Lanctôt, Krista L

AbstractBackgroundDepression is highly prevalent in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) and increases the risk of future cardiac events and mortality. Sphingolipids have been implicated in the pathophysiology of both CAD and depression. This study assessed the association between plasma sphingolipid concentrations and depressive symptoms in CAD subjects.MethodsDepressive symptoms were measured using the depression subscale of the self‐reported Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Sphingolipid concentrations were measured from fasting plasma samples using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐coupled electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Linear regression models were used to assess associations between log‐transformed concentrations of plasma sphingolipids and depressive symptoms.ResultsA total of 111 CAD patients (mean (SD) age = 63.6 ± 6.4, 84.7% male) were included. In linear regression analyses, higher plasma concentrations of ceramides C16:0 (β = 0.204, p = .026) and C18:0 (β = 0.209, p = .023) and sphingomyelin SM18:1 (β = 0.210, p = .024) were significantly associated with higher HADS depression subscale score after adjusting for covariates.ConclusionSphingolipids, in particular the ceramide species C16:0 and C18:0 and the sphingomyelin species SM18:1, may be implicated in the pathophysiology of depression in CAD. The association between plasma sphingolipid concentrations and depression should be further examined in CAD patients and in other populations.

Abstract Introduction Apathy is common in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) such as Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Although the definition of apathy is inconsistent in the literature, apathy is primarily defined as a loss of motivation and decreased interest in daily activities. Methods The Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) Neuropsychiatric Syndromes Professional Interest Area (NPS‐PIA) Apathy workgroup reviewed the latest research regarding apathy in NCDs. Results Progress has recently been made in three areas relevant to apathy: (1) phenomenology, including the use of diagnostic criteria and novel instruments for measurement, (2) neurobiology, including neuroimaging, neuropathological and biomarker correlates, and (3) interventions, including pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and noninvasive neuromodulatory approaches. Discussion Recent progress confirms that apathy has a significant impact on those with major NCD and those with mild NCDs. As such, it is an important target for research and intervention.

Abstract Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are widespread and disabling. This has been known since Dr. Alois Alzheimer's first case, Frau Auguste D., presented with emotional distress and delusions of infidelity/excessive jealousy, followed by cognitive symptoms. Being cognizant of this, in 2010 the Alzheimer's Association convened a research roundtable on the topic of NPS in AD. A major outcome of the roundtable was the founding of a Professional Interest Area (PIA) within the International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART). The NPS‐PIA has prepared a series of documents that are intended to summarize the literature and provide more detailed specific recommendations for NPS research. This overview paper is the first of these living documents that will be updated periodically as the science advances. The overview is followed by syndrome‐specific synthetic reviews and recommendations prepared by NPS‐PIA workgroups on depression, apathy, sleep, agitation, and psychosis.