Burden of Illness in People with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of Epidemiology, Comorbidities and Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and an updated quantification of its impact on morbidity, disability, and mortality is warranted. We conducted a systematic literature review, focusing on the past decade, to characterize AD and assess its impact on affected individuals. METHODS: Searches of Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were conducted on August 7, 2020 and updated on November 10, 2021. Observational studies from any country reporting incidence, prevalence, comorbidities, and/or outcomes related to disability and mortality/life expectancy, in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD, or mild, moderate, or severe AD dementia, were considered relevant. RESULTS: Data were extracted from 88 studies (46 incidence/prevalence; 44 comorbidities; 25 mortality-/disability-related outcomes), mostly from Europe, the USA, and Asia. AD dementia diagnosis was confirmed using biomarkers in only 6 studies. Estimated 5-year mortality in AD was 35%, and comorbidity prevalence estimates varied widely (hypertension: 30.2-73.9%; diabetes: 6.0-24.3%; stroke: 2.7-13.7%). Overall, people with AD dementia were more likely to have cardiovascular disease or diabetes than controls, and 5-year mortality in people with AD dementia was double that in the age- and year-matched general population (115.0 vs 60.6 per 1,000 person-years). CONCLUSIONS: AD is associated with excess morbidity and mortality. Future longitudinal studies of population aging, incorporating biomarker assessment to confirm AD diagnoses, are needed to better characterize the course of MCI due to AD and AD dementia.

Lower serum osteocalcin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes and relationships with vascular risk factors among patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Lower serum concentrations of the osteoblast-derived protein, osteocalcin, have been associated with poorer glycemic control, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis, and with the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: This study compares concentrations of two physiological forms of osteocalcin, carboxylated (cOCN) and uncarboxylated (unOCN), between participants with T2DM (n = 20) and age-, gender- and body mass index (BMI)-matched participants without T2DM (n = 40) among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and it explores relationships between osteocalcin concentrations and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Concentrations of unOCN (2.71 ±â€¯1.86 vs. 4.70 ±â€¯2.03 ng/mL; t = -3.635, p = 0.001) and cOCN (8.70 ±â€¯2.27 vs. 10.77 ±â€¯3.69 ng/mL; t = -2.30, p = 0.025) were lower in participants with T2DM. In participants without T2DM, concentrations of cOCN were associated with fitness (VO2Peak rho = 0.317, p = 0.047) and lower body fat (rho = -0.324, p = 0.041). In participants with T2DM, lower unOCN was associated with HbA1c (rho = -0.516, p = 0.020). Higher body mass was associated with higher unOCN (rho = 0.423, p = 0.009) in participants without T2DM, but with lower concentrations of both unOCN (rho = -0.590, p = 0.006) and cOCN (rho = -0.632, p = 0.003) in participants with T2DM. CONCLUSION: In patients with CAD, lower osteocalcin concentrations were related to type 2 diabetes, and to adverse fitness, metabolic and obesity profiles.

Is it time to revise the diagnostic criteria for apathy in brain disorders? The 2018 international consensus group.

BACKGROUND: Apathy is a very common behavioural and psychological symptom across brain disorders. In the last decade, there have been considerable advances in research on apathy and motivation. It is thus important to revise the apathy diagnostic criteria published in 2009. The main objectives were to: a) revise the definition of apathy; b) update the list of apathy dimensions; c) operationalise the diagnostic criteria; and d) suggest appropriate assessment tools including new technologies. METHODS: The expert panel (N = 23) included researchers and health care professionals working on brain disorders and apathy, a representative of a regulatory body, and a representative of the pharmaceutical industry. The revised diagnostic criteria for apathy were developed in a two-step process. First, following the standard Delphi methodology, the experts were asked to answer questions via web-survey in two rounds. Second, all the collected information was discussed on the occasion of the 26th European Congress of Psychiatry held in Nice (France). RESULTS: Apathy was defined as a quantitative reduction of goal-directed activity in comparison to the patient's previous level of functioning (criterion A). Symptoms must persist for at least four weeks, and affect at least two of the three apathy dimensions (behaviour/cognition; emotion; social interaction; criterion B). Apathy should cause identifiable functional impairments (criterion C), and should not be fully explained by other factors, such as effects of a substance or major changes in the patient's environment (Criterion D). CONCLUSIONS: The new diagnostic criteria for apathy provide a clinical and scientific framework to increase the validity of apathy as a clinical construct. This should also help to pave the path for apathy in brain disorders to be an interventional target.

Respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in cystic fibrosis: the Canadian registry of palivizumab data (2005-2016).

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may cause severe illness in cystic fibrosis (CF) children, but recommendations vary on prophylaxis. CARESS is a prospective registry of children who received palivizumab in 32 Canadian sites from 2005 to 2016. Demographic data were collected at enrollment and respiratory illness-related events recorded monthly. We reviewed respiratory illness hospitalization (RIH) and RSV hospitalization (RSVH) in CF children aged < 24 months versus those prophylaxed for standard indications (SI; prematurity, chronic lung disease [CLD] and congenital heart disease [CHD]), and complex medical disorders (CM). Of 23,228 children analyzed, 19,452 (83.8%) were SI, 3349 (14.4%) were CM, and 427 (1.8%) were CF. CF children were more likely to be Caucasian, heavier at birth and enrollment, and less likely to have a sibling or live in crowded conditions. CF children were similar to the other groups in daycare attendance, history of atopy, and exposure to smoking. RIH incidences were 4.3% (premature), 13.8% CLD, 11.5% CHD, 11.7% CM, and 6.8% CF. RSVH incidence in CF children was similar to that in the SI and CM groups: 1.1, 1.5, and 2.0% groups respectively. Cox regression analyses showed that compared to CF children, the HRs for RSVH in SI (HR 2.0 95% CI 0.5-8.3, p = 0.3) and CM (HR 2.4, 95% CI 0.6-9.8, p = 0.2) did not differ. CF children are equally at risk for RSVH relative to those prophylaxed for other indications. Pending robust evidence from prospective trials, palivizumab could perhaps be considered in the interim, for young CF patients born early during the RSV season with evidence of serious lung disease.

Peripheral cytokine and chemokine alterations in depression: a meta-analysis of 82 studies.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that measured cytokine and chemokine levels in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to healthy controls (HCs). METHOD: The PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases were searched up until May 30, 2016. Effect sizes were estimated with random-effects models. RESULT: Eighty-two studies comprising 3212 participants with MDD and 2798 HCs met inclusion criteria. Peripheral levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-10, the soluble IL-2 receptor, C-C chemokine ligand 2, IL-13, IL-18, IL-12, the IL-1 receptor antagonist, and the soluble TNF receptor 2 were elevated in patients with MDD compared to HCs, whereas interferon-gamma levels were lower in MDD (Hedge's g = -0.477, P = 0.043). Levels of IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, the soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), IL-5, CCL-3, IL-17, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 were not significantly altered in individuals with MDD compared to HCs. Heterogeneity was large (I2 : 51.6-97.7%), and sources of heterogeneity were explored (e.g., age, smoking status, and body mass index). CONCLUSION: Our results further characterize a cytokine/chemokine profile associated with MDD. Future studies are warranted to further elucidate sources of heterogeneity, as well as biosignature cytokines secreted by other immune cells.

Potential Biomarkers for Depression Associated with Coronary Artery Disease: A Critical Review.

Depression, the most common mood disorder, is a leading contributor to the global burden of disease affecting more than 120 million individuals worldwide. Various pathophysiological processes underlie depression; this complexity renders it difficult to identify clinically useful diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as treatment options. The current state of knowledge driving the management and treatment of depression remains incomplete, which underscores the need for further insight into pathways relevant to depression. Exploring co-morbid conditions, such as coronary artery disease, may be useful to further elucidate the etiopathology of depression. The present review therefore systematically identifies and critically evaluates relevant markers of depression as assessed in a high-risk population, namely patients with coronary artery disease. Biomarkers related to hypothalamicpituitary- adrenal axis dysregulation, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation and aggregation, serotonin activity, sympathetic nervous system activation, thyroid function, structural and morphological brain abnormalities, genetic variation, lipid metabolism, one-carbon metabolism, endocannabinoid signalling irregularities, and vitamin D deficiency are reviewed. Markers exhibiting the most consistent associations with depression include tumour necrosis factor-α, flow-mediated dilation, endothelin-1, endothelial progenitor cells, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and docosahexaenoic acid. Further investigating the mechanisms underlying those markers and exploring novel pathways, such as oxidative stress, will extend the current state of knowledge and potentially lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Depressive symptoms predict non-completion of a structured exercise intervention for people with Type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To quantify the impact of depressive symptoms on completion of exercise-based rehabilitation for Type 2 diabetes management. METHODS: Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale in a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with Type 2 diabetes entering a 6-month hybrid (home- and clinic-based) exercise rehabilitation programme. Attendance at exercise sessions was monitored and programme completion/non-completion was ascertained. RESULTS: Of the programme participants (n=624, mean age 55.6±10.5 years, 47% male), 26.8% endorsed significant depressive symptoms (depression score ≥16) and 68.1% completed the intervention, attending 54.6±30.0% of supervised exercise sessions. Baseline depressive symptoms (depression scale score ≥16) increased the risk of non-completion [hazard ratio 1.49 (95% CI 1.10-2.03); P = 0.010], and predicted fewer sessions attended (ß=-2.1, P= 0.002) in adjusted models. A depression score threshold of ≥10 (48.4% of participants) predicted non-completion [hazard ratio 1.60 (95% CI 1.19-2.17); P= 0.002) with optimum accuracy. Non-completions resulting from lack of interest (18.9 vs. 11.0%; P= 0.026) and medical complications (14.6 vs. 6.6%; P= 0.006) were more common among participants with depression scores ≥10. Greater hazard ratios for depression scores ≥10 were observed in subgroups not currently using insulin [hazard ratio 1.70 (95% CI 1.24-2.33); P= 0.001), or an antidepressant [hazard ratio 1.83 (95% CI 1.32-2.54); P<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms were highly prevalent among participants with Type 2 diabetes entering exercise-based rehabilitation, and even mild depressive symptoms posed a significant barrier to completion. Depression screening may help target additional supports to facilitate completion of exercise interventions for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Regional cerebral arterial transit time hemodynamics correlate with vascular risk factors and cognitive function in men with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Arterial transit time is the time needed for blood to travel from large arteries to capillaries, as estimated from arterial spin-labeling MR imaging. The purpose of this study was to determine whether vascular risk factors and cognitive performance are related to regional differences in cerebral arterial transit time in patients with coronary artery disease who are at risk for cognitive decline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arterial transit time was estimated from multiple postlabel delay pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling images obtained from 29 men with coronary artery disease. Tests of memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function were administered. Principal component analysis was used to create separate models of cognition and vascular risk, which were related to brain regions through voxelwise analyses of arterial transit time maps. RESULTS: Principal component analysis identified 2 components of vascular risk: 1) "pressor" (age, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure) and 2) "obesity" (body fat percentage and body mass index). Obesity was inversely related to arterial transit time in the posterior cingulate, precuneus, lateral occipital cortices, middle temporal gyrus, and frontal pole (P corrected < .05), whereas pressor was not significant. Cognitive scores were factored into a single component. Poor performance was inversely related to precuneus arterial transit time (P corrected < .05). The average arterial transit time in regions identified by obesity was associated with poorer cognitive function (r(2) = 0.21, t = -2.65, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Altered cerebral hemodynamics, notably in nodal structures of the default mode network, may be one way that vascular risk factors impact cognition in patients with coronary artery disease.

Poststroke neuropsychiatric symptoms: relationships with IL-17 and oxidative stress.

Stroke variably activates interleukin- (IL-) 17 expression, reduces regulatory T cells, and induces oxidative stress, which may support neurodegeneration. Ischemic stroke patients were screened for depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D)) and cognitive status (Mini Mental State Examination). Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-23, and interferon- [IFN-] γ), anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and lipid hydroperoxide (LPH), a measure of oxidative stress, were assayed from fasting serum. Of 47 subjects (age 71.8 ± 14.4 years, 36% female), 19 had depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥ 16), which was associated with poorer cognitive status (F 1,46 = 8.44, P = 0.006). IL-17 concentrations did not differ between subjects with and without depressive symptoms (F 1,46 = 8.44, P = 0.572); however, IL-17 was associated with poorer cognitive status in subjects with depressive symptoms (F 1,46 = 9.29, P = 0.004). In those subjects with depressive symptoms, IL-17 was associated with higher LPH (ρ = 0.518, P = 0.023) and lower IL-10 (ρ = -0.484, P = 0.036), but not in those without. In conclusion, poststroke depressive symptoms may be associated with cognitive vulnerability to IL-17 related pathways, involving an imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activity and increased oxidative stress.

The cost effectiveness of palivizumab in congenital heart disease: a review of the current evidence.

OBJECTIVE: To review and summarize the literature concerning the cost-effectiveness of palivizumab compared to no prophylaxis in infants and young children with congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A systematic literature search (MEDLINE to March 2012, limited to English language) identified studies that examined the cost-effectiveness of palivizumab in CHD populations. The quality of each study was assigned a quality score of 1-100 based on the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument. RESULTS: Ten studies were identified through the search strategy, of which four principally addressed the research question and six additional articles examined CHD in conjunction with other high-risk indications for palivizumab in their economic analyses. QHES for the studies ranged from 58-100, with a median score of 93 (76 for principal articles, 94 for secondary analyses). Cost-utility analyses, which evaluated costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), showed favorable results in five analyses (range $10,329-$16,648 per QALY), while the other two suggested no cost-effectiveness ($146,061 and $169,971 per QALY). Of three cost-effectiveness analyses, which assessed costs per hospital admission prevented (HAP), two concluded that the drug was not cost-effective ($16,216/day of hospitalization prevented and $868,296/HAP), while one did not interpret the final result ($43,561/HAP). LIMITATIONS: Significant variance exists across study characteristics, analytic models utilized, duration of RSV seasons assessed, primary outcome measures evaluated, sensitivity analyses conducted, and other model assumptions. Further, it was difficult to obtain true CHD-based quality scores for the studies that analyzed more than one indication. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this review currently remain inconclusive. Although a favorable trend was identified in the cost-utility analyses, additional rigorously conducted studies are necessary to better estimate the cost-effectiveness of palivizumab for CHD infants in clinical practice.

A comparative study of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis in premature infants within the Canadian Registry of Palivizumab (CARESS).

We examined the dosing regimens, compliance, and outcomes of premature infants who received palivizumab within the Canadian Registry of Palivizumab (CARESS). Infants receiving ≥1 dose of palivizumab during the 2006-2011 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons were recruited across 30 sites. Respiratory illness events were captured monthly. Infants ≤32 completed weeks gestational age (GA) (Group 1) were compared to 33-35 completed weeks GA infants (Group 2) following prophylaxis. In total, 6,654 patients were analyzed (Group 1, n = 5,183; Group 2, n = 1,471). The mean GA was 29.9 ± 2.9 versus 34.2 ± 2.2 weeks for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Group differences were significant (all p-values <0.05) for the following: proportion of males, Caucasians, siblings, multiple births, maternal smoking, smoking during pregnancy, household smokers, >5 household individuals, birth weight, and enrolment age. Overall, infants received 92.6 % of expected injections. Group 1 received significantly more injections, but a greater proportion of Group 2 received injections within recommended intervals. The hospitalization rates were similar for Groups 1 and 2 for respiratory illness (4.7 % vs. 3.7 %, p = 0.1) and RSV (1.5 % vs. 1.4 %, p = 0.3). Neither the time to first respiratory illness [hazard ratio = 0.9, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.7-1.2, p = 0.5] nor to first RSV hospitalization (hazard ratio = 1.3, 95 % CI 0.8-2.2, p = 0.3) were different. Compliance with RSV prophylaxis is high. Despite the higher number of palivizumab doses in infants ≤32 completed weeks GA, the two groups' respiratory illness and RSV-positive hospitalization rates were similar.

Respiratory hospitalizations and respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in special populations.

Palivizumab utilization, compliance, and outcomes were examined in infants with preexisting medical diseases within the Canadian Registry Database (CARESS) to aid in developing guidelines for potential "at-risk" infants in the future. Infants who received ≥1 dose of palivizumab during the 2006-2010 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons at 29 sites were recruited and utilization, compliance, and outcomes related to respiratory infection/illness (RI) events were collected monthly. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for premature infants ≤35 completed weeks gestational age (GA) who met standard approval criteria (group 1) compared to those with medical disorders (group 2) using Cox proportional hazards regression models with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Of 7,339 registry infants, 4,880 were in group 1 and 952 in group 2, which included those with Down syndrome (20.3%), upper airway anomalies (18.7%), pulmonary diseases (13.3%), and cystic fibrosis (12.3%). Group 2 were older at enrollment (10.2 ± 9.2 vs. 3.5 ± 3.1 months, p < 0.0005), had higher GA (35.9 ± 6.0 vs. 31.0 ± 5.4 weeks, p < 0.0005), and were less compliant with treatment intervals (69.4% vs. 72.6%, p = 0.048). A greater proportion of group 2 infants were hospitalized for RI (9.0% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.0005) and RSV (2.4% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.003) (unadjusted). Being in group 2 was associated with an increased risk of RI (HR = 2.0, 95%CI 1.5-2.5, p < 0.0005), but not RSV hospitalization (HR = 1.6, 95% CI 0.9-2.8, p = 0.106). In infants receiving palivizumab, those with underlying medical disorders, though not currently approved for prophylaxis, are at higher risk for RI events compared with preterm infants. However, risk of RSV hospitalizations is similar.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor, cardiopulmonary fitness and cognition in patients with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations as a correlate of cardiopulmonary fitness and as a predictor of cognitive performance in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Serum BDNF concentrations were assayed by ELISA and fitness was assessed using a standardized exercise stress test. The Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), California Verbal Learning Test 2nd Ed., Stroop, Trail Making Test B and the Digit Symbol-Coding task were administered. The val66met BDNF genotype and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations were determined as potential confounders. RESULTS: In subjects with CAD (n=88; 85.2% male, mean age 62.8±10.5 yr), cardiopulmonary fitness was associated with higher serum BDNF concentrations (ß=.305, p=.013). Higher serum BDNF concentrations were associated with higher MMSE scores (F(1,87)=15.406, p<.0005) and better performance on the Digit Symbol-Coding task (F(1,87)=9.620, p=.003). IL-6, TNF-α and the val66met genotype did not influence these results. CONCLUSION: Serum BDNF concentrations were associated with cardiopulmonary fitness, psychomotor processing speed and overall cognition in subjects with CAD.

Lithium and its neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects: potential treatment for post-ischemic stroke sequelae.

Post-stroke cognitive impairment has a high prevalence in stroke patients and is associated with poor short and long term outcomes, including a negative impact on functional recovery. There is evidence that post-stroke impairment is the direct result of stroke induced neurological injury. Gray matter atrophy has been implicated in the development of post-stroke cognitive impairment and is the result of a series of neurochemical processes that are activated by ischemia. Lithium, traditionally used as a mood stabilizer, has been recognized in the last 10 years for its robust neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects against diverse insults, such as ischemia, both in vitro and in vivo. This has generated several preclinical and clinical studies of lithium treatment for managing neurodegenerative diseases and cerebral ischemia. Evidence suggests that lithium may protect against the cerebral atrophy and neuronal degeneration induced by the neurochemical processes and pathways known to regulate cell death and atrophy after an ischemic event. Lithium-mediated neurotroprotective and neurotrophic effects involve mechanisms highly relevant to the post-stroke population including the increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Bcl-2, and inhibition of GSK-3ß. Lithium-induced increases in human gray matter have been reported and occur within a time frame consistent with the known effects of lithium through increased expression of BDNF, Bcl-2 and GSK-3ß inhibition. This article reviews the evidence to support the use of lithium to reduce neuronal damage post-stroke through 1) mechanisms of excitotoxicity and post-ischemic inflammation; and 2) neurotrophic signaling cascades. Lithium's relevant actions in preclinical and clinical studies will be reviewed and presented to support the neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects of lithium as well as other clinical considerations in using lithium in the post-ischemic stroke population.

A SPECT study of sleep disturbance and Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the possible association of regional cerebral perfusion and sleep loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: 55 AD patients were characterized as having (SL) or not having (NSL) nocturnal sleep loss based on standard AD scales assessing sleep over the previous 4 weeks. (99m)Tc-ethylcysteinate dimer SPECT scans were performed in a relaxed, wakeful state. Whole-brain analysis using Statistical Parametrical Mapping (SPM5) was performed to compare perfusion across groups. In addition, the AD groups were compared to normal control (NC) subjects of comparable age and gender to provide a context for interpretation of findings. RESULTS: SPM analysis showed increased perfusion in the right middle frontal gyrus (R-MFG, Brodman area 9, p = 0.016, familywise-error-corrected) in SL versus NSL patients. Comparison with NC subjects confirmed that perfusion in the R-MFG among SL patients did not exceed that found in NCs (relative rather than absolute hyperperfusion). CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of mild-to-moderate AD patients, relative hyperperfusion in the R-MFG is associated with reports of SL. This region may play a role in regulating sleep.

Cholinesterase inhibitors slow decline in executive functions, rather than memory, in Alzheimer's disease: a 1-year observational study in the Sunnybrook dementia cohort.

To determine if there are differential treatment effects of second-generation cholinesterase inhibitors over one year, 130 patients (untreated=65, treated=65) meeting NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for mild or moderate probable AD underwent standardized cognitive testing at baseline and 12 months later at a university memory clinic. Patients were followed either prior to or after the availability of treatment and were matched on education and baseline Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). A detailed medical history evaluation was conducted. In this well matched longitudinal observational cohort study, there were no differences in the prevalence of comorbid illnesses, concomitant medication use or vascular risk factors except for a greater number of treated patients with a previous history of smoking. Separate repeated measures MANCOVAs on the MMSE, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), and its 5 subscores (attention, initiation/perseveration, conceptualization, construction and memory) (Bonferroni corrected), after covarying for the effects of smoking, and SSRI use, showed less decline over one year in the treated group in overall cognition and in all subscores of the DRS except for memory (effect sizes 0.5-0.7). Less decline was also seen in the treated group in function and in instrumental and basic activities of daily living as measured with the Disability Assessment for Dementia Scale (DAD) (effect sizes 0.4-0.8). Executive, language and visuospatial functions, rather than memory, appeared to be more amenable to stabilization over one year by cholinesterase inhibitors in AD.

Clinical and economic factors in the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

The prevalence of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) exceeds 50%. They cause distress to patients and caregivers, increase resource utilisation of various kinds, and form a high risk for accelerated psychiatric care through institutionalisation. Although evidence for current pharmacological treatment is not strong and the construct of BPSD is still not very clear, future aspects of treatment of BPSD may be positive. If we look at overall success rates of the antipsychotics, the traditional antipsychotics have the highest combined success rate of 63.1%, whereas the novel antipsychotics have an overall success rate of 56.1%. Haloperidol is the drug with the highest success rate of 65.4%, although this drug is associated with parkinsonian adverse drug reactions. Newer antipsychotics show promise in treating BPSD, but more convincing evidence (e.g. from randomised clinical trials) is required. We provide an overview of the clinical, epidemiological and economic aspects of BPSD and a review of the available literature on their pharmacological treatment. Although only 1 pharmacoeconomic study has been conducted on BPSD, it seems likely that these manifestations drastically increase the burden of dementia.

Role of serotonin in the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) can have serious debilitating effects on the patient and increase caregiver burden. Investigations into the underlying neuropathology indicate that the serotonergic system may contribute to BPSD. In addition, serotonergic pathways are known to interact extensively with the cholinergic, noradrenergic, GABAergic, and dopaminergic systems. Hence, serotonergic therapies may be used to manipulate other neurotransmitters systems to alleviate BPSD or in combination with agents specific for the other neurotransmitter receptor sites. Neurotransmitter-modulated behaviors and evidence provided by pharmacological interventions are reviewed, focusing primarily on the serotonergic system.

Pharmacotherapy of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: time for a different paradigm?

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia can occur in 60-80% of patients with Alzheimer's disease or other dementing illnesses, and are important in that they are a source of significant caregiver stress and often precipitate nursing home placement. These symptoms, namely, aggression, delusions, hallucinations, apathy, anxiety, and depression, are clinically managed with a variety of psychotropic drugs such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, and benzodiazepines. Various advances in the neuropathophysiology and pharmacotherapy must be considered in the optimal design of regimens for patients with these symptoms.

Herbal-drug therapy interactions: a focus on dementia.

Older people with dementia are often prescribed numerous medications. Use of herbal therapies in addition to these conventional drug therapies may lead to interactions that result in an adverse drug event. We have conducted a systematic review to identify all studies that examined interactions between herbal and conventional drug therapies (i.e. prescription or over-the-counter). Using a MEDLINE search of English-language studies published between 1980 and 2000, we limited our search to those herbal therapies most likely to be used for the treatment of dementia (memory loss and decreased concentration) and related symptoms. We identified 28 articles that describe interactions between these herbal (i.e. St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, kava, valerian, and ginseng) and conventional drug therapies. Of these articles, 11 examined St. John's wort, four examined ginkgo biloba, five examined kava, one examined valerian, and seven examined ginseng. We identified a series of potential interactions between herbal and conventional drug therapy that place older people at risk for an adverse drug event. Health care professionals need to be aware of these potential interactions.