Forskningsartikler

Abstarct: 

We examined associations between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and dementia risk, and differences in BMI and WC trajectories before dementia diagnosis. We included 9,739 participants (54% women) aged 70+ from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4 70+). BMI was measured four times (1984-2019) and WC three times (1995-2019). Dementia diagnoses were clinically assessed at HUNT4 70+ . Women and men with dementia had higher midlife BMI and WC than those without dementia. These differences diminished closer to diagnosis, especially in women. Midlife obesity in both sexes and midlife overweight, high WC, and overweight/obesity with high WC in men were linked to higher dementia risk. Lower dementia risk was observed with late-life overweight for both sexes, late-life high WC in women, late-life overweight/obesity with normal WC in men or high WC in women. Adiposity measures and their changes influence dementia risk differently in women and men.

Ekaterina Zotcheva, Bjørn Heine Strand, Vegard Skirbekk, Kay Deckers, Steinar Krokstad, Gill Livingston, Archana Singh-Manoux, Geir Selbæk

Abstarct:

Despite a well-known inverse association between education and dementia risk, the mediating mechanisms are not well understood. We explored how lifestyle and health risk factors across the life-course mediate the relationship between education and dementia among adults aged 70 + years. We included 7,655 participants with dementia diagnoses and education information, using a historical cohort design linking prospective exposure data across the life course from the HUNT4 70 + Study with registry data from Statistics Norway and earlier HUNT surveys. We conducted causal mediation analysis to assess the mediating roles of occupational characteristics, lifestyle factors (smoking, physical inactivity), and health risk factors (obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hearing impairment, cardiovascular diseases, LDL cholesterol, depression, anxiety) assessed during early, middle, and late adulthood in the relationship between education and dementia in later life. Participants with lower education were more likely to have dementia with odds ratios of 1.99, 1.88, 1.83 for the model’s accounting exposure to mediators during early, middle, and late adulthood, respectively. These associations were partially mediated by the joint effect of health and lifestyle risk factors from early through late adulthood (mediated 11.55-19.50%). Health risk factors from early to late adulthood jointly mediated 6.85-13.06% of the effect of low education on dementia risk later in life. Additionally, lifestyle factors during middle and late adulthood jointly mediated 4.11-4.96% of the total effect of low education on dementia risk later in life. Educational differences in dementia risk can partly mediated by lifestyle and health factors across the life course. These findings suggest potential targets to address varying dementia risks linked to education levels.

Teferi Mekonnen, Vegard Skirbekk, Asta Kristine Håberg, Bo Engdahl, Ekaterina Zotcheva, Astanand Jugessur, Catherine Bowen, Geir Selbaek, Hans-Peter Kohler, Jennifer R Harris, Sarah E Tom, Steinar Krokstad, Trine Holt Edwin, Dana Kristjansson, Merete Ellingjord-Dale, Yaakov Stern, Bernt Bratsberg, Bjørn Heine Strand

Abstract

Background: With the anticipated increase in dementia prevalence over the coming decade, understanding the experience of receiving a dementia diagnosis for people living with cognitive impairment remains limited. This study aims to explore the implications of a family member with cognitive impairment receiving a dementia diagnosis or not from the perspective of their next of kin.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was applied using individual interviews for data collection. Participants were recruited based on the cognitive function level of their family members, which was compatible with dementia as assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). The sample consisted of eight participants, comprising family members of five individuals with confirmed dementia diagnoses and three undiagnosed. The analysis was performed using four steps of systematic text condensation to discern codes, categories, and the overarching theme.

Results: Three main categories were created: (1) Impact of observed cognitive decline, (2) Impact of diagnosis on service engagement, and (3) Support and follow-up for family caregivers. The findings show that next of kin who have received a dementia diagnosis for their family members are more proactive in seeking help and services, are better informed about available resources, and are more concerned about future challenges. On the other hand, next of kin to family members without a diagnosis are more inclined to handle the situation on their own, have less access to information and services, and generally express less concern about future problems.

Conclusion: The study reveals the benefits of receiving a timely dementia diagnosis in shaping more effective support systems and policies. This ensures that the next of kin and the person with cognitive impairment can navigate the complexities of dementia with greater confidence and preparedness, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Inger Molvik, Grete Kjelvik, Geir Selbæk & Anne Marie Mork Rokstad

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The Cambridge Cognitive Examination modified for use in peo[1]ple with Down syndrome (CAMCOG-DS) is a sensitive cognitive test for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)–related decline in people with DS, but needs updates for sensitivity, cul[1]tural adaptability, and additional memory/executive function items. This study aimed to develop and validate the CAMCOG-DS-II.

METHODS: In this multi-language, multi-site study, the psychometric properties of the CAMCOG-DS-II were evaluated against previously validated measures in 223 participants (mean age: 40.18 years) with DS across seven countries.

RESULTS: The CAMCOG-DS-II had a high completion rate, minimal floor/ceiling effects (compared to the modified Cued Recall Test, the CANTAB Paired Associates Learning, and the Purdue Pegboard), strong validity and reliability, and performance was unaf[1]fected by language across sites. It differentiated between those with/without AD and distinguished clinically rated cognitively stable and prodromal individuals.

CONCLUSION: The CAMCOG-DS-II is a sensitive measure of cognitive performance in people with DS at risk of AD. Its cross-language and site reliability support its potential use in AD–DS clinical trials.

Phoebe Ivain, Asaad Baksh, Fedal Saini, Mina Idris, Miren Tamayo-Elizalde, Jasmine Wells, Bessy Benejam, Sandra Virginia Loosli, Katja Sandkühler, Elisabeth Wlasich, Olivia Wagemann, Johannes Levin, Diane Martet, Silvia Sacco, Ségolène Falquero, Manon Clert, Anne-Sophie Rebillat, Wan Ming Khoo, Madelaine Amelia Smith, Jessica Beresford-Webb, Shahid Zaman, María Carmona-Iragui, Laura Videla, Juan Fortea, Ellen Melbye Langballe, Ingrid Tøndel Medbøen, Frode Kibsgaard Larsen, Eleni Baldimtsi, Raphaella Paradisi, Panagiotis Ntailakis, Magdalini Tsolaki, Georgia Papantoniou, Eimear McGlinchey, Mary McCarron, Seán Kennelly & André Strydom