Cognitive Abilities Research Articles

Application Of Reminiscence Therapy As An Improving Effort Cognitive Function Of Older Age

Cognitive decline in the elderly can affect their physical abilities and quality of life. Cognitive decline is often characterized by impaired memory and communication, resulting in dependence on others. This study aims to apply reminiscence therapy as an effort to improve cognitive function in the elderly. The case study was conducted using the gerontic nursing care process approach. The research subjects consisted of two elderly over 60 years old with cognitive impairment, who were evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Reminiscence therapy was implemented in 3 sessions for 2 weeks, each lasting 90 minutes. After the application of reminiscence therapy, both subjects' MMSE scores improved. The first subject showed the score increased from 15 to 21, while the second subject from 16 to 23, which showed improvement in the category of cognitive impairment. The application of reminiscence therapy is able to stimulate long-term memory and improve cognitive function in the elderly. These results are in line with previous research which shows that this therapy is effective in improving cognitive abilities and quality of life of the elderly. Reminiscence therapy is an important intervention to improve memory and cognitive function in the elderly with cognitive impairment. The application of this therapy can make a significant contribution to the care of the elderly and improve their quality of life.

Need to Belong and Cognitive Flexibility in Young Adults: Mediating Role of Negative Affect and Moderating Role of Agreeableness

Objective: Previous studies propose that the need to belong can explain some emotional and cognitive mechanisms. Yet, it is unclear which cognitive and emotional mechanisms may be predicted by the need to belong and whether this relationship varies within different personality traits. The general purpose of this study was to scrutinize the role of emotion and personal traits in the relationship between the need to belong and cognitive flexibility with the help of a model. Method: A total of 719 university students, 446 female and 273 male, employed the participant group of the study (M ± SDage = 21.38 ± 1.97). Data measurement tools were Standard Information Form, Cognitive Flexibility Scale, Need to Belong Scale, Big Five Personality Traits Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Scale. Results: The mediation analysis demonstrated a significant indirect effect of the need to belong on cognitive flexibility through negative affect (b =-.0606, t = -3.189). This finding showed that the need to belong reduced cognitive flexibility by increasing negative affect. With regard to the moderation analysis results, the interaction effect of the need to belong and agreeableness personality trait (need to belong X agreeableness) significantly predicted cognitive flexibility (b =-.1169; CI 95% =-.2033 to -.0304, t =-2.6542, p = 0.0081). Accordingly, the negative direct effect of the need to belong on cognitive flexibility was stronger in the lower agreeableness condition. Conclusion: The current study indicated that agreeableness moderates the negative effect of the need to belong on cognitive flexibility. The highest cognitive flexibility was observed in the lower need to belong and higher agreeableness conditions. In conclusion, it is suggested that the effect of the need to belong on cognitive abilities may be accompanied by personality traits and emotional processes.

Study on the therapeutic potential of induced neural stem cells for Alzheimer's disease in mice

Induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), which have similar properties to neural stem cells and are able to self-proliferate and differentiate into neural cell lineages, are expected to be potential cells for the treatment of neurodegeneration disease. However, cell therapy based on iNSCs transplantation is limited by the inability to acquire sufficient quantities of iNSCs. Previous studies have found that mouse and human fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed into iNSCs with a single factor, Sox2. Here, we induced mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) into iNSCs by combining valproic acid (VPA) with the induction factor Sox2, and the results showed that VPA significantly improved the conversion efficiency of fibroblasts to iNSCs. The iNSCs exhibited typical neurosphere-like structures that can express NSCs markers, such as Sox2, Nestin, Sox1, and Zbtb16, and could differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in vitro. Subsequently, the iNSCs were stereotactically transplanted into the hippocampus of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice (AD mice). Post-transplantation, the iNSCs showed long-term survival, migrated over long distances, and differentiated into multiple types of functional neurons and glial cells in vivo. Importantly, the cognitive abilities of APP/PS1 mice transplanted with iNSCs exhibited significant functional recovery. These findings suggest that VPA enhances the conversion efficiency of fibroblasts into iNSCs when used in combination with Sox2, and iNSCs hold promise as a potential donor material for transplantation therapy in Alzheimer’s disease.

Associations of demyelination in the right middle temporal gyrus and right praecuneus with visuospatial cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with impairments in not only memory but also visuospatial cognitive function. Despite its adverse effects on the quality of life, patients with early-stage AD are often neglected. Emerging evidence suggests that patients with AD exhibit increased vulnerability of myelin, a crucial component for neuronal conduction and survival. To test our hypothesis that myelin damage was associated with cognitive deficits in AD, we examined correlations of myelin integrity, quantified by T1-weighted/T2-weighted (T1w/T2w) ratios, with visuospatial cognitive abilities and compared them between patients with AD and cognitively normal (CN) individuals. Fifty-seven patients with AD and 22 CN subjects were enrolled in this study. To assess subjects' visuo-constructive abilities, we employed the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Copy Test (ROCFT-c) paired with analysis of T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging brain images. Voxel-based associations between T1w/T2w ratios and ROCFT-c scores in the AD group were assessed, controlling for age and handedness (voxel threshold uncorrected P < 0.001, cluster threshold uncorrected P < 0.05). Additionally, we compared the T1w/T2w ratios of these identified brain regions between the AD and CN groups. The voxel-based analysis demonstrated positive correlations between T1w/T2w ratios and ROCFT-c scores in the right middle temporal gyrus and right praecuneus in patients with AD who exhibited significantly lower T1w/T2w ratios in the right middle temporal gyrus (P = 0.038) and a trend toward lower T1w/T2w ratios in the right praecuneus (P = 0.055). Our results demonstrated a strong association between reduced myelin integrity in the right middle temporal gyrus and right praecuneus and visuospatial cognitive dysfunction in patients with AD. These findings are believed to shed light on the neural basis of visuospatial processing in patients with AD, underlining the necessity for developing objective biomarkers for assessing patients' visuospatial cognitive function.

Gamification and Immersive Experiences: A Gamified Approach for Promoting Active Aging

With the global population of individuals aged 60 and above steadily increasing, the need for effective and realistic solutions to promote healthy aging has become imperative. Leveraging the potential of serious games, gamification, and immersive technologies, this study focuses on developing and implementing a practical and tailored gamified platform to foster active aging in older adults. This platform was designed to incorporate game elements such as points, badges, levels, rankings, achievements, and immersive 360-degree images to provide a realistic and captivating user experience. Six distinct games and challenges have been developed through an extensive and iterative design process, each carefully calibrated to accommodate the aging population’s diverse cognitive abilities and interests. By combining the engagement-enhancing features of gamification with the immersive realism of 360-degree images, our platform offers a gamified and immersive solution for older adults. The gamified experiences are enjoyable and directly target cognitive functions, enhancing memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. The platform’s design has been refined through user feedback and usability testing, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in real-life scenarios. The outcomes of this research shed light on a practical approach to active aging, emphasizing the importance of incorporating gaming experiences to engage and stimulate older adults. This study provides insights for the design and implementation of future interventions aimed at promoting digital literacy and technological proficiency among older populations, ultimately contributing to their active and fulfilling participation in the digital age.

Improving Predictability, Reliability and Generalisability of Brain-Wide Associations for Cognitive Abilities via Multimodal Stacking.

Brain-wide association studies (BWASs) have attempted to relate cognitive abilities with brain phenotypes, but have been challenged by issues such as predictability, test-retest reliability, and cross-cohort generalisability. To tackle these challenges, we proposed a machine-learning "stacking" approach that draws information from whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) across different modalities, from task-fMRI contrasts and functional connectivity during tasks and rest to structural measures, into one prediction model. We benchmarked the benefits of stacking, using the Human Connectome Projects: Young Adults (n=873, 22-35 years old) and Human Connectome Projects-Aging (n=504, 35-100 years old) and the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (Dunedin Study, n=754, 45 years old). For predictability, stacked models led to out-of-sample r~.5-.6 when predicting cognitive abilities at the time of scanning, primarily driven by task-fMRI contrasts. Notably, using the Dunedin Study, we were able to predict participants' cognitive abilities at ages 7, 9, and 11 using their multimodal MRI at age 45, with an out-of-sample r of 0.52. For test-retest reliability, stacked models reached an excellent level of reliability (ICC>.75), even when we stacked only task-fMRI contrasts together. For generalisability, a stacked model with non-task MRI built from one dataset significantly predicted cognitive abilities in other datasets. Altogether, stacking is a viable approach to undertake the three challenges of BWAS for cognitive abilities.

Harnessing Machine Intelligence to Bridge the Learning Divide for Students with Disabilities

Learning disabilities affect a significant number of students, often going undiagnosed until academic struggles become evident. Early identification and personalized interventions are crucial for improving educational outcomes, yet traditional assessment methods can be time-consuming and inconsistent. This research explores the potential of machine learning (ML) to detect learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD, and dysgraphia by analysing student performance, cognitive abilities, and behavioural data. We implemented various ML models to predict the likelihood of these disabilities, comparing their performance based on accuracy, precision, and recall. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of ML in early detection and demonstrate how identified disabilities can inform tailored educational support, ultimately creating a more inclusive learning environment. This research emphasizes the transformative potential of ML in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and facilitating personalized interventions, leading to better outcomes for students with disabilities.

Integrating Music Education into the Curriculum for Cognitive Developmen

Music education has long been recognized for its benefits in enhancing cognitive development in children. This paper examines the role of music as an essential component of the educational curriculum, emphasizing its impact on cognitive abilities such as memory, language, and mathematical skills. Drawing on theoretical frameworks, including Multiple Intelligences and Social Development Theory, the research highlights the importance of music in cultivating cognitive functions, such as problem-solving, language skills, and emotional regulation. Empirical studies have shown that students exposed to music education demonstrate improved academic performance, social skills, and mental well-being. This paper proposes practical strategies for integrating music into core subjects, discusses the positive outcomes of music-based learning methods, and suggests assessment models to measure cognitive growth attributed to music education. Ultimately, it underscores the need for educational policies that support music as a core subject, advocating for its benefits to foster well-rounded cognitive development and lifelong learning. Keywords: Music Education, Cognitive Development, Curriculum Integration, Early Childhood Education, Multiple Intelligences, Language Skills, Memory Enhancement.

Neuronal Cell Rearrangement During Aging: Antioxidant Compounds as a Potential Therapeutic Approach

Aging is a natural process that leads to time-related changes and a decrease in cognitive abilities, executive functions, and attention. In neuronal aging, brain cells struggle to respond to oxidative stress. The structure, function, and survival of neurons can be mediated by different pathways that are sensitive to oxidative stress and age-related low-energy states. Mitochondrial impairment is one of the most noticeable signs of brain aging. Damaged mitochondria are thought to be one of the main causes that feed the inflammation related to aging. Also, protein turnover is involved in age-related impairments. The brain, due to its high oxygen usage, is particularly susceptible to oxidative damage. This review explores the mechanisms underlying neuronal cell rearrangement during aging, focusing on morphological changes that contribute to cognitive decline and increased susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases. Potential therapeutic approaches are discussed, including the use of antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C, Vitamin E, glutathione, carotenoids, quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin) to mitigate oxidative damage, enhance mitochondrial function, and maintain protein homeostasis. This comprehensive overview aims to provide insights into the cellular and molecular processes of neuronal aging and highlight promising therapeutic avenues to counteract age-related neuronal deterioration.

A Computational Mechanism for Encoding, Recalling and Forgetting of Real-Life Episodic Events

Episodic memory is one of the crucial dimensions of a human memory system; by imitating them, an agent can achieve human intelligence. A memory of a particular occurrence is referred to as an episodic memory. Due to the fact that every individual has a unique perspective and experience of a certain event, the episodic memories that they have of that event are also unique to each individual. It contains your recollections of individual occurrences, as well as personal information, generic occurrences and pictures of precise times in time you have experienced. To achieve human cognitive abilities, this paper presents a computational mechanism that encodes and forgets the real-life episodic events. The proposed model is based on role entity bindings that encode the real-life conceptual events. Furthermore, the model incorporates a computational gradual forgetting mechanism to achieve higher performance while controlling memory consumption over time. According to the findings of our assessments of the agents, forgetfulness lessens the impact of out-of-date information and states that are not frequently visited on the policies that are generated by the episodic control system. To validate the proposed model, an experimental study is conducted, where the evaluation is done based on event recalling’s hit ratio. The model produces robust performance and got an enhanced hit ratio in event recalling concerning prior methods.

The Effect of Transplantation of Ensheathing Cells of the Olfactory Mucosa into the Hippocampal Area on the Restoration of Cognitive Abilities in Rats with Experimental Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease was induced in female Wistar rats by bilateral injection of β-amyloid fragment 1-42 into the hippocampal region. After 8 weeks, ensheathing cells of the olfactory mucosa were transplanted into the hippocampus at the same stereotactic coordinates. These cells survived for 8 weeks; large clusters of cells were observed on week 4. On weeks 3-5 after transplantation of ensheathing cells, experimental animals demonstrated a significant cognitive improvement (memory and spatial orientation). The obtained results create prerequisites for further studies of ensheathing cells as a potential cell product for personalized therapy of Alzheimer's disease.

Viral-mediated increased hippocampal neurogranin modulate synapses at one month in a rat model of controlled cortical impact

Reductions of neurogranin (Ng), a calcium-sensitive calmodulin-binding protein, result in significant impairment across various hippocampal-dependent learning and memory tasks. Conversely, increasing levels of Ng facilitates synaptic plasticity, increases synaptogenesis and boosts cognitive abilities. Controlled cortical impact (CCI), an experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI) model, results in significantly reduced hippocampal Ng protein expression up to 4 weeks post-injury, supporting a strategy to increase Ng to improve function. In this study, hippocampal Ng expression was increased in adult, male Sham and CCI injured animals using intraparenchymal injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) 30 min post-injury, thereby also affording the ability to differentiate endogenous and exogenous Ng. At 4 weeks, molecular, anatomical, and behavioral measures of synaptic plasticity were evaluated to determine the therapeutic potential of Ng modulation post-TBI. Increasing Ng had a TBI-dependent effect on hippocampal expression of synaptic proteins and dendritic spine morphology. Increasing Ng did not improve behavior across all outcomes in both Sham and CCI groups at the 4 week time-point. Overall, increasing Ng expression modulated protein expression and dendritic spine morphology, but exerted limited functional benefit after CCI. This study furthers our understanding of Ng, and mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction within the synapse sub-acutely after TBI.

Physical activity promotes the development of cognitive ability in adolescents: the chain mediating role based on self-education expectations and learning behaviors

Physical activity promotes the development of cognitive ability in adolescents: the chain mediating role based on self-education expectations and learning behaviors

Liver disease-linked metabolic and behavioral factors associated with cognitive performance in an observational study of community dwelling adults

Modifiable risk factors associated with cognitive functioning are important for identifying potential targets for intervention development. Although there are a few recognized modifiable risk factors (e.g., diabetes mellitus, diet, physical activity), there are limitations in the conclusions that can be drawn due to limited data. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between modifiable liver disease-linked metabolic and behavioral factors in a sample of community dwelling adults who do not currently experience functional limitations due to cognitive abilities. Individuals aged 19 to 69 were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study in the Washington, DC area. Participants were assessed using anthropometric measures, ultrasound of the liver, glycated hemoglobin A1C, self-reported fatigue, clinical history, and 7 domains of cognitive function: processing speed, short- and long-term visual memory, working memory, inhibition, shifting, and abstract reasoning. The study included 104 participants (44% female, 51.1 ± 13.5 years old). The modifiable factors that were most consistently related to cognitive performance were waist-to-height ratio, which was related to a decrease in performance in 4 of the domains (short-term and long-term visual memory, working memory, and abstract reasoning), and the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which was related to an increase in performance in the same 4 domains. This study suggests that liver disease-linked modifiable factors are associated with cognitive performance, even in middle-aged individuals without self-reported cognitive dysfunction. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms that impact cognitive performance in relation to these factors to establish early intervention targets for reducing future cognitive deficits.

Supplemental Material for Big-Fish–Little-Pond Effects on Ninth-Grade Students’ Mathematics and Language Self-Concepts: The Moderating Role of Cognitive Ability

Supplemental Material for Big-Fish–Little-Pond Effects on Ninth-Grade Students’ Mathematics and Language Self-Concepts: The Moderating Role of Cognitive Ability

Beyond Individual Tests: Youths' Cognitive Abilities, Basic Reading, and Writing.

Broadly, individuals' cognitive abilities influence their academic skills, but the significance and strength of specific cognitive abilities varies across academic domains and may vary across age. Simultaneous analyses of data from many tests and cross-battery analyses can address inconsistent findings from prior studies by creating comprehensively defined constructs, which allow for greater generalizability of findings. The purpose of this study was to examine the cross-battery direct effects and developmental differences in youths' cognitive abilities on their basic reading abilities, as well as the relations between their reading and writing achievement. Our sample included 3927 youth aged 6 to 18. Six intelligence tests (66 subtests) and three achievement tests (10 subtests) were analyzed. Youths' general intelligence (g, large direct and indirect effects), verbal comprehension-knowledge (large direct effect), working memory (large direct effect), and learning efficiency (moderate direct effect) explained their basic reading skills. The influence of g and fluid reasoning were difficult to separate statistically. Most of the cognitive-basic reading relations were stable across age, except the influence of verbal comprehension-knowledge (Gc), which appeared to slightly increase with age. Youths' basic reading had large influences on their written expression and spelling skills, and their spelling skills had a large influence on their written expression skills. The directionality of the effects most strongly supported the direct effects from the youths' basic reading to their spelling skills, and not vice versa.

Interaction of Sensitivity, Emotions, and Motivations During Visual Perception.

When an organism is exposed to environmental stimuli of varying intensity, the adaptive changes in the CNS can be explained by several conceptual provisions: the law of motivation-activation by Yerkes and Dodson, the laws of force and pessimal protective inhibition, and the theory of emotion activation. Later, reinforcement sensitivity theory was developed in the fields of psychology and psychophysics. At the same time, cortical prepulse inhibition (PPI), the prepulse inhibition of perceived stimulus intensity (PPIPSI), and the augmentation/reduction phenomenon were proposed in sensory neurophysiology, which expanded our understanding of consciousness. The aim of this study was to identify markers of levels of activity of cognitive processes under normal and in psychopathological conditions while amplifying the information stimulus. For this purpose, we changed the contrast level of reversible checkerboard patterns and mapped the visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in 19 monopolar channels among 52 healthy subjects and 39 patients with a mental illness without an active productive pathology. Their cognitive functions were assessed by presenting visual tests to assess invariant pattern recognition, short-term visual memory, and Gestalt perception. The personalities of the healthy subjects were assessed according to Cattell's 16-factor questionnaire, linking the data from neurophysiological and cognitive studies to factors Q4 (relaxation/tension) and C (emotional stability). According to the N70 and N150 VEP waves, the healthy subjects and the patients were divided into two groups. In some, there was a direct relationship between VEP amplitude and contrast intensity (21 patients and 29 healthy persons), while in the others, there was an inverse relationship, with a reduction in VEP amplitude (18 patients and 23 healthy persons). The relationship and mechanisms of subjects' cognitive abilities and personality traits are discussed based on the data acquired from the responses to information stimuli of varied intensity.

Position Paper: Nutrition and Physical Activity for the Very Old Human under the Aspects of Proper Muscular and Respiratory Functioning

In very old people, especially geriatric patients in clinics or residents in nursing homes, a good adequate diet, which considers the specifics of malabsorption in the very old, decides on the quality of life, cognitive abilities, and muscular fitness, but in principle on life and death. Many nutrients must be increased or given by supplementation. This is especially true for a necessary increased protein intake. Since especially the core, extremities and respiratory muscles are affected by sarcopenia in the very old and there is an increased risk of falls and of pneumonia in malnourished patients, the additional protein intake, if possible by natural means, also applies to the mobilization and pneumological therapy, which of course must be supplemented by respiratory and general muscle training. Furthermore, to reduce malabsorption, attention must be paid to a sufficient acid content in the diet, e.g. through vinegar, and a necessary increase in salt intake, whereby the middle-aged and the very elderly differ fundamentally in this respect. In this position paper, recommendations for the nutrition and the supplemental muscular training to avoid sarcopenia in the very old will be given in a language accessible also for non-physicians based on available scientific literature.

Can the Ability to Play Steady Beats Be Indicative of Cognitive Aging? Using a Beat Processing Device.

This study aimed to examine whether different rhythm idioms significantly affect the reproduction accuracy of older adults and whether the participants' age and personal current engagement in music affect their ability to reproduce rhythm. A total of 79 older adults participated in the study. Participants were required to reproduce six different rhythm idioms, and their accuracy in rhythm reproduction was measured using the R index. The data were analyzed considering the participants' age sub-group and current engagement in music. The findings showed differences in reproduction accuracy across various rhythm idioms, particularly in relation to steady recurring notes and dotted notes with different intervals. The highest reproduction accuracy was found for the isochronous beat pattern, while the rhythm idiom starting with longer intervals yielded the lowest accuracy. Age and current personal engagement in music did not significantly affect rhythm performance. However, the study identified a significant correlation between decreased accuracy in reproducing a steady rhythm and diminished general cognitive ability. This study indicates that rhythm performance can be indicative of cognitive abilities related to temporal information processing. The findings support the potential use of rhythm tasks to evaluate cognitive performance in older adults with varying cognitive levels.

Exploration of demographic prevalence of mild cognitive impairment using Montreal cognitive assessment: A cross-sectional pilot study in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana.

BackgroundThe Global prevalence of dementia is projected to rise, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Ghana. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an intermediate phase between normal cognitive aging and dementia, is characterized by an objective and subjective decline in cognitive abilities. Individuals with MCI have a greater likelihood of progression to dementia. PurposeThere is a paucity of studies focused on assessing the prevalence, risk factors and characteristics of mild cognitive impairment within the Ghanaian population. This study assessed the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and explored its relationship with various sociodemographic factors. MethodsA prospective cross-sectional analytical study within Cape Coast, Ghana, evaluating the cognition of 100 participants using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool. The prevalence of MCI was determined using simple descriptive measures. The two-way ANOVA was used to determine risk factors for developing MCI. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between educational level and MoCA score. ResultsA majority (65.4 %) of participants within the age group 40–49 years had mild cognitive impairment. 42.86 % of male and 40.54 % of female participants had MCI (MoCA score < 26). There was a significant correlation (r= 0.608, p= 0.0001) between the educational level of participants and the MoCA score. Participants classified as having MCI based on their MoCA score, performed significantly poorer in visuospatial, attention, language, abstraction and delayed recall domains compared to those with normal cognition. ConclusionThe MoCA tool is a useful for detecting MCI, particularly among Ghanaians with at least 7 years of formal education. The prevalence of MCI among individuals aged 40–49 years in the Cape Coast Metropolis represents an important health burden.