Effects Of Cognitive Training Research Articles

Prevention of Dementia Through Physical Exercise and Cognitive Training: A Narrative Review

Background: Dementia reduces the ability to live independently, thus deteriorating the patient’s quality of life and caregivers' mental health. Consequently, dementia indirectly affects economic and social growth. Dementia is also a major contributor to death worldwide. There is no effective treatment for dementia, but preventing physical and cognitive inactivity among the elderly could help. Studies show that the risk of dementia increases in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: This review set out to compare the effects of physical exercise (PE) and cognitive training (CT) on cognitive performance among the elderly with MCI, by examining the evidence from published literature between 2013-2023. Four major electronic databases were used to search the relevant studies, resulting in 2782 articles. A total of fourteen articles were included in the review. Results: The findings showed that interventions with naturally combined cognitive and physical training not only improved cognitive performance, but also prevented the elderly from stress and fatigue. Integrating physical exercise and cognitive training interventions with the best combination method is crucial to ensure participant adherence. Therefore, the intervention can be incorporated effectively into healthcare policies and programs to support cognitive health in aging populations. Conclusion: Future studies should also explore the optimal duration of training sessions to maximise cognitive benefits and ensure participant adherence and motivation.

Effects of Mobile Intelligent Cognitive Training for Patients with Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A 12-Week, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Study.

The current application effects of computerized cognitive intervention are inconsistent and limited to hospital rehabilitation settings. To investigate the effect of mobile intelligent cognitive training (MICT) on patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). This study was a multicenter, prospective, open-label, blinded endpoint, cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT). 518 PSCI patients were stratified and assigned to four rehabilitation settings, and then patients were randomized into experimental and control groups in each rehabilitation setting through cluster randomization. All patients received comprehensive management for PSCI, while the experimental group additionally received MICT intervention. Treatment was 30 minutes daily, 5 days per week, for 12 weeks. Cognitive function, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL) were assessed before the treatment, at weeks 6 and 12 post-treatment, and a 16-week follow-up. Linear Mixed Effects Models showed patients with PSCI were better off than pre-treatment patients on each outcome measure (p < 0.05). Additionally, the improvement of these outcomes in the experimental group was significantly better than in the control group at week 6 post-treatment and 16-week follow-up (p < 0.05). The rehabilitation setting also affected the cognitive efficacy of MICT intervention in improving PSCI patients, and the degree of improvement in each outcome was found to be highest in hospital, followed by community, nursing home, and home settings. Long-term MICT intervention can improve cognition, ADL, and QOL in patients with PSCI, with sustained effects for at least one month. Notably, different rehabilitation settings affect the cognitive intervention efficacy of MICT on PSCI patients. However, this still needs to be further determined in future studies.

Effects of computer-based cognitive training vs. paper-and-pencil-based training on the cognitive development of typically developing children: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a computerized cognitive training program in improving executive functions and attention in elementary school children, compared to a traditional paper-and-pencil intervention. The study has been formulated as a randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-intervention measures. For the study, third-grade children with typical development aged between 7 and 9 years will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to the two study arms (control and experimental). The experimental group will participate in a computerized intervention using the NeuronUp cognitive stimulation platform for 8 weeks, twice a week. Sessions will be conducted using computers in the computer lab of the participating educational institution. The active control group will engage in paper-and-pencil cognitive training for the same duration and intensity as the experimental group. Evaluators will be blinded to the assignment, and participants will be blinded to the target intervention. Hypothesis testing will be conducted through ANOVA-MR, and logistic regressions will be implemented to assess the effect of socioeconomic variables on children's performance. These results are expected to contribute to the discussion on the opportunities and benefits offered by cognitive training programs on the cognitive development of typically developing children.

Is virtual reality-based cognitive training in parallel with functional near-infrared spectroscopy-derived neurofeedback beneficial to improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment?

Purpose Cognitive training in parallel with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-derived neurofeedback has been identified to be beneficial in enhancing cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, effects of virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training ensuring ecological validity in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback on neural efficiency has received little attention. This study investigated effects of VR-based cognitive training in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback on cognitive function and neural efficiency in patients with MCI. Method Ninety participants were randomly assigned into the active group (AG) receiving VR-based cognitive training in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback, the sham group (SG), or wait-list group (CG). The AG and SG group performed each intervention for fifteen minutes a session, for eight sessions. The Trail Making Test Part B and Backward Digit Span Test were used for outcomes. In addition, activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during cognitive testing using fNIRS was measured. Results After the eight sessions, the AG achieved greater improvements in all outcomes than the other groups. In addition, the AG showed a lower DLPFC activity during cognitive testing than the other groups. Conclusions VR-based cognitive training in parallel with fNIRS-derived neurofeedback is superior to enhancing cognitive function and neural efficiency.

Prenatal affective cognitive training to reduce the risk of postpartum depression (PACT): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) affects 30–50% of women with a history of previous depression or bipolar disorder and 8% of women with no history of depression. Negative cognitive biases in the perception of infant cues and difficulties with emotion regulation are replicated risk factors. Current interventions focus on detecting and treating rather than preventing PPD. The aim of this randomized controlled intervention trial is therefore to investigate the potential prophylactic effects of prenatal affective cognitive training for pregnant women at heightened risk of PPD.MethodsThe study will enrol a total of 292 pregnant women: 146 at high risk and 146 at low risk of PPD. Participants undergo comprehensive assessments of affective cognitive processing, clinical depressive symptoms, and complete questionnaires at baseline. Based on the responses, pregnant women will be categorized as either at high or low risk of PPD. High-risk participants will be randomized to either prenatal affective cognitive training (PACT) or care as usual (CAU) immediately after the baseline testing. The PACT intervention is based on emerging evidence for efficacy of affective cognitive training approaches in depression, including cognitive bias modification, attention bias modification, mindfulness-inspired emotion regulation exercises, and working memory training. Participants randomised to PACT will complete five individual computerised and virtual reality-based training sessions over 5 weeks. The primary outcome is the difference between intervention arms in the incidence of PPD, assessed with an interview 6 months after birth. We will also assess the severity of depressive symptoms, rated weekly online during the first 6 weeks postpartum.DiscussionThe results will have implications for future early prophylactic interventions for pregnant women at heightened risk of PPD. If the PACT intervention reduces the incidence of PPD, it can become a feasible, non-invasive prophylactic strategy during pregnancy, with positive mental health implications for these women and their children.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06046456 registered 21-09-2023, updated 08-07-2024.

Effects of Cognitive Intervention and Rehabilitation Training on the Expression of miR-134-5p in Elderly Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Cognitive Impairment

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to analyze the effect and potential mechanism of cognitive intervention and rehabilitation training in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus complicated with mild cognitive impairment. Methods In this study, 128 elderly patients with diabetes mellitus complicated with mild cognitive impairment were randomly divided into the control group and the training group. The effects of the two groups were compared before and after the cognitive intervention. The expression of miR-134-5p was assessed by qRT-PCR. The relationships between miR-134-5p and Mini-Mental State Examination Scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale were evaluated. Results After 3-month management, the Mini-Mental State Examination Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, the Chinese version of the diabetes self-efficacy rating scale, and WHO quality of life brief were improved in both control group and training group, and the training group showed better improvement. Cognitive intervention and rehabilitation training restricted the expression of miR-134-5p. The levels of miR-134-5p were pertinent to cognitive function. Conclusion Cognitive intervention and rehabilitation training might prevent the development of diabetes mellitus complicated with mild cognitive impairment by inhibiting miR-134-5p.

Effects of a cognitive rehabilitation training program in school-aged children with specific learning disorder

ABSTRACT Objective This study investigated the effect of Cognitive Rehabilitation Training (CRT) on executive functions, problem solving, and attention in students with a specific learning disorder (SLD). Method Forty-two SLD students from the third to sixth grade (8–12 years old) were randomly assigned to 16 sessions of CRT (n = 21) or to a control (n = 21) group. Executive functions were assessed by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (2nd ed.), problem solving by the Tower of London test, and attention by the Stroop test. Results Analyses of variance and post-hoc analyses revealed that there were significant improvements in the CRT group in most aspects of executive functions, problem solving, and attention, and these improvements were maintained over a two-month follow-up. Conclusion These findings suggest that a CRT program may have positive implications for cognitive functioning and may provide preliminary support for alternative therapeutic interventions for use in children with SLD.

Effects of bottom-up versus top-down digital cognitive training in older adults: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionImpairments in bottom-up perceptual processing have been associated to the age-related cognitive decline. Digital cognitive training focusing on bottom-up and/or top-down processes have been studied as a tool to remediate age-related cognitive decline. However, the most effective training type and order of application remain unclear. MethodsOne hundred and fifteen older adults were randomly assigned to 40 h of bottom-up then top-down or top-down then bottom-up digital cognitive training or an active control group. We evaluated cognition at baseline, after 20 h and 40 h of training and at follow-up using a mixed-model analysis. ResultsGlobal cognition improved, for the top-down group, after 20 h of training (p = 0.04; d = 0.7) and for all three groups after 40 h. The improvement in global cognition remained five months after the bottom-up/ top-down training (p = 0.009; d = 4.0). There were also improvements in the recall cognitive domain, after 20 h of training, for the bottom-up group and, after 40 h, for all three groups. Gains were observed in verbal fluency after 40 h of training for both therapeutic groups. Processing speed was significantly slower, after 20 h of training, for the control and bottom-up groups and, after 40 h, only for the control group. Emotion recognition improved, after 20 h, for the control group as compared to the therapeutic groups. ConclusionsThese results indicate that the bottom-up/top-down training has the most endurable effects, which reveals the importance of the order of application of the exercises for gains in cognition in older adults.

Analyzing the Effects of Cognitive Decision Training on Decision-Making Skills in sports – A Theoretical Assimilation

Analyzing the Effects of Cognitive Decision Training on Decision-Making Skills in sports – A Theoretical Assimilation

Limited training and transfer effects in older and young adults who participated in 12 sessions of process-based working memory training. A three-armed pretest-posttest design study

ObjectiveNumerous studies confirm the effectiveness of cognitive training in older adults. However, there is limited evidence of the transfer occurrence. The part of the study presented here tested the effect of 12 process-based working memory training sessions on the performance of the trained task (training effect) and other cognitive tasks (transfer effect). A pretest-posttest study design with one experimental group and two control (passive and active) groups. The sample comprised three groups of older adults: experimental (n = 25), passive control (n = 22), active control (n = 7), and young adults: experimental (n = 25), passive control (n = 25), and active control (n = 12). The study was registered after completion with a ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06235840 on 31 January 2024.ResultsUnder the influence of training, the performance of the trained task improved significantly, but only in young adults. Transfer of WM training effects was not revealed. Among young adults, a testing effect was observed for the indicator of attentional focus and psychomotor speed. Moreover, the obtained results suggest the transfer from practice in multi-domain training, implemented in the active control group, to tasks that require the use of fluid intelligence. However, this finding should be interpreted with great caution due to the small size of active control groups.

Effects of computerized cognitive training on functional brain networks in patients with vascular cognitive impairment and no dementia.

Previous neuroimaging studies of vascular cognitive impairment, no dementia (VCIND), have reported functional alterations, but far less is known about the effects of cognitive training on functional connectivity (FC) of intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) and how they relate to intervention-related cognitive improvement. This study provides comprehensive research on the changes in intra- and inter-brain functional networks in patients with VCIND who received computerized cognitive training, with a focus on the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. We prospectively collected 60 patients with VCIND who were randomly divided into the training group (N = 30) receiving computerized cognitive training and the control group (N = 30) receiving fixed cognitive training. Functional MRI scans and cognitive assessments were performed at baseline, at the 7-week training, and at the 6-month follow-up. Utilizing templates for ICNs, the study employed a linear mixed model to compare intra- and inter-network FC changes between the two groups. Pearson correlation was applied to calculate the relationship between FC and cognitive function. We found significantly decreased intra-network FC within the default mode network (DMN) following computerized cognitive training at Month 6 (p = 0.034), suggesting a potential loss of functional specialization. Computerized training led to increased functional coupling between the DMN and sensorimotor network (SMN) (p = 0.01) and between the language network (LN) and executive control network (ECN) at Month 6 (p < 0.001), indicating compensatory network adaptations in patients with VCIND. Notably, the intra-LN exhibited enhanced functional specialization after computerized cognitive training (p = 0.049), with significant FC increases among LN regions, which correlated with improvements in neuropsychological measures (p < 0.05), emphasizing the targeted impact of computerized cognitive training on language abilities. This study provides insights into neuroplasticity and adaptive changes resulting from cognitive training in patients with VCIND, with implications for potential therapeutic strategies.

Effects of Executive Functions Training in Primary School Students with Borderline Intellectual Functioning Through a Multi-Method, Multi-Informant Intervention: A Pilot Study.

Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) impacts cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Executive Functions trainings to support daily-living skills in several clinical populations. However, although the relationship between Executive Functions and BIF has been studied, few studies have explored the effects of cognitive enhancement training for BIF children. Given the pivotal significance of Executive Functions in learning, orchestrating cognitive processes, and modulating affective and behavioral responses, our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive enhancement training targeting Executive Functions in a group of 23 children diagnosed with Borderline Intellectual Functioning devoid of neurodevelopmental impairments. We included a multiple assessment based on several informants (children, teachers, parents, and tutors) and provided individualized cognitive enhancement training focused on Executive Functions through both digital and analog activities. The training was highly customized, structured and monitored at various stages of the process activities. The training was composed of 20 sessions, each lasting 2 hours, held twice a week for each child. The obtained results confirmed the efficacy of cognitive enhancement training in improving Executive Functions, the primary target of the intervention, particularly in attention, verbal fluency, planning, inhibitory control, working memory, and flexibility. Furthermore, improvements were observed by all the informants in other cognitive functions, learning, and adaptive behaviors. Our study contributes to the understanding of BIF, emphasizing the efficacy of neuropsychological enhancement through personalized training for EF.

The effectiveness of cognitive training in people in psychiatry with depressive symptoms – A randomized controlled study

Ninety percent of people with depression also report suffering from additional cognitive disorders. However, despite the high prevalence, the effectiveness of cognitive training methods for mental illnesses has not yet been extensively researched.In our study, ninety-six adult patients with depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups or a passive control group. Ultimately, 48 patients successfully completed the training and assessments. The first intervention group completed computer-based cognitive training (three times a week for 20 min). The second intervention group practiced different memory strategies three times a week, in addition to completing the same computer-based cognitive training as the first intervention group.All groups demonstrated several improvements in cognitive performance and experienced benefits in everyday life over time. However, we found neither a significant group effect nor a significant time × group interaction effect for any of the measures. Despite this, on a descriptive level, the intervention groups showed improvements across all five cognitive test performance outcomes (especially attention and working memory) and displayed better scores in the post intervention assessment of the self-reported personal variables (well-being, emotional regulation and depressive symptoms). Approximately 50 % of the subjects in each group did not complete the training or the post intervention assessment and were excluded. We worked closely with healthcare professionals, therapists and doctors and were thus able to gather not only research results but also valuable experience in dealing with patients with depressive symptoms who are undergoing cognitive training. Our findings and experiences may have implications for optimizing the reintegration of people with depressive symptoms.

Effects of cognitive training and behavior modification on aggressive behavior and sleep quality in schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is linked to a heightened risk of impulsive aggression and disturbances in sleep patterns. Cognitive and social cognitive impairments have been connected to aggression, with social cognitive deficits appearing to play a more immediate role. In this investigation, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the impact of cognitive training and sleep interventions on aggressive behavior and the quality of sleep among individuals with SCZ who were hospitalized. This study divided 80 hospitalized patients into two groups according to medical advice, namely the normal group and the study group. The control group received routine drug treatment and education; The research group implemented cognitive training and sleep intervention based on the normal group. Collect basic clinical data, aggressive behavior indicators, and sleep quality indicators. There is no difference in the basic information statistics between the two groups. Both groups can reduce aggressive behavior and improve sleep quality. In the study group, there was a notable decrease in aggressive behavior compared to the control group. Furthermore, the sleep quality in the study group exhibited significant improvement when compared to the control group. Cognitive training and sleep intervention have been proven to be effective nonpharmacological treatments, effectively reducing aggressive behavior and improving sleep quality.

Comparing the effects of dual-task training and single-task training on walking, balance and cognitive functions in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to examine whether dual-task (DT) training was superior to single-task (ST) training in improving DT walking, balance and cognitive functions for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Literature search was performed in the following electronic databases: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Metstr covering inception to May 10, 2023. And in order to facilitate comparison across trials, we calculated the effect size (Hedges' g) of gait, balance, cognitive, and other parameters under both ST and DT conditions, using the mean change score and standard deviation (SD) of change score of the experimental and control groups. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of DT motor and cognitive training in individuals with Parkinson's disease were included for this systematic review. A total of 214 participants recruited from six articles (actually five trials) were involved in this review. In terms of walking ability, only double support time and stride time variability showed significant between-group difference (Hedges' g=0.34, 0.18, respectively). Compared to ST training group, DT training group had a more improvement effect in laboratory balance measurement (Hedges' g=0.18, 1.25), but no significant improvement in clinical balance measurement. No significant between-group differences were observed, thus its training effect on cognitive function was inconclusive. The DT training failed to achieve promising results better than ST training in improving DT walking and balance functions for individuals with PD. Any firm conclusion cannot be drawn at present, due to the limited number of eligible publications. Larger sample size and high-quality studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of DT training in individuals with PD.

A Pilot Study of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Resilience Training on Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation Among Students of a Selected University in Mexico

ABSTRACT Mental distress burdens student populations; meanwhile, intervention-based studies are insufficient. This pilot study examined the effectiveness of cognitive resilience training (CRT) in enhancing students’ mental health. This experimental design study recruited 29 participants (mean age = 21.70; SD = 2.55) from the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez (UACJ) in northern Mexico. A questionnaire pack containing the General Anxiety Disorder-2, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, and Brief Resilience Scale was utilized. At the pretest, there was no significant difference between the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG). At the posttest, the CG scored higher on anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation compared to its EG counterparts. However, the EG’s participants exhibited higher resilience, leading to a reduction in mental distress compared to their control group counterparts. The study concluded that CRT is an effective intervention for enhancing students’ mental health. Therefore, it is recommended for use in university clinical settings.

330. Assessing the Combined Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Cognitive Training for Improving Response Inhibition

330. Assessing the Combined Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Cognitive Training for Improving Response Inhibition

Home-Based Cognitive Intervention for Healthy Older Adults Through Asking Robots Questions: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Asking questions is common in conversations, and while asking questions, we need to listen carefully to what others say and consider the perspective our questions adopt. However, difficulties persist in verifying the effect of asking questions on older adults' cognitive function due to the lack of a standardized system for conducting experiments at participants' homes. This study examined the intervention effect of cognitive training moderated by robots on healthy older adults. A focus on the feasibility of the intervention at participants' homes was also maintained. Feasibility was evaluated by considering both the dropout rate during the intervention and the number of questions posed to each participant during the experiment. We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 81 adults older than 65 years. Participants were recruited through postal invitations and then randomized into 2 groups. The intervention group (n=40) received sessions where participants listened to photo-integrated stories and posed questions to the robots. The control group (n=41) received sessions where participants listened to photo-integrated stories and only thanked the robots for confirming participation. The participants participated in 12 dialogue sessions for 2-3 weeks. Scores of global cognitive functioning tests, recall tests, and verbal fluency tasks measured before and after the intervention were compared between the 2 groups. There was no significant intervention effect on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Japanese scores, recall tests, and verbal fluency tasks. Additionally, our study successfully concluded with no participant dropouts at follow-up, confirming the feasibility of our approach. There was no statistically significant evidence indicating intervention benefits for cognitive functioning. Although the feasibility of home-based interventions was demonstrated, we identified areas for improvement in the future, such as setting up more efficient session themes. Further research is required to identify the effectiveness of an improved cognitive intervention involving the act of asking questions.

Effects of combined cognitive and resistance training on physical and cognitive performance and psychosocial well-being of older adults ≥65: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionWith increasing life expectancy of older adult population, maintaining independence and well-being in later years is of paramount importance. This study aims to investigate the impact of three distinct interventions:...

Vision and hearing difficulty and effects of cognitive training in older adults.

Cognitive training is delivered visually and aurally. It is unknown whether self-reported sensory difficulty modifies the effects of cognitive training on cognition. Participants (N=2788) in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly Study were randomized to training in memory, reasoning, speed of processing, or control. Differences in the 10-year effect of cognitive training on cognition by self-reported vision and hearing difficulty were assessed using linear mixed effect models. Benefit (intervention vs. control) of reasoning training was smaller among participants with versus without vision difficulty (difficulty: -0.25, 95% confidence interval: [-0.88, 0.39], no difficulty: 0.58 [0.28, 0.89]). Benefit of memory training was greater for participants with versus without hearing difficulty (difficulty: 0.17 [-0.37, 0.72], no difficulty: -0.20 [-0.65, 0.24]). Older adults with sensory loss have increased risk for cognitive decline; benefits of cognitive training may be greater for these individuals. Sensory loss should be considered in training design. Memory training was more beneficial for participants with hearing loss.Participants with vision difficulties did not benefit as much from reasoning training.Low accessibility in design and learned compensation strategies may contribute.Consideration of sensory impairment in study design is needed.Inclusion of older adults with sensory impairment in cognitive training is needed.