Cognitive changes and emotional heart rate variability dynamics in subjective cognitive decline: An exploratory longitudinal neuropsychophysiological study.

Vitisin B, extracted from Vitis vinifera, enhances memory function and neuroprotective effects in scopolamine-induced memory-impaired mice.

The subiculum is highly interconnected with the hippocampus, sub-regions of the thalamus, and the entorhinal and retrosplenial cortices. Together, these regions form a distributed network that plays critical roles in spatial cognition and learning and memory. Despite recent discoveries detailing subiculum's circuitry and neural dynamics, a unique role for subiculum in this system has yet to be determined. Traditionally, the subiculum has been considered the "fourth leg" and output region of the trisynaptic pathway. However, recent evidence highlights the subiculum as a site of integration, receiving and redistributing outputs from the hippocampus, anterior thalamus, retrosplenial cortex, and entorhinal cortex. We review how these afferents may explain the diverse forms of spatial and directional tuning observed in the subiculum, including location coding, boundary-related signals, axis of travel, and head orientation. We also discuss more recently identified "non-canonical" connections that suggest additional roles for the subiculum in refining hippocampal processing. Together, these findings call for a reconceptualization of the subiculum's role in spatial cognition, memory, and integration across thalamic, cortical, and hippocampal networks.

Calcaratarin D exerts neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease mouse model by inhibiting CERT-mediated NF-κB pathway.

Assessing Prospective Memory after Stroke: a Comparison of Self-Report and Performance-Based Measures.

Background: The global prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has reached 55.2 million. AD is characterized by progressive deterioration in cognition and working memory (WM), which are essential for attention, reasoning, and learning. These impairments are associated with pathological changes in cortical and subcortical regions. Binaural beats (BBs), a non-invasive auditory neuromodulation technique, have demonstrated cognitive enhancement effects in healthy individuals; however, their impact on WM in patients with AD remains largely unexplored. Methods: This study investigated the effects of BB stimulation on WM and cognitive function in the temporal lobe of patients with AD using standardized Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (sLORETA). Twenty-five patients with AD were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15) that received BB stimulation or a control group (n = 10) that received standard auditory stimulation. EEG recordings were obtained before and after the intervention. Results: Paired t-tests conducted on timeframe and frequency-wise sLORETA images revealed significant increases (p < 0.05) in theta, alpha1, and alpha2 frequency bands in the experimental group. Activated regions included the inferior, middle, superior, and transverse temporal gyri; Brodmann areas (BA) 20, 21, 22, 40, and 42; as well as networks associated with working memory and cognition. Conclusions: These findings suggest that BB stimulation induces temporal lobe activation, thereby enhancing working memory and cognitive function in patients with AD.

Applications of the diffusion decision model (DDM) to the study of cognitive individual differences consistently find that the model's drift rate (v) parameter forms a cohesive factor across many tasks and relates to measures of higher-order cognitive functioning, including general cognitive ability and working memory. This parameter is often interpreted as a measure of "processing speed," a traditional psychometric construct thought to reflect an individual's basic speed of information processing across tasks. However, conceptual differences between v and traditional notions of processing speed make this mapping far from straightforward. Racing accumulator models, which provide a more flexible and comprehensive account of behavioral data than the DDM, allow for the speed with which individuals accumulate evidence to be dissociated from the efficiency with which they accumulate task-relevant evidence (versus task-irrelevant evidence). We applied the DDM and a racing accumulator model to three tasks across three independent datasets to gauge the extent to which v parameter findings from the cognitive individual differences literature reflect speed of evidence accumulation (SEA) versus efficiency of evidence accumulation (EEA). Across all tasks, v was more strongly related to EEA than SEA. EEA was consistently related to measures of general cognitive ability, working memory, and executive function whereas SEA explained <1% of the variance in each. These findings suggest individual differences in the DDM's v parameter, and its relations with higher-order cognitive abilities, primarily reflect EEA rather than SEA and challenge the widespread practice of equating v with the traditional "processing speed" construct.

Complex progressive neurodegenerative Alzheimer's disease is characterized by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and accumulation of amyloid and tau pathologies, along with aggravation of neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. In our previous studies, the potential of azilsartan, a widely used angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), was demonstrated to possess neuroprotective action when administered through intranasal route, improving memory and cognition through modulation of central renin-angiotensin signalling in a demented animal model. With the intranasal administration, azilsartan nanoemulgel offers the ability to bypass the BBB due to the use of the olfactory and trigeminal neural pathways, achieving direct brain targeting of the therapeutics. In the present study, the neuroprotective effect of azilsartan (5mg/kg via intranasal route consequently for 45days) was further validated in an AlCl3-induced murine model of Alzheimer's dementia through investigation of mechanistic pathways. The results demonstrated that intranasal delivery of azilsartan significantly ameliorated cognitive decline when compared to standard drug donepezil, as evidenced from the behavioural tests, restored hippocampal oxidative balance (SOD, GSH, CAT), reduced lipid peroxidation (2.6-fold reduction in MDA levels compared to the AlCl3-intoxicated group), and increased neuronal count. The biomarker study revealed suppression of inflammatory markers, reduction of Alzheimer's specific pathological markers, and significant restoration of neurotrophic pathways. To validate these findings, in silico molecular docking and dynamics simulations were conducted on the key markers TNFα, IL1β, PPARγ, BDNF, APP, and p-Tau, which showed strong and stable binding interactions with BDNF and PPARγ and moderate but persistent stabilization with APP and p-Tau, aligning with in vivo experimental outcomes. Therefore, the integrated computational and experimental evidence thus demonstrates that azilsartan exhibits neuroprotection, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for repurposing in Alzheimer's disease.

Investigating the role of cognitive load on prospective memory performance across event and mixed cues retrievals.

Time-based prospective memory refers to the ability to remember activities at a specified future time. In our everyday lives, certain time-based tasks need to be completed within a short time period, while others are meant for a more distant future. We report the findings from two separate but related reviews regarding the temporal dynamics of time-based prospective memory. The first included a systematic and meta-analytic review of the impact of short versus long time intervals on the time-based prospective memory performance. Ninety-three comparisons were included in the first meta-analysis, revealing a medium effect size associated with time intervals on time-based prospective memory performance, indicating superior performance with shorter delay intervals. The second section of this report comprises a review and meta-analysis of the correlation between time-based prospective memory and individuals' perception of time. The findings from 18 comparisons in the second part of the study suggest a negative correlation between time-based prospective memory and time perception. In summary, the results of these reviews provide evidence of the influence of short and long time intervals on time-based prospective memory performance and highlights the connection between time-based prospective memory performance and individuals' time perception. The findings, which are considered in relation to theoretical explanations of time-based prospective memory, point to several avenues for future study.

This study aims to analyze the Lauḥ method as a pedagogical approach in Qur’anic memorization learning for early childhood learners. The study explicitly situates the analysis within the framework of Early Childhood Education and emphasizes the alignment of the Lauḥ method with children’s developmental characteristics, particularly in cognitive processes, memory, attention, and multisensory learning. The research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design conducted at Zawiyah Asmariyah, Libya. Data were collected through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews with Qur’anic memorization teachers and institutional administrators, and document analysis. The study analyzes the data thematically by linking empirical findings to pedagogical principles of early childhood education. The findings indicate that the Lauḥ method, through stages of preparation, writing, repetition, erasure, and gradual evaluation, aligns with core principles of early childhood learning, including cognitive load management, teacher scaffolding, and the use of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic stimulation. The method contributes to improving children’s focus, memory retention, and learning engagement. The study concludes that the Lauḥ method can function as a relevant and contextual pedagogical approach in Qur’anic memorization learning for early childhood learners when implemented systematically and oriented toward developmental needs.

Applications for smartphones and tablets have been shown to support memory, attention, and executive function in individuals with cognitive impairments, promoting independence in daily living and employment. However, the rapid advancement and diversification of such applications have made selecting and adapting appropriate applications to individual user characteristics increasingly complex. This study aimed to clarify professionals' perspectives on the selection and adaptation of applications for individuals with cognitive impairments following acquired brain injury. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 rehabilitation professionals involved in providing assistive technology devices. Commonly used applications included those for schedule management, route guidance, lifestyle management, and communication support. Suitability was judged based on pre-injury device use and cognitive characteristics, particularly language, memory, attention, and visuospatial functions. Usability challenges, such as excessive functionality, deep hierarchical structures, and poor visibility, highlighted the importance of simple and customizable design. Environmental factors, including professionals' knowledge, ongoing support, and accessibility, were also reported to affect long-term implementation. These findings suggest the relevance of a multidimensional evaluation integrating user characteristics, application functions, and environmental contexts. Strengthening evidence on application efficacy, clarifying adaptation criteria, promoting user-centered design, and developing structured training and support systems for both users and professionals may be important for effective and sustainable implementation of mobile technologies.

Synaptic pruning is an essential neurodevelopmental process that refines neural circuits by eliminating superfluous or weak synapses, thereby enhancing cognitive functions, including learning and memory. Emerging evidence indicates that viral infections can profoundly influence synaptic processes throughout the nervous system. Viral pathogens have been shown to disrupt synaptic plasticity, alter synaptic protein expression, and dysregulate mechanisms responsible for synaptic elimination. These disruptions are often mediated through the activation of the complement system, inflammatory cytokines, and aberrant expression of postsynaptic density proteins. Depending on the nature and extent of infection, viral interference with synaptic pruning may result in either excessive synapse loss or synaptic retention, both of which are implicated in neuropathological outcomes, such as cognitive decline and neurodevelopmental disorders. This review examines the molecular and cellular mechanisms of synaptic pruning and highlights the impact of various neurotropic viruses on these processes. By elucidating the interplay between viral infections and synaptic pruning, we aim to provide insights into virus-associated neuropathology and inform future research directions and therapeutic strategies in the context of virology and neuroimmunology.

The impact of emotional cue valence and arousal on the neural mechanisms of event-based prospective memory: an ERP study

The ability to perform intended actions after a delay or specific event reflects prospective memory (PM), a multiprocess involving episodic memory and attentional/executive functions. PM difficulties are common in Parkinson's disease patients, especially those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD-MCI). This study explores the efficacy of attention/executive function training on PM in PD-MCI patients using a combined immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) and Telemedicine approach. Research Methods/Design: Thirty PD-MCI patients were assessed on PM and attention-executive measures and randomly assigned to two groups: training (TR-C) or active placebo (AP-C). Training involved real-life scenarios with planning, shifting, and updating exercises, of increasing difficulty, in an immersive virtual environment. The AP-C group performed similar daily tasks with lower cognitive demands. All tasks were conducted remotely via telemedicine using iVR headsets. Outcome measures were collected at baseline (T0), post-training (T1, 4 weeks), and follow-up (T2, 2 months). A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was executed with Experimental Condition (TR-C vs. AP-C) as between factor and Time of Assessment (T0 vs. T1 and T2) and Task (prospective score and ongoing task) as within factor. A mixed ANOVA revealed that the training group improved on PM tasks versus placebo, with effects lasting at follow-up. However, no significant gains were observed in executive tasks, highlighting the greater multitasking demands of PM compared to selective executive tasks. The study demonstrates the efficacy of iVR and telemedicine in improving PM in PD-MCI patients, highlighting the potential of innovative cognitive interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Arbor is a software library designed for efficient simulation of large-scale networks of biological neurons with detailed morphological structures. It combines customizable neuronal and synaptic mechanisms with high-performance computing, supporting multi-core CPU and GPU systems. In humans and other animals, synaptic plasticity processes play a vital role in cognitive functions, including learning and memory. Recent studies have shown that intracellular molecular processes in dendrites significantly influence single-neuron dynamics. However, for understanding how the complex interplay between dendrites and synaptic processes influences network dynamics, computational modeling is required. To enable the modeling of large-scale networks of morphologically detailed neurons with diverse plasticity processes, we have extended the Arbor library to support simulations of a large variety of spike-driven plasticity paradigms. To showcase the features of the extended framework, we present examples of computational models, beginning with single-synapse dynamics, progressing to multi-synapse rules, and finally scaling up to large recurrent networks. While cross-validating our implementations by comparison with other simulators, we show that Arbor allows simulating plastic networks of multi-compartment neurons at nearly no additional cost in runtime compared to point-neuron simulations. In addition, we demonstrate that Arbor is highly efficient in terms of runtime and memory use as compared to other simulators. Using the extended framework, as an example, we investigate the impact of dendritic structures on network dynamics across a timescale of several hours, finding a relation between the length of dendritic trees and the ability of the network to efficiently store information. By our extension of Arbor, we aim to provide a valuable tool that will support future studies on the impact of synaptic plasticity, especially, in conjunction with neuronal morphology, in large networks.

This study investigated the effects of the encoding strategy episodic future thinking on prospective memory performance (i.e., remembering to execute intended actions in the future) in individuals with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by community providers. Individuals with ADHD often have difficulties to plan and execute delayed intentions in everyday life; thus, they show reduced prospective memory performance. Several studies indicate that engaging in episodic future thinking (i.e., mentally imagining executing the planned activity) during intention formation can improve prospective memory performance in typically developing populations in lab-based settings. To assess the execution of everyday intentions, we requested participants to perform the diary task. Thirty-two adults with ADHD and 31 controls were allocated to an episodic future thinking encoding condition and 31 adults with ADHD and 33 controls to a standard encoding condition. Analyses of variance revealed significant main effects of group and of encoding condition. Overall, controls remembered to execute more intentions than individuals with ADHD. Across groups, episodic future thinking increased the realization of intentions as compared to the standard encoding condition; however, this effect was no longer significant when verbal ability was statistically controlled. There was no significant interaction effect. This study replicates earlier findings of reduced intention execution in ADHD and provides preliminary support for episodic future thinking as a strategy to enhance PM in daily life, though its effects may depend on verbal ability, warranting further research.

Supplemental Material for The Effectiveness of i-Virtual Reality and Telemedicine Based Cognitive Approach for Rehabilitation of Prospective Memory in Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

The joint associations of physical activity (PA) and sleep quality with cognitive function remain unclear. The study was an observational analysis of an 8-week clustered randomized controlled trial with a 24-month follow-up in rural older Chinese. The trial took place from May 2021 to May 2023, in Sichuan, China. The participants' cognitive function was evaluated using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Linear mixed effects models and stratified analysis were performed. The study population comprised a total of 498 older adults. The average age was 70.96, and 55.4% were female. The interaction between PA and sleep quality was significant on global cognition (P=0.04) and memory (P=0.04). Compared with the low-PA and poor sleep quality group, any category of PA combined with sleep quality had better global cognition function, and the high-PA and good sleep quality group had the best global cognition function (β=0.58, 95% CI: 0.29-0.92) and memory (β=0.43, 95% CI: 0.23-0.64). Both higher levels of PA and better sleep quality are important for cognitive health, supporting the need for dual-behavior interventions in aging populations.

Piracetam (PRM) is a nootropic commonly used to improve cognitive function, memory, and learning ability. This method introduces a new spectrofluorimetric strategy for the identification of PRM, using metal oxide nanomaterials from Shilajit extract in a micellar medium. The technique is based on a unique fluorescent platform of aluminum oxide and nickel oxide nanoparticles (NPs) combined with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The metal oxide NPs were prepared by an environmentally friendly synthesis approach, using Shilajit extract as a dual‐function agent for reduction and stabilization. Their morphology, size, and structural properties were comprehensively analyzed using a range of spectroscopic and microscopic methods. The innovative technique utilizes the unique fluorescence properties of alumina and NiO NPs in the presence of SDS to detect PRM with remarkable sensitivity and selectivity. This method enables high‐precision measurements over a wide calibration range of 0.5–10 and 0.2–14 μg/mL for the two metal oxides, respectively. With PRM recoveries of 99.07% ± 0.65% and 99.60% ± 0.37%, the method has excellent accuracy and reliability. Medium precision was used to ensure that the method meets stringent precision standards. In addition, the environmentally friendly approach of using Shilajit extract for the sustainable synthesis of metal oxides reduces the impact on the environment while maintaining excellent analytical performance, as confirmed by an environmental impact assessment.