Executive Function In Individuals Research Articles

SARS-CoV-2 effect on cognitive function and subjective perception of executive functions in individuals in prison in Colombia

SARS-CoV-2 effect on cognitive function and subjective perception of executive functions in individuals in prison in Colombia

Association between Hearing Aid Use and Cognitive Function in Persons with Hearing Impairment Stratified by Cardiovascular Risk

The purpose of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional analysis of the association between hearing aid use and cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults with hearing impairment, stratified by cardiovascular risk level. This cross-sectional study covers 1857 hearing-impaired individuals selected among 10,674 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years of age) in Japan. We investigate the association between hearing aid use and cognitive decline stratified by cardiovascular risk level, by assessing self-reported hearing impairment and hearing aid use, absolute cardiovascular risk, cognitive function, and potential confounding factors. The association between hearing impairment severity and increased cardiovascular risk, and the benefit of hearing aid use in preventing cognitive decline, were examined in a binomial logistic regression analysis, with the presence of cognitive decline as the objective variable. In the low cardiovascular risk group, hearing aid users had a lower odds ratio for decline in executive function than non-users (odds ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.98). However, there was no significant association between hearing aid use and cognitive decline in the high cardiovascular risk group (p > 0.05). Among older adults with hearing impairment, hearing aid use was associated with the maintenance of executive function in individuals of low cardiovascular risk.

Prefrontal Cortex Neuromodulation Improve Gait Parameters in Latinx People Living with HIV

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (H.I.V.) infection affects motor and cognitive systems and can lead to impairments in gait and balance. The application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), particularly to the prefrontal cortex, has shown encouraging results in enhancing cognition and executive functioning in individuals with H.I.V., both in the short and long term. Despite the current research, some experts have suggested that incorporating a task that stimulates higher cognitive centers in conjunction with tDCS may enhance its effects. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of tDCS combined with a tracking task on the prefrontal cortex as a viable treatment for enhancing balance and gait in individuals living with H.I.V. Methods: The study evaluated nine female participants, all living with H.I.V., with an average age of 58.8 ± 4.6. As part of the experiment, each participant's gait was carefully evaluated before and after tDCS treatment to measure any potential changes in their walking patterns accurately. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) was non-invasively administered to the participants' prefrontal cortex within seven days to investigate its possible effects on brain function. Results: Upon analyzing the data, the results demonstrated significant variations between single and dual tasks in numerous aspects, such as temporospatial, turn, and balance, before transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), ultimately shedding light on the potential cognitive difficulties that may arise. Data analysis showed noticeable improvements in various aspects, such as stride length, turn duration, and balance trends, when tDCS was applied. Conclusion: This study's findings suggest that tDCS may improve these parameters. However, it is recommended that treatments be administered over an extended time, which is longer than that observed in this study.

The Effects of Different Exercise Interventions on Patients with Subjective Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background and ObjectiveExercise is a promising non-pharmacological therapy for subjective cognitive decline, but it is unclear which type of exercise is most effective. The objective was to assess the comparative effects and ranks of all exercise-based interventions on cognitive function in patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD).MethodIn this network meta-analysis, Online databases for Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO were searched from inception to April 30, 2023. The included studies are randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of exercise interventions for individuals with SCD. The primary outcome measure is memory, while secondary outcome measures encompass executive function, attention, verbal fluency, and global cognitive function. Represented using Standardized Mean Differences (SMDs) along with their 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Bias assessment was conducted in accordance with the ‘Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool, 2nd Edition’ (RoB 2). Pairwise meta-analysis was carried out using the ‘meta-analysis’ module within STATA 14.0, and network meta-analysis was performed using the ‘mvmeta’ and ‘network’ packages available in STATA 14.0. Registration number CRD42023289687.ResultThis study included a total of 11 randomized controlled trials, encompassing 1,166 patients. Mind-body exercise was found to be efficacious in enhancing or sustaining memory (SMD: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.06 ∼ 1.10) and executive function (SMD: 0.41, 95%CI: 0.09 ∼ 0.73) in individuals with subjective cognitive decline. Furthermore, mind-body exercise exhibited the highest probability of being the most effective measures for improving or preventing the decline in memory (surface under cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value: 90.4) and executive function (SUCRA value: 91.8). The second-ranked moderate-intensity aerobic exercise has also shown a positive effect on the improvement of executive function in patients with subjective cognitive decline (SMD: 0.23, 95%CI: 0.03 ∼ 0.43, SUCRA value: 68.2). However, we did not observe a significant effectiveness of exercise interventions on verbal fluency, attention, and overall cognitive function in subjective cognitive decline.ConclusionMind-body exercise may potentially be the optimal strategies for enhancing memory and executive function in individuals with subjective cognitive decline. Additionally, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise has shown a modest positive effect on executive function in subjective cognitive decline. When resources permit, practical application of these findings may be considered. Nevertheless, further support for the conclusions of this study is warranted through larger sample sizes and well-designed multicenter trials.

The role of cognitive control and naming in aphasia.

The classical aphasia literature has placed considerable emphasis on the language-centered understanding of aphasia and failed to consider the role of executive functions (EFs) regarding different aspects of patients' performance. Many current studies suggest deficits in EFs in individuals with aphasia, however, the available data is still limited. Here, our aim was to investigate the impairment of EFs and its potential negative effects on naming (slower performance, increased reaction time and/or decreased accuracy). We sought to determine whether the poor performance observed in word fluency task correlated with similar outcomes in naming. Our study involved five Hungarian post stroke aphasic patients (2 males and 3 females) between the ages of 60 and 70, as well as a control group matched for age and gender. The participants were diagnosed with different types of aphasia (global, Wernicke's, anomic and conduction). This study employed various neuropsychological and linguistic batteries. By comparing the patients' performance to that of the control group, we aimed to investigate the impacts of stroke. Within the aphasia group, we observed difficulties in following complex commands and a connection between general slowness and reduced accuracy in naming. We concluded that impairment of executive functions may have a negative impact on naming, comprehension, and fluency. Therefore, it is important to consider functional variations in neural networks, and to base our interpretations on the available psychophysiological data in literature. Our findings provide an alternative perspective to the traditional assessment of aphasia and highlight the importance of considering the role of executive functions.

Executive Function After Yoga: Adults With Acquired Brain Injury-A Pilot Study.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) may result in deficits in executive function (EF), which affects engagement in occupations. To explore the impact of group yoga on EF in people with ABI. Single-arm pilot study with preyoga assessments and postyoga assessments (after 8 wk of yoga). Yoga classes and assessments were completed within university buildings on a college campus. Twelve participants with chronic ABI (>6 mo post-ABI) were recruited through convenience and purposive strategies from the local community. An 8-wk adaptive group yoga intervention was provided by an adaptive yoga specialist. Yoga classes were 60 min and occurred once per week. EF was assessed before and after the yoga intervention using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) self-report form. Normative data were analyzed with paired sample t tests. Nine participants completed all study procedures. Results from paired sample t tests showed significant improvements on the Behavioral Regulation Index of the BRIEF-A (p = .046). No significant improvements were found on individual EF scales, the Metacognition Index, or the Global Executive Composite (ps > .05). Group-based yoga may improve some aspects of EF for adults with chronic ABI; however, further research with larger sample sizes is needed. Plain-Language Summary: Yoga, an intervention increasingly used in occupational therapy practice, may be beneficial in improving behavioral regulation (an executive function) for adults with acquired brain injury.

PsycAssist: A Web-Based Artificial Intelligence System Designed for Adaptive Neuropsychological Assessment and Training.

Assessing executive functions in individuals with disorders or clinical conditions can be challenging, as they may lack the abilities needed for conventional test formats. The use of more personalized test versions, such as adaptive assessments, might be helpful in evaluating individuals with specific needs. This paper introduces PsycAssist, a web-based artificial intelligence system designed for neuropsychological adaptive assessment and training. PsycAssist is a highly flexible and scalable system based on procedural knowledge space theory and may be used potentially with many types of tests. We present the architecture and adaptive assessment engine of PsycAssist and the two currently available tests: Adap-ToL, an adaptive version of the Tower of London-like test to assess planning skills, and MatriKS, a Raven-like test to evaluate fluid intelligence. Finally, we describe the results of an investigation of the usability of Adap-ToL and MatriKS: the evaluators perceived these tools as appropriate and well-suited for their intended purposes, and the test-takers perceived the assessment as a positive experience. To sum up, PsycAssist represents an innovative and promising tool to tailor evaluation and training to the specific characteristics of the individual, useful for clinical practice.

Integrated Life Skills Training and Executive Function Strategies in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Qatar: A Pilot Study of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and aim Executive function (EF) impairment is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). EF strategies are considered effective in improving the therapeutic outcomes of children with ASD. This study primarily aimed to explore whether integrating EF strategies combined with regular occupational therapy intervention is more effective in improving daily life skills (DLS) and sensory integration/processing (SI/SP) skills than regular occupational therapy alone in children with ASD and secondarily aims to assess treatment outcomes on improving visual motor integration (VMI) skills. Methods A total of 17 participants (13 males, mean age 4.29 years,standard deviation 0.66) completed the study. Following the baseline assessments, the participants were randomly assigned to the treatment group (45-minute once-weekly individual occupational therapy plus EF strategies) or control group (45-minute once-weekly individual therapy sessions alone). All participants received one intervention per week for 14 weeks. All children were systematically evaluated using a pediatric functional independent measure (WeeFIM) and the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to assess DLS, the Short Sensory Profile 2 (SSP2) to assessSP/SI, and the Beery VMI test (Beery VMI) to assess VMI. Assessments were conducted at baseline, seven weeks, and 14 weeks of treatment. Results The analysis of the results between the treatment and control groups revealed that the treatment group had greater gains and significant differences in the mean values of both the WeeFIM and SSP2. In addition, notable distinctions were observed in the VB-MAPP transition subscale; although these differences did not reach statistical significance, they were clinically significant. Minimal differences were noted in the VMI between the two groups. Nevertheless, both groups showed statistically significant improvements across all outcome measures. Conclusions Our study provides preliminary evidence of the efficacy of EF strategies combined with regular occupational therapy for DLS, SP/SI, and VMI in children with ASD. The differences between the groups support further evaluation of the effectiveness of EF strategies for the next stage of a larger randomized clinical trial.

Associations Between Sleep Spindle Metrics, Age, Education and Executive Function in Young Adult and Middle-Aged Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

This study aimed to investigate the association between sleep spindle metrics and executive function in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Furthermore, we examined the association of age and education on executive function. A total of 230 (40.90 ± 8.83 years, F/M = 45/185) participants were enrolled. Overnight electroencephalogram (C3-M2) recording detected sleep spindles by a novel U-Net-type neural network that integrates temporal information with time-frequency images. Sleep spindle metrics, including frequency (Hz), overall density (events/min), fast density (events/min), slow density (events/min), duration (sec) and amplitude (µV), were measured. Executive function was assessed using standardized neuropsychological tests. Associations between sleep spindle metrics, executive function, and demographic factors were analyzed using multivariate linear regression. In fully adjusted linear regression models, higher overall sleep spindle density (TMT-A, B=-1.279, p=0.009; TMT-B, B=-1.813, p=0.008), fast sleep spindle density (TMT-A, B=-1.542, p=0.048; TMT-B, B=-2.187, p=0.036) and slow sleep spindle density (TMT-A, B=-1.731, p=0.037; TMT-B, B=-2.449, p=0.034) were associated with better executive function. And the sleep spindle duration both during N2 sleep time (TMT-A, B=-13.932, p=0.027; TMT-B, B=-19.001, p=0.034) and N3 sleep time (TMT-B, B=-29.916, p=0.009; Stroop-incongruous, B=-21.303, p=0.035) was independently associated with better executive function in this population. Additionally, age and education were found to be highly associated with executive function. Specific sleep spindle metrics, higher overall density, fast density and slow density during N2 sleep time, and longer duration during N2 and N3 sleep time, are independent and sensitive indicators of better executive function in young adult and middle-aged patients with OSA. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these findings.

SEVERE ALZHEIMER’S DEMENTIA ALTERS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXECUTIVE FUNCTION AND FALLS

Abstract Falls are a public health concern for older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairments, like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. Executive function (EF) is linked to falls in older adults, but little is known about the relationship between individual EF assessments and falls in individuals with varying cognitive statuses. Using cross-sectional secondary data analyses with binary logistic regression, we examined the associations between EF assessments (Trail Making Test (ΔTMT), Digit Span (DS), Stroop test, Clock Drawing Test, and phonemic/semantic fluency tests) and falls (fall history and subsequent falls) in 466 participants (aged 66-103) with either intact cognition, MCI, or AD dementia. Surprisingly, a significant interaction effect emerged with AD dementia and EF assessments (ΔTMT, DS, and semantic fluency), revealing that individuals with AD dementia with worse EF had a lower probability of prior fall history. These findings were influenced by a low percentage of reported falls in people with severe AD dementia. Further stratified analysis of the interaction effects showed that DS and semantic fluency were significantly associated with fall history in people without AD dementia. While some EF assessments were individually associated with falls, interpretations should be made cautiously, especially considering the appropriateness of the assessments for specific populations. The counterintuitive result may stem from factors specific to severe AD dementia. In conclusion, this study uncovers complex interactions between cognitive status, EF assessments, and fall history, and the potential for further investigation to enhance our understanding of falls in individuals with severe AD dementia.

Physical activity on executive function in sedentary individuals: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Physical activity has been demonstrated to promote cognitive performance. However, the relationship between physical activity and executive function (EF) in sedentary individuals is not fully understood. This meta-analysis examined the impact of physical activity on EF in sedentary individuals and evaluated potential moderators of the relationship between physical activity and EF. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched. Included studies had to report sedentary individuals randomized to either a physical activity group or a control group. Subgroup analyses of EF sub-domains, exercise prescription and age were conducted alongside the overall meta-analysis. Thirteen RCT studies were included, with a total of 752 participants. Results showed a small to moderate beneficial effect of physical activity on EF (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.40). In subgroup analysis by EF sub-domains, physical activity enhanced inhibitory control (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.63) and working memory (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.49), but not cognitive flexibility (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.41). Interventions with an intervention length > 12 weeks improved overall EF (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.46), but intervention length ≤ 12 weeks did not (SMD = 0.20, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.47). Interventions with session time ≥ 45 minutes improved overall EF (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.77), but session time < 45 minutes did not (0.17, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.44). Physical activity improves EF for older adults (age ≥ 60 years) (SMD = 0.25, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.42), but not for younger individuals (age < 60 years) (SMD = 0.17, 95% CI -0.25 to 0.59). Overall, physical activity has a beneficial effect on EF in sedentary individuals, although the influence may be domain specific and influenced by exercise prescription and age. These findings have practical implications for those seeking to improve EF in sedentary individuals through physical activity.

Driving Frequency Modulates Correlations Between Executive Functions and Driving Performance: A Driving Simulator Study.

Driving a car requires a complex combination of various cognitive functions (e.g., visual perception, motor control, decision making, and others), and deficits in any of these processes may compromise driving safety. Amongst these, executive functions such as inhibitory control, task switching, and decision-making are important, as they enable drivers to process information from their surroundings and respond appropriately to changing road conditions. Although previous research has focused on laboratory measures of individual executive functions, it remains unclear whether performance on such laboratory tests readily translates to actual on-the-road driving performance, especially since drivers' skill levels can vary widely, based on their driving frequency. To this end, we divided 30 participants into two categories based on their driving frequency (i.e., daily commuter vs. weekend only drivers), and we used three well-known executive functioning tasks (the stop signal task, Iowa gambling task or IGT, and a task-switching test) to see whether scores on these tasks predicted such driving performances and behaviors such as braking time, lane-keeping, speed limit violations, and inter-vehicle distance (e.g., in a driving simulator). Participants went through a follow-lead-car scenario in the driving simulator for 20minutes and then completed the three executive tasks. We found that stop signal reaction time (SSRT) best predicted driving performance, and remained predictive against driver distraction, as well as variabilities in driving frequency. The IGT predicted speed limit violations in high-frequency drivers, whereas task-switching cost predicted lane keeping performance in low-frequency drivers. Together, these results highlight the importance of driving frequency when considering correlates between executive functions and driving performance and behavior. They also imply that executive tasks better predict driving performance in low-frequency (or inexperienced) drivers, while driver temperament (i.e., impulsiveness as indicated by IGT) better predicted driving performance in high-frequency (or experienced) drivers.

A - 97 Anticholinergic Burden Scales Are Not Created Equal: Differential Relationships to Cognition in Parkinson's Disease.

Cognitive changes are common in Parkinson's disease (PD). While previous research suggests greater anticholinergic medication use relates to worse broad cognition in PD, its domain-specific relationships remain unknown. This study compared three anticholinergic scales to examine their relationship to worse memory and executive function in individuals with PD. Participants included 493 non-demented individuals with PD (mean age = 65.74, SD = 9.04; mean education = 15.0, SD = 2.79; 72% male; 94% White (non-Hispanic)) from a movement disorders specialty clinic. Medications were identified via chart review. Each medication was scored (0-3) and summed using three scales: Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS), Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS), Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale (ACBS). Cognitive composites averaged normative z-scores: Executive Function (EF; Trails B, Stroop Color-Word, Letter Fluency) and Memory (HVLT-R and WMS-III Logical Memory delayed recalls). Analyses included Bonferroni-adjusted, bootstrapped Spearman correlations. The three scales were significantly related, but with only fair agreement (Kendall's W(2) = 0.37, p < 0.001). Worse memory related to higher cholinergic burden on only the ACBS (r = -0.10, p = 0.02). Exploratory analyses indicated sex differences in the relationship between cognition and anticholinergic burden. For men, worse memory related to higher scores on both the ACBS (r = -0.11, p = 0.04) and ARS (r = -0.11, p = 0.045). For women, higher ACBS scores related to worse EF (r = -0.18, p = 0.03), whereas higher ADS scores related to worse memory and EF (r = -0.18, p = 0.04; r = -0.26, p = 0.002). Anticholinergic burden scales differentially related to cognitive performance in PD, with only ACBS showing a significant relationship to memory. Exploratory analyses suggest that scales may have differential relationships to memory and EF in men and women.

Predicting executive functioning from brain networks: modality specificity and age effects.

Healthy aging is associated with structural and functional network changes in the brain, which have been linked to deterioration in executive functioning (EF), while their neural implementation at the individual level remains unclear. As the biomarker potential of individual resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) patterns has been questioned, we investigated to what degree individual EF abilities can be predicted from the gray-matter volume (GMV), regional homogeneity, fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), and RSFC within EF-related, perceptuo-motor, and whole-brain networks in young and old adults. We examined whether the differences in out-of-sample prediction accuracy were modality-specific and depended on age or task-demand levels. Both uni- and multivariate analysis frameworks revealed overall low prediction accuracies and moderate-to-weak brain-behavior associations (R2< 0.07, r< 0.28), further challenging the idea of finding meaningful markers for individual EF performance with the metrics used. Regional GMV, well linked to overall atrophy, carried the strongest information about individual EF differences in older adults, whereas fALFF, measuring functional variability, did so for younger adults. Our study calls for future research analyzing more global properties of the brain, different task-states and applying adaptive behavioral testing to result in sensitive predictors for young and older adults, respectively.

Theory of Mind and Executive Functions in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Healthy Aging.

Social cognition involves skills for maintaining harmonious personal and social relationships throughout life. Social cognition issues, including Theory of Mind (ToM), can significantly impact the well-being of older individuals and intensify with the onset of neurological conditions. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a state between healthy and pathological neurocognitive aging, where monitoring social functions is crucial. Despite numerous studies on ToM challenges in older adults and cognitive disorders, the underlying mechanisms remain debated. Uncertainty exists regarding whether ToM deficits are related to other cognitive functions, such as Executive Functions (EFs). Our study examined the correlation between EF and ToM performance in 32 MCI patients and 36 healthy elderly controls. The findings revealed a link between EF and ToM performance among healthy elderly individuals. Specifically, within the assessed EFs, the role of the working memory (WM) emerged. The study also highlighted distinctions between the MCI group and the healthy elderly group, showing that despite a general reduction in cognitive performance, the condition could impact these abilities in different ways. The study contributes to the literature, fostering comprehension of the mechanisms underlying ToM difficulties, while also paving the way for targeted interventions and enhanced clinical or preventative care.

Effects of combined physical and cognitive training on executive function of adolescent shooting athletes: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study.

Individual executive function improvement through physical and cognitive training is a research hotspot in physical education and cognitive science. However, few studies have evaluated whether combined physical and cognitive training (CPCT) has greater benefits for executive function performance and cerebral oxygenation in adolescent athletes than cognitive training alone. This study randomly assigned 33 adolescent shooting athletes to a CPCT (n​=​17) or computerized cognitive training (CCT, n​=​16) group and compared their executive function after six weeks of training. All subjects were assessed using the 2-back, task-switching, and Stroop tests before and after training. The prefrontal cortex oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) activation level was monitored while executing the three tasks using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Our results showed that the CPCT and CCT groups similarly improved their updating function as indicated by the 2-back task accuracy. The CPCT group significantly improved the switching function in the task-switching test accuracy, while the CCT group did not. However, both groups did not improve in behavioral performance as indicated by the inhibition function in the Stroop task. Cerebral oxygenation, indicated by the oxy-Hb activation level in the frontal pole area of the prefrontal lobe, significantly improved in the CPCT group during the three cognitive tasks, whereas the CCT group showed no change. These findings indicated that CPCT endowed greater advantages in task-switching in the behavioral performance of the executive function than CCT. Moreover, CPCT was superior to CCT in increasing task-efficient cerebral oxygenation during the activation of the prefrontal cortex in adolescent shooting athletes.

Watching a video of nature reduces negative affect and rumination, while positive affect is determined by the level of sensory processing sensitivity

Natural environments have positive effects in reducing rumination, improving affect and restoring depleted cognitive abilities, however individual differences in susceptibility to these positive effects are still understudied. Higher Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) is a risk factor for mental ill-health and ruminative thoughts, however, those high in SPS are particularly connected with nature, therefore potentially more susceptible to nature-based interventions. In this pre-post study, we evaluated the impact of virtual nature exposure on affect, rumination, and executive functions in individuals with varying levels of SPS. 147 participants (53.1% female; Mage = 48.07) were characterised SPS, depression and anxiety, then they completed measures of affect, state rumination and performed the Stroop task before and after watching a nature or urban video. The study was conducted online. Changes in positive affect were predicted by the interaction between SPS and the type of environment viewed. A decrease in negative affect post exposure to the nature video, and rumination post both interventions were also found overall, but not on Stroop performance. A thematic analysis of qualitative follow up questions contributed to elucidate these results. In sum, a brief virtual nature intervention may be a feasible way of reducing negative affectivity and rumination and increase positive affect particularly in those with high SPS.

Stress specifically deteriorates working memory in peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.

This study aimed to explore the influence of chronic stress, measured through hair cortisol, on executive functions in individuals with chronic pain. We expected that there would be significant differences in chronic stress and executive functioning between pain patients and healthy controls, as well as between primary and secondary pain classifications. We also hypothesized that hair cortisol concentration was predictive of worse performance on tests of executive functions, controlling for objective and subjective covariates. For this study, 122 participants provided a hair sample (n = 40 with fibromyalgia; n = 24 with peripheral neuropathic pain; n = 58 matched healthy controls). Eighty-four of these participants also completed highly detailed testing of executive functions (n = 40 with fibromyalgia; n = 24 with peripheral neuropathic pain; n = 20 healthy controls). To assess differences in stress levels and executive functions, t-tests were used to compare patients with controls as well as fibromyalgia with peripheral neuropathic pain. Then, univariate regressions were used to explore associations between stress and executive functioning in both chronic pain classifications. Any significant univariate associations were carried over to hierarchical multivariate regression models. We found that patients with chronic pain had significantly higher cortisol levels than healthy controls, but all groups showed similar executive functioning. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses disclosed that in a model controlling for age, sex and pain medication usage, hair cortisol levels explained 8% of the variance in spatial working memory strategy in individuals with chronic pain. The overall model explained 24% of the variance in spatial working memory. In a second model using imputed data, including both objective and subjectively reported covariates, hair cortisol levels explained 9% of the variance, and the full model 31% of the variance in spatial working memory performance. Higher levels of cortisol indicated worse performance. In this study, an applied measure of chronic stress, namely hair cortisol, explained a substantial part of the variance on a spatial working memory task. The current results have important implications for understanding and treating cognitive impairments in chronic pain.

Antipsychotics-induced improvement of cool executive function in individuals living with schizophrenia.

Cool executive dysfunction is a crucial feature in people living with schizophrenia which is related to cognition impairment and the severity of the clinical symptoms. Based on electroencephalogram (EEG), our current study explored the change of brain network under the cool executive tasks in individuals living with schizophrenia before and after atypical antipsychotic treatment (before_TR vs. after_TR). 21 patients with schizophrenia and 24 healthy controls completed the cool executive tasks, involving the Tower of Hanoi Task (THT) and Trail-Marking Test A-B (TMT A-B). The results of this study uncovered that the reaction time of the after_TR group was much shorter than that of the before_TR group in the TMT-A and TMT-B. And the after_TR group showed fewer error numbers in the TMT-B than those of the before_TR group. Concerning the functional network, stronger DMN-like linkages were found in the before_TR group compared to the control group. Finally, we adopted a multiple linear regression model based on the change network properties to predict the patient's PANSS change ratio. Together, the findings deepened our understanding of cool executive function in individuals living with schizophrenia and might provide physiological information to reliably predict the clinical efficacy of schizophrenia after atypical antipsychotic treatment.

Social and executive functioning in individuals with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability: The case–control study protocol of the CNeSA study

Several studies suggest that children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often present deficits in executive functions (EFs). The research on cold EF shows a high heterogeneity across different cohorts of patients as well as different study designs, while studies investigating hot EF and their relationship with different ASD phenotypes are still limited and related only to specific domains, although this concept could contribute to clarify the phenotypical variability by explaining the difficulties encountered by individuals with ASD in daily life, where stimuli are often emotionally charged. With the aim to identify specific neuropsychological profiles in children and adolescents with ASD without intellectual disability, we designed a study protocol comparing a clinical sample of individuals with ASD to aged-matched (10–17 years) typically developing controls (TDC) on a neuropsychological test battery investigating both “cold” and “hot” EF with the purpose of further investigating their relationships with ASD symptoms. Autonomic measures including heart rate, heart rate variability, skin conductance, and salivary cortisol were also recorded before/during/after the neuropsychological testing session. This paper describes the case–control study protocol named “Caratterizzazione NEuropsicologica del disturbo dello Spettro Autistico, senza Disabilità Intellettiva, CNeSA study,” its rationale, the specific outcome measures, and their implications for the clinical management of individuals with ASD and a precision medicine approach.