Inflammatory Markers May Inform the Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Cognition in Patients with Depression

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Jan-Baptist Belge ◽  
Linda Van Diermen ◽  
Bernard Sabbe ◽  
Manuel Morrens ◽  
Violette Coppens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Electroconvulsive Therapy ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Autobiographic Memory ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
Verbal Episodic Memory

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The neurobiological mechanisms underlying the acute cognitive effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remain poorly understood. Prior research has shown that proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL1-β, and IL-10 may interfere with cognitive functioning. Interestingly, immunomodulation is one of the proposed modes of action of ECT. This study investigates whether changes of peripheral levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL1-β, and IL-10 are related to changes in cognitive functioning following ECT. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In the week before and 1 week after an acute course of ECT, 62 patients suffering from depression underwent a neuropsychological evaluation to assess their processing speed using the Symbol Digit Substitution Test (SDST), verbal episodic memory using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R), and their retrospective autobiographic memory using the Autobiographical Memory Interview (AMI) with the peripheral inflammatory markers being measured at the same 2 time points. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Patients improved drastically following ECT, while their main performance on both the HVLT-R and AMI declined and their SDST scores remained stable. The levels of IL-6 and IL1-β had both decreased, where the decrease in IL-6 was related to the decrease in HVLT-R scores. Higher baseline IL-10 levels were associated with a more limited decrease of the HVLT-R scores. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our findings tentatively suggest that the effects of ECT on verbal episodic memory may be related to the treatment’s immunomodulatory properties, most notably due to decreased IL-6 levels. Moreover, baseline IL-10 appears to be a potential biomarker to predict the effects of ECT on verbal episodic memory. Whilst compelling, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution as, due to its exploratory nature, no correction for multiple comparisons was made. Further, a replication in larger cohorts is warranted.

scholarly journals A-189 Exploring the Effects of EEG Neurofeedback Training on Verbal Episodic Memory in a TBI Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 984-984
Author(s):  
Kaser A ◽  
Gordon E ◽  
May G ◽  
Dolan S ◽  
Zambrano-Vazquez L
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Resting State Functional Connectivity ◽  
Eeg Neurofeedback ◽  
Verbal Episodic Memory

Abstract Objective Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are commonly characterized by neural changes that impair physical, behavioral, and cognitive functioning across diverse ages and demographics. Cognitive complaints frequently include memory difficulties, with deficits in episodic memory greatly impairing daily functioning and future planning. Although various interventions and rehabilitation techniques have been implemented for TBI, limited treatment options are available for TBI-driven memory complaints. Recent research has explored the use of neurofeedback training (NFT) to improve cognitive functioning in TBI patients, yet it remains unclear whether this intervention may be successful in improving these memory deficits. Method In this double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, the use of EEG neurofeedback training (NFT) on verbal episodic memory was explored in 12 veterans with TBI. Participants were randomized to active treatment or sham treatment, and they completed 20 sessions of NFT. Clinical assessments and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected pre and post treatment to measure any changes in resting-state functional connectivity or cognitive functioning. Results Findings suggest that immediate recall scores improved following active NFT, as measured by the California Verbal Learning Task-II. We also observed increased resting-state functional connectivity between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the inferior temporal lobe following NFT (Fig. 1), which may represent an underlying mechanism of memory improvement. Conclusions These exploratory findings may hold promise for future research on the use of NFT for memory enhancement in various populations.

scholarly journals Does cognitive dysfunction correlate with neurofilament light polypeptide levels in the CSF of patients with multiple sclerosis?

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 2187-2198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thaleia Kalatha ◽  
Marianthi Arnaoutoglou ◽  
Theodoros Koukoulidis ◽  
Eleni Hatzifilippou ◽  
Emmanouil Bouras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Neurofilament Light ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
Serial Addition

Objective To investigate whether neurofilament light polypeptide (NfL) level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), currently a prognostic biomarker of neurodegeneration in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), may be a potential biomarker of cognitive dysfunction in MS. Methods This observational case–control study included patients with MS. CSF levels of NfL were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cognitive function was measured with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) battery and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT3), standardized to the Greek population. Results Of 39 patients enrolled (aged 42.7 ± 13.6 years), 36% were classified as cognitively impaired according to BICAMS z-scores (–0.34 ± 1.13). Relapsing MS was significantly better than progressive forms regarding BICAMS z-score (mean difference [MD] 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54, 2.24), Symbol Digit Modality Test score (MD 1.73; 95% CI 0.46, 3.0) and Greek Verbal Learning Test (MD 1.77; 95% CI 0.82, 2.72). An inversely proportional association between CSF NfL levels and BICAMS z-scores was found in progressive forms of MS (rp = –0.944). Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence for an association between CSF NfL levels and cognition in progressive forms of MS, which requires validation in larger samples.

scholarly journals Personality factors and cognitive functioning in elderly with Parkinson's disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neusa Maria de Oliveira Chardosim ◽  
Camila Rosa Oliveira ◽  
Manuela Polidoro Lima ◽  
Marianne Farina ◽  
Valéria Gonzatti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Cell Degeneration ◽  
Verbal Episodic Memory

ABSTRACT Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurological disease, resulting from cell degeneration in the substantia nigra, responsible for the production of dopamine. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the cognitive functioning, personality factors and prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Furthermore, this study sought to analyze whether personality factors were predictors of cognitive functioning. Methods: The sample consisted of 30 elderly with PD. Participants completed a sociodemographic data sheet, the NEO-FFI-R (Five Factor Inventory NEO Revised), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Beta-III, the phonemic verbal fluency test and semantics (Animals), the digits span subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults and the Boston Naming Test and the word list of the CERAD battery, the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: The elderly with PD presented impairment in verbal episodic memory and executive functions. Most of the participants demonstrated low levels of neuroticism. The extraversion factor was positively correlated with executive functions and the openness to experience factor was positively correlated with verbal episodic memory. It was concluded that the elderly with PD presented memory and executive function impairments. The factor that most contributed to performance of the elderly with PD on memory and executive function tasks was the extraversion factor.

Do patients with better neuro-cognition have better theory of mind?

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S140-S140
Author(s):  
J. Mrizak ◽  
A. Arous ◽  
R. Trabelsi ◽  
A. Aissa ◽  
H. Ben Ammar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
St Number ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
Sorting Test

IntroductionTheory of mind (ToM) has repeatedly been shown to be compromised in many patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). By contrast, the association between ToM deficits and neuro-cognitive functioning (NF) remains uncertain.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between ToM functioning and neuro-cognitive functioning in SCZ.MethodsFifty-eight outpatients with stable SCZ completed the intention-inferencing task (IIT), in which the ability to infer a character's intentions from 28 short comic strip stories is assessed. They also completed a neuro-cognitive battery comprising the following tests: the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised (HVLT-R), the Letter Digit Substitution Test (LDST), the Stroop Test (ST), the “Double Barrage” of Zazzo (DBZ), the Modified Card Sorting Test (MCST), Verbal Fluency (VF), the Trail Making Test-Part A (TMT-A) and the Digit Span (DS).ResultsThe performance in the IIT significantly correlated with performance in some neuro-cognitive tests including efficiency in DBZ, number of uncorrected mistakes in ST, number of correct categories in MCST and the time needed to succeed the TMT-A. No correlations were found between performance in the ITT and in memory tasks (HVLT-R and DS).ConclusionsToM may rely on some neuro-cognitive functions (mainly attention and executive functioning). Elucidating the exact relationship between ToM and NF may be useful as both are targeted in specific psychotherapeutic interventions.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Cognitive decline affects diabetic women

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Perzyński ◽  
Iwona Chmiel-Perzyńska
Keyword(s):  
Motor Control ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Apparent Lack ◽  
Auditory Verbal Learning ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

AbstractIntroduction: DM provokes peripheral complications and changes in central nervous system. Central changes in the course of diabetes mellitus (DM) include changes in brain tissue structure, electrophysiological abnormalities but also disturbances in neurotransmission leading to cognitive decline.Aim of the study: The aim of our study was to asses cognitive functioning of patients suffering from DM1 for at least 5 years but without any diagnosed complications.Materials and methods: Cognitive functions were assessed in 59 patients (35 men) with Trail Making Test A (TMT A) and B (TMT B), Maze Test (MT), Stroop Test (SCWT) and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). Mental disorders were excluded with Beck’s Depression Inventory (BT), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and psychiatric examination.Results: We stated that women, compared with men, presented worsening of executive functions, speed and motor control. Cognitive decline depended on number of episodes of at least moderate hypoglycemia and duration of disease. HbA1c below 8% resulted in better memory, speed and motor control. Cognitive decline was more escalated in the patients with atherogenic lipid profile.Conclusions: It seems that even apparent lack of complications is not unambiguous with lack of cognitive decline and women seem to be more susceptible. DM1 affects young individuals, whose cognitive functions are in the course of the development, so it is important to find the underlying mechanisms and the areas of disturbed cognitive functioning and further investigations are needed.

Statins, Enzyme CoQ10 Supplement Use, and Cognitive Functioning

2021 ◽  
pp. 089198872110447
Author(s):  
Brian G. Collin ◽  
Dheeraj Raju ◽  
Steven Katsikas
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Prevention Study ◽  
Wechsler Memory Scale ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Auditory Verbal Learning ◽  
Medical Histories ◽  
Learning Test

Objective: The current study assessed the effects of statin and CoQ10 supplement use on changes in cognitive functioning in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention study. Methods: 1,573 subjects were administered medical histories, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Wechsler Memory Scale, Logical Memory subtest, and the Trail Making Test, Parts A (TMT-A) and B (TMT-B) 3-4 times over 5-10 years. Results: Linear mixed models did not yield significant effects for statin or CoQ10 supplement use on changes in mental status, learning and memory, psychomotor speed, and cognitive flexibility. Conclusions: Statin and/or CoQ10 supplement use was not associated with neuropsychological test performance in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention study.

scholarly journals Integrity of white matter structure is related to episodic memory performance in the low-educated elderly

2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (11) ◽  
pp. 778-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa de Paula França Resende ◽  
Fernanda Freire Tovar-Moll ◽  
Fernanda Meireles Ferreira ◽  
Ivanei Bramati ◽  
Leonardo Cruz de Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cognitive Screening ◽  
Delayed Recall ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
Low Educated ◽  
The Right

ABSTRACT The low-educated elderly are a vulnerable population in whom studying the role of white matter integrity on memory may provide insights for understanding how memory declines with aging and disease. Methods: Thirty-one participants (22 women), 23 cognitively healthy and eight with cognitive impairment-no dementia, aged 80.4 ± 3.8 years, with 2.2 ± 1.9 years of education, underwent an MRI scan with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) acquisition. We verified if there were correlations between the performance on the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB) and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) with DTI parameters. Results: The BCSB delayed recall task correlated with frontotemporoparietal connection bundles, with the hippocampal part of the cingulum bilaterally and with the right superior longitudinal fasciculus. The RAVLT learning and delayed recall scores also correlated with the hippocampal part of the cingulum bilaterally. Conclusions: Although preliminary, our study suggests that the integrity of white matter frontotemporoparietal fasciculi seems to play a role in episodic memory performance in the low-educated elderly. This finding opens opportunities to study potential targets for memory decline prevention in vulnerable populations.

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