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    Qualitative and quantitative educational disparities and brain signatures in healthy aging and dementia across global settings
    (Elsevier BV, 2025-04)
    Raul Gonzalez-Gomez
    ;
    Josephine Cruzat
    ;
    Hernán Hernández
    ;
    Joaquín Migeot
    ;
    Agustina Legaz
    Scopus© Citations 4  3
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    Comprehensive Analysis of Genetic Contributions to Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia in Admixed Latin American Populations
    (Wiley, 2024-12)
    Juliana Acosta‐Uribe
    ;
    Stefanie Danielle Pina Escudero
    ;
    J. Nicholas Cochran
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    Jared W Taylor
    ;
    Caroline Warly Solsberg
    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Background</jats:title><jats:p>Most research initiatives have emerged from high‐income countries (HIC), leaving a gap in understanding the disease’s genetic basis in diverse populations like those in Latin American countries (LAC). ReDLat tackles this gap, focusing on LAC’s unique genetics and socioeconomic factors to identify specific Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) risk factors in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Method</jats:title><jats:p>We employed a comprehensive genetic analysis approach, integrating Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), Exome Sequencing, and SNP arrays to understand the cohort’s unique genetic architecture. We conducted ancestry analysis and searched for disease‐causing variants with mendelian inheritance, genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), rare variant enrichment, and evaluation of Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS).</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>We recruited and genotyped an initial cohort of 1046 participants with AD, 423 with FTD, and 855 healthy controls (HC) between 2020 and 2023. Analysis is ongoing, and we expect to sequence ∼600 additional samples in the coming months. Ancestry analysis revealed tri‐continental admixture, except for Brazil, which showed an additional Asian component (Figure 1). Top candidate gene rare variant enrichment associations (SKAT p &lt; 0.05) were <jats:italic>TREM2</jats:italic> for FTD and <jats:italic>ABCA7</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>ABCA1</jats:italic> for AD. GWAS identified a robust association with the <jats:italic>APOE</jats:italic> locus on chromosome 19 in AD vs. HC.. We tested an AD PRS developed in European populations by Bellenguez et al (2020). on our cohort using 83 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms.. The PRS modestly distinguishes between all patients and HC (p = 2.4 × 10^‐12), AD vs. HC (p = 2.2 × 10^‐12), and even FTD vs. HC (p = 4.3 × 10^‐5), albeit with modest separation between groups, as expected for its application in a genetically admixed population.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title><jats:p>Our findings represent a pivotal step in understanding the genetic landscape of AD and FTD in admixed populations. They underscore the importance of including diverse populations in genetic research, paving the way for future studies. These findings have the potential to inform more personalized approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in diverse global populations, as well as identify novel targets for therapeutic development.</jats:p></jats:sec>
      3
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    Gaps in biomedical research in frontotemporal dementia: A call for diversity and disparities focused research
    (2024)
    Karen Nuytemans
    ;
    Sanne Franzen
    ;
    Iris J. Broce
    ;
    Paulo Caramelli
    ;
    Ratnavalli Ellajosyula
    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is one of the leading causes of young‐onset dementia before age 65, typically manifesting as abnormal behavior (in behavioral variant FTD) or language impairment (in primary progressive aphasia). Although FTD affects all populations across the globe, knowledge regarding the pathophysiology and genetics derives primarily from studies conducted in North America and Western Europe. Globally, biomedical research for FTD is hindered by variable access to diagnosis, discussed in this group's earlier article, and by reduced access to expertise, funding, and infrastructure. This perspective paper was produced by two professional interest areas of the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) and discusses the field's current status on the cross‐cultural aspects of basic and translational research in FTD (including that focused on epidemiology, genetics, biomarkers, and treatment). It subsequently provides a summary of gaps and needs to address the disparities and advance global FTD biomedical research.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 4
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    Multivariate word properties in fluency tasks reveal markers of Alzheimer's dementia
    (2023)
    Franco J. Ferrante
    ;
    Joaquín Migeot
    ;
    Agustina Birba
    ;
    Lucía Amoruso
    ;
    Gonzalo Pérez
    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>INTRODUCTION</jats:title><jats:p>Verbal fluency tasks are common in Alzheimer's disease (AD) assessments. Yet, standard valid response counts fail to reveal disease‐specific semantic memory patterns. Here, we leveraged automated word‐property analysis to capture neurocognitive markers of AD vis‐à‐vis behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD).</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>METHODS</jats:title><jats:p>Patients and healthy controls completed two fluency tasks. We counted valid responses and computed each word's frequency, granularity, neighborhood, length, familiarity, and imageability. These features were used for group‐level discrimination, patient‐level identification, and correlations with executive and neural (magnetic resonanance imaging [MRI], functional MRI [fMRI], electroencephalography [EEG]) patterns.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>RESULTS</jats:title><jats:p>Valid responses revealed deficits in both disorders. Conversely, frequency, granularity, and neighborhood yielded robust group‐ and subject‐level discrimination only in AD, also predicting executive outcomes. Disease‐specific cortical thickness patterns were predicted by frequency in both disorders. Default‐mode and salience network hypoconnectivity, and EEG beta hypoconnectivity, were predicted by frequency and granularity only in AD.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>DISCUSSION</jats:title><jats:p>Word‐property analysis of fluency can boost AD characterization and diagnosis.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Highlights</jats:title><jats:p><jats:list list-type="bullet"> <jats:list-item><jats:p>We report novel word‐property analyses of verbal fluency in AD and bvFTD.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>Standard valid response counts captured deficits and brain patterns in both groups.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>Specific word properties (e.g., frequency, granularity) were altered only in AD.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>Such properties predicted cognitive and neural (MRI, fMRI, EEG) patterns in AD.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>Word‐property analysis of fluency can boost AD characterization and diagnosis.</jats:p></jats:list-item> </jats:list></jats:p></jats:sec>
      3Scopus© Citations 10
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    Gaps in clinical research in frontotemporal dementia: A call for diversity and disparities–focused research
    (2023)
    Sanne Franzen
    ;
    Karen Nuytemans
    ;
    Renelle Bourdage
    ;
    Paulo Caramelli
    ;
    Ratnavalli Ellajosyula
    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is one of the leading causes of dementia before age 65 and often manifests as abnormal behavior (in behavioral variant FTD) or language impairment (in primary progressive aphasia). FTD's exact clinical presentation varies by culture, language, education, social norms, and other socioeconomic factors; current research and clinical practice, however, is mainly based on studies conducted in North America and Western Europe. Changes in diagnostic criteria and procedures as well as new or adapted cognitive tests are likely needed to take into consideration global diversity. This perspective paper by two professional interest areas of the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment examines how increasing global diversity impacts the clinical presentation, screening, assessment, and diagnosis of FTD and its treatment and care. It subsequently provides recommendations to address immediate needs to advance global FTD research and clinical practice.</jats:p>
      27Scopus© Citations 12
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    Item type:Publication,
    Reply: Towards a neurocomputational account of social dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease
    (2016)
    Agustín Ibáñez
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    ;
    Laura de la Fuente
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    Paula Salamone
    ;
    Adolfo M. García
      7Scopus© Citations 45
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    Item type:Publication,
    Frontotemporal Dementias in Latin America: History, Epidemiology, Genetics, and Clinical Research
    (2021)
    Jorge J. Llibre-Guerra
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    ;
    Mirna Lie Hosogi
    ;
    Lucia Montero
    ;
    Teresa Torralva
    <jats:p><jats:bold>Introduction:</jats:bold> The historical development, frequency, and impact of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are less clear in Latin America than in high-income countries. Although there is a growing number of dementia studies in Latin America, little is known collectively about FTD prevalence studies by country, clinical heterogeneity, risk factors, and genetics in Latin American countries.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Methods:</jats:bold> A systematic review was completed, aimed at identifying the frequency, clinical heterogeneity, and genetics studies of FTD in Latin American populations. The search strategies used a combination of standardized terms for FTD and related disorders. In addition, at least one author per Latin American country summarized the available literature. Collaborative or regional studies were reviewed during consensus meetings.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold> The first FTD reports published in Latin America were mostly case reports. The last two decades marked a substantial increase in the number of FTD research in Latin American countries. Brazil (165), Argentina (84), Colombia (26), and Chile (23) are the countries with the larger numbers of FTD published studies. Most of the research has focused on clinical and neuropsychological features (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 247), including the local adaptation of neuropsychological and behavioral assessment batteries. However, there are little to no large studies on prevalence (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 4), biomarkers (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 9), or neuropathology (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 3) of FTD.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Conclusions:</jats:bold> Future FTD studies will be required in Latin America, albeit with a greater emphasis on clinical diagnosis, genetics, biomarkers, and neuropathological studies. Regional and country-level efforts should seek better estimations of the prevalence, incidence, and economic impact of FTD syndromes.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 10  1
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    Item type:Publication,
    Systematic Review: Genetic, Neuroimaging, and Fluids Biomarkers for Frontotemporal Dementia Across Latin America Countries
    (2021)
    Claudia Duran-Aniotz
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    ;
    Tomas Leon Rodriguez
    ;
    Victoria Cabello
    ;
    Fernando Henriquez
    <jats:p>Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) includes a group of clinically, genetically, and pathologically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders, affecting the fronto-insular-temporal regions of the brain. Clinically, FTD is characterized by progressive deficits in behavior, executive function, and language and its diagnosis relies mainly on the clinical expertise of the physician/consensus group and the use of neuropsychological tests and/or structural/functional neuroimaging, depending on local availability. The modest correlation between clinical findings and FTD neuropathology makes the diagnosis difficult using clinical criteria and often leads to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis, primarily due to lack of recognition or awareness of FTD as a disease and symptom overlap with psychiatric disorders. Despite advances in understanding the underlying neuropathology of FTD, accurate and sensitive diagnosis for this disease is still lacking. One of the major challenges is to improve diagnosis in FTD patients as early as possible. In this context, biomarkers have emerged as useful methods to provide and/or complement clinical diagnosis for this complex syndrome, although more evidence is needed to incorporate most of them into clinical practice. However, most biomarker studies have been performed using North American or European populations, with little representation of the Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) region. In the LAC region, there are additional challenges, particularly the lack of awareness and knowledge about FTD, even in specialists. Also, LAC genetic heritage and cultures are complex, and both likely influence clinical presentations and may modify baseline biomarker levels. Even more, due to diagnostic delay, the clinical presentation might be further complicated by both neurological and psychiatric comorbidity, such as vascular brain damage, substance abuse, mood disorders, among others. This systematic review provides a brief update and an overview of the current knowledge on genetic, neuroimaging, and fluid biomarkers for FTD in LAC countries. Our review highlights the need for extensive research on biomarkers in FTD in LAC to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the disease and its associated biomarkers. Dementia research is certainly reduced in the LAC region, highlighting an urgent need for harmonized, innovative, and cross-regional studies with a global perspective across multiple areas of dementia knowledge.</jats:p>
      1  2Scopus© Citations 23
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    Moral Emotions and Their Brain Structural Correlates Across Neurodegenerative Disorders
    (2023)
    Sandra Baez
    ;
    Catalina Trujillo-Llano
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    Leonardo Cruz de Souza
    ;
    Patricia Lillo
    ;
    Gonzalo Forno
    <jats:p>Background: Although social cognition is compromised in patients with neurodegenerative disorders such as behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), research on moral emotions and their neural correlates in these populations is scarce. No previous study has explored the utility of moral emotions, compared to and in combination with classical general cognitive state tools, to discriminate bvFTD from AD patients. Objective: To examine self-conscious (guilt and embarrassment) and other-oriented (pity and indignation) moral emotions, their subjective experience, and their structural brain underpinnings in bvFTD (n = 31) and AD (n = 30) patients, compared to healthy controls (n = 37). We also explored the potential utility of moral emotions measures to discriminate bvFTD from AD. Methods: We used a modified version of the Moral Sentiment Task measuring the participants’ accuracy scores and their emotional subjective experiences. Results: bvFTD patients exhibited greater impairments in self-conscious and other-oriented moral emotions as compared with AD patients and healthy controls. Moral emotions combined with general cognitive state tools emerged as useful measures to discriminate bvFTD from AD patients. In bvFTD patients, lower moral emotions scores were associated with lower gray matter volumes in caudate nucleus and inferior and middle temporal gyri. In AD, these scores were associated with lower gray matter volumes in superior and middle frontal gyri, middle temporal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule and supramarginal gyrus. Conclusion: These findings contribute to a better understanding of moral emotion deficits across neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating this domain into the clinical assessment.</jats:p>
      24Scopus© Citations 3
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    Multidimensional inhibitory signatures of sentential negation in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia
    (2022)
    Mariano N Díaz-Rivera
    ;
    Agustina Birba
    ;
    Sol Fittipaldi
    ;
    Débora Mola
    ;
    Yurena Morera
    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Background</jats:title> <jats:p>Processing of linguistic negation has been associated to inhibitory brain mechanisms. However, no study has tapped this link via multimodal measures in patients with core inhibitory alterations, a critical approach to reveal direct neural correlates and potential disease markers.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Methods</jats:title> <jats:p>Here we examined oscillatory, neuroanatomical, and functional connectivity signatures of a recently reported Go/No-go negation task in healthy controls and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) patients, typified by primary and generalized inhibitory disruptions. To test for specificity, we also recruited persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD), a disease involving frequent but nonprimary inhibitory deficits.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Results</jats:title> <jats:p>In controls, negative sentences in the No-go condition distinctly involved frontocentral delta (2–3 Hz) suppression, a canonical inhibitory marker. In bvFTD patients, this modulation was selectively abolished and significantly correlated with the volume and functional connectivity of regions supporting inhibition (e.g. precentral gyrus, caudate nucleus, and cerebellum). Such canonical delta suppression was preserved in the AD group and associated with widespread anatomo-functional patterns across non-inhibitory regions.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Discussion</jats:title> <jats:p>These findings suggest that negation hinges on the integrity and interaction of spatiotemporal inhibitory mechanisms. Moreover, our results reveal potential neurocognitive markers of bvFTD, opening a new agenda at the crossing of cognitive neuroscience and behavioral neurology.</jats:p> </jats:sec>
    Scopus© Citations 18  4