Grant: Summer Program in Aging

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, and behaviour, and is increasing in prevalence among older adults. Agitation is a symptom of AD that involves aggressive verbal or physical activity and emotional distress and is commonly seen in people with moderate to severe dementia. Research suggests that oxidative stress, a process referring to the buildup of toxic chemicals in the blood produced by cells generating energy, is involved in AD. When these toxic chemicals come into contact with fat molecules within cells, their reaction forms more stable toxic products, one of which is a compound called 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). 4-HNE has been found in high concentrations in the blood of people with AD and other diseases involving thinking difficulties. Other toxic compounds like 8-isoprostane (8-iso) and lipid hydroperoxides (LPH) are also produced in these processes. The relationship between these biomarkers of oxidative stress and agitation levels in AD has not been studied extensively. This study will measure the concentration of 4-HNE, 8-iso, and LPH in the blood of patients with AD to determine their relation to the agitation severity they experience. Agitation will be measured using questionnaires conducted with the primary caregivers of participants. We propose that higher levels of 4-HNE, 8-iso, and LPH in the blood will be associated with more severe agitation in AD patients. Agitation increases the risk of hospitalization and death and decreases the quality of life for AD patients and their caregivers. Medications currently used to treat agitation are limited in effectiveness and have many unwanted side effects. Understanding the mechanisms underlying agitation can help us develop medications that can specifically target this symptom, which will reduce side effects and increase the quality of life for millions of older adults with AD.