Cognitive Attention Research Articles

The investigation of visuospatial memory and visual attention in children with intellectual disability and Down syndrome

Within cognitive domains, memory and attention are among the most studied processes in people with intellectual disabilities, and studies have documented difficulties or even heterogeneities in their functioning. This study investigates the differences and similarities in the development of visuospatial memory and visual attention between children with typical development and intellectual disabilities of various etiologies. The study involved 106 children: 42 with typical development, 41 with intellectual disabilities, and 23 with Down syndrome. The sex ratio was 1:1, and the mean chronological age across groups was 8.81 years. Tools used included the Visual Information Recall Scale and Scales for Sustained Visual Attention and Visual Attention Span. Findings revealed that children with typical development outperformed the others, with statistically significant differences between groups. Notably, children with intellectual disabilities and Down syndrome also showed significant differences, highlighting the cognitive heterogeneity in intellectual disabilities.

Дослідження впливу фаз менструального циклу на функціональний стан кваліфікованої ветеранки спорту з дзюдо

Purpose: to investigate the influence of menstrual cycle phases on the functional status of a qualified female veteran judo athlete. Material and methods. The following methods were used in the study: analysis of scientific and methodological information and Internet sources; generalization of advanced practical experience; measurement of sensorimotor reactions and determination of heart rate variability indices; methods of mathematical statistics. A qualified veteran female judo athlete (Master of Sports of Ukraine) in the age category F2 (1983-1979) took part in the study. We performed 84 measurements of heart rate variability (n=42, HRV in the supine position; n=42, heart rate variability during the test task dedicated to measuring the choice reaction). The measurement was performed using two computer programs for mobile devices running iPadOS «Research HRV» and «HRV SR+CR» during morning hours (7-8 hours) and afternoon hours (17-18 hours). Results: analysis of the dynamics of changes in heart rate variability parameters obtained in the supine position indicates an increase in sympathetic activity in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Analysis of comparisons of heart rate variability parameters in different phases of the menstrual cycle indicates that the greatest number of statistically significant (p<0,05) differences is observed in the first half of the day. These changes indicate the dynamics of the decrease in the tone of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system in the follicular phase when performing test tasks provided by the computer program «HRV SR+CR». Analysis of the study results indicates that the indicators of heart rate variability are also influenced by the measurement conditions. The test tasks of the computer program «HRV SR+CR» provide cognitive load and concentration of attention, especially in the second stage, where it is necessary to choose the sought-after figure. During cognitive tasks there is an increase in the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which leads to an increase in heart rate variability. High level of heart rate variability is associated with better cognitive functions and adaptive response to stress. Consequently, these differences in heart rate variability obtained using the «Research HRV» and «HRV SR+CR» programs may be the result of interactions between physiological changes during the menstrual cycle as well as the influence of measurement conditions. Understanding the changes in heart rate variability indices during test tasks related to the manifestation of the choice reaction provides information about the influence of cognitive load and attention concentration on the functional state of the female athlete. This will allow to plan the training process of wrestling taking into account the phases of the menstrual cycle and functional capabilities that are inherent in high-skilled female athletes. Conclusions. The parameters of heart rate variability and sensorimotor reaction time provide information about the functional state of martial artists. Understanding of metabolic and hormonal processes in different phases of the menstrual cycle of qualified wrestlers will allow to optimize their training loads and recovery measures.

Concurrent Validity of Virtual Reality-Based Assessment of Executive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis investigated the concurrent validity between virtual reality (VR)-based assessments and traditional neuropsychological assessments of executive function, with a focus on subcomponents such as cognitive flexibility, attention, and inhibition. A total of 1605 articles were identified through searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect from 2013 to 2023. After removing duplicates, 1313 articles were screened based on their titles and abstracts, with 77 articles selected for full-text eligibility review. Of these, nine articles fully met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study. The effect size for overall executive function was assessed, with subcomponents categorized based on the specific assessment tools used in the studies. The effect size for each subcomponent—cognitive flexibility, attention, and inhibition—was then analyzed to provide a more detailed understanding of their relationships with traditional measures. The results revealed statistically significant correlations between VR-based assessments and traditional measures across all subcomponents. Additionally, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, even when low-quality studies were excluded. These results support the use of VR-based assessments as a valid alternative to traditional methods for evaluating executive function. Moreover, the study highlights the potential of VR-based assessments as a valid alternative to traditional methods, emphasizing the need to address variability in executive function subcomponents and integrate diverse cognitive and motor metrics for greater ecological validity.

Combined Effect of tDCS and Motor or Cognitive Activity in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study

(1) Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for 70% of dementia cases and with no effective pharmacological treatments, new rehabilitation methods are needed. Motor and cognitive activities and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have shown promise in stabilizing and enhancing cognitive functions. Objective: we want to investigate the effects of tDCS combined with motor or cognitive activity on cognitive functions in AD patients. (2) Methods: Patients with mild or moderate AD were randomized between anodic tDCS groups (MotA or CogA) and sham tDCS groups (MotS or CogS). They received two weeks of treatment (45 min, five days/week), with the first 15 min using tDCS stimulation on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Cognitive assessments were conducted pre-treatment (T0), post-treatment (T1), and one week after (T2). (3) Results: Twenty-three patients were included. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between anodic tDCS groups (MotA + CogA) and sham tDCS groups (MotS + CogS) with advantages for the first in improving global cognitive status (p = 0.042), selective attention (p = 0.012), and sustained attention (p = 0.012). Further analysis indicated no differences between the two anodic tDCS groups between T0 and T1. (4) Conclusions: combined anodal tDCS with motor or cognitive activity could improve global cognitive state and attention, slowing cognitive decline in AD patients. The trial was registered on Clinical Trials: NCT06619795.

Associations between AHA's Life's Essential 8 and cognition in midlife and older adults.

This study evaluated the associations between Life's Essential 8 (LE8) and cognitive performance, and compared the strength of the relationships of Life's Simple 7 (LS7) and LE8 to cognition in midlife and older adults. Participants (N=1539) were from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study. Cross-sectional multivariable regression examined the associations between LE8 and cognition. Secondary analyses compared model performance between LE8 and LS7 measures on cognition from the same available sample. Higher LE8 scores were associated with better global cognitive performance, working memory, and attention. The LS7 model outperformed the LE8 model on global cognitive performance, but the LE8 model outperformed the LS7 model for the working memory domain. Better cardiovascular health (CVH) was associated with better cognitive performance among US middle-aged and older adults. However, the association between CVH and specific cognitive domains varies when using LE8 versus LS7. Cardiovascular health (CVH) is associated with cognitive performance. Life's Essential 8 (LE8) is a new construct to quantify CVH. Associations between LE8 and cognition were assessed. Higher LE8 was associated with better global cognitive performance. Higher LE8 was also associated with better working memory and attention.

Effects of Sitting Baduanjin Exercises on Cognitive Function, Attention, and Muscle Strength among Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

ABSTRACT Purpose Sitting Baduanjin exercises can be effective in treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, evidence on effectiveness of sitting Baduanjin exercises is lacking. This study investigated the effects of sitting Baduanjin exercises on cognitive function, attention, and muscle strength in patients with MCI. Design Quasi-experimental. Methods The participants were assigned to the experimental (n = 12) or comparison group (n = 12). The experimental group performed sitting Baduanjin exercises three times weekly for 40–50 minutes per session for 12 weeks, while the comparison group maintained their usual routine and attended health-related education. The two groups’ cognitive function and attention were assessed through a questionnaire and their muscle strength was measured at weeks 0, 9, and 13. Findings The experimental group showed significant improvements in cognitive function, attention, and muscle strength in the right shoulder anterior flexor; however, the left shoulder anterior flexor group showed no obvious improvements. Conclusion Sitting Baduanjin exercises feature simple actions, are convenient, and have positive effects on improving cognitive function, attention, and muscle strength in patients with MCI. Clinical evidence Baduanjin exercises are suitable for long-term community frontline care services. Early intervention with this exercise program may prevent healthy older people or those with health issues from progressing to dementia.

Disgust-specific Impairment of Facial Emotion Recognition in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

This study investigated the association between cognitive function and facial emotion recognition (FER) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI). We enrolled 126 participants from Taiwan, including 63 patients with idiopathic PD and 63 matched healthy controls. The PD group was divided into two groups: those with normal cognitive function (PD-NC) and those with MCI (PD-MCI). Participants underwent a modality emotion recognition test and comprehensive cognitive assessment. Our findings reveal that patients with PD-MCI exhibit significantly impaired FER, especially in recognizing "disgust," compared with patients with PD-NC and healthy adults (p = .001). This deficit correlates with executive function, attention, memory, and visuospatial abilities. Attention mediates the relationship between executive function and "disgust" FER. The findings highlight how patients with PD-MCI are specifically challenged when recognizing "disgust" and suggest that cognitive training focusing on cognitive flexibility and attention may improve their FER abilities. This study contributes to our understanding of the nuanced relationship between cognitive dysfunction and FER in patients with PD-MCI, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

Innovations in Sports: A Key to Enhancing Rehabilitation Outcomes

Introduction and purpose: Traditional rehabilitation methods often have limitations in improving motor function and cognitive abilities. This review aims to provide an updated overview of innovative methods in rehabilitation, focusing on the role of immersive and interactive technologies in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes. The literature suggests that these technologies can improve upper limb mobility, grip strength, and manual dexterity, as well as cognitive function, attention, and spatial awareness. Additionally, innovative balance and gait rehabilitation programs have been shown to improve functional mobility and reduce the risk of falls. The use of these technologies in combination with other rehabilitation modalities, such as electrostimulation and robotic assistance, may lead to even greater improvements in motor function and cognitive abilities. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of these innovative approaches, the existing evidence suggests that they have the potential to revolutionize rehabilitation and improve quality of life for patients. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed with search phrases immersive and interactive technologies and rehabilitation. Description of the state of knowledge: Traditional rehabilitation methods often have limitations in improving motor function and cognitive abilities.Upper extremity impairment is a common and debilitating consequence of stroke. Summary: imersive and interactive technologies have the potential to improve upper limb mobility, grip strength, and manual dexterity, as well as cognitive function, attention, and spatial awareness. Innovative balance and gait rehabilitation programs have been shown to improve functional mobility and reduce the risk of falls. The use of these technologies in combination with other rehabilitation modalities may lead to even greater improvements in motor function and cognitive abilities.

Markov Blankets and Cognitive Dysfunction in mTBI: Insights from Simulation Models

<p>Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) is a prevalent neurological condition that can lead to persistent cognitive impairments, disrupting memory, attention, and executive function. In this study, we explore the mechanisms of cognitive decline in mTBI through the lens of Markov blankets—a theoretical framework that delineates the statistical boundary between the brain’s internal and external states. By simulating the impact of mTBI on sensory, active, internal, and external states, we demonstrate how disruptions to the Markov blanket structure contribute to impairments in predictive coding and cognitive processing. Our simulation introduces noise and connectivity reductions that mimic the neurometabolic and synaptic changes following mTBI, revealing delayed sensory processing, impaired motor function, and cognitive instability. These findings highlight the importance of Markov blankets in maintaining cognitive integrity and offer novel insights into the pathophysiology of post-concussion syndrome. Understanding how mTBI disrupts the brain's functional architecture through Markov blanket disturbances may inform more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.</p>

Cognition and Ventral Attention Network Connectivity: Associations With Treatment Response in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly heterogeneous disorder, which makes it difficult to link clinical phenotypes with biomarkers to improve treatment outcomes. Findings from previous studies suggest that cognitive measures such as verbal memory or attention paired with within-ventral attention network (VAN) or salience network resting-state functional connectivity may predict treatment response among individuals with PTSD. In a sample comprising 20 individuals with PTSD and 10 healthy control group individuals, the investigators subtyped individuals by using both discriminant function analysis and standardized norms for a single measure of memory and neuropsychological batteries of memory, attention, and executive functioning; attempted to replicate previous findings of lower within-VAN connectivity among individuals with cognitive impairment; and explored whether within-VAN connectivity paired with cognitive impairment predicted treatment outcomes. PTSD patients with cognitive impairment (defined by using a discriminant function analysis with verbal memory performance) had greater within-VAN resting-state functional connectivity compared with control group individuals and cognitively intact PTSD patients at a level that fell short of statistical significance (F=3.41; df=2, 21; ηp2=0.237). The interaction between verbal memory performance and within-VAN connectivity also predicted treatment-related change in PTSD symptoms at a level that also fell short of statistical significance (β=-0.442). These findings somewhat support the clinical utility of identifying cognitive phenotypes within PTSD (by using discriminant function analysis and verbal memory performance) to predict treatment outcomes.

The influence of message frame and product type on green consumer purchase decisions : an ERPs study

Green consumption is a crucial pathway towards achieving global sustainability goals. Product-oriented green advertisements can effectively stimulate consumers’ latent needs and convert them into eventual purchasing intentions and behaviors, thereby promoting green consumption. Given that neuromarketing methods facilitate the understanding of consumers’ decision-making processes, this study combines prospect theory and need fulfillment theory, employing event-related potentials (ERPs) as measures to explore changes in consumers’ cognitive resources and emotional arousal levels when confronted with green products and advertising information. This enables inference regarding consumers’ acceptance of purchasing and their psychological processes. Behavioral results indicated that message framing influences consumers’ purchases, with consumers consuming more green in response to negatively framed advertisements. EEG results indicated that matching positive framing with utilitarian green products was effective in increasing consumers’ cognitive attention in the early cognitive stage. In the late stage of cognition negative frames stimulated consumers’ mood swings more, and the influence of product type depended on the role of message frames, and the consumption motivation induced by the product, whose influence was overridden by external evaluations such as message frames. These research findings provide an explanation for the impact of frame information on consumers’ purchasing decisions at different stages, assisting marketers in devising diverse promotional strategies based on product characteristics to foster the development and practice of green consumption. This will further embed the concept of green consumption advocated by organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Greenpeace into the public consciousness.

Artistic Education in Jerzy Vetulani’s Perspective: A Comparative Analysis With Irena Wojnar’s Polish Concept of Aesthetic Education

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: This article aims to present the anthropological, aesthetic, and pedagogical foundations of Jerzy Vetulani’s postulate of artistic education and compare it with Irena Wojnar’s concept of aesthetic education. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The research questions are: What are the anthropological, aesthetic, and pedagogical foundations of Vetulani’s postulate of artistic education? Is there a similarity between Vetulani’s postulate and Wojnar’s proposal of education through art? To achieve these objectives, the content analysis method based on Karolina Szczepaniak’s model was used. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: Starting with Vetulani’s neurobiological views, the article first presents art as a defining characteristic of homo sapiens and a key activator of the human brain, especially its cognitive functions. It then discusses the pedagogical assumptions of Vetulani’s postulate. The comparison between Vetulani’s and Wojnar’s concepts is made by examining their anthropological assumptions and the role of art in human development. RESEARCH RESULTS: According to Vetulani, the relationship between humans and art is bio- logically determined, with art being essential for achieving full humanity. Both Vetulani and Wojnar view humans as inherently open to art, which plays a significant role in the upbringing process. CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND APPLICABLE VALUE OF RESEARCH: Vetulani and Wojnar both emphasize the importance of art in human education. Brain imaging technology can enhance traditional aesthetic education. Activating the brain’s cognitive functions through art, particularly cognitive attention as highlighted by Vetulani, can be beneficial in treating common concentration disorders in children and adolescents.

Cognitive processing speed improvement after cochlear implantation.

Untreated hearing loss has an effect on cognition. It is hypothesized that the additional processing required to compensate for the sensory loss affects the cognitive resources available for other tasks and that this could be mitigated by a hearing device. The impact on cognition of cochlear implants (CIs) was tested in 100 subjects, ≥60 years old, with bilateral moderately-severe to profound post linguistic deafness using hearing aids. Data was compared pre and 12 and 18 months after cochlear implantation for the speech spatial qualities questionnaire, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail making test B (TMTB) and digit symbol coding (DSC) from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale version IV and finally the timed up and go test (TUG). Subjects were divided into young old (60-64), middle old (65-75) and old old (75+) groups. Cognitive test scores and times were standardized according to available normative data. Hearing significantly improved pre- to post-operatively across all age groups. There was no change post-implant in outcomes for TMTB, TUG or MMSE tests. Age-corrected values were within normal expectations for all age groups for the TUG and MMSE. However, DSC scores and TMTB times were worse than normal. There was a significant increase in DSC scores between baseline and 12-months for 60- to 64-year-olds (t[153] = 2.608, p = 0.027), which remained at 18 months (t[153] = 2.663, p = 0.023). The improved attention and processing speed in the youngest age group may be a consequence of reallocation of cognitive resources away from auditory processing due to greatly improved hearing. The oldest age group of participants had cognition scores closest to normal values, suggesting that only the most able older seniors tend to come forward for a CI. Severe to profoundly deaf individuals with hearing aids or cochlear implants were still poorer than age-equivalent normally hearing individuals with respect to cognitive flexibility, attention, working memory, processing speed and visuoperceptual functions. Due to a lack of data for the TUG, TMTB and DSC in the literature for hearing impaired individuals, the results reported here provide an important set of reference data for use in future research.

B - 4 The Neuropsychological Impact of Myocardial Infarction Induced Cerebral Hypoxia and Acute Encephalitis Following Electrocution: a Case Study

Abstract Objective Cerebral hypoxia and acute encephalitis subsequent to myocardial infarction (MI) are often associated with a decline in cognitive functioning (Wang et al., 2022; Caplan, 2004). While this relationship is well documented in existing literature, less research has investigated the potential nuanced cognitive and behavioral impacts of hypoxia and encephalitis due to electrocution-induced atrial fibrillation (AFib). The present case study uses neuropsychological assessment to clarify further the impact of significant electrocution and subsequent morbidities on cognition. Method We present a case study of a 30-year-old right-handed transgender female with 12 years of education who was referred for neuropsychological assessment pursuant to mental status changes manifested by disorientation and amnesia (the patient believed it was ten years prior) following the MI due to electrocution complicated by an estimated period of 10–15 minutes of non-responsiveness and anoxic encephalopathy. Results Neuropsychological assessment revealed difficulties with cognitive efficiency, language functioning, sequencing, problem-solving, complex attention, and semantic fluency. Overall, performance was inconsistent with education-weighted norms and estimated premorbid functioning. An objective measure of psychological functioning reflected a negative self-evaluation, depression, thoughts of self-harm, anxiety, and personality difficulties marked by fluctuating emotions. Findings supported a diagnosis of cognitive impairment and altered mental status associated with anoxic brain injury from the above-noted MI. Conclusion This case highlights the consequences of anoxic encephalopathy from MI subsequent to electrocution on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Neuropsychological assessment provided clear evidence of cognitive impairment beyond the initial diagnoses, and further defined cognitive and behavioral correlates not explained by other dispositional variables.

Exploring the impacts of daytime sleepiness on gait, physical balance, and the occurrence of orofacial trauma: a narrative review

Daytime sleepiness (DS) often accompanies obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), exacerbating its effects. DS can impair cognitive function, attention, reaction time, and motor coordination, increasing the risk of accidents. This study aimed to explore the relationship between DS, changes in gait and balance, and the occurrence of orofacial fractures. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science publications. The analysis revealed the impact of DS and OSA on gait and balance control in older individuals, emphasizing the need for interventions to address these issues and identify associated pathologies. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy was recognized as a potential treatment, although further research is needed to understand DS triggers and treatment options in older populations. The study underscores the importance of analyzing interactions between the central nervous system, medications, balance, and mobility to prevent falls and related injuries. While the literature highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals and those with OSA to falls, no established link between DS, gait, balance, and orofacial trauma necessitating medical and dental intervention was found. Thus, further research is warranted to address this gap and promote better understanding and management of these conditions.

Early Intervention Facilitates Neuropsychological Development in Children with Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of early intervention on neuropsychological development in children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), providing effective intervention strategies for clinical practice. Methods: A total of 130 children with autism and ADHD who visited the hospital between June 2023 and June 2024 were selected as study subjects and randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group, with 65 children in each group. The intervention group received a one-year early comprehensive intervention, including behavioral therapy, cognitive training, and family guidance, while the control group only received routine medical care. The neuropsychological development assessment scale was used to evaluate both groups before and after the intervention to compare changes in their neuropsychological development levels. Results: Children in the intervention group showed significant improvements in cognitive function, social skills, language ability, and attention concentration, with an average improvement score of 23.5 points. Children in the control group did not show significant improvements in these areas, with an average improvement score of only 5.8 points. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Early comprehensive intervention has a significant promoting effect on the neuropsychological development of children with autism and ADHD. Targeted behavioral therapy, cognitive training, and family guidance can effectively enhance children’s cognitive, social, language, and attention abilities, laying a solid foundation for their future overall development. Therefore, it is recommended to actively promote and apply early intervention strategies in clinical practice.

Exploring cognitive impairments and the efficacy of phosphatidylcholine and computer-assisted cognitive training in post-acute COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of confirmed cases worldwide, resulting in numerous deaths and hospitalizations. Long-term symptoms after infection or vaccination, known as Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) or Post-acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome (PACVS), present a challenge for the healthcare system. Among the various neurological symptoms, cognitive impairments are frequently observed in PACS/PACVS patients. This study aimed to understand cognitive deficits in PACS/PACVS patients and evaluated potential treatment options, including phosphatidylcholine and computer-assisted cognitive training (CCT). The Neuro-COVID Outpatient Clinic at Evangelic Hospital Vienna evaluated n = 29 PACS/PACVS patients from May 2023 to October 2023. Enrolled patients were divided into three therapy schemes: Group A received phosphatidylcholine, B received phosphatidylcholine plus access to a computer-assisted cognitive training program, and C (divided into two subgroups) served as a control group. Cognitive impairments were evaluated in multiple assessments (initial and during therapy) using the COGBAT test. Simultaneously, an assessment of the quality of life was conducted using the WHOQOL-BREF. Primary cognitive impairments, especially attentional deficits were notably evident compared to the general population. While all treatment groups showed cognitive improvement (significant or with a positive trend, but without reaching the level of statistical significance) after therapy, no significant interaction was found between assessment time points and treatment schemes for overall cognitive performance, attention, memory, and executive functions, suggesting consistency across the groups. The WHOQOL-BREF primarily demonstrated deficits in the domains of physical health and psychological well-being. This study examined the impact of PACS/PACVS on cognitive performance and evaluated phosphatidylcholine and CCT as potential treatment options. Patients with PACS/PACVS showed notable cognitive deficits, especially in the domain attention. While the effectiveness of phosphatidylcholine and CCT in treating cognitive deficits was inconclusive, the study indicated the possibility of spontaneous remission of cognitive deficits in PACS/PACVS.

From color naming to color perception: Cross‐linguistic differences of the chromatic information processing in monolingual and bilingual speakers

AbstractThere has been long running debate about the interaction of language and perception. In this context, bilingual people have often shown benefits, due to their double‐active linguistic system, in cognitive functions, like inhibition, attention, and memory, which are central for visual perception. Color naming and categorization are domains for studying cross‐linguistic effects, which arise from conceptual and perceptual variations across speakers of different languages. In this study, we compared the ‘blue’ lexicon of highly proficient French‐Italian bilinguals to monolingual speakers of the corresponding languages. Prior studies have shown that Italian has two basic color terms for the blue area of color space: one denotes light blue hues (azzurro) and the other dark blue hues (blu), whilst French, with only one basic term bleu, lacks this distinction. We used a Stroop test to probe differences in perception and categorization of blue in bi‐ and monolingual speakers. We found that Italian monolinguals name the ink color more accurately and more rapidly when the word blu is rendered in dark blue ink (corresponding to the word blu) than when it is printed in light blue ink (corresponding to azzurro), since the latter represents an incongruent condition for them. This ‘category effect’ does not exist for French monolingual speakers. Our bilinguals' results demonstrate that, despite the emergence of a specific in‐between perceptual behavior, bilinguals generally performed like Italian monolinguals. These outcomes confirm the hypothesis that their second language categories (Italian) dominate their native language (French), attesting that lexical distinctions influence perceptual faculties in general. However, the ratio of the interference effect (longer reaction times for incongruent stimuli compared to control stimuli) and the facilitation effect (shorter reaction times for congruent stimuli compared to control stimuli) is not the same for bilinguals and monolinguals. The highest magnitude in the facilitation effect was revealed for bilinguals, whereas the highest magnitude in the interference effect was revealed for Italian monolingual speakers. This phenomenon adds evidence to the existence of enhanced bilingual cognitive control abilities.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment: updates to treatment, the need for more evidence, and impact on quality of life-a narrative review.

Due to advances in early detection and treatment options, non-central nervous system (non-CNS) cancer survivors are living longer, even those with metastatic disease. Many of these survivors will experience enduring symptoms of breast cancer, such as cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Although CRCI is bothersome and, in some cases, potentially debilitating, little research has been done to address this symptom. Thus, the overarching goal of this narrative review is to provide both an overview of the problem of CRCI and its impact and focus on the latest research aimed at addressing CRCI in non-CNS cancer survivors. A MEDLINE database (PubMed) search was conducted for terms related to non-CNS cancer, cognition, impacts of CRCI, and interventions. The English-language articles published until April 8th, 2024, were included in the search. CRCI includes self-reported cognitive complaints and/or impaired performance in multiple cognitive domains, including memory, processing speed, attention, and executive function. CRCI, in turn, can have a significant impact on everyday functioning, work ability, work engagement and productivity, and overall quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors. While some researchers have examined pharmacological approaches, the vast majority of the interventional studies to date to address CRCI has focused on non-pharmacological approaches. Three of the most common non-pharmacological approaches are physical activity or exercise, mind-body approaches [e.g., mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)], and cognitive rehabilitative approaches [e.g., cognitive training (CT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)]. Addressing the cognitive health of cancer survivors is imperative but has only recently been the focus of interventional research. More research in larger and more diverse samples of non-CNS cancer survivors is needed to identify effective ways to manage CRCI for all cancer survivors. Overall, maintaining cognitive health, especially in cancer survivors who are at increased risk for deficits, is a national health care priority that should not be ignored.

Postsurgical motor function and processing speed as predictors of quality of life in patients with chronic-phase glioblastoma

PurposePatients with glioblastomas (GBMs) have poor prognosis despite various treatments; therefore, attention should be paid to maintaining the quality of survival. Neurocognitive deficits can affect the quality of life (QOL) in patients with GBM. Most studies concerning QOL and neurocognitive functions have demonstrated a relationship between QOL and self-reported neurocognitive decline, although this method does not accurately reflect damaged functional domains. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the neurocognitive functions that influence the QOL in patients with GBMs using an objective assessment of neurocognitive functions.MethodsData from 40 patients newly diagnosed with GBMs were analyzed. All patients completed the assessment of QOL and various neurological and neurocognitive functions including general cognitive function, processing speed, attention, memory, emotion recognition, social cognition, visuospatial cognition, verbal fluency, language, motor function, sensation, and visual field at 6 months postoperatively. QOL was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). In the SF-36, the physical, mental, and role and social component summary (PCS, MCS, and RCS, respectively) scores were calculated. Multiple logistic regression analyses and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the association between SF-36 scores and neurocognitive functions.ResultsThe MCS was maintained, while the PCS and RCS scores were significantly lower in patients with GBMs than in healthy controls (p = 0.0040 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Among several neurocognitive functions, motor function and processing speed were significantly correlated with PCS and RCS scores, respectively (p = 0.0048 and p = 0.030, respectively). Patients who maintained their RCS or PCS scores had a higher probability of preserving motor function or processing speed than those with low RCS or PCS scores (p = 0.0026).ConclusionsMotor function and processing speed may be predictors of QOL in patients with GBMs.