18F-FDG PET for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease dementia and other dementias in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Abstract Background ¹⁸F-FDFG uptake by brain tissue as measured by positron emission tomography (PET) is a well-established method for assessment of brain function in people with dementia. Certain findings on brain PET scans can potentially predict the decline of mild cognitive Impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer’s disease dementia or other dementias. Objectives To determine the diagnostic […]
Case management approaches to home support for people with dementia
Abstract Background Over 35 million people are estimated to be living with dementia in the world and the societal costs are very high. Case management is a widely used and strongly promoted complex intervention for organising and co-ordinating care at the level of the individual, with the aim of providing long-term care for people with […]
Efficacy and experiences of telephone counselling for informal carers of people with dementia
Abstract Background Informal carers of people with dementia can suffer from depressive symptoms, emotional distress and other physiological, social and financial consequences. Objectives This review focuses on three main objectives: To: 1) produce a quantitative review of the efficacy of telephone counselling for informal carers of people with dementia; 2) synthesize qualitative studies to explore […]
Statins for the treatment of dementia
Abstract Background The use of statin therapy in established Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or vascular dementia (VaD) is a relatively unexplored area. In AD, β-amyloid protein (Aβ) is deposited in the form of extracellular plaques and previous studies have determined Aβ generation is cholesterol dependent. Hypercholesterolaemia has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of VaD. Due […]
Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid amyloid beta for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease dementia and other dementias in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Abstract Background According to the latest revised National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association (now known as the Alzheimer’s Association) (NINCDS-ADRDA) diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease dementia of the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer Association, the confidence in diagnosing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due […]
Light therapy for improving cognition, activities of daily living, sleep, challenging behaviour, and psychiatric disturbances in dementia
Abstract Background Rest-activity and sleep-wake cycles are controlled by the endogenous circadian rhythm generated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Degenerative changes in the SCN appear to be a biological basis for circadian disturbances in people with dementia, and might be reversed by stimulation of the SCN by light. Objectives The review examines […]
Metal protein attenuating compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer’s dementia
Abstract Background Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) may be caused by the formation of extracellular senile plaques comprised of beta-amyloid (Aß). In vitro and mouse model studies have demonstrated that metal protein attenuating compounds (MPACs) promote the solubilisation and clearance of Aß. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of metal protein attenuating compounds (MPACs) for the treatment of […]
Respite care for people with dementia and their carers
Abstract Background Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. Respite care is any intervention designed to give rest or relief to caregivers. It is not clear what positive and negative effects such care may have on them, or on people with dementia. Objectives To assess the benefits and harms of respite […]
Cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia
Abstract Background Cognitive impairments, particularly memory problems, are a defining feature of the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia. Cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation are specific interventional approaches designed to address difficulties with memory and other aspects of cognitive functioning. The present review is an update of previous versions of this review. […]
Rivastigmine for vascular cognitive impairment
Abstract Background Vascular dementia represents the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. In older patients, in particular, the combination of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is common, and is referred to as mixed dementia. The classification of vascular dementia broadly follows three clinico-pathological processes: multi-infarct dementia, single strategic infarct dementia and subcortical […]