Cognitive Consequences Research Articles

The desire of autonomy: A lever for vaccination of the elderly? Results of a qualitative study

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges of vaccination and the infectious risks among the elderlies. However, immunization rates for recommended vaccines in this population are insufficient in France. We aimed in this study to identify the levers and obstacles to vaccination among seniors, and to establish the arguments that could lead to some new vaccination behaviors. A qualitative survey based on 14 semi-structured interviews was conducted with people aged 65 and over, living at home in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region (France) from March to May 2022. The interviews were recorded, entirely transcribed, then subjected to a thematic content analysis. The results show that participants are keen to preserve their health by maintaining their physical capacity, taking regular exercise and eating a balanced diet. However, vaccination was not mentioned as a mean of preventing infectious diseases. Infections were not perceived as a cause for concern. Furthermore, the physical and cognitive consequences of infectious diseases, which could result in a loss of autonomy, were not known. These elements could be a good lever to bring hesitant elderly people to reconsider their position toward vaccination. Vaccines were not seen as a strategy to prevent loss of autonomy among elderlies. Since vaccines against influenza, COVID-19, shingles, pneumococcus have proved to be effective in protecting against cardiovascular events, this argument might be the starting point for a prevention campaign for the elderly.

Olfactory bulb astrocytes link social transmission of stress to cognitive adaptation in male mice

Emotions and behavior can be affected by social chemosignals from conspecifics. For instance, olfactory signals from stressed individuals induce stress-like physiological and synaptic changes in naïve partners. Direct stress also alters cognition, but the impact of socially transmitted stress on memory processes is currently unknown. Here we show that exposure to chemosignals produced by stressed individuals is sufficient to impair memory retrieval in unstressed male mice. This requires astrocyte control of information in the olfactory bulb mediated by mitochondria-associated CB1 receptors (mtCB1). Targeted genetic manipulations, in vivo Ca2+ imaging and behavioral analyses reveal that mtCB1-dependent control of mitochondrial Ca2+ dynamics is necessary to process olfactory information from stressed partners and to define their cognitive consequences. Thus, olfactory bulb astrocytes provide a link between social odors and their behavioral meaning.

Stroke Severity, Caregiver Feedback, and Cognition in the REGARDS-CARES Study.

Cognitive impairment after stroke is common and is present in up to 60% of survivors. Stroke severity, indicated by both volume and location, is the most consequential predictor of cognitive impairment, with severe strokes predicting higher chances of cognitive impairment. The current investigation examines the associations of 2 stroke severity ratings and a caregiver-report of poststroke functioning with longitudinal cognitive outcomes. One hundred fifty-seven caregivers and stroke survivor dyads participated in the CARES (Caring for Adults Recovering From the Effects of Stroke) project, an ancillary study of the REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) national cohort study. The Glasgow Outcome Scale and modified Rankin Scale scores collected at hospitalization discharge were included as 2 primary predictors of cognitive impairment. The number of caregiver-reported problems and impairments at 9 months following stroke were included as a third predictor. Cognition was measured using a biennial telephone battery and included the domains of learning, memory, and executive functioning. Multiple cognitive assessments were analyzed up to 5 years poststroke, controlling for prestroke cognition and demographic variables of the stroke survivor. Separate mixed models showed significant main effects of the Glasgow Outcome Scale (b=0.3380 [95% CI, 0.14-0.5]; P=0.0009), modified Rankin Scale (b=-0.2119 [95% CI, -0.32 to -0.10]; P=0.0002), and caregiver-reported problems (b=-0.0671 [95% CI, -0.09 to -0.04]; P<0.0001) on longitudinal cognitive scores. In a combined model including all 3 predictors, only caregiver-reported problems significantly predicted cognition (b=-0.0480 [95% CI, -0.08 to -0.03]; P<0.0001). These findings emphasize the importance of caregiver feedback in predicting cognitive consequences of stroke.

Abstract Tu044: Cardiac Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induces Region-Specific Mitochondrial Stress Response In The Brain To Adapt Neuronal Changes

Background: The hippocampus and cortex are susceptible to changes in blood supply, metabolites, and oxygenation. However, how disrupted cardiac function affects these critical areas of the brain, leading to the cognitive and neurological consequences of heart failure, remains unclear. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that disrupted cardiac function cross-talks with the brain by inducing region-specific mitochondrial stress responses, leading to adaptive changes. Methods: We utilized cardiac-specific LonP1 knockout (LonP1cKO) mice to induce heart failure within 21 days of birth. Alongside cre- control mice, we assessed cerebral blood flow using Laser speckle contrast imaging, locomotor activity through a comprehensive laboratory animal monitoring system (CLAMS), and gene expression profiles in the hippocampus and cortex by RT-PCR. Student’s ‘t’ test determined statistical significance with a p-value&lt;0.05. Results: At 21 days, LonP1cKO mice demonstrated a significant (p&lt;0.0001) reduction in cerebral blood flow (587.1±33.68, n=7) compared to the control (1034±31.26, n=5). Additionally, there were notable decreases in both X and Y-axis ambulatory and total locomotor activities in LonP1cKO mice [XAMB (100.3±6.6 vs 224±13.6 n=16), YAMB) (67.9±4.7 vs 150±8.5 n=16), XTOT (351.8±18.1 vs 534.4±26.3 n=16) and YTOT (190.7±9.6 vs 354.9±17.07 n=16). RT-PCR analysis revealed significant upregulation of genes related to hypoxia and cellular stress (Hif1a, FGf2, Atf6), mitochondrial biogenesis (mtDNA, Tfam, mt-COI, mt-COII), mitochondrial stress response proteases (LonP1, Afg3l2, Spg7, Yme1l1), and downregulation in neurotrophic factors (Bdnf, Ngf, Gfap) in the hippocampus and cortex. Conclusion: The study highlights that cardiac dysfunction in LonP1cKO mice leads to mitochondrial and cellular stress response in the brain to adapt neuronal changes, suggesting a critical link between cardiac health and brain function regulated through mitochondrial stress response pathways.

Sleep maintains excitatory synapse diversity in the cortex and hippocampus

Insufficient sleep is a global problem with serious consequences for cognition and mental health.1 Synapses play a central role in many aspects of cognition, including the crucial function of memory consolidation during sleep.2 Interference with the normal expression or function of synapse proteins is a cause of cognitive, mood, and other behavioral problems in over 130 brain disorders.3 Sleep deprivation (SD) has also been reported to alter synapse protein composition and synapse number, although with conflicting results.4,5,6,7 In our study, we conducted synaptome mapping of excitatory synapses in 125 regions of the mouse brain and found that sleep deprivation selectively reduces synapse diversity in the cortex and in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Sleep deprivation targeted specific types and subtypes of excitatory synapses while maintaining total synapse density (synapse number/area). Synapse subtypes with longer protein lifetimes exhibited resilience to sleep deprivation, similar to observations in aging and genetic perturbations. Moreover, the altered synaptome architecture affected the responses to neural oscillations, suggesting that sleep plays a vital role in preserving cognitive function by maintaining the brain's synaptome architecture.

Emotional and Cognitive Consequences of Miscalibrated Bonus Expectations

Emotional and Cognitive Consequences of Miscalibrated Bonus Expectations

Cognitive outcome after stereo-electroencephalography-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) is being used incrementally in the invasive diagnosis of epilepsy. There is currently a lack of information regarding the potential cognitive consequences of the extended use of this technique. This work describes, for the first time, the cognitive outcomes after RFTC in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), evaluated longitudinally and using a control group. Forty-eight adult patients with drug-resistant unilateral TLE (30 RFTC-treated patients and 18 controls) were evaluated using a comprehensive neuropsychological protocol at baseline. In the RFTC group, two follow-up assessments were performed at 3 months and 1 year. The control group was reevaluated after 1 year. Two analyses were performed: 1) group-level analyses, in which linear mixed models were applied according to TLE lateralization (intragroup and intergroup [RFTC vs control] comparisons), and 2) individual-level analyses, in which the Reliable Change Index (RCI) algorithm was developed and a 90% CI (cutoff ± 1.64) was used to describe neuropsychological outcomes at 1 year post-RFTC. A memory subanalysis was performed in hippocampal RFTC patients (25/30). A Spearman coefficient study was conducted to determine the correlation between cognitive change and thermocoagulated contacts. Left- and right-sided TLE patients treated with RFTC showed cognitive preservation at baseline. At a group level, the short-term evaluation, including verbal and visual memory, language, and executive functions, showed preservation in these domains and no significant differences compared with baseline. In the long-term follow-up assessment (1 year after RFTC), no significant intragroup changes were found, nor were significant changes found in comparison with the control group. The RCI algorithm showed that significant individual cognitive losses and gains were infrequent. Three patients presented with naming deficits, only 1 (3.3%) of whom showed a clinically significant deficit. Significant gains were more prevalent in executive function tests with a speed component (4/20 left-sided RFTC patients). Twenty-five of the 30 (83%) patients were treated with hippocampal RFTC. No patients experienced significant loss in verbal delayed memory in the left-sided RFTC sample or in visual delayed memory in the right-sided RFTC sample. The correlations between cognitive change and RFTC contacts were mostly nonsignificant. In the group-level comparisons, discernible cognitive impairment following RFTC was not evidenced. The majority of patients did not exhibit significant individual declines during the 1-year follow-up period. Notably, the procedural intervention yielded no substantial repercussions on memory functioning following hippocampal RFTC. These findings underscore the evidence supporting the cognitive preservation associated with SEEG-guided RFTC.

A Compensatory Role of Physical Activity in the Association Between Sleep and Cognition.

We synthesize evidence investigating the hypothesis that greater engagement in physical activity (PA) may compensate for some of the negative cognitive consequences associated with poor sleep in older adults. Potential mechanistic pathways include glymphatic clearance, influences on depression, and other comorbidities. The evidence base is largely cross-sectional and observational, and further experimental studies are required.

A prospective cohort study on cognitive and psychological outcomes in COVID-19 ICU survivors at 3 months of follow up.

The Outcomes - Short and Long term in ICU patient with COVID-19 "OUTSTRIP COVID-19" study was initiated to assess overall mortality, physical and psychiatric co-morbidities, reduction in lung function, and the ability to return to work post-ICU discharge with a follow-up period of 2 years in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs in Qatar. This paper focuses on the prevalence of cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, and stress at baseline and 3 months after ICU discharge. This prospective cohort study included 100 ICU survivors reviewed at baseline within 7 weeks of ICU discharge, with a 3-month follow-up. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and relevant medical history were collected at baseline. Cognitive outcomes were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B) tool, while psychological outcomes were evaluated using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). At baseline, 72% of ICU survivors exhibited mild cognitive impairment, which significantly improved to 56% at 3 months. However, severe cognitive impairment persisted in 20% of survivors at 3 months.For psychological outcomes, the mean depression score remained below 9 (5.64 ± 6.90) at both time points, with no significant change. At baseline, 25% of survivors had clinical depression, which reduced to 16% at 3 months.The mean anxiety score at baseline (9.35 ± 8.50) significantly decreased to 6.51 ± 7.74 (p = 0.002) at 3 months. Anxiety was not reported by 48% of survivors at baseline and this increased to 66% at 3 months. Severe to extremely severe anxiety decreased from 19% to 12% during the same period.The mean stress score at baseline (8.34 ± 8.07) did not significantly change at 3 months. At baseline, 18% experienced stress, which decreased to 12% at 3 months, with 5.3% facing severe to extremely severe stress. COVID-19 ICU survivors experience significant cognitive impairment, anxiety, and stress. While cognitive impairment and anxiety showed improvements at 3 months, depression and stress remained unchanged. These outcomes strongly emphasize the requirement for thorough post-ICU care and comprehensive mental health assistance for individuals recovering from COVID-19. Customized interventions and additional research endeavors are crucial to effectively manage the cognitive and psychological consequences faced by these patients. The exploration of telemonitoring and innovative approaches can offer avenues to enhance the overall quality of life for survivors. Further investigation should encompass extended timeframes to analyze prolonged effects and consider the broader socioeconomic impact.

Understanding Hope from Indian Young Adults’ Perspective

Despite the long-understood importance of Hope in the lives of individuals, few studies have investigated how Hope is understood from an Indian perspective. Furthermore, the focus on understanding the interpretations and experiences of Hope in the young adult population has been low. The current paper explores the phenomenon of Hope from Indian young adults’ perspective. The sample consisted of 10 participants, who were in the age range of 21 to 22 years and were pursuing their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The study utilized in-depth interviews to understand the experiences and perspectives of Hope in the participants. Data were analyzed through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) which brought forward several themes which focused on the experiences and understanding of Hope, delineating the main features of Hope, its situations, and its cognitive, affective, and behavioral consequences. The study adds literature to the Indian understanding of Hope or conceptualizing Hope from an Indian context and provides an in-depth understanding of the construct. It gives valuable insights into how Hope can be used for stress management and promoting well-being in individuals.

Double Dissociation of Cognitive Varies under Unilateral Radiation Exposure on the Hippocampus

Although the key position of the hippocampus (HP) in memory processes is not in doubt, the specifics of its participation in cognitive processes are far from being established. At the same time, the role of the HP in differentiating the novelty of impressions is often discussed in the context of adult HP neurogenesis. Radiation exposure to the HP, which inhibits the processes of neurogenesis, can serve as a model for studying this relationship. A homogeneous sample of 28 patients with meningiomas of the chiasmal-sellar area adjacent to the HP was studied. 15 patients were diagnosed with a left-sided location of the tumor and 13 patients with a right-sided one. The two groups were comparable in terms of demographic, clinical and morphometric characteristics. In order to stop the growth of the tumor, the patients underwent radiation therapy (RT), in which the HP on the side of the pathological process was forced to receive a dose comparable to the dose in the tumor. The study using the original technique was carried out before the start of RT, immediately after its completion, 6 and 12 months after the end of RT. Data were obtained on earlier changes in memory characteristics mediated by the right hippocampal region, but at the same time — more pronounced long-term cognitive consequences of ionizing effects on the HP of the left hemisphere.

Altered temporal awareness during Covid-19 pandemic.

Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic had profound effects on human well-being. A handful of studies have focused on how time perception was altered during the COVID-19 pandemic, while no study has tested whether temporal metacognition is also affected by the lockdown. We examined the impact of long-term social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to monitor errors in timing performance. We recruited 1232 participants from 12 countries during lockdown, 211 of which were retested "post-pandemic" for within-group comparisons. We also tested a new group of 331 participants during the "post-pandemic" period and compared their data to those of 1232 participants tested during the lockdown (between-group comparison). Participants produced a 3600 ms target interval and assessed the magnitude and direction of their time production error. Both within and between-group comparisons showed reduced metric error monitoring performance during the lockdown, even after controlling for government-imposed stringency indices. A higher level of reported social isolation also predicted reduced temporal error monitoring ability. Participants produced longer duration during lockdown compared to post-lockdown (again controlling for government stringency indices). We reason that these effects may be underlain by altered biological and behavioral rhythms during social isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these effects is crucial for a more complete characterization of the cognitive consequences of long-term social isolation.

Exploring the cognitive implications of traditional and novel subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation paradigms in Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the motor system. However, it is also accompanied by significant non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders. While dopaminergic deficits in the substantia nigra pars compacta are linked to motor symptoms, cognitive decline and non-motor symptoms may involve other neurotransmitter systems, including cholinergic pathways. This review investigates the cognitive implications of traditional and novel subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) paradigms in PD. Recognising the growing significance of cognitive function in the management of PD, our study aims to analyse comprehensively how different DBS approaches impact cognitive outcomes. By reviewing existing literature, we examine the cognitive domains of PD patients undergoing traditional STN DBS and explore the effects of novel stimulation paradigms. The findings from these studies may enhance our understanding of the cognitive consequences associated with STN DBS and inform therapeutic strategies to optimize patient outcomes in PD management.

It is not a vacation of leisure: The effect of maternity-leave stigma on fertility intentions in China

In response to the public's puzzle about why maternity leave has unexpectedly failed to improve fertility problem in the Chinese context of a widespread extension of maternity leave, our study concentrates on a prevailing stigmatization phenomenon of maternity leave in the workplace, proposes the construct “maternity-leave stigma”, operationalizes it, and examines its probable detrimental effect on working individuals' fertility intentions drawing on conservation of resources theory, self-verification theory, and research on stigma and psychological contract violation. Conceptually, maternity-leave stigma is a kind of workplace stigma that primarily depicts the extent to which working individuals in the reproductive period view maternity leave or the event of taking maternity leave in a biased way. It mainly consists of four subdimensions called cognitive stigma, emotional stigma, moral stigma, and consequence stigma. Based on multiple analyses of the three-stage questionnaire survey data from working individuals of childbearing age in China, Study 1 (N1 = 296, N2 = 340) acquires a 12-item maternity-leave stigma scale with good reliability and validity and Study 2 (N2 = 340) substantiates that, working individuals' maternity-leave stigma tends to directly and indirectly inhibit their fertility intentions and their anticipatory psychological contract violation from organization is the crucial mediator. Moreover, working women are inclined to display a much stronger inhibiting effect of maternity-leave stigma on fertility intentions compared to working men. Our findings therefore resolve the public's puzzle, enrich workplace stigma, deepen the implementation effectiveness research of maternity leave policy, and are of practical implications for building a fertility-friendly society.

Assessing pain in older people with normal, mildly impaired or severely impaired cognition.

Pain is a relatively common experience among older people, but unrelieved pain has significant functional, cognitive and emotional consequences for this population. A comprehensive and accurate pain assessment is essential for effective pain management. Self-report tools are suitable to assess pain in older people with normal or mildly impaired cognition, while observational tools are suitable for use with those with significant cognitive impairment or communication difficulties. However, pain assessment in older people can be challenging. The use of one tool on its own is rarely sufficient and it is crucial to involve family carers in assessment of pain in older people with severe cognitive impairment. This article discusses different tools and strategies, including the benefits and limitations, for assessing pain in older people.

Alpha and theta oscillations on a visual strategic processing task in age-related hearing loss.

Emerging evidence suggests changes in several cognitive control processes in individuals with age-related hearing loss (ARHL). However, value-directed strategic processing, which involves selectively processing salient information based on high value, has been relatively unexplored in ARHL. Our previous work has shown behavioral changes in strategic processing in individuals with ARHL. The current study examined event-related alpha and theta oscillations linked to a visual, value-directed strategic processing task in 19 individuals with mild untreated ARHL and 17 normal hearing controls of comparable age and education. Five unique word lists were presented where words were assigned high- or low-value based on the letter case, and electroencephalography (EEG) data was recorded during task performance. The main effect of the group was observed in early time periods. Specifically, greater theta synchronization was seen in the ARHL group relative to the control group. Interaction between group and value was observed at later time points, with greater theta synchronization for high- versus low-value information in those with ARHL. Our findings provide evidence for oscillatory changes tied to a visual task of value-directed strategic processing in individuals with mild untreated ARHL. This points towards modality-independent neurophysiological changes in cognitive control in individuals with mild degrees of ARHL and adds to the rapidly growing literature on the cognitive consequences of ARHL.

Long-term cognitive and affective consequences of mild traumatic brain injury: comparison with older adults

ABSTRACT Objective Memory and affective processing were compared in young adults with a remote mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), to healthy younger and older adults. We evaluated memory performance when encoding was done under multi-tasking (divided attention) conditions, likely to exacerbate cognitive and psychological symptoms in mTBI. Methods Participants studied pairs of unrelated words under either full or divided attention conditions. Memory for single words (item memory) and for pairs of words (associative memory) was then assessed in sequential independent recognition tests, under full attention. Results Associative memory was poorer than item memory, and worse when encoding was done under divided than full attention. The decline in recognition accuracy from full to divided attention conditions on the associative memory test was significantly greater in mTBI compared to young adults and was similar in magnitude to that observed in older adults under full attention. Self-reported mental and total fatigue increased significantly as performance on the memory tests, following the divided attention condition, decreased, but only in the mTBI group. Conclusions Results show lingering memory deficits, and suggest that cognitive tasks may be experienced as psychologically more demanding in those with a mTBI, even months or years after injury.

My dice is rubbed like this: assessing the leisure experiences of scratch-off lottery tickets by China’s younger generations

ABSTRACT Widening the dominant lens of economic utility as the raison d’etre of lottery purchase, this study introduces experiential values to investigate why the category of scratching off lottery tickets has been fervently savoured by China’s younger generations since the midst of the Covid pandemic. The research variables of time scarcity, non-impulse buying and expenditure on lottery are also factored in the research model to account for the crucial cognitive and conative influences and consequences hereby evoked. Structural modelling outcomes uncover the multiplicity of experiential values constituted by fun, surprise, social interactions and engagement facets, together with full mediating effects of time scarcity and mitigating impacts of lottery expenditure in the positive co-relationships between experiential values and non-impulse buying tendencies. Therefore，this study has convincingly confirmed the fever over scratch-off lottery tickets as the co-product of the endogenous psychological states of the young Chinese lottery buyers at their present life stages，and their subtle internalisations of current economic and social contexts at large. This study also provides empirical suggestions on leveraging lottery leisure experiences and optimising their economic, social and cultural ramifications at large.

Spatiotemporal alterations in the brain oscillations of Arctic explorers

BackgroundThe limited understanding of the physiology and psychology of polar expedition explorers has prompted concern over the potential cognitive impairments caused by exposure to extreme environmental conditions. Prior research has demonstrated that such stressors can negatively impact cognitive function, sleep quality, and behavioral outcomes. Nevertheless, the impact of the polar environment on neuronal activity remains largely unknown. MethodsIn this study, we aimed to investigate spatiotemporal alterations in brain oscillations of 13 individuals (age range: 22–48 years) who participated in an Arctic expedition. We utilized electroencephalography (EEG) to record cortical activity before and during the Arctic journey, and employed standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography to localize changes in alpha, beta, theta, and gamma activity. ResultsOur results reveal a significant increase in the power of theta oscillations in specific regions of the Arctic, which differed significantly from pre-expedition measurements. Furthermore, microstate analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the duration of microstates (MS) D and alterations in the local synchrony of the frontoparietal network. ConclusionOverall, these findings provide novel insights into the neural mechanisms underlying adaptation to extreme environments. These findings have implications for understanding the cognitive consequences of polar exploration and may inform strategies to mitigate potential neurological risks associated with such endeavors. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term effects of Arctic exposure on brain function.

Investigation of the acute impact of rosemary consumption on brain activity in healthy volunteers

ABSTRACT Objectives Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) is a fragrant plant of the mint family, broadly known as a nourishment flavoring agent; it is additionally utilized in conventional people cures for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antibacterial properties. Intense cognitive impacts from devouring plant-based flavonoids can be measured with electroencephalography (EEG), which records unconstrained brain movement. Brain activity can be evaluated amid independent states or whereas performing attentional assignments. This study aimed to determine the impact of rosemary consumption on cognitive consequences. Methods Twenty volunteers took part in the study. EEG was taken for each volunteer twice, before drinking rosemary extract and around one hour after drinking it. EEG information was recorded with a Micromed recording framework inspecting rate of 512 Hz. EEG signals were prepared to be utilized in EEGLAB, an open-source toolbox within the MATLAB environment. The information obtained after the EEG recording was compared with the preliminary EEG information. Results The signal’s power spectral density in theta, delta, and beta frequency bands modestly increased in males and females. Even though there was a significant increase in power at the alpha frequency band in both sexes, this increment was not specific channel-wise. Discussion The obtained data are consistent with the expected results and similar studies conducted, suggesting that the consumption of rosemary is beneficial for cognitive function in the short term. It is anticipated that forthcoming long-term studies will support the existing data.