Cognitive Improvement Research Articles

Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa (BN): A Review and Insight into Potential Mechanisms of Action.

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder primarily affecting adolescent females, characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, including self-induced vomiting and the misuse of diuretics, laxatives, and insulin. The precise etiology of BN remains unknown, with factors such as genetics, biological influences, emotional disturbances, societal pressures, and other challenges contributing to its prevalence. First-line treatment typically includes pharmacotherapy, which has shown moderate effectiveness. Neuroimaging evidence suggests that altered brain activity may contribute to the development of BN, making interventions that directly target the brain extremely valuable. One such intervention is repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive stimulation technique that has been garnering interest in the medical community for many years. This review explores the use of rTMS in the treatment of BN. Searches were conducted in the PubMed/Medline, ResearchGate, and Cochrane databases. Twelve relevant studies were identified. Analysis of the results from these studies reveals promising findings, particularly regarding key parameters in the pathophysiology of BN. Several studies assessed the impact of rTMS on binge episodes. While some studies did not find significant reductions, most reported decreases in binge eating and purging behaviors, with some cases showing complete remission. Reductions in symptoms of depression and food cravings were also demonstrated. However, results regarding cognitive improvement were mixed. The discussion focused heavily on potential mechanisms of action, including neuromodulation of brain networks, induction of neuroplasticity, impact on serotonergic dysfunction, anti-inflammatory action, and HPA axis modulation. rTMS was found to be a safe intervention with no serious side effects. rTMS in the treatment of BN appears to be a promising intervention that alleviates some symptoms characteristic of the pathophysiology of this disorder. An additional effect is a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. However, despite these findings, further research is required to confirm its effectiveness and elucidate the mechanisms of action. It is also recommended to further investigate the potential mechanisms of action described in this review.

A meta-analysis of person-centered care interventions for improving health outcomes in persons living with dementia.

Person-centered care emphasizes the importance of valuing and supporting the humanness of a person living with dementia as compared to focusing heavily on disease symptom management and treatment. The state of the evidence and outcomes from person-centered care is unclear and is an important knowledge gap to address informed evidence-based care for persons living with dementia. To synthesize the evidence on the efficacy of person-centered care in improving health outcomes in people living with dementia. Our search using the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, COCHRANE library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The methodology quality of the included studies was assessed using a revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Meta-analyses were performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model to investigate the effectiveness of person-centered care on improving health outcomes in persons living with dementia. Seventeen trials were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Person-centered care implementation was found to improve cognitive function (pooled SMD: 0.22; 9CRD420223808975% CI [0.04, 0.41], p = .02) in persons living with dementia, although outcomes including the impact of the care model on activities of daily living, agitation, depression, and quality of life remain inconclusive. Person-centered care improves the cognitive function of persons living with dementia, which is clinically meaningful and should not be ignored or overlooked in delivering evidence-based care to this population. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of person-centered care implementation among people living with dementia as an approach in improving health outcomes particularly on cognitive function improvement. Person-centered care emphasizes the personhood of individuals living with dementia while respecting their needs, values, and beliefs and is identified as a preferred model of delivering dementia care in all settings as a non-pharmacological approach.

Tailoring Semantic Interventions for Older Adults: Task-Focused and Person-Centered Approaches.

In this narrative review, we explore the latest evidence on semantic interventions for older adults, including both prevention and rehabilitation/remediation efforts, discussing them particularly in the context of dementia. Cognitive interventions vary in their level of structure, encompassing standardized (task-focused tasks) and unstandardized tasks (person-centered tasks). These interventions also differ in their target: rehabilitation or prevention. Addressing semantic knowledge/semantic memory/semantics is important, primarily because its efficiency impacts other cognitive domains. Semantic tasks are commonly included in preventive and rehabilitation programs, typically as standardized tasks with pre-defined semantic referents. On the other hand, person-centered approaches introduce personally relevant semantics, allowing patients to share thoughts and experiences with expressive language. Although these approaches offer benefits beyond cognitive improvement, their lack of structure may pose challenges. Our question club (CQ) program blends structured activities with personally relevant semantics, aiming to harness the advantages of both methods. Additionally, in this narrative review, we discuss future challenges and directions in the field of semantic interventions.

Cognitive Changes Up to 4 Years After Cochlear Implantation in Older Adults: A Prospective Longitudinal Study Using the RBANS-H.

Hearing loss is a worldwide health problem that currently affects around 20% of the world's population. Untreated hearing loss can have a significant impact on daily life, it can cause social isolation, loneliness, frustration, and higher anxiety and depression rates. Furthermore, older adults with hearing impairment have a higher risk for accelerated cognitive decline compared with normal-hearing individuals. Previous research indicated a positive effect of cochlear implantation on Health-related Quality of life (HRQoL) and cognitive functioning 1 year after cochlear implantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of cochlear implantation on cognition and HRQoL in older adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss. All included subjects were 55 years or older with postlingual, bilateral, severe-to-profound hearing loss, and received a unilateral cochlear implant. Cognition was evaluated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status for Hearing Impaired Individuals (RBANS-H), and HRQoL was evaluated using the following five questionnaires: Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ); Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI); Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12); Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS); and Type D questionnaire (DS14). Individuals were evaluated preoperatively, and annually up to 4 years after CI activation. After cochlear implantation an improvement in hearing, cognition, and HRQoL was observed. When comparing preoperative and 12 months postoperative results a significant improvement was observed in the total RBANS-H score (mean [SD], 92.78 [±15.08] versus 98.35 [±14.18], p < 0.001) and the subdomain scores for "Immediate Memory" (94.13 [±18.75] versus 105.39 [±19.98], p = 0.005), "Attention" (86.17 [±19.02] versus 91.57 [±15.35], p = 0.048), and "Delayed memory" (97.91 [±14.51] versus 103.83 [±14.714], p = 0.017). When comparing preoperative results with 4 years postoperative results, a significant improvement was observed in "Immediate Memory" (94.13 [±18.75] versus 101.91 [±16.09], p = 0.020) and a significant decline was observed in "Visuospatial Memory" (97.04 [±17.47] versus 87.26 [±13.41], p = 0.013). Compared with the preoperative results, no significant improvement was observed in the total RBANS-H score 4 years after implantation. A significant improvement was observed for the HRQoL questionnaires, that is, NCIQ, HISQUI19, SSQ12, HADS, and DS14, 1 year after cochlear implantation. When comparing preoperative results with 4-year postoperative results, significant improvement was observed for the NCIQ and DS14 social inhibition scores. Long-term results of the SSQ12 and HISQUI19 were lacking. Unilateral cochlear implantation in an adult population with bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss has a positive effect on cognitive functioning and HRQoL 1 year after activation. This positive effect on cognitive functioning was no longer observed 4 years after cochlear implantation. Further research is needed to explain individual variation in the evolution of cognitive functioning.

Exploring cognitive impairments and the efficacy of phosphatidylcholine and computer-assisted cognitive training in post-acute COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of confirmed cases worldwide, resulting in numerous deaths and hospitalizations. Long-term symptoms after infection or vaccination, known as Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) or Post-acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome (PACVS), present a challenge for the healthcare system. Among the various neurological symptoms, cognitive impairments are frequently observed in PACS/PACVS patients. This study aimed to understand cognitive deficits in PACS/PACVS patients and evaluated potential treatment options, including phosphatidylcholine and computer-assisted cognitive training (CCT). The Neuro-COVID Outpatient Clinic at Evangelic Hospital Vienna evaluated n = 29 PACS/PACVS patients from May 2023 to October 2023. Enrolled patients were divided into three therapy schemes: Group A received phosphatidylcholine, B received phosphatidylcholine plus access to a computer-assisted cognitive training program, and C (divided into two subgroups) served as a control group. Cognitive impairments were evaluated in multiple assessments (initial and during therapy) using the COGBAT test. Simultaneously, an assessment of the quality of life was conducted using the WHOQOL-BREF. Primary cognitive impairments, especially attentional deficits were notably evident compared to the general population. While all treatment groups showed cognitive improvement (significant or with a positive trend, but without reaching the level of statistical significance) after therapy, no significant interaction was found between assessment time points and treatment schemes for overall cognitive performance, attention, memory, and executive functions, suggesting consistency across the groups. The WHOQOL-BREF primarily demonstrated deficits in the domains of physical health and psychological well-being. This study examined the impact of PACS/PACVS on cognitive performance and evaluated phosphatidylcholine and CCT as potential treatment options. Patients with PACS/PACVS showed notable cognitive deficits, especially in the domain attention. While the effectiveness of phosphatidylcholine and CCT in treating cognitive deficits was inconclusive, the study indicated the possibility of spontaneous remission of cognitive deficits in PACS/PACVS.

Exercise protects impairments in memory recognition in the iron-deficient male rat model of Restless Legs Syndrome.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs and is associated with decreased quality of life and sleep, and may result in cognitive changes. Physical exercise generates cognitive improvements and improves RLS symptoms. Our objective is to analyze recognition memory in the iron-deficient rodent model of RLS, and the effect of exercise. The animals (male Wistar rats) were distributed at 21 days of age into a control group (CTRL) (standard diet) or an ID group (iron-deficient diet). After performance classification (at 77 days of age), the animals were redistributed into CTRL (no exercise), CTRL EX (exercise), ID (no exercise) and ID EX (exercise), totaling 9 animals per group. The exercise groups performed treadmill exercise for four weeks. In the 14th week of the diet, the sleep recording of CTRL and ID animals was carried out to validate the RLS model. The Novel Object Recognition Memory test (NOR) was performed before the start of exercise (8th week of diet) and after the end (14th week) in all groups. The ID group demonstrated worsening sleep parameters and increased paw movements compared to the control group. The ID group demonstrated impairment of recognition memory after 14 weeks of diet compared to the CTRL group, and, the CTRL improved recognition memory in the 14th week compared to the 8th week. No differences were found for the exercise groups. Our findings indicate that the RLS animal model exhibited cognitive alterations associated with recognition memory, and long-term aerobic exercise intervention demonstrated a protective influence against these effects.

A Systematic Review of Antidepressants and Psychotherapy Commonly Used in the Treatment of Late Life Depression for Their Effects on Cognition

Cognitive dysfunction is common in late life depression (LLD) and is a major risk factor for dementia. Recent studies show limited improvement in cognition with commonly employed treatments for LLD, contradicting the notion that cognition "returns to normal" with treatment. However, findings differ with the treatments used. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review of studies of antidepressants and psychotherapies commonly employed in LLD to determine their effects on cognition, particularly processing speed, memory, and executive function. We searched for trials of acute phase treatment, in nondemented individuals 60 years and older with unipolar nonpsychotic Major Depressive Disorder, that assessed cognitive performance with neuropsychological tests before and after treatment. We compared the magnitude of change in cognition by examining within group effect sizes. Six antidepressant trials and two psychotherapy trials (both using Problem Solving Therapy)(PST) provided relatively comparable data that allowed for quantitative comparison. Nine other antidepressant trials provided descriptive findings. Sertraline and vortioxetine had significant positive effects on processing speed and memory. Duloxetine had significant effects on memory. The most selective SRIs-citalopram and escitalopram-had minimal effects on cognition and citalopram had adverse effects in depression nonresponders. PST had modest effects on processing speed and no effect on memory. Effects of practice and improvement in depression on cognition are examined. In all but one study, cognition was a secondary outcome and various quality indicators (e.g. blinding cognitive assessment to treatment) were often not reported. As a consequence, these findings must be considered preliminary.

Lack of Efficacy of JNJ-18038683 on Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Stable Bipolar Disorder.

The serotonin type 7 (5-HT7) receptor is one of 14 5-HT receptors. It has received attention for its possible role in mood disorders and cognition. The 5-HT7 receptor antagonist, JNJ-18038683, has been reported to be effective in rodent models of depression and REM sleep. Also, 5-HT7 receptor blockade has been postulated to be a key component of cognitive enhancement in a number of drugs. Bipolar disorder (BD) usually endures cognitive impairment (CI); however, no treatment for CI in BD has been approved. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of JNJ-18038683 to improve the CI of BD compared to a placebo. We conducted a placebo-controlled, 8-week trial of JNJ-18038683 in BD patients. Each patient's data were analyzed and reassessed blindly with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, depression and hypomania ratings, and overall social and work function measures. Of 60 patients, 38 (63%) were female, 43 (72%) had BD type 1, and most patients were Caucasian and married. The overall time effect for the combined group shows statistically significant improvement from baseline to week 8 for most of the neurocognitive battery measures. This indicates a significant improvement in psychopathology and cognition during the study time in both JNJ-18038683 and placebo groups, but no difference between groups. This study showed no efficacy for the improvement of CIBD or mood symptoms with JNJ-18038683 compared to the placebo.

The association between ‘weekend warrior’, regular exercise, and cognitive function in elderly individuals with and without depressive symptoms: A cross-sectional analysis from NHANES 2011–2014

BackgroundWhile previous studies have suggested that both ‘Weekend Warrior’ (WW) and Regular Exercise (RE) patterns confer health benefits, the relationship between different types of physical activity (PA) and cognitive function (CF) in elderly individuals with and without depressive symptoms remains unclear. MethodsOur study leveraged the NHANES 2011–2014 dataset, focusing on older adults. We explore the relationship between PA and CF, stratifying by depressive status. Our statistical approach included multivariable regression analysis to identify relationships between PA levels and cognitive outcomes, along with advanced techniques such as smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect analysis to examine potential nonlinear associations and identify optimal PA pattern for cognitive health. ResultsAnalysis revealed a positive correlation between PA time and CF across all participants (β-depressive symptoms = 0.03, 95 % CI: 0.01–0.05; β-non-depressive symptoms = 0.01, 95%CI: 0.00–0.02). When comparing against the inactive, non-depressed participants partaking in WW showed improved cognitive scores (β-WW = 0.22, 95 % CI: 0.05–0.39), similar to those engaging in RE (β-RE = 0.15, 95 % CI: 0.09–0.21). However, among the depressed participants, significant cognitive improvements were observed in the RE (β-RE = 0.15, 95 % CI: 0.04–0.25), with the WW showing less definitive results (β-WW = 0.22, 95 % CI: −0.02-0.47). LimitationThe cross-sectional nature limits causal inferences. ConclusionOur findings affirm the potential role of PA in enhancing CF among older subjects without depressive symptoms. However, only RE was associated with improved CF in those with depressive symptoms. These results are critical for crafting personalized PA guidelines to enhance cognitive health in the aging population.

Current Trends of Exercise Programs for Improving Cognitive Function in Older Adults

PURPOSE: Limited studies have analyzed exercise protocols for cognitive improvement in older adults. Therefore, we closely examined the composition, content, and operation methods of these exercise programs to identify current trends.METHODS: We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 2019 and 2024. The search terms used included “older adults”, “cognitive function”, “mild cognitive impairment”, “dementia”, “exercise”, “physical activity”, and other related terms, in both Korean and English.RESULTS: Aerobic exercises primarily comprised step-based exercises (walking and stepping) and dance routines, typically lasting 15-60 minutes per session, 1-3 times per week for 6-24 weeks, regardless of the individual’s cognitive level. Assistant instructors often participated, and in cases of severe cognitive impairment, patients’ caregivers also participated. Resistance exercises were most often performed using body weight and elastic bands, along with other tools and equipment, such as balls, water bottles, or specialized equipment. The exercises commonly involved 8-12 repetitions, 2-3 sets, with 1-minute rest between sets. Several programs included functional exercises to improve daily living performance. Other activities that were incorporated into the exercise programs included exergames and balance, mind-body, peripheral, and eye exercises.CONCLUSIONS: Recent cognitive exercise programs for older adults typically last three months and use a variety of tools or digital technologies within the scope of older adult exercise guidelines. Exercises for people with severe cognitive impairment tend to be more individualized, gradual, and flexible in their approach.

Brain-penetrant complement inhibition mitigates neurodegeneration in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

Complement activation is implicated in driving brain inflammation, self-cell damage and progression of injury in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we investigate the impact of brain delivery of a complement-blocking antibody on neurodegeneration in an Alzheimer's mouse model. We engineered a brain-penetrant recombinant antibody targeting the pro-inflammatory membrane attack complex. Systemic administration of this antibody in APPNL-G-F mice reduced brain levels of complement activation products, demonstrating successful brain entry and target engagement. Prolonged treatment decreased synapse loss, amyloid burden and brain inflammatory cytokine levels, concomitant with cognitive improvement compared to controls. These results underscore the potential of brain-penetrant complement-inhibiting drugs as promising therapeutics, targeting downstream of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease.

Management of Sports and Recreation Centers in Karanganyar District Through Knowledge Based Worker-Based Sports Human Resources Development

This research aims to explore innovation in management through the development of knowledge-based sports human resources in the sports and recreation center of Karanganyar Regency. The main focus of this study is on the development of knowledge-based sports human resources (knowledge-based workers). In the corporate context, the development of sports human resources should involve several important aspects, including participation in training, mandatory learning, training to improve skills relevant to various modern positions, as well as providing a broad career path and competency development. In addition, performance and competency assessment as well as effective communication in providing feedback are also an integral part of this process. Knowledge-based development is considered a fundamental requirement for achieving sustainable competitive advantage. This underlines the important role of professional intellect in creating value and profits for sports and recreation centers to face business competition. The concept of professional intellect is implemented at four levels, namely cognitive knowledge (professional intellect), skill improvement (advanced skills), system understanding (system understanding), and self-motivated creativity (self-motivated creativity)

Cognitive Improvements After Undergoing CBT-I for Sleep Issues

Cognitive Improvements After Undergoing CBT-I for Sleep Issues

Exercise Habits in People with Parkinson's: A Multinational Survey.

Exercise has been demonstrated to result in improvements in physical function, cognition, and quality of life in People with Parkinson's (PwP) but its adoption is variable. To investigate exercise preferences, levels, influencing factors among a diverse Parkinson's disease (PD) population, to understand exercise adoption patterns and plan informed interventions. A cross-sectional survey collected data through online platforms and paper-based methods. The Exercise Index (ExI) calculated exercise level based on frequency and duration. Of 2976 PwP, 40.6% exercised regularly, 38.3% occasionally, and 21.2% did not exercise. The overall mean ExI was 18.99 ± 12.37. Factors associated with high exercise levels included exercising in groups (ExI 24-26), weightlifting (ExI 27 (highest)), using muscle-building equipment (ExI 25-26), and exercising at home following an app (ExI 26). A positive trend between ExI and varied exercise groups, locations, types, and equipment was observed. No expected benefit from exercise achieved the lowest ExI (8). Having at least two exercise-promoting factors, a bachelor's degree or higher, receiving exercise advice at initial visits, and aged ≤40 years at PD onset were strong predictors of exercise (adjust OR = 7.814; 6.981; 4.170; 3.565). Falls and "other" most troublesome PD symptoms were negative predictors (aOR = 0.359; 0.466). Barriers to exercise did not predict the odds of exercise. The study shows that PwP's exercise behavior is influenced by their exercise belief, age at PD onset, doctor's advice at initial visits, education level, symptoms, and exercise-promoting factors. High exercise levels were associated with certain types of exercises and exercising in groups.

Study How AI Can be Used to Enhance Cognitive Functions, such as Memory or Problem-Solving, and the Psychological Effects of these Enhancements

This study examined how AI-based tools affect memory, problem-solving, anxiety, motivation, self-efficacy, and creativity. AI therapies were tested for cognitive improvement and psychological well-being. Problem-solving skills including analytical thinking and decision-making improved, as did short-term memory (22.4 to 29.8) and long-term memory (23.5 to 28.6). Cognitive anxiety dropped from 2.5 to 1.8 and bodily anxiety from 2.3 to 1.8. Task-specific confidence increased from 1.8 to 2.5 and intrinsic motivation from 2.1 to 2.8. Still, inventiveness dropped from 75.2 to 70.1 and work ethic dropped marginally. These findings suggest that AI technologies improve cognitive and emotional well-being but may reduce creativity and work ethic. To comprehend AI's full influence, future study should examine its long-term implications on cognitive and psychological characteristics.

Predictive utility of emotional regulation abilities for assessing cognitive improvement in depression

ObjectiveTo construct a predictive model for the improvement of cognitive function in patients with depressive disorder treated with SNRIs, based on emotional regulation abilities, and to provide personalized treatment for depressed patients. MethodsClinical data from 170 patients with depressive disorder treated with SNRIs at Tongji Hospital, Shanghai, from December 2017 to May 2023 were collected. Based on whether the MoCA-B total score at 3–6 months post-treatment was at least 2 points higher than at baseline, patients were divided into the cognitive function improved group (n = 80) and the cognitive function not improved group (n = 90). Stepwise logistic regression and LASSO regression were used to select predictive factors, and logistic regression analysis was applied to construct predictive models solely based on emotional regulation abilities, combined with executive functions and HAMD scores. The models were further validated through Bootstrap internal validation, calibration curve plotting, and C-index calculation, and a comparison between the two models was performed. ResultsAn ER model with an area under the ROC curve of 0.817was established using four emotional regulation ability indicators: the valence of reappraised images, the arousal of negative images, the arousal of neutral images, and the success of reappraisal (arousal). Internal validation using Bootstrap showed a C index of 0.817, and clinical decision curves indicated that this model has a significant net benefit with a probability of improved cognitive function ranging from about 20 to 85%. Additionally, an EREH model including emotional regulation ability, executive function, and HAMD score as predictors was constructed using Lasso and logistic regression methods. This model reached an area under the ROC curve of 0.859and clinical decision curves showed high net benefits with probabilities of improved cognitive function ranging from 10 to 100%. The calibration curves of both models coincided well with the actual curves, with the latter having a higher AUC and significant statistical differences between the two models. ConclusionThis study suggests that emotional regulation ability may serve as a predictor for the improvement of cognitive functions in patients with depression depressive disorder treated with SNRIs. However, it is important to note that there may be other factors not covered or included in this study.The predictive model that includes executive functions and HAMD scores offers better differentiation and consistency and is more feasible in clinical practice.

Dose Response of Transcranial Photobiomodulation on Cognitive Efficiency in Healthy Older Adults: A Task-Related Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study.

Alzheimer's disease has become increasingly prevalent among the older population, leading to significant social and economic burdens. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) has shown promise as a cognitive intervention for enhancing cognitive efficiency in healthy older adults, and individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. However, determining the optimal tPBM dosage is crucial for ensuring effective and efficient intervention. This study aimed to compare the effects of different dosages in a single tPBM session on cognitive efficiency in healthy older adults. In this randomized controlled trial, 88 healthy older participants were assigned to either a single dose (irradiance = 30 mW/cm2, fluence = 10.8 J/cm2; n = 44) or a double dose (irradiance = 30 mW/cm2, fluence = 21.6 J/cm2; n = 44) tPBM session. Cognitive efficiency was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy during a visual working memory span task. The single dose group exhibited significantly greater cognitive efficiency enhancement, indicated by a more pronounced reduction in oxygenated hemoglobin during a challenging task level (span level 9) (p = 0.021, d = 0.50), and better working memory task performance (p = 0.045, d = 0.31). Furthermore, participants with better visuospatial abilities demonstrated greater improvement after a single dose (r = -0.42, p = 0.004). In contrast, participants with varying cognitive function did not exhibit additional benefits from a double dose (r = -0.22-0.15, p = 0.16-0.95). These findings suggest that higher tPBM dosages may not necessarily result in superior cognitive improvement in older adults.

The Long-Term Impact of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Cognitive Function in Older Patients With Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review.

Myocardial Infarction (MI) isan obstruction in the coronary arteries, resulting in restricted blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart, leading to damage to the heart's tissues. Beyond the cardiovascular system, the impact of MI extends to potentially affecting cognitive abilities, especially in elderly populations. To optimize patient recovery and long-term outcomes, timely cardiac interventions and subsequent rehabilitation programs are essential. This systematic review aims to assess the potential benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in enhancing cognitive function among elderly individuals who have experienced an MI. The review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines and utilizes PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases. Studies included in the review encompass meta-analyses, controlled trials, systematic/narrative reviews, randomized/nonrandomized trials, observational studies, and research articles published within the past five years. Only accessible, full-text English-language studies meeting the inclusion criteria are selected, while books, documents over five years old, animal studies, and individuals under 65 are excluded. Following a predefined template, the initial search identifies 4,915 studies. From this pool, 27 free full-text articles are then selected for quality appraisal based on relevance. After performing a quality assessment on each survey, 12 high-quality studies are included in this systematic review. The research studies demonstrate notable cognitive improvements among elderly patients who have experienced an MI and participated in CR programs. Additional clinical trial studies are recommended to substantiate these findings further and advance our understanding.

Cognitive training for schizophrenia: Do race and ethnicity matter?

Racial disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcome have been well-established for people with schizophrenia. While cognitive remediation treatments have been shown to produce mild to moderate improvements in cognition for people with schizophrenia, few studies have examined racial/ethnic differences in treatment response. This study employed a secondary analysis of data from two randomized, single-blind controlled trials (N = 119) investigating the efficacy of two forms of cognitive training, to explore potential racial/ethnic differences in targeted outcomes. Given the extant literature, we predicted that racial/ethnic minorities would (1) drop out of the study at higher rates, (2) display greater levels of functional and cognitive impairment prior to treatment, and (3) display lower levels of improvement in cognitive and functioning outcomes following treatment. Our study revealed largely negative findings: white vs. non-white groups showed similar treatment drop-out rates, similar levels of cognitive impairment and symptom severity at study baseline and showed similar responses to cognitive training, with the exception of working memory in which participants' racial/ethnic minority status predicted significantly greater improvement in response to cognitive training. These findings suggest that cognitive remediation treatments are effective at addressing cognitive deficits in racial/ethnic minorities and supports cognitive remediation as a treatment which may help address racial/ethnic disparities in cognition. Given the scant research literature, future analyses should look at race as a potential mediator of treatment in a variety of evidence-based psychosocial treatments.

Frontal Disconnection for Treating Mild Malformation of Cortical Development with Oligodendroglial Hyperplasia in Epilepsy (MOGHE) in the Frontal Lobe.

Malformation of cortical development is an important cause of drug-resistant epilepsy in young children. Mild malformation of cortical development with oligodendroglial hyperplasia in epilepsy (MOGHE) has been added to the last focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) classification and commonly involves the frontal lobe. The semiology at the onset of epilepsy is dominated by non-lateralizing infantile spasm; the boundaries of the malformation are usually difficult to determine by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), and electroencephalography (EEG) findings are often widespread. Therefore, the traditional concept and strategy of preoperative evaluation to determine the extent of the epileptogenic zone by comprehensive anatomo-electro-clinical methods are difficult to implement. Frontal disconnection is an effective surgical method for the treatment of epilepsy, but there are few related reports. A total of 8 children with histo-pathologically confirmed MOGHE were retrospectively studied. MOGHE was located in the frontal lobe in all patients, and frontal disconnection was performed. The periinsular approach was used in the disconnective procedures, divided into several surgical steps: the partial inferior frontal gyrus resection, the frontobasal and intrafrontal disconnection, and the anterior corpus callosotomy. One patient presented with a short-term postoperative speech disorder, while another patient exhibited transient postoperative limb weakness. No long-term postoperative complications were observed. At 2 years after surgery, 75% of patients were seizure-free, with cognitive improvement in half of them. This finding suggested that frontal disconnection is an effective and safe surgical procedure for the treatment of MOGHE instead of extensive resection in the frontal lobe.