Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: The Brazilian population has been experiencing an increase in the number of older adults, with a simultaneous rise in the incidence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Telomeres are structures located at the ends of chromosomes that maintain the structural integrity of the chromosome. There is a shortage of studies correlating telomeres and cognition.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Prior research investigating sex and racial differences in amyloid pathology burden has yielded inconsistent findings. We examined the impact of sex and other confounding factors on neuritic plaque burden and cognitive outcomes.

Method: This study included 1,857 individuals, with post-mortem brain tissues, from the Biobank for Aging Studies of the University of São Paulo Medical School, collected from 2004-2023.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Recent studies have suggested a transient glucose hypermetabolism in early phases of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), which is followed by a characteristic glucose hypometabolism in dementia stages. This phenomenon desveres further investigation and it is suggested to be associated to glial/inflammatory or compensatory neuronal responses. Here, we aimed to longitudinally investigate brain glucose metabolism in an AD animal model and explore associated cellular and inflammatory changes.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism contributes to the increase of cerebral vascular diseases, favoring the development of dementia. In this sense, high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are considered protective against the outcomes associated with cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the effect of plasma HDL levels to alterations of cerebral volume in non-vascular AD and vascular AD individuals.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: In recent years, researchers have linked epigenetic factors to numerous diseases, one of them being Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Those factors may lead to the disease but also serve as a path for new treatments and prevention methods.

Method: A wide selection of articles in the PubMed platform that focused on epigenetics, Alzheimer's Disease, and correlating aspects among them were reviewed.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau tangles in the brain, and neurotransmission dysfunctions. Indeed, our group recently demonstrated that the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system is vulnerable to AD pathology in humans. However, whether this vulnerability is also present in AD rodent models is still unknown.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying selective neuronal vulnerability is crucial for developing effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our group has shown that RORB/CDH9-positive excitatory neurons in the entorhinal cortex (EC) display selective vulnerability as early as Braak stage (BB) 2. However, not all RORB/CDH9-positive neurons are vulnerable.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Excessive dietary fat is not only a risk factor for metabolic disorders but also for premature cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Recent findings from our study revealed that even a few days of a high-fat diet (HFD) are sufficient to disrupt hippocampal bioenergetics, activate microglia, and induce cognitive decline in mice. We hypothesize that microglia, rather than merely responding to diet-induced damage, play a critical role in disrupting synaptic homeostasis.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: The increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly among women post-menopause, is linked to the decline in 17 β estradiol (E2). Vitamin D deficiency, common in older individuals, exacerbates this risk due to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Hypovitaminosis D is associated with age-related conditions, including cognitive decline.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Transactive DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) proteinopathy is associated with neurodegeneration, including LATE and linked to cognitive deterioration. While some research suggests a higher prevalence of TDP-43 in women, no differences have been identified among racial groups. Nonetheless, the influence of gender on cognition within the context of TDP-43 remains uncertain.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Pneumococcal meningitis is a type of meningitis that may face long-term neurological complications, leading to the hypothesis that it might contribute to the deposition of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and predispose individuals to Alzheimer's pathology.

Method: Male and female APP/PS1 mice, 50 days old, were divided into control (n = 5) and meningitis (n = 6). Under anesthesia, an intracisternal injection of either artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a placebo or 5 × 10 colony-forming units (CFU) of S.

The True Appearance Behind Satisfaction in Young Women: A Study Using Stereophotogrammetry and FACE-Q.

This cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate the relationship between satisfaction with facial appearance among young women, as measured by the FACE-Q tool, and facial asymmetry quantified through stereophotogrammetry. A total of 50 women aged 18 to 30 years with a normal body mass index were recruited for the study. Participants were categorized as either symmetrical or asymmetrical based on facial asymmetry assessments obtained through clinical examination and stereophotogrammetry using the Vectra M3 system.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: The salience network (SN) functions as a dynamic switch between the default mode network (DMN) and the frontoparietal network (FPN), aligning with salience and cognitive demand. Dysfunctions in SN activity within the cognitive and affective domains are linked to a wide range of deficits and maladaptive behavioral patterns in various clinical disorders. Emotion recognition is pivotal in social interactions and can be affected in neurodegenerative disorders.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a cognitive decline that is greater than expected for an individual's age and level of education, but which does not interfere with functionality. It may be divided into amnestic (when it predominantly affects memory) and non-amnestic (other cognitive domains). One of the cognitive functions that may be affected by MCI is language.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Families with a history of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) may have a genetic predisposition that raises the risk of developing the condition. However, not all members of these families can undergo genetic testing. Thus, this study aims to evaluate specific cognitive changes, neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), and personality traits that may act as early indicators of AD in family members compared to controls.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are core features of AD and depression is a common co-morbidity in people with AD, affecting overall outcomes and decreasing quality of life.

Method: 205 outpatients with the diagnosis of AD conforming criteria proposed by NINCDS-ADRDA (2011), followed-up at a public university hospital, had their Geriatrics Depression Scale - 15 (GDS -15) and MMSE scores evaluated.

Results: 125 patients (60,97%) were diagnosed with depression and 80 patients (39,03%) were not diagnosed with depression.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Motor performance is related to executive function, especially in dual tasks conditions. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the results of Timed "Up and Go" test with and without dual task in older people with and without cognitive impairment according to verbal fluency test.

Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 291 elderly people attended by the Basic Health Unit of the city of Santos, São Paulo, Brazil.

Rare Mandibular Surgical Ciliated Cysts: First Case Reported in a Brazilian.

This reported case represents the first well-documented mandibular surgical ciliated cyst, following orthognathic surgery consisting of a combination of Le Fort I bimaxillary and sagittal osteotomy concomitantly with genioplasty, reported in a Brazilian patient. A case of 43-year-old female presenting a mandibular surgical ciliated cyst after 16 years of an orthognathic surgery, consisting of a combination of Le Fort I osteotomy and genioplasty, is reported. The cystic lesion was enucleated, and the histopathological analysis showed a cystic cavity lined by pseudostratified columnar respiratory-type epithelium presenting ciliated and mucous cells supported by fibrous connective tissue without inflammation.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Scientific investigations underscore the cognitive, psychological, and social benefits of cognitive stimulation for aged individuals, yet rigorous long-term studies remain limited.

Method: This abstract outlines the methods and initial participant characteristics of a controlled, randomized clinical trial on cognitive stimulation. A total of 578 aged individuals responded to the study call, with 362 meeting eligibility criteria.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: This study investigated the effects of cognitive stimulation on older adults over 18 months through a randomized clinical trial with 190 participants divided into Training Group (TG), Active Control Group (ACG), and Passive Control Group (PCG). Initial sociodemographic characterization (Table 1) ensured homogeneity among the groups. The clinical trial design aimed to assess the long-term impacts of multicompartment cognitive stimulation on the cognitive function of older adults in the TG.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: There is a lack of research on differences between decision-making capacity and awareness according to age at onset of dementia. We investigated the relationship between decision-making capacity and awareness domains in people with young- (YOAD) and late-onset Alzheimer´s Disease (LOAD).

Method: A cross-sectional study included 169 consecutively selected people with AD and their caregivers (124 people with LOAD and 45 people with YOAD).

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Post-Covid syndrome has been associated to enduring impairments in functionality, cognition, mood and physical capabilities among older adults.

Methods: The objective was to prospectively evaluate clinical, cognitive and functional impairments in elderly people at 3 and 12 months after the diagnosis of Covid-19. Prospective cohort study of participants aged 60 years and over after a Covid-19 diagnosis.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Cognitive assessments are essential for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. However, existing tests are mostly developed in English-speaking cohorts. Hence, their application in multilingual populations will need translation which may affect their test psychometrics.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Spatial orientation involves egocentric and allocentric strategies that switch in the brain. Disturbances in switching may indicate Neurocognitive Disorders, which contribute to early detection of Alzheimer's Disease. The "Ego-Allo-Switching Task" (EAST) needs to be adapted for cross-cultural use in Brazil.

Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Recent studies have shown that patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Increased genetic risk for ADHD, measured with ADHD polygenic risk scores (ADHD-PRS), was associated with a more severe AD presentation, including worse cognitive function and higher tau pathology. Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) are common in AD and are hypothesized to occur with disease progression.