Costo humano oculto en la experiencia vivida de un cuidador de adulto mayor con alzhéimer / Human Cost Hidden in Caregiver Life Experience of an Alzheimer's Elderly

Introducción: El ser cuidador de un paciente crónico con alzhéimer aumenta el riesgo de repercutir en la calidad de vida. Lo anterior se puede observar con el costo humano oculto: las implicaciones negativas en lo social, salud emocional, salud física y problemas económicos que conlleva a ser cuidador informal. Objetivo: Explorar el fenómeno de costo humano oculto de la experiencia de vida de un cuidador informal de adulto mayor con alzhéimer. Métodos: Estudio de caso de aproximación fenomenológica. Se aplicó entrevista semiestructurada con una pregunta generadora y cinco para profundizar en el fenómeno del cuidar a un adulto mayor con alzhéimer grave. Se analizaron datos de forma artesanal. El rigor científico utilizado fue la credibilidad y auditabilidad. Resultados: El participante fue un hombre de 53 años, cuidador desde hace siete años de una adulta mayor con alzhéimer. De la experiencia de vida emergieron una metacategoría, y dos categorías. La primera categoría fue el costo humano oculto en el cuidador, que consiste en el impacto de cuidar en sus relaciones sociales, sobrecarga y dificultad económica, la segunda fue el afrontamiento implementado por el cuidador a través de actividades recreativas, religión y recordar la razón del cuidado. Conclusiones: El conocer el costo humano oculto de ser cuidador permitirá proporcionar evidencias para establecer futuras intervenciones y atender a las necesidades para el cuidado biológico, psicológico, social y espiritual de este grupo vulnerable(AU)

Introduction: Being the caregiver of a chronic patient with Alzheimer's increases the risk of affecting the quality of life. The hidden human cost is seen in the negative implications in social, emotional health, physical health and economic problems that lead to being an informal caregiver. Objective: To explore the phenomenon of hidden human cost of the life experience of an informal caregiver of the elderly with Alzheimer's. Methods: We report a case study of phenomenological approach. We carried out a semi-structured interview with one generating question and five to delve into the phenomenon of caring for an older adult with severe Alzheimer's. Data were analyzed in an artisanal way. The scientific rigor used was credibility and auditability. Results: The participant was a 53-year-old man, who was a caregiver for an older adult with Alzheimer's disease for seven years. From life experience, a meta-category and two categories emerged. The first category was the hidden human cost in the caregiver, consisting of the caring impact on his social relationships, overload and economic difficulty. The second was the coping implemented by the caregiver through recreational activities, religion and remembering the reason for caring. Conclusions: Knowing the hidden human cost of being a caregiver will provide evidence to establish future interventions and to meet the needs for biological, psychological, social and spiritual care of this vulnerable group(AU)

Periodontitis y Alzheimer: posibles mecanismos de vinculación: revisión de la literatura / Periodontitis and Alzheimer: possible linking mechanisms: a review of the literature

La periodontitis es una enfermedad inflamatoria, crónica que afecta a los tejidos de soporte de los dientes y puede repercutir en la salud general, afectando la calidad de vida del paciente. La enfermedad de Alzheimer es una condición neurodegenerativa y progresiva que va disminuyendo la memoria, el lenguaje y aprendizaje de los pacientes. El objetivo de la investigación es realizar una revisión bibliográfica para comprender la posible vinculación entre la periodontitis y el Alzheimer. Los microorganismos periodontopatógenos producen una respuesta inflamatoria que, por vía sistémica, puede desencadenar un mecanismo inflamatorio dentro del sistema nervioso central. La respuesta del hospedero es liberar gran cantidad de moléculas proinflamatorias que comprometen la barrera hematoencefálica sobreestimulando a las células microgliales, esto conduce a la destrucción de neuronas vitales y al mantenimiento de la inflamación crónica que contribuye a la progresión del Alzheimer. Por otra parte, la periodontitis puede favorecer la formación de placas ateromatosas que afectan la integridad vascular siendo éste un factor a considerar en el desarrollo de la patología cerebrovascular. A pesar que son pocos los estudios clínicos experimentales, ya se puede sugerir la correlación entre ambas enfermedades (AU)

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting tissues of teeth, affecting the systemic health and quality of life of the patient. Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative and progressive condition that decreases memory, speech and learning of patients. The objective of this literature review was to report the possible link between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease. Periodontopathogens produce an inflammatory response that, systemically, can trigger an inflammatory mechanism within the central nervous system. Due to this attack, the host releases a great quantity of proinflammatory molecules that compromise the blood-brain barrier by over- stimulation microglial cells, this produces destruction of vital neurons and maintenance the chronic inflammation in CNS and that contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. On the other hand, periodontitis can favor the formation of atheromatous plaques that affect vascular integrity, being a factor to consider in the development of the cerebrovascular disease. Although there are few experimental clinical studies, the correlation between both diseases can already be suggested (AU)

Current Alzheimer disease research highlights: evidence for novel risk factors / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia characterized by the progressive cognitive and social decline. Clinical drug targets have heavily focused on the amyloid hypothesis, with amyloid beta (Aβ), and tau proteins as key pathophysiologic markers of AD. However, no effective treatment has been developed so far, which prompts researchers to focus on other aspects of AD beyond Aβ, and tau proteins. Additionally, there is a mounting epidemiologic evidence that various environmental factors influence the development of dementia and that dementia etiology is likely heterogenous. In the past decades, new risk factors or potential etiologies have been widely studied. Here, we review several novel epidemiologic and clinical research developments that focus on sleep, hypoxia, diet, gut microbiota, and hearing impairment and their links to AD published in recent years. At the frontiers of AD research, these findings and updates could be worthy of further attention.

Alzheimer's disease and sleep disturbances: a review / Doença de Alzheimer e distúrbios do sono: uma revisão

ABSTRACT The association between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and sleep disturbances has received increasing scientific attention in the last decades. However, little is known about the impact of sleep and its disturbances on the development of preclinical AD stages, such as mild cognitive impairment. This review describes the evolution of knowledge about the potential bidirectional relationships between AD and sleep disturbances exploring recent large prospective studies and meta-analyses and studies of the possible mechanisms through which sleep and the neurodegenerative process could be associated. The review also makes a comprehensive exploration of the sleep characteristics of older people, ranging from cognitively normal individuals, through patients with mild cognitive impairment, up to the those with dementia with AD.

RESUMO A associação entre Doença de Alzheimer (DA) e distúrbios do sono vem recebendo atenção crescente nas últimas décadas. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre o impacto do sono e suas alterações no desenvolvimento de estágios pré-clínicos da doença, como é o caso do Comprometimento Cognitivo Leve (CCL). Esta revisão descreve a evolução do conhecimento sobre as relações potencialmente bidirecionais entre DA e distúrbios do sono, explorando grandes estudos prospectivos e meta-análises, assim como estudos dos possíveis mecanismos da associação entre o sono e as doenças neurodegenerativas. Também revisamos amplamente as características do sono de pessoas idosas, incluindo indivíduos cognitivamente normais, com CCL e com demência por DA.

How stress mediators can cumulatively contribute to Alzheimer's disease: an allostatic load approach / Como os mediadores de estresse podem contribuir cumulativamente para a doença de alzheimer: uma abordagem de carga alostática

ABSTRACT. Allostatic load is defined as the frequent activation of the neuroendocrine, immunological, metabolic and cardiovascular systems, which makes individuals more susceptible to stress-related health problems. According to this model, physiological dysregulations start to emerge decades before diseases manifest. Consequently, stress research has shifted its attention to anticipating the degree of this dysregulation to better understand the impact of stress hormones and other biomarkers on disease progression. In view of the growing number of studies that demonstrate the influence of modifiable risk factors on cognitive decline, in addition to the effects of chronic stress mediators, the objective of the present review was to present an overview of the development of cognitive changes based on studies on stress and its mediators.

RESUMO. A carga alostática é definida como a ativação frequente dos sistemas neuroendócrino, imunológico, metabólico e cardiovascular, o que torna os indivíduos mais suscetíveis a problemas de saúde relacionados ao estresse. Segundo este modelo, as desregulações fisiológicas começam a surgir décadas antes das doenças se manifestarem. Consequentemente, a pesquisa de estresse tem desviado sua atenção para antecipar o grau de desregulação para entender melhor o impacto dos hormônios do estresse e outros biomarcadores na progressão da doença. Tendo em vista o crescente número de estudos que demonstram a influência de fatores de risco modificáveis no declínio cognitivo, além dos efeitos dos mediadores crônicos do estresse, o objetivo da presente revisão foi apresentar uma visão geral do desenvolvimento de alterações cognitivas a partir de estudos sobre o estresse e seus mediadores.

Relación entre dependencia en pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer y la sobrecarga en el cuidador principal / Relationship between dependence in patients with Alzheimer's disease and primary caregiver overload

RESUMEN Introducción: El envejecimiento poblacional ha traído como consecuencia un aumento de las enfermedades en adultos mayores, entre ellas la enfermedad de Alzheimer, que resulta una amenaza para los cuidadores del paciente y la familia. Objetivo: Demostrar la relación que existe entre la dependencia del paciente con enfermedad de Alzheimer para realizar las actividades básicas de la vida diaria con la sobrecarga percibida por el cuidador principal, Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo correlacional. Fue seleccionada una muestra de 35 cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer pertenecientes al Policlínico "Carlos Manuel Portuondo", en Marianao. Los familiares eran encargados y responsables de la realización de los cuidados del paciente y residentes en el domicilio, sin recibir retribución económica a cambio, brindando cuidados por más de seis meses y dieron su consentimiento para la participación en el estudio. Se aplicó el Índice de Katz y la entrevista de sobrecarga del cuidador: Escala de Zarit. Para el procesamiento de la información se utilizó el SPSS 15.0. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para la relación entre variables. Resultados: Predominaron los cuidadores con sobrecarga y los pacientes que requieren asistencia para realizar las actividades básicas de la vida diaria. Los mismos requirieron asistencia para bañarse, trasladarse y alimentarse, variables que se relacionaron significativamente con la sobrecarga. Conclusiones: Existe una relación significativa entre la dependencia para las actividades básicas de la vida diaria de los pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer y la sobrecarga percibida por el cuidador principal(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aging population has resulted in an increase of disease in older adults. Including Alzheimer's disease, which is a threat to patient caregivers and family. Objective: To demonstrate the relationship between the patient's dependence with Alzheimer's disease to perform the basic activities of daily life with the perceived overload the primary caregiver, at the Polyclinic Carlos Manuel Portuondo, in Marianao. Methods: A descriptive correlational study. It was selected a sample of 35 primary caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease who were familiar charge and responsible for the realization of patient care and resident at home, without receiving financial compensation in return, providing care for more than six months and they gave their consent for participation in the study. Zarit Scale: Katz Index and caregiver burden interview was applied. For information processing SPSS 15.0 was used. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient for the relationship between variables was used. Results: predominated overloaded caregivers and patients who require assistance to perform basic activities of daily life. They required assistance with bathing, moving and feeding, variables that were significantly related to overloading. Conclusions: There is a significant relationship between dependence for basic activities of daily living of patients with Alzheimer's disease and perceived overload the primary caregiver(AU)

Relación entre depresión y características sociodemográficas en cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer / Relationship between depression and sociodemographic characteristic in principal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease

RESUMEN Introducción: Las demencias constituyen unos de los problemas de salud pública más importantes del siglo XXI, la enfermedad de Alzheimer es la causa más frecuente. El mayor costo es el humano, en especial, los cuidadores principales, que contraen riesgos sobre la salud física y mental, provocándole depresión. Objetivo: Identificar la relación que existe entre la depresión y algunas características sociodemográficas de los cuidadores principales. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo correlacional en el Policlínico "Carlos Manuel Portuondo" del municipio Marianao, desde enero de 2010 hasta septiembre de 2012, en un universo de 35 cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer en estadios leve y moderado. La información se obtuvo con el Cuestionario sociodemográfico y clínico, e Inventario de depresión de Beck, se procesó y analizó con frecuencias absolutas y porcentaje. Se evaluó la asociación a través de la prueba paramétrica coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: De los 35 cuidadores principales, el 82,85 por ciento pertenecían al sexo femenino; el 60,00 por ciento eran las hijas; el 45,71 por ciento tenía 60 años y más, sin vínculo laboral (85,71 por ciento), con un nivel superior de escolaridad (45,71 por ciento) y el 68,60 por ciento no recibía apoyo en el cuidado del paciente; el 37,10 por ciento mostró depresión leve. Se evidenció correlación negativa y positiva débil entre la depresión y algunas de las características sociodemográficas y clínicas del cuidador principal. Conclusión: Se identificó relación negativa y positiva débil entre la depresión y algunas características sociodemográficas de los cuidadores principales de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dementias are one of the issues most important public health of the century, Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause. The biggest cost is the human, especially primary caregivers, who contract risks on physical and mental health, causing depression. Objective: To identify the relationship between depression and some sociodemographic characteristics of the main caregivers. Methods: Descriptive correlational Polyclinic "Carlos Manuel Portuondo" Marianao municipality, from January 2010 to September 2012, in a universe of 35 primary caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease in mild and moderate. The information was obtained with the sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory, processed and analyzed with absolute and percentage frequencies. The association through parametric test Pearson correlation coefficient was evaluated. Results: Of the 35 primary caregivers the 82.85 percent were female; The 60.00 percent were daughters; 45.71 percent were 60 years and over, without employment (85.71 percent), with a higher level of education (45.71 percent) and 68.60 percent did not receive support patient care; the 37.10 percent showed mild depression. negative and weak positive correlation was found between depression and some sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of primary caregiver. Conclusion: Negative and weak positive relationship between depression and some sociodemographic of primary caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease characteristics were identified(AU)

Thiamine deficiency contributes to synapse and neural circuit defects

BACKGROUND: The previous studies have demonstrated the reduction of thiamine diphosphate is specific to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and causal factor of brain glucose hypometabolism, which is considered as a neurodegenerative index of AD and closely correlates with the degree of cognitive impairment. The reduction of thiamine diphosphate may contribute to the dysfunction of synapses and neural circuits, finally leading to cognitive decline. RESULTS: To demonstrate this hypothesis, we established abnormalities in the glucose metabolism utilizing thiamine deficiency in vitro and in vivo, and we found dramatically reduced dendrite spine density. We further detected lowered excitatory neurotransmission and impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation, which are induced by TPK RNAi in vitro. Importantly, via treatment with benfotiamine, Aß induced spines density decrease was considerably ameliorated. CONCLUSIONS: These results revealed that thiamine deficiency contributed to synaptic dysfunction which strongly related to AD pathogenesis. Our results provide new insights into pathogenesis of synaptic and neuronal dysfunction in AD.

Trastornos respiratorios del sueño en niños con síndrome de Down / Sleep disorder breathing in children with Down syndrome

Respiratory sleep disorders in children with Down syndrome (DS) have a high prevalence and are related to anatomical and functional characteristics of this syndrome. In this children we should have a high index of suspicion of sleep breathing disorders, diagnose and treat them in order to achieve their full potential in terms of physical and cogntive health

Los trastornos respiratorios del sueño (TRS) en niños con síndrome de Down (SD) tienen una alta prevalencia y estan relacionados con características estructurales y funcionales propias de la enfermedad. En el SD se debe mantener un alto índice de sospecha de los TRS, diagnosticarlos y tratarlos con el fin que los pacientes puedan alcanzar su pleno potencial en términos de salud física y cognitiva

Biología molecular de la enfermedad de Alzheimer / Molecular biology of Alzheimer's disease

Resumen:La enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa asociada con una disminución cognitiva y es la forma más común de demencia en los ancianos. Un gran número de factores se asocian con un riesgo aumentado de EA, no obstante, la edad representa, por mucho, el riesgo individual más grande en la etiología de la EA. La variante genética más fuerte para la EA típica de inicio tardío es la apolipoproteína E (APOE). Mutaciones raras en tres genes han sido implicadas en la enfermedad familiar de inicio temprano: APP, PSEN1 y PSEN2. Las placas amiloides extracelulares y los ovillos neurofibrilares intraneurales (NFT) son las dos lesiones características de esta enfermedad fatal. La proteína tau está involucrada en el ensamblaje y estabilización de los microtúbulos.La fosforilación anormal de tau, una característica prominente del cerebro con EA, decrece su habilidad de unión a los microtúbulos, pudiendo desestabilizar los microtúbulos y causar daño celular. Un grupo heterogéneo de péptidos Aβ monoméricos de entre 37 a 43 aminoácidos se genera a partir de la proteína precursora amiloide transmembrana (APP) por el corte mediado por las secretasas β y ץ. El monómero tiene una alta tendencia a autoagregarse formando agregados grandes y fibrillas. In vivoexiste una sopa de oligómeros de Aβ consistiendo de una gran variedad de formas intercambiables rápidamente, que difieren en tamaño, conformación, desorden intrínseco y toxicidad. Evidencia creciente sugiere que las formas más dañinas de los péptidos del amiloide β son los oligómeros solubles y que los depósitos amorfos e insolubles o fibrilares representan una forma inactivada menos peligrosa del péptido. Varios mecanismos han sido propuestos para explicar las anormalidades en la EA, incluyendo la toxicidad por Aβ, deficiencias del transporte axónico y el estrés oxidativo.

Abstract:Alzheimer disease (AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with cognitive decline and is the most common form of dementia in the enderly. A large number of factors has been associated with increased risk of AD, however, age represents, by far, the single greatest risk factor in the etiology of AD. The strongest common genetic variant for typical late-onset AD is apoliprotein E (APOE). Rare mutations in three genes have been implicated in familial early-onset disease: APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2.Extracellular amyloid plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) are two major hallmark lesions of this fatal pathology.Tau protein is involved in microtubule assembly and stabilization. Abnormal phosphorylation of tau, a prominent feature of AD brain, decreases its microtubule binding ability, which may destabilize microtubules and results in cellular damage.A heterogeneous pool of monomeric Aβ peptide varying in length from 37 to 43 amino acids is generated from the transmembrane amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β- and ץ-secretase-mediated cleavage. The Aβ monomer has a high tendency to self-assemble into large aggregates and fibrils.A diverse "Aβ oligomeric soup" exists, consisting of a large variety of rapidly exchangeable polymorphs that differ in size, conformation, intrinsic disorder, and toxicity.Growing evidence suggests that the most detrimental forms of amyloid β peptides are the soluble oligomers and that the insoluble amorphous or fibrillar deposits represent a less harmful inactivated form of the peptide.Several mechanisms have been proposed to account for abnormalities in AD, including Aβ toxicity, axonal transport deficiencies, and oxidative stress.

On cognitive ecology and the environmental factors that promote Alzheimer disease: lessons from Octodon degus (Rodentia: Octodontidae)

Cognitive ecologist posits that the more efficiently an animal uses information from the biotic and abiotic environment, the more adaptive are its cognitive abilities. Nevertheless, this approach does not test for natural neurodegenerative processes under field or experimental conditions, which may recover animals information processing and decision making and may explain, mechanistically, maladaptive behaviors. Here, we call for integrative approaches to explain the relationship between ultimate and proximate mechanisms behind social behavior. We highlight the importance of using the endemic caviomorph rodent Octodon degus as a valuable natural model for mechanistic studies of social behavior and to explain how physical environments can shape social experiences that might influence impaired cognitive abilities and the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease. We consequently suggest neuroecological approaches to examine how key elements of the environment may affect neural and cognitive mechanisms associated with learning, memory processes and brain structures involved in social behavior. We propose the following three core objectives of a program comprising interdisciplinary research in O. degus, namely: (1) to determine whether diet types provided after weaning can lead to cognitive impairment associated with spatial memory, learning and predisposing to develop Alzheimer disease in younger ages; (2) to examine if early life social experience has long term effects on behavior and cognitive responses and risk for development Alzheimer disease in later life and (3) To determine if an increase of social interactions in adult degu reared in different degree of social stressful conditions alter their behavior and cognitive responses.

Sleep, circadian rhythms, and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer Disease

Disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms are common symptoms of Alzheimer Disease (AD), and they have generally been considered as late consequences of the neurodegenerative processes. Recent evidence demonstrates that sleep-wake and circadian disruption often occur early in the course of the disease and may even precede the development of cognitive symptoms. Furthermore, the sleep-wake cycle appears to regulate levels of the pathogenic amyloid-beta peptide in the brain, and manipulating sleep can influence AD-related pathology in mouse models via multiple mechanisms. Finally, the circadian clock system, which controls the sleep-wake cycle and other diurnal oscillations in mice and humans, may also have a role in the neurodegenerative process. In this review, we examine the current literature related to the mechanisms by which sleep and circadian rhythms might impact AD pathogenesis, and we discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting these systems for the prevention of AD.

Stem cell therapy for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders: current status and future perspectives

Underlying cognitive declines in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are the result of neuron and neuronal process losses due to a wide range of factors. To date, all efforts to develop therapies that target specific AD-related pathways have failed in late-stage human trials. As a result, an emerging consensus in the field is that treatment of AD patients with currently available drug candidates might come too late, likely as a result of significant neuronal loss in the brain. In this regard, cell-replacement therapies, such as human embryonic stem cell- or induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cells, hold potential for treating AD patients. With the advent of stem cell technologies and the ability to transform these cells into different types of central nervous system neurons and glial cells, some success in stem cell therapy has been reported in animal models of AD. However, many more steps remain before stem cell therapies will be clinically feasible for AD and related disorders in humans. In this review, we will discuss current research advances in AD pathogenesis and stem cell technologies; additionally, the potential challenges and strategies for using cell-based therapies for AD and related disorders will be discussed.

Insulin resistance as a key link for the increased risk of cognitive impairment in the metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors that includes obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Accumulating evidence implies that MetS contributes to the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the factors connecting this association have not been determined. Insulin resistance (IR) is at the core of MetS and likely represent the key link between MetS and AD. In the central nervous system, insulin plays key roles in learning and memory, and AD patients exhibit impaired insulin signaling that is similar to that observed in MetS. As we face an alarming increase in obesity and T2D in all age groups, understanding the relationship between MetS and AD is vital for the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Recently, several diabetes therapies that enhance insulin signaling are being tested for a potential therapeutic benefit in AD and dementia. In this review, we will discuss MetS as a risk factor for AD, focusing on IR and the recent progress and future directions of insulin-based therapies.

Spatial distribution of deaths due to Alzheimer's disease in the state of São Paulo, Brazil / Distribuição espacial de óbitos por doença de Alzheimer no estado de São Paulo

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Alzheimer's disease is a common cause of dementia and identifying possible spatial patterns of mortality due to this disease may enable preventive actions. The objective of this study was to identify spatial distribution patterns of mortality due to Alzheimer's disease in the state of São Paulo. DESIGN AND SETTING: Ecological and exploratory study conducted in all municipalities in the state of São Paulo. METHODS: Data on Alzheimer's disease mortality in the state of São Paulo between 2004 and 2009 were obtained from DATASUS (the Department of Informatics in the Brazilian Ministry of Health). Death rates per 100,000 inhabitants were then calculated and spatial analysis was performed by constructing a death rate map, global Moran index and local Moran index, which were used to obtain the Moran map. The kernel technique was also applied. The Terra View 4.0.0 software was used. RESULTS: 13,030 deaths due to Alzheimer were reported in the state of São Paulo (rate of 5.33 deaths/100,000 inhabitants). São José do Rio Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Bauru and Araçatuba had higher rates. The Moran index was I = 0.085 (P < 0.002). The Moran map identified 42 municipalities that merit intervention and the kernel estimator identified a high density of deaths in the northwestern region of the state. CONCLUSION: Higher densities of deaths due to Alzheimer were concentrated more to the north and northwest of the state of São Paulo. It was possible to identify municipalities that have priority for interventions to reduce the death rates due to this disease. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A doença de Alzheimer é uma frequente causa de demência e a identificação de possíveis padrões espaciais da mortalidade por essa doença pode permitir ações preventivas. O objetivo do trabalho foi identificar padrões espaciais da distribuição da mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer no estado de São Paulo. DESENHO E LOCAL DE ESTUDO: Estudo ecológico e exploratório realizado em todos os municípios do estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Foram obtidos, do DATASUS (Departamento de Informática do SUS, Sistema Único de Saúde), dados sobre mortalidade por doença de Alzheimer, no estado de São Paulo entre 2004 e 2009. Foi calculada a taxa de óbitos por 100.000 habitantes e realizou-se a análise espacial, por meio da construção do mapa da taxa de óbitos, do índice global de Moran e do índice local de Moran, utilizado para a obtenção do Moran Map. Aplicou-se também a técnica de kernel. Foi utilizado o programa TerraView 4.0.0. RESULTADOS: Foram notificados 13.030 óbitos por Alzheimer no estado de São Paulo (taxa de 5,33 óbitos/100.000 habitantes). São José do Rio Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Bauru e Araçatuba apresentaram altas taxas. O índice de Moran encontrado foi I = 0.085 (P < 0,002). O Moran Map identificou 42 municípios que merecem intervenção e o estimador de kernel identificou alta densidade de óbitos na região noroeste do estado. CONCLUSÕES: Maiores densidades de óbitos por Alzheimer se concentraram mais ao norte e noroeste do estado de São Paulo. Foi possível identificar municípios que têm prioridade de intervenção para diminuição das taxas de óbitos por esta doença. .

Caregiver awareness of cerebrovascular risk of patients with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease in São Paulo: Brazil / Conhecimento dos cuidadores acerca do risco cerebrovascular de pacientes com síndrome demencial da doençade Alzheimer em São Paulo: Brasil

Background Proper control of cerebrovascular risk is essential to prevent cognitive change in dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective To investigate whether caregiver awareness to control cerebrovascular risk impacts the lifestyles of patients with AD. Methods Consecutive outpatients with AD were assessed for demographic features, Clinical Dementia Rating scores, cerebrovascular risk, pharmacotherapy, dietary therapy and practice of physical activities. Patients and caregivers were inquired on awareness of the importance of measures to control cerebrovascular risk. Chi-square test was employed for statistics, significance at ρ < 0.05. Results A total of 217 patients were included; whereas 149 caregivers (68.7%) were aware of the need to control cerebrovascular risk, only 11 patients (5.1%) simultaneously practiced physical activities and received pharmacological treatment and dietary therapy. Patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus were more likely to receive dietary therapy (ρ = 0.007). Male patients were more engaged in physical activities (ρ = 0.018). Patients in earlier AD stages exercised (ρ = 0.0003) and received pharmacological treatment more often (ρ = 0.0072). Caregiver awareness of the need to control cerebrovascular risk was higher when patients had hypertension (ρ = 0.024) and/or hypercholesterolemia (ρ = 0.006), and influenced adherence to dietary therapy (ρ = 0.002) and to pharmacological treatment (ρ = 0.001). Discussion Caregiver awareness of the need to control cerebrovascular risk has positive impacts for patients with AD.

Contexto O risco cerebrovascular é fundamental na etiologia da demência da doença de Alzheimer (DA), sendo importante seu controle adequado. Objetivo Investigar se o conhecimento dos cuidadores sobre o controle do risco cerebrovascular tem impacto sobre a saúde de pacientes com DA. Métodos Pacientes consecutivos com DA foram avaliados quanto a dados demográficos, Clinical Dementia Rating, risco cerebrovascular, tratamento farmacológico, dietoterapia e prática de atividades físicas. Pacientes e cuidadores foram questionados quanto à importância de medidas para controle do risco cerebrovascular. Chi-quadrado foi empregado na análise estatística, significância com ρ < 0,05. Resultados No total, 217 pacientes foram incluídos; enquanto 149 cuidadores (68,7%) conheciam a necessidade de controle do risco cerebrovascular, somente 11 pacientes (5,1%) simultaneamente praticavam exercícios e recebiam tratamento farmacológico e dietoterápico. Pacientes com hipertensão arterial e diabetes mellitus tinham maiores chances de receber dietotetapia (ρ = 0,007). Homens estavam mais engajados em atividades físicas (ρ = 0,018). Pacientes em estágios precoces da DA praticavam exercícios (ρ = 0,0003) e recebiam farmacoterapia mais frequentemente (ρ = 0,0072). O conhecimento dos cuidadores acerca do controle do risco cerebrovascular era maior quando os pacientes tinham hipertensão arterial (ρ = 0,024) e/ou dislipidemia (ρ = 0,006), e influenciou a adesão à dietoterapia (ρ = 0,002) e à farmacoterapia (ρ = 0,001). Conclusão O conhecimento dos cuidadores acerca do risco cerebrovascular tem impactos positivos para pacientes com DA.

Estado nutricional e consumo alimentar de pacientes brasileiros em diferentes estágios da doença de alzheimer: um estudo transversal / Nutritional status and food intake of Brazilian patients at various stages of Alzheimer's disease: a cross-sectional study

A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é caracterizada por distúrbios que podem comprometer a nutrição do paciente e causar perda de peso e deficiências nutricionais durante a doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o estado nutricional e o consumo alimentar de pacientes brasileiros com doença de Alzheimer em diferentes estágios da doença. A amostra foi composta por 30 indivíduos, com idade média de 77 anos, de ambos os sexos, com provável DA. Os indivíduos foram avaliados através de dados antropométricos, Mini Avaliação Nutricional (MAN), albumina sérica, Mini Exame do Estado Mental, e recordatório de 24 horas. Embora tenha sido encontrada uma diminuição no peso médio entre os estágios da doença (CDR1: 70,8±15,9 kg; CDR2: 61,4±15,7 kg; CDR3: 56,1± 8,4kg) conforme a progressão da doença, a diferença não foi significativa. Os parâmetros MAN e albumina sérica mostraram uma diminuição entre os estágios da doença (p = 0,042,p = 0,047, respectivamente), sendo que no estágio grave metade dos pacientes estava desnutrida e a outra metade em risco de desnutrição. De acordo com o índice de massa corporal, 23,3% dos pacientes estavam com sobrepeso. O valor nutricional da ingestão alimentar foi similar nos estágios de DA. Em conclusão, a maioria dos pacientes brasileiros com DA neste estudo apresentaram desnutrição, apesar de o consumo alimentar ter sido similar entre os estágios da doença, uma vez que não apresentou associação direta com a progressão da DA...

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by disorders that can impair the nutrition of the patient and lead to weight loss and nutritional deficits during the course of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status and food intake of Brazilian patients with Alzheimer's disease at 3 different stages of the disease. The sample consisted of 30 subjects of both genders, mean age 77 years, with probable AD. Subjects were assessed by collecting anthropometric data, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), serum albumin content, Mini Mental State Examination and 24-hour records of food and drink. Although a steady decrease in average weight was observed as the disease progressed (CDR1: 70.8±15.9 kg; CDR2: 61.4±15.7 kg; CDR3: 56.1± 8.4 kg), the differences were not significant. MNA and serum albumin both fell during the progression of the disease (p = 0.042; p = 0.047, respectively) and, at the severe stage, half the patients were found to be undernourished and the other half at risk of undernutrition. According to their body mass index, 23.3% of patients were overweight. The nutritional value of the food consumed was similar across the stages of AD. In conclusion, the majority of Brazilian patients with AD in this study exhibited cognitive decline and malnutrition. However, food intake was similar among the stages of the disease, thus having no direct association with the progression of AD...

Alzheimer's disease and periodontitis - an elusive link / A doença de Alzheimer e periodontite - um esquivo link

Alzheimer's disease is the preeminent cause and commonest form of dementia. It is clinically characterized by a progressive descent in the cognitive function, which commences with deterioration in memory. The exact etiology and pathophysiologic mechanism of Alzheimer's disease is still not fully understood. However it is hypothesized that, neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is marked by salient inflammatory features, characterized by microglial activation and escalation in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the affected regions. Studies have suggested a probable role of systemic infection conducing to inflammatory status of the central nervous system. Periodontitis is common oral infection affiliated with gram negative, anaerobic bacteria, capable of orchestrating localized and systemic infections in the subject. Periodontitis is known to elicit a "low grade systemic inflammation" by release of pro-inflammatory cytokines into systemic circulation. This review elucidates the possible role of periodontitis in exacerbating Alzheimer's disease. Periodontitis may bear the potential to affect the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Periodontitis shares the two important features of Alzheimer's disease namely oxidative damage and inflammation, which are exhibited in the brain pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Periodontitis can be treated and hence it is a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

A doença de Alzheimer é uma proeminente causa e a forma mais comum de demência. Caracteriza-se clinicamente por uma progressiva diminuição da função cognitiva, que tem início com a deterioração da memória. A exata etiologia e o mecanismo fisiopatológico da doença de Alzheimer ainda não são totalmente compreendidos. No entanto, postula-se que a neuroinflamação desempenhe um papel crucial na patogênese da doença de Alzheimer. A doença de Alzheimer é caracterizada por importantes características inflamatórias, assinalada pela ativação microglial e escalada dos níveis de citocinas pró-inflamatórias nas regiões afetadas. Estudos têm sugerido um provável papel de infecção sistêmica imbuída de estado inflamatório do sistema nervoso central. Periodontite é uma infecção oral comum associada a germes Gram-negativos, anaeróbios, capaz de orquestrar infecções localizadas e sistêmicas no paciente. É conhecida por suscitar um "baixo grau de inflamação sistêmica" pela liberação de citocinas pró-inflamatórias na circulação sistêmica. Esta revisão elucida o possível papel da periodontite no agravamento da doença de Alzheimer e pode ter o potencial de afetar o início e a progressão da doença de Alzheimer. Periodontite partilha as duas importantes características da doença de Alzheimer: dano oxidativo e inflamação, que estão presentes na patologia do cérebro com doença de Alzheimer. Periodontite pode ser tratada e, portanto, é um fator de risco modificável para a doença de Alzheimer.

Posterior cortical atrophy - a prototypical case of dementia beginning with visual symptoms: case report / Atrofia cortical posterior - um caso prototípico de demência iniciando com sintomas visuais: relato de caso

Dementia presenting with prominent higher order visual symptoms may be observed in a range of neurodegenerative conditions and is often challenging to diagnose. We describe a case of progressive dementia presenting with prominent visual cortical symptoms. A 55-year-old, right-handed, woman with early onset of visual impairment not associated with anterior visual pathology, presenting with dyslexia, visual agnosia, Balint's syndrome, and spatial disorientation. Ophthalmologists should consider this condition especially in presenile patients with slowly progressive higher-order visual symptoms. Although described in association with different conditions, it may also occur in Alzheimer disease.

As demências que se apresentam predominantemente com sintomas visuais associativos podem ser observadas em diferentes condições neurodegenerativas, sendo seu diagnóstico muitas vezes desafiador. Descrevemos um caso com demência progressiva que se apresentam com sintomas visuais proeminentes. Mulher de 55 anos, destra, com início precoce de déficits visuais não associados a patologia visual anterior, apresentando dislexia, agnosia visual, síndrome de Balint e desorientação espacial. Os oftalmologistas devem ter em mente essa condição especialmente em pacientes pré-senis com queixas visuais complexas e lentamente progressivas. Apesar de descritas em diferentes condições, pode ocorrer na doença de Alzheimer.