The Absence of Myelin Basic Protein Reduces Non-Amyloidogenic Processing of Amyloid Precursor Protein.

Background: The accumulation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in the brain is a pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ peptides originate from amyloid precursor protein (APP). APP can be proteolytically cleaved through amyloidogenic or non-amyloidogenic pathways.

Effects of Ferulic Acid and Extract (Feru-guard) on Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Prospective Trial.

We conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective trial examining a supplement containing ferulic acid and extract (Feru-guard) for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In the intention-to-treat population, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were significantly better at 24 weeks ( = 0.041) in the active group.

Homocysteic Acid in Blood Can Detect Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Preliminary Study.

Background: In the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is thought to be most effective to intervene at the earliest and mildest stages. For diagnosis at the earliest and mildest stages, it is desirable to use a biomarker that can be detected by a minimally invasive, cost-effective technique. Recent research indicates the potential clinical usefulness of plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) biomarkers in predicting brain Aβ burden at an individual level.

Development of a novel convenient Alzheimer's disease assessment scale, the ABC Dementia Scale, using item response theory.

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the interrater reliability and construct the validity of a novel, convenient informant-based Alzheimer's disease assessment scale to prepare its final version.

Methods: For the assessment, site investigators, co-medicals and, if available, medical staff other than doctors or co-medicals interviewed study informants to assess individuals using this scale. We then analyzed the interrater reliability and construct validity using factor analysis and item response characteristics.

Comparing intracerebral hemorrhages associated with direct oral anticoagulants or warfarin.

Objectives: This cross-sectional survey explored the characteristics and outcomes of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)-associated nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) by analyzing a large nationwide Japanese discharge database.

Methods: We analyzed data from 2,245 patients who experienced ICHs while taking anticoagulants (DOAC: 227; warfarin: 2,018) and were urgently hospitalized at 621 institutions in Japan between April 2010 and March 2015. We compared the DOAC- and warfarin-treated patients based on their backgrounds, ICH severities, antiplatelet therapies at admission, hematoma removal surgeries, reversal agents, mortality rates, and modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge.

Effect of ninjin'yoeito, a Kampo (traditional Japanese) medicine, on cognitive impairment and depression in patients with Alzheimer's disease: 2 years of observation.

Background: Only a few approved drugs are capable of alleviating the cognitive and behavioural symptoms of people living with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In recent years, however, the number of studies examining the clinical effects of herbal medicines on cognitive function in patients with AD has increased considerably. This study evaluated the long-term effects of a traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo medicine) known as ninjin'yoeito (NYT) on cognitive impairment and mood status in patients with AD over a 2-year period.

Selective neuronal damage and chronic hemodynamic cerebral ischemia.

Objective: In atherothrombotic internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusive disease, chronic hemodynamic compromise may increase the risk for cerebral ischemic damage. To determine whether selective neuronal damage demonstrated as a decrease in central benzodiazepine receptor (BZR) in the normal-appearing cerebral cortex is associated with increased oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) (misery perfusion).

Methods: We measured BZR and OEF using positron emission tomography in 105 nondisabled patients with atherothrombotic internal carotid artery or MCA occlusive disease and no cortical infarction.

Hitchcock's experimental series of foetal implants for Parkinson's disease: co-grafting ventral mesencephalon and striatum.

Following 4 previous experimental series of foetal implants (mesencephalon) to treat patients with Parkinson's disease subjects (N7) in the fifth series were treated with co-grafts of foetal mesencephalon and striatum implanted stereotactically into the caudate nucleus bilaterally. The clinical outcome, better than in the previous series, included improvements lasting through 18 months follow-up in activities of daily living, clinical neurological motor examination, timed motor tasks, and dyskinesia-with reduction in the patients' need for dopaminergic medication.