Prospective Memory Research Articles

MiRNA375-3p/rapamycin mediates the mTOR pathway by decreasing PS1, enhances microglial cell activity to regulate autophagy in Alzheimer's disease

The clinical prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and drug development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) require urgent detection of novel targets and methods. Autophagy and microglia are significantly associated with the pathogenesis of early AD. This study indicated that microRNA-375-3p can inhibit autophagy by promoting mTOR phosphorylation in normal physiological conditions, while microRNA-375-3p promoted autophagy and enhanced neural repair by inhibiting the expression of presenilin 1 in early AD pathogenesis. Furthermore, co-treatment of rapamycin, and microRNA-375-3p can synergistically promote the autophagy and microglial activation in a neuroprotective manner, clear Aβ accumulation, repair nerve damage, and alleviate cognitive dysfunction and memory defects in APP/PS1 TG mice. This research revealed the impact and mechanism of miR375-3p on the early stage of AD through in vivo and in vitro experiments and provides new ideas and directions for the early treatment of AD.

The Neuroprotective Role of Tangeritin

The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases has increased with longer life expectancies, necessitating the exploration of novel neuroprotective agents. Tangeretin, a polymethoxylated flavone derived from citrus fruits, has gathered attention for its potential therapeutic effects. This review highlights the neuroprotective properties of tangeretin via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Tangeretin demonstrates efficacy in mitigating oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal damage across various neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cerebral ischemia, and epilepsy. It shows promise in ameliorating cognitive deficits and memory impairments associated with these diseases. Moreover, tangeretin modulates multiple signalling pathways and protects against neuronal apoptosis, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic agent.

Ding-Zhi-Xiao-Wan decoction alleviates mitochondrial autophagy in vascular dementia mice via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

BackgroundVascular dementia (VD) is a common and diverse group of neurological disorders. The cause of cognitive impairment symptoms in VD is mainly cerebrovascular lesions caused by various factors. Ding-Zhi-Xiao-Wan decoction (DZXW) is a classical Chinese medicine compound for treating clinical manifestations of dementia-like conditions. Our preliminary study determined that the volatile oil component (β-asarone) of Acorus tatarinowii Schott in DZXW has a significant neuroprotective effect. However, there is limited documentation on the effects of DZXW in treating VD. MethodsThe analysis of medicinal chemistry, potential targets, and mechanisms of DZXW for treating VD started with network pharmacology. To create the VD model, bilateral carotid artery ligation was performed. Normal saline or DZXW was administered to Institute of Cancer Research mice via gavage daily for 28 days. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of the mice post-treatment. To validate potential targets and efficacy mechanisms identified through network pharmacology, qualitative real-time PCR and western blotting were employed. Further examination of histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the hippocampal region was conducted using hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. ResultsThe analysis using network pharmacology showed that there was a connection between the key targets associated with the components of DZXW, there were 836 targets of ginseng, 305 targets of Acorus tatarinowii Schott, 394 targets of Poria cocos, and 228 targets of Polygala tenuifolia; and 4671 targets related to VD. In particular, 53 targets are at the intersection of DZXW and VD. The results of this experiment confirmed that DZXW not only attenuated brain damage and its induced learning memory deficits in the VD model but also had some antioxidant effects. Furthermore, DZXW down-regulated VD-induced CASP3, EGFR, PTGS2, ESR1, and HSP90AA1 mRNA expression. It was confirmed that DZXW enhanced the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR. Additionally, DZXW was demonstrated to elevate the protein levels of p62 and TOM20 while reducing the protein expression of mitochondrial autophagy markers such as PINK1, PARKIN, Beclin-1, and LC3. ConclusionsDZXW impedes mitochondrial autophagy through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This leads to the reduction of mitochondrial injury in nerve cells triggered by VD-induced tissue hypoglycemia and hypoxia, ultimately enhancing cognitive function and memory retention.

Anatomo-functional changes in neural substrates of cognitive memory in developmental amnesia: Insights from automated and manual Magnetic Resonance Imaging examinations.

Despite bilateral hippocampal damage dating to the perinatal or early childhood period and severely impaired episodic memory, patients with developmental amnesia continue to exhibit well-developed semantic memory across the developmental trajectory. Detailed information on the extent and focality of brain damage in these patients is needed to hypothesize about the neural substrate that supports their remarkable capacity for encoding and retrieval of semantic memory. In particular, we need to assess whether the residual hippocampal tissue is involved in this preservation, or whether the surrounding cortical areas reorganize to rescue aspects of these critical cognitive memory processes after early injury. We used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis, automatic (FreeSurfer) and manual segmentation to characterize structural changes in the brain of an exceptionally large cohort of 23 patients with developmental amnesia in comparison with 32 control subjects. Both the VBM and the FreeSurfer analyses revealed severe structural alterations in the hippocampus and thalamus of patients with developmental amnesia. Milder damage was found in the amygdala, caudate, and parahippocampal gyrus. Manual segmentation demonstrated differences in the degree of atrophy of the hippocampal subregions in patients. The level of atrophy in CA-DG subregions and subicular complex was more than 40%, while the atrophy of the uncus was moderate (-24%). Anatomo-functional correlations were observed between the volumes of residual hippocampal subregions in patients and selective aspects of their cognitive performance, viz, intelligence, working memory, and verbal and visuospatial recall. Our findings suggest that in patients with developmental amnesia, cognitive processing is compromised as a function of the extent of atrophy in hippocampal subregions. More severe hippocampal damage may be more likely to promote structural and/or functional reorganization in areas connected to the hippocampus. In this hypothesis, different levels of hippocampal function may be rescued following this variable reorganization. Our findings document not only the extent, but also the limits of circuit reorganization occurring in the young brain after early bilateral hippocampal damage.

A - 85 Age-Related Differences in Cognitive Mechanisms: Exploring the Role of Processing Speed in Working Memory and Prospective Memory

Abstract Objective Research links working memory (WM) and prospective memory (PM) on cognitively demanding tasks. Older adults demonstrate more frontal lobe activation than young adults during WM and PM tasks; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study hypothesized processing speed (PS) as a mediator between WM and PM with age cohort as a possible moderator. Method Healthy older adults (n = 80; age 60–89, M = 72.51, SD = 7.08) and young adults (n = 63; age 18–29, M = 19.27, SD = 2.12) were administered WAIS-IV Digit Span, WAIS-IV Coding, and the Virtual Kitchen Protocol for Prospective Memory. Results A moderated mediation model revealed that WM positively influenced PM (c:B = 0.69, p < 0.001) with a positive indirect relationship through PS among older adults (ab:B = 0.26, 95% CI [0.13, 0.43]), but not young adults (ab:B = −0.08, 95% CI [−0.19, 0.03]). Conclusion PS appears to play a significant role in older adults’ use of WM for PM but not in young adults. This could suggest that older adults recruit additional cognitive resources – those involved in PS – as a compensatory strategy for real-world PM tasks, which would support prior research indicating that diminished functioning in older adults results from reduced ability to redirect neurocognitive networks. Alternatively, age-related declines in PS could be a root cause underlying both worse WM and worse PM in older adults, as postulated by Salthouse. Future research would benefit from further differentiating the direction of influences between WM, PS, and PM in older adults.

B - 118 Exploration of Supplemental Recognition Measures for the RBANS

Abstract Objective RBANS is a widely used cognitive screener that lacks memory recognition measures for 2 recall tasks. Performance on verbal and visual recognition measures, relative to recall, may help inform clinical decision-making and treatment planning. Our pilot project aims to understand how individuals with valid cognitive data and normal memory functioning perform on newly developed RBANS story and figure memory recognition tests. Method Of those referred for outpatient neuropsychological assessment at a veterans hospital between 2017–2024, 89 received the newly established recognition measures as part of their clinical evaluation. Our analysis included veterans that displayed valid profiles (TOMM trial 1 ≥ 45, n = 53). Assessment occurred 30% face-to-face and 70% telehealth. In addition to key demographic factors listed in table 1, race/ethnicity breakdown included: 92% White, 4% Black, 2% Asian, 2% Hispanic. These veterans were subdivided into 3 intact memory groups: list recall (≥ 25%ile, n = 31), story recall (≥ 25%ile, n = 37), figure recall (≥ 25%ile, n = 42) to determine average recognition performances across domains. Results The individuals with valid cognitive data and normal memory recall performed as listed in table 1. Although our novel story and figure recognition measures differ from those published in Duff et al. (2021), our pilot project data largely overlapped with their reported findings despite demographic differences. Conclusion(s) These novel recognition scores can help establish normal story and figure recognition performance to assist with clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. With greater and more diverse samples, we may be able to establish relative cut points for expected recognition memory performances across intact, amnestic/cortical, and vascular/subcortical.

B - 96 Relationships between Self-Reported Cognitive Dysfunction, Functional Activities, and Intraindividual Cognitive Variability in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (Pwms)

Abstract Objective To examine the relationships between intraindividual cognitive variability (IIV) and self-reported cognitive and functional difficulties in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). We hypothesized higher perceived cognitive and functional difficulties would be associated with higher IIV. Method Participants (n = 35) were pwMS from a prospective memory intervention study. During the baseline evaluation, participants completed an objective neuropsychological test battery and a self-report measure of cognitive functioning (Perceived Deficits Questionnaire; PDQ Total). Participants were asked if they had problems in eight different functional areas due to their memory, with the number of endorsed problems summed. Two measures of IIV, an intraindividual standard deviation (ISD) score and maximum discrepancy score (MDS), were created from 11 indices. The relationship between the IIV and PDQ were assessed with individual linear regressions, controlling for demographics and disease-related characteristics, while Spearman correlations examined the associations with the number of reported functional memory problems. Results The PDQ was not significantly associated with either the ISD (b = −0.03, 95% CI: −0.15, 0.10, p = 0.672) or MDS (b = −0.01, 95% CI: −0.51, 0.32, p = 0.645). The overall number of functional memory problems was correlated with both the PDQ (ρ = 0.40, p = 0.018) and ISD (ρ = −0.35, p = 0.039), but not MSD (ρ = −0.22, p = 0.201). Conclusion(s) Perceived cognitive dysfunction was not associated with IIV. However, self-reported functional problems with memory were associated with perceived cognition, as well as one metric of IIV. ISD may better reflect moment to moment fluctuations that lead to difficulties with daily functioning, as opposed to MDS which may reflect underlying variation (e.g., base rates of impairment) in cognitive performance.

Association between surgical admissions, cognition, and neurodegeneration in older people: a population-based study from the UK Biobank

Previous studies have shown that major surgical and medical hospital admissions are associated with cognitive decline in older people (aged 40-69years at recruitment), which is concerning for patients and caregivers. We aimed to validate these findings in a large cohort and investigate associations with neurodegeneration using MRI. For this population-based study, we analysed data from the UK Biobank collected from March 13, 2006, to July 16, 2023, linked to the National Health Service Hospital Episode Statistics database, excluding participants with dementia diagnoses. We constructed fully adjusted models that included age, time, sex, Lancet Commission dementia risk factors, stroke, and hospital admissions with a participant random effect. Primary outcomes were hippocampal volume and white matter hyperintensities, both of which are established markers of neurodegeneration, and exploratory analyses investigated the cortical thickness of Desikan-Killiany-Tourville atlas regions. The main cognitive outcomes were reaction time, fluid intelligence, and prospective and numeric memory. Surgeries were calculated cumulatively starting from 8years before the baseline evaluation. Of 502 412participants in the UK Biobank study, 492 802participants were eligible for inclusion in this study, of whom 46 706underwent MRI. Small adverse associations with cognition were found per surgery: reaction time increased by 0·273ms, fluid intelligence score decreased by 0·057correct responses, prospective memory (scored as correct at first attempt) decreased (odds ratio 0·96 [95% CI 0·95to 0·97]), and numeric memory maximum correct matches decreased by 0·025in fully adjusted models. Surgeries were associated with smaller hippocampal volume (β=-5·76mm³ [-7·89to-3·64]) and greater white matter hyperintensities volume (β=100·02 mm³ [66·17to 133·87]) in fully adjusted models. Surgeries were also associated with neurodegeneration of the insula and superior temporal cortex. This population-based study corroborates that surgeries are generally safe but cumulatively are associated with cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Perioperative brain health should be prioritised for older and vulnerable patients, particularly those who have multiple surgical procedures. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Foundation and the University of Sydney.

Interplay of MeCP2/REST/Synaptophysin-BDNF and intranasal oxytocin influence on Aβ-induced memory and cognitive impairments

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is linked to the accumulation of Aβ, increased tau hyperphosphorylation, persistent neuroinflammation, and a decline in neurotrophic factors, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Oxytocin (OT) has a significant impact on memory and learning. We examined the influence of intranasal (IN) OT on synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, histone acetylation, and spatial and cognitive memories in rats. MethodsAβ25–35 (5 µg/2.5 µl) was administered bilaterally in the CA1 of male Wistar rats for four consecutive days. After seven days of recovery, OT (2 µg/µl, 10 µl in each nostril) was administered IN for seven consecutive days. Working, spatial, and cognitive memories, and gene expression of neurogenesis- and synaptic plasticity-involved factors were measured in the hippocampus. Histone acetylation (H3K9 and H4K8) was also measured using western blotting. ResultsIN administration of OT significantly improved working and spatial memory impairment induced by Aβ and increased the factors involved in synaptic plasticity (MeCP2, REST, synaptophysin, and BDNF) and neurogenesis (Ki67 and DCX). We also found an enhancement in the levels of H3K9ac and H4K8ac following OT administration. ConclusionThese findings indicated that IN OT could improve hippocampus-related behaviors by increasing synaptic plasticity, stimulating neurogenesis, and chromatin plasticity.

Investigating the Impact of IL-6 and CXCL8 on Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the elderly, characterized by severe cognitive impairment and memory loss. Emerging evidence suggests that neuroinflammation plays a significant role in AD pathogenesis, with cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) contributing to the disease progression. We utilized GEO datasets to identify IL-6 and CXCL8 as pivotal inflammatory markers in AD. In vitro experiments were conducted using SK-N-BE(2)-M17 and THP-1 cell lines treated with IL-6 and CXCL8 to model AD. Additionally, in vivo tests on Amyloid Precursor Protein/Presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) AD mouse models were performed to assess the impact of these cytokines on cognitive functions and brain pathology. The results indicated a significant decrease in cell viability, increased apoptosis, and elevated inflammatory factor secretion following IL-6 and CXCL8 treatment in vitro. In vivo, AD mouse models treated with these cytokines exhibited exacerbated emotional distress, decreased social interaction, impaired cognitive functions, and increased amyloid protein deposition in neural tissues. The study highlights the detrimental effects of IL-6 and CXCL8 on neuronal health and cognitive functions in AD. These findings suggest that targeting these cytokines could offer potential therapeutic interventions for improving patient outcomes in Alzheimer's disease.

Exploring cognitive impairments and the efficacy of phosphatidylcholine and computer-assisted cognitive training in post-acute COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of confirmed cases worldwide, resulting in numerous deaths and hospitalizations. Long-term symptoms after infection or vaccination, known as Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) or Post-acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome (PACVS), present a challenge for the healthcare system. Among the various neurological symptoms, cognitive impairments are frequently observed in PACS/PACVS patients. This study aimed to understand cognitive deficits in PACS/PACVS patients and evaluated potential treatment options, including phosphatidylcholine and computer-assisted cognitive training (CCT). The Neuro-COVID Outpatient Clinic at Evangelic Hospital Vienna evaluated n = 29 PACS/PACVS patients from May 2023 to October 2023. Enrolled patients were divided into three therapy schemes: Group A received phosphatidylcholine, B received phosphatidylcholine plus access to a computer-assisted cognitive training program, and C (divided into two subgroups) served as a control group. Cognitive impairments were evaluated in multiple assessments (initial and during therapy) using the COGBAT test. Simultaneously, an assessment of the quality of life was conducted using the WHOQOL-BREF. Primary cognitive impairments, especially attentional deficits were notably evident compared to the general population. While all treatment groups showed cognitive improvement (significant or with a positive trend, but without reaching the level of statistical significance) after therapy, no significant interaction was found between assessment time points and treatment schemes for overall cognitive performance, attention, memory, and executive functions, suggesting consistency across the groups. The WHOQOL-BREF primarily demonstrated deficits in the domains of physical health and psychological well-being. This study examined the impact of PACS/PACVS on cognitive performance and evaluated phosphatidylcholine and CCT as potential treatment options. Patients with PACS/PACVS showed notable cognitive deficits, especially in the domain attention. While the effectiveness of phosphatidylcholine and CCT in treating cognitive deficits was inconclusive, the study indicated the possibility of spontaneous remission of cognitive deficits in PACS/PACVS.

From color naming to color perception: Cross‐linguistic differences of the chromatic information processing in monolingual and bilingual speakers

AbstractThere has been long running debate about the interaction of language and perception. In this context, bilingual people have often shown benefits, due to their double‐active linguistic system, in cognitive functions, like inhibition, attention, and memory, which are central for visual perception. Color naming and categorization are domains for studying cross‐linguistic effects, which arise from conceptual and perceptual variations across speakers of different languages. In this study, we compared the ‘blue’ lexicon of highly proficient French‐Italian bilinguals to monolingual speakers of the corresponding languages. Prior studies have shown that Italian has two basic color terms for the blue area of color space: one denotes light blue hues (azzurro) and the other dark blue hues (blu), whilst French, with only one basic term bleu, lacks this distinction. We used a Stroop test to probe differences in perception and categorization of blue in bi‐ and monolingual speakers. We found that Italian monolinguals name the ink color more accurately and more rapidly when the word blu is rendered in dark blue ink (corresponding to the word blu) than when it is printed in light blue ink (corresponding to azzurro), since the latter represents an incongruent condition for them. This ‘category effect’ does not exist for French monolingual speakers. Our bilinguals' results demonstrate that, despite the emergence of a specific in‐between perceptual behavior, bilinguals generally performed like Italian monolinguals. These outcomes confirm the hypothesis that their second language categories (Italian) dominate their native language (French), attesting that lexical distinctions influence perceptual faculties in general. However, the ratio of the interference effect (longer reaction times for incongruent stimuli compared to control stimuli) and the facilitation effect (shorter reaction times for congruent stimuli compared to control stimuli) is not the same for bilinguals and monolinguals. The highest magnitude in the facilitation effect was revealed for bilinguals, whereas the highest magnitude in the interference effect was revealed for Italian monolingual speakers. This phenomenon adds evidence to the existence of enhanced bilingual cognitive control abilities.

Prospective Memory Complaints Are Related to Objective Performance in People With Multiple Sclerosis

ObjectivesTo examine the association between subjective and objective prospective memory (PM) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). DesignSecondary analysis of a cross-sectional cohort study. SettingCommunity-based comprehensive multiple sclerosis center. ParticipantsPwMS (N=112) who completed a battery that included measures of PM, depression, and fatigue. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresObjective PM was measured with the performance-based Memory for Intentions Test (MIST), whereas subjective PM was assessed with the self-report Perceived Deficits Questionnaire-Prospective Memory (PDQ-PM). ResultsPwMS had low scores on the PDDS (median=2) and HADS-D (median=5.29), with 26.8% scoring 1 standard deviation or lower (≤15th percentile) on the MIST. Objective PM was significantly associated with subjective PM in a multivariate model (β=−0.18, P=.036), which accounted for demographics, physical disability, retrospective memory, and depressive and fatigue severity. Physical disability, depression, and fatigue were also significant contributors to subjective PM. Time-based PM performance emerged as the specific component that was associated with subjective PM. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that among PwMS with relatively mild impairment and symptomatology, their objective PM performance was associated with their self-assessments, even when considering retrospective memory and factors that influence their cognitive perceptions. The results expand upon the subjective-objective cognition discrepancy literature in multiple sclerosis and highlights how the PDQ-PM could be used as a complementary measure to help identify difficulties with PM.

Neuroprotective Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone and Hericium erinaceus in Scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's Diseases-like Symptoms in Male Rats.

The neuroprotective effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus) mushroom extract against scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms in male Wistar rats were investigated. Sixty-four male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n = 8). Scopolamine (SCO) was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 10 days. The treatment groups orally received DHEA (250 mg/kg/day) and/or H. erinaceus (300 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. Afterward, the Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition tests were implemented. Then, animals were anesthetized and the brain tissue samples were separated. Levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase activity (CAT), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined. Also, histopathological studies were evaluated in the brain tissue samples. Administration of SCO significantly decreased spatial and cognitive memory (p < 0.001). Not only did SCO injection significantly increase the levels of the LPO but also the SCO markedly reduced the levels of the TAC, CAT activity, and the BDNF in the brain tissue. On the other hand, a combination of the DHEA and H. erinaceus showed higher efficacy than the DHEA or H. erinaceus in attenuating behavioral anomalies and improving the antioxidant defense system and BDNF levels. Histological examination was well correlated with biochemical findings regarding SCO neurodegeneration and DHEA and/or H. erinaceus neuroprotection. Interestingly, ADHE and/or H. erinaceus may due to their potential neurotrophic properties be used as a new and beneficial concurrent therapy in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms caused by SCO.

Efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background &amp; Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating condition characterized by a myriad of neurologic deficits. The prevalence rate of Cognitive impairment (CI) ranges from 40 to 60 percent among community-dwelling individuals with MS. Cholinergic dysfunction is one of the different mechanisms proposed to cause CI, supporting the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) in certain conditions. The study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in multiple sclerosis patients with cognitive impairment through a review of randomized clinical trials. Methods: Using the updated PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE by PubMed, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials. gov website, Google Scholar, and HERDIN Database for relevant studies until November 15, 2022. Results: A total of 73 records were identified and five studies were included in the analysis. Pooled evidence shows that AchEIs (donepezil 10 mg/day or rivastigmine 10 mg/day for 12 to 14 weeks) did not significantly improve Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) score for information processing and sustained attention and the Selective Reminding Test (SRT) score for verbal memory. Another study using the Weschler Memory Scale (WMS) also did not show significant improvement in their scores. However, a recent trial that used the Everyday memory questionnaire (EMQ), prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire (PRMQ), and the Digit span test (DST) showed significant difference between pre- and post-intervention mean scores in the donepezil group (p&lt;0.001). The physical and mental health scores of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life questionnaires (MSQOL) significantly improved in MS patients receiving donepezil. Both donepezil and rivastigmine were associated with non-serious adverse events. Conclusion: The use of AchEIs among MS patients does not significantly improve objective measures of cognition but has positive impact on subjective scales of cognition (EMQ and PRMQ). AchEIs were shown to improve patients’ quality of life. AchEIs are safe and well tolerated among MS patients.

Task-specific topology of brain networks supporting working memory and inhibition.

Network neuroscience explores the brain's connectome, demonstrating that dynamic neural networks support cognitive functions. This study investigates how distinct cognitive abilities-working memory and cognitive inhibitory control-are supported by unique brain network configurations constructed by estimating whole-brain networks using mutual information. The study involved 195 participants who completed the Sternberg Item Recognition task and Flanker tasks while undergoing electroencephalography recording. A mixed-effects linear model analyzed the influence of network metrics on cognitive performance, considering individual differences and task-specific dynamics. The findings indicate that working memory and cognitive inhibitory control are associated with different network attributes, with working memory relying on distributed networks and cognitive inhibitory control on more segregated ones. Our analysis suggests that both strong and weak connections contribute to cognitive processes, with weak connections potentially leading to a more stable and support networks of memory and cognitive inhibitory control. The findings indirectly support the network neuroscience theory of intelligence, suggesting different functional topology of networks inherent to various cognitive functions. Nevertheless, we propose that understanding individual variations in cognitive abilities requires recognizing both shared and unique processes within the brain's network dynamics.

The Role of Resveratrol in Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Current Research

: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progres-sive cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired daily functioning. The etiology of AD is complex and multifactorial, involving various pathological mechanisms such as the accumula-tion of amyloid-beta plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. As the global prevalence of AD continues to rise, there is a growing interest in identifying po-tential therapeutic interventions to prevent or slow down the progression of the disease. Resvera-trol, a natural polyphenolic compound found in various plant sources such as grapes, berries, and peanuts, has gained considerable attention due to its potential neuroprotective effects. Numerous preclinical studies utilizing in vitro and animal models have investigated the impact of resvera-trol on AD pathology and associated cognitive impairments. This review aims to provide a com-prehensive summary of the current research on the role of resveratrol in AD. In conclusion, resveratrol holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for AD due to its ability to target mul-tiple pathological processes involved in the disease. Further research, including well-designed clinical trials with larger sample sizes, is needed to fully elucidate the efficacy, optimal dosage, and long-term effects of resveratrol in AD patients. Nevertheless, resveratrol remains an intri-guing compound with neuroprotective properties and may contribute to the development of nov-el therapeutic approaches for AD in the future.

Impacts of PFAS Exposure on Neurodevelopment: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a range of conditions that begin during the developmental stage and cause deficits that lead to disruptions in normal functioning. One class of chemicals that is of increasing concern for neurodevelopmental disorders is made up of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In this comprehensive literature review, we investigated data from epidemiological studies to understand the connection between PFAS exposure and neurodevelopmental endpoints such as cognitive function, intelligence (IQ), and memory, along with behavioral changes like Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). When we reviewed the findings from individual studies that analyzed PFAS levels in biological samples and their association with NDD, we concluded that there was a correlation between PFAS and neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings suggest that children exposed to higher PFAS levels could potentially have an increased risk of ASD and ADHD along with an inhibitory effect on IQ. While the results vary from one study to another, there is increasing association between PFAS exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders. Importantly, the findings provide valuable insights into the adverse effects associated with PFAS exposure and neurodevelopment.

Prevalence of perturbed gut microbiota in pathophysiology of arsenic-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviour in mice

Severe toxic effects of arsenic on human physiology have been of immense concern worldwide. Arsenic causes irrevocable structural and functional disruption of tissues, leading to major diseases in chronically exposed individuals. However, it is yet to be resolved whether the effects result from direct deposition and persistence of arsenic in tissues, or via activation of indirect signaling components. Emerging evidences suggest that gut inhabitants play an active role in orchestrating various aspects of brain physiology, as the gut-brain axis maintains cognitive health, emotions, learning and memory skills. Arsenic-induced dysbiosis may consequentially evoke neurotoxicity, eventually leading to anxiety and depression. To delineate the mechanism of action, mice were exposed to different concentrations of arsenic. Enrichment of Gram-negative bacteria and compromised barrier integrity of the gut enhanced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level in the bloodstream, which in turn elicited systemic inflammation. Subsequent alterations in neurotransmitter levels, microglial activation and histoarchitectural disruption in brain triggered onset of anxiety- and depression-like behaviour in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, to confirm whether the neurotoxic effects are specifically a consequence of modulation of gut microbiota (GM) by arsenic and not arsenic accumulation in the brain, fecal microbiota transplantations (FMT) were performed from arsenic-exposed mice to healthy recipients. 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated major alterations in GM population in FMT mice, leading to severe structural, functional and behavioural alterations. Moreover, suppression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) using vivo-morpholino oligomers (VMO) indicated restoration of the altered parameters towards normalcy in FMT mice, confirming direct involvement of the GM in inducing neurotoxicity through the arsenic-gut-brain axis. This study accentuates the potential role of the gut microbiota in promoting neurotoxicity in arsenic-exposed mice, and has immense relevance in predicting neurotoxicity under altered conditions of the gut for designing therapeutic interventions that will target gut dysbiosis to attenuate arsenic-mediated neurotoxicity.

One year analysis of Prospective Memory Clinics Registry in Qatar: A Critical Tool for Dementia Research and Policy Planning.

The Global Dementia Observatory (GDO) is a monitoring and accountability tool for the Global Action Plan on Public Response to Dementia 2017-25. Evidence from dementia registries may be utilized to better address WHO efforts in member countries, as well as to improve clinical practice and public health policy. The goal of this study was to analyze one-year data from a prospective memory clinic registry. This study was a baseline analysis of prospective memory clinics registry data of Qatar from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. This study investigated the demographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics of 464 participants who were enrolled in memory clinics. Mild neurocognitive disorders were the most prevalent diagnoses in both sexes, affecting 61.5% of male patients and 63.7% of female patients. Dementia was slightly more common in men (19.8% vs. 18.9%), although delirium was more common in women (1.9% vs. 0%). In terms of risk factors, the analysis revealed that females were more likely to be obese (36.8% vs. 16.7% in males), while males had higher rates of diabetes (61.1% vs. 51.9% in females), hypertension (69.4% vs. 62.7% in females), and smoking (17.1% vs. 3.8% in females). The findings of this study highlight the differences in dementia risk factors between genders and races, highlighting the need for customized interventions. Furthermore, the registry is a great resource for policymakers and healthcare professionals, providing evidence-based suggestions to improve dementia care, increase the well-being of patients and caregivers, and maximize resource allocation.