Background: Cognitive skills are important in athletics, especially in football, because quick thinking, teamwork and fast reaction times are key. Concussions have different results for female athletes than for males which can result in changes in both cognitive and physical performance. Yet, there is not much information available on cognition and performance link in female football players who have had concussions. Objective: To determine the association between cognitive function and physical performance in female football players with a history of concussion. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included n=84 female football players aged 14–25 years. Verbal Cognition Test (VCT) for executive function, Delayed Word Recall (DWR) for working memory, Digit Backward (DB) for memory and Attention and Month in Reverse Order (MRO) for executive function were used to test cognitive function. Physical performance assessments included the Vertical Jump, Run Three, 505 Agility and 3-HOP Tests (both right and left legs). The study used a multiple regression analysis while controlling for age, BMI, amount and timing of play, number of headings during games, collisions and temporary loss of consciousness. Result: The results show that having lesser VCT and MRO leads to poorer results in the 3-HOP Right Leg test (p<0.05). Practicing high-heading skills allowed athletes to complete Run Three faster (p=0.043). Nearly significant findings indicated that concussion history did play a moderating role in the results (p=0.079). For Vertical Jump, 505 Agility and 3-HOP Left Leg tests, no significant relationships were discovered. Conclusion: The performance of female football players in lower-body power and agility is affected by cognitive functions, especially by verbal skills and reaction time.

ABSTRACT Objectives Using a repeated-measures design, we investigated reported symptoms, oculomotor, and neurophysiological responses for up to 26 days following a sports-related concussion. Methods Over the course of one season, 115 athletes (mean age 26.2 ± 5.4 years) from one football team (f = 28, m = 37) and one ice hockey team (f = 21, m = 29) were assessed for self-reported symptoms and severity of symptoms, cognitive testing for 10-word recall and digit backwards. Oculomotor performance was assessed using eye-pursuits. Neurophysiology was assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Baseline data were collected during pre-season for all athletes and, when a concussion was identified during the season, additional data were collected at 2-, 12-, 19-, and 26-days post-injury. Results Twenty-two players suffered concussion injuries (f = 9, m = 13). Significant increases in symptoms were reported at 2 days (p < 0.001) and 12 days (p = 0.017). Severity of symptoms was significantly increased at 48 hours only (p = 0.002). Significant decrements in performance for 10-word recall (p = 0.003), digit backwards (p = 0.011), and eye-pursuit (p = 0.009) were observed at 48 hours in comparison to baseline. Transcranial magnetic stimulation revealed significantly increased cortical inhibition at 48 hours (p = 0.024), 12 days (p = 0.009), and 19 days (p = 0.028) compared to baseline. No differences were seen between females and males for any variables or timepoints. Conclusion Players with SRC show acute changes in cortical inhibition, resolving by 26 days after injury, which follows a longer time-course for recovery compared to symptoms, cognitive tests, and oculomotor eye-pursuits. These results suggest that measuring the recovery of athletes with SRC warrants further investigation using physiological testing to accompany clinical measures in the determination of a player’s readiness to return to play.

BackgroundExercise is an effective non-pharmacological strategy to enhance cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Our previous studies confirmed that aerobic dance can increase the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (LFF) in bilateral fronto-temporal, entorhinal, anterior cingulate, and para-hippocampal cortices. However, its effects on structural connections remain unclear. The present study comprised a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial and aimed to examine the impact of a 3-month aerobic dance program on white matter integrity of default mode network (DMN) in older adults with amnestic MCI, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsA total of 112 patients with memory decline were recruited, 38 of whom completed cognitive assessments and magnetic resonance scans and were randomized to the exercise group (n=19) or the control group (n=19). The exercise group received 3 months of aerobic dance and health education, whereas the control group only received health education. All participants underwent cognitive assessments and MRI scans at baseline and after the 3-month intervention. A series of neuropsychological assessments, including Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised Logical Memory (WMS-RLM), Trail Making Test Part A&B (TMT-A&B), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and Forward and Backward Digit Span Task (DST) Chinese version, were used to assess the participants’ global cognitive function, memory function, and executive function. Structural connections of the hippocampus-hub temporal network were analyzed using the network-based statistic.ResultsFinally, 16 participants in each group were included in the statistics and analysis. There was no statistical difference in cognitive functions at 3 months in the control group compared with those at baseline. However, the cognitive functions of the exercise group improved significantly after 3 months of aerobic dance, including MMSE (P=0.006), MoCA (P=0.009), WMS-RLM (P=0.005), TMT-A (P=0.007), and DST (P=0.025). Moreover, the exercise group had significantly improved WMS-RLM (P=0.003) compared to the control group after 3 months of intervention. In addition, they showed significant increases in structural connections within the DMN, including the structural connection between hippocampus and para-hippocampus, hippocampus and fusiform gyrus, hippocampus and middle temporal gyrus, and precuneus and middle temporal gyrus. The structural connection between DMN and supplementary motor area was also significantly increased in the exercise group, correlating positively with MMSE (R=0.31, P=0.04) and negatively with TMT-A (R=−0.40, P=0.011), respectively.ConclusionsA 3-month aerobic dance program may enhance the structural connections in the hippocampus-hub temporal network and improve episodic memory and global cognition in older adults with amnestic MCI.

Background: Sleep quality is increasingly recognized as a key determinant of cognitive functions, particularly memory. However, the multidimensional structure of sleep and its differential effects on memory domains remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between components of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and various types of memory performance in young adults. Methods: A total of 316 young adults completed PSQI and participated in three memory tasks: the Object Scenery Task (visual-spatial memory), Reading Span Task (verbal/episodic memory), and Digit Backward Span Task (working memory). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to reduce collinearity among PSQI components. Multiple linear regression and machine learning models were applied to examine predictive relationships. Results: Subjective Sleep Quality and Sleep Disturbance were found to be the strongest predictors of memory performance, particularly in the reading span and object scenery task (p&lt;0.001). The Reading Span Task showed the highest number of significant associations with PSQI components. Machine learning models further supported this, with the lowest prediction errors (MAE, MSE, MAPE) observed in verbal memory scores. PCA confirmed the multidimensional sleep structure, allowing five distinct components to be retained for regression analysis. Conclusion: Different dimensions of sleep affect distinct memory systems, with verbal memory most consistently influenced by sleep quality. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensively assessing sleep and integrating both objective and subjective measures in future sleep-memory research.

Chronic cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) are the most common causes of cognitive impairment (CI). The development of dementia is preceded by mild CI (MCI) over several years.Objective: to investigat the effect of inhaled nitric oxide therapy on cognitive function (CF) in patients with MCI due to CVD and NDD.Material and methods. The study included 94 patients (25 men and 69 women aged 50 to 76 years, mean age 65.3±8.9 years) with MCI due to CVD and/or NDD of the brain. The patients were randomized into two groups: the main group (therapy) and the control group. The control group comprised 22 patients with MCI (5 men and 17 women aged 50 to 76 years, mean age 62.3±8.5 years) who received standard therapy (antihypertensive, antithrombotic and other agents). The main group comprised 72 patients (20 men and 52 women aged 50 to 76 years, mean age 66.2±8.0 years) who additionally inhaled a nitric oxide-enriched air mixture for 30 minutes daily using the Tianox device. Each patient had from 7 to 10 inhalation sessions (the first trial session lasted 20 minutes, the following sessions 30 minutes). Neuropsychological tests, emotional state and sleep quality were examined at the beginning and 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment. Results. In the main group, after 3 and 6 months, a significant (p&lt;0.05) improvement in CF was found according the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-test), Frontal Assessment Battery, the Digit Forward and Backward Span Test, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, the Munsterberg Test, the Literal Association Test and the 12-word Delayed Free Recall Test. A significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in anxiety and depression according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Spielberger Anxiety Scale as well as an improvement in sleep quality according to the Insomnia Severity Index were also observed. The therapy was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events occurred. No significant improvement in CF, emotional state or sleep was observed in the control group.Conclusion. Brief therapy (7–10 sessions) with inhaled nitric oxide improves the CF and emotional state of patients with MCI on a background of CVD and NDD. Further studies on inhaled nitric oxide therapy in patients with MCI in a multicenter randomized trial with sham treatment are needed.

ABSTRACT This study examined the acute effects of a Greek traditional dance (GTD) lesson on school-aged children's executive functions (EFs), with a focus on the separate and combined effects of lesson intensity and cognitive demands. Ninety-three children were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, involving a 20-minute GTD lesson with varying intensity (high vs. low) and cognitive demands (high vs. low). EFs were assessed pre- and post-intervention, using the ANT for inhibitory control, Digits Backwards for working memory, and the How many - What number for cognitive flexibility. Results from (M)ANCOVAs, controlling for pre-test EFs scores, indicated that high cognitive demands groups demonstrated better accuracy in congruent trials for inhibitory control (F = 6.47, p = .013, η 2 = .07), while low-intensity groups exhibited better accuracy in switch trials for cognitive flexibility (F = 9.11, p = .003, η 2 = .09). No significant differences were observed for working memory. Although the GTD positively impacted inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, most EF parameters did not significantly differ. Class duration, physical activity intensity and teaching method used might have affected the results and should be considered in future research on dance programs and children's EFs.

Abstract BackgroundThe Goal‐Control Model posits that episodic memory impairment leads to premature decay of everyday task goals, which contributes to task omissions (failure to accomplish task steps) in those with moderate to severe impairment. Although task omissions are not observed in those with mild episodic memory (mildEM) impairment, it has yet to be investigated if goal decay is reflected by subtle errors during task completion. We hypothesized that goal decay in mildEM impairment is reflected by imprecision in task performance at the end of everyday tasks.Method54 participants (M age = 73; 39 healthy control [HC], 15 MCI/mild dementia) were videorecorded while preparing a breakfast and a lunch according to specific instructions (Naturalistic Action Task). Performance errors were classified by two coders and another organized them into segments occurring in the beginning, middle or end of the task, all blind to participant diagnosis and study hypothesis. Analyses compared errors in each segment between those with mildEM impairment (MCI/mild dementia) and HC. Correlation analyses examined relations between errors and demographically adjusted standard scores on tests of episodic memory (HVLT and BVMT‐R delayed free recall) and executive function (Digits Backward, Trail Making Test B).ResultParticipants with mildEM impairment made significantly more errors than healthy controls only during the end task segment, t(52) = 2.83, p = .04. The groups did not differ in total errors during the beginning (p = .35) or middle task segments (p = .08). Correlations including the full sample showed significant relations between total errors during the end segment and scores on tests of episodic memory (HVLT r = ‐.33, p = .01; BVMT r = ‐.37, p &lt;.01) but not scores on tests of executive function (Digits Backward r = .01, p = .92; TMT‐B r = .01, p = .97).ConclusionConsistent with hypotheses informed by the Goal‐Control Model, older adults with mildEM impairment exhibited increased imprecision towards the end of the task, suggesting that even those with mildEM deficits can experience premature decay of task goals. Behavioral strategies to strengthen goal activations, including reminder cues and/or overt verbalization of task goals, should be investigated as an avenue to improve everyday function in older adults with mild memory difficulties.

هدفت الدراسة الحالِيَة للتحقُّق من فاعليَّة تدريبات الضبط المعرفى فى خَفْض الأفكار التطفُّلِيَّة, وأعراض الاكتئاب لدى عيِّنَة من طلَّاب الجامِعة, الذى بلغ عددهم (10) مشتركين (اثنَيْن من الذكور وثمانِيَة من الإناث), وتراوحت أعمارهم بين 18- 20 عام (بمُتوسِّط حسابى وانحراف مِعيارى 18,27±0,65). ومن أجل هذا الهدف أعدَّت الباحثة استبيان الأفكار التطفُّلِيَّة؛ واستبيان الأعراض الاكتئابِيَّة؛ وصمَّمت سَبَع مهام لتدريبات الضبط المعرفى تضمَّنت مهام مدى الأرقام (الألوان) العكسى باستخدام power point؛ مهام النقطة-الشكل؛ مهام flanker باستخدام E-prime2). ولقد استمر التدريب لسَبَع جلسات (بحد أقصى 15 دقيقة للجلسة بواقِع 125 دقيقة تدريبِيَّة إجمالِيَّة كحد أقصى على مدار سَبَع أسابيع تقريبًا, بمُعدَّل جلسة أسبوعِيًّا لكل مُشترِك). ولقد اسفرت النتائِج عن انتقال أثر التدريب إلى خفض الأفكار التطفُّلِيَّة, وصولًا إلى خفض الأعراض الاكتئابِيَّة, بما يُعنى فاعلِيَّة الإجراء وإمكانِيَّة اختباره على اضطرابات نفسيَّة أخرى.

Abstract BackgroundEvidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) shows that aerobic exercise (AE) can benefit cognitive function among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Growing research suggests that outdoor, natural (i.e., “green”) environments, compared with indoor or built environments, may augment the health benefits of exercise. However, the potential cognitive benefits of green exercise are unclear. We compared the effects of AE performed in an outdoor, green environment (O‐Ex) versus indoor AE (I‐Ex) on executive functions among older adults with MCI.MethodsA two‐arm parallel, single‐blinded, 12‐week proof‐of‐concept RCT. 72 community‐dwelling adults aged 65‐80 years with MCI were randomized (1:1) to either O‐Ex (n = 36) or I‐Ex (n = 36). Each arm involved two group‐based training sessions per week. Each session involved 10 min warm‐up, 40 min moderate‐intensity AE (progressing from 45%–75% of heart rate reserve), and 10 min cool‐down. We monitored exercise intensity using heart rate monitors and Borg’s 20‐point Rating of Perceived Exertion. AE consisted of outdoor walking in an urban forest (O‐Ex) or indoor treadmill walking or stationary cycling (I‐Ex). We measured working memory using the National Institutes of Health Toolbox (NIHTB) List Sorting Test and the Verbal Digits Forward and Backward Test. We measured set shifting and response inhibition using the NIHTB Dimensional Change Card Sort Test and Flanker Test, respectively. We performed a complete case analysis using a one‐way analysis of covariance to compare groupwise changes in executive functions (NIHTB corrected T‐score), with baseline outcome score and baseline Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score as covariates. Overall alpha was ≤0.05.ResultsMean baseline MoCA score was 22.36 (SD = 2.55). Mean age was 74.08 years (SD = 3.92). There were 26 males and 46 females. The attrition rate was 12.5% (O‐Ex = 5; I‐Ex = 4). At 12 weeks, after adjusting for baseline outcome and baseline MoCA scores, O‐Ex had significantly better scores than I‐Ex for set shifting (estimated mean difference: 7.46; 95% CI: [2.69, 12.23]; p = 0.003) and response inhibition (estimated mean difference: 3.81; 95% CI: [0.61, 7.01]; p = 0.021), but not for working memory.ConclusionsAerobic exercise performed outdoors in nature, compared with indoor aerobic exercise, may provide greater cognitive benefits among older adults with MCI.

IntroductionTinnitus not heretofore been described as the only manifestation of delusional possession in Kandinsky-Clerambault syndrome. Such a case is presented.MethodsCase Report: A 70-year-old left handed (pathological) man, eight years prior to presentation, noted gradual onset of decreased hearing and high- pitched constant tinnitus AU made worse with stress. Initially only present in quiet, it intensified, ultimately present in all situations, even with ambient background noise. He believed that the Devil was inside of his head, had been there for many years, and was making his life unbearable by subjecting him to the tinnitus. Other than the tinnitus, the devil did not cause any other symptoms, nor did it communicate with him in any fashion. In an effort to eliminate the Devil-induced tinnitus, he twice attempted suicide through self-strangulation. The tinnitus persisted despite treatment with mirtazapine and lumateperone.ResultsAbnormalities in physical examination: General: Decreased blink frequency. Continuous fidgeting and generalized tremulousness. Neurological examination: Mental status examination: Hypoverbal. Able to remember 5 digits forwards and 3 digits backwards. Unable to remember any of four objects in 3 minutes with and without reinforcement. Presidents as follows: Biden, Obama, ?. Animal Fluency Test: 7 (Abnormal). Cranial Nerve (CN) Examination: CN I Alcohol Sniff Test: 0 (Anosmia). CN VIII Calibrated Finger Rub Auditory Screening Test: Strong 2 AU. Motor Examination: 1+ cogwheel rigidity in the right upper extremity. Gait Examination: Unstable tandem gait. Reflexes: 1+ throughout. Other: Tinnitus Severity Questionnaire : 38/40 (Severe tinnitus). Tinnitus Handicap Inventory: 94/100 (Grade 5- Catastrophic handicap).DiscussionWhile Kandinsky Clerambault Syndrome, Delusion of Possession Syndrome is uncommon in the United States (Dimkov, 2020; Enoch, 2020), 46% of Italians believe in the Devil (Marra, 1990) and 0.6% of Canadians believe that they have been possessed by a demon (Ross &amp; Joshi, 1992). Although the most common neurological presentation of Kandinsky Clerambault syndrome is glossolalia, sensory phenomenon of anosmia (Chand et al, 2000; Medeiros De Bustos et al, 2014), ageusia (Chand et al, 2000), kinaesthesia (Gedevani et al, 2022), allochiria (Medeiros De Bustos et al, 2014), synesthetic neuralgia (Medeiros De Bustos et al, 2014), cenesthesia (Medeiros De Bustos et al, 2014), pain (Medeiros De Bustos et al, 2014) and anaesthesia (Yap, 1960) have also been described. While tinnitus has not been reported with Kandinsky Clerambault, it has been noted to occur with depression, anxiety (Zöger et al, 2006; Salviati et al, 2013), and psychosis (Frankenburg &amp; Hegarty, 1994; Jain et al, 2017). Given the widespread belief in the general population of the Devil and possession by external entities, assessment of presence of Kandinsky Clerambault Syndrome in those with intractable tinnitus may be worthwhile.FundingNo Funding

Dietary choline is associated with lower risk of dementia in older adults, yet this association during mid-life remains unknown. Given that menopause reflects a nutrition-sensitive time point where prevention strategies may mitigate cognitive deficits, we examined the relationship of choline, betaine, and egg intakes (ie, dietary exposures) with cognitive performance in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) cohort ( N = 1,006). SWAN is a longitudinal study of women across the menopause transition. Diet was assessed via modified Block food frequency questionnaire, and cognitive function was examined using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Digits Backward Test, and East Boston Memory Test (EBMT). Annualized rate of cognitive scores and quartiles of diet were computed using linear mixed models overall (all diet exposures) and by baseline menopausal status (choline, betaine only). Among all women, higher choline ( P -for-trend = 0.006) and betaine ( P -for-trend = 0.005) intakes, independently and combined (ie, choline + betaine; P -for-trend = 0.001), were significantly associated with reduced rate of change on the EBMT-Delayed Recall (DR), but egg intake did not consistently impact cognitive function. By menopausal status, higher betaine, but not choline, was associated with a lower annualized rate of change in cognitive performance on the EBMT-DR (mean difference [95% confidence interval]; Q1: referent vs Q4: -0.071 [-0.17, 0.03]; P -for-trend = 0.006) for early perimenopausal women; nevertheless, choline and betaine were not associated with cognitive function among premenopausal women. Higher dietary betaine intake among early perimenopausal women and higher dietary intakes of betaine and choline, independently and combined, among all women, were minimally associated with the trajectory of verbal episodic memory, yet no associations between diet and cognition were observed among premenopausal women. Future research should address the relationship between dietary intake and cognition during menopause in other research settings and cohorts.

Around 80% of persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) present symptoms of dysphagia. Although cognitive impairment may contribute to dysphagia, few studies have investigated the association between the PD neuropsychological profile and objective measures of swallowing dysfunction. Since the swallowing function comprises involuntary but also voluntary actions, we hypothesize that specific measures of attention and executive functions can be underlined in PD-related dysphagia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to extensively investigate the correlation and the relationship between attentive and executive functions and safety/efficiency of pharyngeal phase of swallowing in people with PD. All participants received a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and were evaluated using the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS); the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale (IT-YPRSRS), and the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS-IT). Participants also underwent a neuropsychological assessment covering global cognitive status, attention, and frontal executive functions. Correlations and associations between neuropsychological measures and swallowing components were calculated. Twenty-one participants with PD (mean age 69.38 ± 6.58 years, mean disease duration 8.38 ± 5.31 years; mean MDS-UPDRS III 43.95 ± 24.18) completed all evaluations. The most significant correlations were found between attentive functions (i.e., Stroop Time), and executive functions (i.e., Raven's Progressive Matrices, Digit Backward and Semantic Fluency), and FOIS-IT, PAS, and IT-YPRSRS sinuses and valleculae. These associations were not influenced by disease duration. These results suggest that a dysfunction to attentional processes and/or to executive functions can contribute to penetration and the presence of pharyngeal residue in participants with middle-stage PD.

Background: Mantra is a tool to enhance mood regulation, stress management skills, and concentration and awareness. Materials &amp; Methods: There were 35 participants including men and women between the age of 20 to 45 years, in the present study. They were all instructed to recite the "Mahamrityunjaya mantra (MM)" for ten days as an orientation programme. Cognitive tools such the Six Letter Cancellation Test (SLCT), Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), and Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS) were used. These tools were used to evaluate all six sessions, including the baseline. On the first day of the program, all participants underwent a 10-day orientation, a seven-day washout period, and seven days of post-recording, which included loud chanting (LC), lips movement (LM), silent chanting (SC), audio listening (AL), and silent sitting (SS). As each session lasted 20 minutes, recordings were made for the post-assessment following the intervention for 20 minutes. Results: The Repeated measure ANOVA, Friedman test, and Wilcoxon signed ranked tests were done to analyse the data. The Mindfulness following mantra chanting was significantly higher during loud chanting (LC) (p&lt;0.05) compared to the silent chanting (SC) and the baseline. Also, the scores of digits backward (DB) were significantly higher in LC (p&lt;0.01), LM (p&lt;0.05), SC (p&lt;0.001), and AL (p&lt;0.01), compared to baseline. Conclusion: Results of the current study suggested that mindfulness prevails following the practice of LC and short-term memory following SC suggestive of more information processing in the amygdala, hippocampus, and pre-central cortex.

BACKGROUNDPediatric brain tumors and their treatment impact cognition including intellectual functioning (IQ), attention, working memory, and processing speed. Few studies have examined the role of social determinants of health (SDoH) on cognition in pediatric brain tumors. To date, studies have primarily focused on family-related SDoH factors such as insurance status or parental education as predictors of cognition. To our knowledge, no study has examined multiple indicators of SDoH to determine which family-based and community-based predict cognition. METHODSParticipants included 151 pediatric brain tumor patients (M diagnosis age=8.82) seen for a clinical neuropsychological evaluation (M evaluation age=13.71). IQ, brief attention (WISC/DAS-II Digits Forward), working memory (WISC/DAS-II Digits Backwards), and processing speed (WISC Coding) were obtained from age-appropriate measures (WISC>6 years, DAS-II<6 years). Family-based SDoH indicators include insurance type (public, private) and maternal education (<high school degree, some college, ≥college degree). Community-based SDoH include the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and Childhood Opportunity Index (COI). Multiple regressions examined variance in IQ, attention, working memory, and processing speed accounted for by the SDoH measures, after controlling for treatment exposures using the Neurological Predictor Scale. RESULTSInsurance accounted for 14.9% of the IQ variance [β=-.316, t(151)=-4.18; p<.001]; COI accounted for 18.3% of the IQ variance [β=.202, t(151)=2.70; p=.008]. Insurance accounted for 12% of the variance in attention [β=-.324, t(152)=-4.22; p<.001], and 17.5% of the variance in processing speed [F(2,134)=15.399, p<.001]. In the working memory model, insurance [β=-.179, t(148)=-2.19; p=.03] and ADI [β=-.171, t(148)=-2.11; p=.04], accounted for 5.3% and 7.5% of the variance, respectively. CONCLUSIONSFindings highlight the important contribution of both family and community factors on neuropsychological outcomes in pediatric brain tumors. Nuances of the data will be discussed as they relate to clinical care and research.

Background &amp; Objectives: The Nadishodhana pranayama, alternate nostril breathing, activates and harmonizes ida and pingala nadis. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of commonly practiced Nadishodhana pranayama on cognitive functions in healthy individuals.Methods: A randomized control trial of 60 Subjects of age group fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to Group 1, study group (n=30) and Group 2 control group (n=30). Nadishodhana pranayama training was given for 15 min per session, 6 days per week for the duration of 8 weeks. Pre and Post parameters were recorded. Assessments were done using Cognitive parameters letter cancellation test, trail-making tests A and B (TMT), forward and backward digit spans.Results: The study assessed the effect of NSP on executive functions. The data was tested for normality using the Shapiro-wilks test. Within group comparisons and between groups comparisons were made using paired t test and independent sample test consecutively. Within group comparisons for study group showed a significant improvement in Single Letter Cancellation Test (p=0.0028) and digit span forward (p&lt;0.0005). Interestingly there was a significant reduction in digit span backward (p=0.005) in the control group. Between group comparisons showed a significant improvement in the digit span forward test following the intervention (p=0.003). The results suggest that Nadishodhana pranayama are beneficial for cognitive functions.Interpretation &amp; Conclusion: Nadishodhana pranayama practice is beneficial for improving cognitive functions, Hence Nadishodhana pranayama can be prescribed as effective modality to improve attention and manipulation in auditory working memory.

ABSTRACT Background: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) protects India’s strategic assets, a role burdened with stress that may affect cognitive functions in hypertensive personnel. This study investigates yoga’s potential to enhance cognitive abilities in these individuals. Methods: In our study, 88 male CISF personnel at the Indian Space Research Organisation, Bangalore, aged 25­60 years, were divided into yoga and control groups. The yoga group underwent a 3-month regimen, daily 1-h sessions for 5 days each week. These sessions included a combination of loosening exercises, breathing practices, asanas, pranayama, and relaxation techniques. Cognitive evaluations were performed using Psychological Experimental Building Language software, encompassing the digit span, Stroop task, and Tower of London tests. Results: Postintervention, the yoga group marginally improved in the digit forward task without significant difference (p = 0.12), while in the digit backward task, they showed a slight decline compared to the control group’s pronounced decrease (p = 0.03). In the Stroop task, across all conditions-reaction time for the congruent condition (RTC), neutral condition (RTN), and incongruent condition (RTI)-the yoga group demonstrated either stable or slightly increased reaction times. In contrast, the control group exhibited significant increases in reaction times across these conditions. Significant differences were observed across conditions (RTC: p &lt; 0.001, r = −0.67; RTN: p &lt; 0.001, r = −0.65; RTI: p &lt; 0.001, r = −0.70). Post-intervention, the yoga group demonstrated improved accuracy across all conditions: congruent (96%), incongruent (80%), and neutral (92%). Post-intervention, the yoga group significantly reduced their errors compared to the control group, as indicated by a notable decrease in error rate (p &lt; 0.001, r = -0.68). Postintervention, the yoga group exhibited enhanced planning abilities (p = 0.0038, r = −0.36). Conclusion: Our study highlights the potential of yoga-based interventions in boosting cognitive abilities among hypertensive members of India’s CISF. However, a deeper exploration is essential to comprehensively understand yoga’s cognitive impact.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of case reports of families with autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) in Latin America (LA). Nevertheless, little is known about the clinical phenotypes and demographic characteristics of mutations in each country. Past literature has proved that variants in LA have different and unique characteristics than those reported in Asia, North America, and Europe. Clinical heterogeneity in ADAD supports the need to study clinical phenotypes, especially in preclinical stages, to develop cognitive and clinical markers of the disease. We aimed to describe clinical and cognitive characteristics at baseline assessment of an Argentina PSEN1 p.M146L family enrolled at DIAN. Fifteen Dian Participants living in Buenos Aires and its suburbs and in Taco Pozo, a rural and isolated community from the Province of Salta, positive for the PSEN1 p.M146L mutation, were recruited. DNA was obtained from peripheral blood leukocytes according to standard protocols. In addition, exon 5 of the PSEN1 gene was PCR-amplified, and Sanger sequencing was performed. NACC Uniform Data Set clinical assessment, including the 2.0 UDS Neuropsychological Battery, was administered. Two groups were used to compare cognitive data: Patients with CDR:0 (n:10) and patients with CDR>0 (n:5). The mean age at symptom onset reported in this cohort was 42,90 (SD: 4,62). Significant differences were found in several cognitive measures: Logical Memory Immediate, TMT B and Digit Backward (<0,001); MMSE, Category Fluency Animals, TMT A and Digit Symbol(<0,05). In neurological signs, paraplegia was reported in one of the patients. As expected, differences in neuropsychological tests showed a prevalence of memory deficits, however, dysexecutive symptoms were also present for this mutation. Paraplegia in PSEN1 p.M146L has not been reported in the literature so far. Ongoing longitudinal work will be important in tracking changes in this cohort. Other characteristics, proper of underrepresented groups, such as socioeconomic status, education, race, and ethnicity, deserve appropriate follow-up. Future studies are planned, comparing urban and rural populations in this cohort with the same mutation.

Abstract BackgroundThe tablet‐based NIH Toolbox‐Cognition Battery (NIHTB‐CB) was compared against the established NACC Uniform Data Set 3.0 (UDS 3.0) neuropsychological battery (used across Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers). NIHTB‐CB factor invariance is critical for drawing appropriate cross‐demographic conclusions. Invariance was assessed across both batteries for consensus‐driven clinical diagnosis, sex, and age in a large sample of participants from the Advancing Reliable Measurement in Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Aging (ARMADA) study. Goals of this project were to establish the factor relationship of these two batteries and examine their invariance across the aforementioned demographic characteristics.MethodNIHTB‐CB tasks measure Crystalized and Fluid ability. Tests were administered to 571 participants aged 65 to 99 years (mean age 77.2±7.8, 41% female) with normal cognition or amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Groups were classified for age (&lt; = 85 and &gt; 85), gender, and diagnosis. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was tested for each group with confirmatory factor analysis. If the model fit sufficiently between groups for the configural model, then metric, scalar, and strict invariance models were also examined. Uncorrected standard scores were used for analyses.ResultA four‐factor model emerged as the best fitting model and was invariant across all demographic groups through adjustments. Factor 1: Language (MINT Total, Oral Reading, Picture Vocabulary); Factor 2: Auditory retention (Digits Forward Total and Digits Backward Total); Factor 3: Learning/Memory (List Sorting Working Memory, Picture Sequence Memory, Craft Story 21 Immediate Recall, Craft Story 21 Delayed Recall, Benson Delayed Recall, Animals Category, Vegetables Category, and MoCA Total Score); Factor 4: Attention/Executive Functioning (Dimensional Card Sort, Flanker, Trails A, Trails B, Pattern Comparison Processing Speed, and Benson Recall). We found strong support for strict invariance across the assessed demographic characteristics.ConclusionA four‐factor structure comprised of NIHTB‐CB and UDS 3.0 tests supports the validity of the NIHTB‐CB by matching both UDS 3.0 and NIHTB‐CB measures as expected. Strong support for strict invariance reflects the psychometric equivalence of the NIHTB‐CB construct across the groups. The psychometric properties of the NIHTB‐CB subtests therefore are generalizable across samples. By satisfying the assumption of measurement invariance, inferences made using the NIHTB‐CB about between‐group differences are presumed valid.

Background: Patients suffering from primary headaches such as migraine, tension-type headache, and cluster headache frequently report cognitive problems, particularly with attention and memory. The aim of this study was to see if there was a link between pain intensity and cognitive function in people who had primary headaches. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 69 primary headache patients (37 migraines, 27 tension-type headaches and 5 cluster headaches; age range 18–80 year). Migraine, tension-type headache and cluster headache diagnosis were determined according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition beta version (ICHD-3 beta) diagnostic criteria. All eligible subjects underwent cognitive function examination using Montreal Cognitive Assessment Indonesian version (MoCA-INA), Trail Making test A (TMT-A), Trail Making test B (TMT-B), Trail Making test C (TMT-C), Forward Digit Span and Backward Digit Span. The intensity of pain was assessed using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Results: There were 69 primary headache patients included in this study, 52 (75.4%) patients had abnormal MoCA-INA, 52(75.4%) patients had abnormal Forward Digit Span and 48(69.6%) patients had abnormal Backward Digit Span. There was significant correlation between pain intensity and cognitive function in migraine, TTH and cluster headaches patients. The MoCA-INA, Forward Digit Span and Backward Digit Span had negative correlations with pain intensity, whereas TMT A-time, TMT A-error, TMT B-time and TMT B-error had positive correlation. Conclusion: There were significant associations between pain intensity of and cognitive function in primary headaches with p&amp;lt;0.05. It is suggested that the more severe pain intensity, the more impair of cognitive function.

Objective:The process of metacognitive monitoring refers to one’s ability to incorporate rapid in-the-moment self-assessments of their cognitive performance. An area of interest within this literature concerns metacognitive accuracy (MA), or the extent to which an individual can discern when their own judgments are incorrect/correct. Much of the work in this area has either focused on school-aged samples or clinical samples, with findings of impairment in metacognitive processes associated with traumatic brain injury, Schizophrenia, cerebrovascular accidents, and Alzheimer’s disease. Notably, decreased working memory and executive functioning are frequently reported in samples with low MA, suggesting a possible reliance on basic cognitive resources in the facilitation of metacognitive processes. Thus, the goal of this investigation was to elucidate potential relationships between individual domains of cognition and higher-order MA. We hypothesized that performance on measures of working memory and executive function would be positively associated with measures of MA.Participants and Methods:Data from 87 undergraduate students who volunteered in research for class credit were used. All participants completed a computerized metamemory task where six lists of 12 words each paired with varying point values were first presented to the participants. After each list, participants were instructed to score as many points as possible by recalling words they could remember. After a brief delay, participants completed a recognition task using the words presented earlier and provided a retrospective confidence judgement (RCJ) following each item. A metric for MA, meta d', was calculated using signal-detection theory analysis from the reported RCJs and recognition task performance. Participants also completed neuropsychological tests of attention (Trails A), working memory (WM; Backward Digits), executive function (EF; Trails B), mental flexibility (MF; Trails B/A Ratio), and processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities). A sequential multiple regression was performed with meta d’ serving as the criterion, with education, age, and performance on neuropsychological measures entered as predictors.Results:The model indicated that a moderate percentage of the variability (R2 = .201) in metacognitive accuracy could be attributed to the combination of predictors in the model (F (7,79) = 2.843, p = .011). Examination of the regression coefficients indicated that only measures of attention (ß = .638, p = .01), MF (ß = .473, p = .041), and WM ß = .244, p = .024) were significantly related to MA after controlling for all other variables in the model.Conclusions:The model suggests that working memory, attention, and mental flexibility increased in a linear fashion as MA increased. Our hypotheses were partially supported, while working memory predicted MA, its contribution to the overall model was the smallest among the significant predictors. While executive function was not a significant contributor to the model, MF (a component of EF) was. The largest contributor to the model was attention, which supports prior findings in the literature. This outcome would suggest that while separate from EF, metacognitive processes in neurotypical students may rely on other, more basic cognitive processes. These results may prove beneficial in guiding the development of rehabilitative interventions for MA in clinical samples.