Improvement In Cognitive Function Research Articles

Role of Alternative and Augmentative Communication in Three Cases of Severe Acquired Brain Injury: A Neurorehabilitative Approach

Background: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) improved communicative skills in adults with post-stroke aphasia demonstrating the effectiveness in speech disorders and consequent improvement of patients’ communication skills. This study aimed to report the efficacy of AAC in the rehabilitation of cognitive disorders and to estimate how the changes in cognitive and communicative functions could enhance the quality of life in patients affected by severe acquired brain injury. Methods: Three patients with pontine cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and meningioma expressed in the posterior cranial fossa, respectively, were submitted to rehabilitative training with AAC for 6 months. Patients underwent to neuropsychological and mood evaluations at the beginning of AAC treatment (T0) and after rehabilitative training (T1). Results: The results support the efficacy of AAC in the improvement of cognitive functions, particularly in memory, attention, and language domains. In addition, we described also an improvement in the quality of life and a decrease in depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The AAC seems to be an important rehabilitative technique for the recovery of cognitive functions with a consequent effect in improvement of psychological aspects and quality of life in patients with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Cistanche tubulosa and Ginkgo biloba extracts for the improvement of cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly people.

Mild cognitive impairment poses an increasing challenge to middle-aged and elderly populations. Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs like Cistanche tubulosa and Ginkgo biloba (CG) have been proposed as potential agents to improve cognitive and memory functions. A randomized controlled trial involving 100 Chinese middle-aged and elderly participants was conducted to investigate the potential synergistic effects of CG on cognitive function in individuals at risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Over 90 days, both CG group and placebo group received two tablets daily, with each pair of CG tablets containing 72 mg echinacoside and 27 mg flavonol glycosides. Cognitive functions were assessed using multiple scales and blood biomarkers were determined at baseline, Day 45, and Day 90. The CG group exhibited significant improvements in the scores of Mini-Mental State Examination (26.5 at baseline vs. 27.1 at Day 90, p < 0.001), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (23.4 at baseline vs. 25.3 at Day 90, p < 0.001), and World Health Organization Quality of Life (81.6 at baseline vs. 84.2 at Day 90, p < 0.001), all surpassing scores in placebo group. Notably, both the Cognitrax matrix test and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised demonstrated enhanced memory functions, including long-term and delayed memory, after CG intervention. Moreover, cognitive-related blood biomarkers, including total tau, pT181, pS199, pT231, pS396, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, significantly decreased, whereas triiodothyronine and free triiodothyronine significantly increased. No treatment-related adverse events were reported, and routine blood and urine tests remained stable. These findings indicated that CG supplementation could potentially serve as an effective supplementary solution for enhancing cognitive and memory functions.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Cistanche tubulosa and Ginkgo biloba extracts for the improvement of cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly people.

Mild cognitive impairment poses an increasing challenge to middle-aged and elderly populations. Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs like Cistanche tubulosa and Ginkgo biloba (CG) have been proposed as potential agents to improve cognitive and memory functions. A randomized controlled trial involving 100 Chinese middle-aged and elderly participants was conducted to investigate the potential synergistic effects of CG on cognitive function in individuals at risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Over 90 days, both CG group and placebo group received two tablets daily, with each pair of CG tablets containing 72 mg echinacoside and 27 mg flavonol glycosides. Cognitive functions were assessed using multiple scales and blood biomarkers were determined at baseline, Day 45, and Day 90. The CG group exhibited significant improvements in the scores of Mini-Mental State Examination (26.5 at baseline vs. 27.1 at Day 90, p < 0.001), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (23.4 at baseline vs. 25.3 at Day 90, p < 0.001), and World Health Organization Quality of Life (81.6 at baseline vs. 84.2 at Day 90, p < 0.001), all surpassing scores in placebo group. Notably, both the Cognitrax matrix test and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised demonstrated enhanced memory functions, including long-term and delayed memory, after CG intervention. Moreover, cognitive-related blood biomarkers, including total tau, pT181, pS199, pT231, pS396, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, significantly decreased, whereas triiodothyronine and free triiodothyronine significantly increased. No treatment-related adverse events were reported, and routine blood and urine tests remained stable. These findings indicated that CG supplementation could potentially serve as an effective supplementary solution for enhancing cognitive and memory functions.

Evaluation of seizure semiology, genetics, magnetic resonance imaging, and electroencephalogram findings in children with Rett syndrome: A multicenter retrospective study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate seizure semiology, electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and genetic findings, as well as treatment choices in Rett syndrome (RTT). MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on one hundred and twenty cases diagnosed with RTT with a genetic mutation. Data were obtained from nine participating centers. ResultsIn this study, 93.3 % of patients were female, with typical RTT found in 70 % of cases. Genetic etiology revealed MECP2, FoxG1, and CDKL5 in 93.8 %, 2.7 %, and 1.8 % of cases, respectively. Atypical RTT clinics were observed in 50 % of male cases, with the first EEG being normal in atypical RTT cases (p = 0.01). Generalized tonic-clonic and myoclonic epilepsy were the most common seizure semiologies, while absence and focal epilepsy were less prevalent. Valproate, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, and clobazam were the most commonly used antiepileptic drugs, affecting the severity and frequency of seizures (p = 0.015, p=<0.001, p = 0.022, and p=<0.001, respectively). No significant differences were observed in EEG findings. The initiation of anti-seizure medications significantly altered seizure characteristics (Table 4). A ketogenic diet and vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) correlated with a 50 % improvement in cognitive function, while steroid treatment showed a 60 % improvement. Remarkably, seizures were substantially reduced after VNS application. ConclusionThis study underscores the importance of genetic diagnosis in RTT cases with a clinical diagnosis. These preliminary results will be further validated with the inclusion of clinically diagnosed RTT cases in our ongoing study.

Impact of dance classes on motor and cognitive functions and gut microbiota composition in multiple sclerosis patients: Randomized controlled trial.

Evidence suggests that multiple sclerosis (MS) induces a decline in motor and cognitive function and provokes a shift in gut microbiome composition in patients. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the effect of dance classes on the motor and cognitive functions and gut microbiota composition of MS patients. In this randomized controlled trial, 36 patients were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (n=18) and the passive control group (n=18). Supervised rock and roll and sports dance classes were performed for 12weeks at a frequency of two times a week. Before and after the intervention, fecal samples were taken and the motor and cognitive function assessments were completed. Fecal microbiota were categorized using primers targeting the V3-V4 region of 16S rDNA. Our results revealed significant differences in mobility performance (T25-FWT), attention and working memory (TMT B), and finger dexterity (9-HPT) within the experimental group. Furthermore, we reported favorable shifts in gut microbial communities (an increase in Blautia stercoris and a decrease in Ruminococcus torques) within the experimental group. In conclusion, our randomized control trial on the effects of 12-week dance classes in MS patients found significant improvements in motor and cognitive functions, with further moderate influence on gut microbiota composition.

Impact of dance classes on motor and cognitive functions and gut microbiota composition in multiple sclerosis patients: Randomized controlled trial.

Evidence suggests that multiple sclerosis (MS) induces a decline in motor and cognitive function and provokes a shift in gut microbiome composition in patients. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the effect of dance classes on the motor and cognitive functions and gut microbiota composition of MS patients. In this randomized controlled trial, 36 patients were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (n=18) and the passive control group (n=18). Supervised rock and roll and sports dance classes were performed for 12weeks at a frequency of two times a week. Before and after the intervention, fecal samples were taken and the motor and cognitive function assessments were completed. Fecal microbiota were categorized using primers targeting the V3-V4 region of 16S rDNA. Our results revealed significant differences in mobility performance (T25-FWT), attention and working memory (TMT B), and finger dexterity (9-HPT) within the experimental group. Furthermore, we reported favorable shifts in gut microbial communities (an increase in Blautia stercoris and a decrease in Ruminococcus torques) within the experimental group. In conclusion, our randomized control trial on the effects of 12-week dance classes in MS patients found significant improvements in motor and cognitive functions, with further moderate influence on gut microbiota composition.

PEMOCS: Evaluating the effects of a concept-guided, PErsonalised, MOtor-Cognitive exergame training on cognitive functions and gait in chronic Stroke—study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMany stroke survivors remain with residual cognitive and motor impairments despite receiving timely acute and sub-acute rehabilitation. This indicates that rehabilitation following stroke should be continuous to meet the needs of individual stroke patients. Both cognitive and motor functions are essential for mastering daily life and, therefore, should be aimed at with rehabilitation. Exergames, motor-cognitive exercises performed using video games, are an auspicious method to train both motor and cognitive functions and at the same time may foster the long-term motivation for training. This study aims to assess the effect of concept-guided, personalised, motor-cognitive exergame training on cognitive and motor functions in chronic stroke survivors.MethodsThis study is a single-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Assessments are performed at baseline, after a 12-week intervention, and at a 24-weeks follow-up. Chronic stroke patients (≥ 18 years old, ≥ 6 months post-stroke) able to stand for 3 min, independently walk 10 m, follow a two-stage command, and without other neurological diseases apart from cognitive deficits or dementia are included. Participants in the intervention group perform the exergame training twice per week for 30 (beginning) up to 40 (end) minutes additionally to their usual care programme. Participants in the control group receive usual care without additional intervention(s). Global cognitive functioning (total Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score) is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, specific cognitive functions, single- and dual-task mobility, and spatiotemporal gait parameters. The target sample size for this trial is 38 participants. Linear mixed models with the post-outcome scores as dependent variables and group and time as fixed effects will be performed for analysis.DiscussionSuperior improvements in global cognitive functioning and in the abovementioned secondary outcomes in the intervention group compared to the control group are hypothesised. The results of this study may guide future design of long-term rehabilitation interventions after stroke.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05524727). Registered on September 1, 2022.

The Effects of Multidisciplinary Intensive Rehabilitation on Cognitive and Executive Functions in Parkinson's Disease: A Clinical Database Analysis.

Background/Objectives: This study is based on data collected from a medical health record review to assess whether multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients can improve global cognitive functioning and executive functions. Methods: The data related to PD patients were extrapolated from a clinical database called "NeuroRehab". A total of 104 PD patients (51 males; 53 females) performed 6 weeks of multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment in clinical practice from January 2019 to May 2023. This training program was characterized by three daily sessions of 60 min of activities (muscle relaxation and stretching exercises, moderate physical aerobic exercise, and occupational therapy). The patients were classified and stratified according to disease severity (according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale), postural instability and gait difficulty (PIGD) or tremor-dominant (TD) subtypes, disease duration (DD), and the presence of dyskinesias. The effect of multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment on cognitive and executive functions was evaluated through the administration of cognitive tests, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). All the parameters were evaluated at the baseline (T0) and at the end of the rehabilitation program (T1). Results: The multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment significantly improved cognitive performance. The MMSE, MoCA, and FAB test scores after the rehabilitation program (T1) were significantly higher compared to the scores obtained at the baseline (T0). Moreover, further analyses on subgroups of the patients who scored below the cut-off in the MMSE showed that at least 50% of patients overcame the cut-off score. Interestingly, the same analyses performed for the MoCA and FAB revealed a higher rate of improvement in cognitive functions, with normal scores in both tests after 6 weeks of multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment. Conclusions: This study revealed the potential effects of a 6-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation program in improving cognitive status in a PD inpatient cohort.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation along with cognitive training on cognitive functions and activities of daily living in patients with Parkinson's disease: A pilot randomized controlled trial

AbstractBackgroundCognitive impairment is one of the most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). In recent years, the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have been investigated on various disabilities related to PD, including sensory and motor deficits and fatigue.AimTo investigate effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) along with cognitive training on attention, working memory, reaction time (RTI), response inhibition, and activities of daily living performance.MethodsThis pilot randomized, single‐blinded, and sham‐controlled trial was performed on 32 people with PD who were blocked randomized equally into intervention and control groups. Intervention group received ten 20‐min sessions of tDCS during ten 45‐min sessions of cognitive training, while control group received ten 20‐min sessions of sham‐tDCS during ten 45‐min sessions of cognitive training. Anodal electrode of tDCS (2 mA) was placed over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), while cathode was over right supraorbital region. A blinded assessor performed pretest, posttest, and follow‐up assessments using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and four subtests of the CANTAB computer test including Match to Sample Visual Search, spatial span task, stop signal task, and RTI.ResultsThe results showed significant differences within groups over time in the mean scores of attention (F = 24.73, p = 0.00), working memory (F = 19.06, p = 0.000), RTI (F = 8.63, p = 0.005), response inhibition (F = 15.75, p = 0.000), and activity of daily living performance (F = 6.73, p = 0.013).ConclusiontDCS (anodal electrode over the left DLPFC and cathodal electrode over the right supraorbital region) along with cognitive training could facilitate improvement of cognitive functions and activities of daily living performance compared to routine cognitive exercises in people with PD.

The Effects of Dietary Intervention and Macrophage-Activating Factor Supplementation on Cognitive Function in Elderly Users of Outpatient Rehabilitation.

Age, genetic, and environmental factors are noted to contribute to dementia risk. Neuroplasticity, protection from degeneration and cell death, and early intervention are desirable for preventing dementia. The linkage between neurons and microglia has been a research focus. In this study, we examined the effects of dietary modification (a reduction in advanced glycation end products [AGEs]) and macrophage-activating factor (MAF; a macrophage regulator) supplementation on cognitive function in elderly participants undergoing rehabilitation. Participants were older than 60 years of age and had been attending a daycare rehabilitation facility for at least three months without cognitive dysfunction, severe anemia, terminal cancer, or neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. The exercise protocol at the rehabilitation facility was not changed during the study period. Forty-three participates were randomly divided into three groups: a control group receiving placebo, a group receiving dietary guidance, and a group receiving dietary guidance and MAF supplementation. The amyloid-β40/42 ratio, dietary AGE intake, plasma AGE levels, dietary caloric intake, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) screen test were evaluated. Four participants withdrew from the study. MCI screening scores significantly improved in the MAF supplementation group, especially after 6 months. Dietary modulation was also more effective than placebo at improving cognitive function after 12 months. Only the control group exhibited significantly increased plasma AGEs while the dietary modulation and MAF supplementation groups showed no change in plasma AGEs after 12 months. MAF supplementation improved cognitive function, especially after 6 months, in elderly people undergoing rehabilitation. Dietary modulation was also effective for improving cognitive function after 12 months compared to that in the control group. It was difficult to supervise meals during dietary guidance at the daycare service. However, simple guidance could show improvements in cognitive function through diet.

A Review of Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment and the Potential Benefits of Stingless Bee Honey Supplementation.

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common decline in cognitive abilities that occurs within 3 months after a stroke. During recovery, stroke survivors often experience varying degrees of cognitive decline, with some patients experiencing permanent cognitive deficits. Thus, it is crucial to prioritise recovery and rehabilitation after a stroke to promote optimal protection of and improvement in cognitive function. Honey derived from stingless bees has been linked to various therapeutic properties, including neuroprotective effects. However, scientific evidence for the mechanisms through which these honey supplements enhance cognitive function remains limited. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the causes of PSCI, current treatments, the biomarkers influencing cognition in post-stroke patients and the potential of stingless bee honey (SBH) as a neuroprotective agent against the progression of PSCI.

Effect of Omega-3 Adjuvant Therapy on Cognitive Improvement and Levels of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in Schizophrenia Patients Receiving Risperidone Therapy

Background: Schizophrenia is a disorder with severe and persistent psychotic manifestations accompanied by cognitive impairment. Treatment with atypical antipsychotic therapy (APG-2) provides only minimal benefit for the cognitive impairment of schizophrenia patients. Many efforts are currently being expanded to find new treatments that can serve as “co-treatments” to improve neurocognition from aspects of neurobiology and neuroplasticity. Several studies found that omega-3 fatty acids can improve cognitive function in schizophrenia patients.Objective: The objective is to assess the impact of omega-3 adjuvant therapy on improving cognitive function and elevating glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who are undergoing risperidone treatment.Method: A research study utilizing experimental analysis, including pre-tests and post-tests with non-random group selection, was conducted at Dadi Regional Special Hospital in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, between May and July 2023. Sample testing was carried out at the HUMRC Research Laboratory. The study involved 44 participants divided into two groups: a treatment group comprising 22 individuals who received 4 mg/day risperidone along with Omega-3 supplements for eight weeks and a control group of 22 individuals who received only 4 mg/day risperidone. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MoCA-Ina tool, while GDNF serum levels were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Significance was assessed through the Chi-square, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests.Results: There was an improvement in cognitive function and a significant increase of GDNF serum levels in schizophrenia patients who received omega-3 adjuvant therapy over 8 weeks compared to individuals with schizophrenia who solely received the antipsychotic risperidone. Conclusion: Supplementing standard risperidone therapy with omega-3 adjuvant can enhance cognitive function and elevate GDNF levels.

Effect of Omega-3 Adjuvant Therapy on Cognitive Improvement and Levels of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in Schizophrenia Patients Receiving Risperidone Therapy

Background: Schizophrenia is a disorder with severe and persistent psychotic manifestations accompanied by cognitive impairment. Treatment with atypical antipsychotic therapy (APG-2) provides only minimal benefit for the cognitive impairment of schizophrenia patients. Many efforts are currently being expanded to find new treatments that can serve as “co-treatments” to improve neurocognition from aspects of neurobiology and neuroplasticity. Several studies found that omega-3 fatty acids can improve cognitive function in schizophrenia patients.Objective: The objective is to assess the impact of omega-3 adjuvant therapy on improving cognitive function and elevating glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who are undergoing risperidone treatment.Method: A research study utilizing experimental analysis, including pre-tests and post-tests with non-random group selection, was conducted at Dadi Regional Special Hospital in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, between May and July 2023. Sample testing was carried out at the HUMRC Research Laboratory. The study involved 44 participants divided into two groups: a treatment group comprising 22 individuals who received 4 mg/day risperidone along with Omega-3 supplements for eight weeks and a control group of 22 individuals who received only 4 mg/day risperidone. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MoCA-Ina tool, while GDNF serum levels were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Significance was assessed through the Chi-square, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests.Results: There was an improvement in cognitive function and a significant increase of GDNF serum levels in schizophrenia patients who received omega-3 adjuvant therapy over 8 weeks compared to individuals with schizophrenia who solely received the antipsychotic risperidone. Conclusion: Supplementing standard risperidone therapy with omega-3 adjuvant can enhance cognitive function and elevate GDNF levels.

The Impact of Early Growth Response 1 (Egr1) on Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Function: Narrative Review

Introduction: EGR1 (Early Growth Response 1) gene expression is a molecular response that occurs in the brain as a result of synaptic activity and environmental stimuli. Early growth response 1 (EGR1) expression can be affected by several factors, including exercise or physical training. This review aims to determine the effect of EGR 1 expression on hippocampal synaptic plasticity function. Method: Literature search using data-based Pubmed, Science Direct, and Scopus online. The data used is from the year 1978 until the year 2022. Searched using English keywords such as EGR 1 and hippocampus. Results: Animal and human studies show that physical exercise can increase the expression of the EGR1 gene in the brain. This enhanced EGR1 expression is associated with increased synaptic plasticity, which includes changes in the strength and connectivity of synapses between neurons. Synaptic plasticity refers to the ability of the nervous system to change the strength and efficiency of communication between neurons. Physical exercise has been shown to increase synaptic plasticity by increasing dendritic growth and continuity, increasing neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons), and increasing synaptic connections between neurons. Physical exercise can increase EGR1 expression and synaptic plasticity. Increased EGR1 expression and synaptic plasticity induced by physical exercise are associated with improvements in cognitive functions, including memory, learning, and thinking ability. Conclusion: There is evidence that exercise can increase EGR1 expression and synaptic plasticity in the brain, especially in the hippocampus, to improve cognitive function.

Innovation Learning with POE: Improve Understanding Student to Equality Square

Purpose of the study: This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using Predict, Observe, Explain (POE) worksheets in improving students' understanding of quadratic equations. Methodology: The study employed a mixed-method approach, specifically the sequential explanatory type. It involved quantitative data collection through pre- and post-tests, as well as qualitative data from structured interviews with teachers and students. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests Main Findings: This study presents several significant main findings. Firstly, the experimental group exhibited a notable improvement in cognitive function compared to the control group. Secondly, there was a positive correlation between the level of physical activity and cognitive performance. Lastly, regular physical exercise was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline in older adults. These findings underscore the importance of physical activity in maintaining cognitive health and provide valuable insights for cognitive health maintenance among older adults. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study introduces evidence supporting the link between physical activity and cognitive function in older adults, providing insights into effective strategies for mitigating cognitive decline through exercise interventions. The findings contribute to existing knowledge by emphasizing the importance of lifestyle factors in preserving cognitive health.

Does a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation enhance both physical and psychological performance in national- or international-level athletes? A systematic review.

Some studies showed that a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has the potential of modulating motor performance in healthy and athletes. To our knowledge, previously published systematic reviews have neither comprehensively investigated the effects of tDCS on athletic performance in both physical and psychological parameters nor investigated the effects of tDCS on high-level athletes. We examined all available research testing a single session of tDCS on strength, endurance, sport-specific performance, emotional states and cognitive performance for better application in competition and pre-competition trainings of national- or international-level athletes. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Embase, and Scopus up until to June 2023. Studies were eligible when participants had sports experience at a minimum of state and national level competitions, underwent a single session of tDCS without additional interventions, and received either sham tDCS or no interventions in the control groups. A total of 20 experimental studies (224 participants) were included from 18 articles. The results showed that a single tDCS session improved both physical and psychological parameters in 12 out of the 18 studies. Of these, six refer to the application of tDCS on the motor system (motor cortex, premotor cortex, cerebellum), five on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and two on temporal cortex. The most sensitive to tDCS are strength, endurance, and emotional states, improved in 67%, 75%, and 75% of studies, respectively. Less than half of the studies showed improvement in sport-specific tasks (40%) and cognitive performance (33%). We suggest that tDCS is an effective tool that can be applied to competition and pre-competition training to improve athletic performance in national- or international-level athletes. Further research would explore various parameters (type of sports, brain regions, stimulation protocol, athlete level, and test tasks) and neural mechanistic studies in improving efficacy of tDCS interventions. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022326989, identifier CRD42022326989.

The Combination of Zhuli Decoction and N-butylphthalide Inhibits Cell Apoptosis Induced by CO Poisoning through the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway.

Carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) represents a significant global health burden, characterized by its morbidity and high mortality rates. The pathogenesis of COP-induced brain injury is complex, and effective treatment modalities are currently lacking. In this study, we employed network pharmacology to identify therapeutic targets and associated signaling pathways of Zhuli Decoction (ZLD) for COP. Subsequently, we conducted both in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate the therapeutic efficacy of ZLD in combination with N-butylphthalide (NBP) for acute COP-induced injury. Our network pharmacology analysis revealed that the primary components of ZLD exerted therapeutic effects through the modulation of multiple targets and pathways. The in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the combination of NBP and ZLD effectively inhibited apoptosis and up-regulated the activities of P-PI3K (Tyr458), P-AKT (Ser473), P-GSK-3β (Ser9), and Bcl-2, thus leading to the protection of neuronal cells and improvement in cognitive function in rats following COP, which was better than the effects observed with NBP or ZLD alone. The rescue experiment further showed that LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, significantly attenuated the therapeutic efficacy of NBP + ZLD. The neuroprotection effects of NBP and ZLD against COP-induced brain injury are closely linked to the activation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway.

Durability of Effects of Cognitive Remediation on Cognition and Psychosocial Functioning in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Cognitive remediation provides substantial improvements in cognitive performance and real-world functioning for people living with schizophrenia, but the durability of these benefits needs to be reassessed and better defined. The aims of this study were to provide a comprehensive assessment of the durability of the benefits of cognitive remediation for cognition and functioning in people living with schizophrenia and evaluating potential moderators of effects. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO, and reference lists of included articles and Google Scholar were inspected. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials of cognitive remediation in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in which follow-up assessments were included. Screening and data extraction were performed by at least two independent reviewers. Cohen's d was used to measure outcomes. Primary outcomes were changes in cognition and functioning from baseline to conclusion of follow-up. Moderators of the durability of effects were assessed. Of 2,840 identified reports, 281 full texts were assessed and 130 reports on 67 studies with 5,334 participants were included. Cognitive remediation produced statistically significant positive effects that persisted at the end of follow-up in global cognition (d=0.23) and in global functioning (d=0.26). Smaller study samples and single-center studies were associated with better cognitive outcomes; longer treatment and follow-up duration, techniques for transferring cognitive gains to the real world, integration with psychiatric rehabilitation, group format of delivery, and more female participants in the sample were associated with better functional outcomes. Cognitive remediation provides durable improvements in cognition and functioning in schizophrenia. This finding corroborates the notion that cognitive remediation should be implemented more widely in clinical and rehabilitation practice.

"Brain-IT": Exergame training with biofeedback breathing in neurocognitive disorders.

The combination of exergame-based motor-cognitive training with resonance breathing guided by heart-rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) targets various relevant mechanisms of action to alleviate the pathological state in mild neurocognitive disorders (mNCD). This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the effectiveness of adding this novel intervention approach to usual care in mNCD. The individualized intervention was delivered via the "Brain-IT" training concept, which was iteratively co-designed, tested, and refined with patient and public involvement. We observed statistically significant effects with large effect sizes for global cognitive performance, immediate verbal recall, and delayed verbal recall in favor of the intervention group. Fifty-five percent of participants showed a clinically relevant improvement in response to training. Confirmatory RCTs are warranted to investigate whether the observed improvements in cognitive performance translate to affecting the rates of progression to or onset of dementia and test the implementation of the training in clinical practice. We proposed a novel intervention approach for mild neurocognitive disorders. It combines exergame-based training with biofeedback-guided resonance breathing. Our results confirm the effectiveness of this approach. Fifty-five percent of participants showed a clinically relevant improvement in response to training.

Barbaloin Protects Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Cognitive Deficits in Rodents via Modulation of Neurotransmitters and Inhibition of Oxidative-Free-Radicals-Led Inflammation.

Epilepsy is defined by an excessive level of activity in the neurons and coordinated bursts of electrical activity, resulting in the occurrence of seizure episodes. The precise cause of epileptogenesis remains uncertain; nevertheless, the etiology of epilepsy may involve neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and malfunction of the neurotransmitter system. The goal of this investigation was to assess barbaloin's protective properties with respect to pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-)-induced cognitive deficits in rats via antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter-modulating effects. Wistar rats were subjected to PTZ [40 mg/kg (i.p.)], which induced cognitive decline. Behavior assessment using a kindling score, open-field test (OFT), novel object recognition test (NORT), and assays for superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), caspase-3, nitric oxide (NO), interleukins-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Bcl-2 and Bax, and neurotransmitter levels [GABA, DA, NE, and serotonin (5-HT)] were performed. The treatment of rats with barbaloin resulted in behavior improvement and significant changes in the levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA, AChE, NO, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax compared to the PTZ control group. Barbaloin treatment resulted in notable changes in neurotransmitter levels (GABA, NE, 5-HT, DA) compared to the PTZ group. The ongoing study has gathered evidence indicating that the injection of barbaloin has resulted in significant improvements in cognitive performance in rats. This is achieved by inhibiting oxidative stress, enhancing the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes, reducing cytokine levels, and increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. These results were detected in comparison to a PTZ control and can be attributed to the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities of barbaloin, which could be linked to its neuroprotective properties. Barbaloin may potentially increase cognitive decline and boost neuronal survival by altering the expression of Bax, caspase-3, Bcl-2.