Cognitive Domains Research Articles

Effects of increasing fitness through exercise training on language comprehension in monolingual and bilingual older adults: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Exercise training has been proposed to counteract age-related cognitive decline through improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF hypothesis). Research has focused on cognitive domains like attention and processing speed, and one cross-sectional study reported a positive relationship between CRF and language production in older adults. In a randomized controlled trial, we investigated whether these benefits could extend to language comprehension in healthy older adults, and whether bilinguals, for whom language processing is more costly, would exhibit greater benefits than monolinguals. Eighty older English monolinguals and 80 older Norwegian-English bilinguals were randomized into either a 6-month exercise training group or into a passive control group. We assessed CRF (VO2peak) and language comprehension (reaction times to spoken word monitoring) in first (L1, all participants) and second language (L2, bilinguals only), before and after the intervention. We found that monolinguals in the exercise group (compared to the control group) were faster in comprehension following the intervention. Moreover, this effect was mediated by exercise-induced increases in VO2peak, supporting the CRF hypothesis. This extends previous cross-sectional research and establishes a causal link between exercise training and speeded comprehension in older monolinguals. However, despite inducing increased VO2peak, exercise training did not affect bilingual (L1 or L2) comprehension, and bilinguals in both groups were slower after the intervention period. Exploratory analyses suggested that this slowing may be driven by participants with low L2 proficiency, but further research is needed to examine whether bilingual language processing is in fact unaffected by exercise training and its consequent improvements in CRF.

Greater baseline cortical atrophy in the dorsal attention network predicts faster clinical decline in Posterior Cortical Atrophy

BackgroundPosterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive visuospatial and visuoperceptual impairment. As the neurodegenerative disease progresses, patients lose independent functioning due to the worsening of initial symptoms and development of symptoms in other cognitive domains. The timeline of clinical progression is variable across patients, and the field currently lacks robust methods for prognostication. Here, evaluated the utility of MRI-based cortical atrophy as a predictor of longitudinal clinical decline in a sample of PCA patients.MethodsPCA patients were recruited through the Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders Unit PCA Program. All patients had cortical thickness estimates from baseline MRI scans, which were used to predict longitudinal change in clinical impairment assessed by the CDR Sum-of-Boxes (CDR-SB) score. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate the magnitude of cortical atrophy in PCA patients relative to a group of amyloid-negative cognitively unimpaired participants. Linear mixed-effects models were used to test hypotheses about the utility of baseline cortical atrophy for predicting longitudinal clinical decline.ResultsData acquired from 34 PCA patients (mean age = 65.41 ± 7.90, 71% females) and 24 controls (mean age = 67.34 ± 4.93, 50% females) were analyzed. 62% of the PCA patients were classified as having mild cognitive impairment (CDR 0.5) at baseline, with the rest having mild dementia (CDR 1). Each patient had at least one clinical follow-up, with the mean duration of 2.78 ± 1.62 years. Relative to controls, PCA patients showed prominent baseline atrophy in the posterior cortical regions, with the largest effect size observed in the visual network of the cerebral cortex. Cortical atrophy localized to the dorsal attention network, which supports higher-order visuospatial function, selectively predicted the rate of subsequent clinical decline.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the utility of a snapshot measure of cortical atrophy of the dorsal attention network for predicting the rate of subsequent clinical decline in PCA. If replicated, this topographically-specific MRI-based biomarker could be useful as a clinical prognostication tool that facilitates personalized care planning.

Heart rate during moderate exercise and attention among adolescents: An experimental study.

Existing studies on the effects of physical activity on cognitive function have predominantly focused on pre- or post-exercise effects, leaving a gap in understanding the immediate cognitive impacts during physical exertion. Understanding cognitive performance during activity could have significant implications for improving productivity and therapeutic strategies. This study examined the relationship between heart rate and cognitive performance, specifically attention, using the D2 attention test among 32 adolescents aged 12-18years. Participants underwent attention assessments at rest and while moving at target heart rates of 100bpm, 120bpm, and 140bpm. The influence of body mass index (BMI) and sleep quality on attention has been analysed too. A significant positive correlation between heart rate and attention was observed (r = 0.39, P < .005), indicating enhanced cognitive performance with increased heart rate. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was found between BMI and attention (r = -0.37, P = .039) and a significant positive correlation was found between sleep quality and attention (r = 0.66, P = .014). These findings suggest that moderate physical activity can enhance attention, which could inform the design of educational, therapeutic, and occupational strategies. Future research should explore the generalizability of these effects across different cognitive domains, age groups, and settings.

Maternal Media Use and Infant Media Exposure are Associated with Developmental Outcomes at 4 and 8 Months

SYNOPSIS Objective. Early screen exposure is associated with poorer attention, inhibitory control, and language development outcomes. However, the content and context of media exposure are better predictors of outcomes than overall amount. The present study evaluated whether infants’ digital media exposure and maternal digital media use were concurrently and longitudinally associated with infant development in 187 infants at 4 and 8 months. Design. Mothers completed a questionnaire on family media exposure in different contexts, the short form of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories, and the Developmental Profile 3. A series of multiple linear regressions was performed to investigate associations between media use and infant development in the socioemotional, communicative and cognitive domains. Results. Positive maternal strategies such as using media for educating and amusing the infant were positively associated with socioemotional development at 4 months of age; time dedicated to reading books with the infant (either electronic or paper books) and using screens to communicate were positively associated with infant communicative and socioemotional development at 8 months of age. Mothers’ overall usage of media and use of digital media during childhood routines, as well as the time infants spent daily on a device at 4 and 8 months of age, were associated with lower emerging socioemotional and communicative skills. Conclusions. Findings highlight the potentially positive and negative impacts of very early digital media exposure and could have public health significance.

Association between cardiovascular health and perceived quality of life in ethnically diverse adults: insights from the Community of Mine study using the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7.

The association between cardiovascular health (CVH) with perceived quality of life (PQoL) and variations by sex and Hispanic ethnicity is not well understood. This study included 583 participants (42% Hispanic, 56% female, mean age 59years). Linear regression modeled the covariate-adjusted associations between CVH, using the combined 7 components of Life's Simple 7 (LS7; ideal and intermediate, compared to poor), and PQoL (total and physical, social, and cognitive health domains). For individual LS7 components, we assessed effect modification by sex and Hispanic ethnicity. Compared to individuals with poor CVH, those with intermediate (β [95% CI] = 0.22 [0.09, 0.35]) and ideal (β [95% CI] = 0.22 [0.08, 0.36]) CVH had higher overall PQoL. This effect was dominated by the physical PQoL domain. Of LS7 components, ideal body mass index (BMI) (β [95% CI] = 0.17 [0.03, 0.31]) and physical activity (β [95% CI] = 0.26 [0.12, 0.40]) were associated with overall PQoL. Ideal diet (β [95% CI] = 0.32 [0.08, 0.56]) and fasting plasma glucose (β [95% CI] = 0.32 [0.06, 0.58]) were associated with the physical PQoL domain. A higher PQoL score was associated with intermediate BMI in women, and physical PQoL was associated with smoking for women. A BMI*Hispanic interaction resulted in larger associations between intermediate/ideal BMI and physical PQoL in non-Hispanics. Ideal or intermediate CVH health factors and health behaviors were associated with higher PQoL. Sex and ethnicity differences suggest that perceived quality of life is associated with BMI for women and non-Hispanics.

Effect of antipsychotic on mismatch negativity amplitude and evoked theta power in drug-naïve patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundRecurrent observations have indicated the presence of deficits in mismatch negativity (MMN) among schizophrenia. There is evidence suggesting a correlation between increased dopaminergic activity and reduced MMN amplitude, but there is no consensus on whether antipsychotic medications can improve MMN deficit in schizophrenia.MethodsWe conducted clinical assessments, cognitive function tests, and EEG data collection and analysis on 31 drug-naïve patients with schizophrenia. Comprehensive evaluation tools such as PANSS and MCCB. MMN amplitude was analyzed by event-related potential (ERP) approaches, evoked theta power was analyzed by event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) approaches.ResultsOur findings indicate that antipsychotic treatment significantly improved clinical symptoms, as evidenced by reductions in PANSS positive, negative, general symptoms, and total scores (all p < 0.001). Cognitive function improvements were observed in language learning, working memory, and overall MCCB scores (p < 0.05), although other cognitive domains showed no significant changes. However, no significant improvements were noted in MMN amplitude and evoke theta power after four weeks of antipsychotic treatment (p > 0.05).ConclusionThese results suggest that while antipsychotic medications effectively alleviate clinical symptoms, their impact on MMN amplitude and evoke theta power deficit is limited in the short term. Moreover, the amelioration of cognitive impairment in individuals with schizophrenia is not readily discernible, and it cannot be discounted that the enhancement observed in language acquisition and working memory may be attributed to a learning effect. These findings underscore the complexity of the neurobiological mechanisms involved and highlight the need for further research to optimize individualized treatment strategies for schizophrenia.Trial RegistrationChiCTR2000038961, October 10, 2020.

Concurrent symptom domains and associations with recovery timelines among collegiate athletes with sport-related concussion

ObjectiveConcussion symptoms can be clustered into domains and understanding how multiple symptom domains present clinically may guide more accurate interventions. We investigate the associations between concurrent symptom domains and clinical...

A Model for the Development of Learning in a Virtual Geological Field Trip as a Modified Novelty Space

Abstract The purpose of this study is to propose a “modified novelty space” model for learning in virtual geological field trips. To do so, three field sites in Busan National Geopark were selected to explore geological characteristics. VR-based virtual field trips (VFTs) were developed for participation. These VFTs consisted of basic, plus, and advanced steps. The modified novelty space model redefines the novelty space for the context of virtual learning environments (VLEs) by subdividing it into cognitive, geographic, psychological, technical, and social factors. The cognitive domain refers to the curriculum content in geology. The geographic domain involves contextual interpretations of places. The psychological domain increases familiarity based on methods to provide stability. The technical domain refers to the ability to handle skills. The social domain refers to emotional sharing among people in relationships. This model proposes five elements with the aim of decrease in modified novelty space ultimately contributing positively to virtual learning.

Towards the Structure of the Digital Competence of the Library Specialists

The purpose of the article is to present the structure of the digital competence of a library specialist, developed based on research of recommendations of specialised organisations and regulatory documents, European approaches to the development of digital competence frameworks, and the results of a survey of library specialists. The research methodology is based on applying systemic, functional, acmeological, axiological and socio-communication approaches, which made it possible to scientifically understand the essence and structure of the formation of digital competence of library specialists. The theoretical methods of analysis and comparison helped to study the problem, clarify the essence of key concepts and determine the structure of the digital competence of library specialists; generalisation and systematisation were used to substantiate the components of digital competence. The scientific novelty. The structure of the digital competence of a library specialist is defined, which takes into account overall digital competence, digital technologies for professional activities, support learning, teaching and research (in particular, promoting digital literacy and users digital inclusion, digital mentoring), the ability to digital transformation and professional development in the digital environment. The author presents the draft digital competence framework for library specialists, which can be considered for improvement in the draft framework published by the Ministry of Digital Transformation for public discussion. Conclusions. The digital competence framework for library professionals can become the basis for an effective system of training and in-service training in digitalisation at different degrees of education, as well as a tool for effectively monitoring the level of digital competence among library staff. The presented draft digital competence framework for library professionals includes six areas (digital literacy; digital collections and resources; digital service, digital technologies and tools in professional activities; digital mentoring; digital leadership and professional development), thirty descriptors, and provides four levels of proficiency described by task complexity, autonomy, attitude, and cognitive domain. A comparison is made with the draft published by the Ministry of Digital Transformation in June 2024, along with recommendations for its improvement.

Menstimulasi cara berpikir kritis dan kognitif pada Anak Usia 3-5 Tahun melalui permainan puzzle stick misteri : Studi Literatur

Currently learning uses a student-centered approach. In reality, students' critical thinking abilities are still low. Advanced Puzzle Media is a learning media in the form of three-dimensional puzzles that can stimulate students to think critically and integrate with online material and questions. Therefore, the author innovated to create Advanced Puzzle media to improve students' critical thinking skills. In reality, students' critical thinking abilities are still low. This research aims to find out whether the use of puzzle stick media can improve students' critical thinking skills in PAI learning and how the use of puzzle stick media improves students' critical thinking skills in PAI learning. The use of stick puzzle media in improving students' critical thinking skills is through the pairing puzzle process.Problem solving is one of the aspects contained in the cognitive domain. Considering that young children are still in the learning stage of recognizing environmental conditions in their surroundings, including all existing problems, the learning activities provided refer to problem solving exercises. Children learn through playing, using puzzle media to train children's thinking skills in solving problems. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of using puzzle game media on children's problem solving abilities

Cognitive Resilience: Assessing Critical Factors in Military Personnel

The paper investigates factors associated with armed forces personnel's resilience in the face of hybrid interference targeted primarily against the cognitive domain. Building on the established conceptualisation of resilience as comprising institutional and national dimensions, it examines how education levels, socio-economic satisfaction, and job satisfaction relate to dimensions of resilience. Using data from a survey conducted among 884 members of the Czech Armed Forces, the study reveals complex relationships between these factors and resilience. While socioeconomic satisfaction correlates with both dimensions of resilience, job satisfaction appears to be an intervening variable explaining this correlation. The relationship between education and resilience is more complex with a lack of monotonicity but significant differences between some educational groups. While respondents without high school diplomas show significantly lower resilience scores than other groups, the relation becomes more ambiguous with increasing education. The paper underlines the importance of a multidimensional approach to resilience and provides groundwork for future research on how individual factors might relate to resilience enhancement. These findings could inform strategies to strengthen the armed forces' readiness against hybrid interference.

Evaluating Social Determinants of Health-Based Alternatives to Race-Based Cognitive Normative Models.

Race and ethnicity are proxy measures of sociocultural factors that influence cognitive test performance. Our objective was to compare different regression-based cognitive normative models adjusting for demographics and different combinations of easily accessible/commonly used social determinants of health (SDoH) factors, which may help describe cognitive performance variability historically captured by ethnoracial differences. We performed cross-sectional analyses on data from Black and White participants without mild cognitive impairment/dementia in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study who attended visit 5 in 2011-2013. Participants underwent a battery of 11 cognitive tests (3 domains: memory, executive function, language). We fit 6 separate normative models for each cognitive test, all including age and education, with different combinations of race, the Wide Range of Achievement Test (education quality proxy), and area deprivation index (neighborhood deprivation) associated with current residence. We compared model fits and calculated concordances/discordances between models using z-scores derived from each normative model and a z-score <-1.5 threshold for impairment. Participants (n = 2,392) had a mean age of 74.4 years, 60.4% were female, and 17.1% were of self-reported Black race. The "Full" model with race alongside demographic and SDoH measures consistently outperformed other nested submodels (likelihood ratios ≥ 100) for all domains/tests except Delayed Word Recall. Models with education quality alone ("WRAT") generally outperformed models with neighborhood deprivation ("ADI") or race ("Race") alone for memory and language tests while "Race" models performed better for executive function tests. Adding neighborhood deprivation to education quality ("WRAT + ADI") did not improve models vs using "WRAT" alone. Across all domains/tests, the concordance compared with the "Full" model was lower for "Education" and "ADI" models than for other nested models. Although numbers were small, there was greater discordance among Black (range = 8.2%-23.2%) compared with White (range = 2.2%-3.4%) participants, particularly for Boston Naming Test and executive function tests. Education quality outperformed neighborhood disadvantage as an additional/alternative SDoH measure in normative models and may be useful to collect in cognitive aging studies. While performance varied across cognitive domains and tests, routinely reported SDoH variables (education level, education quality, late-life neighborhood deprivation) did not fully account for observed ethnoracial variability; future work should evaluate SDoH across the lifespan in more ethnoracially diverse populations.

The Effect Of Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) Method On Visual Programming Knowledge Outcomes In Educational Technology Students

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) method on differences in student knowledge outcomes in the Visual Programming course in the Educational Technology Study Program. This study used a quasi-experimental design with two groups, namely the experimental class that applied the PAL method vertically and the control class that used conventional learning methods. The research participants totaled 50 students, drawn from the four class offerings randomly and divided into 2 class groups of 25 learners each. Data were collected through learning motivation questionnaire and knowledge test measured by Likert scale and Bloom's Taxonomy-based test on cognitive domain. Results of statistical analysis with Two-Way Anova test showed that there was no significant difference in knowledge outcomes with a value of 0.331&gt;0.05 based on learning motivation. However, the study showed a value of 0.036 &lt;0.05, meaning that there was a significant difference between the PAL method and conventional learning on student knowledge outcomes. In addition, the value of 0.972&gt;0.05 means that there is no significant interaction between the level of student learning motivation and learning methods on knowledge outcomes. This study found good responses from students where they prefer and are enthusiastic about learning with the PAL method compared to the conventional method, because the method is considered more flexible and comfortable to use for learning. This study suggests further evaluation related to the use of the PAL method by improving tutor skills and setting the duration of learning to increase effectiveness in achieving student learning outcomes

Neuropsychological Outcomes After Stereo-EEG Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation.

Stereo-EEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTHC) has been proposed as relatively safe from a cognitive perspective; however, there is a lack of evidence based on neuropsychological assessments supporting this. This study is the first prospective evaluation of neuropsychological outcomes associated with stereo-EEG-guided RFTHC in patients with focal drug-resistant epilepsy. This cohort study involved prospective recruitment of consecutive patients undergoing stereo-EEG from 2 Australian centers. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was administered before implantation and 3 months after RFTHC (M = 104.51 days, SD = 29.25). Outcomes across cognitive domains were assessed at a group level with repeated measures t tests. Factorial repeated measures analyses of variance compared memory and language outcomes according to whether dominant mesial temporal lobe (mTL) structures were coagulated. Reliable change indices (RCIs) were computed to explore psychometrically reliable changes at an individual level. The sample comprised 39 patients who underwent stereo-EEG (M = 37.08 ± 9.67 years, range = 17-56 years, 54% female). Nineteen (49%) had a language dominant epileptogenic zone (EZ), 16 (41%) a nondominant EZ, and 4 (10%) a bilateral EZ. All patients underwent RFTHC with a mean of 11.87 (SD = 6.82, range = 2-29) coagulation sites. Ten patients (26%) had RFTHC within the dominant mTL. At a group level, RFTHC was not associated with a significant decline on any neuropsychological measures (all comparisons p > 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed a decline in delayed verbal recall after RFTHC of dominant mTL structures (F(1,37) = 4.46, p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.11, 95% CI [0-0.30]; medium to large effect), although it did not remain statistically significant after correction for false discovery rate. No statistically significant group differences were observed on visual memory or language measures post-RFTHC (all comparisons p > 0.05). RCI revealed that after RFTHC within the dominant mTL, 20% of patients experienced a decline in verbal memory and 10% in visual memory. By contrast, 7% declined in verbal memory and 10% in visual memory post-RFTHC outside the dominant mTL. While these findings support the current view that RFTHC is cognitively benign for most cases, the results raise the question of a verbal memory decline after coagulation of the dominant mTL. Individualized neuropsychological counseling before stereo-EEG is essential to avoid unanticipated deficits.

A multi-stage feature selection method to improve classification of potential super-agers and cognitive decliners using structural brain MRI data-a UK biobank study.

Cognitive aging is described as the age-related decline in areas such as memory, executive function, reasoning, and processing speed. Super-Agers, adults over 80 years old, have cognitive function performance comparable to middle-aged adults. To improve cognitive reserve and potentially decrease Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk, it is essential to contrast changes in regional brain volumes between "Positive-Agers" who have superior cognitive performance compared to their age peers but are not 80 years old yet and aging adults who show cognitive decline (i.e., "Cognitive Decliners"). Using longitudinal cognitive tests over 7-9 years in UK Biobank, principal component analysis (PCA) was first applied to four cognitive domains to create a general cognition (GC) composite score. The GC score was then used to identify latent cognitive groups. Given cognitive groups as the target variable and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data and demographics as predictors, we developed a multi-stage feature selection algorithm to identify the most important features. We then trained a Random Forest (RF) classifier on the final set of 54 selected sMRI and covariate predictors to distinguish between Positive-Agers and Cognitive Decliners. The RF model achieved an AUC of 73%. The top 6 features were age, education, brain total surface area, the area of pars orbitalis, mean intensity of the thalamus, and superior frontal gyrus surface area. Prediction of cognitive trajectory types using sMRI may improve our understanding of successful cognitive aging.

Association of plasma homocysteine with cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease

BackgroundElevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) has been reported as a risk factor for cognitive impairment in the general population. However, there are conflicting results regarding the relationship between Hcy and cognitive impairment across various cognitive domains in Parkinson’s disease (PD).ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the association between plasma Hcy levels, cognitive impairment, and dysfunction in various cognitive domains among PD patients with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsA total of 101 PD patients underwent plasma Hcy measurement, comprising 50 PD-MCI patients and 51 patients with normal cognition (PD-NC). A battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to assess different cognitive domains. Adjusted generalized linear models were used to assess the correlations between Hcy levels and cognitive functions.ResultsAs anticipated, PD-MCI patients demonstrated a significant decline in cognitive function across all five cognitive domains (memory, executive function, attention/working memory, language, and visuospatial function). Elevated plasma Hcy levels (≥ 10 μmol/L) were associated with a higher odds of PD-MCI, even within the normal range of Hcy levels (&amp;lt; 15 μmol/L). After adjusting for confounding factors, a negative correlation was observed between plasma Hcy levels and the performance on specific cognitive tests evaluating executive functions in PD, such as the Stroop Color-Word Test-C (β = −1.123, 95% CI = −1.845 ∼−0.401, p = 0.0023).ConclusionThis study underscores a significant link between plasma Hcy levels and PD-MCI, particularly concerning executive dysfunction, even within the normal range of Hcy levels (&amp;lt; 15 μmol/L).

Understanding the complex network of objectively assessed cognition and self-reported psychological symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis.

Literature on the intricate relationship between self-reported and objectively assessed cognitive functioning suggests a discrepancy between self-reported cognitive complaints (SCC) and actual test performance. To investigate the interplay between patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and objective cognitive functioning using network analysis in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). We collected PROMs on anxiety, depression, fatigue and SCC, and cognitive functioning across six domains (n = 703 PwMS; 71% female, mean age = 46.3 ± 11.2 years). We constructed cognitive symptom networks using Gaussian Graphical Models, in which the aforementioned variables were presented as nodes linked by regularized partial correlations. We compared global network strength between relevant subgroups. The networks primarily showed clustering of PROMs and cognitive domains into two separate modules, with weaker links connecting both modules. Global network strength was lower for PwMS with impaired information processing speed (IPS; indicating lower symptom interrelatedness) compared to those with preserved IPS (3.57 versus 4.51, p = 0.001), but not when comparing SCC subgroups (p = 0.140). Cognitive symptom networks deepen our understanding of the discrepancy between self-reported and objectively assessed cognitive functioning. Lower symptom interrelatedness in PwMS with impaired IPS might suggest a nonlinear relation between PROMs and cognitive domains, which depends on the cognitive status.

Effects of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation on Physiological Responses to Acute Stress: A Systematic Review

AbstractPhysiological responses to acute stress generally proceed through two phases: first, a rapid and transient sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system response, and second, a slow and relatively sustained hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) response. These responses are associated with changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, electrodermal responses, blood pressure, and salivary biomarkers such as alpha amylase and cortisol. Through the interactions of biochemical responses to stress and distributed brain regions including the amygdala, hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex, acute stress exposure can also adversely affect cognitive function. Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), including transcranial direct, alternating, and random noise stimulation (tDCS, tACS, tRNS), has been examined for its potential ability to modulate physiological responses to stress and buffer negative impacts of stress on cognitive function. This systematic review surveyed research examining the effects of tES on physiological responses to acute stress in healthy neurotypical samples, examining cardiorespiratory (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate), peripheral (e.g., electrodermal), and biochemical (e.g., alpha amylase, salivary cortisol) outcomes. Sixteen reports were identified for inclusion. The articles showed low to high risk of bias, used a diverse set of acute stress induction techniques and tES methodologies, and examined a wide range of physiological outcomes. We found mixed evidence for the effectiveness of tES in reducing acute stress responses, and suggest that some tES methodologies may be more promising than others. Several directions for continuing research are proposed to help elucidate the mechanisms underlying tES effects on acute stress responses and clarify its potential for application to cognitive enhancement domains.

Psychometric properties of comprehensive cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competency assessment scales in psychodynamic psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder

BackgroundPsychodynamic psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapy for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, competency in conducting effective psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD is difficult to evaluate. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the psychometric properties of a comprehensive scale to assess cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competencies (CS-CAPC) in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD.MethodsThis is a qualitative study. The first step used the Delphi technique to gather experts’ opinions on the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competencies necessary to conduct psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD. The experts comprised three psychotherapists, seven psychiatrists with experience in psychotherapy, and nine teaching staff. A panel discussion was conducted to obtain qualitative data. Thematic data analysis was adopted, and content validity testing was used to analyze the content validity of the CS-CAPC in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD.ResultsThe CS-CAPC comprised two scales assessing two specific competencies in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD: The first scale, the psychodynamic formulation competency assessment scale (PF-CAS), comprised six items, including the case description, etiology, and potential course of therapy. The second scale, the practical-competency assessment scale (PC-CAS) for psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD, comprised 12 items, including building a therapeutic alliance, performing psychodynamic interventions while working through the therapeutic process, and closing the session. The scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) for the PF-CAS was 0.981, and that for the PC-CAS in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD was 1.00.ConclusionThe CS-CAPC in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD had good validity in assessing individual competency in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains.

Frequency, sociodemographic, and neuropsychological features of patients with subjective cognitive decline diagnosed using different neuropsychological criteria

BackgroundSubjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) is recognized as a risk stage for future cognitive impairment and dementia. The criteria for SCD include normal performance on neuropsychological testing; however, there is a lack of consensus regarding standard score cut-offs for neuropsychological tests to define cognitive impairment and to differentiate between SCD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This study aimed to assess the frequency of SCD diagnosis using various neuropsychological definitions of cognitive normality and to characterize the sociodemographic and neuropsychological features of SCD patients diagnosed under these criteria.MethodsThe Cognitive Complaints Cohort (CCC) participants were diagnosed following Subjective Cognitive Decline Initiative (SCD-I) criteria. Normal cognitive performance was defined by the absence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) according to the five sets of MCI neuropsychologically based criteria defined by Jak and Bondi. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sociodemographic, clinical, and neuropsychological data. A bootstrap methodology was employed to estimate the mean and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for specific parameters of interest, namely the SMC scale (subjective memory complaints scale), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Blessed Dementia Rating Scale – first part (BDRS first part), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).ResultsAmong the 1268 subjects included, the prevalence of SCD diagnosis exhibited substantial variation across SCD-I criteria using different neuropsychological definitions of cognitive normality (ranging from 16.4 to 81.3%). When using the most conservative criteria to define cognitive impairment (2 tests within a cognitive domain > 1.5 SD below age-adjusted means), the resulting Conservative SCD group had poorer global cognitive function (MMSE: mean 27.15, 95% CI 27.00-27.31), whereas when using the most liberal criteria to define cognitive impairment (only one test > 1 SD below age-adjusted means) the resulting Liberal SCD group had superior performance in daily-life functioning (BDRS first part: mean 0.30, 95% CI 0.23–0.38). However, subjective cognitive complaints and neuropsychiatric symptoms did not significantly differ among SCD diagnostic groups.ConclusionsThe utilization of diagnostic criteria using distinct neuropsychological definitions of cognitive normality significantly impacts the frequency of SCD diagnosis and characterizes different patient populations. Consequently, it is essential to specify the criterion when diagnosing a SCD patient and to understand the risks and benefits of using different criteria to define cognitive impairment.