by dream enactment and loss of muscle atonia during REM-sleep. RBD as a premotor feature occurred souvent in patients who develop Parkinson's disease. The glutamatergic, glycinergic, and GABA-ergic systems appear to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RBD. METHODS: The present exploratory longitudinal cross-over study aimed to observe the effect of safinamide on RBD symptoms. Thirty patients with PD and RBD were randomized into two groups (15 subjects each), those that received for a period of 3-months safinamide (50 mg/die) in addition (Group A + ) or in absence (Group B - ) to the usual antiparkinsonian therapy. Patients exploring the clinical and video-polysomnographic changes occurred during this pharmacological therapy. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 30 patients reported clear improvement in symptoms during safinamide treatment, and 16 were absolutely free from clinical RBD-symptoms at the end of the treatment. Eight patients reported slight improvement in RBD-symptoms. In 6/30 patients no substantial improvement was recorded about clinical RBD-symptoms had frightening dreams or from the bed after 1-week of treatment. In addition, after safinamide, the mean UPDRS-II and III scores decreased, while PDSS-2 score indicating an improvement in both motor symptoms and nocturnal sleep features. A significant reduction of sleep behavior disorder by questionnaire-Hong Kong-score (RBDQ-HS), mainly for two individual RBDQ-HK-items (dream related movements and failing out of bed) was registered. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study indicated that safinamide is well tolerated and improves RBD-symptom in parkinsonian.

Effect of the replacement of dietary vegetable oils with a low dose of extravirgin olive oil in the Mediterranean Diet on cognitive functions in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have investigated the role of the monounsaturated fatty acid and other dietary factors in the prevention of cognitive decline but the short-term effect of a low dose of extravirgin olive oil on cognitive performances in the elderly have not still been investigated. Our aim was to investigate whether the replacement of all vegetable oils with a lower amount of extravirgin olive oil, in the contest of a Mediterranean Diet, would improve cognitive performances, among elderly Italian individuals. METHODS: 180 elderly individuals were randomly assigned to these treatment groups for 1 year: (1) MedDiet plus extravirgin OO, 20-30 g/day; (2) control MedDiet. The cognitive sub-test of ADAScale was used to detect cognitive decline progression over 12 months. RESULTS: ADAS-cog score variation after 1 year, adjusted for food groups which were different between groups, was - 1.6 ± 0.4 and - 3.0 ± 0.4 in the MedDiet and MedDiet plus extravirgin OO groups, respectively (p = 0.024). Extravirgin OO intake was 30 g ± 12 and 26 g ± 6 in the MedDiet and MedDiet plus extravirgin OO groups, respectively (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the higher short-term improvement of cognitive functions scores in individuals of the MedDiet plus low dose of extravirgin olive oil rather than MedDiet alone. Extravirgin olive oil is the best quality oil and may have a neuroprotective effect.

Impact of legumes and plant proteins consumption on cognitive performances in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have investigated the role of the dietary factors in the prevention of cognitive decline but the short-term effects of foods choice on cognitive performances in the elderly are poorly explored. Our aim was to investigate the choice of foods among elderly Italian individuals and the association with cognitive function. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, the participants were 214 individuals aged ≥65 years with a score >20 at the Mini Mental State Examination. The cognitive sub-test of ADAScale was used to detect cognitive decline progression over 12 months. Food choices was measured by a combination of a 24-h recall and a seven-day diet record and Principal Components Analysis. RESULTS: The Principal Components Analysis identified four food and four nutrient patterns. MMSE and ADAS-cog score after 1 year were found to be associated with legumes pattern (B = 0.25, p = 0.007; 95% CI 0.07/0.44; and B = -0.10, p = 0.006; CI -0.79/-0.30, respectively). A dietary pattern including plant proteins was independently associated with an improved ADAS-cog after 1 year (B = 0.584, p = 0.04; OR 1.79, CI 0.04-0.42). CONCLUSIONS: The Principal Components Analysis is useful to investigate the choice of foods and nutrients in the elderly. We demonstrated an association between legumes pattern with cognitive performances.

Cognitive impairment is correlated with insulin resistance degree: the "PA-NICO-study".

Several epidemiological studies have shown that Diabetes Mellitus (DM) or Insulin Resistance (IR) increases the risk of dementia. Besides, some authors suggested that poor glucose control to be associated with worse cognitive function. We aimed to assess cognitive functions and IR-degree over time in diabetic. We also evaluated whether a greater magnitude of cognitive decline could be related with their IR degree. We enrolled 335 diabetic patients and 142 non-diabetic subjects; participants were subdivided into three groups in accordance with their IRdegree assessed by Homa-Index (HI): Normal-HI (non-diabetic NHI < 2,6), Moderate-HI (MHI > 2,6 < 10) and High-HI (HHI > 10). Metabolic status and a comprehensive neuropsycological test battery (MMSE, ADAS-Cog, ACDS-ADL) were assessed at baseline and every 12-months during the follow-up (6,8 years). At the end of the study, the average MMSE decreased significantly in patients of HHI group (P = .001) compared to baseline. MMSE scores were also reduced both in MHI group and in controls, but the difference between two groups was not significant. In HHI group, similar effects were observed for the ADAS-Cog score compared to baseline (P = 0.001); instead, when ACDS-ADL was evaluated, no differences was observed among the three groups. These results remained unchanged also after adjustment for confounding variables (i.e. APOε-status, sex, BMI, education level, heart diseases and HbA1c). We suggest that higher IR-degree is associated with greater cognitive decline in diabetic patients; so we hypothesize that IR degree, more than IR status itself, could be related to the severity of cognitive impairment.

Dietary Patterns and Fractures Risk in the Elderly.

PURPOSE: Although the role of dietary factors in the prevention of bone loss and fractures has been investigated in many studies, few studies have examined the association between dietary patterns and total body bone density. Our aim was to determine the relations between dietary patterns and whole-body bone mineral density (WB-BMD) and the association between dietary patterns, fractures, and multiple fractures in the elderly. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 177 individuals aged ≥65 years. A dual X-ray absorptiometry scan was performed to measure BMD. Dietary patterns were ascertained by a combination of dietary intake assessment and principal components analysis. RESULTS: Only three dietary patterns correlated with whole-body bone density. The multivariate-adjusted mean bone density across tertiles of these dietary patterns showed that the highest tertile of both the patterns 1 and 2 had a significantly higher bone density than the lowest tertile (pattern 1: 1.021 ± 0.01 and 1.070 ± 0.01 g/cm2 for T1 and T3, respectively; p = 0.043; pattern 2: 1.023 ± 0.01, and 1.081 ± 0.01 g/cm2 for T1 and T3, respectively; p = 0.003). We also find significant gender difference in these results. The highest adherence to the dietary pattern 5 was associated with decreased odds of having fractures (OR = 0.20, p = 0.009), and adherence to the pattern 1 was negatively associated with multiple fractures. CONCLUSION: A high adherence to the dietary pattern 1 (high intake of grains, fish and olive oil) was associated with a high BMD and a low number of fractures. The highest adherence to the dietary pattern 5 (legumes and wine) was associated with decreased odds of having fractures. Our finding would suggest a potential bone-preserving properties of specific dietary patterns in the elderly.

Carotid intima-media thickness: a target or a marker?

Evidence-based medicine requires us to use pharmacological agents that have been tested and that have been showed to reduce the disease in that particular group of affected patients. The choice of the efficacy endpoint is one of the most controversial issues in designing the trials. To reduce the high economic costs resulting by the large-scale trials design and implementation, the substitution of the primary endpoints with a surrogate one, is an optimal opportunity. Carotid intima-media thickness is considered an excellent predictor of cardiovascular events, and it is also seen as a perfect model of surrogate endpoint for pharmacological studies. However, the results from studies using it as a surrogate endpoints could lead to erroneous conclusions and could lead marketing of products with limited or doubt effectiveness on cardiovascular prevention. Studies showed that many interventions targeting the Carotid intima-media thickness not impact the final clinical endpoints of interest, whereas low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is an excellent biomarker because it can predict the cardiovascular outcomes and interventions therapy can efficaciously reduce it.

Insulin resistance possible risk factor for cognitive impairment in fibromialgic patients.

To evaluate glucose metabolism and/or insulin resistance (IR) in 96 patients with Fibromyalgia (FM), associated or not to cognitive impairment. We investigated glucose metabolism in 96 FM patients. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups: 48 patients with memory deficit (group A) and 48 without memory deficit (control group). We evaluated glucose and insulin levels after a 2 h-Oral-Glucose-Tolerance-Test (2 h-OGTT) and insulin resistance (IR) by the homeostasis model assessment formula (HOMA). Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR), anxiety level, fasting plasma insulin and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory agents use were higher in patients with FM with memory impairment; while age, sex, waist circumference, education level, fasting plasma glucose, glycate hemoglobin, triglycerides, blood lipid profile, C- Reactivity-Protein (CRP), blood pressure and smoking habits were similar in both groups. Following OGTT the prevalence of glucose metabolism abnormalities was significantly higher in group A. IR was present in 79% patients, of whom 23% had also impaired glucose tolerance, 4% newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus and 52% IR only. Obesity and overweight prevailed in group A. IR, but not BMI or WHR was associated to an increased risk of memory impairment (OR = 2,6; 95% CI: 1,22-3,7). The results of this study suggest that IR may represent a risk factor for memory impairment in fibromialgic patients.

Role of impaired glucose metabolism in the postherpetic neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is one of the most common and debilitating sequela of herpes zoster. The etiology of PHN is not completely understood. Several studies showed that diabetes mellitus may increase the risk of infectious diseases, including herpes zoster. Instead, the relationship between PHN and prediabetes has never been described. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate glucose metabolism abnormalities in patients with PHN. METHODS: We studied 87 consecutive patients with PHN and normal fasting glycemia and 108 pain-free controls. In both groups we evaluated glucose and insulin levels after a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test and insulin resistance. In addition, in all patients we performed skin thoracic biopsy to exclude a small fiber neuropathy. RESULTS: After a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, the prevalence of glucose metabolism abnormalities was significantly higher in patients than in controls (P<0.001): impaired glucose tolerance was found in 36 (38%) patients and in 16 (15%) controls, whereas a newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus was found in 9 (9%) patients and in 6 (5%) controls. The insulin resistance showed no significant differences between patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that PHN may be a marker for impaired glucose tolerance. A glucose tolerance test should be considered in patients presenting with PHN.

The Effect of Lipoic Acid Therapy on Cognitive Functioning in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Most diabetic patients have insulin resistance (IR) that is associated with compensatory hyperinsulinemia, one of the mechanisms suggested for increased AD risk in patients with DM. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a disulfide molecule with antioxidant properties that has positive effects on glucose metabolism and IR. This study evaluated the effect of ALA treatment (600 mg/day) on cognitive performances in AD patients with and without DM. One hundred and twenty-six patients with AD were divided into two groups, according to DM presence (group A) or absence (group B). Cognitive functions were assessed by MMSE, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive (ADAS-Cog), Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Severity (CIBIC), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and Alzheimer's Disease Functional and Change Scale (ADFACS). IR was assessed by HOMA index. At the end of the study, MMSE scores showed a significant improvement in 43% patients of group A (26 subjects) and 23% of group B (15 subjects), compared to baseline (P = .001). Also ADAS-Cog, CIBIC, and ADFACS scores showed a significant improvement in group A versus group B. IR was higher in group A. Our study suggests that ALA therapy could be effective in slowing cognitive decline in patients with AD and IR.

Dementia is associated with insulin resistance in patients with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder involving the basal ganglia. Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus is an important risk factor for Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia. However, the association between Parkinson's disease and Diabetes Mellitus is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate glucose metabolism abnormalities in 110 Parkinson's disease patients with and without dementia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We evaluated Insulin Resistance, glucose and insulin levels after a 2-h-oral-glucose-tolerance-test in 53 Parkinson's disease with dementia and 57 with Parkinson's disease without dementia, with normal fasting glucose. RESULTS: BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose and insulin values, HbA1c, triglycerides, blood lipid profile, depression rating, educational levels, levodopa-dosage and antipsychotic use were similar in both groups. Disease duration and motor impairment were higher in patients with Parkinson's disease and dementia group. After 2-h-oral-glucose-tolerance-test, the prevalence of glucose metabolism abnormalities was significantly higher in group with Parkinson's disease and dementia group (p=0.03). The insulin resistance was present in 62% patients with Parkinson's disease with dementia, of whom 30% had also impaired glucose tolerance, 5,6% newly diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus and 26% only Insulin Resistance. These percentages were significantly higher in group with Parkinson's disease and dementia, also after adjustment for disease duration and motor disability. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that PD patients with dementia are two times more likely to have insulin resistance than patients with PD.

Carotid and brachial arterial enlargement in postmenopausal women with hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test whether systemic hypertension influences brachial and carotid artery remodeling in postmenopausal women. A secondary aim was to evaluate the possible role of pulse pressure. METHODS: We enrolled 100 postmenopausal women affected by hypertension (cases) and 100 women with blood pressure within the reference range (controls) matched for age and body mass index because the influence of these variables on artery diameter is well known. Clinical and biochemical parameters were also assessed. All women underwent B-mode ultrasonography to measure the carotid and brachial artery diameter. RESULTS: The case group had significantly larger brachial and common carotid artery diameters than control groups (P < 0.001). This result did not change after correction for confounding variables. Indeed, the women with hypertension had higher glucose and insulin levels and greater carotid atherosclerosis prevalence than did the control population. A multivariate linear regression analysis showed a correlation between artery diameters and hypertension status in the whole population. To evaluate the influence of pulse pressure, each group (cases and controls) was divided into two subgroups, according to the group-specific pulse pressure median. The women with a pulse pressure rate higher than the median value had larger artery diameters compared with those with lower pulse pressure rates in both groups with and without hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension can promote generalized artery enlargement, and pulse pressure also plays a role in artery remodeling. Interestingly, pulse pressure seems to influence arterial diameter in individuals with blood pressure within the reference range. The role of hypertension in artery remodeling behind age and the body mass index requires further investigations on the mechanisms underlying remodeling.

Insulin resistance increases risk of carpal tunnel syndrome: a case-control study.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common upper limb compression neuropathies. In only 50% of cases it is possible to identify a cause. Our objective was to determine the role of glucose metabolism abnormalities in idiopathic CTS. We identified 117 patients with idiopathic moderate or severe CTS and 128 controls. In all we evaluated glucose and insulin levels at fasting and after 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (2h-OGTT). In addition we determined insulin resistance (IR). Following OGTT the prevalence of glucose metabolism abnormalities was significantly higher in the CTS group (p = 0.001). IR was documented in 80% of patients, of whom 45% had impaired glucose tolerance, 14% newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, and 20% IR only. Waist circumference and body mass index were also significantly increased in the CTS group. In this study, we focused on evidence that pre-diabetes may represent a risk factor for CTS. We proposed to determine IR as a rule in all patients with idiopathic CTS.

Possible implications of insulin resistance and glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) appears to be a significant risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD). Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) also have intense effects in the central nervous system (CNS), regulating key processes such as neuronal survival and longevity, as well as learning and memory. Hyperglycaemia induces increased peripheral utilization of insulin, resulting in reduced insulin transport into the brain. Whereas the density of brain insulin receptor decreases during age, IGF-1 receptor increases, suggesting that specific insulin-mediated signals is involved in aging and possibly in cognitive decline. Molecular mechanisms that protect CNS neurons against ß-amyloid-derived-diffusible ligands (ADDL), responsible for synaptic deterioration underlying AD memory failure, have been identified. The protection mechanism does not involve simple competition between ADDLs and insulin, but rather it is signalling dependent down-regulation of ADDL-binding sites. Defective insulin signalling make neurons energy deficient and vulnerable to oxidizing or other metabolic insults and impairs synaptic plasticity. In fact, destruction of mitochondria, by oxidation of a dynamic-like transporter protein, may cause synapse loss in AD. Moreover, interaction between Aß and τ proteins could be cause of neuronal loss. Hyperinsulinaemia as well as complete lack of insulin result in increased τ phosphorylation, leading to an imbalance of insulin-regulated τ kinases and phosphatates. However, amyloid peptides accumulation is currently seen as a key step in the pathogenesis of AD. Inflammation interacts with processing and deposit of ß-amyloid. Chronic hyperinsulinemia may exacerbate inflammatory responses and increase markers of oxidative stress. In addition, insulin appears to act as 'neuromodulator', influencing release and reuptake of neurotransmitters, and improving learning and memory. Thus, experimental and clinical evidence show that insulin action influences cerebral functions. In this paper, we reviewed several mechanisms by which insulin may affect pathophysiology in AD.

Large extracoronary artery diameter in obese postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between extracoronary artery diameter (brachial and carotid arteries) and obesity. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among women referred to the Menopause Clinic of the University of Catanzaro. The study included 102 obese and 102 nonobese (controls) postmenopausal women. Medical histories were reviewed, and participants underwent clinical and biochemical evaluations to assess risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Common carotid artery and brachial artery diameters and atherosclerotic lesions were evaluated by ultrasonography. Associations between brachial artery and common carotid artery diameters with age, body mass index, waist circumference, and cardiovascular risk factors were analyzed by stepwise multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Brachial and common carotid artery diameters were significantly greater in obese women than in nonobese women. After adjustment for confounding variables, brachial artery diameter but not common carotid artery diameter correlated with obesity (beta = 0.229, P = 0.002) and with waist circumference (beta = 0.013, P < 0.001) independently of systolic blood pressure and other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Extracoronary artery diameter measurement, if confirmed by other studies, may be considered a useful tool to assess vascular remodeling in obese postmenopausal women.

Effects of insulinic therapy on cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer disease and diabetes mellitus type-2.

BACKGROUND: Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM-2) is an important risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD). The role of insulinic therapy on cognitive decline is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cognitive impairment in patients with AD and DM-2 treated with either oral antidiabetic drugs or combination of insulin with other diabetes medications. METHODS: 104 patients with mild-to-moderate AD and DM-2 were divided into two groups, according to antidiabetic pharmacotherapy: group A, patients treated with oral antidiabetic drugs and group B, patients treated with insulin combined with other oral antidiabetic medications. Cognitive functions were assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Clinician's Global Impression (CGI), with a follow-up of 12 months. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the MMSE scores showed a significant worsening in 56.5% patients of group A and in 23.2% patients of group B, compared to baseline MMSE scores (P=.001). Also CGI-C scores showed a significant worsening for all domains after 12 months in group A vs group B (P=.001). The two groups were matched for body mass index, serum lipids, triglycerides, Apo epsilon4 allele and smoke habit. Conversely, ischemic heart disease and hypertension were significantly higher in group B (P=.002). After adjustment for this risk variables, our results remained significant (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that insulinic therapy could be effective in slowing cognitive decline in patients with AD.

Role of the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in the idiopathic restless legs syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder characterised by a distressing urge to move the legs. Several clinical conditions have been associated with RLS, such as iron deficiency, uraemia, pregnancy, polyneuropathy and Diabetes Mellitus (DM). However the causes remain unknown in about 70-80% of cases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of glucose metabolism abnormalities in idiopathic RLS. METHODS: We enrolled 132 consecutive patients with idiopathic RLS associated with normal fasting glycaemia and 128 control subjects. We evaluated glucose and insulin levels after a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (2h-OGTT) in patients and control subjects. In addition we determined Insulin Resistance (IR) by Homa-Index. RESULTS: After 2h-OGTT, the prevalence of glucose metabolism abnormalities was significantly higher in patients with RLS than in controls (P=.002). Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) was found in 54 (41%) patients and in 23 (18%) controls, while a new-diagnosed DM (NDDM) was found in 25 (19%) patients and in 8 (6%) controls. The IR showed no significant differences between patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that IGT (prediabetes) is frequently associated with idiopathic RLS. We propose to perform a 2h-OGTT in idiopathic RLS patients with normal fasting glycaemia.

Acute hemifacial dystonia possibly induced by clebopride.

Dystonic reactions produce twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal posturing. Severe dystonic reactions have been shown to occur in concert with numerous medications. This report details the case of a patient who developed hemifacial dystonia as acute side reaction from administration of clebopride for dyspeptic prophylaxis. When the drug was immediately stopped, the dystonic posture disappeared completely within 2 weeks. The use of clebopride may be associated with not only a reversible or persistent parkinsonism syndrome but also hemifacial dystonia; therefore, attention must be drawn to this possible side effect.

Glucose metabolism in the idiopathic blepharoptosis: utility of the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and of the Insulin Resistance Index.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM), neuromuscular, hereditary or immunological disorders are the most common identified causes of blepharoptosis. However, in about 15-25% they remained uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To determined the role of glucose metabolism abnormality in idiopathic blepharoptosis. METHODS: We identified 162 patients with unilateral idiopathic blepharoptosis and 128 control subjects. In all we evaluated a glucose and insulin levels at fasting and after 2 h-OGTT. In addition we determined insulin resistance (IR), by HOMA-index. RESULTS: Following a 2 h-OGTT the prevalence of undiagnosed glucose metabolism abnormality was significantly higher in blepharoptosis patients vs. control group (P<.001). The IR was documented in 129 patients (78%), of whom 55 (34%) had Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), 36 (22%) newly diagnosed DM (NDDM) and 38 (30%) only IR. The Body Mass Index, blood pressure, serum lipids, triglycerides and smoking were not associated with an increased risk of developing ptosis. Conversely, waist circumference were significantly increased in blepharoptosis patients (P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: In this study we focused on emerging evidence that prediabetic status may represent a risk factor for developing blepharoptosis. We propose that 2 h-OGTT and mainly HOMA-index should be determined as a rule in all patients with idiopathic blepharoptosis.