Publications by authors named "R Nitrini"

Hypertension, a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, is linked to late-life neurocognitive disorders such as vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study explores the associations between hypertension, intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD), cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), and Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change (ADNC) in a large community-based autopsy study. This cross-sectional study used data from the Biobank for Aging Studies of the University of São Paulo Medical School.

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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.

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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.

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Background: Antihypertensives (AHD) can influence cerebral autoregulation (CA) and attenuate hypertrophic concentric remodelling of arterioles. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between AHD, CA and structural and functional properties of cerebral arteries.

Methods: In this observational, cross-sectional study 115 volunteers were divided in group 1 (non-hypertensive) [n = 30]; group 2 (hypertensive with systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 140 and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] < 90 mmHg) [n = 54]; group 3 (hypertensive with SBP ≥ 140 or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg) [n = 31] and simultaneous measurements of systemic blood pressure (BP) and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (CBFV) were obtained from digital plethysmography and transcranial Doppler.

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Based on my work as a clinical neurologist with more than 50 years of experience in caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), I focus, in this review article, on the disease's two fundamental aspects for the doctor: diagnosis and treatment. The 1984 diagnostic criteria had been stable for more than a quarter of a century when it was replaced in 2011. Since then, there have been many discoveries, especially of biomarkers that have a heavy impact on the diagnosis of AD.

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