Cognitive outcomes of the at-home brain balance program.

Children infected with HIV are a vulnerable group who have not been studied widely in the UK. They may be at risk of cognitive and psychological problems, but the relative influences of multiple factors have not been examined. This study aimed to assess a group of children with HIV in detail, including cognitive, adaptive and behavioural functioning and to apply psychological models of chronic illness in children. A longitudinal, naturalistic case study design was used. Eleven HIV-positive children, aged 4–13 years, were assessed twice. Two case studies illustrate some of the psychosocial and contextual factors impacting on these children’s adjustment. Cognitive ability and adaptive functioning were assessed. Behavioural measures, medical results and demographic information were also included. There was wide variability in the children’s functioning. Many displayed significant weaknesses in adaptive functioning compared with cognitive functioning. There were significant changes over time for some children. There was a high prevalence of behavioural and attention difficulties. Many children had experienced major life events such as moving countries and parental bereavement. Other challenges such as poor socio-economic status, limited social support and uncertainty about the future contributed to poor psychosocial adjustment. Children with HIV contend with multiple risks for their development and psychological well-being. Deterioration in psychological functioning can occur.

The effects of exposure to traumatic stressors on inhibitory control in police officers: A dense electrode array study using a Go/NoGo continuous performance task

BackgroundMany stroke survivors remain with residual cognitive and motor impairments despite receiving timely acute and sub-acute rehabilitation. This indicates that rehabilitation following stroke should be continuous to meet the needs of individual stroke patients. Both cognitive and motor functions are essential for mastering daily life and, therefore, should be aimed at with rehabilitation. Exergames, motor-cognitive exercises performed using video games, are an auspicious method to train both motor and cognitive functions and at the same time may foster the long-term motivation for training. This study aims to assess the effect of concept-guided, personalised, motor-cognitive exergame training on cognitive and motor functions in chronic stroke survivors.MethodsThis study is a single-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Assessments are performed at baseline, after a 12-week intervention, and at a 24-weeks follow-up. Chronic stroke patients (≥ 18 years old, ≥ 6 months post-stroke) able to stand for 3 min, independently walk 10 m, follow a two-stage command, and without other neurological diseases apart from cognitive deficits or dementia are included. Participants in the intervention group perform the exergame training twice per week for 30 (beginning) up to 40 (end) minutes additionally to their usual care programme. Participants in the control group receive usual care without additional intervention(s). Global cognitive functioning (total Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score) is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, specific cognitive functions, single- and dual-task mobility, and spatiotemporal gait parameters. The target sample size for this trial is 38 participants. Linear mixed models with the post-outcome scores as dependent variables and group and time as fixed effects will be performed for analysis.DiscussionSuperior improvements in global cognitive functioning and in the abovementioned secondary outcomes in the intervention group compared to the control group are hypothesised. The results of this study may guide future design of long-term rehabilitation interventions after stroke.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05524727). Registered on September 1, 2022.

Bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) is a chronic vestibular disorder, characterized by bilaterally absent or significantly impaired vestibular function. Symptoms typically include, but are not limited to, unsteadiness and movement-induced blurred vision (oscillopsia). This prospective case–control study aimed to elucidate the impact of BV on cognitive and motor performance and on cognitive–motor interference. Cognitive and motor performance, as well as cognitive–motor interference were measured in persons with BV and normal hearing using the 2BALANCE dual-task protocol. The experimental group was matched to a healthy control group based on age, sex, and educational level. The 2BALANCE protocol comprises cognitive tests assessing visuospatial memory, mental rotation, visual and auditory response inhibition, visual and auditory working memory, and processing speed. The cognitive tests were performed in single-task condition (while seated), and in dual-task condition (during a static and a dynamic motor task). The static motor task consisted of balancing on a force platform with foam pad. The dynamic motor task consisted of walking at a self-selected speed. These motor tasks were also performed in single-task condition. A generalized estimating equations model was used to investigate group differences for all cognitive and motor outcome measures. The estimated marginal means, as well as the odds ratios (OR), and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. For the backward digit recall test, a baseline measurement was performed and analyzed using a student-t test. A total of 22 patients with BV and normal hearing and 22 healthy control subjects were assessed [mean age (SD), BV = 53.66 (13.35) and HC = 53.21 (13.35), 68% male]. The BV group had poorer mental rotation skills in single-task condition, compared to the control group [odds ratio (OR) = 2.30, confidence interval (CI) = 1.12–4.73, P = 0.024]. Similarly, auditory and visual working memory were also poorer in the BV group in single-task condition (P = 0.028 and P = 0.003, respectively). The BV group also performed poorer on the mental rotation task and the visual response inhibition task in dual-task condition (OR = 2.96, CI = 1.57–5.59, P < 0.001 and OR = 1.08, CI = 1.01–1.16, P = 0.032, respectively). Additionally, an interaction effect, indicating increased cognitive–motor interference in the BV group, was observed for mental rotation, response inhibition, and auditory working memory (P = 0.003 to 0.028). All static motor outcome parameters indicated more postural sway in the BV group compared to the control group for all test conditions (P < 0.001 to 0.026). No group differences were noted for the dynamic motor task. These findings suggest a link between vestibular function and cognitive performance, as well as a greater interference between cognitive and motor performance in BV, compared to healthy controls.

Multisensory stimulation reduces neuropsychiatric symptoms and enhances cognitive function in older adults with dementia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Time-effectiveness of low-frequency rTMS for epilepsy and improvement in cognitive function in patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The assessment of young developmentally delayed preschool children is fraught with difficulty and controversy, yet is essential in the consideration of the child's current skills and abilities, as well as their future needs, as they prepare to transition from preschool to primary school. Fifty developmentally delayed and normally developing preschoolers underwent extensive developmental assessment in preparation for their transition to primary school, and were subsequently followed up approximately six-months post initial testing to monitor their adjustment to school.Briefly outlined, this study reviewed the extant research literature related to the areas of both and adjustment, followed by a review of the development of the Dynamic Assessment approach, and an affirmation of the benefits of using this approach with young preschool-aged children and children with developmental and learning difficulties. Seven research hypotheses were proposed to examine these topics, and the results of extensive data analysis were discussed in light of the current findings. Finally, the research findings were discussed in relation to the implications and limitations of this research, with several suggestions for future research outlined.Vygotsky (1978) argued that a comprehensive assessment of a child's development requires evaluating the child at two levels: (a) the individual or unassisted level, and (b) at the social or assisted level. The purpose of this study was twofold - firstly, to examine the performance of children with developmental delays in relation to a battery of standardised and dynamic cognitive and readiness assessments. The premise of this research is that Dynamic Assessment, an assessment approach which involves a period of mediated learning instruction in addition to pre- and posttesting of cognitive abilities, is able to add significant value to the assessment of young children, by providing both qualitative and quantitative information regarding improvements in young children's cognitive and metacognitive functioning. A new Dynamic Assessment procedure designed for use with young children, the Application of Cognitive Functions Scale (ACFS), was found to elicit significant functional gains for both groups of children across a range of cognitive domains essential for performance within the typical early education curriculum. The accompanying Behavior Observation Rating Scale (BORS) also demonstrated significant improvements in the learning behaviours deemed to be important for successful cognitive functioning.Parents and teachers are important allies in the assessment of young children, particularly those with developmental difficulties. The second purpose of this study examined the relationship between parent and teacher perceptions of preschool children's developmental school readiness skills, and their subsequent adjustment to following two terms in Year 1. Results indicated that parents and preschool teachers rated children's developmental functioning differently. In addition, no significant functional improvements were noted in the developmental adjustment skills of either the delayed or non-delayed children.

ObjectiveThis study explored the associations among muscle strength, inhibitory control, and cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment, focusing on related EEG changes.MethodsAmong 247 adults aged 70 and above, 120 with cognitive impairment were included. Assessments included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Stroop task, grip strength, and resting-state EEG.ResultsInhibitory control was significantly related to cognitive function: accuracy in congruent (r = 0.599, p < 0.001) and incongruent (r = 0.474, p < 0.001) conditions correlated positively with MoCA scores, while response times in both conditions showed negative correlations (r = –0.475 and –0.354, respectively, p < 0.001). EEG alpha1 (C3, P3, F7), alpha2 (P3, F8), and beta1 (P3, F7) power were significantly associated with both cognitive and inhibitory performance. Muscle strength was significantly positively correlated with specific EEG indicators, particularly alpha1 power at C4 (r = 0.212, p < 0.05), O2 (r = 0.204, p < 0.05), F8 (r = 0.225, p < 0.05), and T6 (r = 0.206, p < 0.05), as well as alpha2 power at C3 (r = 0.216, p < 0.05), P3 (r = 0.222, p < 0.05), P4 (r = 0.268, p < 0.001), F8 (r = 0.284, p < 0.001), and T5 (r = 0.218, p < 0.05).ConclusionMuscle strength may support cognitive and inhibitory function by influencing specific EEG activities. These findings highlight the neurophysiological links among muscle strength, cognition, and brain activity, offering potential biomarkers for early detection and intervention in cognitive decline.

Executive functions (EFs) are essential for optimal academic development. Appropriate nutrition and physical activity (PA) have been shown to facilitate optimal cognitive development. Therefore, this study examined whether a 12-week school-based PA and multi-micronutrient supplementation (MMNS) intervention would improve cognitive and academic performance. A cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. Children from four schools located in a peri-urban area of South Africa were randomly assigned to (i) PA + MMNS, (ii) PA + placebo, (iii) MMNS or (iv) placebo. Information processing and inhibitory control were measured with a computerized Flanker task. End-of-year results provided insight into academic achievement. Anthropometric measures were used to determine nutritional status. Data were analyzed with linear mixed-models, adjusting for baseline scores, school classes and age; 932 children (458 girls (49.1%), Mage (mean age) = 8.42 ± 1.94 years) completed baseline and post-intervention assessments. Cognitive performance improved among all four groups, with no significant group × time effects. For academic achievement, there was no significant interaction effect between the combined intervention group and placebo. We encourage future studies in this neglected area in order to determine the most optimal design of school-based nutrition and PA programs to enhance overall cognitive performance.

Effects of neuromodulation on cognitive performance in individuals exhibiting addictive behaviors: A systematic review

Background:Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic systemic disease with skin and internal organ manifestations often difficult to treat. SSc patients often complain to their doctors about memory and attention difficulties,...

BackgroundInhibitory control and attention processing atypicalities are implicated in various diseases, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These cognitive functions can be tested by using visually guided saccade-based paradigms in children, adolescents and adults to determine the time course of such disorders.MethodsIn this study, using Gap, Step, Overlap and Antisaccade tasks, we analyzed the oculomotor behavior of 82 children, teenagers and adults with high functioning ASD and their peer typically developing (TD) controls in a two-year follow-up study under the auspices of the InFoR-Autism project. Analysis of correlations between oculomotors task measurements and diagnostic assessment of attentional (ADHD-RS and ADHD comorbidity indices) and executive functioning (BRIEF scales) were conducted in order to evaluate their relationship with the oculomotor performance of participants with ASD.ResultsAs indicated by the presence of a Gap and Overlap effects in all age groups, the oculomotor performances of ASD participants showed a preserved capability in overt attention switching. In contrast, the difference in performances of ASD participants in the Antisaccade task, compared to their TD peers, indicated an atypical development of inhibition and executive functions. From correlation analysis between our oculomotor data and ADHD comorbidity index, and scores of attention and executive function difficulties, our findings support the hypothesis that a specific dysfunction of inhibition skills occurs in ASD participants that is independent of the presence of ADHD comorbidity.LimitationsThese include the relatively small sample size of the ASD group over the study’s two-year period, the absence of an ADHD-only control group and the evaluation of a TD control group solely at the study’s inception.ConclusionsChildren and teenagers with ASD have greater difficulty in attention switching and inhibiting prepotent stimuli. Adults with ASD can overcome these difficulties, but, similar to teenagers and children with ASD, they make more erroneous and anticipatory saccades and display a greater trial-to-trial variability in all oculomotor tasks compared to their peers. Our results are indicative of a developmental delay in the maturation of executive and attentional functioning in ASD and of a specific impairment in inhibitory control.

Aerobic exercise can elicit positive effects on neuroplasticity and cognitive executive function but is poorly understood after stroke. We tested the effect of 4 weeks of aerobic exercise training on inhibitory and facilitatory elements of cognitive executive function and electroencephalography markers of cortical inhibition and facilitation. We investigated relationships between stimulus-evoked cortical responses, blood lactate levels during training, and aerobic fitness postintervention. Twelve individuals with chronic (>6 months) stroke completed an aerobic exercise intervention (40 minutes, 3×/wk). Electroencephalography and motor response times were assessed during congruent (response facilitation) and incongruent (response inhibition) stimuli of a Flanker task. Aerobic fitness capacity was assessed as o2peak during a treadmill test pre- and postintervention. Blood lactate was assessed acutely (<1 minute) after exercise each week. Cortical inhibition (N2) and facilitation (frontal P3) were quantified as peak amplitudes and latencies of stimulus-evoked electroencephalographic activity over the frontal cortical region. Following exercise training, the response inhibition speed increased while response facilitation remained unchanged. A relationship between earlier cortical N2 response and faster response inhibition emerged postintervention. Individuals who produced higher lactate during exercise training achieved faster response inhibition and tended to show earlier cortical N2 responses postintervention. There were no associations between o2peak and metrics of behavioral or neurophysiologic function. These preliminary findings provide novel evidence for selective benefits of aerobic exercise on inhibitory control during the initial 4-week period after initiation of exercise training and implicate a potential therapeutic effect of lactate on poststroke inhibitory control.

Mammographic Breast arterial calcification (BAC) may be a novel subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk marker. Since subclinical and clinical CVD are associated with cognitive impairment, we set out to investigate whether there is a relation between BAC presence/severity and cognitive function (CF). We used data from the M ult I eth N ic study of br E ast a R terial calcium gradation and cardio VA scular disease (MINERVA), a multiethnic cohort of women aged 60-79 at baseline (10/2012 and 2/2015) who were free of symptomatic CVD, all recruited at Kaiser Permanente of Northern California. The sample available for analyses with complete data on BAC, cognitive function and covariates was 3,919 (mean ± SD age=67 ± 4, 52% white, 18% Asian, 15% African-American and 12% Latina). A BAC continuous mass score (mg) was obtained using a validated densitometry method. BAC presence was BAC score &gt; 0 mg, and severe BAC was BAC score &gt; 20 mg. CF was dichotomized as Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score &lt; 23 (first quartile) vs ≥ 23 (quartiles 2, 3 and 4). The unadjusted (Model 1) odds ratios (OR, 95% CI; p-value) of CF &lt; 23 vs. ≥ 23 associated with BAC &gt; 0 vs. BAC=0 was 1.15 (0.98-1.35; 0.08). However, adjustment for age, race and education (Model 2) abolished this association. Further adjustment for factors independently predicting CF (Model 3, with further inclusion of diabetes, HDL-C, CES depression score, breast feeding, multiple sclerosis and osteoarthitis) did not change the association. The unadjusted (Model 1) odds ratios (OR, 95% CI; p-value) of CF &lt; 23 vs. ≥ 23 associated with BAC &gt; 20 vs. BAC≤ 20 was 1.44 (1.02-2.01; 0.04). However, adjustment for age, race and education (Model 2) abolished this association and further adjustment for factors independently predicting CF did not alter the association. In conclusion, we found a statistically significant association between severe BAC and CF, but it was explained by covariation (confounding) by age, race and education, arguing that BAC may not play a role in cognitive impairment.

Predictors of executive function among 2 year olds from a Thai birth cohort