Neurología

Recognition memory in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's dementia : a systematic review

2026-08-21T18:08:10Z

Recognition memory in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's dementia : a systematic review Russo, María Julieta; Bueri, José; Ferrara, Lucía Alba; Labos, Edith; Sevlever, Gustavo Emilio; Allegri, Ricardo Francisco Background: Episodic memory impairment is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is already present in its prodromal stage. While recall deficits are well established as predictors of memory performance, the role of recognition memory-particularly the dissociation between familiarity and recollection-remains less explored. Objective: This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on recognition memory performance in healthy controls (HC), individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and those with AD, with a focus on the distinct contributions of familiarity and recollection processes. Methods: We searched PubMed (MEDLINE), Science Direct, PubPsych, and TRIP Medical databases for studies published until November 2025, which investigated recognition memory performance in individuals with MCI and AD including validated memory tools (such as scales, indices, scores, tests, and assessments). Forty-six studies (n = 3996) met the criteria and were included. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022343750. Results: Most studies were cross-sectional and conducted in memory clinics or research centers, with considerable heterogeneity in sample size and assessment tools. The majority utilized experimental paradigms to differentiate familiarity and recollection, though traditional memory tests remain prevalent. Across studies, recollection was consistently impaired in MCI and AD, while familiarity showed a more variable pattern-often preserved in early MCI but impaired in advanced stages and AD. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies revealed that hippocampal atrophy is closely linked to recollection deficits, while alterations in entorhinal and parahippocampal cortices are associated with familiarity impairment. Combined deficits in recall and recognition, especially when recognition impairment reflects encoding failure, robustly predict conversion to dementia. Conclusions: Recognition memory assessment, particularly the dissociation between familiarity and recollection, provides valuable information for early detection and prognosis in the AD continuum. Incorporating nuanced recognition memory measures into clinical practice may improve diagnostic specificity and facilitate timely interventions. Further longitudinal research is needed to validate recognition memory as a predictor of dementia progression and to standardize its assessment in diverse populations.

Challenges in Launching a Precision Pediatric Oncology Program in Argentina

2026-08-21T17:46:58Z

Challenges in Launching a Precision Pediatric Oncology Program in Argentina Paladino, María Mercedes; Pinto, Nicolás; Verón, David; Morosini, Fabiana; García Rivello, Hernán; Alves da Quinta, Daniela; Ganiewich, Daiana; Varela, Mariana; Diez, Blanca; de Dávila, María Teresa; Villarroel, Milena; de Sá Rodrigues, Karla Emília; Villanueva, Gabriela; Solorzano, Daniel; Casanovas, Alejandra; Rotondaro, Cecilia; Arrossi, Silvina; Chantada, Guillermo L.; Llera, Andrea S. Background/objectives: Advances in pediatric cancer care have underscored the importance of tumor sequencing for diagnosis and treatment selection. However, access to genomic diagnostics in Latin America remains limited. The COPPA Project, an initiative based in Argentina, was conceived to assess the feasibility of delivering clinically useful genomic sequencing for childhood cancers at no cost while maximizing the clinical value of genomic data through multidisciplinary molecular tumor boards (MTBs). Design/methods: Project planning involved securing funding, establishing a sequencing facility, selecting and optimizing an NGS panel, training technical staff in sequencing and interpretation, addressing sample transportation logistics, recruiting oncologists from multiple institutions, and promoting the establishment and participation in a virtual MTB. Tumors underwent sequencing using the Illumina Cancer Childhood Panel. Results were reported and discussed with the treating physicians and during MTB meetings. A survey was administered to MTB participants to assess perceived barriers and facilitators related to the project. Results: A total of 38 tumors were analyzed, 24 of which were sequenced in-house. Genomic findings were considered to have clinical utility in 67% of cases. Barriers such as a low demand for studies and oncologists' lack of time for MTBs were identified. Survey responses highlighted the educational value of the MTBs, with all respondents reporting increased knowledge of precision medicine and greater motivation to adopt genomic testing in clinical practice. Conclusion: This study identifies key barriers and facilitators encountered in a middle-income setting. These findings may inform future efforts to implement precision medicine approaches for pediatric cancer in the region.

Prognostic significance of CDKN2A/B hemizygous deletion in IDH-mutant astrocytomas : a systematic review and meta-analysis

2026-08-19T14:00:35Z

Prognostic significance of CDKN2A/B hemizygous deletion in IDH-mutant astrocytomas : a systematic review and meta-analysis Nakasu, Satoshi; Deguchi, Shoichi; Mezmezian, Mónica Beatriz; Mitsuya, Koichi; Notsu, Akifumi; Nakasu, Yoko The prognostic significance of CDKN2A/B hemizygous deletion (HemD) in IDH-mutant astrocytomas (A-IDHm) remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and WHO grade-specific meta-analysis of primary tumors following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Effect sizes included hazard ratios (HRs) and restricted mean survival time (RMST) for overall survival. The pooled frequency of HemD in grade 2 A-IDHm was 13.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.5–21.7%; 12 studies; I2 = 23.6%), lower than that in grade 3 tumors (25.2% [CI: 20.5–30.5%; 12 studies; I2 = 0%]) and grade 4 tumors with CDKN2A/B non-homozygous deletion (29.5% [CI: 23.3–36.6%]; 11 studies; I2 = 0%). Stratification by WHO grade revealed a significant association in grade 2 tumors (pooled HR [pHR]: 1.98 [CI: 1.03–3.80]; four studies; 369 patients; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%), but no significant association in grade 3 (pHR: 1.78 [CI: 0.99–3.20]; five studies, 239 patients; P = 0.054; I2 = 0%) or grade 4 tumors (pHR: 1.39 [CI: 0.85–2.26]; five studies; 192 patients; P = 0.18; I2 = 0%). The RMST difference reached statistical significance only in WHO grade 2 tumors, suggesting a potential prognostic effect of HemD in low-grade A-IDHm.

Characterization of individuals fulfilling clinical criteria for limbic-predominant age-related TDP43 encephalopathy (LATE) in a tertiary memory clinic

2026-08-12T15:26:02Z

Characterization of individuals fulfilling clinical criteria for limbic-predominant age-related TDP43 encephalopathy (LATE) in a tertiary memory clinic Groot, Colin; Calandri, Ismael Luis; Bader, Ilse; Bocancea, Diana I.; de Bruin, Hannah; Carrigan, Maria; Kamps, Suzie; de Koning, Lotte A.; Mastenbroek, Sophie E.; Rikken, Roos M.; van Tol, Bastiaan G. J.; Vermeiren, Marie R.; Wesseling, Alex; Xia, Ye; Teunissen, Charlotte E.; van de Giessen, Elsmarieke; Barkhof, Frederik; Jonkman, Laura E.; van der Lee, Sven J.; de Boer, Casper Background Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) clinically mimics and often co-occurs with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Expert consensus criteria have been proposed for the LATE clinical diagnosis, integrating clinical and radiological features, and AD biomarkers. Here, we applied the newly proposed criteria in a tertiary memory clinic population. Method We included participants from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort aged >50 years who received a diagnosis of MCI or dementia between 1997-2024. Following the LATE consensus criteria scheme (Figure 1), we categorized participants as “Probable LATE”, “Possible LATE” or “Possible LATE-AD” (i.e. LATE clinical and radiological profile with AD biomarker profile). Participants not fulfilling criteria for LATE but fulfilling NIA-AA criteria for AD were categorized as AD. We compared the LATE groups with AD on cognitive decline (N = 1046, N Mean time=2.7[1.8] years) and atrophy (N = 208, Mean time=2.1[1.6]) using linear-mixed effects models, and on mortality rates using Cox proportional hazard models. Result Of the 3367 individuals, 1920 were classified into one of the four groups. Fifty-one (1.5%) were classified as Probable LATE, 102 (3.0%) as Possible LATE, 122 (3.6%) as Possible LATE-AD, and 1645 (48.8%) as AD (Table 1). Compared to AD, Probable LATE showed an attenuated cognitive decline (b[SE] for MMSE=0.12[0.05], p = 0.02) and lower mortality rates (HR[95% CI]=0.75[0.58-0.95], p = 0.02), while individuals with Possible LATE-AD had faster cognitive decline (b for MMSE=-0.12[0.05], p = 0.01) and higher mortality rates (HR=1.55[1.25-1.92], p <0.001, Figure 2). Compared to AD, Probable LATE had, at baseline, lower hippocampal volumes (b=-0.83[0.27], p <0.01), and higher inferior-temporal to hippocampal volume ratios (b=0.81[0.27], p <0.01). Furthermore, in Probable LATE, atrophy in a whole-brain region-of-interest was slower compared to AD (b=0.14[0.08], p = 0.04). Possible LATE-AD had, at baseline, thinner whole-brain cortex (b=-0.69[0.30], p = 0.02), lower hippocampal volumes (b=-1.54[0.31], p <0.01), and higher inferior-temporal to hippocampal volume ratios (b=1.73[0.30], p <0.01) than AD, but there was no difference in atrophy rates between Possible LATE-AD and the other groups (Figure 3). Conclusion In a tertiary memory clinic population, the newly proposed clinical LATE criteria reveal clinical and atrophy trajectories that are distinct from AD, especially for Probable LATE and Possible LATE-AD. Differential clinical and biological disease trajectories highlight the relevance of the LATE classification for diagnostic and prognostic purposes