136th OMICS Group Conference
International Conference on
Psychology, AutismSeptember and30-October Alzheimer's 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Disease Airport, TX, USA
Accepted Abstracts
PsychoAAD-2013 Page 97 Jinan Abdul Mohsin Ali, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Impact of television in aggressive behavior in children of the Baghdad city Jinan Abdul Mohsin Ali Researcher
he research aims to know the causes of aggressive behavior in children by collecting information on many variables, which Tincludes television viewing and family history, intelligence and personal relationships with other children and so on. The sample consisted of a primary school pupils in Baghdad from 60 children (males and females) and researcher research sample was divided into two groups first (pilot) exposed a group of children to see a film violence, while watching the second group (control) a non-violent film. Then exposed children in two test position is a measure of aggressive behavior in all of them. And that if a wire children who viewed the movie violence more aggressive than other children who did not watch this film, the film violence which have been introduced is the cause of aggressive behavior. The study revealed that the aggression is common in the homes of disadvantaged individuals or living social and economic conditions is favorable, such as high levels of unemployment, divorce and family disputes and continuing confrontation of frustration and anger. In these houses, we find that family members may prefer to watch violence in television programs because it seems to them more realistic. The researcher found a correlation between gender (sex) and aggressive behavior. In the sense that males are more aggressive than females. In this case there is confidence that aggressive behavior is not the cause of the sex of the baby. Children begin their lives not gender-neutral., But the opposite is true, where there is confidence in the direction of causality. Some phenomena gender (male or female) is affecting the aggressive behavior of the child, the researcher recommends against showing violence to children and conduct research for other variables. Researcher used SPSS to analyze the data and display the results.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 98 Ada Chung, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Chinese cultural values and solution focused therapy Ada Chung Singapore Management University, Singapore
hen we talked about how to implement Solution Focused Therapy in Chinese Community, we were always asked “How Wdoes it work? The emergence of the Strength Perspective reflects the discontent towards the pathological perspective that had influenced counselors, social workers and other professions over centuries (Saleebey, 2006). Strength based intervention identifies the potentials of the clients and believes that clients have the ability to heal and cure. Exploring solutions while identifying clients’ strengths are the main focus of strength-based interview. The interviewing method is based on Solution-Focused Therapy which was developed by Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, and colleagues at the Brief Family Therapy Centre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (de Shazer et.al. 1986). The interviewing method provides guidelines for exploring clients’ strengths, however, therapists sometimes will get confused about when and how to use the SF questions and what else they need to do. Besides, some Chinese therapists would query whether the guidelines developed from overseas context can also be applied to Chinese culture? Having consolidated the experience in counseling cases with Solution-Focused Therapy in local Hong Kong and Singapore context, it is summarized that there are three stages in the intervention process and every stage will have specific task to do, i.e. Engagement Stage, Working Stage and Ending Stage. In this paper, we also bring up the concept of 6R: Resistance, Release, Re- focus, Reach, Regenerate and Reassure to fulfill the gap that just mentioned. Through this new Map, therapists will know what they need to do in the different stages, what kinds of skills and questioning techniques of Solution Focused Therapy will be used and thus they can easier to guide the clients to focus on the solution talk. Under the concept of 6R, Solution Focused questions would be asked specifically in certain stage. It is aimed to inspire hope to shift the focus from conflict and hopelessness to a new perception of strengths and resources in individual as well as interpersonal bases. We consider that this new process map would give more directions to therapists who are working with clients from Chinese community.
Biography Ada Chung has been working in the areas of Children & Youth and family service for over 15 years. She is now working in Singapore Management University (SMU) as a senior counselor, providing counseling service and leadership training to students. Ada has published a teaching Disk and Instructional Booklet - “Solution-focused therapy with Chinese Families”, which was funded by Teaching Development Grant, HKBU and the product was out in February 2010. Besides, she has also presented papers on Solution Focused Therapy in the International Conference on Social Work and Counseling Practice which was held in Hong Kong in June 2009 and International Social Work Conference in June 2010.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 99 Adriana Garza Lopez, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
A meta-analysis of alterations in specific brain structures in clinically depressed patients Adriana Garza Lopez Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico
he brain consists of different structures that are continuously interacting to regulate and control bodily activities, interpret Tsensory impulses and help organs and muscles function. It is also known to control consciousness, thought, memory and emotion. During acute and chronic clinical depression specific brain structures are altered both in function and size. For further research on this matter a meta- analysis was conducted by reviewing 25 medical studies of the adult population, the focus was specifically in the changes involving the Amygdala, Hippocampus, Prefrontal Cortex and Anterior Cingulate Cortex. Out of the 25 articles, 8 found major changes in the hippocampus, 10 in areas of the prefrontal cortex, 7 in the amygdala and 4 in the anterior cingulate cortex. In general the major overlap involved changes in the amygdala and hippocampus. The importance of focusing on structural changes involved in clinical depression is not only to help in creating major awareness of this pathology but more specifically to help in the future aim of its treatment. We recognize that the prevalence of clinical depressions diagnosis has grown from 3.33% in 1991-1992 to 10% in 2012 in the United States of America. Thus, the importance of recognizing and treating depression can improve the quality of life in 1/10 patients in the United States of America today.
Biography Adriana Garza López is currently a medical student at University of Monterrey, Mexico. She has completed a program for IVHQ medical volunteers in Faridabad, India. She participated at AAAS 2011 as a poster presenter for the student division and as a session aid. She has served as a member of the annual medical congress of her university. She is currently completing a 2-month observership for the internal medicine division at Washington Hospital Center.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 100 Alkaissi Aiadh, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
The experience of mothers and teachers of attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder ADHD( ) children, and their management practices for the behaviors of the child Alkaissi Aiadh An-Najah National University, Israel
Background: ADHD is a neurodevelopment disorder with three core symptoms-inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity-that affect both cognitive and behavioral functioning in academic, social and family contexts. ADHD places a heavy burden on the child, the family, and the other care givers. Significance understanding the experience of primary caregivers raising school-aged children diagnosed with ADHD would provide additional information from which to create effective interventions. Purpose: to investigate and describe the experience of the adults that interact on a daily basis with school-aged children with ADHD, who are mothers and teachers. And to understand management practices that are used by mothers and teachers to deal with the most prominent signs of ADHD in order to formulate a care plan. Method: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was used. Purposive sampling, four children diagnosed with ADHD were selected. The sample was four mothers and 12 teachers (3 teachers for each child). Data collection was conducted through in-depth, face-to-face interviews recorded on audiotape and field notes. Each interview lasted about 1 hour. The unstructured interview guide allowed large health care providers to talk about their experiences of raising school-age children with ADHD. Data analyzed by Giorgi phenomenological psychology approach. Results: Three major themes emerged from the mothers’ interviews: (1) the burden of caring (2) inadequate support (3) disturbances of the child's behavior. Five major themes emerged from the teachers´ interviews: (1) lack of information (2) child´s behaviors disruptive (3) the lack of resources (4) lack of support (5) the burden of having the child in the class Conclusion: There were clear defects in the knowledge, understanding, services provided for the children, and available support for the care givers. Improving services in terms of family and school care should be a major concern. Relevance to clinical practice:The recommendations made on the basis of the results can be used as a guide to improve the delivery of care services for children with ADHD.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 101 Alkaissi Aiadh, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Association between autism and iron deficiency in autistic children in the northern west bank Alkaissi Aiadh An-Najah National University, Israel
Background: Iron has an important role in cognitive, behavioral, and motor development. A high prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) has been reported in people with autism. Children with autism are at risk for ID and this condition may increase the severity of psychomotor and behavioral problems, some of which already inherently exist in these children. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between autism and iron deficiency in autistic children in the northern West Bank and to identify food selectivity and compare indices of food selectivity among children with autism, children with mental disorders and typically developing children. Patients and methods: 90 children with an age range of 3 to 13 years participated in a case control study distributed into the study group and two control groups. Thirty children diagnosed with autism according to DSM-IV and ICD-10criteria served as a study group, 30 children with mental disorders other than autism served as a control group, and 30 typically developing children taken from the public functioned as a second control group. The three groups were matched for age, gender and geographical area. Serum ferritin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and red cell distribution width values were measured. Results: ID was detected in 20% (N=6/30) of autistic children based on Serum ferritin level (SF< 10µ/l), compared with 0% for the two control groups (p=0.0001). Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <110g/l for children under the age of 6 years and hemoglobin <120g/l for children between 6 and 13 years of age .When we analyzed HGB for these six children (children who have low serum ferritin); we found that 66.6% (4/6) of the children (two are pre-school male children (HGB is less than 110g/1), and the other two are one male and one female of school children (HGB is less than 120g/l) have iron deficiency anemia. The results indicated that these differences are for males. We found also that the frequency of low iron intake in these children is associated with feeding difficulties and food selectivity; there was a significant difference between children in the autistic group who chose foods with a red color as a favorite 23% (7/30) compared to the other two control groups: 0%, respectively (p=0.0001). The results demonstrated also a significant difference in the frequency of snacks per day (≥ 4) in autistic children 40% (12/30) compared to both mental disorder 16.7 % (n=5/30) (p=0.006) and typically developing children 6.7% (n=2/30) groups (p=0.001). Conclusion: Results of this study confirmed that there is an association between autism, iron deficiency and anemia. Low levels of serum ferritin in autistic children might be a sign of iron deficiency and an early precursor of iron deficiency anemia. Our findings suggest that food selectivity is more common in children with autism than in typically developing children. These findings suggest that ferritin levels should be measured in children with autism as a part of routine investigation.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 102 Alice Rota-Bartelink, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Alcohol abuse and the older person: A specialized model of residential care Alice Rota-Bartelink National Ageing Research Institute, Australia
he Wicking Project evaluated the effectiveness of a specialized model in improving life quality and wellbeing of older people T(aged ≥ 50 years) living with an alcohol-related brain injury (ARBI) and highly challenging behaviors. Funded by the JO & JR Wicking Trust and managed by Wintringham - a not-for-profit provider of aged care services to the homeless population, fourteen volunteer participants experiencing repeated cycles of homelessness took part in an 18-month research trial. Seven participants were supported in a residence by way of a specialized care model. Seven control group participants were monitored as they continued to live within the community. The residential model involved 24/7 specialized supported care and individualized recreation and behavior management plan implementation. These initiatives were supported by a team of highly trained and skilled personnel including neuropsychological case management. All participants underwent comprehensive pre-, inter- and post-trial assessments.. Outcome data demonstrated statistically significant reductions in the level of anxiety and depression experienced by the residential participants as well as reductions in the amount of alcohol consumed and increases in productivity when compared with the control group. Positive changes were measured in nearly all life quality indicators for the residential group many to a level of clinical significance. To facilitate the transfer of skills and knowledge gained through this project this presentation will provide advice on strategies to assist with managing behaviors of concern among older people living with ARBI and facilitate the successful transitioning of clients back into mainstream care. Economic modeling will be presented that delivers evidence of considerable cost-to- government savings provided through this intervention.
Biography Alice Rota-Bartelink has worked across a wide range of service sectors. She held a 4-year lecturing position at La Trobe University, Melbourne where she attained her Ph.D. She joined Wintringham in 2001 to undertake an international study of homelessness among the aged and more recently to manage the Wicking Project presented today. She has authored 7 peer reviewed journal articles and has presented at numerous national and international conferences as well as delivering as series of Master Class workshops on this issue across Australia and New Zealand.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 103 Aneta Czerwonka, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Generalization across conversational skills and play skills for children with Autism spectrum disorders Aneta Czerwonka McMaster University, Canada
he purpose of this study was to examine the effect of video modeling training on the generalization across conversational Tskills and play skills for two children with ASD. Video modeling intervention consisted of conversation training, play training, and a combination of both training. The results of the single subject reversal design showed that it is unclear if targeting one of these behaviors will affect the occurrence of the other. Play training alone increased the frequency of the interactive play for both children with ASD, but did not generalize to increase in the frequency of the interactive conversation. Conversation training alone increased the frequency of the interactive conversation for both of the children, but did not generalize to an increase in peer interaction. Combination of both training resulted in the greatest increase in the frequency of the interactive conversation and peer interaction than any other training alone.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 104 Oleg N. Antzutkin, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
β Structural insights into neurotoxic Alzheimer's A (1-42)CC oligomers using solid-state NMR Oleg N. Antzutkin University of Warwick, UK
mall intermediate aggregates (oligomers and protofibrils) of amyloidogenic peptides and proteins have been shown to Sbe neurotoxic in vitro and are believed to be the principal toxic species for brain neurons causing Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.1 However, cell toxicity and structural studies of oligomers and protofibrils of Aβ using solid-state NMR and microscopy (TEM, STEM and AFM) are challenging, because of the transient nature and structural diversity of oligomers and a high level of polymorphism of protofibrils and amyloid fibrils, usually all coexisting in the same macroscopic β β β sample. Recently, -sheet rich oligomers and protofibrils of a model Alzheimer’s A (1-42) peptide, A (1-42)CC, were stabilized by the β specific double mutation (A21C and A30C) followed by intramolecular cysteine-cysteine cross-linking.2 A (1-42)CC forms only oligomers and protofibrils, which exhibit ca 100-fold higher apoptotic caspase-3/7 activity (neurotoxicity to SH-SY5Y human β neuroblastoma cells) compared with A (1-42) amyloid fibrils.2 We report on a variety of important structural constraints in oligomers of uniformly (13C,15N) and selectively (13C,15N 17 β 13 13 13 15 and O) labelled A (1-42)CC using multi-dimensional correlation C- C and C- N solid-state NMR experiments. Structural 13 13 13 15 -13 15 constraints obtained from 2D C- C and C- N NMR on hydrated oligomers of recombinant U C, N-Aβ(1-42)C21C30 reveal β-sheet secondary structure features and intermolecular packing of the C-terminal regions in oligomers. Using 2D 13C-13C DARR γ ε γ ε 13 15 β NMR, V24C -K28C and V36C -K16C cross-peaks were detected in different selectively ( C, N) labelled A (1-42)CC samples of oligomers suggesting spatial proximities between side-chains of these amino acid residues. These constraints together with the Cα and Cβ 13C having chemical shifts characteristic of β-sheet structures in proteins are consistent with a β-hairpin structure in β the V24-K28 structural fragment and with a specific packing of the central (K16) and the C-terminal (V36) regions in A (1-42) CC oligomers, respectively. In addition, we also explore implementation of 15N{17O} REAPDOR NMR on selectively (13C,15N and 17 β O) labelled A (1-42)CC for the direct probing of hydrogen bonding in oligomers: The method has successfully been validated on Aβ amyloid fibrils.
Biography Oleg N. Antzutkin is Professor in Chemistry of Interfaces at LTU (since 2006) and also Professorial Fellow (since 2008) at the University of Warwick, UK. After B.Sc.(Hon) and M.Sc. degrees in Chemical Physics at Novosibirsk State University, Russia, in 1990 he moved to Sweden as a research fellow. He received his licentiate of technology degree (in 1992) in the field of ESR spectroscopy under supervision of Prof. Anders Lund at University of Linköping. He has received Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 1996, solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopy, under supervision of Prof. Malcolm H. Levitt. He spent one-year sabbatical (1998-1999) at NIH, USA (host Robert Tycko). During this time he engaged a new highly successful project at NIH and together with Tycko and co-workers have solved supramolecular-level structure of Alzheimer’s amyloid fibrils using novel solid-state NMR methods. Only five papers from this period were already cited more than 2000 times. One of recent achievements of his group at LTU in collaboration with Warwick University is the development of novel 15N{17O}-REAPDOR NMR methodology to probe hydrogen bonding in amyloid fibrils and other biologically important systems: These results were reported in Angewandte Chemie International Edition in 2012. He has published >125 articles in refereed scientific journals, a few chapters in books and received a number of prizes. ‘h’-index>25, number of citations > 3462 (2013-05-22) (ISI web of sciences), conference contributions: 61 (28 invited talks).
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 105 Ayman, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Predictors of depression among patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses Ayman University of Jordon, Jordon
Background: Depression is associated with increased medical morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic medical illnesses. Purpose: Of this study was to investigate the psychosocial predictors of depression among patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses in Jordan. Methods: A cross sectional survey using 806 patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses has been used to collected data in regards to depressive symptoms, psychological distress, coping, optimism, life satisfaction, and perceived social support. Results: 27.5% of the patients reported that they had moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and about 31% of them had mild level of depression. Psychological distress, perceived social support from family, life satisfaction and optimism were significant 2 predictors of depressive symptoms (R =.29; F 11, 803 = 29.7, p < .001). Male and female patients were significantly different in their depressive scores (t = - 2.57, p = .01). Conclusion: implication for clinical practice and research discussed.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 106 Baber Malik, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Evidence of cross cultural effects on the assessment of autobiographical memory in ageing: Implications for cognitive assessment of dementia Baber Malik University of Sheffield, UK
ultural differences have been reported in autobiographical memory (ABM) that suggests collectivistic cultures recall more Csocial as opposed to self-focused memories. There is, therefore, an overwhelming necessity to develop culturally appropriate tests for ethnic minority groups. In this cross culture study we investigated the performance of Caucasian British and Pakistani older adults on a novel test of ABM. This test used visual triggers (of globally popular events) rather than direct questioning to elicit autobiographical recall in an attempt to overcome the cultural bias reported in previous research. Attention was also paid to the use of a social versus self-focused approach in recall. Eighty four older adults aged 60 years and over (42 British, 42 Pakistani) were administered the novel ABM test (15 images were selected - 3 per decade from 1960-2000). Participants were asked to name the event, decade and year from which they were asked to recall personal memories and names of personal acquaintances. Memories were then corroborated by a spouse or relatives. Ethnicity was significantly associated with the differences in recall of episodic memories in all decades. The findings suggest that cultural effects express a different approach to performance on tasks which are relevant for clinical assessment of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. There is, therefore, a pressing need to adapt assessment instruments and collect normative data which also account for cross-cultural differences to increase the validity of cognitive assessment in ethnic minorities groups worldwide.
Biography Baber Malik has completed his Bachelors at the age of 21 years from the University of Hull and is currently studying his Ph.D. at the University of Sheffield at the department of Neuroscience. He has successfully presented posters at the Alzheimer’s Research UK conference in the Yorkshire region and is currently working on standardizing and modifying memory tests that can be used for use with the ethnic minority groups in the UK in the context of dementia assessment and diagnosis.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 107 Bernadine Debra G, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
A sibling’s voice behind the shadow of psychosis Bernadine Debra G Saint Louis University, Philippines
Purpose of the Study: The aim of the study is to understand and develop insights from the live experiences of individuals with mentally ill siblings. Methodology: The study utilized phenomenological research design with 8 participants who were named after precious stones. Participants who were selected through non-probability sampling specifically purposive sampling are living in Baguio and Benguet who come from varied cultures. Results and Conclusions: The siblings’ experiences yielded both positive and negative effects in various aspects of life. Some participants reported to have experienced positive impacts in the family relationship such as closer bonding, respect, and understanding. Others revealed negative impacts like family feud, anger, time and financial constraints, feeling of helplessness, burn-out and limited patience. Participants also claim to have experienced crossroad of emotions brought about by the condition. Acceptance and happiness were felt however feeling of worthlessness, shame, guilt, pity, pain, disappointment and regret were also reported. In the course of the study, it is found that there are siblings who are parentified and are given responsibilities despite their ignorance regarding the health condition. To overcome the crisis, well siblings use coping/defense mechanisms such as faith healing, spiritual clinging, avoidance and help-seeking. Siblings of individuals with psychosis are profoundly affected in very specific ways. The researchers conclude that the varied experiences that siblings of mentally ill individuals go through either strengthen them or weaken them. Recommendations: The study recommends that the national and local governments should work hand in hand to maximize the implementation of programs on mental health to promote the wellbeing of the mentally ill and their families. The local government, in collaboration with the health care providers, would establish organizations for the purpose of providing support systems and discussion groups for well siblings who are under constant stress due to their sibling’s condition. Regular mental health education should be done in the Barangay level by health workers. Formation of community counseling for healthy siblings to go when under stress is important. Formation of support groups that will address the psychological problems of the siblings of mentally ill is also recommended.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 108 Chewki Ziani-Cherif, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Recent advances in Alzheimer disease research- Knowing the gamma-secretase structure is the key Chewki Ziani-Cherif Tlemcen University, Algeria
he last two decades have witnessed tremendous advances in understanding the biology of Alzheimer disease. Yet, no cure is Tavailable. Recent research has pinpointed gamma-secretase, one of the two enzymes responsible for beta-amyloid production, as the primary target to focus on. It has been shown that modulation of gamma-secretase is possible, and it is in theory possible to find the right modulator that will lead to the right cure. The key to success to do so is to clearly establish the right structure of the gamma-secretase within the membrane. In the present presentation, we wish to establish that determining with no ambiguity, the right conformation of gamma- secretase within the neuronal membrane is the key to developing the right cure. To do so, the use of Xe-NMR technique should prove a valuable tool. This technique, as will be explained in detail, should not only establish the correct gamma-secretase structure per se, but should also show where the structurally various modulators get anchored. Consequently, the exact location, nature and number of allosteric sites can be deduced from such experiments.
Biography Chewki Ziani-Cherif has completed his Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the age of 24 years from Strasbourg University, France and postdoctoral studies from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and Laval University in Quebec. He then joined the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida in the neuroscience field where he was introduced to Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. He spent over five years doing research in the same location as full time researcher, while teaching at the University of North-Florida. He has published more than 16 papers, a first fiction-novel that appeared in 2011 entitled Presidential conspiracy, and a second actually in press called A Journey into the Secret World of Money.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 109 Cristina Legido-Quigley, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Altered phosphatidylcholine metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease found using UPLC-Q-ToF and NMR based metabolomics Cristina Legido-Quigley Kings’s College London, UK
bberant lipid metabolism is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology, but the connections between AD and Alipid metabolic pathways are not fully understood. To investigate plasma lipids in AD, a multiplatform screen (N=35 by LC-MS and N=35 by NMR) was developed which enabled the comprehensive analysis of plasma from three groups (AD, MCI and age matched control). This Metabolomics screen identified three phosphatidylcholine (PC) molecules that were significantly diminished in AD cases. In a subsequent validation study (N=141), PC variation in a bigger sample set was investigated. These three PCs were again significantly lower in AD cases: PC 16:0/20:5 (p<0.001), 16:0/22:6 (p<0.05) and 18:0/22:6 (p<0.01). A receiver operated characteristic (ROC) analysis of the PCs combined with ApoE data produced an area under the curve predictive value of 0.828. Confirmatory investigations into the background biochemistry indiciated no significant plasma change in three further PCs of similar structure, total choline containing compounds or three fatty acid side chains, adding to the evidence that specific PCs play a role in AD pathology.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 110 Domenico Pratico, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Molecular interplay among A beta, tau and 5-Lipoxygenase: Implications for Alzheimer’s disease therapy Domenico Pratico Temple University, USA
he 5-Lipoxygenase (5LO) is up regulated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and in vivo modulates the amyloidotic phenotype Tof APP transgenic mice. However, no data are available on the effects that 5LO has on synaptic function, integrity and cognition. To address this issue we used a genetic and a pharmacologic approach by generating 3xTg mice deficient for 5LO, and administering 3xTg mice which a 5LO inhibitor. Compared with controls, we found that even before the development of overt neuropathology, both animals manifested significant memory improvement, rescue of their synaptic dysfunction and amelioration of synaptic integrity. In addition, later in life these mice had a significant reduction of Aβ and tau pathology. Our findings support a novel functional role for 5LO in regulating synaptic plasticity and memory. They establish this protein as a pleiotropic contributor to the development of the full spectrum of the AD phenotype, making it a valid therapeutic target for the treatment of AD.
Biography Domenico Pratico is Professor of Pharmacology, Microbiology and Immunology and member of the Center for Translational Medicine at Temple University Internationally known for his work on Alzheimer’s disease. He has authored over 195 articles, and has received many awards for his research accomplishments including the Biomedicine Investigator Award for Excellence in Scientific Research, Irvine H. Page Award for Medical Research, Neurosciences Education and Research Award, The Zenith Award from the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Dorothy Dillon Eweson Lectureship. During his 18-year academic career he has trained over 16 postdoctoral fellows, mentored more than 15 graduate students with many former trainees now heading up their own laboratories at other universities across the country.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 111 Douglas O. Baker, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Strategies to survive and thrive the special needs system of services, agencies and funding Douglas O. Baker Lifespan Special Needs Advisor, USA
Lifespan view of the key ages and stages relating to Education’s role, Government agencies, Medical treatment & services, ALegal needs, Insurance coverage for services and more. An unprecedented look at the lifespan of the needs, challenges and changing conditions special needs families face. Understand from a parent and professional with 20+ years of experience navigating the inter-connected services, resources, responsible agencies, planning and financial needs. Diagnosis - assessments - IEP’s - behavior therapies - transition planning - benefits - adult services - housing / living - employment - Long Term Care - survivorship State Agencies, Departments of Mental Health / Health Services / Rehabilitation, Social Security etc… A must attend for every affected family, their relatives and the professionals serving and supporting the special needs communities.
Biography Douglas Baker is a parent of a 23 year old son with Autism, a national speaker, advocate, community catalyst and educator on services and resources surrounding the special needs communities. With 20 years of experience navigating the inter-connected services, resources and responsible agencies, he is the innovator of a comprehensive financial and special needs planning process that has uniquely wrapped special needs advocacy, services and resource collaboration into a lifespan service around the financial and wealth management industry. Doug discusses common sense financial literacy, topics and strategies to organize movements using small adjustment to maximize economic clout within large disjointed communities. Autism, special needs mental health and disabled. Keynotes are highly lively bringing to light un-spotlighted public facts and figures to support efforts for positive and effective change.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 112 Gregory A. Jicha, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Autistic spectrum disorder symptoms in a geriatric population with MCI and early dementia Gregory A. Jicha University of Kentucky, USA
utism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a heterogeneous cluster of clinical phenotypes that may vary in age of onset, but Aare classically diagnosed by adolescence or early adulthood at latest. The possibility that development of late life ASD may occur after this age has been poorly explored. Several recent studies have suggested that late life onset of ASD symptoms can develop in frontotemporal dementia, but otherwise have not been linked to the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In order to more fully characterize the possibility of late life emergence of ASD symptoms in MCI and AD, we surveyed the caregivers of 140 subjects with late-life cognitive impairment from the University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Center Longitudinal Cohort using the GARS-II. Eighty-one caregivers returned the survey for a response rate of 58%. For subjects whose age of onset of cognitive decline was known, autism index ratings based on the sum of the three GARS-II subscale standard scores were associated with age at onset. Subjects with the highest index ratings (Possible/Very likely, n=14) reported significantly (statistically and clinically) younger age at onset than those who scored in the ‘Unlikely’ range (n=49): 68.2±9.3 vs. 74.9±7.9 (p=0.0088). This remains true when only the dementia cases are considered: 67.7±9.4 (Possible/Very likely, n=13) vs. 74.0±8.8 (Unlikely, n=33): (p=0.038). These data demonstrate that ASD symptoms are seen in conjunction with late-life degenerative dementia of all types and are more prevalent in those with early vs. late onset dementia. It is possible that lifelong subclinical ASD tendencies, might manifest only when neurological function is compromised by the development of even the mildest of pathologic insults in geriatric years. Further work elucidating a potentially complex interplay between ASD and late life dementia could shed much light on our appreciation of preclinical forms of ASD, identify key areas of shared neuroanatomic involvement between ASD and late life dementias, and further provide valuable insights that might hasten the development of therapeutic strategies for both ASD and late life neurodegenerative disorders.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 113 Stella Manne, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Music therapy in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) Stella Manne Molloy College, USA
usic therapy (MT) has a long tradition in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and there are many clinical Mcase studies and single group studies suggesting that music therapy enhances social communication skills. However, in contrast to behavioral approaches such as ABA, MT and other developmental are still regarded as a “promising interventions” rather than a “best practices”. Hesitancy to endorse them stems from limited empirical support and lack of theoretical clarity regarding the mechanisms by which it promotes children’s social emotional functioning. This review draws on empirical studies from a broad range of psychosocial interventions for improving communication skills in young children with ASD to ( 1) Demonstrate that “staged” interventions which systematically deliver child- led prior to adult- led strategies to reflect the developmental progression of early prelinguistic skills are more effective than interventions which are purely behavioral or which mix behavioral and developmental approaches unsystematically for improving targeted as well as untargeted skills which generalize to novel settings, people and stimuli and are maintained over time; (2) Provide evidence that contingent imitation, especially exact imitation ( same object, action, interaction time) can produce dramatic improvements in social communication within a short time frame; (3) Explain the relative advantage of MT over other approaches by embodying “staging” and “exact contingent imitation” as conditions for implementing every procedure while enabling small dynamic nuances that automatically ensure variation to develop “interaction themes”. A random control trial of 300 children eight countries (TIME-A) is now underway to assess the effectiveness improvisational MT for improving social communications of children 4-7, the effects of varying dosage and cost effectiveness. This review examines the potential of TIME-A to provide compelling evidence for the effectiveness of MT and opportunities to examine the causal mechanisms by which MT improves social emotional functioning.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 114 Edward MacPhee, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
The foundation of treatment for the traumatized patient: A model for the development and maintenance of the therapeutic relationship Edward MacPhee University of Michigan, USA
raumas can cause a variety of social problems. Those who have been traumatized may feel like no one understands them, be Tanxious and distrustful of others, feel awkward socially, and turn to isolating themselves. These problems make it challenging for clinicians to connect with and to treat these types of patients. However, the psychotherapy literature clearly shows that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of treatment, and without it, it becomes much more difficult to help patients. The purpose of this presentation is to address this problem and to offer a model to aid in the development and maintenance of the therapeutic relationship with those who have been traumatized. We will review the social challenges faced by traumatized individuals, explore the topic of evidence-based relationships, and then discuss the model itself. The model emphasizes the core skills of empathy (as described by Carl Rogers), meta communication (i.e. discussing the communication and the relationship itself), and collaboration. The approach is designed to be broadly applicable for anyone in the health related professions who work with those who have been traumatized. Future directions for the model will also be discussed.
Biography Edward MacPhee received his MD from UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He did his residency training in psychiatry at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC). He works at the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, which is affiliated with the University of Michigan. There, he is part of the PTSD Clinical Team and also serves as the chief of the clinic. His interests include the therapeutic relationship, humanistic psychotherapy, and mental health recovery.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 115 Elena Paley, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Neuro-degeneration: Inhibition of protein biosynthesis, food and infections Elena Paley Nova Southeastern University, USA
iogenic amines, decarboxylated analogs of amino acids act as competitive inhibitors of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, enzymes Bof protein biosynthesis. At high concentration, biogenic amines can induce cell death via arrest of protein biosynthesis. Human cells and also microorganisms associated with food products and environment produce biogenic amines. The content of biogenic amines such as tyramine, histamine and tryptamine is high in common food products. Tryptamine appears as a suitable etiological factor killing neurons in human brain because in contrast to tyramine and histamine, tryptamine easily crosses blood-brain barrier (i) and tryptophan is not synthesized in human body and is a least available amino acid in food (ii). Thus the tryptamine inhibitory effect cannot be easily compensated by tryptophan. By other words, increased tryptamine prevents incorporation of tryptophan in proteins. The blockage of protein biosynthesis leads in cell death. The neuronal death is a major feature of all neurodegenerative diseases. Our experiments on human neuronal cells and mice demonstrate a massive neuronal loss induced by tryptamine at the concentrations inhibiting tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase. Moreover amyloidosis and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, the manifestations of neurodegeneration were also induced by tryptamine in human neuronal cultured cells and mouse brain. Histologically manifestations induced by tryptamine are similar to those we found in autopsy brain of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. For further analysis of samples of Alzheimer’s disease patients and healthy controls we developed specific test, which reveals a link between microorganisms and disease.
Biography Elena Paley has completed her Ph.D. studies at the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Moscow, Russia (1987) and postdoctoral studies at the Tel Aviv University School of Life Sciences, Israel. She is the adjunct faculty of Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA and founder and principal scientist of Expert Biomed, Inc., FL, USA. She has published papers in the field of protein biosynthesis, cell research, neurodegeneration and cancer in reputed journals and she is the inventor of USA issued and pending patents related to tryptamine-induced model of neurodegeneration.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 116 Ngo Bum Elisabeth, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Clerodendrum capitatum in treating brain disorder Ngo Bum Elisabeth University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon
lerodendrum capitatum is used in traditional medicine in Cameroon to treat brain diseases like headaches, epilepsy and Cmemory disorders. The pharmacological properties of this pant were studies in animal memory models (the open field test, the novel object recognition test and the T maze test). The phytochemical characterization showed that the decoction of Clerodendrum capitatum contains alkaloid, tannins, saponins, triterpenes, and anthraquinon. In open field test, Clerodendrum capitatum increased crossing and center time even in mice treated with scopolamine. In the presence of Clerodendrum capitatum, the latency time for the novel object was decreased by 33.3% while the one of the familiar object was increased. Controversially, the exploratory time for the novel object was more increased when compare to the familiar object (315.9% and 28.6% respectively), and the recognition increased from 47.3% in the control group to 76.9% in mice treated with the decoction at the dose of 139.1 mg/kg. In retention phase in T maze, the increase of the number of entries and the time spend in arms induced by the Clerodendrum capitatum was greater in the preferred arm than in the other arm even in the presence of scopolamine. The plant also decreased latency time of choosing an arm in retention. The results were compared to piracetam. In addition,Clerodendrum capitatum decreased the acethyl cholinesterase activity even in mice treated with scopolamine. Clerodendrum capitatum could be very helpful in traditional medicine to enhance memory, and may contain potential compounds efficient in the treatment of memory lost.
Biography Ngo BumElisabeth has completed her Ph.D. at the University of Ngaoundere and postdoctoral studies at Sandoz Research Institute in Bern, Novartis in Basel and the pathopharmakologishe Institute in Bern. She is Vice Dean in Charge of Academic Affairs at the University of Ngaoundere, leading project on medicinal plants. She published more than 30 papers in reputed journals.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 117 Eric J. Downer, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Identifying early inflammatory changes in monocyte-derived macrophages from a population with IQ-Discrepant episodic memory Eric J. Downer University College Cork, Ireland
ells of the innate immune system including monocytes and macrophages are the first line of defence against infections and Care critical regulators of the inflammatory response. These cells express toll-like receptors (TLRs), innate immune receptors which govern tailored inflammatory gene expression patterns. Monocytes, which produce pro-inflammatory mediators, are readily recruited to the central nervous system (CNS) in neurodegenerative diseases. This study explored the expression of receptors (CD11b, TLR2 and TLR4) on circulating monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from healthy elderly adults who we classified as either IQ memory-consistent (high-performing, HP) or IQ memory-discrepant (low-performing, LP). The expression of CD11b, TLR4 and TLR2 was increased in MDMs from the LP group when compared to HP cohort. MDMs from both groups responded robustly to treatment with the TLR4 activator, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in terms of cytokine production. Significantly, MDMs from the LP group displayed hypersensitivity to LPS exposure. Overall these findings define differential receptor expression and cytokine profiles that occur in MDMs derived from a cohort of IQ memory-discrepant individuals. These changes are indicative of inflammation and may be involved in the prodromal processes leading to the development of neurodegenerative disease.
Biography Eric Downer graduated from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) with a first class honors degree in Physiology (2001), and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience (2005). He began his postdoctoral research career in the Physiology department at TCD with Prof. Marina Lynch (2005-2008) where his research focused on the signaling events underlying the neuroinflammatory conditions that are associated with brain ageing, particularly the mechanisms controlling microglial cell activation. Subsequently he was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the Irish Research Council for Science Engineering and Technology that enabled him to develop a research programme focused on the neuroimmunomodulatory effects of cannabinoids. This research programme was based with Prof. Paul Moynagh at the Institute of Immunology, NUI Maynooth (2008-2010). In 2011 he returned as a senior research fellow with Prof. Marina Lynch at the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, TCD, also acting as co-coordinator of the structured PRTLI PhD programme at TCD during this time (2012).
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 118 Francesco Pagnini, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Mindfulness across time and space - Different theoretical approaches and current research trends Francesco Pagnini Catholic University of Milan, Italy
ne of the most emerging trends in psychology is referred to the concept of mindfulness. We can identify two main definitions Ofor this concept. One definition has been developed from experimental research on mindlessness, by Ellen Langer. According to this approach, mindfulness can be defined as “a process of actively making new distinctions about objects in one’s awareness, a process that cultivates sensitivity to subtle variations in context and perspective about the observed subject, rather than relying on entrenched categorizations from the past”. The other definition has been provided by Jon Kabat-Zinn, based on the use of Buddhist meditative practices in behavioral medicine. This approach defines mindfulness as remembering to pay attention in a certain way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). This approach uses meditation to improve the mindfulness level. In the 1979, Kabat-Zinn developed a specific protocol, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). More than three decades of research about mindfulness, from both these approaches, indicates that being mindful has a variety of positive effects on one’s health, improving psychological and physical well-being. Previous studies report that the increasing of mindfulness leads to a better quality of life, both in the general population and in clinical samples. What are the new trends in mindfulness research? Can we try to foresee new mindfulness developments? What will be the future influences that mindfulness research will provide on the general population? Which new insight can it provides in the fields of clinical and social psychology? The presentation will try to answer to these questions, providing an historical framework and an overview of possible future trends.
Biography Francesco Pagnini has completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the age of 27 years from the University of Bergamo and a period of Postdoc at the Harvard University. Currently he is Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Clinical Psychology at the Catholic University of Milan. He is the Principal Investigator of the project “Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for people with ALS”. He has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and is Associate Editor for the journals “Frontiers in Psychology for Clinical Settings” and “BMC Psychology”.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 119 Fred C. C. Peng, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Is Alzheimer’s disease a medical notion of dementia worth keeping in Neuroscience Fred C. C. Peng Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
he eponym of Alzheimer’s disease has been around for more than one century from 1910. Its diagnosis varies: from senile Tdementia to senium praecox (for both pre-senile and senile dementia) to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) leading to AD as the most feared form of dementia. Such uncertainties create serious problems which most neuroscientists have refused to admit. They prefer to: perpetuate the eponym even to 2006 in Science to keep it alive for contrast with other forms of dementia; debate on its cause, by regarding AD as the effect to seek a one-to-one cause-effect relationship, Amyloid Beta Hypothesis, for instance, which has dominated the field for more than 20 years, albeit to no avail; advocate the intervention or prevention, unaware of AD as a fiction, resulting from its confusion with dementia, to the extent of using animal models to mimick the existence of AD; take the liberty on the basis of DSM-IV to assign lesion site unaware that Auguste’s brain at autopsy had widespread atrophy, and that pre-mortem she had four vascular disorders, one of which, decubitus angina, was the direct cause of her death. I take exception to such predilections. Dementia can be tested and diagnosed as the effects of brain atrophy; it manifests in a cluster of behavioral alterations; the causes can be vascular or non-vascular in origin. Thus, dementia is neither a disease nor equivalent to AD. Plaques and tangles should be called Fischer’s disease (FD) which gradually causes brain atrophy to result progressively from simple dementia to presbyophrenia in a dichotomy as suggested by Fischer. For this reason, MCI is a cheap reinvention of Fischer’s dichotomy. Once AD is replaced by FD, neuroscientists and clinicians must be made to understand that: (1) As a medical notion of dementia, it is not worth keeping; (2) dementia can start from any brain location and will spread, because its cause is wear and tear as an on-going process of aging; (3) the cause is either vascular or non-vascular in origin, but the effect can vary, resulting in a cluster of behavioral alterations, language disorder included, from onset of simple dementia to presbyophrenia before the patient succumbs; and (4) there is no one-to-one cause-effect relation, as the brain atrophy spreads from cortical to cortical, cortical to subcortical, and/or subcortical to cortical regions.
Biography Fred C. C. Peng is a Behavioral Neuroscientist in the Department of Neurosurgery and the Neurological Institute at Taipei, VGH, Taiwan. He has a wide range of interests in behavioral alterations caused by differing brain lesions, such as epilepsy, FD, stroke, PD, SCA (spino-cerebellar ataxia), Pick’s Disease, aphasia, PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy), and many others.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 120 Fushu Tan, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Bullying, victim and aggressor: Past experience versus current behavior Fushu Tan University of Oregon, USA
ullying is the most common type of violence in American schools (Swearer & Doll, 2001), and the consequences can persist Binto adulthood, affecting school achievement, prosocial skills, and psychological well-being for both victims and bullies. The current study examined whether past experience with bullying affects how likely college students are to intervene when someone they know is bullied. 120 college students (50 males, 70 females) completed a questionnaire that assessed their past experience with physical and relational aggression. They then read a scenario that asked them to imagine someone was spreading vicious rumors about a member of their current campus group. Next, they decided whether they would intervene by contacting the aggressor, the victim, or both. Over 95% of participants reported some past experience as both aggressor and victim. Unexpectedly, males reported significantly more past experience as relational aggressors than females. Over half the participants said they would intervene by contacting both victim and bully. However, contrary to the hypothesis, past victimization experience did not increase the likelihood of intervening. In fact, past experience scores tended to be somewhat lower for those who intervened. The only significant past experience predictor was that those who chose not to intervene at all tended to have more experience as a bully and less as a victim. The findings provide additional evidence that exposure to bullying often includes experience as both aggressor and victim, and that this can complicate an understanding of how this experience affects future decisions to intervene.
Biography Fushu Tan is a senior student in the Psychology department. Her major interests are Group Dynamics and Bullying Behavior. She is currently an honor student in psychology, and her project is about bullying and supporting behaviors. She really enjoys doing research, especially in social psychology. Her favorite activities are writing, pop dancing, eating, and cooking.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 121 Gemma Casadesus, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Underlying mechanisms of reproductive hormone effects on cognition and Alzheimer’s disease Gemma Casadesus Case Western Reserve University, USA
ccumulating studies affirm the effects of endocrine dysfunction on cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. AImportantly, age-related changes in reproductive hormone levels are a well-known risk factor for the development of cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We and others have shown an important contribution of gonadotropins in this process. Nevertheless, while down regulation of serum gonadotropins levels is able to rescue cognitive function in AD and menopause models, the exact mechanism through which gonadotropins regulate these aspects remains unknown. Here we show evidence of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial actions of down regulation of peripheral gonadotropins on cognition, which are dependent on the regulation of the luteinizing hormone receptor and downstream signaling cascades associated with synaptic plasticity and important in AD pathogenesis.
Biography Gemma Casadesus earned her Ph.D. in Physiological Psychology from Tufts University studying the effects of high antioxidant foods on cognitive aging and neuroplasticity at the Jean Meyer’s USDA- Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. Her post-doctoral training at Case Western Reserve University focused on studying oxidative stress and hormonal influences on the development of AD. In 2007, Casadesus became a faculty member of the Department of Neurosciences and Director of the CWRU Rodent Behavior. The focus of Casadesus research is to investigate the pathological mechanism(s) underlying memory loss and dysfunction during normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Current projects are directed towards the study of includes the role of hormonal changes on memory dysfunction after menopause and development of AD with specific emphasis on gonadotropins and therapeutic strategies targeting these hormones and Determining the interaction and chronology appearance of several early makers associated with the development and progression of AD using a mouse model of accelerated aging. Casadesus has authored over 75 peer-reviewed manuscripts, chapters and commentaries and is a member of IBNS and SFN and AGE.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 122 Graham Danzer, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Integrating substance abuse treatment in psychotherapy and inpatient hospital settings Graham Danzer Abode Services, USA
ubstance abuse presents unique and complex challenges to the process of psychotherapy and inpatient medical treatment. SClients often present with chief complaints that are often exacerbated, if not partially caused, by substance abuse, which is frequently minimized, denied, and rationalized. The aforementioned defensive processes’ can interfere with empathic connection if confronted in therapy and can also maintain client suffering if not addressed and worked through. In such instances when substance abuse clients present for psychotherapy or in inpatient settings, they are often reluctant to seek substance abuse treatment services, which places psychotherapists and primary care providers in the difficult position of needing to somehow integrate treatment into the therapeutic process. Specific treatment philosophies, interventions, and methods of intervention evaluation in psychotherapeutic and inpatient hospital settings will be introduced and discussed, as well as implications for future research and practice on the subject matter.
Biography Graham Danzer is a clinician trained in multiple therapeutic disciplines with 12 years of experience and expertise in substance abuse, adolescents, family therapy, treating sexual disorders, and clinical research. He also published clinical texts and research papers in numerous peer reviewed, academic journals, including The Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment, and Trauma, The Journal of Theory Construction, The Contemporary Family Therapy Journal, and The Harvard Review of Psychiatry.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 123 Gregg Henriques, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Mapping human consciousness via the justification hypothesis Gregg Henriques James Madison University, USA
uman self-consciousness and the rapid evolution of culture remain unexplained phenomena in evolutionary biology Hand there is a concomitant explanatory gap between the natural and social sciences. To fill this gap in understanding, the Justification Hypothesis (JH) has been proposed, which the idea that the evolution of language created the adaptive problem of social justification and this in turn drove the evolution of the human self-consciousness system. Analyzing human self- consciousness as a reason giving system provides an insight that integrates many different domains. In this presentation, I will articulate the idea and explain how the JH: a) matches the design features of the human self-consciousness system to a unique adaptive problem faced by our hominid ancestors; b) integrates and illuminates a broad range of phenomena in psychology, and c) provides a framework for understanding the rapid evolution of human culture in a way that aligns with a multitude of theoretical and empirical investigations in the social sciences. Stemming from the framework provided by the JH, a new map of human consciousness has been developed, specifically one that divides human consciousness up in three different domains. This map will be shared and the implications of this map for mental health, including conditions like depression, anxiety and autism will be articulated.
Biography Gregg Henriques is Director of the Combined Clinical-School Doctoral Program at James Madison University. He graduated with his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Vermont and completed his postdoctoral training and the University of Pennsylvania. His main focus is on the conceptual unification of psychology and psychotherapy as described in his recent book, A New Unified Theory of Psychology (Springer, 2011). As a clinical psychologist, he has expertise in integrative psychotherapy and the treatment of depression, personality disorders, and suicidal behavior. He is an expert blogger on Psychology Today.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 124 Hadas Doron, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Couple relationships of people with Schizophrenia- Dimensions of intimacy, passion and commitment Hadas Doron Tel Hai Academic College, Isrel
his paper examines the couplehood of people with Schizophrenia, while attempting to identify unique elements characterizing Tthe partnership of the Schizophrenic population in comparison to that of a healthy population. The research will use the love relations questionnaire aimed at measuring the three dimensions of couplehood - commitment, intimacy and passion. The research population included 30 subjects with Schizophrenia that are medicinally treated and that were hospitalized at least once in a psychiatric institution, and 30 subjects without any psychiatric diagnosis, sampled by means of the matching method, constituting the control group. Differences were found in all three dimensions of couplehood that were examined - commitment, intimacy and passion. We also found a significant difference between the groups in the gaps between average perceived (real) relationship, and average ideal relationship - in dimensions of passion and intimacy (but not in commitment).
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 125 Javier S. Burgos, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Development of novel neuroprotective statins to modify Alzheimer’s disease Javier S. Burgos Neuron Bio, Health Science Technological Park, Spain
n recent years a large number of experimental observations have suggested a relationship between cholesterol homeostasis and IAlzheimer’s disease (AD). Consequently, statins have been evaluated as neuroprotective drugs for the prevention and treatment of AD, showing benefit in several experimental and epidemiological studies. However, these positive effects are generally not in accordance with placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (CT). One of the reasons for the failure is the selection of the statin for the CT, especially because the commercially available statins were developed for their plasma-cholesterol lowering effects. Neuron BioPharma is developing a discovery program for the identification of statins especially designed for neuroprotection. To this end, the molecules have been rationally designed, studied by in silico methods, synthesized in small quantities and evaluated for neuroprotective activity by using the exclusive Neuron BioPharma experimental platform that integrates in vitro, cellular and animal models for the study of AD. In this regard, a group of novel neuroprotective statins have been identified and developed, wherein the most advanced derivative (NST0037) will start the First-in-Human phase during this year. The identification and evaluation of a novel statin with a higher neuroprotective profile than the commercial available statins could open a new insight in the AD treatment field, and the use of neuroprotective statins could be considered as a new strategy to modify the disease progression. Moreover, the identification of neuroprotective statins could increase the possibility of success in CT for AD and, consequently, to define a new biomarker scenario to study the AD progression.
Biography Javier S. Burgos holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the Autonomous University of Madrid (Spain). Currently, he is Chief Scientific Officer of Neuron BioPharma, a company focused in the discovery of molecules against neurodegenerative diseases. He has been guest researcher in a number of renowned institutes in the US, South America and Spain. He has published more than 40 scientific articles and contributed to several book chapters, and is inventor of seven patents. He is reviewer of 26 biomedical journals and member of the editorial board of Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, American Journal of Neurodegenerative Disease, and Journal of Viruses.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 126 Jennifer Minnelli, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Treatments for high functioning Autism Jennifer Minnelli Duke University, USA
Introduction: Research on effective treatments for high functioning autism (HFA) is in its infancy. Preliminary studies have shown behavioral improvements using targeted cognitive behavioral techniques and parent training (Crooke, P.J., Hendrix, R.E., Rachman, J.Y., 2007, and Prizant, 2009). Children on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum are now ubiquitous in mainstream classrooms across the world, because they do not qualify for self-contained special education classrooms. These children are at risk for academic and social challenges, which will create a significant public health issue as these children age out of school and are unprepared for the social and organizational challenges of college and the workplace. Method: 2 case studies of children, who are undergoing targeted 1:1 intervention for social communication skills, using cognitive behavioural therapy and parent education, will be presented. Results: Preliminary results from case studies of children between the ages of 5-10 on the high-functioning end of the spectrum will be presented, including use of specific skills in context, and responses on parent report via questionnaire. Intervention strategies will be presented as a model for best practices. Summary: Current best practices for direct teaching social of communication skills (Winner, 2009 and Prizant, 2008) and technology-based group interventions will be discussed and reviewed. The limitations of the study design and implications for future research in this critical area will be discussed.
Biography Jennifer Minnelli is a Speech Language Pathologist who has worked with children with special needs for the past 15 years. Her career has spanned a variety of settings, including Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Early Intervention Centers, Private Outpatient Clinics, Preschool classrooms and Elementary School classrooms. She is President and co-founder of rubycube, the company that develops mobile apps for exceptional minds (www. rubycubeapps.com). Jennifer also works as a clinician at Duke University Medical Center in acute care pediatrics and outpatient pediatrics.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 127 Jesus Avila, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease Jesus Avila Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain
lzheimer disease is accompanied by memory deficits. These deficits could be the consequence of changes in adult dentate Agyrus neurogenesis. As a first step to analyze those changes we have used a transgenic mouse model that shows an impaired neurogenesis upon over expression of GSK3, a protein kinase that could be activated in Alzheimer disease (AD). Our results have indicated a deficient morphology in adult newborn neurons that are unable to connect properly with the preexisting neurons. These observations found in the mouse model were compared to the features found in the brain of Alzheimer disease patients and some similarities were found. Our results suggest that an impaired neurogenesis may be responsible of the memory deficits found in AD patients.
Biography Jesus Avila is Professor and former Director of the Center of Molecular Biology Madrid, Spain. During the last thirty years he had been working in neuron cytoskeleton. Now he studies the role of tau protein in neurodegenerative disorders tauopathies like Alzheimer's disease. He is member of different Organizations like EMBO European Academy and the Spanish Royal Academy of Sciences; he is member of different Editorial Boards and has more than 300 publications most of them related with Alzheimer's disease.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 128 Jill L. Silverman, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Cortical dependent learning in mouse models of Autism Jill L. Silverman University of California at Davis, USA
ntellectual impairments are a primary symptom of many neurodevelopmental disorders, and an associated symptom of autism. IAnalogous cross-species tasks of cognition that use similar equipment and methods could advance the search for cognitive enhancers. We employed an innovative touch screen technology for mice to design a complex cortically dependent task that requires inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and relational learning. We assessed the inbred strain, BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR), a mouse model of autism with social and cognitive deficits, as compared to a control strain, C57BL/6J (B6), on a simple visual discrimination task and on transitive inference (TI). BTBR performed normally on pairwise discrimination and reversal. BTBR displayed deficits on components of TI, specifically when four premise pairings were interspersed during inference training reviews, which require more complex, flexible integrations of knowledge. Performance by BTBR was worse than B6 on the end paired A > E, similar to adults affected by an autism spectrum disorder. Our data demonstrate that mice are capable of complex visual discriminations and higher order TI tasks using methods and equipment similar to those used in humans and non-human primates, and that deficits may be detected in mouse models of autism using the touch screen technology.
Biography Jill L. Silverman is a Behavioral Neuroscientist, with undergraduate degrees in biology and psychology from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. She completed her graduate training and received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Maryland, School of Medicine in Baltimore at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. She completed her post-doctoral training in the Crawley Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience at the National Institute of Mental Health. She was recently recruited to the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and M.I.N.D. Institute. She is a leading expert in animal models of psychiatric disease, behavioral phenotyping, developing assays relevant to the diagnostic criteria of autism and is highly involved in multi-site research project that specializes in characterizing and designing treatment studies in genetic mouse models of autism. A few recent achievements include three consecutive NIH performance awards for research excellence and two Howard Hughes Mentorship Awards.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 129 Jingjing Zhang, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Comparison of health-related quality of life, economic burden of disease and impact factors to patients with depression and Schizophrenia Jingjing Zhang Kunming Medical University, China
Objective: To analyze and compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and economic burden of disease (EBD) of patients with depression and schizophrenia, determine the main impact factors of their HRQOL and EBD. Method: The epidemiological method was used, we sampled 204 out-patients and in-patients diagnosed depression or schizophrenia according to Chinese classification and diagnostic criteria of mental disorders (CCMD-3) from March st1 to May 31st, 2006, in the first affiliated hospital of Kunming Medical University and Kunming city mental hospital, who were volunteering to participate and could understand the meaning of questionnaires with accordance of the included criteria. The Health survey questionnaire (UK edition) (SF-36) and self-administered measurement were used to appraisal HRQOL and EBD of participants. Results: 1. All of the domain scores of SF-36 of patients with depression and schizophrenia were both lower than normal people and there were significant differences in all domains (p=0.05), compared with depression group, most domains of SF-36 in schizophrenia group were lower besides General Health (GH), and there was difference in Physical Functioning (PF) domain between two groups (t=2.36, p=0.02). 2. Concerning the multiple liner regression analysis on the Physical Component Summary (PCS) Y1, Mental Component Summary (MCS) Y2, the impact factors of HRQOL in PCS were annual income, gender and unmarried, and only one parameter marriage was included in MCS, the regression equations model were 1(PCS)=60.123+0.902X8 (annual income)- 3.570X1 (gender)+3.123X4 (unmarried) and 2(MCS)=49.684+2.408X4 (unmarried). The standardization partial regression coefficient of X8 in the former equation was 0.210, and which was bigger than other predictors in this equation. 3. Compared with depression group, the direct and indirect cost were higher in schizophrenia group, particularly the medical expenses, there was difference in medical expenses between the two groups (Z=-2.028; p=0.043). Through multiple liner regression analysis, as EBD the Y, three impact factors were selected in depression group, which were urban area, course of disease and MCS, the equation model was: 1 (log EBD)=4.237-0.184X11 (urban area)+0.025X13 (course of disease)-0.006X18 (MCS); Four impact factors of EBD in schizophrenia group were selected, the equation model was 2 (log EBD)=3.864+0.023X13 (course of disease)-0.247X5 (unmarried)+0.078 X8 (annual income)+0.284X12 (rural area). The standardization partial regression coefficients of X13 in the two equations were 0.274, 0.381, both were bigger than other predictors in the two equations. Conclusion: The HRQOL of patients was still worse than normal people and was mainly affected by annual income, gender and marriage. The EBD of these patients was higher and mainly impacted by course of disease and HRQOL and some socio- demographic factors. The patients with schizophrenia may have worse HRQOL and higher EBD than depression group.
Biography Jing-Jing Zhang has completed her M.D. at age of 29 years from the Medical School of West China Sichuan University. She is currently a faculty in Kunming Medical University, as an Assistant Professor for its Ph.D. and MPH programs. She also serves as a par-time Principle Investigator/ Consultant in the Quality of Life and Psychological Assessment Center in Guangdong Medical University. She has published more than 20 academic papers in reputable journals and has been serving as an editor in one book. In addition, as project leader or principle investigator, she has obtained research funding for 20 projects from national or provincial funding agencies.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 130 Joachim, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
The impact on parents of raising a young child with Autism: A phenomenological study of parents Joachim Zambia institute of special education, Zambia
his study examined the impact on parents of discovering that a child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the challenges Tof managing the situation. A phenomenological approach was used to investigate parents’ lived experiences. Seventeen educated, urban, Zambian, biological parents of children aged 3-7 with ASD were interviewed. In-depth interviews followed Collaizi’s phenomenological method as modified by Moustakas (1994). Emerging themes were grouped under ten headings and each was illustrated with quotations from the parents: making sense of the birth of an ASD child; encounters with professionals; parents knowledge and perception of ASD; the search for diagnosis; marital conflict and stress; effects on siblings; costs; cultural beliefs and attitudes in the wider society; inadequate service provision; and parents’ hopes and fears and coping strategies. Parents experienced challenges ranging from frustration, pain, confusion, doubt and disempowerment in the pre-diagnostic period, then, at diagnosis, shock, denial and having a feeling like that of losing a normal child through death, followed by some acceptance. Due to shortage of staff, and to bureaucratic, red-tape tendencies in hospitals, the service offered to parents by professionals was inadequate, and sometimes manifested inconsistent opinions and insensitivity. Access to quality remedial services was insufficient. Most schools were unable or unwilling to accommodate ASD children. Marital conflicts emerged which included separations and fighting. Single mothers suffered special challenges, combining study with child caring. Parents incurred significant financial costs for medical attention and transport, and social and emotional costs due to child and parent stigmatization. However, parents developed various coping strategies such as empowerment, humor, openness, faith and belief in God’s healing power.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 131 Jonathan Williams, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Is Alzheimer’s pathology detrimental in late-onset dementia in man? Jonathan Williams Waikato Hospital, New Zealand
Background: It is hard to test the role of Alzheimer pathology in man. Alzheimer himself believed that the pathology he described was epiphenomenal, but removing it is the basis of current therapeutic strategies. Most people with late-onset dementia have mixtures of pathologies. Analyzing interactions of Alzheimer pathology with co-existing pathologies presents an opportunity to test if it is detrimental. Surprisingly, published data show (mostly unreported) antagonism between Alzheimer and other pathologies. Methods: Appropriate statistical methods were used to disentangle the contributions of five degenerative pathologies (Alzheimer, vascular, Substantia Nigra degeneration, Lewy Bodies, Fronto-temporal lobar degeneration) or inflammatory markers to three clinical outcomes (cognitive decline, neuropsychiatric symptoms and survival). Specifically, I tested if (a) adverse effects of different pathologies were simply additive, synergistic or antagonistic and (b) Alzheimer pathology showed non-linear associations with outcomes. Results: Alzheimer pathology (a) antagonized adverse effects of every other pathology or inflammatory index on most outcomes and (b) showed an inverted-U relation to survival. Conclusions: In line with published data, Alzheimer pathology antagonized adverse effects of every observed non-Alzheimer pathology or inflammatory marker with which it coexisted. This ubiquitous antagonism was unique to Alzheimer pathology. Moreover, its inverted-U relation with survival is typical of a physiological marker, not a pathological one. Together, these results imply that Alzheimer pathology may be generally protective, so removing it may be unhelpful. Further studies should test if Alzheimer pathology antagonizes further factors that adversely affect brain function.
Biography Jonathan Williams qualified as a physician from Cambridge and Birmingham Universities before completing his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at Oxford. He then trained in psychiatry and undertook postdoctoral studies that intercalated clinical and academic work at Oxford, including 10 years at The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA). He now works as a consultant in Psychiatry of Older Adults in Hamilton, New Zealand. He has published 40 refereed papers.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 132 Jonathan Williams, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Clinical items can predict CSF biomarkers and Alzheimer pathology Jonathan Williams Waikato Hospital, New Zealand
Background: CSF amyloid and tau biomarkers are now the gold standard for predicting Alzheimer pathology. However, measuring CSF biomarkers is invasive and impractical for large-scale screening. I tested how well simple clinical items and CSF biomarkers can predict post mortem Alzheimer pathology in non-demented people. Methods: 30 simple clinical items were used or CSF biomarkers to predict Alzheimer patho-logy via a machine-learning algorithm (conditional random forest - CRF). I then compared the accuracies of the predictions using areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC-AUCs). Results: 332 people provided clinical and neuro pathological data, of whom 144 were initially non-demented (MMSE 25-30 and no major problems with activities of daily living). 127/332 (49 initially non-demented) also provided CSF. The median interval to death was 5.0 years. 144/332 cases were initially non-demented and 21/144 had NIA-Reagan classifications of high-probability Alzheimer disease. The corresponding numbers for those who provided CSF were 49 and 9. The ROC-AUCs were 88.0% for predictions of Alzheimer pathology based on the clinical items and 87.5% for predictions from the CSF biomarkers. The most important clinical predictors were informants' views on short-term memory and episodic recall. Conclusions: Predictions of post mortem Alzheimer pathology derived from 30 simple clinical items in non-demented people were as accurate as those from CSF biomarkers. So, predictions of Alzheimer pathology from simple clinical items may facilitate screening to select people with pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease for trials of pathology-modifying agents.
Biography Jonathan Williams qualified as a physician from Cambridge and Birmingham Universities before completing his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at Oxford. He then trained in psychiatry and undertook postdoctoral studies that intercalated clinical and academic work at Oxford, including 10 years at The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA). He now works as a consultant in Psychiatry of Older Adults in Hamilton, New Zealand. He has published 40 refereed papers.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 133 Mario Christov et al., J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
An early discrimination between normal and pathological brain aging Mario Christov and Juliana Dushanova Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria
he brain as a system with gradually decreasing resources maximizes its chances by reorganizing neural networks to ensure Tefficient performance. Auditory event-related potentials were recorded in 28 healthy volunteers comprising 14 young and 14 elderly subjects in auditory discrimination motor task (low frequency tone - right hand movement and high frequency tone - left hand movement). The amplitudes of the sensory event-related potential components (N1, P2) were more pronounced with increasing age for either tone and this effect for P2 amplitude was more pronounced in the frontal region. The latency relationship of N1 between the groups was tone-dependent, while that of P2 was tone-independent with a prominent delay in the elderly group over all brain regions. The amplitudes of the cognitive components (N2, P3) diminished with increasing age and the hemispheric asymmetry of N2 (but not for P3) reduced with increasing age. Prolonged N2 latency with increasing age was widespread for either tone while between-group difference in P3 latency was tone-dependent. High frequency tone stimulation and movement requirements lead to P3 delay in the elderly group. The amplitude difference of the sensory components between the age groups could be due to a general greater alertness, less expressed habituation, or decline in the ability to retreat attentional resources from the stimuli in the elderly group. With aging, a neural circuit reorganization of the brain activity affects the cognitive processes. The approach used in this study is useful for an early discrimination between normal and pathological brain aging for early treatment of cognitive alterations and dementia.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 134 Julie Scheiner, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Spirite equus: Therapists experience of the perceived benefits of equine assisted Psychotherapy Julie Scheiner Regents College, United Kingdom
Aim: This paper explores the comparatively new field of experiential psychology known as Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP). Historically, EFP developed from the therapeutic riding form of AAT (animal assisted therapy). However it goes far beyond traditional therapeutic riding for the disabled. According to EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association), EFP is “an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning. EFP is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term or brief approach” (EAGALA literature). The research reported here sought to develop a potentially emergent theory of why equine therapy is effective. Method: Interviews were conducted with six practioners who had been engaged in EFP for at least one year. All therapists belonged to a professional organization. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using Grounded Theory. Discussion: The concept of “resonance” emerged from the analysis as a potential basis for explaining the effectiveness of this kind of therapeutic intervention.
Biography Scheiner obtained her Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from Regents College in London. She is particularly interested in the use of equine therapy as an adjunct to traditional talking therapy. Her thesis focused on the development of a theory for the success of equine therapy which has now been widely accepted. She has worked for the National Health Service in the UK for a number of years and also runs a successful private practice. She also supervises and teaches students on a Doctorate program.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 135 Martin L. Pall, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Autism as a NO/ONOO- Cycle disease Martin L. Pall Washington State University, USA
he NO/ONOO- cycle is a primarily local biochemical vicious cycle, such that depending where it is localized in the body, Tmay be able to generate a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases. The elements of the cycle are: Elevated levels of oxidative stress, peroxynitrite (ONOO-), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide, intracellular Ca2+, inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory markers, NF-kappaB, excitotoxicity glutamatergic activity and NMDA activity and some of the TRP group of receptors, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction and lowered tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) activity. With two exceptions, each of these have been found to occur in autism patients and most have been shown to play a causal role in the disease. One exception, the TRP group of receptors, there are few data on their possible role in autism. There may be a second possible partial exception: although excitotoxicity and elevated glutamatergic activity are well documented, there is some evidence that the NMDA activity may be low, rather than high - this will be discussed in the presentation. In general, then, there is an excellent agreement between the predictions of the NO/ONOO- cycle and the biochemical properties of autism patients. There is similarly a good agreement between the cycle and the properties of stressors reported to cause autism, when exposures occur in the perinatal period; some of the unique properties of autism may be due to the impact of this biochemistry/physiology on the developing brain, as has been the conventional wisdom about autism. The properties of such initiating stressors, including infections, toxic metals and organic toxicant exposures and how they may act to initiate the cycle will be discussed. The local nature of the cycle may be expressed in part, by the common impact of autism on certain parts of the brain: corpus callosum, anterior cingulate cortex, fronto-temporal structures and possibly Broca’s area. It may also be expressed through variations in regions and severity of impact, which may explain the varied symptoms in cases of autism spectrum disorders. One of the areas of autism research that has been interpreted in other ways is the role of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and other reduced folates and also vitamin B12 in autism. 5-MTHF is thought to have a protective role based on evidence that there is lowered methylation activity in patients, 5-MTHF appears to be useful in treatment and a genetic polymorphism which influences 5-MTHF levels helps control susceptibility. These various data have been interpreted in terms of a central role of methylation in autism. However, 5-MTHF is known to be a potent ONOO- scavenger and thus may act to protect by lowering ONOO- levels, with ONOO- being the most central element in the cycle. This will be discussed in detail. Vitamin B12 in the form of hydroxocobalamin is a potent NO scavenger at high concentrations and may act in other ways to lower both NO and ONOO-. The important point here is that while lowered methylation may well have a role in autism, it should be viewed as being a consequence of the cycle, rather than a primary cause of the disease. There are multiple ways in which the cycle can influence brain function: Initiating apoptosis, causing excitotoxicity, having profound effects on brain function because of mitochondrial dysfunction, changed levels of catecholamines and serotonin (due to roles of BH4) and elevated NO. Neural circuitry may be influenced by roles of several cycle elements on long-term potentiation. The effects of these factors on brain development in autism, makes it particularly difficult to predict changes in brain function.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 136 Michael A. Crawford, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
The pivotal roles of docosahexaenoic acid in the evolution and function of the brain Michael A. Crawford Imperial College, UK
he fossil record displays the first and sudden appearance of intracellular detail and the 32 phyla during the “Cambrian TExplosion” about 600 million years ago. The intracellular structures were made with membrane lipids which provided for organisation and specialisation. Oxidative metabolism had increased the potential for making highly unsaturated fatty acids and thus producing a new and great variety of lipid molecular species available for the different functions cell membranes which became specialised and led to speciation. Synthesis of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) required 6 oxygen atoms just to insert the 6 double bonds. It was one of the many molecules created by oxidative metabolism. It provided the basic membrane core of the new photoreceptors that converted photons into electricity and stimulated the evolution of the nervous system and the brain. Since then, DHA has been conserved as the principle component of photoreceptor, synaptic and neuronal signalling membranes in the cephalopods, fish, amphibian, reptiles, birds, mammals and humans. This extreme conservation in electrical signalling membranes despite great genomic change suggests it was DHA dictating to the DNA rather than the generally accepted other way around. We offer a theoretical explanation based on quantum mechanical properties of DHA, its π-electrons which provide the precision in photoreception and neural signalling not readily explained otherwise. “We learn from the past to awaken the future” (JFK), This past history puts DHA as a pivotal game player in the evolution of the human brain through both its epigenetic influence on gene expression via its action as a nuclear receptor as witnessed in its enhancement of neurogenesis and synaptic formation and the robust evidence regarding the nutritional requirement for structure and function in learning, behaviour and sensory perception. DHA would have been available to early humans during their coastal occupation for which evidence exists dating back to the earliest appearance of humans to recent history leading to maritime exploration. The consequent population expansions saw people moving inland and losing the DHA rich food resources which included the loss of iodine and other trace elements also essential to brain development. . The resultant loss and change in nutritional practice now threatens security of neural development. Brain disorders have now overtaken all other burdens of ill health. In 2004 the cost was €386 billion for the EU. A re-assessment in 2010 put the cost at €789 billion. The cost of mental ill-health was assessed in the UK in 2007 by the Department for Health at £77 billion. This was a cost greater than heart disease and cancer combined! When reassessed in 2011 the cost came in at £105 billion. This rise in brain disorders and mental ill-health was predicted by us in 1972 based on the evidence available then on the nutritional requirements for the brain, the changing food structure and its composition. The evidence on DHA as required for the brain has been re-affirmed in each of the 3 joint FAO-WHO international consultations on the role of dietary fats in human nutrition (1978, 1994 and 2010). Different regions of the brain have different membrane lipid requirements. We now have good evidence from magnetic resonance imaging of regional distortions during prenatal development. Depending on whether these are in connectivity, or adverse regional developments, such developmental distortions could lead to different disorders of lifelong consequences from cerebral palsy to autism, epilepsy, and learning. Behavioural and visual difficulties. The continued rise in brain disorders and mental ill-health this century in the way that heart disease rose in the early part of last century represents the greatest threat to the sustainability of humanity.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 137 Moretti Davide Vito, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Quantitative EEG markers in mild cognitive impairment: Degenerative versus vascular brain impairment Moretti Davide Vito National Institute of Research and Cure for Mental disorders and Dementia, Italy
e evaluated the relationship between brain rhythmicity and both the cerebrovascular damage (CVD) and amigdalo- Whippocampal complex (AHC) atrophy, as revealed by scalp electroencephalography (EEG) in a cohort of subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The CVD group, with 99 subjects, and the AHC atrophy group with and 79 subjects. All MCI subjects (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] mean score 26.6) underwent EEG recording and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). EEGs were recorded at rest. Relative power was separately computed for delta, theta, alpha1, alpha2, and alpha3 frequency bands. In the spectral band power the severity of CVD was associated with increased delta power and decreased alpha2 power. No association of vascular damage was observed with alpha3 power. Moreover, the theta/alpha 1 ratio could be a reliable index for the estimation of the individual extent of CV damage. On the other side, the group with moderate hippocampal atrophy showed the highest increase of alpha2 and alpha3 power. Moreover, when the amygdalar and hippocampal volume are separately considered, within amygdalo-hippocampal complex (AHC), the increase of theta/gamma ratio is best associated with amygdalar atrophy whereas alpha3/alpha2 ratio is best associated with hippocampal atrophy. CVD and AHC damage are associated with specific EEG markers. So far, these EEG markers could have a prospective value in differential diagnosis between vascular and degenerative MCI. Moreover, EEG markers could be expression of different global network pathological changes, better explaining MCI state.
Biography Moretti Davide Vito is consultant neurologist, chief of the clinical neurophysiology service and researcher at the National Institute of Research and Cure for Mental disorders and Dementia S john of God, Brescia, Italy. He received his medical degree from Catholic University in Rome and completed his residency in neurology and fellowship in movement disorders at University of Trieste, Italy. Moreover, he received the Ph.D. in neurophysiology at La Sapienza University (thesis title “Quantitative EEG in Alzheimer's disease”). He is currently involved in research and care of subjects with Alzheimer's disease and dementia in the Memory Clinic/Alzheimer Operative Unit of the S. John of God Institute. Moreover, he is the chief of the clinical neurophysiology unit. His research is primary concerned about quantitative EEG evaluation of Alzheimer's patients both in prodromic and clinically evident phase of the disease.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 138 Moumita Maity, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Mental wellbeing: An urgent priority for elderly Moumita Maity USA
emographic projections suggest that mental illness along with heart diseases, AIDS and cancer will account for the top Dfour illnesses around the globe very soon. It already ranks up at the top along with heart disease, cancer, obesity, AIDS and injuries as leading causes of suffering. It is amongst the most common, serious and deadly human health problems faced worldwide. In one way or another, mental health problems are associated with all of these debilitating conditions. A major study conducted by the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and Harvard University concluded that mental illnesses account for a major portion of the burden of diseases in the developing countries (Kemper, 2010). It is believed (e.g. Qualls, 1999) that the dividing line between mental health and mental disorder is not simple. However, mental health can be conceptualized simply as the absence of mental disorders or mental illnesses as for instance guided through the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM IV] (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). 381 study participants aged, 65 to 79 years has been chosen for present study, from both rural and urban area of residence to evaluate the level of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Considering individual mental health traits, it is discernible that in respect of depression, anxiety and loneliness rural elderly of both sexes experienced greater adversities compared to their urban counterparts. The above mentioned observations clearly are suggestive of relatively more adverse mental health profile among the rural elderly as against the urban elderly considered in the study. Possible upliftment in economic condition in one hand and appropriate health care services on physical and mental health which would be accessible on the other, for the rural elderly should be an utmost necessity to reduce their mental health problems.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 139 Narasappa Kumaraswamy, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Psychotherapy, Is it successful in Asian countries? Narasappa Kumaraswamy University Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
ental health refers to the individuals’ capacity for harmonious relationship with others in the environment. However, this is Mpossible only if s/he is comfortable and happy about himself/herself. WHO recognises health as a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely an absence of a disease or infirmity? Psychologists have recognised that “positive health” accompanies many more dimensions, which are interdependent, and defect in any dimension could interfere with integration of personality. Mental illness seen in Asian countries related to religion & belief system. Psychotherapists in Asian countries should well versed in cultural belief system otherwise he is not successful as therapist Psychotherapy is a form of therapy where the use psychological principles as part of treatment. Mainly psychotherapy will be applied to treat psychological & psychiatric disorders. Psychotherapy is not very successful in Asian countries as majority of patients still rely on Medical model. In addition most of the Asian countries have still cling on to the deep rooted beliefs. Still Stigma towards mental illness is prevalent. Mental illness in the family seen as a curse from God and the first consultation will be of a traditional healer. When we talk about psychotherapy in Asian countries, culture and belief play an important role. Each society has its own “belief system” which is deep rooted. Hence, in the psychotherapy sessions, the therapist should be well versed with the cultural belief and integrating with the therapy the patients will be much benefited. My experiences with clients religious/spiritual content in psychotherapy sessions, and how their identity may have influenced the way they interacted with religious spiritual material, special reference to cases seen in Malaysia, Brunei and India will be discussed.
Biography Narasappa Kumaraswamy, Ph.D. holder in Clinical Psychology with 38 years of professional experience, working as Professor Madya at school of medicine, university Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia. Earlier he worked in India, Brunei & japan. He has published 65 scholarly papers & 10 book chapters. He was key note speaker at Asian congress of Health psychology conference held at Taiwan (2010) invited speaker at international congress of Rehabilitation (2011) International Conference on Counseling, Psychotherapy & Wellbeing (2012) Invited symposium speaker at Asian congress of Cognitive Behavior Therapy to be held in Tokyo Japan (2013) Guest speaker at many local conferences. He is the recipient of International Mentoring award from APA (2003) Distinguished psychologist award from APA (2011) His area of Specialization in stress management, Psychotherapy & cognitive Behavior therapy.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 140 Nehad Jasim Al-Rashid, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Safety and security measures in psychiatric acute admission wards in Kingdom of Bahrain Nehad Jasim Al-Rashid Medical University of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
uiet environment in psychiatric setting allows the staff to give good quality of care to their patients which will satisfy nurses. QPhysical and verbal aggression frequently occurs in acute wards of psychiatric hospital in Kingdom of Bahrain. The objective of this study is to compare the safety and security measures in psychiatric acute admission wards in Kingdom of Bahrain, Ireland and London. To describe similarities and differences in terms of safety and security in the three countries which are Kingdom of Bahrain, Ireland and London. The research question is Are acute admission psychiatric wards in Kingdom of Bahrain safe and secured for the health professionals? Data collection a sample of 100 psychiatric nurses will be chosen through simple random sampling method in order to obtain their opinion regarding the causes of physical and verbal aggression against the nurses by filling the questionnaire. SPSS program will be used to analyze the data and upon obtaining results the recommendations will be set considering the benefits of patients and nurses. The significance of this study is to investigate and explore the safety and security of nurses in acute admission psychiatric wards. Also to help understand the concept of aggression and how to manage patients in safe and secured place. The recommendations may lead to change in the organization by reducing physical and verbal violence towards nurses which will lead to more safe and secured environment.
Biography Nehad Jasim Al-Rashid has completed her Masters in Nursing at the age of 42 years from Royal College of Surgeons in Bahrain. She started in 1992 as a general nurse in the acute female ward. Since 2001 she is Nurse Supervisor of male acute admission ward at psychiatric hospital in Kingdom of Bahrain since 2001. She is member of many committees and presented many lectures in the country.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 141 Oluyomi Esan, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
One year persistence in treatment of patients with first episode Schizophrenia in African country Oluyomi Esan University of Ibadan, Nigeria
he likelihood of sustaining effective control of schizophrenic symptoms depends largely on persistence in treatment. As with Tmost chronic disorders, in the management of patients with first episode of schizophrenia, outcome is expected to be best if persistence with treatment in the first episode is good. A study of the persistence in treatment of patients with a first episode of schizophrenia and the factors associated will not only provide an estimate of the magnitude of the problem but will also help in providing strategies aimed at overcoming the barriers to treatment persistence. The aim of this study was to assess the persistence in treatment of patients with a first episode of schizophrenia in an African country (Nigeria). The study area was the Psychiatry Unit of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. UCH is an 812 bed teaching hospital located in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Persistence, as measured by mean time to all-cause treatment default (in weeks) using Kaplan Meier technique was 17.80 weeks. Subjects with age of onset less than 40 years were three times more likely than those who were above 40 years to default from treatment. In conclusion poor persistence in treatment of patients with first episode of schizophrenia is common in Nigeria, this has the potential to cause considerable aggravation of the disorders well as increased costs and burden of illness.
Biography Oluyomi Esan completed his post graduate training in psychiatry in 2007. He is the head of the Neuropsychiatry Unit at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. He has published more than 12 papers in reputed journals and serving as reviewer in some of the journals.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 142 Othman Ghribi, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Neurodegenerative cascades in Alzheimer’s disease Othman Ghribi University of North Dakota, USA
he aspartyl protease β-site AβPP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in Aβ production, a peptide at Tthe nexus of neurodegenerative cascades in Alzheimer Disease dementia. Leptin may offer protection against Alzheimer’s dementia as this adipocytokine can reduce Aβ production and decrease BACE1 activity and expression levels. However, the signaling cascades involved in the leptin-induced mitigation in Aβ levels and BACE1 expression levels have not been elucidated. We have demonstrated that NF-κB positively regulates BACE1 transcription. NF-κB activity is tightly regulated by the mammalian sirtuin SIRT1. Multiple studies have cogently evinced that leptin activates the metabolic master regulator SIRT1. In this study, we determined the extent to which SIRT1 expression and activity regulate the leptin-induced attenuation in BACE1 expression and Aβ levels. This study also elucidated and delineated the signal transduction pathways involved in the leptin induced mitigation in BACE1 expression.
Biography Othman Ghribi has completed his Ph.D. in 1994 at the University René Descartes, Partis France, and postdoctoral studies from the University of Quebec and the University of Virginia. He has published more than 60 papers in reputed journals and serving as a Senior Editor of The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and is a member on the editorial board of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinsonism, American Journal of Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Current Alzheimer Research.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 143 Pam Brammann R. N, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Navigating Alzheimer’s the easy way Pam Brammann R. N Certified Dementia Trainer, USA
ooking after someone with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can be quite challenging, as well as frustrating. Pam helps Lfriends, family members, memory care staff, etc. better handle common dementia behaviours by revealing secret behavioral modification techniques. Some have called this magic, but it’s not magic, it’s Navigating Alzheimer’s The Easy Way. Pam intrigues and engages her audience by presenting funny, yet heart warming true life stories, all stemming from her past experiences both professionally and on a personal level. Pam lost her father-in-law due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease and her step-father is currently dealing with another form of dementia. Most importantly, Pam gives Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia a face by explaining in simple terms how Alzheimer’s attacks the brain. This easy to understand insight helps people comprehend why short term memory is affected, yet long term memories remain. This information plays a part in Pam’s magic formula, which helps caregivers’ better handle challenging behaviours the easy way. All results in a comfortable understanding that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are all real diseases that destroy one’s ability to think rationally. Dementia behaviours then become easier to navigate because you have proper knowledge to use as tools. What people really appreciate is the fact that Navigating Alzheimer’s The Easy Way can be used to better any relationship in your life. Audience members walk away with fresh ideas and techniques that allow all to better handle challenging behaviours.
Biography Pam Brammann R. N is a Registered Nurse and Certified Dementia Trainer. She graduated from nursing school with Honours. She has over 15 years of experience both personally and professionally with caring for people afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. In addition to working at hospitals and skilled nursing care facilities, She was given the opportunity to work at an adult day service centre. Shortly thereafter she became a Certified Dementia Trainer via a local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She listened and offered helpful advice to many family members and caregivers in dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Currently She is a sought-out keynote speaker, dementia trainer and coach. Her superior presentation, combined with high energy programs are delivered in an energetic, yet down to earth, memorable style. She was born in 1960 and raised in the Midwest. She lives with her husband, their two teenagers, and three dogs. She enjoys golf, football games, and family time.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 144 A. Pluddemann, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
The SACENDU project: Monitoring drug abuse trends in South Africa A. Pluddemann Medical Research Council, South Africa
he SACENDU Project is an alcohol and other drug (AOD) sentinel surveillance system that monitors trends in AOD use and Tassociated consequences on a six-monthly basis from specialist treatment centers in six regional sites in South Africa. This paper will focus on findings from data collected on heroin use between January and June 2012 and compare them to findings of previous years. To identify changes in the nature and extent of heroin and other drug abuse in South Africa. Data were collected on admissions for drug abuse treatment from 67 treatment centres, using a one-page form. A total of 10 059 forms were collected and data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package. Alcohol remains the dominant substance of abuse across all sites. Treatment admissions for cocaine-related problems have generally decreased over the years. Cannabis remained the most common primary drug for persons younger than 20 years across all sites. Heroin admissions remained fairly stable, from a high level, in three sites but increased significantly in one of the sites. Proportions of Black/African and ‘Coloured’ heroin patients have increased significantly in three sites and proportions of female patients remain low. Treatment admissions for methamphetamine (MA) were low except in the Western Cape where MA remained the most common primary drug reported by a third of patients, mostly less than 25 years. An increase in admissions for methamphetamine has been noted in Port Elizabeth.These findings highlighted that a broad range of globally abused substances is present in South Africa and that the burden of illicit substance sincluding heroin and methamphetamine is increasing alarmingly.
Biography A. Pluddemann currently working as a Specialist Scientist at Alcohol & g Abuse Research Unit of Medical Research Council of South Africa from 2011.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 145 Priti Jain, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Multi target directed ligand: An approach to treat Alzheimer's disease Priti Jain Birla Institute of Technology and Science, India
lzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neuro-degenerative disorder with a multifaceted pathogenesis. It is believed to affect Aaround 107 million population worldwide by 2050 and is fourth most common cause of death in elderly population. Present paradigm of "one compound, one target" has failed to stop or delay the progression of disease because of the different targets involved in AD like amyloid precursor protein(APP), β-secretase-1(BACE-1), glycogen synthase kinase3β, tau protein, histone deacetylase etc. This therefore supports the application of multi-target-directed ligand approach in the treatment of AD. The strategy involves designing the hybrids by linking structurally active moieties interacting with different targets. Each pharmacophore of these new drugs should retain the ability to interact with its specific site(s) on the target and consequently, produce specific pharmacological responses. This combination therapy is being used to treat various other disorders such as AIDS, atherosclerosis, cancer and depression. The approach could be a break-through for the development of new drugs capable of addressing the biological complexity of this disorder.
Biography Priti Jain is pursuing Ph.D. in the field of Alzheimer's disease from BITS, Pilani, India. She is involved with the group since last 4 years. Before joining Ph.D., she had worked with Glenmark Research Centre for around 3 years (an esteemed Indian pharmaceutical company). She has published 3 papers related to QSAR studies and also on Alzheimer's disease. She is trying to do computational studies of novel BACE-1 inhibitors and synthesize the same molecules.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 146 Puneet Rinwa, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Panax quinquefolium attenuates depression-like behavior through modulating nitric oxide pathway in olfactory bulbectomized rats Puneet Rinwa University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, India
lfactory bulbectomy (OBX) is a well known screening model for depression. Panax quinquefolium (PQ) is known for its Otherapeutic potential against several psychiatric disorders. Nitric oxide (NO), an intercellular messenger has been suggested to play a major role in the pathogenesis of depression. The present study was designed to explore the possible involvement of NO mechanism in the protective effect of PQ against olfactory bulbectomy induced depression. Wistar rats were bulbectomized surgically and kept for a rehabilitation period of two weeks. PQ (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg; p.o.) alone and in combination with NO modulators like L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and L-arginine (100 mg/kg; i.p.) were then administered daily for another two weeks. Ablation of olfactory bulbs caused depression-like symptoms as evidenced by increased immobility time in forced swim test, hyperactivity in open field arena, and anhedonic like response in sucrose preference test. Further, OBX caused elevation in serum corticosterone levels and increased oxidative-nitrosative damage. These deficits were integrated with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α), apoptotic factor (caspase-3) and a marked reduction in neurogenesis factor (BDNF) in both cortex and hippocampus region of bulbectomized rat brains. Treatment with PQ significantly and dose-dependently restored the behavioral, biochemical and molecular alterations associated with OBX. Further, pretreatment of L-NAME with subeffective dose of PQ (100 mg/kg) significantly potentiated its protective effects; however L-arginine pretreatment reversed their beneficial effects. Present study suggests that protective effect of Panax quinquefolium might be due to possible modulation of nitric oxide pathway against olfactory bulbectomy-induced depression.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 147 Saied Malihialzackerini, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Psychosocial adjustment in patients with Schizophrenia after Meta cognitive training Saied Malihialzackerini Islamic Azad University, Iran
his article present evidence regarding the effect of Meta Cognitive Training on psychosocial adjustment of patients with Tschizophrenia. Methods: we used semi experimental method with control group. The cohort consisted of 60 patients who had suffered schizophrenia (30 patients with intervention and 30 patients without intervention) evaluated by psycho-social adjustment questionnaire before and after metacognitive intervention (MCT). Information regarding socioeconomic status (SCS) and demographic factors was obtained during clinical interview. Psychosocial outcome measures included the home adjustment (HA), health adjustment (HEA), social adjustment (SA), affective adjustment (AA) and educational adjustment (EA) by Bell Adjustment Inventory (BAI). Results: The mean rating of educational adjustment (EA) was ‘‘slightly dissatisfied’’, but all other scales (HA, HEA, SA & AA) was satisfied. Mean educational adjustment levels for experimental group (with MCT) were just the same as control group patients (with MCT). But there were significant differences after intervention in other scales in experimental group. Conclusions: Meta Cognitive Training (MCT) for schizophrenia is a young area of inquiry. MCT is a novel targeted psycho- educational strategy that is based on a neuro-psycho-social model. This model is rooted in robust empirical research and posits a heuristicbased mechanism for generalization and maintenance of gains. Initial research with MCT is promising, but more research is necessary to test this new approach. Results of this study indicate that although educational functioning in patients with schizophrenia remains compromised, general adjustment may be better than expected from data reported by this study assessing psychosocial outcome at earlier stages of recovery.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 148 Sana Abu Dahab, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Factors associated with motor skills of individuals with high-functioning autism (HIFA) Sana Abu Dahab University of Jordan, Jordan
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore factors that were associated with good and poor complex fine-motor skills for individuals with High-Functioning Autism (HIFA) and typically developing individuals (TDI). Methods: Participants: One hundred ten participants met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study (IHFA = 55 and TDI = 55). IHFA and TDI were matched on age, gender, and IQ. Variables: Performance on the Grooved Pegboard (GP) by the dominant hand was the target variable. The predictor variables included several neuropsychological measures from motor, sensory-perceptual, language, memory, problem solving/executive functioning, and visual spatial domains, demographic variables of age, socioeconomic status (SES), gender, handedness, and education level, as well as IQ. Data analyses: Two models were generated using Exhaustive Chi-Square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID), one for IHFA and one for TDI, to identify factors associated with good and poor performance on the GP using SPSS AsnwerTree 3.1. Results: We found different factors to be associated with complex fine-motor skills for IHFA versus TDI. The patterns of association for IHFA were also different from TDI. In the IHFA model, the factor most strongly associated with performance on the GP was education level with time needed to perform the GP which decreased as education level increased followed by different predictors for each of the generated groups. However, for TDI age (years) was the factor most strongly associated with performance on the GP with increased speed as age increased followed by performance on the GP by the non-dominant hand. Conclusion: The most prominent finding of this study was the strong association between complex fine-motor skills and educational level in the IHFA model versus the strong association between complex fine-motor skills and age in the TDI model. Our findings suggested that IHFA rely on structured experiences (such as those provided in schools) to acquire complex fine- motor skills which are acquired with age (a variable independent from structure) in TDI. This finding has a significant clinical implication reflecting on the importance of early intervention for IHFA, because the development of complex fine-motor skills for IHFA appears to necessitate structured experiences that utilize such skills in order for them to fully mature. In addition, the models generated by CHAID illustrate which factors are associated with complex fine-motor skills, and how they are related to each other. The model has the potential to provide guidance on factors that need to be assessed in IHFA, as well as for the development of intervention planning.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 149 Sara Nakhai, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Contents and patterns of drawings of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders: A multiple case report Sara Nakhai University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
ccording to the clinical literature many of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) seem to be obsessed with Amechanical tools, machines, and physical systems and experimental studies imply that they have accelerated or superior development in this domain. The purpose of this study is to observe and analyze the contents of drawings of high-functioning children with ASD who are obsessed with technology/physics-related tools and objects to see the effects of this physics fascination on the contents and patterns of their drawings. In this multiple case report children with ASD who were referred to occupational therapy clinics by child psychiatrists are studied. The drawings used were obtained during occupational therapy sessions. We discuss each patient’s particular case and the content of his drawings. Each child has at least one particular technology/physics- related feature as the dominant subject of his drawings. The feature is also the object of the child’s daily obsessive preoccupation. While most of these children have lower than normal drawing skills, they usually are well capable of drawing the object of obsession skillfully and with details. It seems that this physics-related fascination not only conveys these children’s higher levels of understanding of physical representations as already shown in the literature, but they also enhance the child’s drawing skills in that particular area.
Biography Sara Nakhai has completed her Ph.D. from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Neuroscience.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 150 Shyamala Mruthinti, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
RAGE-Aβ complexes play a crucial role in triggering inflammatory, autoimmune related cascade of cyclic events leading to AD-pathogenesis Shyamala Mruthinti Datta ImmunoChem.Inc, USA
lzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually destroys a person’s Memory& cognition. AResearch efforts derived from our lab from past ten years along with others across the globe, strongly suggests that: amyloid beta (Aβ) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) play a crucial role in AD pathogenesis. RAGE, facilitates the translocation of Aβ from the periphery into the brain, mediates Aβ-induced neurotoxicity, and enhances the release of pro- inflammatory cytokines triggering an inflammatory response. It has been shown that AGEs also regulate RAGE gene expression in blood vessels, and that the AGE-RAGE interaction enables a sustained and upwardly spiraling inflammatory component preventing the completion of normal tissue repair mechanisms. Aβ also binds with α7 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) which are crucial for memory and cognitive functions of the brain ( Mruthinti et al.,2006). RAGE-Aβ complexes are more immunogenic compared to either RAGE or Aβ and their long-term presence potentiates Aβ aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and autoimmunity. We prepared a simple and safe water-based oral vaccine for AD, incorporating an in-vitro prepared RAGE-Aβ complex antigen. Our data clearly suggested that, RAGE-Aβ immunogen induced: a) significantly higher antibody IgG serum titers and b) improved their cognitive test scores in AD-Tg mice and Primates; compared to either Aβ or RAGE alone (Webster et al., 2012). We conclude that, an oral vaccine therapy using water based RAGE- Aβ complex immunogen may be more effective treatment for AD than vaccination with Aβ or RAGE alone.
Biography Shyamala Mruthinti received B.Sc., M.A., M.S. and Ph.D. from Osmania and M. S. University of Baroda, India. She was hired as a Post-Doctoral Fellow & as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Immunology, Medical College of GA from 1987-1996. She joined Veterans Medical Administration in 1996 as Research Pharmacologist and received Career Development award and Merit Review award as Principle Investigator from 2000-2010 on AD research. She has 6 grants, 25 publications. She received “Outstanding-Performance & Research- Excellence-Awards” in 2010 from VA. She is the founding member of Immuno-Rx & currently CEO of Datta ImmunoChem. Inc.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 151 Soraya Hakimi, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Investigating effectiveness of matrix intervention model with mindfulness compared to matrix model without mindfulness in preventing from relapse in stimulant addicts Soraya Hakimi Iran
Introduction: This study investigated the effectiveness of matrix intervention model with mindfulness instructions in comparison to matrix model without mindfulness instructions in preventing relapse into addiction to crystal. Method: Population of the study consisted of all people addicted to stimulants who had referred to Nik-Yari Addiction Center in Qazvin in 2011 (substance abuse disorder was diagnosed by a psychiatrist for them). 30 subjects were selected randomly and were assigned in two groups. The present research project design is semi-experimental design with control groups. During treatment period and after this period in a 3-month follow up, both groups were tested by rapid test in terms of purity. For data analysis, T test was used for comparing average of dependent groups. Results: Data analysis results showed there was significant difference in frequency of relapse in both groups in p>0.05 level. Discussion: According to these findings, it can be concluded that using mindfulness techniques is effective in prevention of relapse into addiction for stimulant users.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 152 Sudhir Gadh, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Psychiatric re-hospitalization Sudhir Gadh NYU Langone Medical System, USA
Objective: Rates of psychiatric re-hospitalization after discharge from an inpatient unit take a toll on all parties involved. With this study we aimed to discover factors related to follow up and then create software to help increase its rate. Method: Using chi square statistics of a cohort of patients discharged from Bellevue Hospital, we found several significant factors that influenced whether or not a patient followed up. Then, with the help of mathematicians at Rochester Institute of Technology, we created software that processes all of a patient’s factors to provide a percentage likelihood of follow up. Results: The following factors independently and significantly affected follow up: Duration of hospitalization, race, ethnicity, Type of disposition, presence of a case manager, presence of court mandated treatment, history of medical issues, history of homelessness, poor family support, ability to recite their discharge plan and successfully reaching their disposition. Using all eighteen factors, significant and non-significant, we created software available on-line at www.mymeditrack.org so that clinicians can create improved discharge plans. Conclusions: After studying the factors associated with follow up from 1000 real world patients, we have created and provided software that can help reduce the psychiatric re-hospitalization of patients, improve clinician satisfaction and reduce healthcare expenditure.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 153 Vijendra K. Singh, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Identification and characterization of autoimmune autistic disorder (AAD) Vijendra K. Singh Neuro Immune Biotech Solutions, USA
hildren with neurological and behavioral problems are commonly given the diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders C(ASD), which is a highly heterogeneous group of patients manifesting autistic-like behaviors. A vast majority but not all ASD children have classic or typical autism. In that regard, we recently identified an autoimmune subset of autism and referred to it as “Autoimmune Autistic Disorder (AAD).” In this report, we describe laboratory studies for the identification and characterization of AAD. Subjects in the study were autistic children and normal healthy children. Blood samples of these children and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample of some children were analyzed. These specimens were analyzed autoimmune markers that included brain autoantibodies, pro-inflammatory cytokines and virus/vaccine serology. Laboratory methods included enzyme-linked immunosobent assay (ELISA) and protein immunoblotting assay. We found experimental evidence for the presence of autoimmune markers in children with autism but not in healthy children. First, autistic children harbored brain-specific autoantibodies [e.g. antibodies to myelin basic protein (anti-MBP) and antibodies to caudate nucleus (anti-CN)]. Secondly, autistic children had elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interferon- gamma and interleukin-12), acute-phase protein (e.g. C-reactive protein) and S-100 protein. Thirdly, autistic children harbored elevated levels of antibodies to measles virus (but not CMV, EBV, HHV-6, mumps or rubella virus) and measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine (but not Hepatitis B, DT or DPT). CSF samples of some autistic children were also positive for antibodies to brain antigens and measles virus. Of clinical importance to autoimmune pathogenesis, we found a positive correlation between brain autoantibodies (anti-MBP) and virus serology (anti-measles virus). Collectively, these laboratory findings provide scientific evidence in support of an autoimmune mechanism of pathogenesis of autism. This mechanism was found in a vast majority of children with autism - an autoimmune subset - henceforth referred to as “Autoimmune Autistic Disorder (AAD)”. Since health conditions involving autoimmunity are commonly regarded as autoimmune diseases and treated medically, we suggest that autism or AAD be considered as a medical condition and be treated with immune modulation therapy.
Biography Vijendra Singh received his Ph.D. in brain biochemistry from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Subsequent to a post- doctoral fellowship in Neurochemistry and Immunology, he specialized in neuroscience, neuroimmunology, clinical immunology, and laboratory medicine. Until retirement recently, he held faculty appointments at the University of British Columbia, University of Michigan, Utah State University, and Medical University of South Carolina. He is a long-term active member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) and a former member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), American Association of Immunologists (AAI) and American Society for Microbiology (ASM). He is also a member of prestigious International Who’s Who of Intellectuals (UK) and American Men and Women in Science (USA). He was also a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of several non-profit Organizations and/or Foundations. For his research contributions, he has been honored with Humanitarian Award from the Psychiatric Association of Philadelphia and National Foundation for Alternative Medicine (NFAM) in Washington, DC. Currently, he works as an independent Professor of Neuroimmunology through a research program known as the « Neuro Immune Biotechnology Solutions (NIBS). He is a professional neuroscientist and immunologist, speaker, author, biomedical researcher and consultant for autoimmunity and inflammation in brain disorders. The focus of his research is to uncover novel therapies for autoimmune pathology of nervous system disorders, including autism.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 154 , J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013, 3:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2161-0460.S1.004
International Conference on Psychology, Autism and Alzheimer's Disease September 30-October 01, 2013 Hilton San Antonio Airport, TX, USA
Design, synthesis and biological screening of monoamine oxidase inhibitors Vishnu Nayak Birla Institute of Technology, India
onoamine oxidases (MAOs) are flavoenzymes bound to the outer mitochondrial membrane and are responsible for the Moxidative deamination of neurotransmitters and dietary amines and trace of amines. Two isoforms, namely MAO-A and MAO-B, have been identified on the basis of their amino acid sequences, three dimensional structure, substrate preference, and inhibitor selectivity. MAO-A has a higher affinity for serotonin and noradrenaline, whereas MAO-B preferentially deaminates phenylethylamine and benzylamine, this leads to the rapid degradation of these molecules and ensure that the proper functioning of synaptic neurotransmission, regulation of emotional behaviors and other brain functions. The byproduct of MAO-mediated reactions includes several chemical species with neurotoxic potential, such as hydrogen peroxide, ammonia and aldehydes. As a consequence of prolonged excessive activity of these enzymes may lead to mitochondrial damages and neurodegenerative disturbances/disorder MAOIs introduced into clinical practice during 1960’s were abandoned due to adverse effects, Such as hepatotoxicity, orthostatic hypotension, and the so-called “cheese effect”, which was characterized by hypertensive crisis. Then it was understood that most of the adverse effects are due to non-selective inhibition of MAO-isoforms. This has led to an intensive search for novel MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), selective towards isoforms, and this effort has increased considerably in recent years. Selective MAO-A inhibitors such as clorgyline (irreversible) and moclobemide (reversible) are used in the treatment of neurological disorders such as depression, whereas the selective and irreversible MAO-B inhibitors such as selegiline and rasagiline are useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Most of the inhibitors in the clinical practice are either selective & irreversible or non-selective reversible with few exceptions. According to WHO, depression is a common phenomenon affecting about 350 million people worldwide and can lead to suicide. Suicide in an estimated 1 million deaths every year depression related suicides (on WHO site). On the other side it is estimated that Neurodegenerative diseases will become the world’s second leading cause of death by the middle of this century. The cost of illness and economic burden due to depression and neurodegenerative disorders were estimated to be $91000 and $100 billion/annum respectively for a US and will be many-fold higher for our nation (on WHO site). India with total population of more than 120 million has a greater concern due to increasing number of cases of depression and neurodegenerative disorders (on WHO site). More than 60% of the population in India are in rural settings and are having restricted accesses to their medication needs. Moreover poor socio-economic condition, increase in life expectancy (63/66) etc compounding the situation. We are in greater need of cheaper drugs for the treatment of depression and neurodegenerative disorders and means to make it available for the people in remote rural settings.
Biography Vishnu Nayak.B has completed his M.S. (Pharm.) Medicinal Chemistry at the age of 25 years from National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Uttar Pradsesh, India and now he was Pursuing Ph.D from Birla Institute of Technology-Mesra, Ranchi. He has published few papers in reputed journals.
J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2013 PsychoAAD-2013 Volume 3 Issue 5 September 30-October 01, 2013 ISSN: 2161-0460, JADP an open access journal Page 155