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In recent decades, the interest in having an ideal body in men has caused a pathological tendency to be muscular, followed by a tendency to use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs). This study was designed to evaluate the mediating role of muscle dysmorphia in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and body image-related cognitive fusion with the tendency to use AAS in male athletes. Out of the total number of men referring to fitness clubs in Isfahan, Iran, 474 men were evaluated using a multistage random cluster sampling method. The questionnaires used in this research included the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire—Body Image, Young Schema Questionnaire—Short Form, and Prototype Willingness Model Questionnaire. The results demonstrated that the relationship of AAS use with body image-related cognitive fusion and the three maladaptive schemas with the mediation of muscle dysmorphia is significant. The present study provides significant implications in the discussion of prevention and treatment of AAS addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In healthy people, the fight-or-flight sympathetic system is counterbalanced by the rest-and-digest parasympathetic system. As we grow older, the parasympathetic system declines as the sympathetic system becomes hyperactive. In our prior heart rate variability biofeedback and emotion regulation (HRV-ER) clinical trial, we found that increasing parasympathetic activity through daily practice of slow-paced breathing significantly decreased plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) in healthy younger and older adults. In healthy adults, higher plasma Aβ is associated with greater risk of Alzheimers disease (AD). Our primary goal of this trial is to reproduce and extend our initial findings regarding effects of slow-paced breathing on Aβ. Our secondary objectives are to examine the effects of daily slow-paced breathing on brain structure and the rate of learning. METHODS: Adults aged 50-70 have been randomized to practice one of two breathing protocols twice daily for 9 weeks: (1) slow-paced breathing condition involving daily cognitive training followed by slow-paced breathing designed to maximize heart rate oscillations or (2) random-paced breathing condition involving daily cognitive training followed by random-paced breathing to avoid increasing heart rate oscillations. The primary outcomes are plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels and plasma Aβ42/40 ratio. The secondary outcomes are brain perivascular space volume, hippocampal volume, and learning rates measured by cognitive training performance. Other pre-registered outcomes include plasma pTau-181/tTau ratio and urine Aβ42. Recruitment began in January 2023. Interventions are ongoing and will be completed by the end of 2023. DISCUSSION: Our HRV-ER trial was groundbreaking in demonstrating that a behavioral intervention can reduce plasma Aβ levels relative to a randomized control group. We aim to reproduce these findings while testing effects on brain clearance pathways and cognition. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05602220. Registered on January 12, 2023.

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) accompanied by cerebrovascular risk factors (CVRFs) are known to increase the risk of developing dementia. Mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation, have been recognized as safe techniques with beneficial effects on cognitive functions in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Kundalini yoga training (KY) compared to memory enhancement training (MET) on mood and cognitive functioning in a group of older women with CVRFs and SCD (clinicaltrials.gov = NCT03503669). The KY intervention consisted of weekly, 60-min in-person classes with a certified instructor for 12 weeks, with a 12-min guided recording for daily homework practice at home. MET involved 12 weekly in-person group classes with 12-min daily homework exercises. Objective and subjective memory performance were the primary outcomes. Peripheral whole blood samples were collected at baseline, 12-weeks, and 24-weeks follow-up for RNA sequencing and cytokine/chemokine assays. A total of 79 patients (KY = 40; MET = 39) were randomized, and 63 completed the 24-week follow-up (KY = 65% completion rate; MET = 95%; χ2(1) = 10.9, p

AbstractWith cognitive plasticity being a “sluggish” process, regular long-term engagement in interventions like cognitive training is required to realize the potential that such interventions may confer for cognitive enhancement. A significant challenge associated with extended cognitive training studies is poor adherence and attrition. The current qualitative investigation therefore explored 66 older adult participants’ experiences of, and motivations during, a gamified cognitive training program to understand reasons for (non)adherence. Preferences regarding cognitive training were also explored to provide insight into how such programs might be designed and implemented to maximize motivation and long-term engagement. Using a qualitative description design drawing upon thematic analysis, findings revealed that participants were generally motivated by challenge, novelty, and opportunity to focus. In contrast, repetition, external factors, and negative mindsets detracted from the motivation of participants. Suggestions to improve cognitive training programs to promote long-term engagement included the addition of a large selection of games, an incentive system, mini daily challenges, reminder notifications, and social features. These findings may inform the design of cognitive training programs that accommodate the preferences and needs of older adults, which in turn, may promote adherence and improve intervention effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Results Conclusions Clinical high risk (CHR) youth are known to exhibit cognitive deficits at similar levels to their more severally ill counter parts. Cognitive training (CT) programs offer a promising method for early intervention and the prevention of further cognitive decline in this vulnerable population. However, there are few structured CT intervention programs addressing the needs of CHR youth in LMICs of the Middle East.We conducted a study in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department of Razi University Hospital. Patients were assessed by trained raters with the “Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental States” to confirm their CHR status. Cognitive Training (CT) was combined with the Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Remediation (CT‐NEAR) as part of a social rehabilitation program. We enrolled 25 CHR patients and examined several domains of cognitive functioning and evaluated daily functioning prior to starting the intervention and after completion.There were 20 patients who completed the study. The CT‐NEAR group (n = 10) completed an average number 28.33 sessions over 12 weeks, which were matched for therapist time with the TAU group (n = 10). We found statistically significant improvements in CT‐NEAR versus TAU in several cognitive domains; such as cognitive flexibility, memory‐short and long‐term, and verbal fluency. Also, CT‐NEAR versus TAU patients improved in global functioning.Our findings indicate that cognitive remediation versus TAU for Tunisian CHR youth is feasible and effective especially in improving cognitive functioning when delivered in a social rehabilitation context (Bridging Group) and extends to global level of functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the increasing global aging population, the health and welfare of elderly individuals, especially individuals with prevalent mild cognitive impairment (MCI) living in nursing homes, have become critical concerns. These concerns highlight the urgency of developing effective interventions to address the cognitive and psychological needs of elderly individuals, ensuring their well-being and alleviating the burden on their caregivers. Objective: This study investigates the impact of wooden toy training on mitigating cognitive decline in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. It evaluates how this training influences cognitive functions and psychological well-being, exploring whether it can slow or reverse the progression of cognitive decline. This outcome will be assessed in a randomized controlled trial, in which changes in cognitive ability and psychological health indicators among the participants will be measured. Design: A two-arm, open-label, cluster-randomized controlled trial. Setting(s): The study was conducted in two nursing homes, which served as both the recruitment sites for participants and the intervention locations. These nursing homes were selected for their ability to facilitate the intervention and for their representative demographic characteristics of the elderly population. The settings provided a controlled environment that was conducive to implementing the wooden toy training program and observing its effects on the participants. Participants: A total of 76 elderly participants with mild cognitive impairment but functional independence were recruited. Methods: Participants were randomized into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group engaged in an 8-week wooden toy training program, whereas those in the control cohort received customary nursing care. Standardized cognitive and psychological well-being measures were used to assess improvements in cognitive performance and mental health. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the cognitive functions of the intervention group from a baseline score of M = 13.11 to M = 16.29 postintervention (95% CI [-4.44, -1.93]), along with reductions in depressive symptoms from a baseline score of M = 8.63 to M = 7.18 (95% CI [0.38, 2.51]). Additionally, engagement in activities with wooden toys significantly satisfied their need for competence, increasing from a baseline of M = 16.29 to M = 20 postintervention (95% CI [-5.92, -1.51]), and relatedness, which improved from a baseline of M = 20.32 to M = 22.95 (95% CI [-4.73, -0.53]). Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of a wooden toy intervention in nursing homes that combines cognitive challenges with traditional cultural elements to improve cognitive functions in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Our findings suggest a novel method of promoting the cognitive and psychological health of nursing home residents through emotional comfort and social interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The literature on dual-task training suggests reductions in taskcoordination costs with extensive practice, yet such regimens are resourceintensive. This study investigates the feasibility of online assessments for cognitive training studies by comparing training and transfer effects on taskorder coordination (TOC) skills in laboratory versus online settings. Methods: We conducted a 5-day training regimen including pre-and post-test. Sixty-two participants completed training either in our laboratory or online via Pavlovia. They were assigned to one of two training order conditions, either practicing two visual-manual tasks in a dual-task situation with fixed task order or with random task order. Performance metrics included reaction time (RT) and error rates for trained and untrained tasks to assess TOC costs before and after the training. Data from both setting conditions (laboratory vs. online) were compared. Results: Firstly, data of both settings revealed training-order specific training and transfer effects for TOC costs on RT level. Random task order training improved TOC for trained and untrained tasks, whereas fixed order training did not. Secondly, cross-setting analyses, both frequentists and Bayesian, confirmed these effects and revealed no reliable impact of setting on outcomes. Discussion: This research carries two significant implications. Our findings demonstrate the acquisition of task-order coordination skills, extending prior research on improving task-coordination in dual-task situations. Additionally, the robust effects for such improvements were independent of specific tasks and setting (whether investigated online or in the laboratory), supporting the use of online testing in cognitive training regimens for resource savings without compromising quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considering the importance of cognitive and motor functions of the elderly people, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive exergame, called Neurolight compared to computerized cognitive games, in enhancing core executive functions and motor performance. Methods: A total of 36 individuals in the age range of 60 to 69 years were studied in the form of three groups: The control group continued their daily activities, while the Neurolight group underwent a cognitive-motor training and the Maghzineh performed a computer-based cognitive training program for 24 sessions. Before and after interventions, working memory, inhibitory control, and balance were measured respectively by the N-back, Stroop, and TUG tests. Results: The results showed that cognitive-motor exercises using Neurolight, for 24 sessions, were able to significantly improve working memory, inhibitory control, and balance in individuals in this age group. Conclusion: This finding supports the other studies suggesting combined cognitive and physical exercises for better effect. Based on its findings, the use of this exercise system can be suggested to coaches and therapists working with the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional Chinese opera, such as Pingju, requires actors to master sophisticated performance skills and cultural knowledge, potentially influencing brain function. This study aimed to explore the effects of long-term opera training on the dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (dALFF) and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC). Methods: Twenty professional well-trained Pingju actors and twenty demographically matched untrained subjects were recruited. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected to assess dALFF differences in spontaneous regional brain activity between the actors and untrained participants. Brain regions with altered dALFF were selected as the seeds for the subsequent dFC analysis. Statistical comparisons examined differences between groups, while correlation analyses explored the relationships between dALFF and dFC, as well as the associations between these neural measures and the duration of Pingju training. Results: Compared with untrained subjects, professional Pingju actors exhibited significantly lower dALFF in the right lingual gyrus. Additionally, actors showed increased dFC between the right lingual gyrus and the bilateral cerebellum, as well as between the right lingual gyrus and the bilateral midbrain/red nucleus/thalamus, compared with untrained subjects. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between the dALFF in the right lingual gyrus and its dFC, and a significant association was found between dFC in the bilateral midbrain/red nucleus/thalamus and the duration of Pingju training. Conclusion: Long-term engagement in Pingju training induces neuroplastic changes, reflected in altered dALFF and dFC. These findings provide evidence for the interaction between artistic training and brain function, highlighting the need for further research into the impact of professional training on cognitive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In systems and network neuroscience, many common practices in brain connectomic analysis are often not properly scrutinized. One such practice is mapping a predetermined set of sub-circuits, like functional networks (FNs), onto subjects' functional connectomes (FCs) without adequately assessing the information-theoretic appropriateness of the partition. Another practice that goes unchallenged is thresholding weighted FCs to remove spurious connections without justifying the chosen threshold. This paper leverages recent theoretical advances in Stochastic Block Models (SBMs) to formally define and quantify the information-theoretic fitness (e.g., prominence) of a predetermined set of FNs when mapped to individual FCs under different fMRI task conditions. Our framework allows for evaluating any combination of FC granularity, FN partition, and thresholding strategy, thereby optimizing these choices to preserve the important topological features of the human brain connectomes. By applying to the Human Connectome Project with Schaefer parcellations at multiple levels of granularity, the framework showed that the common thresholding value of 0.25 was indeed information-theoretically valid for group-average FCs, despite its previous lack of justification. Our results pave the way for the proper use of FNs and thresholding methods, and provide insights for future research in individualized parcellations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an interview with Marie Darrieussecq, exploring themes of transformation and plasticity in her literary work. Topics include her perspective on material transformation beyond psychological evolution, the influence of philosophical ideas like neuroplasticity, and how her narratives address the dynamic nature of bodies and worlds.

Background and objectives: This study aims to develop a machine learning-based approach to predict adherence to gamified cognitive training using a variety of baseline measures (demographic, attitudinal, and cognitive abilities) as well as game performance data. We aimed to: (1) identify the cognitive games with the strongest adherence prediction and their key performance indicators; (2) compare baseline characteristics and game performance indicators for adherence prediction, and (3) test ensemble models that use baseline characteristics and game performance data to predict adherence over ten weeks. Research design and method: Using machine learning algorithms including logistic regression, ridge regression, support vector machines, classification trees, and random forests, we predicted adherence from weeks 3 to 12. Predictors included game performance metrics in the first two weeks and baseline measures. These models' robustness and generalizability were tested through five-fold cross-validation. Results: The findings indicated that game performance measures were superior to baseline characteristics in predicting adherence. Notably, the games "Supply Run," "Ante Up," and "Sentry Duty" emerged as significant adherence predictors. Key performance indicators included the highest level achieved, total game sessions played, and overall gameplay proportion. A notable finding was the negative correlation between initial high achievement levels and sustained adherence, suggesting that maintaining a balanced difficulty level is crucial for long-term engagement. Conversely, a positive correlation between the number of sessions played and adherence highlighted the importance of early active involvement. Discussion and implications: The insights from this research inform just-in-time strategies to promote adherence to cognitive training programs, catering to the needs and abilities of the aging population. It also underscores the potential of tailored, gamified interventions to foster long-term adherence to cognitive training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absrtact: Objective: To evaluate the effects of various non-pharmacological interventions on patients with cognitive impairment by systematic search and network meta-analysis, and to rank the effects of the included non-pharmacological interventions. Methods: The databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, WANFANG, and SinoMed were searched by computer. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of non-pharmacological interventions for people with cognitive frailty were collected. The search was conducted from 2000 to February 2024. Two reviewers independently screened the studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies, and then used Stata15 and R4.3.1 software to conduct network meta-analysis, with physical function and cognitive function as the main outcome indicators. Results: A total of 19 randomized controlled trials involving 1738 patients were included. The results of network meta-analysis showed that among the non-pharmacological interventions, nutritional support had the best effect on improving frailty scores and cognitive function scores in patients with cognitive frailty. Aerobic training combined with resistance training is best for improving grip strength. For improving the patient's motor status, cognitive training had the best effect on improving TUG test scores. High-speed resistance training is best for improving walking speed. Conclusion: This review analyses the current study of non-pharmacological interventions to improve physical performance in patients with cognitive frailty. Current evidence suggests that nutritional support is most effective at improving physical frailty and cognitive decline in patients with cognitive frailty, and that exercise and cognitive training interventions significantly improve grip strength and motor ability. Trial registration: This meta-analysis was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023486881). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results and Conclusions With the increasing availability of immersive technologies such as 360° videos for educational purposes, research needs to shift from media comparison studies to value‐added studies in order to identify conditions for effective learning with such technologies. For the educational use of history‐related virtual reality media, which are characterized by immersion and emotionalization, instructional approaches that promote cognitive and critical rather than emotional processing of the content are required.Drawing on research on self‐regulated learning, emotion regulation, and collaborative learning, the present value‐added study examines whether (1) strategy training in cognitive and emotion regulation strategies and (2) collaboration can enhance students' cognitive processing of history‐related 360° videos.In a quasi‐experimental study with school students (N = 157), we compared the effects of training addressing cognitive and emotion regulation strategies with training focusing on cognitive strategies alone. Before and during each of the two types of training, students were asked to either collaboratively or individually analyse a history‐related 360° video.Training in cognitive strategies alone promotes cognitive processing of 360° videos, while combined training leads to more emotional processing. Collaboration helps students to analyse a history‐related 360° video in a cognitive and reflective way before training and to acquire the cognitive strategies during the training. After training, however, students who had previously collaborated processed the video more emotionally than students who had previously worked alone. This study highlights the importance of tailored instructional approaches to maximize the educational potential of immersive technologies in history education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racial disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcome have been well-established for people with schizophrenia. While cognitive remediation treatments have been shown to produce mild to moderate improvements in cognition for people with schizophrenia, few studies have examined racial/ethnic differences in treatment response. This study employed a secondary analysis of data from two randomized, single-blind controlled trials (N = 119) investigating the efficacy of two forms of cognitive training, to explore potential racial/ethnic differences in targeted outcomes. Given the extant literature, we predicted that racial/ethnic minorities would (1) drop out of the study at higher rates, (2) display greater levels of functional and cognitive impairment prior to treatment, and (3) display lower levels of improvement in cognitive and functioning outcomes following treatment. Our study revealed largely negative findings: white vs. non-white groups showed similar treatment drop-out rates, similar levels of cognitive impairment and symptom severity at study baseline and showed similar responses to cognitive training, with the exception of working memory in which participants' racial/ethnic minority status predicted significantly greater improvement in response to cognitive training. These findings suggest that cognitive remediation treatments are effective at addressing cognitive deficits in racial/ethnic minorities and supports cognitive remediation as a treatment which may help address racial/ethnic disparities in cognition. Given the scant research literature, future analyses should look at race as a potential mediator of treatment in a variety of evidence-based psychosocial treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive diagnosis is a crucial element of intelligent education that aims to assess the proficiency of specific skills or traits in students at a refined level and provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses for personalized learning. Researchers have developed numerous cognitive diagnostic models. However, previous studies indicate that diagnostic accuracy can be significantly influenced by the appropriateness of the model and the sample size. Thus, designing a general model that can adapt to different assumptions and sample sizes remains a considerable challenge. Artificial neural networks have been proposed as a promising approach in some studies. In this paper, we propose a cognitive diagnosis model of a neural network constrained by a Q-matrix and named QNN. Specifically, we employ the Q-matrix to determine the connections between neurons and the width and depth of the neural network. Moreover, to reduce the human effort in the training algorithm, we designed a self-organizing map-based cognitive diagnosis training framework called SOM-NN, which enables the QNN to be trained unsupervised. Extensive experimental results on simulated and real datasets demonstrate that our approaches are effective in both accuracy and interpretability. Notably, under unsupervised conditions, our approach has significant advantages on small sample datasets with high levels of guessing and slipping, especially on the pattern-wise agreement rates. This work bridges the gap between psychometrics and machine learning and provides a realistic and implementable reference solution for classroom instructional assessment and the cold start of personalized and adaptive assessment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is not disputed that cognitive training can affect similar domains (near transfer) such as similar working memory tasks, it is still hotly debated whether they advance seemingly different domains (far transfer), such as social skills improvement. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of far transfer in enhancing social-communication and adaptive behavior skills using a computerized cognitive training program (CCTP) in adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID). The two research participants aged 14 & 16 conducted a 16-week home-based CCTP using CogniFit for 2-4 days a week, at 20 minutes a day. After the 16-week CCTP, an adjusted 4-week CCTP based on CogniFit activities and on added social cues was followed. The participants underwent pre and post assessments for examining far transfer skills using a) the Test of Pragmatic Language-2, b) the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scale, and c) the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales II. The results showed that this intervention program can benefit adolescents with ID in social-communication and adaptive skills, which can function as an important driver of cognitive development and academic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a multidomain intervention that integrates physical activity, cognitive training, and dietary intervention is necessary to delay cognitive decline. The proliferation of smartphones, software development, and online service improvements now enable the delivery of online intervention programs and the concurrent collection of patient-generated data. This paper aims to report on a protocol for developing a smartphone-based multidomain intervention tailored to the level of patients with MCI. Methods: Our program targeted patients with MCI aged 60–79. The physical activity domain provides training that is appropriate for the patient's strength and fitness levels. The cognitive training uses both verbal and nonverbal stimuli to stimulate various domains of cognitive function. It was designed to match tasks to the patient's abilities, promoting motivational growth. Dietary interventions were designed to enable patients to plan their diet and learn to adopt appropriate eating habits. Results: We designed and organized a screen for home aerobic exercise, story quizzes, nonverbal cognitive training, and memory diary screens. Conclusions: We developed a smartphone application-based multidomain intervention program to delay cognitive decline in patients with MCI. We will verify its efficacy in future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of sport-specific cognitive training (CT) on executive functions (EFs) in youth soccer players. Thirty-one athletes (13–15 years) participated, 13 in the intervention group (IG) and 18 in the control group (CG). The IG underwent an 8-week soccer-focused CT program, while the CG maintained regular training. The assessments included working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility tasks. The results revealed no significant improvements in EFs in the IG compared to those in the CG. Both groups showed enhanced cognitive flexibility, possibly due to general cognitive development or learning effects. The study suggested that an 8-week sport-specific CT may not enhance EFs in young soccer players, potentially due to a ceiling effect in highly skilled athletes. These findings should be considered when designing cognitive training programs for athletes, and future research could explore the optimal duration of such programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a public health concern with an ever-increasing magnitude worldwide. An array of neuroscience-based approaches like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and cognitive training have garnered attention in the last decades to ameliorate the effects of cognitive aging in older adults. This study evaluated the effects of 3 months of bilateral tDCS over the frontal cortices with multimodal cognitive training on working memory capacity. Two hundred ninety-two older adults without dementia were allocated to active or sham tDCS paired with cognitive training. These participants received repeated sessions of bilateral tDCS over the bilateral frontal cortices, combined with multimodal cognitive training. Working memory capacity was assessed with the digit span forward, backward, and sequencing tests. No baseline differences between active and sham groups were observed. Multiple linear regressions indicated more improvement of the longest digit span backward from baseline to post-intervention (p = 0.021) and a trend towards greater improvement (p = 0.056) of the longest digit span backward from baseline to 1 year in the active tDCS group. No significant between-group changes were observed for digit span forward or digit span sequencing. The present results provide evidence for the potential for tDCS paired with cognitive training to remediate age-related declines in working memory capacity. These findings are sourced from secondary outcomes in a large randomized clinical trial and thus deserve future targeted investigation in older adult populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Digital technologies can play an important role in improving the limited accessibility of healthcare services in rural regions (e.g., via remote assessment). However, whether remote fitness assessments (RFA) of selected physical and cognitive fitness parameters are feasible both in younger and older persons and whether they can reproduce laboratory tests needs yet to be established. Thus, this study aimed to address this knowledge gap by investigating the feasibility, and reproducibility of RFA in younger and middle-aged to older adults (MOA). Methods: A total of 31 younger adults and 32 MOAs participated in this study. At an interval of seven days, laboratory-based and remote assessments (via videoconferencing software) were conducted which included the quantification of the following parameters: (i) measurement of heart rate variability [HRV]; followed by (ii) cognitive testing to examine the level of attention, executive functions (oral Trail Making Test [A and B]), working memory, verbal short-term memory (digit span memory test and word list test (immediate recall)) and episodic memory (word list test (delayed recall)); followed by (iii) physical fitness assessments including performance tests of balance (balance test), functional strength ability of the lower limbs (5-time-sit-to-stand-test) and endurance capacity (3-min step test). Parameters of absolute and relative reliability were determined to assess the reproducibility of the laboratory-based and remote assessments. Results: The selected physical and cognitive fitness parameters showed moderate to excellent relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.52—0.95). The parameters of absolute reliability (Bland–Altman plot and standard error of measurement [SEM]) provide evidence for good reproducibility of HRV parameters and measures of physical fitness, whereas measures of cognitive fitness showed moderate to good reproducibility. On a descriptive level, the absolute and relative reliability of the selected measures of physical and cognitive fitness did not vary as a function of participants' age. Conclusion: Our results suggest that RFA of selected measures of physical and cognitive fitness is feasible and reproduces corresponding laboratory results to a moderate to excellent level in both younger adults and MOA. Data showed that the reproducibility of laboratory-based and remote assessments is not influenced by the age of the participants. These findings support the use of digital technologies to improve the accessibility of healthcare services (e.g., in remote areas). However, as the reproducibility varies considerably across the different parameters, further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of an optimised standardisation of the remote assessments and confounding factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Purpose: This study aims to explore the effectiveness of enhancing individual spatial cognitive abilities in alleviating the negative symptoms of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS). Additionally, it seeks to develop innovative intervention methods to improve spatial cognition and identify new treatment approaches for VIMS. Methods: The study investigated the impact of innovative interventions on spatial cognitive abilities and their modulation of VIMS susceptibility. A total of 43 participants were recruited (23 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group). The experimental group underwent six sessions of spatial cognitive ability training, while the control group engaged in activities unrelated to spatial cognition. Results: The analysis revealed that the spatial cognitive ability scores of the experimental group significantly improved after the intervention. Furthermore, the experimental group exhibited significant differences in nausea, oculomotor, disorientation, and total SSQ scores before and after the intervention, indicating that the intervention effectively mitigated VIMS symptoms. Conclusion: This study developed a virtual reality training method that effectively enhances individual spatial cognitive abilities and significantly alleviates VIMS symptoms, providing a novel and effective approach for VIMS intervention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher cardiorespiratory fitness has been associated with improved cognitive control in preadolescent children, with various studies highlighting related brain health benefits. This cross-sectional study aimed to provide novel insights into the fitness-cognition relationship by investigating task-related changes in effective connectivity within two brain networks involved in cognitive control: the cingulo-opercular and fronto-parietal networks. Twenty-four higher-fit and twenty-four lower-fit preadolescent children completed a modified flanker task that modulated inhibitory control demand while their EEG and task performance were concurrently recorded. Effective connectivity for correct trials in the theta band was estimated using directed transfer function. The results indicate that children with higher fitness levels demonstrated greater connectivity in specific directions within the cingulo-opercular network (average effect size, d = 0.72). Brain-behavior correlations demonstrated a positive association between the majority of these connections and general task accuracy, which was also higher in higher fit children (average correlation coefficient, ρ = 0.34). The findings further support a positive relationship between fitness and cognitive performance in children. EEG findings offer novel insights into the potential brain mechanisms underlying the fitness-cognition relationship. The study suggests that increased task-related connectivity within the cingulo-opercular network may mediate the cognitive benefits associated with higher fitness levels in preadolescent children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychotic spectrum disorders (PSD) are associated with poor social function. In this study, we investigate which of two different types of 2-month long training courses is more effective in improving day-to-day interactions and quality of life. Methods/design: Participants with psychotic spectrumdisorders will be randomly assigned to one of two training courses. Social functioning, everyday activities, social cognition and symptoms will be assessed at multiple timepoints, including baseline, treatment midpoint, end of treatment and 2-month follow-up. One training focuses on howto make good judgments about what other peoplemay be thinking or feeling in social situations, and why people might act in certain ways in different situations. The other training focuses on different strategies for handling everyday problems and stressors. Both trainings are done in one-on-one sessions with a research staff member. There will be 16-20 training sessions, each about 45-60 minutes long. The investigators will ask participants to attend 2 training sessions per week, so the total training time should be about 2 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Working memory (WM) impairment is a common phenomenon after stroke; however, its management in rehabilitation is less researched. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a quantitative synthesis of the impact of computerised cognitive training (CCT) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on WM span in post-stroke individuals. Methods: The literature search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library focused on randomized controlled trials testing the effect of CCT and tDCS on treated stroke patients as compared to untreated controls. Neuropsychological instruments such as Digit Span Forward/Backward and Visual Span Forward Tests defined the outcome of WM span. After extracting study characteristics and quality assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, we conducted a meta-analysis and meta-regression using standardised mean differences. Results: The search yielded 4142 articles, nine of which (N = 461) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the case of CCT, we found significant improvement in Digit Span Backward Test (Z = 2.65, P = 0.008; 95% CI [0.10, 0.67]) and Visual Span Forward Test performance (Z = 3.05, P = 0.002; 95% CI [0.15, 0.69]), while for tDCS, we could not find a sufficient number of studies for the analysis. Furthermore, no significant moderating factor was found in the meta-regression. Conclusions: In conclusion, CCT appears to be a suitable choice to enhance WM span performance after stroke. However, further research is needed to investigate the effect of tDCS due to the limited number of studies. Trial registration: The meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) standards with a PROSPERO registration protocol (ID: CRD42023387182). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive training has gained popularity as a means to aid older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a transitional phase between normal ageing and Alzheimer's disease (AD). MCI represents a critical and potentially reversible state that can either improve or progress to full‐blown dementia. This study aims to evaluate the impact of cognitive training on cognitive function in aged patients with MCI. PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases were systematically retrieved from inception until May 2024. We rigorously applied the risk‐of‐bias methodology recommended by the Cochrane Handbook to assess the quality of the included studies. After two rounds of screening and removing duplicates, a total of 2685 articles were initially identified, from which 28 met the inclusion criteria. The meta‐analysis included 28 randomised controlled trials with 1960 participants. In this meta‐analysis, Review Manager 5.4 was used for statistical analysis. Findings revealed that cognitive training significantly improved the global cognitive function in aged MCI patients, as evidenced by the results of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (standard mean difference (SMD) = 3.26; 95% CI, 2.69–3.82; P < 0.00001) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (SMD = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.52–3.01; P < 0.00001). The beneficial effects of cognitive training interventions were consistent regardless of duration, including periods of 2 months or less (SMD = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.25–2.63; P < 0.00001), 2 to 6 months (SMD = 2.53; 95% CI, 1.52–3.53; P < 0.00001), and over 6 months (SMD = 4.12; 95% CI, 0.97–7.27; P = 0.01). The analysis indicates that cognitive training significantly benefits overall cognitive function, delayed memory, orientation, attention, and language skills in aged patients with MCI. Furthermore, cognitive training interventions are effective in enhancing cognitive function, irrespective of their duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The Control Network Neuromodulation to Enhance Cognitive Training in Complex Traumatic Brain Injury (CONNECT-TBI) study is an ongoing randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled multisite clinical trial to determine the enhancing effects of noninvasive neuromodulation when paired with cognitive training in military participants (Veterans and active duty) with mild TBI. Attention Process Training-III (APT-III) was selected for its strong evidence base, manualized procedures, and computerized program. However, many aspects of APT-III that make it ideal for personalization make it less ideal for reliable implementation across participants, clinicians/technicians, and sites. The purpose of this feature article is to highlight APT-III procedures that require additional standardization for reliable administration across participants and sites. Materials and Methods Ten studies using APT-III were reviewed for methodology of APT-III administration. The manual was also scrutinized; aspects of administration that involved clinical decision-making, subjectivity, flexibility, and/or that were identified by the APT-III developers as areas in need of "empirical evaluation" were flagged by clinicians. Literature and manual review findings were presented to the team for discussion and solution-finding. The authors created and refined a standardized process that would allow participants to move through APT-III training, including task movement algorithms and new materials drafts. Refining of algorithms and drafts continued until there was a consensus from team members. Results Many gray areas were identified, but we will limit our reporting to focus on (1) dosage, (2) adaptation, (3) metacognitive strategy instruction, and (4) goal attainment scaling. We present APT-III manual details, literature review findings, and CONNECT-TBI decisions and materials for each of these areas of focus. Conclusions We have highlighted some of the major gray areas of APT-III administration so that fellow researchers can understand the need to take similar steps in clinical trials using APT-III. We provide examples of our standardization process and resultant rules and materials. Our algorithm, based on prior studies using the APT-III and our own iterative adjustments, allows for adjustment of the difficulty and speed of the training tasks (but within certain parameters) in order to achieve the best balance between individualization and consistency across participants and sites. We provide an example of a workflow and reporting process for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To characterize Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) in Parkinson's disease (PD) and its progression, as well as to assess the impact of rehabilitation training programs on cognitive function in PD patients. Patients and Methods: The study involved 42 patients diagnosed with PD. Participants underwent evaluation using a neuropsychological protocol and were subsequently classified into two groups: those with SCD (PD-SCD+, n= 22) or those without (PD-SCD−, n= 20). After an average follow-up period of 3.0 years (2.7– 4.6 years), cognitive assessments were reiterated with the same group of subjects. Following the re-assessment, all 42 patients participated in a six-month rehabilitation training program, concluding with the reevaluation of cognitive performance. Results: In the follow-up assessment, it was observed that PD-SCD+ experienced a more pronounced annual decline in cognitive function, as measured by the Chinese-Beijing version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (BJ-MoCA) test and semantic fluency, compared to PD-SCD−. A stepwise logistic regression analysis identified low MMSE scores (P< 0.001), elevated HAMD scores (P= 0.008), male gender (P= 0.026), and the presence of SCD (P= 0.022) associated with diminished language skills in PD patients. Both groups of PD patients exhibited improvements in BJ-MoCA scores after participating a six-month rehabilitation training program. Particularly notable is the statistically significant improvement in language skills observed in patients with PD-SCD+ compared to PD-SCD− patients following rehabilitation training. Conclusion: As PD progresses, individuals with PD-SCD+ tend to experience more pronounced cognitive decline compared to those with PD-SCD−. Semantic fluency emerges as a crucial component for assessing the cognitive subset of PD, potentially serving as an indicator of cognitive decline in individuals with PD. Evidence suggests that rehabilitation training is a viable intervention for individuals diagnosed with PD. This intervention not only improves various cognitive domains but also leads to more substantial enhancements in language skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of math training on math and cognitive performance among 8–9 year-old students with low attention. Fifty-six students with low attention were randomly assigned to a training group (n = 24) and a passive control group (n = 32). They completed math problem-solving, calculation fluency and PASS cognitive processing tests both before and after training. The children in the training group received 3 days of training per week for a total of 21 days using the math modules of The Children's Mathematics and Cognition Training Manual in Chinese. The results showed that the training group's math problem-solving performance improved significantly. Moreover, the cognitive performance on the CAS-2 in the planning and simultaneous processing tests for the training group was enhanced. The implications of these findings are discussed with consideration of the interpretability being constrained by the fact that no active control condition was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that has been suggested as a possible treatment method for cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's Disease (pwAD), similar to multidomain cognitive training (CT). The effectiveness, however, of combining these techniques for pwAD remains controversial due to the variability in rTMS parameters, differences in CT protocol designs—many of which neglect the language domain—and the inclusion of patients at various stages of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and with different types of dementia. The current review aims to evaluate the cognitive benefits of combining rTMS with CT, including language training, for individuals with mild to moderate AD. An extensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library with relevant terms, resulting in nine studies with a total of 290 participants [190 in the Active Group (AG) and 100 in the Control Group (CG)]. The comprehensive review of the articles revealed that the combined treatment improved global cognitive function, as well as neurocognitive, neuropsychiatric, and quality of life in the AG. Nevertheless, these results should be interpreted cautiously, given the relatively small number of existing studies on this specific combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive impairment is a common complication following spinal cord injury (SCI) and imposes a significant negative impact on adjustment, functional independence, physical and mental health, and quality of life. It is unclear whether interventions for cognitive impairment following SCI are effective. A systematic review of controlled trials was performed to evaluate the effect of interventions on cognitive functions in adults with SCI using search engines: Embase, The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science up to December 2023. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, and study findings were synthesized and summarized. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Eight moderate-quality studies were found that investigated the effects of physical exercise/activity-based therapy plus cognitive training or intermittent hypoxia, diet modification and dietary supplements, tibial nerve or cortical stimulation, and drug therapy on cognitive function in SCI. Physical exercise/activity–based therapy plus cognitive training showed most promise for improving cognitive functions, while drug therapy, diet modification, and dietary supplements showed potential for improving cognitive function. However, about half of the participants experienced heightened instability in blood pressure following the administration of midodrine, and one participant reported gastrointestinal side effects after taking omega-3 fatty acids. There was no evidence of improvement in cognitive function for stimulation techniques. The current review highlights the scarcity of research investigating the effectiveness of interventions that target cognitive function after SCI. Further, the effects of these eight studies are uncertain due to concerns about the quality of designs and small sample sizes utilized in the trials, as well as the employment of insensitive neurocognitive tests when applied to adults with SCI. This review highlights a significant gap in knowledge related to SCI cognitive rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the storage capacity is limited, accumulating studies have indicated that working memory (WM) can be improved by cognitive training. However, understanding how exactly the brain copes with limited WM capacity and how cognitive training optimizes the brain remains inconclusive. Given the hierarchical functional organization of WM, we hypothesized that the activation profiles along the posterior-anterior gradient of the frontal and parietal cortices characterize WM load and training effects. To test this hypothesis, we recruited 51 healthy volunteers and adopted a parametric WM paradigm and training method. In contrast to exclusively strengthening the activation of posterior areas, a broader range of activation concurrently occurred in the anterior areas to cope with increased memory load for all subjects at baseline. Moreover, there was an imbalance in the responses of the posterior and anterior areas to the same increment of 1 item at different load levels. Although a general decrease in activation after adaptive training, the changes in the posterior and anterior areas were distinct at different memory loads. Particularly, we found that the activation gradient between the posterior and anterior areas was significantly increased at load 4-back after adaptive training, and the changes were correlated with improvement in WM performance. Together, our results demonstrate a shift in the predominant role of posterior and anterior areas in the frontal and parietal cortices when approaching WM capacity limits. Additionally, the training-induced performance improvement likely benefits from the elevated neural efficiency reflected in the increased activation gradient between the posterior and anterior areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Skilful arthroscopy requires an aboveaverage level of manual dexterity. It is evident that particular motor skills can be learned and trained before arthroscopic training. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the impact of movement‐related cognitive training on the learning curve during arthroscopic basic training. Methods: Fifty right‐handed participants without arthroscopic experience were matched to an intervention group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25). Prior to basic arthroscopic skill training with a simulator, the intervention group underwent 12 weeks of movement‐related cognitive training. Cognitive and motor skills were assessed in both groups by using standardised tests (CogniFit test, angle reproduction test, two‐arm coordination test) as a pretest and, for the intervention group, again before arthroscopic training as a posttest. For arthroscopic simulator training, three tasks ('Telescoping', 'Periscoping', 'Triangulation') from the Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training module were selected and practiced 10 times with the camera in the right and left hands. The learning progress was quantified by exercise time, camera path length and hook path length. Results: No significant differences in sex distribution, age distribution or the results of the pretests between the intervention group (n = 21) and the control group (n = 25) were found (n.s.). The intervention group improved significantly from the pretest to the posttest in the CogniFit (p = 0.003) and two‐arm coordination test in terms of time (p < 0.001) and errors (p = 0.002) but not in the angle reproduction test. No significant differences were found between the groups for the three arthroscopic tasks. Conclusion: The hypothesis that movement‐related cognitive training shortens the learning curve for acquiring arthroscopic basic skills cannot be confirmed. Other factors influencing the learning curve such as talent, teaching method and motivation have a greater impact on the acquisition of complex motor skills. Level of Evidence: Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The study aimed at examining the effectiveness of cognitive-motor dual-task and single-task cognitive training on executive and attention functions in participants over 65 years of age. Methods: The study comprised 68 participants. They were randomly assigned to dual-task cognitive-motor training (DTT), single-task cognitive training (STT) or a control group (C). The training program in all groups encompassed 4 weeks and consisted of three, 30-min meetings a week. Specialized software was designed for the purposes of the study. Both before and after the training, the cognitive functioning was assessed using: Color Trials Test, Ruff Figural Fluency Test, Wisconsin Sorting Card Test, Digit Span, Verbal Fluency Test, Stroop Color-Word Test. Results: After the cognitive-motor training, improvement was achieved in the control and inhibition of reactions. Moreover, after the cognitive training, improvements in abstract thinking and categorization were reported. Conclusion: Despite the small sample limitation, the preliminary result shows each form of the training supports a different aspect of executive functions but does not contribute to the improvement in attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alterations in vestibular sensory processing following G-transitions lead to head movement sensitivity and motion sickness upon return to Earth's gravity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a non-pharmaceutical tool using dual, opposing-phase galvanic vestibular stimulation (oGVS) could suppress disorienting illusions and mitigate motion sickness. Using a repeated measures counter-balanced design, motion sickness and perception were obtained in 27 subjects during Coriolis cross-coupling stimuli on a rotating chair across three oGVS interventions: throughout stimulus testing (prevention), following symptom onset (rescue), and without stimulation (control). The oGVS peak current was ±2.25 mA during prevention and rescue sessions. During pitch head movements, subjects were asked to use a joystick to record the magnitude of their perceived rotation along three axes. The motion sickness symptom scoring was obtained using the Pensacola Diagnostic Index and Subjective Discomfort Rating. Performance on a sensorimotor and cognitive test battery was measured during an initial session to map changes in oGVS level with functional performance. The symptom onset was delayed during the Prevention session. Initiating oGVS following symptom onset did not appear to alter the symptom progression. Based on the joystick measures, oGVS reduced the perceived roll and pitch sensation during head movements. The comparable levels of oGVS did not impair performance on the functional test battery including mobility, balance and oculometric tasks. Our findings suggest oGVS may be useful in reducing disorienting roll and pitch illusions and delaying the onset of motion sickness. • Dual opposing-phase galvanic vestibular stimulation delays the onset of motion sickness. • Dual opposing-phase galvanic vestibular stimulation suppresses vestibular sensitivity by modifying disorienting illusions. • Dual opposing-phase galvanic vestibular stimulation does not affect functional fitness tasks and cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS) represents a main clinical issue, associated with worse psychopathological outcomes, a more disrupted neurobiological substrate, and poorer neurocognitive performance across several domains, especially in verbal abilities. If cognitive impairment is a major determinant of patients' functional outcomes and quality of life, targeting cognitive dysfunction becomes even more crucial in TRS patients in order to minimize cognitive and functional deterioration. However, although Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) represents the best available tool to treat cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia, specific evidence of its efficacy in TRS is lacking. Based on these premises, our study aimed at investigating possible differences in CRT outcomes in a sample of 150 patients with schizophrenia, stratified according to antipsychotic response (TRS vs. non-TRS). Subjects were assessed for neurocognition through Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) at baseline and after CRT. As expected, we observed greater baseline impairment among TRS patients in BACS-Verbal Memory and WCST-Executive Functions. Repeated measures ANCOVAs showed significant within-group pre-/post-CRT differences in the above-mentioned domains, both among non-TRS and TRS subjects. However, after CRT, no differences were observed between groups. This is the first study to indicate that CRT represents a highly valuable resource for TRS patients, since it may be able to fill the cognitive gap between treatment response groups. Our finding further highlights the importance of early implementation of CRT in addition to pharmacotherapy to reduce the cognitive and functional burden associated with the disease, especially for TRS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participants from an outpatient treatment program for cognitive disorders have been offered bridging measures because of limited access to the outpatient clinic during a Covid-19-caused lock-down. The aim of this study was to assess perceived stress, acceptance, and appreciation of the measures among patients and their caregivers compared to the previous bridging measure. Forty participants were offered treatment in person or online depending on their cognitive performance level. To evaluate acceptance, data collected from clinical routine was incorporated into a treatment observation. The evaluation of bridging measures by 25 participants was positive. Perceived stress was moderate to high among participants and has increased significantly compared to previous special treatment. Perceived stress in older patients had increased over the course of the pandemic. Bridging measures represented a treatment alternative and may offer previously untapped potential for location-independent psychosocial treatments in order to ameliorate both the patients' and their caregivers' convenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The increasing aging of the global population requires strategies that address age-related cognitive decline. This study investigated the impact of neurofeedback (NF) training on cognitive performance in healthy older adults, those with mild cognitive impairments (MCI), and those with mild dementia (MD). Participants engaged in biweekly NeuroPlay training over 4 weeks, targeting theta/alpha brainwave frequencies. The results revealed intriguing distinctions: ACE-III scores significantly improved in the MCI (p < 0.001) and MD (p =0.004) groups, signifying robust enhancements in attention, memory, and language. MCI participants displayed notable gains in digit span tests (p =0.014) and participants’ Continuous Performance Task results indicated fewer errors (p =0.003). Meanwhile, reaction times in the Simple Reaction Time task increased (p =0.047) for healthy participants. These findings underscore NF's potential to enhance cognitive functions, particularly in attention-related tasks, suggesting its efficacy as an intervention tool for age-related cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this assessor‐blinded, randomised controlled trial was to determine the effect of computerised cognitive training (CT) on executive function, processing speed and working memory in 61 people with mild‐to‐moderate dementia. Methods: The primary outcomes were forward Digit Span and Trail Making Tests (TMT) at the completion of the 6‐month intervention. Secondary outcomes included cognitive and physical performance, rate of falls, participant and caregiver's quality of life and usability and adherence to the CT program. The study was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617000364370). Results: Intervention group (n = 31) participants averaged 81 min of CT per week, and system usability scores were acceptable (participants: 68.8 ± 22.1; caregivers: 79.4 ± 23.5). There were no statistically significant differences in cognitive or physical performance outcomes between the intervention and control groups at 6‐ or 12‐months (between‐group differences [95% CI] for primary outcomes at 6‐months: Forward Digit Span −0.3 [−0.8, 0.3]; TMT‐A 2.7 s [−14.1, 19.5]; TMT‐B −17.1 s [−79.3, 45.2]). At the 12‐month follow‐up reassessment, the intervention group reported significantly more depressive symptoms and had lower caregiver‐rated participant quality of life and higher caregiver quality of life compared to control. Conclusions: This study showed no benefit of the CT program on working memory, processing speed and executive function. Future studies are required to better understand how CT can be used to improve cognitive and physical functioning in older people with mild–moderate dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a modest decline in cognitive function that, while noticeable, does not severely impact daily life, allowing individuals to maintain their independence—a key factor distinguishing it from dementia. Currently, there are no treatments available that can modify the course of the disease, although cognitive and physical activities have shown potential in slowing its progression. In response to the need for more accessible cognitive care, COGNIVITRA, an information- and communications-technology-based solution, was developed to extend cognitive training into the home environment. This platform not only facilitates communication between patients and care providers but also holds promise for enhancing cognitive care accessibility and potentially influencing the economic aspects of healthcare institutions. To evaluate the usability, impact, and effectiveness of COGNIVITRA, a 12-week (6 mandatory + 6 voluntary) multicenter study was conducted, with an expected total sample size of 20 professionals, 90 patients and 20 caregivers and involving two settings (clinical and home settings) and the collection of various data types at baseline and after 6 or 12 weeks of training, including sociodemographic information, cognitive assessments, and usability metrics. These metrics included the System Usability Scale (SUS), the International Classification of Functioning-Based Usability Scales (ICF-US I and II), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), health-related quality of life measures such as the EQ-5D-5L, cognitive domain assessments via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and physical assessments such as the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25-FW) test. The study included 22 patients, 2 caregivers, and 24 professionals. The usability evaluation revealed that patients, particularly those participating in the home study, showed improved SUS scores, suggesting an enhanced user experience with the platform. The ICF-US I results further supported this finding by indicating that COGNIVITRA was particularly effective as a supportive tool in terms of satisfaction and ease of learning. Despite a higher incidence of errors during the home study, the observational grid questionnaire demonstrated high success rates for task completion. Professionals involved in the study also reported high SUS scores and provided positive feedback regarding device usability. Overall, the participants expressed increased satisfaction with the platform, as reflected in their responses. The UTAUT analysis confirmed a generally positive attitude toward the use of COGNIVITRA. However, when assessing effectiveness, the analysis revealed a noninferiority positive trend in the EQ-5D-5L, T25-FW, and MoCA scores, indicating that while there were positive changes, they were not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brain Tumor Segmentation (BraTS) Challenge has been a main driver of the development of deep learning (DL) algorithms and provides by far the largest publicly available expert-annotated brain tumour dataset but contains solely preoperative examinations. The aim of our study was to facilitate the use of the BraTS dataset for training DL brain tumour segmentation algorithms for a postoperative setting. To this end, we introduced an automatic conversion of the three-label BraTS annotation protocol to a two-label annotation protocol suitable for postoperative brain tumour segmentation. To assess the viability of the label conversion, we trained a DL algorithm using both the three-label and the two-label annotation protocols. We assessed the models pre- and postoperatively and compared the performance with a state-of-the-art DL method. The DL algorithm trained using the BraTS three-label annotation misclassified parts of 10 out of 41 fluid-filled resection cavities in 72 postoperative glioblastoma MRIs, whereas the two-label model showed no such inaccuracies. The tumour segmentation performance of the two-label model both pre- and postoperatively was comparable to that of a state-of-the-art algorithm for tumour volumes larger than 1 cm3. Our study enables using the BraTS dataset as a basis for the training of DL algorithms for postoperative tumour segmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young people with intellectual developmental disabilities have a persistent delay in the development of executive functions. Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used as a cognitive intervention tool, with significant effectiveness demonstrated in different types of populations. Methods: This pilot study aims to investigate the impact of a cognitive training program utilizing VR on young adults diagnosed with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDDs). The participants (N = 15) served as their own control group and were assessed three times: weeks 0, 8, and 16, with a rest period (0–8 weeks) and an intervention period (8–16 weeks). The assessments included measures of cognitive function provided by E-Prime® (Version 3). Results: Overall, an improvement in working memory and inhibitory control was found after the intervention, but not in sustained attention. Conclusions: These findings suggest that VR-based cognitive training holds promise as an effective intervention for enhancing cognitive abilities in young adults with intellectual developmental disabilities. This study provides a foundation for future investigations into VR's role in cognitive rehabilitation and its potential to support daily living skills and overall quality of life for individuals with IDDs. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and broader applicability of VR interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement of digital technology has spurred the proliferation of data, creating a pressing need for efficient storage solutions. In this regard, memristors have emerged as promising contenders as next‐generation non‐volatile memory, offering superior electrical capabilities. Among memristor materials, lead halide perovskites have garnered significant interest due to their tuneable properties, facile synthesis methods, and remarkable resistive switching (RS) performance. However, concerns over environmental toxicity and stability remain. This issue has been addressed by switching to copper (Cu) based perovskites that exhibit wide bandgap semiconducting properties with zero toxicity and long‐term stability. In this manuscript, a novel approach is investigated to achieve iodine‐enriched Cs–Cu–I perovskite thin films for memristor applications. Through strategic functionalization of synthesis processes, superior optoelectronic properties are achieved in the thin films. This modified Cs–Cu–I based memristor (CCI device) exhibits excellent RS behavior at a low operating voltage of 0.7 V, with a long retention period of 4 × 103 s and very low power consumption of 2 × 10−9 W. The experimental realization of the synaptic behavior from the modified CCI device is demonstrated through its spike‐rate‐dependent plasticity (SRDP) behavior. The device response to short‐ and long‐term pulses experimentally verifies the Atkinson and Shiffrin psychological model for training the human brain. This work not only highlights the potential of the modified CCI devices for RRAM but also paves the way for improved lead‐free perovskite‐based neuromorphic devices for biological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to conventional cognitive training paradigms, where learning effects are specific to trained parameters, playing action video games has been shown to produce broad enhancements in many cognitive functions. These remarkable generalizations challenge the conventional theory of generalization that learned knowledge can be immediately applied to novel situations (i.e., immediate generalization). Instead, a new "learning to learn" theory has recently been proposed, suggesting that these broad generalizations are attained because action video game players (AVGPs) can quickly acquire the statistical regularities of novel tasks in order to increase the learning rate and ultimately achieve better performance. Although enhanced learning rate has been found for several tasks, it remains unclear whether AVGPs efficiently learn task statistics and use learned task knowledge to guide learning. To address this question, we tested 34 AVGPs and 36 non-video game players (NVGPs) on a cue-response associative learning task. Importantly, unlike conventional cognitive tasks with fixed task statistics, in this task, cue-response associations either remain stable or change rapidly (i.e., are volatile) in different blocks. To complete the task, participants should not only learn the lower-level cue-response associations through explicit feedback but also actively estimate the high-level task statistics (i.e., volatility) to dynamically guide lower-level learning. Such a dual learning system is modelled using a hierarchical Bayesian learning framework, and we found that AVGPs indeed quickly extract the volatility information and use the estimated higher volatility to accelerate learning of the cue-response associations. These results provide strong evidence for the "learning to learn" theory of generalization in AVGPs. Taken together, our work highlights enhanced hierarchical learning of both task statistics and cognitive abilities as a mechanism underlying the broad enhancements associated with action video game play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public perception of dementia has emerged as a key factor in the 2024 United States presidential election. The first televised presidential debate (27 June 2024) evoked a groundswell of concern about the neuropsychological health and political viability of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. A rapid erosion of public support ensued, culminating in the collapse of the reelection campaign the following month. Political attacks on the cognitive fitness of world leaders create dissonance for clinical neuroscientists. We are ethically prohibited from remotely diagnosing public figures. Yet, we are also citizens with the right to feel and express personal concerns. In this commentary, I will address an often‐uneasy relationship between politics and neuropsychology with a focus on the history and rationale for ethical guidelines such as the Goldwater Rule. I will also discuss lessons learned from recent events in the 2024 US election cycle about neurological health literacy (e.g. How is dementia diagnosed?) and broader impacts of age‐based political attacks on global public health initiatives that target stigma reduction and improved early detection of dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroencephalographic Neurofeedback Training (EEG NFT) aims to improve sport performance by teaching athletes to control their mental states, leading to better cognitive, emotional, and physical outcomes. The psychomotor efficiency hypothesis suggests that optimizing brain function could enhance athletic ability, indicating the potential of EEG NFT. However, evidence for EEG-NFT's ability to alter critical brain activity patterns, such as sensorimotor rhythm and frontal midline theta--key for concentration and relaxation--is not fully established. Current research lacks standardized methods and comprehensive studies. This shortfall is due to inconsistent EEG target selection and insufficient focus on coherence in training. This review aims to provide empirical support for EEG target selection, conduct detailed control analyses, and examine the specificity of electrodes and frequencies to relation to the psychomotor efficiency hypothesis. Following the PRISMA method, 2,869 empirical studies were identified from PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and PsycINFO. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria: (i) proficient skill levels; (ii) use of EEG; (iii) neurofeedback training (NFT); (iv) motor performance metrics (reaction time, precision, dexterity, balance); (v) control group for NFT comparison; (vi) peer-reviewed Englishlanguage publication; and (vii) randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Studies indicate that NFT can enhance sports performance, including improvements in shooting accuracy, golf putting, and overall motor skills, as supported by the psychomotor efficiency hypothesis. EEG NFT demonstrates potential in enhancing sports performance by optimizing performers' mental states and psychomotor efficiency. However, the current body of research is hampered by inconsistent methodologies and a lack of standardized EEG target selection. To strengthen the empirical evidence supporting EEG NFT, future studies need to focus on standardizing target selection, employing rigorous control analyses, and investigating underexplored EEG markers. These steps are vital to bolster the evidence for EEG NFT and enhance its effectiveness in boosting sport performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies have shown the efficacy of computer-based cognitive training programs in improving cognitive and academic functions in children diagnosed with a specific learning disorder (SLD). However, these studies often focused on center-based approaches without considering the involvement of parents or the inclusion of home-based tasks in evaluating their effectiveness, which needs to be addressed. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a mixed cognitive training program in children with SLD. The program consisted of computer-based games combined with home-based activities involving parental participation. In this pilot study, a single-subject research design with an A-B-A analysis was employed to assess the effects of a mixed cognitive intervention program. Six children (aged 10–13 years) with SLD participated in ten intervention sessions and underwent six pre- and post-evaluation sessions over a six-eight-week period. Parent interviews conducted before and after the training program provided insights into parents' perceptions of these cognitive activities and their access, knowledge, and utilization of these types of digital devices. The utilization of computer-based interventions, followed by home-based tasks, demonstrated effectiveness in improving cognitive and academic functions, fostering parental involvement, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the program. After the intervention, all participants exhibited improvements in their cognitive and academic skills, the results indicated significant improvements in executive functions, including working memory, processing speed, attention, and academic functions, as assessed in the pre-and post-evaluation. While the parents' views regarding the effectiveness of the cognitive programs became more favorable. The utilization of computer-based interventions integrated with home-based tasks proved highly effective in enhancing cognitive and academic functions and promoting parental engagement and overall program efficacy. The participants displayed noticeable advancements in cognitive and academic skills, with parents' perceptions of the program's effectiveness improving. Furthermore, the study revealed significant enhancements in executive functions, such as working memory, processing speed, attention, and academic performance, as evidenced by pre-post evaluations. This comprehensive approach underscores the potential of a mixed intervention approach in both centers (clinics and families) to holistically enhance cognitive development and academic performance in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]