Memory Performance Research Articles

Neuroprotective properties of a thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivative as an inhibitory agent against memory impairment and phosphorylated tau: In vitro and in vivo investigations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegeneration that results in memory disorders and cognitive impairment. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of the synthesized thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivative, (E)-5-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-3-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (TZ4C), an inhibitor of p-Tau and memory impairment, using a SH-SY5Y cell model of methamphetamine-induced tauopathy and a scopolamine-induced memory impairment model in Wistar rats.In the present study, the neuroprotective effect of TZ4C was studied in a SH-SY5Y cellular model of methamphetamine-induced (2 mM) tauopathy and a scopolamine-induced (1.5 mg/kg/day) memory impairment model in male Wistar rats (n = 48). The memory functions and learning abilities of the rats were evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance tests. Additionally, AChE activity in the rat hippocampus was quantified, and the expression of p-Tau, HSP70, and caspase-3 in both in vitro and in vivo samples was evaluated through Western blot analysis.TZ4C (0.1–1000 µM) did not exhibit significantly toxic effects on SH-SY5Y cell viability. Western blot results indicated that TZ4C led to reduced expression of p-Tau, HSP70, and cleaved caspase-3 in SH-SY5Y cells (3 and 10 µM) and the rat hippocampus (2 and 4 mg/kg). Additionally, the findings suggested that TZ4C enhanced memory function in rats with scopolamine-induced impairment and decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) specific activity.The comprehensive analysis of in vitro and in vivo experiments underscores the neuroprotective potential (improved neuropathology and reduced memory impairment) of TZ4C. These findings highlight the promise of TZ4C as a candidate for drug discovery programs to identify effective therapies for AD.

Using tannin as a biological curing agent to design fully bio-based epoxidized natural rubber/polylactic thermoplastic vulcanizates with mechanical robustness and multi-stimuli-responsive shape memory properties

To effectively mitigate carbon emissions and promote sustainability in the polymer field, biological macromolecules have emerged as a prominent strategy for fabricating functional materials. Herein, tannin (TA) was used as a biological curing agent to design fully bio-based polylactic/epoxidized natural rubber thermoplastic vulcanizates (PLA/ENR TPVs) with mechanical robustness and multi-stimuli-responsive shape memory properties. A dual cross-linking network, comprising both covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds, was successfully constructed in the ENR phase. A special co-continuous morphology was concomitantly constructed in the TPVs, which promoted effective stress transfer between the PLA and ENR phases, endowing the TPVs with balanced stiffness-toughness and shape memory properties. Moreover, the photothermal effect of TA also made it respond to near-infrared light and sunlight, which achieved the non-contact multistage shape memory performance, revealing the significant potential of the TPVs in the field of actuators.

Baseline-dependent enhancement of working memory by memantine in male rats: Involvement of NMDA receptor subunits and CaMKII signaling

N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, activated by glutamate, play a crucial role in learning and memory. Memantine (MEM), a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, is currently prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, which meanwhile simultaneously promotes a need to clarify its potential pro-cognitive effects that exist in normal healthy individuals. However, the neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying the cognitive improvement by MEM in normal individuals remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to assess the effects of MEM on working memory, measured by a discrete paired-trial delay alternation task in a T-maze in normal male rats. The impacts of MEM were hypothesized to vary depending on different baseline levels of working memory performance. Neurochemical examination of the levels of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase 2 (CaMKII) and NMDA receptor subunits within five targeted brain regions was conducted after behavioral tests. The results showed that acute administration of MEM enhanced working memory performance, with 2.5, 5.0, and 10 mg/kg doses increasing task accuracy compared to the vehicle, particularly in low performers. Neurochemically, the protein expression of CaMKII in the amygdala and that of the glutamate (Glu) N2A subunit in the dorsal striatum were greater in the low-performance group than in the high-performance group. Additionally, the protein expression of the GluN2A subunit in the dorsal striatum was negatively associated with task performance at baseline. The expression of GluN1 and GluN2B in the nucleus accumbens was negatively associated with task performance in the retest three weeks after drug treatment. These findings underscore the baseline-dependent improvement of working memory resulting from MEM administration, with observed drug effects associated with alterations in the levels of NMDA receptor subunits in striatal subareas and CaMKII in the amygdala.

Gastrodin reduces Aβ brain levels in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model by inhibiting P-glycoprotein ubiquitination

BackgroundStudies have demonstrated the potential of gastrodin in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), however, its mechanism of action remains elusive. Currently, the Amyloid-β (Aβ) cascade hypothesis continues to be the prevailing theory regarding AD etiology. The ubiquitination of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) contributes to the accumulation of Aβ in the brain during AD. PurposeTo investigate the mechanism of gastrodin intervention in AD. MethodsThe molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and microscale thermophoresis (MST) were employed to identify the action target of gastrodin. The western blot (WB) was performed to detect the protein expression level, the ubiquitination level of P-gp was determined using co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) assay. P-gp transport activity was detected using an NBD-CSA fluorescence assay. Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) was used to detect cell resistance. Fluorescein-labeled dextran experiments were performed to determine the individual cell permeability. The immunofluorescence (IF) was employed to detect Aβ deposition, the Morris Water Maze test was used to assess behavioral changes in APP/PS1 mice and the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 expression were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsThe FBXO15 was the target of gastrodin-mediated inhibition of P-gp ubiquitination. Gastrodin increased the P-gp expression, cell resistance, and P-gp transport activity of BEND.3 cells upon treatment with Aβ40 through mechanisms involving the reduction of FBXO15 and P-gp binding and the inhibition of P-gp ubiquitination. And gastrodin could effectively improve memory function and increase number of neurons in APP/PS1 mice, reduce the accumulation of Aβ40 and Aβ42, and enhance P-gp expression in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionAβ40 induces the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of BBB P-gp, however, gastrodin inhibits the ubiquitination of P-gp by binding to FBXO15, thereby increasing P-gp protein expression and enhancing its transport function.

Application of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in metabolic alterations of prefrontal white and gray matter in depression adolescents

BACKGROUND Cases of depression among adolescents are gradually increasing. The study of the physiological basis of cognitive function from a biochemical perspective has therefore been garnering increasing attention. Depression has been hypothesized to be associated with the brain biochemical metabolism of the anterior cingulate gyrus, frontal lobe white matter, and the thalamus. AIM To explore the application of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in the metabolic alterations in the prefrontal white matter (PWM) and gray matter (GM) in adolescents with depression. METHODS 1H-MRS was performed for semi-quantitative analysis of the biochemical metabolites N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho) complexes, creatine (Cr), and myo-inositol (mI) in bilateral PWM, anterior cingulate GM, and thalami of 31 adolescent patients with depression (research group) and 35 healthy adolescents (control group), and the NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr ratios were calculated. Meanwhile, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Wechsler Memory Scale were used to assess the degree of depression and memory function in all adolescents. The correlation of brain metabolite levels with scale scores was also analyzed. RESULTS The research group had markedly higher HAMD-24 scores and lower memory quotient (MQ) compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Adolescents with depression were found to have lower bilateral PWM NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios compared with healthy adolescents (P < 0.05). The mI/Cr ratios were found to be similar in both groups (P > 0.05). The bilateral anterior cingulate GM NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr also did not demonstrate marked differences (P > 0.05). No statistical inter-group difference was determined in NAA/Cr of the bilateral thalami (P > 0.05), while bilateral thalamic Cho/Cr and mI/Cr were reduced in teenagers with depression compared with healthy adolescents (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between the HAMD-24 scores in adolescents with depression with bilateral PWM NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr and were inversely linked to bilateral thalamic Cho/Cr and mI/Cr (P < 0.05). In adolescents with depressions, MQ positively correlated with right PWH NAA/Cr, left PWH Cho/Cr, and bilateral thalamic Cho/Cr and mI/Cr. CONCLUSION PWM and thalamic metabolic abnormalities might influence teen depression, and the reduction in bilateral PWM NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr could be related to the neuropathology of adolescents with depression suffering from memory impairment. There exists a possibility of dysfunction of nerve cell membrane phospholipids in the thalami of adolescent patients with depression.

Are Social Media Notifications Distracting?

Abstract: Visual working memory (VWM), due to its temporary nature, is highly volatile. VWM encoding may be easily disrupted by cues from our visually rich media environment, such as social media logos and notification badges. Yet, to what extent these social media-related cues adversely affect our cognitive processing is not well understood. In three experiments, participants performed a change-detection task with a memory array that contained colored stimuli. Next to the memory array, social media logos with or without notification badges might appear in conjunction with the memory array in critical blocks (Experiment 1) or in critical trials (Experiment 2 and 3). The presence of social media logos with notification badges adversely affected change detection performance in Experiment 1, but not in Experiment 2 or 3. Overall, the findings seem to indicate that the presence of social media logos does not interfere with visual working memory performance.

Effectiveness of Brain Training Exercises on Visual and Auditory Memory in Students with Dyslexia

Background: Dyslexia, a learning disorder characterized by reading difficulties, can also impair memory function in students. Objectives: This study aimed to address the gap in knowledge regarding the effectiveness of brain training exercises in enhancing memory function in this population. We investigated whether such interventions could improve academic success for students with dyslexia. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was utilized, incorporating pre-test, post-test, and 45-day follow-up measurements, with a control group for comparison. The target population comprised elementary school students diagnosed with dyslexia at learning disability centers in Tehran, Iran, during the 2022 - 2023 academic year. Using convenience sampling, 30 participants were selected and then randomly assigned to either the experimental (brain training) or control group through simple random assignment. Visual memory and digit-letter sequencing abilities were assessed using validated tools: The Visual Memory Questionnaire and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III) Digit-Letter Sequencing subtest, respectively. The experimental group participated in eight brain training sessions, each lasting 60 minutes, while the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were employed for data analysis. Results: Post-test visual memory scores were significantly higher in the brain training exercises group (M = 8.73, SD = 1.60) compared to the control group (M = 5.30, SD = 1.25). Auditory memory scores demonstrated a similar trend, with the brain training group outperforming the control group (M = 10.80, SD=1.78 vs. M = 6.86, SD = 1.99). The brain training program produced significant improvements in visual and auditory memory among students with dyslexia, as evidenced by post-test results (P < 0.001). Conclusions: This finding suggests a robust positive effect of the intervention on memory function. These results suggest that brain training exercises can be a promising intervention for enhancing memory function in students with dyslexia.

Toward Highly Toughened Polylactide/Polycaprolactone‐Based Polyurethane Blends With Shape Memory Property via Reactive Blending

ABSTRACTReactive blending has proven to be a versatile and efficient method for enhancing the impact toughness of polylactide (PLA). PLA/cross‐linked polycaprolactone‐based polyurethane (c‐PCLU) blends are prepared by reactive blending of PLA with PCL triol and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). The reaction mechanism, compatibility, crystallization behavior, rheology behavior, mechanical performance, and shape memory property are thoroughly studied. The FTIR results confirmed that the NCO groups of HDI reacted with the hydroxyl groups of PLA and PCL triol, leading to the in situ formation of c‐PCLU and PLA‐co‐PCLU. The phase morphology exhibits a sea‐island structure, suggesting incompatibility between the two phases. The compatibility of the blends is improved with the increase of the PCL triol feeding ratio. The crystallization ability of PLA is retarded in the reactive blend. Both the elongation at break and the shape recovery ratio increase with c‐PCLU content, reaching up to 94.0% and 92.6%, respectively. These findings show that the formation of c‐PCLU greatly enhanced the toughness and shape memory performance of PLA.

Membrane Budding Inspired Biomimetic Nanocarrier Delivers Brain‐derived Neurotrophic Factor to Improve AD Cognition

AbstractNeurotropic factors, crucial for neural cell maturation and proliferation, hold great therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases but face challenges in brain delivery. This study introduces a novel membrane budding‐inspired lipoprotein biomimetic nanocarrier for efficient packaging and precise brain delivery of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The nanocarrier is created by mixing protein‐loaded biomimetic gel with liposomes composed of lipids prone to forming liquid‐disordered and liquid‐ordered phases. This interaction triggers phase separation and lipid membrane rearrangement, enabling effective protein encapsulation. To enhance blood‐brain barrier permeability and target damaged cerebral vasculature in Alzheimer's Disease, the nanocarrier (RAP‐BHP‐rHDL) is functionalized with Apolipoprotein E3 and αRAP peptides. The obtained RAP‐BHP‐rHDL alleviates neuronal damage, promotes neurogenesis, normalizes the cerebral microvasculature, improves the function of neurovascular units, and restores memory function in 5 × FAD mice. This innovative packaging approach and biomimetic nanocarrier design offer a promising strategy for delivering neurotropic factors to the central nervous system, potentially advancing the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Gene-dose-dependent reduction of Fshr expression improves spatial memory deficits in Alzheimer's mice.

High post-menopausal levels of the pituitary gonadotropin follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are strongly associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have shown recently that FSH directly activates the hippocampal FSH receptors (FSHRs) to drive AD-like pathology and memory loss in mice. To unequivocally establish a role for FSH in memory loss, we depleted the Fshr on a 3xTg background and utilized Morris Water Maze to study deficits in spatial memory. 3xTg;Fshr+/+ mice displayed impaired spatial memory at 5 months of age. The loss of memory acquisition and retrieval were both rescued in 3xTg;Fshr-/- mice and, to a lesser extent, in 3xTg;Fshr+/- mice-documenting clear gene-dose-dependent prevention of spatial memory loss. Furthermore, at 5 and 8 months, sham-operated 3xTg;Fshr-/- mice showed better memory performance during the learning and/or retrieval phases, further suggesting that Fshr deletion prevents age-related progression of memory deficits. This prevention was not seen when mice were ovariectomized, except in the 8-month-old 3xTg;Fshr-/- mice. There was also a gene-dose-dependent reduction mainly in the amyloid β40 isoform in whole brain extracts. Finally, serum FSH levels <8 ng/mL in 16-month-old APP/PS1 mice were associated with better retrieval of spatial memory. Collectively, the data provide compelling genetic evidence for a protective effect of inhibiting FSH signaling on the progression of spatial memory deficits in mice and lay a firm foundation for the use of an FSH-blocking agent for the early prevention of memory loss in post-menopausal women.

The prefrontal cortex, but not the medial temporal lobe, is associated with episodic memory in middle-aged persons with HIV.

Identifying persons with HIV (PWH) at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is complicated because memory deficits are common in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and a defining feature of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI; a precursor to AD). Recognition memory deficits may be useful in differentiating these etiologies. Therefore, neuroimaging correlates of different memory deficits (i.e., recall, recognition) and their longitudinal trajectories in PWH were examined. We examined 92 PWH from the CHARTER Program, ages 45-68, without severe comorbid conditions, who received baseline structural MRI and baseline and longitudinal neuropsychological testing. Linear and logistic regression examined neuroanatomical correlates (i.e., cortical thickness and volumes of regions associated with HAND and/or AD) of memory performance at baseline and multilevel modeling examined neuroanatomical correlates of memory decline (average follow-up = 6.5 years). At baseline, thinner pars opercularis cortex was associated with impaired recognition (p = 0.012; p = 0.060 after correcting for multiple comparisons). Worse delayed recall was associated with thinner pars opercularis (p = 0.001) and thinner rostral middle frontal cortex (p = 0.006) cross sectionally even after correcting for multiple comparisons. Delayed recall and recognition were not associated with medial temporal lobe (MTL), basal ganglia, or other prefrontal structures. Recognition impairment was variable over time, and there was little decline in delayed recall. Baseline MTL and prefrontal structures were not associated with delayed recall. Episodic memory was associated with prefrontal structures, and MTL and prefrontal structures did not predict memory decline. There was relative stability in memory over time. Findings suggest that episodic memory is more related to frontal structures, rather than encroaching AD pathology, in middle-aged PWH. Additional research should clarify if recognition is useful clinically to differentiate aMCI and HAND.

The effects of acute exercise intensity on memory: Controlling for state-dependence.

The present experiment evaluated the effects of varying intensities of acute exercise on free-recall memory performance while controlling for potential state-dependent effects. Forty-eight young adults completed a within-subject experiment involving seven primary laboratory visits. The encoding and retrieval phases were matched or mismatched by taking place either during rest or during a less than 5-min bout of acute exercise, and at moderate or vigorous intensity. We did not find evidence that the effects of acute exercise on memory were state-dependent but instead demonstrated that memory recall was greater when memory retrieval occurred during vigorous-intensity exercise compared to rest. These findings have important implications for the strategic placement of exercise during the phases of memory (e.g., acquisition, storage, retrieval) to optimize memory performance and suggest boundary conditions of state-dependent learning. We discuss various theoretical accounts (e.g., shift in metabolic resources across brain regions) to explain these findings.

Key Proteins in Rat Cerebral Cortex: Application of Cornu aspersum Extract as a Neuroprotective Agent in Alzheimer’s Type Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most widespread neurodegenerative disorder. Recently, it was found that mucus extract from Cornu aspersum has beneficial effects on memory and cognitive processes in a rat scopolamine model of AD. The present study elucidated the mechanisms of action of standardized mucus snail extract (SE) enriched with a fraction above 20 kDa on Alzheimer-type dementia in rats. Using proteomic analysis on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D–PAGE) on rat cortex extracts, we compared protein expression in both groups: the first group was treated intraperitoneally with scopolamine (Sco, 2 mg/kg, 11 days) and the second (Sco + SE) group was treated intraperitoneally with Sco (Sco, 2 mg/kg) and protected by SE (0.5 mL/100 g bw) applied daily orally for 11 days. Brain cortex was separated and the expressions of various proteins related to memory and cognitive functions were identified. We found that the expression of Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1, Calbindin, Vacuolar ATP synthase catalytic subunit A, Tropomyosin beta chain, 14-3-3 zeta/delta, Kinesin-1 heavy chain, and Stathmin-4 significantly differs in SE-protected rats as compared to dement animals treated only by Sco, and these brain proteins might be potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s-type dementia treatment.

The complex clinical and cognitive phenotype of adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid hoarding disorder

Objectives Several studies consistently showed that patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have high rates of hoarding disorder (HD) comorbidity. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical and cognitive features of adult ADHD patients with and without hoarding comorbidity according to a self-report measure, and a sample of healthy controls. Methods Fifty-seven consecutive adult outpatients with a primary diagnosis of ADHD with comorbid hoarding disorder (ADHD+HD), 57 matched ADHD patients without hoarding disorder comorbidity (ADHD-HD), and a control group of 47 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. All subjects undergone a comprehensive clinical assessment and a neurocognitive assessment focused on attention, memory, and executive functions. Results The ADHD groups differed on most of the clinical and cognitive measures compared to HCs. ADHD+HD patients showed similar ADHD symptoms but greater subjective impulsivity, mood and anxiety symptoms, and a greater functional impairment compared to ADHD-HD patients as well as greater attentional and executive functioning impairments. Conclusions ADHD patients with comorbid hoarding disorder present a more complex clinical and neuropsychological phenotype correlated to a greater functional impairment compared to ADHD patients without this comorbidity. These results further highlight the relevance of assessing and treating hoarding behaviours in adults with ADHD.

The impact of sex on memory during aging and Alzheimer's disease progression: Epigenetic mechanisms.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, disability, and death in the elderly. While the etiology of AD is unknown, there are several established risk factors for the disease including, aging, female sex, and genetics. However, specific genetic mutations only account for a small percentage (1-5%) of AD cases and the much more common sporadic form of the disease has no causative genetic basis, although certain risk factor genes have been identified. While the genetic code remains static throughout the lifetime, the activation and expression levels of genes change dynamically over time via epigenetics. Recent evidence has emerged linking changes in epigenetics to the pathogenesis of AD, and epigenetic alterations also modulate cognitive changes during physiological aging. Aging is the greatest risk factor for the development of AD and two-thirds of all AD patients are women, who experience an increased rate of symptom progression compared to men of the same age. In humans and other mammalian species, males and females experience aging differently, raising the important question of whether sex differences in epigenetic regulation during aging could provide an explanation for sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. This review explores distinct epigenetic changes that impact memory function during aging and AD, with a specific focus on sexually divergent epigenetic alterations (in particular, histone modifications) as a potential mechanistic explanation for sex differences in AD.

Closed-Loop Auditory Stimulation (CLAS) During Sleep Augments Language and Discovery Learning

Background/Objectives: Slow oscillation (SO) brainwaves observed during sleep have been shown to reflect the process of memory consolidation, that underlies the critical role of sleep in learning, memory, and other cognitive functions. Closed-loop auditory stimulation (CLAS) uses tones presented in phase with SOs to increase their amplitude and number, along with other brainwave signatures related to memory consolidation. Prior studies have found that CLAS maximizes the ability to perform rote memorization tasks, although this remains controversial. The present study examined whether CLAS affects a broader range of learning tasks than has been tested previously, including a rote language learning task requiring basic memorization and also two discovery learning tasks requiring insight, hypothesis testing, and integration of experience, all processes that benefit from memory consolidation. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy participants performed language and discovery learning tasks before sleeping in our laboratory for three continuous nights per week over two weeks, with verum or control CLAS using a prototype NeuroGevity system (NeuroGeneces, Inc., Santa Fe, NM, USA) in a crossed, randomized, double-blind manner. Results: Language learning showed a 35% better word recall (p = 0.048), and discovery learning showed a 26% better performance (p &lt; 0.001) after three continuous nights of CLAS vs. control. EEG measures showed increased SO amplitude and entrainment, SO-spindle coupling, and other features that may underlie the learning benefits of CLAS. Conclusions: Taken together, the present results show that CLAS can alter brain dynamics and enhance learning, especially in complex discovery learning tasks that may benefit more from memory consolidation compared with rote word pair or language learning.

A systematic review: enhancing stroke recovery through complementary interventions—Clinical outcomes and neural activity insights

The growing interest in complementary interventions for stroke recovery necessitates the need for neural insights to aid in making evidence-based clinical decisions. This systematic review examined the brain activation effects of complementary therapies, including acupuncture (n = 5), motor imagery therapy (MIT) (n = 5), music (n = 3), and virtual reality (VR) interventions (n = 3), on clinical outcomes and neural activity in stroke patients. All therapies engaged motor and sensory networks, frontal regions, parietal regions, and temporal regions, suggesting their potential to improve motor control, attention, memory, and cognitive function. Acupuncture activated motor areas in both hemispheres, while MIT stimulated frontoparietal regions in both sides of the brain, supporting whole-body integration in recovery. In contrast, VR therapy exhibited ipsilesional lateralization, while music therapy showed left-lateralization. The review also found that increased interhemispheric connectivity between motor regions, along with intrahemispheric ipsilesional connectivity between motor, cognitive, and sensory areas, is key to achieving better clinical outcomes.Systematic Review Registrationhttp://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier (ID: CRD42023455192).

Enhancing cognitive abilities in young adults with ADHD through instrumental music training: a comparative analysis of musicians and non-musicians.

Extensive research highlights the multifaceted benefits of active musical engagement across all ages, from childhood to the elderly. The practice of a musical instrument activates numerous brain regions, enhancing a range of neurocognitive skills. Despite accumulating evidence from various clinical populations, research on the effects of musical training in individuals with ADHD is scarce, with virtually no studies focusing on adults. This study aims to fill the gap by evaluating the impact of long-term instrumental music training on cognitive abilities in young adults (18-35 years) diagnosed with ADHD. Cognitive abilities were compared across groups of 48 musicians (experienced guitar or piano players) and 46 matched non-musicians, all confirmed to have ADHD. The assessments covered cognitive domains such as sustained attention, visuospatial processing, processing speed, graphomotor speed, working memory, auditory recall, response inhibition, and executive function. Evaluation tools included the Digit-Symbol Coding Test, Digit Span Test, Symbol Search Test, Switching Task, and Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Collectively, the results indicated a notable enhancement in cognitive performance in the musician group compared to the non-musician group, including in functions central to the disorder, such as sustained attention and impulse control. Musicians scored higher on the Digit-Symbol Coding, Digit Span, and Symbol Search tests, showed lower error rates and greater consistency in reaction times in the Switching Task, and had fewer commission errors in the CPT. The findings support the integration of specialized musical training in therapeutic and support programs for ADHD, suggesting benefits that may extend into adulthood.

Impact of Nutritional Minerals Biomarkers on Cognitive Performance Among Bangladeshi Rural Adolescents—A Pilot Study

Background: Nutritional metals (NM) are essential for neurodevelopment and cognitive performance during growth. Nevertheless, epidemiological evidence regarding the associations between NM and brain function remains understudied, particularly among adolescents. Therefore, the objective of this pilot study was to examine the effects of NM biomarkers such as iron (Fe), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) on neurobehavioral functions among a group of rural Bangladeshi adolescents. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 105 adolescents aged 13–17 from Araihazar, Bangladesh. Cognitive function was assessed using the computer-based Behavioral Assessment and Research System (BARS), focusing attention, memory, and executive function, and blood NM levels (Fe, Se, Zn, Mg, and Cu) were measured. Associations between individual minerals, NM composite scores, and cognition were analyzed using multiple linear regressions. Results: This study included 47 boys and 58 girls with an average age of 15 years. Fe levels were correlated with Continuous Performance Test (CPT) latency (r = −0.42, p &lt; 0.05) and Se levels correlated with Match-to-Sample (MTS) correct count (r = 0.32, p &lt; 0.01). Linear regressions showed that Se was associated with MTS correct count (b = 0.02, 95%CI: 0.01, −0.04), reflecting visual memory, and Fe was associated with CPT latency (b = −0.68, 95%CI: −1.11, −0.26), reflecting improved attention. The same BARS measures were also significantly associated with the 3-NM composite score. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that NM, particularly Fe, Se, and NM mixtures, could play a crucial role in brain development and neurocognitive function during adolescence. Further studies will help design national public health policies and strategies to address and mitigate brain health deficiencies among adolescents.

The Impact of Modern Technology on Photographic Memory: Evidence from African Rural University

This study investigates the impact of modern technology on photographic memory among university students at African Rural University, focusing on how digital tools influence memory retention and recall. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative memory assessments with qualitative interviews and surveys to explore students’ experiences and perceptions. Findings indicate a complex relationship where extensive technology use—particularly smartphones correlate with diminished self-reported memory confidence and recall capabilities. Despite acknowledging that technology may hinder their innate memory abilities, students often rely on these tools for academic success. Visual and auditory memory tests revealed that many participants struggled with detailed recall, reinforcing concerns about cognitive overload. The study concludes that while technology offers organizational benefits, it may simultaneously impair natural memory functions, highlighting the need for balanced technology integration in educational practices. Recommendations include training on memory strategies, practice sessions, and promoting active recall techniques to enhance memory retention amidst technological reliance. Future research should explore the long-term effects of technology use on memory development.