Impulsivity Research Articles

EAAT2 Activation Regulates Glutamate Excitotoxicity and Reduces Impulsivity in a Rodent Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a systemic disease characterized by motor and nonmotor impairments. Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region in PD disrupts dopamine-glutamate homeostasis in the corticostriatal circuit, contributing to cognitive impairment. In addition, excitatory amino acid transporter-2 (EAAT2), localized predominantly to astrocytes and responsible for > 80% of synaptic glutamate clearance, is downregulated in PD, causing glutamate spillover and excitotoxicity. This altered dopamine-glutamate homeostasis and excitotoxicity may affect reward-mediated decision-making behaviors and promote impulsive behaviors in PD. In this study, we hypothesized that GTS467, a small-molecule activator of EAAT2, could effectively reduce excitotoxicity and treat cognitive impairment without promoting impulsive behavior in PD. Rats that were unilaterally lesioned with the 6-OHDA toxin to produce Parkinsonian symptoms were referred to as lesioned rats. Lesioned rats were trained to meet baseline criteria in a 5-choice serial reaction time task, and the chronic effects of GTS467 were assessed after 3weeks of treatment. The results showed that chronic treatment with GTS467 significantly improved correct responses and reduced premature impulsive responses and omissions compared with saline treatment. This improvement in performance correlated with a reduction in glutamate levels, an increase in EAAT2 expression, and normalization of NMDA receptor subunit expression and signaling. Furthermore, transcriptomic studies on the prefrontal cortex tissue have shown the differential expression of genes involved in neuroprotection, neuroinflammation, learning, and memory. These results validate the role of glutamate excitotoxicity in promoting impulsive behaviors and suggest that GTS467 can be developed as a therapeutic agent to reduce cognitive impairment and impulsive behaviors in PD.

Tyrosine Hydroxylase-positive Nucleus Accumbens Neurons Influence Delay Discounting in a Mouse T-maze Task.

Delay discounting (DD) is a phenomenon where individuals devalue a reward associated with a temporal delay, with the rate of devaluation being representative of impulsive-like behavior. Here we first sought to develop and validate a mouse DD task to study brain circuits involved in DD decision-making within short developmental time windows, given widespread evidence of developmental regulation of impulse control and risk-taking. We optimized a T-maze DD task for mice that enables training and DD trials within two weeks. Mice learned to choose between a large and a small reward located at opposite arms of a T-maze. Once training criteria were met, mice underwent DD whereby the large reward choice was associated with a temporal delay. Task validation showed that adolescent C57BL/6J mice display increased preference for the small reward upon a temporal delay, confirming increased impulsivity compared to adults. We next used this DD task to explore the neural basis of decision-making. We used tyrosine hydroxylase transgenic mice (TH-Cre) to target TH-positive neurons in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) with Cre-dependent excitatory or inhibitory Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs). Inhibition of transduced neurons in the NAc decreased preference for the small but immediate reward during DD. Inhibition of TH+ neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) did not affect impulsive choice in this DD task. These results uncover a novel role for NAc TH-positive neurons in DD behavior and expand the repertoire of behavioral tasks available for studying decision-making across the lifespan.Significance Statement Delay discounting (DD) tasks are used in rodents to study impulsive choice, whereby subjects display a preference for an immediate, smaller reward when access to a larger reward is contingent on a temporal delay. Research implicates the nucleus accumbens (NAc) brain region in impulsive behavior, with recent evidence of specialization among NAc neuronal subtypes in impulsive choice. Here we interrogated the neural requirements of impulsive choice in mice. We found that inhibition of a subset of NAc neurons expressing tyrosine hydroxylase decreases impulsive choice. We also saw increased impulsive choice in adolescent mice compared to adults, consistent with reported developmental changes in impulsivity. Together, our data identify cell-specific NAc regulation of impulsive choice with important implications for neurodevelopment.

Salivary testosterone is associated with feelings of senselessness and self-dislike in women with borderline personality disorder

ABSTRACT Background: Women with borderline personality disorder (BPD) show increased basal levels of testosterone. We investigated whether salivary testosterone levels in women with BPD were indicative of specific symptoms associated with BPD. Based on the assumed link between testosterone and interpersonal dominance, we hypothesized a positive association between testosterone and externalising, i.e. aggressive or impulsive behaviour, potentially contributing to higher burden of interpersonal reactivity and conflict. Methods: Saliva was collected from 98 women with BPD (average age in years: 28, range 18–46) between 1 and 2 pm. Self-rating scales were administered to assess severity of BPD (Borderline Symptom Checklist, BSL-23) and depressive symptoms (Beck’s Depression Inventory, BDI-II). Regression analyses targeted associations between individual testosterone levels and BSL-23 and BDI-II total and by-item scores. Results: Higher testosterone levels were associated with higher overall disease burden indicated by BSL-23 and BDI-II total scores. When analysed by item, higher testosterone levels were significantly associated with increased feelings of self-dislike, senselessness and pessimism, and the feeling of being a failure. Conclusion: Our findings show that in women with BPD testosterone levels are positively associated with increased borderline and depressive symptomatology. Contrary to our expectations, rather than predicting externalising symptoms, higher testosterone is associated with a well-defined cluster of internalising symptoms characterized by a pessimistic and derogatory view towards oneself.

White matter correlates of impulsive behavior in healthy individuals: A diffusion magnetic resonance imaging study.

To explore white matter (WM) tracts linked to impulsivity using the diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (DMRI) connectometry method. We analyzed 218 healthy participants from the Leipzig Study for Mind-Body-Emotion Interactions database. Impulsivity correlations with DMRI-derived WM changes were assessed using Urgency-Premeditation-Perseverance-Sensation (UPPS) Impulsive Behavior Scale subscales: lack of perseverance (PE), lack of premeditation (PM), sensation seeking (SS), and negative urgency. DMRI data were processed using connectometry, adjusting for sex and age, to examine WM tract integrity via quantitative anisotropy (QA). Also, two additional interaction analyses were conducted to separately examine the interaction effect between WM QA, and sex and age in predicting impulsive behavior scores. The significance level in our statistical analyses was set at a false discovery rate (FDR) below 0.05. QA in the bilateral cerebellum and middle cerebellar peduncle showed a negative association with PE and PM severity (FDR = 0.0004). QA in the middle cerebellar peduncle, corpus callosum body, and forceps major demonstrated a positive association with SS (FDR = 0.0001). Conversely, QA in forceps minor had a positive association with PM (FDR = 0.004), and QA in forceps minor and bilateral cingulum showed a positive association with SS (FDR = 0.0005). Age and sex had no significant effects on the association between WM QA and UPPS subscale scores. Impulsivity is linked to distinct WM integrity changes in various tracts, including the corpus callosum, cerebellum, and cingulum, offering insights into the pathophysiology of impulsivity and guiding future research.

Basal forebrain-lateral habenula inputs and control of impulsive behavior.

Deficits in impulse control are observed in several neurocognitive disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), substance use disorders (SUDs), and those following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Understanding brain circuits and mechanisms contributing to impulsive behavior may aid in identifying therapeutic interventions. We previously reported that intact lateral habenula (LHb) function is necessary to limit impulsivity defined by impaired response inhibition in rats. Here, we examine the involvement of a synaptic input to the LHb on response inhibition using cellular, circuit, and behavioral approaches. Retrograde fluorogold tracing identified basal forebrain (BF) inputs to LHb, primarily arising from ventral pallidum and nucleus accumbens shell (VP/NAcs). Glutamic acid decarboxylase and cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) mRNAs colocalized with fluorogold, suggesting a cannabinoid modulated GABAergic pathway. Optogenetic activation of these axons strongly inhibited LHb neuron action potentials and GABA release was tonically suppressed by an endogenous cannabinoid in vitro. Behavioral experiments showed that response inhibition during signaled reward omission was impaired when VP/NAcs inputs to LHb were optogenetically stimulated, whereas inhibition of this pathway did not alter LHb control of impulsivity. Systemic injection with the psychotropic phytocannabinoid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), also increased impulsivity in male, and not female rats, and this was blocked by LHb CB1R antagonism. However, as optogenetic VP/NAcs pathway inhibition did not alter impulse control, we conclude that the pro-impulsive effects of Δ9-THC likely do not occur via inhibition of this afferent. These results identify an inhibitory LHb afferent that is controlled by CB1Rs that can regulate impulsive behavior.

Unveiling the Enigma of Blind Box Impulse Buying Curiosity: The Moderating Role of Price Consciousness

This study explores the causes of curiosity-driven impulse buying in blind boxes using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model and adaptation level theory. It examines how store environment and product factors contribute to customer curiosity, incorporating price consciousness into the overall framework. Insights from an online survey of 306 Chinese respondents indicate that environmental factors and specific product characteristics positively influence consumer curiosity, while price consciousness has a negative moderate effect. The findings also show that customer curiosity stimulates impulse buying behavior and mediates the relationship between store atmosphere, surprise, and perceived novelty. This study identifies both objective and subjective factors behind blind box impulse buying and offers relevant suggestions for governments and consumers on managing impulse buying.

Emotion dysregulation and obesity: A conceptual review of the literature.

Problematic eating behaviours are prevalent in individuals living with obesity and have been linked to weight gain over time. Furthermore, there is evidence that heightened negative emotionality is common in a subset of individuals living with obesity and that negative emotions often precede problematic eating behaviours. Consequently, several theories have highlighted emotion dysregulation as a potential explanatory mechanism of this relationship. However, to date, no comprehensive review has compiled the specific ways in which individuals living with obesity exhibit emotion dysregulation. The present review utilizes Gratz and Roemer's (2004) multidimensional conceptualization of emotion regulation and dysregulation as a framework to summarize the extant literature on emotion dysregulation in obesity. Specifically, this review examines research related to: (1) awareness and clarity of emotions; (2) acceptance of, and willingness to experience, emotion; (3) the ability to remain goal directed and inhibit impulsive behaviour when distressed; and (4) access to emotion regulation strategies. Overall, findings from the present review demonstrate that individuals living with obesity exhibit deficits in emotion clarity, and experience difficulty inhibiting impulsive behaviour and remaining goal directed when experiencing emotion. Strengths and limitations of the literature are reviewed, and future research directions and clinical implications are discussed in light of these findings.

Creating Impulse Buying Behavior in The Online Festival Atmosphere: A Gender-Based Evaluation

Impulsive buying behavior during online shopping festivals is shown by many consumers and e-commerce businesses benefit from it. However, the reasons for this behavior have not been revealed. Therefore, this study will investigate the antecedents underlying this behavior. It was also investigated whether the effect of these antecedents on the festival atmosphere differed according to gender. A total of 590 participants (294 men and 296 women) participated in the study. The analysis was conducted with PLS-SEM 4.0. As a result of the analysis, it was seen that the elements that make up the festival atmosphere differed for men and women. For women, low price, perceived novelty, perceived perishability, perceived limitation, category richness, time constraint, and perceived entertainment affected the festival atmosphere, while for men, low price, perceived perishability, perceived limitation, time constraint, and social benefits affected the atmosphere. In addition, festival atmosphere positively influenced impulse buying for both genders. Therefore, e-commerce companies should create a festival atmosphere by considering gender differences and use different variables.

From Nutritional Patterns to Behavior: High-Fat Diet Influences on Inhibitory Control, Brain Gene Expression, and Metabolomics in Rats.

Impulsive and compulsive behaviors are associated with inhibitory control deficits. Diet plays a pivotal role in normal development, impacting both physiology and behavior. However, the specific effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) on inhibitory control have not received adequate attention. This study aimed to explore how exposure to a HFD from postnatal day (PND) 33 to PND77 affects impulsive and compulsive behaviors. The experiment involved 40 Wistar rats subjected to HFD or chow diets. Several tasks were employed to assess behavior, including variable delay to signal (VDS), five choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT), delay discounting task (DDT), and rodent gambling task (rGT). Genetic analyses were performed on the frontal cortex, and metabolomics and fatty acid profiles were examined by using stool samples collected on PND298. Our results showed that the HFD group exhibited increased motor impulsive behaviors while not affecting cognitive impulsivity. Surprisingly, reduced impulsive decision-making was shown in the HFD group. Furthermore, abnormal brain plasticity and dopamine gene regulation were shown in the frontal cortex, while metabolomics revealed abnormal fatty acid levels.

Brief Online Training in Mindfulness Meditation Momentarily Reduces Some Impulsive Behaviors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Brief Online Training in Mindfulness Meditation Momentarily Reduces Some Impulsive Behaviors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Analysis of the Influence of Perceived Enjoyment and Perceived Usefulness on Impulse Buying in Live Streaming on Online Marketplaces

Impulsive buying behavior in the digital age is rapidly evolving with the emergence of live streaming technology on e-commerce platforms. This technology enables direct real-time interaction between sellers and buyers, often triggering spontaneous purchases. Live streaming features offer an engaging shopping experience by allowing consumers to view product demonstrations and interact directly, supporting impulsive buying behavior. This study analyzes the roles of perceived enjoyment and perceived usefulness influence variables between visual appeal and social presence in influencing impulsive purchases during live streaming sessions on Shopee. Using a quantitative method, data was collected from 241 respondents through a questionnaire and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results indicate that live streaming strengthens social interaction and visual appeal, enhancing perceived enjoyment and perceived usefulness, which in turn increases the tendency for impulsive buying. This research provides insights for marketers to design effective e-commerce strategies to capitalize on the phenomenon of impulsive buying through interactive and visually appealing live streaming technology, optimizing user experience and sales conversions.

Negative Urgency and Lack of Perseverance Predict Suicidal Ideation and Attempts Among Young Adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective Impulsivity has been recognized as an important factor in suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). However, previous research linking impulsivity to STBs has largely relied on cross-sectional designs, considered only a subset of impulsivity measures, and typically focused on middle-to-older adolescents. Here, we explored multiple measures of impulsivity and assessed their predictive relation to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Method In a sample of 10,286 adolescents (ages 9–12; 47.4% female, 76.4% White, 19.4% Black, 6.4% Asian, 3.5% American Indian/Alaskan Native, 0.6% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 6.4% Other, 19.4% Hispanic, 12.1% Mixed/Multiple Race) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development℠ Study (ABCD Study®), we assessed impulsivity when youth were 9–10 years old, and suicidal ideation and attempts when youth were 11–12 years old. We measured impulsivity in three ways: a trait-like measure (UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale), a behavioral measure (delay discounting task), and a neural measure (Cortical Delay Discounting [C-DD]). Suicidal ideation and attempts were assessed using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia (KSADS) suicide module. Results Negative urgency and lack of perseverance (at ages 9–10) significantly predicted a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation (Negative Urgency: Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.254, p < .001; Lack of Perseverance: OR = 1.152, p = .035) and suicide attempts (Negative Urgency: OR = 1.328, p = .009; Lack of Perseverance: OR = 1.270, p = .009) when youth were 11–12 years old. Conclusions Negative urgency and lack of perseverance are robust predictors of future suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in young adolescents. These findings highlight the importance of assessing for and targeting these dimensions of impulsivity in clinical settings.

Analisis Program Promosi yang dilakukan oleh Larissa Aesthetic Center untuk menaikkan Impulsive Buying

This study aims to analyze the promotional program by Larissa Aesthetic Center to increase impulse buying behavior in consumers through the role of social media used by Larissa Aesthetic Center. This research method is a qualitative study with data collection using interviews with the manager of Larissa Aesthetic Center, who is competent in his field and has the information sources needed by researchers. The results of data collection were analyzed using 3 triangulation methods, namely technical triangulation, time triangulation, and source triangulation. The results of this study provide an overview that Larissa uses several promotional programs that are considered capable of increasing impulse buying behavior in consumers and the role of social media in supporting promotional programs carried out by Larissa Aesthetic Center. These findings have practical implications for marketers and business professionals interested in consumer behavior and marketing strategies.

The mediating role of impulsivity in the relationship between executive functions (working memory, inhibition) and prospective memory

ABSTRACT Prospective memory refers to the ability to remember and execute planned tasks. This ability is associated with certain cognitive processes and personality traits. This study investigated the mediating role of impulsivity facets in the relationship between executive functions and prospective memory. Urmia University students (n = 201) participated in this cross-sectional study conducted from October to December 2023. Cluster sampling was employed for recruitment. Data were collected using the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ), Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI), and Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (S-UPPS-P). Correlational analyses and path analysis were conducted. The path analysis revealed that among impulsivity facets, just lack of perseverance partially mediates the relationship between working memory and prospective memory (β = .062, p < .05), but not between inhibition and prospective memory (β = .010). These findings suggest that working memory deficits contribute to prospective memory failures, with lack of perseverance acting as a single mediator. This highlights the importance of considering both lack of perseverance and working memory for a comprehensive understanding of prospective memory difficulties.

Environmental enrichment reduces adgrl3.1-Related anxiety and attention deficits but not impulsivity

Environmental factors play a role in the development and severity of neuropsychiatric disorders. Externalizing disorders are characterized by disruptive, impulsive, and often aggressive behaviors, including difficulties with self-control, rule-breaking, and a tendency to act out in ways that may harm oneself or others. Externalizing disorders frequently co-occur with internalizing disorders, such as anxiety. Individuals experiencing both externalizing/internalizing disorders are often among the most likely to seek healthcare services, as this co-occurrence is associated with more severe symptomatology and greater functional impairment. Here, we investigated the impact of environmental enrichment (EE) on adgrl3.1, a gene associated with impulsivity and attention deficits in zebrafish (Danio rerio). This gene encodes a receptor involved in cell adhesion and signaling and has been linked to susceptibility to externalizing disorders. Zebrafish were reared in either standard or enriched environments (from 15 days-post fertilization), and attention, impulsivity, and anxiety-related phenotypes were assessed at adult stages (4 months-post fertilization) using the open field test and a 5-choice serial reaction time task. EE mitigated anxiety-related behaviors in adgrl3.1 knockouts, normalizing locomotor patterns and decreasing thigmotaxis. Although attention deficits were reduced in adgrl3.1-/- fish reared in EE, impulsive behaviors were not. Together, these findings suggest that while environmental enrichment (EE) mitigates externalizing and internalizing symptoms in adgrl3.1 mutants, impulsivity remains less responsive to EE used in this study, indicating its distinct resistance to modulation.

Resting-state voxel-wise dynamic effective connectivity predicts risky decision-making in patients with bipolar disorder type I

Patients with Bipolar Disorder type I (BD-I) exhibit maladaptive risky decision-making, which is related to impulsivity, suicide attempts, and aggressive behavior. Currently, there is a lack of effective predictive methods for early intervention in risky behaviors for patients with BD-I. This study aimed to predict risky behavior in patients with BD-I using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). We included 48 patients with BD-I and 124 healthy controls (HC) and constructed voxel-wise functional connectivity (FC), dynamic FC (dFC), effective connectivity (EC), and dynamic EC (dEC) for each subject. The Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) was employed to measure the risky decision-making of all participants. We applied connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) with five regression algorithms to predict risky behaviors as well as Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) scores. Results showed that the BD-I had significantly lower risky adjusted pump scores compared to HC. The dEC-based linear regression-CPM model exhibited significant predictive ability for the adjusted pump scores in BD-I, while no significant predictive power was observed in HC. Furthermore, this model successfully predicted non-planning impulsiveness, motor impulsiveness, and BIS total score, but failed for attentional impulsiveness in BD-I. These findings provide a foundation for future work in predicting risky behaviors of psychiatric patients by using voxel-wise dEC underlying resting state.

Impact of perceived ease of use on impulsive buying behaviour through mobile commerce with hedonic and utilitarian effects

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of perceived ease of use on mobile shoppers’ inclination to make impulsive purchases in the context of mobile commerce. The authors employ a technology acceptance model to examine how perceived ease of use affects the impulsive tendencies of smartphone users. Additionally, we utilise a motivation orientation framework to understand the moderating effect of utilitarian and hedonic values in the relationship between perceived ease of use and impulsive buying behaviour.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered online survey was conducted on 427 users of mobile commerce applications. Structural equation modelling was employed through SPSS AMOS 26 to analyse the collected data.FindingsAccording to the findings, perceived ease of use has a substantial negative connection with impulsive buying behaviour. This inverse relationship is interesting as it shows that user-friendliness alone may not be enough to drive spontaneous buying. However, hedonic and utilitarian values moderated the connection between perceived ease of use and impulsive buying behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s findings will help marketers, policymakers, organisations and academicians comprehend the significance of hedonic and utilitarian values in driving IBB and making rational decisions.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the technology acceptance model and motivation orientations by determining the crucial role of utilitarian-hedonic values in triggering impulsive purchases in the mobile commerce sector of a non-tech savvy developing country.

Indulging in virtual luxuries: unveiling the allure of impulse buying in metaverse

PurposeThis study aimed to examine consumers’ impulse purchases of luxury products in the metaverse, specifically by exploring how consumers’ motivational and emotional experiences affect virtual luxury product purchases in the metaverse.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was administered to a total of 230 users of various metaverse platforms in China. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) disjoint two-stage approach.FindingsThe findings indicated that motivational experience (goal importance and goal interest) and positive emotion (fantasy, feeling and fun) have positive effects on impulse buying of luxury products in the metaverse, but none for negative emotions (loneliness and isolation).Practical implicationsThis study indicated that understanding and leveraging consumers’ motivational experiences and positive emotions can drive their impulse buying behaviour of luxury products in the metaverse, hence providing virtual and brand retailers with a testbed for their products before they launch in the physical market.Originality/valueThis study enriches our comprehension of consumers’ metaverse luxury purchases by delving into the impacts of motivational and emotional experiences on impulse buying behaviours.

The association between minority stressors, intraminority stressors, and borderline personality disorder symptomatology among sexual minority men.

Sexual minority men are more likely to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Minority stressors have been associated with criteria for borderline personality disorder (e.g., substance use, suicidality, impulsive behaviors, and interpersonal difficulties with rejection). However, to date, there are no known studies examining the association between traditional minority and intraminority stressors and borderline personality disorder symptomatology. The purpose of the study is to examine the association between traditional and intraminority stressors and borderline personality disorder symptomatology among sexual minority men. Data were collected from 312 sexual minority men (Mage = 24.00, SD = 4.04) via Qualtrics panels across the United States. A hierarchical linear regression was conducted with borderline personality disorder symptomatology as the outcome variable. Minority stressors (i.e., internalized homophobia, sexual orientation concealment, major discrimination, and day-to-day discrimination) were entered in Step 1, and intraminority stress was entered in Step 2. In Step 1, both major and day-to-day discrimination were significantly positively associated with borderline personality disorder symptomatology. In Step 2, intraminority stress was significantly positively associated with borderline personality disorder symptomatology, and day-to-day discrimination remained significant. These findings warrant clinicians to evaluate both minority and intraminority stressors, which may be an additional risk factor in the development and/or maintenance of borderline personality disorder symptomatology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Faecal microbiota composition and impulsivity in a cohort of older adults with metabolic syndrome

Impulsivity is an important determinant of human behaviour, affecting self-control, reasonable thinking and food choices. Recent evidence suggests a role for gut microbiota in human behaviour, but the relationship between gut microbiota and impulsive behaviours remains largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, the present study aims to explore the associations between faecal microbiota composition with trait and behavioural impulsivity, in a subcohort of the PREDIMED-Plus trial, including older adults presenting overweight/obesity. Fecal samples (n = 231) were profiled for their microbiota composition using 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing and impulsivity was determined through four different assessments. Adherence to different dietary patterns was estimated through questionnaires. Beta diversity analyses showed a significant association with the Conner’s Performance Test (CPT) in multivariate-adjusted models, and, in total, 13 bacterial genera associated with CPT. Erysipelotrichaceae UCG 003 showed the highest association with CPT and known butyrate producers such as Butyricicoccus spp., Roseburia spp., and Eubacterium hallii were among the identified bacteria. The bacteria Lachnospiraceae UCG 001, Anaerostipes and Blautia were associated with CPT and also the adherence to healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets. In addition, functional analysis showed a significant negative association between the CPT and the glucuronate and galacturonate metabolic pathways. From the other impulsivity assessments, two more associations were identified, for the genus Phascolarctobacterium with the Stroop test, and the genus Lachnospiraceae GAG 54 with the positive urgency subscore of UPPS-P Impulsive Behaviour Scale. Overall, our findings suggest potential links between the faecal microbiota composition and function with behavioural impulsive inattention as determined by the CPT.