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Bibliography on: Alzheimer Disease — Current Literature

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Robert J. Robbins is a biologist, an educator, a science administrator, a publisher, an information technologist, and an IT leader and manager who specializes in advancing biomedical knowledge and supporting education through the application of information technology. More About:  RJR | OUR TEAM | OUR SERVICES | THIS WEBSITE

RJR: Recommended Bibliography 04 Apr 2026 at 01:35 Created: 

Alzheimer Disease — Current Literature

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer's, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person's functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of daily living. Scientists don't yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer's disease in most people. There is a genetic component to some cases of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Late-onset Alzheimer's arises from a complex series of brain changes that occur over decades. The causes probably include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The importance of any one of these factors in increasing or decreasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's may differ from person to person. This bibliography runs a generic query on "Alzheimer" and then restricts the results to papers published in or after 2017.

Created with PubMed® Query: 2024:2026[dp] AND ( alzheimer*[TIAB] ) NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2026-04-02

Sande NV, Ahmed S, Deurse WV, et al (2026)

Association of tear fluid glutathione synthetase and glutathione levels with amyloid positivity.

Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-026-46738-w [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2026-04-02

Miao J, Wang J, Zhou W, et al (2026)

Small-molecule PCSK9 inhibition enhances BBB amyloid-β clearance and suppresses microglial inflammation in Alzheimer's disease models.

Scientific reports pii:10.1038/s41598-026-46671-y [Epub ahead of print].

Impaired amyloid-β (Aβ) clearance and chronic neuroinflammation are central drivers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression, yet therapeutic strategies targeting these processes remain limited. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) negatively regulates low-density lipoprotein receptor family members, including low-density lipoprotein receptor -related protein 1 (LRP1), a key mediator of blood-brain barrier (BBB) Aβ efflux, and has emerging roles in inflammatory signaling. In this study, to define the therapeutic relevance of PCSK9 inhibition in AD-like pathology, we examined SBC-115,076 in AlCl3-challenged zebrafish larvae and mechanistically validated its effects using complementary endothelial-microglial in vitro models. SBC-115,076 significantly improved locomotor behavior and sensorimotor responsiveness, reduced Aβ deposition and neuronal apoptosis, and normalized oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction, and neuroinflammatory markers in vivo. Mechanistically, SBC-115,076 downregulated endothelial PCSK9 and upregulated LRP1, thereby enhancing Aβ endocytosis, lysosomal trafficking, and selective brain-to-blood efflux across an in vitro BBB model. In parallel, SBC-115,076 suppressed Aβ-induced CD36/TLR4 signaling in microglia, attenuated M1-like activation, promoted M2-like polarization, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that small-molecule PCSK9 inhibition ameliorates AD-like pathology through coordinated enhancement of BBB-mediated Aβ clearance and suppression of microglial inflammatory amplification, highlighting PCSK9 as a multifaceted therapeutic target and supporting a BBB-oriented strategy for AD intervention.

RevDate: 2026-04-02
CmpDate: 2026-04-02

Sakakibara R, Yamamoto T, T Uchiyama (2026)

Urogenital dysfunction in neurological diseases.

Nature reviews. Neurology, 22(4):226-238.

Neural damage at any level of the neuraxis can lead to urogenital dysfunction, involving the lower urinary tract (LUT) and/or the sexual organs. The LUT consists of the bladder and the urethra (plus the prostate in males); LUT dysfunction can manifest as an underactive bladder, leading to urinary retention, or as an overactive bladder, leading to urinary incontinence. Manifestations of sexual dysfunction include loss of libido and dysfunction of erection, ejaculation and orgasm. In this Review, we address the physiology and innervation of the LUT and the sexual organs and discuss various aspects of urogenital dysfunction in CNS (brain and spinal cord) disorders including stroke, Alzheimer disease, white matter disease, normal-pressure hydrocephalus, Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and spina bifida. We also review advances in the management of urogenital dysfunction in patients with neurological disorders.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Hamaguchi T, Hamano T, Senoh T, et al (2026)

Early onset Alzheimer's disease with V180I variant of prion protein gene and a family history of dementia: a case report.

BMC neurology pii:10.1186/s12883-026-04865-x [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Hayat SZ, Saad M, Bukhari SR, et al (2026)

A Buffering Role of Perceived Social Support and Resilience between Caregiver Burden and Perceived Stress among Informal Caregivers of Dementia Elderly Patients.

BMC geriatrics pii:10.1186/s12877-026-07351-8 [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Leelahavarong P, Prawjaeng J, Angkab P, et al (2026)

Cost-utility analysis of cerebrospinal fluid versus blood biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment in Thailand: a modeling study.

BMC health services research pii:10.1186/s12913-026-14405-5 [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Chen L, Chen H, Wang G, et al (2026)

Family caregivers' perceptions of postoperative recovery experience following deep cervical lymphovenous anastomosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease: a qualitative study.

BMC nursing pii:10.1186/s12912-026-04573-4 [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Kato M, Isazawa A, Ohki A, et al (2026)

Functional sQTLs regulating PTK2B exon 31 splicing uncover an RNA-dependent modulation of its kinase activity and cellular phenotype.

Cell communication and signaling : CCS pii:10.1186/s12964-026-02835-x [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Minta K, Söderberg L, Gkanatsiou E, et al (2026)

MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) reveals molecular and structural heterogeneity of amyloid-β in sporadic Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome.

Acta neuropathologica communications pii:10.1186/s40478-026-02280-4 [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Kim B, Tate MD, Karahan H, et al (2026)

Deletion of SPI1 in microglia exacerbates amyloid pathology by impairing microglial response in Alzheimer's disease models.

Neuron pii:S0896-6273(26)00175-3 [Epub ahead of print].

Recent human genetic studies have highlighted the potential role of microglial genes and their regulatory functions in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The transcription factor PU.1 (encoded by SPI1) is expressed mainly in microglia in the central nervous system and has been reported to be a genetic risk factor for AD. However, the role of microglial SPI1 in AD etiology is still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the selective deletion of Spi1 in microglia exacerbates AD-related pathologies in an amyloid mouse model. Specifically, microglial Spi1 deletion increases amyloid deposition, gliosis, and dystrophic neurites while decreasing the microglial response to plaques. By combining proteomics and functional analyses, we reveal that the loss of microglial Spi1 impairs phagocytosis through Syk, Lyn, and Fcgr1. Furthermore, directly activating these genes rescues the impaired amyloid-beta (Aβ) uptake caused by Spi1 knockdown, unveiling the potential mechanism of SPI1 in amyloid pathology.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Dubnov S, Piran Z, Alper A, et al (2026)

Identifying maximally informative signal-aware representations of single-cell data using the information bottleneck.

Cell systems pii:S2405-4712(26)00053-0 [Epub ahead of print].

Rapid advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies revealed the richness of myriad attributes encompassing cell identity. However, the complexity of the data hinders tasks focusing on a specific biological signal. To address this challenge, we introduce bioIB, a framework based on the information bottleneck method, designed to extract an interpretable compressed representation of scRNA-seq data, optimally informative with respect to a specific biological signal, such as disease state. Provided with cellular labels representing the signal of interest, bioIB generates weighted gene clusters, termed metagenes, that compress the data while maximizing signal-specific information. Further, bioIB provides the hierarchical structure of the metagenes, revealing the interconnections between the corresponding biological processes and cellular populations, such as the developmental hierarchy of hematopoietic cell types. We showcase bioIB's applicability to diverse biological contexts, including Alzheimer's disease, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, immune development, and hematopoiesis, demonstrating diverse applications of optimally compressed multicellular representations.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Chen X, Chen J, Mu Y, et al (2026)

Application of Chinese Pre-trained Language Models in Early Detection of Cognitive Impairment: A Comparative Study Based on Spoken Text.

Current Alzheimer research pii:CAR-EPUB-154148 [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: Degenerative cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), impose a substantial burden on societies and families worldwide. Currently, no definitive treatments or curative medications exist, and the academic consensus emphasizes the critical importance of early detection and intervention to mitigate disease progression. With advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly the rapid evolution of Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies, novel approaches for the early identification of cognitive impairments have emerged. Text embeddings derived from Pre-Trained Language Models (PLMs) offer a promising means to classify spoken language samples, enabling objective assessment of cognitive status. However, research on the application of Chinese PLMs in this domain remains relatively scarce.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six representative Chinese Pre-Trained Language Models (PLMs) were used as feature extractors to generate text embeddings from transcribed spoken texts. The corpus included 45 healthy young adults, 46 elderly individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and 48 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). These embeddings were combined with four classic machine learning algorithms, Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forests (RF), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Logistic Regression (LR), to conduct classification experiments.

RESULTS: Results showed RoBERTa performed best, achieving 95.71% accuracy with SVM, followed by BERT. MacBERT, SimCSE, ERNIE, and BGE had decreasing performance. Among classifiers, SVM and LR outperformed RF and KNN.

DISCUSSION: The results of this study not only verify the strong ability of Chinese pre-trained language models in mining semantic degradation features but also indicate that traditional machine learning algorithms still have competitiveness in scenarios with small samples and high-dimensional data. Compared with traditional methods that rely on manually designed language features, the text embedding-based classification strategy in this study undoubtedly shows higher performance.

CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential of Chinese PLMs in facilitating early detection of cognitive impairment, providing a technical foundation for developing accessible screening tools for Chinese-speaking populations.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Huang Y, Zhu X, Yang S, et al (2026)

Digital Technology in Cognitive Decline: Bibliometric and Visualization Study.

Current Alzheimer research pii:CAR-EPUB-154169 [Epub ahead of print].

With an increasing prevalence of cognitive decline diseases around the world, digital technologies are becoming an important tool for their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In this study, we present a comprehensive bibliometric study on the application of these digital technologies in the field of cognitive decline. This study intends to examine the trends of development and research hotspots of digital technology in cognitive decline field by bibliometric analysis. The literature has been analyzed in a systematic way. Bibliometrix R-package and VOSviewer were used to investigate publication tendency, country contribution, scholar influence, and research hotspots. A total of 1661 articles from 2006 to 2023 were analyzed. Results show an exponential increase in the number of annual publications on digital technologies applications and cognitive decline. The top journals, by volume of publication, are Alzheimer's & Dementia, the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, and Neurology. The US is the dominant contributor of literature to this field, and the key countries for author impact include Greece, the USA, and Italy. Current research hotspots include virtual reality, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, based on analysis of keywords. This study characterizes the overall research progress and reveals research hotspots, trends, and the collaboration status among countries, on the utilization of digital technologies for cognitive decline. Moving forward, we call on researchers to increase developed/developing countries collaboration, to further implement digital technologies to counteract the public health burden of cognitive decline.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Mehrabadi S, S Samarghandian (2026)

Glymphatic System Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease: Insights into its Mechanisms, Diagnostic Imaging, and Therapeutic Perspectives: A Systematic Review.

Current Alzheimer research pii:CAR-EPUB-154212 [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: The glymphatic system, a perivascular network that facilitates cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-mediated clearance of metabolic waste, including amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, has emerged as a critical player in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Growing evidence suggests that an impaired glymphatic function may contribute to the onset and progression of AD by disrupting brain homeostasis and facilitating neurotoxic protein accumulation. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence from preclinical and clinical studies investigating the role of glymphatic system dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, with a focus on its imaging biomarkers, clearance mechanisms, cognitive implications, and therapeutic interventions.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies published up to June 2025. Thirteen eligible studies were included: five preclinical experiments, eight human imaging or biomarker studies, and one clinical trial protocol. All studies examined glymphatic system function in relation to Aβ or tau clearance, neuroimaging markers (e.g., DTI-ALPS, PVS, PET), cognitive outcomes, or therapeutic modulation (e.g., exercise, sensory stimulation).

RESULTS: Preclinical models demonstrate that impaired aquaporin-4 (AQP4) polarization and reduced CSF-interstitial fluid exchange promote Aβ accumulation and plaque formation. Human imaging studies consistently report reduced glymphatic activity in AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), often measured via diffusion MRI (ALPS index) and associated with increased amyloid burden, reduced cognitive performance, and altered sleep. Emerging interventions, such as aerobic exercise and 40 Hz gamma sensory stimulation, appear to enhance glymphatic clearance and reduce Aβ levels in experimental settings. A recently published trial protocol is currently evaluating the effects of exercise on glymphatic function in MCI/AD.

DISCUSSION: The current body of evidence supports a probable association between glymphatic dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease pathology. Disruption of perivascular clearance pathways may serve as an early biomarker of AD and a novel therapeutic target. Future longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to establish causal relationships and evaluate clinical applications.

CONCLUSION: Glymphatic system impairment plays a significant role in AD pathogenesis, contributing to the accumulation of neurotoxic proteins and cognitive decline. Therapeutic strategies targeting glymphatic function enhancement, such as lifestyle interventions and neuromodulation, hold promise for early prevention and disease modification.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Tzeng HM, Kuo YF, Pappadis MR, et al (2026)

A Qualitative Study of a Pilot of Clinician Perspectives on the Delivery of Medicare Annual Wellness Visits for Patients with Dementia in an Academic Health Science Center in Texas.

Health services insights, 19:11786329261432894.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about clinicians' perspectives on the process and outcomes of Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) in Medicare beneficiaries with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD).

OBJECTIVES: We sought clinicians' opinions on the impact of AWVs on health outcomes and disparity reduction for beneficiaries with MCI/ADRD.

DESIGN: Institute for Healthcare Improvement's 4Ms framework of an age-friendly health system informed the design of this qualitative study of a pilot.

METHODS: We used convenience sampling and recruited clinicians from a single academic-health-science center's catchment area in Texas, who billed for at least 1 AWV to participate in a one-time, one-on-one, semi-structured interview conducted via phone/Zoom. Participants verbally agreed to participate. This study met the federal regulations for a Quality Assessment project.

RESULTS: We interviewed 26 clinicians (17 female; 26 non-Hispanic, 12 White, 10 Asian, 4 Black; 16 in family medicine and 5 in internal medicine). Most agreed AWVs improve health outcomes (n = 23, 88.5%) and reduce health disparities for Medicare beneficiaries with MCI/ADRD (n = 20, 76.9%). The top three "what works" themes were: (1) non-primary care providers (eg, wellness nurses) streamline AWV delivery by screening patients, providing resources/support, and sharing abnormal findings with primary care providers (PCPs); (2) PCPs do AWVs themselves to be in alignment with issues identified; and (3) sufficient time allotted to learn what matters most to patients and caregivers. The top three "what does not work" themes were: (1) clinicians desire having a family caregiver present; (2) clinicians need the full hour for in-depth screenings and holistic care; and (3) clinics need on-site social workers to address nonmedical issues.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians agreed that AWVs helped improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities. Tailoring AWV components by MCI/ADRD stage will optimize the visit, maximize health outcomes, and decrease disparities in access to care.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Xiao Y, Spotorno N, An L, et al (2026)

Brain network dynamics determine tau presence while regional vulnerability governs tau load in Alzheimer's disease.

Research square pii:rs.3.rs-8687892.

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), tau pathology accumulates gradually throughout the brain, with clinical decline reflecting tau progression. A comprehensive understanding of, first, whether tau propagation is predominantly governed by connectome-based diffusion, regional vulnerability, or an interplay of both, and second, which types of brain connectivity or regional factors best explain tau propagation, remains crucial for advancing our understanding of AD progression. Here, we apply multi-scale, biologically informed disease progression simulations to human data, to disentangle the influence of local mechanisms on global tau progression patterns in AD. We find that whether tau reaches a brain region (presence) and how much tau accumulates there (load) are governed by different mechanisms. Tau presence patterns are highly consistent across the population, and can be largely explained through synaptic spread through white-matter networks and excitatory-inhibitory dynamics. Meanwhile tau load differs across people, and is driven by a combination of synaptic spread and intrinsic or extrinsic regional properties, including regional β-amyloid load, MAPT gene expression and regional blood flow. Finally, while distinct tau patterns in the population could each be explained by established AD mechanisms, our models highlight a role of distinct brain networks (parietal networks in MTL-sparing AD tau subtype) and neurotransmitter systems (cholinergic system in posterior subtype). Together, this work suggests that network dynamics likely determine the sequence of regional tau progression, while individual-specific tissue-vulnerability factors influence regional tau load.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Stites SD, Lee DS, Kuz C, et al (2026)

Repeated Administration of Social and Structural Determinants of Health (SSDOH) Questions in an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center: The Aging Brain Study (ABC) Life Experience Survey.

Sage open aging, 12:30495334261430788.

Social and structural determinants of health (SSDOH) must be measured longitudinally to understand how lived experiences shape trajectories of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). This study evaluated the feasibility of administering an SSDOH survey to cognitively unimpaired older adults, examining response consistency, changes over time, and missing data patterns. A follow-up survey was conducted with participants in the UPenn Alzheimer's Disease Research Center clinical cohort an average of 1.7 years after the initial survey. The 225-item questionnaire covered domains including education, social networks, and stressors. At follow-up, markers of feasibility included a 60% completion rate (81 of 135 participants), high item completion (>93%), and minimal missing data (<3% missed more than 10% of data). Logistic regression identified gender, social network size, and social readjustment experiences as predictors of nonrandom missingness. Response changes between administrations were likely due to ambiguity in item phrasing, instructions, or changes in participants' experiences. Overall, repeated administration of the SSDOH survey was feasible. The response rate was reasonable but lower than expected for a volunteer research sample, suggesting multiple modes of completion may increase engagement. Repeated administration also helped identify ambiguous items and methods for improving the validity and reliability of SSDOH measures.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Coulon A, Rabiller F, Takalo M, et al (2026)

Non-microglial downregulation of PLCG2 impairs synaptic function and elicits Alzheimer disease-related hallmarks.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2024.04.29.591575.

We developed a high content screening to investigate how Alzheimer disease (AD) genetic risk factors may affect synaptic mechanisms in rat primary neuronal cultures. Out of the target genes identified, we found that Plcg2 downregulation in mouse dentate gyrus neurons consistently disrupted dendritic morphology and synaptic function. In human neuronal cultures (hNCs), PLCG2 downregulation also impaired synaptic function and increased Aβ levels and Tau phosphorylation. Very rare PLCG2 loss-of-function (LoF) variants were associated with a 10-fold increased AD risk. PLCG2 LoF carriers exhibit low mRNA/protein PLCG2/ PLCγ2 levels and the R953* LoF mutation compromised synaptic function and increased AD hallmarks in hNCs. Single nuclei RNAseq analyses confirmed that the downregulation of PLCG2 impacted pathways related to synaptic and neuronal functions, potentially through neurexin in neurons. In conclusion, PLCγ2 downregulation could increase AD risk by impairing synaptic functions and increasing the Aβ levels and Tau phosphorylation in neurons.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Duncan WE, Fenik P, Strus E, et al (2026)

Hippocampal BiP Overexpression Rescues Cognitive Performance and Increases REM theta in 3xTg Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.23.713240.

The accumulation of Aβ plaques and hyperphosphorylation of Tau neuropathologically characterize Alzheimer's disease (AD). Synaptic dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress precede overt neuropathology. ER stress is characterized by the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins, which leads to activation of the adaptive signaling pathway, the unfolded protein response (UPR). Chronic or unresolved ER stress, as in disease, is maladaptive and triggers the integrated stress response (ISR). We hypothesize that targeted attenuation of ISR activation would mitigate the early cognitive deficits and molecular pathology in the triple transgenic (3xTg) mouse model of AD. To test this hypothesis, we used an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to overexpress BiP, the key ER chaperone and UPR regulator, in the hippocampi of young 3xTg mice. BiP overexpression reduced phosphorylated PERK (pPERK), a marker of ISR activation, and increased synaptic proteins BDNF, PSD95, and choline acetyltransferase marker (ChAT). Hippocampal-dependent working memory, social memory, long-term spatial memory, and REM theta power were improved without changes in locomotion. BiP overexpression reduced neuroinflammation, as evidenced by a decrease in the astrocyte marker GFAP. Additionally, Aβ and Aβ42 levels were reduced in the hippocampus and cortex. Collectively, these findings indicate that modulation of ER stress via BiP overexpression ameliorates early cognitive and molecular alterations associated with AD.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Ma X, Koppelmans V, Akcicek H, et al (2026)

SNAP MRI Reveals Association Between Distal Cerebral Arterial Flow and Cognitive Function in an Aging Population.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.21.713392.

OBJECTIVE: Impaired blood flow has recently been recognized as a critical contributor to cognitive impairment and dementia. It was reported that cerebral distal arterial flow measured from Simultaneous Non-contrast Angiography and Intraplaque Hemorrhage (SNAP) MRI is associated with post-treatment cognitive function improvement in carotid atherosclerosis patients. In this study, we aim to evaluate the value of SNAP-based measurements in assessing cerebrovascular function in an aging population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Neurovascular MRI data were collected on 36 aging participants (22 cognitively unimpaired and 14 impaired; 9 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 5 Alzheimer's Disease (AD)). Neurovascular MRI measurements, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volumes, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and SNAP-based distal cerebral arterial flow (dCAF) index, were quantified. Cognitive function was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS).

RESULTS: Significant differences in the dCAF index were observed between cognitively unimpaired and impaired groups, and the dCAF index was significantly correlated with the RBANS total score. While CBF was significantly associated with dCAF index, there is no significant correlation of CBF or WMH with the RBANS score in this population.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the dCAF measured with SNAP MRI is valuable for evaluating the cognition-related cerebrovascular condition in an aging population.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Wang Z, Hu Z, Jiang D, et al (2026)

Non-invasive MRI mapping of tissue-CSF water exchange reveals glymphatic fluid movement in live human cortex.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.26.714533.

Efficient metabolic waste clearance, via the postulated glymphatic system, is essential for neural homeostasis. However, direct visualization of tissue-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exchange remains limited, leading to ongoing debate in the neuroscientific field. The present work revealed evidence of tissue-CSF water exchange in the live human cortex, by employing a novel MRI technique demonstrating the flux of water molecules across the perivascular interface. We observed robust water exchange inside the cortical ribbon, which was more prominent than white matter and deep brain tissue. We validated that the signal originates from CSF and is independent of cerebral perfusion. Water exchange between tissue and CSF declined with age. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that tissue-CSF exchange was impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD), in particular in regions where the perivascular space is clogged by anti-amyloid immunotherapy.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Yang J, Nomura M, Meng JX, et al (2026)

Requirement for oxidation of neuronal ketone bodies in aging and neurodegeneration.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.24.712448.

Glucose is the brain's primary fuel, but the brain can also use alternative energy substrates, especially during development or starvation. Emerging evidence suggests ketone metabolism may help the brain adapt to energy stress in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, although its role in constitutive brain function in normal aging is poorly understood. Using iPSC-derived human neurons and adult-inducible, neuron-specific Bdh1 knockout mice, we show that ketone body metabolism is essential for maximum energy production, neuronal function, and mouse survival-even under normal nutritional conditions. Mechanistically, phenotypes of Bdh1 knockout neurons are mitigated by provision of acetoacetate, a downstream energy metabolite. Moreover, loss of neuronal ketone oxidation markedly increases mortality and memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease model mice. These findings identify ketones as critical neuronal fuels, with particular importance during neurodegeneration. While non-energetic activities of ketone bodies are increasingly appreciated, oxidation for energy provision is an essential mechanism for normal function in neurons and mice. Targeting the energetic function of ketones may thus offer new therapeutic strategies for both aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Zeng Y, Xiong J, Lovchykova A, et al (2026)

Granulin loss and TMEM106B risk converge on lysosomal C-terminal fragment pathology in frontotemporal dementia.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.25.713523.

UNLABELLED: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer disease. Mutations in GRN , which encodes progranulin, are a major cause of FTD. Common genetic variants in the TMEM106B gene modify risk of FTD and the effect is especially strong in GRN mutation carriers. Intriguingly, in GRN mutation carriers, being homozygous for the protective TMEM106B haplotype seems to confer near lifetime protection against FTD. Despite the strong genetic link between GRN and TMEM106B , how these two genes interact mechanistically has remained unresolved. Recent studies have revealed that a C-terminal fragment of TMEM106B forms amyloid fibrils and accumulates in the brains of older individuals and patients with neurodegenerative disorders, including FTD. How the production of this fragment connects to granulin deficiency is also unknown. Using lysosome immunoprecipitation, we show that granulin deficiency drives the accumulation of the TMEM106B C-terminal fragment within lysosomes in Grn -knockout mice and GRN -null human iPSC-derived neurons. Recombinant progranulin supplementation reduced TMEM106B C-terminal fragment accumulation. Isogenic neurons carrying the TMEM106B risk allele displayed allele-dose-dependent fragment accumulation that was reversible by progranulin. Structural and genetic analyses demonstrated that TMEM106B dimerization stabilizes the protein and limits C-terminal fragment formation. These findings define a lysosomal pathway linking granulin deficiency to TMEM106B C-terminal fragment accumulation and explain how protective TMEM106B alleles can confer resistance to FTD, even for GRN mutation carriers.

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: Granulin deficiency drives lysosomal accumulation of an amyloidogenic TMEM106B C-terminal fragment, revealing a molecular mechanism that explains how TMEM106B alleles can confer risk or protection from frontotemporal dementia.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Romero-Molina C, Gomez-Gutierrez R, See WY, et al (2026)

Reduced LACTB expression in myeloid cells is associated with elevated succinylcarnitine levels and reduced Alzheimers disease risk.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.24.711053.

BACKGROUND: Lactamase B (LACTB) is a mitochondrial protease associated with cancer progression and lipid metabolism. LACTB is located in an AD locus and has been associated with Alzheimers Disease (AD) in a proteomic study.

METHODS: We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate the relationship between LACTB expression, succinyl-carnitine, and AD risk. We generated LACTB knock-down (KD) THP1 macrophages, LACTB knock-out (KO) iPSC-derived microglia and LACTB enzymatically-dead (ED) mice. The impact of LACTB downregulation in myeloid cells was characterized via transcriptomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and functional assays. Finally, human LACTB KO microglia precursors were xenotransplanted into the brains of amyloid-pathology mice to assess in vivo interactions with amyloid plaques.

RESULTS: MR analyses revealed that lower LACTB expression in myeloid cells reduces AD risk and is genetically associated with increased levels of succinylcarnitine, a metabolite that independently correlates with reduced AD risk. We identified LACTB as a primary enzyme responsible for succinylcarnitine hydrolysis. Transcriptional and functional studies showed that loss of LACTB enhances OXPHOS, reduces protein synthesis, and alters lipid profiles. LACTB expression was upregulated following IFN/TNF stimulation, and its loss modified efferocytosis-related functions under inflammatory conditions. In vivo, xenotransplanted human LACTB-KO microglia exhibited enhanced association with amyloid plaques compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings define a previously unrecognized axis linking LACTB and succinylcarnitine to myeloid cell function and AD susceptibility. Given the druggability of LACTB and the potential for succinylcarnitine to serve as a translational biomarker, this pathway represents a promising therapeutic target for modulating neuroinflammation in AD.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Hebbar P, Potapova T, Loucks H, et al (2026)

A Complete Genome for the Common Marmoset.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.25.713844.

The common marmoset is a New World monkey (NWM) commonly used as a model organism to investigate questions in primate evolution and human disease, including Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we present the first telomere-to-telomere (T2T) reference genome for the common marmoset, adding over 88 Mb of sequence and resolving challenging genomic regions. An additional near-T2T assembly from a second unrelated individual yields a total of four high-quality haplotypes for analysis. The improved contiguity and accuracy of these assemblies enable unprecedented insights into complex and rapidly evolving genomic regions such as centromeres, sex chromosomes, ribosomal DNA (rDNA) structure, and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We fully resolved all marmoset centromeres, uncovering dimeric alpha satellites with chromosomal specificity and stratified inactive layers documenting ancestral centromere turnover. We assembled six acrocentric autosomes with gene-poor, satellite-rich short arms and provide evidence that most of them can harbor rDNA and all of them share large pseudo-homologous regions (PHRs). The Y chromosome, but not the X chromosome, carries active rDNA and PHRs, and the rDNA copy number is sexually dimorphic. Chromosomes that share PHRs also share closely related centromeric satellite DNA, supporting a model of ongoing recombinational exchange between heterologous chromosomes facilitated by rDNA. We discovered multiple novel, marmoset-specific MHC genes that are predicted to protect against pathogens encountered in its environment. Leveraging this complete reference, we further identified over 500 transcribed genes with transcript models or expansions specific to the marmoset lineage. Together with additional long-read marmoset assemblies, these genomes were used to construct a marmoset pangenome, providing a robust reference framework for short-read mapping across diverse individuals. This resource will improve the utility of the common marmoset as a biomedical model organism and fill key gaps in our understanding of primate evolution.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Durell SR, Shafrir Y, H Robert Guy (2026)

The concentric β-barrel hypothesis for amyloids: Models of soluble and transmembrane amyloid-β42 oligomers and channels composed of identical subunits and GM1 gangliosides.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.19.711324.

Soluble oligomers and transmembrane channels formed by the 42-residue variant of amyloid beta (Aβ42) play key roles in Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, detailed structures of these assemblies have not been determined. Our group addresses this problem by developing atomic scale models. Previously we proposed that both soluble Aβ42 oligomers and transmembrane channels have symmetric concentric β-barrel structures. Here we expand this hypothesis to include GM1 gangliosides and sometimes cholesterol and lattice models of channel assemblies. The presence of GM1 gangliosides increases the toxicity of Aβ42, enhances its ability to penetrate liposome membranes, and facilitates interactions between adjacent liposomes. Although the conformations of numerous model assemblies vary, in these models the carboxyl group of GM1 always binds to side-chains of histidine 13 and/or histidine 14. Our soluble oligomer models are consistent with electron microscopy images of beaded annular protofibrils. Our models of membrane-bound assemblies are consistent with the following: freeze-fracture and atomic force microscopy images of Aβ42 in lipid bilayers, secondary structure results, the calcium hypothesis of Alzheimer's Disease, effects of lithium depletion on AD, established β-barrel theory, and energetic criteria.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Stahr N, Moriarty AK, Ma SD, et al (2026)

STAT4-dependent regulation of neuroinflammation in atherosclerosis.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.20.713185.

Atherosclerosis is linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline, with chronic inflammation being a common feature of both pathologies. IL-12 activates STAT4 to regulate myeloid cell functions, and blockade of this pathway alleviates cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's models. However, the mechanisms connecting vascular pathology to neuroinflammation remain unclear. Here, we examine whether STAT4 functions as a common mediator of neuroinflammation in atherosclerosis. We demonstrate that LysM [Cre] -specific STAT4 deficiency ameliorates deficits in long-term memory in low-density lipoprotein-deficient (Ldlr [-/-]) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD-C). STAT4 deficiency moderately reduces Ser199-phosphorylated Tau burden. Atherosclerosis alters brain immune composition, characterized by increased numbers of CD45 [+] leukocytes, activated microglia, and activated T and B cells, whereas STAT4 deficiency attenuates these effects. Nanostring gene-expression pathway analysis further highlights the importance of STAT4 in regulating multiple neuroinflammatory pathways and the Rhodopsin-like receptor signaling, which is associated with synaptic plasticity. LysM [Cre] -specific STAT4 deficiency supports microglial efferocytosis in atherosclerotic Ldlr [-/-] mice and increases the number of efferocytotic macrophages. Accordingly, STAT4 deficiency also reduced neuronal death. Overall, our data reveal an important role for myeloid-driven STAT4 expression in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline associated with atherosclerosis, mediated through impaired efferocytosis and enhanced leukocyte activation, leading to increased brain neuroinflammation.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Fodder K, Murthy M, de Silva R, et al (2026)

Cross-disease genetic and epigenetic architecture of the MOBP locus shows convergence in ALS-PSP.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.25.714147.

Myelin oligodendrocyte basic protein (MOBP) is an abundant oligodendrocyte gene implicated in multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Genetic variation at the MOBP locus has been associated with risk for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Epigenetically, MOBP promoter hypermethylation and reduced expression have been reported in multiple system atrophy (MSA). Although MOBP is thought to play a role in oligodendrocyte morphology and myelin structure, how genetic and epigenetic variation at this locus influences gene regulation and contributes to disease risk remains poorly understood across neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we investigated whether shared or disease-specific genetic mechanisms at MOBP converge on altered DNA methylation and expression across neurodegenerative disorders. We analysed MOBP variants using summary statistics from recent GWAS for ALS, PSP, FTD, LBD, PD, MSA, AD, and CJD. Colocalisation (COLOC and SuSiE-coloc) was used to test whether disease-associated variants overlapped between diseases, and with oligodendrocyte expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and bulk brain methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTLs). To further investigate mQTL effects at this locus, rs1768208, a variant previously associated with PSP, was genotyped in an overlapping brain methylation cohort, allowing direct testing of genotype-methylation associations in frontal white matter tissue. ALS and PSP GWAS demonstrated strong association at MOBP , with most strongly associated SNPs (e.g. rs631312, rs616147, rs1768208) shared between both disorders. Colocalisation analyses indicated high posterior probability that ALS and PSP share the same causal variant, with weaker overlap with FTD. mQTL colocalisation highlighted cg15069948, located near an exon junction within MOBP , as strongly colocalising with the ALS/PSP risk variants. In complementary tissue analyses, rs1768208-T carriers showed hypomethylation at cg15069948 in PSP brains. No genotype-methylation effects were detected in MSA or Parkinson's disease. Together with prior evidence of promoter hypermethylation and reduced expression in MSA, our findings identify cg15069948 as a regulatory methylation site linking ALS/PSP risk variants to altered MOBP methylation, and support MOBP dysregulation as a shared feature of neurodegeneration. However, the underlying mechanisms appear disease-specific, highlighting the complexity of involvement of this gene across neurodegenerative disorders.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Peng W, Chung KB, Al-Qazzaz A, et al (2026)

Iron toxicity potentiates cell-type specific amyloid beta proteotoxicity in C. elegans via altered energy homeostasis.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.25.714217.

UNLABELLED: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and a decline in cognitive function. Hallmarks of AD include an age-dependent accumulation of toxic amyloid beta (Aβ) 42 in the brain, energy dyshomeostasis caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, and iron overload. However, the role of iron overload and mitochondrial dysfunction in AD pathology is unknown and their precise relationship with Aβ 42 toxicity in AD pathology is unclear. C. elegans provide a powerful model system to untangle and clarify these relationships. In this study, we quantify the temperature-dependence of iron toxicity (16, 20 and 25[0]C) in neurons and muscle of C. elegans that overexpress Aβ 42. We found that Aβ 42, regardless of the cell-type expression, caused accelerated paralysis compared to age-matched WT worms with the greatest degree of paralysis observed at an elevated temperature (25[0]C). Moreover, the combination of iron toxicity and Aβ 42 results in an enhanced paralytic phenotype at 16[0]C. Thus, iron exposure potentiates Aβ toxicity observed at low temperatures. Iron toxicity stimulated both maximum (State 3) and leak (State 4) respiration in WT and Aβ 42 worms. Aβ 42 worms also exhibited increased leak respiration at baseline that was further exacerbated by iron toxicity. Iron burden and sensitivity increased Aβ 42 peptide toxicity. Aβ 42 worms exhibited reduced levels of Ca, Zn, Mn, and K. Overall, our results suggest that iron potentiates Aβ toxicity at low temperature and enhances Aβ peptide mediated mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction in C. elegans .

HIGHLIGHTS: Temperature stress modulates the synergetic interactions of iron toxicity and Aβ 42 pathologyIron sensitivity drives increased cell-type specific Aβ 42 pathologyEnergy dyshomeostasis via impaired mitochondrial function and increased proton leak contributes to iron- and Aβ-induced pathology.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Bieberich E (2026)

RIFT: A Fractal-Holographic Theory of Consciousness and Autopoietic Control.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.23.713535.

Consciousness remains poorly understood as a causative force: existing theories treat it as an epiphenomenal correlate of neural activity rather than explaining how inner experience controls its substrate. I present Recurrent Integration Fractal Theory (RIFT), proposing that consciousness arises when fractal compression of sensory information generates a holographic endospace: the spatiotemporal dimension in which the Self perceives the outer world (exospace) and, through autopoietic feedback, controls the molecular substrate from which it emerged, making consciousness causally efficacious rather than epiphenomenal. In RIFT networks, core neurons form recurrent loops through fractal dendritic trees, generating dynamic information integration through coincidence-based synaptic selection. Coincident EPSPs program somatic multifractals, Ising lattices of ion channels and membrane lipids, encoding a fractal Self-attractor: a geometric field whose coherent point sources generate the holographic endospace through which the Self arises. The Self modulates multifractal growth through lipid domains, controlling ion channel opening probability and action potential generation. Through Generational Fractal Mapping, compressed seeds of prior conscious moments integrate with new EPSPs, replacing infinite downscaling as in classical fractals with sequential self-referential mapping that sustains incremental updating of inner experience, temporal continuity of the Self and Self-attractor transfer across brain regions for global conscious access, establishing irreducibility and unity: the whole is in each part. This architecture was validated computationally against three core properties of consciousness: irreducibility, information integration, and holographic encoding. RIFT generates testable predictions for lipid substrate disruption in Alzheimer's disease, fractal signatures of conscious states, and criteria for consciousness in artificial systems with autopoietic feedback.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Hollis HC, Veltri A, Korac K, et al (2026)

Single-cell Transcriptomic Variance Analysis Reveals Intercellular Circadian Desynchrony in the Alzheimer's Affected Human Brain.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology pii:2026.03.23.713759.

Bulk tissue rhythms arise from the coordination of thousands of individual cellular oscillations. Bulk rhythm amplitude differences may reflect changes in the amplitude of the underlying cellular oscillators or changes in their temporal coherence. To resolve this fundamental ambiguity, we developed ORPHEUS (O scillatory R hythm P hase H eterogeneity E stimated U sing S tatistical-moments), an analytical method that quantifies cellular desynchrony by leveraging the unique 12hr rhythmic signature it imparts on intercellular expression variance. After validating ORPHEUS in silico and on data from the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), we applied it to data from the mouse liver and human brain to uncover disease- and pathway-related differences in intercellular synchrony. In both tissues, we found that circadian synchrony is higher in cells and samples with higher MTORC activity. Most critically, we observed a dramatic loss of cellular synchrony in excitatory neurons from subjects with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) dementia. By decoupling the influence of cellular amplitude and synchrony, ORPHEUS introduces a new, interpretable tool for analyzing circadian coordination in time-course single-cell data.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Boeriu AI, Gu T, Fullton-Howard B, et al (2026)

Ancestry-specific effects of APOE on Alzheimer Disease Endophenotypes.

medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences pii:2026.03.23.26349095.

IMPORTANCE: APOE *ε4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet its effect varies across ancestral populations. As blood-based biomarkers increasingly inform AD diagnosis, failure to account for both APOE genotype and ancestry could lead to misinterpretation of biomarker profiles and inaccurate diagnostic classification. Understanding how ancestry modulates APOE effects is crucial for ensuring accurate biomarker-based assessments and AD diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether genetic ancestry modulates APOE association with cognitive function, brain morphometry, and plasma biomarkers.

DESIGN SETTING PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional analysis of community-dwelling older adults from the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities (HABS-HD) cohort (N = 2733). Participants spanning the cognitive spectrum underwent cognitive assessment, neuroimaging, plasma biomarker collection, and genome-wide genotyping from 2018 to 2023.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Cognitive performance (global cognition, memory, executive function, verbal ability), brain morphometry (cortical thickness, hippocampal volume), and plasma biomarkers (Aβ 42 /Aβ 40 , pTau 181 , pTau 217 , total tau, NfL).

RESULTS: In the full cohort, APOE ε4+ was associated with worse cognitive performance across all domains, reduced cortical thickness and hippocampal volume, lower Aβ 42 /Aβ 40 , and elevated pTau 181 and pTau 217 . APOE ε2+ was associated with lower pTau 217 . Ancestry-stratified analyses revealed attenuated ε4+ effects on pTau 217 and pTau 181 in African compared with European participants (∼2.5-fold for both), with the pTau 217 difference surviving FDR correction. Compositional analysis confirmed that ε4+ effects on pTau 181 and pTau 217 strengthened with increasing European ancestry proportion. Local ancestry analysis showed ε4+ effects on pTau 217 were significantly attenuated in individuals with African local ancestry at the APOE locus. In contrast, ε4+ effects on Aβ 42 /Aβ 40 , cognition, and neuroimaging were largely consistent across ancestry groups. Meta-analysis with an independent multi-ancestry cohort replicated the attenuated pTau 181 findings.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Genetic ancestry modifies the effect of APOE on AD endophenotypes. In particular, African ancestry attenuates the association between APOE ε4+ and pTau 181 and pTau 217. Accurate AD diagnosis requires consideration of both APOE genotype and ancestry to avoid misclassification in biomarker-based evaluations.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Wu LY, du Toit T, Georgiades T, et al (2026)

Pathology and genetics in a global cohort of Parkinsonian Disorders.

medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences pii:2026.03.23.26348322.

IMPORTANCE: Accurate diagnosis of neurodegenerative movement disorders is challenging because of a lack of in vivo biomarkers, overlapping clinical features and a delay in the emergence of pathognomonic features.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinicopathological correlation, diagnostic accuracy, genetic association with pathology, and ancestry-related differences in a multi-ancestry brain bank cohort.

DESIGN: Multicentre retrospective autopsy cohort study on donors enrolled between 1985 - 2024.

SETTING: 11 academic brain banks in the UK, US and Australia.

PARTICIPANTS: Brain donors identified from participating brain banks with available brain tissue and a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's disease dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome, multiple system atrophy, or neurologically normal controls.

EXPOSURE: Genetic variant carrier status and clinical diagnostic category.

MAIN OUTCOME: Clinical diagnostic accuracy; Lewy body and Alzheimer's disease pathology burden; survival; association with genetic variants and genetically inferred ancestry.

RESULTS: We studied 3,353 brain donors (1281 [38.2%] female, mean [SD] age at death, 76.8 [10.6] years). Misdiagnosis rates for movement disorders ranged approximately from 10% - 20%. Clinical diagnoses of dementia with parkinsonism (PDD/DLB) were more strongly associated with Lewy body pathology than Parkinson's disease without dementia (OR = 1·96, 95% CI = 1·30 - 3·04, p = 7·2e-04). Lewy pathology was identified in 4% of neurologically normal controls. Alzheimer's disease co-pathology was present in 40% of cases with Lewy body disease. GBA1 variant carriers exhibited greater Lewy body burden compared with noncarriers (OR = 1·94, 95% CI = 1·24 - 3·03, p = 0·01) or LRRK2 carriers (OR = 7·44, 95% CI = 2·16 - 25·64, p = 0·01). Pathological diagnoses differed by ancestry, with South Asian donors more likely to have progressive supranuclear palsy pathology and Ashkenazi Jewish donors more likely to have Lewy body disease (p < 0.0001), independent of GBA1 and LRRK2 mutation status.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Our findings highlight the value of integrating genetic and pathological data to improve diagnostic accuracy. The high prevalence of Alzheimer's disease co-pathology and ancestry-related differences in pathology point to the need for biologically informed diagnostic tools. These results support the integration of genetically and pathologically stratified approaches, correlating pathology with in vivo biomarkers, for future therapeutic trials.

FUNDING: Medical Research Council, Global Parkinson's Genetic Program/Aligning Science Across Parkinson's.

KEY POINTS: Question: How do genetic variants and neuropathology influence clinical features and diagnostic accuracy in movement disorders?Findings: In this multi-ancestry brain bank series including over 3000 individuals, clinical misdiagnosis was common. Dementia with parkinsonism was more strongly associated with Lewy body (LB) pathology than Parkinson's disease without dementia, and Alzheimer's disease co-pathology was frequent. Genetic variation was associated with pathological differences. GBA1 carriers had greater LB burden, while LRRK2 pathogenic variant carriers had a lower LB burden and longer survival. Pathological diagnosis differed by ancestry. Meaning: Integrating genetics and neuropathology may improve diagnosis and support pathology-informed therapeutic trials.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Kowshik SS, Jasodanand VH, Bellitti M, et al (2026)

Domain-adapted language model using reinforcement learning for various dementias.

medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences pii:2026.03.17.26348154.

Large language models excel at processing complex clinical data and advanced reasoning, yet domain-specific adaptation is essential to realize their full potential in fields such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Here, we present a generative language model for ADRD fine-tuned via reinforcement learning with verifiable rewards using a self-certainty-aware advantage. Model development and validation leveraged data from five ADRD cohorts, totaling 54, 535 participants. Our framework integrates demographics, personal and family medical histories, medication use, neuropsychological test results, functional assessments, physical and neurological examination findings, laboratory data and multimodal neuroimaging to construct comprehensive clinical profiles. On held-out testing data involving 36, 688 participants, our model achieved robust performance on syndromic classification, primary etiological diagnosis and biomarker prediction. Model predictions were validated against postmortem-confirmed diagnoses, and clinical utility was demonstrated in a controlled within-subjects crossover study where board-certified neurologists reviewed cases with and with-out model assistance, showing that exposure to model responses improved diagnostic performance. These results demonstrate that targeted domain adaptation with reinforcement learning can enable language models to deliver accurate, reasoning-driven support in ADRD evaluation. Prospective validation will be essential to translate these advances into improved patient outcomes.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Lorkiewicz SA, Abdelnour C, Bolen M, et al (2026)

Plasma pTau217 as a Prognostic, Monitoring, and Risk-Stratification Biomarker of Clinical Progression in Lewy Body Disease.

medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences pii:2026.03.26.26349399.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Lewy body disease (LBD), co-occurring Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathologic change (ADNC) is associated with worse clinical outcomes. While plasma pTau217 detects ADNC in LBD, its prognostic, monitoring, and risk-stratification utility remains unclear. We evaluated whether plasma pTau217 predicted cognitive and functional decline and risk for progression to MCI or dementia in LBD.

METHODS: We included 501 participants enrolled in the Stanford Alzheimer's Disease Research Center with plasma pTau217 data who were clinically diagnosed as LBD spectrum (n = 131), AD spectrum (n = 133), or healthy controls (HC; n = 237). To assess prognostic and monitoring utility in LBD, linear mixed-effect models tested continuous baseline and longitudinal (2-5 years) plasma pTau217 as predictors of change in 2-8-year clinical outcome trajectories including: daily functioning (CDR-SB), global cognition (MoCA), and five domain-specific cognitive indices. For risk-stratification in LBD, baseline plasma pTau217 was dichotomized using an amyloid PET-derived, LBD-specific cut-point to examine effects of abnormal versus normal levels on clinical outcomes in separate mixed-effects and survival models.

RESULTS: In LBD, higher continuous baseline plasma pTau217 predicted accelerated CDR-SB increase (β = 0.29, p < 0.001), MoCA decline (β =-0.37, p = 0.014), and cognitive index decline (memory, executive function, visuospatial function, processing speed; βs =-2.24 to-0.06, ps ≤ 0.01). Faster longitudinal pTau217 increase predicted accelerated CDR-SB increase (β = 0.24, p = 0.001). In AD, higher continuous baseline pTau217 predicted accelerated CDR-SB increase and MoCA decline, whereas faster longitudinal increase predicted accelerated cognitive index decline (ps ≤ 0.04). In HC, higher continuous baseline pTau217 predicted accelerated memory index decline (p = 0.008). In LBD, abnormal baseline pTau217 predicted a 0.87 points/year (95% CI:-1.62,-0.58) faster MoCA decline, 0.85 points/year (95% CI: 0.56, 1.14) faster CDR-SB increase, accelerated decline on cognitive indices, and a three-fold higher risk of progressing to MCI or dementia (HR = 3.41, 95% CI 1.60, 7.28, p = 0.002) compared to normal pTau217.

DISCUSSION: Plasma pTau217 is a promising prognostic, monitoring, and risk stratification biomarker of clinical progression in LBD, underscoring its utility in mixed pathology groups for clinical practice and trials.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Kriwokon SL, Flores-Alonso SI, Kent BA, et al (2026)

Peripheral Mitochondrial Energetics are Associated with Cortical Neurophysiological Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease.

medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences pii:2026.03.25.26349329.

Alzheimer's disease is associated with both mitochondrial dysfunction and altered neurophysiological signalling. Peripheral measures of mitochondrial respiration have been established as effective predictors of mitochondrial function in the healthy brain, and more recently, of altered brain signalling in clinical groups. Here, we sought to assess whether peripheral mitochondrial energetics are associated with altered neural signalling in Alzheimer's disease. We collected task-free magnetoencephalography (MEG) from individuals on the Alzheimer's disease continuum (69.21 [6.91] years; n = 38) and cognitively normal older adults (72.20 [4.73] years; n = 20). Each participant also provided a blood sample for analysis of mitochondrial respiration using the Seahorse XF96 Analyzer. We used region-wise linear models to test the relationship between ATP-linked mitochondrial respiration and Alzheimer's disease-associated neurophysiological changes. We found that mitochondrial respiration linked to ATP production is associated with altered alpha and theta band cortical rhythms in Alzheimer's disease (α: p FDR < 0.05, r = -0.7; θ: p FDR < 0.05, r = -0.6). We then tested colocalization of mitochondria-neurophysiological relationships with a human brain atlas of respiratory capacity and found that brain regions with lower mitochondrial respiratory capacity exhibit a stronger relationship between aperiodic signalling and peripheral ATP-linked respiration (p FDR = 0.003, r = 0.35). Our findings suggest that peripheral blood measures of mitochondrial function can offer insight into the neurophysiological alterations associated with energetic changes in Alzheimer's disease and warrant further investigation into the translational potential of joint neuronal-mitochondrial markers of neurological diseases of aging.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Kandasamy K, Narasimhamoorthi SP, Arulselvan P, et al (2026)

Protective effects of the natural polyphenol garcinol from Garcinia indica mitigates aluminium chloride-induced Alzheimer's-like neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster.

3 Biotech, 16(4):154.

UNLABELLED: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of people affected in worldwide. Natural resources such as medicinal plants have been utilized for the treatment of various memory disorders like amnesia, dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's for a long time. This study aimed to investigate plants with therapeutic bioactivities for a range of scientific investigations focused on the neuroprotective effects of garcinol from Garcinia indica against the Aluminium chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD in the Drosophila melanogaster model. Polar and non-polar solvents were active on the G. indica fruit rind and subjected to phytochemical investigation. Garcinol was extracted from the EtOH extract of G. indica fruit rind using TLC, column chromatography, GC-MS, UV-visible, and FT-IR. In vitro free radical scavenging effect of the EtOH extract of G. indica fruit rind was studied to determine its antioxidant properties. The effect of garcinol on the interaction and predicted binding interaction of the AD-associated enzymes Amyloid-β, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and β-secretase was studied by the in-silico analysis. AD condition was initiated in D. melanogaster by challenging them with AlCl3, and they were pre-treated with garcinol, which is isolated from the EtOH extract of G. indica fruit rind. The effect of garcinol on the AChE activity, oxidative stress markers, and pro-inflammatory cytokines was studied using the respective assay kits. The apoptotic proteins were studied using the RT-PCR analysis. The findings of the phytochemical analysis. In silico garcinol effectively interacts with and inhibits the intermolecular Amyloid-β, AChE, and β-secretase enzymes. AD, garcinol treatment successfully moderated the amendments in behavioural and cognitive impairments, regulated the oxidative stress markers, decreased AChE activity, and reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. The RT-PCR method proved that garcinol regulated the pro- and anti-apoptotic protein expressions in the AD-induced D. melanogaster. The findings suggested that garcinol from EEGIFR acts against AlCl3-induced AD in D. melanogaster because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptosis-modulating capabilities, and it may develop as a capable therapeutic agent in treating AD.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-04763-6.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Liu Y, Li Y, Zheng P, et al (2026)

Associations between systemic inflammatory markers and cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease: a retrospective clinical study.

Frontiers in neurology, 17:1765287.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence implicates systemic inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD)'s development and progression, yet comprehensive clinical data linking specific systemic inflammatory biomarkers to cognitive decline in early-stage AD remain limited.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between key systemic inflammatory biomarkers and cognitive decline in early-stage AD, to identify potential inflammatory indicators for risk screening and disease monitoring.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, 155 patients with early-stage AD and 100 matched healthy controls were enrolled between March 2020 and March 2025. Peripheral blood levels of inflammatory biomarkers, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, MCP-1, and CRP, were measured. Cognitive function was assessed using the MMSE and MoCA. Group comparisons, Spearman correlation analyses, and ROC curves with DeLong tests were performed.

RESULTS: The groups were comparable in baseline demographics (p > 0.05). The AD group exhibited significantly lower MMSE and MoCA scores (p < 0.001). AD patients had significantly elevated plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 (p < 0.001), and decreased levels of IL-8 and IL-10 (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses revealed significant negative correlations between MMSE/MoCA scores and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 (p < 0.05), and positive correlations with IL-8 and IL-10 (p < 0.05). IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α showed the strongest associations. ROC analysis indicated AUCs of 0.766 for IL-1β, 0.716 for TNF-α, and 0.768 for IL-6. A panel combining IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 achieved a significantly higher AUC of 0.894, with 77.42% sensitivity and 86.00% specificity.

CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α are strongly associated with cognitive decline in early-stage AD, suggesting their utility as potential biomarkers for disease progression. A multi-marker inflammatory panel significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy, supporting the exploration of anti-inflammatory strategies for early intervention.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Tang Y, Zhuo E, Li P, et al (2025)

MANF improves cognitive function and attenuates neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 transgenic mice through the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Journal of anesthesia and translational medicine, 4(4):241-254.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by progressive cognitive decline, as well as pathological features such as β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal loss. Growing evidence suggests that neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis play critical roles in the pathogenesis of AD, thereby contributing to neuronal damage and cognitive decline. Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), an endoplasmic reticulum stress-inducible protein, has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects by modulating immune responses, alleviating oxidative stress, and suppressing apoptosis in various neurological disease models. These properties suggest that MANF could serve as a promising therapeutic candidate treating AD. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of MANF in improving cognitive function and ameliorating pathological changes in APP/PS1 transgenic (Tg) mice by modulating neuroinflammation and enhancing neural plasticity.

METHODS: Beginning at 10 months of age, male APP/PS1 transgenic mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of recombinant human MANF (rhMANF) at a dose of 1 μg/g for a duration of one month. Behavioral assessments, including the Morris water maze, open field, and fear conditioning tests, were conducted to evaluate cognitive function. Brain tissue was analyzed for β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and a BV2 microglial/HT22 neuronal co-culture system were used to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying MANF's effects.

RESULTS: rhMANF treatment significantly improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 Tg mice by reducing Aβ deposition, inhibiting microglial activation, and suppressing inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). MANF also mitigated oxidative stress, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and restored synaptic protein levels, including those of Postsynaptic density protein-95(PSD95) and synaptophysin (SYN). In vitro studies confirmed that MANF effectively counteracts Aβ1-42-induced toxicity in the BV2/HT22 co-culture system. Transcriptomic analysis identified that MANF exerts its protective effects by regulating the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting synaptic plasticity.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the protective role of MANF in AD and establishes MANF as a promising therapeutic candidate for AD and aging-related neurodegenerative disorders.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Yan K, Li H, He S, et al (2026)

The diagnostic value of plasma phosphorylated tau 181 in Alzheimer's disease within the Chinese population: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261432112.

BACKGROUND: Among all related biomarkers, plasma phosphorylated tau (p-tau181) has demonstrated strong diagnostic performance in the very early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), showing significant differences between AD patients and healthy controls.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our present systematic review and meta-analysis was to roundly evaluate the clinical diagnostic value of plasma p-tau181 based on the Simoa platform in Chinese populations.

METHODS: We systematically searched five databases (Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) from inception to May 11, 2024, as well as the references of retrieved relevant articles. We included prospective cohort studies and retrospective case-control studies in our analysis.

RESULTS: Out of 1165 identified articles, 10 met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Our quantitative analysis showed that plasma p-tau181 levels were significantly increased in patients with AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to healthy controls (standard mean difference SMD: 1.45 1.25-1.65, p < 0.00001; SMD: 0.55 0.31-0.78, p < 0.00001) and were lower in MCI patients compared to AD patients (SMD: -0.88 -0.93--0.82, p < 0.00001). The reference values for plasma p-tau181 were 4.48 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.01-5.00 for AD patients, 2.86 95% CI: 2.45-3.34 for MCI patients, and 2.09 95% CI: 1.90-2.30 for healthy controls.

CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis confirmed that plasma p-tau181 significantly increases from healthy controls to MCI and then to AD in the Chinese population. We also provide reliable reference values for plasma p-tau181, which contribute to the early diagnosis of AD in Chinese clinical settings.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Rubio CM, Fernández-Romero L, Balugo P, et al (2026)

Prediction of clinical and language changes after a single session of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in primary progressive aphasia: A machine learning approach.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261420785.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) offers a non-invasive therapeutic option for primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and Alzheimer's disease among other neurological conditions.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to enhance the personalization of rTMS therapy by predicting patient-specific changes after one session of rTMS across multiple clinical assessments, based on the targeted stimulation area.

METHODS: We studied 20 PPA patients, each receiving rTMS targeting in three distinct brain regions. Using machine learning, we developed predictive models for eight clinical outcome measures, incorporating features extracted from structural MRI, resting-state EEG, and individualized electric field modeling via SimNIBS. These features were used to estimate each patient's likely response to rTMS in terms of cognitive and language function.

RESULTS: Of the outcome measures, 'Clinical impression of change' emerged as the most reliable indicator of perceived improvement, achieving a top F1-score of 0.80 using a Decision Tree model based solely on sociodemographic features. Meanwhile, 'Words per minute' reached an F1-score of 0.77 with a Random Forest model utilizing EEG-derived features.

CONCLUSIONS: The predictive models developed in this study underscore the feasibility of using EEG and SimNIBS data to anticipate patient outcomes from rTMS therapy. This data-driven framework can aid in customizing rTMS protocols, paving the way for more targeted and effective interventions for PPA and related neurodegenerative conditions.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Baghcheghi Y, Razazpour F, Mohammadi M, et al (2026)

Unraveling the molecular links: Alzheimer's disease-induced mechanisms of memory impairment: A narrative review.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251412327.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory impairment and cognitive decline, significantly impacting the quality of life for millions worldwide. Understanding the intricate molecular pathways linking AD pathology to memory dysfunction is crucial for developing effective therapies. This narrative review aims to elucidate the key molecular mechanisms underlying memory impairment in AD. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across major scientific databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) focusing on peer-reviewed studies (original research, reviews) exploring the molecular links between AD pathology and memory deficits. The review identifies and details several interconnected molecular pathways driving memory impairment in AD: (1) Synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss triggered by amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide accumulation and aggregation; (2) Intracellular transport disruption and neurodegeneration caused by tau protein hyperphosphorylation and aggregation; (3) Exacerbation of cognitive deficits by neuroinflammation, mediated through activated microglia and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6); (4) Impairment of synaptic plasticity and cognitive function due to dysregulation of neurotrophic factors, particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor; (5) Contributory roles of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, disrupted neurotransmission (e.g., acetylcholine, GABA), and apoptotic pathways. This review comprehensively unravels the critical molecular links between AD pathology and memory impairment, emphasizing the interplay of Aβ, tau, neuroinflammation, neurotrophic factor dysregulation, and other mechanisms. Targeting these interconnected pathways represents a promising strategic approach for developing therapies to mitigate cognitive decline and improve outcomes in AD patients.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Yang Y, Meng Y, Li M, et al (2026)

Identification of potential short-chain fatty acid biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease through bioinformatics analysis.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261424808.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Accumulating evidence suggests that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can regulate the central nervous system, thereby affecting cognitive and behavior function.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between the AD development and SCFA metabolism via bioinformatic analysis.

METHODS: Gene expression profiles were obtained from the GEO database. 1243 genes related to SCFA were screened from Genecards database. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential analysis, 10 SCFA hub genes were screened. Machine learning algorithms, including support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression models, were used to identify candidate biomarkers. The CIBERSORT algorithm was utilized to evaluate the infiltration of immune cells and its relationship with the potential biomarkers. The candidate biomarker chemicals were identified in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database as underlying targeted drugs for treating AD.

RESULTS: Five genes-EZR, SNCA, GFAP, NFKBIA, and SST-were identified as potential biomarkers for AD through LASSO and SVM-RFE analyses. These genes can also be used to predict the risk of AD and have good diagnostic effects. The candidate biomarkers are associated with plasma cells, activated dendritic cells, M1 macrophages and resting natural killer cells. Notably, valproic acid and tretinoin were found to target these candidate genes, suggesting a new treatment approach for AD.

CONCLUSIONS: This study identified EZR, SNCA, GFAP, NFKBIA, and SST as potential key SCFA-related genes associated with the progression of AD, providing new insights into the prevention and treatment of AD.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Behroozi Z, Askarpour H, Y Baghcheghi (2026)

Molecular sabotage of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by amyloid-β in Alzheimer's disease: A narrative review.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261415807.

This narrative review aims to synthesize and critically evaluate the complex molecular mechanisms by which amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation disrupts hippocampal synaptic plasticity, the cellular cornerstone of learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is characterized by progressive hippocampus-dependent cognitive decline, strongly linked to impaired synaptic plasticity, the cellular basis of learning and memory. This review deciphers how Aβ accumulation orchestrates synaptic sabotage in the hippocampus. We detail the core molecular machinery of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, emphasizing glutamate receptor trafficking (NMDAR/AMPAR), Ca[2+] signaling, and neurotrophin pathways (BDNF/TrkB). Central to AD pathogenesis, soluble Aβ oligomers initiate synaptic dysfunction by targeting receptors like PrPᶜ/mGluR5, triggering NMDAR overactivation (via Fyn/NR2B) and AMPAR endocytosis. Aβ further drives tau hyperphosphorylation (via GSK-3β/CDK5), leading to dendritic p-tau accumulation and destabilization of the postsynaptic density (PSD). Concurrently, Aβ activates microglia (via TLR4/TREM2) and astrocytes, promoting neuroinflammation (IL-1β, TNF-α, C1q) and complement-mediated synaptic phagocytosis. Aβ-induced oxidative stress (ROS/RNS, lipid peroxidation) and mitochondrial failure (mPTP opening, energy depletion) exacerbate Ca[2+] dyshomeostasis and plasticity impairment. Critically, Aβ disrupts BDNF/TrkB signaling, promoting proBDNF/p75ᴺᵀᴿ-mediated spine loss and inhibiting CREB-dependent plasticity gene expression. These converging pathways-glutamate receptor dysregulation, p-tau toxicity, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurotrophic collapse-culminate in synaptic apoptosis, profound structural damage (spine loss, PSD dissolution), and functional deficits (long-term potentiation (LTP) blockade, enhanced long-term depression (LTD)). This molecular cascade directly underlies hippocampal circuit failure and cognitive decline in AD. Future research must address Aβ strain specificity, regional vulnerability, glial metabolic coupling, resilience mechanisms, and novel therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Shimohama S, Azami S, Oyama M, et al (2026)

Large-scale APP duplication in early-onset Alzheimer's disease without cerebral amyloid angiopathy: A case report.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251412896.

We present the case of a patient who began experiencing cognitive decline in her 30 s and was diagnosed with duplication of the amyloid precursor protein (Dup-APP) associated early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD). The diagnosis was supported by the presence of amyloid and tau biomarkers. The clinical course, neuroimaging findings, and genetic testing excluded other diseases known to cause early-onset cognitive impairment. Our case exhibited a markedly large duplication of 19 Mb and did not present with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Our findings suggest a potential association between the size of the duplication and the clinical phenotype.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Watanabe M, Bun S, Shimizu A, et al (2026)

Distinct brain volume changes associated with the head-turning sign and Neucop-Q response patterns in Alzheimer's disease.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261437682.

BACKGROUND: The "head-turning sign" (HTS) and Neurocognitive Questionnaire (Neucop-Q) capture toritsukuroi (saving appearance) behaviors commonly observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neucop-Q is a brief screening questionnaire assessing current event memory (News; N), self-awareness/concern (Consciousness; C), and engagement in pleasurable activities (Pleasure; P). Previously, HTS-positivity and impaired N/impaired C/normal P (NimpCimpPnor) combination show high specificity for amyloid PET positivity.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the neuroanatomical correlates of HTS and specific Neucop-Q response patterns across the AD continuum.

METHODS: One hundred thirty-seven individuals (54 cognitively normal controls, 9 preclinical AD, 36 mild cognitive impairment, and 38 AD dementia patients) underwent clinical evaluation and structural MRI. Gray matter volumes were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry with MVision software based on a Multi-Atlas Likelihood Fusion approach. Regional volumes were normalized to intracranial volume and adjusted for age and sex. Group differences were tested with false discovery rate (FDR) correction, and logistic regression assessed associations between regional volume and Neucop-Q responses.

RESULTS: HTS was significantly associated with right hippocampal atrophy (FDR-corrected p = 0.024). In the logistic regression analyses, none of the associations survived correction for multiple comparisons. The NimpCimpPnor combination was correlated with medial and inferior temporal lobe atrophy (FDR < 0.01) and larger globus pallidus (FDR = 0.034), with logistic regression surviving correction.

CONCLUSIONS: HTS reflected reduced right hippocampal volume, whereas NimpCimpPnor involved broader temporal atrophy with relatively larger pallidal volumes, suggesting distinct regional gray matter patterns across behavioral response profiles.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Zhang Q, Almanie L, Ouyang Y, et al (2026)

From routine periodontal therapy to Alzheimer's disease early detection: A scoping review.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261421629.

An epidemiological association has been observed between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, salivary and blood assays often show low specificity. Periodontal tissues and fluids, which are routinely removed and discarded during periodontal treatment, may be collected to offer matrices useful for the early detection of AD. This study aimed to map current preclinical and clinical evidence on biomarkers measured in periodontal tissues and fluids for the early detection of AD and organize them within an AD-specificity pyramid anchored to brain-relevant endpoints. Following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidance, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (January 1, 2015-August 31, 2025) for preclinical and clinical studies measuring AD-relevant biomarkers in periodontal matrices. The protocol was pre-registered (OSF DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/EDVU9; August 20, 2025). Two reviewers extracted the data, and other two independently verified them. The findings were organized using a four-tier AD-specificity pyramid. Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The biomarkers from the included studies were clustered into microbiome features, molecular signals, and genetic/transcriptomic findings. Evidence ranged from Tier-1 contextual inflammation/pathogens to Tier-4 core-pathology adjacency; five studies incorporated clinical/biological anchoring, with cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β positivity providing the most brain-relevant anchor. Periodontal matrices are practicable, high-signal sources for AD-relevant biomarkers. However, translational validation linking periodontal biomarkers to brain endpoints is needed to assess the feasibility of multi-tier and chairside panels for early AD detection as part of routine periodontal care.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Lin F, Yang X, Xie X, et al (2026)

The causal association between the new gut microbiota and Alzheimer's disease: A Mendelian randomization study.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261422629.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for more studies to validate the role of gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the causal association between new gut microbiota and AD using Mendelian randomization.

METHODS: Using genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 473 gut microbiota species and AD in IEU Open GWAS database, independent genetic loci related to gut microbiota were extracted as instrumental variables. The inverse variance weighting method was employed as the main indicator for evaluation. The stability and reliability of the results were further verified by heterogeneity test, outlier detection, horizontal pleiotropy test and leave-one-out analysis.

RESULTS: Following a thorough screening process, a total of 14 intestinal microbiota were included in the final analyses. The elevated abundance of Agathobacter, Citrobacter A, Clostridium E sporosphaeroides, Eubacterium R, Megamonas funiformis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can reduce the risk of AD. Higher abundance of Bifidobacterium, Holdemania massiliensis, Hydrogenophaga, Intestinimonas massiliensis, Megasphaera, Paenibacillus J, Prevotella, and Raoultella could increase the risk of AD. The MR-Egger analyses at 14 "genus" levels showed no horizontal pleiotropy and the p values were all more than 0.05. The leave-one-out analysis showed that results were relatively stable.

CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a causal relationship between 14 specific gut microbiota and the risk of AD occurrence. Some bacteria are protective, while others increase the risk of AD. These findings are of clinical significance for the treatment and prevention strategies in clinical practice, and it also provides new perspectives for related research on the "gut-brain axis".

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

An X, Wang Y, Cao M, et al (2026)

Exploring BSCL2 and associated genes in Alzheimer's disease by integrative analysis of bioinformatics, sn-RNAseq and machine learning approach.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261423079.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by significant cognitive decline and memory impairment. This condition imposes a considerable economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

OBJECTIVE: Current diagnostic approaches often lack specificity and sensitivity, necessitating innovative methods to identify potential biomarkers that could facilitate earlier intervention and improved patient outcomes.

METHODS: In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of the BSCL2 gene in the pathogenesis of AD by employing various bioinformatics techniques, including transcriptomic analysis and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (sn-RNAseq). We also integrated machine learning algorithms to identify potential biomarkers associated with AD. A weighted gene co-expression network was constructed to uncover co-expression modules linked to BSCL2, alongside AGPAT1 and EHD2, which demonstrated promising diagnostic potential with area under the curve (AUC) values exceeding 0.7.

RESULTS: Our analyses revealed significant alterations in immune cell profiles across different AD subtypes, providing insights into personalized immunotherapy approaches. Furthermore, pathway enrichment analyses highlighted key biological processes involved in AD, including oxidative phosphorylation, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and Notch signaling pathways. Notably, sn-RNAseq data indicated that BSCL2-related gene activity exhibited significant changes in neural lineages, suggesting its influence on neurodegenerative mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the potential of BSCL2, AGPAT1, and EHD2 as novel biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's disease. The insights gained from the co-expression analyses and immune profiling pave the way for personalized therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the immune response in AD. Future research should focus on the clinical validation of these biomarkers and their role in the development of targeted interventions, ultimately enhancing our understanding of AD pathophysiology and improving patient management.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Huang S, Y Guo (2026)

Network meta-analysis of the efficacy of nine drugs for cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261422205.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a global challenge, and the comparative cognitive efficacy of emerging pharmacotherapies is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and rank nine pharmacological agents against placebo in AD with respect to key cognitive outcomes using a network meta-analysis.

METHODS: We systematically searched randomized controlled trials published up to May 2025 that evaluated aducanumab, lecanemab, donanemab, gosuranemab, semorinemab, tilavonemab, zagotenemab, masupirdine, or sodium oligomannate in AD. The primary outcomes were Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog); Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was a secondary outcome. Treatments were ranked using the Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curve (SUCRA).

RESULTS: Fifteen randomized trials encompassing 33 treatment arms were included. No drug demonstrated statistically robust superiority over placebo in primary outcomes. Semorinemab and tilavonemab achieved highest SUCRA rankings, but without significant pairwise advantage. For MMSE, aducanumab showed a modest mean difference versus placebo (1.98, 95% CI 0.03-3.93), though evidence of publication bias reduced confidence.

CONCLUSIONS: Current pharmacological treatments do not consistently outperform placebo in AD. Tau-targeted antibodies (semorinemab, tilavonemab) display modest but non-significant promise, whereas aducanumab's apparent benefit is likely confounded by publication bias. Further large, rigorous randomized controlled trials and improved preclinical models are essential.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Oso TA, Okesanya OJ, Adebayo UO, et al (2026)

Microbiome alterations in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review of current evidence and global perspectives.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261436287.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence implicates the gut-brain axis in Alzheimer's disease (AD), with gut microbiome dysbiosis proposed to modulate neuroinflammation, amyloid pathology, and cognitive decline.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically synthesize human studies (2021-2025) profiling gut microbiomes in AD; identify consistent taxonomic and functional signatures; map geographic study distribution; and highlight translational gaps.

METHODS: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review of human studies using 16S rRNA, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)/probiotic designs was conducted. Two reviewers screened studies and assessed quality using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Owing to heterogeneity, findings were narratively synthesized across microbiome diversity, taxonomy, function, metabolism, oral-brain links, causality, interventions, and predictive analyses.

RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies, mainly from Asia with some from Europe, North America, and Africa, revealed consistent gut dysbiosis in AD. Findings show reduced alpha-diversity, loss of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bifidobacterium), and enrichment of pro-inflammatory taxa (Escherichia/Shigella, Proteobacteria). Functional analyses indicate reduced butyrate synthesis, disrupted lipid and tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism, and links with apolipoprotein epsilon (ε4) gene and cognition. Limited causal evidence arises from Mendelian randomization and small FMT trials, with randomized, longitudinal confirmation still needed.

CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests a biologically plausible association between gut microbiota and AD pathogenesis, positioning microbiome-derived biomarkers and interventions as promising but still exploratory avenues. Harmonized, longitudinal, multi-omic, and geographically inclusive studies are urgently needed to clarify causal mechanisms and translate these correlational findings into validated diagnostics and therapeutics.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Emani LS, Rao JK, Dasappa JK, et al (2026)

Studies on copper (II) interaction with the (CCG)12 repeats sequence: An insight into genomic instability in neurodegeneration.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261429082.

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and related disorders is still not clearly understood. Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is one such late-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by premutation alleles (55-200 CGG repeats) in the genome. In parallel, dysregulation of trace metal homeostasis, particularly copper (Cu) imbalance, has been documented in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and FXTAS. However, the precise role of trace metal dyshomeostasis as a disease modifier in neurodegeneration, and its contribution to disease onset and progression, remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the interaction of Copper (II) with the (CCG)12 repeats sequence using spectroscopic and computational modeling studies.

METHODS: (CCG)12 repeats were done by the phosphonamidite technique with a 380B ABI automated synthesizer. The binding of Cu to (CCG)12 was studied using Circular Dichroism, Fluorescence, UV spectroscopy, and a molecular docking model.

RESULTS: The current study shows conformational changes to the (CCG)12 repeat sequence by abnormal interactions of Cu using CD and other spectroscopic methods. Circular dichroism results confirm binding of Cu to the base pairs of DNAs and alter the structure from B-DNA to an altered B-DNA conformation. Further, molecular docking studies reveal the Cu binding to DNA directly through the hydrogen bond formation between G-C base pairs.

CONCLUSIONS: The altered form of B-DNA will affect the integrity of DNA, which in turn modulates the replication and transcription processes, leading to genomic instability and cell dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Qiu Q, Qian W, Zhao W, et al (2026)

P-tau217 and %p-tau217 exhibited superior diagnostic accuracy over other blood biomarkers in the initial assessment of individuals being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease dementia.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261439687.

BACKGROUND: High-performance blood tests may improve diagnostic accuracy and support personalized treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but validation at the time of initial clinical diagnosis remains limited.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether plasma biomarkers can aid diagnostic decision-making at first clinical assessment, particularly as tools to triage patients for confirmatory testing in routine practice.

METHODS: We analyzed 241 cognitively normal (CN) controls, 211 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 59 patients with AD dementia from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Plasma aliquots underwent analysis with the C2N Diagnostics PrecivityAD2[®] and Roche Diagnostics Elecsys[®] assays.

RESULTS: The AD group showed a lower Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio than the CN group (p < 0.01) and a mild decrease compared to the MCI group (p < 0.05). The AD group had significant increases in p-tau181, p-tau217, and %p-tau217 (p < 0.001) versus both MCI and CN groups. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were also significantly elevated in AD. The MCI and CN groups only differed in p-tau217 and %p-tau217 (p < 0.05). The AD versus CN AUCs for p-tau181, p-tau217, and %p-tau217 were 0.84, 0.87, and 0.87; for AD versus MCI, they were 0.79, 0.80, and 0.81. The p-tau181, p-tau217, and %p-tau217 showed a moderate correlation with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale. %p-tau217 demonstrated a strong correlation with the p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio in CSF (R = 0.72, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of first-presentation diagnosis of clinically defined MCI and AD, p-tau217, and %p-tau217 outperformed other plasma biomarkers and may help triage patients for further confirmatory evaluation.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Rahman-Filipiak A, Lesniak M, Burgei A, et al (2026)

Qualitative insights into participant and care partner perspectives on research-based Alzheimer's disease biomarker testing and disclosure.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261429997.

BACKGROUND: There is strong desire for the return of individual results, including biomarker testing, among participants in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) studies. However, it is not known whether participants accurately understand the utility, limitations, benefits and risks of biomarker disclosure, nor how they weigh these factors to inform their decision to undergo testing and learn results. Furthermore, little is known about how factors like participant race or diagnosis influence a desire to learn biomarker results.

OBJECTIVE: This mixed-methods study explored how clinically and racially diverse participant-care partner dyads perceive and plan to use AD biomarker testing in the context of research studies.

METHODS: 57 participants (Age: M = 74.28 ± 5.98; Race: n = 22 Black, n = 35 White; Diagnosis: n = 23 with mild cognitive impairment; n = 34 cognitively healthy) and care partners were recruited from AD studies wherein the participant completed amyloid-β and tau positron emission tomography without receiving results. Each completed an independent interview about their perspectives on learning the participant's results.

RESULTS: Responses suggested strong interest in learning results, driven by perceived benefits (e.g., informing treatment, lifestyle changes, and social support). Risks were rarely discussed, though some respondents cited concerns about psychological burdens of a positive result. Few nuanced differences in perceived risks or benefits were observed across race and diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS: The decision to learn the results of biomarker testing is motivated by highly varied perceived benefits and minimal consideration of risks. Testing should be preceded by individualized counseling that carefully reviews potential benefits and risks.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Zakharov S, Schröter A, B Teichmann (2026)

Validation of Russian versions of the DKAS, DAS, and CODE scales: Measuring dementia knowledge, attitudes, and care confidence.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251409406.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is one of the main public health challenges worldwide. To evaluate awareness programs, it is necessary to use validated scales, such as the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS), the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS), and the Confidence in Dementia Care Scale (CODE), none of which exist in Russian.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the DKAS-R, DAS-R, and CODE-R within the Russian-speaking population.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online study was conducted using convenience sampling (N = 533). Validation included assessing reliability (internal consistency and four-week test-retest reliability of a subgroup of 130 participants), analyzing structural validity through confirmatory factor analysis, and assessing construct validity through the known-groups method. Additionally, an item analysis was conducted. The STROBE checklist was used to report this study.

RESULTS: Acceptable to excellent internal reliability was found for DKAS-R (α/ω = 0.81), DKAS-R20 (α/ω = 0.81), DAS-R (α = 0.81, ω = 0.84), DAS-R14 (α/ω = 0.84), and CODE-R (α = 0.89, ω = 0.88). The proposed factor structures were confirmed after minor modifications (item reductions and correlated residuals). The known-groups analysis revealed that all scales could distinguish between individuals with or without experience with people with dementia and with or without participation in a dementia course. Retest-reliability was moderate for DAS-R/DAS-R14, good for the DKAS-R/DKAS-R20 and CODE-R.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first psychometric validation of the DKAS-R, DAS-R, and CODE-R for the Russian-speaking populations. After minor adaptations, all three scales demonstrated robust structure and reliability, supporting their use in research.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Kant WM, de Swart WK, Smit JM, et al (2026)

Applications and implicit assumptions in dementia risk scores: A scoping review of the LIBRA score.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261416457.

Dementia risk scores are commonly used tools to estimate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia. We lack an overview of what risk scores are used for, what is claimed they ought to be used for, and whether they are suitable for these applications. To address this, we use the 'Lifestyle for Brain Health' (LIBRA) score as a representative example risk score and conduct a literature review to study its applications. The goals of this study are (1) to create an overview of how the LIBRA score has been utilized in scientific articles, (2) to record other applications that these same articles mention, and (3) to critically assess whether LIBRA is suitable for these applications. Of the 66 articles included in our review, 36 involved analyzing associations of LIBRA with dementia, cognition, or other outcomes. We also identified several other applications, with 32 articles mentioning LIBRA as an estimate of 'dementia prevention potential', 6 articles used LIBRA as a surrogate outcome for their trial or intervention, and 7 articles mentioned that it could help support clinician decisions in practice. Although there is a clear need for tools that can be used for these applications, the amount of evidence supporting the suitability of dementia risk scores for many of these applications is limited. We recommend that researchers transparently report the purposes of these dementia risk scores, which may include causal tasks, and that research is done to evaluate whether it is valid to use these scores in this way.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Climacosa FMM, Ornos EDB, Diwa ERS, et al (2026)

Challenges in community-based recruitment of Alzheimer's disease cases: Experience of the monitoring drug efficacy through multi-omics research initiative in Alzheimer's disease (MEMORI-AD) study.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261431318.

BACKGROUND: The Monitoring drug Efficacy through Multi-Omics Research Initiative in Alzheimer's Disease (MEMORI-AD) study aims to characterize drug response to donepezil and memantine in a Filipino cohort with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). To enhance enrollment, community-based dementia screening and recruitment were conducted across barangays in Manila.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the experiences and challenges in community-based recruitment for multi-omics research in vulnerable populations.

METHODS: After coordinating with local officials for approval, recruitment targeted residents aged 65 years and above. A public health lecture on dementia was held, followed by rapid screening using the "10 Warning Signs of Dementia" questionnaire by the Alzheimer's Disease Association of the Philippines and the AD-8 Dementia Screening Interview. Eligible participants were invited for clinical screening, including laboratory work, neuropsychological tests, and neuroimaging. Reasons for non-consent and withdrawal were recorded.

RESULTS: Of 301 eligible participants, 42 (14.0%) were suspected of dementia and eligible for work-up. Among them, 14 (33.3%) did not consent, 15 (53.6%) initially consented but withdrew, and 13 (46.4%) completed the assessment. Only 2 patients were enrolled. The main cause for non-consent was disinterest (n = 8, 57.1%), followed by unavailability of a legally authorized representative (LAR) (n = 3, 21.4%), which was also the primary reason for withdrawal (n = 9, 60%).​.

CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment of vulnerable Filipinos in multi-omics research within a lower-middle income country faced significant barriers, encompassing economic, psychosocial, and health constraints, largely due to disinterest and unavailability of LAR. Further studies on family dynamics, socioeconomic, and cultural factors could offer insights to overcome these recruitment barriers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Philippine Health Research Registry ID PHRR230220-0054116; ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05801380.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Lee HJ, Im H, Yoon B, et al (2026)

A novel PSEN1 (p.Gln223Leu) variant associated with spastic paraparesis and early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261419068.

We report a novel PSEN1 likely pathogenic variant associated with spastic paraparesis (SP) preceding cognitive decline. A 41-year-old man with a two-year history of SP followed by cognitive impairment one year later, was found to carry a heterozygous PSEN1 c.668A > T (p.Gln223Leu) variant. Alzheimer's disease (AD) was confirmed with a combination of low CSF Aβ42 levels and amyloid positivity on [[18]F]Florbetaben PET. This case represents the third reported association between substitutions at PSEN1 codon 223 and AD with SP, emphasizing the need to consider PSEN1 mutations in cases of SP preceding cognitive decline.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Hurh K, Kim H, EC Park (2026)

Association between the coronavirus disease pandemic and antipsychotic drug prescriptions among patients with dementia.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261435562.

BACKGROUND: Antipsychotics are frequently prescribed off-label to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia but pose safety risks in older adults, including a 1.5-2.0-fold increased risk of mortality. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted dementia care, increasing reliance on pharmacologic treatments.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with changes in the prevalence of antipsychotic prescribing among patients with dementia.

METHODS: Using the Korean National Health Insurance Database, this study analyzed a random 50% sample of eligible individuals aged ≥60 years diagnosed with dementia between 2016 and 2021 (n = 876,158; 9.8 million person-observations). Outcomes included the likelihood, duration, and number of antipsychotic prescriptions issued, characterizing pharmacologic management of dementia. Interrupted time series analysis assessed associations between the pandemic and relative changes in these outcomes, adjusting for demographic factors, comorbid burden, and seasonality.

RESULTS: After the pandemic onset, there were relative slope increases per quarter of 1.5%, 3.2%, and 0.4% in the likelihood, duration, and number of prescriptions, respectively (all p < 0.001; pre-pandemic levels: 0.172 patients prescribed, 12.97 days, and 18.10 prescriptions per person-quarter). Antipsychotic prescriptions decreased by 1.6% (p < 0.001) during the first quarter after the outbreak but subsequently showed a progressive increase, reflecting prolonged care disruption after initial access barriers.

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased antipsychotic prescribing among patients with dementia. To mitigate similar effects in future public health crises, governments and healthcare providers should strengthen mental health support, non-pharmacological interventions, telehealth continuity, and tailored prescribing guidelines.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Zong G, Li R, Jiang Y, et al (2026)

The relationship between marital status and cognitive function in Chinese older adults: The mediating role of depressive symptoms.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251412744.

BACKGROUND: Emerging research indicates a possible link between marital status and cognitive performance among elderly individuals, yet limited investigations have explored the potential mediating effects of depressive symptoms within this association.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to examine the intermediary function of depressive symptoms in the connection between marital status and cognitive abilities within China's aging population.

METHODS: The data for this study were obtained from the 2015 CHARLS survey wave, which included 5671 elderly people aged ≥60 years. To assess the associations among marital status, cognitive performance, and depressive symptoms, we employed linear regression modeling. Subsequently, mediation analysis was conducted to investigate whether depressive symptoms might serve as an intermediary factor in the connection between marital status and cognitive functioning. Subgroup analyses were performed according to marital status, sex, residential area, and education in order to evaluate the robustness and heterogeneity of the mediation effect.

RESULTS: The findings indicated that marital status was positively associated with cognitive function in the elderly (β = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.81, p = 0.0023), with married individuals demonstrating superior cognitive function. Depressive symptoms accounted for approximately 27.39% of the total effect of the correlation between marital status and cognitive impairment (95% CI: 14.16%, 79.68%, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS: Our research indicates that depressive symptoms serve as a mediating factor in the relationship between marital status and cognitive function in aging populations. Older adults with cognitive impairment should be assessed for their marital status, and early identification and intervention for depressive symptoms are recommended.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Du Y, Tam WC, Chu MF, et al (2026)

Impact of anticoagulation on cognitive decline and clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation and dementia: A retrospective cohort study.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261433532.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and dementia frequently coexist in older adults, yet the impact of anticoagulation on cognitive and clinical outcomes in this population remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of anticoagulation on cognitive and clinical outcomes in patients with AF and dementia.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 291 patients aged ≥65 years with AF and dementia, treated at a tertiary center between January 2020 and December 2024. Patients were grouped by anticoagulation status. Cognitive, functional outcomes (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE], Activities of Daily Living [ADL], Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes [CDR-SB]) and clinical endpoints (all-cause mortality, hospitalization, major adverse cardiovascular events, and bleeding) were assessed over a median 28-month follow-up.

RESULTS: Anticoagulated patients were younger (82.8 versus 85.1 years, p = 0.01). Anticoagulation was associated with slower cognitive/functional decline, with medium effect sizes, ΔMMSE mean difference: 2.0 points (95% CI: -3.5 to -0.4; p = 0.048), ΔADL mean difference: 10.9 points (95% CI: -19.6 to -2.3; p = 0.02), ΔCDR-SB mean difference: -1.4 points (95% CI: 0.4 to 2.4; p < 0.01). In multivariable Cox models, anticoagulation reduced hospitalization risk (HR 0.60; 95% CI: 0.43-0.84; p < 0.01) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.59; 95% CI: 0.40-0.88; p = 0.01). Benefits were most pronounced in very mild dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective, confounder-adjusted study, anticoagulation was associated with slower cognitive/functional decline and lower hospitalization/mortality risk in AF and dementia patients. The findings warrant prospective research to investigate whether anticoagulation has disease-modifying effects in early-stage dementia.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Zhao X, Wu L, P Li (2026)

TARDBP gene mutation in a Chinese family with frontotemporal dementia: A case report and literature review.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251412416.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the transactive response DNA binding protein (TARDBP) have never been reported in the population of familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in Chinese mainland.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports for the first time a familial FTD carrying TARDBP mutations in Chinese mainland and summarizes the genetic and clinical features of TARDBP mutant families.

METHODS: Case report of comprehensive clinical, genetic and neuroimaging examinations on a 68-year-old male patient diagnosed with behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD). A literature review was also conducted and clinical and genetic features of families with TARDBP mutations were summarized.

RESULTS: We reported the bvFTD patient in Chinese with heterozygous mutation of TARDBP. Brain MRI revealed bilateral frontal and temporal atrophy, predominant in the right side. FDG-PET demonstrated frontal and temporal hypometabolism. [18]F-DPA714-PET showed focally elevated bilateral temporal tracer uptake, and [18]F-MNI-1126-PET revealed a reduction in synaptic uptake throughout the brain, especially in the bilateral temporal lobes. In the literature, we found 68 patients from 24 families with 6 different TARDBP mutations in an exon 6. Nine patients presented with symmetrical atrophy involving the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes, 11 with asymmetrical atrophy, and 5 without atrophy. More than 60.3% of the patients had an onset age earlier than 65 years old and there was a predominance of men.

CONCLUSIONS: Our discovery confirmed a pedigree of FTD families and expanded the pedigree mutation spectrum of TARDBP in China. The establishment between phenotype and genotype will aid the diagnosis and treatment of FTD.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Clements-Cortés A, Bryan A, Faber S, et al (2026)

Music and dementia care: Future directions for research and innovation.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251415163.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive decline and dementia can have a major impact on individuals, families, societies and economies. While there are currently no cures for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and available treatments only modestly slow early progression, there is enormous scope to improve cognitive health and support individuals emotionally and psychologically as they age. By developing and implementing research-informed, music-based approaches in dementia care, quality of life could be significantly improved for those living with dementia and their families.

OBJECTIVE: An early-stage visioning project brought together an interdisciplinary research team from across Canada, Scotland and England to discuss music-based interventions (MBIs) as scalable, real-world solutions that can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of older people. The focus of the discussion was future research directions.

METHODS: A community of practice was formed to map out directions for future research and innovation in the continued advancement of MBIs in dementia care.

RESULTS: Six emerging research themes were identified: (1) music, mind and body; (2) social isolation and connection; (3) music technologies; (4) creativity, cultural rights and participation; (5) involving people living with dementia in the research process; and (6) real world implementation and sustainability.

CONCLUSIONS: MBIs are a beneficial application in dementia care, but ensuring quality, access and long-term sustainability remain a challenge. More fundamentally, music should be seen as part of the human experience, and engagement in music and other arts-based activities should be considered a cultural right during aging.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Shi CX, Li JH, Liu J, et al (2026)

Social determinants of health, genetic biomarkers, and cognitive function in Chinese older adults with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment: A cross-sectional analysis.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251409405.

BACKGROUND: Social isolation (SI) is an established risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive decline. However, its stage-specific effects across the AD continuum, particularly at subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stages, remain unquantified in Chinese populations. The sex-specific effects of SI on cognitive decline remain incompletely characterized. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype is a driver of cognitive decline and dementia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate social connection characteristics and gene distribution in individuals with SCD or MCI, examine their cross-sectional associations with cognitive function, and explore gender differences in SCD or MCI risk/prevention.

METHODS: A community-based sample of 164 SCD and 84 MCI patients (July 2021-Dec 2024) was assessed. Demographic, social connectivity, APOE genotype and cognitive data were collected. Social connectivity, APOE genotype and cognitive function were compared between groups. In the overall or male and female genders, Pearson correlation analyzed associations between social connectivity and cognitive scores. Sex-stratified multivariable models tested Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6)-by-sex interactions on MCI risk.

RESULTS: LSNS-6 scores showed weak-to-moderate correlations with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (r = 0.140, p = 0.027), Animal Verbal Fluency Test-Huashan (AVLT-H) delayed recall (r = 0.129, p = 0.043), AVLT-H recognition (r = 0.190, p = 0.003), Trail Making Test-B (r = -0.132, p = 0.038), Boston Naming Test (r = 0.147, p = 0.021), and Animal Verbal Fluency Test (r = 0.148, p = 0.020). Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed the association between social network and MCI risk differed by sex (ORmale = 0.581; ORfemale = 0.746; p interaction = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS: SI may exacerbate cognitive dysfunction in adults with SCD or MCI. Women leverage social connectivity into significantly greater neuroprotective gains compared to men.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2300073429. https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=200381.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Cheung N (2026)

The Cheung Glutamatergic Regimen as a candidate for primary and secondary prevention of Alzheimer's disease onset.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261433953.

Ketamine's ability to lift mood and spur new synapse growth has put glutamate biology at the center of modern neurotherapeutics. Yet the drug's intravenous route, monitoring requirements, and dissociative effects make it a poor candidate for long-term prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This hypothesis article proposes a low-cost oral glutamatergic regimen that targets early synaptic and glutamatergic dysfunction in AD pathogenesis. Here we advance a testable hypothesis: an all-oral "synaptogenic stack" could mimic ketamine's downstream benefits-namely, the rise in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-while avoiding its toxicities. The stack combines three inexpensive agents that have decades of human use. First, dextromethorphan, kept in circulation with a small dose of a CYP2D6 inhibitor, provides gentle NMDA antagonism. Second, piracetam acts as a positive modulator of AMPA receptors, boosting fast excitatory transmission. Third, oral L-glutamine replenishes presynaptic glutamate stores and buffers against excitotoxic spill-over. Working in concert, these drugs should reduce extrasynaptic NMDA stress, enhance AMPA throughput, and preserve dendritic spine density in the aging brain. If this mechanism proves sound, the regimen offers a low-cost, scalable way to delay the clinical onset of AD, particularly in people who already show prodromal biomarkers or genetic risk. Prospective trials are needed to evaluate safety, target engagement, and long-term cognitive outcomes.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Anonymous (2026)

Corrigendum to Unraveling the impact of common medications on biomarker patterns in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261433792 pii:10.1177_25424823261433792.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1177/25424823251387281.].

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Zhang D, Fang Y, Huang M, et al (2026)

Multidimensional burden of caregivers of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia in China: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261433567.

BACKGROUND: As China's population ages, the burden on caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is increasing. Comprehensive nationwide studies on caregiver burden, particularly emotional experiences, however, remain limited.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the multidimensional aspects of caregiving burden associated with ADRD patients through a nationwide survey.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1221 ADRD patient-caregiver pairs from 29 province-level administrative divisions in mainland China, recruited through dementia-dedicated online forums. The multidimensional aspect of caregiver burden, including physical, mental, familial, emotional, and quality-of-life impact, as well as attitudes toward caregiving and needed supports, was measured using a self-reported assessment.

RESULTS: Patients had a median age of 66 years, with 33% classified as young-onset dementia (YOD). Caregivers were predominantly younger (median age: 30), employed (96.6%), and male (59.8%). Most reported moderate-to-severe physical (24.2%), mental (31.0%), family life (29.2%), and quality-of-life (47.2%) burden, with high emotional strain (ambivalence: 66.7%; grief: 59.8%; guilt: 57.7%). Independent predictors of burden included patient mood, caregiver emotional states, and caregiving extent, while financial stability and positive caregiving attitudes were identified as protective factors. Caregivers prioritized financial aid (25.1%), additional helpers (19.7%), and psychological support (16.7%).

CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study highlights the multidimensional burden faced by ADRD caregivers in China. Predominantly younger, employed, and male caregivers reflect shifting sociocultural dynamics. The high prevalence of YOD adds complexity to caregiving demands. Our findings underscore the need for evidence-based individualized support mechanisms, such as psychosocial and workplace interventions, to alleviate caregiver burden in China.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Shi G, Ju F, Dong Q, et al (2026)

N-Glycosylation and Alzheimer's disease: A 2001-2025 global bibliometric landscape revealing emerging diagnostic trends.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251412909.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) lacks effective early diagnostic tools. N-glycosylation dysregulation involving the enzyme MGAT3 is implicated in AD pathogenesis, with untapped clinical potential for biomarker development.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and validate MGAT3-associated diagnostic biomarkers for AD using integrative multi-disciplinary approaches.

METHODS: Bibliometric analysis of N-glycosylation-AD research; large-scale GEO dataset preprocessing, WGCNA-integrated bioinformatics, machine learning, and penalized regression in well-characterized independent training/validation sets.

RESULTS: Bibliometric analysis revealed -1.94% annual growth, 21.76% international co-authorship, leading contributions from the U.S., Japan, and China; Journal of Biological Chemistry as the core journal; Taniguchi N and Kizuka Y as key authors; Lee JH (2010) and Zielinska DF (2010) as highly cited works; key keywords including "bisecting GlcNAc" and "MGAT3/GnT-III"; and thematic shifts toward amyloid pathology, MGAT3-driven glycosylation, and neuronal signaling pathways. ATP6V1G2 and CHST6 emerged as core MGAT3-associated biomarkers with a strong antagonistic relationship (r = -0.63). Both demonstrated robust standalone diagnostic efficacy (AUC > 0.72) across diverse patient subgroups in the training set, with the CHST6 + ATP6V1G2 + PCSK1 combination achieving AUC 0.755. Validation confirmed ATP6V1G2 as the consistently top single biomarker (AUC = 0.761), while the ATP6V1G2 + ENO2 + SEZ6L2 panel reached peak AUC 0.764. ATP6V1G2 was significantly downregulated and CHST6 markedly upregulated in AD cohorts, with clinical utility validated via nomograms for risk stratification, decision curve analysis (net benefit 0.20-0.25), and >80% reliable correspondence between high-risk individuals and confirmed AD cases.

CONCLUSIONS: MGAT3-associated biomarkers (ATP6V1G2, CHST6) and their combinations offer promising AD diagnostic potential, advancing insights into N-glycosylation-mediated disease mechanisms.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Zafari R, Taherkhani T, Kamroo A, et al (2026)

Comprehensive and stratified meta-analysis of diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space in Alzheimer's disease: Linking glymphatic dysfunction with cognitive decline and amyloid pathology.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261424508.

BACKGROUND: The glymphatic system clears brain waste, including amyloid-β (Aβ), and it is shown that its dysfunction may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. This dysfunction can be evaluated using the diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index.

OBJECTIVE: This study summarizes the AD literature on the glymphatic system evaluated through neuroimaging methods.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases to find relevant neuroimaging studies.

RESULTS: 24 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. We observed a significant reduction in DTI-ALPS index among patients with AD, compared to healthy controls (standardized mean difference (SMD) of -1.044 (95% CI: -1.304, -0.784) in DTI studies with 1000 s/mm2 b-values and an SMD of -1.063 (95% CI: -1.278, -0.847) in studies with b-value of 2000 s/mm2). Moreover, our study reflected a significant correlation between the DTI-ALPS index and cognitive function assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (95% CI: 0.37 to 0.51, z-score: 0.44), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (95% CI: 0.45 to 0.61, z-score: 0.54), and Clinical Dementia Rating (95% CI: -0.63 to -0.28, z-score: -0.47).

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a significant dysfunction of the glymphatic system in patients with AD, compared to healthy participants. These findings suggest the DTI-ALPS index as a linked index to cognitive performance among patients with AD and as a potential parameter in assessing the progression of AD.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Noreen Z, Mondal T, Johnson J, et al (2026)

Exploring shared molecular pathways and gene signatures in type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease in a Pakistani cohort.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251403462.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) a growing concern in low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan. The relationship between T2DM and AD is complex and concerning, as more older adults with T2DM are experiencing cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between T2DM and AD in a Pakistani population. Through transcriptomic analysis, this research explored shared molecular mechanisms, genes, and pathways between T2DM and AD.

METHODS: Our main cohort includes 820 participants, including individuals with T2DM, AD, T2DM + AD, and controls, from regional hospitals. Gene expression profiling and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were implemented in a subgroup of 18 participants to identify overlapping gene networks and canonical pathways implicated in both diseases. A TLDA array was used to identify genes associated with Amyloid processing and selected pathways.

RESULTS: Our findings indicate a significant (p-value 0.05) overlap in 58 dysregulated genes linked to neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and amyloid processing, suggesting shared pathogenic mechanisms in T2DM and AD. Notable genes, such as CXCL5 and APP, were differentially expressed in both conditions, highlighting inflammation's role in neurodegeneration. CAPNS2 and CAPN1 showed the maximum relative expression differences in the TLDA array, providing potential targets for further investigation.

CONCLUSIONS: The study provides insights into the complex interplay between T2DM and AD, revealing common molecular pathways, including neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite the small sample size, our findings underscore the importance of exploring these shared mechanisms, as they could play a potential role in future studies to identify early biomarkers.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Hou K, Lu H, Zhang R, et al (2026)

Diagnostic association of ante-mortem biomarkers with cerebral amyloid angiopathy in a cohort with high Alzheimer's disease comorbidity.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261433955.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) frequently co-occurs with Alzheimer's disease (AD), complicating the interpretation of biomarkers. Current diagnostic approaches rely largely on neuroimaging but remain constrained by limited accuracy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic discrimination and pathological association of neuropathological scoring systems and fluid biomarkers for CAA using pathologically confirmed samples.

METHODS: We examined 100 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative with complete neuropathological assessments. Associations and diagnostic performance of amyloid-β (Aβ)-related measures were evaluated using multivariable regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses.

RESULTS: Both Thal phase and the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) score were associated with CAA status. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ42, Aβ40, and Aβ38 concentrations were significantly reduced in CAA, with CSF Aβ42 showing the greatest decrease and highest diagnostic accuracy [area under the curve (AUC) 0.962; sensitivity 88.6%; specificity 100%). Plasma Aβ42/40 ratio was also markedly lower in CAA and demonstrated robust diagnostic discrimination (AUC 0.913; sensitivity 84.6%; specificity 100%). In contrast, inflammatory and neuronal injury markers did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Neuropathological scores and fluid biomarkers are associated with the presence and severity of CAA, but this association is confounded by co-existing advanced AD pathology. Despite high discriminative accuracy, the small control sample warrants cautious interpretation of specificity estimates.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Rwodzi Z, Mellow ML, Wu DP, et al (2026)

Characteristics of publicly available digital dementia risk screening tools: A scoping review.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261433534.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias have long prodromal phases during which addressing modifiable lifestyle factors may help delay onset. Digital dementia risk screening tools are emerging as an accessible method to convey risk information and promote preventive strategies. However, little is known about the characteristics, intended users, and risk factor coverage of these tools.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and summarize publicly available digital dementia risk screening tools, including their components (risk factors), administration methods, target populations, and implementation settings.

METHODS: A two-phase systematic search was conducted. Phase 1 involved searching Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), APA PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for digital dementia screening tools. To be included in this review, tools needed to be publicly available, focused on dementia, containing at least one modifiable risk factor, targeted at adults, and published in English. Phase 2 examined the psychometric properties of the identified tools (when administered to older adults).

RESULTS: Eleven tools met inclusion criteria: CogDrisk, ANU-ADRI, BDSI, DemPort, UKBDRS, CAIDE, LIBRA, Alzhe Alert, DRA, UKB-DRP, and the Knight Alzheimer's Disease Risk Calculator. Tools were web- or app-based and designed for use by individuals, clinicians, or researchers. While the most recent Lancet Commission outlines 14 modifiable risk factors, only 11 were covered across these tools. Only one tool had reported psychometric properties.

CONCLUSIONS: Several digital tools for dementia risk screening are publicly available, but most remain in early development and require further validation in real-world adult populations. Future research should evaluate their reliability and effectiveness to support early identification and behavior change.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Cui L, Yue Z, Sun C, et al (2026)

TREM2 in Alzheimer's disease: A global bibliometric analysis of research evolution and therapeutic implications.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251411528.

BACKGROUND: Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a microglial receptor genetically linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and increasingly recognized as a key regulator of neuroinflammation, yet its global research landscape in AD remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE: In the central nervous system, TREM2 expressed on microglia is closely related to the occurrence and development of AD and has been extensively studied in recent years. However, there is still a lack of bibliometric analysis regarding TREM2 and AD.

METHODS: We searched in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) for articles published from January 1, 2000, to September 30, 2024. After a thorough screening process, we selected relevant information regarding TREM2 and AD. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on a total of 944 publications. The analysis utilized GraphPad Prism 9, CiteSpace6.1.6, VOSviewer1.6.19, the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology, GeneMANIA and Metascape.

RESULTS: A total of 944 publications from 2000 to 2024 met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. Over this period, research activity in TREM2 and AD has shown a consistent upward trend, with notable peaks in 2021 and 2022. The United States and China lead in the number of publications, with Washington University being the top research institution. Neurobiology of Aging is the most frequently cited journal in this field. Research has focused on key areas like molecular biology, genetics, and neuroimmunology. Critical keywords include microglia, inflammation, and genetic variants, while recent studies highlight emerging topics such as protein interactions, neurodegeneration, and cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS: This study employs advanced bibliometric analysis tools and visualization techniques to clearly present the major research themes, development trends, and prospects of TREM2 in AD.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Parmar H, Walden E, Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative * (2026)

Towards practical application of deep learning in diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261415808.

BACKGROUND: Accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is both challenging and time consuming. With a systematic approach to diagnosis, steps can be taken toward improved treatment and prevention of the disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study explores the practical application of deep learning models for the diagnosis of AD across different disease stages.

METHODS: Due to computational complexity, long training times, and limited availability of labeled datasets, full brain three-dimensional (3D) convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are not commonly used, and many studies rely on two-dimensional (2D) variants. In this work, full brain 3D versions of well-known 2D CNN architectures were designed, trained, and tested for the diagnosis of multiple stages of AD. More than 1500 full brain volumes were used for model training and evaluation.

RESULTS: The proposed deep learning approach demonstrated good performance in differentiating various stages of AD. In addition to classification, the models were able to extract discriminative features relevant to disease stage. These features aligned with meaningful anatomical landmarks that are currently considered important for AD identification by clinical experts. An ensemble of all algorithms was also evaluated and achieved superior performance compared to individual models, with a maximum classification accuracy of 87.4%.

CONCLUSIONS: The trained 3D CNNs and their ensemble show strong potential for assisting in the diagnosis of AD. These models may be incorporated into clinical software tools to support physicians and radiologists in improved diagnostic decision making.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Kasuga K, Yuzawa C, Nakamura K, et al (2026)

A novel PSEN2 missense variant in a Japanese woman with hereditary Alzheimer's disease.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261424532.

Hereditary Alzheimer's disease (hAD) and PSEN2 variants are rare, and the benefit of anti-amyloid β-directed monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy is unknown. We encountered a 51-year-old Japanese woman with PSEN2-associated hAD. A molecular diagnosis revealed a novel uniallelic missense variant (NM_000447:c.356T > G, p.Leu119Arg) in PSEN2. Intravenous mAb therapy was initiated at age 50, and serial amyloid positron emission tomography showed intense Pittsburgh compound B accumulation and a reduction in amyloid-β deposits in the cerebral cortex after 6 months. Our results suggest that treatment with mAbs has the potential to reduce amyloid deposits in the brain, even in patients with symptomatic hAD.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Zhang J, Li W, Wen S, et al (2026)

An efficient non-invasive model for predicting cognitive impairment based on comprehensive geriatric assessment: Machine learning and SHAP analysis.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261415843.

BACKGROUND: With global aging, cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, has become a critical public health challenge, driving the need for convenient screening tools to facilitate early intervention.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop an efficient and noninvasive risk assessment model for identifying potential cognitive impairment in the elderly using machine learning algorithms based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA).

METHODS: We included 1410 participants aged 50 and older from geriatric clinics and community. Feature selection was performed on the CGA indicators using a combination of expert knowledge and machine learning. Logistic regression (LR), naive Bayes, support vector machines, neural networks, and random forests were comprehensively evaluated based on common classification performance metrics. The optimal machine learning algorithms and feature subset are used to construct the final prediction model. Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to explain the model.

RESULTS: Thirteen noninvasive predictors were identified, including 'Bathing', 'Age', 'Caregiver', 'Sleep duration', 'Homekeeping', 'Right Ear', 'Stand BWEO', 'Hobbies', 'Focusing Difficulty', 'UI effect', and 'Housework'. The LR model performed best on the test set, with an AUC of 0.877 and high accuracy (0.815), sensitivity (0.767), and specificity (0.827). The SHAP results illustrated the role of these key features in cognitive impairment, which is highly consistent with clinical knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies convenient, noninvasive predictors for screening-oriented prediction of cognitive impairment, develops an efficient machine learning model, and employs SHAP analysis for interpretation. This facilitates widespread screening, providing guidance for early detection and intervention in high-risk populations.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Low S, Moh A, Zheng H, et al (2026)

Insights into the role of extracellular-to-total body water ratio on neurocognitive decrements over time in Asians with type 2 diabetes.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261421570.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular water-to-total body water (ECW/TBW) ratio reflects volume overload. It promotes aortic stiffness which predicts Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) development.

OBJECTIVE: We studied longitudinal relationship between ECW/TBW ratio and neurocognitive decrements in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mediating role of aortic stiffness.

METHODS: In a prospective Asian cohort, we measured ECW/TBW ratio using bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) using applanation method. The Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was used to assess neurocognitive performance. Linear mixed model was applied to examine if ECW/TBW was associated with neurocognitive performance.

RESULTS: The study comprised 1412 patients at baseline. Over maximum of 9.4 years' follow-up, 823 patients had repeated neurocognitive assessment. We observed associations between higher ECW/TBW ratio (continuous variable) and edema group with lower total RBANS score. The adjusted coefficients were -1.43 (95%CI -2.31, -0.56) and -5.88 (95%CI -9.00, -2.75) respectively. There were similar observations for delayed memory, visuospatial/constructional and attention. Based on cross-lagged panel model, there was larger standardized effect size from baseline ECW/TBW ratio to follow-up total RBANS score (β = 0.053, p = 0.026) compared to that from baseline total RBANS score to follow-up ECW/TBW ratio (β = -0.020, p = 0.461). PWV mediated 13.3% of the relationship.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated a relationship between volume overload and cognitive decrements, with potential mediation from aortic stiffness. There was temporal precedence of ECW/TBW over neurocognitive performance. BIA-determined ECW/TBW ratio is a promising biomarker of neurocognitive decrements in T2D.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Zhang Q, C Fan (2026)

Association between sensory impairment and incident dementia among middle-aged and older Chinese: Findings from the CHARLS cohort study.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251415174.

BACKGROUND: Aging is accompanied by increase in sensory impairments (SIs), including vision impairment (VI), hearing impairment (HI), and dual sensory impairment (DSI). However, prospective evidence on this association from nationally representative cohorts in China remains limited.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between SIs and incident dementia among Chinese adults.

METHODS: From the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, 7664 dementia-free adults aged ≥45 at baseline (2011-2012) were followed up until 2018 to detect incident dementia. VI (near and distance) and HI were assessed based on self-reported vision and hearing capabilities. DSI was defined as having both VI and HI. Dementia was ascertained based on cognitive batteries, informant reports, and the Activity of Daily Living scale. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: During the follow-up, 1022 (13.34%) participants developed dementia. Overall, near/distance VI (OR: 1.75 [1.13, 2.72] / 1.93 [1.29, 2.89]) and HI (OR: 3.02 [1.30, 7.02]) were all associated with higher risk of dementia. People with DSI had a significantly higher risk of dementia compared with those without SI or with only one type of SI at baseline (OR: 2.94 [1.27, 2.95]). The associations between SIs/DSI and dementia remained significant among people aged≥60 years. However, only VI was associated with dementia among people aged<60 years. After stratification by residence, the SI-dementia associations were more pronounced among rural participants.

CONCLUSIONS: SIs are associated with a higher risk of dementia. Interventions addressing SIs should be included in dementia prevention strategies.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Zupanic E, Stegnar G, Rakuša M, et al (2026)

Estimates of current capacity for diagnosing and implementation of new treatment Alzheimer's disease in Slovenia.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261424524.

BACKGROUND: The limited efficacy of current symptomatic treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) leads many patients to forgo medical help. However, new disease-modifying treatments (DMTs), such as donanemab and lecanemab, show potential to change this.

OBJECTIVE: To model the impact of these treatments on Slovenia's healthcare system by analyzing patient flow under both current and enhanced capacities, assuming DMT availability.

METHODS: The study estimates 76,923 potential DMT candidates aged 65 years and older with mild cognitive impairment or mild AD. Using data from Slovenia's three specialized centers for cognitive disorders, a Markov model simulated five five-year scenarios: baseline, real-life, real-life with capacity enhancement, biomarker integration, and biomarker integration with capacity enhancement.

RESULTS: Waiting times for specialist evaluation would increase from the current 3-12 months to 1.8 years. The primary bottleneck is lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, during which 64% of patients would become ineligible for DMT. The shortest waiting time to receive DMT occurs in the biomarker integration with capacity enhancement scenario, at 4 years, reducing ineligibility to 7%.

CONCLUSIONS: Current specialized outpatient facilities are limited, causing significant bottlenecks, especially in CSF analysis. Severe waiting times under current capacities mean many patients would progress to moderate or severe dementia or die before receiving treatment. Plasma biomarkers offer a promising triage approach to guide patients toward lumbar puncture or other confirmatory diagnostics, potentially easing this critical bottleneck. Substantial infrastructure and workforce improvements are essential to ensure timely and equitable access to DMTs in Slovenia.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Gao D, Han Z, Ai X, et al (2026)

Identification of novel serum biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease screened by phage display library of random peptides.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823261432141.

BACKGROUND: Identification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) needs inexpensive, noninvasive novel biomarkers. autoimmunity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of AD.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to screen innovative diagnostic biomarkers for AD from the perspective of autoantibodies.

METHODS: The study consisted of two screening phases and two validation phases. AD serum autoantibody-related biomarkers were discovered and validated using serum samples from four independent cohorts encompassing 241 participants, i.e., AD patients, healthy controls, and other dementia-related diseases. First, to identify biomarkers for AD, a phage displayed random peptide library (Ph.D.12) was applied to screen specific autoantibodies in a total of 71 serum samples from 39 AD patients and 32 healthy controls. After further screening by polypeptide microarray, Then, for validation, three peptides were analyzed in another two independent cohorts, which included AD patients, healthy controls, and other dementia-related diseases, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was finally used to evaluate their sensitivity and specificity for AD diagnosis.

RESULTS: Our results show that both AD2024Val03, AD2024Val70, and AD2024Val72 showed a statistically significant ability to discriminate AD patients from controls and other dementia-related diseases. Additionally, combination of these three peptides, AD2024Val, could greatly improve the diagnostic performance (AUC is above 0.95, sensitivity ∼100%, specificity ∼79%).

CONCLUSIONS: the peptides we identified could serve as promising blood biomarkers for AD clinical diagnosis, which also might provide new insights into the potential pathogenesis of AD.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Paez K, Kopachik C, Yilmaz A, et al (2026)

Unraveling the impact of common medications on biomarker patterns in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251387281.

BACKGROUND: The aging global population faces significant challenges from Alzheimer's disease (AD). Metabolomics offers a non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic alternative. Researchers identified significant variations in the level of salivary and urinary metabolites between AD patients and cognitively healthy controls. However, it's unclear whether differences in metabolites between AD patients and healthy controls are due to the disease or medications.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the impact of common AD medications (cholinesterase inhibitors) and hypertension medications (ARBs) on the AD patient metabolome.

METHODS: A retrospective metabolomics analysis was conducted to elucidate whether observed metabolic perturbations were attributable to AD pathology or polypharmacy, with a specific focus on cholinesterase inhibitors and ARBs.

RESULTS: Linear models revealed that cholinesterase inhibitors did not significantly modulate potential urinary and salivary biomarkers for AD. However, these inhibitors were associated with significant changes in urinary metabolite concentrations, including increased isovaleric acid and L-leucine and decreased formate and L-histidine (q = 0.027 for all). Analysis of ARB treatment revealed significantly reduced urinary tryptophan levels (q = 0.001) in AD patients and increased salivary acetone and isopropyl alcohol concentrations (q = 0.028) across all groups. Further analysis of saliva metabolite ratios revealed notable differences in asymmetric arginine methylation between the AD group and the control group (q = 0.021). Additionally, variations in citrate synthesis were observed between the mild cognitive impairment group and the control group on ARBs (q = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS: Our research confirms that distinct biomarker profiles characteristic of AD remain present regardless of cholinesterase inhibitor and ARB treatment, providing a foundation for future clinical studies and therapeutic development by providing better diagnostic tools.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Gu Y, Hsu CL, Boa Sorte Silva NC, et al (2026)

Probing cognitive reserve with resting state functional connectivity in subcortical ischemic vascular cognitive impairment.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports, 10:25424823251409395.

BACKGROUND: Subcortical ischemic vascular cognitive impairment (SIVCI) is characterized by white matter hyperintensities (WMH) that contribute to executive dysfunction and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive reserve (CR) is the brain's ability to maintain cognitive performance despite pathology. Resting-state functional connectivity (FC) of default mode network (DMN), fronto-executive network (FEN), and fronto-parietal network (FPN) may support CR. Whether WMH and FC interact on executive functions in SIVCI remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether WMH volume interacts with resting-state FC within DMN, FEN, or FPN on executive functions in SIVCI.

METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 38 community-dwelling older adults with SIVCI enrolled in a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Three executive processes were assessed: set-shifting by Trail Making Test (B-A), working memory by Digit Span Forward and Backward, and response inhibition by Stroop Colour-Word Test. WMH volume was quantified via T2-weighted and proton-density-weighted MRI and log-transformed. Resting-state FC was computed from resting-state functional MRI using region-of-interest masks. We assessed bivariate associations between WMH volume and each executive process; for significant bivariate associations, we then assessed interactions of WMH × FC on executive functions.

RESULTS: Log-transformed WMH volume was significantly associated with set-shifting (p = 0.006). There were significant WMH × FC interactions for set-shifting. Specifically, higher within-network FC of DMN (b = -2914.10, p < 0.001), lower within-network FC of FEN (b = 1706.23, p = 0.019), and lower within-network FC of FPN (b = 1806.43, p = 0.003) were associated with better set-shifting at high WMH volume.

CONCLUSIONS: Within-network FC of DMN, FEN, and FPN interacts with WMH on set-shifting, suggesting a potential neural basis for CR in SIVCI.Trial registry name: Reshaping the Path of Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI)Registration ID: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02669394 URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02669394.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Nuamah JA, Avorgbedor FK, Dadson SS, et al (2026)

Alzheimer's Disease in Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol.

Health science reports, 9(4):e72229.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The global burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is set to increase in the next three decades particularly because of the global increase in life expectancy. The state of AD in Africa is a cause for concern because the continent's rapid population growth and demographic transition will be major contributors to AD's increased global burden. This scoping review aims to investigate the following: the extent of AD research in Africa, the major contributors, key research trends, areas that require further investigation. By addressing these questions, this review will help map out existing literature and highlight areas needing further investigation.

METHODS: The scoping review will follow the outline for scoping reviews by Arskey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Following the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) guidelines with adaptations for scoping reviews, articles reporting on epidemiology, management, or study of AD in Africa will be assessed. Articles reporting on epidemiology, management, or study of AD in Africa will be searched using the following databases: PubMed, Medline, OVID, Embase, African Journal Online, the Global Health Index Medicus, and Google Scholar. The articles will be searched from database inception to date. The results will be uploaded to Rayyan where the articles will be deduplicated, and each title and abstract will be reviewed individually by four researchers. Two researchers will independently read and analyze all eligible full-text articles.

CONCLUSION: This review aims to map the existing literature on AD in Africa by identifying contributors to AD research in Africa, identifying research trends, and areas that require further investigation. Data obtained from this study will help guide future research efforts on AD in Africa and help guide context-based interventions, addressing hypothesized regional disparities in AD burden and research, which would ultimately improve the outcomes of patients with AD within the continent.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Coronel-Oliveros C, Moguilner S, Hernandez H, et al (2025)

Diversity-sensitive brain clocks linked to biophysical mechanisms in aging and dementia.

Nature. Mental health, 3(10):1214-1229.

Brain clocks track the deviations between predicted brain age and chronological age (brain age gaps, BAGs). These BAGs can be used to measure accelerated aging, monitoring deviations from the healthy brain trajectories associated with brain diseases and different cumulative burdens. However, the underlying biophysical mechanisms associated with BAGs in aging and dementia remain unclear. Here, we combine source space connectivity (EEG) with generative brain modeling in healthy controls (HCs) from the global south and north, alongside Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) patients (N=1,399). BAGs in aging were influenced by geography (south>north), income (low>high), sex (female>male), and education (low>high), with larger BAGs in patients, especially females with AD. Biophysical modeling revealed BAGs related to hyperexcitability and structural disintegration in aging, while hypoexcitability and severe disintegration were linked to dementia. Our work sheds light on the biophysical mechanisms of accelerated aging and dementia in diverse populations.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

R Y, Sharma S, C M, et al (2026)

Metformin Repurposing in Neurological Disorders: A Clinical Trial Landscape.

Annals of neurosciences [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) involve progressive nerve cell loss and current treatments mainly provide symptomatic relief without stopping disease progression. Drug repurposing offers a promising approach to address this gap. Metformin, a widely used oral anti-diabetic drug, is being studied in central nervous system (CNS) disorders due to its multiple effects, including activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, supporting neuroprotection and promoting remyelination.

PURPOSE: To systematically analyse the current clinical trial landscape of metformin repurposing in CNS disorders.

METHODS: Data were collected exclusively from ClinicalTrials.gov. The search focused on neurological, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions while excluding trials mainly targeting type 2 diabetes or cancer. After screening, 23 clinical studies were selected. Extracted data emphasised disease types, therapeutic goals and measurable neurobiological and functional outcomes.

RESULTS: Research on metformin in CNS disorders is active, with over two-thirds of trials being completed (N = 7, 30.4%) or recruiting (N = 9). Most studied conditions include MS (N = 5), schizophrenia/psychosis (N = 4) and fragile X syndrome (FXS) (N = 4), highlighting interest in neurodevelopmental and demyelinating repair. Trials use functional outcomes such as the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FWT) and the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), along with advanced biomarkers such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for white matter integrity and molecular markers such as neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).

CONCLUSION: This analysis shows growing interest in repurposing metformin as a potential disease-modifying therapy for CNS disorders, with a focus on neurorepair and biomarker-based assessment. Larger, well-designed randomised controlled trials are still needed to confirm efficacy in humans.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Sun H, Fan H, Zhou Y, et al (2026)

The Glymphatic System and Meningeal Lymphatics: Current Understandings and Future Perspectives.

MedComm, 7(4):e70691.

The central nervous system (CNS) maintains homeostasis and immune surveillance through a recently defined brain-wide clearance network: the glymphatic-lymphatic axis. This system couples the intramural glymphatic pathway, responsible for convective fluid transport and parenchymal waste removal, with the meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs), which serve as the critical efferent route to the peripheral immune system. This review delineates the structural and functional foundations of each component, their regulatory dynamics, including the roles of sleep and aging, and their synergistic interplay in maintaining fluid balance, clearing metabolic waste, and facilitating neuroimmune communication. Mounting evidence identifies the dysfunction of this integrated axis as a common pathological mechanism across a spectrum of neurological disorders. We highlight its pivotal role in three key paradigms: acute injury (stroke), chronic proteinopathy (Alzheimer's disease, AD), and autoimmune dysregulation (multiple sclerosis, MS), where impaired clearance and maladaptive immune responses are central, recurring themes. The review critically evaluates emerging translational strategies aimed at therapeutically modulating this axis, including pharmacological targets (VEGF-C, Piezo1 agonists), noninvasive neuromodulation (photo-biomodulation, PBM), and surgical interventions (lymphaticovenous anastomosis, LVA). This synthesis positions the glymphatic-lymphatic axis as a fundamental physiological network and a pivotal target for novel interventions, outlining key future research directions in neurology.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Navarro-González R, de Luis-García R, Aja-Fernández S, et al (2026)

Ultra-fast MRI for brain-age prediction in a real-world cognitive disorders clinic.

Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 18:1731909.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's trials and memory-clinic workflows require frequent structural MRI, but standard 3D-T1 MPRAGE can be burdensome and motion-prone. The Wave-CAIPI sequence offers major time savings, yet it is unclear whether these ultra-fast scans can be used to derive dementia-related biomarkers from models that have been trained on standard scans.

METHODS: We acquired paired scans from the standard and Wave-CAIPI MPRAGE protocols in 147 patients from a cognitive disorders clinic and generated measures of the brain's biological age. We applied six public brain-age pipelines (brainageR, DeepBrainNet, PyBrainAge, ENIGMA, pyment, MCCQR-MLP) to assess variability across software packages. We evaluated accuracy, interchangeability, cross-protocol agreement and clinical discrimination (subjective memory complaints versus neurodegenerative disorders), and tested effects of acquisition, diagnosis, and its interaction in a mixed-effects model.

RESULTS: Cross-protocol agreement was excellent across brain-age pipelines (intraclass correlation coefficient: ICC ≳ 0.90). Clinical discrimination was comparable between protocols, with effect sizes varying modestly by model-protocol combinations. Small, model-specific offsets and significant acquisition-by-diagnosis interactions were seen for some pipelines, consistent with a calibratable protocol effect; test-retest reliability was high and quality control measures were similar across protocols.

DISCUSSION: The ultra-fast Wave-CAIPI protocol could generate robust brain-age estimates in memory clinic patients, while markedly reducing scan time. When mixing ultra-fast and standard scans, a harmonization or transfer learning step is advisable to remove model-dependent offsets.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Wang Y, Feng B, Hong R, et al (2026)

Glial lactate metabolism and transport in Alzheimer's disease.

Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 18:1731089.

Emerging evidence suggests that lactate, once considered merely a metabolic byproduct, plays vital roles in brain energy metabolism, signaling, and neuroprotection. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), increasing research has implicated disruptions in glial lactate metabolism and transport as key contributors to neurodegenerative progression. This review synthesizes recent findings on the dynamic metabolic profiles of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, with emphasis on their stage-specific glycolytic activities and their roles in neuronal energy support. We detail how these cellular metabolic behaviors and the intercellular lactate shuttle systems-mediated by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) and gap junctions-are altered in AD pathology. We highlight how these changes lead to a state of neuronal energetic crisis and, paradoxically, contribute to neuroinflammation. A clearer understanding of these complex glial lactate dynamics offers a promising perspective for novel AD biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Tang L, Wu N, Xu H, et al (2026)

PPARG as a central regulator of ferroptosis in Alzheimer's disease: integrated transcriptomic, single-cell, and experimental evidence.

Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 18:1759279.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque accumulation, neurofibrillary tangle formation, and chronic neuroinflammation. Increasing evidence suggests that ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, contributes to AD pathogenesis; however, its upstream regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood.

METHODS: Transcriptomic datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE1297, GSE5281, and GSE157827) were analyzed to identify AD-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Ferroptosis-related genes were obtained from curated databases and intersected with AD-associated DEGs. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using the STRING database and analyzed via Cytoscape to identify key regulatory genes. Immune cell infiltration was quantified using CIBERSORT. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate ligand-PPARG binding. Functional validation was conducted using in vitro neuronal ferroptosis models and an in vivo AD mouse model.

RESULTS: A total of 50 reproducible differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified across two independent transcriptomic datasets, of which 24 genes were associated with ferroptosis. Network analysis consistently identified peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) as a central hub gene within the ferroptosis regulatory network. Immune infiltration analysis revealed increased M2 macrophage abundance in AD tissues, suggesting an association between ferroptosis-related gene expression and immune-related transcriptional signatures. Molecular docking demonstrated stable ligand binding to PPARG with a binding affinity of -5.6 kcal/mol, supported by hydrogen-bond and hydrophobic interactions. Experimental validation confirmed that PPARG modulation significantly influenced ferroptosis-associated neuronal injury both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION: These findings identify PPARG as a key regulator linking ferroptosis and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Targeting PPARG-mediated ferroptotic pathways may therefore represent a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating neurodegeneration in AD.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Venkatesan SJ, Devraj M, Virupakshappa MG, et al (2026)

Biotechnological Perspectives on GSK-3β and Hyperprolactinemia: Implications for the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease.

CNS & neurological disorders drug targets pii:CNSNDDT-EPUB-154068 [Epub ahead of print].

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition, which is typified by the extracellular presence of amyloid-B (A2) in the form of plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, which are made up of hyperphosphorylated tau, and deterioration of mental abilities. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) is also one of the molecular drivers that have been implicated in AD pathogenesis due to its contributions to tau hyperphosphorylation, Aβ production, and synaptic dysfunction. There is accumulating evidence suggesting that endocrine dysregulation and hyperprolactinemia, characterized by elevated circulating prolactin levels, may contribute to neurodegeneration through dopaminergic imbalance, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation Methods: Recent peer-reviewed literature on the mechanistic intersections of GSK-32 signaling, hyperprolactinemia, and AD pathology was reviewed through a narrative synthesis. The research assessing hormonal regulation of neuroinflammatory cascades, dopaminergic tone, and structural changes in the brain was reviewed to identify potentially realistic biological relationships Results: It was found that inhibitory control of GSK-3b could be reduced by hyperprolactinemiainduced dopamine depletion, leading to increased GSK-3 b activity. This deregulation may increase tau phosphorylation and inflammatory reactions, which develop AD disease. Also, prolactinmediated oxidative stress may impair neuronal integrity Discussion: Hormonal imbalance and dysregulation of kinases are attractive therapeutic targets. Dopamine agonists can potentially reestablish dopaminergic suppression of GSK-3 2, whereas GSK-3 2 inhibitors have the potential to directly suppress tau pathology. A dual-modality approach can be beneficial in synergy, as it considers not only the neuroendocrine dimensions of AD but also the neurodegenerative Conclusion: Hyperprolactinemia may be an under-researched factor in the pathogenesis of AD. This clarification would guide the development of biomarkers and new, stratified interventions capable of going beyond traditional amyloid- and tau-based interventions.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Kaushal V, Hafeez A, Usmani SA, et al (2026)

Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Mediated Intranasal Drug Delivery for Brain Targeting: A Comprehensive Review.

CNS & neurological disorders drug targets pii:CNSNDDT-EPUB-154062 [Epub ahead of print].

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts the passage of drugs into the brain, preventing drug transport to the central nervous system and minimizing the therapeutic effectiveness of several drugs used for brain diseases. The intranasal route of administration provides a non-invasive, quick, and efficient means of achieving direct brain targeting. The anatomy and physiology of the nasal cavity play a vital role in drug absorption and transport to the brain. The olfactory and trigeminal nerves are directly linked to the brain, allowing drugs to bypass the BBB. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as a potential drug delivery system for the intranasal administration of therapeutic agents targeting brain diseases. SLNs are composed of biocompatible lipids and surfactants and offer unique advantages, such as controlled drug release, enhancement in bioavailability, and high brain targeting potential. This review focuses on the exploration of drug-loaded intranasally delivered SLNs for brain diseases (Alzheimer's, Huntington's, stroke, epilepsy, depression, meningitis, Parkinsonism, migraine, brain cancer) with emphasis on the in vitro and in vivo findings. In the reviewed literature, the size of drug-loaded SLNs for brain delivery via intranasal administration was found to be in the range of 65-210 nm. Ongoing clinical trials and patents involving SLNs for intranasal delivery further strengthen the enhanced interest in this drug delivery platform for the effective management of brain diseases.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Zamanian MY, Belaia OF, ZR Gardanova (2026)

NEAT1 as a Diagnostic Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review.

CNS & neurological disorders drug targets pii:CNSNDDT-EPUB-154132 [Epub ahead of print].

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. Emerging evidence underscores the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), particularly nuclearenriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), in AD pathogenesis. NEAT1, a pivotal lncRNA that regulates diverse cellular processes, shows dysregulated expression in AD and impairs neuronal survival. This review explores NEAT1's molecular mechanisms, biomarker potential, and therapeutic relevance. NEAT1 contributes to AD pathology by acting as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that sequesters protective microRNAs, including miR-124 and miR-107, thereby dysregulating downstream targets. It facilitates PINK1 degradation and potentially drives mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal injury. Elevated NEAT1 levels are associated with amyloid-beta accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and NF-κB-mediated neuroinflammation. Preclinical studies suggest that modulating NEAT1 expression can alleviate AD‑like pathology, making NEAT1 a promising target for intervention. Increased plasma NEAT1 in patients indicates its value as a non-invasive early diagnostic biomarker. NEAT1 regulates multiple AD-related pathways, including IGF1R, TRAF2, BACE1, CREB/BDNF, and Nrf2/NQO1, and interacts with lncRNAs linked to metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, such as XIST and KCNQ1OT1. By influencing amyloid processing, synaptic function, mitochondrial health, and inflammatory responses, NEAT1 emerges as a central regulator in AD. Targeting NEAT1 offers dual benefits: advancing precision diagnostics and enabling multi-pathway therapeutic approaches. This review underscores NEAT1's significance as both a biomarker and therapeutic target, providing insights for future strategies to mitigate the burden of AD.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Rajeshwar V, Ronald Darwin C, Ilango K, et al (2026)

Targeting Blood-Brain Barrier Damage with Nanotechnology in the Fight Against Neurodegenerative Diseases.

CNS & neurological disorders drug targets pii:CNSNDDT-EPUB-154122 [Epub ahead of print].

The global health burden is attributed to neurodegenerative diseases, of which Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease represent the major NDs. Changes in the blood-brain barrier system are considered an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, a process increasingly recognised. This review critically evaluates the recent advancement in nanotechnology that aims at targeting and recovering BBB disruption in neurodegenerative diseases. Nanoparticles, including polymeric, liposomal, micellar, metallic, and carbon-based systems, have the potential to cross the BBB. These mechanisms happen through receptor-mediated and adsorptive- mediated transcytosis. These nanoparticles also assist in repairing the BBB and allowing for protein expression. To counteract oxidative stress and alter inflammatory pathways. These nano systems are adept at drug control, neurovascular unit stability, and bioavailability enhancement of various medicines. Nanotechnology provides a dual advantage for therapy and active repairing. It can deliver drugs to the CNS selectively. The technology can actively repair the BBB structure and function. Further interdisciplinary research, translations, and safety assessments are essential to realize the full clinical promise of nanomedicine for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Qin J, Xu X, Y Zou (2026)

Herpes zoster, antiviral therapy, and Alzheimer's disease: Turning association into an actionable prevention pathway.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD [Epub ahead of print].

Yang and Jiang synthesize evidence linking varicella-zoster virus exposure to Alzheimer's disease risk and lay out a clinically intuitive pathway from infection to intervention, spanning antiviral treatment and herpes zoster vaccination. The review is timely because it highlights potentially modifiable touchpoints in routine care for older adults. Building on their work, this commentary raises one pragmatic question: what additional evidence would most efficiently translate these associations into targeted, implementable prevention strategies-clarifying when risk is most actionable, which intervention features matter most, and which subgroups may benefit most?

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Vijverberg EGB, Scharre DW, Woodward M, et al (2026)

Randomized, double-blind study of zervimesine in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD [Epub ahead of print].

BackgroundZervimesine (CT1812) is a first-in-class, brain-penetrant sigma-2 receptor ligand that prevents binding and displaces Aβ42 oligomers from receptors on neuronal synapses.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the safety and efficacy of zervimesine in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsThis was a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomized to zervimesine 100 mg or 300 mg or placebo. In addition to ADAS-Cog11, outcomes were evaluated from baseline plasma p-tau217 in prespecified subgroups.ResultsOf 153 adults randomized, 150 were included in the mITT population. Adverse events occurred in 70.6% with zervimesine 100 mg, 82.4% with zervimesine 300 mg, and 78.0% with placebo. At Day 182, the ADAS-Cog 11 increased from baseline (indicating a decline in cognitive function) with the LS mean (SE) change of 2.69 (0.81) points in the placebo group versus 1.66 (0.60) points in the pooled zervimesine group [δ = -1.03 (-3.01, 0.96), p = 0.310]. For participants with baseline plasma p-tau217 levels below the median (1.0 pg/mL), the pooled zervimesine group showed greater improvement on the ADAS-Cog 11 at Day 182 relative to placebo (δ = -2.66; p = 0.080).ConclusionsThis phase 2 study indicated that zervimesine was safe and well tolerated and showed consistently favorable numerical treatment differences versus placebo. More robust treatment differences were observed in the below median baseline plasma p-tau217 group suggesting potentially greater efficacy of zervimesine in less advanced AD. These results support larger pivotal trials with zervimesine.Registered at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03507790.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Yoshida K, Saito N, Takahashi R, et al (2026)

Inflammation-related miR-155-5p as an APOE ε4-modulated biomarker for amyloid pathology in mild cognitive impairment.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD [Epub ahead of print].

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative cause of dementia, is defined by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau, while inflammatory processes are increasingly recognized as contributors to its pathogenesis. However, the clinical relevance of inflammation-related microRNAs (miRNAs) in AD remains unclear.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether inflammation-related miRNAs in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with AD pathology and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsWe investigated the expression of inflammation-related miR-125b, miR-146a, and miR-155-5p in plasma and CSF of individuals with MCI (N = 103), stratified by APOE ε4 status. Associations with established CSF biomarkers of AD pathology were assessed. In a subset receiving the anti-Aβ antibody lecanemab (N = 18), longitudinal changes in plasma inflammation-related microRNA levels were evaluated.ResultsPlasma miR-155-5p levels in APOE ε4 non-carriers were associated with the CSF Aβ42/40 ratio, whereas in ε4 carriers, CSF miR-155-5p levels correlated with phosphorylated tau 181 and total tau. miR-155-5p was the only inflammation-related miRNA showing consistent APOE ε4-dependent differential expression in both plasma and CSF. In the lecanemab-treated subset, plasma miR-155-5p increased significantly after 6 months and remained elevated at 12 months.ConclusionsmiR-155-5p, an inflammation-related miRNA modulated by APOE ε4, is associated with AD-relevant pathological features and may provide complementary information at the MCI stage, with potential utility in monitoring biological responses to anti-Aβ therapy.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Dobbe JHM, Visser LNC, Waagemans TI, et al (2026)

Patients' and care partners' views on communicating the cause of dementia and related uncertainties: A qualitative study.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD [Epub ahead of print].

BackgroundDementia is a syndrome with various presumed causes, such as Alzheimer's disease. Communicating the cause of dementia is challenging for clinicians, involving complex information and frequent uncertainties.ObjectiveWe explored perspectives of patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia (Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, or mixed pathology) and their care partners, on what communication they prefer about the cause of dementia and related uncertainty.MethodsWe held focus groups and interviews in the Netherlands, with 22 patients who had received a diagnosis at the memory clinic in the past four months, and their 21 care partners. Data were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsParticipants showed poor knowledge of the presumed cause, often mentioning risk factors (e.g., age, "bad luck", genetics, lifestyle). During the diagnostic disclosure, clinicians' communication efforts (e.g., visualization of test results) enhanced participants' understanding. Participants' needs regarding etiological information varied: some desired detailed information to obtain clarity and receive appropriate care, while others preferred minimal information because of perceived limited added value and potential information overload. We observed no clear demographic or clinical patterns in these preferences. Participants emphasized the importance of clinicians being explicit about the presence of uncertainty, with care partners particularly indicating strong information needs.ConclusionsFindings reveal much variation in the extent to which patients and care partners wish to receive information about the cause of dementia and related uncertainty, highlighting the need for a personalized approach.

RevDate: 2026-04-03

Yang HC, Deng YS, Zhang J, et al (2026)

TREM2 deficiency delays postnatal microglial maturation and synaptic pruning, leading to anxiety-like behaviors.

Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD [Epub ahead of print].

BackgroundThe postnatal maturation of microglia is essential for neural circuit refinement, yet its molecular regulators remain incompletely defined. TREM2, a key Alzheimer's disease risk gene, is implicated in microglial function, but its role in developmental timing is unclear.ObjectiveTo determine whether TREM2 regulates the postnatal maturation of microglia and to assess the cellular, molecular, and behavioral consequences of TREM2 deficiency.MethodsWe performed longitudinal transcriptomic profiling of Trem2-knockout and control microglia. Morphological analyses were conducted alongside evaluation of synaptic pruning from postnatal day 7, 14, and 21. Adult mice were behaviorally tested at baseline and after immune challenge.ResultsTrem2-knockout disrupted stage-specific transcriptional programs, decoupled PRC2 subunit expression, and impaired repression of early developmental genes. This dysregulation coincided with persistent mitochondrial and metabolic deficits. Trem2-knockout microglia exhibited simplified morphology, reduced density, and impaired synaptic pruning, leading to excessive synaptic retention. In adulthood, these mice displayed heightened anxiety-like and repetitive behaviors, which worsened after immune challenge.ConclusionsOur study identifies TREM2 as a regulator of microglial developmental timing and links aberrant postnatal microglial maturation to lifelong behavioral vulnerabilities, providing mechanistic insight into neurodevelopmental risk.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

Alldred MJ, Ibrahim KW, Pidikiti H, et al (2026)

Maternal Choline Supplementation in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease Generates Unique Expression Profile Mosaics Within Three Hippocampal Excitatory Neuronal Populations.

FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 40(7):e71625.

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk for early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), marked by neurodegeneration in hippocampal and basal forebrain circuits. Early-life interventions offer therapeutic potential, including maternal choline supplementation (MCS). MCS improves cognitive outcomes and neuroplasticity in rodent models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, yet cell-type specific molecular effects remain unknown. We investigated the effect of MCS upon the onset of septohippocampal degeneration at 6 months of age in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS/AD. Using laser capture microdissection and single population RNA-sequencing, transcriptomic changes were profiled within hippocampal CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons and dentate gyrus granule cells comparing trisomic and disomic offspring. Bioinformatic analysis revealed MCS-mediated downregulation of apoptotic pathways and upregulation of cognition-related functions across all populations, alongside cell-specific responses. These findings highlight MCS as a promising strategy for modulating disease-relevant pathways in a hippocampal cell-type-specific manner during early neurodegeneration in DS/AD.

RevDate: 2026-04-03
CmpDate: 2026-04-03

He T, Betensky RA, Osorio RS, et al (2026)

Neutrophil inflammation metrics are associated with the risk of future dementia in large data from NYU Langone Hospitals and the Veterans Health Administration.

Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association, 22(4):e71335.

INTRODUCTION: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a marker of systemic inflammation, has been linked to dementia risk, but prior studies were limited by small sample sizes.

METHODS: We assessed the association between baseline NLR and incident Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzeimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) using electronic health records from New York University (NYU) (n = 284,530) and the Veterans Health Administration [VA] (n = 85,836) Hospitals from 2011 to 2023. AD/ADRD diagnoses were identified via International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes ≥6 months post-baseline. Cox models and cumulative incidence functions (CIFs) adjusted for demographic and clinical variables, with death as a competing risk.

RESULTS: Higher NLR was associated significantly with increased AD/ADRD risk in both cohorts (NYU hazard ratio [HR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.15; VA HR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.10-1.34). Spline analysis further confirmed a continuous dose-response relationship, and subgroup analyses showed higher risk among female and Hispanic patients.

DISCUSSION: Elevated NLR is independently associated with higher AD/ADRD risk across diverse populations, highlighting the role of systemic inflammation and neutrophil-mediated pathways in neurodegeneration.

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RJR Experience and Expertise

Researcher

Robbins holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in the life sciences. He served as a tenured faculty member in the Zoology and Biological Science departments at Michigan State University. He is currently exploring the intersection between genomics, microbial ecology, and biodiversity — an area that promises to transform our understanding of the biosphere.

Educator

Robbins has extensive experience in college-level education: At MSU he taught introductory biology, genetics, and population genetics. At JHU, he was an instructor for a special course on biological database design. At FHCRC, he team-taught a graduate-level course on the history of genetics. At Bellevue College he taught medical informatics.

Administrator

Robbins has been involved in science administration at both the federal and the institutional levels. At NSF he was a program officer for database activities in the life sciences, at DOE he was a program officer for information infrastructure in the human genome project. At the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, he served as a vice president for fifteen years.

Technologist

Robbins has been involved with information technology since writing his first Fortran program as a college student. At NSF he was the first program officer for database activities in the life sciences. At JHU he held an appointment in the CS department and served as director of the informatics core for the Genome Data Base. At the FHCRC he was VP for Information Technology.

Publisher

While still at Michigan State, Robbins started his first publishing venture, founding a small company that addressed the short-run publishing needs of instructors in very large undergraduate classes. For more than 20 years, Robbins has been operating The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project, a web site dedicated to the digital publishing of critical works in science, especially classical genetics.

Speaker

Robbins is well-known for his speaking abilities and is often called upon to provide keynote or plenary addresses at international meetings. For example, in July, 2012, he gave a well-received keynote address at the Global Biodiversity Informatics Congress, sponsored by GBIF and held in Copenhagen. The slides from that talk can be seen HERE.

Facilitator

Robbins is a skilled meeting facilitator. He prefers a participatory approach, with part of the meeting involving dynamic breakout groups, created by the participants in real time: (1) individuals propose breakout groups; (2) everyone signs up for one (or more) groups; (3) the groups with the most interested parties then meet, with reports from each group presented and discussed in a subsequent plenary session.

Designer

Robbins has been engaged with photography and design since the 1960s, when he worked for a professional photography laboratory. He now prefers digital photography and tools for their precision and reproducibility. He designed his first web site more than 20 years ago and he personally designed and implemented this web site. He engages in graphic design as a hobby.

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Collection of publications by R J Robbins

Reprints and preprints of publications, slide presentations, instructional materials, and data compilations written or prepared by Robert Robbins. Most papers deal with computational biology, genome informatics, using information technology to support biomedical research, and related matters.

Research Gate page for R J Robbins

ResearchGate is a social networking site for scientists and researchers to share papers, ask and answer questions, and find collaborators. According to a study by Nature and an article in Times Higher Education , it is the largest academic social network in terms of active users.

Curriculum Vitae for R J Robbins

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Curriculum Vitae for R J Robbins

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