3^rd International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia September 01-02, 2015 Toronto, Canada

Biography:

Azza A Ali from Al-Azhar University, Egypt. She is currently in Al-Azhar University.

Abstract:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized clinically by memory impairment and other cognitive problems. Caff eine and nicotine are the most commonly co-used psychostimulants. Caff eine is one of the major contributors to the dietary antioxidants which prevent oxidative damage and may reduce the risk of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Nicotine has the ability to decrease level of ROS in the hippocampus and suggested to attenuate the impairment of memory associated with AD. Th e purpose of the study was to evaluate the infl uence of caff eine and nicotine co-administration against aluminium-induced AD in rats. Five groups of rats were used and received daily for fi ve weeks: Saline for control group, ALCl3 (70mg/kg, IP) for AD group, while treated groups received together with ALCl3, either Caff eine (5mg/kg, IP), Nicotine (1mg/kg, SC) or both Caff eine and Nicotine. Th ree behavioral experiments were performed: Forced swimming test, Morris water maze task and Conditioned-avoidance and learning test. Histopathological changes in the brain and biochemical changes in Acetyl cholinesterase (ACHE) as well as oxidative parameters; (MDA, SOD, TAC) were also evaluated for all groups. Results of the behavioral tests showed that caff eine and nicotine co-administration had more pronounced protecting eff ect from learning and memory impairment induced by ALCL3 than each one alone. Th ey signifi cantly increased both swimming and climbing score as well as time spent in the correct quadrant, while signifi cantly decrease number of learning trials. Caff eine and nicotine co-administration also prevent neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus and the eosinophilic plagues in the striatum induced by ALCL3 while nicotine alone still showed mild gliosis in striatum. Th e marked protection of caff eine and nicotine co-administration confi rmed also by the signifi cant increase in TAC and SOD and decrease in MDA and ACHE in brain tissue. In conclusion, co-administration of caff eine and nicotine can reduce the risk of neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus and attenuate the impairment of learning and memory associated with AD.

Biography:

Caron Leid, Author of Alzheimer’s: What they forget to tell you and founder of R&R Inc., is a dedicated mother and passionate student. Caron pursues her passion for education by completing her MBA and currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education. Her book has been featured on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and international book stores. Caron received her undergraduate degree from University of Windsor, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. Her career and passion surrounded educating others and believes in the pay it forward principle. As the primary caregiver to her mother, Caron hopes that her story can inspire people that struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and the various aspect surrounding the disease that you may not have the ability to read in a book.

Abstract:

Although more and more people are being affected by Alzheimer’s disease, there is not enough information surrounding the true daily struggle of the disease. Due to that reason, I felt there was a huge gap for those in the sandwich generation. My mother was diagnosed with Atypical Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 57. The book which I wrote is a journey to assist others with resources and the struggle of living with the disease, from a raw perspective.

Biography:

Alison Douglas is affiliated with St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton in the Senior Mental Health Behavioral Unit. She is also affiliated with McMaster University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics.

Abstract:

Background: A recent review of the literature reveals an absence of standardized measures to assess mobility in persons with advanced dementia. Persons with moderate to severe dementia have significant difficulty adhering to instructions. The aim of the study was to develop a standardized measure of gait and balance for use with persons with dementia. We chose to modify the ‘Tinetti Assessment Tool for Balance and Gait’ because many of the items are based on observation. Modification of test items requires analysis of reliability prior to establishing validity. Objective: To determine the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of ‘Tinetti Assessment Tool for Balance and Gait-Dementia’ Methods: Inter-rater reliability: Participants were observed and scored simultaneously by two raters familiar with the written instructions (physiotherapy, occupational therapy or nursing staff). Test-retest reliability: The test was re-administered after 10 to 30 minutes. Results: A total of n=20 participants were recruited and included. The mean age of participants was 75 with the majority being female (n=11, 55%). All were diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment. Secondary diagnoses include heart disease, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. The mean cognitive assessment (SMMSE) score was 8.5/30 (n=12). Inter-rater reliability of the total score was high (r=0.90) as was test-retest reliability (r=0.92). Discussion: These results are comparable to established reliability of the original Tinetti tool (r>0.8). The results indicate that the modified measure has sufficient reliability to commence validity testing. Developing a measure that assesses functional changes in this population is important for determining the impact of mobilization and least restraint programs for people with dementia in long term care. Further study will establish validity of the cut score for predicting falls risk.

Biography:

Atul Sunny Luthra is presently an Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, in the faculty of health sciences, Department of Behavioural Neuroscience. He is also affi liated as a research scientist with the Research Institute for Aging, Schlegel, and University of Waterloo, Ontario. He is currently working as medical coordinator in the Program for Older Adults at Homewood Health Centre, Guelph, Ontario. He is affi liated in the same capacity with the St. Peter’s site of Hamilton Health Science, Hamilton, Ontario. His clinical and research focus is on developing safe pharmacological and affordable nonpharmacological treatment interventions for behaviors in moderate to advanced dementia.

Abstract:

Objectives: There is vast heterogeneity in use of terminology and classification of behaviors in dementia with no universally accepted classification system. Methods: Criteria proposed by Davis, Buckwalter and Burgio (1997) were identified as the basis for classification of behaviors in dementia. A review of the literature was done to identify the “Specification of the Theoretical Construct” (STC) to justify aggregation of similar behavioral symptoms into clinically meaningful categories. Results: STC identified for these behavioral categories are those based in theories on information processing (TIP). Two behavioral categories emanating from pathological changes in TIP are: Disorganized Behaviors (DOB), and Misidentification Behaviors (MiB). Discussion: DOB is the result of an alteration in the physiological status of the patient. This result in changes in arousal and attentiveness and this, in turn, leads to impairment of the sequential organization of information processing thereby giving way to fragmentation of the process at many different levels of the brain. MiB are the result of a specific breakdown in two specific steps of TIP; schema identification and pattern recognition. This result in the failure of the usual pairing of old and new information with an altered sense of relatedness between self and persons, places, objects and events. Keywords: Dementia, Behavioral Symptoms, Classification, Information Processing, Disorganized Behaviors, Misidentification Behaviors

Biography:

Atul Sunny Luthra is presently an associate clinical professor at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, in the faculty of health sciences, Department of Behavioral Neuroscience. He is also affiliated as a research scientist with the Research Institute for Aging, Schlegel, and University of Waterloo, Ontario. He is currently working as medical coordinator in the Program for Older Adults at Homewood Health Centre, Guelph, Ontario. He is affiliated in the same capacity with the St. Peter's site of Hamilton Health Science, Hamilton, Ontario. His clinical and research focus is on developing safe pharmacological and affordable non-pharmacological treatment interventions for behaviors in moderate to advanced dementia.

Abstract:

Objectives: There is vastheterogeneityin use of terminology and classification of behaviors in dementia with no universallyaccepted classification system. Methods: Criteria proposed by Davis, Buckwalter and Burgio(1997) were identified as the basis for classification ofbehaviors in dementia. A review of literature was done with a view to Identify the “Specification of the Theoretical Construct” (STC) to justify aggregation of similar Behavioral symptoms into clinically meaningful categories. Results: STC identified for these behavioral categories are theories on compliance and aggression. Behavioral categories emanating from this construct are; Oppositional Behaviors (OB) and Physically Aggressive Behaviors (PAB). Discussion: OB is the result of non-compliance to the directions being given bythe care provider. Thetypes of OBaredetermined bythe level of developmental sophistication or converselybythe degreeof cognitive impairment in patients with dementia. PABarethe result ofperceived impediment bythe patient in goal attainment. This results in the emergenceof negative emotions. These emotions are ‘out of proportion’ to the stimulus. The purpose of this behaviour is to warn the care provider of the noxious nature of their involvement in the present situation.

Biography:

Teresa Juárez Cedillo from Aging Area Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico. She is currently in Epidemiological Research Unit.

Abstract:

Objective: We examine the patterns of cognitive functioning in individuals diagnosed with dementia, diabetes, and depression as compared with dementia plus diabetes, or dementia plus depression and healthy controls. Methods: 207 participants with dementia, 83 with Alzheimer’s disease, 66 vascular dementia and 58 mixed dementia were included. All subjects underwent global neuropsychological assessment via the Mini-Mental State Examination, and assessment for depressive symptoms via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Diabetes diagnoses were confi rmed by the medical examination Results:A mixed-eff ects repeated measures analysis of covariance indicated a signifi cant diff erence in cognitive functioning between the study groups. Our results showed that patients with diagnosis of dementia and depression showed greater cognitive dysfunction compared to controls, but to a lesser degree in patients with comorbid dementia diabetes. Conclusions: Th ese results suggest that dementia, when combined with depression or diabetes mellitus, adversely aff ects cognitive performance.

Biography:

Claude M Wischik holds the Chair in Old Age Psychiatry at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, and is Executive Chairman of TauRx Pharmaceuticals. He studied medicine in Australia, completed his PhD at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, and also higher psychiatric training in Cambridge. He was the fi rst to identify Tau protein as the main constituent of the Alzheimer tangle and developed the fi rst Tau Aggregation Inhibitors. He has published 121 papers and holds 11 patent groups based on his work with over 40 individual patents.

Abstract:

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the microtubule associated protein Tau, is implicated in a self-amplifying aggregation cascade which kills nerve cells and transmits the pathology to otherwise healthy neurons, spreading the disease throughout the brain in manner that is quantitatively linked to the degree of clinical dementia. A similar process occurs for Synuclein in PD. Th e Tau Aggregation Inhbitors (TAIs) we have developed block this process in cell models and reduce Tau pathology in transgenic mouse models. Th e fi rst of these (methylthioninium, MT) to be tested in a large Phase 2 clinical trial in AD reduced the rate of disease progression by 90% over 12 months on clinical and imaging endpoints. Th e brain concentration required for clinical effi cacy is the same as that required for TAI activity in model systems. Phase 3 trials in mild and moderate AD are currently underway globally (including Canada) aiming to confi rm the Phase 2 results, using an improved version of the drug (LMTX®). We are also conducting a Phase 3 trial in FTD, where either Tau or TDP-43 proteins aggregate, both blocked by LMTX®. Th e initial results will be available in the fi rst half of 2016. If the Phase 3 trials are successful, LMTX® could be used preventatively, since Tau aggregation aff ects about 50% of the over-45 population, but progresses slowly at the early stages. LMTX® also reduces pathology in a Synuclein mouse model of PD, so we aim to conduct trials with LMTX® in PD in the future.

Biography:

Zhi-cheng Xiao, PhD. received a Doctor of Natural Science degree from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich. He is current Professor in Monash University. He is the CEO& CFO of iNovaFarm, a premier Bio-Tech company. He has published more than 100 papers in reputed journals and serving as editorial board members of more than 10 journals.

Abstract:

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is best known for its involvement in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. We have previously demonstrated that APP intracellular domain (AICD) regulates neurogenesis; however, the mechanisms underlying AICD-mediated regulation of neuronal diff erentiation are not yet fully characterized. Using genome-wide chromatin immune precipitation approaches, we found that AICD is specifi cally recruited to the regulatory regions of several microRNA genes, and acts as a transcriptional regulator for miR-663, miR-3648 and miR-3687 in human neural stem cells. Functional assays show that AICD negatively modulates neuronal diff erentiation through miR-663, a primate-specifi c microRNA. Microarray data further demonstrate that miR-663 suppresses the expression of multiple genes implicated in neurogenesis, including FBXL18 and CDK6. Our results indicate that AICD has a novel role in suppression of neuronal diff erentiation via transcriptional regulation of miR-663 in human neural stem cells.

Biography:

Ornit Chiba-Falek is an Associate Professor at the Department of Neurology at Duke University. Her lab has been studying the genetic factors and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases in aging with a focus on the functional consequences of non-coding variants in dementia and Lewy bodyrelated disorders. She has received her PhD from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem before pursuing her postdoctoral training at the NIH; she was a recipient of the Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar Program in Aging Award in 2008. She is an Academic Editor for PLoS ONE and serves on the Editorial Boards of JPAand AIMS-Genetics.

Abstract:

We investigated the TOMM40-APOE genomic region that has been associated with the risk and age of onset of lateonset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) and with cognitive function in healthy aging to determine if a highly polymorphic, intronicpoly-T within this region (rs10524523, hereaft er 523) aff ects expression of the APOE and TOMM40 genes. Alleles of this locus are classifi ed: Short-S, long-L, very long-VL based on the number of T-residues. We analyzed two brain regions from Caucasian donors,APOEε3/3 and APOEε3/4autopsy-confi rmed LOAD cases and APOEε3/3 normal controls. Diff erences in APOE-mRNA and TOMM40-mRNA levels were evaluated as a function of 523-genotype. Th e expression of both genes was signifi cantly increased with disease. Mean expression of APOE-and TOMM40-mRNA levels were higher in VL-homozygotes compared to S-homozygotes in temporal and occipital cortexes from Normal and LOAD carriers of APOEε3/3 haplotype. Similarly, among APOEε3/4 LOAD subjects APOE and TOMM40-mRNAs expression were increased in VL-heterozygotes compared to S-heterozygotes brains.We further investigated the eff ect of the 523 locus in its native genomic context using a luciferase reporter system.Th e results were consistent with the human brain mRNA analysis: Th e 523-VL resulted in signifi cantly higher expression than the S in both HepG2 hepatoma and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell-lines. Collectively, these results suggested that the 523 locus may contribute to LOAD susceptibility by modulating the expression of TOMM40 and or APOE transcription.In conclusion, our study elucidated the mechanism of action of TOMM40-523, a genetic risk factor for LOAD and provides functional support for the role of the 523 locus in the pathogenesis of LOAD.

Biography:

Asokan Chinnasamy has completed his PhD at the age of 27 years from University of Madras and Postdoctoral studies from Columbia University, USA. He is the Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Sokoto State University, Nigeria. He has published more than 36 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of reputed journals.

Abstract:

The BC3H1 smooth muscle cells of mice brain, the study was carried out membrane binding. Th is is important in relation to the activity of membrane proteins because losing the activity of such systems will ultimately lead to malfunction or death of the cell. Th e interactions of Serum Amyloid A (SAA) and Serum Amyloid A protofi brils with BC3H1 cells of the mouse are dealt with in detail to study the binding of SAA protofi brils in various conditions. Th e FACScan and MTT assay results have shown the SAA and SAA fi brils binding and cell toxicity with the BC3H1 cells with diff erent concentrations of Serum amyloid P component and Amyloid enhancing factor. Specifi cally, cells were incubated with 1.25-6.25 μM SAA-FITC and SAA protofi brils-FITC assayed. Th e 50% viable BC3H1 cells at 4-6 μM with an LD50 of 3.5 μM. Th e interaction of serum amyloid A fi brils with a cell surface binding site/receptor might alter the local environment to cause cellular dysfunction and to be more favorable for amyloid formation. Th e RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation endproducts) a polyvalent receptor in the immunoglobulin super family has been implicated in binding with the isoform of SAA (SAA1.1) which has the highest fi birillogenic property. Th e present study concludes the SAA fi brils more binding and cell cytotoxicity than SAA protein.

Biography:

Eef Hogervorst is an internationally renowned expert in psychoneuroendocrinology. She did her PhD at Masstricht and was subsequently employed (as Blasschko Fellow and then Research Scientist) at the University of Oxford for 5 years working as a neuropsychologist and epidemiologist. She was awarded several grants, fellowships and prizes for her research into the association between hormones and cognitive decline/dementia. she has also worked as a Research Associate Professor at the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics (ranked 8th nationally) of the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences USA to investigate rural ageing and memory with hormone expert neurologist Prof Henderson and at the University of Cambridge (Department of Psychiatry, with Profs Huppert and Brayne) as Senior Research Associate, before she obtained a Chair in Biological Psychology at Loughborough University. She is Visiting Professor at the University of Trisakti Jakarta and Adjunct Professor at the University of Indonesia where she works for the Center for Aging Studies to investigate risk and protective factors for dementia in multi ethnic Indonesian cohorts. She has set-up collaborations with several other large multi-centre observational and treatment studies for agerelated cognitive decline and dementia (EPIC NORFOLK and MRCCFAS in the U.K. and the H-ABC, WHIMS and KEEPS studies in the U.S.A) and this work is now also extended to China (Shanghai). She is often invited as a key-note speaker at major international conferences (World Conference on Menopause as chair and keynote speaker 2011 and 2014, European (2012, 2010) and North American Menopause Conferences, ISSAM, Aging Male, Alzheimer’s Association ICAD meeting etc to speak about her work in hormones. She has over 200 international peerreviewed publications and was cited 4152 times. She has received funding from NDA, i4i, Research into Ageing/Help the Aged, Nederlandse Hersenstichting, Alzheimer’s Association, MRC, BMS & other industry, and sits on several editorial boards (JAD, JADP etc.) and grant review bodies (EUR-AGE, Horizon, MRC etc).

Abstract:

Phytoestrogens like estrogens were thought to exert protective eff ects on the aging brain and should theoretically protect against dementia. However our data showed increased risk of dementia with high tofu consumption in East Asian countries. On the other hand, tempe a fermented soy product, showed protective eff ects on brain function in the elderly, We will show observational, animal and treatment data suggesting that tempe may have a role in protecting against dementia and improving memory function

Biography:

Xin Xu is from University of Singapore, Singapore. She is currently in University of Singapore

Abstract:

Phytoestrogens found in soy products such as tofu have been shown to exert protective eff ects on brain function. However, in this talk we review the data from observational and treatment studies which show discrepant results. Many studies have either shown no associations or even negative associations. Th e importance of age and estrogen status, duration of treatment and ethnicity will be discussed

Biography:

Veronika completed her Masters in Developmental Psychology at Utrecht University/The Netherlands in 2006 and then started her PhD research at Loughborough University. She investigated the relationship between cognitive abilities and sports performance in people with intellectual disabilities, for which she developed and tested a computerized cognitive test battery. Her postdoctoral research included studies investigating the association between cognition, well-being and use of new technologies in older people and emotion recognition patterns in people with and without cognitive impairment. Her current projects examine antihypertensive treatment in people with dementia and the development of a falls intervention programme for people with mild cognitive impairment and early stage dementia.

Abstract:

Phytoestrogens found in soy products such as tofu have been shown to exert protective eff ects on brain function. However, in this talk we review the data from observational and treatment studies which show discrepant results. Many studies have either shown no associations or even negative associations. Th e importance of age and estrogen status, duration of treatment and ethnicity will be discussed

Biography:

Francesca Pistollato has completed her PhD in Developmental Sciences and Programming Medicine at the University of Padua, Italy. She obtained a Master in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Ancona, Italy. She worked as Post-doctoral fellow and research leader at the University of Padua, and at the Joint Research Centre (JRC, European Commission). She is currently working as research fellow at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), Washington DC. She published several papers and book chapters in reputed scientific journals.

Abstract:

Animal models of Alzheimer disease (AD) have been extensively utilized in the last few decades in an effort to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disease and to test novel therapeutic approaches. However, research success has not effectively translated into therapeutic success for human patients. We investigated the reasons for this translational discrepancy. Our analysis revealed that translational failure is due – at least in part – to the overuse of animal models that cannot accurately recapitulate human AD etiopathogenesis or drug responses and the inadequate use of human-based investigational methods. Here we present the challenges and opportunities in AD research and propose how we can mitigate this translational barrier by employing human-based methods to elucidate disease processes occurring at multiple levels of complexity (from gene expression to protein, cellular, tissue/organ to individual and population level). Novel human-based cellular and computational models are already being applied in toxicology and regulatory testing, and the adoption and the widespread implementation of such tools in AD research will undoubtedly facilitate human-relevant data acquisition. Additionally, clinical studies focused on nutritional and lifestyle intervention strategies to reduce and/or prevent early symptoms of AD represent another relevant and important way to elucidate AD pathogenesis and treatment options in a human-based setting. Taken together, it is clear that a paradigm shift towards human-based research is the best way to tackle the ever-increasing prevalence of AD in the 21st century.

Biography:

Magda Stroinska is Professor of German and Linguistics at McMaster University in Hamilton On, Canada. Her major areas of research include sociolinguistics and cross-cultural pragmatics, in particular cultural stereotyping, language and politics, propaganda, the issues of identity in exile, aging and bilingualism. More recent areas of interest and research focus on language and psychological trauma. She co-edited a number of books, most recently Unspeakable: Narratives of trauma (with Vikki Cecchetto and Kate Szymanski, Peter Lang 2014).

Abstract:

This paper continues our research on communication with the elderly and off ers some suggestions for those who work in geriatric care. With the demographic challenges resulting from the changing population age patterns, we believe that this interface of pragmatics and gerontology is of special signifi cance. It may seem common sense that in a normal, everyday conversation speakers expect their interlocutors to follow the co-operative principle. Some linguists dismiss the need for Gricean maxims as we generally assume that people will do “the right thing” at the right time unless we have a good reason to believe otherwise. But what would be a good reason? We know that culture may be at odds with some of the maxims. Can age also be a factor that infl uences the degree to which speakers adhere to Gricean maxims of conversation? And if so, can the maxims still be defended as relevant for the interpretation of what people have to say? Many people have had the experience of talking to an elderly parent, relative or friend and realizing with frustration that they did not seem to “co-operate”. Repeating the same stories, telling signifi cantly more than asked for, digressing (i.e. violating the maxim of relevance), or simply telling things that we know cannot be true are just some of the things that may happen in conversations with the elderly interlocutors, giving rise to the multitude of stereotypical representations of the aged in popular fi lms or in literature. Th ough partly fi ctional and oft en exaggerated, these representations refl ect popular (mis)perception of seniors. Using dialogs from a number of main stream English language fi lms depicting elderly people suff ering from dementia of Alzheimer’s disease, we analyzed to what extent the subjects appear to meet the expectation of obeying the Gricean maxims and how the other (non-senior) participants react to the violations. Th e results show that most caregivers or relatives react with diff erent levels of frustrations and oft en try to constantly correct or even ridicule the senior, oft en resulting in the senior person withdrawing from the conversation. Knowing that they are NOT doing “the right thing,” we tend to insist that they realize their mistakes and reason the way we do. Th is, of course, is in most cases impossible. However, seniors with mild dementia or suff ering from Alzheimer disease oft en make sense according to the reality they are living in and their statements may be consistent with each other within that modifi ed setting. It is not impossible to adapt to that reality and keep the conversation going without necessarily compromising the maxims ourselves. If someone says that their deceased spouse brought them fl owers that morning, a reply that would not frustrate the senior could be “I see you miss him” or “he always did that, didn’t he?” or even “what fl owers did he bring you?” As language not only serves the purpose of communication with others but is also is the necessary instrument of thought, it may be more important to simply keep the conversation going than to ascertain who is right. With the aging of the baby boom generation we are facing a dramatic increase in the number of seniors and people suff ering from dementia in the years to come. Anything that can help seniors to retain a grip on reality is of utmost importance and keeping the communication alive may serve this purpose. However, it is also necessarily to help caregivers by giving them tools for communicating with patients without frustration. Th is research is suggesting very simple and easy to follow guidelines for such tasks.

Biography:

Catherine Braxton has working in the field of Alzheimer’s and related dementias for almost 20 years. She received her BA from the University of Illinois and completed all Master level course work at National Louis University. Catherine has worked with patients and families in a consultative, supportive and educational capacity in health care facilities, where she started the first support groups at multiple senior facilities. Catherine creates tailored educational techniques that will empower the entire family and presents her sensitivity training to health care facilities including local hospitals. Catherine was a guest speaker at the Alzheimer’s Association Family Forum in the spring of 2014.

Abstract:

Caring for a person suffering from a form of dementia affects the entire family and requires an entire family to make it work. Adolescents and children are aware of their family dynamic whether the dementia sufferer lives with them or is demanding more attention from their parents outside of the home. The focus of this specialized training is to enhance effective communication and create meaningful moments with the dementia sufferer. Donaldson et al, 1998 identified the most effective caregiver style as supporters... who adapt to the patients level of functioning... creating a safe environment and minimizing frustration for the patient. In-home sensitivity training, empathy enhancement, effective communication strategies and reminiscing skills can empower this population to become supporters within the caregiving environment. They can become an integral role in the caretaking process. Enlightened behavior, namely empathy can replace the guilt of a caregiver (Burns, p 81). Caregivers who learn about the disease can then learn to empathize with the patients, providing an enhanced quality of life. This awareness coupled with the research that indicates that interactions between caregiver and patients impact patient behavior (Teri, 1999) clearly demonstrate that the young population require special attention in order to positively enhance interactions. A personally tailored, fun approach to in-home sensitivity training as well as skill training on effective communication techniques, empathy enhancement exposure and reminiscing through technology will empower this young generation to feel adequate to interact with a dementia sufferer and effectively provide meaningful moments.

Biography:

Ana Patricia Aguilera Hermida is a Doctoral student and lecturer at Penn State University. She is a Psychologist with a Master in Family Therapy. She has been teaching since 1995, from elementary school through the master’s level. Because of her passion in education, she created a school for older adults in Mexico. Another accomplishment is the creation of curricula for the Master Integral of Family Therapy to UVM, a school part of Laureate International Universities. She is very interested in neuroplasticity.

Abstract:

As part of the process of aging, some older adults experience diminishment of cognitive abilities. The decline may become sufficiently serious that older people are not able to live independently or manage their lives. It has recently been shown that cognitive training can promote neural and cognitive plasticity (Draganski et al., 2006). Slowing decline of the aging mind is both an economic and quality of life issue that impacts the emotional well-being of older adults and their families or caregivers (Greenwood & Parasuraman, 2010; Goh & Park, 2009). I developed a course for preventing cognitive decline as a primary prevention strategy. When courses are focused on specific cognitive functions, such as memory or visuospatial ability, participants found them irrelevant and not related to their lives (Fang et al., 2009). Therefore, the structure of this course is holistic. Cognitive decline has a multifactorial etiology, resulting from interactions between both genetic and environmental factors (e.g. gene APOE, diabetes, vascular insults, neuronal damage, and high cholesterol/triglycerides), so the interventions have to be conducted multidimensionally, combining interventions for multiple risk factors (Srisuwan, 2013). Following a multidimensional and holistic structure, the course will have six basic components: education, meditation, cognitive stimulation through senses, emotions, social impact, and physical activity. I am presenting the structure of the course and the possible benefits for older adults.

Biography:

After graduating chemical engineer from ENSCM (Montpellier, France) in 1987, Tangui Maurice got his PhD in neuropharmacology in 1990. He made 2 post-doctoral fellowships at the Jouveinal research institute (Paris) and Nagoya University Hospital and Meijo University (Nagoya, Japan). He joined CNRS in 1992 starting to work on sigma-1 receptors . He is now team leader at INSERM U. 710 (U. 1198 since 01/01, 2015). He gots 120+ publications and 4 patents. Tangui Maurice also created a CRO company, Amylgen, co-founded with 3 scientists from university and industry, where he is currently acting as CSO.

Abstract:

The sigma-1 receptor (S1R) is a ligand-operated molecular chaperone localized on endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria and plasma membranes. Its activation modulates IP3 receptor-dependent Ca2+ mobilizations, facilitates the activation of ER stress sensor proteins and kinase pathways. Under chronic activation, it also recomposes lipid domains in membranes, which are highly functionalized domains. Interestingly, the chaperone can be directly activated (or inactivated) by several classes of ligands. These S1R agonists are potent neuromodulatory and neuroprotective drugs in different neurodegenerative insults and pathologies (stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, ALS…). We examine the involement of the S1R in AD pathology and validate selective or non-selective S1R agonists as neuroprotective agents. First, we analyzed the impact of S1R invalidation (using S1R KO mice) on the vulnerability to AD pathology. Two main AD models were used, a nontransgenic model by direct icv injection of oligomeric amyloid- (A) protein fragments [25-35] (A25-35) in mice and transgenic lines overexpressing hAPPSwe or hAPPSweInd. We observed that AD toxicity and behavioral deficits are significantly amplified in S1R KO mice injected with A25-35 and in S1R KO x hAPPm lines. Second, we showed the protective potency of S1R agonists and mixed muscarinic/S1R ligands in AD models. The pathology was analyzed in terms of ER and oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial damage, cell loss, memory deficits, increased APP processing and Tau hyperphosphorylation. We therefore confirmed the role of endogenous neuroprotection system in neurodegenerative processes and identified S1R agonists as potent neuroprotective and putatively disease-modifying agents.

Biography:

Liu received his PhD in Physiological Sciences from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1990. He completed post-doctoral scientifi c training at Stanford University and then went on to a faculty position at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Liu continued a vigorous scientifi c research program at Tsinghua University, and leads and oversee as CEO the multiple clinical development programs of Neurocentria. He is a world renowned expert in synaptic physiology, learning, andmemory. His research focuses primarily on discovering principles that regulate synapse density in the brain under physiological and pathological conditions and developing novel strategies for treating neurodegeneration and preventing brain atrophy.

Abstract:

Background: Age-related cognitive decline is a major problem in elderly, aff ecting quality of life. Pre-clinical studies show that MMFS-01, a synapse density enhancer, is eff ective at reversing cognitive decline in aging rodents. Objective: Since brain atrophy during aging is strongly associated with both cognitive decline and sleep disorder, we evaluated the effi cacy of MMFS-01 in its ability to reverse cognitive decline and improve sleep. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel designed trial in elderly subjects (age 50- 70) with complaints of memory impairment, sleep disorder, and anxiety. Subjects were treated with MMFS-01 (n=23) or placebo (n=21) for 12 weeks and cognitive ability, sleep quality, and emotion were evaluated. Overall cognitive ability was determined by a composite score of tests in four major cognitive domains. Results: With MMFS-01 treatment, overall cognitive ability improved signifi cantly relative to placebo (p=0.002; Cohen’s d=0.92). Age-related cognitive fl uctuation was also reduced. Although the study population had more severe executive function defi cits than age-matched controls, MMFS-01 treatment nearly restored impaired executive function, demonstrating that MMFS-01 was clinically signifi cant. Sleep quality and anxiety were improved in MMFS-01 treatment group; however, similar degrees of improvement were also observed in the placebo control group. Conclusions: Th e current study demonstrates the potential of MMFS-01 for treating age-related cognitive decline in elderly.

Biography:

Linda Levine Madori is a two time Fulbright Scholar, Professor, Author, Researcher and Trainer of a non-pharmaceutical approach utilizing all the creative arts for brain stimulation and enhancing socialization found in her first book titled; Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming, in 2007 (TTAP Method.com). Her second book; Transcending Dementia through the TTAP Method; A New Psychology of Art, Brain and Cognition, expands on the current significant research demonstrating cost effectiveness utilizing this innovative multimodal approach for the geriatric and Alzheimer’s population.

Abstract:

This Paper will establish through an examination of neurobiology the how and why the creative art therapies most effectively be utilized in the treatment with those individuals afflicted with early to middle stages of dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease, which currently comprises approximately 80% of all dementia’s. An in-depth overview on how Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming© (TTAP Method) stimulates both right and left brain functioning in the early stages to middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease will be analyzed from various clinical studies done in 2011, 2012 , 2013. This paper will cover the most recent and basic functional organization of the brain, neuroplasticity, including neurons, neurotransmitters and areas of the brain involved in transforming perceptual inputs into physiological responses and behaviors (Damasio, 1998, 1999; Golomb, J.,1996, Grober, E., 1999; Kandel, Schwartz & Jessel, 2000; LeDoux, 2000; Levine Madori, 2007-2014). A review the innovative new methodology, the TTAP Method© which utilizes person centered themes within the therapeutic process to engaged participants in a twelve step process that incorporates mediation & mindfulness, drawing, sculpture, movement, phototherapy and other forms of the creative arts into an ongoing enriching non-pharmaceutical approach for this special and rapidly growing population. This method substantiates how art therapy is quickly becoming a powerful window into brain functioning and self-discovery (Cozolino, 2012, Luzebrink, 2013, Hass-Cohen, 2014).

Biography:

Simon CHIU graduated from McMaster University , Hamilton Ontario PhD program in neurosciences and has became qualifi ed in Medicine from University of Toronto MD. He is board certifi ed with the Canadian Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in psychiatry (FRCP) and the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry :sub-specialty qualifi cations in addiction psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. Currently as the Associate Professor of psychiatry at University of Western Ontario London Ontario he has been active in research on neuro-psychopharmacology of CNS disorders, focusing on novel drug targets for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. . He has completed funded studies of epigenetics-based nutraceuticals and drug candidates :Ginsana-115 (Sirtunin modulator), Liposomal curcumin (HDAC inhibitor), Zembrin extract (PDE-4/serotonin modulator of epigenetics network and the emerging role of epigenetics diet in Alzheimer diseases. He published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers, abstracts/presentation.

Abstract:

Background: Recently, increased interest has been expressed in developing diverse strategies to optimize cognitive aging and to modify the onset and course of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). Th e interaction of Gene and Environment in modulating cognitive decline is best understood within the framework of Epigenetics. Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression and remodeling of chromatins and dependent of alterations in DNA sequence, and comprise of three key components; DNA methylation, histone modifi cations (acetylation and deacetylation) and non-coding microRNA. Epigenetics targets play major role in reprogramming of neural networks and neural repair. Epigenetics can turn genes “On” and “Off ” depending upon the milieu. Th ere is emerging evidence supports the model of dysregulation in epigenomics in age-related cognitive decline and AD. A large number of studies have shown that nutrition factors: diets, dietary and herbal supplements, functional foods, are capable of regulating the epigenetic states and targets in reversing abnormal gene activation or silencing. Physical exercises and e-delivered brain games likewise can change various domains in aging and in AD through the epigenetics signatures. We review the translational and clinical evidence in support of the benefi cial eff ects of dietary phytochemicals from diverse dietary sources; grapes, chocolates, green and black coff ee, soya beans and fava beans, curry extract, peanuts, garlic and ginger and seafood products have positive impact on epigenomics in facilitating translational and transcriptional events involved in memory, attention and executive functions. Th e fi ndings from the studies on DASH and Mediterranean diets reinforce the relevance of epigenetic diet menu, along with the proposed Epigenetics diet for cognitive aging platform. We will also discuss the multi-faceted actions of herbal supplements :Panax Ginseng , and Curcumin from Curry extract, and Zembrin extract from South African plant Sceletiumtortuosum. and diet menu in enhancing vascularneuronal coupling and to reduce metabolic and vascular risks in aging. Epigenetics targets are also sensitive to environmental stimuli and processing. Hence physical exercises and e-delivered cognitive challenge tasks like puzzles, video games. Th e evidence is mounting in terms of the putative positive eff ects in reprogramming neural circuitry for cognition and reactivating neurogenesis in the hippocampus. We conclude that epigenomics-driven lifestyle measures and diet interventionsare promising in cognitive aging on the progression of AD. We anticipate in the near future we will have epigenetics-based dietary and exercise and e-stimulation can prevent AD and optimize cognitive aging and will be translated intoevidence-based practice guidelines forgeriatric care. We believe that biotechnology caneventuallytransform bioactive factors to CNS drug candidates for AD treatment and prevention. Objectives: At conclusion of this session, the participant should be able to understand how cognition can be regulated through dietary interventions targeting Epigenomics in aging & Alzheimer dementia (AD). To evaluate the benefi t-to-risk ratio and evidence of clinical cognitive studies of specialized diets, dietary supplements and functional foods in preventing cognitive decline in aging and in AD. To gain insights into the benefi ts of aerobic exercise and e-delivered video games in reprogramming gene expression and neural circuits involved in cognitive aging and in modifying the course of AD. To identify fi scal and systemic issues involved in translating new research fi ndings on brain foods, exercise and e-delivered brain exercise to evidence-based practice in geriatric are to understand how epigenomics may shed light on the link of nutrition, cognition and AD and has the potential to transform bioactive phytochemicals to promising drugs for treating and preventing AD.

Biography:

Toshimitsu Musha was born in 1931 in Tokyo, Japan. He received the Graduation and PhD degrees from the Department of Physics, the University of Tokyo in 1954, and 1964. He was with the Electrical Communications Lab of NTT(1954-1965), the Research Lab of Electronics, Mass. Inst. of Technology (USA), as a Fulbright exchange scholar(1964-1965). In 1966-1992 he was Professor of Tokyo Institute of Technology, and founded a series of the international symposia (ICNF). He summarized his work as “Theoretical background of 1/f fluctuations of energy partition among harmonic oscillators in equilibrium” (International Journal of Physical Sciences Vol. 7(43)

Abstract:

The EEG signals are recorded for five minutes with 21 electrodes and analyzed via the Internet. From the normalized power spectrum of each of the recorded signals, the normalized power spectrum NPSj,m is derived referring to signal channel j and frequency bin mf0 where m is an integer and f0 (=1.56Hz) which equals an inverse of the signal segment length 0.64 sec. A pair of markers, sNAT and vNAT which have 210 sub-markers each, is derived for characterizing EEG power partitions across the 10 frequency bins and power ratios between the adjacent frequency bins, respectively. The likelihood between the template markers and a pair of markers of an unknown subject derives information of differential diagnosis concerning several dementias. The NAT pattern of a patient gives us information about the local cerebral impairment. Severity of the impairment can be on a differential-likelihood diagram, and this diagram enables detection of dementia in the early stage. VCI and DLB can be separated from the normal control (NL) at 9095%, and AD from NL at 80%. Moreover, improvement of impaired cerebral activities can be numerically monitored after a proper intervention. NAT will serve to prevent the increase of demented senior population wherever the internet system is available.

Biography:

Jeans Wiltfang is a graduate from the Faculty of Medicine of Hannover where he obtained a PhD in Psychiatry. He is the Director of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University Medical Center Gottingen (UMG). He is a neurologist and psychiatrist with wide experience in the fi eld of neurodegenerative diseases. His activity includes the clinical characterization of patients with dementia and research on the biomarker discovery and validation. In particular his main expertise is on the fi eld of cerebrospinal fl uid and blood biomarkers for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, with special interest on Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Abstract:

There is an unmet need for fi rst preventive, that is disease-modifying, treatments of Alzheimer´s dementia (AD). However, preventive treatment calls for predictive diagnosis since novel preventive treatment options can only be off ered if patients are identifi ed during preclinical stages of the incipient AD. Per defi nition, a preclinical stage can not be detected by clinical tools and accordingly, patients at high risk for later AD have to be identifi ed by biomarker guided predictive diagnostics. Th e presentation will demonstrate that patients with preclinical AD can meanwhile be identifi ed within the clinically heterogenous cohort of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) with positive and negative predictive values of at least 90% by a multiparameter biomarker approach relying on CSF dementia biomarkers, MRI volumetry and/or F18-Amyloid-PET. In view of a prevalence of approximately 20% of preclinical AD within the MCI risk cohort the latter predictive values are clinically signifi cant. Morevover, it will be critically discussed in how far fi rst blood-based assays may support the identifi cation of preclinical AD. Finally, the presentation will exemplify that novel diagnostic targets may indicate promising novel therapeutic targets.

Biography:

Matthias Schroeter studied Medicine and Philosophy in Berlin/Germany, Vellore/India and Jerusalem/Israel. He has completed his MD from Humboldt University Berlin/Charité and his PhD from Technical University Berlin. He is consultant for psychiatry and professor for Cognitive Neuropsychiatry at Leipzig University and Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, Germany. He has published more than 100 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Recently, new diagnostic criteria including imaging biomarkers have been proposed for frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) in particular for its behavioural variant and language subtypes. Th ese imaging criteria shall enable individual diagnosis. New imaging criteria were validated by conducting quantitative anatomical likelihood estimate meta-analyses according to the QUOROM/PRISMA statement across studies published in the literature. Th ese meta-analyses identify the neural correlates for each of the FTLD subtypes and underline disease-specifi city of the imaging criteria. Analyses were conducted separately for atrophy measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and glucose metabolism measured with [F18] fl uorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Both imaging methods revealed specifi c regional patterns. Results might open the road to method-specifi c imaging criteria as already suggested for Alzheimer’s disease. If new imaging criteria are valid they shall enable early individual diagnosis in single patients. To prove the potential for individual diagnosis we investigated whether FTLD might be diagnosed with cutting edge pattern classifi cation algorithms in multimodal imaging data. Support vector machine classifi cation (SVM) with multimodal imaging data (MRI & FDG-PET) enabled early individual detection of FTLD and discrimination between FTLD and Alzheimer’s disease. Limiting SVM classifi cation regionally to meta-analytically identifi ed disease networks even improved discrimination accuracy. Analyses were also reliable in multi-centric data. In conclusion, our results support and refi ne the application of imaging criteria and suggest that pattern classifi cation algorithms enable early individual diagnosis and diff erential diagnosis of FTLD sub types, a precondition for early intervention strategies.

Biography:

Kay Donnellon is a senior lecturer within the University of Cumbria in advanced clinical practice and palliative care in both undergraduate and post graduate programmes. After a long career in community and primary care, palliative care has remained a passion and has allowed her to develop collaborative working arrangements with local hospices assisting in accrediting modules with them. She is a current PhD student researching quality in out of hours services where she is an active member of her local clinical governance group as well as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

Abstract:

Because we are all growing older and living longer, the chances of many of us having to live and die with dementia are increasing. Care at end of life can be particularly challenging in this context. Th is study assesses the impact of a series of workshops for care home staff on improving communication and comfort measures at end of life for people with dementia. Interviews and observational visits were conducted three months later with carers to assess whether these approaches had been embedded into practice. Th e evidence that was gathered demonstrated that carers could make a signifi cant diff erence to a person’s comfort and care at the end of life, even within the context of dementia. Giving carers frameworks for pain assessment and exploring multiple communication methods, promoting confi dence in the approaches they were taking and empowering them not to “leave their emotions at the front door” – all these had enabled carers to provide eff ective and compassionate multidisciplinary palliative care for their residents with dementia. It had also enabled people with dementia to remain in their existing care homes as so many of them had originally requested.

Biography:

Asokan Chinnasamy has completed his PhD at the age of 27 years from University of Madras and postdoctoral studies from Columbia University. USA. He is the Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Sokoto State University, Sokoto. Nigeria. He has published more than 36 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute.

Abstract:

Accumulation of Serum amyloid A and fi brillar form is strongly associated with Chronic infl ammatory disease. Cell membrane binding study is especially important in relation to the activity of membrane proteins, because losing the activity of such systems will ultimately lead to malfunction or death of the cell. Serum amyloid Afi brils species are potent neurotoxins, however the molecular mechanism responsible for amyloid toxicity is still unknown. Th e interactions of Serum Amyloid a (SAA) and Serum Amyloid aprotofi brils with Neuro 2a cells of the mouse are dealt with in detail to study the binding of SAA protofi brils in various conditions. Th e FACScan and MTT assay results have shown the SAA and SAA fi brils binding and cell toxicity with the Neuro 2a cells with diff erent concentrations of Serum amyloid P component and Amyloid enhancing factor. Specifi cally, interaction of serum amyloid A fi brils with a cell surface binding site/receptor might alter the local environment to cause cellular dysfunction and to be more favorable for amyloid formation. Previous study have shown RAGE (receptor for advanced glycationend products) a polyvalent receptor in the immunoglobulin super family has been implicated in binding with the isoform of SAA (SAA1.1) which has the highest fi birillogenic property. In the present study, concluding the SAA fi brils more binding and cell cytotoxicity than SAA protein.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Laure Rouch has completed her PharmD and was appointed University Hospital Assistant in 2013 in Toulouse, France. She is a PhD student at the INSERM 1027 Unit. As a Clinical Pharmacist, she works with geriatricians especially in an Alzheimer’s care unit. She has been teaching clinical pharmacy since 2011. She is currently working as research fellow in Epidemiology on dementia. She is mainly interested in the relationship between antihypertensive drugs, cognitive decline and dementia. She also works on care management of dementia, potentially inappropriate drugs in the elderly and frailty. She has published in reputed scientifi c journals and has been asked to review papers in the fi eld of antihypertensive therapy.

Abstract:

Background: Chronic hypertension particularly midlife high blood pressure has been associated with an increased risk for cognitive decline and dementia. In this context, antihypertensive drugs might have a preventive eff ect but the association remains poorly understood. Objectives & Methods: Th e aim of our systematic review was to examine all published fi ndings that investigated this relationship and discuss the mechanisms underlying the potential benefi ts of antihypertensive medication use. We conducted a literature search using Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Results: 18 longitudinal studies, 11 randomized controlled trials and 9 meta-analyses were identifi ed from the 10.251 articles retrieved in the literature search. In the 7 longitudinal studies assessing the eff ect of antihypertensive medication on cognitive impairment or cognitive decline, antihypertensive drugs appeared to be benefi cial. Of the 11 longitudinal studies that assessed the eff ect of antihypertensive medication on incidence of dementia, only 3 did not fi nd a signifi cant protective eff ect. Antihypertensive medication could decrease the risk of not only vascular dementia but also Alzheimer’s disease. 4 randomized controlled trials showed a potentially preventive eff ect of antihypertensive drugs on the incidence of dementia or cognitive decline. Meta-analyses have sometimes produced confl icting results but this may be due to methodological considerations. Conclusion: Antihypertensive drugs particularly calcium channel blockers and renin-angiotensin system blockers may be benefi cial in preventing cognitive decline and dementia not only by lowering blood pressure but also trough a neuroprotective specifi c eff ect. However, further randomized controlled trials with longer periods of follow-up and cognition as the primary outcome are needed to confi rm these fi ndings.

Biography:

Siu Wan Lisa WONG has a Master degree in Care of Elderly People and is currently enrolled in a PhD programme at the University of Technology, Sydney. Her long-held passion to improve the quality of care for elderly people, especially those living with dementia has been realised in her numerous contributions across public health and community organisations which have advanced knowledge in the area and improved access to dementia care for older people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, especially to the Chinese community. Her work can be evidenced by the Northern Sydney Community Award by Australian government in 2014.

Abstract:

Introduction: Due to cultural barriers, caregivers with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds looking aft er people with dementia experience diffi culties in their care-giving role and access to services. Carer support is important in maintaining the home-based care for people with dementia and delaying institutionalization. Aim: To provide support to Chinese carers for people living with dementia and to describe their experience in the community carer support program. Method: Monthly career support program were conducted aft er the Community Carer Coaching Projectsince April 2013 with the aim to translate knowledge into practice. Data was collected during the monthly meetings. NVivo and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. Results: One male and 19 female Chinese carers participated in monthly carer support program (n=20). Sixty per cent of carers were spouses and 40% were children. Six themes emerged from the analysis which included: Sharing of information and helping each other, eagerness to seek help, carers looking aft er their own health, acceptance and confi dence in the caring task, developing person-centred caring skills and positive thinking and psychological empowerment. Conclusion: Qualitative analysis of this carer support program showed perceived benefi ts of carers in improving their knowledge and skills in person-centred care and confi dence in the caring task. It is important to support these carers in the community to minimize institutional care for their family members living with dementia.

Biography:

Azza A Ali from Al Azhar University, Egypt. She is currently in Al-Azhar University.

Abstract:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized clinically by memory impairment and other cognitive problems. Caff eine and nicotine are the most commonly co-used psychostimulants. Caff eine is one of the major contributors to the dietary antioxidants which prevent oxidative damage and may reduce the risk of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Nicotine has the ability to decrease level of ROS in the hippocampus and suggested to attenuate the impairment of memory associated with AD. Th e purpose of the study was to evaluate the infl uence of caff eine and nicotine co-administration against aluminium-induced AD in rats. Five groups of rats were used and received daily for fi ve weeks: Saline for control group, ALCl3 (70mg/kg, IP) for AD group, while treated groups received together with ALCl3, either Caff eine (5mg/kg, IP), Nicotine (1mg/kg, SC) or both Caff eine and Nicotine. Th ree behavioral experiments were performed: Forced swimming test, Morris water maze task and Conditioned-avoidance and learning test. Histopathological changes in the brain and biochemical changes in Acetyl cholinesterase (ACHE) as well as oxidative parameters; (MDA, SOD, TAC) were also evaluated for all groups. Results of the behavioral tests showed that caff eine and nicotine co-administration had more pronounced protecting eff ect from learning and memory impairment induced by ALCL3 than each one alone. Th ey signifi cantly increased both swimming and climbing score as well as time spent in the correct quadrant, while signifi cantly decrease number of learning trials. Caff eine and nicotine co-administration also prevent neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus and the eosinophilic plagues in the striatum induced by ALCL3 while nicotine alone still showed mild gliosis in striatum. Th e marked protection of caff eine and nicotine co-administration confi rmed also by the signifi cant increase in TAC and SOD and decrease in MDA and ACHE in brain tissue. In conclusion, co-administration of caff eine and nicotine can reduce the risk of neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus and attenuate the impairment of learning and memory associated with AD.