Commentary: Global Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementia research funding organizations support and engage the research community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

Monitoring the Conformational Changes of the Aβ(25-35) Peptide in SDS Micelles: A Matter of Time

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the formation of amyloid plaques constituted prevalently by amyloid peptides. Due to the well-known challenges related to the study in solution of these peptides, several membrane-mimicking systems such as micelle constituted by detergent-i.e., DPC and SDS-have been deeply investigated. Additionally, the strategy of studying short fragments instead of the full-length peptide turned out to be advantageous in exploring the structural properties of the different moieties in Aβ in order to reproduce its pathologic effects. Several studies reveal that among Aβ fragments, Aβ(25-35) is the shortest fragment able to reproduce the aggregation process. To enrich the structural data currently available, in the present work we decided to evaluate the conformational changes adopted by Aβ(25-35) in SDS combining CD and NMR spectroscopies at different times. From the solved structures, it emerges that Aβ(25-35) passes from an unordered conformation at the time of the constitution of the system to a more ordered and energetically favorable secondary structure at day 7, which is kept for 2 weeks. These preliminary data suggest that a relatively long time affects the kinetic in the aggregation process of Aβ(25-35) in a micellar system, favoring the stabilization and the formation of a soluble helix conformation.

Relatives experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study set in Spanish locked-down nursing homes

AIM

To describe the experience of relatives of residents with dementia residing in locked-down nursing homes during the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerning their relationships with nurses and the nursing care applied.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive study was carried out and purposive sampling was applied. Participants were first- and second-degree relatives of residents with dementia, who lived permanently in a nursing home and who were admitted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixteen participants, of which 10 were women (mean age 57.1 years), participated in the study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and reflective notes, using a digital platform. An inductive thematic analysis was carried out. This study was approved by the University Research Ethics Committee and followed the COREQ guidelines. The Guba and Lincoln criteria (credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability) were applied for quality control.

RESULTS

Families' relationships with nurses before the first wave relied on closeness and involvement in care. Families had difficulty maintaining a close relationship with nurses due to turnover and lack of time. The nursing care applied in the first wave resulted in limited family access to the nursing home, limited contact time with residents, and limited close physical contact.

CONCLUSIONS

The first outbreak has affected the relationships among relatives and nurses in nursing homes. Changes should be made in the organization of care within nursing homes in order to adapt to restrictions due to the pandemic.

Commentary: Global Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementia research funding organizations support and engage the research community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID‐19 pandemic has disproportionately affected more vulnerable populations, including those living with dementia. Over 50 million individuals worldwide are living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or other dementia, and it is crucial to continue the fight against the condition during the global pandemic. Since the start of mandated lockdowns in March 2020, charity and non‐profit organizations that fund AD and related dementia research continue to respond to the needs of the AD research community, ensuring the momentum continues and accelerates. Members of the International Alzheimer's and Related Dementia Research Funder Consortium, a group of nearly 40 funding organizations that informally convene throughout the year to share updates and information, have taken a number of steps to ensure the continued support of the research community. Even during times of uncertainty, it is essential that the field moves forward to uncover preventions, diagnoses, and treatments for these diseases that affect many millions globally.