Cognitive Tests Research Articles

Contribution of a post-secondary academic enrichment program on cognitive abilities of adults with severe intellectual disability using an e-book.

Nine adults with SIDESN (aged 27-58) participated in an Introduction to Sociology course using an Ecological-mediational Strategies Model that included use of an e-book while 10 other adults served as the control group. An academic knowledge test according to Bloom's taxonomy as well as crystallized and fluid cognitive tests were administered at Time 1 (pre-course) and Time 2 (post-course). MANOVAs indicated improvement in academic knowledge and a "near transfer" to crystallized and fluid tests in the PSE group at Time 2, versus stability or decline in the controls. Chronological age and the PSE program contributed to the EPV of the improvement in the knowledge test, semantic fluency and temporal relations. Despite the small sample size, our findings indicated that academic PSE programs using technology hold potential for improving academic knowledge and cognitive abilities of crystalized and fluid types in adults with SIDESN, supporting the Compensation Age Theory, Enrichment Theory, and the Ecological-mediational Strategies Model that were developed for acquiring academic material for this special group.

Coping is a moderator of relationships between cognitive fatigue and cognitive variability in multiple sclerosis.

Mean levels of cognitive functioning typically do not show an association with self-reported cognitive fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), but some studies indicate that cognitive variability has an association with cognitive fatigue. Additionally, coping has been shown to be a powerful moderator of some outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS). To date, however, coping has not been considered as a possible moderator of the relationship between cognitive fatigue and cognitive variability in MS. The current study examined this relationship. We examined 52 PwMS. All participants were administered the Fatigue Impact Scale, the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Questionnaire, and cognitive tests. Indices of variability for memory and attention/executive functioning tests were used as outcome variables. Avoidant coping, active coping, and composite coping indices were used as moderators. The interaction analyses for the avoidant coping and composite coping indices were significant and accounted for 8 and 11% of the attention/executive functioning variability outcome, respectively. The interactions revealed that at low levels of cognitive fatigue, attention/executive functioning variability was comparable between the low and high avoidant and composite coping groups. However, at high levels of cognitive fatigue, PwMS using lower levels of avoidant coping (less maladaptive coping) showed less variable attention/executive functioning scores compared with those using higher levels of avoidant coping. We found a similar pattern for the composite coping groups. At high levels of cognitive fatigue, PwMS using adaptive coping showed less attention/executive functioning variability. These findings should be considered in the context of treatment implications.

A PARK7 Mutation-Induced Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease in a Moroccan Family: Expanding the Geographic Spectrum.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and nonmotor symptoms, with a significant genetic component. Early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD), manifesting before age 45, is often linked to mutations in genes such as PARK2, PINK1, and PARK7, the latter coding for the protein DJ-1. We present the first reported cases of EOPD carrying a previously undescribed homozygous PARK7 mutation, p.Thr110Pro. Whole exom sequencing was performed on two inbred Moroccan siblings with early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD). Detailed clinical assessments, including neurological evaluations and cognitive testing, were conducted to understand the clinical presentation of the patients. Genetic analysis was also carried out to examine their genetic background. Therapeutic responses to treatments were monitored to assess the effectiveness of management strategies. The sequencing revealed that both siblings carried the homozygous PARK7 mutation, p.Thr110Pro. Both siblings presented with typical EOPD features, including motor and non-motor symptoms. The patients both presented with cognitive impairment, with the male sibling exhibiting more pronounced symptoms. He also developed compulsive behaviors, which underscore the varied clinical presentations and therapeutic responses associated with this genetic variant. This case study expands the genetic and geographic diversity of PD presentations, highlighting cognitive and behavioral challenges and variable therapeutic outcomes. It underscores the necessity for genetic screening and individualized management strategies for patients with PD.

Hearing and cognitive scores measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale in The HUNT Study, Norway.

Hearing impairment is associated with dementia. We aimed to clarify the association between hearing impairment and future cognitive test performance measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), adjusted for confounders, avoiding reverse causation through long follow-up. We used the Norwegian population-based longitudinal cohort study, The Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT). At baseline, we invited all residents 20+ for an audiometric hearing assessment, and at 20+ years follow-up, we cognitively assessed all persons 70+ including MoCA adjusted for hearing impairment. We analyzed the association using linear regression. We included 6879 persons (mean 56.1 years, standard deviation 6.2). At follow-up, the MoCA score was -0.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.35, -0.14), per 10dB increase in hearing threshold and for persons<85 years, -0.31 (95% CI -0.42, -0.20). This study finds a long-term association between hearing impairment and dose related reduced cognitive performance, particularly in those aged <85. ID NCT04284384, hearing impairment as a risk factor for dementia in older adults. Hearing loss predicts long-term cognitive decline measured by MoCA over 20+ years. Long follow-up is crucial to avoid reverse causation in the hearing-cognition relationship. A 10dB hearing threshold increase is linked to a 0.25-point reduction in MoCA score. Strongest cognitive decline associations are seen in people aged below 85 years. The association remained after excluding hearing-dependent tasks in the MoCA.

Kidney Function, Cognitive Impairment, and Trajectories: A Longitudinal Biracial Study.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with incident cognitive impairment (ICI) and disproportionately affects older adults and Black persons. To determine (1) whether age or race differences exist in the association of CKD and ICI and (2) whether cognitive trajectories differ in people with and without CKD. Nationwide cohort study. A total of 22,435 Black and White adults age ≥ 45years without baseline cognitive impairment. Creatinine-cystatin C-based eGFR and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). Six-item screener (SIS) of global cognition every 6months, three cognitive domain tests (memory, semantic, and letter fluencies) every 2years for 10years. Logistic regression for risk of CI and latent growth curve models for trajectory analysis. Participants were 56% female, 37% Black, 56% hypertensive, and 19% had diabetes. Overall, 13% (n = 2959) developed ICI over 10years. In mid-life (age 45- < 65), the OR (95% CI) of ICI for eGFR < 45 vs eGFR ≥ 90 was 1.9 (1.2, 3.0); in late-life (≥ 65), the OR was 0.9 (0.7, 1.1), p interaction < 0.001. For ACR > 300 vs ACR < 10, in mid-life and late-life, the ORs were 1.6 (1.0, 2.6) and 1.0 (0.7, 1.4), p interaction 0.02. Compared to those with eGFR ≥ 60, eGFR < 60 was associated with lower initial cognitive domains scores, worse in mid-life than late-life, but the slopes did not differ. Compared to ACR < 30, ACR ≥ 30 had lower initial cognitive domain scores, which were similar in mid and late-life, and a steeper decline for memory scores. No differences by race were observed. Kidney disease was more strongly linked to cognitive impairment in mid-life than in late-life. Albuminuria was associated with steeper decline in memory function, especially in mid-life. NIGMS.

Cognitive Bias in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio): A Systematic Review.

In recent years, the use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as laboratory models has significantly increased. Ensuring their welfare is crucial, with the cognitive bias test emerging as a valuable tool to assess their emotional state. This systematic review examines the application of the cognitive bias test in zebrafish research. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in scientific databases, including PubMed and Scopus, yielding 30 articles. Additionally, one abstract identified through bibliographic screening of selected papers was included. Six studies were selected for analysis, and their quality was assessed using SYRCLE's risk-of-bias tool. Three experimental models were employed to conduct the cognitive bias test in zebrafish, focusing on the relationship between their affective state and environmental conditions, cognitive abilities, and life-history strategies but none of the studies adequately reported the techniques employed to reduce bias. The cognitive bias test proved effective in assessing the emotional state of zebrafish; however, methodological biases may have influenced the results. The cognitive bias test offers valuable insights into how emotional states affect cognitive abilities, responses to environmental changes (e.g., physical enrichment), and stress responses. Further research addressing methodological limitations is necessary to validate these findings and improve data reproducibility.

Evening Alpha-Lactalbumin Supplementation Alters Sleep Architecture and Reduces Morning Reaction Time in an Athletically Trained Population With Sleep Difficulties.

Evening consumption of a whey protein rich in the amino acid tryptophan, alpha-lactalbumin (ALAC), has previously shown to benefit sleep-particularly among poor sleepers. Given trained populations often experience sleep difficulty, this study investigated whether evening supplementation of ALAC would influence sleep outcomes, mood, and next-day cognitive performance within a trained population with sleep difficulties. Nineteen trained participants (females, n = 11) with sleep difficulties (Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire: 8.1 ± 3.1; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: 10.5 ± 4.1) completed this double-blinded, counterbalanced, randomized, crossover trial. Forty grams of ALAC or control were supplemented 2hr presleep for three consecutive nights in a controlled environment, with sleep measured using dry electroencephalography. Blood samples were taken on the first evening of each experimental trial, with mood, sleepiness, and recovery assessed across the evening and morning. A cognitive testing battery was also completed each morning. During the ALAC condition, the primary findings were that participants had raised plasma tryptophan levels (p < .01), increased nonrapid eye movement Stage 2 sleep duration (CON: 205.9 ± 33.3; ALAC: 216.5 ± 33.1min), reduced rapid eye movement duration (CON: 110.8 ± 27.9; ALAC: 99.7 ± 23.1min), and improved reaction time in cognitive tests involving sensory motor speed, spatial orientation, and vigilant attention (p < .05). Data suggestevening supplementation of 40g ALAC alters sleep architecture and improves next-morning reaction time in trained populations with sleep difficulties. Therefore, trained individuals experiencing sleep difficulty may benefit from acute ALAC supplementation to assist next-day performance. Future research should investigate this effect within habitual environments, outside of a tightly controlled setting.

An X-Linked Ataxia Syndrome in a Family with Hearing Loss Associated with a Novel Variant in the BCAP31 Gene.

Pathogenic variants in B-cell receptor-associated protein (BCAP31) are associated with X-linked, deafness, dystonia and cerebral hypomyelination (DDCH) syndrome. DDCH is congenital and non-progressive, featuring severe intellectual disability (ID), variable dysmorphism, and sometimes associated with shortened survival. BCAP31 encodes one of the most abundant chaperones, with several functions including acting as a negative regulator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration. Here, we characterize an X-linked syndrome, its underlying genotype, and a functional evaluation of the identified candidate genetic variant. Evaluation of motor features, neuroimaging studies, neurophysiological, and cognitive tests. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was applied, a plasmid encoding BCAP31 with and without a candidate variant was transfected into SH-SY5Y cells to assess subcellular location and to measure Ca2+ levels in the cytoplasm. Adult-onset ataxia, cognitive impairment, and hearing loss leading to deafness are the predominant features. Reduced penetrance, slow progression with preserved ability to walk in advance age, and universal cerebellar atrophy are other features for this syndrome. This condition is associated with the new variant c.22G>A (V8I) in BCAP31 at Xq28. The subcellular location of the V8I BCAP31 protein was not altered but caused significant elevation of cytosolic Ca2+. Our findings expand the spectrum of variants in BCAP31 from neurodevelopmental syndromes to include a progressive neurodegenerative disease with variable expressivity. This is the first time ataxia is described in association with a BCAP31 variant and functional evidence of pathogenicity is provided. Additional BCAP31 cases featuring ataxia are needed to establish an association. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Development of BACE2-IN-1/tranylcypromine-based compounds to induce steroidogenesis-dependent neuroprotection.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes a significant burden on global healthcare systems, especially affecting younger populations, where it is a leading cause of disability and mortality. Current treatments for TBI mainly focus on preventing further brain damage and controlling symptoms. However, despite these approaches, several clinical needs remain unmet. Revelations from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) performed to determine cell-type heterogeneity and gene expression changes in brain tissue indicated that brain trauma increases the expression of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and secretase 2 (BACE2). To capitalize on this finding, a medicinal chemistry campaign was conducted to pragmatically insert tranylcypromine, an LSD1 inhibitor, into a carefully designed BACE2 inhibitory template (BACE2-IN-1). Additionally, tranylcypromine was structurally modified to enhance the effects of LSD1 inhibition in TBI. As a result, a tractable neuroprotective agent, BACE2-IN-1/tranylcypromine-based compound 4, was identified, showing potential to maintain Neuro-2a cell survival by alleviating mitochondrial damage after oxidative stress. Compound 4 also restored TBI-mediated inhibition of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway (mevalonate pathway) and damage of redox metabolism, increasing neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, behavioral assays, including nest-building and cognitive performance tests, demonstrated significant improvement in mice post-TBI following treatment with compound 4. Taken together, the outcomes of this study validate the favorable effects of inhibiting LSD1 and beta-secretase in mitigating mitochondrial stress and promoting neurometabolic recovery in TBI. These findings pave the way for the development of rationally designed inhibitors as promising neuroprotective agents, potentially addressing unmet clinical needs in TBI treatment.

A New Smartphone-Based Cognitive Screening Battery for Multiple Sclerosis (icognition): Validation Study.

Cognitive deterioration is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and requires regular follow-up. Currently, cognitive status is measured in clinical practice using paper-and-pencil tests, which are both time-consuming and costly. Remote monitoring of cognitive status could offer a solution because previous studies on telemedicine tools have proved its feasibility and acceptance among people with MS. However, existing smartphone-based apps include designs that are prone to motor interference and focus primarily on information processing speed, although memory is also commonly affected. This study aims to validate a smartphone-based cognitive screening battery, icognition, to detect deterioration in both memory and information processing speed. The icognition screening battery consists of 3 tests: the Symbol Test for information processing speed, the Dot Test for visuospatial short-term memory and learning, and the visual Backward Digit Span (vBDS) for working memory. These tests are based on validated paper-and-pencil tests: the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the 10/36 Spatial Recall Test, and the auditory Backward Digit Span, respectively. To establish the validity of icognition, 101 people with MS and 82 healthy participants completed all tests. Of the 82 healthy participants, 20 (24%) repeated testing 2 to 3 weeks later. For each icognition test, validity was established by the correlation with its paper-and-pencil equivalent (concurrent validity), the correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between baseline and follow-up testing (test-retest reliability), the difference between people with MS and healthy participants, and the correlation with other clinical parameters such as the Expanded Disability Status Scale. All icognition tests correlated well with their paper-and-pencil equivalents (Symbol Test: r=0.67; P<.001; Dot Test: r=0.31; P=.002; vBDS: r=0.69; P<.001), negatively correlated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (Symbol Test: ρ=-0.34; P<.001; Dot Test: ρ=-0.32; P=.003; vBDS: ρ=-0.21; P=.04), and showed moderate test-retest reliability (Symbol Test: ICC=0.74; r=0.85; P<.001; Dot Test: ICC=0.71; r=0.74; P<.001; vBDS: ICC=0.72; r=0.83; P<.001). Test performance was comparable between people with MS and healthy participants for all cognitive tests, both in icognition (Symbol Test: U=4431; P=.42; Dot Test: U=3516; P=.32; vBDS: U=3708; P=.27) and the gold standard paper-and-pencil tests (Symbol Digit Modalities Test: U=4060.5, P=.82; 10/36 Spatial Recall Test: U=3934; P=.74; auditory Backward Digit Span: U=3824.5, P=.37). icognition is a valid tool to remotely screen cognitive performance in people with MS. It is planned to be included in a digital health platform that includes volumetric brain analysis and patient-reported outcome measures. Future research should establish the usability and psychometric properties of icognition in a remote setting.

Neighborhood-level socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with multiple cognitive domains in a community sample of older adults

ABSTRACT Greater neighborhood disadvantage is associated with poorer global cognition. However, less is known about the variation in the magnitude of neighborhood effects across individual cognitive domains and whether the strength of these associations differs by individual-level factors. The current study investigated these questions in a community sample of older adults (N = 166, mean age = 72.5 years, 51% women), who reported current addresses, linked to state-level Area Deprivation Index rankings, and completed remote and validated neuropsychological tests of verbal intelligence (North American Adult Reading Test), verbal fluency (Controlled Oral Word Association Test), attention (Digit Span Forward), and working memory (Digit Span Backward and Sequencing, Letter-Number Sequencing). Linear regressions tested associations between neighborhood disadvantage and each cognitive test, controlling for individual-level factors (age, sex, education). Exploratory analyses tested moderation by each individual-level factor. Independent of individual-level factors, greater neighborhood disadvantage was associated with lower cognitive performance across domains: verbal intelligence (β = 0.30, p < .001), verbal fluency (β = −0.19, p = .014), attention (β = −0.19, p = .024), and two of three tests of working memory (β = −0.17− −0.22, ps = .004−.039). Results were robust to correction for multiple comparisons and tests of spatial autocorrelation. In addition, higher neighborhood disadvantage was associated with lower verbal fluency for older – but not younger-older adults (p = .035) and with poorer working memory in women but not men (p < .001). Education did not moderate associations. Findings suggest that older adults living in more disadvantaged neighborhoods exhibit lower cognitive performance, particularly in the domain of verbal intelligence. Continued investigation of effect modification may be fruitful for uncovering for whom associations are strongest.

Under-recognised neurocognitive deficits in adults and adolescents with tuberous sclerosis complex

BackgroundTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease characterised by the growth of benign tumours. The Tuberous sclerosis Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND) Checklist is used to identify patient-reported neurocognitive deficits....

Cognitive assessment in patients with acute stroke: Exploring early intervention for dementia.

Early detection of cognitive impairment in patients with acute stroke could improve dementia treatment; however, such testing is uncommon. This study aimed to assess cognitive testing feasibility in patients with acute stroke and identify patient characteristics associated with testing ability. 291 patients with suspected acute stroke were admitted to our hospital between December 2016 and May 2017. Of these, 280 were diagnosed with stroke (median [interquartile range] age 73 [63-81] years; 70 % male; 11 % with prior cognitive decline) and included in the study. Patients able or unable to complete three cognitive function tests were classified as the testable or untestable group, respectively. Among the 280 patients, 72 % completed all three cognitive tests a mean of 4 [3-5] days after onset. Significant differences were found between the testable and untestable groups, particularly in age (70 [61-80] vs. 77 [69-84], p < 0.0001), Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly score (78 [78-83] vs. 84 [78-96], p = 0.012), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at onset (3 [1-6] vs. 13 [4-18], p < 0.0001). Advanced age, a higher NIHSS score, and pre-stroke cognitive decline were independent risk factors for the inability to undergo testing. Cognitive testing was feasible in 72 % of patients with acute stroke, particularly those who were younger, had normal pre-stroke cognitive function, and experienced mild strokes. Early cognitive assessment may enable timely dementia detection and treatment.

Usage patterns of cognitive assessments during Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit: A national survey.

Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a logical opportunity for early detection of cognitive impairment, but recent data for uptake and cognitive assessments during it are lacking. We surveyed Medicare beneficiaries of a nationally representative panel about use of AWV and cognitive assessments and analyzed associations between uptake and beneficiaries' characteristics. Of 1871 participants, 80% had an AWV, among whom 31% underwent formal cognitive testing, 35% were asked about memory problems, including 15% having both. Males, rural residents, non-Hispanic Black beneficiaries, and those having subjective memory problems or a usual source of care were more likely to be probed, but no characteristics were associated with the probability of undergoing cognitive testing. Use of structured cognitive assessments did not increase with higher AWV uptake. Concerningly, individuals at higher risk of cognitive impairment were not more likely to be assessed, calling for policy interventions to increase assessment rates. Data are lacking on use of cognitive test during Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). Use of structured cognitive tests did not increase with the uptake of the AWV. Individuals at higher risk of cognitive impairment did not receive more testing. More high-risk patients were asked about memory problems despite lack of testing.

Effectiveness and utilization of a cognitive screening program for primary geriatric care

BackgroundEffective detection of cognitive impairment in the primary care setting is limited by lack of time and specialized expertise to conduct detailed objective cognitive testing and few well-validated cognitive screening instruments that can be administered and evaluated quickly without expert supervision. We therefore developed a model cognitive screening program to provide relatively brief, objective assessment of a geriatric patient’s memory and other cognitive abilities in cases where the primary care physician suspects but is unsure of the presence of a deficit.MethodsReferred patients were tested during a 40-min session by a psychometrist or trained nurse in the clinic on a brief battery of neuropsychological tests that assessed multiple cognitive domains. Short questionnaires covering subjective cognitive complaints, symptoms of depression, and medical history were also administered. Results were conveyed to a dementia specialist who reviewed them and returned their judgement of the validity of the cognitive complaint to the primary care provider. Retrospective medical records review was carried out for a random (stratified) half of the sample to determine how screening results were utilized. Screening tests were repeated after two years in a subset of 69 patients.ResultsThe 638 patients screened (mean age = 75.9 years; mean education = 14.9 years; 58% women) were classified by screening as having normal cognition (n = 177), depression (with possible cognitive changes; n = 115), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 107), or dementia (n = 239). Classification accuracy was shown by high agreement with the eventual clinical diagnosis in the medical record (69%; Cohen’s Kappa = .38; p < .001; 77% if MCI and dementia were collapsed; Cohen’s Kappa = .58; p < .001) and longitudinal decline in cognitive test scores only in those initially classified as having MCI or dementia. Medical records documented discussion of screening results with the patient in 69% of cases (80% if MCI or dementia was detected) and often referral to a specialist (62%), new brain imaging (54%), or change in medication (58%) when screening indicated potential cognitive impairment.ConclusionThe cognitive screening program was well accepted by primary care providers as an efficient and effective way to evaluate concerns about cognitive decline in older adults.

Effectively capturing memory deficits: New advances in the use of the In-out-Test for cognitive Test post-stroke

Objective This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the In-Out-Test for detecting episodic memory deficits in stroke patients and explored its potential as a clinical test. Methods A total of 75 stroke patients and 120 healthy controls underwent tests, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Picture-Based Memory Impairment Screen (PMIS), and In-Out-Test. Reliability metrics (Cronbach’s α, inter-scorer reliability, test-retest reliability), criterion validity, corrected item-total correlation, hierarchical regression analysis and ROC curve analysis were performed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the In-Out-Test. Results Stroke patients scored lower across all tests (p < 0.001), with the largest difference in the In-Out-Test (d = 0.99). The In-Out-Test correlated strongly with other cognitive tests (r = 0.79–0.85 in stroke patients; r = 0.66–0.78 in controls). It explained an additional 4.5% of variance in MoCA-MIS scores (p < 0.001). Reliability was high (Cronbach’s α = 0.835; inter-rater ICCs = 0.911–0.925; test-retest ICCs = 0.764–0.802). ROC analysis showed an AUC of 0.747, with a sensitivity of 0.708 and specificity of 0.680 at a cutoff of 10.5. Conclusion Preliminary findings indicated that the In-Out-Test showed potential in detecting episodic memory impairments in stroke patients, warranting further validation in larger cohorts.

Short-term effects of brief stair climbing interruptions on postprandial hyperglycemia during prolonged sitting: a randomized cross-over trial

Prolonged sitting can negatively impact postprandial glucose levels and cognitive function. While short bouts of stair climbing are thought to mitigate these risks, the findings remain inconclusive. The present study aimed to explore the effects of stair climbing bouts on postprandial glucose and cognitive functions during prolonged sitting. Twenty-eight sedentary young adults (aged 20–30 years) underwent two intervention visits after standardised lunch for two hours: (1) STAIR: the participants climbed two flight of stairs for two minutes every 30 min; (2) SIT: the participants continued to sit. Blood glucose was measured using capillary finger prick method while attention function was measured using computer-based cognitive tests at baseline, end of 1st hour and 2nd hour. Significant interaction (F2, 54 = 15.96, p < 0.001) was observed for conditions and time. During STAIR visit, significant changes in postprandial glucose at 1st hour (β = − 2.6 mmol/dl, p < 0.001) and 2nd hour (β = 3.0 mmol/dl, p < 0.001). No significant difference in the attention functions with time and conditions was observed. Stair climbing interruptions may serve as a feasible and effective countermeasure to high glycaemic variability or excursions that occur during prolonged sitting after postprandial hyperglycaemia.

Profiling older adults’ decision-making under risk: the role of cognitive functioning and personality traits

In decision making under risk manifold individual differences are involved. To investigate their effect – specifically the effects of executive functions, memory, impulsivity, and consideration for future consequences − 130 healthy older adults were assessed through cognitive tests, self-report tools, and decisional tasks (the Game of Dice Task and the Balloon Analogue Risk-Taking Task). From a Latent Profile Analysis, three profiles characterised by differences in decisional performances emerged. “Impulsive and present-focused” individuals, notable for high levels of impulsivity and consideration for immediate consequences, and “Cautious” individuals, characterised by having impulsivity scores below average, presented decisional performances characterised by lower incomes and a higher number of risky choices compared to “Impulsive and cognitively functional” individuals, signified by the highest levels of impulsivity and cognitive functioning. Findings outlined how different configurations of individual differences can affect older adults’ decisions and implications can follow for deepening the decisional mechanisms in older adults.

Cerebellar Volume Measures Differentiate Multiple Sclerosis Fallers from Non-Fallers.

The cerebellum is a common lesion site in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Physiologic and anatomic studies have identified a topographic organization of the cerebellum including functionally distinct motor and cognitive areas. In this study, a recent parcellation algorithm was applied to a sample of PwMS and healthy controls to examine the relationships among specific cerebellar regions, fall status, and common clinical measures of motor and cognitive functions. Thirty-one PwMS and twenty-nine age- and sex-matched controls underwent an MRI scan and motor and cognitive testing. The parcellation algorithm was applied to all images and divided the cerebellum into 28 regions. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare cerebellar volumes among PwMS and controls, and MS fallers and MS non-fallers. Relationships between cerebellar volumes and motor and cognitive function were evaluated using Spearman correlations. PwMS performed significantly worse on functional measures compared to controls. We found significant differences in volumetric measures between PwMS and controls in the corpus medullare, lobules I-III, and lobule V. Volumetric differences seen between the PwMS and controls were primarily driven by the MS fallers. Finally, functional performance on motor and cognitive tasks was associated with cerebellar volumes. Using the parcellation tool, our results showed that the volumes of motor and cognitive lobules impact both motor and cognitive performance, and that functional performance and cerebellar volumes distinguishes the MS fallers from non-fallers. Future studies should explore the potential of cerebellar imaging to predict falls in PwMS.

Cognitive and behavioral effects of perampanel 4mg daily dose.

The neuropsychological adverse effects of antiseizure medications (ASMs) influence the tolerability, and in turn effectiveness of these medications, which can occur in a dose-dependent fashion. In this study, we examine the neuropsychological effects of perampanel (PER) at 4mg daily as this dose has not been previously assessed with objective cognitive tests. The study was originally designed to assess (1) effects of perampanel at 4mg using different titration rates, and (2) habituation over time. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study was halted, limiting the sample size needed to analyze titration and habituation effects. Therefore, we compared the neuropsychological effects of perampanel 4mg daily from non-drug baseline to the end of drug titration and end of drug maintenance in this randomized double-blind study of healthy volunteers. Treatment period was 6weeks total with 2weeks of variable titration followed by 4-week maintenance. Composite Z-scores were calculated by combining Z-scores from both cognitive (computerized and non-computerized) and behavioral tests. Secondary analyses were conducted on the independent cognitive and behavioral domain Z-scores, and on the raw scores from 19 items in the full battery. The overall composite Z-scores did not differ across baseline, the end of titration, and the end of maintenance. Similarly, individual cognitive and behavioral domain Z-scores did not differ across the three titration rates. Exploratory analyses of the raw scores were marginally significant on only two of the 19 neuropsychological measures. Perampanel 4mg daily was well tolerated with few neuropsychological effects in healthy volunteers.