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  1. Article ; Online: Distinct brain dysfunctions underlying visuo-constructive deficit in DLB and AD.

    Beretta, Luca / Carli, Giulia / Caffarra, Paolo / Perani, Daniela

    Brain imaging and behavior

    2021  Volume 16, Issue 1, Page(s) 532–537

    Abstract: Visuo-constructive abilities are a multicomponential process that can be impaired in several neurodegenerative dementias. Among visuo-constructive tasks, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure-copy (ROCF-c) is the most commonly used and it seems influenced by ...

    Abstract Visuo-constructive abilities are a multicomponential process that can be impaired in several neurodegenerative dementias. Among visuo-constructive tasks, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure-copy (ROCF-c) is the most commonly used and it seems influenced by different skills mediated by specific brain regions. This task complexity allows exploring differential mechanisms of impairment in different neurodegenerative disorders. In this study we examined the neuroanatomical substrates of ROCF-c performance in patients with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We included forty-five patients with probable DLB, and thirty-four patients with probable typical-AD. To identify the ROCF-c scores neural correlates we performed a regression analysis with brain hypometabolism using the ROCF-c scores as independent variable. Then we evaluated the correlation between regional hypometabolism and ROCF-c scores in each group separately, throughout offline Pearson correlation analysis. The DLB and AD groups differed only in visuo-constructive and memory performances. DLB patients performed worse at the visuo-constructive test, while typical-AD patients performed worse at the verbal memory task. In DLB, worse performance at ROCF-c scores (more severe visuo-constructive impairment) correlated with occipital and temporo-parietal hypometabolism. In AD, worse performance at ROCF-c score was associated with brain hypometabolism in the temporo-parietal regions. The inability to correctly perform the ROCF-c derives from distinct brain dysfunctions in DLB and AD. The present results suggest alterations in visuoperceptual processes due to the severe occipital hypometabolism in DLB, and in visuospatial processes related to temporo-parietal hypometabolism in AD.
    MeSH term(s) Alzheimer Disease/diagnostic imaging ; Brain/diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Lewy Body Disease/diagnostic imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Positron-Emission Tomography
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-09-07
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2377165-3
    ISSN 1931-7565 ; 1931-7557
    ISSN (online) 1931-7565
    ISSN 1931-7557
    DOI 10.1007/s11682-021-00515-7
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  2. Article ; Online: Individual differences among older adults with mild and moderate dementia in social and emotional loneliness and their associations with cognitive and psychological functioning.

    Carbone, Elena / Piras, Federica / Pellegrini, Francesca Ferrari / Caffarra, Paolo / Borella, Erika

    BMC geriatrics

    2022  Volume 22, Issue 1, Page(s) 859

    Abstract: Background: Loneliness is a major health issue among older adults. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between loneliness, in its social and emotional facets, and the cognitive (language), and behavioral/psychological functioning as ... ...

    Abstract Background: Loneliness is a major health issue among older adults. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between loneliness, in its social and emotional facets, and the cognitive (language), and behavioral/psychological functioning as well as quality of life (QoL) in people with mild and moderate dementia, i.e., considering dementia severity as an individual characteristic.
    Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 58 people with mild dementia and 55 people with moderate dementia. Participants completed the Social and Emotional Loneliness scale, along with measures assessing their language skills, the frequency and severity of their behavioral and psychological symptoms, and their QoL.
    Results: Socio-demographic characteristics and depression, but not loneliness or its social and emotional facets, contributed to explain participants' behavioral and psychological symptoms, regardless of dementia severity. Loneliness explained, though to a small extent (8% of variance), language skills in people with moderate dementia, with social loneliness only accounting for language skills (18% of variance) in this group. Loneliness also modestly accounted for dysphoria symptoms in both the mildly and moderately impaired (6% and 5% of variance, respectively) individuals with social loneliness predicting dysphoric mood in the former group only (7% of variance). Loneliness also explained, to a larger extent, QoL in both the mildly impaired and moderately impaired individuals (27% and 20% of variance, respectively), its social facet predicting QoL in the mildly impaired (30% of variance), and its emotional facet in the moderately impaired (21% of variance) group.
    Conclusion: These findings suggest that loneliness and its facets have a clear impact on perceived QoL, and influence the language skills and dysphoria symptoms of people with dementia, to a degree that depends on dementia severity. The assessment of loneliness and its facets in people with dementia considering dementia severity, and the promotion of social inclusion to reduce it should be considered by professionals.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Aged ; Quality of Life/psychology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Individuality ; Dementia/diagnosis ; Dementia/epidemiology ; Cognition
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-11-15
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2059865-8
    ISSN 1471-2318 ; 1471-2318
    ISSN (online) 1471-2318
    ISSN 1471-2318
    DOI 10.1186/s12877-022-03517-2
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  3. Article: Associations between Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

    Arenare, Giulia / Manca, Riccardo / Caffarra, Paolo / Venneri, Annalena / On Behalf Of The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative

    Brain sciences

    2023  Volume 13, Issue 8

    Abstract: Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are associated with faster decline in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to investigate the association between NPS severity and Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers, i.e., amyloid-β (Aβ), ... ...

    Abstract Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are associated with faster decline in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to investigate the association between NPS severity and Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers, i.e., amyloid-β (Aβ), phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) and hippocampal volume ratio (HR), to characterise in more detail MCI patients with a poor prognosis.
    Methods: A total of 506 individuals with MCI and 99 cognitively unimpaired older adults were selected from the ADNI dataset. The patients were divided into three different groups based on their NPI-Q total scores: no NPS (
    Results: Cerebrospinal fluid Aβ levels were positively associated with older age and lower MMSE scores, while higher p-tau levels were associated with female sex and lower MMSE scores. Only patients with severe NPS had a lower HR (β = -0.18,
    Discussion: Only HR was associated with the presence of NPS, partially in line with previous evidence showing that severe NPS may be explained primarily by greater grey matter loss. Future longitudinal studies will be needed to ascertain the relevance of this finding.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-08-12
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2651993-8
    ISSN 2076-3425
    ISSN 2076-3425
    DOI 10.3390/brainsci13081195
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  4. Article ; Online: Qualitative Evaluation of the Immediate Copy of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure: Comparison Between Vascular and Degenerative MCI Patients.

    Salvadori, Emilia / Dieci, Francesca / Caffarra, Paolo / Pantoni, Leonardo

    Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists

    2018  Volume 34, Issue 1, Page(s) 14–23

    Abstract: Objective: The immediate copy of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) is considered a visuo-spatial test. However, reproducing this complex structure possibly involves also executive functions, such as planning and organizational strategies. In a ... ...

    Abstract Objective: The immediate copy of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) is considered a visuo-spatial test. However, reproducing this complex structure possibly involves also executive functions, such as planning and organizational strategies. In a previous study, we found a high rate of impaired performances in this test in a sample of subcortical vascular mild cognitive impairment patients. Executive functions contribution in the immediate copy of the ROCF can be assessed with the Boston Qualitative Scoring System (BQSS). We aimed at examining whether BQSS executive scores of ROCF immediate copy: (1) differ between vascular (v-MCI) and degenerative MCI (d-MCI) patients; (2) can at least partly explain the high rate of abnormal ROCF immediate copy performances in v-MCI patients.
    Method: Thirty d-MCI patients (age 75.2 ± 4.4) and 27 v-MCI (age 73.2 ± 6.9) were enrolled. The performances of patients were scored using the BQSS executive scores (Fragmentation, Planning, Organization, Perseveration) during the accomplishment of ROCF immediate copy.
    Results: Comparing d-MCI and v-MCI performances, d-MCI patients scored worse on ROCF delayed recall (9.9 ± 4.7 vs. 13.4 ± 5.9, p = .020) and MMSE (23.9 ± 2.6 vs. 27.8 ± 2.3, p = .001) while v-MCI patients had more frequently impaired performances in ROCF immediate copy (40% vs. 81%, p = .001) and showed worse scores on Fragmentation (2.4 ± 0.9 vs. 1.8 ± 1.3, p = .035), Planning (2.4 ± 0.8 vs. 1.8 ± 1, p = .039), Organization (4.8 ± 1.3 vs. 3.6 ± 2.1, p = .017), and Perseveration (3.5 ± 0.8 vs. 2.9 ± 1.2, p = .048).
    Conclusions: The performance of v-MCI patients in ROCF immediate copy seemed to be more affected by executive dysfunction than the performance obtained by d-MCI. When analyzing ROCF performances, a qualitative approach allows to evaluate patients' strategies during the reproduction, and thus to discriminate between executive and visuo-constructional abilities.
    MeSH term(s) Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology ; Dementia, Vascular/psychology ; Executive Function/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Recall/physiology ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/psychology ; Neuropsychological Tests
    Language English
    Publishing date 2018-04-18
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 632972-x
    ISSN 1873-5843 ; 0887-6177
    ISSN (online) 1873-5843
    ISSN 0887-6177
    DOI 10.1093/arclin/acy010
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  5. Article: Effects of Dog-Assisted Therapies on Cognitive Mnemonic Capabilities in People Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease

    Quintavalla, Fausto / Cao, Simona / Spinelli, Diana / Caffarra, Paolo / Rossi, Fiammetta M / Basini, Giuseppina / Sabbioni, Alberto

    Animals. 2021 May 11, v. 11, no. 5

    2021  

    Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in humans and, currently, a valid treatment is lacking. Our goal is to demonstrate the importance and benefits of the relationship with companion animals (considered as co-therapists), ... ...

    Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in humans and, currently, a valid treatment is lacking. Our goal is to demonstrate the importance and benefits of the relationship with companion animals (considered as co-therapists), intended as a means of facilitating social relations and promoting evident wellbeing in AD patients. The study involved 30 randomly chosen patients with Alzheimer’s disease (group T) and three dogs. The group participated in a total of 24 animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) sessions over a span of 12 weeks, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Wellness and Cognitive Ability Questionnaire (Brief Assessment Cognition or BAC), and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) as assessment tests. A second group (group C), consisting of 10 people with AD, was enrolled as control group and underwent the same assessment tests but did not benefit from the presence of the dogs. Tests were carried out at time T0 (before starting sessions), T1 (end of sessions), and T2 (two months after last session). People belonging to group T achieved an overall improvement in their perceived state of wellbeing, even on a cognitive and mnemonic plane. However, two months after the end of the sessions, the test results in people suffering from AD decreased towards the baseline (T0). The study shows how such progress can be achieved through activities based on the relationship with an animal, as long as the animal is a steady presence in the life of the patient receiving the intervention. Dogs involved in other dog-assisted therapies have been found suitable also for assisting patients with AD.
    Keywords cognition ; patients ; people ; questionnaires
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2021-0511
    Publishing place Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
    Document type Article
    Note NAL-AP-2-clean
    ISSN 2076-2615
    DOI 10.3390/ani11051366
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  6. Article: Effects of Dog-Assisted Therapies on Cognitive Mnemonic Capabilities in People Affected by Alzheimer's Disease.

    Quintavalla, Fausto / Cao, Simona / Spinelli, Diana / Caffarra, Paolo / Rossi, Fiammetta M / Basini, Giuseppina / Sabbioni, Alberto

    Animals : an open access journal from MDPI

    2021  Volume 11, Issue 5

    Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in humans and, currently, a valid treatment is lacking. Our goal is to demonstrate the importance and benefits of the relationship with companion animals (considered as co-therapists), ... ...

    Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in humans and, currently, a valid treatment is lacking. Our goal is to demonstrate the importance and benefits of the relationship with companion animals (considered as co-therapists), intended as a means of facilitating social relations and promoting evident wellbeing in AD patients. The study involved 30 randomly chosen patients with Alzheimer's disease (group T) and three dogs. The group participated in a total of 24 animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) sessions over a span of 12 weeks, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Wellness and Cognitive Ability Questionnaire (Brief Assessment Cognition or BAC), and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) as assessment tests. A second group (group C), consisting of 10 people with AD, was enrolled as control group and underwent the same assessment tests but did not benefit from the presence of the dogs. Tests were carried out at time T0 (before starting sessions), T1 (end of sessions), and T2 (two months after last session). People belonging to group T achieved an overall improvement in their perceived state of wellbeing, even on a cognitive and mnemonic plane. However, two months after the end of the sessions, the test results in people suffering from AD decreased towards the baseline (T0). The study shows how such progress can be achieved through activities based on the relationship with an animal, as long as the animal is a steady presence in the life of the patient receiving the intervention. Dogs involved in other dog-assisted therapies have been found suitable also for assisting patients with AD.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-05-11
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ISSN 2076-2615
    ISSN 2076-2615
    DOI 10.3390/ani11051366
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  7. Article: Subarachnoid hemorrhage and extrapyramidal symptoms: a case report.

    Mammi, Patrizia / Brianti, Rodolfo / Galuppo, Laura / Caffarra, Paolo

    Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis

    2016  Volume 87, Issue 2, Page(s) 194–196

    Abstract: Introduction: Parkinsonism may occur after brain lesions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage (1), hydrocephalus (2,3), slit ventricle (4), or shunt revision (5).Until now, pathogenesis remains unclear.: Method: Case Report.: Results: We described the ... ...

    Abstract Introduction: Parkinsonism may occur after brain lesions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage (1), hydrocephalus (2,3), slit ventricle (4), or shunt revision (5).Until now, pathogenesis remains unclear.
    Method: Case Report.
    Results: We described the case of a 53 years Caucasian male with subarachnoid hemorrhage after anterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture, with subsequent complications and early development of bilateral extrapiramidal symptoms. A DatSCAN showed an impairment of the nigro-sytriatal dopaminergic way. Levodopa therapy induced complete symptoms remission.
    Conclusions: Patient developed Parkinson Disease responding to Levodopa. Subarachnoid hemorrhage itself, shunt placement and revision, hydrocephalus, slit ventricle: all of these complications occurred and could be possible causes of shear, torsion, and ischemia of the nigrostriatal projection fibres.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2016--13
    Publishing country Italy
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2114240-3
    ISSN 0392-4203
    ISSN 0392-4203
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  8. Article ; Online: A digital teleneuropsychology platform for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment: from concept to certification as a medical device.

    Panzavolta, Andrea / Cerami, Chiara / Caffarra, Paolo / De Vita, Dalila / Dodich, Alessandra / Fonti, Cristina / L'Abbate, Federica / Laganà, Valentina / Lavorgna, Luigi / Marra, Camillo / Papagno, Costanza / Pellegrini, Francesca Ferrari / Stracciari, Andrea / Trojano, Luigi / Iaquinta, Tiziana / Ravizza, Alice / Sternini, Federico / Pandolfi, Roberta / Sanzone, Sveva /
    Calore, Monica / Cappa, Stefano F

    Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology

    2024  

    Abstract: Background: Innovative digital solutions are shaping a new concept of dementia care, opening additional venues for prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. Hereby, we report the development of a tablet-based teleneuropsychology platform ( ... ...

    Abstract Background: Innovative digital solutions are shaping a new concept of dementia care, opening additional venues for prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. Hereby, we report the development of a tablet-based teleneuropsychology platform (Tenèpsia®), from concept to certification as Medical Device (MD) Class IIA, as per new MD regulation 745/2017.
    Methods: The platform was designed for the remote cognitive evaluation and created thanks to the effort of a collaborative working group including experts from three Italian scientific societies and Biogen Italia S.r.l. (hereafter "Biogen"), and developers from Xenia Reply and Inside AI. The development strategy was guided by converting traditional paper-and-pencil tests into digital versions while maintaining comparable neuropsychological features and optimizing patient accessibility and user experience. The experts focused on the choice and adaptation of traditional neuropsychology measures for a 45-min teleneuropsychology assessment.
    Results: The developers created a web and a mobile interface, respectively, for the professional (neuropsychologist) and non-professional (patient and caregiver) use. Recording of voice, drawing and typing information was enabled. Instant dashboards provide a quick overview of the patient's condition. Simulation activities were performed to obtain MD certification, valid across Europe.
    Conclusion: Neuropsychology services will benefit from the implementation in clinics of harmonized digital tools with adequate scientific and technological standards. The use of digital cognitive testing for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment is expected to enhance patient and clinician outcomes through simplified, digital objective data collection, sparing of time and resources, with a positive impact on healthcare costs and access to treatments, reducing inequalities and delays in diagnosis and cure.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-02-21
    Publishing country Italy
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2016546-8
    ISSN 1590-3478 ; 1590-1874
    ISSN (online) 1590-3478
    ISSN 1590-1874
    DOI 10.1007/s10072-024-07403-0
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  9. Article ; Online: Correction to: A digital teleneuropsychology platform for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment: from concept to certification as a medical device.

    Panzavolta, Andrea / Cerami, Chiara / Caffarra, Paolo / De Vita, Dalila / Dodich, Alessandra / Fonti, Cristina / L'Abbate, Federica / Laganà, Valentina / Lavorgna, Luigi / Marra, Camillo / Papagno, Costanza / Pellegrini, Francesca Ferrari / Stracciari, Andrea / Trojano, Luigi / Iaquinta, Tiziana / Ravizza, Alice / Sternini, Federico / Pandolfi, Roberta / Sanzone, Sveva /
    Calore, Monica / Cappa, Stefano F

    Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology

    2024  

    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-04-01
    Publishing country Italy
    Document type Published Erratum
    ZDB-ID 2016546-8
    ISSN 1590-3478 ; 1590-1874
    ISSN (online) 1590-3478
    ISSN 1590-1874
    DOI 10.1007/s10072-024-07497-6
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  10. Article ; Online: Enhancing cognitive training effects in Alzheimer's disease: rTMS as an add-on treatment.

    Bagattini, Chiara / Zanni, Mara / Barocco, Federica / Caffarra, Paolo / Brignani, Debora / Miniussi, Carlo / Defanti, Carlo Alberto

    Brain stimulation

    2020  Volume 13, Issue 6, Page(s) 1655–1664

    Abstract: The treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the field of non-pharmacological interventions is a challenging issue, given the limited benefits of the available drugs. Cognitive training (CT) represents a commonly recommended strategy in AD. Recently, ... ...

    Abstract The treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the field of non-pharmacological interventions is a challenging issue, given the limited benefits of the available drugs. Cognitive training (CT) represents a commonly recommended strategy in AD. Recently, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has gained increasing attention as a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of AD, given its ability of enhancing neuroplasticity. In the present randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study, we aimed at investigating the add-on effect of a high frequency rTMS protocol applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) combined with a face-name associative memory CT in the continuum of AD pathology. Fifty patients from a very early to a moderate phase of dementia were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CT plus real rTMS or CT plus placebo rTMS. The results showed that the improvement in the trained associative memory induced with rTMS was superior to that obtained with CT alone. Interestingly, the extent of the additional improvement was affected by disease severity and levels of education, with less impaired and more educated patients showing a greater benefit. When testing for generalization to non-trained cognitive functions, results indicated that patients in CT-real group showed also a greater improvement in visuospatial reasoning than those in the CT-sham group. Interestingly, this improvement persisted over 12 weeks after treatment beginning. The present study provides important hints on the promising therapeutic use of rTMS in AD.
    MeSH term(s) Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis ; Alzheimer Disease/psychology ; Alzheimer Disease/therapy ; Cognition/physiology ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods ; Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis ; Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology ; Cognitive Dysfunction/therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy/methods ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory/physiology ; Middle Aged ; Prefrontal Cortex/physiology ; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods ; Treatment Outcome
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-09-28
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article ; Randomized Controlled Trial ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2394410-9
    ISSN 1876-4754 ; 1935-861X
    ISSN (online) 1876-4754
    ISSN 1935-861X
    DOI 10.1016/j.brs.2020.09.010
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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