Predicting dementia risk: Discrimination accuracy of the NCGG-FAT.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effectiveness of an Augmented Reality (AR) application in enhancing executive functions among primary school students with hearing impairments. Using a mixed-methods embedded experimental design with the ASSURE instructional model, 60 participants aged 6–14 were randomly assigned to experimental and control (n = 30each) groups. The experimental group received eight weekly AR-based training sessions (30–45 minutes each) targeting inhibition, working memory updating, and cognitive switching through interactive environments including Space Lab, Mars, Forest, and Beach. Executive functions were assessed using Go/No-Go, Backward Digit Span, Corsi Block, and Thai Trail-Making Test. Quantitative analyses showed significantly better post-test performance in the experimental group than in the control group for inhibition response time (p < .05, d = 0.48), verbal working memory (p < .05, d = 0.54), spatial working memory (p < .05, d = 0.51), and switching ability (p < .05, d = 0.59). Qualitative thematic analysis identified four themes: enhanced visual engagement and motivation, improved self-regulation and focus, language-related challenges affecting task flow, and increased peer interaction. The AR application effectively leveraged visual strengths while compensating for auditory limitations, demonstrating potential for inclusive cognitive interventions in special education settings.

This study examined how cognitive skills (nonverbal intelligence, verbal working memory, and attention) influence academic performance in children with minimal to mild conductive hearing loss (mCHL) and whether this relationship is moderated by subjective fatigue and listening effort. We also compared these effects with age- and sex-matched children with normal hearing sensitivity (NHS). A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on 130 children with mCHL and 130 children with NHS (aged 10-12 years). Audiological testing, cognitive assessments (Seguin form board test, digit span, operation span, and dichotic digit tests), and subjective fatigue ratings (visual analog scale) were collected. Listening effort was measured using a dual-task paradigm that involved speech-in-noise and digit-reversal tasks. Teachers rated academic performance using the Academic Performance Rating Scale and supported by recent academic marks. Multiple linear regression and moderation analyses were performed. Children with mCHL exhibited significantly higher listening effort, greater subjective fatigue, lower cognitive scores, and poorer academic performance than their peers with NHS did. Moderation analysis revealed that subjective fatigue significantly weakened the positive relationship between cognition and academic performance in children with mCHL but not in children with NHS. A z test confirmed that the moderating effect was significantly stronger in the mCHL group. These findings suggest that subjective fatigue plays a critical role in modulating the effects of cognition on academic success in children with mCHL. Interventions addressing listening efforts and fatigue management are suggested for improving educational outcomes in this population. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.31057807.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is frequently associated with cognitive impairment that negatively affects treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. Neuropsychological assessments provide detailed information but are often impractical in clinical settings, underscoring the value of brief but sensitive tools such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). This study aimed to evaluate the utility of MoCA in detecting cognitive impairment in SUD, examining cognitive recovery following sustained abstinence, exploring gender differences in cognitive progression and determining whether baseline cognitive performance predicts treatment dropout. Ninety-five SUD patients and 57 healthy controls completed MoCA at baseline and were reassessed after 6 months. At baseline, 72.60% of individuals demonstrated cognitive impairment compared with controls, with deficits evident in both global cognition and visuospatial/executive, attention, memory and language domains. Following 6 months of abstinence, deterioration rates decreased to 50%, indicating substantial but not complete recovery, because the improvement in overall cognition was moderate. Male patients showed significantly greater cognitive gains than female patients, particularly in visuospatial/executive and digit span performance. Patients impaired at baseline reported more severe alcohol use and earlier onset of cannabis use disorder. Patients with cocaine use disorder showed the poorest recovery and the highest rate of treatment dropout. Lower baseline language and fluency scores were strongly associated with treatment discontinuation. Language deficits, together with cocaine use disorder, predicted 69% of dropout cases. Findings indicate MoCA as a practical screening tool for early detection of cognitive impairment, longitudinal monitoring and personalised treatment planning in SUD.

ABSTRACT Objective Performance validity tests (PVTs) are an essential component of a neuropsychological evaluation. There is a lack of brief validated PVTs for use alongside cognitive screening assessments for dementia. The current study sought to develop and evaluate a series of brief PVTs, which could be embedded into the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) and used in a dementia clinic. Method This study used a diagnostic accuracy design to compare the performance of 31 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease dementia and 26 healthy older adults who simulated having Alzheimer’s disease. Participants were asked to complete ACE-III, the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), and five new brief PVTs developed based on ACE-III items, including the Object Recognition Test, Word Recognition Test, Dot Counting, ACE-III Digit Span, and the Coin in the Box test. Results The TOMM Trial 2 achieved excellent classification accuracy (AUC = 0.92). However, only 65% of people with moderate dementia were able to complete this test, and the standard cut off (45) had low specificity (0.69). Of the ACE-III PVTs, the Combined Object Recognition Test and ACE-III Digit Span test were both accurate in distinguishing between genuine and simulated cognitive impairment and achieved high levels of diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.89 and 0.85 respectively). The remaining PVTs achieved modest classification ability. Conclusions The findings of this research demonstrate that the Object Recognition and ACE-III Digit Span tests are candidate PVTs to be incorporated into the ACE-III for cognitive screening assessments. However, research using a known-group design and confirmatory data analysis procedures are required before these tests can be recommended for clinical practice. Similarly, the administration of PVTs by non-neuropsychologists during cognitive screening will require careful consideration.

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the impact of a high intensity functional exercise program, with or without simultaneous cognitive training in a dual-task format, on the primary outcomes of balance, functional capacity, and cognitive performance in community-dwelling older adults, with the primary outcome of improved gait quality, measured by the reduction in execution time on the three meter walk test. Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted with older adults aged 60 years or older. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a standalone high-intensity functional exercise program (single-task group) or the same program combined with simultaneous cognitive challenges (dual-task group) over 12 weeks. Physical and cognitive outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention using validated measures, including the Timed Up and Go test, Mini-BESTest, MontrealCognitive Assessment, Trail Making Test, and Digit Span Test, among others. The sample size was estimated at 44 participants (22 per group), considering a statistical power of 95% and a dropout rate of 20%, based on previous studies with a similar design. Results: The dual-task group is expected to show more significant improvements in balance, physical function, and cognitive performance compared to the single-task group, demonstrating the superiority of high-intensity motor-cognitive training. Conclusions: If confirmed, dual-task training may be considered an effective and accessible intervention to improve the physical and cognitive health of older adults, contributing to a reduced risk of falls and associated healthcare costs. This study will provide important evidence supporting the integration of cognitive challenges into exercise programs aimed at maximizing benefits for this population. Trial registration: The trial has been prospectively registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-107mtjc8).

This study investigated the associations between cigarette dependence (CD) and memory performance among young adults while also examining behavioral, psychological, and social factors as potential mediators. Memory outcomes were compared across four groups: individuals who never smoked daily, individuals who smoked daily without CD, and individuals with lifetime or current CD. Using data from 15,041 participants in Waves I and IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we conducted ordinary least squares regression models with school fixed effects and nested models to assess mediation. The mean age at Wave IV was 28.50 years (SD = 1.78); 53% were female. Memory was assessed using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and the Digit-Span Backward Task. Mediators included physical activity, sleep problems, partnership quality, number of close friends, perceived stress, and anxiety. Both lifetime and current CD were significantly associated with poorer memory performance. Lifetime CD was linked to deficits in short-term and long-term memory but not working memory. Current CD was associated with deficits across all three domains. Daily smoking without CD was not significantly associated with memory outcomes. These patterns were consistent across sex. Perceived stress and the number of close friends partially mediated the associations between CD and memory performance, while behavioral factors explained little of the associations. CD is associated with significant memory impairments in young adulthood. Psychological and social mechanisms partially account for these associations, highlighting the importance of addressing stress and social isolation to mitigate cognitive consequences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

The role of serum BDNF levels in cognitive dysfunction among psychiatric disorders.

Resolving the mystery of Chinese developmental dyslexia: in search of predictors and early markers.

Enhancing purpose in life is vital in cognitive interventions for older adults, yet its application in occupational therapy remains limited. To evaluate the effectiveness of the occupation-focused Color Narrative program compared with common Japanese community-based preventive care. Randomized controlled trial. Community centers. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 44). The Color Narrative program included group-based storytelling using 100 color cards as prompts (90 min), independent engagement in meaningful occupations (3 mo), and group reflection (90 min). Control participants attended health education and group recreational activities (90 min each). Primary outcomes included cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination- Japanese version [MMSE-J]) and purpose in life (Life Engagement Test [LET]). Secondary outcomes included domain-specific cognitive functions (Digit Span, Tapping Span, Symbol Search, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), meaning in life (Meaning in Life Questionnaire-Short Form), functional status (FRAIL Scale, Frenchay Activities Index, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey). A two-way analysis of variance showed significant interactions for MMSE-J, F(1.76, 73.89) = 4.531, p = .017, η2p = .097, and LET, F(1.56, 58.78) = 8.743, p = .001, η2p = .172. Post hoc tests revealed declined and stable MMSE-J scores in the control and intervention groups, respectively (corrected p = .031, Cohen's d = 0.80). LET scores increased in the intervention group (corrected p = .041, Cohen's d = 0.78). The Color Narrative program enhanced purpose and prevented cognitive decline, highlighting the significance of occupational therapy in preventive care. Plain-Language Summary: This study investigated the impact of the Color Narrative program on improving cognitive health and a sense of purpose in life among older adults. The program included group-based storytelling using 100 color cards as visual prompts, personalized goal setting, and independent engagement in meaningful occupations over 3 mo, followed by a group reflection session. Compared with individuals who participated in a standard community-based health education and recreation program, the participants in this program maintained cognitive function and reported an increased sense of purpose. The findings revealed the significance of maintaining cognitive function and purpose in life in improving older adults' overall well-being. These findings highlight the unique role of occupational therapy, especially the Color Narrative program, in promoting preventive care and supporting healthy aging within communities.

Objective: Digit span tests are neurocognitive tests that measure attention and working memory. They depend on language-based auditory input and verbal responses. This study examined the effects of language of digit span administration in a linguistically diverse South African sample. Method: Data were drawn from four South African normative studies (N = 512; ages 8–79) that included a digit span test as part of a broader neuropsychological battery. Data were stratified by age, education level and quality, and language. Forward and backward span scores were analyzed in relation to these variables. Results: For the forward span, amongst the educationally advantaged and disadvantaged children and the advantaged adults, the participants who heard and said the numbers in Afrikaans when it was their first language, scored significantly worse than those who heard and said the numbers in English when English was or was not their first language (t(23) = −4.48, p = <.001 for disadvantaged children; t(117) = −2.2, p = .03 for advantaged children; t(104) = −5.48, p < .001 for advantaged adults). Significant differences were not found for the educationally disadvantaged adults, although there was a trend toward lower scores when the numbers were said in Afrikaans. For the backward span, no significant differences were found when the numbers were or were not heard and said in the participants’ first language. Findings suggest that digit span may be sensitive to auditory-linguistic interference in people who speak more than one language, complicated by language proficiency and complexity of number names. Conclusions: In multilingual settings, digit span test performance may be affected by both first language and language of administration. These findings support the need for neuropsychological norms that also stratify for examinees’ language and the language of administration. Clinical neuropsychologists should consider factors such as language proficiency and complexity of number names when assessing working memory in linguistically diverse populations.

One of the most important theories proposed in the explanation and etiology of dyslexia are theories that consider the cognitive deficits of these children, including attention, working memory, planning and organization to be involved in the occurrence of this disability. The aim was to investigate the effects of combining sensory integrative techniques with direct reading comprehension on improving working memory and attention span in students with Developmental dyslexia. This randomized trial with blinded assessors study was performed with a between-subjects factor 'group' (control group vs. intervention group) and within-subjects factor 'time' (measurement at pre-intervention and post-intervention). Data collection started in February 2024 and ended in October 2024. Sixty children with Developmental dyslexia were recruited to the study following formal diagnostic and behavioral pre-intervention assessments. Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and The Arabic Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) were used to collect data. Linear regression models were used to assess within-person differences within conditions for each outcome. Findings did directly support the hypotheses; results from regression analyses suggest that sensory integrative techniques with direct reading comprehension did have a significant impact on working memory and attention span in students with Developmental dyslexia. Sensory integration method and direct instruction for comprehension can increase working memory and attention span in children with dyslexia.

Background: Frontal lobe circuit dysfunction, including the mesolimbic network, plays an important role in learning reward behaviors and is involved in the development of impulsive compulsive disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson's disease (PD). ICDs in PD are characterized by disinhibited, reward-driven behaviors performed with poor impulse control, often linked to dopaminergic treatment. The purpose of the present study was to assess the presence of these behaviors in relation to frontal dysfunction and overall cognitive status in a cohort of patients with sporadic PD. Methods: The study consisted of 55 patients (n = 55), 36 males (65.5%), diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, assessed at the First Neurological Clinic of Eginition University Hospital in Athens. The participants had a mean age of 62.6 (±13.54) years, with an average of 11.94 (±3.00) years of education and a mean disease duration of 7.17 (±5.90) years. The evaluation tools used to assess the participants were the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease (QUIP), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: The mean score on the QUIP was 0.64 (±1.05), with a threshold of 1. Of the total number of patients (n = 55), 18 (32.72%) showed behaviors related to ICDs. The most commonly reported impulsive compulsive behavior was an excessive preoccupation with hobbies (n = 7, 38.9%), followed by a tendency toward gambling (n = 6, 33.3%). The mean score on the MoCA scale was 24.69/30 (±4.25), while the mean score on the FAB scale was 14.70/18 (±2.45). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between total MoCA score and FAB (r = 0.588, p < 0.000) and a weak to moderate negative correlation between MoCA score and QUIP (r = -0.291, p = 0.038). Additionally, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between QUIP scores and performance on the MoCA attention subtests (Forward Digit Span, Backward Digit Span, and Vigilance tasks), (r = -0.389, p = 0.009). Conclusions: Lower global cognitive function, as measured by the MoCA, was strongly associated with reduced frontal lobe function, as measured by the FAB, in Parkinson's patients. Additionally, lower scores on the MoCA, particularly in the attention subtests, showed a weak to moderate correlation with increased impulsive compulsive behaviors, as measured by the QUIP.

An aging global population requires preventive and curative interventions to address cognitive decline. Touchscreen computerized cognitive training provides an engaging, portable, cost-effective, and accessible solution for seniors. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine, using meta-analysis, the effects of computerized cognitive training on older adults using touchscreens. We conducted a literature review to identify RCTs involving older adults in touchscreen computerized cognitive training between 2016 and January 2025 on PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Our research identified 34 studies involving 3,011 participants and, despite methodological variations, some of them assessed cognition using similar tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Digit Span (DS), and the Trail Making Test (TMT) task. Cross-study analysis indicated a significant impact of computerized cognitive training on MMSE, MoCA, GDS, TMT, and DS scores. Computerized cognitive training applied on touchscreens demonstrates a statistically significant effect on overall cognition, short-term memory, working memory, processing speed, attention, and flexibility. Nevertheless, future studies in this area need to be more standardized and more rigorous to demonstrate validating effects and establish an accessible attribution environment.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which risk factors influence brain functioning using task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), providing a theoretical basis for controlling these risk factors.MethodsRisk factors associated with MCI-to-AD conversion were collected from 31 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients and scored according to the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE) dementia risk scale. The relationships between risk scores, cognitive function, and task-based fMRI brain activity were analyzed.ResultsRisk factor score was negatively correlated with multiple cognitive performances, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) immediate recall and delayed recall, digit span forward and backward, and Boston Naming Test (BNT). Task-based fMRI whole-brain and region-of-interest (ROI) analyses revealed a positive correlation between risk factor score and brain activity in default mode network (DMN) during the retrieval phase.ConclusionRisk factors can abnormally increase brain activity in DMN. Given the close association between amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and reduced DMN deactivation, these risk factors may elevate DMN activity, thereby facilitate Aβ accumulation in these regions.

In 2008, at the initiative of the World Health Organization, it was decided to celebrate Sleep Day every second Friday of a full week in March. In 2019, this date falls on March 15th. Do not be surprised by such an unusual holiday: we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping on average, and the importance of sleep cannot be overestimated. A person who has slept well usually feels energetic and healthy, while if the night was restless, it would be difficult to expect anything good from the coming day. An underslept individual typically shows extreme irritability, reduced work performance, memory, and attention span, experiencing bad mood both in the morning and throughout the entire day [1]. The choice of March as the month for this celebration is no coincidence as many people report feeling tired due to prolonged winter, cold weather, lack of sunlight, muddy streets, and vitamin deficiency. These issues can be effectively addressed through healthy and high-qualit y sleep.

The present two studies investigated the role of spatial cognition in statistics anxiety. The hypothesis that spatial representations and/or visuospatial skills are related to the acquisition of statistics abilities which, when lacking or unused, generate statistics anxiety is examined. To this end, a total of 680 students in Social Sciences from 14 different universities located in one of three countries enrolled in a statistics class at the time of the study were recruited. Study 1 examined a mediation model where visuospatial and verbal working memory (WM) spans as well as spatial anxiety are predictors of statistics anxiety with mathematics anxiety as the mediator. The results show a partial mediation and strong associations between all three types of anxiety (i.e., spatial anxiety, mathematics anxiety and statistics anxiety). The subscale statistics interpretation anxiety was best predicted by visuospatial WM span. Study 2 examined a path regression model where performance on a spatial and a verbal task along with spatial anxiety are predictors of statistics anxiety. The results indicate that the mental manipulation subscale of spatial skills is a strong predictor of mental manipulation anxiety which, in turn, predicts interpretation anxiety in statistics. Both studies support the role of spatial cognition in statistics understanding. These results have implications for the teaching and learning of statistics.

Executive function is important to children and adolescents as it enables planning, maintaining attention, self-regulation and adapting to new tasks. The maturation of this cognitive domain is prolonged, so there is an extended time-window that allows its promotion (Ferguson et al., 2021). Similar to EF, muscular strength starts to develop in early childhood and remains trainable throughout lifespan. Due to this developmental overlap (García-Alonso et al., 2025), muscular strength has the potential to influence EF. We aimed to examine whether higher muscular strength is related to better executive functioning and if this relation is moderated by age. Our research question was addressed using data from healthy children and adolescents (5-21 years) of the Healthy Brain Network (HBN) cohort (Alexander et al., 2017). 348 participants completed selected cognitive tasks of the NIH Toolbox (Flanker, Card Sorting) and WISC-V (Digit Span Backward) to assess core components of cool executive functioning (inhibition, task-shifting, working memory updating). Furthermore, the Fitnessgram battery (curl up, push up, trunk lift) was administered to assess muscular strength. Using structural equation modelling, we found that higher muscular strength was associated with better performance in EF tasks across all age groups. Age was strongly related to EF, reflecting developmental improvements throughout childhood and adolescence. A significant interaction between muscular strength and age indicated a stronger link between muscular strength and EF in younger children, decreasing by age. Higher muscular strength is associated with higher scores in EF, but this link is moderated by age. This is a first indication that both domains do not co-develop uniformly across youth, highlighting a sensitive period in which physical fitness, especially muscular strength, may exert the greatest influence on cognition. Future longitudinal research should clarify how changes in strength contribute to trajectories of executive functioning throughout development.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by symptoms such as inattention and difficulties with short-term memory, which can significantly hinder academic performance. Traditional study spaces, often designed without attention to sensory needs, can inadvertently exacerbate these difficulties. Emerging research highlights the potential benefits of biophilic sounds—an approach that integrates sounds of nature into built environments—to enhance attention and improve short-term memory. This study examines the impact of biophilic sounds, such as flowing water, birdsong, and rustling leaves, on mitigating inattention and improving short-term memory retention in students with ADHD symptoms. The findings aim to inform the development of an Ambient Retreat For Concentration (ARC) optimized for these needs. Correlated to this, it used a quasi-experimental method with 16 participants selected through the ADHD self-report scale. To identify the participants, the researchers utilized a purposive sampling method where participants are chosen based on the set criteria. These participants were divided into two groups: experimental and control. Both groups completed two tests, the Digit Span Test and Picture Span Test, during the pre-test and post-test phases. To analyze the data, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the pre-test and post-test scores within each group. The Mann-Whitney U test was utilized to identify significant differences in post-test scores between the experimental and control groups. The control group showed no differences in attention in both pretest and posttest. While the pretest showed no significant change in memory, the posttest revealed a slight improvement after exposure to biophilic sounds. Overall, the sounds had a minimal effect on short-term memory, with no notable influence on attention. Findings suggest that nature sounds may improve short-term memory by reducing environmental distractions, but do not significantly enhance attention. The results are utilized to design an Ambient Retreat for Concentration (ARC) to help students improve their short-term memory while studying. Keywords: students with ADHD symptoms, biophilic sounds, short-term memory, attention, Philippines

Electronic waste sorting workers in Thailand are chronically exposed to heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni), in informal work settings characterized by limited use of personal protective equipment and suboptimal hygiene practices. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between heavy metal exposure, individual risk factors, and neuropsychological performance among workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 76 exposed workers and 49 non-exposed controls. Data were collected using structured interviews, surface wipe sampling of workplace dust for Pb, Cd, and Ni, and blood metal measurements. Neuropsychological function was assessed using the Digit Span Forward Test (DSFT) and Digit Span Backward Test (DSBT). The mean ages of the exposed and non-exposed groups were 47.39±12.64 and 49.92±8.46 years, respectively. Surface dust concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Ni were significantly higher in the exposed group than in controls (all p&lt;0.001). In contrast, blood metal concentrations did not differ between groups (Pb: 6.41±1.49 vs 6.41±1.62µg/dL, p=0.885; Cd: 0.97±0.39 vs 0.91±0.28µg/L, p=0.501; Ni: 2.60±0.48 vs 2.52±0.45µg/L, p=0.689). No significant difference was observed in DSFT scores between groups (p=0.912). However, DSBT scores differed significantly (p&lt;0.001), with the exposed group scoring higher (2.23±0.55) than the non-exposed group (1.72±0.39). Among exposed workers, simple linear regression identified education (β=0.353, p=0.002), income (β=0.257, p=0.025), age (β=-0.236, p=0.041), and alcohol consumption (β=-0.231, p=0.044) as significant predictors of DSFT performance. However, DSBT scores differed significantly (p&lt;0.001). Drinking alcohol, smoking, Pb in dust, and working area size were significant predictors of DSBT performance (p=0.020, 0.022, 0.013, and &lt;0.001, respectively). These findings indicate that cognitive performance among Thai informal e-waste workers is more strongly influenced by socioeconomic factors and surface lead contamination than by blood metal levels. Interventions focusing on education, income support, and routine workplace surface cleaning, supported by surface-based environmental monitoring and community health volunteers, are critical for protecting cognitive health in this vulnerable population.