Qualidade de vida do cuidador informal de idosos com doença de alzheimer na pandemia COVID-19 / Quality of life of informal caregivers of aged people with alzheimer's disease during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo: Desvelar sobre a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores informais de idosos com Doença de Alzheimer em tempos de pandemia da COVID-19. Método: Estudo descritivo, qualitativo, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com 12 cuidadores informais de idosos, selecionados por conveniência. O processamento dos dados foi realizado pelo software IraMuTeQ e análise das classes pelo método de Strauss e Corbin, da qual emergiram 4 classes: rede social e mudança na rotina dos cuidadores informais no período da pandemia da COVID-19; fatores que interferem na QV do cuidador informal; vivenciando o diagnóstico de Alzheimer pelo cuidador informal e sentimentos despertados pela sobrecarga dos cuidadores informais de idosos com DA. Resultados: O perfil feminino se sobressaiu, com destaque para cuidadores com idade entre 40 a 49 anos, casados, ensino médio incompleto, desempenhando esta função por mais de cinco anos e em tempo integral. Os fatores que interferem na qualidade de vida são a falta de tempo, sobrecarga do cuidado, falta de lazer, baixas atividades sociais e sentimentos de tristeza, ansiedade, nervosismo, depressão e desespero. Conclusão: Constatou-se que os aspectos encontrados foram impactados ainda mais durante o período da pandemia da COVID-19, que reconfigurou a rotina do idoso com Alzheimer e do cuidador informal. Descritores: Doença de Alzheimer; Cuidadores. Idosos; Coronavírus; Qualidade de Vida.

Objective:To reveal the quality of life of informal caregivers of aged people with Alzheimer's disease in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method:Adescriptive and qualitative study conducted through semi-structured interviews with 12 informal caregivers of older adults, selected by convenience. Data processing was performed using the IraMuTeQ software and class analysis using the Strauss and Corbin method, from which 4 classes emerged, namely: Social network and change in the routine of informal caregivers during theCOVID-19 pandemic period; Factors that interfere with the QoL of informal caregivers; How informal caregivers experience the Alzheimer's disease diagnosis; and Feelings awakened by the burden of informal caregivers of aged people with AD. Results:The female profile stood out, with emphasis on caregivers aged from 40 to 49 years old, married, incomplete High School, and performing this role for more than five years and full-time. The factors that interfere with quality of life are lack of time, care burden, lack of leisure, few social activities and feelings of sadness, anxiety, nervousness, depression and despair. Conclusion:It was verified that the aspects found were impacted even more during the COVID-19 pandemic period, which reconfigured the routine of older adults with Alzheimer's and of informal caregivers. Descriptors: Alzheimer Disease; Caregivers; Aged; Coronavirus; Quality of Life.

O cuidado do idoso com alzheimer e a resiliência do cuidador informal / El cuidado de los mayores con alzheimer y la resiliencia del cuidador informal / The care of the elderly with Alzheimer and the resilience of the informal caregiving

Objetivo:compreender o cuidado com o idoso com a doença de Alzheimer e a resiliência do cuidador informal. Método:pesquisa qualitativa com 20 cuidadores de idosos realizada de agosto a dezembro de 2019 através de um roteiro sociodemográfico-econômico e questões norteadoras analisadas pela Análise de conteúdo e Teoria das Representações Sociais. Resultados:foi observada a complexidade, singularidade e dualidade de sentimentos no cuidado com o idoso com a doença de Alzheimer. Apesar dos cuidadores não compreenderem o significado de resiliência, existe o desenvolvimento de habilidades para o enfrentamento do cotidiano de cuidados. Conclusões:o cuidador convive com a ambivalência de sentimentos e experiências, de caráter semelhante ou oposto, que interferem inteiramente no cuidado prestado e que contribuem na construção do processode resiliência deste cuidador informal familiar.

Objective: to understand the care of the elderly with Alzheimer's disease and the resilience of the informal caregiver. Method: qualitative research with 20 caregivers of the elderly carried out from August to December 2019 through a sociodemographic-economic script and guiding questions that were analyzed by Content Analysis and Theory of Social Representations. Results: the complexity, uniqueness and duality of feelings in the care of the elderly with Alzheimer's disease were observed. Although caregivers do not understand the meaning of resilience, there is the development of skills to cope with daily care. Conclusions: the caregiver lives with the ambivalence of feelings and experiences, of a similar or opposite nature, that interfere entirely in the care provided and that contribute to the construction of the resilience process of this informal family caregiver.

Objetivo: comprender el cuidado del anciano con enfermedad de Alzheimer y la resiliencia del cuidador informal. Método: investigación cualitativa con 20 cuidadores de ancianos realizada de agosto a diciembre de 2019 a través de un guión sociodemográfico-económico y preguntas orientadoras que fueron analizadas por Análisis de Contenido y Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales. Resultados: se observó la complejidad, singularidad ydualidad de sentimientos en el cuidado de ancianos con enfermedad de Alzheimer. Aunque los cuidadores no comprendan el significado de resiliencia, existe el desarrollo de habilidades para afrontar el cuidado diario. Conclusiones: el cuidador vive con la ambivalencia de sentimientos y vivencias, de naturaleza análoga o contraria, que interfieren totalmente en el cuidado prestado y que contribuyen a la construcción del proceso de resiliencia de este cuidador familiar informal.

Regulación del calcio por SERC-A antes de la enfermedad de Alzheimer y durante la misma / Calcium regulation by SERC-A before and during Alzheimer disease

Hay muchos factores implicados en la incidencia de la enfermedad de Alzheimer que, en combinación, terminan por impedir o dificultar las funciones neuronales normales. Actualmente, poco se conoce sobre la regulación del calcio, antes de la enfermedad y durante la misma. La inestabilidad interna de los niveles de calcio se asocia a un mayor riesgo vascular, condición prevalente en un gran número de individuos ya comprometidos por la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Esta revisión proporciona una reevaluación de los mecanismos moleculares de la ATPasa dependiente de Ca2+ del retículo sarcoendoplásmico (SERC-A) en la enfermedad y analiza los aspectos más destacados de la función de los canales de calcio dependientes de voltaje; de esta manera, se podrán abrir nuevas alternativas de tratamiento. Estos mecanismos de regulación son clínicamente relevantes, ya que se ha implicado la función irregular de SERC-A en diversas alteraciones de la función cerebral.

There are many factors involved in the incidence of Alzheimer's disease that, in combination, impede or hinder normal neuronal functions. Little is currently known about calcium regulation before and during the disease. Internal instability of calcium levels is associated with increased vascular risk, a prevalent condition in a high number of individuals already compromised by Alzheimer's disease. This review provides a reevaluation of the molecular mechanism of the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERC-A) in the disease and discusses salient aspects of voltage-gated calcium channel function; in these way new alternatives could be open for its treatment. These regulation mechanisms are clinically relevant since the irregular functions of SERC+A has been implicated in pathologies of brain function.

Assistência de enfermagem em pacientes com Demência do Corpo de Lewy / Nursing assistance in patients with Lewy's Body Dementia

Objetivo: Investigar sobre a assistência de Enfermagem a pacientes com Demência do Corpo de Lewy. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura, pela busca nas bases de dados, entre os anos de 2009 a 2021, utilizando os descritores: Doença por corpos de Lewy, Doença de Alzheimer, Doença de Parkinson, Assistência de Enfermagem. Resultado: A Demência do Corpo de Lewy é uma doença de difícil diagnóstico, por causa das semelhanças com as Doenças de Alzheimer e Parkinson, seu tratamento é baseado nessas patologias, não seguindo protocolos específicos da doença. A enfermagem tem por função principalmente orientar a família e oferecer uma assistência integral tanto para o paciente, quanto para o cuidador. Conclusão: É necessária, a realização de mais estudos, para entender como assistir um paciente diagnosticado com esta patologia adequadamente, dando suporte para um cuidado de enfermagem mais científico e integral, estabelecendo rotinas, promoveno assim qualidade de vida ao paciente e sua família.(AU)

Objective: To investigate Nursing care for patients with Lewy Body Dementia. Method: Integrative literature review, using the Scielo database, between 2009 and 2021, using the descriptors: Lewy body disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Nursing care. Result: Lewy Body Dementia is a disease that is difficult to diagnose, because of the similarities with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases, its treatment is based on these pathologies, not following disease-specific protocols. Nursing's main function is to guide the family and offer comprehensive care for both the patient and the caregiver. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to understand how to properly care for a patient diagnosed with this pathology, supporting a more scientific and comprehensive nursing care, establishing routines, thus promoting quality of life for patients and their families.(AU)

Objetivo: Investigar el cuidado de Enfermería a pacientes con Demencia con Cuerpos de Lewy. Método: Revisión integrativa de la literatura, utilizando la base de datos Scielo, entre 2009 y 2021, utilizando los descriptores: Enfermedad de cuerpos de Lewy, Enfermedad de Alzheimer, Enfermedad de Parkinson, Cuidados de enfermería. Resultado: La Demencia con Cuerpos de Lewy es una enfermedad de difícil diagnóstico, debido a las similitudes con el Alzheimer y el Parkinson, su tratamiento se basa en estas patologías, no siguiendo protocolos específicos de la enfermedad. La función principal de enfermería es orientar a la familia y ofrecer una atención integral tanto al paciente como al cuidador. Conclusión: Se necesitan más estudios para comprender cómo cuidar adecuadamente a un paciente diagnosticado con esta patología, apoyando un cuidado de enfermería más científico e integral, estableciendo rutinas, promoviendo así la calidad de vida de los pacientes y sus familias.(AU)

Consumption of drugs for Alzheimer's disease on the Brazilian private market / Consumo de medicamentos para doença de Alzheimer no mercado privado brasileiro

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the consumption of drugs for Alzheimer's disease on the Brazilian private market and its geographical distribution from 2014 to 2020. METHODS National data from the Brazilian National System of Controlled Product Management were used, regarding sales of donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and memantine from January 2014 to December 2020. Sales data were used as a proxy for drug consumption and expressed as defined daily dose/1,000 inhabitants/year at national, regional, federative unit and microregion levels. RESULTS Drug consumption went from 5,000 defined daily doses/1,000 inhabitants, in 2014, to more than 16,000/1,000 inhabitants, in 2020, and all federative units showed positive variation. The Brazilian Northeast had the highest cumulative consumption in the period but displayed microregional disparities while the North region had the lowest consumption. Donepezil and memantine were the most consumed drugs, with the highest growth in consumption from 2014 to 2020. CONCLUSION The consumption of medicines indicated to treat Alzheimer's disease tripled in Brazil between 2014 and 2020, which may relate to the increase in the prevalence of the disease in the country, greater access to health services, and inappropriate use. This challenges managers and healthcare providers due to population aging and the increased prevalence of chronic-degenerative diseases.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar o consumo de medicamentos para a doença de Alzheimer no mercado privado brasileiro e sua distribuição geográfica entre os anos de 2014 e 2020. MÉTODOS Foram utilizados dados do Sistema Nacional de Gerenciamento de Produtos Controlados relativos às vendas de donepezila, galantamina, rivastigmina e memantina, entre janeiro de 2014 a dezembro de 2020, em todo o território nacional. Os dados de venda foram utilizados como proxy para o consumo dos medicamentos, avaliado em dose diária definida (DDD)/1.000 habitantes/ano em nível nacional, regional, por unidade federativa e microrregião. RESULTADOS O consumo dos medicamentos passou de 5.000 DDD/1.000 habitantes em 2014 para mais de 16.000 DDD/1.000 habitantes em 2020, e todas as unidades de federação apresentaram variação positiva. A região Nordeste apresentou o maior consumo acumulado no período, porém exibiu disparidades microrregionais. A região Norte apresentou o menor consumo. Os medicamentos mais consumidos foram donepezila e memantina, os quais também apresentaram maior crescimento do consumo no intervalo de tempo entre os anos de 2014 e 2020. CONCLUSÃO O consumo de medicamentos para o tratamento da doença de Alzheimer triplicou no Brasil entre os anos de 2014 e 2020, o que pode estar relacionado ao aumento da prevalência da doença no país e/ou maior acesso a serviços de saúde, assim como estar ligado, também, à utilização inapropriada destes medicamentos. Este é um desafio para gestores e profissionais de saúde num cenário de envelhecimento populacional e aumento da prevalência de doenças crônico-degenerativas.

Intervention of next-generation sequencing in diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: challenges and future prospects / Intervenção do sequenciamento de nova geração no diagnóstico da doença de Alzheimer: desafios e perspectivas futuras

ABSTRACT Clinical diagnosis of several neurodegenerative disorders based on clinical phenotype is challenging due to its heterogeneous nature and overlapping disease manifestations. Therefore, the identification of underlying genetic mechanisms is of paramount importance for better diagnosis and therapeutic regimens. With the emergence of next-generation sequencing, it becomes easier to identify all gene variants in the genome simultaneously, with a system-wide and unbiased approach. Presently various bioinformatics databases are maintained on discovered gene variants and phenotypic indications are available online. Since individuals are unique in their genome, evaluation based on their genetic makeup helps evolve the diagnosis, counselling, and treatment process at the personal level. This article aims to briefly summarize the utilization of next-generation sequencing in deciphering the genetic causes of Alzheimer's disease and address the limitations of whole genome and exome sequencing.

RESUMO O diagnóstico clínico de vários distúrbios neurodegenerativos com base no fenótipo clínico é difícil devido à sua natureza heterogênea e às manifestações da doença que se sobrepõem. Portanto, a identificação dos mecanismos genéticos subjacentes é de suma importância para um melhor diagnóstico e regimes terapêuticos. Com o surgimento do sequenciamento de próxima geração, o diagnóstico se tornou mais acessível com uma abordagem imparcial em todo o sistema para identificar simultaneamente todas as variantes de genes no genoma. Atualmente, vários bancos de dados de bioinformática sobre variantes genéticas descobertas e indicações fenotípicas estão disponíveis online. Uma vez que os indivíduos são únicos em seu genoma, a avaliação com base em sua composição genética ajudou na evolução do processo de diagnóstico, aconselhamento e tratamento em nível pessoal. Este artigo teve como objetivo resumir brevemente a utilização do sequenciamento de próxima geração para decifrar as causas genéticas da doença de Alzheimer (DA) e abordar as limitações do sequenciamento completo do genoma e do exoma.

Caregiver burden related to feeding process in Alzheimer's disease / Sobrecarga do cuidador relacionada ao processo de alimentação na doença de Alzheimer

ABSTRACT Difficulties in the feeding process, such as aversive feeding behaviors and dysphagia, are common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and can often overload their caregivers. Although dysphagia is already established as a factor contributing to caregiver burden, the impact of aversive behaviors is less studied. Objectives: Evaluate the relationship between the feeding process in individuals with AD and their caregiver's burden. Methods: Dyads of individuals with AD and their caregivers were recruited for a cross-sectional study. The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia (EdFED) scale, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), and the Functional Oral Intake scale (FOIS) were performed. Results: We included 60 AD individuals-caregivers dyads. The median (IQR) age of caregivers was 57 (19-81) years, and the most were females (70%). The individuals with AD had a median MMSE of 12 (6-15), and the disease duration was 4 (2-6) years. The mean (SD) Zarit score was 20.95 (6.51). In the multivariate linear regression, the EdFED score (95% CI 0.368-1.465) and time as a caregiver (95% CI 0.133-1.355) were associated with the caregiver's burden. Conclusions: Aversive behaviors were associated with the caregiver burden of individuals with AD, even with a short duration of the disease. These findings show the importance of education for caregivers regarding the feeding process, as these measures have great potential to minimize the caregiver's burden.

RESUMO Dificuldades no processo de alimentação, como comportamentos alimentares aversivos e disfagia, são comuns em indivíduos com doença de Alzheimer (DA) e muitas vezes podem sobrecarregar seus cuidadores. Embora a disfagia já esteja estabelecida como um fator que contribui para a sobrecarga do cuidador, o impacto dos comportamentos aversivos é menos estudado. Objetivos: Avaliar a relação entre o processo de alimentação em indivíduos com DA e a sobrecarga de seus cuidadores. Métodos: Díades de indivíduos com DA e seus cuidadores foram recrutados para um estudo transversal. Os protocolos Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale (EdFED), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) e Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) foram realizados. Resultados: Incluímos 60 díades de cuidadores-indivíduos com DA. A idade mediana (intervalo interquartil — IQR) dos cuidadores foi de 57 (19-81) anos e a maioria era do sexo feminino (70%). A mediana do MMSE dos indivíduos com DA foi de 12 (6-15) e o tempo de doença foi de quatro (2-6) anos. A pontuação média do Zarit foi de 20,95 (6,51). Na regressão logística multivariada, o escore EdFED (intervalo de confiança de 95% — IC95% 0,368-1,465) e o tempo como cuidador (IC95% 0,133-1,355) foram associados à sobrecarga deste. Conclusões: Comportamentos aversivos foram associados à sobrecarga do cuidador de indivíduos com DA, mesmo com pouco tempo de doença. Esses achados mostram a importância da educação dos cuidadores quanto ao processo de alimentação, pois essas medidas têm grande potencial para minimizar sua sobrecarga.

Tendência de mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no Brasil, 2000 a 2019 / Tendencias de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en Brasil, 2000 a 2019 / Trends in mortality from Alzheimer's disease in Brazil, 2000-2019

Objetivo: analisar as tendências das taxas de mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no Brasil e nas suas macrorregiões, por faixa etária e sexo, no período de 2000 a 2019. Métodos: estudo de séries temporais sobre mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no Brasil e suas macrorregiões por faixa etária e sexo; os dados foram extraídos do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM); o modelo de Prais-Winsten foi utilizado para análise das tendências. Resultados: houve 211.658 óbitos no período analisado, com tendência crescente na mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no país em idosos de 60-69 anos (VPA = 4,3; IC95% 2,9;5,9), 70-79 anos (VPA = 8,1; IC95% 4,8;11,5) e ≥ 80 anos (VPA = 11,3; IC95% 8,1;14,6), e em todas as macrorregiões, faixas etárias e sexo. Conclusão: o Brasil e todas as suas macrorregiões apresentaram tendência crescente nas taxas de mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer, seguindo a tendência mundial.

Objective: to analyze trends in mortality rates due to Alzheimer's disease in Brazil and its macro-regions by age and sex, from 2000 to 2019. Methods: this was a time-series study on mortality from Alzheimer's disease in Brazil and its macro-regions by age and sex; data were obtained from the Mortality Information System; a Prais-Winsten model was used to analyze trends. Results: there were 211,658 deaths in the period analyzed, with an increasing trend in Alzheimer's disease mortality in Brazil in elderly people aged 60-69 years (APC = 4.3; 95%CI 2.9;5.9), 70-79 years (APC = 8.1; 95%CI 4.8;11.5) and ≥ 80 years (APC = 11.3; 95%CI 8.1;14.6) and in all macro-regions, age groups and sexes. Conclusion: Brazil and all its macro-regions showed a rising trend in Alzheimer's disease mortality rates, following the global trend.

Objetivo: analizar las tendencias en las tasas de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en Brasil y sus macrorregiones por grupo de edad y sexo, de 2000 a 2019. Métodos: estudio de series temporales de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en Brasil y sus macrorregiones por grupo de edad y sexo; los datos se obtuvieron del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad del Ministerio de Salud de Brasil; se utilizó el modelo Prais-Winsten para analizar tendencias. Resultados: hubo 211.658 óbitos, con tendencia creciente en la mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer en el país, en adultos mayores de 60-69 años (VPA = 4,3; IC95% 2,9;5,9), 70-79 años (VPA = 8,1; IC95%: 4,8;11,5) y ≥ 80 años (VPA = 11,3; IC95% 8,1;14,6) y en todas las macrorregiones, grupos de edad y sexo. Conclusión: Brasil y todas sus macrorregiones mostraron una tendencia creciente en las tasas de mortalidad por enfermedad de Alzheimer siguiendo la tendencia mundial.

Análise de uma amostra de processos de Curatela de idosos com síndromes demenciais da Comarca de Belo Horizonte e proposta de um modelo de relatórios médico / Analysis of a sample of Guardianship processes for elderly people with dementia syndromes in the District of Belo Horizonte and proposal of a medical reporting model

Introdução: as síndromes demenciais são condições crônicas de saúde que levam a importante declínio cognitivo e prejuízo funcional, especialmente para as atividades de vida diárias e atos da vida civil. O relatório médico visa nortear e auxiliar a decisão judicial e pode identificar a extensão, a gravidade e a eventual reversibilidade da incapacidade do indivíduo a ser interditado. A incapacidade é obtida por meio do processo de interdição. Objetivos: descrever e analisar as informações contidas nos relatórios médicos juntados aos processos de pessoas curateladas com síndromes demenciais; realizar entrevistas com seis magistrados das respectivas varas de família da comarca de Belo Horizonte analisadas; e após as análises dos dados, propor um modelo de relatório a ser confeccionado por médicos assistentes. Métodos: estudo transversal com dois braços, sendo um descritivo, transversal e retrospectivo de pesquisa documental de processos judiciais eletrônicos de curatela, de indivíduos acima de 18 anos portadores de diagnóstico de demência, nas 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 9a e 11a varas de família do Tribunal de Justiça de Minas Gerais (TJMG). O outro braço do estudo é descritivo por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com os juízes de varas de família da comarca de Belo Horizonte, com abordagens quantitativas e qualitativas. Resultados: a amostra foi formada na sua maior parte por mulheres idosas, de alta escolaridade e viúvas. A curatela foi solicitada por filhos em 76,4% dos processos analisados. Houve predomínio do sexo feminino com a nomeação do curador, na sua maioria de filhas. Geriatria e Medicina de Família e comunidade se destacaram como especialidades que mais emitiram o relatório médico inicial (54,1%). A amostra apresentou predomínio da descrição do diagnóstico etiológico por demência de Alzheimer (61,1%) com prevalência do sexo feminino em portadores dessa etiologia (45,8%). Foi realizada a concordância do laudo médico pericial e o relatório médico. A avaliação de referência foi o laudo médico pericial. Na descrição da doença, 61,1% com diagnóstico de demência de Alzheimer; e no laudo pericial, 52,8%. Houve sensibilidade de 89,47% e especificidade de 70,59% do relatório médico perante o laudo pericial. O coeficiente de Kappa foi 0,6063, indicando concordância moderada. A análise descritiva de códigos da Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID) no relatório médico esteve presente em 66,7% e 94,4% dos laudos periciais. O tempo de tramitação do processo (em meses) apresentou mediana de 20 meses. As varas de família B e D relataram resultado estatisticamente significativo, as medianas foram, respectivamente, 13,5 e 29 meses, referente ao período de tramitação desses processos (p=0,022). Conclusões: o relatório médico no contexto do processo judicial de curatela mostrou significativa importância para o portador de uma síndrome demencial, contribuindo para o esclarecimento de quais direitos e exercícios de atos da vida civil ainda poderão ser por ele praticados. O presente trabalho apurou a necessidade de treinamento da equipe multiprofissional da rede de atenção primária à saúde, para acolher devidamente o paciente e orientar as famílias/cuidadores de forma a resguardar e preservar os direitos do curatelado.

Introduction: Dementia syndromes are chronic health conditions that lead to significant cognitive decline and functional impairment, especially in daily life activities and acts of civil life. The medical report aims to guide and assist the judicial decision and can identify the extent, severity and possible reversibility of the incapacity of the individual to be interdicted. Disability is obtained through the interdiction process. Objectives: To describe and analyze the information contained in the medical reports attached to the processes of people under care with dementia syndromes. Conduct interviews with 6 magistrates from the respective family courts of the analyzed Belo Horizonte district. After analyzing the data, propose a report model to be prepared by assistant physicians. Methods: A cross-sectional study with two arms, one of which is descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective of documentary research on electronic judicial processes of guardianship, of individuals over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of dementia, in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th and 11th courts of family of the Court of Justice of Minas Gerais (TJMG). The other arm of the study is descriptive through semi-structured interviews with judges from family courts in the district of Belo Horizonte with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Results: The sample consisted mostly of elderly women with high education and widows. The guardianship was requested by sons in 76.4% of the processes analyzed, there was a predominance of females with the appointment of the guardian, mostly daughters. Geriatrics and Family and Community Medicine stood out as the specialties that issued the most initial medical reports (54.1%). The sample showed a predominance of the description of the etiological diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia (61.1%) with a predominance of females in patients with this etiology (45.8%). The expert medical report and the medical report were agreed. The reference assessment was the expert medical report. In the description of the pathology, 61.1% diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia and in the expert report 52.8%. There was a sensitivity of 89.47% and specificity of 70.59% of the medical report compared to the expert report. The Kappa coefficient was 0.6063, indicating moderate agreement. The descriptive analysis of ICD codes in the medical report was present in 66.7% and 94.4% of the expert reports. The processing time of the process (in months) presented a median of 20 months. Family courts B and D showed a statistically significant result, the medians were respectively 13.5 and 29 months, referring to the processing period of these processes (p=0.022). Conclusions: The medical report in the context of the judicial guardianship process is of significant importance for the person with dementia syndrome, contributing to the clarification of which rights and exercises of acts of civil life can still be practiced by him. The present work pointed out the need for training of the multidisciplinary team of the primary health care network, to properly welcome the patient and guide the families/caregivers in order to safeguard and preserve the rights of the guardianship.

Reflexión sobre cuidado enfermero en la dimensión espiritual a cuidadores de adultos mayores con Alzheimer / Reflection on nursing care in the spiritual dimension for caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCCIÓN. El Alzheimer tiene repercusiones en la persona que la padece, mismas que comprometen su funcionalidad y la vida cotidiana llevándola a la dependencia y a la necesidad de un cuidador. El deterioro del cuidador también se vuelve notorio y se ha identificado que la dimensión espiritual favorece el afrontamiento del cuidador, por lo que el objetivo del presente es reflexionar sobre el cuidado enfermero de la dimensión espiritual a través de la propuesta de intervenciones a cuidadores de adultos mayores con Alzheimer. DESARROLLO. Generalmente, los cuidados serán proporcionados por un cuidador familiar, que por lo general tiene déficit de conocimientos previos sobre el cuidado e incluso como un rol impuesto. La espiritualidad entendida más allá de la religiosidad puede comprenderse como una conexión intra, inter y transpersonal que favorecerá el bienestar del cuidador. Se han integrado intervenciones que la enfermera puede llevar a cabo para fomentar la espiritualidad y cuidar la dimensión espiritual del cuidador. La espiritualidad intrapersonal puede favorecerse a través de la meditación, musicoterapia, arteterapia y la escritura terapéutica; la espiritualidad interpersonal a través de la escucha activa, el contacto con la naturaleza y los grupos de ayuda; la espiritualidad transpersonal a través de la oración y la lectura espiritual. CONCLUSIONES. La enfermera puede incorporar las intervenciones para favorecer y promover el bienestar del cuidador en su espiritualidad; la adaptación de cada intervención puede desarrollarse conforme a las creencias del cuidador, el contexto y la cultura.

INTRODUCTION. Alzheimer's disease has repercussions for the person who suffers from it, repercussions that compromise their functionality in daily life, leading to dependence and the need for a caregiver. The impact of the condition on the caregiver is also recognized and there is evidence that spirituality can support the caregiver's coping behaviors. GOAL: The aim of this paper is to reflect on the role of the spiritual dimension in providing nursing care through proposed interventions for caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer's disease. DEVELOPMENT. Generally, care will be provided by a family caregiver, who often lacks previous knowledge about caregiving, even as an imposed role. Spirituality, beyond religiosity, can be understood as an intra-, inter- and transpersonal connection that promotes the caregiver's well-being. Interventions that the nurse can carry out to foster and support the spiritual dimension of the caregiver have been integrated. Intrapersonal spirituality can be promoted through meditation, music therapy, art therapy and therapeutic writing; interpersonal spirituality through active listening, contact with nature and support groups; and transpersonal spirituality through prayer and spiritual reading. CONCLUSIONS. The nurse can incorporate interventions to encourage and promote the caregiver's spiritual well-being, and each intervention can be adapted to the caregiver's beliefs, context, and culture.

The use of angiotensin receptor blockers in dementia prevention / O uso de bloqueadores de receptor de angiotensina na prevenção de demência

ABSTRACT: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia are preventable and highly prevalent diseases, as is systemic arterial hypertension. Thus, it is speculated that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may be neuroprotective against AD. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate if the use of ARBs confers a neuroprotective effect on AD, through a systematic review. Methods: Studies published on Embase, LILACS, SciELO, and PubMed were evaluated. The selection of the studies included those that evaluated the use of antihypertensive drugs in individuals with a previous diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. The data were extracted with the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) form. The risk of bias was evaluated by the EPOC "Risk of bias tool." Results: A total of 12 articles were identified, and 3 articles were selected. Two of them analyzed the use of ARB/ACEI versus other antihypertensives and the development of dementia. Conclusion: There is a tendency for ARBs to be superior to other antihypertensives in preventing dementia.

RESUMO: A doença de Alzheimer (DA) e a demência são doenças potencialmente preveníveis, assim como a hipertensão arterial sistêmica. Dessa forma, especula-se que os bloqueadores dos receptores de angiotensina (BRA) tenham efeito neuroprotetor contra a DA. Objetivo: Avaliar se o uso de BRA confere efeito neuroprotetor para DA, por meio de uma revisão sistemática. Métodos: Foram avaliados estudos publicados nas plataformas Embase, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed). Os estudos incluídos avaliaram o uso de anti-hipertensivos em indivíduos com diagnóstico prévio de comprometimento cognitivo leve. Os dados foram extraídos com base no formulário da EPOC. Risco de viés foi avaliado por meio da ferramenta da Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) "Risk of bias tool". Resultados: Foram encontrados 12 artigos e três foram selecionados. Dois analisaram o uso de BRA/IECA vs. o uso de outros anti-hipertensivos e o desenvolvimento de demência. Conclusão: Há uma tendência de que os BRA sejam superiores a outros anti-hipertensivos na prevenção da demência.

Updated Understanding of the Glial-Vascular Unit in Central Nervous System Disorders / 神经科学通报·英文版

The concept of the glial-vascular unit (GVU) was raised recently to emphasize the close associations between brain cells and cerebral vessels, and their coordinated reactions to diverse neurological insults from a "glio-centric" view. GVU is a multicellular structure composed of glial cells, perivascular cells, and perivascular space. Each component is closely linked, collectively forming the GVU. The central roles of glial and perivascular cells and their multi-level interconnections in the GVU under normal conditions and in central nervous system (CNS) disorders have not been elucidated in detail. Here, we comprehensively review the intensive interactions between glial cells and perivascular cells in the niche of perivascular space, which take part in the modulation of cerebral blood flow and angiogenesis, formation of the blood-brain barrier, and clearance of neurotoxic wastes. Next, we discuss dysfunctions of the GVU in various neurological diseases, including ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, and major depression disorder. In addition, we highlight the possible therapies targeting the GVU, which may have potential clinical applications.

Elevated Levels of Naturally-Occurring Autoantibodies Against the Extracellular Domain of p75NTR Aggravate the Pathology of Alzheimer's Disease / 神经科学通报·英文版

The extracellular domain (p75ECD) of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) antagonizes Aβ neurotoxicity and promotes Aβ clearance in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The impaired shedding of p75ECD is a key pathological process in AD, but its regulatory mechanism is largely unknown. This study was designed to investigate the presence and alterations of naturally-occurring autoantibodies against p75ECD (p75ECD-NAbs) in AD patients and their effects on AD pathology. We found that the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) level of p75ECD-NAbs was increased in AD, and negatively associated with the CSF levels of p75ECD. Transgenic AD mice actively immunized with p75ECD showed a lower level of p75ECD and more severe AD pathology in the brain, as well as worse cognitive functions than the control groups, which were immunized with Re-p75ECD (the reverse sequence of p75ECD) and phosphate-buffered saline, respectively. These findings demonstrate the impact of p75ECD-NAbs on p75NTR/p75ECD imbalance, providing a novel insight into the role of autoimmunity and p75NTR in AD.

Eficacia de la terapia de estimulación cognitiva asistida por tecnología en pacientes con demencia / Efficacy of technology-assisted cognitive stimulation therapy in patients with dementia

De la mano del envejecimiento poblacional, la demencia o trastorno neurocognitivo mayor afecta a una cantidad cada vez mayor de personas, lo que implica un alto costo para los servicios de salud. Las guías de práctica clínica recomiendan ofrecer terapias de estimulación cognitiva a las personas afectadas y cada vez es más común el empleo de herramientas tecnológicas que permiten su aplicación a gran escala a pesar de la incertidumbre acerca de su beneficio.En este artículo revisamos la evidencia más actualizada sobre la eficacia de las herramientas computarizadas para el entrenamiento cognitivo de pacientes con demencia. Encontramos algunos estudios que sugieren que podría haber una posible mejora cognitiva en los pacientes con demencia y en la calidad de vida de sus cuidadores. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los estudios no fueron de buena calidad metodológica, fueron realizados con un número limitado de pacientes, en periodos poco prolongados, y los desenlaces fueron evaluados a través de múltiples pruebas de difícil interpretación. (AU)

With the increasing population aging, dementia or major neurocognitive disorder affects a growing number of people,incurring a substantial burden on healthcare services. Clinical practice guidelines recommend providing cognitive stimulation therapies to affected individuals, and the use of technological tools for implementing therapies on a large scale is increasingly common despite the uncertainty about their benefits.In this article, we reviewed the most up-to-date evidence on the effectiveness of computerized tools for cognitive training in patients with dementia. We found some studies that suggest that there could be a possible cognitive improvement in patients with dementia and in the quality of life of their caregivers. However, most studies were not of good methodological quality, were carried out with a limited number of patients, in short periods of time, and the outcomes were evaluated through multiple tests that were difficult to interpret. (AU)

Mitigating the dilemma in dementia: A case series of the first amyloid brain PET scans in the Philippines

@#Diagnosis of Alzheimer dementia is done clinically using criteria set by different neurological associations. Inevitably, clinicians encounter cases that do not fulfill the set definitions and have to resort to supporting data to form a clinical judgment. Part of the ancillary work-up for dementia is the brain amyloid PET scan that has recently been available in the Philippines. It involves a radiopharmaceutical with high-affinity binding to amyloid plaques which for a time were thought to be central pathological finding for Alzheimer dementia. This study describes the first four amyloid PET scans in the Philippines and detail the protocol as well as interpretation of such studies. The procedure is not as simple and reproducible as one might think hence following the recommended protocol and interpretation guidelines are of utmost importance. We recommend standardization of the reporting of results for all centers that will cater to patients being worked up for dementia, which include reporting SUVRs for both whole cerebellum and cerebellar cortex. More studies are recommended to generate a local Florbetaben SUVR cutoff.

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2-apolipoprotein E signaling pathway in diseases / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a membrane receptor on myeloid cells and plays an important role in the body's immune defense. Recently, TREM2 has received extensive attention from researchers, and its activity has been found in Alzheimer's disease, neuroinflammation, and traumatic brain injury. The appearance of TREM2 is usually accompanied by changes in apolipoprotein E (ApoE), and there has been a lot of research into their structure, as well as the interaction mode and signal pathways involved in them. As two molecules with broad and important roles in the human body, understanding their correlation may provide therapeutic targets for certain diseases. In this article, we reviewed several diseases in which TREM2 and ApoE are synergistically involved in the development. We further discussed the positive or negative effects of the TREM2-ApoE pathway on nervous system immunity and inflammation.

Effects of Yizhi Tiaoshen acupuncture on learning and memory function and the expression of phosphorylated tau protein in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease model rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of Yizhi Tiaoshen (benefiting mental health and regulating the spirit) acupuncture on learning and memory function, and the expression of phosphorylated tubulin-associated unit (tau) protein in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats, and explore the effect mechanism of this therapy on AD.@*METHODS@#A blank group and a sham-operation group were randomly selected from 60 male SD rats, 10 rats in each one. AD models were established in the rest 40 rats by the intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose and okadaic acid in the CA1 region of the bilateral hippocampus. Thirty successfully-replicated model rats were randomly divided into a model group, a western medication group and an acupuncture group, 10 rats in each one. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20), "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1), "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Shenmen" (HT 7), "Xuanzhong" (GB 39) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6); and the needles were retained for 10 min. Acupuncture was given once daily. One course of treatment was composed of 6 days, with the interval of 1 day; the completion of treatment included 4 courses. In the western medication group, donepezil hydrochloride solution (0.45 mg/kg) was administrated intragastrically, once daily; it took 7 days to accomplish one course of treatment and a completion of intervention was composed of 4 courses. Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition test (NORT) were used to assess the learning and memory function of the rats. Using HE staining and Nissl staining, the morphological structure of the hippocampus was observed. With Western blot adopted, the protein expression of the tau, phosphorylated tau protein at Ser198 (p-tau Ser198), protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) in the hippocampus was detected.@*RESULTS@#There were no statistical differences in all of the indexes between the sham-operation group and the blank group. Compared with the sham-operation group, in the model group, the MWM escape latency was prolonged (P<0.05), the crossing frequency and the quadrant stay time in original platform were shortened (P<0.05), and the NORT discrimination index (DI) was reduced (P<0.05); the hippocampal cell numbers were declined and the cells arranged irregularly, the hippocampal neuronal structure was abnormal and the numbers of Nissl bodies decreased; the protein expression of p-tau Ser198 and GSK-3βwas increased (P<0.05) and that of PP2A decreased (P<0.05). When compared with the model group, in the western medication group and the acupuncture group, the MWM escape latency was shortened (P<0.05), the crossing frequency and the quadrant stay time in original platform were increased (P<0.05), and DI got higher (P<0.05); the hippocampal cell numbers were elevated and the cells arranged regularly, the damage of hippocampal neuronal structure was attenuated and the numbers of Nissl bodies were increased; the protein expression of p-tau Ser198 and GSK-3β was reduced (P<0.05) and that of PP2A was increased (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the above indexes between the acupuncture group and the western medication group (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture therapy of "benefiting mental health and regulating the spirit" could improve the learning and memory function and alleviate neuronal injure of AD model rats. The effect mechanism of this therapy may be related to the down-regulation of GSK-3β and the up-regulation of PP2A in the hippocampus, and then to inducing the inhibition of tau protein phosphorylation.

A study on factors associated with age of Alzheimer's disease onset / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To understand the distribution characteristics of age of Alzheimer's disease (AD) onset and influencing factors. Methods: Based on the follow-up data of Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative from 2005 to 2022, participants with normal cognition (CN) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at baseline survey, and those with progression to AD during follow-up period were selected as study subjects. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to explore the associations of gender, race, number of ApoE ε4 genes carried, family history, years of education and marital status with the age of AD onset. Results: A total of 405 participants, with an average age of (74.0±6.9) years at baseline survey, progressed to AD during follow up period. The age of AD onset was (76.6±7.5) years, and age of onset in men was about 1.9 years later than women. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that for each increase in ApoE ε4 gene number, the age of AD onset was about 0.344 years earlier. The age of AD onset was 4.007 years earlier for those with MCI at baseline survey compared with those with CN. Years of education were not significantly associated with the age of onset of AD (P>0.05). Conclusion: Those who carry ApoE ε4 gene, and have MCI at baseline survey might have earlier age of AD onset.

Research progress of fibroblast growth factor in nervous system diseases / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are a group of structurally related polypeptides which constitute an elaborate signaling system with their receptors. Evidence accumulated in the years suggests that the FGF family plays a key role in the repair of central nervous system injury. The main protective mechanisms include activating the expression of PI3K-Akt, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) and other signals; inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis; regulating neuronal differentiation and neuronal excitability as well as participating in protection of neurovascular units and nerve function repair. This paper comprehensively summarizes the latest research progress in FGF signaling related to diseases of the central nervous system such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and depression, aiming to provide scientific basis and reference for the development of innovative FGF drugs for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases.

Visual analysis of research on traditional Chinese medicine treatment of Alzheimer's disease in recent ten years / 中国中药杂志

This study employed bibliometrics tools to review the studies of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of Alzheimer's disease(AD) in recent ten years, aiming to explore the research status, hotspots, and future trends in this field at home and abroad. The relevant literature published from January 1, 2012 to August 15, 2022 was retrieved from Web of Science and CNKI. CiteSpace 6.1R2 and VOSviewer 1.6.15 were used for the visual analysis of authors, countries, institutions, keywords, journals, etc. A total of 2 254 Chinese articles and 545 English articles were included. The annual number of articles published showed a rising trend with fluctuations. The country with the largest number of relevant articles published and the largest centrality was China. SUN Guo-jie and WANG Qi were the authors publishing the most Chinese articles and English articles, respectively. Hubei University of Chinese Medicine and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine published the most articles in Chinese and English, respectively. Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Neuroscience Letters published the articles with the highest cited frequency and the highest centrality. According to the keywords, the research on TCM treatment of AD mainly focused on the mechanism of action and treatment methods. Metabolomics, intestinal flora, oxidative stress, tau hyperphosphorylation, β-amyloid(Aβ), inflammatory cytokines, and autophagy were the focuses of the research on mechanism of action. Acupuncture, clinical effect, kidney deficiency and phlegm stasis, and dredging governor vessel to revitalize mind were the hotspots of clinical research. This research field is still in the stage of exploration and development. Exchanges and cooperation among institutions should be encouraged to carry out more high-quality basic research on TCM treatment of AD, obtain high-level evidence, and clarify the pathogenesis and prescription mechanism.