Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Genome-Wide Cross-Disease Analyses Highlight Causality And Shared Biological Pathways Of Type 2 Diabetes With Gastrointestinal Disorders, Emmanuel O. Adewuyi, Tenielle Porter, Eleanor K. O’Brien, Oladapo Olaniru, Giuseppe Verdile, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Studies suggest links between diabetes and gastrointestinal (GI) traits; however, their underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we comprehensively assess the genetic relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and GI disorders. Our study demonstrates a significant positive global genetic correlation of T2D with peptic ulcer disease (PUD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastritis-duodenitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and diverticular disease, but not inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We identify several positive local genetic correlations (negative for T2D – IBD) contributing to T2D’s relationship with GI disorders. Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomisation analyses suggest causal effects of T2D on PUD and gastritis-duodenitis and …

Pain Prevalence, Intensity, And Association With Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Of Dementia In Immigrant And Non-Immigrant Aged Care Residents In Australia, Pelden Chejor, Mustafa Atee, Patricia Cain, Daniel Whiting, Thomas Morris, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Pain recognition for culturally diverse people is complex as pain experience is subjective and influenced by cultural background. We compared the prevalence, intensity, and association of pain with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) between immigrants and non-immigrants living with dementia in residential aged care homes (RACHs) who were referred to two Dementia Support Australia programs. Immigrant status was defined by the documented country of birth. Pain and NPS were assessed using PainChek® and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, respectively. Subgroup analyses were also completed for English-speaking and non-English-speaking immigrants. A total of 17,637 referrals [immigrants, n = 6340; non-immigrants, n = 11,297] from 2792 …

Persistent Inward Currents In Tibialis Anterior Motoneurons Can Be Reliably Estimated Within The Same Session, Thomas Lapole, Ricardo N.O. Mesquita, Stéphane Baudry, Robin Souron, Eleanor K. O'Brien, Callum G. Brownstein, Vianney Rozand

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The response of spinal motoneurons to synaptic input greatly depends on the activation of persistent inward currents (PICs), the contribution of which can be estimated through the paired motor unit technique. Yet, the intra-session test–retest reliability of this measurement remains to be fully established. Twenty males performed isometric triangular dorsiflexion contractions to 20 and 50 % of maximal torque at baseline and after a 15-min resting period. High-density electromyographic signals (HD-EMG) of the tibialis anterior were recorded with a 64-electrode matrix. HD-EMG signals were decomposed, and motor units tracked across time points to estimate the contribution of PICs to motoneuron …

Apolipoprotein Ε4 Is Associated With Increased Risk Of Fall- And Fracture-Related Hospitalization: The Perth Longitudinal Study Of Ageing Women, Jedd Pratt, Jack Dalla Via, Craig Sale, Abadi K. Gebre, Blossom C.M. Stephan, Simon Laws, Kun Zhu, Wai H. Lim, Richard L. Prince, Joshua R. Lewis, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Apolipoprotein ε4 (APOE ε4) may be a genetic risk factor for reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle function, which could have implications for fall and fracture risk. We examined the association between APOE ε4 status and long-term fall- and fracture-related hospitalization risk in older women. A total of 1 276 community-dwelling women from the Perth Longitudinal Study of Aging Women (mean age ± SD = 75.2 ± 2.7 years) were included. At baseline, women underwent APOE genotyping and detailed phenotyping for covariates including prevalent falls and fractures, as well as health and lifestyle factors. The association between APOE ε4 …

Resting State Electrophysiological Profiles And Their Relationship With Cognitive Performance In Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults: A Systematic Review, Brenda Chino, David López-Sanz, Sandra Doval, Lucía Torres-Simón, Jaisalmer De Frutos Lucas, Lydia Giménez-Llort, Jonathan Zegarra-Valdivia, Fernando Maestú

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Aging is a complex and natural process. The physiological decline related to aging is accompanied by a slowdown in cognitive processes, which begins shortly after individuals reach maturity. These changes have been sometimes interpreted as a compensatory sign and others as a fingerprint of deterioration. Objective: In this context, our aim is to uncover the mechanisms that underlie and support normal cognitive functioning in the brain during the later stages of life. Methods: With this purpose, a systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, which identified 781 potential articles. After applying inclusion and …

The Relationship Between Diet, Depression, And Alzheimer's Disease: A Narrative Review, Hilal Salim Said Al Shamsi, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Samantha L. Gardener, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Rodrigo Canovas, Ralph N. Martins, Warnakulasuriya Mary Ann Dipika Binosha Fernando

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose of Review: This narrative review evaluates the role of diet in the relationship between depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent Findings: AD and depression are often comorbid, and depression appears to independently increase the future risk of AD. Evidence suggests diet influences the risk of both conditions directly and indirectly. Diet impacts neurochemical and biological processes that may affect the development and progression of depression and cognitive dysfunction. The dietary components offering the greatest protection against depression and AD are yet to be determined. Current evidence highlights the importance of polyphenolic compounds, folate, B vitamins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, …

The Crosstalk Between Amyloid-Β, Retina, And Sleep For The Early Diagnosis Of Alzheimer's Disease: A Narrative Review, Isaiah Lorenzo De Guia, Shaun Eslick, Sharon L. Naismith, Swathi Kanduri, Tejal M. Shah, Ralph N. Martins

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, which is characterised by progressive memory loss and accumulation of hallmark markers amyloid-β (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles in the diseased brain. The current gold standard diagnostic methods have limitations of being invasive, costly, and not easily accessible. Thus, there is a need for new avenues, such as imaging the retina for early AD diagnosis. Sleep disruption is symptomatically frequent across preclinical and AD subjects. As circadian activity, such as the sleep-wake cycle, is linked to the retina, analysis of their association may be useful additions for achieving predictive AD diagnosis. …

Association Of Basal Forebrain Atrophy With Cognitive Decline In Early Alzheimer Disease, Ying Xia, Vincent Dore, Jurgen Fripp, Pierrick Bourgeat, Simon M. Laws, Christopher J. Fowler, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Ralph N. Martins, Christopher Rowe, Colin L. Masters, Elizabeth J. Coulson, Paul Maruff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and Objectives In early Alzheimer disease (AD), β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition is associated with volume loss in the basal forebrain (BF) and cognitive decline. However, the extent to which Aβ-related BF atrophy manifests as cognitive decline is not understood. This study sought to characterize the relationship between BF atrophy and the decline in memory and attention in patients with early AD. Methods Participants from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study who completed Aβ-PET imaging and repeated MRI and cognitive assessments were included. At baseline, participants were classified based on their clinical dementia stage and Aβ status, yielding groups …

Cognitive And Neuroscientific Perspectives Of Healthy Ageing, Jon B. Prince, Helen L. Davis, Jane Tan, Katrina Muller-Townsend, Shaun Markovic, David M. G. Lewis, Brianne Hastie, Matthew B. Thompson, Peter D. Drummond, Hakuei Fujiyama, Hamid R. Sohrabi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

With dementia incidence projected to escalate significantly within the next 25 years, the United Nations declared 2021–2030 the Decade of Healthy Ageing, emphasising cognition as a crucial element. As a leading discipline in cognition and ageing research, psychology is well-equipped to offer insights for translational research, clinical practice, and policy-making. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the current state of knowledge on age-related changes in cognition and psychological health. We discuss cognitive changes during ageing, including (a) heterogeneity in the rate, trajectory, and characteristics of decline experienced by older adults, (b) the role of cognitive reserve in age-related cognitive decline, …

Prevention Of Dementia Using Mobile Phone Applications (Prodemos): A Multinational, Randomised, Controlled Effectiveness–Implementation Trial, Eric P.Moll Van Charante, Marieke P. Hoevenaar-Blom, Manshu Song, Sandrine Andrieu, Linda Barnes, Cindy Birck, Rachael Brooks, Nicola Coley, Esmé Eggink, Jean Georges, Melanie Hafdi, Willem A. Van Gool, Ron Handels, Haifeng Hou, Jihui Lyu, Yixuan Niu, Libin Song, Wenzhi Wang, Youxin Wang, Anders Wimo, Yueyi Yu, Jinxia Zhang, Wei Zhang, Carol Brayne, Wei Wang, Edo Richard

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The expected increase of dementia prevalence in the coming decades will mainly be in low-income and middle-income countries and in people with low socioeconomic status in high-income countries. This study aims to reduce dementia risk factors in underserved populations at high-risk using a coach-supported mobile health (mHealth) intervention. Methods: This open-label, blinded endpoint, hybrid effectiveness–implementation randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigated whether a coach-supported mHealth intervention can reduce dementia risk in people aged 55–75 years of low socioeconomic status in the UK or from the general population in China with at least two dementia risk factors. The primary effectiveness outcome …

Sorghum Grain Polyphenolic Extracts Demonstrate Neuroprotective Effects Related To Alzheimer’S Disease In Cellular Assays Sorghum Grain Polyphenolic Extracts Demonstrate Neuroprotective Effects Related To Alzheimer’S Disease In Cellular Assays, Nasim Rezaee, Eugene Hone, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Stuart Johnson, Leizhou Zhong, Prakhar Chatur, Stuart Gunzburg, Ralph N. Martins, W. M.A.D.Binosha Fernando

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Sorghum grain contains high levels and a diverse profile of polyphenols (PPs), which are antioxidants known to reduce oxidative stress when consumed in the diet. Oxidative stress leading to amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, neurotoxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thus, PPs have gained attention as possible therapeutic agents for combating AD. This study aimed to (a) quantify the phenolic compounds (PP) and antioxidant capacities in extracts from six different varieties of sorghum grain and (b) investigate whether these PP extracts exhibit any protective effects on human neuroblastoma (BE(2)-M17) cells against Aβ- and tau-induced toxicity, …

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation As Treatment For Motor Impairment In People With Parkinson's Disease: Protocol For An Umbrella Review, Dale M. Harris, Steven J. O'Bryan, Christopher Latella

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects movement and currently has no cure. Alongside medication, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) may be used as an adjunct therapy to attenuate the motor symptoms experienced by people with PD. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in the evidence exploring the effects of NIBS for improving aspects of physical function in people with PD. Therefore, this protocol paper will outline the objectives, structure and procedure of a proposed umbrella review which will comprehensively summarise and map the current body evidence on the effectiveness of NIBS for improving physical function in …

Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study Of Immunoglobulin G N-Glycosylation And Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype, Haotian Wang, Di Liu, Xiaoni Meng, Wenxin Sun, Cancan Li, Huimin Lu, Deqiang Zheng, Lijuan Wu, Shengzhi Sun, Youxin Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Observational studies revealed changes in Immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation during the aging process. However, it lacks causal insights and remains unclear in which direction causal relationships exist. The two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) design was adopted to explore causal associations between IgG N-glycans and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Inverse variance weighted (IVW) and Wald ratio methods were used as the main analyses, supplemented by sensitivity analyses. Forward MR analyses revealed causal associations between the glycan peak (GP) and SASP, including GP6 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.428, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.189–0.969) and GP17 (OR = 0.709, 95%CI = …

Intensity-Dependent Effects Of Tdcs On Motor Learning Are Related To Dopamine, Li Ann Leow, Jiaqin Jiang, Samantha Bowers, Yuhan Zhang, Paul E. Dux, Hannah L. Filmer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), are popular methods for inducing neuroplastic changes to alter cognition and behaviour. One challenge for the field is to optimise stimulation protocols to maximise benefits. For this to happen, we need a better understanding of how stimulation modulates cortical functioning/behaviour. To date, there is increasing evidence for a dose-response relationship between tDCS and brain excitability, however how this relates to behaviour is not well understood. Even less is known about the neurochemical mechanisms which may drive the dose-response relationship between stimulation intensities and behaviour. Here, we examine the effect …

Healing Right Way Randomised Control Trial Enhancing Rehabilitation Services For Aboriginal People With Brain Injury In Western Australia: Translation Principles And Activities, Neil Drew, Meaghan Mcallister, Juli Coffin, Melanie Robinson, Judith Katzenellenbogen, Elizabeth Armstrong

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background. This report provides the theory, method and practice of culturally secure translation and knowledge exchange in the Healing Right Way Clinical Trial (2017–2022), outlining activities to date. Healing Right Way was a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial conducted in Western Australia, aimed at enhancing rehabilitation services and quality of life for Aboriginal Australians following acquired brain injury. The trial translation plan was aspirational and action-oriented, with its implementation iterative and ongoing. Translational activities aimed to inform service and research planning for Aboriginal people with brain injury. Situated in the intercultural space, the work guards against undertaking activities that …

Suboptimal Self-Reported Sleep Efficiency And Duration Are Associated With Faster Accumulation Of Brain Amyloid Beta In Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults, Louise N. Pivac, Belinda M. Brown, Kelsey R. Sewell, James D. Doecke, Victor L. Villemagne, Vincent Doré, Michael Weinborn, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Samantha L. Gardener, Romola S. Bucks, Simon M. Laws, Kevin Taddei, Paul Maruff, Colin L. Masters, Christopher Rowe, Ralph N. Martins, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated whether self-reported sleep quality is associated with brain amyloid beta (AB) accumulation. METHODS: Linear mixed effect model analyses were conducted for 189 cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults (mean ± standard deviation 74.0 ± 6.2; 53.2% female), with baseline self-reported sleep data, and positron emission tomography-determined brain AB measured over a minimum of three time points (range 33.3–72.7 months). Analyses included random slopes and intercepts, interaction for apolipoprotein E (APOE) 4 allele status, and time, adjusting for sex and baseline age. RESULTS: Sleep duration < 6 hours, in APOE 4 carriers, and sleep efficiency < 65%, in the whole sample and APOE 4 non-carriers, is associated with faster accumulation of brain AB. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest a role for self-reported suboptimal sleep efficiency and duration in the accumulation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology in CU individuals. Additionally, poor sleep efficiency represents a potential route via which individuals at lower genetic risk may progress to preclinical AD. Highlights: In cognitively unimpaired older adults self-report sleep is associated with brain amyloid beta (AB) accumulation. Across sleep characteristics, this relationship differs by apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Sleep duration < 6 hours is associated with faster brain AB accumulation in APOE 4 carriers. Sleep efficiency < 65% is associated with faster brain AB accumulation in APOE 4 non-carriers. Personalized sleep interventions should be studied for potential to slow AB accumulation.

The Australian Multidomain Approach To Reduce Dementia Risk By Protecting Brain Health With Lifestyle Intervention Study (Au-Arrow): A Study Protocol For A Single-Blind, Multi-Site, Randomized Controlled Trial, Samantha L. Gardener, Stephanie J. Fuller, Sharon L. Naismith, Laura Baker, Miia Kivipelto, Victor L. Villemagne, Stuart M. Grieve, Paul Yates, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Juliana Chen, Belinda Thompson, Nicola J. Armstrong, Malika G. Fernando, Carolina B. Castro, Silochna Meghwar, Rema Raman, Andrew Gleason, Catriona Ireland, Roger Clarnette, Kaarin J. Anstey, Kevin Taddei, Manohar Garg, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Ralph N. Martins

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

INTRODUCTION: The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study (FINGER) led to the global dementia risk reduction initiative: World-Wide FINGERS (WW-FINGERS). As part of WW-FINGERS, the Australian AU-ARROW study mirrors aspects of FINGER, as well as US-POINTER. METHOD: AU-ARROW is a randomized, single-blind, multisite, 2-year clinical trial (n = 600; aged 55–79). The multimodal lifestyle intervention group will engage in aerobic exercise, resistance training and stretching, dietary advice to encourage MIND diet adherence, BrainHQ cognitive training, and medical monitoring and health education. The Health Education and Coaching group will receive occasional health education sessions. The primary outcome measure is the change in a …

Investigating The Genetic Makeup Of The Major Histocompatibility Complex (Mhc) In The United Arab Emirates Population Through Next-Generation Sequencing, Nour A. D. Marzouka, Halima Alnaqbi, Amira Al-Aamri, Guan Tay, Habiba Alsafar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are central to immune response and have associations with the phenotypes of various diseases and induced drug toxicity. Further, the role of HLA molecules in presenting antigens significantly affects the transplantation outcome. The objective of this study was to examine the extent of the diversity of HLA alleles in the population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using Next-Generation Sequencing methodologies and encompassing a larger cohort of individuals. A cohort of 570 unrelated healthy citizens of the UAE volunteered to provide samples for Whole Genome Sequencing and Whole Exome Sequencing. The definition of the …

The Role Of Diet And Gut Microbiota In Alzheimer’S Disease, D. M.Sithara Dissanayaka, Vijay Jayasena, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Ralph N. Martins, W. M.A.D.Binosha Fernando

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia, is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (A ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles. Currently, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) impacts 50 million individuals, with projections anticipating an increase to 152 million by the year 2050. Despite the increasing global prevalence of AD, its underlying pathology remains poorly understood, posing challenges for early diagnosis and treatment. Recent research suggests a link between gut dysbiosis and the aggregation of A , the development of tau proteins, and the occurrence of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are associated with AD. However, investigations into the gut–brain axis …

Changes In Sleep Effort Mediate Insomnia Severity In Older Adults Following Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Yvonne Kutzer, Lisa Whitehead, Eimear Quigley, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background

To examine treatment mechanisms of digitally delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), this study assessed the mediating effects of dysfunctional beliefs, hyperarousal, locus of control, self-efficacy, sleep effort, and safety behaviours on self-reported insomnia severity in older adults before and following the completion of a self-guided, online CBT-I program.

Methods

The baseline and follow-up measurements were completed by 62 older adults (55 female, 89%). This was a two-condition within-participant design. Mediation analysis using a parallel mediation model was conducted using the MEMORE macro for repeated measure designs.

Results

Out of all the included mediator variables, only a reduction …

Editorial: Neurotoxins In Alzheimer's Disease And Other Dementias, Alexandre Henriques, Philippe L. L. Poindron, Binosha Fernando, Kevin N. Hascup

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a progressive decline in cognition and independence from activities of daily living. Dementia is multifactorial with numerous risk factors including age, genes, molecules, lifestyle, and environmental contributions to disease onset and progression. In recent years, an emerging focus on neurotoxins has added a new layer of complexity to our understanding of dementia. This editorial aims to discuss recent updates regarding the role of neurotoxins in the pathogenesis of dementia.

A Comprehensive Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Unique Signatures To Predict Alzheimer’S Disease, Michael Vacher, Rodrigo Canovas, Simon M. Laws, James D. Doecke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Complex disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), result from the combined influence of multiple biological and environmental factors. The integration of high-throughput data from multiple omics platforms can provide system overviews, improving our understanding of complex biological processes underlying human disease. In this study, integrated data from four omics platforms were used to characterise biological signatures of AD. Method: The study cohort consists of 455 participants (Control:148, Cases:307) from the Religious Orders Study and Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP). Genotype (SNP), methylation (CpG), RNA and proteomics data were collected, quality-controlled and pre-processed (SNP = 130; CpG = 83; RNA …

Glycan Clock Of Ageing—Analytical Precision And Time-Dependent Inter- And I-Individual Variability, Borna Rapčan, Manshu Song, Azra Frkatović-Hodžić, Tea Pribić, Jakov Vuk, Anđelo Beletić, Maja Hanić, Julija Jurić, Petra Tominac, Josip Milas, Vedrana Ivić, Sven Viland, Sara Bonet, Branko Šego, Marija Heffer, Wei Wang, Michael P. Snyder, Gordan Lauc

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Ageing is a complex biological process with variations among individuals, leading to the development of ageing clocks to estimate biological age. Glycans, particularly in immunoglobulin G (IgG), have emerged as potential biomarkers of ageing, with changes in glycosylation patterns correlating with chronological age. For precision analysis, three different plasma pools were analysed over 26 days in tetraplicates, 312 samples in total. In short-term variability analysis, two cohorts were analysed: AstraZeneca MFO cohort of 26 healthy individuals (median age 20) and a cohort of 70 premenopausal Chinese women (median age 22.5) cohort monitored over 3 months. Long-term variability analysis involved two …

Application Of Genomics And Epigenetics In Disease And Syndrome Classification, Yanqi Dang, Wei Wang, Aiping Lyu, Lisheng Wang, Guang Ji

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Role Of Short Chain Fatty Acids On Astrocytes And Microglia In Alzheimer's Disease Brain, Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage Uththara Sachinthanie Senarath, Matthew Burton, Welisarage Mary Kendrea Thiasangee Fernando, Vijay Jayasena, Charles Brennan, Wanakulasuriya Mary Ann Dipika Binosha Fernando

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) hold exert many nutritional benefits on both physiological and pathological processes, including host metabolism, immune modulation, and appetite control. Originating from the microbial fermentation of resistant starches and dietary fibre in the colon, SCFAs have the capability to traverse the blood–brain barrier (BBB). It is evident that SCFAs play a critical role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common form of dementia and is characterised by the deposition of amyloid β peptides (Aβ) and tau hyperphosphorylation. SCFAs have demonstrated the potential to interfere with the protein–protein interactions …

Excitatory Drive To Spinal Motoneurones Is Necessary For Serotonin To Modulate Motoneurone Excitability Via 5-Ht2 Receptors In Humans, Tyler T. Henderson, Janet L. Taylor, Jacob R. Thorstensen, Justin J. Kavanagh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Serotonin modulates corticospinal excitability, motoneurone firing rates and contractile strength via 5-HT2 receptors. However, the effects of these receptors on cortical and motoneurone excitability during voluntary contractions have not been explored in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how 5-HT2 antagonism affects corticospinal and motoneuronal excitability with and without descending drive to motoneurones. Twelve individuals (aged 24 ± 4 years) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, whereby the 5-HT2 antagonist cyproheptadine was administered. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was delivered to the motor cortex to produce motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and electrical stimulation at the cervicomedullary …

Predicting Neurodegeneration From Sleep Related Biofluid Changes, Yue Yang, Woojin S. Kim, Johannes C. Michaelian, Simon J. G. Lewis, Craig L. Phillips, Angela L. D'Rozario, Pratishtha Chatterjee, Ralph N. Martins, Ron Grunstein, Glenda M. Halliday, Sharon L. Naismith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Sleep-wake disturbances are common in neurodegenerative diseases and may occur years before the clinical diagnosis, potentially either representing an early stage of the disease itself or acting as a pathophysiological driver. Therefore, discovering biomarkers that identify individuals with sleep-wake disturbances who are at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases will allow early diagnosis and intervention. Given the association between sleep and neurodegeneration, the most frequently analyzed fluid biomarkers in people with sleep-wake disturbances to date include those directly associated with neurodegeneration itself, such as neurofilament light chain, phosphorylated tau, amyloid-beta and alpha-synuclein. Abnormalities in these biomarkers in patients with sleep-wake disturbances …

Unveiling The Link Between Systemic Inflammation Markers And Cognitive Performance Among Older Adults In The Us: A Population-Based Study Using Nhanes 2011–2014 Data, Zheng Guo, Yulu Zheng, Jian Geng, Zhiyuan Wu, Tao Wei, Guangle Shan, Yahong Zhu, Yuanyuan Zheng, Xingang Li

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the association between systemic inflammation markers and cognitive performance among older US adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 3,632 older participants from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The main analysis included participants aged over 60 years. Systemic inflammation markers were quantified by calculating the composite inflammation indicators from the blood routine count, and cognitive performance was assessed using Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) test, Animal Fluency test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST). Results: There were 2,743 individuals enrolled in the current analysis. The overall …

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Of Dementia In Those With And Without A Recorded History Of Psychological Trauma: A Comparative Study From An Australian Dementia Support Service, Monica Cations, Mustafa Atee, Thomas Morris, Daniel Whiting

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To compare the number and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and associated caregiver distress between those with and without a noted history of psychological trauma among those referred to a specialised national dementia NPS support service. Methods: This was a 5-year retrospective observational study of records from the Dementia Support Australia NPS support service. NPS were reported by formal or informal caregivers at service entry using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version or Questionnaire version. A history of psychological trauma was recorded in the person's social or medical history and/or endorsed as a contributor to NPS by a trained …

A Systematic Review Of Dementia Research Priorities, Manonita Ghosh, Pelden Chejor, Melanie Baker, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Patient involvement is a critical component of dementia research priority-setting exercises to ensure that research benefits are relevant and acceptable to those who need the most. This systematic review synthesises research priorities and preferences identified by people living with dementia and their caregivers. Methods: Guided by Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework, we conducted a systematic search in five electronic databases: CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus. The reference lists of the included studies were also manually searched. We combined quantitative and qualitative data for synthesis and descriptive thematic …