Improvement In Cognitive Function Research Articles

Immediate and long-term electrophysiological biomarkers of antidepressant-like behavioral effects after subanesthetic ketamine and medial prefrontal cortex deep brain stimulation treatment.

Both ketamine (KET) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) deep brain stimulation (DBS) are emerging therapies for treatment-resistant depression, yet our understanding of their electrophysiological mechanisms and biomarkers is incomplete. This study investigates aperiodic and periodic spectral parameters, and the signal complexity measure sample entropy, within mPFC local field potentials (LFP) in a chronic corticosterone (CORT) depression model after ketamine and/or mPFC DBS. Male rats were intraperitoneally administered CORT or vehicle for 21 days. Over the last 7 days, animals receiving CORT were treated with mPFC DBS, KET, both, or neither; then tested across an array of behavioral tasks for 9 days. We found that the depression-like behavioral and weight effects of CORT correlated with a decrease in aperiodic-adjusted theta power (5-10 Hz) and an increase in sample entropy during the administration phase, and an increase in theta peak frequency and a decrease in the aperiodic exponent once the depression-like phenotype had been induced. The remission-like behavioral effects of ketamine alone correlated with a post-treatment increase in the offset and exponent, and decrease in sample entropy, both immediately and up to eight days post-treatment. The remission-like behavioral effects of mPFC DBS alone correlated with an immediate decrease in sample entropy, an immediate and sustained increase in low gamma (20-50 Hz) peak width and aperiodic offset, and sustained improvements in cognitive function. Failure to fully induce remission-like behavior in the combinatorial treatment group correlated with a failure to suppress an increase in sample entropy immediately after treatment. Our findings therefore support the potential of periodic theta parameters as biomarkers of depression-severity; and periodic low gamma parameters and cognitive measures as biomarkers of mPFC DBS treatment efficacy. They also support sample entropy and the aperiodic spectral parameters as potential cross-modal biomarkers of depression severity and the therapeutic efficacy of mPFC DBS and/or ketamine. Study of these biomarkers is important as objective measures of disease severity and predictive measures of therapeutic efficacy can be used to personalize care and promote the translatability of research across studies, modalities, and species.

Microstructural Changes in the Cerebral White Matter After 12 Months of CPAP Treatment for Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A TBSS Study.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy improves clinical symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, the mechanism of this clinical improvement and how it may be associated with the restoration of white matter (WM) structures in the brain is unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between the structural recovery of brain WM and improvements in cognitive function and emotion after long-term (12 months) CPAP treatment in patients with OSA. We collected data from 17 patients with OSA before and 12 months after CPAP treatment, including sleep monitoring, clinical assessment, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) magnetic resonance imaging. We observed a partial reversible recovery of brain WM (mean and radial diffusion coefficients) after treatment. This recovery involved the commissural fibers (cingulum, body of corpus callosum), projection fibers (retrolenticular part of the internal capsule, posterior thalamic radiation, posterior limb of the internal capsule, superior corona radiata, posterior corona radiata), association fibers (external capsule, superior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus), and other regions. In addition, the improvements in WM fibers in one part of the brain significantly were correlated with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale scores. Our results suggest that reversible recovery of reduced brain WM integrity due to OSA may require longer CPAP treatment. Moreover, changes in the integrity of the commissural fibers were associated with emotion regulation. These restored WM areas may explain the cognitive and mood improvements observed after OSA treatment.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effectiveness of Prospekta in the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment of varying severity

To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of Prospekta in the treatment of SCI of varying severity. The meta-analysis included the results of RCTs of the efficacy of Prospekta in the treatment of VCI, the severity of which was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Scale (MoCA). The pooled effect estimate included all publications of double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs that provided sufficient MoCA efficacy data to support further statistical analysis. The main result of the meta-analysis was obtained for the final values of the efficacy indicator in the groups of patients receiving the drug Prospekta, in comparison with the placebo group. A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of Prospekta in the treatment of SCI of varying severity was carried out based on data from 3 RCTs and 2 CTs involving 12.701 patients aged 18 years and older. When using the mixed models method, the effect size for the endpoint «change in total MoCA score from baseline to follow-up visit» was 3.4 points for Prospekta (2.7 points for placebo, p<0.0001); for the end point «∆ between changes in the total score on the MoCA scale while taking Prospekta and placebo» - 0.6736 points (p<0.0001). A statistically significant improvement in cognitive function according to the MoCA scale was demonstrated in patients with VCI using the drug Prospekta.

Trimetazidine attenuates neuroinflammation via TLR4/NF-KB pathway inhibition in lipopolysaccharides-induced dementia in rats

Neurodegenerative dementia impairs mental ability and short-term memory. This study investigated the effectiveness of trimetazidine (TMZ) in mitigating lipopolysaccharides-induced dementia in rats. Fifty male rats were randomly assigned into five groups; normal control, dementia, whereas other groups represented as dementia groups administered with 20, 40 mg/kg of TMZ, and 10 mg/kg of memantine, successively. Behavioral testing demonstrated a cognitive decline in dementia rats. Moreover, treatment with TMZ or memantine revealed a substantial decline in serum tau and phosphorylated tau with concurrent amelioration of serum Amyloid beta 1-42, neurogranin, 3-methoxy4-hydroxyphenyl glycol, APL1b25, APL1b27, and APL1b28 levels. Furthermore, such treatments yielded a significant down-expression of hippocampal toll-like receptor 4, NF-kB, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, caspase-3, and over-expression of Bcl-2 gene along with remarkable improvement in the hippocampal histoarchitecture as well as in the ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 immunostaining compared the derangement in the dementia group. This study sheds light on TMZs neuroprotective effect on dementia pathophysiology by counteracting neuroinflammation. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of TMZ in attenuating lipopolysaccharide-induced dementia in rats, offering significant cognitive and molecular benefits. The observed improvements in cognitive performance, serum markers, and hippocampal gene expression patterns collectively highlight TMZs neuroprotective capacity, suggesting its viability as a promising therapeutic intervention for addressing neurodegenerative dementia.

High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Its Effects on Symptoms, Cognition and Subjective Experiences in Chronic Schizophrenia: A Sham-Controlled Study.

Our object is to examine the effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the symptoms, cognitive functions and subjective experiences in patients with chronic schizophrenia and to enhance the overall understanding of the TMS method. Thirty three patients who had chronic schizophrenia were included in the study. Seventeen patients received rTMS and 16 received sham. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status Scale, Insight and Treatment Attitudes Questionnaire and a self-experience checklist developed by the researchers to evaluate post-TMS experiences were applied to all patients. There were no statistical differences between the groups with regard to symptoms, cognitive functions and insight. However rTMS group reported overall better treatment experience and more positive subjective experiences. rTMS treatment did not cause any improvement in symptoms, cognitive functions and insight but provided a better self-experience, which might improve treatment compliance.

Cognitive-motor exergame training on a labile surface in stroke inpatients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Cognitive-motor training in form of exergames has been found to be feasible and effective for the improvement of motor and cognitive functioning in older adults and several patient populations. Exergame training under unstable conditions might increase the proprioceptive resources needed and thus might be a superior training approach compared to exergame training on stable ground for stroke patients, who often have proprioceptive deficits. Aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and effects of exergame-based cognitive-motor training on a labile platform on physical and cognitive functioning in stroke inpatients. This is two-armed pilot randomized controlled trial taking place in an inpatient neurologic rehabilitation clinic. A total of 30 persons that are undergoing inpatient rehabilitation due to a stroke will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). Participants of the IG will receive exergame-based motor-cognitive training on a labile surface, whereas participants of the CG will train on a stable surface. Primary outcome is feasibility comprising measures of adherence, attrition, safety and usability. Secondary outcomes will be measures of cognitive (psychomotor speed, inhibition, selective attention, cognitive flexibility, brain activity) and motor (functional mobility, gait speed, balance, proprioception) functioning. Data collection started in February 2024 and is expected to be completed by August 2024. This is the first study looking into exergame training on labile surface in stroke patients. It will give valuable insights into the feasibility and potential added value of this type of training and thus inform further implementation efforts in the context of inpatient rehabilitation. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06296069.

Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation to Recover Memory and Learning Trial (AFFIRMING): Rationale and Design of a Multi-center, Double-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: People with atrial fibrillation (AF) have elevated risk of developing cognitive impairment. At present, there is a dearth of randomized controlled trials investigating cognitive impairment management in patients with AF. The Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation to Recover Memory and learning (AFFIRMING) study is aimed at evaluating the potential for computerized cognitive training to improve cognitive function in patients with AF. Methods: The study is a multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled study using a 1:1 parallel design. A total of 200 patients with AF and mild cognitive decline without dementia are planned to be recruited. The intervention group will use the adaptive training software with changes in difficulty, whereas the positive control group will use basic training software with minimal or no variation in difficulty level. At the end of 12 weeks, the participants will be unblinded, and the positive control group will stop training. The intervention group will be rerandomized 1:1 to stop training or continue training. All participants will be followed up until 24 weeks. The primary endpoint is the proportion of the improvement of the global cognitive function at week 12 compared with baseline, using the Basic Cognitive Ability Test (BCAT).

Evaluating physical therapy interventions for pediatric developmental disorders: Enhancing motor skill

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of specific physical therapy interventions, including Metaverse Physical Therapy, Nintendo Wii-integrated therapy, Whole-Body Vibration training, Segmental trunk and head control training, Ride-on car training, swimming programs, structured bimanual skill training, and running interventions in enhancing motor skills in children with pediatric developmental disorders. Methodology: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal studies published from 2013 to 2023 was conducted. Studies that compared the effects of innovative physical therapy interventions such as metaverse physical therapy, virtual reality-enhanced treatments, and Nintendo Wii-integrated therapy, and traditional physical therapies on children with developmental disorders were included. Primary outcomes assessed included improvements in motor skills, cognitive functions, and social interactions. Results: The review identified significant improvements in motor function across various interventions. Innovations like metaverse physical therapy and virtual reality-enhanced treatments showed additional benefits in engagement and motivation. While all interventions generally improved motor skills, those incorporating advanced technologies and integrative approaches also positively impacted cognitive and social development, although to varying degrees. Conclusion: Physical therapy, particularly when integrating new technologies and holistic approaches, is crucial for improving overall development in children with developmental disorders. The review highlights the need for personalized, multifaceted therapy plans that address not only physical but also cognitive and social needs to optimize outcomes.

Effects of Banhabaekchulcheonma-Tang on Brain Injury and Cognitive Function Impairment Caused by Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Stenosis in a Mouse Model.

Vascular dementia (VD) is the second most prevalent dementia type, with no drugs approved for its treatment. Here, the effects of Banhabaekchulcheonma-Tang (BBCT) on ischemic brain injury and cognitive function impairment were investigated in a bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) mouse model. Mice were divided into sham-operated, BCAS control, L-BBCT (40 ml/kg), and H-BBCT (80 ml/kg) groups. BBCT's effects were characterized using the Y-maze test, novel object recognition test (NORT), immunofluorescence staining, RNA sequencing, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses. The NORT revealed cognitive function improvement in the H-BBCT group, while the Y-maze test revealed no significant difference among the four groups. The CD68+ microglia and GFAP+ astrocyte numbers were reduced in the H-BBCT group. Furthermore, H-BBCT treatment restored the dysregulation of gene expression caused by BCAS. The major BBCT targets were predicted to be cell division cycle protein 20 (CDC20), Epidermal growth factor (EGF), and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1). BBCT regulates the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and neuropeptide signaling pathways, as predicted by KEGG and GO analyses, respectively. BBCT significantly improved cognitive impairment in a BCAS mouse model by inhibiting microglial and astrocyte activation and regulating the expression of CDC20, EGF, TRAF1, and key proteins in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and neuropeptide signaling pathways.

Psychotherapeutic interventions in the system of psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with cognitive disorders on the background of COVID-19

It is a well-known fact that for most people who have had coronavirus disease, cognitive impairment is one of the most persistent and debilitating consequences, along with anxiety and depressive disorders. The aim of the study was to develop and test a set of psychotherapeutic interventions in the system of psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with cognitive disorders in the setting of COVID-19. To achieve this goal, subject to the signing of informed consent in compliance with the principles of bioethics and deontology, we conducted a comprehensive clinical, psychopathological and psychodiagnostic examination of 75 patients (37 women and 38 men) with cognitive disorders in the setting of COVID-19, both sexes, with an average age of (39.0±3.4) years. According to the results of the study, 56.2% of men and 57.9% of women had mild cognitive disorders and 43.8% and 42.1%, respectively, moderate cognitive disorders, which were manifested by a decrease in verbal, concentration, distraction, and slower information processing speed, difficulty in remembering recent events, difficulty in long-term concentration and slowing down the pace, slight difficulty in orientation, decreased perceptual and diagnostic performance, decreased speed of counting operations, and a pronounced reaction of mental fatigue. According to the results of the study, against the background of the developed complex of psychotherapeutic interventions, 84.8% of the examined men and 86.3% of women showed positive dynamics of psychopathological symptoms, improvement of cognitive status and increased psychosocial adaptation. There was an improvement in overall cognitive performance according to the Addenbrooke's Scale for the Assessment of Cognitive Abilities (79.6% and 81.2% of the subjects, respectively). The data obtained in the course of the study indicate the effectiveness of a complex of psychotherapeutic interventions using cognitive training, cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, art therapy and psychoeducation in the system of psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with cognitive disorders in the setting of COVID-19. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2 virus, cognition, cognitive abilities.

노인의 인지기능 저하 예방을 위한 청각 집중력 게임 개발에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to develop an auditory concentration game to prevent cognitive decline in the elderly. Previous studies have identified that hearing loss affects cognitive function due to the process of aging, and it has been confirmed that it is necessary to prevent this. Accordingly, based on Keller's (2013) ARCS model, an auditory concentration game was developed to prevent cognitive decline in the elderly with advice from two board game developers and an education expert. The auditory concentration game is, first, a card image and sound source that consider the emotions of the elderly with the goal of maintaining and improving cognitive function of the elderly. Through the auditory concentration game, interest and motivation for the prevention of cognitive decline were induced through the auditory concentration game, and the will to prevent dementia was promoted to improve cognitive function. Second, the stage of game development was reorganized into ideas and concept planning → category and mechanism → game rule production → game design and component production → game test five-step procedure, and it was produced with images and sound source considering the emotions of the elderly. Third, the sound source is significant in that it can be recorded in consideration of the emotions of the elderly and enjoyed various game methods, and can be applied to the cognitive program of the elderly by adjusting the difficulty of the game. Based on this study, the following studies are needed in subsequent studies. First, since it was developed as an auditory concentration game to prevent cognitive decline in the elderly, it is necessary to analyze whether it has an effect on the improvement of cognitive function. Second, it is necessary to analyze the correlation or difference because it was targeted at the entire elderly regardless of gender. Third, it is necessary to develop a specific instructional plan that can be used for the cognitive program of the elderly, and it is expected to be used as a cognitive program for the elderly such as senior citizen centers after supplementing and modifying the currently developed auditory concentration game to produce a complete game.

Cognitive training for Alzheimer’s disease

The article presents selected approaches to cognitive training for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Based on research findings, the combination of training and pharmacological treatment may delay the disease processes in dementia, ensuring that both patients and their caregivers enjoy longer lives and improved well-being. The Montessori Senior Method, recently gaining popularity in Poland, focuses on developing independence through adapted interactions, which can be particularly effective for elderly people. Instrumental Enrichment, on the other hand, uses learning mediation and prioritizes the creation of coping strategies that may be helpful in maintaining cognitive functions. Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily activities, which can be important for the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. This type of impact is usually holistic, encompassing both the patient and the caregiver. Errorless Learning and reality orientation training are other techniques that can be effective in maintaining cognitive functions, with easy adaptability to patients’ difficulties. These techniques allow working on a specific skill that is important to the patient. Computerised training and the use of virtual reality (Virtual Reality and Immersive Virtual Reality) also bring positive effects in terms of improving cognitive, sensory, motor, and emotional functions, but the costs and availability of equipment may pose a challenge for families, caregivers, and care facilities. A variety of training approaches may benefit patients with Alzheimer’s disease, both in terms of improvement of cognitive function and quality of life. It is important to continue research on the effectiveness of these methods and adapt them to the individual needs of patients.

Effects of Vitamin B 12 Supplementation on Cognitive Function in Survivors of Hemorrhagic Stroke

Background: Hemorrhagic stroke often leads to significant cognitive deficits in survivors. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in neurological functions, suggesting its potential in cognitive recovery post-stroke. This retrospective cohort study explored the impact of Vitamin B12 supplementation on cognitive function in hemorrhagic stroke survivors, a subject that holds substantial importance in stroke rehabilitation and patient care. Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of Vitamin B12 supplementation in improving cognitive function, as measured by MMSE and MoCA scores, in adults who have recently survived a hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: The study included 75 adults diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke within the last six months. Participants were administered a daily oral dose of 1000 mcg of Vitamin B12 for three months. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at the start and end of the supplementation period. Additionally, Vitamin B12 levels were measured at baseline and after three months to gauge the physiological uptake of the supplement. Results: The study observed significant improvements in cognitive function, with the MMSE score increasing by an average of 2.2 (p=0.0463) and the MoCA score by 5.8 (p=0.0410). There was also a notable average increase of 400 pg/mL in Vitamin B12 levels (p&lt;0.05). The supplementation was generally well-tolerated, with only 8% of participants reporting minor adverse effects, a rate not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: The study provides preliminary evidence that Vitamin B12 supplementation may positively impact cognitive function in survivors of hemorrhagic stroke. However, due to the study's limitations, further extensive research is necessary to corroborate these findings and to deepen our understanding of the role of Vitamin B12 in post-stroke cognitive recovery.

Musculoskeletal injury or Sports-Related Concussion (SRC) in a season of rugby union does not affect performance on concussion battery testing in university-aged student-athletes

BackgroundSub-concussive and concussive impacts sustained during contact sports such as rugby may affect neurocognitive performance, vestibular-ocular-motor function, symptom burden and academic ability. MethodStudent-athletes (n = 146) participating in rugby union British Universities or domestic competitions were assessed on the Immediate Post-Concussion and Cognitive Test, Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, vestibular-oculo-motor screening tool and revised perceived academic impact tool. Individual change from pre-season (July–September 2021) to 2-weeks following last exposure to contact (April–July 2022) was analysed. ResultsSymptom burden significantly worsened (p=0.016) over the season. Significant improvements on verbal memory (p=0.016), visual memory (p=0.008) and motor processing speed (p=0.001) suggest a possible learning effect. Surprisingly, the number of days lost to concussion significantly and positively affected performance on verbal memory (p = 0.018) and reaction time (p = 0.027). Previous concussive events significantly predicted a worsening in symptom burden (p < 0.028), as did in-season concussive events, predicting improved verbal memory (p = 0.033) and symptom burden change (p = 0.047). Baseline performance significantly affected change on several neurocognitive tests, with low-scorers showing more improvement over the season. ConclusionParticipation in rugby union was not associated with deleterious effects on brain function. Previous concussive events and in-season factors, possibly related to learning effects, may explain improvement in cognitive function across the season.

A unique neuropsychophysiological approach to objectify emotion (dys)regulation in healthy older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

The response of older people to the COVID-19 pandemic has attracted much attention as they are at increased risk of adverse outcomes. A longitudinal study has shown that improvement in global cognitive, executive and language functioning in healthy older adults enrolled at the University of the Third Age appears to play a protective role against emotional dysregulation and mood changes during the pandemic. To date, no study has examined emotional dysregulation through COVID-19-related images using facial electromyographic recordings in healthy older adults. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the relationships between zygomaticus and corrugator reactivity, neuropsychological measures, and the affective dimensions of arousal, dominance, and valence. The results showed an unexpected association between higher zygomaticus activity and higher levels of apathy, depression, and anxiety. In contrast, increased contracture of the corrugator was associated with poorer performance on cognitive tests (global cognition, memory, executive functions) and physical status, i.e., walking speed. These results are consistent with the reappraisal of emotional stimuli in response to the challenges of the pandemic. Interestingly, COVID-19-related stimuli triggered the activation of bottom-up affectivity strategies associated with higher mood levels and interacted with top-down factors that play an important role in the dysregulation of cognitive control.

Volatile oil of Angelica sinensis Radix improves cognitive function by inhibiting miR-301a-3p targeting Ppp2ca in cerebral ischemia mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAngelica Sinensis Radix (ASR) is a commonly used Chinese medicine known for its effects on tonifying blood, promoting blood circulation, and alleviating pain associated with menstrual regulation. Additionally, it has been used in the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). The primary pharmacodynamic agent within ASR is volatile oil of Angelica Sinensis Radix (VOASR), which has demonstrated efficacy in combating cognitive impairment, although its mechanism remains unclear. ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying VOASR's improvement of cognitive function in cerebral ischemic mice. MethodsA model of cerebral ischemic mice was established through unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (UCCAO) surgery, followed by intervention with VOASR. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) test, while RT-qPCR was utilized to measure the differential expression of miR-301a-3p in the hippocampus. To evaluate cognitive function and hippocampal protein differences, wild-type mice and miR-301a-3p knockout mice were subjected to the MWM test and iTRAQ protein profiling. The relationship between miR-301a-3p and potential target genes was validated through a Dual-Luciferase Reporter experiment. RT-qPCR and Western blot were employed to determine the differential expression of Ppp2ca and synaptic plasticity-related proteins in the mouse hippocampus. ResultsIntervention with VOASR significantly improved cognitive impairment in cerebral ischemic mice and reduced the expression of miR-301a-3p in the hippocampus. Our findings suggest that miR-301a-3p may regulate cognitive function by targeting Ppp2ca. Furthermore, VOASR intervention led to an increase in the expression of Ppp2ca and synaptic plasticity-related proteins. ConclusionOur study indicates that VOASR may be involved in regulating cognitive function by inhibiting miR-301a-3p, consequently increasing the expression of Ppp2ca and synaptic plasticity proteins. These results provide a new target and direction for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction.

Impact of cataract surgery on cognitive impairment in older people.

To examine the impact of cataract surgery on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in older people. This prospective observational study included patients aged 75 years and older who underwent cataract surgery between 2019 and 2021. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and MMSE for the visually impaired (MMSE-blind) were measured to evaluate cognitive function before and 3 months after cataract surgery. MMSE score at baseline was used to categorize patients into dementia (MMSE ≤ 23) and MCI groups (23 < MMSE ≤ 27). Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between improvement in cognitive function and other factors. Of 132 patients screened for inclusion in the study, 88 met the inclusion criteria; 39 patients were assigned to the dementia group (mean age, 85.7 ± 4.2 years) and 49 to the MCI group (mean age, 84.2 ± 3.4 years). The MCI group showed significant improvement from before to after surgery in the MMSE score (25.65 ± 1.03 vs. 27.08 ± 1.99, respectively, p < 0.001) and MMSE-blind score (18.04 ± 1.14 vs. 19.41 ± 2.01, respectively, p < 0.001). Cognitive function improved significantly in the MCI group compared with the dementia group (odds ratio, 2.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-7.97; and p = 0.046). Cataract surgery significantly increases cognitive test scores in older patients with MCI. After cataract surgery, the likelihood of improvement in cognitive function may be highly dependent on a patient's preoperative cognitive state.

Enriched environment enhanced the astrocyte-derived BDNF and VEGF expression and alleviate white matter injuries of rats with ischemic stroke

ABSTRACT Objectives Numerous studies have shown that an enriched environment can promote ischemic stroke and improve cognitive function. In addition, white matter is closely related to cognitive function. The effects and mechanisms of the enriched environment on white matter recovery after stroke have not been elucidated. This study will analyse the effects of the enriched environment on white matter and cognitive function in the post-stroke brain from the perspective of astrocytes and their secretions. Methods Stroke models were used for middle cerebral artery occlusion model. post-operative rats were divided into sham-operated, standard and enriched environment groups. The degree of cerebral infarction was assessed by TTC staining and the degree of white matter damage was assessed by Luxol-Fast Blue staining. The prognosis after stroke was assessed using the longa score and Morris water maze test. Western Blot and immunofluorescence were used to quantify and localize astrocytes and their associated secretory factors and myelin protein markers. Results We found that ischemic stroke can cause severe demyelination. After EE treatment, there was a significant increase in cerebral remyelination and a significant improvement in neurological and cognitive functions. Astrocyte, BDNF, and VEGF expression were significantly higher than in rats in the standard circumstances of stroke model. Conclusion These data suggest that the enriched environment contributes to brain white matter recovery and improvement of cognitive function after stroke. The mechanism is related to astrocytes and their secretions. EE can activate astrocytes to secrete BDNF and VEGF, which may be crucial to promote white matter recovery.

Effect of a 36-Week Supervised Exercise Training Program on Physical and Cognitive Function in Older Patients With Dementia.

To investigate the effects of an exercise training program on physical and cognitive function in older patients with dementia. Thirty-eight patients with early-middle dementia (31 females and seven males), aged 80.6±6.9 years, residents in an Elderly Care Unit, either completed a 36-week structured exercise program (Intervention Group, IG; n=19), or received the usual medical care (Control Group, CG; n=19). Before and after the 36-week intervention, cognitive function was evaluated in both groups by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and depression by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS); physical function was assessed using handgrip test, Timed Up to Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Chair-Stand Test (CST), and daily living functionality by Functional Rating Scale for Symptoms of Dementia (FRSSD). As a result of exercise intervention, participants scored better in all functional and cognitive test assessments compared to the control group, as reflected by absolute and relative (%) differences in all metrics after the 36-week exercise program (p<0.001). A 36-week supervised exercise training program was found to result in significant improvements in physical and cognitive function of elderly patients in early to middle stages of dementia at an Elderly Care Unit. The promising results of this study shed more light on the adaptability of elderly patients with early and mild dementia to long-term exercise training and verified the feasibility of applying such programs in this clinical population.

MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION (MBSR): TREATMENT FOR COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT POST CHEMOTHERAPY (CT)

Abstract The purpose of this R01 trial was to evaluate the efficacy of MBSR(BC) compared to the Breast Cancer Education Support program(BCES) or Usual Care(UC) regimens for improvement in cognitive functioning among breast cancer survivors(BCS) who received (CT), or CT and radiation. Methods: BCS (212) were randomized to MBSR(BC) (n=91) or BCES(90) or UC (n = 31) with MBSR(BC) and BCES participants attending a 6-week program. Measures of neuropsychological and perceived cognitive performance, psychological and physical symptoms were collected at baseline, 6, 12, and 26 weeks. Linear mixed models assessed the MBSR(BC) effects over time. Characteristics at baseline were tested as moderators of MBSR(BC) program effects. Results: 212 BCS had a mean age of 57, 73% were White, non-Hispanic, 78% received CT and radiation; and 22% CT alone. All BCS improved across the study on all measures. For most measures, cognitive and symptom improvement effects followed the hypothesized pattern favoring MBSR(BC), followed by BCES and UC groups. Effect sizes were generally small, particularly for measures of cognition. The largest week 26 effect sizes were observed in the physical symptom fatigue, where the MBSR(BC) group improved with a 0.45 Cohen’s d effect over BCES and 0.65 over UC. Type of CT, radiation treatment, time since treatment, and informal and formal practice techniques of MBSR(BC) moderated the effects of MBSR(BC). Conclusions: Although effects were modest, BCS receiving the MBSR(BC) and BCES groups improved in objective and subjective cognitive functioning and symptoms compared to UC. Longer follow-up studies are needed to determine sustained effects.