Neurosciences Commons^™

Treatment Integrity And Differentiation In The Very Early Rehabilitation In Speech (Verse) Trial, Emily Brogan, Natalie Ciccone, Erin Godecke

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

Key elements of treatment fidelity include treatment integrity (adherence to the treatment protocol) and treatment differentiation (the difference in treatment ingredients in the control and intervention groups). The Very Early Rehabilitation in SpEech (VERSE) trial established treatment fidelity at the macro level for key components of therapy.

Aims:

To complete a detailed analysis of treatment integrity and differentiation at the utterance level of a therapeutic interaction.

Methods:

This was an observational study of therapy videos collected as part of the VERSE trial. Participants were people with aphasia in the very early phase of recovery post stroke (n = 44) …

Occupational Therapists And Physiotherapists Weighing Up The Dignity Of Risk For People Living With A Brain Injury: Grounded Theory, Mandy Stanley, Gisela Van Kessel, Carolyn M. Murray, Deborah Forsythe, Shylie Mackintosh

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose:

Following a brain injury survivors may have physical, or cognitive changes or behaviours which bring safety risks into play when engaging in activities. Therapists experience tensions in enabling the dignity of participation in the context of managing risk.

Materials and methods:

Ten occupational therapists and seven physiotherapists participated in a grounded theory study utilising semi-structured in-depth interviews to explore the tensions between dignity and management of safety risks. Data were analysed using constant comparative method and a process of moving from open coding to categories to theory development.

Results:

The process of weighing up was central to the therapists’ …

An Aphasia Research Agenda – A Consensus Statement From The Collaboration Of Aphasia Trialists, Myzoon Ali, Efstathia Soroli, Luis M. T. Jesus, Madeline Cruice, Jytte Isaksen, Evy Visch-Brink, Kleanthes K. Grohmann, C. Jagoe, Tarja Kukkonen, Spyridoula Varlokosta, Carlos Hernandez-Sacristan, Vicente Rosell-Clari, Rebecca Palmer, Silvia Martinez-Ferreiro, Erin Godecke, Sarah J. Wallace, Ruth Mcmenamin, David Copland, Caterina Breitenstein, Audrey Bowen, Ann-Charlotte Laska, Katerina Hilari, Marian C. Brady

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Coordination of international aphasia research would minimise duplication of effort, support synergistic international activities across languages and multidisciplinary perspectives, and promote high-quality conduct and reporting of aphasia research, thereby increasing the relevance, transparency, and implementation of findings. The Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists (CATs) sought to develop an aphasia research agenda to direct future research activities, based on priorities shared by people with aphasia, family members, and healthcare professionals. Our established international research network spanning 33 countries contributed to this activity. Research literature reporting the priorities of stakeholders was reviewed and synthesized (phase 1). Representatives from Working Groups on Aphasia Assessment …

Alzheimer's Disease Research Progress In Australia: The Alzheimer's Association International Conference Satellite Symposium In Sydney, Claire E. Sexton, Kaarin J. Anstey, Filippo Baldacci, C. J. Barnum, Anna M. Barron, Kaj Blennow, Henry Brodaty, Samantha Burnham, Fanny M. Elahi, Jürgen Götz, Yun-Hee Jeon, Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui, Susan M. Landau, Nicola T. Lautenschlager, Simon M. Laws, Darren M. Lipnicki, Hanzhang Lu, Colin L. Masters, Wendy Moyle, Akinori Nakamura, Giulio Maria Pasinetti, Naren Rao, Christopher Rowe, Perminder S. Sachdev, Peter R. Schofield, Einar M. Sigurdsson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The Alzheimer's Association International Conference held its sixth Satellite Symposium in Sydney, Australia in 2019, highlighting the leadership of Australian researchers in advancing the understanding of and treatment developments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. This leadership includes the Australian Imaging, Biomarker, and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL), which has fueled the identification and development of many biomarkers and novel therapeutics. Two multimodal lifestyle intervention studies have been launched in Australia; and Australian researchers have played leadership roles in other global studies in diverse populations. Australian researchers have also played an instrumental role in efforts to understand mechanisms …

Protocol For The Development Of The International Population Registry For Aphasia After Stroke (I-Praise), M. Ali, A. L. Ben Basat, M. Berthier, M. B. Johansson, C. Breitenstein, D. A. Cadilhac, F. Constantinidou, M. Cruice, G. Davila, M. Gandolfi, M. Gil, R. Grima, Erin Godecke, L. Jesus, L. M. Jiminez, M. Kambanaros, T. Kukkonen, A. Laska, I. Mavis, R. Mc Menamin, C. Mendez-Orellana, H. Obrig, P. Ostberg, H. Robson, K. Sage, M. Van De Sandt-Koenderman, K. Sprecht, E. Visch-Brink, E. Wehling, S. Wielaert, S. J. Wallace, L. J. Williams, M. C. Brady

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: We require high-quality information on the current burden, the types of therapy and resources available, methods of delivery, care pathways and long-term outcomes for people with aphasia. Aim: To document and inform international delivery of post-stroke aphasia treatment, to optimise recovery and reintegration of people with aphasia. Methods & Procedures: Multi-centre, prospective, non-randomised, open study, employing blinded outcome assessment, where appropriate, including people with post-stroke aphasia, able to attend for 30 minutes during the initial language assessment, at first contact with a speech and language therapist for assessment of aphasia at participating sites. There is no study-mandated intervention. Assessments …

Identifying Key Elements To Assess Patient’S Acceptability Of Neurorehabilitation In Stroke Survivors–A Delphi Method, Manonita Ghosh, Kaoru Nosaka, Lisa Whitehead, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose:

Assessing patient acceptability of treatment is a clinical concern. No guidance exists to determine the best way to measure acceptability in stroke neurorehabilitation. This study identifies key elements to measure patient’s acceptance of stroke neurorehabilitation by establishing expert consensus.

Materials and methods:

A four-phase Delphi method with a three-round electronic-based survey was conducted. Experts were considered as stroke survivors or their caregivers and professionals in stroke neurorehabilitation. A twenty-five-item list was sourced from a literature review and discussion with a consumer panel (n = 22). In Round-1 (n = 118) and Round-2 (n = 80), experts …

Patients’ Experiences Of A Communication Enhanced Environment Model On An Acute/Slow Stream Rehabilitation And A Rehabilitation Ward Following Stroke: A Qualitative Description Approach, Sarah D'Souza, Deborah J. Hersh, Erin Godecke, Natalie Ciccone, Heidi Janssen, Elizabeth Armstrong

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

Patients in hospital following stroke express a desire to continue therapy tasks outside of treatment activities. However, they commonly describe experiences of boredom and inactivity. An enriched environment aims to provide opportunities for physical, cognitive and social activity and informed the development of a Communication Enhanced Environment (CEE) model to promote patient engagement in language activities.

Purpose

Explore patient perceptions of a CEE model, and barriers and facilitators to engagement in the model.

Methods

A qualitative description study from a larger project that implemented a CEE model into acute and rehabilitation private hospital wards in Western Australia. Semi-structured interviews …

Design And Development Of A Mobile Health (Mhealth) Platform For Dementia Prevention In The Prevention Of Dementia By Mobile Phone Applications (Prodemos) Project, Melanie Hafdi, Esmé Eggink, Marieke P. Hoevenaar-Blom, M. Patrick Witvliet, Sandrine Andrieu, Linda Barnes, Carol Brayne, Rachael Brooks, Nicola Coley, Jean Georges, Abraham Van Der Groep, Harm Van Marwijk, Mark Van Der Meijden, Libin Song, Manshu Song, Youxin Wang, Wenzhi Wang, Wei Wang, Anders Wimo, Xiaoyan Ye, Eric P. Moll Van Charante, Edo Richard, Prodemos Consortium

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

Mobile health (mHealth) has the potential to bring preventive healthcare within reach of populations with limited access to preventive services, by delivering personalized support at low cost. Although numerous mHealth interventions are available, very few have been developed following an evidence-based rationale or have been tested for efficacy. This article describes the systematic development of a coach-supported mHealth application to improve healthy lifestyles for the prevention of dementia and cardiovascular disease in the United Kingdom (UK) and China.

Methods:

Development of the Prevention of Dementia by Mobile Phone applications (PRODEMOS) platform built upon the experiences with the Healthy Aging …

Using Imputation To Provide Harmonized Longitudinal Measures Of Cognition Across Aibl And Adni, Rosita Shishegar, Timothy Cox, David Rolls, Pierrick Bourgeat, Vincent Doré, Fiona Lamb, Joanne Robertson, Simon M. Laws, Tenielle Porter, Jurgen Fripp, Duygu Tosun, Paul Maruff, Greg Savage, Christopher C. Rowe, Colin L. Masters, Michael W. Weiner, Victor L. Villemagne, Samantha C. Burnham

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

To improve understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, large observational studies are needed to increase power for more nuanced analyses. Combining data across existing observational studies represents one solution. However, the disparity of such datasets makes this a non-trivial task. Here, a machine learning approach was applied to impute longitudinal neuropsychological test scores across two observational studies, namely the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Study (AIBL) and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) providing an overall harmonised dataset. MissForest, a machine learning algorithm, capitalises on the underlying structure and relationships of data to impute test scores not measured in one study aligning …

Higher Coffee Consumption Is Associated With Slower Cognitive Decline And Less Cerebral Aβ-Amyloid Accumulation Over 126 Months: Data From The Australian Imaging, Biomarkers, And Lifestyle Study, Samantha L. Gardener, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Victor L. Villemagne, Jurgen Fripp, Vincent Doré, Pierrick Bourgeat, Kevin Taddei, Christopher Fowler, Colin L. Masters, Paul Maruff, Christopher C. Rowe, David Ames, Ralph N. Martins, Aibl Investigators

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

Worldwide, coffee is one of the most popular beverages consumed. Several studies have suggested a protective role of coffee, including reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, there is limited longitudinal data from cohorts of older adults reporting associations of coffee intake with cognitive decline, in distinct domains, and investigating the neuropathological mechanisms underpinning any such associations.

Methods: The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between self-reported habitual coffee intake, and cognitive decline assessed using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery in 227 cognitively normal older adults from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle (AIBL) study, over …

Investigating Auditory Electrophysiological Measures Of Participants With Mild Cognitive Impairment And Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Event-Related Potential Studies, Hadeel Y. Tarawneh, Wilhelmina H. A. M. Mulders, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Ralph N. Martins, Dona M. P. Jayakody

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Objectively measuring auditory functions has been proposed as an avenue in differentiating normal age-related cognitive dysfunction from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its prodromal states. Previous research has suggested auditory event-related potentials (AERPs) to be non-invasive, cost-effective, and efficient biomarkers for the diagnosis of AD. Objective: The objective of this paper is to review the published literature on AERPs measures in older adults diagnosed with AD and those at higher risk of developing AD, i.e., mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive decline. Methods: The search was performed on six major electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, OVID EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, …

Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation Modulates Neural Processing Of Sensory And Motor Circuits – From Potential Cellular Mechanisms To Behaviour: A Scoping Review, Weronika Potok, Onno Van Der Groen, Marc Bächinger, Dylan Edwards, Nicole Wenderoth

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Noise introduced in the human nervous system from cellular to systems levels can have a major impact on signal processing. Using transcranial stimulation, electrical noise can be added to cortical circuits to modulate neuronal activity and enhance function in the healthy brain and in neurological patients. Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) is a promising technique that is less well understood than other non-invasive neuromodulatory methods. The aim of the present scoping review is to collate published evidence on the effects of electrical noise at the cellular, systems, and behavioural levels, and discuss how this emerging method might be harnessed to …

Core Alzheimer’S Disease Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarker Assays Are Not Affected By Aspiration Or Gravity Drip Extraction Methods, James D. Doecke, Cindy Francois, Christopher J. Fowler, Erik Stoops, Pierrick Bourgeat, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Qiao-Xin Li, Colin L. Masters, Ralph N. Martins, Victor L. Villemagne, Steven J. Collins, Hugo Marcel Vanderstichele

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: CSF biomarkers are well-established for routine clinical use, yet a paucity of comparative assessment exists regarding CSF extraction methods during lumbar puncture. Here, we compare in detail biomarker profiles in CSF extracted using either gravity drip or aspiration. Methods: Biomarkers for β-amyloidopathy (Aβ1–42, Aβ1–40), tauopathy (total tau), or synapse pathology (BACE1, Neurogranin Trunc-p75, α-synuclein) were assessed between gravity or aspiration extraction methods in a sub-population of the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study (cognitively normal, N = 36; mild cognitive impairment, N = 8; Alzheimer’s disease, N = 6). Results: High biomarker concordance between extraction methods was seen …

Statistical Analysis Plan For The Compare Trial: A 3-Arm Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing The Effectiveness Of Constraint-Induced Aphasia Therapy Plus And Multimodality Aphasia Therapy To Usual Care In Chronic Post-Stroke Aphasia (Compare), Miranda L. Rose, Tapan Rai, David Copland, Lyndsey Nickels, Leanne Togher, Marcus Meinzer, Erin Godecke, Joosup Kim, Dominique A. Cadilhac, Melanie Hurley, Cassie Wilcox, Marcella Carragher

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background While high-quality meta-analyses have confirmed the effectiveness of aphasia therapy after stroke, there is limited evidence for the comparative effectiveness of different aphasia interventions. Two commonly used interventions, Constraint-induced Aphasia Therapy Plus (CIAT Plus) and Multi-modality Aphasia Therapy (M-MAT), are hypothesised to rely on diverse underlying neural mechanisms for recovery and may be differentially responsive to aphasia severity. COMPARE is a prospective randomised open-blinded end-point trial designed to determine whether, in people with chronic post-stroke aphasia living in the community, CIAT Plus and M-MAT provide greater therapeutic benefit compared to usual care, are differentially effective according to aphasia severity, …

Spon1 Is Associated With Amyloid-Β And Apoe Ε4-Related Cognitive Decline In Cognitively Normal Adults, Shane Fernandez, Samantha C. Burnham, Lidija Milicic, Greg Savage, Paul Maruff, Madeline Peretti, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Yen Ying Lim, Michael Weinborn, David Ames, Colin L. Masters, Ralph N. Martins, Stephanie Rainey-Smith, Christopher C. Rowe, Olivier Salvado, David Groth, Giuseppe Verdile, Victor L. Villemagne, Tenielle Porter, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Genetic variation in Spondin-1, specifically rs11023139, has been associated with reduced rates of cognitive decline in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether the association was present in cognitively normal older adults. Methods: Longitudinal cognitive decline was investigated using linear mixed modelling in a cohort of 590 cognitively normal older adults enrolled in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Study. Results: No independent effect of Spondin-1 rs11023139 on cognitive decline was observed. However, significant associations were observed for the interaction between Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ϵ4 and rs11023139 in individuals with high amyloid-β …

Fifteen Years Of The Australian Imaging, Biomarkers And Lifestyle (Aibl) Study: Progress And Observations From 2,359 Older Adults Spanning The Spectrum From Cognitive Normality To Alzheimer's Disease, Christopher Fowler, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Sabine Bird, Julia Bomke, Pierrick Bourgeat, Belinda M. Brown, Samantha C. Burnham, Ashley I. Bush, Carolyn Chadunow, Steven Collins, James Doecke, Vincent Doré, Kathryn A. Ellis, Lis Evered, Amir Fazlollahi, Jurgen Fripp, Samantha L. Gardener, Simon Gibson, Robert Grenfell, Elise Harrison, Richard Head, Liang Jin, Adrian Kamer, Fiona Lamb, Nicola T. Lautenschlager, Simon M. Laws, Qiao-Xin Li, Lucy Lim, Yen Ying Lim, Andrea Louey, S. Lance Macaulay, Lucy Mackintosh, Ralph N. Martins, Paul Maruff, Colin L. Masters, Simon Mcbride, Lidija Milicica, Madeline Peretti, Kelly Pertile, Tenielle Porter, Morgan Radler, Alan Rembach, Joanne Robertson, Mark Rodrigues, Christopher C. Rowe, Rebecca Rumble, Olivier Salvado, Greg Savage, Brendan Silbert, Magdalene Soh, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Kevin Taddei, Tania Taddei, Christine Thai, Brett Trounson, Regan Tyrrell, Michael Vacher, Shiji Varghese, Victor L. Villemagne, Michael Weinborn, Michael Woodward, Ying Xia, David Ames, Aibl Investigators

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: The Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) Study commenced in 2006 as a prospective study of 1,112 individuals (768 cognitively normal (CN), 133 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 211 with Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD)) as an 'Inception cohort' who underwent detailed ssessments every 18 months. Over the past decade, an additional 1247 subjects have been added as an 'Enrichment cohort' (as of 10 April 2019). Objective: Here we provide an overview of these Inception and Enrichment cohorts of more than 8,500 person-years of investigation. Methods: Participants underwent reassessment every 18 months including comprehensive cognitive testing, neuroimaging (magnetic resonance …

Foveal Avascular Zone And Choroidal Thickness Are Decreased In Subjects With Hard Drusen And Without High Genetic Risk Of Developing Alzheimer’S Disease, Inés López-Cuenca, Rosa De Hoz, Celia Alcantara-Rey, Elena Salobrar-García, Lorena Elvira-Hurtado, José A. Fernández-Albarral, Ana Barabash, Federico Ramírez-Toraño, Jaisalmer De Frutos-Lucas, Juan J. Salazar, Ana I. Ramírez, José M. Ramírez

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

A family history (FH+) of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and ɛ4 allele of the ApoE gene are the main genetic risk factors for developing AD, whereas ɛ4 allele plays a protective role in age-related macular degeneration. Ocular vascular changes have been reported in both pathologies. We analyzed the choroidal thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) using OCT-angiography and compared the results with ApoE gene expression, AD FH+, and the presence or absence of hard drusen (HD) in 184 cognitively healthy subjects. Choroidal thickness was statistically significantly different in the (FH−, ɛ4−, HD+) group compared with …

Pattern And Degree Of Individual Brain Atrophy Predicts Dementia Onset In Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Disease, Ophir Keret, Adam M. Staffaroni, John M. Ringman, Yann Cobigo, Sheng-Yang M. Goh, Amy Wolf, Isabel Elaine Allen, Stephen Salloway, Jasmeer Chhatwal, Adam M. Brickman, Dolly Reyes-Dumeyer, Randal J. Bateman, Tammie L.S. Benzinger, John C. Morris, Beau M. Ances, Nelly Joeseph-Mathurin, Richard J. Perrin, Brian A. Gordon, Johannes Levin, Jonathan Voglein, Mathias Jucker, Christian La Fougere, Ralph N. Martins, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Kevin Taddei, Victor L. Villemagne, Peter R. Schofield, William S. Brooks, Michael Fulham, Colin L. Masters, Bernardino Ghetti, Andrew J. Saykin, Clifford R. Jack, Neill R. Graff-Radford, Michael Weiner, David M. Cash, Ricardo F. Allegri, Patricio Chrem, Su Yi, Bruce L. Miller, Gil D. Rabinovici, Howard J. Rosen, Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction: Asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease mutation carriers (DIAD-MC) are ideal candidates for preventative treatment trials aimed at delaying or preventing dementia onset. Brain atrophy is an early feature of DIAD-MC and could help predict risk for dementia during trial enrollment. Methods: We created a dementia risk score by entering standardized gray-matter volumes from 231 DIAD-MC into a logistic regression to classify participants with and without dementia. The score's predictive utility was assessed using Cox models and receiver operating curves on a separate group of 65 DIAD-MC followed longitudinally. Results: Our risk score separated asymptomatic versus demented …

The Support Person's Preferences And Perspectives Of Physical Activity Programs For Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment, Terence W. H. Chong, Emily You, Kathryn A. Ellis, Kay L. Cox, Karra D. Harrington, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, David Ames, Nicola T. Lautenschlager, Aibl Research Group

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objectives: Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for older adults' cognition. There is limited research investigating perspectives of support persons (SPs) of next-of-kins (NOKs) with cognitive impairment. This exploratory study aimed to investigate perspectives of SPs of older adults with Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Methods: A telephone survey of 213 SPs of NOKs from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL) was undertaken to quantitatively assess SPs' beliefs and knowledge about PA benefits, current PA level of their NOK, and PA program preferences. The contribution of age, gender, diagnosis and mental health symptoms …

Play In Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Psychometric Properties Of A Parent Report Measure ‘My Child’S Play’, Dulce Romero-Ayuso, María Ruiz-Salcedo, Sabina Barrios-Fernández, José Matías Triviño-Juárez, Donald Maciver, Janet Richmond, Miguel A. Muñoz

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Play is essential in childhood, allowing for a positive trend in development and learning. Health professionals need useful tools to assess it, especially in the case of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The aim of this study was to validate and cross-culturally adapt the My Child’s Play questionnaire and to find out if this instrument allows us to differentiate the play of children with neurodevelopmental disorders from the play of children with neurotypical development. A total of 594 parents completed the questionnaire. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, which showed a similar structure to the English version: (1) executive functions; (2) …

Healing Right Way: Study Protocol For A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial To Enhance Rehabilitation Services And Improve Quality Of Life In Aboriginal Australians After Brain Injury, Elizabeth Armstrong, Juli Coffin, Deborah J. Hersh, Judith M. Katzenellenbogen, Sandra Thompson, Leon Flicker, Meaghan Mcallister, Dominique A. Cadilhac, Tapan Rai, Erin Godecke, Colleen Hayward, Graeme J. Hankey, Neil M. Drew, Ivan Lin, Deborah Woods, Natalie Ciccone

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction: Despite higher incidence of brain injury among Aboriginal compared with non-Aboriginal Australians, suboptimal engagement exists between rehabilitation services and Aboriginal brain injury survivors. Aboriginal patients often feel culturally insecure in hospital and navigation of services post discharge is complex. Health professionals report feeling ill-equipped working with Aboriginal patients. This study will test the impact of a research-informed culturally secure intervention model for Aboriginal people with brain injury.

Methods and Analysis: Design: Stepped wedge cluster randomised control trial design; intervention sequentially introduced at four pairs of healthcare sites across Western Australia at 26-week intervals.

Recruitment: Aboriginal participants aged ≥18 years …

Polygenic Score Modifies Risk For Alzheimer's Disease In Ε4 Homozygotes At Phenotypic Extremes, Aamira J. Huq, Brian Fulton-Howard, Moeen Riaz, Simon Laws, Robert Sebra, Joanne Ryan, Alzheimer’S Disease Genetics Consortium, Alan E. Renton, Alison M. Goate, Colin L. Masters, Elsdon Storey, Raj C. Shah, Anne Murray, John Mcneil, Ingrid Winship, Paul A. Jones

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction: Diversity in cognition among apolipoprotein E () ε4 homozygotes can range from early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) to a lifetime with no symptoms. Methods: We evaluated a phenotypic extreme polygenic risk score (PRS) for AD between cognitively healthy ε4 homozygotes aged ≥75 years (n = 213) and early-onset ε4 homozygote AD cases aged ≤65 years (n = 223) as an explanation for this diversity. Results: The PRS for AD was significantly higher in ε4 homozygote AD cases compared to older cognitively healthy ε4/ε4 controls (odds ratio [OR] 8.39; confidence interval [CI] 2.0-35.2; = .003). The difference in the same PRS …

The Development Of Aboriginal Brain Injury Coordinator Positions: A Culturally Secure Rehabilitation Service Initiative As Part Of A Clinical Trial, Elizabeth Armstrong, Kathy Mccoy, Rebecca Clinch, Maureen Merritt, Renee Speedy, Meaghan Mcallister, Kym Heine, Natalie Ciccone, Melanie Robinson, Julie Coffin

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Brain injury, resulting from stroke and traumatic brain injury, is a common occurrence in Australia, with Aboriginal people affected at a significant rate and impact felt by individuals, families and communities. Access to brain injury rehabilitation services for Aboriginal people is reported to be often limited, with very little support outside the hospital environment. Our research involving Aboriginal brain injury survivors and their families to date has revealed that people often manage ‘on their own’ following such events. Following recommendations from survivors and their families, the Healing Right Way clinical trial, currently underway in Western Australia, has created the role …

Therapeutic Potential Of Mitophagy-Inducing Microflora Metabolite, Urolithin A For Alzheimer’S Disease, Dona Pamoda W. Jayatunga, Eugene Hone, Harjot Khaira, Taciana Lunelli, Harjinder Singh, Gilles J. Guillemin, Binosha Fernando, Manohar L. Garg, Giuseppe Verdile, Ralph N. Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Mitochondrial dysfunction including deficits of mitophagy is seen in aging and neuro-degenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Apart from traditionally targeting amyloid beta (Aβ), the main culprit in AD brains, other approaches include investigating impaired mitochondrial pathways for potential therapeutic benefits against AD. Thus, a future therapy for AD may focus on novel candidates that enhance optimal mitochondrial integrity and turnover. Bi-oactive food components, known as nutraceuticals, may serve as such agents to combat AD. Uro-lithin A is an intestinal microbe-derived metabolite of a class of polyphenols, ellagitannins (ETs). Urolithin A is known to exert many health benefits. Its antioxidant, …

High-Intensity Physical Activity Is Not Associated With Better Cognition In The Elder: Evidence From The China Health And Retirement Longitudinal Study, Zhiyuan Wu, Haiping Zhang, Xinlei Miao, Haibin Li, Huiying Pan, Di Zhou, Yue Liu, Zhiwei Li, Jinqi Wang, Xiangtong Liu, Deqiang Zheng, Xia Li, Wei Wang, Xiuhua Guo, Lixin Tao

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: To evaluate the association of physical activity (PA) intensity with cognitive performance at baseline and during follow-up. Methods: A total of 4039 participants aged 45 years or above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were enrolled in visit 1 (2011–2012) and followed for cognitive function in visit 2 (2013–2014), visit 3 (2015–2016), and visit 4 (2017–2018). We analyzed the association of PA intensity with global cognition, episodic memory, and mental intactness at baseline using adjusted regression methods and evaluated the long-term effect of PA intensity using multiple measures of cognition scores by mixed effect model. Results: In …

Intake Of Products Containing Anthocyanins, Flavanols, And Flavanones, And Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review, Samantha L. Gardener, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Michael Weinborn, Catherine P. Bondonno, Ralph N. Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The purpose of this review is to examine human research studies published within the past 6 years which evaluate the role of anthocyanin, flavanol, and flavanone consumption in cognitive function, and to discuss potential mechanisms of action underlying any observed benefits. Evidence to date suggests the consumption of flavonoid-rich foods, such as berries and cocoa, may have the potential to limit, or even reverse, age-related declines in cognition. Over the last 6 years, the flavonoid subgroups of anthocyanins, flavanols, and flavanones have been shown to be beneficial in terms of conferring neuroprotection. The mechanisms by which flavonoids positively modulate cognitive …

Predictors Of Poststroke Aphasia Recovery: A Systematic Review-Informed Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis, The Rehabilitation And Recovery Of People With Aphasia After Stroke (Release) Collaborators

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background and Purpose: The factors associated with recovery of language domains after stroke remain uncertain. We described recovery of overall-language-ability, auditory comprehension, naming, and functional-communication across participants’ age, sex, and aphasia chronicity in a large, multilingual, international aphasia dataset. Methods: Individual participant data meta-analysis of systematically sourced aphasia datasets described overall-language ability using the Western Aphasia Battery Aphasia-Quotient; auditory comprehension by Aachen Aphasia Test (AAT) Token Test; naming by Boston Naming Test and functional-communication by AAT Spontaneous-Speech Communication subscale. Multivariable analyses regressed absolute score-changes from baseline across language domains onto covariates identified a priori in randomized controlled trials and all …

Potential Of Sorghum Polyphenols To Prevent And Treat Alzheimer's Disease: A Review Article, Nasim Rezaee, Warnakulasuriya Mary Ann Dipika Fernando, Eugene Hone, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Stuart K. Johnson, Stuart Gunzburg, Ralph Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) and the build-up of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. This leads to neuronal damage, cell death and consequently results in memory and learning impairments leading to dementia. Although the exact cause of AD is not yet clear, numerous studies indicate that oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction significantly contribute to its onset and progression. There is no effective therapeutic approach to stop the progression of AD and its associated symptoms. Thus, early intervention, preferably, pre-clinically when the brain is not significantly affected, is a …

The Sleep Of Shift Workers In A Remote Mining Operation: Methodology For A Randomized Control Trial To Determine Evidence-Based Interventions, Gemma Maisey, Marcus Cattani, Amanda Devine, Johnny Lo, Ian C. Dunican

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© Copyright © 2021 Maisey, Cattani, Devine, Lo and Dunican. Shiftwork may adversely impact an individual’s sleep-wake patterns and result in sleep loss ( < 6 h. following night shift), due to the circadian misalignment and the design of rosters and shifts. Within a mining operation, this sleep loss may have significant consequences due to fatigue, including an increased risk of accidents and chronic health conditions. This study aims to (i) determine the efficacy of an intervention that comprises a sleep education program and biofeedback through a smartphone app on sleep quality, quantity, and alertness (ii) determine the prevalence of risk for a potential sleep disorder, and (iii) quantify and describe the sleep habits and behaviors of shift workers in a remote mining operation. This study consists of a randomized controlled trial whereby eighty-eight shift workers within a remote mining operation are randomized to a control group or one of three different treatment groups that are: (i) a sleep education program, (ii) biofeedback on sleep through a smartphone app, or (iii) a sleep education program and biofeedback on sleep through a smartphone app. This study utilizes wrist-activity monitors, biomathematical modeling, and a survey instrument to obtain data on sleep quantity, quality, and alertness. A variety of statistical methods will determine the prevalence of risk for a potential sleep disorder and associations with body mass index, alcohol, and caffeine consumption. A generalized linear mixed model will examine the dependent sleep variables assessed at baseline and post-intervention for the control group and intervention groups, as well as within and between groups to determine changes. The findings from this study will contribute to the current understanding of sleep and alertness behaviors, and sleep problems and disorders amongst shift workers. Importantly, the results may inform fatigue policy and practice on interventions to manage fatigue risk within the mining industry. This study protocol may have a broader application in other shiftwork industries, including oil and gas, aviation, rail, and healthcare.

Association Of Β-Amyloid Level, Clinical Progression And Longitudinal Cognitive Change In Normal Older Individuals, Laura M. Van Der Krall, Thanh Truong, Samantha C. Burnham, Vincent Doré, Rachel S. Mulligan, Svetlana Bozinovski, Fiona Lamb, Pierrick Bourgeat, Jurgen Fripp, Stephanie Schultz, Yen Y. Lim, Simon M. Laws, David Ames, Christopher Fowler, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Ralph N. Martins, Olivier Salvado, Joanne Robertson, Paul Maruff, Colin L. Masters, Victor L. Villemagne, Christopher C. Rowe

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objective To determine the effect of β-amyloid (Aβ) level on progression risk to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and longitudinal cognitive change in cognitively normal (CN) older individuals. Methods All CN from the Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle study with Aβ PET and ≥ 3 years follow-up were included (n = 534; age 72 ± 6 years; 27% Aβ positive; follow-up 5.3 ± 1.7 years). Aβ level was divided using the standardized 0–100 Centiloid scale: < 15 CL negative, 15–25 CL uncertain, 26–50 CL moderate, 51–100 CL high, > 100 CL very high, noting > 25 CL approximates a positive scan. Cox proportional hazards analysis and linear mixed effect models were used to assess …