Domains Of Executive Function Research Articles

SpEx: a German-language dataset of speech and executive function performance

This work presents data from 148 German native speakers (20–55 years of age), who completed several speaking tasks, ranging from formal tests such as word production tests to more ecologically valid spontaneous tasks that were designed to mimic natural speech. This speech data is supplemented by performance measures on several standardised, computer-based executive functioning (EF) tests covering domains of working-memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and attention. The speech and EF data are further complemented by a rich collection of demographic data that documents education level, family status, and physical and psychological well-being. Additionally, the dataset includes information of the participants’ hormone levels (cortisol, progesterone, oestradiol, and testosterone) at the time of testing. This dataset is thus a carefully curated, expansive collection of data that spans over different EF domains and includes both formal speaking tests as well as spontaneous speaking tasks, supplemented by valuable phenotypical information. This will thus provide the unique opportunity to perform a variety of analyses in the context of speech, EF, and inter-individual differences, and to our knowledge is the first of its kind in the German language. We refer to this dataset as SpEx since it combines speech and executive functioning data. Researchers interested in conducting exploratory or hypothesis-driven analyses in the field of individual differences in language and executive functioning, are encouraged to request access to this resource. Applicants will then be provided with an encrypted version of the data which can be downloaded.

Wild Blueberry Extract Intervention in Healthy Older Adults: A Multi-Study, Randomised, Controlled Investigation of Acute Cognitive and Cardiovascular Effects.

Circadian and homeostatic declines in cognitive performance are observed during the day, most commonly at 14:00. Additionally, postprandial reductions in cognitive ability have been widely demonstrated 1 h after lunch consumption, affecting domains of executive functioning (EF), episodic memory (EM), and attention. Existing evidence shows that anthocyanin-rich foods such as berries may improve or attenuate the decline in EF and EM in ageing adults. Further research is required to assess whether extracts such as wild blueberry extract (WBE) may be beneficial for cognitive function across an acute timeframe, including known periods of reduced functioning. (1) Study 1: ROAB: To investigate the efficacy of WBE in maintaining EF and EM throughout the day alongside measures of cardiovascular outcomes in healthy older adults. A range of WBE doses were utilised to identify the optimal dose at which cognitive and cardiovascular effects occur. (2) Study 2: BEAT: To replicate alleviation of cognitive decline during a predicted post-lunch dip whilst also improving cardiovascular outcomes following acute WBE 222 mg supplementation. Both studies employed a randomised, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled design to explore the effects of WBE intervention versus placebo on several outcomes, including EM, EF, blood pressure, and heart rate in a healthy older adult population (aged 68-75). In ROAB, 28 participants received a single dose of WBE 111 mg, 222 mg, 444 mg, or 888 mg or placebo over a 5-week period, each separated by a 1-week washout. Outcomes were measured at 0 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h post intervention, with intervention occurring immediately after baseline (0 h). In BEAT, 45 participants received WBE 222 mg and placebo (1-week washout). Outcomes were measured at 0 h and 6 h (14:00) when a post-lunch dip was anticipated. This was further enhanced by consumption of lunch 1 h prior to cognitive testing. The WBE 222 mg intervention aligned with known peaks in plasma blueberry polyphenol metabolites at 2 h post dosing, which would coincide with a predicted drop in post-lunch performance. ROAB: A significant dip in executive function was apparent at the 4 h timepoint for placebo only, indicating attenuation for WBE doses. Strikingly, WBE 222 mg produced acute reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with placebo. BEAT: EF reaction time was found to be significantly faster for WBE 222 compared to placebo at the predicted post-lunch dip (14:00), with no other notable benefits on a range of cognitive and cardiovascular outcomes. These two studies indicate that WBE may have cardiovascular benefits and attenuate the natural cognitive decline observed over the course of the day, particularly when a decline is associated with a circadian rhythm-driven postprandial dip. However, it is important to acknowledge that effects were subtle, and benefits were only observed on a small number of outcomes. Further research is required to explore the utility of WBE in populations already experiencing mild cognitive impairments.

Carer-reported sleep disturbance and carer- and teacher-rated executive functioning in children with prenatal alcohol exposure and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACT Children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) have high rates of sleep disturbance and marked difficulties with executive functioning (EF). Sleep disturbance has been associated with poorer EF across development in typically developing children. The contribution of insomnia symptoms and nightmares to EF difficulties in children with PAE and FASD is unclear. The current study examined whether caregiver-reported insomnia symptoms and nightmares predicted difficulties with EF in children with PAE who were assessed at FASD diagnostic clinics. Archival data on 116 children with PAE assessed at FASD diagnostic clinics were extracted from databases. Children were assigned to a preschool-age group (3.1 to 5.9 years, n = 40) and a school-age group (5.9 to 10.9 years, n = 76). Insomnia symptoms and nightmares were measured using items extracted from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) while EF was measured using the caregiver and teacher Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) rating forms. Bootstrapped regression models were used examine the effects of insomnia symptoms and nightmares on domains of EF in each group while adjusting for potential confounds. For preschool children, insomnia symptoms were associated with greater daytime tiredness while nightmares were associated with greater difficulties with Emergent Metacognition according to their teachers. For school-age children, insomnia symptoms predicted greater EF difficulties across most domains according to their caregivers but not teachers. Sleep disturbance may compound EF impairments in children with PAE and should be screened for as part of FASD diagnostic assessment.

A preliminary study on the neurocognitive deficits associated with loneliness in young adults.

The experience of loneliness is universal and may have an adverse effect on neurocognitive functioning even at a younger age. Using a comprehensive neurocognitive functioning test (NCFT) battery, we examined the possible negative effects of loneliness on neurocognitive functioning in young adults. The high-loneliness and low-loneliness groups were screened using the UCLA Loneliness Scale v. 3, and measures pertaining to the domains of intelligence, attention, memory, executive function, and psychomotor functioning were tested and compared. As depression and anxiety were significantly higher in the high-loneliness group, an analysis of covariance was conducted. As a result, the high-loneliness group showed significantly poor performance on measures of executive function and attention prior to controlling for depression and anxiety, and executive function retained its significance even after controlling for these variables. Additional analysis showed that depression and anxiety did not significantly mediate the relationship between loneliness and neurocognitive functioning. Such results suggest that loneliness is likely to negatively affect executive functioning and attention in early adulthood and then progressively spread to other domains of cognitive functioning, as reported in the older adult population. The limitations and implications of the present study were considered and addressed.

Multi-pathological contributions toward atrophy patterns in the Alzheimer's disease continuum.

Heterogeneity in downstream atrophy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is predominantly investigated in relation to pathological hallmarks (Aβ, tau) and co-pathologies (cerebrovascular burden) independently. However, the proportional contribution of each pathology in determining atrophy pattern remains unclear. We assessed heterogeneity in atrophy using two recently conceptualized dimensions: typicality (typical AD atrophy at the center and deviant atypical atrophy on either extreme including limbic predominant to hippocampal sparing patterns) and severity (overall neurodegeneration spanning minimal atrophy to diffuse typical AD atrophy) in relation to Aβ, tau, and cerebrovascular burden. We included 149 Aβ + individuals on the AD continuum (cognitively normal, prodromal AD, AD dementia) and 163 Aβ- cognitively normal individuals from the ADNI. We modeled heterogeneity in MRI-based atrophy with continuous-scales of typicality (ratio of hippocampus to cortical volume) and severity (total gray matter volume). Partial correlation models investigated the association of typicality/severity with (a) Aβ (global Aβ PET centiloid), tau (global tau PET SUVR), cerebrovascular (total white matter hypointensity volume) burden (b) four cognitive domains (memory, executive function, language, visuospatial composites). Using multiple regression, we assessed the association of each pathological burden and typicality/severity with cognition. (a) In the AD continuum, typicality (r = -0.31, p < 0.001) and severity (r = -0.37, p < 0.001) were associated with tau burden after controlling for Aβ, cerebrovascular burden and age. Findings imply greater tau pathology in limbic predominant atrophy and diffuse atrophy. (b) Typicality was associated with memory (r = 0.49, p < 0.001) and language scores (r = 0.19, p = 0.02). Severity was associated with memory (r = 0.26, p < 0.001), executive function (r = 0.24, p = 0.003) and language scores (r = 0.29, p < 0.001). Findings imply better cognitive performance in hippocampal sparing and minimal atrophy patterns. Beyond typicality/severity, tau burden but not Aβ and cerebrovascular burden explained cognition. In the AD continuum, atrophy-based severity was more strongly associated with tau burden than typicality after accounting for Aβ and cerebrovascular burden. Cognitive performance in memory, executive function and language domains was explained by typicality and/or severity and additionally tau pathology. Typicality and severity may differentially reflect burden arising from tau pathology but not Aβ or cerebrovascular pathologies which need to be accounted for when investigating AD heterogeneity.

Neurocognition and social cognition in youth and young adults at ultra-high-risk for psychosis and bipolar disorder

BackgroundSchizophrenia and bipolar disorder are associated with significant deficits in neurocognition and social cognition. Unlike the studies in chronic stages of these disorders, very limited information is available regarding neurocognitive and social-cognitive impairment before the onset of bipolar disorder. Our main aim was to investigate the differences in neurocognition and social cognition between individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR-P) and bipolar disorder (UHR-BD). MethodsThis study included 152 help-seeking individuals identified as UHR-P (n = 78) and UHR-BD (n = 74), who were compared with a healthy control group (n = 43). A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was administered to all participants. ResultsUHR-P was associated with widespread deficits in all neurocognitive and social-cognitive domains. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) of these deficits ranged from −0.57 to −1.34. UHR-BD was associated with significant deficits in processing speed, executive functions, sustained attention and social cognition (d = −0.48 to-0.70, p < 0.05). UHR-P performed significantly worse than UHR-BD in social cognition, processing speed, verbal memory and executive function domains (d = −0.39 to-0.64, p < 0.05). Negative symptoms were associated with impaired social cognition in the UHR-P group and verbal memory deficits in the UHR-BD group. Cognitive impairment was associated with functional impairment in both groups. ConclusionsWhile UHR-P is associated with more widespread cognitive impairment, deficits in processing speed, executive functions, sustained attention and social cognition might be common features of both UHR groups. In early intervention services, cognition should be considered as a target for assessment and intervention not only for individuals at high risk for psychosis but also for bipolar disorder.

178 Brains on the Pitch: Investigating the Neurophysiological and Neurocognitive Effects of Repetitive Head Impacts in Adolescent Female Soccer Players During a Single Season

INTRODUCTION: Repetitive exposure to head impact in contact sports has raised concerns for potential long-term structural and functional neurologic effects. This relationship has been minimally explored in female athletes, with conflicting results arising from the limited reports on this topic. METHODS: Prospective cohort design with pre- and post-season assessments of neurocognitive function, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Neurocognitive battery evaluated processing speed, memory, and executive function domains via computerized (ImPACT) and paper-and-pencil testing. TMS assessments included motor evoked potential onset; interhemispheric conduction times; intercortical and intracortical inhibition. DTI measures included fractional anisotropy (FA) for white matter tracts of interest, including: posterior limb of internal capsule; cortical spinal tract; corpus callosum - selected for common involvement in traumatic brain injury within other studies. RESULTS: One player was officially diagnosed with concussion and was included in analysis. Neurocognitive performance was intact relative to same aged peers, and there were no significant differences over the season based on mean reliable change indices (-0.79-0.93). Paired t-test analysis indicated that the TMS measures were not significantly different between the two timepoints. Furthermore, DTI FA values and TMS measures were not notably different pre- versus postseason. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of high school female athletes, we did not observe significant anatomic, physiologic, or functional effects from repetitive head impacts. Our findings contradict previous studies that showed significant neurophysiologic and neurocognitive changes, even in the absence of clinically-observed concussion. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term consequences of repetitive head impacts in female athletes and to develop effective strategies for mitigating potential risks.

Characterizing cognitive profiles in diverse middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos: Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (HCHS/SOL).

We investigated cognitive profiles among diverse, middle-aged and older Hispanic/Latino adults in the Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (SOL-INCA) cohort using a cross-sectional observational study design. Based on weighted descriptive statistics, the average baseline age of the target population was 56.4 years, slightly more than half were women (54.6%), and 38.4% reported less than a high school education. We used latent profile analysis of demographically adjusted z scores on SOL-INCA neurocognitive tests spanning domains of verbal memory, language, processing speed, and executive function. Statistical fit assessment indices combined with clinical interpretation suggested five profiles: (1) a Higher Global group performing in the average-to-high-average range across all cognitive and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) tests (13.8%); (2) a Higher Memory group with relatively high performance on memory tests but average performance across all other cognitive/IADL tests (24.6%); (3) a Lower Memory group with relatively low performance on memory tests but average performance across all other cognitive/IADL tests (32.8%); (4) a Lower Executive Function group with relatively low performance on executive function and processing speed tests but average-to-low-average performance across all other cognitive/IADL tests (16.6%); and (5) a Lower Global group performing low-average-to-mildly impaired across all cognitive/IADL tests (12.1%). Our results provide evidence of heterogeneity in the cognitive profiles of a representative, community-dwelling sample of diverse Hispanic/Latino adults. Our analyses yielded cognitive profiles that may assist efforts to better understand the early cognitive changes that may portend Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among diverse Hispanics/Latinos. The present study characterized cognitive profiles among diverse middle-aged and older Hispanic/Latino adults.Latent profile analysis of neurocognitive test scores was the primary analysis conducted.The target population consists of middle-aged and older Hispanic/Latino adults enrolled in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos and ancillary Study of Latinos - Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging.

The link between the early surgery-induced inflammatory response and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older patients.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication in older patients with cancer and is associated with decreased quality of life and increased disability and mortality rates. Systemic inflammation resulting in neuroinflammation is considered important in the pathogenesis of POCD. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the early surgery-induced inflammatory response and POCD within 3 months after surgery in older cancer patients. Patients ≥65 years in need of surgery for a solid tumor were included in a prospective cohort study. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, and Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were measured perioperatively. Cognitive performance was assessed preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. POCD was defined as a decline in cognitive test scores of ≥25% on ≥2 of five tests within the different cognitive domains of memory, executive functioning, and information processing speed. Logistic regression analysis was performed. POCD was observed in 44 (17.7%) of 248 included patients. Age >75, preoperative Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≤26 and major surgery were independent significant predictors for POCD. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, no significant associations were shown between the early surgery-induced inflammatory response and either POCD or decline within the different cognitive domains. This study shows that one out of six older patients with cancer developed POCD within 3 months after surgery. The early surgery-induced inflammatory response was neither associated with POCD, nor with decline in the separate cognitive domains. Further research is necessary for better understanding of the complex etiology of POCD.

Abstract P337: Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential and Cognitive Decline in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at substantially increased risk of dementia. Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), caused by clonal expansion of blood cells with somatic mutations in certain driver genes, is an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including cerebral vascular disease. In contrast, CHIP was recently shown to be associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Given emerging evidence of a key role of vascular compared to neurodegenerative mechanisms in CKD-related dementia, the relation of CHIP with cognitive decline in CKD patients needs clarity. We investigated the prospective associations of CHIP with cognitive impairment in a cohort of patients with CKD. Methods: Our study included 1989 participants aged 65 years or older from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort. Participants underwent high-depth targeted gene sequencing to ascertain CHIP status. Cognitive function was assessed by four cognitive tests (see Table ). For each test, incident cognitive impairment was defined as a test score one standard deviation worse than the baseline group mean. Sequential Cox proportional hazards models tested associations between CHIP and cognitive impairment after adjusting for demographics (model 1), clinical measures (model 2), and APOE genotype in a subset with available data (model 3). Results: CHIP carriers were significantly less likely to experience impairment in attention (Trails A) and executive function (Trails B) in our fully adjusted models ( Table ). There were no significant associations between CHIP and impairment in global cognition (3MS) or verbal memory (Buschke). There were no differences in the associations of CHIP with cognitive impairment across sex or race groups (data not shown). Conclusions: In patients with CKD, we observed markedly reduced risks of impairment in cognitive domains of attention and executive function. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and evaluate mechanisms of these relations.

Severe Sepsis During Treatment for Childhood Leukemia and Sequelae Among Adult Survivors

Children undergoing treatment for leukemia are at increased risk of severe sepsis, a dysregulated immune response to infection leading to acute organ dysfunction. As cancer survivors, they face a high burden of long-term adverse effects. The association between sepsis during anticancer therapy and long-term organ dysfunction in adult survivors of childhood cancer has not been examined. To determine whether severe sepsis during therapy for leukemia in childhood is associated with subsequent chronic health conditions in adult survivors. This cohort study included 644 adult survivors of childhood leukemia who were diagnosed between January 1, 1985, and July 19, 2010, and participated in the St Jude Lifetime Cohort Study. Participants were excluded if they received hematopoietic cell transplant or had relapsed leukemia. Data collection ended June 30, 2017. Data were analyzed from July 1, 2020, to January 5, 2024. Severe sepsis episodes, defined according to consensus criteria as septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or multiorgan dysfunction associated with infection occurring during anticancer therapy, were abstracted by medical record review for all participants. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events-defined chronic health condition outcomes were independently abstracted. Associations between sepsis and cumulative incidence of chronic health conditions (eg, cardiovascular, pulmonary, kidney, neurological, and neurocognitive outcomes) were compared by adjusted hazard ratios from Cox proportional hazards logistic regression. Inverse propensity score weighting was used to adjust for potential confounders, including age, year of diagnosis, and leukemia type. The study sample consisted of 644 adult survivors of pediatric leukemia (329 women [51.1%] and 315 men [48.9%]; including 56 with a history of acute myeloid leukemia and 585 with a history of acute lymphoblastic leukemia) who were most recently evaluated at a median age of 24.7 (IQR, 21.2-28.3) years at a median time after leukemia diagnosis of 17.3 (IQR, 13.7-21.9) years. Severe sepsis during treatment of acute childhood leukemia occurred in 46 participants (7.1%). Participants who experienced severe sepsis during treatment were more likely to develop moderate to severe neurocognitive impairment (29 of 46 [63.0%] vs 310 of 598 [51.8%]; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.61-2.16]; P < .001) significantly affecting attention, executive function, memory and visuospatial domains. Sepsis was not associated with long-term risk of cardiovascular, pulmonary, kidney, or neurological chronic health conditions. In this cohort study of long-term outcomes in survivors of pediatric leukemia, severe sepsis during anticancer therapy for leukemia was associated with a selectively increased risk for development of serious neurocognitive sequelae. Efforts to reduce the effects of anticancer therapy on long-term function and quality of life in survivors might include prevention of severe sepsis during therapy and early detection or amelioration of neurocognitive deficits in survivors of sepsis.

Toward a cross-cultural understanding of intraindividual variability metrics

ABSTRACT Objective Compare the construct validity and predictive utility of cognitive intraindividual variability (IIV) in a sample of community-dwelling Hispanic and non-Hispanic white (NHW) older adults. Methods The present study included annual data from 651 older adult control participants (Hispanic = 293; NHW = 358) enrolled in the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium for at least 5 years. Mean composite z-scores were calculated for attention, language, memory, and executive domains. IIV was calculated as was the standard deviation both within (IIV-Within) and between (IIV-Between) these domains. Results At baseline, NHW individuals obtained significantly higher mean scores in each domain than their Hispanic counterparts. They also showed significantly greater variability within and between domains, except for IIV-Within the language domain which was significantly larger in the Hispanic group. IIV-Between domains was driven primarily by IIV-Within the executive function domain in the NHW cohort and by IIV-Within the language domain in the Hispanic cohort. In both groups, the addition of IIV-Within and IIV-Between cognitive domains at baseline significantly improved prediction of global cognitive status after 5 years above and beyond demographic characteristics, genetic and cardiovascular risk. However, IIV-Between domains was the strongest predictor in the NHW group, while IIV-Within the attention domain was the strongest predictor in the Hispanic group. Conclusions Findings suggest that, while IIV-Between domains is a promising adjunctive method for predicting future cognitive decline, its construct validity and predictive utility varies based on ethnic group.

학교 적응이 어려운 초등학교 6학년 남아의 인지 행동 놀이치료 사례연구 : 가상 현실(virtual Reality), 문제해결력(PSI), ‘양떼를 지켜라’ 문제 해결 스토리텔링을 중심으로

This study was to determine changes following a cognitive-behavioral play therapy intervention with two sixth grade boys with school maladjustment. Virtual Reality, Problem Solving Skills, and "Protect the Flock" were used to determine pre- and post-test changes, and the results showed, first, increases in the domains of attention, working memory, executive functioning, behavioral control, socialization, and impulse control as measured by VR, and second, increases in all domains of PSI except for Client A's problem-solving confidence. Third, the "Protect the Flock" revealed new strategies and responses in the sixth-grade boy and a change in his willingness to use them to actively solve problems. The study attempted to measure new outcomes of pre- and post-change, including a traditional screening tool, the Problem Solving Skills Scale, and a new screening tool, Virtual Reality and "Protect the Flock" and found positive changes following the intervention of a cognitive behavioral play therapy program.

Cognitive Function and Variability in Antipsychotic Drug–Naive Patients With First-Episode Psychosis

Cognitive impairment contributes significantly to clinical outcome and level of function in individuals with psychotic disorders. These impairments are present already at psychosis onset at a group level; however, the question of heterogeneity in cognitive function among patients has not been systematically investigated. To provide an updated quantification of cognitive impairment at psychosis onset before patients receive potentially confounding antipsychotic treatment, and to investigate variability in cognitive function compared with healthy controls. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed articles were searched up to September 15, 2022. Original studies reporting data on cognitive function in antipsychotic drug-naive patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) were included. Data were independently extracted by 2 researchers. Cognitive tasks were clustered according to 6 domains of the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery and the domain of executive function. Random-effects model meta-analyses of mean differences and coefficient of variation ratios (CVRs) were performed, as well as meta-regressions, assessment of study quality, and publication bias. The main outcome measure was Hedges g for mean differences in cognition and CVR for within-group variability. Fifty studies were included in the analysis with a total of 2625 individuals with FEP (mean [SD] age, 25.2 [3.6] years, 60% male; 40% female) and 2917 healthy controls (mean [SD] age, 26.0 [4.6]; 55% male; 45% female). In all cognitive domains, the FEP group displayed significant impairment compared with controls (speed of processing: Hedges g = -1.16; 95% CI, -1.35 to -0.98; verbal learning: Hedges g = -1.08; 95% CI, -1.28 to -0.88; visual learning: Hedges g = -1.05; 95% CI, -1.27 to -0.82; working memory: Hedges g = -1.04; 95% CI, -1.35 to -0.73; attention: Hedges g = -1.03; 95% CI, -1.24 to -0.82; reasoning/problem solving: Hedges g = -0.90; 95% CI, -1.12 to -0.68; executive function: Hedges g = -0.88; 95% CI, -1.07 to -0.69). Individuals with FEP also exhibited a larger variability across all domains (CVR range, 1.34-1.92). Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis identified cognitive impairment in FEP before the initiation of antipsychotic treatment, with large effect sizes. The high variability within the FEP group suggests the need to identify those individuals with more severe cognitive problems who risk worse outcomes and could benefit the most from cognitive remediation.

Cognitive dysfunction at epilepsy onset as a marker for seizure recurrence

BackgroundCognitive dysfunction has been correlated with seizure control in chronic epilepsy and in newly diagnosed epilepsy, which potentially makes it a good marker for predicting disease course and seizure control. However, there is a lack of prospective studies examining the role of cognitive dysfunction in predicting seizure recurrence at the earliest stages of the disease, such as following the first unprovoked seizure (UFS) or new onset epilepsy (NOE). MethodsThirty three adult participants (FS=18, NOE=15) from the Halifax First Seizure Clinic (HFSC) completed a cognitive screening assessment at baseline (typically 3 months following diagnosis); seizure-recurrence was evaluated one year after the initial HFSC visit. ResultsCognitive impairment, defined as at least one z-score in the impaired range (≤-1.5) relative to published test norms, was documented in 76% of the patients with seizure recurrence at follow-up and in 55% without seizure recurrence. Speed/executive functions and Memory were the most frequently affected domains, with impaired performance noted in 35% and 29% of the entire sample, respectively. Although the seizure recurrence vs. non-recurrence groups did not differ significantly on likelihood of impairment in any specific cognitive domains, a regression model of seizure recurrence that included years of education, baseline mood and anxiety scores, normal vs. abnormal baseline MRI, and impaired (vs. unimpaired) function in six cognitive domains was significant overall (Χ2 (10) = 24.04, p =.007*, R2N =.77). The regression model was no longer significant with the cognitive variables removed. ConclusionsSubtle cognitive dysfunction, especially in the domains of executive functions and memory are prevalent in individuals at the earliest stages of epilepsy. In addition to abnormal MRI and EEG findings at baseline, which are far less prevalent in FS and NOE, cognitive factors show promise in helping predict seizure recurrence in these populations.

Clinical Potential of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound for Neurorehabilitation in Pediatric Cancer Survivors.

Cancer survivors are at a high risk for treatment-related late effects, particularly neurocognitive impairment in the attention and executive function domains. These can be compounded in pediatric populations still undergoing neural development, which has increased interest in survivorship studies and neurorehabilitation approaches to mitigate these effects. Cognitive training regimens have shown promise as a therapeutic intervention for improving cognitive function. Therapist-guided and computerized training programs with adaptive paradigms have been successfully implemented in pediatric populations, with positive outcomes on attention and working memory. Another interventional approach is neuromodulation to alter plasticity. Transcranial electrical stimulation can modulate cortical surface activity, and cranial nerve stimulation alters autonomic activity in afferent brainstem pathways. However, they are more systemic in nature and have diffuse spatial targeting. Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) modulation overcomes these limitations with high spatial specificity and the ability to target deeper brain regions. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of tFUS for modulating specific brain regions and its potential utility to augment cognitive training programs as a complementary intervention.

Neuropsychological and biopsychosocial evolution, therapeutic adherence and unmet care needs during paediatric transplantation: study protocol of a mixed-methods design (observational cohort study and focus groups) - the TransplantKIDS mental health project.

The present article describes the protocol of a mixed-methods study (an observational cohort design and focus groups), aimed to examine neuropsychological functioning and other biopsychosocial outcomes, therapeutic adherence and unmet care needs in paediatric population undergoing solid organ or allogeneic hematopoietic transplant during the pre- and post-transplant phases. Following a multi-method/multi-source approach, neuropsychological domains will be comprehensively measured with objective tests (SDMT, K-CPT 2/CPT 3, TAVECI/TAVEC, WISC-V/WAIS-IV Vocabulary and Digit Span subtests, Verbal Fluency tests, Stroop, ROCF, and TONI-4); ecological executive functioning, affective and behavioral domains, pain intensity/interference, sleep quality and therapeutic adherence will be assessed through questionnaires (parent/legal guardians-reported: BRIEF-2 and BASC-3; and self-reported: BASC-3, BPI, PROMIS, AIQ and SMAQ); and blood levels of prescribed drugs will be taken from each patient's medical history. These outcomes will be measured at pre-transplant and at 4-weeks and 6-months post-transplant phases. The estimated sample size was 60 patients (any type of transplant, solid organ, or hematopoietic) from La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain). Finally, three focus group sessions will be organized with patients, parents/guardians, and transplant clinicians (n = 15, with 5 participants per group), in order to qualitatively identify unmet care needs during the pre-, and post-transplant stages of the process. The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05441436).

An Individual Music Intervention for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities and Challenging Behavior: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are more likely to have problems with executive functioning (EF) and challenging behavior (CB), which are negatively linked to well-being. Among clinical populations, music interventions have been shown to improve various outcome measures, such as CB and EF. Until now, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of an individual music intervention for adults with ID and CB. The study aims to identify the effect and feasibility of an individual music intervention compared with care-as-usual for people with ID and CB. In this study, a 2-group RCT with a pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessment after 8 weeks is presented. Participants of the music intervention condition will receive 16 individual music sessions within 8 to 10 weeks. The music intervention will be guided by a manual for music workers, in which every session will have a different focus (introduction, emotions, different EF, and end performance). Participants receiving care as usual will function as a control group. After the research is finished, they will be offered a budget, which they can spend on musical activities or musical instruments as they wish. Assessments will include caregiver rating scales and self-report questionnaires and tests, which will assess outcome measures of CB, well-being, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and 4 domains of EF. A process evaluation will be conducted after the completion of the study, which entails the analysis of data on multiple aspects of the intervention and the study overall. Enrollment commenced in July 2021, and data collection ended in May 2023. A total of 97 participants were recruited, with 44 participants allocated to the intervention group and 53 allocated to the control group. Data will be analyzed after this protocol has been accepted for publication. Because there are currently no published RCTs of an individual music intervention for adults with ID and CB, this study will provide insight into the effectiveness and experiences of an individual music intervention for this target group. International Clinical Trials Registry Platform NL8482; http://tinyurl.com/4565s5pd. DERR1-10.2196/52497.

Unveiling the sound of the cognitive status: Machine Learning-based speech analysis in the Alzheimer's disease spectrum.

Advancement in screening tools accessible to the general population for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and prediction of its progression is essential for achieving timely therapeutic interventions and conducting decentralized clinical trials. This study delves into the application of Machine Learning (ML) techniques by leveraging paralinguistic features extracted directly from a brief spontaneous speech (SS) protocol. We aimed to explore the capability of ML techniques to discriminate between different degrees of cognitive impairment based on SS. Furthermore, for the first time, this study investigates the relationship between paralinguistic features from SS and cognitive function within the AD spectrum. Physical-acoustic features were extracted from voice recordings of patients evaluated in a memory unit who underwent a SS protocol. We implemented several ML models evaluated via cross-validation to identify individuals without cognitive impairment (subjective cognitive decline, SCD), with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and with dementia due to AD (ADD). In addition, we established models capable of predicting cognitive domain performance based on a comprehensive neuropsychological battery from Fundació Ace (NBACE) using SS-derived information. The results of this study showed that, based on a paralinguistic analysis of sound, it is possible to identify individuals with ADD (F1 = 0.92) and MCI (F1 = 0.84). Furthermore, our models, based on physical acoustic information, exhibited correlations greater than 0.5 for predicting the cognitive domains of attention, memory, executive functions, language, and visuospatial ability. In this study, we show the potential of a brief and cost-effective SS protocol in distinguishing between different degrees of cognitive impairment and forecasting performance in cognitive domains commonly affected within the AD spectrum. Our results demonstrate a high correspondence with protocols traditionally used to assess cognitive function. Overall, it opens up novel prospects for developing screening tools and remote disease monitoring.

Factors Associated with Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Persisting Sequelae of COVID-19

ObjectiveQuantify cognitive deficits in patients with postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and identify key variables related to cognitive impairment in PASC. MethodPatients with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. The comparison group included patients without neurological disorders determined by the neuropsychologist to be cognitively intact. Cognitive impairment was defined as impairment (Composite T ≤35) in 1 of 6 cognitive domains. The PASC group was split into impaired or intact based on the above criteria. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed predictors including demographics, COVID-19 severity, clinical characteristics, and mood. ResultsThere were 210 patients with PASC, predominantly female (73.3%, P < .001), without other demographic differences when compared with 369 normal controls. Patients with PASC were more likely to have cognitive impairment (odds ratio 3.61; 95% confidence interval, 2.36-5.54; P < .001) compared with controls, with significantly lower scores in domains of memory, language, processing speed, visuospatial function, executive function (P < .001), and higher depressive (P = .004) and anxiety symptoms (P = .003). Patients with PASC who demonstrated cognitive impairment (n = 93) had higher body mass index compared with those with PASC without cognitive impairment (n = 117), without differences in other predictors. ConclusionPatients with PASC are almost 4 times more likely to evidence cognitive dysfunction compared with normal controls. Forty-four percent of patients with PASC demonstrated cognitive deficits about 7 months from infection. Estimated premorbid intelligence significantly correlated with impairment. Higher body mass index was the only metric shown to differentiate those with PASC and cognitive impairment from those with PASC who were cognitively intact.