General Ability Research Articles

Generalist CFO and corporate debt finance: evidence from the Chinese market

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between chief financial officer (CFO) general ability and corporate debt financing, using all Chinese listed companies as the sample. It has significant implications for corporate shareholders and investors. Companies aiming to increase the proportion of external capital should prioritise the CFO's general ability. Similarly, investors can consider this a valuable sign before making investment decisions.Design/methodology/approachThis study follows Custódio et al.'s (2013) approach to measuring the CFO general ability index (GAI) in five dimensions, while the D/E ratio is treated as the primary proxy of corporate debt financing. This study investigates the linear relationship between CFO general ability and corporate debt financing by using the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with controlling year and industry fixed effect simultaneously.FindingsBased on a sample dataset of all listed firms in China from 2008 to 2023, this paper identifies a significant positive correlation between CFOs' general management skills and corporate debt financing. This finding underscores that generalist CFOs prefer debt financing over equity financing. The paper also suggests that corporate innovation could be a potential mechanism through which CFOs' comprehensive management skills influence debt financing.Originality/valueThis study expands upon prior research by establishing a positive correlation between generalist CFOs and debt financing. Previous studies investigating the influence of CFO demographic characteristics have predominantly concentrated on singular dimensions, such as educational background, varied professional experiences and career trajectories, often overlooking the significance of past work experience. Secondly, this paper enriches the financial literature by introducing a novel determinant that substantially impacts debt financing.

LINGUISTIC AND DIDACTIC BASIS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE DOCTORSʼ SPEAKING COMPETENCY

The article defines the content of the concept of “future doctorʼs speech competence” as an integral quality of a medical student, which is manifested in the general ability and readiness to use language means, the laws of their functioning for the construction and understanding of speech utterances in the context of professional activity of doctors; the linguodidactic principles of development of future doctorsʼ speech competence are substantiated. These include the laws of mother tongue acquisition that contribute to the intensive development of communicative and linguistic skills; general didactic and specific principles that determine the direction in the development of means of developing linguistic skills; forms, methods and techniques that correspond to the main forms of work in higher education; teaching aids, the use of which affects the effectiveness of the content of education. It is noted that the development of future doctorsʼ speech competence can be carried out using the following methods of language teaching: oral presentation by the teacher (narration, explanation, lecture), conversation, work with a textbook, observation and analysis of language phenomena, exercise method, programmed learning and interactive methods. The following interactive learning methods have become valuable for the development of medical students’ language competence: work in small groups, imitation, simulation, discussion, microphone, talk shows, rotating groups. All these methods combine into one whole the activities of the teacher and students, which are aimed at improving language knowledge, developing communicative and speech skills, allow to manage studentsʼ cognitive activity productively and realize educational, educational, developmental, motivational, control and correctional functions of learning in a higher education institution

Aging of lexical access in Chinese spoken word production: A picture-word interference study.

It remains unknown how language-production processes decline with age. Using a picture-word interference task, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of aging on lexical access and the contributions of language-specific and domain-general factors to semantic, phonological, and orthographic effects in Chinese spoken word production. After controlling for years of education, language comprehension, and domain-general cognitive abilities, we found a larger semantic interference effect for older speakers than for younger speakers, while the phonological effect and orthographic effect were comparable for the two age groups, supporting the transmission deficit hypothesis. Furthermore, discourse comprehension and general cognitive abilities were found to contribute to the phonological effect in older adults, but not in younger adults. Our findings indicate that both language-specific factors and domain-general factors contribute to the aging of spoken word production together.

Eye Movement Patterns in Russian-Speaking Adolescents with Differing Reading Comprehension Proficiency: Exploratory Scanpath Analysis

Previous research has indicated that individuals with varying levels of reading comprehension (often used as a proxy for general cognitive ability) employ distinct reading eye movement patterns. This exploratory eye-tracking study aimed to investigate the text-reading process in adolescents with differing reading comprehension, specifically examining how these differences manifest at the global eye movement level through scanpath analysis. Our findings revealed two distinct groups of scanpaths characterized by statistically significant differences in eye movement parameters. These groups were identified as “fast readers” and “slow readers”. Both groups exhibited similar oculomotor performance during the initial reading. However, significant differences emerged when they reread and revisited the text. Notably, these findings align with prior research conducted with different samples and languages, although discrepancies emerged in saccade amplitude and first-pass reading behavior. This study contributes to the understanding of how reading comprehension levels are reflected in global eye movement strategies among adolescents. However, limitations inherent in the experimental design, particularly the potential influence of the task on reading patterns, warrant further investigation. Future research should aim to explore these phenomena in more naturalistic reading settings, employing a design specifically tailored to capture the nuances of spontaneous reading behavior.

Family income and polygenic scores are independently but not interactively associated with cognitive performance among youth genetically similar to European reference populations.

Cognitive abilities are heritable and influenced by socioeconomic status (SES). It is critical to understand the association between SES and cognition beyond genetic propensity to inform potential benefits of SES-based interventions and to determine if such associations vary across (i) cognitive domains, (ii) facets of SES, and/or (iii) genetic propensity for different aspects of cognition. We examined the contributions of neighborhood socioeconomic advantage, family income, and polygenic scores (PGS) for domains of cognition (i.e., general cognitive ability, executive function, learning and memory, fluid reasoning) in a sample of children (ages 9-10; n = 5549) most genetically similar to reference populations from Europe. With some variability across cognitive outcomes, family income and PGS were independently significantly associated with cognitive performance. Within-sibling analyses revealed that cognitive PGS associations were predominantly driven by between-family effects suggestive of non-direct genetic mechanisms. These findings provide evidence that SES and genetic propensity to cognition have unique associations with cognitive performance in middle childhood. These results underscore the importance of environmental factors and genetic influences in the development of cognitive abilities and caution against overinterpreting associations with PGS of cognitive and educational outcomes as predominantly direct genetic effects.

Latent cognitive phenotypes in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Clinical, sociodemographic, and neuroimaging associations.

Application of cluster analytic procedures has advanced understanding of the cognitive heterogeneity inherent in diverse epilepsy syndromes and the associated clinical and neuroimaging features. Application of this unsupervised machine learning approach to the neuropsychological performance of persons with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) has yet to be attempted, which is the intent of this investigation. A total of 77 JME participants, 19 unaffected siblings, and 44 unrelated controls, 12 to 25 years of age, were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery (intelligence, language, memory, executive function, and processing speed), which was subjected to factor analysis followed by K-means clustering of the resultant factor scores. Identified cognitive phenotypes were characterized and related to clinical, family, sociodemographic, and cortical and subcortical imaging features. Factor analysis revealed three underlying cognitive dimensions (general ability, speed/response inhibition, and learning/memory), with JME participants performing worse than unrelated controls across all factor scores, and unaffected siblings performing worse than unrelated controls on the general mental ability and learning/memory factors, with no JME vs sibling differences. K-means clustering of the factor scores revealed three latent groups including above average (31.4% of participants), average (52.1%), and abnormal performance (16.4%). Participant groups differed in their distributions across the latent groups (p < 0.001), with 23% JME, 22% siblings, and 2% unrelated controls in the abnormal performance group; and 18% JME, 21% siblings, and 59% unrelated controls in the above average group. Clinical epilepsy variables were unassociated with cluster membership, whereas family factors (lower parental education) and abnormally increased thickness and/or volume in the frontal, parietal, and temporal-occipital regions were associated with the abnormal cognition group. Distinct cognitive phenotypes characterize the spectrum of neuropsychological performance of patients with JME for which there is familial (sibling) aggregation. Phenotypic membership was associated with parental (education) and imaging characteristics (increased cortical thickness and volume) but not basic clinical seizure features.

A special contribution from spatial ability to math word problem solving: Evidence from structural equation modelling and network analysis

There is a growing body of research into the factors contributing to math word problem solving. However, these studies usually use limited number of potential predictors (precluding assessing of their contribution in comparison with other factors or “g” general intelligence) and some predictors (such as analogical and hypothetical reasoning) are largely omitted. Thus, the aim of the current study was to explore contributions of different types of reasoning to math word problem solving and whether these contributions have added value compared with each other and general cognitive ability. Chinese schoolchildren in Grades 3 (N = 199; Mage = 102.4 months), 4 (N = 162; Mage = 114.6), 5 (N = 174; Mage = 126.1) and 6 (N = 180; Mage = 138.6) completed 8 tasks tapping into spatial, mechanical, verbal, mathematic, hypothetical and analogical reasoning. Our data showed that when 6 general cognitive factors load onto General cognitive ability factor in a Structural Equation Model (SEM), only spatial visualization has additional contribution to Word problem solving factor. Gaussian Graphical models (GGMs) showed that 2 verbal tasks and spatial visualization showed stable (present in at least 3 out of 4 grades) contributions to both word problem solving tasks. Analogical reasoning showed contribution to Process of word problem solving only. To sum up, both SEM and GGMs converged on the importance of spatial ability for mathematical word problems solving. Our results call for verbal and spatial ability to be routinely assessed and targeted by educational interventions within maths curriculum.

Sleep-spindles as a marker of attention and intelligence in dogs

The sleep spindle-generating thalamo-cortical circuitry supports attention capacity in awake humans and animals, but using sleep spindles to predict differences in attention has not been tried in either. Of the more commonly examined cognitive correlates of spindle occurrence and amplitude, post-sleep recall, and general intelligence, only post-sleep recall had been studied in dogs, rats and mice. Here, we examined a sample of companion dogs (N = 58) for whom polysomnographic recordings and several cognitive tests were performed on two occasions each, with a three-month break in-between. Five of the tests were used to extract a factor analogous to human g (general mental ability). A sixth test in the battery measured sustained attention. Both attention and g-factor scores were predicted by higher slow spindle occurrence and absolute sigma power detected in polysomnographic recordings over the central electrode. These effects persisted across measurement occasions. Higher intrinsic spindle frequency was, in turn, linked to lower g-factor scores but displayed no relationship with attention scores. The overlap in localization and direction for the effects of slow spindle density (spindles/minute) and sigma power supports that they tap into the same underlying cognition-relevant aspects of spindling. Given earlier large sample and meta-analysis validations of sigma power as a reliable predictor of cognitive performance in humans, we thus conclude that the currently handled method for quantifying spindle density in dogs indeed measures cognition-relevant spindle activity by virtue of its agreement with the sigma power alternative.

Interrupted learning across the lifespan

Continued learning opportunities are important for adaptation across the lifespan. Interrupted learning (e.g., “summer slide”) is a known, critical issue for childhood education. This perspective piece proposes that adulthood could be a period of prolonged interrupted learning with reduced learning opportunities, despite the known importance of lifelong learning. This idea goes beyond calls for healthy older adults to lead an active life to maintain cognitive abilities and to maintain basic functional skills by highlighting important lifespan circumstances that may hinder or facilitate adaptation in new and changing environments. We explore how research on interrupted learning in childhood could be applied to later adulthood and how changes in learning are viewed differently for children and adults. In addition, research on increasing abilities during childhood generally focuses on specific skills (e.g., reading, math), whereas cognitive aging research focuses on more general cognitive abilities related to attention and memory. Finally, given that interrupted learning occurs unevenly across different ages, abilities, and resources, more can be investigated in terms of who interrupted learning affects across the lifespan, and the neural underpinnings of interrupted learning. Acknowledging and addressing interrupted learning across the lifespan may promote long-term thriving and avoid preventable deficits and decline.

A head‐to‐head comparison of situational judgment tests and assessment centers for measuring and predicting the same performance dimensions

AbstractTo date, a limited set of studies have compared the criterion‐related validity of low‐fidelity (SJT) versus high‐fidelity (AC) simulations for predicting job performance. Unfortunately, these studies validated these simulations through the overall assessment rating (OAR) instead of on the basis of specific dimensions. Given SJTs and ACs were compared that measured different dimensions, our understanding of the relative and comparative validity of these assessment approaches in measuring the same set of dimensions is still limited. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a head‐to‐head comparison of the criterion‐related validity of the AC and the SJT (and their incremental validity) while keeping the performance dimensions under investigation constant. Data were collected from 406 applicants for supervisory and management positions in a large Iranian steel industry company. In this process, a general mental ability test, a personality inventory, an SJT, and an AC were used as predictors, and supervisory ratings of job performance dimensions (Thinking, Feeling, and Power) served as criteria. The AC had relatively high validity for all three dimensions, whereas the SJT had a similar validity only for the Thinking dimension. So, the SJT was significantly weaker in assessing the Feeling and Power dimensions. These results were confirmed by incremental validity analyses. Overall, this study shows that understanding the relationships between predictor and criterion dimensions plays a critical role in developing valid selection systems.

MiniCandidate: An Innovative Method for Enhancing Employee Selection

The importance of effective decision-making in human resource management, particularly in employee selection, cannot be overstated. While education helps in identifying best practices, some individuals still struggle with myopic views toward selection, often overlooking crucial attributes. In response, the MiniCandidate exercise emerges as a novel intervention, integrating LEGO® minifigures into a playful, yet realistic, simulation. Tailored for physical classroom settings, participants construct minifigures symbolizing job candidates, with each component representing different attributes like general mental ability, the Big Five personality dimensions, and previous experience. Critiquing these minifigures fosters substantive discussions on person-job fit. This innovative exercise stands as a promising tool for developing future managers adept at navigating the complexities of hiring processes.

Abilities in Modern Foreign Psychology

The article is devoted to the problems of the state of abilities in modern foreign psychology. At the basis of American psychology, the historical dynamics of a significant increase in the interest of foreign psychologists in the development of problems of abilities in the 20th-21st centuries are stated. The analysis is carried out on the basis of research in leading scientific publications published in 1991–2024. Their multidimensional and qualitative characteristics are based on a methodological and functional method of analysis, which makes it possible to distinguish types of research, their subject, method, empirical object, as well as relation to abilities such as object formation or measurement. A comparative description of the abilities of American and Russian psychology allows us to establish their thematic unity at the level of research (dominance of empirical potential), their subject (predominance of interest in general abilities), method (predominance of quantitative potential), as well as the predominance of functional measurement potential for determining problems of abilities. The distinctive features of the capabilities of American psychology are the Western volume of meta-analytic theoretical research, as well as the predominance of groups of subjects as the object of empirical research. In conclusion, it is argued that the experience of American psychology can be used in international studies of problems of abilities, in organizing discussions of some classification bases of types of abilities, in work on the number of specialized scientific publications.

Cortical Surface Area Profile Mediates Effects of Childhood Disadvantage on Later-Life General Cognitive Ability.

Childhood disadvantage is associated with lower general cognitive ability (GCA) and brain structural differences in midlife and older adulthood. However, the neuroanatomical mechanisms underlying childhood disadvantage effects on later-life GCA remain poorly understood. Although total surface area (SA) has been linked to lifespan GCA differences, total SA does not capture the nonuniform nature of childhood disadvantage effects on neuroanatomy, which varies across unimodal and transmodal cortices. Here, we examined whether cortical SA profile-the extent to which the spatial patterning of SA deviates from the normative unimodal-transmodal cortical organization-is a mediator of childhood disadvantage effects on later-life GCA. In 477 community-dwelling men aged 56-72 years old, childhood disadvantage index was derived from four indicators of disadvantages and GCA was assessed using a standardized test. Cortical SA was obtained from structural magnetic resonance imaging. For cortical SA profile, we calculated the spatial similarity between maps of individual cortical SA and MRI-derived principal gradient (i.e., unimodal-transmodal organization). Mediation analyses were conducted to examine the indirect effects of childhood disadvantage index through cortical SA profile on GCA. Around 1.31% of childhood disadvantage index effects on later-life GCA were mediated by cortical SA profile, whereas total SA did not. Higher childhood disadvantage index was associated with more deviation of the cortical SA spatial patterning from the principal gradient, which in turn related to lower later-life GCA. Childhood disadvantage may contribute to later-life GCA differences partly by influencing the spatial patterning of cortical SA in a way that deviates from the normative cortical organizational principle.

Orbital injuries: aspects of forensic medical examination in assessing the severity of harm caused to human health

Background: Forensic examination plays a key role in establishing the severity of injuries, especially of orbital trauma, which can lead to serious consequences, including vision loss. Examination of forensic reports associated with orbital trauma provides valuable information about the nature of the injuries, their prevalence, and factors influencing the severity of the injury. Aim: Analysis of the possibilities of an interdisciplinary approach based on the presence of a full ophthalmological status and computed tomography data of the skull in conducting a forensic medical examination of living persons and in the final qualification of the degree of harm to health in orbital injuries. Materials and methods: An analysis of 37 completed forensic medical examinations of living persons with orbital injuries who were treated in multidisciplinary hospitals in Moscow was carried out. The forensic medical examination was carried out in the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of the Moscow Health Department. In 23 cases, the ophthalmological status was assessed at periods from 1 week to 6 months after the injury. In all cases (n = 37; 100%), computed tomography of the facial and cerebral skull was performed. The age of the victims at the time of injury ranged from 12 to 82 years (average 39.7 ± 9.2 years). There were 29 adults among the victims (78.3%), 8 children (21.6%). In terms of gender distribution, there was a significant male predominance — 27 men (73%) versus 10 women (27%). Results: According to the results of the analysis of forensic medical reports, polytrauma with the simultaneous presence of several severe injuries to various organs and systems, combined with orbital trauma, was recorded in 12 victims (32.4%). A combination of traumatic brain injury and orbital injury without involvement of other organs and systems was detected in 9 victims (24.3%), isolated orbital trauma — in 13 people (35.1%), isolated injury of two orbits simultaneously — in 3 victims (8.1%). From the conclusions of forensic experts, it follows that in 89% of cases, the bone walls of the orbits, formed by the frontal, ethmoid and sphenoid bones, as well as the upper jaw, were damaged, which could subsequently lead to damage to the globe, optic nerve and other orbital structures. Damage to the soft tissue of the orbits with globe contusion was noted in 11% of cases. In 3 cases (n = 3; 8.1%), moderate harm to health was determined based on significant persistent loss of general ability to work. In 14 cases (n = 14; 37.8%), it was not possible to focus on the acuteness of the injured globe before the traumatic episode, due to the fact that the victims had no documented visits to an ophthalmologist before the injury. Conclusions: To objectively assess of the orbital trauma and determine the degree of harm to human health, it is necessary to have a full ophthalmological status, including such clinical and instrumental criteria as visual acuteness, presence or absence of ophthalmoplegia and globe dystopia, as well as computed tomography data of the skull, which must be presented in the primary medical documentation.

Occupational performance patterns in children with paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

Paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is a neuroimmune condition characterised by episodic exacerbations and remissions. This study investigates the impact of PANS on children's occupational performance during these phases, using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (VABS). Understanding these variations is crucial for developing tailored interventions and managing the condition effectively. A two-period bidirectional case-crossover design was employed to assess occupational performance in children with PANS at exacerbation (T-E) and remission (T-R) phases. Parents of children aged 4.6-13.1years with PANS were recruited globally, with data collected via online surveys and monthly updates. The VABS evaluated occupational performance, with analysis using linear mixed models and Least Squares Means (LSMeans) for accurate representation. Data from 27 participants showed significantly lower scores in the Adaptive Behaviour Composite and socialisation domain of the VABS at T-E compared with T-R, indicating a decline in occupational performance and social skills during exacerbations. During remission, participants demonstrated typical performance across all domains. The study highlights a marked decline in occupational performance and socialisation during PANS exacerbations, with improvements to typical levels during remission. These findings emphasise the need for targeted interventions to address occupational and social challenges in children with PANS during exacerbations, underscoring the episodic nature of the condition and the risk of misinterpreting behaviours if assessed during exacerbations. Multidisciplinary allied health support may benefit children with PANS. Although there was no direct consumer and community involvement, two researchers on our team have family members with PANS. Their personal experiences provided vital insights into the challenges faced by children with PANS, deeply influencing our study's design, focus, and interpretation, ensuring it reflects the realities of those affected. Our study looked at how PANS affects the things children do in their daily lives. We asked parents of children ages 4.6-13.1years old to complete surveys measuring this at two times: once during a symptom flare-up and once during a period of wellness. Our results showed that during symptom flare-ups, children's social skills and general ability to do daily tasks were much lower compared with periods of wellness. When children were well, their abilities were similar to those of typically developing children of the same age. This highlights the need for occupational therapy during flare-ups to help improve the lives of children with PANS.

Does Dialysis Therapy Cause Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults? A Propensity Score Matching Retrospective Study From a Japanese Long-Term Care Insurance Certification Survey.

This study explores the longitudinal connection between dialysis therapy in older adults and the incidence of cognitive impairment, and trends of general abilities. We conducted a retrospective propensity score matching (PSM) analysis of data from the care-needs certification survey in City A, Japan, spanning 2017 to 2021. Our sample comprised 11 443 initially cognitively intact older adults from the baseline year 2017. Among them, individuals had received dialysis therapy at baseline, and 216 individuals were included after PSM. The dialysis group had a significantly lower incidence of cognitive impairment during follow-up than the control group (P = 0.02). The competing risk of death was significantly higher in the dialysis group than in the control group (P < .001). Both groups showed a decline in their comprehensive ability over the time. There have been several reports of a negative association between dialysis and cognitive impairment, but more detailed investigation of the longitudinal relationship may be needed. Comprehensive support remains critical for both dialysis and non-dialysis older adults.

The Relationship Between 10-year Changes in Cognitive Ability and Subsequent Mortality: Findings from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) Trial.

Cognitive ability and cognitive decline are related to mortality in older adults. Cognitive interventions have been found to improve cognitive performance and slow cognitive decline in later life. However, the longitudinal effects of cognitive interventions on mortality in older adults remain unclear. Using twenty-year follow-up data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) trial, we examined the association between cognitive trajectory (i.e., intercept, slope, and retest effect) and mortality, using shared growth-survival models. We evaluated the effect of ACTIVE cognitive training (memory, reasoning, and speed of processing) on mortality risk. Among the 2,802 participants, 2,021 died on or before the year 2019 (72.1%). Higher baseline, slower decline, and greater retest effects in general cognitive performance were associated with lower mortality risk after adjusting for covariates. Associations with mortality were similar contrasting general and domain-specific cognitive abilities. We did not observe any significant effects of ACTIVE cognitive training in memory, reasoning, or speed of processing on all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest cognitive training interventions do not have a significant effect on cognitive trajectory and mortality among older adults; rather, older adults with higher education tend to incur greater survival benefits from memory training.

PROS AND CONS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY IN COMMUNICATION

This article examines and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of using native language for students of English classes from a linguistic and psychological point of view using a native speaker teacher as an example. Learning a foreign language at different ages has the most positive effect on the development of memory, attention, thinking, perception, and imagination in people. During the course of learning, the student develops his or her general speech abilities and becomes more versatile.

Unraveling the shared genetics of common epilepsies and general cognitive ability

PurposeCognitive impairment is prevalent among individuals with epilepsy, and increasing evidence indicates that genetic factors can underlie this relationship. However, the extent to which epilepsy subtypes differ in their genetic relationship with cognitive function, and information about the specific genetic variants involved remain largely unknown. MethodsWe investigated the genetic relationship between epilepsies and general cognitive ability (COG) using complementary statistical tools, including linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression, MiXeR and conjunctional false discovery rate (conjFDR). We analyzed genome-wide association study data on COG (n = 269,867) and common epilepsies (n = 27,559 cases, 42,436 controls), including the broad phenotypes ‘all epilepsy’, focal epilepsies and genetic generalized epilepsies (GGE), as well as specific subtypes. We functionally annotated the identified loci using several biological resources and validated the results in independent samples. ResultsUsing MiXeR, COG (11.2k variants) was estimated to be almost four times more polygenic than ‘all epilepsy’, GGE, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), and childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) (2.5k – 2.9k variants). The other epilepsy phenotypes were insufficiently powered for MiXeR analysis. We quantified extensive genetic overlap between COG and epilepsy types, but with varying negative genetic correlations (-0.23 to -0.04). COG was estimated to share 2.9k variants with both GGE and ‘all epilepsy’, and 2.3k variants with both JME and CAE. Using conjFDR, we identified 66 distinct loci shared between COG and epilepsies, including novel associations for GGE (27), ‘all epilepsy’ (5), JME (5) and CAE (5). The implicated genes were significantly expressed in multiple brain regions. The results were validated in independent samples (COG: p = 3.62 × 10–7; ‘all epilepsy’: p = 2.58 × 10–3). ConclusionOur study further dissects the substantial genetic basis shared between epilepsies and COG and identifies novel shared loci. An improved understanding of the genetic relationship between epilepsies and COG may lead to the development of novel comorbidity-targeted epilepsy treatments.

Age-induced changes in affective prosody comprehension and its relationship with general cognitive ability and social support utilization among older adults

ABSTRACT Aging can impact emotional recognition, affecting older adults’ mental health and social function. This study examined how aging affects affective prosody comprehension (APC: understanding emotions through speech) across seven emotions (happiness, surprise, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and neutrality) and its relationship with cognitive function (via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and social support (via the Social Support Rating Scale) in 199 cognitively normal older adults. We found that older adults had lower APC accuracy and more errors, often mistaking negative emotions for neutral or positive ones. APC accuracy was significantly associated with social support, and a partial least squares (PLS) cognitive component fully mediated the relationship between the APC component and social support utilization, explaining 61.7% of the total effect. These results suggest that declines in APC during aging are linked to social support utilization through cognitive function, offering insights for interventions to improve social and cognitive health in older adults.