scholarly journals The Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Gaming on Cognitive Performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter C. Douris ◽  
John P. Handrakis ◽  
Demitra Apergis ◽  
Robert B. Mangus ◽  
Rima Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Selective Attention ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Video Gaming ◽  
Mixed Design ◽  
Attentional Capacity ◽  
Capacity Limits ◽  
B Test

AbstractThe purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of video gaming, aerobic exercise (biking), and the combination of these two activities on the domains of cognitive performance: selective attention, processing speed, and executive functioning. The study was a randomized clinical trial with 40 subjects (mean age 23.7 ± 1.8 years) randomized to one of four thirty-minute conditions: video gaming, biking, simultaneous gaming and biking, and a control condition. Cognitive performance was measured pre and post condition using the Stroop test and Trails B test. A mixed design was utilized. While video gaming, biking, simultaneous gaming and biking conditions improved selective attention and processing speed (p < 0.05), only the bike condition improved the highest order of cognitive performance, executive function (p < 0.01). There were no changes in cognitive performance for the control condition. Previous studies have shown that if tasks approach the limits of attentional capacity there is an increase in the overall chance for errors, known as the dual-task deficit. Simultaneous biking and gaming may have surpassed attentional capacity limits, ultimately increasing errors during the executive function tests of our cognitive performance battery. The results suggest that the fatiguing effects of a combined physically and mentally challenging task that extends after the exercise cessation may overcome the eventual beneficial cognitive effects derived from the physical exercise.

scholarly journals Slow Wave Sleep and EEG Delta Spectral Power are Associated with Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Kimberly H. Wood ◽  
Adeel A. Memon ◽  
Raima A. Memon ◽  
Allen Joop ◽  
Jennifer Pilkington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Slow Wave ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Slow Wave Sleep ◽  
Spectral Power ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Domain Scores

Background: Cognitive and sleep dysfunction are common non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective: Determine the relationship between slow wave sleep (SWS) and cognitive performance in PD. Methods: Thirty-two PD participants were evaluated with polysomnography and a comprehensive level II neurocognitive battery, as defined by the Movement Disorders Society Task Force for diagnosis of PD-mild cognitive impairment. Raw scores for each test were transformed into z-scores using normative data. Z-scores were averaged to obtain domain scores, and domain scores were averaged to determine the Composite Cognitive Score (CCS), the primary outcome. Participants were grouped by percent of SWS into High SWS and Low SWS groups and compared on CCS and other outcomes using 2-sided t-tests or Mann-Whitney U. Correlations of cognitive outcomes with sleep architecture and EEG spectral power were performed. Results: Participants in the High SWS group demonstrated better global cognitive function (CCS) (p = 0.01, effect size: r = 0.45). In exploratory analyses, the High SWS group showed better performance in domains of executive function (effect size: Cohen’s d = 1.05), language (d = 0.95), and processing speed (d = 1.12). Percentage of SWS was correlated with global cognition and executive function, language, and processing speed. Frontal EEG delta power during N3 was correlated with the CCS and executive function. Cognition was not correlated with subjective sleep quality. Conclusion: Increased SWS and higher delta spectral power are associated with better cognitive performance in PD. This demonstrates the significant relationship between sleep and cognitive function and suggests that interventions to improve sleep might improve cognition in individuals with PD.

537 Insomnia Symptoms and Subsequent Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: Are Depressive Symptoms and Vascular Disease Mediators?

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A212-A212
Author(s):  
Afsara Zaheed ◽  
Adam Spira ◽  
Ronald Chervin ◽  
Laura Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Falling Asleep ◽  
Function Language ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are growing public health concerns, and poor sleep may represent a modifiable risk factor. However, there is limited research on insomnia as a predictor of subsequent performance in different cognitive domains and mechanisms that might underlie domain-specific associations. The current study examined: (1) which insomnia symptoms predicted performance across five cognitive domains 14 years later, and (2) whether depressive symptoms and/or vascular diseases mediated these associations. Methods Participants included 2,496 adults aged 51+ in the Health and Retirement Study. Insomnia symptoms in 2002 (i.e., “baseline”) were quantified by four self-reported items on frequency of trouble falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, early awakenings, and feeling rested upon awakening. Cognition was assessed in 2016 as part of the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol and operationalized with five factor scores corresponding to episodic memory, executive function, language, visuoconstruction, and processing speed. Multiple regressions examined associations between baseline insomnia symptoms and subsequent cognitive performance, controlling for sociodemographics and baseline global cognitive performance. Mediation models tested whether associations were explained by self-reported depressive symptoms and/or vascular diseases (i.e., hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and/or stroke) in 2014, controlling for baseline values. Results Only trouble falling asleep in 2002 was associated with cognition in 2016. Specifically, more frequent trouble falling asleep predicted poorer episodic memory, executive function, language and processing speed performance, but not visuoconstruction. These associations were mediated by depressive symptoms and vascular diseases in 2014 for all domains except episodic memory; only depressive symptoms mediated the association involving memory. After accounting for these mediators, direct effects of trouble falling asleep remained for episodic memory, executive function and language, but not processing speed. Conclusion Difficulty with sleep initiation may be more consequential for later-life cognition than other insomnia symptoms. Depressive symptoms and vascular diseases may partially drive these associations. We speculate that sleep-onset insomnia could mean less total sleep, immune dysfunction, or endocrine effects that worsen mood, vascular health, and cognition. Remaining associations indicate that additional research is needed to characterize other mechanisms through which sleep initiation problems could contribute to later impairments in frontal and temporal cognitive systems, which are implicated early in ADRD. Support (if any):

scholarly journals Improvement of Processing Speed in Executive Function Immediately following an Increase in Cardiovascular Activity

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicoladie D. Tam
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Conflict Resolution ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Color Naming ◽  
Stair Climbing ◽  
Cardiovascular Activity ◽  
Acute Effects

This study aims to identify the acute effects of physical exercise on specific cognitive functions immediately following an increase in cardiovascular activity. Stair-climbing exercise is used to increase the cardiovascular output of human subjects. The color-naming Stroop Test was used to identify the cognitive improvements in executive function with respect to processing speed and error rate. The study compared the Stroop results before and immediately after exercise and before and after nonexercise, as a control. The results show that there is a significant increase in processing speed and a reduction in errors immediately after less than 30 min of aerobic exercise. The improvements are greater for the incongruent than for the congruent color tests. This suggests that physical exercise induces a better performance in a task that requires resolving conflict (or interference) than a task that does not. There is no significant improvement for the nonexercise control trials. This demonstrates that an increase in cardiovascular activity has significant acute effects on improving the executive function that requires conflict resolution (for the incongruent color tests) immediately following aerobic exercise more than similar executive functions that do not require conflict resolution or involve the attention-inhibition process (for the congruent color tests).

scholarly journals Changes in Processing Speed, Cognitive Flexibility, and Selective Attention over a Four-Week Treatment Period in Inpatients with Moderate to Severe Depression

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-140
Author(s):  
Brooke C. Schneider ◽  
Sabrina Diedrich ◽  
Marit Hauschildt ◽  
Sarah V. Biedermann ◽  
Sönke Arlt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Selective Attention ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Treatment Period ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Practice Effects ◽  
Cognitive Improvement

Abstract. Cognitive dysfunction among individuals with depression is associated with reduced functional status, and cognitive improvement is often an important treatment goal. We compared changes in cognitive performance over four weeks among 45 inpatients with a unipolar depressive disorder completing inpatient treatment to that of 20 controls on measures of processing speed and set-shifting (Trail Making Test), as well as selective attention (Test d2). In the patients, depressive symptoms improved significantly and with a large effect over the treatment period ( d = 1.22–1.81). Among the three cognitive domains examined, the most pronounced reductions among patients compared to controls were observed in cognitive flexibility (Group effect: ηp2 = .04). The effect of Group; however, was not significant. Likewise, there were no significant improvements in cognitive flexibility over time, and changes in cognitive flexibility over the four-week period did not differ between the two groups (Group x Time interaction). Performances in selective attention and processing speed improved over the four-week period, though neither the effect of Group nor the interaction (Group x Time) was significant regarding these performances. Change in cognitive performance was not associated with changes in symptom severity (incl. remission status). Taken together, the significant improvements in selective attention and processing speed were largely attributable to practice effects. Our findings lend further support to the notion that cognitive flexibility, selective attention, and processing speed are independent of improvements in depressive symptoms. This study underscores the importance of including comparison groups to control for practice effects when examining cognitive change, and providing treatments specifically aimed at improving cognitive symptoms.

Targeted Cognitive Game Training Enhances Cognitive Performance in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated With Interferon Beta 1-a

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shay Menascu ◽  
Roy Aloni ◽  
Mark Dolev ◽  
David Magalashvili ◽  
Keren Gutman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Interferon Beta ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Information Processing Speed

Abstract BackgroundPrevention of cognitive decline in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is of major importance. We explored the effect of short-term computerized game training on cognitive performance in MS patients with mild cognitive impairment.MethodsWe enrolled in this prospective study 100 eligible MS patients treated with Interferon-beta-1a (Rebif). All had mild cognitive impairment in either executive function or information processing speed. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either use the cognitive games platform byHappyNeuron (HN) or receive no intervention. Executive function and information processing speed scores were measured at 3 and 6 months from baseline to evaluate the effect of game training on cognitive scores.ResultsIn both executive function and information processing speed, the game Training group showed significant improvement after 3 and 6 months. The Non-Training group showed mild deterioration in both domains at 3 months, and further deterioration that became significant at 6 months in executive function. Furthermore, at 6 months, the percent of patients in the Training group that improved or remained stable in both cognitive domains was significantly higher compared to the Non-Training group.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that cognitive game training has a beneficial effect on cognitive performance in MS patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment. While further evaluation is required to assess the longevity of that effect, we nonetheless recommend to MS patients to be engaged in cognitive gaming practice as part of a holistic approach to treating their condition.

scholarly journals A-013 The Impact of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders on Late-Life Cognitive Functioning

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-803
Author(s):  
Delgadillo M ◽  
Boese A ◽  
Frank M ◽  
Schulte T ◽  
Fairchild J
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnoses ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective Research indicates that the presence of psychiatric disorders is predictive of cognitive performance and increases the risk of developing dementia. Some have found that psychiatric disorders decrease cognitive performance while others have found that they increase cognitive performance. The purpose of the present study is to further investigate the relationship between psychiatric disorders and cognitive performance in older Veterans. Method The convenience sample included 216 older Veterans who were screened at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (94% male, age = 71.8 ± 8.3). Psychiatric disorders (e.g., mood and anxiety disorders) were assessed using the Mini Neuropsychiatric Interview for DSM-IV. Domains of cognitive performance (e.g., Learning and Memory, Executive Function, Processing Speed, Attention, Visuospatial Ability, and Language) were measured using a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment battery. Results Results indicated that 25% of the sample had depression (n = 56) and 16% had anxiety (n = 34). Psychiatric diagnoses largely had no effect on executive function, processing speed, or language. Age was found to moderate the association between depression and learning and memory, though there were no main effects for depression on learning and memory. Anxiety was significantly associated with learning and memory performance, and age was found to further moderate that relationship. Age also moderated the association between depression and attention, though no main effects for depression were seen in the model. Anxiety had no effect on attention. Conclusions Age and psychiatric diagnoses interact to differentially impact cognitive functioning in late life. These findings support prior research on the complex relationship between psychiatric disorders and late-life cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals Impaired Cognitive Performance in Patients With Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A84-A85
Author(s):  
Catherine D Zhang ◽  
Sumitabh Singh ◽  
Malavika Suresh ◽  
Andreas Ladefoged Ebbehøj ◽  
Nikki H Stricker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Autonomous Cortisol Secretion ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Age And Sex

Abstract Background: Cognitive deficits in memory, language, and executive function have been described in Cushing’s syndrome, but the impact of mild cortisol secretion on cognition is unclear. Rather than overt hypercortisolism, mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is typically associated with abnormal circadian cortisol production. Aim: To characterize the effect of MACS on cognitive performance. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis as part of an ongoing cohort study in patients with MACS compared to age and sex-matched referent subjects without cortisol excess. MACS was defined as serum cortisol concentration &gt;1.8 mcg/dL after the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST), in the absence of signs and symptoms of overt Cushing syndrome. We used the National Institute of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery to assess cognitive performance. A series of seven IPad-based tests were administered to evaluate five key domains: 1) executive function, 2) episodic memory, 3) working memory, 4) language, and 5) processing speed. Performance was reported using fully corrected T-scores for age, sex, education, and race with a normative mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. T-scores were generated for the individual components as well as three summary measures: 1) fluid cognition (includes executive function, episodic memory, working memory, and processing speed), 2) crystallized cognition (includes language), and 3) total cognition (composite of fluid and crystalized cognition). Results: A total of 23 patients with MACS and 23 age and sex-matched referent subjects without cortisol excess were enrolled. The median age of diagnosis was 63 years (range, 51–81), and 26 (56%) were women. In the MACS cohort, median cortisol following 1 mg DST was 2.6 ug/dL (range, 1.9–13.0) with median ACTH of 8.5 pg/mL (range, 5.0–38.0) and median DHEA-S of 37 mcg/dL (range, 5.0- 141.0). On cognitive assessment, patients with MACS had lower total cognition (T-scores 50 vs. 54, p=0.05) and fluid cognition (T-scores 48 vs. 53, p=0.01) composite scores compared to referent subjects without cortisol excess. In particular, patients with MACS performed worse on tests of executive function (Dimensional Change Card Sort: T-scores 55 vs. 63, p= 0.02 and Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention: T-scores 45 vs. 52, p=0.01). There were no significant differences observed in the remaining individual domains of language, processing speed, working memory, and episodic memory, or crystallized cognition. Conclusions: MACS is associated with impaired total cognition, and in particular, executive function and fluid cognition. These findings suggest that patients with MACS are susceptible to cortisol-mediated changes in the brain. Additional studies should examine the contribution of neuropsychiatric symptoms on cognition in MACS, and possible improvement following treatment for cortisol excess.

Abstract P349: Association of Lower Fasting Glucose and Visit-to-visit Glucose Variability With Cognitive Performance: The Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher L Schaich ◽  
Michael Bancks ◽  
Jingzhong Ding ◽  
Kathleen M Hayden ◽  
Susan Heckbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Fasting Glucose ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Glucose Variability ◽  
Ethnic Study ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for dementia. Despite emerging evidence that higher glucose variability is associated with cognitive decline and hypoglycemia is associated with increased risk for dementia, few studies have investigated the relationship of lower fasting glucose and glucose variability with cognitive performance in the general population. Hypothesis: Diabetic and lower levels of fasting glucose and higher visit-to-visit glucose variability over 10 years are associated with worse cognitive performance. Methods: Participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (N = 4,591; mean age 69.7 ± 9.4 years) completed a cognitive assessment at Exam 5 including the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), Digit Symbol Coding (DSC), and Digit Span (DS, Forward and Backward combined) tests measuring global cognitive performance, executive function/processing speed, and working memory, respectively. We defined fasting glucose categories as low (<80 mg/dL), normal (80-99 mg/dL), impaired (100-125 mg/dL), and diabetic (≥126 mg/dL). Participants with diabetes were included in the diabetic category. We examined the relationship of Exam 1 and Exam 5 fasting glucose categories and visit-to-visit glucose variability (coefficient of variation across Exams 1-5) to scores on the CASI (0-100), DSC (0-133), and DS (0-28). We report regression coefficients ( β [95% confidence limits]) from regression models adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, cardiovascular risk factors, and APOE genotype. Results: Relative to normal glucose, participants with diabetic fasting glucose performed significantly worse on the CASI (Exam 1 β = -0.75 [-1.36, -0.15]; Exam 5 β = -0.30 [-0.83, 0.23]), DSC (Exam 1 β = -2.97 [-4.20, -1.74]; Exam 5 β = -1.26 [-2.34, -0.18]), and DS (Exam 1 β = -0.39 [-0.72, -0.07]; Exam 5 β = -0.29 [-0.58, -0.003]). In contrast, participants with low Exam 1 fasting glucose performed significantly better on the DSC (Exam 1 β = 1.55 [0.45, 2.65]) and similarly on the CASI and DS compared to those with normal fasting glucose. Adjusting for glucose lowering medication attenuated associations with the DSC and DS but not the CASI. Accounting for heterogeneity in the low glucose category by hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL) did not significantly alter results. Higher visit-to-visit glucose variability from Exam 1 to Exam 5 was associated with worse performance on the CASI ( β = -0.36 [-0.60, -0.12]) and DSC ( β = -1.14 [-1.63, -0.65]). Associations were consistent across race and sex. Conclusions: Results support the hypothesis that hyperglycemia and higher glucose variability are associated with worse cognitive performance. Despite previous suggestion of a link between hypoglycemia and incident dementia, lower antecedent fasting glucose may be associated with better executive function/processing speed in this population-based sample.

Effects of the number of hospitalizations on cognitive function in Japanese patients with stable schizophrenia

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Hikaru Hori ◽  
Kiyokazu Atake ◽  
Asuka Katsuki ◽  
Reiji Yoshimura
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Japanese Patients ◽  
Language Version ◽  
Brief Assessment

Abstract Background The present study aimed to determine whether the number of hospitalizations in schizophrenia patients is associated with reduced cognitive performance, which may in turn imply that recurrences indirectly lead to a worsening in the disorder’s progression. Methods Cognitive performance in stable schizophrenia patients was assessed using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, Japanese-language version, on 30 patients who had not experienced any hospitalizations (G0), 57 patients who had experienced only one hospitalization (G1), 47 patients with two hospitalizations (G2), and 59 patients with three or more hospitalizations (G3). Results Significant differences in motor function and attention and processing speed were found between patients with G0 and those with G1. Significant differences in working memory and verbal fluency were found between patients with G1 and those with G2. Patients with G3 performed even more poorly in comparison with those with G1, showing deficits in verbal memory, working memory, executive function, and composite score. The patients with G3 displayed a greater range of impairment and demonstrated deficits in executive function compared with patients with G2. Finally, G2 and G3 performed more poorly than G0, with deficits in the various cognitive areas. Conclusion The number of hospitalizations predicted cognitive performance, which suggests that relapse or recurrence may have a long-term neuropsychological impact. Prospective follow-up studies must be completed to explore this effect further because better treatment adherence may have a protective effect on neurocognitive function.

scholarly journals Martial Art Training and Cognitive Performance in Middle-Aged Adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 277-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Douris ◽  
Christopher Douris ◽  
Nicole Balder ◽  
Michael LaCasse ◽  
Amir Rand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Motor Tasks ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Martial Art ◽  
Treatment Conditions ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

AbstractCognitive performance includes the processes of attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning, which typically declines with aging. Previous research has demonstrated that aerobic and resistance exercise improves cognitive performance immediately following exercise. However, there is limited research examining the effect that a cognitively complex exercise such as martial art training has on these cognitive processes. Our study compared the acute effects of 2 types of martial art training to aerobic exercise on cognitive performance in middle-aged adults. We utilized a repeated measures design with the order of the 3 exercise conditions randomly assigned and counterbalanced. Ten recreational middle-aged martial artists (mean age = 53.5 ± 8.6 years) participated in 3 treatment conditions: a typical martial art class, an atypical martial art class, and a one-hour walk at a self-selected speed. Cognitive performance was assessed by the Stroop Color and Word test. While all 3 exercise conditions improved attention and processing speed, only the 2 martial art conditions improved the highest order of cognitive performance, executive function. The effect of the 2 martial art conditions on executive function was not different. The improvement in executive function may be due to the increased cortical demand required by the more complex, coordinated motor tasks of martial art exercise compared to the more repetitive actions of walking.

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