13^th Annual Conference on Dementia and Alzheimers Disease December 13-15, 2018 Abu Dhabi, UAE

Biography:

Abha Chauhan is the Head of Developmental Neuroscience Laboratory (IBR) at New York. She is also an Adjunct Professor of the Neuroscience Doctoral program at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She has received her MS and Ph.D. from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India. From 1983-1984, she has worked as a Research Associate at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York. Then she joined IBR, where she has over 90 publications in the fields of Alzheimer’s disease. She has been awarded several research grants as a Principal Investigator and has served as the Editor of the book entitled Autism: Oxidative stress, Inflammation, and Immune Abnormalities.

Abstract:

Amyloid beta-protein (Aβ) is the major protein of amyloid deposits in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Extensive evidence suggests neurotoxic effects of Aβ and the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in AD. Walnuts are rich in components that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous in vitro studies have shown that walnut extract inhibits Aβ fibrillization, solubilizes its fibrils, and has protective effects against Aβ-induced oxidative stress and cell death in PC12 cells. In the Tg2576 transgenic mouse model of AD (AD-tg), we have reported the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation of 6% (T6) or 9% walnuts (T9) [equivalent to 1 or 1.5 oz of walnuts per day in human] on the memory, learning skills anxiety and motor coordination when compared to AD-tg mice on diet without walnuts (T0). The diets for the experimental and control mice were comparable as regards to total calories and the contents of protein, carbohydrate, and fat. To understand the mechanism of beneficial effects of a diet with walnuts in AD, we have recently studied the effects of walnuts on Aβ levels and oxidative stress markers in AD mice. In AD-tg mice on diet with walnuts (T6, T9), the levels of soluble Aβ were lower in the brain and higher in the blood when compared to T0 mice, suggesting that walnuts in the diet can increase the clearance of Aβ from the brain to the blood. We also observed a significant decrease in free radical levels and oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation) coupled with increased antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) in these T6 and T9 mice on diet with walnuts. In conclusion, these studies suggest that diet with walnuts may have beneficial effects in reducing the risk, delaying the onset, or slowing the progression of AD because walnuts can help to improve memory and learning skills, inhibit Aβ fibrillization and maintain Aß in the soluble form, decrease Aβ-induced oxidative stress and Aβ-mediated cytotoxicity and reduce the levels of Aβ in the brain and increase Aβ clearance.

Biography:

Mariam Chighladze has completed her Ph.D. from St Andrew the First-Called Georgian University of the Patriarchate of Georgia. She is the Laboratory Assistant at Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Functions. She has published more than four papers.

Abstract:

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive cognitive and behavioral impairment in the elderly. It is widely believed that changes in the cerebral activity of protein phosphatases have been implicated in the pathogenesis of AD. Okadaic Acid (OA) is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatases. OA induced memory deficit and elevation of Ca²⁺ was found to be correlated with neurotoxicity and N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor emerged as a plausible link. According to available data, the NMDA receptor antagonists (including memantine) have the potential to perform the neuroprotective role in neurodegenerative processes caused by Ca²⁺ ionotoxicity. In the present study, the possible beneficial effect of memantine on the OA induced spatial short-term memory impairment was examined in spatial alternation task. OA was dissolved in artificial Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (aCSF) and injected Intra Cerebro Ventriculary (ICV) 200 ng in a volume of 10 μl bilaterally. Vehicle control received aCSF ICV bilaterally. Control and OA injected rats were divided into two subgroups injected i.p. with saline or memantine (5 mg/kg). Memantine or saline was given daily for 13 days starting from the day of OA injection. The behavioral study showed that bilateral ICV microinjection of OA induced impairment in spatial short-term memory and chronic administration of memantine effectively attenuated OA induced spatial short-term memory impairment. Therefore, ICV injection of OA can be used as an experimental model to study mechanisms of neurodegeneration and define novel therapeutic targets for AD pathology.

Biography:

Ganiyu Oboh, Nigerian biochemist, researcher. Achievements include the development of bio-system network for the re-utilization of cassava peels and wastewater by-products. Member of Nigerian Society Experimental Biology, Biotechnology Society Nigeria, Nigerian Society Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (chapter secretary).

Abstract:

Neurodegenerative diseases are generally characterized by memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, neuronal damage, and death. The pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are not well understood. However, these diseases are multifactorial etiology, which involves complex mechanisms such as disruption of neurological cascades, oxidative stress, impaired neurochemistry, protein misfolding and aggregation as well as deposition of senile plaques and insoluble fibrils in the brain. Management of age-related diseases including AD and PD has been associated with the consumption of functional foods which could be whole, fortified, enriched or enhanced foods that provides health benefits beyond the provision of essential nutrients. These foods contain phytochemicals such as polyphenols, alkaloids, carotenoids, anthocyanin’s and many more which are capable of improving cognitive function, learning, general brain, and wellbeing. Tropical vegetables and spices are among one of the most consumed food either singly or as part of other dishes. In our lab, we have employed various experimental models including in vitro screenings, in vivo studies in rats and fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) to study the biochemical and molecular basis of neuroprotective properties of several tropical vegetables and spices. This review major findings from our lab on the neuroprotective properties (as well as the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms) of some tropical vegetables and spices in various experimental models. Experimental findings on tropical green leafy vegetables including Amaranth (Amarantus cruentus), Water bitter leaf (Struchium sparganophora), Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), Horseradish (Moringa olifera), African Jointfir (Gnetum africanum) and spices such as pepper varieties (Capsicum spp.), Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta), and Bastard Melegueta (Aframomum danieli) were presented. Furthermore, characterized phytochemicals especially polyphenols and alkaloids from these tropical foods are also elucidated. It is believed that our findings would provide useful information on the neuroprotective properties of these functional foods which could form a basis for their adoption as functional foods and nutraceuticals for the management of a related neurodegenerative disease.

Biography:

Ved Chauhan is the Head of the Cellular Neurochemistry Laboratory at New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York. He has received his Ph.D. from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India. After working as a Research Associate for two years at the University of Southern California, he joined IBR as a Research Scientist. He has published over 100 research articles in the field of signal transduction, membrane biochemistry, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism. For his work on Alzheimer’s disease and autism, he has been awarded several research grants as Principal Investigator from NIH, Alzheimer’s Association and Autism Research Institute. He has also served as an Editorial Board Member of many journals.

Abstract:

Deposition of fibrils Amyloid Beta-protein (Aβ) as amyloid plaques in the brain is a prominent feature in the pathology of AD. Gelsolin a multifunctional actin-binding protein is present as circulatory protein in plasma (p-gelsolin) and its shorter form is present in the cytoplasm (c-gelsolin). We have reported that gelsolin forms a complex with Aβ and gelsolin inhibits Ab fibrillization and it also solubilizes preformed Aβ fibrils. These findings suggest anti-amyloidogenic property of gelsolin. Other studies have also shown reduced amyloid load with peripheral administration of p-gelsolin or transgene expression of c-gelsolin in the transgenic mouse model of AD. The levels of gelsolin can also be increased epigenetically by inhibition of histone deacetylases, such as Trichostatin A (TSA). TSA has been reported to increase gelsolin expression in cell cultures and brain. We studied whether TSA can act as a potential therapeutic agent in AD through clearance of Aβ by affecting the levels of plasma/brain gelsolin in APPswe/PS1_δE9 transgenic mouse model of AD. Intraperitoneal administration of TSA to these AD-tg mice for two months improved the learning ability during the Morris water maze training process. The western blots showed increased plasma levels of gelsolin, Aβ 1-40/Aβ 1-42 in TSA-treated mice as compared with vehicle-treated control mice. A positive correlation was observed between the plasma levels of gelsolin and Aβ 1-40 / Aβ 1-42 in AD-tg mice. These results suggest that TSA may help in Aβ clearance by inducing the expression of gelsolin, thus improving the learning skills. It seems that plasma gelsolin probably acts as peripheral sink protein to bind Aβ peptides and therefore help in Aβ clearance.

Biography:

Dr. Rajib Dutta is a postgraduate neurology trainee 1st year in China with MRCP UK, Diploma in Emergency Medicine and critical care (Royal college UK), Diploma in clinical neuropsychology (UK), Pediatric Neurology certification  BPNA (UK, ongoing), Neuroscience and neuroimaging course John Hopkins University(ongoing). He has recently submitted a meta-analyses of  vit D and its association with PD in frontiers of neuroscience under review plus submitted this above mentioned abstract in Movement disorders under review, working on WD with secondary PKD ,Face of Giant Panda in WD ,PARK 2 neuropathy ,EA 2 with novel mutation , DYT -27 etc.

Abstract:

A 45-year-old working lady presented to us with bradykinesia for six months, accompanied with difficulty in walking for four months. Six months ago, the patient started feeling clumsy while doing household work and her movements became slower as time passed by. Four months ago, she ), to have difficulty in walking which gradually aggravated. Since onset, she was depressed, and experienced sleep-related behavioral issues but never lost weight. Her Mother had similar symptoms but was on antiparkinsonian drugs.P/E: increased muscle tone in all 4 limbs, right >> left with reduced right arm swing, with masked typefaces. In view of positive family history, parkinsonism symptoms, depression/apathy patient was diagnosed with definite PS(Perry syndrome) supported by international diagnostic criteria. PSG showed airflow restriction and hypoventilation using the apnea-hypopnea index.The genetic test was performed which confirmed novel point  DCTN 1 gene mutation. The patient was started on Antiparkinsonian agents, antidepressants, and clonazepam and her symptoms got somewhat better.

Conclusion and significance: We have diagnosed the first Asian case of a PS with a novel point mutation p.G67S of the DCTN1 gene in exon 2 not reported yet. Our observation suggests that patients/family members may not present with all the cardinal features of PS but still, it has to be ruled out with gene testing mainly because of two reasons:

1)an early timed diagnosis can significantly modify the progression of a disease.

2)Improve the quality of life by use of diaphragmatic pacing and can prevent life-threatening episodes of acute respiratory failure and eventually death.

Biography:

Abha Chauhan is the Head of Developmental Neuroscience Laboratory (IBR) at New York. She is also an Adjunct Professor of the Neuroscience Doctoral program at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She has received her MS and Ph.D. from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India. From 1983-1984, she has worked as a Research Associate at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York. Then she joined IBR, where she has over 90 publications in the fields of Alzheimer’s disease. She has been awarded several research grants as a Principal Investigator and has served as the Editor of the book entitled Autism: Oxidative stress, Inflammation, and Immune Abnormalities.

Abstract:

Amyloid beta-protein (Aβ) is the major protein of amyloid deposits in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Extensive evidence suggests neurotoxic effects of Aβ and the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in AD. Walnuts are rich in components that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous in vitro studies have shown that walnut extract inhibits Aβ fibrillization, solubilizes its fibrils, and has protective effects against Aβ-induced oxidative stress and cell death in PC12 cells. In the Tg2576 transgenic mouse model of AD (AD-tg), we have reported the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation of 6% (T6) or 9% walnuts (T9) [equivalent to 1 or 1.5 oz of walnuts per day in human] on the memory, learning skills anxiety and motor coordination when compared to AD-tg mice on diet without walnuts (T0). The diets for the experimental and control mice were comparable as regards to total calories and the contents of protein, carbohydrate and fat. To understand the mechanism of beneficial effects of diet with walnuts in AD, we have recently studied the effects of walnuts on Aβ levels and oxidative stress markers in AD mice. In AD-tg mice on diet with walnuts (T6, T9), the levels of soluble Aβ were lower in the brain and higher in the blood when compared to T0 mice, suggesting that walnuts in the diet can increase the clearance of Aβ from the brain to the blood. We also observed a significant decrease in free radical levels and oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation) coupled with increased antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) in these T6 and T9 mice on diet with walnuts. In conclusion, these studies suggest that diet with walnuts may have beneficial effects in reducing the risk, delaying the onset, or slowing the progression of AD because walnuts can help to improve memory and learning skills, inhibit Aβ fibrillization and maintain Aß in the soluble form, decrease Aβ-induced oxidative stress and Aβ-mediated cytotoxicity and reduce the levels of Aβ in the brain and increase Aβ clearance.

Biography:

Sundas Hira is working as a lecturer at Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University. She is contributing dedicatedly her best part in research and publications. She has her expertise in assessing the use or effectiveness of natural substances in neurodegenerative diseases. Her research work based on evaluating the “effectiveness of beta-carotene in streptozocin-induced cognitive impairment in mice” explores the new pathways for preventing many neurodegenerative diseases associated with cognitive deficit. This research probes the use of natural supplements in various disease resulting due to oxidative stress. 

Abstract:

Alzheimer’s is the neurodegenerative disease characterized by cascade changes in the cognitive, behavioral and social activities. Several areas of the brain are involved in the regulation of memory. Of most important are amygdala and hippocampus. A number of available antioxidants are used for the treatment of many ailments. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of exogenous antioxidant such as beta-carotene (1.02 &2.05 mg/Kg) against i.c.v streptozocin-induced memory impairment in mice. Streptozocin (3mg/Kg, i.c.v) was administered in two divided doses (on 1st and 3rd) for neurodegeneration. Male albino mice (n = 50) were used in the protocol which was further subdivided into five groups (Group I- control, Group II- diseased, Group III-standard, Group IV-V treated with beta carotene) to investigate the cognitive enhancement effect of selected antioxidant. Learning and memory behavior was assessed following the passive avoidance, elevated plus maze and open field paradigm. Biochemical markers of oxidative stress such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and acetylcholinesterase were analyzed in brain homogenates to evaluate the antioxidant potential and role of acetylcholine in memory enhancement. Results indicated that beta-carotene at high dose (2.05mg/Kg) was more effective in the improvement of cognitive performance. It may be concluded from the study that beta-carotene can be useful for memory enhancement and suggests its potential in the treatment of many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

Biography:

Opeyemi Babatunde Ogunsuyi currently works at the Department of Biomedical Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure. Opeyemi does research in Biochemistry with a special focus on Neurophytotherapy, Functional Foods, and Nutraceuticals. Their current project is natural therapy for neurodegenerative diseases using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. 

Abstract:

This study examined the modulatory effect Black nightshade (Solanum. nigrum L) and African eggplant (Solanum. macrocarpon L) leaves via a feeding trial on cognitive function, antioxidant status, and activities of critical enzymes of monoaminergic and cholinergic systems of neurotransmission in scopolamine-administered rats. Cognitive impairment was induced in albino rats pretreated with dietary inclusions of Black nightshade (BN) and African eggplant (AE) leaves by single administration (i.p) of scopolamine (2 mg/kg body weight). Prior to termination of the trail, the rats were subjected to spontaneous alternation (Y-maze) test to assess their spatial working memory. Thereafter, activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), arginase and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, SOD, and GST) of rat brain homogenate were determined. Also, the malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite and GSH contents of the homogenate were determined. The results showed that pretreatment with dietary inclusions of AE and BN (5% and 10%) significantly reversed the impairment in the rats’ spatial working memory induced by scopolamine. Similarly, elevations in activities of AChE, BChE, and MAO induced by scopolamine were significantly reversed in rats pretreated with dietary inclusions of AE and BN. In addition, impaired antioxidant status induced by scopolamine was reversed by pretreatment with dietary inclusions of AE and BN. This study has shown that dietary inclusions of AE and BN could protect against cognitive and neurochemical impairments induced by scopolamine and hence, these vegetables could be used as a source of functional foods and nutraceuticals for the prevention and management of cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Biography:

Malka Ceh is a postgraduate student of psychotherapy science at Sigmund Freud University Vienna, and a psychoanalytic psychotherapist in training, currently working under supervision at the psychotherapeutic faculty clinic in Ljubljana, Slovenia. She is a founding member of Physiopsychological Research Association PsyPhys, member of the International Neuropsychoanalysis Society, and member of the International Association of Clinical Neuropsychotherapy. Her research interests include neuropsychotherapy, neuropsychoanalysis, and sports psychotherapy.

Abstract:

Psychoanalytical psychotherapy is usually not primary recognized as a supportive approach and is traditionally placed on the expressive and explorative pole of the psychotherapy spectrum. The common aim of psychoanalytical psychotherapy is to identify innate patterns, repressed emotions, and forgotten experiences. In making this unconscious content conscious it gets easier for the patient to know, change or accept who they are. Although dementia is rarely considered for psychotherapy, and because of its nature even less for psychoanalytical psychotherapy, we believe psychoanalytical informed ideas and concepts have much to offer in outlining a benefiting approach to dementia patients. As memory function is critically affected in dementia, the illness alters the core of a patient’s self and his object relations. In developing a profound understanding of these human experiences and their complex functioning, psychoanalysis can conceive precise interventions that provide efficiently for the patient’s cognitive, relational, and relational needs. Together with the most powerful aspects of contemporary psychoanalytical psychotherapy, i.e. curiosity, openness, and acceptance, we can contribute considerably to the quality of life for more and more people who are living with dementia.

Biography:

Satyaprakash Tiwari has spearheaded and operationalized four Voluntary Welfare Organizations (VWOs), piloted the first home help service and dementia day care center and developed numerous community-based programs and initiatives in Singapore. Having been a Senior-Level Executive in VWOs for over 30 years, he earned a formidable reputation in relation to his expertise in initiating and institutionalizing significant programs with highly effective management skills and ability to develop longstanding commercial, inter-agency and client relationships.

Abstract:

One of the emphases today in Jamiyah Singapore is on avoiding premature institutionalization of the frail elderly with dementia. Singapore should as far as possible decrease use of the expensive and debilitating nursing home care. This is not to say that institutional services should be totally eliminated, but that they must be used more judiciously. As the aging population increases, the question remains how many of the elderly will need the costly institutional care necessary to deal with chronic illness and how many should be re-channeled to less expensive, yet more meaningful alternatives. The feasibility of such cost-saving community long-term care alternatives is based on the idea of a “continuum of care”, the provision of an appropriate level of service for elderly citizens in various stages of health and aging. Jamiyah Singapore recognizes that the aging of the Singaporean population is expected to pose a major challenge to Singapore’s socio-economic progress and the face of healthcare in Singapore is changing. Advancements in technology, pharmacology, and medical healthcare practice contribute to the extension of the average lifespan. Amidst these changes, chronic diseases are emerging as a priority topic. In general, the goal of treatment is to restore the elderly to their highest level of functioning. This includes optimizing medical, emotional, social, educational and vocational functioning and bringing them as close to full independence as their condition allow. Jamiyah Singapore has set up more than 15 services and programs such as counseling, senior therapy services, residential homes, food bank, etc. These services aim to help persons from various vulnerable and disadvantaged groups across all ages and ethnic background to ensure that anyone who needs help and their caregivers gets the necessary support they need. The predominant aims for which the organization was established are to provide a comprehensive planned approach for the direct relief of poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, destitution or helplessness in the community.