Examining behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in technology-based interventions for enhancing social participation in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia: a scoping review protocol

Introduction

Technology-based interventions have improved the social participation of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Nevertheless, how these interventions modify social participation remains to be seen, and what efficient behaviour change techniques (BCTs) have been used. As such, this study aims to conduct a scoping review, identifying the features and BCTs behind technology-based interventions that improve social participation for individuals with MCI or dementia.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review method will be used to search journal articles from electronic databases, such as PsycINFO, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and reference lists. Following the population, concept and context structure, this study focuses on adults over 60 diagnosed with MCI or dementia. It delves into technology-based interventions, specifically focusing on BCTs, features and overall effectiveness for improving social participation. The research considers contextual factors, exploring the diverse settings where these interventions are used, including homes, healthcare facilities and community centres. This approach aims to provide nuanced insights into the impact of technology-based interventions on social participation in the targeted demographic. Two authors will independently screen titles, abstracts and full texts using Covidence software. Disagreements will be resolved through consensus or a third reviewer, and reasons for exclusion will be documented. We will conduct a detailed analysis of BCTs to pinpoint effective strategies applicable to future technology-based intervention designs. Through this scoping review, we aim to provide valuable insights that guide the direction of future research. Specifically, we seek to inform the development of effective technology-based interventions tailored to support social participation for people with MCI or dementia.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not necessary, as this review will use available articles from electronic databases. The outcome of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Protocol registration number

https://osf.io/tkzuf/

Altered serum TNF-α and MCP-4 levels are associated with the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder: A case-control study results

by Jannatul Nayem, Rapty Sarker, A. S. M. Roknuzzaman, M. M. A. Shalahuddin Qusar, Sheikh Zahir Raihan, Md. Rabiul Islam, Zobaer Al Mahmud

Background

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a debilitating mental health condition with complex etiology, and recent research has focused on pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines as potential contributors to its pathogenesis. However, studies investigating the roles of TNF-α and MCP-4 in MDD within the Bangladeshi population are scarce. This study aimed to assess the association between serum TNF-α and MCP-4 levels and the severity of MDD, exploring their potential as risk indicators for MDD development.

Methods

This case-control study enrolled 58 MDD patients from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, alongside 30 age, sex, and BMI-matched healthy controls. MDD diagnosis followed DSM-5 criteria and disease severity using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham-D). We measured serum TNF-α and MCP-4 levels using ELISA assays according to the supplied protocols.

Results

The study revealed significantly elevated serum TNF-α levels in MDD patients (47±6.6 pg/ml, mean±SEM) compared to controls (28.06±1.07 pg/ml). These increased TNF-α levels positively correlated with Ham-D scores (Pearson’s r = 0.300, p = 0.038), suggesting a potential association between peripheral TNF-α levels and MDD pathology. Additionally, MDD patients exhibited significantly higher serum MCP-4 levels (70.49±6.45 pg/ml) than controls (40.21±4.08 pg/ml). However, serum MCP-4 levels showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.270, P = 0.048) with Ham-D scores in MDD patients, indicating a more complex role for MCP-4 in MDD pathogenesis.

Conclusion

This study highlights that Bangladeshi MDD patients exhibit heightened inflammatory and immune responses compared to controls, supporting the cytokine hypothesis in MDD pathogenesis. Serum TNF-α, but not MCP-4, shows promise as a potential biomarker for assessing the risk of MDD development, which could aid in early detection. Future investigations involving larger populations and longitudinal studies are essential to confirm the utility of these cytokines as biomarkers for MDD.