Search

IntroductionPeople with Down syndrome (DS) have a 75% to 90% lifetime risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD pathology begins a decade or more prior to onset of clinical AD dementia in people with DS. It is not clear if plasma biomarkers of AD pathology are correlated with early cognitive and functional impairments in DS, and if these biomarkers could be used to track the early stages of AD in DS or to inform inclusion criteria for clinical AD treatment trials.MethodsThis large cross-sectional cohort study investigated the associations between plasma biomarkers of amyloid beta (Aβ)42/40, total tau, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) and cognitive (episodic memory, visual-motor integration, and visuospatial abilities) and functional (adaptive behavior) impairments in 260 adults with DS without dementia (aged 25-81 years).ResultsIn general linear models lower plasma Aβ42/40 was related to lower visuospatial ability, higher total tau was related to lower episodic memory, and higher NfL was related to lower visuospatial ability and lower episodic memory.DiscussionPlasma biomarkers may have utility in tracking AD pathology associated with early stages of cognitive decline in adults with DS, although associations were modest.HighlightsPlasma Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers correlate with cognition prior to dementia in Down syndrome.Lower plasma amyloid beta 42/40 was related to lower visuospatial abilities.Higher plasma total tau and neurofilament light chain were associated with lower cognitive performance.Plasma biomarkers show potential for tracking early stages of AD symptomology.

This study aims to measure the impact of having visual connections to nature through windows on the cognitive performance of university students, as assessed by their final exam scores. To build upon prior research conducted in controlled laboratory and climate chamber settings, which may have a gap between findings and real-world contexts, demonstrating the positive effects of window views on occupants, this study addressed the limitations of lab-based experiments by conducting a field test in university lecture rooms with 121 students enrolled in STEM classes, taking their actual final exam. In the field test, we randomly assigned the students to either of two conditions: one with windows and one without, while monitoring indoor environmental factors. The results revealed no significant difference in cognitive performance—whether measured by scores or cognitive efficiency gauged by the time taken to complete the exam—between students in conditions with and without window views. Given the known small effect size of having windows on cognitive performance and the relatively small number of data points, we recognized that further iterations of the field tests are required to accumulate a more substantial dataset and draw more robust conclusions.

Context: Single- and dual-task walking gait assessments have been used to identify persistent movement and cognitive dysfunction among athletes with concussions. However, it is unclear whether previous ankle sprain injuries confound these outcomes during baseline testing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of (1) ankle sprain history and (2) time since prior ankle sprain injury on single- and dual-task spatiotemporal gait outcomes and cognitive measures. Design: Cross- sectional study. Methods: We assessed 60 college Division-I athletes (31 with ankle sprain history; 13 females and 18 males, 19.3 [0.8] y; 29 with no ankle sprain history, 14 females and 15 males, 19.7 [0.9] y) who completed injury history forms and underwent concussion baseline testing. Athletes completed single- and dual-task gait assessments by walking back and forth along an 8-m walkway for 40 seconds. Athletes wore a smartphone with an associated mobile application on their lumbar spine to record spatiotemporal gait parameters and dual-task cognitive performance. Separate multivariate analyses of variance were used to assess the effects of ankle sprain injury history on spatiotemporal measures, gait variability, and cognitive performance. We performed a multivariate regression subanalysis on athletes who reported time since injury (n = 23) to assess temporal effects on gait and cognitive performance. Results: Athletes with and without a histoiy of ankle sprains had comparable spatiotemporal and gait variability outcomes during single- (P = .42; P = .13) and dual-task (P = .75; P = .55) conditions. Additionally, ankle sprain injury history did not significantly influence cognitive performance (P = .35). Finally, time since ankle sprain did not significantly affect single- (P = .75) and dual-task gait (P = .69), nor cognitive performance (P = 19). Conclusions: Ankle sprain injury history did not significantly alter spatiotemporal gait outcomes nor cognitive performance during this common clinical assessment. Future studies may consider including athletes with ankle sprain injury history during concussion assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In China's coal mines, employees work in environments reaching depths of 650 m, with temperatures around 40°C and humidity levels as high as 90%, adversely affecting their health, safety capabilities, and cognitive functions, especially working memory. This study aims to explore different temperature and humidity conditions' impact on neurocognitive mechanisms to enhance occupational health and safety. Methods: This study, conducted between June and August 2023, with 100 coalmine workers from the Hongliulin Mining Group, utilized functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and short-term visual memory tasks to evaluate the effects of high temperatures and humidity on working memory by monitoring activity in the cerebral cortex. Behavioral data, and neurophysiological data were analyzed using Tukey's HSD for significant differences and multiple regression to explore the impact of temperature and humidity. The ß-values of Oxy-Hb for different regions of interest were calculated using General liner model (GLM), and the activation maps were plotted by NIRS_KIT. Results: High temperature and humidity (Condition IV) significantly depressed reaction times and working memory compared to other conditions, with temperature having a more pronounced impact than humidity on these cognitive measures (p < 0.05). Oxy-Hb concentration increased notably under Condition IV, emphasizing temperature's influence on brain oxygen levels. ROI analysis revealed varied brain activation patterns. The activation of ROI A and B (prefrontal cortex) increased with the increase of temperature and humidity, while ROI C (supplementary motor area) was less sensitive to temperature, indicating the complex influence of environmental factors on brain function. Conclusion: This study highlights the important effects of temperature and humidity on cognitive performance and brain function, highlighting the need to optimize the environment of miners' sites to improve productivity and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adults with schizophrenia experience a range of neurocognitive problems that affect their daily functioning. Evidence for the efficacy of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia has been established, but its implementation in under-resourced community-based settings is less well-studied. In recent years, interventions have also focused on the strategy-learning approach in favor of drill-and-practice. Moreover, there is an increasing recognition to address social cognition and negative symptoms alongside neurocognition. This study attempts to carry out cognitive remediation in a community mental health setting. The Neuropsychological and Educational Approach to Remediation (NEAR) is used as the cognitive remediation intervention. Neurocognitive and social cognitive games will be introduced during the computer-assisted cognitive exercises sessions. In addition, the instructional technique will foster the use of metacognition and cognitive strategies. Moreover, metamotivation training will be the focus of some bridging sessions to enhance motivation to engage in goal-directed learning behaviors. The aims of the study are to 1) investigate the effects of cognitive remediation on neurocognition, social cognition and functional outcomes of participants with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders in community mental health settings; and 2) explore the mediators for change (eg: metamotivation, metacognition and negative symptoms) in cognitive performance and functional outcomes. Methods: This randomized controlled trial will be conducted in three Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) centers, where standard psychiatric rehabilitation is delivered. Participants who are randomized to the experimental arm will receive cognitive remediation and psychiatric rehabilitation, while those randomized to the control arm will receive standard psychiatric rehabilitation only. Cognitive remediation is carried out three times a week for 12 weeks. It consists of computer-assisted cognitive exercises, as well as bridging groups to aid transfer of learning to daily living. Baseline, post-intervention and eight-week follow-up measurements will be collected. Group by time differences in cognitive performance, negative symptoms, metamotivation, metacognition, functioning and recovery will be analyzed across the three time points. Mediators for improvement in cognitive performance and functioning will also be explored. Discussion: Findings of this research will add to the body of knowledge about the key therapeutic ingredients within a strategy-based cognitive remediation program and improve its implementation within under-resourced community settings. Trial registration: This study has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT06286202). Date of registration: 29 February 2024. Date of last update: 21 May 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent studies increasingly suggest that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) impacts cognitive risk. However, the bidirectional nature of this relationship warrants further exploration. To address this, we employed a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, analyzing two distinct samples. Methods: These analyses utilized published genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for MVPA (n = 377,234) and cognitive performance (n = 257,841). Our primary method was the inverse variance weighted (IVW) model with random effects, aiming to deduce potential causal links. Additionally, we employed supplementary methods, including MR Egger regression, Weighted median, Weighted mode, and Simple mode. For sensitivity analysis, tools like the MR Egger test, Cochran's Q, MR PRESSO, and leave-oneout (LOO) were utilized. Results: Our findings indicate a decrease in cognitive risk with increased MVPA (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.577, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.460-0.723, p = 1.930 x 10-6). Furthermore, enhanced cognitive levels corresponded to a reduced risk of inadequate MVPA (OR = 0.866, 95% CI: 0.839-0.895, p = 1.200 x 10-18). Discussion: In summary, our study demonstrates that MVPA lowers cognitive risk, while poor cognitive health may impede participation in MVPA. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for developing personalized prevention and intervention strategies in health and sports sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Special Operations Forces (SOF) often conduct operations in physiologically stressful environments such as severe heat, cold, or hypoxia, which can induce decreases in a variety of cognitive abilities. Given the promising empirical demonstration of the efficacy of exogenous ketone monoester (KME) supplementation in attenuating cognitive performance decrease during hypoxia at rest in a laboratory setting, we conducted a real-world, field experiment examining KME's efficacy during high-altitude mountaineering, an austere environment in which US SOF have conducted increasing numbers of operations over the past two decades. Methods: Specifically, 34 students and cadre at the US Army 10th Special Forces Group Special Operations Advanced Mountaineering School (SOAMS) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled crossover trial (KME vs. PLA) over 2 days of tactical mountain operations training. The participants ascended from 7,500 ft in altitude (basecamp) to 12,460 ft on 1 day and 13,627 ft the other day (in randomized order), while performing various training activities inducing high physical and cognitive loads over 8-12 h, and consumed six doses of KME or PLA 2-3 h apart throughout each training day. Results and Discussion: While KME increased blood ketone levels and decreased glucose levels, there were no clear indications that the elevated ketone level enhanced physical or cognitive performance. KME also produced a greater incidence of heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. In these elite operators, highaltitude mountaineering had a limited impact on cognitive performance, and KME supplementation did not demonstrate any benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether the age of examiner effect, that is, the positive relation between cognitive performance of older people and age of their examiner, relies on stereotype threat. Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), European Social Survey, European Statistical Office (Eurostat) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe were crossed. Older people from different countries were tested on verbal short‐ and long‐term recall components of memory, by examiners of different ages. Country‐specific indicators of negative age stereotypes, related to the stereotype threat mechanism, were used. We expected that the age of examiner effect would be stronger in countries with more negative age stereotypes. The results replicated the age of examiner effect, but contrary to our hypothesis, this effect was not moderated by countries’ indicators of negative age stereotypes. Negative age stereotypes across countries, such as experienced discrimination among older people, lack of active ageing index, unemployment ratio and perceived negative competence of older people decrease memory. The results are discussed in relation to stereotype threat theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizophrenia (SZ) is characterized by disconnected cerebral networks. Recent studies have shown that functional connectivity between the cerebellar dorsal dentate nucleus (dDN) and cerebrum is correlated with psychotic symptoms, and processing speed in SZ patients. Dynamic effective connectivity (dEC) is a reliable indicator of brain functional status. However, the dEC between the dDN and cerebrum in patients with SZ remains largely unknown. Resting-state functional MRI data, symptom severity, and cognitive performance were collected from 74 SZ patients and 53 healthy controls (HC). Granger causality analysis and sliding time window methods were used to calculate dDN-based dEC maps for all subjects, and k-means clustering was performed to obtain several dEC states. Finally, between-group differences in dynamic effective connectivity variability (dECV) and clinical correlations were obtained using two-sample t -tests and correlation analysis. We detected four dEC states from the cerebrum to the right dDN (IN states) and three dEC states from the right dDN to the cerebrum (OUT states), with SZ group having fewer transitions in the OUT states. SZ group had increased dECV from the right dDN to the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and left lingual gyrus (LG). Correlations were found between the dECV from the right dDN to the right MFG and symptom severity and between the dECV from the right dDN to the left LG and working memory performance. This study reveals a dynamic causal relationship between cerebellar dDN and the cerebrum in SZ and provides new evidence for the involvement of cerebellar neural circuits in neurocognitive functions in SZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Short-term intake of the egg-protein hydrolysate Newtricious (NWT)-03 improved executive function, but underlying mechanisms and long-term effects, including other cognitive domains, are unknown. Methods: A 36-week randomized controlled trial involving 44 overweight/obese individuals experiencing elevated Subjective Cognitive Failures (SCF; aged 60–75 years) assessed the impact of daily consumption of 5.7 g of NWT-03 or placebo powders on cognitive performance (psychomotor speed, executive function, memory) and Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF), a marker of brain vascular function. Cognitive performance was evaluated using a neurophysiological test battery (CANTAB) and CBF was measured using magnetic resonance imaging perfusion method Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL). Serum samples were collected to determine brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations. Results: Anthropometrics, and energy and nutrient intakes remained stable throughout the trial. NWT-03 was well tolerated, and compliance was excellent (median: 99%; range: 87–103%). No overall intervention effects were observed on cognitive performance or CBF, but post-hoc analyses revealed significant improvements on executive function in women, but not men. Specifically, a reduction of 74 ms in reaction latency on the multitasking task (95% CI: −134 to −15; p = 0.02), a reduction of 9 between errors (95%CI: −14 to −3; p < 0.001), and a reduction of 9 total errors (95%CI: −15 to −3; p < 0.001) on the spatial working memory task were found in women. No intervention effects were observed on serum BDNF concentrations (p = 0.31). Conclusion: Long-term consumption of NWT-03 improved multitasking abilities and working memory in women with elevated SCF. Brain vascular function remained unaffected. Sex differences in executive function require additional clarification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the psychological effects of different design elements is important to interior designers and any individuals designing a space. No previous research has analyzed the interaction effects of color and lighting temperatures on mood, heart rate, and cognitive performance. The current study was conducted at Pepperdine University in a 2 x 2 randomized experiment. There were 78 participants aged 18-24 with a mean age of 18.85 (SD = 1.20), including 53 women, 24 men, and 1 who did not indicate their gender. The study evaluated self-reported mood (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), accuracy and reaction times (Stroop task), creative intelligence (Remote Associates Test), and heart rates (heart rate monitor). Participants completed these tasks in a room with either a warm (red) or cool (blue) background color and completed tasks once in warm lighting and once in cool lighting. We found that color and lighting temperatures had different effects on affect, creative intelligence, reaction times, and accuracy. Negative affect was lower in Warm Lighting x Cool Color and Cool Lighting x Warm Color conditions (p = .046). Accuracy was higher in the Cool Color condition (p = .01) and in the Cool Color x Warm Lighting condition (p = .047). Creative intelligence scores approached significance in being higher in cool than warm lighting (p = .05). No effects were found on heart rates (p = .62). These results can inform designers on how to use the design elements of color and lighting temperatures to promote certain desired psychological effects in a space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causal and statistical hypotheses diverge in determining whether the lateralization of language function in one cerebral hemisphere entails the lateralization of visuospatial function in the opposite hemisphere. Additionally, it remains unclear if the atypical segregation of these functions could influence cognitive performance. This study addresses these questions by examining the hemispheric lateralization of visuospatial attention during a line bisection judgement (landmark) task in three groups of healthy non-right-handed individuals with different language production segregations: left (typical), ambilateral (atypical), and right (atypical). Consistent with the causal hypothesis, results indicate that the groups with left and right language lateralization primarily utilize the opposite hemisphere for visuospatial attention. The ambilateral group, however, displays a pattern compatible with an independent segregation, supporting the statistical hypothesis. Behavioral analyses reveal that atypical lateralization of visuospatial attention (non-right) can lead to either better or worse performance during the landmark task, depending on the specific pattern. Bilateral organization is associated with reduced overall accuracy, whereas the left segregation results in improved performance during the most challenging trials. These findings suggest the existence of diverse pathways to lateralization, akin to either the causal or statistical hypothesis, which can result in cognitive advantages or disadvantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rise in the aging population highlights the need to address cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) protocols show promise in enhancing cognitive abilities and brain health. Objective: This review evaluates IH protocols' benefits on cognition and brain health in older adults, regardless of cognitive status. Methods: A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) and two registers, covering records from inception to May 2024 (PROSPERO: CRD42023462177). Inclusion criteria were: 1) original research with quantitative details; 2) studies involving older adults, with or without cognitive impairment; 3) studies including IH protocols; 4) articles analyzing cognition and brain health in older adults. Results: Seven studies and five registered trials met the criteria. Findings indicate that Intermittent Hypoxia Training (IHT) and Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training (IHHT) improved cognitive functions and brain health. Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure (IHE) improved cerebral tissue oxygen saturation, middle cerebral arterial flow velocity, and cerebral vascular conductance, particularly in cognitively impaired populations. IHT and IHHT had no significant effect on BDNF levels. There is a lack of studies on IHHE in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Conclusions: IH protocols may benefit cognition regardless of cognitive status. IHT and IHE positively affect cerebral outcomes, with all protocols having limited effects on BDNF levels. Future research should standardize IH protocols, investigate long-term cognitive effects, and explore neuroprotective biomarkers. Combining these protocols with physical exercise across diverse populations could refine interventions and guide targeted therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile devices provide new opportunities to draw conclusions about cognitive performance in everyday situations. To gain insights into cognitive performance patterns in healthy adult populations, we adapted three established cognitive tests for smartphone use: the Digit Symbol Substitution Task (DSST), Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART), and Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). To increase their feasibility for ambulatory assessment, we identified the minimum measurement durations that provide reliable and valid state measures of cognitive performance. Over 2 weeks, 46 participants performed each test once per day at random times, along with self-reports (e.g., on concentration, mood, and mental demands). The validity and reliability of change are promising for the 30-second PVT and 90-second DSST and SART. The DSST and SART provide fruitful outcomes for ambulatory field studies linked to mood, stress, and mental demands. We provide digital versions of the adapted DSST and SART online for free. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the associations between low cognitive performance (LCP) and diabetes‐related health indicators (including body mass index [BMI], HbA1c, systolic blood pressure [SBP], low‐density lipoprotein [LDL] and self‐reported poor physical health) and whether these associations vary across racial/ethnic subgroups. Methods: We identified adults aged 60 years or older with self‐reported diabetes from the 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Individuals with cognitive test scores in the lowest quartile were defined as having LCP. We used regression models to measure the associations of LCP with diabetes‐related biometrics (BMI, HbA1c, SBP and LDL); and self‐reported poor physical health. Moreover, we explored potential variations in these associations across racial/ethnic subgroups. Results: Of 873 (261 with LCP) adults with diabetes, LCP was associated with higher HbA1c, SBP and LDL (adjusted difference: 0.41%, 5.01 mmHg and 5.08 mg/dL, respectively; P <.05), and greater odds of reporting poor physical health (adjusted odds ratio: 1.59, P <.05). The association between LCP and HbA1c was consistent across racial/ethnic groups, and notably pronounced in Hispanic and Other. BMI worsened with LCP, except for non‐Hispanic Black. Excluding the Other group, elevated SBP was observed in people with LCP, with Hispanic showing the most significant association. LDL levels were elevated with LCP for Hispanic and Other. Physical health worsened with LCP for both non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic. Conclusions: We quantified the association between LCP and diabetes‐related health indicators. These associations were more pronounced in Hispanic and Other racial/ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is an objective biomarker of biological aging, and it is proposed to play a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. We aimed at evaluating the cross-sectional association between LTL and cognitive performance in middle-aged cognitively unimpaired individuals at increased risk of AD. A total of 1520 participants from the ALFA cohort were included. Relative telomere length was measured in leukocytes through qPCR. LTL was residualized against age and sex, and associations with cognitive performance were assessed in short and long groups based on residualized LTL (rLTL). Interactions with sex and genetic risk of AD were tested. Non-linear associations were found between LTL and episodic memory (EM). Better EM was associated with longer rLTL among women in the short rLTL group. Results suggest a potential role of telomeres in the cognitive aging process with sex-specific patterns. • There is a non-linear association between telomere length and cognitive performance. • Longer telomeres are associated with higher episodic memory scores. • The association between telomeres and cognitive performance might be sex-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Children face the risk of dehydration in varying amounts during the day due to reasons such as physical activity, sweating, eating salty foods and drinking carbonated beverages. It is assumed that dehydration can lead to impaired motor skills and cognitive performance since it affects brain function. However, inconsistencies in study results, test times and problems caused by heat stress make new research mandatory. In our research, we examined the effects of exercise-induced mild dehydration on motor skills and cognitive performance in active/sedentary boys who do/do not do regular physical activities in their daily lives. Methods: The study included 112 boys who do regular physical activity (n:57; 12.40 ± 0.49age) and sedentary (n:55; 12.49 ± 0.50age). The children were given a 12-h hydration program. Mild dehydration was created by giving exercises after hydration measurements. In case of hydration and mild dehydration, Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency and d2 attention test were applied to the children. For comparison, Repeated Measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test was performed at the second level. Results: According to the hydration and mild dehydration comparison results, there was no difference in total score of Fine Motor Skill Sensitivity, Fine Motor Skill Integration, Hand Dexterity and Bidirectional Coordination, Balance, Running Speed and Agility, Hand-Arm Coordination, Strength, and BOT-2 in children. There was a decrease in both groups in terms of Focused Attention, Processing Speed, Accuracy, Concentration Performance and Attention Span. Conclusion: As a result, mild dehydration is associated with daily physical activity in children (physical education classes, etc.) or it can easily occur due to food/beverage preferences. It may affect children's performance of school curriculum and extracurricular activities. It shows that maintaining optimal hydration is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effects of separate and concurrent exposure to occupational noise and hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) on auditory and cognitive attention. Methods. The experimental study was conducted with 40 construction workers who were exposed to noise (A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level of 90 dB) and to HTV (10 m/s2 at 31.5 Hz), and concurrent exposure to both for 30 min under simulated work with vibrating equipment used in construction. Cognitive performance aspects were then evaluated from each individual in two pre-exposure and post-exposure settings for each session. Results. The effect sizes of concurrent exposure (HTV + noise) and separate exposure to noise on auditory attention were very close (effect size = 0.648 and 0.626). The largest changes in the difference of response time in both types of attention (selective and divided attention) were related to the concurrent exposure scenario and then exposure to HTV, respectively. The highest effects for the correct response of selective and divided attention are related to concurrent exposure (HTV + noise) and then noise exposure, respectively. Conclusion. The HTV effect during concurrent exposure is hidden in auditory attention, and noise has the main effects. The divided attention was more affected than the selective attention in the different scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Acute ingestion of exogenous ketone supplements in the form of a (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyl (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (R‐BD R‐βHB) ketone monoester (KME) can attenuate declines in oxygen availability during hypoxic exposure and might impact cognitive performance at rest and in response to moderate‐intensity exercise. In a single‐blind randomized crossover design, 16 males performed assessments of cognitive performance before and during hypoxic exposure with moderate exercise [2 × 20 min weighted ruck (∼22 kg) at 3.2 km/h at 10% incline] in a normobaric altitude chamber (4572 m, 11.8% O2). The R‐BD R‐βHB KME (573 mg/kg) or a calorie‐ and taste‐matched placebo (∼50 g maltodextrin) were co‐ingested with 40 g of dextrose before exposure to hypoxia. The R‐βHB concentrations were rapidly elevated and sustained (>3 mM; P < 0.001) by KME. The decline in oxygen saturation during hypoxic exposure was attenuated in KME conditions by 2.4%–4.2% (P < 0.05) compared with placebo. Outcomes of cognitive performance tasks, in the form of the Defense Automated Neurobehavioral Assessment (DANA) code substitution task, the Stroop color and word task, and a shooting simulation, did not differ between trials before and during hypoxic exposure. These data suggest that the acute exogenous ketosis induced by KME ingestion can attenuate declining blood oxygen saturation during acute hypoxic exposure both at rest and during moderate‐intensity exercise, but this did not translate into differences in cognitive performance before or after exercise in the conditions investigated. What is the central question of this study? Can exogenous ketosis act as a countermeasure to declines in blood oxygen saturation and cognitive performance during acute hypoxic exposure while performing a weighted ruck exercise? What is the main finding and its importance? Acute exogenous ketosis via ingestion of a drink containing the (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyl (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate ketone monoester prior to acute hypoxic exposure attenuated hypoxia‐induced declines in blood oxygen saturation but had no effect on cognitive performance during exercise. What is the central question of this study?Can exogenous ketosis act as a countermeasure to declines in blood oxygen saturation and cognitive performance during acute hypoxic exposure while performing a weighted ruck exercise?What is the main finding and its importance?Acute exogenous ketosis via ingestion of a drink containing the (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyl (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate ketone monoester prior to acute hypoxic exposure attenuated hypoxia‐induced declines in blood oxygen saturation but had no effect on cognitive performance during exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in political preferences is increasingly understood to stem from both environmental influences and genetics. Research in political psychology has argued that a pathway for genetic effects on ideology is via cognitive performance, showing a sizable genetic overlap between the traits. Yet the link between actual trait cognitive performance and economic conservatism is itself highly ambiguous, with both positive, null, and negative estimates prevalent in the literature. In this study, I argue that this puzzle can only be understood from a gene–environment interaction (GxE) perspective. Drawing on traditional theories of political preference formation, I argue that genetics associated with cognitive performance should cause more left‐wing economic preferences if you grow up in relative poverty, but more right‐wing economic preferences if you grow up affluent. Utilizing variation in a polygenic index (PGI) of cognitive performance within dizygotic twin pairs, coupled with unique register data on economic conditions for the twins, their parents, and their childhood neighborhood, I show that the causal effect of the PGI on economic conservatism is zero on average, but indeed sizable and sign‐discordant by class background. The GxE perspective thus has wide‐ranging implications for future research attempting to integrate genetic methods into political psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of the emotional valence of external situations (EVES) on cognitive performance and electrophysiological (EEG) responses during decision-making. 26 healthy adults underwent a modified version of the Trier social stress test, performing five interview-style discourses. Each discourse entailed preparing a speech under increasingly stressful conditions. Participants were also exposed to gradually increasing EVES (i.e., an examining committee displaying progressively more negative-connoted emotional facial expressions). In addition, after each speech, participants completed an arithmetic task to test how emotional manipulation affected cognitive performance. Behavioral data (preparation times) and EEG data (frequency bands) were collected to assess stress regulation, stress resilience, and cognitive performance. The results indicate that EVES significantly influenced stress regulation and resilience, as reflected in the behavioral data. Neurophysiological findings showed increased parietal lobe activity (P4) in the theta and delta bands with rising emotional valence, plateauing from the preparation of the second discourse onward. This suggests enhanced emotional processing and attentional demands. However, gamma band activity decreased in P4 during the preparations for the two discourses following the first, indicating a shift of cognitive resources from higher cognitive functions to emotional processing. This highlights the cognitive cost of maintaining performance and stress regulation under emotionally charged conditions. Such findings suggest that emotional valence modulates cognitive performance and that specific neural mechanisms are involved in managing stress responses. The findings underscore the complex relationship between emotion, cognition, and neural mechanisms, offering valuable insights for stress regulation and resilience, and enhancing performance under pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of dietary cholesterol on cognitive function is debatable. While eggs contain high levels of dietary cholesterol, they provide nutrients beneficial for cognitive function. This study examined the effects of egg consumption on change in cognitive function among 890 ambulatory adults (N = 357 men; N = 533 women) aged ≥55 years from the Rancho Bernardo Study who attended clinic visits in 1988–1991 and 1992–1996. Egg intake was obtained in 1988–1991 with a food frequency questionnaire. The Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE), Trails B, and category fluency were administered at both visits to assess cognitive performance. Sex-specific multiple regression analyses tested associations of egg intake with changes in cognitive function after adjustment for confounders. The mean time between visits was 4.1 ± 0.5 years; average ages were 70.1 ± 8.4 in men and 71.5 ± 8.8 in women (p = 0.0163). More men consumed eggs at higher levels than women; while 14% of men and 16.5% of women reported never eating eggs, 7.0% of men and 3.8% of women reported intakes ≥5/week (p = 0.0013). In women, after adjustment for covariates, egg consumption was associated with less decline in category fluency (beta = −0.10, p = 0.0241). Other associations were nonsignificant in women, and no associations were found in men. Results suggest that egg consumption has a small beneficial effect on semantic memory in women. The lack of decline observed in both sexes suggests that egg consumption does not have detrimental effects and may even have a role in the maintenance of cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibromyalgia, characterized by chronic pain and cognitive impairments, significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Physical exercise has been shown to improve cognitive functions and reduce pain severity. Additionally, positive affect enhances cognitive flexibility and facilitates better adaptation to chronic pain, suggesting that combining physical activity and positive affect could mitigate cognitive deficits in fibromyalgia patients. Objectives: The objective of this work is to explore the relationship between pain severity and cognitive performance through time spent doing moderate physical activity while taking into account the role of positive affect in fibromyalgia. Methods: This prospective study was structured into two phases of evaluation. First, pain severity, positive affect, and time spent performing moderate physical activity were evaluated, and one week later cognitive performance (assessed through the Stroop test) was also evaluated. The final sample consisted of 231 women with fibromyalgia. Moderated mediation analyses were performed using PROCESS. Results: The moderated mediation model showed that the effect of moderate physical activity on the relationship between pain severity and cognitive performance was significant for low levels of positive affect but not for moderate or high levels. That is, the indirect effect of pain intensity on cognitive performance through time spent doing moderate physical activity only has an effect when patients with fibromyalgia present low levels of positive affect. However, there was no significant indirect effect in the simple mediation model. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the importance of considering the level of positive affect when examining the impact of moderate physical activity on cognitive performance in women with fibromyalgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Elevated IL-6 levels correlate with reduced cortical and subcortical brain volumes. • Higher plasma IL-6 levels are linked to poorer cognitive performance. • Elevated IL-6 levels have 23–35% increased risk of all-cause dementia. • Peripheral immune activation significant in managing brain health and dementia risk. Recent studies have associated immune abnormalities with dementia. IL-6 is a crucial cytokine in inflammatory responses, and recent evidence has linked elevated IL-6 levels to changes in brain structure and cognitive decline. However, the connection between IL-6 levels, cognition, brain volumes, and dementia risk requires exploration in large prospective cohorts. This study utilized a longitudinal cohort from the UK Biobank to analyze the correlation between IL-6 expression levels, cognitive performance, and cortical and subcortical brain volumes through linear regression. Additionally, we assessed the association between IL-6 levels and long-term dementia risk using Cox regression analysis. We also used one-sample Mendelian randomization to analyze the impact of genetic predisposition of dementia on elevated IL-6 levels. A total of 50,864 participants were included in this study, with 1,391 new cases of all-cause dementia identified. Higher plasma IL-6 levels are associated with cortical and subcortical atrophy in regions such as the fusiform, thalamus proper, hippocampus, and larger ventricle volumes. IL-6 levels are negatively associated with cognitive performance in pair matching, numeric memory, prospective memory, and reaction time tests. Furthermore, elevated IL-6 levels are linked to a 23–35 % increased risk of all-cause dementia over an average follow-up period of 13.2 years. The one-sample Mendelian randomization analysis did not show associations between the genetic predisposition of dementia and elevated IL-6 levels. Increased IL-6 levels are associated with worse cognition, brain atrophy, and a heightened risk of all-cause dementia. Our study highlights the need to focus on the role of peripheral IL-6 levels in managing brain health and dementia risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with cognitive deficits have a prolonged latency and reduced amplitude of the P300 wave. However, no study has correlated P300 wave alterations with the cognitive performance of patients with cerebellar lesions. We aimed to determine if the cognitive status of these patients was associated with P300 wave alterations. We recruited 30 patients with cerebellar lesions from the wards of the N.R.S. Medical College, Kolkata, in West Bengal (India). The Kolkata Cognitive Screening Battery tasks and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) were used to assess the cognitive status and the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) for cerebellar signs. We compared the results with the normative data of the Indian population. Patients had P300 wave alterations with a significant increase in latency and a non-significant trend in amplitude. In a multivariate model, P300 wave latency was positively associated with the ICARS kinetic subscale (p = 0.005) and age (p = 0.009), regardless of sex and years of education. In the model that included cognitive variables, P300 wave latency was negatively associated with performance in phonemic fluency (p = 0.035) and construction (p = 0.009). Furthermore, P300 wave amplitude was positively associated with the FAB total score (p < 0.001). In closing, patients with cerebellar lesions had an increase in latency and a decrease in the amplitude of the P300 wave. These P300 wave alterations were also associated with worse cognitive performance and some of the subscales of the ICARS, reinforcing that the cerebellum has motor, cognitive, and affective functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumulative evidence has consistently shown that white matter (WM) disruption is associated with cognitive decline in geriatric depression. However, limited research has been conducted on the correlation between these lesions and cognitive performance in untreated young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly with the specific segmental alterations of the fibers. Diffusion tensor images were performed on 60 first-episode, treatment-naïve young adult patients with MDD and 54 matched healthy controls (HCs). Automated fiber quantification was applied to calculate the tract profiles of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) to evaluate the WM microstructural organization. Correlation analysis was performed to find the associations between the diffusion properties and cognitive performance. Compared with HCs, patients with MDD exhibited predominantly different diffusion properties in bilateral uncinate fasciculus (UF), corticospinal tracts (CSTs), left superior longitudinal fasciculus and anterior thalamic radiation. The FA of the temporal cortex portion of right UF was positively correlated with working memory. The MD of the temporal component of left UF was negatively correlated with working memory and positively correlated with symptom severity. Additionally, a positive correlation between the MD of left CST and the psychomotor speed, negative correlation between the MD of left CST and the executive functions and complex attentional processes were observed. Our study validated the alterations in spatial localization of WM microstructure and its correlations with cognitive performance in first-episode, treatment-naïve young adults with MDD. This study added to the knowledge of the neuropathological basis of MDD. • Young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) showed segmental variations in fiber tracts compared to healthy controls. • The temporal portion of uncinate fasciculus (UF) was correlated with working memory in MDD patients. • The parietal part of CST was associated with psychomotor speed, executive function and complex attentional processes. • The MD of left UF and the AD of right CST were correlated with the symptom severity and age of first onset, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of listening to classical music on functional (upper and lower body strength, functional mobility and aerobic endurance) and cognitive (attentional capacities and working memory (WM)) performances in women aged between 50 and 60 years old. A total of 24 middle-aged women were enrolled to participate in this study. Their functional and cognitive performances were assessed under two-auditory conditions (no-music vs. with music conditions) using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for functional mobility, the Arm Curl test and 30 s Chair Stand Tests for the upper and lower body strength, respectively, and the 2 min Step test for aerobic endurance. To assess the attentional capacities and the WM, a simple reaction time (SRT) test and Corsi Block-Tapping Task were used, respectively. As a result, we found that listening to music significantly decreased the scores of the TUG test (p < 0.001) and capacities (p < 0.05), and increased the 2 min Step test values (p < 0.001) compared to the no-music condition. However, no significant changes were found for the upper and lower body strength and WM. We conclude that listening to classical music, i.e., Mozart's Symphony, is effective in improving functional mobility, aerobic endurance and attentional capacities in middle-aged women. However, these gains were absent for muscle strength and WM, suggesting that the positive effects of music on functional and cognitive performances were dependent on a specific task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to examine the substantial impact of stress on Arab simultaneous interpreters. The study designed a survey of two main constructs. The first construct aimed at identifying demographic information, while the second construct gathered information about stress assessment, physiological reactions to stress, and management mechanisms. The survey was shared with Arab simultaneous interpreters via the most common social networking sites: Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. The study found that 50% of the respondents indicated having stress while doing their interpreting tasks. The study revealed that stress leads to a surge in heart rate, headaches, and muscle cramps. More importantly, the physiological symptoms impeded interpreters' cognitive performance. Therefore, interpreters could not focus and retrieve information properly, which inhibited the spoken message's accuracy and comprehension. For cognitive performance, the study showed that stress inhibits the quality of interpretation, which results in producing incomplete interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Overalll, muscular fitness and academic performance are two variables widely studied in the literature. However, evidence on the relationship between muscular fitness and specific school subjects (e.g., physical education), as well as their differences by sex, is scarce. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between muscular fitness and overall academic performance and between muscular fitness and specific subjects (i.e., language, math, foreign language, and physical education) in a sample of secondary Spanish school students. Methods: For the present study, a sample of 766 students (45% boys, aged 12-17 years). From the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study was used. The Assessing the Levels of Physical Activity and Fitness (ALPHA-FIT) battery was used to determine handgrip strength and lower body muscular strength. The performance of the different school subjects was provided by the school centers. Results: Overall, for both boys and girls, higher muscular fitness was associated with greater academic results, with the greatest differences in physical education. However, only significant differences were identified for girls. Discussion and conclusion: Global muscular fitness is important for contributing to cognitive development, both in physical education and in the rest of the subjects of the educational curriculum for adolescents. At the same time, although the association appears to follow the same trend for both sexes, the results seem more evident for girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In individuals with high educational levels, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is often elevated, yet the causal direction and the role of cognitive performance in this association remain ambiguous. Herein, Mendel randomization (MR) was employed to measure the causal relationship between education, cognitive performance, and moderate to vigorous physical activity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the causal effects of educational attainment on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels and to explore potential mediating factors. Methods: Two-sample univariate MR analysis was conducted to assess the overall effect of education on moderate to severe physical activity. Besides, a two-step MR analysis was carried out to evaluate the mediating effect of cognitive performance on the impact of education on moderate to severe physical activity. Individuals included were exclusively of European ancestry, with data gathered from extensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on education (n = 470,941), cognitive performance (n = 257,841), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (n = 377,234). Educational attainment was measured by college graduation status. Cognitive performance encompasses not only psycho-motor speed, memory, and abstract reasoning abilities but also knowledge and skills acquired in professional domains. MVPA is defined as any physical activity that produces a metabolic equivalent (MET) of =3.0. Results: The positive two-sample MR analysis showed that education level had a significant protective effect on MVPA deficiency (β = -0.276, 95% CI = -0.354 to -0.199, p = 2.866 × 10-12). However, the reverse two-sample MR analysis showed that MVPA had no significant causal relationship with education level (p = 0.165). Subsequently, the two-step MR analysis indicated that the potential causal protective effect of education on the risk of MVPA deficiency was mostly mediated by cognitive performance (mediating effect β = -0.235, 95% CI = -0.434 to -0.036, and the intermediary ratio was 85.061%). Discussion: Cognitive performance holds considerable significance in the relationship between education level and MVPA. Consequently, the intervention of cognitive performance may greatly improve the risk of physical inactivity caused by education, thereby promoting individual health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aging is a complex and natural process. The physiological decline related to aging is accompanied by a slowdown in cognitive processes, which begins shortly after individuals reach maturity. These changes have been sometimes interpreted as a compensatory sign and others as a fingerprint of deterioration. Objective: In this context, our aim is to uncover the mechanisms that underlie and support normal cognitive functioning in the brain during the later stages of life. Methods: With this purpose, a systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, which identified 781 potential articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 12 studies that examined the brain oscillations patterns in resting-state conditions associated with cognitive performance in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Results: Although cognitive healthy aging was characterized differently across studies, and various approaches to analyzing brain activity were employed, our review indicates a relationship between alpha peak frequency (APF) and improved performance in neuropsychological scores among cognitively unimpaired older adults. Conclusions: A higher APF is linked with a higher score in intelligence, executive function, and general cognitive performance, and could be considered an optimal, and easy-to-assess, electrophysiological marker of cognitive health in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of non-invasive neurostimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), is increasingly prevalent in psychiatry due to their efficacy and safety. Although the precise therapeutic mechanisms remain partially unclear, repetitive TMS, particularly high-frequency stimulation, may enhance cognitive functions, contributing to therapeutic benefits. This within-subjects study examined the impact of TMS on cognitive and symptomatic outcomes in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorder (SUD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). A total of 44 patients underwent cognitive tests and symptom assessments before and after an intensive four-week TMS treatment phase, followed by a four-week maintenance phase. Cognitive assessments included Raven's matrices, verbal fluency, and digit span tests, while symptom severity was measured using the Italian version of the SCL-90-R. Decision-making performance was also evaluated by administering a delay discounting (DD) test. Principal component analysis was used to generate a dimensional characterization of subjects along cognitive and symptom-related axes before and after treatment. The results indicated that TMS significantly improved symptom scores, but no significant cognitive enhancement was observed. Statistical analysis based on linear mixed-effects models confirmed these findings, showing a significant fixed effect of TMS treatment on symptoms but not on cognitive performance. DD metrics remained unchanged. These findings suggest that while TMS effectively alleviates clinical symptoms, it does not produce consistent or appreciable enhancement of cognitive functions in these protocols. This study highlights the need for more personalized and combined therapeutic approaches to maximize the benefits of TMS, potentially incorporating cognitive enhancement strategies. Future studies will be useful to explore whether the results we obtained are valid for other pathologies, cognitive tests, and stimulation protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, with over 83 million confirmed cases and 1.8 million deaths, has raised concerns about long-term cognitive issues, especially in populations facing disparities. Despite a few years since Peru's first COVID-19 wave, the cognitive effects on adults remain unclear. This study is the first in Peru to explore COVID-19's impact on general cognition and executive function. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study compared individuals with COVID-19 history to controls, assessing general cognition, verbal fluency, attention, and executive function. Among 240 assessed, 154 met the study inclusion criteria, with about 60% female and an average age of 38.89 ± 16.001 years. Groups included controls (n = 42), acute phase (AP, n = 74) (1-14 days of symptoms), and hyperinflammatory phase (HP, n = 38) (>14 days of symptoms). Results: Significant cognitive differences were observed. The HP group exhibited lower general cognitive performance (p = 0.02), working memory (p = 0.01), and executive function (planning; p < 0.001; flexibility; p = 0.03) than controls. Those with <14 days of illness (AP vs. HP) had deficits in general cognitive performance (p = 0.02), working memory (p = 0.02), and planning (p < 0.001), mainly during the hyperinflammatory phase, showing differences in working memory (p = 0.003) and planning (p = 0.01). Gender differences emerged, with males in the HP phase having poorer working memory (p = 0.003) and planning (p = 0.01). Discussion: This study underscores COVID-19's negative impact on cognitive function, even in mild cases, with potential heightened effects in men during acute or hyperinflammatory phases. The findings provide Peru's first evidence, highlighting the vulnerability of populations facing socioeconomic disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the associations between the most popular social media platform WeChat usage and cognitive performance among the middle-aged and older Chinese population using data from a nationally representative survey. Methods: In total, 17,472 participants (≥ 45 years old) from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, Wave 4, 2018) were analyzed. Cognitive performance including episodic memory and executive function was assessed using Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Other confounding variables included socio-economic characteristics, medical status, and lifestyle-related information. Multiple linear regression models were used to test the association between cognitive performance and WeChat usage by introducing covariates hierarchically. Subgroup analyses of age and gender were conducted to estimate the robustness of the primary findings. Results: After adjusting for multiple confounders across all linear models, WeChat usage is significantly associated with executive function, episodic memory, and global cognitive performance (all p values<0.05). Such results remained robust in subgroup analyses, stratified by age and gender, and also verified according to longitudinal analyses. Compared to 'Chat-only' users who only used WeChat for online interpersonal communication, further usage of WeChat functions such as using 'Moments' appeared to be significantly associated with better cognitive performance, especially for episodic memory. Conclusion: Social media usage is significantly and positively associated with better cognitive performance among the middle-aged and older Chinese population. Along with point-to-point messaging, using 'Moments' and extended social media platform functions may correlate to better cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This observational study investigated the effects of sleep deprivation and ad libitum caffeine consumption on cognitive performance, risk behavior, and mood among 28 Israeli Special Forces (SF) soldiers (mean age: 20.57 ± 0.92 years) during a 96-hour combat exercise. Methods: Actigraphy was used to monitor sleep and activity; cognitive function, risk-taking propensity, mood states, and self-reported sleepiness were assessed using the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), Evaluation of Risks Scale (EVAR), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS); and caffeine consumption by questionnaire at 0, 50, and 96 hours. For analyses, participants were divided into Low (<400mg) and High (=400mg) caffeine consumption groups. Results: The soldiers hiked 108.5 ± 0.52 km and slept for 12.7 ± 0.5 h, with a notable transition from multiple short sleep epochs in the initial 50 hours to a consolidated 5-hour sleep period subsequently. In the High caffeine group, PVT reaction time was faster (p = 0.024) compared to the Low caffeine group, with fewer premature response errors (p = 0.026). However, this group showed increased risk-taking (p = 0.037), particularly reduced Self-Control (p = 0.010). No significant impact of ad libitum caffeine intake on mood was observed. However, degradation over the course of the exercise in both groups in mood states, including anger, fatigue, tension, and vigor, was noted (p < 0.05). KSS scores increased significantly at 50 and 96 h (p < 0.001). Discussion: These results suggest that while caffeine enhances cognitive function, its ad libitum consumption did not consistently improve these measures in this cohort of SF soldiers. The study highlights the complex relationship between sleep deprivation and caffeine intake and their combined effects on soldiers' cognitive and behavioral functions, indicating a need for evidence-based caffeine use guidelines for using caffeine in military settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence shows that virtual reality (VR) training is highly effective in cognitive and motor rehabilitation. Another modern form of training is cognitive–motor dual-task training (CMDT), which has been demonstrated to rapidly improve physical and cognitive functions in real environments. This study aims to test whether a VR-based CMDT protocol can be used for motor and cognitive skill enhancement in young, healthy subjects. For this aim, 24 university students participated in a randomized control trial. The experimental group participated in a 5-week virtual reality reaction training (VRRT), performing 30 min sessions once a week. The control group did not receive any training but was tested twice with the same measures and temporal distance as the experimental group. Before and after the intervention, motor, cognitive, and electrophysiological measures were assessed. The results showed that following VRRT, the response time for both physical and cognitive tests was improved by about 14% and 12%, respectively, while the control group did not show significant changes. Moreover, electrophysiological data revealed a significant increase in anticipatory motor readiness in premotor brain areas in the experimental group only; however, cognitive top–down control tended to be increased in prefrontal areas after VRRT. This training protocol in a VR modality seems to be as effective as other CMDT methodologies carried out in a real modality. Still, it has the advantages of being more flexible and more user-friendly compared to standard training. The VRRT's efficacy on physical and cognitive functions indicates that virtual reality applications can be used by the young population, not only for entertainment purposes but also in the form of cognitive–motor training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous research highlights the adverse effects of visual impairment (VI) on academic achievement in children, yet its impact on cognitive performance among adolescents and young adults remains under‐studied. Therefore, this investigation aimed to analyse this association in a nationwide sample of Israeli adolescents. Methods: A retrospective population‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 1,410,616 Israeli‐born adolescents aged 16–19 years, who were assessed before mandatory military service between 1993 and 2017. The definition of VI was based on best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurements using a standard Snellen chart. Adolescents with BCVA worse than 6/9 in either or both eyes were classified as having unilateral or bilateral VI, respectively. Cognitive performance was measured using the General Intelligence Score (GIS), based on a validated four‐domain test. Relationships were analysed using regression models yielding adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for low (<−1 standard deviation [SD]) and high (≥1 SD) cognitive Z‐scores. Results: Of 1,410,616 adolescents (56.1% men), 13,773 (1.0%) had unilateral and 3980 (0.3%) had bilateral VI. Unilateral VI was associated with adjusted ORs for low and high cognitive Z‐scores of 1.24 (1.19–1.30) and 0.84 (0.80–0.89), respectively. ORs were accentuated for bilateral VI, reaching 1.62 (1.50–1.75) and 0.81 (0.74–0.90) for low and high cognitive Z‐scores, respectively. Cognitive performance subscores mirrored these results, with the visual–spatial functioning subtest demonstrating the greatest effect size. These associations persisted in sub‐analyses restricted to adolescents with amblyopia‐related VI, mild VI and unimpaired health status. Conclusions: Visual impairment, including mild and unilateral cases, is associated with reduced cognitive performance scores assessed in late adolescence. Further research is required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics underlying this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) often present with anxiety, depression and cognitive deterioration. Structural changes in the cerebral cortex in PAH patients have also been reported in observational studies. PAH genome-wide association (GWAS) including 162,962 European individuals was used to assess genetically determined PAH. GWAS summary statistics were obtained for cognitive performance, depression, anxiety and alterations in cortical thickness (TH) or surface area (SA) of the brain cortex, respectively. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed. Finally, sensitivity analyses including Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, leave-one-out analyses, and funnel plot was performed. PAH had no causal relationship with depression, anxiety, and cognitive performance. At the global level, PAH was not associated with SA or TH of the brain cortex; at the functional regional level, PAH increased TH of insula (P = 0.015), pars triangularis (P = 0.037) and pars opercularis (P = 0.010) without global weighted. After global weighted, PAH increased TH of insula (P = 0.004), pars triangularis (P = 0.032), pars opercularis (P = 0.007) and rostral middle frontal gyrus (P = 0.022) while reducing TH of inferior parietal (P = 0.004), superior parietal (P = 0.031) and lateral occipital gyrus (P = 0.033). No heterogeneity and pleiotropy were detected. The enrolled patients were all European and the causal relationship between PAH and the structure of the cerebral cortex in other populations remains unknown. Causal relationship between PAH and the brain cortical structure was implied, thus providing novel insights into the PAH associated neuropsychiatric symptoms. Using a Mendelian randomization study, a causal effect of PAH on the brain cortical structure was revealed, which suggested the presence of lung-brain axis. We acknowledge BioRender.com for the generation of cartoon figures. [Display omitted] • Using a Mendelian randomization study, we reveal the causal effect of PAH on the brain cortical structure, namely magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-measure surficial areas and cortical thickness, which suggested the presence of lung-brain axis. • Using a Mendelian randomization study, it was revealed that PAH had no causal relationship with two kinds Neuropsychological disorders of depression and anxiety. • Using a Mendelian randomization study, it was revealed that PAH had no causal relationship with cognitive performance, in what is referred to general cognitive performance. fluid intelligence score and memory performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 12-week Zumba dancing on postural control and cognitive parameters and the correlations between these parameters in middle-aged women. Thirty-eight women, aged between 50 and 60 years, were randomly allocated to a Zumba group (ZG) or control group. Postural control and cognitive functions [working memory (WM) and reaction time (RT)] were assessed before and after 12 weeks of a Zumba dancing program using a stabilometric force platform, Corsi Block-Tapping Task and Simple RT tests, respectively. The results indicate that ZG showed significantly (p<.01) better balance performances when standing on a stable surface in both visual conditions [firm surface with eyes opened (EO) (20,9%) and eyes closed (EC) (12.3%)]. However, when standing on an unstable surface in both visual conditions (foam surface with EO/EC), the ZG showed no significant improvement in postural control. It seems that the benefits of Zumba on postural control depend on the sensory condition. Besides, 12-week Zumba dancing was not sufficient to significantly enhance cognitive performances (RT/WM) performances. These cognitive performances were related to postural control in challenging conditions and can be considered an effective tool for monitoring postural performances following an intervention program. Clinicians should, therefore, focus on interventions that boost cognitive functions in middle-aged women to achieve optimal postural control, mainly in challenging conditions, in order to prevent the risk and fear of falls as well as the incidence of falling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Two large neutral amino acids (LNAA), tryptophan and tyrosine, are precursors to cerebral neurotransmitters and are involved in cognitive function. Higher levels of LNAA in young adults are associated with improved cognition, although these associations appear to reverse over time. Given that exposure to metabolic syndrome (MetS) may induce premature cognitive aging, the current project aims to fill the gap in the literature by examining the effect of LNAA on cognitive performance in midlife adults with metabolic risks. Methods: Eighty-eight adults, ages 40–61 years, participated in this cross-sectional study. LNAA metabolites were quantified, MetS components were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, and MetS components were assessed in the laboratory. Composite verbal memory and executive functioning scores were computed using principal component analysis. We used linear regression models to test the interaction between LNAA and MetS while covarying for sex, age, and education. Results: The kynurenine/tryptophan ratio moderated the relation between MetS and verbal memory, even after adjusting for relevant covariates. Tyrosine metabolites were not significant moderators of the association between MetS and executive functioning. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the detected weaker memory performance in adults with a high number of MetS components may be related to relative tryptophan depletion and possible decreases in serotonin production. Further investigation is warranted to examine the potential role of LNAA in associations between cognitive performance and metabolic risks over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the relationship between sleep duration and cognitive functions in older adults using NHANES, a national US population study dataset, and to explore the causal association with Mendelian randomization (MR) using the UK Biobank. Methods: First, an observational study was conducted with the NHANES database with participants ≥60 years. Sleep duration was measured with accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. Participants were divided into habitual short sleep (<7 h) and long sleep (>9 h) groups. Cognitive functions were measured with the CERAD Word Learning sub-set, Animal Fluency, and Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST). Multivariate regression models were used to explore relationships between sleep duration and cognitive functions. Second, bidirectional MR was conducted with data for self-reported sleep duration, which came from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising 446,118 adults from the UK Biobank, and general cognitive performance, which was obtained from a recent GWAS study (N = 257,841). Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was used as the primary estimation of the outcome. Results: In the observational study, 2687 participants were included. Sleep duration was associated with cognitive functions in a non-linear way. Habitual long sleep (>9°h) was associated with lower scores on DSST (OR = 0.01, p =.003) in the fully-adjusted model. The association between habitual short sleep and cognitive functions was insignificant. For the MR, genetically predicted lower general cognitive performance was causally associated with a higher prevalence of habitual short sleep (OR = 0.97, p = 5.1 × 10−7) and long sleep (OR = 0.97, p = 8.87 × 10−16). Discussion: Short and long sleep duration might be both causally associated with worse outcomes of cognitive functions in older adults, highlighting the importance of maintaining sleep health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly developed SV2A radiotracer, 18F-SynVesT-1, was used in this study to investigate synaptic density and its association with Alzheimer's disease (AD) "A/T/N" biomarkers. The study included a cohort of 97 subjects, consisting of 64 patients with cognitive impairment (CI) and 33 individuals with normal cognition (CU). All subjects underwent 18F-SynVesT-1 PET/MR and 18F-florbetapir PET/CT scans. Additionally, a subgroup of individuals also underwent 18F-MK-6240, 18F-FDG PET/CT, plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 and p-tau181 tests. The differences in synaptic density between the groups and the correlations between synaptic density and AD "A/T/N" biomarkers were analyzed. The results showed that compared to the CU group, the CI with Aβ+ (CI+) group exhibited the most pronounced synapse loss in the hippocampus, with some loss also observed in the neocortex. Furthermore, synaptic density in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus showed associations with AD biomarkers detected by both imaging and plasma tests in the CI group. The associations between synaptic density and FDG uptake and hippocampal volume were also observed in the CI+ group. In conclusion, the study demonstrated significant synaptic density loss, as measured by the promising tracer 18F-SynVesT-1, and its close correlation with "A/T/N" biomarkers in patients with both Alzheimer's clinical syndrome and pathological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: It is estimated that 2% of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented with increases in physical activity. However, there is little evidence of the association between vigorous physical activity (VPA) and cognitive performance. This study aimed to investigate the association of moderate physical activity (MPA) and VPA with cognitive performance in older adults fromthe Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brasil). Patients and Methods: Data from 7954 participants were analyzed. Mean age was 61.8 ± 9.2 years, 61.8% were women, and 44.3% were mixed races. Cognitive performance evaluated the memory, temporal orientation, and verbal fluency domains. A global composite z-score was derived from the tests. Physical activity was assessed by self-report. We used linear regression models to verify the association of MPA and VPA with cognitive performance. Results: Compared with participants who did not meet the guidelines for MPA (<150min/wk), those who met the guidelines (150 to 299min/wk) and those who performed more than 2x the recommended amount of MPA (300min or more/wk) had better global cognitive performance (β = 0.163, 95%CI = 0.086, 0.241; P < 0.001; β = 0.180, 95% CI = 0.107, 0.253, P < 0.001, respectively). We found no association between VPA and cognitive performance. Conclusion: There was no additional benefit of VPA for cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive reserve might mitigate the risk of Alzheimer's dementia among memory clinic patients. No study has examined the potential modifying role of stress on this relation. METHODS: We examined cross‐sectional associations of the cognitive reserve index (CRI; education, occupational complexity, physical and leisure activities, and social health) with cognitive performance and AD‐related biomarkers among 113 memory clinic patients. The longitudinal association between CRI and cognition over a 3‐year follow‐up was assessed. We examined whether associations were influenced by perceived stress and five measures of diurnal salivary cortisol. RESULTS: Higher CRI scores were associated with better cognition. Adjusting for cortisol measures reduced the beneficial association of CRI on cognition. A higher CRI score was associated with better working memory in individuals with higher (favorable) cortisol AM/PM ratio, but not among individuals with low cortisol AM/PM ratio. No association was found between CRI and AD‐related biomarkers. DISCUSSION: Physiological stress reduces the neurocognitive benefits of cognitive reserve among memory clinic patients. Highlights: Physiological stress may reduce the neurocognitive benefits accrued from cognitively stimulating and enriching life experiences (cognitive reserve [CR]) in memory clinic patients.Cortisol awakening response modified the relation between CR and P‐tau181, a marker of Alzheimer's disease (AD).Effective stress management techniques for AD and related dementia prevention are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]