scholarly journals New Brain Aging Center

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 204-204
Author(s):  
Feng Lin ◽  
Yeates Conwell ◽  
Janine Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Aging Brain ◽  
Current State ◽  
Health And Illness ◽  
Impact Risk ◽  
State Of Research ◽  
Funding Opportunities

Abstract Evidence indicates an association between emotional well-being (EWB) and underlying brain processes, and that those processes change with both normal and pathological brain aging. However, the nature of these associations, the mechanisms by which EWB and its component domains change with brain aging, and how those changes may be associated with common neuropathologies like Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), are largely unexplored. The NIA-funded Network for Emotional Well-being and Brain Aging (NEW Brain Aging) has the goal of developing a nationwide community of investigators dedicated to research that identifies and tests mechanisms by which brain aging influences EWB and how EWB may impact risk for and progression of ADRD. Synthesizing human and animal literature, our premise is that relationships between EWB and ADRD are bidirectional – normal and pathological changes in aging brain influence EWB and EWB contributes to brain health and illness, such as ADRD. NEW Brain Aging will identify and coalesce resources for interested investigators and provide pilot funding opportunities to stimulate research and development of the field. Component presentations of this symposium will include (1) an overview by Dr. Robert Kaplan of the current state of research on EWB; (2) the role of animal studies (Kuan Hong Wang) and (3) human subjects research (Feng Vankee Lin) in EWB and aging; and (4) design of NEW Brain Aging and resources it will provide (Yeates Conwell). Janine Simmons will explain NIA’s vision for EWB research and lead open discussion.

scholarly journals Activities of NEW Brain Aging

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 204-204
Author(s):  
Yeates Conwell
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Stress Regulation ◽  
Impact Risk ◽  
Funding Opportunities ◽  
Structure And Functions

Abstract The Network for Emotional Well-being and Brain Aging (NEW Brain Aging) was funded by NIA with the goal of forming a national, transdisciplinary collaborative that includes investigators with research expertise in emotional well-being (EWB), Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), human and animal neuroimaging, stress regulation, and computational/quantitative methods. Our objective is to stimulate mechanistic research identifying and testing mechanisms by which brain aging influences EWB and how EWB may impact risk for and progression of ADRD. This presentation will explain the structure and functions of the network that serve as a resource for investigators interested in EWB and aging research, and how to access them: a transdisciplinary community of scholars interested in brain, aging, and EWB research from both human and animal fields; webinars; workgroups to establish priorities for NEW Brain Aging activities; a resource repository; and pilot project funding opportunities to which network members can apply.

Attachment and Epigenetics: A Scoping Review of Recent Research and Current Knowledge

2020 ◽  
pp. 003329412090184
Author(s):  
Pernille Darling Rasmussen ◽  
Ole Jakob Storebø
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Broad Perspective ◽  
Current State ◽  
State Of Research ◽  
Epigenetic Research ◽  
Epigenetic Processes

Background Epigenetic research has pointed to that the interaction between genetics and environmental factors may play a role in making some individuals more vulnerable than others. Aim The aim of this article was to present a broad perspective on the current state of knowledge in a relatively new and complex field of “attachment and epigenetic processes.” Method We conducted a scoping review based on a systematic literature search in PsycINFO, PubMed, and Embase databases for relevant abstracts using the terms attachment and epigenet*. Results In total, 11 studies were included. Research predating 2009 and animal studies were excluded in order to review the current state of research in humans. Conclusion Overall, there seems to be a consistency in the literature, pointing to a link between early childhood adversity, attachment processes, and epigenetic changes. However, research in human subjects is still limited.

A Review and Reappraisal of the Default Network in Normal Aging and Dementia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica R. Andrews-Hanna ◽  
Matthew D. Grilli ◽  
Muireann Irish
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Normal Aging ◽  
Aging Brain ◽  
Default Network ◽  
Pathological Aging ◽  
Age Related

The brain’s default network (DN) has received considerable interest in the context of so-called “normal” and pathological aging. Findings have generally been couched in support of a pessimistic view of brain aging, marked by substantial loss of structural brain integrity accompanied by a host of impairments in brain and cognitive function. A critical look at the literature, however, reveals that the standard loss of integrity, loss of function (LILF) view in normal aging may not necessarily hold with respect to the DN and the internally guided functions it supports. Many internally guided processes subserved by the DN are preserved or enhanced in cognitively healthy older adults. Moreover, differences in motivational, contextual, and physiological factors between young and older adults likely influence the extant neuroimaging and cognitive findings. Accordingly, normal aging can be viewed as a series of possibly adaptive cognitive and DN-related alterations that bolster cognitive function and promote socioemotional well-being and stability in a stage of life noted for change. On the other hand, the available evidence reveals strong support for the LILF view of the DN in neurodegenerative disorders, whereby syndromes such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and semantic dementia (SD), characterized by progressive atrophy to distinct DN subsystems, display distinct aberrations in autobiographical and semantic cognition. Taken together, these findings call for more naturalistic, age-appropriate, and longitudinal paradigms when investigating neurocognitive changes in aging and to adequately assess and control for differences in non-neural factors that may obscure “true” effects of normal and pathological aging. A shift in the framework with which age-related alterations in internally guided cognition are interpreted may shed important light on the neurocognitive mechanisms differentiating healthy and pathological aging, leading to a more complete picture of the aging brain in all its complexity.

scholarly journals Food-derived serotonergic modulators: effects on mood and cognition

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sjoerd Hulsken ◽  
Antje Märtin ◽  
M. Hasan Mohajeri ◽  
Judith Regina Homberg
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Functional Profile ◽  
Plasma Tryptophan ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Vulnerable Subjects ◽  
Mood And Cognition ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Insight Into

The most frequently described drugs in the treatment of mood disorders are selective serotonin reuptake and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, enhancing serotonin levels in the brain. However, side-effects have been reported for these drugs. Because serotonin levels in the brain are dependent on the availability of the food-derived precursor tryptophan, foods such as chicken, soyabeans, cereals, tuna, nuts and bananas may serve as an alternative to improve mood and cognition. Here we discuss the effects of high- or low-tryptophan-containing food, as well as plant extracts with a modest monoamine reuptake and MAO-A inhibition functional profile, on mood and cognition in healthy and vulnerable human subjects and rodents. Together the studies suggest that there is an inverted U-shaped curve for plasma tryptophan levels, with low and too high tryptophan levels impairing cognition, and moderate to high tryptophan levels improving cognition. This relationship is found for both healthy and vulnerable subjects. Whereas this relationship may also exist for mood, the inverted U-shaped curve for plasma tryptophan levels and mood may be based on different tryptophan concentrations in healthyv.vulnerable individuals. Animal studies are emerging and allow further understanding of effects and the mode of action of food-derived serotonergic components on mood, cognition and mechanisms. Ultimately, insight into the concentrations of tryptophan and other serotonergic components in food having beneficial effects on mood and cognition in healthy, but particularly vulnerable, subjects may support well-being in our highly demanding society.

scholarly journals Design at the root of biophilia. Imitation. Nature.

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 047-058
Author(s):  
Marcin Marciniak ◽  
Dżoana Latała-Matysiak
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Current State ◽  
State Of Research ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Structural Solutions

According to the current state of research on the phenomenon of biophilia, the positive influence of nature's elements on humans has long been widely understood. Since the negative impact of urbanised areas on quality of life was noticed, human-friendly architecture has been redefined, where the physical and mental well-being of people using buildings, remains highly dependent on their contact with the environment. Selected examples of existing buildings analyzed two different approaches to contemporary biophilic architecture; one where nature is the pedestal of the whole building and one where the interpretation of nature translates into technological, engineering or structural solutions. The architectural examples modelled on nature, have gained recognition in local communities and worldwide renown, so it can be concluded that the flourishing of organic and bionic architecture is fully justified. Biophilia determines human well-being, while remaining closely related to the natural environment.

Kinesiology and Mental Health: The Promise of Exercise Neuroscience Research for Diseases and Disorders of the Brain

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-58
Author(s):  
Bradley D. Hatfield
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Brain Disorder ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
The Impact

The relevance of kinesiology to the major issues of public health facing the nation is increasing with time. Of great importance is the area of exercise neuroscience in which remarkable developments have occurred in the past 35 years. The primary investigative efforts to date have been devoted to the impact of exercise on normal brain aging and recent efforts have also focused on the neurocognitive benefit to brain development in children. However, little work has been conducted in those with neurological disorders. The literature includes a number of animal studies that offer biological plausibility for the positive influence of exercise observed on brain structure and cognition in normal human subjects and, collectively, these studies provide a foundation on which to examine the role of exercise treatment in some of the major brain disorders that afflict adults and children today. These include the dementias, stroke, traumatic brain disorder (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attentional deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A role for exercise in building resilience to such disorders is discussed here that may assist in reducing the financial and emotional burden of these affictions.

scholarly journals Working Conditions in Social Firms and Health Promotion Interventions in Relation to Employees’ Health and Work-Related Outcomes—A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3963
Author(s):  
Ann-Christin Kordsmeyer ◽  
Julia Christine Lengen ◽  
Niklas Kiepe ◽  
Volker Harth ◽  
Stefanie Mache
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
Current State ◽  
Recommendations For Action ◽  
Health Related ◽  
State Of Research ◽  
Health Promotion Interventions ◽  
Work And Health

Background: Social firms—a type of social enterprise—offer people with severe disabilities the possibility of employment and integration into the labor market. Since 01 January 2018, social firms in Germany are obligated to provide health promotion interventions for their employees. Therefore, the study aims to provide an overview of the current state of research on working conditions, coping strategies, work- and health-related outcomes, and health promotion interventions in social firms to derive recommendations for action. Methods: The databases PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched. The study selection was based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria in the time period between 2000 and 2019. The quality of the studies was critically appraised in a standardized way using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: A total of 25 studies were included. The current state of research indicated that employees with disabilities were provided with several environmental resources like social support, flexibility, structured work tasks or options for training. A mix of environmental and personal resources impacted several work- and health-related outcomes like well-being, job satisfaction, productivity, work engagement, the motivation to work, or job tenure. Conclusions: There is a need for further (longitudinal) research concerning the work and health situation of employees working in social firms and the development of health promotion interventions.

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Mathematics

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 145-158
Author(s):  
Kenta Nagasawa
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Teacher Education ◽  
Culturally Responsive ◽  
Latino Students ◽  
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy ◽  
Mathematics Teacher Education ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Current State ◽  
Responsive Pedagogy ◽  
State Of Research

Purpose: This paper is a thematic literature review to examine the current state of research about Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in mathematics. The main themes are students’ perception, teacher education for pre-service teacher and professional development for teachers. Research methods/ approach: Literature was collected from Eric, which is a research engine of the education field. Also, Google Scholar is used to find articles of major scholars introduced by Dr. Rich Milner, who is the instructor of this course. Findings: Students faced microaggressions in mathematics class, which discouraged them to learn mathematics. The effect of teacher education was inconsistent in terms of the awareness of culturally responsive pedagogy and lesson plans. Research of professional development mentioned that mathematics was cultural. Implications for research and practice: It is more interesting to conduct long term or follow-up research to find the teacher’s practice after a taking professional development program. Also, it is critical to expand research scope besides African American and Latino students. Finally, evidence-based research is needed to change the political situation. Keywords: culturally responsive teaching, mathematics, teacher education, professional development, student’s perception

Editorial

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
João José Pinto Ferreira ◽  
Anne-Laure Mention ◽  
Marko Torkkeli
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Research Integrity ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Human Knowledge ◽  
Academic Institutions ◽  
Current State ◽  
State Of Research ◽  
Successive Generations

The expansion of human knowledge in all areas is largely the outcome of the activity of academic institutions and the result of their mission to contribute to the cultural, intellectual and economic development of the society, involving education, research and university extension activities. For many years, the academic community has been organizing itself in all different ways to respond to current and future needs, ensuring research integrity and recognition, and building on successive generations of peers to validate and support the launching and development of novel research streams. We owe the current state of research and development of our society to generations of scholars and scientists that have brought all of us here.(...)

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