Guidelines for the use and interpretation of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in clinical practice in Brazil: recommendations from the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology.

In recent years, the diagnostic accuracy of Alzheimer's disease has been enhanced by the development of different types of biomarkers that indicate the presence of neuropathological processes. In addition to improving patient selection for clinical trials, biomarkers can assess the effects of new treatments on pathological processes. However, there is concern about the indiscriminate and poorly supported use of biomarkers, especially in asymptomatic individuals or those with subjective cognitive decline.

Executive functions, mental health, and quality of life in healthy older adults.

Unlabelled: Population aging brings about numerous challenges, particularly concerning cognitive health. In this context, socioeconomic factors such as education have received special attention due to their role in brain health.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the performance of executive functions, mental health variables, and quality of life among healthy older adults in relation to their level of education.

Use of anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer's disease in Brazil: a position paper from the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology.

Novel therapies for Alzheimer's disease, particularly anti-amyloid drugs like lecanemab and donanemab, have shown modest clinical benefits but also significant risks. The present paper highlights the challenges of access to diagnosis, cost-effectiveness, safety, and the need for more representation of diverse populations in clinical trials. Recommendations include careful patient selection, risk-benefit analysis, and the importance of proven amyloid pathology for treatment.

Development of the Brazilian version of the Mini-Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination (M-ACE BR) to screen for cognitive impairment in older adults.

Background:  Age is the most important risk factor for develop dementia, and the recommendation is that older adults are cognitively tested to detect impairment in the initial stage for adequate treatment. The demand for the care of these older adults is great, drawing attention to the need for rapid tests, with good accuracy and simple application to identify cognitive impairment.

Objective:  To develop and validate the Brazilian Mini-Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination (M-ACE BR) as a short screening test for cognitive impairment in older adults.

Amyloid profile is associated with sleep quality in preclinical but not in prodromal Alzheimer's disease older adults.

Background: Few studies have assessed whether neuropathological markers of AD in the preclinical and prodromal stages are associated with polysomnographic changes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, case-control study of older adults (≥60 years) without relevant clinical and psychiatric comorbidities selected randomly from a cohort of individuals without dementia in a tertiary university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. They underwent neuropsychological evaluation for clinical diagnosis and were allocated into two samples: cognitively unimpaired (CU) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Young-Onset Alzheimer Dementia Due to a Novel Pathogenic Variant Initially Misdiagnosed as Autoimmune Encephalitis.

Objectives: Pathogenic variants in presenilin 1 are related to early-onset Alzheimer disease (AD) and may occur as de novo variants. In comparison with sporadic forms, it can present with psychiatric manifestations, seizures, myoclonus, and focal presentation. Because PSEN1 can occur in young patients who lack a family history of neurologic disorders and because these symptoms are also frequent in autoimmune encephalitis (AE), diagnosis may be overlooked.

Allostatic load measures in older adults with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment: A cross-sectional analysis from the Brazilian Memory and Aging Study.

Introduction: An increasing body of research suggests that stress and allostatic load are related to cognitive dysfunction and neurodegeneration.

Objectives: to determine the relationship between allostatic load (AL) and cognitive status in older adults classified with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methodology: Using the Brazilian Memory and Aging Study (BRAMS) database, we analyzed data from 57 older adults with SCD and MCI.

Advancements in dementia research, diagnostics, and care in Latin America: Highlights from the 2023 Alzheimer's Association International conference satellite symposium in Mexico City.

Introduction: While Latin America (LatAm) is facing an increasing burden of dementia due to the rapid aging of the population, it remains underrepresented in dementia research, diagnostics, and care.

Methods: In 2023, the Alzheimer's Association hosted its eighth satellite symposium in Mexico, highlighting emerging dementia research, priorities, and challenges within LatAm.

Results: Significant initiatives in the region, including intracountry support, showcased their efforts in fostering national and international collaborations; genetic studies unveiled the unique genetic admixture in LatAm; researchers conducting emerging clinical trials discussed ongoing culturally specific interventions; and the urgent need to harmonize practices and studies, improve diagnosis and care, and use affordable biomarkers in the region was highlighted.

Culturally adapted cognitive assessment tool for Indigenous communities in Brazil: Content, construct, and criterion validity.

Introduction: Initial dementia prevalence estimates have revealed a significant burden of the disease in Indigenous communities in Amazonas, Brazil. However, the need for culturally adapted cognitive tools poses a critical challenge when assessing cognitive performance in these communities. This study addressed this issue by culturally adapting and providing validity indicators for the Brazilian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (BRICA) tool in Manaus, Brazil's urban multiethnic Indigenous community.

Feasibility, safety, and adherence of a remote physical and cognitive exercise protocol for older women.

Background:  Population aging and the consequences of social distancing after the COVID-19 pandemic make it relevant to investigate the feasibility of remote interventions and their potential effects on averting functional decline.

Objective:  (1) To investigate the feasibility, safety, and adherence of a remote protocol involving physical and cognitive exercises for older women with normal cognition; (2) to examine its effects on cognitive and well-being variables.

Methods:  Twenty-nine women (age ≥ 60 years old) were randomized into experimental group (EG;  = 15) and control group (CG;  = 14).

Bearded capuchin monkeys as a model for Alzheimer's disease.

The absence of a natural animal model is one of the main challenges in Alzheimer's disease research. Despite the challenges of using nonhuman primates in studies, these animals can bridge mouse models and humans, as nonhuman primates are phylogenetically closer to humans and can spontaneously develop AD-type pathology. The capuchin monkey, a New World primate, has recently attracted attention due to its skill in creating and using instruments.

COVID-19 and Cognitive and Mental Health During Post-Infection Phase: A Study Among Middle-Aged and Older Indigenous Adults From Brazilian Amazons.

Objectives: To examine the rate of self-reported coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and its association with mental and cognitive health during the post-infection phase among middle-aged and older indigenous adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 141 individuals ≥50 and over from an urban indigenous community in Amazonas, Brazil. COVID-19 was deduced from self-reported infections.

Bearded capuchin monkey as a model for Alzheimer's disease research.

The absence of a natural animal model is one of the main challenges in Alzheimer's disease research. Despite the challenges of using non-human primates in studies, they can bridge mouse models and humans, as non-human primates are phylogenetically close to humans and can spontaneously develop AD-type pathology. The capuchin monkey, a New World primate, has recently attracted attention due to its skill in creating and using instruments.

The presence of depressive symptoms and cognitive performance among older individuals with and without self-reported chronic diseases.

Unlabelled: Dementias secondary to cardiovascular diseases are the second cause of neurogenerative diseases. These conditions can be prevented by controlling risk factors, and it is necessary to observe the relationship between chronic diseases.

Objective: to know the influence of chronic non-communicable diseases on cognition and depressive symptoms in the elderly, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cognitive profile of patients with and without speech impairment in Parkinson's disease.

Unlabelled: Cognitive functions have been the subject of studies evaluating the pathophysiological mechanism of speech control.

Objective: To compare the groups of patients with and without speech disorders with cognitive assessment, demographic, and clinical data (disease duration, functionality, and motor symptoms).

Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Openness and age influence cognitive progression: a longitudinal study.

Background: Some psychological and personality characteristics of individuals seem to determine behavioral patterns that are associated with better health throughout life and, consequently, prevent the progression of early cognitive changes to dementia.

Objective: To identify which individuals have modified cognitive ratings after 24 months of follow-up and correlating with personality traits.

Methods: One hundred and two volunteers were evaluated clinically and for personality characteristics and neuropsychological testing.

The (in)visible Brazilians: A perspective review on the need for brain health and dementia research with Brazilian immigrants in the United States.

Introduction: The Brazilian population in the United States (U.S.), a Latinx subgroup, is rapidly growing and aging but remains underrepresented in U.

A task force for diagnosis and treatment of people with Alzheimer's disease in Latin America.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a substantial burden to patients, their caregivers, health systems, and society in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This impact is exacerbated by limited access to diagnosis, specialized care, and therapies for AD within and among nations. The region has varied geographic, ethnic, cultural, and economic conditions, which create unique challenges to AD diagnosis and management.

Current clinical and research practices on frontotemporal dementia in Brazil: a national survey.

Background: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a frequent cause of young-onset dementia and represents a major challenge for the diagnosis and clinical management. It is essential to evaluate the difficulties faced by physicians on the diagnostic workup and on patient care.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the current practices and the local limits on the diagnosis and management of FTD in Brazil.

Follow-up of participants with subjective cognitive decline from Tremembé epidemiologic study, Brazil.

Unlabelled: Subjective cognitive decline is defined as a self-perceived cognitive decline but with normal performance in neuropsychological assessments.

Objective: To verify the evolution of patients diagnosed with subjective cognitive decline compared to the cognitively normal group without any concern.

Methods: This is a follow-up study based on data analysis from the Tremembé epidemiologic study, in Brazil.

Effects of cognitive interventions with video games on cognition in healthy elderly people: a systematic review.

Background: Currently, studies using video games as an intervention to improve cognitive functions in the elderly are on the rise.

Objective: To investigate and evaluate the effects of cognitive interventions using video games on cognition in healthy elderly people published in the last ten years.

Methods: A systematic review involving a qualitative analysis carried out between July and September 2021on the SciELO, LILACS and MEDLINE databases.

Latin American Initiative for Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline (LatAm-FINGERS): Study design and harmonization.

Introduction: Latin American Initiative for Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline (LatAm-FINGERS) is the first non-pharmacological multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) to prevent cognitive impairment in Latin America (LA). Our aim is to present the study design and discuss the strategies used for multicultural harmonization.

Methods: This 1-year RCT (working on a 1-year extension) investigates the feasibility of a multi-domain lifestyle intervention in LA and the efficacy of the intervention, primarily on cognitive function.

Subjective impacts of computerized cognitive training for healthy older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Computerized cognitive training programs may have benefited the self-assessment of memory, quality of life, and mood among older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Objective: To determine the subjective impacts of computerized cognitive training on mood, frequency of forgetfulness, memory complaints, and quality of life in the elderly using an online platform.

Methods: In total, 66 elderly participants of USP 60 + , a program for the elderly offered by Universidade de São Paulo, who voluntarily enrolled in the study were selected and randomized with an allocation ratio of 1:1 into 2 groups: the training group (n = 33) and the control group (n = 33).