Exercise priming with transcranial direct current stimulation: a study protocol for a randomized, parallel-design, sham-controlled trial in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive type of brain stimulation that uses electrical currents to modulate neuronal activity. A small number of studies have investigated the effects of tDCS on cognition in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and have demonstrated variable effects. Emerging evidence suggests that tDCS is most effective when applied to active brain circuits.

The potential roles of excitatory-inhibitory imbalances and the repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor in aging and aging-associated diseases.

Disruptions to the central excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) balance are thought to be related to aging and underlie a host of neural pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease. Aging may induce an increase in excitatory signaling, causing an E/I imbalance, which has been linked to shorter lifespans in mice, flies, and worms. In humans, extended longevity correlates to greater repression of genes involved in excitatory neurotransmission.

Efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation on global cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have shown some promise in improving cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its prodromal stage, mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, data from clinical trials involving NIBS have shown inconsistent results. This meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of NIBS, specifically repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) compared to sham stimulation on global cognition and NPS in people with AD and MCI.

The association between placebo arm inclusion and adverse event rates in antidepressant randomized controlled trials: An examination of the Nocebo Effect.

Background: Antidepressant efficacy is influenced by patient expectations and, in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the probability of receiving a placebo. It is unclear whether tolerability demonstrates a similar pattern. This study aimed to determine whether study design influences adverse event (AE) rates in antidepressant trials for subjects receiving active treatment or placebo.

Evidence-based umbrella review of 162 peripheral biomarkers for major mental disorders.

The literature on non-genetic peripheral biomarkers for major mental disorders is broad, with conflicting results. An umbrella review of meta-analyses of non-genetic peripheral biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia, including first-episode psychosis. We included meta-analyses that compared alterations in peripheral biomarkers between participants with mental disorders to controls (i.

Antidepressant-placebo differences for specific adverse events in major depressive disorder: A systematic review.

Background: Adverse events (AEs) are known to occur while patients are treated with placebos, part of the so-called nocebo effect. Yet evidence is limited regarding the likelihood that specific AEs occurring with antidepressant treatment are or are not due to nocebo effects.

Methods: This study identified 56 placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antidepressant monotherapy for adults with major depressive disorder that reported AE rates in sufficient detail for comparison.

A Pilot Study Comparing Effects of Bifrontal Versus Bitemporal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer Disease.

Objective: While transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance aspects of memory in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer disease (AD), there has been wide variability in both the placement of tDCS electrodes and treatment response. This study compared the effects of bifrontal (anodal stimulation over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortices), bitemporal (anodal stimulation over the temporal cortices), and sham tDCS on cognitive performance in MCI and AD.

Methods: Seventeen patients diagnosed with MCI or mild AD received 3 sessions of anodal tDCS (bifrontal, bitemporal, 2 mA for 20 minutes; and sham) in random order.

Sleep and Attention in Alzheimer's Disease.

Individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) present with a wide variety of symptoms, including sleep disruption and sleep disorders. Conversely, disordered sleep has been associated with an increased risk of developing AD. Both conditions individually have adverse effects on attention, which can be further divided into selective, sustained, divided, and alternating attention.

Using transcranial direct current stimulation to treat symptoms in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has recently been investigated as a potential nonpharmacological treatment for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). A comprehensive literature search was performed on tDCS studies published until March 2017 using MEDLINE, Embase and PsychINFO databases. 12 articles with a total of 202 MCI or AD participants were included.

Peripheral inflammatory markers in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 175 studies.

Objectives: Increasing evidence suggests that inflammation is involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. This study quantitatively summarised the data on peripheral inflammatory markers in patients with AD compared with healthy controls (HC).

Methods: Original reports containing measurements of peripheral inflammatory markers in AD patients and HC were included for meta-analysis.

Prevalence, neurobiology, and treatments for apathy in prodromal dementia.

Background: Apathy, characterized by diminished motivation, is a highly prevalent neuropsychiatric symptom in dementia. However, there is a substantial knowledge gap with regard to prevalence rates, neurobiological underpinnings, and effective treatments for apathy in pre-dementia states, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild behavioral impairment (MBI).

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases to identify available research on apathy in prodromal dementia.

The Effect of Exercise Training on Resting Concentrations of Peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): A Meta-Analysis.

Background: The mechanisms through which physical activity supports healthy brain function remain to be elucidated. One hypothesis suggests that increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediates some cognitive and mood benefits. This meta-analysis sought to determine the effect of exercise training on resting concentrations of BDNF in peripheral blood.

Evidence for Inflammation-Associated Depression.

This chapter explores the evidence supporting inflammation-associated depression. Data to date suggest a bidirectional relationship between inflammation and depression wherein one process can drive the other. A wealth of animal and clinical studies have demonstrated an association between concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines - specifically interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α - and depressive symptoms.

Pharmacological Management of Agitation and Aggression in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review of Current and Novel Treatments.

Agitation and aggression are common neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and are highly prevalent in people with dementia. When pharmacological intervention becomes necessary, current clinical practice guidelines recommend antipsychotics, cholinesterase inhibitors, and some antidepressants. However, those interventions have modest to low efficacy, and those with the highest demonstrated efficacy have significant safety concerns.

Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Agitation and Aggression in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is frequently associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) such as agitation and aggression, especially in the moderate to severe stages of the illness. The limited efficacy and high-risk profiles of current pharmacotherapies for the management of agitation and aggression in AD have driven the search for safer pharmacological alternatives. Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of medications that target the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Towards a "metabolic" subtype of major depressive disorder: shared pathophysiological mechanisms may contribute to cognitive dysfunction.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is frequently associated with significant cognitive dysfunction. Furthermore, MDD is often co-morbid with obesity and metabolic disorders. The aim of this review is to evaluate the pathophysiological role obesity and co-morbid metabolic disorders may play in cognitive dysfunction associated with MDD.