Validation of a Simplified Tissue-to-Reference Ratio Measurement Using SUVR to Assess Synaptic Density Alterations in Alzheimer Disease with [C]UCB-J PET.

Simplified methods of acquisition and quantification would facilitate the use of synaptic density imaging in multicenter and longitudinal studies of Alzheimer disease (AD). We validated a simplified tissue-to-reference ratio method using SUV ratios (SUVRs) for estimating synaptic density with [C]UCB-J PET. Participants included 31 older adults with AD and 16 with normal cognition.

Aging gene signature of memory CD8 T cells is associated with neurocognitive functioning in Alzheimer's disease.

Background: Memory CD8 T cells expand with age. We previously demonstrated an age-associated expansion of effector memory (EM) CD8 T cells expressing low levels of IL-7 receptor alpha (IL-7Rα) and the presence of its gene signature (i.e.

Behavioral symptomatology and psychopharmacology of Lewy body dementia.

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is an umbrella term for major neurocognitive disorders caused by Lewy body pathology. Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are the two main syndromes in LBD. LBDs typically present with cognitive impairment, cholinergic deficiency, neuropsychiatric symptoms such as visual hallucinations and paranoid delusions, as well as parkinsonian symptoms.

Evidence for using pimavanserin for the treatment of Parkinson's disease psychosis.

The aim of this editorial is to evaluate the evidence for using pimavanserin for the treatment of Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We only identified two published trials that evaluated the use of pimavanserin among individuals with PDP. Both studies found that pimavanserin improved psychotic symptoms among individuals with PDP when compared to placebo.

Personality and the risk factors for developing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: a narrative review.

Premorbid personality traits have been implicated as risk factors for the development of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), although there is a paucity of studies investigating this relationship. In this narrative review, a number of studies found that premorbid neuroticism has consistently been observed to have a significant association with the development of BPSD symptoms while premorbid conscientiousness, extraversion, openness and agreeableness may be protective factors against future BPSD symptoms. In conclusion, premorbid personality traits appear to affect the risk of BPSD symptoms among individuals with dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia: latest evidence and clinical implications.

Background: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) describes a cluster of neurocognitive syndromes that present with impairment of executive functioning, changes in behavior, and a decrease in language proficiency. FTD is the second most common form of dementia in those younger than 65 years and is expected to increase in prevalence as the population ages. This goal in our review is to describe advances in the understanding of neurobiological pathology, classification, assessment, and treatment of FTD syndromes.

Is there Progress? An Overview of Selecting Biomarker Candidates for Major Depressive Disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) contributes to a significant worldwide disease burden, expected to be second only to heart disease by 2050. However, accurate diagnosis has been a historical weakness in clinical psychiatry. As a result, there is a demand for diagnostic modalities with greater objectivity that could improve on current psychiatric practice that relies mainly on self-reporting of symptoms and clinical interviews.

A review of the relationship between proinflammatory cytokines and major depressive disorder.

Background: Determining etiological factors and reviewing advances in diagnostic modalities sensitive and specific to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is of importance in its evaluation and treatment. The inflammatory hypothesis is one of the most prevalent topics concerning MDD and may provide insight into the pathogenesis of depression, development of biomarkers, and ultimately production of more effective depression therapies.

Method: We reviewed several studies to evaluate contemporary concepts concerning proinflammatory cytokines and their relationship to various depressive disorders, the use of anti-inflammatory therapies in MDD treatment, and the application of neuroimaging in conjunction with cytokine profiles from both plasma and CSF as possible diagnostic tools.