Cognitive Changes Research Articles

The Effects of a Single-Session Virtual Rumination Intervention to Enhance Cognitive Functioning in Veterans With Subjective Cognitive Symptoms: Multimethod Pilot Study.

Subjective cognitive concerns (SCCs) entail perceived difficulties in thinking or memory, often reported without substantial objective evidence of cognitive impairment. These concerns are prevalent among individuals with a history of brain injuries, neurological conditions, or chronic illnesses, contributing to both psychological distress and functional limitations. They are increasingly considered to be a risk factor for future objective decline. A considerable number of individuals reporting SCCs also exhibit mental health symptoms, such as a history of trauma, depression, or anxiety. Interventions that address modifiable emotional and cognitive factors related to SCC could improve functioning and quality of life. Therefore, the use of emotion regulation strategies, especially those directed at minimizing rumination, could serve as a promising focus for interventions aimed at mitigating subjective cognitive concerns in veteran populations. This pilot study explored the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a brief, 1-session emotion regulation intervention called "Worry Less, Remember More." The Worry Less, Remember More intervention was designed to reduce rumination and improve subjective cognitive functioning in veterans with subjective cognitive changes (N=15). We randomized 15 veterans to either the active telehealth condition or waitlist control and completed the intervention. Participants were aged between 31 and 67 (mean 49.5, SD 10.1) years, and the sample was primarily male (12/15, 83%) and White (10/15, 67%). The most common diagnoses were posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Following the intervention, veteran input was sought through semistructured interviews with a subset of 12 participants, examining feasibility, acceptability, and perceived efficacy. Preliminary efficacy was also measured using pre- and postintervention self-report measures. Veterans reported that this intervention was acceptable, with 92% (11/12) of the sample reporting that they benefited from the intervention and would recommend the intervention to others with similar difficulties. Semistructured interviews revealed difficulties with feasibility, including problems with the remote consenting process, forgetting appointments, and needing additional strategies to remember to consistently use the interventions. The intervention improved self-reported cognitive symptoms on quantitative measures but did not improve self-reported rumination. This pilot study establishes the preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of the Worry Less, Remember More intervention for veterans with subjective cognitive symptoms. Future iterations of the intervention may benefit from simplifying the electronic consent process, providing reminders for appointments, and incorporating compensatory cognitive strategies to assist with using the telehealth system, as well as applying the strategies learned in the intervention. While future research is needed with larger samples, including nonveteran populations, the intervention may also be a useful clinical tool to bridge care between neuropsychology clinics and mental health treatment.

Post-Treatment Effects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the Executive and Memory Functions ofCommercial Pilots in the UAE

Individuals with MS often face challenges in cognitive functioning, particularly in demanding occupations such as commercial flying. This study investigates the post-treatment impact of MS on the memory and executive functions of commercial pilots while working under a busy flying roster. The research aims to understand cognitive changes over time and their implications for onboard safety.Data was collected over two and a half years from a single pilot. Standard assessments were used to evaluate the pilot’s executive and memory functions. A two-way ANOVA table was used for statisticalanalysis. The analysis indicates that there is no significant decline in performance over time for the pilot (p = 0.106447, df = 3). However, there are notable variations among memory and executive function tasks (p < 0.001, df = 7), highlighting specific areas of strength. The null hypothesis there is no decline in pilots’ neurocognitive functions, has been accepted. Additionally, the case study outcomes showed improvement in the pilot's executive and memory functions over two and a half years while maintaining stressful long-haul flight rosters. Future research should focus on understanding the factors driving these variations and exploring interventions to address cognitive weaknesses.

Effects of sensory overstimulation in postpartum rats

Research in rodents has shown that exposure to excessive early life audiovisual stimulation leads to altered anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive deficits. Since this period of stimulation typically begins prior to weaning, newborn rodents receive sensory overstimulation (SOS) as a litter within their home cage while the dam is present. However, the effects of SOS during the postpartum period remain unexplored. To this end, we adapted an SOS paradigm for use in rats and exposed rat dams and their litters from postpartum days (PD) 10-23. Maternal observations were conducted to determine whether SOS produced changes in positive and/or negative maternal behaviors. Next, we assessed changes in anxiety-like behavior and cognition by testing dams in the elevated zero maze, open field, and novel object recognition tests. To assess potential effects on HPA-axis function, levels of the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) were measured approximately 1-week after the cessation of SOS exposure. Our results indicate increased nursing and licking in SOS dams compared to controls, although SOS dams also exhibited significant increases in pup dragging. Moreover, SOS dams exhibited reduced self-care behaviors and nest-building compared to control dams. No differences were found for anxiety-like behaviors, object recognition memory, or CORT levels. This study is the first to assess the impact of postpartum SOS exposure in rat dams. Our findings suggest an SOS-induced enhancement in positive caregiving, but limited impact in all other measures.

Pick a PACC: Comparing domain-specific and general cognitive composites in Alzheimer disease research.

We aimed to illustrate how complex cognitive data can be used to create domain-specific and general cognitive composites relevant to Alzheimer disease research. Using equipercentile equating, we combined data from the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center that spanned multiple iterations of the Uniform Data Set. Exploratory factor analyses revealed four domain-specific composites representing episodic memory, semantic memory, working memory, and attention/processing speed. The previously defined preclinical Alzheimer disease cognitive composite (PACC) and a novel alternative, the Knight-PACC, were also computed alongside a global composite comprising all available tests. These three composites allowed us to compare the usefulness of domain and general composites in the context of predicting common Alzheimer disease biomarkers. General composites slightly outperformed domain-specific metrics in predicting imaging-derived amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration burden. Power analyses revealed that the global, Knight-PACC, and attention and processing speed composites would require the smallest sample sizes to detect cognitive change in a clinical trial, while the Alzheimer Disease Cooperative Study-PACC required two to three times as many participants. Analyses of cognition with the Knight-PACC and our domain-specific composites offer researchers flexibility by providing validated outcome assessments that can equate across test versions to answer a wide range of questions regarding cognitive decline in normal aging and neurodegenerative disease. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The possible role of oxidative stress marker glutathione in the assessment of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis.

Oxidative stress markers have a distinct role in the process of demyelination in multiple sclerosis. This study investigated the potential correlation of markers of oxidative stress (glutathione [GSH], catalase) with the number of demyelinating lesions and the degree of disability, cognitive deficit, and depression in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Sixty subjects meeting the criteria for RRMS (19 men and 41 women), and 66 healthy controls (24 men, 42 women) were included. In this study, GSH significantly negatively correlated with the degree of cognitive impairment. This is the first study of subjects with RRMS that performed the mentioned research of serum GSH levels on the degree of cognitive damage examined by the Montreal Scale of Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. The development of cognitive changes, verified by the MoCA test, was statistically significantly influenced by the positive number of magnetic resonance lesions, degree of depression, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), age, and GSH values. Based on these results, it can be concluded that it is necessary to monitor cognitive status early in RRMS patients, especially in those with a larger number of demyelinating lesions and a higher EDSS level and in older subjects. Also, the serum level of GSH is a potential biomarker of disease progression, which could be used more widely in RRMS.

Resistance training's impact on blood biomarkers and cognitive function in older adults with low and high risk of mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe aging brain exhibits a neuroinflammatory state, driven partly by peripheral pro-inflammatory stimuli, that accelerates cognitive deterioration. A growing body of evidence clearly indicates that physical exercise partly alleviates neuroinflammation and positively affects the aging process and cognition. In this randomized controlled trial, we aimed to observe the effect of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on peripheral biomarker levels, cognitive function changes and their interrelationship, and explore differences in those exercise-induced changes in older adults with high risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to older adults with low risk of MCI.MethodsFifty-two participants (aged 60–85 years old, 28 female) were randomly allocated to a 12 week lower limb RT program consisting of two training sessions per week or waiting list control group. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to stratify participants screened as high (< 26/30) or low risk (≥ 26/30) of MCI. We assessed serum Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), and Kynurenine (KYN) levels. Cognitive measurement consisted of and four subtests of Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM), the two-choice reaction time, go/no-go, mathematical processing, and memory search test.ResultsTwelve weeks of RT improved Go/No-go test results in older adults with high MCI risk. RT did not significantly affect blood biomarkers. However, IGF-1 level increases were associated with improvements in response time on the mathematical processing test in the exercise group, and IL-6 level increases were associated with improvements in response time on the memory search test in the total group of participants. Finally, KYN levels significantly differed between older adults with low and high MCI risk but no significant associations with performance were found.ConclusionOur study results suggest a different effect of RT on inhibitory control between older adults with low compared to high MCI risk. IGF-1 may play a role in the mechanism behind the cognitive benefit of RT and KYN may be a surrogate biomarker for neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.

Race/ethnicity and the measurement of cognition in NSHAP: Recommendations for robustness.

In this study, we examine the measurement of cognition in different racial/ethnic groups to move towards a less biased and more inclusive set of measures for capturing cognitive change and decline in older adulthood. We use data from Round 2 (N=3377) and Round 3 (N=4777) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) and examine the study's Survey Adjusted version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-SA). We employ exploratory factor analyses to explore configural invariance by racial/ethnic group. Using modification indexes, two-parameter item response theory models, and split-sample testing, we identify items that seem robust to bias by race. We test the predictive validity of the full (18-item) and short (4-item) MoCA-SAs using self-reported dementia diagnosis, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), proxy reports of dementia, proxy reports of dementia-related death, and National Death Index reports of dementia-related death. We found that four measures out of the 18 used in NSHAP's MoCA-SA formed a scale that was more robust to racial bias. The shortened form predicted consequential outcomes as well as NSHAP's full MoCA-SA. The short form was also moderately correlated with the full form. Although sophisticated structural equation modeling techniques would be preferrable for assuaging measurement invariance by race in NSHAP, the shortened form of the MoCA-SA provides a quick way for researchers to carry out robustness checks and to see if the disparities and associations by race they document are "real" or the product of artifactual bias.

Innovative teaching and the education management practice of improving the happiness of engineering college students

This study aims to explore the educational management practices associated with innovative teaching, focusing on their impact on the happiness of engineering college students. Through a comprehensive literature review and empirical research, the study analyzes the characteristics of innovative teaching, the learning tendencies of engineering students, the definition and measurement of student happiness, as well as the relationship between innovative teaching and students’ happiness. To collect data, a combination of quantitative questionnaire surveys and qualitative semi-structured interviews was employed. Data were gathered from 300 engineering college students through questionnaires and from 10 representative students through interviews. Through both statistical analysis and content analysis, this study unveils the implementation and effectiveness of innovative teaching among engineering students, as well as the happiness levels of these students, and the connection between innovative teaching and happiness. The research findings demonstrate that innovative teaching is widely adopted among engineering students and significantly enhances their academic performance and learning motivation. Engineering students generally exhibit a high degree of learning autonomy and creativity, actively engaging in practical projects. Furthermore, the happiness of engineering students is primarily reflected in dimensions such as satisfaction with academic achievements, motivation for learning, and support from their social networks. Further analysis reveals a positive correlation between innovative teaching and the happiness of engineering college students. Quantitative analysis establishes a significant positive correlation between innovative teaching and happiness, highlighting the positive impact of innovative teaching on the well-being of engineering students. Qualitative interview data delves into students’ experiences and cognitive changes brought about by innovative teaching, further affirming the beneficial effects of innovative teaching on their happiness.

Disentangling the Relationship Between Social Cognition, Executive Functions, and Behaviour Changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (S18.009)

Disentangling the Relationship Between Social Cognition, Executive Functions, and Behaviour Changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (S18.009)

Primary CNS vasculitis: insights into clinical, neuropathological, and neuroradiological characteristics

Background and objectivesPrimary CNS vasculitis (PCNSV) is a rare inflammatory disorder that affects the blood vessels of the central nervous system (CNS). We aimed to analyze the neurological presentations, clinical follow-up, and long-term outcomes of patients with primary central nervous system vasculitis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records to assess the neurological presentation, rate of remission, and functional status at the last follow-up in patients with primary central nervous system vasculitis seen in our center in the last 13 years (2010–2023).ResultsWe identified five patients, whose median age at symptom onset was 31 years (range: 15–41 years), including four male individuals (80%) from Muslim Arab (n = 4) and Ashkenazi Jewish (n = 1) backgrounds. Symptoms persisted for a median of 36 weeks (range: 3 weeks to 4 years) before diagnosis, with one case exceeding 3 years. Follow-up lasted a median of 56 months (range: 20–161 months). Clinical symptoms varied, presenting unilateral weaknesses (n = 2), cognitive and gait abnormality (n = 1), headaches (n = 1), and epileptic seizures (n = 1). MRI scans revealed abnormalities in the basal ganglia, corona radiata, parietal, and frontal lobes, showing hemorrhage, vasogenic edema, restricted diffusion, and enhancement post-gadolinium. All patients reported progressive holocephalic headaches and cognitive changes with overall progressive symptoms. Initial neurological examinations revealed abnormalities in all patients and included one or more of the following: cognitive or visual impairment (n = 2), seizures (n = 1), and unilateral UMN signs (n = 2) at the initial neurological examination, all but one patient required walking aids including (cane 2, wheelchair, bedridden 1). Patients were stable (n = 2), deteriorated (n = 1), or improved (n = 2). Following treatment, two patients still required ambulatory aids, with one using a cane and the other using a wheelchair, while the remaining three did not require any ambulatory aids.DiscussionThe study on PCNSV highlights varied symptoms and diagnostic challenges, including delayed diagnosis and a spectrum of neurological issues from cognitive impairments to seizures. Brain biopsies showed lymphocytic infiltration, thrombi, and necrosis. Immunotherapy significantly improved clinical and radiological outcomes. Over 56 months of follow-up, outcomes varied from stability and deterioration to improvement.

Therapeutic Chatbots as Cognitive-Affective Artifacts

AbstractConversational Artificial Intelligence (CAI) systems (also known as AI “chatbots”) are among the most promising examples of the use of technology in mental health care. With already millions of users worldwide, CAI is likely to change the landscape of psychological help. Most researchers agree that existing CAIs are not “digital therapists” and using them is not a substitute for psychotherapy delivered by a human. But if they are not therapists, what are they, and what role can they play in mental health care? To answer these questions, we appeal to two well-established and widely discussed concepts: cognitive and affective artifacts. Cognitive artifacts are artificial devices contributing functionally to the performance of a cognitive task. Affective artifacts are objects which have the capacity to alter subjects’ affective state. We argue that therapeutic CAIs are a kind of cognitive-affective artifacts which contribute to positive therapeutic change by (i) simulating a (quasi-)therapeutic interaction, (ii) supporting the performance of cognitive tasks, and (iii) altering the affective condition of their users. This sheds new light on why virtually all existing mental health CAIs implement principles and techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy — a therapeutic orientation according to which affective change and, ultimately, positive therapeutic change is mediated by cognitive change. Simultaneously, it allows us to conceptualize better the potential and limitations of applying these technologies in therapy.

Objective and subjective sleep characteristics in hospitalized older adults and their associations to hospital outcomes

PurposeSleep in the hospital setting is understudied, with limited literature describing measurement of sleep quality. This study among older inpatients in an acute-care hospital describes sleep characteristics both objectively and subjectively, and explores the associations of sleep with hospital outcomes.Materials and methodsOlder patients (n = 112) at Sutter Tracy Community Hospital were enrolled from January 2016 to November 2017. Sleep prior to admission was measured subjectively [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)], while sleep during hospitalization was measured subjectively (sleep diaries) and objectively (actigraphy, averaged over all nights). Outcomes measured included change in cognition during the hospital stay (i.e., Montreal Cognitive Assessment), length of stay (LOS), discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF), and re-admittance to a hospital within 30 days of discharge.ResultsThe participants were on average 68.7 ± 6.5 years old, predominately white (77%) and 55% women. Average PSQI was high (9.1 ± 4.2) indicating poor sleep quality prior to admission. Actigraphy was well-tolerated, with most (89%) having complete data. Sleep during the hospital stay was disturbed, with low levels of total sleep time (5.6 ± 2.0 h) and high levels of fragmentation (sleep efficiency 68.4 ± 15.0%). Sleep interruption was reported on 71% of sleep diaries, with the most common reasons being due to medical care [measurement of vitals (23%), staff interruptions (22%), blood draws (21%)]. Those with lower sleep efficiency had more cognitive decline upon discharge. Although underpowered, there was a suggestion of an association with poor sleep and the likelihood of being discharged to a SNF. Those with worse self-reported sleep quality (PSQI) prior to admission had a slightly longer LOS. No associations were seen with sleep quality and likelihood of readmission.ConclusionsCollection of objective and subjective sleep measures was feasible among hospitalized older adults. Disrupted sleep was common, and was potentially related to poor hospital outcomes. Our next steps will be to leverage these results to design and implement an intervention to improve sleep in hospitalized adults.

Addressing Cognitive Assessment Disparities Among Hispanic Adults: Adapting the MoCA-SA for Improved Accuracy and Accessibility Among Spanish-speakers.

Hispanic adults display a higher likelihood of early-stage cognitive decline than their White counterparts yet receive fewer clinical diagnoses. This troubling trend highlights the significance of longitudinal surveys like the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) in monitoring cognitive changes in aging Hispanics. Using NSHAP's Rounds 2 and 3, we observed notable cognitive score differences between English and Spanish speakers, as assessed by the survey-adapted version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-SA). Our study aims to discern if statistical adjustments can reduce measurement variance in global cognition scores between these language groups. We applied modification indexes, two-parameter item response theory models, and split-sample testing to pinpoint items that exhibit resilience to language-related bias among our Hispanic sample. From this analysis, an abbreviated version of the MoCA-SA, termed MoCA-SAA, was introduced. Subsequently, we juxtaposed the performance and predictive validity of both MoCA versions against four consequential outcomes indicative of cognitive decline. Our refined methodologies enabled the identification of consistent items across both language cohorts. The MoCA-SAA demonstrated a performance and predictive validity in line with the original MoCA-SA concerning outcomes linked to cognitive deterioration. The translated measures ensure the inclusion of Hispanic Spanish speakers in NSHAP, who might otherwise be overlooked. The statistical adjustment outlined in this study offers a means to mitigate potential measurement disparities when assessing overall cognition. Despite these advancements, we acknowledge persistent issues related to the translation of the MoCA-SA into Spanish that warrant further attention.

Association between changes in habitual stepping activity and cognition in older adults

Advancing age is associated with declines in cognitive function. Although physical activity is thought to protect against this decline, it is unclear how a short-term uptake in daily steps or a decline in day-to-day step variability may contribute to cognition among older adults. We tested associations between changes in step counts, day-to-day step variability and executive cognitive functions among older adults taking part in a physical activity intervention. Thirty-seven older adults (33 females; 71.4 ± 6.3 years) completed a 10-week personalized physical activity intervention. Participants wore a Fitbit to measure daily step counts throughout the study. They also completed a computerized Stroop task before and after the intervention. Average step counts and step count variability via average-real-variability (ARV) were determined. Compared to pre-intervention, step counts increased (p < 0.001) and step variability decreased post-intervention (p = 0.04). Models describing the changes in step counts and ARV over the 10-weeks were cubic (both, p < 0.04). Reaction times during the simple (p = 0.002) and switching (p = 0.04) conditions were faster post-intervention. Change in step variability was positively associated with the change in reaction time for the switching condition (β = 0.029, p = 0.002). On average, a reduction in day-to-day step variability was associated with improvements in cognitive flexibility.

Enhancing disaster prevention learning through human-centered design: Students’ learning cognition and enjoyment in informal educational settings

This study employs the human-centered design strategy to design disaster prevention education activities, aiming to explore the changes in students' learning cognition and enjoyment before and after participating in these activities. The National Science and Technology Museum, located in southern Taiwan. Its primary objectives encompass the collection of scientific and technological artifacts, the presentation of scientific and technological themes, the advancement of scientific and technological education, and the provision of opportunities for public leisure and lifelong learning. The research focused on 170 elementary school students from grades G3 to G6 who participated in the disaster prevention education of soil and water conservation activity at the National Science and Technology Museum. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to assess disaster prevention learning cognition, and surveys and interviews were used to gauge the joy experienced during disaster prevention learning. The research findings indicate that after participating in disaster prevention education activities, students showed significant improvement in disaster prevention learning cognition. The primary sources of learning enjoyment were closely observing cultural relics and actively engaging with teaching aids. The human-centered design plan can complement the school's disaster prevention education curriculum and address issues such as low student interest, a sense of distance, and a lack of deep impression regarding disaster prevention.

Brain and cognitive changes in patients with long COVID compared with infection-recovered control subjects.

Between 2.5 and 28% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 suffer Long COVID or persistence of symptoms for months after acute illness. Many symptoms are neurological, but the brain changes underlying the neuropsychological impairments remain unclear. This study aimed to provide a detailed description of the cognitive profile, the pattern of brain alterations in Long COVID and the potential association between them. To address these objectives, 83 patients with persistent neurological symptoms after COVID-19 were recruited, and 22 now healthy controls chosen because they had suffered COVID-19 but did not experience persistent neurological symptoms. Patients and controls were matched for age, sex and educational level. All participants were assessed by clinical interview, comprehensive standardized neuropsychological tests and structural MRI. The mean global cognitive function of patients with Long COVID assessed by ACE III screening test (Overall Cognitive level - OCLz= -0.39± 0.12) was significantly below the infection recovered-controls (OCLz= +0.32± 0.16, p< 0.01). We observed that 48% of patients with Long COVID had episodic memory deficit, with 27% also impaired overall cognitive function, especially attention, working memory, processing speed and verbal fluency. The MRI examination included grey matter morphometry and whole brain structural connectivity analysis. Compared to infection recovered controls, patients had thinner cortex in a specific cluster centred on the left posterior superior temporal gyrus. In addition, lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher radial diffusivity (RD) were observed in widespread areas of the patients' cerebral white matter relative to these controls. Correlations between cognitive status and brain abnormalities revealed a relationship between altered connectivity of white matter regions and impairments of episodic memory, overall cognitive function, attention and verbal fluency. This study shows that patients with neurological Long COVID suffer brain changes, especially in several white matter areas, and these are associated with impairments of specific cognitive functions.

Longitudinal Relationship Between Brain Atrophy Patterns, Cognitive Decline, and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease Explored by Orthonormal Projective Non-Negative Matrix Factorization.

Longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed for tracking the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through the assessment of brain atrophy. Detection of brain atrophy patterns in patients with AD as the longitudinal disease tracker. We used a refined version of orthonormal projective non-negative matrix factorization (OPNMF) to identify six distinct spatial components of voxel-wise volume loss in the brains of 83 subjects with AD from the ADNI3 cohort relative to healthy young controls from the ABIDE study. We extracted non-negative coefficients representing subject-specific quantitative measures of regional atrophy. Coefficients of brain atrophy were compared to subjects with mild cognitive impairment and controls, to investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between AD biomarkers and regional atrophy severity in different groups. We further validated our results in an independent dataset from ADNI2. The six non-overlapping atrophy components represent symmetric gray matter volume loss primarily in frontal, temporal, parietal and cerebellar regions. Atrophy in these regions was highly correlated with cognition both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, with medial temporal atrophy showing the strongest correlations. Subjects with elevated CSF levels of TAU and PTAU and lower baseline CSF Aβ42 values, demonstrated a tendency toward a more rapid increase of atrophy. The present study has applied a transferable method to characterize the imaging changes associated with AD through six spatially distinct atrophy components and correlated these atrophy patterns with cognitive changes and CSF biomarkers cross-sectionally and longitudinally, which may help us better understand the underlying pathology of AD.

Cognitive Performance in the Digital Era

Generational categories classify individuals born in specific time frames, known for unique traits and tech adaptability. Some research indicates that the digital-native generation is more prone to distractions than other groups. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear and influenced by many factors, such as stress. In the current study (n=299), the authors leveraged the mobile monitoring of cognitive change (M2C2) symbol search task to measure processing speed. This study examines the relationships between generational categories (Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z), perceived stress, subjective age (considered to predict important aspects of well-being beyond chronological age), and distraction cost. These results emphasize the significant influence of age-related variables and stress in shaping susceptibility to distractions. Future research can expand participant numbers, conduct longitudinal studies to track cognitive changes in digital-era generational cohorts, and explore neurocognitive mechanisms and technological fluency's role in distraction susceptibility.

Experimentally Induced Reductions in Alcohol Consumption and Brain, Cognitive, and Clinical Outcomes in Older Persons With and Those Without HIV Infection (30-Day Challenge Study): Protocol for a Nonrandomized Clinical Trial.

Both alcohol consumption and HIV infection are associated with worse brain, cognitive, and clinical outcomes in older adults. However, the extent to which brain and cognitive dysfunction is reversible with reduction or cessation of drinking is unknown. The 30-Day Challenge study was designed to determine whether reduction or cessation of drinking would be associated with improvements in cognition, reduction of systemic and brain inflammation, and improvement in HIV-related outcomes in adults with heavy drinking. The study design was a mechanistic experimental trial, in which all participants received an alcohol reduction intervention followed by repeated assessments of behavioral and clinical outcomes. Persons were eligible if they were 45 years of age or older, had weekly alcohol consumption of 21 or more drinks (men) or 14 or more drinks (women), and were not at high risk of alcohol withdrawal. After a baseline assessment, participants received an intervention consisting of contingency management (money for nondrinking days) for at least 30 days followed by a brief motivational interview. After this, participants could either resume drinking or not. Study questionnaires, neurocognitive assessments, neuroimaging, and blood, urine, and stool samples were collected at baseline, 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year after enrollment. We enrolled 57 persons with heavy drinking who initiated the contingency management protocol (mean age 56 years, SD 4.6 years; 63%, n=36 male, 77%, n=44 Black, and 58%, n=33 people with HIV) of whom 50 completed 30-day follow-up and 43 the 90-day follow-up. The planned study procedures were interrupted and modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021. This was the first study seeking to assess changes in brain (neuroimaging) and cognition after alcohol intervention in nontreatment-seeking people with HIV together with people without HIV as controls. Study design strengths, limitations, and lessons for future study design considerations are discussed. Planned analyses are in progress, after which deidentified study data will be available for sharing. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03353701; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03353701. DERR1-10.2196/53684.

Ensemble classifiers fed by functional connectivity during cognitive processing differentiate Parkinson’s disease even being under medication

Brain–computer interface technologies, as a type of human-computer interaction, provide a control ability on machines and intelligent systems via human brain functions without needing physical contact. Moreover, it has a considerable contribution to the detection of cognitive state changes, which gives a clue for neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), in recent years. Although various studies implemented different machine learning models with several EEG features to detect PD and receive remarkable performances, there is a lack of knowledge on how brain connectivity during a cognitive task contributes to the differentiation of PD, even being under medication. To fill this gap, this study used three ensemble classifiers, which were fed by functional connectivity through cognitive response coherence (CRC) with varying selected features in different frequency bands upon application of the 3-Stimulation auditory oddball paradigm to differentiate PD medication ON and OFF and healthy controls (HC). The results revealed that the most remarkable performances were exhibited in slow frequency bands (delta and theta) in comparison to high frequency and wide range bands, especially in terms of target sounds. Moreover, in the delta band, target CRC distinguishes all groups from each other with accuracy rates of 80% for HC vs PD-OFF, 80% for HC vs PD-ON, and 81% for PD-ON vs PD-OFF. In the theta band, again target sounds were the most distinctive stimuli to classify HCxPD-OFF (80% accuracy), HCxPD-ON (80.5% accuracy) with quite good performances, and PD-ONxPD-OFF (76% accuracy) with acceptable performance. Besides, this study achieved a state-of-the-art performance with an accuracy of 87.5% in classifying PD-ONxPD-OFF via CRC of standard sounds in the delta band. Overall, the findings revealed that brain connectivity contributes to identifying PD and HC as well as the medication state of PD, especially in the slow frequency bands.