Brain Executive Function Research Articles

Pattern of cognitive changes and content of cerebral neurotrophic factor in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia

Objective. To study the pattern of cognitive changes and the content of cerebral neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the blood serum of patients with chronic cerebral ischemia (CICI).Materials and methods. We examined 128 people who were divided into two groups: the main group – 82 patients (38 men and 44 women) aged 60–74 years with CICI, the control group – 46 people comparable to the patients of the main group by gender and age, but without clinical manifestations of CICM. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Mini-Mental Status Scale (MSMS) and the Battery of Tests for the Assessment of Frontal Dysfunction (FMS). Attention (Schulte test), speech fluency (speech fluency subtest BTLD, verbal association test), memory (memory subtest KSHOPS; 5 words test) and visuospatial functions (clock drawing test) were studied. The content of BDNF in the blood serum of patients was determined by the enzyme immunoassay method.Results. The pattern of cognitive impairment in CIGM was characterized by changes in the domains of executive brain functions and complex attention. The content of BDNF in the blood serum of patients with CICI was significantly lower than that of the control group; in men is lower compared to female patients. Significant correlations were revealed between the severity of cognitive disorders and the level of BDNF in the blood serum.

Biophysical modeling and diffusion kurtosis imaging reveal microstructural alterations in normal-appearing white-matter regions of the brain in obstructive sleep apnea.

Studies have indicated that sleep abnormalities are a strong risk factor for developing cognitive impairment, cardiomyopathies, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, neuroimaging modalities are unable to show any consistent markers in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. We hypothesized that, compared with those of the control cohort, advanced diffusion MRI metrics could show subtle microstructural alterations in the brains of patients with OSA. Sixteen newly diagnosed patients with moderate to severe OSA and 15 healthy volunteers of the same age and sex were considered healthy controls. Multishell diffusion MRI data of the brain, along with anatomical data (T1 and T2 images), were obtained on a 3T MRI system (Siemens, Germany) after a polysomnography (PSG) test for sleep abnormalities and a behavioral test battery to evaluate cognitive and executive brain functions. Diffusion MRI data were used to compute diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) parameters along with white-matter tract integrity (WMTI) metrics for only parallel white-matter fibers. OSA was diagnosed when the patient's apnea-hypopnea index was ≥ 15. No significant changes in cognitive or executive functions were observed in the OSA cohort. DKI parameters can show significant microstructural alterations in the white-matter region, while the WMTI metric, the axonal-water-fraction (fp), reveals a significant decrease in OSA patients concerning the control cohort. Advanced diffusion MRI-based microstructural alterations in the white-matter region of the brain suggest that white-matter tracts are more sensitive to OSA-induced intermittent hypoxia.

Principal Component Analysis of Cognitive Executive Function: A Predictive Model of Academic Performance of Students in Mathematics in Secondary Schools

There is a growing interest from instructional scientists in using parameters of brain executive functions to unfold cognitive disorders, Mathematical Learning Difficulties (MLD), and assessment of learners’ academic performance. Thus, it is imperative to investigates, extracts and classify the major principal components of learners’ cognitive executive functions that predict academic performance of students in Mathematics and science related courses in secondary schools. An ex post facto quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. Students’ cognitive profile was measured using a validated and reliable cognitive assessment Battery (CAB) application. There were significant positive correlations between cognitive executive functions and academic performance of students in Mathematics. The major components of the executive functions that accounted for substantial effects on academic performance of students in Mathematics include working memory, conceptual memory, short-term memory, inhibition, updating, focus attention, divided attention, auditory perception, and visual perception. Also, processing speed, shifting, planning, hand-eye coordination and response time accounted for moderate effects on academic performance of students in Mathematics. Consequently, instructors should reinforce learners’ cognitive processes using cognitive retraining programmes, personalized learning, differentiated instructional strategies for exceptional students, and offer therapeutic interventions on the identified cognitive parameters that could reduce extraneous cognitive loads. These could facilitate mental internalization of external perception during instructional delivery and learning.

The Effect of a Cognitive Dual Task on Gait Parameters among Healthy Young Adults with Good and Poor Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background: Sleep quality is known to affect automatic and executive brain functions such as gait control and cognitive processing. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dual tasks on gait spatiotemporal parameters among young adults with good and poor sleep quality. Methods: In total, 65 young adults with a mean age of 21.1 ± 2.5 were assessed for gait analysis during single-task and dual-task conditions. The participants' sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and gait was assessed using the BTS Gaitlab System. The participants were asked to walk at natural speed as a single-task condition, followed by walking while performing a cognitive task as a dual-task condition. The parameters assessed included the gait velocity (m/s), cadence (steps/min), step width (m), and stride length (m). The dual-task cost (DTC) on each gait parameter was calculated. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in the DTC on gait variables between the good and poor sleep quality groups and the Spearman correlation test was used to assess the correlation between total PSQI scores and the DTC. Results: At a significance level of p < 0.05, a significant difference in cadence between the two sleep quality groups was observed, in addition to a positive correlation between sleep quality and the DTC effect on gait mean velocity, cadence, and stride length. Our findings also revealed a greater DTC in participants with poorer sleep quality. Conclusions: These findings contribute to our perception of the significance of sleep quality in gait performance while multitasking in younger populations.

Association between soybean product consumption and executive function in Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents.

This sought to explore the association between soybean product consumption and executive function (EF) in Chinese Tibetan adolescents in high-altitude areas. A total of 1,184 Tibetan children and adolescents were tested on demographic variables, soybean product consumption, and executive function in Lhasa and Nagchu regions of Tibet, China, using stratified whole population sampling. One-way ANOVA, linear regression analysis, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the associations existing between soybean product consumption and executive function. The proportions of Hardly ever, Occasionally, and Often in Soy Consumption among Tibetan children and adolescents in high altitude areas of Tibet, China were 21.7, 50.3, and 28.0%, respectively. The difference in 2 back reaction time among Tibetan children and adolescents with different soybean product consumption was statistically significant (F = 6.374, p = 0.002). The difference in conversion function reaction time was also statistically significant (F = 8.129, p < 0.001). Taking the soybean product consumption ≥6 t/w group as the reference group, after adjusting the relevant factors, those with soybean product consumption ≤1 t/w showed a statistically significant increase in Inhibit Function Dysfunction (OR = 1.844, 95% CI: 1.152, 2.951) and Conversion Function Dysfunction (OR = 2.008, 95% CI: 1.106, 3.646) had an increased risk of Conversion Function Dysfunction (OR = 2.008, 95% CI: 1.106, 3.646), which was significantly different (p < 0.05). There is an association between soybean product consumption and inhibitory control and translational flexibility of brain executive functions in Chinese Tibetan children and children and adolescents at high altitude.

Neurofeedback in the treatment of cognitive impairment in patients with early cerebral small vessel disease

To compare the effectiveness of neurofeedback (NFB) at infra-low and alpha frequencies in the treatment of cognitive impairment in patients with early cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). The study included 71 patients (average age 52.8±6.3 years, men 15%, women 85%) with early cSVD and 21 healthy volunteers (average age 53.2±4.8 years, men 29%, women 71%). All participants were assessed for clinical manifestations and cognitive functions, brain MRI, and EEG. cSVD patients were randomized by an envelope method with double-blind placebo control. Three groups of neurofeedback were formed: infra-low waves (n=25), alpha waves (n=22), simulated neurofeedback using EEG (placebo) (n=24). Fifteen sessions of 30 minutes were conducted 2-5 times a week. The cognitive profile and EEG were assessed immediately and 6-8 weeks after completion of the neurofeedback course. Patients with early cSVD had subjective (65%) and moderate (35%) cognitive impairment with predominant deviations in the components of executive brain functions (EBF). Neurofeedback using infra-low waves significantly improved EBF in the components of productivity, switching and inhibition, non-verbal delayed memory immediately after the course, maintaining the effect for at least 6-8 weeks, which was accompanied by an increase in the power (μB2) of the alpha rhythm in the occipital regions. Neurofeedback using alpha waves showed improvement in the Stroop test (interference index) in the delayed period. In patients with early cSVD and deterioration of EBF, it is preferable to conduct biofeedback neurotraining at infra-low frequencies to treat cognitive impairment and create a cognitive reserve. An increase in the power of the alpha rhythm in the occipital regions during the course can be considered a prognostic marker of its effectiveness.

Visual Resources for Learning Thermodynamics: A Neuroeducation Perspective

Thermodynamics is an engineering subject that is particularly difficult to teach and learn because it requires strong abstract theoretical concepts and extensive multidisciplinary knowledge. This manuscript introduces mind map learning as an alternative methodology for structuring both the learning and teaching processes in a transparent way for students in the context of thermodynamics. Mind maps help students to learn in a non-linear way promoting out-of-the-box thinking. In a quantitative pre–post study, the student knowledge outcomes were investigated through surveys and compared with the results of a control group. Factor analysis was carried out grouping four principal categories (66% of the total variance): visual insight to create links between pre-existing and new knowledge; motivation, related to curiosity to learn new concepts; applicability and critical thinking. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.84, which revealed good internal consistency. The results obtained are explained through constructivist and neuroeducation theories pointing out the relevance of the following concepts: alignment between pre-existing and new knowledge, learning improvement when multisensorial resources are used (like visual forms, font size, colors, hearing, speaking, etc.), and the impact of visual information on brain executive functions. The key to genuine education is curiosity and experience, as well as diving into hands-on learning, asking questions, and experimenting to truly grow.

The potential role of executive functions in prediction of psychological outcomes and cognitive performance among Thai teachers during the Covid-19 pandemic

Brain executive functions (EFs) play a key role in both positive and negative impact on human psychological outcomes. This present study investigated the potential effects of executive impairment (EI) on stress, burnout, well-being, and working memory among teachers during Covid-19 pandemic. We recruited 448 male and female teachers from eastern regions of Thailand using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected at schools with research instruments, including Teacher Primarily Data Questionnaire, Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being, Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20), Maslach Burnout Inventory for Educators (MBI-ES), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A), and Letter Number Sequencing (LNS). Statistical analyses were performed with descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation, and structural equation analysis (SEM). Results showed that dysfunctions in EFs could predict stress (21.9%). EI and stress could predict burnout (44.8%). EI with stress and burnout could predict working memory (11.9%) and well-being (48.7%). Problems related to EFs showed the direct effect on stress, burnout, working memory, and well-being at the statistical level (p &lt; .001) with the direct effects of .47, .23, -.38, and -.30, respectively. Furthermore, problems related to EFs showed the indirect effect on burnout, working memory, and well-being at the statistical level (p &lt; .001) with the indirect effects of .24, -.24, and .12, respectively. Therefore, EFs could predict psychological outcomes and cognitive performance, for example working memory. In conclusion, EFs play the key role in psychological and behavioral management during the pandemic. This data can be used for planning and designing the effective EFs training program to subsequently promote psychological outcomes and cognition among teachers.

Effects of Chemical Warfare Throughout Time on Mental Disorder Symptoms and Brain Executive Functions of Veterans Exposed to Chemical Weapons

Background: During the Iran-Iraq war (1980 - 1988), Iran was subjected to chemical attacks for over five years. These attacks left many mental injuries, especially for the veterans exposed to chemical weapons. Objectives: This case-control study compared mental disorder symptoms and brain executive functions of veterans exposed to chemical weapons with healthy individuals. Methods: The present study was conducted on veterans exposed to chemical weapons during the war. The control group comprised healthy individuals matched to the cases based on age, gender, occupation, level of education, and place of residence. One hundred seventy participants were included in the study, with 85 individuals in each group. The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and Nejati questionnaire were used to collect data on the symptoms of mental disorders and brain executive functions. Multivariate analysis of variance was used for data analysis. Results: The findings revealed that the total effect of the subscales of mental disorders in all nine domains was significantly higher in veterans exposed to chemical weapons than in healthy individuals (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, the actual impact of the subscales of the executive brain functions of veterans exposed to chemical weapons was significantly lower compared to healthy individuals (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings showed that veterans exposed to chemical weapons exhibited higher mental disorder symptoms across all domains than the control group. Moreover, veterans demonstrated weaker cognitive functions in terms of executive brain functions compared to healthy individuals. The implications of these findings are significant for mental health specialists working with veterans exposed to chemical weapons.

Improvement of Attention in Subjects Diagnosed with Hyperkinetic Syndrome using BIOVIT Simulator

This study aimed to stimulate the brain's executive function through a series of tasks and rules based on dynamic perceptual stimuli using the Biotechnology Virtual Immersion Simulator (BIOVIT) and thus evaluate its usefulness to maintain and increase attention levels in subjects diagnosed with hyperkinetic syndrome. With a quantitative methodology framed in a longitudinal trend design, the cause of the exposure-outcome relationships was studied using the BIOVIT simulator. Exploratory analysis of oscillatory brain activity was measured using a graphical recording of brain electrical activity and attention levels. Data consisted of 77,566 observations from n = 18 separately studied participants. The findings established that the BIOVIT simulator maintained and increased the attention levels of the participants by 77.8%. Furthermore, the hypothesis was tested that virtual reality immersion technologies significantly affect attention levels in participants aged 8 to 12. The evidence shows that the BIOVIT simulator is an alternative to developing learning methodologies in vulnerable populations. The low implementation costs and the diversity of academic applications may allow schools in developing countries to solve this problem that afflicts thousands of children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

A literature review on the beneficial effects of music on aging auditory cortex and memory

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies examining the impact of music on long‐ and short‐term memory, as well as cognitive function, have emerged with contradictory findings. This study investigates the positive impact of music on memory and the auditory cortex in people of all ages.MethodIn the PubMed database, we searched for studies that have examined the impact of music on memory and auditory function. From January 2011 to June 2021, we searched for studies on the adult population that were “clinical trials, case control cohort and cross‐sectional studies, systematic reviews and meta analyses” in English. In our search, we used a combination of the keywords “Music, Aging, Memory, Auditory Cortex.” Four reviewers independently extracted and assessed the studies based on predetermined criteria. To eliminate bias, the results were double‐checked by six people (fellows, researchers, etc.).ResultWe chose eight studies from a total of 108. Two studies linked music exposure to improved executive function in the aging brain, four studies examined the correlation between music exposure and improved auditory memory, one study compared the aging brains of musicians and non‐musicians, and two studies pointed at music in dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. The total number of participants in the study was 409, with an average age of 54 years and a range of 17 to 91 years. The duration of exposure to music varies between less than five and eleven years, with an average of eight and a half years. The primary finding is that music has a positive influence on aging brains' auditory cortex, memory, and executive skills. The impact of music on specific parts of the aging brain is a secondary outcome.ConclusionMusic has a positive influence on the auditory cortex, memory, and several brain executive functions, according to our findings. Adults should participate in music‐related activities to promote a healthy auditory cortex and memory aging. The absence of prior research on this topic was one of the study’s limitations. More research is needed to better understand the impact of music on the aging brain.

The Development of Various Speech Components and Their Relations with the State of the Brain Executive Functions in Senior Preschool Age

The Development of Various Speech Components and Their Relations with the State of the Brain Executive Functions in Senior Preschool Age

The Development of Various Speech Components and Their Relations with the State of the Brain Executive Functions in Senior Preschool Age

The brain executive functions (EF) are crucial for various aspects of childrens’ development, as they stipulate control of cognitive processes and behavior. Speech development is one of the most important goals of preschool age and a defining predictor of successful school education. Both classical and contemporary studies stress relations between the given functions. In order to achieve an in-depth comprehension of the relations we have deepened a comparative neuropsychological research by means of complemented speech functions assessment (phonological process, verbal memory, motor program sequencing, grammatical and lexical speech design, planning of utterance) and conducted it targeting children aged 5–6 (n = 61, average age – 5.67 ± 0.33 y.) and 6–7 (n = 117, average age – 6.67 ± 0.29 y.). The research has revealed age-specific differences of the given age groups (verbal memory (р ≤ 0.002), comprehension of logical grammatical constructions (р 0.001), lexical (р = 0.031) and grammatical (р = 0.008) speech design, planning of utterance (р 0.001)). A coherency of speech and the state of EF development increases from 5–6 to 6–7 years old and is evident in various aspects of coherent speech (planning of utterance and its grammatical and, to a lesser degree, lexical speech design), verbal memory and verbal logical thinking; in phonological processing, motor program sequencing and comprehension of logical grammatical constructions, however, it is less evident as it is related to particular indexes, but still exists. The following research findings can be used to further voluntary regulated speech development and correction programs targeting senior preschoolers, as well as to develop voluntary regulation and control incorporating various speech components.

Influence of High-Intensity Interval Training on IGF-1 Response, Brain Executive Function, Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Sedentary Young University Women-Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sedentary lifestyles have become a social problem, mainly among women. A sedentary lifestyle has been associated with poorer health in this population, negatively affecting physical and mental health. Physical exercise, in particular high-intensity interval training (HIIT), has been shown to be a neuroprotective tool. The present study provides a protocol design for a parallel-group Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), whose aim will be to compare the effect of two physical interventions, HIIT and physical activity (increasing daily steps), on Insulin Growth Factor-1 (saliva IGF-1 concentrations), executive functions, quality of life, body composition, physical fitness, and physical activity in young sedentary women. At least 77 women will be recruited and randomly assigned to either a HIIT group (12-week exercise HIIT intervention, 3 sessions/week), the HIIT + PA group (12-week exercise HIIT intervention, 3 sessions/week, plus 10,000 steps/day), or a control group (usual care). The primary outcome measure will the chronic change in IGF-1 concentration levels measured in saliva. Secondary outcome measures will be: (i) executive functions; (ii) body composition; (iii) physical fitness; (iv) physical activity; and (v) quality of life. All outcomes will be assessed at the beginning of the study, after the intervention, and after three months of follow-up. After this intervention, we will be able to determine whether HIIT together with increased physical activity could be more effective than HIIT alone in IGF-1 stimulation. Furthermore, by comparing both intervention groups, we will be able to determine the differential effects on numerous health-related variables. Consequently, the conclusions of this study could help better understand the effects of a training program on IGF-1 concentration levels and executive functions. In addition, various strategies could be proposed through physical exercise to improve cognition in this age group, as well as to improve the health status of this sedentary population.

Growth Hormone Deficiency following Traumatic Brain Injury in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: Presentation, Treatment, and Challenges of Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Services.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly recognized, with an incidence of approximately 110 per 100,000 in pediatric populations and 618 per 100,000 in adolescent and adult populations. TBI often leads to cognitive, behavioral, and physical consequences, including endocrinopathies. Deficiencies in anterior pituitary hormones (e.g., adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, gonadotropins, and growth hormone [GH]) can negatively impact health outcomes and quality of life post-TBI. This review focuses on GH deficiency (GHD), the most common post-TBI pituitary hormone deficiency. GHD is associated with abnormal body composition, lipid metabolism, bone mineral density, executive brain functions, behavior, and height outcomes in pediatric, adolescent, and transition-age patients. Despite its relatively frequent occurrence, post-TBI GHD has not been well studied in these patients; hence, diagnostic and treatment recommendations are limited. Here, we examine the occurrence and diagnosis of TBI, retrospectively analyze post-TBI hypopituitarism and GHD prevalence rates in pediatric and adolescent patients, and discuss appropriate GHD testing strategies and GH dosage recommendations for these patients. We place particular emphasis on the ways in which testing and dosage recommendations may change during the transition phase. We conclude with a review of the challenges faced by transition-age patients and how these may be addressed to improve access to adequate healthcare. Little information is currently available to help guide patients with TBI and GHD through the transition phase and there is a risk of interrupted care; therefore, a strength of this review is its emphasis on this critical period in a patient's healthcare journey.

Executive function: A secret pathway to enter the future of adolescent brain cognitive development (ABCD)

Objectives In this systematic literature review, we aim to investigate the research designs of studies on adolescent brain executive function (EF) over the past decade to deduce a potential approach for future studies. Methods We performed literature searches on PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar including studies that investigate adolescent brain development, specifically empirical studies between the years of 2012 and 2022 on adolescent EF using neuroimaging techniques. We then set up inclusion and exclusion criteria and performed study selection, data extraction, and data analysis. Results Our findings illustrated that while there was a remarkable rise in adolescent EF studies over the past decade, there were few interventional studies that aimed at advancing the neural developmental opportunities of the adolescent years. Conclusion These findings suggest that in order to define best practices for advancing adolescent EF, developmental cognitive neuroscience and the field of education need to form a stronger partnership to design more creative and appropriate interventions. Keywords adolescence, executive function, developmental cognitive neuroscience, education, partnership, neuroimaging

Resting-State Electroencephalogram (EEG) Coherence Over Frontal Regions in Paranormal Beliefs.

Paranormal beliefs are defined as the belief in extrasensory perception, precognition, witchcraft, and telekinesis, magical thinking, psychokinesis, superstitions. Previous studies corroborate that executive brain functions underpin paranormal beliefs. To test this hypotheses, neurophysiological studies of brain activity are required. A sample of 20 students (10 girls, Mean±SD age: 22.50±4.07 years) were included in the current study. The absolute power of resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) was analyzed in intra-hemispheric and inter-hemispheric coherence with eyes open. The paranormal beliefs were determined based on the total score of the revised paranormal belief scale (RPBS). The results of this study demonstrated a significant negative relationship between paranormal beliefs and resting-state EEG in alpha band activity in the frontal lobe (left hemisphere), EEG coherence of alpha and β1, β2, and gamma band activities in the frontal lobe (right hemisphere) and coherence of alpha and β1, β2 and gamma band activities between frontal regions (two hemispheres). In addition, the results showed that coherence of α, α1, β, and β2 band activities between the frontal lobe (right hemispheres) and the EEG coherence of Δ, α1, and beta band activities in the frontal lobe (two hemispheres) predict paranormal beliefs. This study confirms the connection of executive brain functions to paranormal beliefs and determines that frontal brain function may contribute to paranormal beliefs. Paranormal beliefs were negatively related to the EEG coherence.Paranormal beliefs were associated with EEG coherence in the right frontal lobe.We found a negative correlation between paranormal beliefs and the EEG coherence in the frontal lobes.EEG coherence the frontal lobes predicted paranormal beliefs. Paranormal beliefs were negatively related to the EEG coherence. They were associated with EEG coherence in the right frontal lobe. In this study, we found a negative correlation between paranormal beliefs and the EEG coherence in the frontal lobes. EEG coherence the frontal lobes predicted paranormal beliefs.

MSR44 A Machine Learning Aided Systematic Review of Screen Media Use and Executive Functions Among Children and Adolescents

It is unknown how screen media use is associated with executive brain functions among children and adolescents. This review summarized the association screen media use with executive functions in children and adolescents using a machine-assisted supervised learning approach.

Air Traffic Controllers and Executive Brain Function.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the executive functions of air traffic controllers (ATCs) in relation to demographic and occupational characteristics such as length of service, technical qualifications, and work shifts.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study based on a convenience sample with sequential selection of 52 Brazilian ATCs using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), questionnaire applied to the ATCs, Student's t-test, and one-way analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey multiple comparisons of WCST with functional characteristics.RESULTS: ATCs with 0 to 5 yr of service presented scores significantly above the cohort average in the WCST [0-5 yr: 0.54 ± 0.01 vs. 6-15 yr: 0.31 ± 0.52 vs. 151 yr: -0.02 ± 0.80]. ATCs working a 3-shift pattern presented an efficient performance and fewer perseverative errors in the WCST (3-shift: -0.63 ± 0.38 vs. 4-shift: -0.45 ± 0.43), that did not rise to significance. In a comparison between executive brain functions and technical qualifications, the controllers who worked in the TWR (Aerodrome Control Tower) only, and those who worked in both the TWR and APP (Approach Control Service) showed no differences in the number of completed categories and in perseverative errors.DISCUSSION:The executive brain functioning of the ATCs, such as mental flexibility, strategic planning and inhibitory control, were identified as being above average when compared to the general population. While alterations in work shifts appear to have a negative (but nonsignificant) impact, newer ATCs showed stronger scores than more experienced ATCs on the WCST. Successful performance as an ATC has complex foundations, such as understanding the context of air navigation and having strong executive function capabilities.de Freitas AM, Portuguez MW, Russomano, T, da Costa JC. Air traffic controllers and executive brain function. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(5):426-432.

The Effect of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation With Cognitive Training on Executive Brain Function in Individuals With Dementia: Protocol for a Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundAlthough memory and cognitive declines are associated with normal brain aging, they may also be precursors to dementia.ObjectiveWe aim to offer a novel approach to prevent or slow the progress of neurodegenerative dementia, or plausibly, improve the cognitive functions of individuals with dementia.MethodsWe will recruit and enroll 75 participants (older than 50 years old with either mild cognitive impairment or probable early or moderate dementia) for this double-blind randomized controlled study to estimate the efficacy of active transcranial alternating current stimulation with cognitive treatment (in comparison with sham transcranial alternating current stimulation). This will be a crossover study; a cycle consists of sham or active treatment for a period of 4 weeks (5 days per week, in two 30-minute sessions with a half-hour break in between), and participants are randomized into 2 groups, with stratification by age, sex, and cognitive level (measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Outcomes will be assessed before and after each treatment cycle. The primary outcomes are changes in Wechsler Memory Scale Older Adult Battery and Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale scores. Secondary outcomes are changes in performance on tests of frontal lobe functioning (verbal fluency), neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire), mood changes (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale), and short-term recall (visual 1-back task). Exploratory outcome measures will also be assessed: static and dynamic vestibular response using electrovestibulography, neuronal changes using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and change in spatial orientation using virtual reality navigation.ResultsAs of February 10, 2022, the study is ongoing: 7 patients have been screened, and all were deemed eligible for and enrolled in the study; 4 participants have completed baseline assessments.ConclusionsWe anticipate that transcranial alternating current stimulation will be a well-tolerated treatment, with no serious side effects and with considerable short- and long-term cognitive improvements.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT05203523; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT05203523International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/37282