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Antonio Guaita
Golgi Cenci Foundation, Abbiategrasso (Milan), Italy

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Short Biography

Geriatrician, Director of the Golgi Cenci Foundation, devoted to the research on aging brain and dementia ( www.golgicenci.it)

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Review
Published: 01 March 2021 in Journal of Medical Internet Research
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Background In the last decades, the relationship between social networking sites (SNSs) and older people’s loneliness is gaining specific relevance. Studies in this field are often based on qualitative methods to study in-depth self-perceived issues, including loneliness and well-being, or quantitative surveys to report the links between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and older people’s well-being or loneliness. However, these nonexperimental methods are unable to deeply analyze the causal relationship. Moreover, the research on older people’s SNS use is still scant, especially regarding its impact on health and well-being. In recent years, the existing review studies have separately focused their attention on loneliness and social isolation of older people or on the use of ICTs and SNSs in elderly populations without addressing the relationship between the former and the latter. This thorough qualitative review provides an analysis of research performed using an experimental or quasi-experimental design that investigates the causal effect of ICT and SNS use on elderly people’s well-being related to loneliness. Objective The aims of this review are to contrast and compare research designs (sampling and recruitment, evaluation tools, interventions) and the findings of these studies and highlight their limitations. Methods Using an approach that integrates the methodological framework for scoping studies and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews, we identified 11 articles that met our inclusion criteria. A thematic and content analysis was performed based on the ex post categorization of the data on the selected studies, and the data were summarized in tables. Results The analysis of the selected articles showed that: (1) ICT use is positively but weakly related to the different measures of older people’s well-being and loneliness, (2) overall, the studies under review lack a sound experimental design, (3) the main limitations of these studies lie in the lack of rigor in the sampling method and in the recruitment strategy. Conclusions The analysis of the reviewed studies confirms the existence of a beneficial effect of ICT use on the well-being of older people in terms of reduced loneliness. However, the causal relationship is often found to be weak. This review highlights the need to study these issues further with adequate methodological rigor.

ACS Style

Georgia Casanova; Daniele Zaccaria; Elena Rolandi; Antonio Guaita. The Effect of Information and Communication Technology and Social Networking Site Use on Older People’s Well-Being in Relation to Loneliness: Review of Experimental Studies. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2021, 23, e23588 .

AMA Style

Georgia Casanova, Daniele Zaccaria, Elena Rolandi, Antonio Guaita. The Effect of Information and Communication Technology and Social Networking Site Use on Older People’s Well-Being in Relation to Loneliness: Review of Experimental Studies. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2021; 23 (3):e23588.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Georgia Casanova; Daniele Zaccaria; Elena Rolandi; Antonio Guaita. 2021. "The Effect of Information and Communication Technology and Social Networking Site Use on Older People’s Well-Being in Relation to Loneliness: Review of Experimental Studies." Journal of Medical Internet Research 23, no. 3: e23588.

Original article
Published: 16 February 2021 in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
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Backgrounds and aims Health trajectories in aging, rather than single time-point assessments, could be early indicators of the onset of conditions such as dementia. The aim of this study was to identify different aging trajectories and to investigate their influence on the cumulative incidence of dementia. Methods We evaluated data referring to 993 elders from the InveCe.Ab study cohort. All subjects were free from dementia at baseline and re-assessed on at least one other occasion thereafter. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), physical function using the Walking Speed Test (WST), and disability on the basis of the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score. To describe the different courses of the three outcomes combined, the Group-Based Trajectory Model (GBTM) method was applied. We looked for differences in age, gender, education, ApoE-e4 carrier status and obesity, and then investigated the influence of the observed trajectories on the incidence of dementia. Results Three trajectories were identified: a “good” scenario was observed in 703 (70.2%) individuals, who showed substantially stable cognitive and physical function and no disability; an “intermediate” scenario in 248 subjects (25.5%), who recorded a longer walking time, lower MMSE score, and a one-point higher ADL score; and a “severe” scenario in 42 elders (4.3%), who recorded declines in all the outcomes. Female gender, obesity and low education were most represented in the “severe” group. ApoE-e4 carrier status showed no difference between groups. The estimated cumulative incidence of dementia was higher in the “severe” (37%) than in the “intermediate” (7%) and “good” (< 1%) scenarios. Conclusions Using simple measurements, we built different aging trajectories, and observed that the worst performers had the highest incidence of dementia. Better knowledge of trajectories of aging would be useful for preventive interventions aimed at promoting healthier aging.

ACS Style

Ottavia Eleonora Ferraro; Antonio Guaita; Simona Villani. Cognitive, physical and disability trajectories in community-dwelling elderly people. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research 2021, 1 -7.

AMA Style

Ottavia Eleonora Ferraro, Antonio Guaita, Simona Villani. Cognitive, physical and disability trajectories in community-dwelling elderly people. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. 2021; ():1-7.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ottavia Eleonora Ferraro; Antonio Guaita; Simona Villani. 2021. "Cognitive, physical and disability trajectories in community-dwelling elderly people." Aging Clinical and Experimental Research , no. : 1-7.

Research article
Published: 15 January 2021 in Aging & Mental Health
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Few studies have examined lockdown effects on the way of living and well-being of older adults stratified by cognitive state. Since cognitive deficits are common in this population, we investigated how cognition influenced their understanding of the pandemic, socio-behavioral responses and lifestyle adaptations during lockdown, and how these factors affected their mood or memory. Telephone-based survey involving 204 older adults ≥65 y/o (median: 82) with previous assessments of cognitive state: 164 normal-old (NOLD), 24 mild-neurocognitive disorder (mild-NCD), 18 mild-moderate dementia. A structured questionnaire was developed to assess psychological and socio-behavioral variables. Logistic regression was used to ascertain their effects on mood and memory. With increasing cognitive deficits, understanding of the pandemic and the ability to follow lockdown policies, adapt to lifestyle changes, and maintain remote interactions decreased. Participants with dementia were more depressed; NOLDs remained physically and mentally active but were more bored and anxious. Sleeping and health problems independently increased the likelihood of depression (OR: 2.29; CI: 1.06–4.93; p = 0.034 and OR: 2.45; CI: 1.16–5.16; p = 0.018, respectively); Regular exercise was protective (OR: 0.30; CI: 0.12–0.72; p = 0.007). Worsening subjective memory complaints were associated with dementia (p = 0.006) and depression (p = 0.004); New-onset sleeping problems raised their odds (OR: 10.26; CI: 1.13–93.41; p = 0.039). Finally, >40% with health problems avoided healthcare mainly due to fear of contagion. NOLD and mild-NCD groups showed similar mood-behavioral profiles suggesting better tolerance of lockdown. Those with dementia were unable to adapt and suffered from depression and cognitive complaints. To counteract lockdown effects, physical and mental activities and digital literacy should be encouraged.

ACS Style

Arenn Faye Carlos; Tino Emanuele Poloni; Martina Caridi; Marco Pozzolini; Roberta Vaccaro; Elena Rolandi; Alice Cirrincione; Laura Pettinato; Silvia Francesca Vitali; Livio Tronconi; Mauro Ceroni; Antonio Guaita. Life during COVID-19 lockdown in Italy: the influence of cognitive state on psychosocial, behavioral and lifestyle profiles of older adults. Aging & Mental Health 2021, 1 -10.

AMA Style

Arenn Faye Carlos, Tino Emanuele Poloni, Martina Caridi, Marco Pozzolini, Roberta Vaccaro, Elena Rolandi, Alice Cirrincione, Laura Pettinato, Silvia Francesca Vitali, Livio Tronconi, Mauro Ceroni, Antonio Guaita. Life during COVID-19 lockdown in Italy: the influence of cognitive state on psychosocial, behavioral and lifestyle profiles of older adults. Aging & Mental Health. 2021; ():1-10.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Arenn Faye Carlos; Tino Emanuele Poloni; Martina Caridi; Marco Pozzolini; Roberta Vaccaro; Elena Rolandi; Alice Cirrincione; Laura Pettinato; Silvia Francesca Vitali; Livio Tronconi; Mauro Ceroni; Antonio Guaita. 2021. "Life during COVID-19 lockdown in Italy: the influence of cognitive state on psychosocial, behavioral and lifestyle profiles of older adults." Aging & Mental Health , no. : 1-10.

Journal article
Published: 26 December 2020 in Journal of Personalized Medicine
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Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a crucial starting point in disease management. Blood-based biomarkers could represent a considerable advantage in providing AD-risk information in primary care settings. Here, we report new data for a relatively unknown blood-based biomarker that holds promise for AD diagnosis. We evaluate a p53-misfolding conformation recognized by the antibody 2D3A8, also named Unfolded p53 (U-p532D3A8+), in 375 plasma samples derived from InveCe.Ab and PharmaCog/E-ADNI longitudinal studies. A machine learning approach is used to combine U-p532D3A8+ plasma levels with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and apolipoprotein E epsilon-4 (APOEε4) and is able to predict AD likelihood risk in InveCe.Ab with an overall 86.67% agreement with clinical diagnosis. These algorithms also accurately classify (AUC = 0.92) Aβ+—amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) patients who will develop AD in PharmaCog/E-ADNI, where subjects were stratified according to Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD markers (Aβ42 and p-Tau). Results support U-p532D3A8+ plasma level as a promising additional candidate blood-based biomarker for AD.

ACS Style

Giulia Abate; Marika Vezzoli; Letizia Polito; Antonio Guaita; Diego Albani; Moira Marizzoni; Emirena Garrafa; Alessandra Marengoni; Gianluigi Forloni; Giovanni B. Frisoni; Jeffrey L. Cummings; Maurizio Memo; Daniela Uberti. A Conformation Variant of p53 Combined with Machine Learning Identifies Alzheimer Disease in Preclinical and Prodromal Stages. Journal of Personalized Medicine 2020, 11, 14 .

AMA Style

Giulia Abate, Marika Vezzoli, Letizia Polito, Antonio Guaita, Diego Albani, Moira Marizzoni, Emirena Garrafa, Alessandra Marengoni, Gianluigi Forloni, Giovanni B. Frisoni, Jeffrey L. Cummings, Maurizio Memo, Daniela Uberti. A Conformation Variant of p53 Combined with Machine Learning Identifies Alzheimer Disease in Preclinical and Prodromal Stages. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2020; 11 (1):14.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giulia Abate; Marika Vezzoli; Letizia Polito; Antonio Guaita; Diego Albani; Moira Marizzoni; Emirena Garrafa; Alessandra Marengoni; Gianluigi Forloni; Giovanni B. Frisoni; Jeffrey L. Cummings; Maurizio Memo; Daniela Uberti. 2020. "A Conformation Variant of p53 Combined with Machine Learning Identifies Alzheimer Disease in Preclinical and Prodromal Stages." Journal of Personalized Medicine 11, no. 1: 14.

Journal article
Published: 28 October 2020 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Older adults are less familiar with communication technology, which became essential to maintain social contacts during the COVID-19 lockdown. The present study aimed at exploring how older adults, previously trained for Social Networking Sites (SNSs) use, experienced the lockdown period. In the first two weeks of May 2020, telephone surveys were conducted with individuals aged 81–85 years and resident in Abbiategrasso (Milan), who previously participated in a study aimed at evaluating the impact of SNSs use on loneliness in old age (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04242628). We collected information on SNSs use, self-perceived loneliness, and social engagement with family and friends. Interviewed participants were stratified as trained (N = 60) and untrained (N = 70) for SNSs use, based on their attendance to group courses held the previous year as part of the main experimental study. The groups were comparable for sociodemographics and clinical features. Participants trained for SNSs use reported significantly higher usage of SNSs and reduced feeling of being left out. Compared to pre-lockdown levels, individuals trained for SNSs use showed a lighter reduction in social contacts. These findings support the utility of training older adults for SNSs use in order to improve their social inclusion, even in extreme conditions of self-isolation and perceived vulnerability.

ACS Style

Elena Rolandi; Roberta Vaccaro; Simona Abbondanza; Georgia Casanova; Laura Pettinato; Mauro Colombo; Antonio Guaita. Loneliness and Social Engagement in Older Adults Based in Lombardy during the COVID-19 Lockdown: The Long-Term Effects of a Course on Social Networking Sites Use. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 7912 .

AMA Style

Elena Rolandi, Roberta Vaccaro, Simona Abbondanza, Georgia Casanova, Laura Pettinato, Mauro Colombo, Antonio Guaita. Loneliness and Social Engagement in Older Adults Based in Lombardy during the COVID-19 Lockdown: The Long-Term Effects of a Course on Social Networking Sites Use. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (21):7912.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elena Rolandi; Roberta Vaccaro; Simona Abbondanza; Georgia Casanova; Laura Pettinato; Mauro Colombo; Antonio Guaita. 2020. "Loneliness and Social Engagement in Older Adults Based in Lombardy during the COVID-19 Lockdown: The Long-Term Effects of a Course on Social Networking Sites Use." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 21: 7912.

Review
Published: 18 August 2020
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BACKGROUND In the last decades, the relationship between social networking sites (SNSs) and older people’s loneliness is gaining specific relevance. Studies in this field are often based on qualitative methods to study in-depth self-perceived issues, including loneliness and well-being, or quantitative surveys to report the links between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and older people’s well-being or loneliness. However, these nonexperimental methods are unable to deeply analyze the causal relationship. Moreover, the research on older people’s SNS use is still scant, especially regarding its impact on health and well-being. In recent years, the existing review studies have separately focused their attention on loneliness and social isolation of older people or on the use of ICTs and SNSs in elderly populations without addressing the relationship between the former and the latter. This thorough qualitative review provides an analysis of research performed using an experimental or quasi-experimental design that investigates the causal effect of ICT and SNS use on elderly people’s well-being related to loneliness. OBJECTIVE The aims of this review are to contrast and compare research designs (sampling and recruitment, evaluation tools, interventions) and the findings of these studies and highlight their limitations. METHODS Using an approach that integrates the methodological framework for scoping studies and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews, we identified 11 articles that met our inclusion criteria. A thematic and content analysis was performed based on the ex post categorization of the data on the selected studies, and the data were summarized in tables. RESULTS The analysis of the selected articles showed that: (1) ICT use is positively but weakly related to the different measures of older people’s well-being and loneliness, (2) overall, the studies under review lack a sound experimental design, (3) the main limitations of these studies lie in the lack of rigor in the sampling method and in the recruitment strategy. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of the reviewed studies confirms the existence of a beneficial effect of ICT use on the well-being of older people in terms of reduced loneliness. However, the causal relationship is often found to be weak. This review highlights the need to study these issues further with adequate methodological rigor.

ACS Style

Georgia Casanova; Daniele Zaccaria; Elena Rolandi; Antonio Guaita. The Effect of Information and Communication Technology and Social Networking Site Use on Older People’s Well-Being in Relation to Loneliness: Review of Experimental Studies (Preprint). 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Georgia Casanova, Daniele Zaccaria, Elena Rolandi, Antonio Guaita. The Effect of Information and Communication Technology and Social Networking Site Use on Older People’s Well-Being in Relation to Loneliness: Review of Experimental Studies (Preprint). . 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Georgia Casanova; Daniele Zaccaria; Elena Rolandi; Antonio Guaita. 2020. "The Effect of Information and Communication Technology and Social Networking Site Use on Older People’s Well-Being in Relation to Loneliness: Review of Experimental Studies (Preprint)." , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 15 July 2020 in Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications
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An ageing society poses unprecedented challenges to societies. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), including Social Networking Sites (SNSs), may contribute to contrast loneliness and social isolation in old age. Despite of the potentialities of SNSs, there is only a handful of studies assessing the causal relationship of SNS use and older people's well-being. This paper aims to provide further evidence on the design of randomised controlled trials exploring the causal impact of SNS use on loneliness and social isolation in old age. The Aging in a Networked Society-Social Experiment Study (ANS-SE) is a randomised controlled trial conducted on people aged 75 and over residing in a town located in the Milan area (Italy) aiming to assess the impact of SNS use on loneliness and social isolation (i.e. the primary outcomes of this study). The study is constituted of two stages, i.e. the baseline and the follow up. The experiment is structured into one treatment group and two control groups; the interventions are the attendance to a course on SNS use (T1) and lifestyle education and brain functioning (C1). The inactive control group (C) is constituted of a waiting list. We will perform bivariate and regression analysis. The study has been approved by the Ethic Committee of the University of Milano Bicocca (prot. 431/2019) and was registered at Clinical Trials.gov (NCT04242628). Written consent was obtained from all respondents. Results from the study will be discussed with the local community and stakeholders, presented in national and international conferences and published in leading peer-review journals. The consent forms, the anonymised dataset, and the relevant statistical codes will be deposited with the Italian Unidata archive, also in charge of releasing the data to the public, upon a short embargo period.

ACS Style

Daniele Zaccaria; Antonio Guaita; Roberta Vaccaro; Georgia Casanova; Simona Abbondanza; Laura Pettinato; Gabriele Cerati; Elena Rolandi; Emanuela Sala. Assessing the impact of Social Networking Site use on older people's loneliness and social isolation. A randomized controlled trial: The Aging in a Networked Society-Social Experiment Study (ANS-SE). Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications 2020, 19, 100615 -100615.

AMA Style

Daniele Zaccaria, Antonio Guaita, Roberta Vaccaro, Georgia Casanova, Simona Abbondanza, Laura Pettinato, Gabriele Cerati, Elena Rolandi, Emanuela Sala. Assessing the impact of Social Networking Site use on older people's loneliness and social isolation. A randomized controlled trial: The Aging in a Networked Society-Social Experiment Study (ANS-SE). Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications. 2020; 19 ():100615-100615.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Daniele Zaccaria; Antonio Guaita; Roberta Vaccaro; Georgia Casanova; Simona Abbondanza; Laura Pettinato; Gabriele Cerati; Elena Rolandi; Emanuela Sala. 2020. "Assessing the impact of Social Networking Site use on older people's loneliness and social isolation. A randomized controlled trial: The Aging in a Networked Society-Social Experiment Study (ANS-SE)." Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications 19, no. : 100615-100615.

Other
Published: 26 May 2020
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Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is recognized as a risk stage for Alzheimer`s disease (AD) and other dementias, but its prevalence is not well known. We aimed to use uniform criteria to better estimate SCD prevalence across international cohorts. Therefore, we combined individual participant data for 16 cohorts from 15 countries (members of the COSMIC consortium) and used qualitative and quantitative (Item Response Theory/IRT) harmonization techniques to estimate SCD prevalence. The sample comprised 39,387 cognitively unimpaired individuals above age 60. The prevalence of SCD across studies was around one quarter with both qualitative harmonization/QH (23.8%, 95%CI=23.3%-24.4%) and IRT (25.6%, 95%CI=25.1%-26.1%); however, prevalence estimates varied largely between studies (QH: 6.1%, 95%CI=5.1%-7.0%, to 52.7%, 95%CI=47.4%-58.0%; IRT: 7.8%, 95%%CI=6.8%-8.9%, to 52.7%, 95%CI = 47.4%-58.0%). Across studies, SCD prevalence was higher in men than women, in lower levels of education, in individuals with Asian and African ancestry compared to European ancestry, in lower- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries, and in studies conducted in later decades. Data harmonization and application of uniform criteria across diverse cohorts yielded more accurate estimates of SCD prevalence. Having a quarter of older individuals with SCD warrants further investigation of its significance, as a risk stage for AD and other dementias, and of ways to help individuals with SCD who seek medical advice.

ACS Style

Susanne Roehr; Alexander Pabst; Steffi G. Riedel-Heller; Frank Jessen; Yuda Turana; Yvonne S. Handajani; Carol Brayne; Fiona E. Matthews; Blosso C.M. Stephan; Richard B. Lipton; Mindy J. Katz; Cuiling Wang; Maëlenn Guerchet; Pierre-Marie Preux; Pascal Mbelesso; Karen Ritchie; Marie-Laure Ancelin; Isabelle Carrière; Antonio Guaita; Annalisa Davin; Roberta Vaccaro; Ki Woong Kim; Ji Won Han; Seung Wan Suh; Suzana Shahar; Normah C. Din; Divya Vanoh; Martin Van Boxtel; Sebastian Köhler; Mary Ganguli; Erin P. Jacobsen; Beth E. Snitz; Kaaren J. Anstey; Nicolas Cherbuin; Shuzo Kumagai; Sanmei Chen; Kenji Narazaki; Tze Pin Ng; Qi Gao; Xin Yi Gwee; Henry Brodaty; Nicole A. Kochan; Julian Trollor; Antonio Lobo; Raúl López-Antón; Javier Santabárbara; John D. Crawford; Darren M. Lipnicki; Perminder S. Sachdev. Estimating prevalence of subjective cognitive decline in and across international cohort studies of aging: A COSMIC study. 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Susanne Roehr, Alexander Pabst, Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, Frank Jessen, Yuda Turana, Yvonne S. Handajani, Carol Brayne, Fiona E. Matthews, Blosso C.M. Stephan, Richard B. Lipton, Mindy J. Katz, Cuiling Wang, Maëlenn Guerchet, Pierre-Marie Preux, Pascal Mbelesso, Karen Ritchie, Marie-Laure Ancelin, Isabelle Carrière, Antonio Guaita, Annalisa Davin, Roberta Vaccaro, Ki Woong Kim, Ji Won Han, Seung Wan Suh, Suzana Shahar, Normah C. Din, Divya Vanoh, Martin Van Boxtel, Sebastian Köhler, Mary Ganguli, Erin P. Jacobsen, Beth E. Snitz, Kaaren J. Anstey, Nicolas Cherbuin, Shuzo Kumagai, Sanmei Chen, Kenji Narazaki, Tze Pin Ng, Qi Gao, Xin Yi Gwee, Henry Brodaty, Nicole A. Kochan, Julian Trollor, Antonio Lobo, Raúl López-Antón, Javier Santabárbara, John D. Crawford, Darren M. Lipnicki, Perminder S. Sachdev. Estimating prevalence of subjective cognitive decline in and across international cohort studies of aging: A COSMIC study. . 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Susanne Roehr; Alexander Pabst; Steffi G. Riedel-Heller; Frank Jessen; Yuda Turana; Yvonne S. Handajani; Carol Brayne; Fiona E. Matthews; Blosso C.M. Stephan; Richard B. Lipton; Mindy J. Katz; Cuiling Wang; Maëlenn Guerchet; Pierre-Marie Preux; Pascal Mbelesso; Karen Ritchie; Marie-Laure Ancelin; Isabelle Carrière; Antonio Guaita; Annalisa Davin; Roberta Vaccaro; Ki Woong Kim; Ji Won Han; Seung Wan Suh; Suzana Shahar; Normah C. Din; Divya Vanoh; Martin Van Boxtel; Sebastian Köhler; Mary Ganguli; Erin P. Jacobsen; Beth E. Snitz; Kaaren J. Anstey; Nicolas Cherbuin; Shuzo Kumagai; Sanmei Chen; Kenji Narazaki; Tze Pin Ng; Qi Gao; Xin Yi Gwee; Henry Brodaty; Nicole A. Kochan; Julian Trollor; Antonio Lobo; Raúl López-Antón; Javier Santabárbara; John D. Crawford; Darren M. Lipnicki; Perminder S. Sachdev. 2020. "Estimating prevalence of subjective cognitive decline in and across international cohort studies of aging: A COSMIC study." , no. : 1.

Study protocol
Published: 03 February 2020 in Trials
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Background Doll therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention for people with dementia aimed to reduce distressing behaviours. Reliable results on the efficacy of Doll therapy for people with dementia are needed. The concept of attachment theorised by Bowlby has been proposed to explain the Doll therapy process, but it has not been proven to influence the response to doll presentation. Methods/design This single-blind, randomised controlled trial will involve people with dementia living in nursing homes of the Canton Ticino (Switzerland). Participants will be randomised to one of two interventions: Doll Therapy Intervention or Sham Intervention with a non-anthropomorphic object, using a 1:1 allocation ratio. The two interventions will consist of 30 daily sessions lasting an hour at most, led by a trained nurse for an hour at most. We will enrol 64 participants per group, according to power analysis using an estimated medium effect size (f = 0.25), an alpha level of 0.05, and a power of 0.8. The primary goal is to test the efficacy of the Doll Therapy Intervention versus the Sham Intervention as the net change in the following measures from baseline to 30 days (blinded outcomes): the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home administered by a trained psychologist blinded to group assignment, the professional caregivers’ perceived stress scale of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home, patients’ physiological indices of stress (salivary cortisol, blood pressure and heart rate) and interactive behaviours. The secondary goal is to assess the relationship between attachment styles of people with dementia (detected by means of the Adult Attachment Interview to the patients’ offspring) and their caregiving behaviours shown during the Doll Therapy Intervention. Discussion This is the first single-blind, randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of Doll therapy for dementia and an explanatory model of the response of people with dementia to doll presentation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03224143. Retrospectively registered on 21 July 2017

ACS Style

Roberta Vaccaro; Roberta Ballabio; Valentina Molteni; Laura Ceppi; Benedetta Ferrari; Marco Cantù; Daniele Zaccaria; Carla Vandoni; Rita Bianca Ardito; Mauro Adenzato; Barbara Poletti; Antonio Guaita; Rita Pezzati. Doll therapy intervention for women with dementia living in nursing homes: a randomized single-blind controlled trial protocol. Trials 2020, 21, 1 -12.

AMA Style

Roberta Vaccaro, Roberta Ballabio, Valentina Molteni, Laura Ceppi, Benedetta Ferrari, Marco Cantù, Daniele Zaccaria, Carla Vandoni, Rita Bianca Ardito, Mauro Adenzato, Barbara Poletti, Antonio Guaita, Rita Pezzati. Doll therapy intervention for women with dementia living in nursing homes: a randomized single-blind controlled trial protocol. Trials. 2020; 21 (1):1-12.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Roberta Vaccaro; Roberta Ballabio; Valentina Molteni; Laura Ceppi; Benedetta Ferrari; Marco Cantù; Daniele Zaccaria; Carla Vandoni; Rita Bianca Ardito; Mauro Adenzato; Barbara Poletti; Antonio Guaita; Rita Pezzati. 2020. "Doll therapy intervention for women with dementia living in nursing homes: a randomized single-blind controlled trial protocol." Trials 21, no. 1: 1-12.

Article
Published: 08 October 2019 in Quality & Quantity
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Longitudinal surveys of older people are very powerful research resources to study social inequalities and monitor older people’s health conditions. However, these surveys pose specific methodological challenges. Response at Wave 1 is a very serious issue; when respondents differ from non-respondents on the variables of interest, research findings may not be accurate. There is currently little knowledge on the processes that drive Wave 1 survey participation in longitudinal surveys of older people. Using a rich set of administrative and survey data from an Italian longitudinal study of older people, we explore the determinants of Wave 1 response and investigate the reasons for refusing to participate. Key findings are that (1) individuals whose partners took part in the survey are nearly four times more likely to participate than those whose partners did not, (2) older men and women show different response patterns, with widowers and women from deprived areas being less likely to respond, (3) the main reason for refusing survey participation is lack of interest in the study.

ACS Style

Emanuela Sala; Daniele Zaccaria; Antonio Guaita. Survey participation to the first Wave of a longitudinal study of older people: the case of the Italian InveCe.Ab study. Quality & Quantity 2019, 54, 99 -110.

AMA Style

Emanuela Sala, Daniele Zaccaria, Antonio Guaita. Survey participation to the first Wave of a longitudinal study of older people: the case of the Italian InveCe.Ab study. Quality & Quantity. 2019; 54 (1):99-110.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Emanuela Sala; Daniele Zaccaria; Antonio Guaita. 2019. "Survey participation to the first Wave of a longitudinal study of older people: the case of the Italian InveCe.Ab study." Quality & Quantity 54, no. 1: 99-110.

Comparative study
Published: 23 July 2019 in PLOS Medicine
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With no effective treatments for cognitive decline or dementia, improving the evidence base for modifiable risk factors is a research priority. This study investigated associations between risk factors and late-life cognitive decline on a global scale, including comparisons between ethno-regional groups. We harmonized longitudinal data from 20 population-based cohorts from 15 countries over 5 continents, including 48,522 individuals (58.4% women) aged 54-105 (mean = 72.7) years and without dementia at baseline. Studies had 2-15 years of follow-up. The risk factors investigated were age, sex, education, alcohol consumption, anxiety, apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE*4) status, atrial fibrillation, blood pressure and pulse pressure, body mass index, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, self-rated health, high cholesterol, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, physical activity, smoking, and history of stroke. Associations with risk factors were determined for a global cognitive composite outcome (memory, language, processing speed, and executive functioning tests) and Mini-Mental State Examination score. Individual participant data meta-analyses of multivariable linear mixed model results pooled across cohorts revealed that for at least 1 cognitive outcome, age (B = -0.1, SE = 0.01), APOE*4 carriage (B = -0.31, SE = 0.11), depression (B = -0.11, SE = 0.06), diabetes (B = -0.23, SE = 0.10), current smoking (B = -0.20, SE = 0.08), and history of stroke (B = -0.22, SE = 0.09) were independently associated with poorer cognitive performance (p < 0.05 for all), and higher levels of education (B = 0.12, SE = 0.02) and vigorous physical activity (B = 0.17, SE = 0.06) were associated with better performance (p < 0.01 for both). Age (B = -0.07, SE = 0.01), APOE*4 carriage (B = -0.41, SE = 0.18), and diabetes (B = -0.18, SE = 0.10) were independently associated with faster cognitive decline (p < 0.05 for all). Different effects between Asian people and white people included stronger associations for Asian people between ever smoking and poorer cognition (group by risk factor interaction: B = -0.24, SE = 0.12), and between diabetes and cognitive decline (B = -0.66, SE = 0.27; p < 0.05 for both). Limitations of our study include a loss or distortion of risk factor data with harmonization, and not investigating factors at midlife. These results suggest that education, smoking, physical activity, diabetes, and stroke are all modifiable factors associated with cognitive decline. If these factors are determined to be causal, controlling them could minimize worldwide levels of cognitive decline. However, any global prevention strategy may need to consider ethno-regional differences.

ACS Style

Darren M. Lipnicki; Steve R. Makkar; John D. Crawford; Anbupalam Thalamuthu; Nicole A. Kochan; Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa; Erico Castro-Costa; Cleusa Pinheiro Ferri; Carol Brayne; Blossom Stephan; Juan J. Llibre-Rodriguez; Jorge J. Llibre-Guerra; Adolfo J. Valhuerdi-Cepero; Richard B. Lipton; Mindy J. Katz; Carol A. Derby; Karen Ritchie; Marie-Laure Ancelin; Isabelle Carrière; Nikolaos Scarmeas; Mary Yannakoulia; Georgios M. Hadjigeorgiou; Linda Lam; Wai-Chi Chan; Ada Fung; Antonio Guaita; Roberta Vaccaro; Annalisa Davin; Ki Woong Kim; Ji Won Han; Seung Wan Suh; Steffi G. Riedel-Heller; Susanne Roehr; Alexander Pabst; Martin Van Boxtel; Sebastian Köhler; Kay Deckers; Mary Ganguli; Erin P. Jacobsen; Tiffany F. Hughes; Kaarin J. Anstey; Nicolas Cherbuin; Mary N. Haan; Allison E. Aiello; Kristina Dang; Shuzo Kumagai; Tao Chen; Kenji Narazaki; Tze Pin Ng; Qi Gao; Ma Shwe Zin Nyunt; Marcia Scazufca; Henry Brodaty; Katya Numbers; Julian N. Trollor; Kenichi Meguro; Satoshi Yamaguchi; Hiroshi Ishii; Antonio Lobo; Raul Lopez-Anton; Javier Santabárbara; Yvonne Leung; Jessica W. Lo; Gordana Popovic; Perminder S. Sachdev; for Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC). Determinants of cognitive performance and decline in 20 diverse ethno-regional groups: A COSMIC collaboration cohort study. PLOS Medicine 2019, 16, e1002853 .

AMA Style

Darren M. Lipnicki, Steve R. Makkar, John D. Crawford, Anbupalam Thalamuthu, Nicole A. Kochan, Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa, Erico Castro-Costa, Cleusa Pinheiro Ferri, Carol Brayne, Blossom Stephan, Juan J. Llibre-Rodriguez, Jorge J. Llibre-Guerra, Adolfo J. Valhuerdi-Cepero, Richard B. Lipton, Mindy J. Katz, Carol A. Derby, Karen Ritchie, Marie-Laure Ancelin, Isabelle Carrière, Nikolaos Scarmeas, Mary Yannakoulia, Georgios M. Hadjigeorgiou, Linda Lam, Wai-Chi Chan, Ada Fung, Antonio Guaita, Roberta Vaccaro, Annalisa Davin, Ki Woong Kim, Ji Won Han, Seung Wan Suh, Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, Susanne Roehr, Alexander Pabst, Martin Van Boxtel, Sebastian Köhler, Kay Deckers, Mary Ganguli, Erin P. Jacobsen, Tiffany F. Hughes, Kaarin J. Anstey, Nicolas Cherbuin, Mary N. Haan, Allison E. Aiello, Kristina Dang, Shuzo Kumagai, Tao Chen, Kenji Narazaki, Tze Pin Ng, Qi Gao, Ma Shwe Zin Nyunt, Marcia Scazufca, Henry Brodaty, Katya Numbers, Julian N. Trollor, Kenichi Meguro, Satoshi Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Ishii, Antonio Lobo, Raul Lopez-Anton, Javier Santabárbara, Yvonne Leung, Jessica W. Lo, Gordana Popovic, Perminder S. Sachdev, for Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC). Determinants of cognitive performance and decline in 20 diverse ethno-regional groups: A COSMIC collaboration cohort study. PLOS Medicine. 2019; 16 (7):e1002853.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Darren M. Lipnicki; Steve R. Makkar; John D. Crawford; Anbupalam Thalamuthu; Nicole A. Kochan; Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa; Erico Castro-Costa; Cleusa Pinheiro Ferri; Carol Brayne; Blossom Stephan; Juan J. Llibre-Rodriguez; Jorge J. Llibre-Guerra; Adolfo J. Valhuerdi-Cepero; Richard B. Lipton; Mindy J. Katz; Carol A. Derby; Karen Ritchie; Marie-Laure Ancelin; Isabelle Carrière; Nikolaos Scarmeas; Mary Yannakoulia; Georgios M. Hadjigeorgiou; Linda Lam; Wai-Chi Chan; Ada Fung; Antonio Guaita; Roberta Vaccaro; Annalisa Davin; Ki Woong Kim; Ji Won Han; Seung Wan Suh; Steffi G. Riedel-Heller; Susanne Roehr; Alexander Pabst; Martin Van Boxtel; Sebastian Köhler; Kay Deckers; Mary Ganguli; Erin P. Jacobsen; Tiffany F. Hughes; Kaarin J. Anstey; Nicolas Cherbuin; Mary N. Haan; Allison E. Aiello; Kristina Dang; Shuzo Kumagai; Tao Chen; Kenji Narazaki; Tze Pin Ng; Qi Gao; Ma Shwe Zin Nyunt; Marcia Scazufca; Henry Brodaty; Katya Numbers; Julian N. Trollor; Kenichi Meguro; Satoshi Yamaguchi; Hiroshi Ishii; Antonio Lobo; Raul Lopez-Anton; Javier Santabárbara; Yvonne Leung; Jessica W. Lo; Gordana Popovic; Perminder S. Sachdev; for Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC). 2019. "Determinants of cognitive performance and decline in 20 diverse ethno-regional groups: A COSMIC collaboration cohort study." PLOS Medicine 16, no. 7: e1002853.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2019 in Maturitas
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Hearing loss is a common chronic condition in elderly people. The prevalence of disabling hearing loss among the elderly worldwide is 33% and in Italy ranges from 0.6% (profound hearing loss) to 39% (mild hearing loss). We investigated the relationship between self-reported hearing disability and clinician-evaluated hearing status, and its longitudinal consequences in relation to cognitive impairment and functional decline. We hypothesised that subjects who report that they have a hearing disability have a worse functional and cognitive profile than people who do not report having a hearing disability. We analysed 1171 participants in the InveCe.Ab study, a longitudinal population-based study. We evaluated whether self-reported hearing disability was consistent with clinician-evaluated hearing status (using the Whispered Voice Test; WVT), categorizing this variable as: unaware of hearing loss (UHL), aware of hearing loss (AHL), only subjective hearing loss (OSHL), without hearing loss (noHL). We also examined its relationship with various population characteristics, and its long-term effects on functional and cognitive performance and depressive symptoms. At baseline, hearing loss was found in 13.6% (95% CI: 11.7-15.7) of the participants [17.6% (95% CI: 12.0-24.4) AHL; 82.4% (95% CI: 75.6-88) UHL], while 2.3% (95% CI: 1.4-3.4) of the subjects with normal WVT hearing status had OSHL. Male gender, age, functional and cognitive performance, and depressive symptoms were associated with consistency between self-reported hearing disability and WVT hearing status. Longitudinal analysis revealed worsening functional performance and selective attention, global cognitive deterioration, and depressive symptoms in the AHL group. Our results showed that awareness of hearing disability in the elderly has adverse cognitive and functional consequences over time. When clinicians inform those who are unaware of their hearing problems, they should arrange for prompt referral not only for audiometric evaluation but also for counselling in order to prevent a negative impact of awareness of hearing loss.

ACS Style

Roberta Vaccaro; Daniele Zaccaria; Mauro Colombo; Simona Abbondanza; Antonio Guaita. Adverse effect of self-reported hearing disability in elderly Italians: Results from the InveCe.Ab study. Maturitas 2019, 121, 35 -40.

AMA Style

Roberta Vaccaro, Daniele Zaccaria, Mauro Colombo, Simona Abbondanza, Antonio Guaita. Adverse effect of self-reported hearing disability in elderly Italians: Results from the InveCe.Ab study. Maturitas. 2019; 121 ():35-40.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Roberta Vaccaro; Daniele Zaccaria; Mauro Colombo; Simona Abbondanza; Antonio Guaita. 2019. "Adverse effect of self-reported hearing disability in elderly Italians: Results from the InveCe.Ab study." Maturitas 121, no. : 35-40.

Comparative study
Published: 23 May 2018 in Biomarkers
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Background: Several studies performed in the last years on the brain, showed that beta2-microglobulin (β2m) and MHC can act independently of their canonical immune function to regulate normal brain development, synaptic plasticity and behaviour. Increased systemic levels of soluble β2m have been implicated in cognitive impairments like that associated with chronic haemodialysis, or aortic valve replacement. Increased soluble β2m has also been detected in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of patients with HIV-associated dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: To compare plasma β2m levels in healthy subjects and subjects with dementia or cognitive impairment. Methods: We measured the concentration of β2m in a cohort of 245 individuals and compared sex matched, cognitive healthy individuals. Results: We found higher levels of β2m in AD patients compared to non-AD MCI and healthy controls (2063 ng/mL ±852 versus 1613 ± 503 and 1832 ± 382 ng/mL, p< 0.001 and 0.05). Conclusions: Our data confirm that β2m could play a role in AD. However, a replication study in an independent cohort would be necessary to confirm our preliminary results.

ACS Style

Roberto Dominici; Dario Finazzi; Letizia Polito; Emanuela Oldoni; Giovanna Bugari; Alessandro Montanelli; Elio Scarpini; Daniela Galimberti; Antonio Guaita. Comparison of β2-microglobulin serum level between Alzheimer’s patients, cognitive healthy and mild cognitive impaired individuals. Biomarkers 2018, 23, 603 -608.

AMA Style

Roberto Dominici, Dario Finazzi, Letizia Polito, Emanuela Oldoni, Giovanna Bugari, Alessandro Montanelli, Elio Scarpini, Daniela Galimberti, Antonio Guaita. Comparison of β2-microglobulin serum level between Alzheimer’s patients, cognitive healthy and mild cognitive impaired individuals. Biomarkers. 2018; 23 (6):603-608.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Roberto Dominici; Dario Finazzi; Letizia Polito; Emanuela Oldoni; Giovanna Bugari; Alessandro Montanelli; Elio Scarpini; Daniela Galimberti; Antonio Guaita. 2018. "Comparison of β2-microglobulin serum level between Alzheimer’s patients, cognitive healthy and mild cognitive impaired individuals." Biomarkers 23, no. 6: 603-608.

Meta analysis
Published: 21 March 2017 in PLOS Medicine
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The prevalence of dementia varies around the world, potentially contributed to by international differences in rates of age-related cognitive decline. Our primary goal was to investigate how rates of age-related decline in cognitive test performance varied among international cohort studies of cognitive aging. We also determined the extent to which sex, educational attainment, and apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE*4) carrier status were associated with decline. We harmonized longitudinal data for 14 cohorts from 12 countries (Australia, Brazil, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States), for a total of 42,170 individuals aged 54–105 y (42% male), including 3.3% with dementia at baseline. The studies began between 1989 and 2011, with all but three ongoing, and each had 2–16 assessment waves (median = 3) and a follow-up duration of 2–15 y. We analyzed standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and memory, processing speed, language, and executive functioning test scores using linear mixed models, adjusted for sex and education, and meta-analytic techniques. Performance on all cognitive measures declined with age, with the most rapid rate of change pooled across cohorts a moderate -0.26 standard deviations per decade (SD/decade) (95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.35, -0.16], p < 0.001) for processing speed. Rates of decline accelerated slightly with age, with executive functioning showing the largest additional rate of decline with every further decade of age (-0.07 SD/decade, 95% CI [-0.10, -0.03], p = 0.002). There was a considerable degree of heterogeneity in the associations across cohorts, including a slightly faster decline (p = 0.021) on the MMSE for Asians (-0.20 SD/decade, 95% CI [-0.28, -0.12], p < 0.001) than for whites (-0.09 SD/decade, 95% CI [-0.16, -0.02], p = 0.009). Males declined on the MMSE at a slightly slower rate than females (difference = 0.023 SD/decade, 95% CI [0.011, 0.035], p < 0.001), and every additional year of education was associated with a rate of decline slightly slower for the MMSE (0.004 SD/decade less, 95% CI [0.002, 0.006], p = 0.001), but slightly faster for language (-0.007 SD/decade more, 95% CI [-0.011, -0.003], p = 0.001). APOE*4 carriers declined slightly more rapidly than non-carriers on most cognitive measures, with processing speed showing the greatest difference (-0.08 SD/decade, 95% CI [-0.15, -0.01], p = 0.019). The same overall pattern of results was found when analyses were repeated with baseline dementia cases excluded. We used only one test to represent cognitive domains, and though a prototypical one, we nevertheless urge caution in generalizing the results to domains rather than viewing them as test-specific associations. This study lacked cohorts from Africa, India, and mainland China. Cognitive performance declined with age, and more rapidly with increasing age, across samples from diverse ethnocultural groups and geographical regions. Associations varied across cohorts, suggesting that different rates of cognitive decline might contribute to the global variation in dementia prevalence. However, the many similarities and consistent associations with education and APOE genotype indicate a need to explore how international differences in associations with other risk factors such as genetics, cardiovascular health, and lifestyle are involved. Future studies should attempt to use multiple tests for each cognitive domain and feature populations from ethnocultural groups and geographical regions for which we lacked data.

ACS Style

Darren M. Lipnicki; John D. Crawford; Rajib Dutta; Anbupalam Thalamuthu; Nicole A. Kochan; Gavin Andrews; M. Fernanda Lima-Costa; Erico De Castro E Costa; Carol Brayne; Fiona E. Matthews; Blossom C. M. Stephan; Richard B. Lipton; Mindy J. Katz; Karen Ritchie; Jacqueline Scali; Marie-Laure Ancelin; Nikolaos Scarmeas; Mary Yannakoulia; Efthimios Dardiotis; Linda C. W. Lam; Candy H. Y. Wong; Ada Fung; Antonio Guaita; Roberta Vaccaro; Annalisa Davin; Ki Woong Kim; Ji Won Han; Tae Hui Kim; Kaarin J. Anstey; Nicolas Cherbuin; Peter Butterworth; Marcia Scazufca; Shuzo Kumagai; Sanmei Chen; Kenji Narazaki; Tze Pin Ng; Qi Gao; Simone Reppermund; Henry Brodaty; Antonio Lobo; Raúl Lopez-Anton; Javier Santabárbara; Perminder S. Sachdev; Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC). Age-related cognitive decline and associations with sex, education and apolipoprotein E genotype across ethnocultural groups and geographic regions: a collaborative cohort study. PLOS Medicine 2017, 14, e1002261 .

AMA Style

Darren M. Lipnicki, John D. Crawford, Rajib Dutta, Anbupalam Thalamuthu, Nicole A. Kochan, Gavin Andrews, M. Fernanda Lima-Costa, Erico De Castro E Costa, Carol Brayne, Fiona E. Matthews, Blossom C. M. Stephan, Richard B. Lipton, Mindy J. Katz, Karen Ritchie, Jacqueline Scali, Marie-Laure Ancelin, Nikolaos Scarmeas, Mary Yannakoulia, Efthimios Dardiotis, Linda C. W. Lam, Candy H. Y. Wong, Ada Fung, Antonio Guaita, Roberta Vaccaro, Annalisa Davin, Ki Woong Kim, Ji Won Han, Tae Hui Kim, Kaarin J. Anstey, Nicolas Cherbuin, Peter Butterworth, Marcia Scazufca, Shuzo Kumagai, Sanmei Chen, Kenji Narazaki, Tze Pin Ng, Qi Gao, Simone Reppermund, Henry Brodaty, Antonio Lobo, Raúl Lopez-Anton, Javier Santabárbara, Perminder S. Sachdev, Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC). Age-related cognitive decline and associations with sex, education and apolipoprotein E genotype across ethnocultural groups and geographic regions: a collaborative cohort study. PLOS Medicine. 2017; 14 (3):e1002261.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Darren M. Lipnicki; John D. Crawford; Rajib Dutta; Anbupalam Thalamuthu; Nicole A. Kochan; Gavin Andrews; M. Fernanda Lima-Costa; Erico De Castro E Costa; Carol Brayne; Fiona E. Matthews; Blossom C. M. Stephan; Richard B. Lipton; Mindy J. Katz; Karen Ritchie; Jacqueline Scali; Marie-Laure Ancelin; Nikolaos Scarmeas; Mary Yannakoulia; Efthimios Dardiotis; Linda C. W. Lam; Candy H. Y. Wong; Ada Fung; Antonio Guaita; Roberta Vaccaro; Annalisa Davin; Ki Woong Kim; Ji Won Han; Tae Hui Kim; Kaarin J. Anstey; Nicolas Cherbuin; Peter Butterworth; Marcia Scazufca; Shuzo Kumagai; Sanmei Chen; Kenji Narazaki; Tze Pin Ng; Qi Gao; Simone Reppermund; Henry Brodaty; Antonio Lobo; Raúl Lopez-Anton; Javier Santabárbara; Perminder S. Sachdev; Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC). 2017. "Age-related cognitive decline and associations with sex, education and apolipoprotein E genotype across ethnocultural groups and geographic regions: a collaborative cohort study." PLOS Medicine 14, no. 3: e1002261.

Research article
Published: 14 March 2017 in BioMed Research International
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Estimates of depressive disorders in the elderly vary depending on how cases are defined. We estimated the prevalence of subthreshold depression (SD) and clinically significant depression (D) in a population of 70–74-year-olds. We also looked for associations with sociodemographic factors and perceptions of self. Participants underwent a multidimensional assessment (social, medical, and neuropsychological). The estimated prevalence of SD was 15.71% (95% CI: 13.70–17.72), while that of D was 5.58% (95% CI: 4.31–6.85). Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender and dissatisfaction with family relationships were related to SD and D. A self-perception of physical age as older than actual age (but not comorbidity) and greater self-perceived stress caused by negative life events both increased the probability of SD. The likelihood of D was decreased in those who perceived their own health as good, whereas a self-perception of mental age as older than actual age and dissatisfaction with relationships with friends were both significantly associated with D. Both SD and D emerged as key problems in our population. Female gender and self-perceptions of various characteristics, which can be explored through simple questions, are associated with late-life depression in elderly people independently of their actual physical condition and other characteristics.

ACS Style

Roberta Vaccaro; Paola Borrelli; Simona Abbondanza; Annalisa Davin; Letizia Polito; Mauro Colombo; Silvia Francesca Vitali; Simona Villani; Antonio Guaita. Subthreshold Depression and Clinically Significant Depression in an Italian Population of 70–74-Year-Olds: Prevalence and Association with Perceptions of Self. BioMed Research International 2017, 2017, 1 -8.

AMA Style

Roberta Vaccaro, Paola Borrelli, Simona Abbondanza, Annalisa Davin, Letizia Polito, Mauro Colombo, Silvia Francesca Vitali, Simona Villani, Antonio Guaita. Subthreshold Depression and Clinically Significant Depression in an Italian Population of 70–74-Year-Olds: Prevalence and Association with Perceptions of Self. BioMed Research International. 2017; 2017 ():1-8.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Roberta Vaccaro; Paola Borrelli; Simona Abbondanza; Annalisa Davin; Letizia Polito; Mauro Colombo; Silvia Francesca Vitali; Simona Villani; Antonio Guaita. 2017. "Subthreshold Depression and Clinically Significant Depression in an Italian Population of 70–74-Year-Olds: Prevalence and Association with Perceptions of Self." BioMed Research International 2017, no. : 1-8.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2017 in Health
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Aim: Person-centered care is a core issue in rehabilitation; the study aims at: 1) enquiring the outcome expectations of patients in a geriatric rehabilitation ward; 2) matching outcome expectations with actual outcomes. Methods: Expectations of 186 patients [79.4 (8.7) years, 70% females] analyzed through a questionnaire. 80.6% of patients were discharged home; functional recovery = 17.7 (22) points in Barthel Index total score, and 5 (4.2) points in Barthel Index walking subscore; also conditions with nursing needs improved significantly. Results: Patients’ expectations were coded as: functional (31.4%), overall (29.6%), and clinical improvement (21.5%), discharge home (7%); no answers or explicit lack of expectations (7.5%). Walking ability recovery differed according to outcome expectations. Highest improvements were achieved by patients wishing clinical improvement, followed by those expecting functional or overall improvement (5 points) [p = 0.009 (Welch)/p = 0.041 (Brown- Forsythe)]; worst improvement in walking ability (2.8 points) were got by patients faulting or declaring explicit failure of expectations. Conditions with nursing needs improved most in those expecting clinical improvements [p = 0.029 (Brown-Forsythe)], and less in case of expectation default. No further matching was found. Conclusions: Improvement in actual outcomes matched expected improvements in two circumstances: recovery in walking ability and in conditions with nursing needs. The high yield of different favorable outcomes may have masked the statistical significance for correspondence between actual and expected results. Special attention is worthy towards patients short of expectations, as their actual outcomes result poorer.

ACS Style

Mauro Colombo; Carla Facchini; Achim Rusu; Eleonora Marelli; Giuseppe Procino; Rosella Capuano; Cristina Miramonti; Antonio Guaita. Patients’ Expectations in a Geriatric Rehabilitation Ward: Matching with Actual Outcomes. Health 2017, 09, 1597 -1604.

AMA Style

Mauro Colombo, Carla Facchini, Achim Rusu, Eleonora Marelli, Giuseppe Procino, Rosella Capuano, Cristina Miramonti, Antonio Guaita. Patients’ Expectations in a Geriatric Rehabilitation Ward: Matching with Actual Outcomes. Health. 2017; 09 (11):1597-1604.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mauro Colombo; Carla Facchini; Achim Rusu; Eleonora Marelli; Giuseppe Procino; Rosella Capuano; Cristina Miramonti; Antonio Guaita. 2017. "Patients’ Expectations in a Geriatric Rehabilitation Ward: Matching with Actual Outcomes." Health 09, no. 11: 1597-1604.

Journal article
Published: 01 July 2016 in Alzheimer's & Dementia
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Effective therapies in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are associated with the identification of early biomarkers that anticipate the clinical diagnosis of the disease. The accumulation of β-amyloid and the cerebral alterations associated to AD started 10-15 years before the clinical onset. In this lag time the biological events responsible of the disease progress could be monitored The clinical phase usually starts with “mild cognitive impairment” (MCI), during which subjects have measurable cognitive deficits with no influence on the life activities, even though the clinical progression may then fulfill criteria for different types dementias. Biomarkers are needed to improve the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and to monitor the disease progression from MCI to AD. Until accurate preclinical indicators are defined and validated, the promise of disease-modifying therapeutic strategies for AD will remain elusive.

ACS Style

Gianluigi Forloni; Laura Brunelli; Diego Albani; Mauro Tettamanti; Letizia Polito; Pierluigi Quadri; Antonio Guaita; Roberta Pastorelli. P3-189: Plasma Metabolic Alteration in MCI and Alzheimer’s Disease Subjects. Alzheimer's & Dementia 2016, 12, P894 -P894.

AMA Style

Gianluigi Forloni, Laura Brunelli, Diego Albani, Mauro Tettamanti, Letizia Polito, Pierluigi Quadri, Antonio Guaita, Roberta Pastorelli. P3-189: Plasma Metabolic Alteration in MCI and Alzheimer’s Disease Subjects. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2016; 12 (7):P894-P894.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Gianluigi Forloni; Laura Brunelli; Diego Albani; Mauro Tettamanti; Letizia Polito; Pierluigi Quadri; Antonio Guaita; Roberta Pastorelli. 2016. "P3-189: Plasma Metabolic Alteration in MCI and Alzheimer’s Disease Subjects." Alzheimer's & Dementia 12, no. 7: P894-P894.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2015 in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
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The age-specific prevalence rates of dementia vary widely. Studies focusing on specific age groups are needed to provide reliable estimates for healthcare providers and policy makers. We estimated the prevalence of dementia, dementia subtypes and cognitive impairment in "InveCe.Ab" (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01345110), a single-step multidimensional population-based study of 70-74-year olds living in Abbiategrasso (Milan, Italy). We also looked for associations with socio-demographic factors and the presence of the apolipoprotein E-ɛ4 allele. The overall dementia prevalence was 3% (95%CI: 2.1-4.1%) [Alzheimer's disease (AD): 1.2% (95%CI 0.6-1.9%); vascular dementia (VD): 1.4% (95%CI: 0.8-2.2%)]. Being single was found to be a risk factor for vascular dementia; subjects born in southern Italy were shown to be at greater risk both of overall dementia and of vascular dementia. The prevalence of cognitive impairment, with or without subjective cognitive complaints (cognitive impairment, no dementia, CIND) was 7.8% (95%CI: 6.4-9.4%). As regards the CIND subgroups, the prevalence of subjects with subjective cognitive complaints (mild cognitive impairment, MCI) was 5.0% (95%CI 3.9-6.3%), while the prevalence of those without MCI (CIND-other) was 2.8% (95%CI: 1.9-3.8). The males had a higher risk of MCI and CIND-other; the older subjects were more likely to have MCI, and those born in north-eastern Italy to have CIND-other. The prevalence of AD was higher among the apolipoprotein E-ɛ4 carriers. Our data highlight the importance of dementia and cognitive impairment in the transitional period from adulthood to old age, and reveal the presence of different associations with socio-demographic and genetic factors.

ACS Style

Antonio Guaita; Roberta Vaccaro; Annalisa Davin; Mauro Colombo; Silvia Francesca Vitali; Letizia Polito; Simona Abbondanza; Eleonora Valle; Gianluigi Forloni; Virginia Valeria Ferretti; Simona Villani. Influence of socio-demographic features and apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 expression on the prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment in a population of 70–74-year olds: The InveCe.Ab study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics 2015, 60, 334 -343.

AMA Style

Antonio Guaita, Roberta Vaccaro, Annalisa Davin, Mauro Colombo, Silvia Francesca Vitali, Letizia Polito, Simona Abbondanza, Eleonora Valle, Gianluigi Forloni, Virginia Valeria Ferretti, Simona Villani. Influence of socio-demographic features and apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 expression on the prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment in a population of 70–74-year olds: The InveCe.Ab study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. 2015; 60 (2):334-343.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Guaita; Roberta Vaccaro; Annalisa Davin; Mauro Colombo; Silvia Francesca Vitali; Letizia Polito; Simona Abbondanza; Eleonora Valle; Gianluigi Forloni; Virginia Valeria Ferretti; Simona Villani. 2015. "Influence of socio-demographic features and apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 expression on the prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment in a population of 70–74-year olds: The InveCe.Ab study." Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics 60, no. 2: 334-343.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2015 in Health
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Aim: Hip fracture implies severe problems to older people; special concerns regard persons with dementia, due either to cognitive impairment, or to behavioral and psychic symptoms. This study illustrates rehabilitative outcomes of these patients discharged by a special care unit ruled by “GentleCare” principles. Method: 54 patients [89% females, aged 82.3 years (range 66 - 94)] followed a post-surgery rehabilitative program carried out by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist, supported by a psychologist. The multidimensional assessment consisted of cognition evaluation (Mini Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, Global Deterioration Scale), functional evaluation (Barthel Index, Tinetti Gait and Balance, Bedford Alzheimer Nursing Severity scale), behavioral evaluation (UCLA Neuropsychiatric Inventory) and comorbidity evaluation (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale). Results: All parameters improved, including the 5 most frequent behavioral and psychic symptoms that usually preclude admission in ordinary rehabilitation units. 24% of improvement in Barthel Index total score was explained by agitation and apathy at discharge, in a multiple linear regression model: better functional levels corresponded to smoother behavioral problems. Most patients improved; 70.5% of them were discharged to home. Conclusion: A prosthetic approach enables valuable results in the rehabilitation of severely demented patients with hip fracture also in presence of behavioral symptoms.

ACS Style

Mauro Colombo; Silvia Vitali; Chiara Cutaia; Eleonora Marelli; Antonio Guaita. Rehabilitative Outcomes after Hip Fracture in a Special Care Unit for Persons with Dementia and Behavioral and Psychotic Symptoms. Health 2015, 07, 1175 -1182.

AMA Style

Mauro Colombo, Silvia Vitali, Chiara Cutaia, Eleonora Marelli, Antonio Guaita. Rehabilitative Outcomes after Hip Fracture in a Special Care Unit for Persons with Dementia and Behavioral and Psychotic Symptoms. Health. 2015; 07 (09):1175-1182.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mauro Colombo; Silvia Vitali; Chiara Cutaia; Eleonora Marelli; Antonio Guaita. 2015. "Rehabilitative Outcomes after Hip Fracture in a Special Care Unit for Persons with Dementia and Behavioral and Psychotic Symptoms." Health 07, no. 09: 1175-1182.

Randomized controlled trial
Published: 03 September 2014 in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
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We evaluated the short-term efficacy of a protocol of cognitive stimulation (CS), compared with a sham intervention, on cognitive performance in cognitively healthy individuals with a family history of dementia (NDFAM) and in non-demented individuals with cognitive impairment (CI). We performed a randomized controlled trial of CS in NDFAM and CI. CS consisted in 10 twice weekly meetings of CS focused on a specific cognitive area. CS was compared with a sham intervention (CT) using Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Corsi test. All study participants were typed for the presence of apolipoprotein E (APOE)-Ɛ4. Cognitively healthy NDFAM showed a higher net cognitive gain after CS, as reflected in their MoCA score, and a borderline significant net increase in visuospatial memory (Corsi test) compared with those receiving the CT. APOE-Ɛ4 carriers showed a less significant improvement on the Corsi test with respect to APOE-Ɛ4 non-carriers. In the CI sample, the MoCA and Corsi test results did not differ between the cognitively stimulated subjects and the controls. No changes in MMSE scores were found in either sample of subjects. These findings suggest that CS as structured in this study is an effective treatment in cognitively healthy individuals, whereas it is less effective in individuals with CI. Moreover, evaluation of APOE-Ɛ4 status provided evidence of a substantial genetic contribution to the efficacy of CS on visuospatial memory as measured using the Corsi test.

ACS Style

Letizia Polito; Simona Abbondanza; Roberta Vaccaro; Eleonora Valle; Annalisa Davin; Alessandro Degrate; Simona Villani; Antonio Guaita. Cognitive stimulation in cognitively impaired individuals and cognitively healthy individuals with a family history of dementia: short-term results from the “Allena-Mente” randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 2014, 30, 631 -638.

AMA Style

Letizia Polito, Simona Abbondanza, Roberta Vaccaro, Eleonora Valle, Annalisa Davin, Alessandro Degrate, Simona Villani, Antonio Guaita. Cognitive stimulation in cognitively impaired individuals and cognitively healthy individuals with a family history of dementia: short-term results from the “Allena-Mente” randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2014; 30 (6):631-638.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Letizia Polito; Simona Abbondanza; Roberta Vaccaro; Eleonora Valle; Annalisa Davin; Alessandro Degrate; Simona Villani; Antonio Guaita. 2014. "Cognitive stimulation in cognitively impaired individuals and cognitively healthy individuals with a family history of dementia: short-term results from the “Allena-Mente” randomized controlled trial." International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 30, no. 6: 631-638.