Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinsonism-dementia complex of Guam: Descriptive epidemiology, secular trends, and birth cohort effects on incidence, 1950--1989

This study describes the patterns of occurrence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and parkinsonism-dementia complex (PDC) of Guam during 1950-1989. Both ALS and PDC occur with high frequency among the indigenous Chamorro population, first recognized in the early 1950's. Reports in the early 1980's indicated that both ALS and PDC were disappearing, due to a purported reduction in exposure to harmful environmental factors as a result of the dramatic changes in lifestyle that took place after World War II. However, this study provides compelling evidence that ALS and PDC have not disappeared on Guam and that rates for both are higher during 1980-1989 than previously reported.^ The patterns of occurrence for both ALS and PDC overlap in most respects: (1) incidence and mortality are decreasing; (2) median age at onset is increasing; (3) males are at increased risk for developing disease; (4) risk is higher for those residing in the south compared to the non-south; and (5) age-specific incidence is decreasing over time except in the oldest age groups.^ Age-specific incidence of ALS and PDC, separately and together, is generally higher for cohorts born before 1920 than for those born after 1920. A significant birth cohort effect on the incidence of PDC for the 1906-1915 birth cohort was found, but not for ALS and for ALS and PDC together. Whether or not a cohort effect, period effect, or both are associated with incidence of ALS and PDC cannot be determined from the data currently available and will require additional follow-up of individuals born after 1920.^ The epidemiological data amassed over this 40-year period provide evidence that supports an environmental exposure model for disease occurrence as opposed to a simple genetic or infectious disease model. Whether neurodegenerative disease in this population occurs as a consequence of a single exposure or is explained by a multifactorial model such as a genetic predisposition with some environmental interaction is yet to be determined. However, descriptive studies such as this can provide clues concerning timing and location of potential adverse exposures but cannot determine etiology, underscoring the urgent need for analytic studies of ALS and PDC to further investigate existing etiologic hypotheses and to test new hypotheses. ^

Does diabetes mellitus contribute to the disease burden of vascular dementia?

Background. Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common of dementia. Multiple risk factors are associated with VaD, but the individual contribution of each to disease onset and progression is unclear. We examined the relationship between diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM) and the clinical variables of VaD.^ Methods. Data from 593 patients evaluated between June, 2003 and June, 2008 for cognitive impairment were prospectively entered into a database. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 63 patients who fit the NINDS-AIREN criteria of VaD. The patients were divided into those with DM (VaD-DM, n=29) and those without DM (VaD, n=34). The groups were compared with regard to multiple variables.^ Results. Patients with DM had a significantly earlier onset of VaD (71.9±6.54 vs. 77.2±6.03, p<0.001), a faster rate of decline per year on the mini mental state examination (MMSE; 3.60±1.82 vs. 2.54±1.60 points, p=0.02), and a greater prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (62% vs. 21%, p=0.02) at the time of diagnosis.^ Conclusions. This study shows that a history of pre-morbid DM is associated with an early onset and faster cognitive deterioration in VaD. Moreover, the presence of DM predicts the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with VaD. A larger study is needed to verify these associations. It will be important to investigate whether better glycemic control will mitigate the potential effects of DM on VaD.^

Recommendations for dementia caregiver stress interventions based on Intervention Mapping guidelines

Stress can affect a person's psychological and physical health and cause a variety of conditions including depression, immune system changes, and hypertension (Alzheimer's Association, 2010; Aschbacher et al., 2009; Fredman et al., 2010; Long et al., 2004; Mills et al., 2009; von Känel et al., 2008). The severity and consequences of these conditions can vary based on the duration, amount, and sources of stress experienced by the individual (Black & Hyer, 2010; Coen et al., 1997; Conde-Sala et al., 2010; Pinquart & Sörensen, 2007). Caregivers of people with dementia have an elevated risk for stress and its related health problems because they experience more negative interactions with, and provide more emotional support for, their care recipients than other caregivers. ^ This paper uses a systematic program planning process of Intervention Mapping to organize evidence from literature, qualitative research and theory to develop recommendations for a theory- and evidence-based intervention to improve outcomes for caregivers of people with dementia. A needs assessment was conducted to identify specific dementia caregiver stress influences and a logic model of dementia caregiver stress was developed using the PRECEDE Model. Necessary behavior and environmental outcomes are identified for dementia caregiver stress reduction and performance objectives for each were combined with selected determinants to produce change objectives. Planning matrices were then designed to inform effective theory-based methods and practical applications for recommended intervention delivery. Recommendations for program components, their scope and sequence, the completed program materials, and the program protocols are delineated along with ways to insure that the program is adopted and implemented after it is shown to be effective.^