Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting an estimated 35 million people worldwide. Despite the wide impact of this disease, little is known as a definitive diagnosis can only occur post-mortem. Annually, millions of funding dollars are allocated for preclinical research to further understand Alzheimer’s disease with animal models being at the forefront of this research.

Commonly Used Species in Alzheimer's Research

Electrophysiology

Electroencephalogram (EEG) has been used as a tool for diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in clinical populations for several decades. A criticism of historical techniques points to the lack of specificity and difficulty quantifying the EEG data. New data analysis techniques overcome these problems and offer an exciting area of research for both clinical and pre-clinical scientists. Indicators of AD in EEG include
shift of the power spectrum to lower frequencies,¹ decrease in coherence of fast rhythms,²  and EEG complexity changes.³

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Google Scholar Indexes 72 Publications Citing DSI, EEG and Alzheimer's

Sleep

Clinical populations affected by AD show distinct sleep architecture compared to control populations.¹ A common method of incorporating sleep assessment involves monitoring both EEG and EMG via either implantable telemetry or a tethered hardwired system. EEG is used to identify the type of sleep that is occurring and EMG is used to identify the presence or absence of rapid eye movement (REM).^2,3  Some researchers also use skeletal muscle EMG, activity measurements, and/or video to differentiate betwee wakefulness, sleep architecture, and more.

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Google Scholar Indexes 64 Publications Citing DSI, Sleep and Alzheimer's

Respiratory

In AD populations, there is a blurred distinction between the disease and the patient’s actual cause of death. Shortness of breath, disruptions in the flow of oxygen, pneumonia, and other respiratory disorders are often observed; leading to a lower quality of life. Some research suggests a connection between commonly prescribed sedatives to AD patients and its potential risk of increased respiratory complications. Scientists can study respiratory disruptions in normal or AD animal models to better understand its relationship to neurodegenerative disorders.  

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Google Scholar Indexes 76 Publications Citing Buxco and Alzheimer's

Glucose

Current research suggests a bidirectional correlation between elevated blood sugar levels and Alzheimer's disease. Some scientists have gone as far to call Alzheimer’s Disease type-3 diabetes. On the other hand, Platt and colleagues¹ have found that an Alzheimer model can lead to diabetes complications (type II). A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, report that glycation related damage to specific enzymes may be a critical part in the progression Alzheimer's Disease. These scientists now hope to detect similar changes in blood samples rather than brain.²

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Google Scholar Indexes 81 Publications Citing DSI, Glucose and Alzheimer's

Circadian Rhythm

Circadian rhythm is an important component of mammalian physiology and plays a large role in sleep-wake cycles, core body temperature, hormone balance and eating patterns. Disturbances with circadian rhythm are seen in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. One type of circadian disturbance is known as Sundowning Syndrome, which  is a neurological phenomenon that occurs in about 20% of people with Alzheimer’s¹ and is presented as confusion, agitation and anxiety occurring in the late afternoon and continuing through the night.

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Google Scholar Indexes 61 Publications Citing DSI, Circadian and Alzheimer's