Your search for: 'author:("Aggarwal, Neelum T.")' has returned 10 results. (0.065s) Save search

Authors: Schneider, Julie A. | Aggarwal, Neelum T.

Article Type: Obituary

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-201123

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2020

Authors: Volgman, Annabelle Santos | Engelstein, Erica | Aggarwal, Neelum T.

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: In a recent issue of the Journal of Alzheimer ’s Disease , Zinman et al. investigated the role of sex in the risk of cognitive impairment in 5,969 patients with a stroke or transient ischemic attacks. Using a short validated clinical screening tool, they noted that men had a 34% higher risk of screening positive for post-stroke cognitive impairment after adjusting for age, education, and stroke severity compared to women. This study highlights that more large, prospective, and multicenter studies are needed to evaluate sex-specific changes after a stroke since sex differences exist in many aspects of stroke presentation and …management. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive impairment, post-stroke cognitive impairment, sex differences, strokes

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-230520

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 95, no. 2, pp. 407-409, 2023

Authors: Schneider, Julie A. | Aggarwal, Neelum T. | Barnes, Lisa | Boyle, Patricia | Bennett, David A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Community-based cohorts of older persons may differ neuropathologically from clinic-based cohorts. This study investigated age-related pathologies in persons with and without dementia and included autopsied participants from two community-based cohorts, the Rush Religious Orders Study (n=386) and the Memory and Aging Project (n=195), and one clinic-based cohort, the Clinical Core of the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (n=392). Final clinical diagnoses included no cognitive impairment (n=202), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n=150), probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n=474), possible AD (n=88), and other dementias (n=59). Postmortem diagnoses included pathologic AD, cerebral infarcts, and Lewy body disease. Community-based persons with clinical AD had less …severe AD pathology (p<0.001) and had more cerebral infarcts (p<0.001) compared to clinic-based persons. Additionally, community-based persons with MCI had more infarcts compared to clinic-based persons. Overall, there was a higher proportion of Lewy bodies and atypical pathologies in the clinic-based compared to the community-based cohorts (p<0.001). Community-based persons with probable AD show less severe AD pathology and more often have infarcts and mixed pathologies; those with MCI more often have infarcts and mixed pathologies. Overall, clinic-based persons have more Lewy bodies and atypical pathologies. The spectrum of pathologies underlying cognitive impairment in clinic-based cohorts differs from community-based cohorts. Show more

Keywords: Clinic, community, epidemiology, neuropathology, selection bias

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2009-1227

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 691-701, 2009

Authors: Walter, Sarah | Kim, Anne B. | Flores, Melissa | Ziolkowski, Jaimie | Shaffer, Elizabeth | Aggarwal, Neelum T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Study participants, patients, and care partners are key stakeholders in research and have asked for greater inclusion in the dissemination of scientific learning. However, the participation of general audiences in scientific conferences dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease related dementias (AD/ADRD) is not widely supported or studied. Objective: Our objectives were to evaluate the interest, level of engagement, and impact of including general audiences in a virtual dementia conference. Methods: A diverse group of lay participants, identified via community-based health advocacy groups and research centers, were invited to attend the 2021 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), with optional …small-group discussions. Participants received complimentary access to all scientific sessions and were supported via navigation tips, recommended sessions, and a glossary of frequently used terms and acronyms. Results: Lay participants demonstrated a high level of engagement, even among those that were research-naïve, attending virtual sessions for an average of 11.7 hours across the five days and recommending a variety of sessions to each other on topics extending from prevention of dementia to new therapies and care. Most participants said they would attend the conference again and rated the quality of interaction as high, while requesting more opportunities to engage directly with researchers. Conclusion: General audiences, in particular research participants, are advocating for greater participation in scientific conferences. This program can serve as a model to accomplish inclusion; thereby acknowledging their invaluable contribution to science. Show more

Keywords: Dementia, patient activation, patient inclusion, patients and conferences, research participants

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-215681

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 90, no. 3, pp. 1001-1009, 2022

Authors: Morris, Martha Clare | Evans, Denis A. | Schneider, Julie A. | Tangney, Christine C. | Bienias, Julia L. | Aggarwal, Neelum T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Context: It is currently not known whether dietary intakes of folate and vitamins B12 and B6, co-factors in the methylation of homocysteine, protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Objective: To examine the association between risk of incident Alzheimer’s disease and dietary intakes of folate, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Geographically defined biracial Chicago community. Participants: 1,041 residents, aged 65 years and older, initially free of Alzheimer’s disease and followed a median 3.9 years for the development of incident disease. Main Outcome Measure: Probable Alzheimer’s disease identified through structured clinical neurological evaluation using standardized criteria. Results: A total …of 162 persons developed incident Alzheimer’s disease during follow-up. In logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, education, cognitive activities, APOE-ε4, and dietary intakes of vitamin E in food and total niacin, there was no association between risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and quintiles of folate intake or of vitamin B-12 intake. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 0.5, 5.2) for persons in the highest quintile of total folate intake (median of 752.7 μg/d) compared with persons in the lowest quintile of intake (median, 202.8 μg/d). Compared with persons in the first quintile of total vitamin B-12 intake (median, 3.1 μg/d) the odds ratio was 0.6 (95% confidence interval: 0.2, 1.6) for persons in the fifth quintile of intake (median, 20.6 μg/d). Intake of vitamin B-6 was not associated with incident Alzheimer’s disease after control for dietary intakes of vitamin E and total niacin. Conclusion: Dietary intakes of folate, vitamin B-12, or vitamin B-6 do not appear to be associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Show more

Keywords: Folate, folic acid, vitamin B-12, vitamin B-6, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, aging

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2006-9410

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 435-443, 2006

Authors: Glover, Crystal M. | Arfanakis, Konstantinos | Aggarwal, Neelum T. | Bennett, David A. | Marquez, David X. | Barnes, Lisa L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Biological biomarkers yielded from positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans serve as a pathway to understanding Alzheimer’s disease pathology. PET brain scan data remain limited for populations traditionally under-included in aging research. Objective: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine participant-identified barriers to PET brain scan consent and characterize participant-informed elements of educational materials needed to facilitate PET brain scan participation among older Black and Latino adults. Methods: Participants (N = 31) were older adults (mean age = 71 years) who self-identified as either non-Latino Black (n  = 15) or Latino (n  = 16). Each participant took part in a one-time, in-depth individual …interview. Researchers analyzed data guided by a Grounded Theory Approach with both Open Coding and Constant Comparative Coding. Results: Four overarching themes emerged across all participants: 1) knowledge limitations; 2) requirements for consent; 3) motivators for participation; and 4) social networks. Within the four themes, there were differences based on participant ethnoracial group. For example, for Theme Three, older Black adults indicated that they would expect compensation for PET brain scan participation. Conversely, older Latinos stated that they would appreciate, but not anticipate, a financial incentive. All participants stressed the importance of written educational materials with subsequent verbal discussions with studystaff. Conclusion: Findings inform the development and implementation of scientifically-relevant and culturally-cognizant engagement approaches, educational materials, and recruitment strategies to increase PET brain scan participation by diverse older adults. Show more

Keywords: Older adults, PET brain scan, qualitative interviews, recruitment science, study design

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-220861

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 91, no. 3, pp. 961-976, 2023

Authors: Dhana, Klodian | James, Bryan D. | Agarwal, Puja | Aggarwal, Neelum T. | Cherian, Laurel J. | Leurgans, Sue E. | Barnes, Lisa L. | Bennett, David A. | Schneider, Julie A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: MIND diet, a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, is associated with a slower cognitive decline and lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia in older adults. Objective: We aim to examine whether the association of the MIND diet with cognition is independent of common brain pathologies. Methods: Utilizing data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP), a longitudinal clinical-pathologic study, we studied 569 decedents with valid dietary data, cognitive testing proximate to death, and complete autopsy data at the time of these analyses. A series of regression analyses were used …to examine associations of the MIND diet, dementia-related brain pathologies, and global cognition proximate to death adjusting for age, sex, education, APOE ɛ 4, late-life cognitive activities, and total energy intake. Results: A higher MIND diet score was associated with better global cognitive functioning proximate to death (β= 0.119, SE = 0.040, p  = 0.003), and neither the strength nor the significance of association changed substantially when AD pathology and other brain pathologies were included in the model. The β-estimate after controlling for global AD pathology was 0.111 (SE = 0.037, p  = 0.003). The MIND diet-cognition relationship remained significant when we restricted our analysis to individuals without mild cognitive impairment at the baseline (β= 0.121, SE = 0.042, p  = 0.005) or in people diagnosed with postmortem diagnosis of AD based on NIA-Reagan consensus recommendations (β= 0.114, SE = 0.050, p  = 0.023). Conclusion: MIND diet is associated with better cognitive functioning independently of common brain pathology, suggesting that the MIND diet may contribute to cognitive resilience in the elderly. Show more

Keywords: Amyloid-β, brain pathology, cognition, MIND diet

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-210107

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 83, no. 2, pp. 683-692, 2021

Authors: Agarwal, Puja | Holland, Thomas M. | James, Bryan D. | Cherian, Laurel J. | Aggarwal, Neelum T. | Leurgans, Sue E. | Bennett, David A. | Schneider, Julie A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: An anthocyanidin, pelargonidin, primarily found in berries, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is associated with better cognition and reduced Alzheimer’s dementia risk. Objective: This study investigated if pelargonidin or berry intake is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology in human brains. Methods: The study was conducted among 575 deceased participants (age at death = 91.3±6.1 years; 70% females) of the Rush Memory and Aging Project, with dietary data (assessed using a food frequency questionnaire) and neuropathological evaluations. Calorie-adjusted pelargonidin intake was modeled in quartiles and berry intake as continuous (servings/week). Mean amyloid-beta load and phosphorylated tau neuronal neurofibrillary tangle density …across multiple cortical regions were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Global AD pathology burden, a quantitative summary score of neurofibrillary tangles, and diffuse and neuritic plaques using Bielschowsky silver stains in multiple brain regions, was also assessed. Results: In a linear regression model adjusted for age at death, sex, education, APOE ɛ4 status, vitamin E, and vitamin C, participants in the highest quartile of pelargonidin intake when compared to those in the lowest quartile, had less amyloid-β load (β (SE) = –0.293 (0.14), p  = 0.038), and fewer phosphorylated tau tangles (β (SE) = –0.310, p  = 0.051). Among APOE ɛ4 non-carriers, higher strawberry (β (SE) = –0.227 (0.11), p  = 0.037) and pelargonidin (Q4 versus Q1: β (SE) = –0.401 (0.16), p  = 0.011; p trend = 0.010) intake was associated with less phosphorylated tau tangles, no association was observed in APOE ɛ4 carriers. Berry intake was not associated with AD pathology. However, excluding participants with dementia or mild cognitive impairment at baseline, strawberry (p  = 0.004) and pelargonidin (ptrend = 0.007) intake were associated with fewer phosphorylated tau tangles. Conclusion: Higher intake of pelargonidin, a bioactive present in strawberries, is associated with less AD neuropathology, primarily phosphorylated tau tangles. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease pathology, anthocyanidin, berries, pelargonidin

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-215600

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 88, no. 2, pp. 653-661, 2022

Authors: Dhana, Klodian | Aggarwal, Neelum T. | Beck, Todd | Holland, Thomas M. | Dhana, Anisa | Cherian, Laurel J. | Desai, Pankaja | Evans, Denis A. | Rajan, Kumar B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Patients with stroke are at a higher risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Objective: To quantify the role of lifestyle pre-stroke, post-stroke, and changes in lifestyle before and after stroke with cognitive decline in community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods: Utilizing data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a population-based cohort study, we studied 1,078 individuals with stroke (662 incident and 416 prevalent) who underwent cognitive testing during the study period. A healthy lifestyle score was defined by scoring four behaviors: non-smoking, exercising, being cognitively active, and having a high-quality diet. The global cognitive score was derived from …a comprehensive battery of 4 standardized tests. Results: The mean age at incident stroke was 78.2 years, and 60.1% were women. A healthy lifestyle pre-incident stroke was associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline after stroke. Participants with 3–4 healthy lifestyle factors pre-incident stroke had a slower cognitive decline after stroke by 0.046 units/year (95% CI 0.010, 0.083), or 47.7% slower, than participants with 0–1 healthy lifestyle factor. Lifestyle score post-prevalent stroke was not associated with cognitive decline. Changes in lifestyle behaviors from pre- to post-incident stroke were related to cognitive decline after stroke. Individuals who deteriorated their lifestyle quality after stroke had a faster cognitive decline by 0.051 units/year (β –0.051, 95% CI –0.090, –0.012) than participants with no change in lifestyle score. Conclusion: A healthy lifestyle pre-stroke was associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline in stroke survivors, highlighting the importance of primary prevention. After the stroke, changes in lifestyle behaviors may influence the cognitive abilities of older adults as they age. Show more

Keywords: Cognition, cognitive decline, cohort study, healthy lifestyle, stroke patients

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-220305

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 89, no. 2, pp. 745-754, 2022

Authors: Rosen, Allyson C. | Arias, Jalayne J. | Ashford, J. Wesson | Blacker, Deborah | Chhatwal, Jasmeer P. | Chin, Nathan A. | Clark, Lindsay | Denny, Sharon S. | Goldman, Jill S. | Gleason, Carey E. | Grill, Joshua D. | Heidebrink, Judith L. | Henderson, Victor W. | Lavacot, James A. | Lingler, Jennifer H. | Menon, Malavika | Nosheny, Rachel L. | Oliveira, Fabricio F. | Parker, Monica W. | Rahman-Filipiak, Annalise | Revoori, Anwita | Rumbaugh, Malia C. | Sanchez, Danurys L. | Schindler, Suzanne E. | Schwarz, Christopher G. | Toy, Leslie | Tyrone, Jamie | Walter, Sarah | Wang, Li-san | Wijsman, Ellen M. | Zallen, Doris T. | Aggarwal, Neelum T.

Article Type: Editorial

Abstract: The brain changes of Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative dementias begin long before cognitive dysfunction develops, and in people with subtle cognitive complaints, clinicians often struggle to predict who will develop dementia. The public increasingly sees benefits to accessing dementia risk evidence (DRE) such as biomarkers, predictive algorithms, and genetic information, particularly as this information moves from research to demonstrated usefulness in guiding diagnosis and clinical management. For example, the knowledge that one has high levels of amyloid in the brain may lead one to seek amyloid reducing medications, plan for disability, or engage in health promoting behaviors to fight …cognitive decline. Researchers often hesitate to share DRE data, either because they are insufficiently validated or reliable for use in individuals, or there are concerns about assuring responsible use and ensuring adequate understanding of potential problems when one’s biomarker status is known. Concerns include warning people receiving DRE about situations in which they might be compelled to disclose their risk status potentially leading to discrimination or stigma. The Advisory Group on Risk Evidence Education for Dementia (AGREEDementia) welcomes all concerned with how best to share and use DRE. Supporting understanding in clinicians, stakeholders, and people with or at risk for dementia and clearly delineating risks, benefits, and gaps in knowledge is vital. This brief overview describes elements that made this group effective as a model for other health conditions where there is interest in unfettered collaboration to discuss diagnostic uncertainty and the appropriate use and communication of health-related risk information. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid, biomarkers, dementia, genetics

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-220458

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 90, no. 3, pp. 953-962, 2022