Memory Index Research Articles

Children’s Narrative Retells: The Influence of Character Realism and Storybook Theme on Central and Peripheral Detail

ABSTRACT Research Findings: Anthropomorphized animal characters have been associated with negative influences on educational outcomes for young children, for example story comprehension and prosocial learning from moral tales. In this study we investigate how character realism and moral theme influence young children’s recall of the story content. Retells were examined for length, syntactic complexity, and centrality as indices of memory and understanding. Participants were 171 children (age 3–7 years) from 6 rural schools in the Northwest of England. We found no significant influence of story character on the measures under test. Retells with a prosocial sharing theme had higher syntactic complexity and greater centrality than those with a busy theme. Practice or Policy: The results suggest that animal characters are not necessarily an impediment to coherent representations of stories. The central message from a prosocial themed story appeared to be more strongly retained than that of a closely matched story with no prosocial lesson. This suggests story theme to be a potential influence that should be considered when testing children’s narrative comprehension.

Association of gestational weight gain rate in pregnant women with children's cognitive and behavioral development: A birth cohort study

BackgroundThe evidences on the relationship between gestational weight gain rate (GWGR) and children's cognitive and behavioral development have been limited. MethodsA total of 3273 singleton live birth mother-child pairs from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort in China were included in the study. Maternal GWGR was calculated based on the weights measured at multiple antenatal checkups. Children's cognitive and behavioral development were assessed by Chinese version of Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition and Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist 1.5–5. Then generalized linear models were performed for analyses. ResultsIn the field of children's cognitive development, excessive GWGR in the second trimester was associated with increased visual space index (VSI), fluid reasoning index (FRI) and full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) scores, while excessive GWGR in the third trimester was associated with decreased VSI, working memory index (WMI) and FSIQ scores. In the field of children's behavioral development, excessive GWGR in the second trimester was associated with decreased aggressive behaviors and externalizing problems scores. LimitationsChildren's behavioral development was assessed by main caregivers and might cause a certain degree of bias. There might be other potential confounders that we did not take into account. ConclusionsA high GWGR in the second trimester might be beneficial for children's cognitive and behavioral development, while a high GWGR in the third trimester might be harmful.

The association between chronotype profile and temporomandibular disorders among college students.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are common in young adults, and the link between chronotype profile and TMDs is unclear. This study examined TMD prevalence and chronotype distribution and explored the relationship between chronotype and TMDs in young adults. A total of 663 students from Sichuan University completed questionnaires. Chronotype profiles were assessed using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, and TMDs were screened using the Fonseca Memory Index. To validate the findings, 68 TMD patients and 136 controls were enrolled. The prevalence of TMDs was 69.7%, with significant differences among chronotype profiles. The intermediate profile was the most common chronotype. Eveningness profile was associated with higher TMDs prevalence and severity. Muscle pain and side movement difficulty scores were higher in eveningness and intermediate profiles. Female gender (OR 2.345; 95% CI 1.668-3.297) was a TMD risk factor, while morningness profile (OR 0.537; 95% CI 0.297-0.970) was protective. Validation with TMD patients and controls supported these findings, showing higher eveningness profile prevalence in the TMD groups. TMDs have a high prevalence in college students, chronotype profiles shown to be associated with TMDs. Morningness is the protection factor in TMDs and PT, eveningness is a risk factor for IT.

Insights into dengue transmission modeling: Index of memory, carriers, and vaccination dynamics explored via non-integer derivative

<abstract> <p>It is acknowledged that dengue infection has a significant economic impact due to healthcare costs and lost productivity. Research can provide insights into the economic burden of the disease, guiding policymakers in their allocation of resources for prevention and control interventions. In this work, we structured a novel mathematical model that describes the spread of dengue with the effects of carriers, an index of memory and vaccination. To show the effect of treatment on the dynamics of dengue, we have incorporated medication-related treatment into the system. The proposed dynamics are represented by using fractional derivatives to capture the role of memory in the control of the infection. We introduced the fundamental principles and notions of non-integer derivatives for the analysis of the model; moreover, the existence and uniqueness results for the solution of the system have been established with the help of mathematical skills. The theory of fixed points has been utilized for the analysis and examination of the system. We have established Ulam-Hyers stability for the recommended system of dengue infection. Regarding the numerical findings, a numerical method is presented to highlight the solution pathways for the system of dengue infection. Several simulations have been performed to visualize the contribution of the input parameters of the system to the prevention and control of the infection. The index of memory, vaccination, and treatment are suggested to be attractive parameters which can reduce the level of infection while the biting rate, asymptomatic carriers and transmission rate are critical as they can increase the risk of the infection in society. Our findings not only provide information for the effective management of the infection they also possess valuable insights that can improve public health.</p> </abstract>

Fractional optimal control analysis of Covid-19 and dengue fever co-infection model with Atangana-Baleanu derivative

<abstract><p>A co-infection with Covid-19 and dengue fever has had worse outcomes due to high mortality rates and longer stays either in isolation or at hospitals. This poses a great threat to a country's economy. To effectively deal with these threats, comprehensive approaches to prevent and control Covid-19/dengue fever co-infections are desperately needed. Thus, our focus is to formulate a new co-infection fractional model with the Atangana-Baleanu derivative to suggest effective and feasible approaches to restrict the spread of co-infection. In the first part of this paper, we present Covid-19 and dengue fever sub-models, as well as the co-infection model that is locally asymptotically stable when the respective reproduction numbers are less than unity. We establish the existence and uniqueness results for the solutions of the co-infection model. We extend the model to include a vaccination compartment for the Covid-19 vaccine to susceptible individuals and a treatment compartment to treat dengue-infected individuals as optimal control strategies for disease control. We outline the fundamental requirements for the fractional optimal control problem and illustrate the optimality system for the co-infection model using Pontraygin's principle. We implement the Toufik-Atangana approximating scheme to simulate the optimality system. The simulations show the effectiveness of the implemented strategy in determining optimal vaccination and treatment rates that decrease the cost functional to a minimum, thus significantly decreasing the number of infected humans and vectors. Additionally, we visualize a meaningful decrease in infection cases with an increase in the memory index. The findings of this study will provide reasonable disease control suggestions to regions facing Covid-19 and dengue fever co-infection.</p></abstract>

The effect of insomnia on mild cognitive impairment in patients with vascular risks: results of a three-year longitudinal study

To assess the dynamics of sleep parameters based on the analysis of three items of HDRS-17, designed to measure the severity of insomnia, during 36 months of follow-up and their relationship with indicators of the cognitive phenotype in patients with vascular risk factors. The longitudinal study included 51 patients (mean age 57.7±6.2 years, 19 (37.3%) men)) who met the inclusion criteria. All participants underwent a general clinical examination with assessment of vascular risks and neuropsychological testing using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and HDRS-17 at baseline and after 36 months. During the study, patients received stable basic therapy to prevent modifiable vascular risk factors. Sleeping pills were taken sporadically when there were complaints of problems falling asleep. During the 36-month study, as vascular cognitive impairment progressed from 23.7±2.6 to 22.1±2.4 points on the MoCA scale (p=0.01), mainly due to decreased attention (p=0.01), executive functions (EF) (p=0.01), memory (p=0.02), speech (p=0.02), an increase in sleep disturbances was observed (item 4: 0.8±0.02 to 1.9±0.1 points, p=0.01; point 5: 0.6±0.02 to 1.7±0.1 points, p=0.01) and depression (7.5±0.5 to 13.7±3.0 points, p=0.01) in patients with vascular risks. A strong inverse correlation was revealed between the values of items 4, 5, 6 on the HDRS-17 and the average MoCA-total scores (r=-0.85; r=-0.87; r=-0.8 (p<0.05)), memory index (r=-0.8; r=-0.75; r=-0.81 (p<0.05)), attention index (r=-0.88; r=-0.86; r=-0.83 (p<0.05)), index of executive functions (r=-0.87; r=-0.85; r=-0.8 (p<0.05)), respectively. The progression of cognitive impairment is associated with worsening insomnia disorders and depression in patients with vascular risks.

Subjective cognitive complaints and objective cognitive impairment in patients suspected of obstructive sleep apnea who underwent polysomnography.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to cognitive impairment. We aimed to investigate subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) and objective cognitive scores and their relation to polysomnography (PSG) parameters in patients suspected of having OSA. A prospective cohort cross-sectional study was conducted at Siriraj Hospital. Patients suspected of OSA who were scheduled for PSG were recruited. Cognition was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Color Trails Test (CTT). The Memory Index Score (MIS) was calculated from the MoCA. Subjective cognitive complaint presence was assessed through direct questioning of patients and by employing the Cognitive Change Index rated by self or informants (CCI-I). Patients with severe dementia were excluded. Among 258 patients (mean age 61.46±7.05years, 51.2% female), the mean MoCA score was 23.89±3.89. Based on PSG results, patients were categorized into groups as follows: those without OSA or with mild OSA (combined total of 20.1%), moderate OSA (28.3%), or severe OSA (51.6%). Cognitive Change Index rated by self and CCI-I scores correlated significantly (r=0.238, p=0.019) but not with the MoCA score or CTT time. Objective cognitive scores were associated with PSG parameters: total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep stages, mean O2 saturation, and time spent with SaO2 below 90% (all p<0.05). Subjective cognitive scores were not associated with PSG parameters, except CCI-I with TST. Participants with objective cognitive impairment had lower education, higher body mass index, more comorbidities, and lower SCC percentage (all p<0.05). Patients with moderate to severe OSA had a higher proportion of objective cognitive impairment (64.1%) but a lower incidence of SCC (38.3%) than patients with no OSA or mild OSA. Thirty patients with severe OSA and cognitive impairment received continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for a mean of 12.2months. These patients showed MoCA and MIS improvement, but no significant changes were observed in their CTT and Cognitive Change Index scores. Most patients with OSA had objective cognitive impairment, but SCC was less frequent in patients with more severe OSA. Several PSG parameters correlated with cognitive scores but not with subjective cognitive scores. Patients with severe OSA may benefit cognitively from CPAP treatment.

Intellectual function and memory in children with moyamoya disease: relationship between Wechsler Intelligence Scale and Benton Visual Retention Test scores and regional cerebral blood flow.

Intellectual function declines in about 30% of children with moyamoya disease (MMD). Memory function underpins higher order brain function, but the relationship between intellectual function and memory in pediatric MMD patients has not been well studied. This study aimed to investigate correlations between scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and the Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT), a visual memory test that can be administered to children, in children with MMD. Relationships between intellectual function or memory and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) have also not been well clarified in pediatric MMD patients. The authors also investigated associations between WISC or BVRT scores and rCBF in various brain regions. WISC and BVRT scores and rCBF were assessed in 17 children with ischemic-onset MMD before revascularization. Single-photon emission CT with 123I-iodoamphetamine was used to measure rCBF. Relationships between WISC and BVRT scores were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regression analysis. Cutoff values were identified for BVRT scores. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to predict full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) > 85 or ≤ 85. Associations between rCBF and WISC or BVRT scores were evaluated using linear regression analysis. BVRT scores were significantly correlated with FSIQ and scores on the Working Memory Index (WMI), Processing Speed Index, and Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI)/Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ) of WISC. Multivariate linear regression revealed that number correct score and number of errors score of BVRT were associated with FSIQ. As cutoff values, a number correct score of 5 and a number of errors score of 8 offered the most reliable predictors of FSIQ > 85 and ≤ 85, respectively. FSIQ correlated positively with rCBF in the right and left hemispheres, right and left ganglia, right and left thalamus, right and left cerebellum, right middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory, pons, and vermis. WMI score was positively associated with rCBF in the right hemisphere, right anterior cerebral artery territory, right MCA territory, right basal ganglia, right and left thalamus, right and left cerebellum, pons, and vermis. BVRT score correlated well with WISC index scores, suggesting that BVRT may be helpful in screening for intellectual impairments in children with MMD. In the MCA territory, basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum, pons, and vermis, rCBF associated well with WISC index scores, suggesting that reduced rCBF in relevant brain regions may influence intellectual function.

Может ли физическая активность моментально улучшить показатели устойчивости внимания и объем слухоречевой рабочей памяти у подростков: результаты эмпирического исследования

Background. There is a large body of empirical evidence supporting the positive effects of systematic exercise on cognitive development of children and adolescents. However, the results on the immediate effect of physical activity on cognitive functions (in particular attention and memory) which can potentially come immediately after exercise, are practically lacking or quite contradictory. Objective. The study had its purpose to investigate the immediate effect of physical activity on the measures of attention span and working memory capacity in adolescents. Study Participants. The study involved 190 schoolchildren (54% girls) aged 13–17 (M = 14.73, SD = 1.61) from several regions of Russian Federation. Methods. The “Schulte's tables” were used for diagnostics of attention stability. Working memory scores were measured by means of “Memorization of 10 words”. Results. Comparison of averages demonstrated no significant differences in the indicators of attention stability before and after physical activity (t = 9401, p = 0.131). In contrast, working memory indices were significantly lower after exercise (W = 7257, p &lt; 0.001). Apart from that, girls were shown to memorize and reproduce on average more material than boys. Conclusions. Thus, the obtained results indicate that there is no immediate positive effect of physical activity on the attention span and working memory capacity in adolescents. This may mean that the relationship between the indicators of attention stability, working memory capacity and physical activity is more complex and nonlinear, which requires further study.

Digital assessment of cognition in neurodegenerative disease: a data driven approach leveraging artificial intelligence.

A rapid and reliable neuropsychological protocol is essential for the efficient assessment of neurocognitive constructs related to emergent neurodegenerative diseases. We developed an AI-assisted, digitally administered/scored neuropsychological protocol that can be remotely administered in ~10 min. This protocol assesses the requisite neurocognitive constructs associated with emergent neurodegenerative illnesses. The protocol was administered to 77 ambulatory care/memory clinic patients (56.40% women; 88.50% Caucasian). The protocol includes a 6-word version of the Philadelphia (repeatable) Verbal Learning Test [P(r)VLT], three trials of 5 digits backward from the Backwards Digit Span Test (BDST), and the "animal" fluency test. The protocol provides a comprehensive set of traditional "core" measures that are typically obtained through paper-and-pencil tests (i.e., serial list learning, immediate and delayed free recall, recognition hits, percent correct serial order backward digit span, and "animal" fluency output). Additionally, the protocol includes variables that quantify errors and detail the processes used in administering the tests. It also features two separate, norm-referenced summary scores specifically designed to measure executive control and memory. Using four core measures, we used cluster analysis to classify participants into four groups: cognitively unimpaired (CU; n = 23), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 17), dysexecutive MCI (n = 23), and dementia (n = 14). Subsequent analyses of error and process variables operationally defined key features of amnesia (i.e., rapid forgetting, extra-list intrusions, profligate responding to recognition foils); key features underlying reduced executive abilities (i.e., BDST items and dysexecutive errors); and the strength of the semantic association between successive responses on the "animal" fluency test. Executive and memory index scores effectively distinguished between all four groups. There was over 90% agreement between how cluster analysis of digitally obtained measures classified patients compared to classification using a traditional comprehensive neuropsychological protocol. The correlations between digitally obtained outcome variables and analogous paper/pencil measures were robust. The digitally administered protocol demonstrated a capacity to identify patterns of impaired performance and classification similar to those observed with standard paper/pencil neuropsychological tests. The inclusion of both core measures and detailed error/process variables suggests that this protocol can detect subtle, nuanced signs of early emergent neurodegenerative illness efficiently and comprehensively.

Rescreening on RBANS Delayed Memory Index? Forget About It!

To assess the value of rescreening patients with Alzheimer's disease who do not meet the inclusion criteria for the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status Delayed Memory Index (RBANS DMI) at the initial assessment. Participants (aged 50-85years, without dementia, Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥22, valid Clinical Dementia Rating [CDR] global score, and amyloid status at baseline) were identified in the European Prevention of Alzheimer's Dementia database. Changes from baseline in RBANS DMI were estimated using a mixed model for repeated measurements. Logistic regressions were used to estimate the probability of participants with baseline RBANS DMI 86-95 having RBANS DMI ≤85, CDR global score ≥0.5, and amyloid positivity at 6 and 12 months. There was significant variability in the change in RBANS DMI scores over time (median change at 6months: 2.0). An estimated 15% of participants with RBANS DMI 86-95 at baseline progressed to ≤85 at 6 months; 8% also achieved CDR global score ≥0.5 and 5% were also amyloid positive. The results from our analysis indicate that there is limited value in rescreening patients based on their initial RBANS DMI score.

Fractional-Order Epidemic Model for Measles Infection.

In this study, a nonlinear dynamic SEVIQR measles epidemic model is constructed and analyzed using the novel Caputo fractional-order derivative operator. The model's existence and uniqueness are established. In addition, the model equilibria are determined, and the novel Jacobian determinant method recently constructed in the literature of epidemiological modeling of infectious diseases is applied to determine the threshold quantity, ℛ 0. Furthermore, we construct appropriate Lyapunov functions to establish the global asymptotic stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points. Finally, the numerical solution of the model is executed employing the efficient and widely known Adams-type predictor-corrector iterative scheme, and simulation is conducted to investigate the impact of memory index and diverse preventive measures on the occurrence of the disease. Numerical simulation of the model indicates that quarantine, vaccination, and treatment can reduce the numbers of infectious and exposed populations, thereby controlling the disease. Therefore, it is recommended that the government provide financial assistance for vaccine distribution.

Cognitive impairment in beta thalassemia major and intermedia pediatric patients: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThalassemia is a commonly occurring genetic hemoglobinopathy worldwide. Periodic and routine blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy and splenectomy procedures are all required for the treatment of thalassemia. Numerous organs and bodily systems could be impacted by thalassemia, particularly the nervous system, which could impede cognitive performance. The study aimed to assess cognitive abilities of pediatric patients diagnosed with beta thalassemia major and intermedia.Patients and methodsA total of 168 participants [54 β-thalassemic major children, 51 with β-thalassemia intermedia and 63 age-matched healthy controls from both genders (85 girls and 83 boys)] with age ranging from 8 to 16 years were participated in a cross-sectional study. Cognitive function was evaluated for all children by using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale For Children 4th edition.ResultsCompared with control group, a significant decline was found in all Wechsler Intelligence Scale subtests as well as in verbal comprehension index, perceptual reasoning index, working memory index, processing speed index and full scale index scores of thalassemia major and intermedia patients (p < 0.001). When compared to children with thalassemia intermedia, the beta thalassemic major children showed a significant decrease in all Wechsler Scale subtests as well as in all its five index scores (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe study concluded that thalassemia negatively affects and impairs cognition and intellectual capacities.

Fractional insights into Zika virus transmission: Exploring preventive measures from a dynamical perspective

Abstract Mathematical models for infectious diseases can help researchers, public health officials, and policymakers to predict the course of an outbreak. We formulate an epidemic model for the transmission dynamics of Zika infection with carriers to understand the intricate progression route of the infection. In our study, we focused on the visualization of the transmission patterns of the Zika with asymptomatic carriers, using fractional calculus. For the validity of the model, we have shown that the solutions of the system are positive and bounded. Moreover, we conduct a qualitative analysis and examine the dynamical behavior of Zika dynamics. The existence and uniqueness of the solution of the system have been proved through analytic skills. We establish the necessary conditions to ensure the stability of the recommended system based on the Ulam–Hyers stability concept (UHS). Our research emphasizes the most critical factors, specifically the mosquito biting rate and the existence of asymptomatic carriers, in increasing the complexity of virus control efforts. Furthermore, we predict that the asymptomatic fraction has the ability to spread the infection to non-infected regions. Furthermore, treatment due to medication, the fractional parameter or memory index, and vaccination can serve as effective control measures in combating this viral infection.

When Failing One Performance Validity Test Matters

There appears to be a lack of consensus regarding how best to interpret cognitive test findings when there is a failure on only one Performance Validity Test (PVT). The current study examined the impact of failing one freestanding, forced-choice, memory-based (Fr-FC-MB) PVT across two memory measures in a large sample of veterans (N = 1,353). The impact of failing zero, one, or two Fr-FC-MB PVTs (Test of Memory Malingering Trial 1 or the Medical Symptom Validity Test) on subsequent memory measures was examined (California Verbal Learning Test-II [CVLT-II], Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-R [BVMT-R]). Compared to those failing zero PVTs, those failing one PVT showed significant declines across all memory indices with large average effect sizes (BVMT-R, d = −0.9, CVLT-II, d = −1.0). Those failing one PVT had memory scores more similar to those failing two PVTs. There is a need for greater nuance and flexibility when determining invalid test performance. The current findings, along with a brief review of the literature, find that failing even one Fr-FC-MB PVT dramatically (negatively) impacts memory performance. Results suggest that including individuals failing one Fr-FC-MB PVT into a credible group should be more closely scrutinized.

Contemporary comprehensive approaches to assessing the effectiveness of experimental model of neurodegenerative disorders with cognitive status changes

Aim of the study was to characterize the locomotor and cognitive aspects of the behavior of experimental rats under intracerebroventricular colchicine administration in the open field test and the 8-arm radial maze, as well as identify a set of behavioral features of experimental animals that emerged during the study.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study was conducted in two stages on 20 male Wistar rats aged 10–11 months. The first stage involved assessment of initial locomotor activity and cognitive functions in all intact rats. At the next stage, the rats were divided into two experimental groups (n = 10): the first group with intracerebroventricular injection of physiological NaCl solution, and the second group with intracerebroventricular injection of colchicine. In 14 days after the surgery, repeated recording of locomotive and cognitive activity indicators was performed.&#x0D; Results. The locomotor activity characteristics did not statistically differ between the animals before the surgical procedures and the rats of the first group. However, in the second group, the activity indicators were significantly higher than in the respective pre-surgery rats. In the intergroup comparison of the rats that entered the second stage of the experiment, it was found that among all the investigated parameters, only the indicator of high activity duration was significantly higher in the second group compared to the first group. At the same time, the animals in the second group showed significant cognitive impairments compared to the first group, as indicated by significantly lower memory index values, the number of correct entries into the maze arms, and a significantly longer time to make the first correct entry into the maze arm.&#x0D; Conclusions. Intracerebroventricular administration of colchicine to experimental rats is accompanied by increased locomotor activity and impairment of cognitive functions. The administration of a physiological solution is not accompanied by a statistically significant increase in locomotor activity, but it demonstrates a clear tendency to increase, which may indicate a certain influence of the procedure itself. The applied pharmacological model of neurodegeneration with subsequent comprehensive assessment of animal behavior in an open field and an 8-arm radial maze is legitimate and can be used to study the early development of neuroinflammation, neuroapoptosis, and synaptogenesis disorders in the experiment.

Comparative Effects of Extracts from Leaves of Horseradish Tree Species (Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala) on Memory Index, Monoamine Oxidase activity and Tyrosine Hydroxylase mRNA Expression in Paraquat‐induced Model of Parkinson s disease in Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster)

AbstractBackgroundPD is now understood to be a multi‐system brain condition affecting multiple non‐dopaminergic transmitter systems that grow more prominent as the disease develops. Recent epidemiological and experimental studies have connected pesticides, particularly paraquat, to Parkinson’s disease. Even though the horseradish tree (Moringa oleifera) is a very promising ethnobotanical plant with a wealth of medicinal applications, little is known about the bioactive qualities of alkaloid extracts from its leaves.MethodThis study investigated the comparative modulatory effects of alkaloid extracts of Moringa leaves on the survival rate of paraquat‐induced flies, as well as specific biochemical and genetic markers related to Parkinson’s disease in the heads of the fliesResultThe results showed that the alkaloid extract increased fly survivability (p &lt;0.05). M. Stenopetala (50 mg/ml) extract reduced monoamine oxidase and acetylcholinesterase activity more than M. oleifera. Compared to the paraquat‐induced group, M. Stenopetala also increased the amounts of superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, catalase, and total thiols. Gene expression data show that the induced group had lower levels of catalase and TH mRNA expression compared to the treated groups. It was shown that M. oleifera had a greater ameliorative impact than M. stenopetala on catalase mRNA expression, whereas M. stenopetala had a considerably greater ameliorative effect on TH mRNA expression than M. oleifera.ConclusionIn this research, paraquat‐induced fruit flies were treated with alkaloid extracts from Moringa leaves, and the results showed that the M. Stenopetala variety had a more effective therapeutic effect than M. oleifera.

Change on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and its relationship to brain amyloid

AbstractBackgroundThe Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) has been associated with commonly used biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including brain amyloid plaque density. However, less is known about if changes in the RBANS across time are also related to brain amyloid deposition. The current study sought to expand on prior work by examining the relationship between changes over time on the RBANS and amyloid deposition via positron emission tomography (PET).MethodOne‐hundred twenty‐six older adults with intact or impaired cognition and daily functioning underwent repeat assessment with the RBANS across nearly 16 months, as well as had a baseline amyloid PET scan.ResultIn the entire sample, amyloid deposition was significantly related to change on all five Indexes and the Total Scale score of the RBANS (rs = ‐0.28 – ‐0.61), with greater amyloid deposition being associated with worsening cognition. This pattern was also observed in 11 of 12 subtests. In the intact individuals, this pattern was only observed on change in the Immediate Memory Index (r = ‐0.32). In the subjects with MCI, this pattern was only observed on change in the Delayed Memory Index (r = ‐0.35). There was no association between change on the RBANS and brain amyloid deposition in those with AD.ConclusionWhereas prior studies have identified a relationship between baseline RBANS and amyloid status, the current findings support that changes in the RBANS are also indicative of AD brain pathology. Although replication in a more diverse sample is needed, these results continue to support the use of the RBANS in AD clinical trials.

Lithium carbonate treatment decrease neuroinflammation and ameliorates long‐term memory in a Down syndrome animal model

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with Down Syndrome (DS) have an increased genetic risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), due to a higher expression of genes related to the pathophysiological development of the disease and to the inflammatory process. Brain damage is already substantial when the first clinical signs of AD appear, it is essential to study therapeutic alternatives that delay its development. As lithium carbonate has been identified as a neuroprotective and neuroplastic agent in neurodegeneration, the aim of this study is to evaluate the treatment effect of lithium carbonate in the neuroinflammation and long‐term memory of Ts65Dn animal model of DS.MethodTs65Dn mice (trisomy confirmed by genotyping) were treated with a lithium carbonate microdose (0.25 mg/kg dissolved in water) for 18 months and compared to non‐treated animals. To evaluate the treatment, [11C]PK11195 PET images were acquired at the ages of 5, 14, 20 and 24 months. Whole brain images were quantified in SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) and long‐term memory was assessed by the novel object recognition test (1).Result[11C]PK11195 uptake was increased at 14 months in the non‐treated animals when compared to the respective age of 5 months (+29%), although not statistically significant. However, when mice were treated with lithium, this increase was not detected. Compared to 14 months, at the ages of 20 and 24 months, there was a decreased uptake in the non‐treated animals (Ts65Dn: ‐52%, p = 0.01 at 20 months; Ts65Dn: ‐59%, p = 0.006; at 24 months) and whereas in Ts65Dn‐lithium, the uptake did not change significantly among the ages. There was a decrease in the long‐term memory index in the non‐treated animals, at the ages of 20 (p = 0.03) and 24 months (p = 0.009), compared to 14 months‐old whereas in the treated animals the memory was preserved.ConclusionThe treatment with lithium carbonate prevented glial cells alterations during life‐span and preserved long‐term memory of a Down syndrome animal model indicating that this treatment can contribute to a healthy brain aging in this syndrome.

Cognitive functioning predicts learning and performance of syncopated rhythms in healthy aging adults

AbstractBackgroundRhythmic music making may be beneficial for maintenance of healthy executive functioning and processing speed throughout the aging process. However, little is known about how engagement with rhythmic music making associates with healthy executive functioning and processing speed. This study aimed to determine the predictive potential of learning and performance of rhythms upon performance in executive functioning and processing speed tasks.MethodThis study involved a cross‐sectional, non‐randomized within subjects design, defined by a rhythmic musical activity (RMA), and executive functioning (EF) and processing speed (PS) tasks. The RMA involved thirty progressively syncopated rhythms, operationalized via three learning trials and a performance trial. The EF and PS tasks included multiple subtests of the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) Working Memory and Processing Speed Indices (WMI &amp; PSI), and Trail Making Parts A&amp;B.ResultHealthy younger (ages 18‐35) and elderly (ages 55‐89) individuals provided informed consent and participated (N = 60; 46 female; 78.3% Caucasian). Learning and performance of syncopated rhythms between age groups significantly predicted scores on the WAIS PSI (t = 2.227/2.101, p = 0.030/0.040) and Trails A&amp;B (t = ‐3.431/‐4.155, p = 0.003/&lt;0.001; t = ‐3.636/‐4.256, p = &lt;0.001/&lt;0.001). Only rhythm learning predicted scores on WAIS WMI (t = 2.821, p = 0.007), with a trend shown for rhythm performance (t = 1.934, p = 0.059).ConclusionThis study is one of few to show relationships between rhythm perception and executive functioning in healthy aging. The results suggest the potential value of rhythmic music making upon maintenance of healthy executive functioning and processing speed throughout the aging process. A longitudinal study involving a control group and a larger sample size may enhance the findings of this study. Additionally, application to the Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias populations may provide comparative evidence to the healthy aging population.