Drug Development.

Background: Impaired Aβ clearance plays a key role in the common, late-onset AD. Anti-Aβ immunotherapies are controversial, in part because of high rates of serious side effects including edema, microhemorrhages, and siderosis, highlighting the importance of the development of alternative Aβ clearance strategy. Here, we introduce a bioinspired nanoparticle named MG-PE3 crossing the human blood-brain barrier (BBB) and clearing Aβ with no adverse effect.

Drug Development.

Background: The Apolipoprotein E4 isoform (ApoE4), encoded by the APOE gene, stands out as the most influential genetic factor in late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). The ApoE4 isoform contributes to metabolic and neuropathological abnormalities during brain aging, with a strong correlation observed in APOE4-positive Alzheimer's disease cases between phosphorylated tau burden and amyloid deposition. Despite compelling evidence of APOE-mediated neuroinflammation influencing the progression of tau-mediated neurodegeneration, the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena remain largely unknown.

Drug Development.

Background: The spatiotemporal pattern of the spread of pathologically modified tau through brain regions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be explained by prion-like cell-to-cell seeding and propagation of misfolded tau aggregates. Hence, to develop targeted therapeutic antibodies, it is important to identify the seeding- and propagation-competent tau species. The hexapeptide VQIINK of tau is a critical region for tau aggregation, and K280 is acetylated in various tauopathies including AD.

Drug Development.

Background: Abnormal aggregation and accumulation of tau is a hallmark of tauopathy including Alzheimer's disease. Effective targeting of tau for therapeutic purposes requires a clear understanding of its epitope landscape with identification of a key pathogenic tau species. Despite numerous proposed and tested tau epitopes, ranging from the N-terminus to the microtubule-binding region and C-terminus, the most effective target remains elusive.

Drug Development.

Background: Cyclin Y (CCNY) is a member of cyclin protein family inhibiting long-term synaptic plasticity, which is related to the learning and memory function in neuronal system. Recently, CCNY has been reported to associate with the cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Method: In this study, we discovered PFTAIRE peptide to diminish CCNY protein level and to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in AD.

Drug Development.

Background: As amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregates are considered as the biomarkers and key factors in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, there has been extensive investigation into Aβ-targeting compounds for the development of diagnostics and drug discovery related to the disorder. However, the polymorphic and heterogenous nature of Aβ aggregates impedes the structural understanding of their structure. Consequently it is a major challenge to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic development of AD and to study the mechanism of Aβ-targeting compounds.

Drug Development.

Background: The accumulation of amyloidogenic proteins is recognized as a primary biomarker, initiator of pathology, and a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD). An unbiased screening of a small molecule library was conducted to identify new chemical compounds exhibiting amyloid-dissociative properties.

Method: The ability of aryloxypropanolamine derivatives to dissociate amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregates was evaluated through in vitro assays.

Drug Development.

Background: Previously, we demonstrated therapeutic benefits following intraperitoneal delivery of the TGR5 agonist HY209 in 5xFAD, a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Given the desirability of a more acceptable administration route for prolonged AD treatment, we assessed the efficacy of HY209 via oral delivery. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic potential of NuCerin, an oral formulation of HY209, in the aforementioned AD model, while simultaneously identifying potential blood biomarkers indicative of NuCerin's therapeutic action.

Drug Development.

Background: Elevation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau is a feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is being explored as a biomarker of AD and other tauopathies. The aim of this study was to elucidate the in vivo effects of DA-7503, a potent and selective tau aggregation inhibitor, and its pharmacodynamics on CSF tau in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and primary tauopathies.

Method: TauP301L-BiFC mice expressing full-length human tau with the P301L mutation were orally administrated with DA-7503 for 1 month.

Drug Development.

Background: Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), along with amyloid beta plaque, are neuropathological aggregates of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Hyperphosphorylated tau is responsible for the NFTs formation and further neurodegeneration in AD. The hippocampal region and the entorhinal cortex (EC) have been a major focus of AD research because the deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau protein and NFT in these regions are correlated with memory deficits.

Drug Development.

Background: Recent preclinical studies have revealed a significant reduction in amyloid-β plaques and pro-inflammatory cytokines in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse models following low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT). This phase II, multicenter, prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial (NCT05635968, funding from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power: Grant No. A21IP11) aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of whole-brain LDRT in patients with AD.

Drug Development.

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), have been long thought to be independent of the peripheral immune system, but their pathogenesis status is functionally influenced by various T cell subsets in the periphery. Especially Treg cells are emerging as an important dynamic population in the brain, but the detailed immunological molecular and cellular processes are poorly characterized METHOD: We reported that the cell surface protein Lrig1 is enriched in Treg cells and is an essential regulator of the functions of Treg cells in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate the functional importance of Treg cells in AD pathogenesis, the modulating mAb specific to Lrig1 (GTC 310-01) via intravenous injection route was administered into 5xFAD or 6xTg mice, the genetic mouse model of AD, and the various AD symptoms were investigated.

Drug Development.

Background: Anethum graveolans commonly known as Dill is an herb from celery family displaying anti-oxidant benefits. The present study focused on the potential of Anethum graveolans as a multifunctional curative remedy for AD treatment.

Method: Hexane (H) and ethyl acetate (EA) extracts of Dill were prepared and subjected to GC-MS for identification of important bioactive components.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive emerging tool to modulate brain activities and functional connectivity in various neuropsychiatric disorders. rTMS combined with cognitive training (rTMS-COG) has been showing cognitive enhancing effects compared to those of placebo in mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) in some previous studies. However, there is not much research to conclude how much each rTMS or COG contributes to therapeutic cognitive effects.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Caring for people with dementia can be demanding and challenging, requiring constant support and attention. Family caregivers often experience high-stress levels, depression, and overall strain. To enhance the quality of life of family caregivers, it is crucial to use accurate measurement tools to identify their needs.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Long-term care hospitals are the main healthcare setting for the growing population with dementia in South Korea. Despite various deficiencies (e.g.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Sleep directly affects daily life, and lack of sleep affects cognitive function and mental health. So, this study analyzed the performance structures of daily activities affecting sleep using social network analysis.

Methods: The subjects were 313 people over 50 years old.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Combined cognitive training and physical activity has been known to improve brain function. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether combined intervention affects the improvement of cognitive function in the community-dwelling elderly, and to determine if it improves physical function, such as motor speed and balance.

Method: The study was conducted among community-dwelling elderly aged 65 years.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Wandering is a common issue among individuals living with dementia. This behavior often leads to increased worry for family caregivers, as those with dementia are at a heightened risk of becoming lost. Location-tracking devices have potential as effective tools for providing independence to individuals living with dementia while reducing the risk of them getting lost.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: The aging population in rural areas is a unique health challenge. Older adults with cognitive decline are particularly vulnerable due to limited access to medical resources and health-related information, a disparity more pronounced in rural compared to urban settings. This study investigates key factors influencing perceived decision-making competence for health behavior in this demographic.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Self-rated health status goes beyond a mere indicator of one's well-being, encompassing biological, social, and functional aspects. It has emerged as a significant variable in predicting mortality. Against this backdrop, understanding the impact of subjective health status on anxiety symptoms is crucial for individuals with dementia.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Older adults in rural areas often face the challenge of managing their health decisions due to limited access to medical services. Cognitive function, particularly the awareness and assessment of one's memory abilities, plays a significant role in the decision-making process. This study investigates the relationship between subjective memory ability and health-related decision-making among older adults in rural areas.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Exercise or cognitive interventions have already been sufficiently provided to the elderly, and their effectiveness has been proven. However, interventions in the context of promoting social interaction have not been well-implemented for the elderly, and few studies have considered the effectiveness of interaction mediation for the elderly. This study therefore sought to examine the effectiveness of interactive interventions by examining studies that provide interventions focusing on social interactions.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Dementia and visual impairment are both associated with reduced mobility and impaired functioning in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Cognitive deficits in older adults have more difficulties in performing daily tasks, increase the risk of fear of participation and may lead to injury (e.g.

Dementia Care Practice.

Background: Boosting shared decision-making (SDM) for individuals with dementia is a critical aspect of patient-centered care. This collaborative approach respects the autonomy and dignity of patients, even when they face challenges in communication or decision-making due to their medical condition. Understanding patients' values and preferences may be central to a successful SDM process.