A5024069263- Mental Health Research Topics
- Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
- Health disparities and outcomes
- Complex Systems and Decision Making
- Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life
- Cognitive Science and Mapping
- Nutritional Studies and Diet
- Functional Brain Connectivity Studies
- Health Policy Implementation Science
- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- Sleep and Wakefulness Research
- Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
- Alzheimer's disease research and treatments
- Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills
- Sleep and related disorders
- Cardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders
- Fatty Acid Research and Health
- Empathy and Medical Education
- Chronic Disease Management Strategies
- Microbial metabolism and enzyme function
- Mental Health and Psychiatry
- Advanced Causal Inference Techniques
- Supply Chain Resilience and Risk Management
- Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor
- Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues
University of Copenhagen
2023-2025
Radboud University Nijmegen
2020-2024
Radboud University Medical Center
2020-2024
Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences
2022-2023
University of Amsterdam
2022-2023
Complexity science and systems thinking are increasingly recognized as relevant paradigms for studying where biology, psychology, socioenvironmental factors interact. The application of thinking, however, often stops at developing a conceptual model that visualizes the mapping causal links within system, e.g., loop diagram (CLD). While this is an important contribution in itself, it imperative to subsequently formulate computable version CLD order interpret dynamics modeled system simulate...
Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex, multicausal disorder involving several spatiotemporal scales and scientific domains. While many studies focus on specific parts of this system, the complexity AD rarely studied as whole. In work, we apply systems thinking to map out known causal mechanisms risk factors ranging from intracellular psychosocial in sporadic AD. We report first systemic loop diagram (CLD) for AD, which result an interdisciplinary group model building (GMB) process....
Despite extensive research efforts to mechanistically understand late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) and other complex mental health disorders, curative treatments remain elusive. We emphasize the multiscale multicausality inherent LOAD, highlighting interplay between interconnected pathophysiological processes risk factors. Systems thinking methods, such as causal loop diagrams systems dynamic models, offer powerful means capture study this complexity. In recent studies, we developed...
Abstract This paper presents causal loop diagrams (CLDs) as tools for studying complex public health problems like inequality. These often involve feedback loops—a characteristic of systems not fully integrated into mainstream epidemiology. CLDs are conceptual models that visualize connections between system variables. They commonly developed through literature reviews or participatory methods with stakeholder groups. uncover loops among variables across scales (e.g. biological,...
Abstract Introduction In Alzheimer's disease (AD), cognitive decline is driven by various interlinking causal factors. Systems thinking could help elucidate this multicausality and identify opportune intervention targets. Methods We developed a system dynamics model (SDM) of sporadic AD with 33 factors 148 links calibrated empirical data from two studies. tested the SDM's validity ranking outcomes on 15 modifiable risk to sets 44 9 validation statements based meta‐analyses observational...
ABSTRACT This paper examines the potential benefits of a deeper integration between system dynamics and causal inference as applied in epidemiology. We offer four suggestions for bridging these fields: two what can stands to gain. First, we discuss use develop simulation models that emphasize feedback, (unobserved) dynamics, multiscale interactions. Second, note formalized participatory methods from could help strengthen Third, advocate outlining explicitly stating assumptions relevant...
Clinical reasoning in general practice is increasingly challenging because of the rise number patients with multimorbidity. This creates uncertainty unpredictable interactions between symptoms from multiple medical problems and patient's personality, psychosocial context life history. Case analysis may then be more appropriately managed by systems thinking than hypothetic-deductive reasoning, predominant paradigm current teaching clinical reasoning. Application "systems thinking" tools such...
Abstract Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is an established and common cardiovascular risk factor for falls. An in-depth understanding of the various interacting pathophysiological pathways contributing to OH-related falls essential guide improvements in diagnostic treatment opportunities. We applied systems thinking multidisciplinary map out causal mechanisms factors. For this, we used group model building (GMB) develop a loop diagram (CLD). The GMB was based on input experts from multiple...
Numerous clinical trials based on a single-cause paradigm have not resulted in efficacious treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, prevention that simultaneously intervened multiple risk factors shown mixed results, suggesting careful design is necessary. Moreover, intensive pilot precision medicine (PM) trial results been promising but may generalize to broader population. These observations suggest model-based approach multi-factor warranted. We systematically developed system...
Abstract The complex nature of many health problems necessitates the use systems thinking tools like causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to visualize underlying network and facilitate computational simulations potential interventions. However, construction CLDs is limited by constraints biases specific sources evidence. To address this, we propose a triangulation approach that integrates expert theory-driven group model building, literature review, data-driven discovery. We demonstrate utility this...
Dysregulated inflammation underlies various diseases. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) like Resolvin D1 (RvD1) have been shown to resolve and halt disease progression. Macrophages, key immune cells that drive inflammation, respond the presence of RvD1 by polarizing an anti-inflammatory type (M2). However, RvD1's mechanisms, roles, utility are not fully understood. This paper introduces a gene-regulatory network (GRN) model contains pathways for other SPMs proinflammatory molecules...
To face crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, resources such as personal protection equipment (PPE) are needed to reduce infection rate and protect those in close contact with patients. The increasing demand for products can, together pandemic-related disruptions global supply chain, induce major local resource scarcities. During first phase of we witnessed a reflex ‘our people first’ many regions. In this paper, however, show that cooperative sharing mechanism can substantially improve ability...
Abstract Introduction Systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are potentially modifiable factors implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which offer potential therapeutic targets to slow progression. Methods We investigated the relationship between baseline circulating levels of inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1ß) cell markers (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin) 18-month cognitive decline (ADAS-cog12) 266 mild-to-moderate AD patients from NILVAD study. employed individual growth models examine...
Abstract Background In the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), many factors processes are involved. Our understanding multicausal complex nature AD may benefit from computational modeling approaches that can be used for knowledge synthesis at level whole system. We have developed a systems dynamics (SD) model AD. Method applied group building methodology to develop expert input literature review causal loop diagram (CLD) graphically describes relationships between important...
Abstract Background A large number of biopsychosocial factors are implicated in the prevention Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). These not independent causes but part a complex causal network that underlies condition. Computational models would capture this system‐wide multicausality could help identify pathways and inform multifactorial strategies. Method We developed system dynamics model (SDM) from loop diagram was parameterized using empirical data multiple cohorts (including Neuroimaging...
Abstract Background Previous studies have shown that population‐wide up to 40% of all dementia cases are related twelve modifiable risk factors, which thus calls for preventive measures. To inform health promotion strategies, it is important know whether the attributable factors differs in cognitively healthy persons and with Mild Cognitive impairment (MCI). This study analyzed associations population fractions (PAFs) declining (MCI) adults aged ≥65 years, two cohort from US Greece. Method...