Computerized neurocognitive interventions in the context of the brain training controversy

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebeca Isabel García-Betances ◽  
María Fernanda Cabrera-Umpiérrez ◽  
María T. Arredondo
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Brain Training ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Analytic Narrative ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Virtual And Augmented Reality ◽  
Research Initiatives ◽  
The Brain

AbstractThis article presents, in the form of an analytic narrative review, a complete picture of the state-of-the-art, challenges, and perspectives in the field of information and communication technology (ICT)-based neurocognitive interventions for older adults. The narrative particularly focuses on applications aimed at mild cognitive impairment and similar age-related cognitive deficits, which are analyzed in the context of the brain training controversy. Clarifying considerations are provided about the nature and present extent of the brain training debate, regarding the possible influence it has on the support received by research and development initiatives dealing with innovative computerized neurocognitive interventions. It is recommended that, because of the preliminary nature of most data currently available in this area, further research initiatives must be supported in the quest for better effectiveness of computer-based interventions intended for age-related cognitive impairment. The conclusion suggests that advanced ICT-based tools, such as virtual and augmented reality technologies, are the most fitting platforms for applying nonpharmacological computerized neurocognitive interventions.

Using Subtests of the Brain Age Quotient to Screen for Cognitive Deficits among Substance Abusers

1992 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 244-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Fals-Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Substance Abusers ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
T Score ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Screening Device ◽  
Brain Age ◽  
The Brain

The subtests of the Brain Age Quotient, a brief neuropsychological battery, were used to screen for cognitive impairment in a sample of 112 substance abusers. Each of the subtests was scored, using newly developed T scores corrected for age, education, and gender, for which a mean battery score of T < 40 indicates general cognitive impairment. The chance-corrected agreement in finding cognitive dysfunction between this battery and the Average Impairment Rating T score from the Halstead-Reitan battery was adequate, κ = .81. This result suggests that, for discerning global cognitive impairment, this relatively brief neurodiagnostic screening device may be an attractive alternative to the more time-consuming Halstead-Reitan battery.

scholarly journals Role of age-related alterations of the cerebral venous circulation in the pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment

2019 ◽  
Vol 316 (5) ◽  
pp. H1124-H1140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabor A. Fulop ◽  
Stefano Tarantini ◽  
Andriy Yabluchanskiy ◽  
Andrea Molnar ◽  
Calin I. Prodan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cerebral Arteries ◽  
Vascular Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cerebral Veins ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Venous Circulation ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Brain

There has been an increasing appreciation of the role of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) associated with old age. Strong preclinical and translational evidence links age-related dysfunction and structural alterations of the cerebral arteries, arterioles, and capillaries to the pathogenesis of many types of dementia in the elderly, including Alzheimer’s disease. The low-pressure, low-velocity, and large-volume venous circulation of the brain also plays critical roles in the maintenance of homeostasis in the central nervous system. Despite its physiological importance, the role of age-related alterations of the brain venous circulation in the pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia is much less understood. This overview discusses the role of cerebral veins in the pathogenesis of VCID. Pathophysiological consequences of age-related dysregulation of the cerebral venous circulation are explored, including blood-brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, exacerbation of neurodegeneration, development of cerebral microhemorrhages of venous origin, altered production of cerebrospinal fluid, impaired function of the glymphatics system, dysregulation of cerebral blood flow, and ischemic neuronal dysfunction and damage. Understanding the age-related functional and phenotypic alterations of the cerebral venous circulation is critical for developing new preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches to preserve brain health in older individuals.

scholarly journals Brain training using cognitive apps can improve cognitive performance and processing speed in older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Bonnechère ◽  
Malgorzata Klass ◽  
Christelle Langley ◽  
Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Brain Training ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Global Aging

AbstractManaging age-related decrease of cognitive function is an important public health challenge, especially in the context of the global aging of the population. Over the last years several Cognitive Mobile Games (CMG) have been developed to train and challenge the brain. However, currently the level of evidence supporting the benefits of using CMG in real-life use is limited in older adults, especially at a late age. In this study we analyzed game scores and the processing speed obtained over the course of 100 sessions in 12,000 subjects aged 60 to over 80 years. Users who trained with the games improved regardless of age in terms of scores and processing speed throughout the 100 sessions, suggesting that old and very old adults can improve their cognitive performance using CMG in real-life use.

scholarly journals Computer-based cognitive stimulation for posttraumatic cognitive impairment: a clinical case

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 131-136
Author(s):  
E. M. Zubritskaya ◽  
S. V. Prokopenko ◽  
E. Yu. Mozheyko ◽  
V. A. Gurevich
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Clinical Case ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Moderate Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Post Traumatic

The paper describes a clinical case of applying a set of computer-based stimulation programs for cognitive impairment arising from severe open traumatic brain injury (TBI). It demonstrates the rehabilitation capabilities of a set of «Neurotechnology+» stimulation programs for correction of cognitive deficits in patients with dysregulated moderate cognitive impairment resulting from experienced severe open TBI. It is noted that the use of a set of the programs contributed to the improvement of impaired regulatory and neurodynamic functions, the expansion of phonemic and semantic speech activity, and the improvement of memory processes. The described case suggests that computer-based cognitive training has a positive impact on cognitive recovery after post-traumatic brain injury.

On the Possible Relevance of Bottom-up Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 1415-1421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friedrich Leblhuber ◽  
Kostja Steiner ◽  
Simon Geisler ◽  
Dietmar Fuchs ◽  
Johanna M. Gostner
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Immune Activation ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Microbiome Composition ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Value Changes ◽  
Systemic Infections ◽  
The Brain

Dementia is an increasing health problem in older aged populations worldwide. Age-related changes in the brain can be observed decades before the first symptoms of cognitive decline appear. Cognitive impairment has chronic inflammatory components, which can be enhanced by systemic immune activation. There exist mutual interferences between inflammation and cognitive deficits. Signs of an activated immune system i.e. increases in the serum concentrations of soluble biomarkers such as neopterin or accelerated tryptophan breakdown along the kynurenine axis develop in a significant proportion of patients with dementia and correlate with the course of the disease, and they also have a predictive value. Changes in biomarker concentrations are reported to be associated with systemic infections by pathogens such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and bacterial content in saliva. More recently, the possible influence of microbiome composition on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis has been observed. These observations suggest that brain pathology is not the sole factor determining the pathogenesis of AD. Interestingly, patients with AD display drastic changes in markers of immune activation in the circulation and in the cerebrospinal fluid. Other data have suggested the involvement of factors extrinsic to the brain in the pathogenesis of AD. However, currently, neither the roles of these factors nor their importance has been clearly defined.

scholarly journals Designing ICTs for Users with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Usability Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 5153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Castilla ◽  
Carlos Suso-Ribera ◽  
Irene Zaragoza ◽  
Azucena Garcia-Palacios ◽  
Cristina Botella
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
General Level ◽  
Daily Life Activities ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline

Background: Research has supported the cost-effectiveness of cognitive training tools enhanced by information and communication technologies (ICT) in several populations, including individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and age-related cognitive decline. The implementation of ICTs in this population, however, is sometimes challenging to their cognitive and age characteristics. Ultimately, this might compromise the effectiveness of ICT-enhanced therapies in this population. The aim of this study is to test the usability and acceptability of a European project prototype for elderly care, in an attempt to explore the ICT design needs of users with MCI. Methods: Participants were 28 individuals aged 58–95 years and with a diagnosis of MCI. Results: The results showed a low perception of peripheral elements and the need to place main interaction elements in the centre of the screen. The correlation between the general level of autonomy (daily life activities) and the ICT autonomy level was significant and positive. The speed of audio help had a significant impact on performance. Conclusion: The present work contributes to the literature on ICT usability needs of users with MCI. Some usability recommendations for designing interfaces for this type of user are provided in the text.

scholarly journals Gut Microbiota: Critical Controller and Intervention Target in Brain Aging and Cognitive Impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Li ◽  
Junjun Ni ◽  
Hong Qing
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Functional Features ◽  
The Brain

The current trend for the rapid growth of the global aging population poses substantial challenges for society. The human aging process has been demonstrated to be closely associated with changes in gut microbiota composition, diversity, and functional features. During the first 2 years of life, the gut microbiota undergoes dramatic changes in composition and metabolic functions as it colonizes and develops in the body. Although the gut microbiota is nearly established by the age of three, it continues to mature until adulthood, when it comprises more stable and diverse microbial species. Meanwhile, as the physiological functions of the human body deteriorated with age, which may be a result of immunosenescence and “inflammaging,” the guts of elderly people are generally characterized by an enrichment of pro-inflammatory microbes and a reduced abundance of beneficial species. The gut microbiota affects the development of the brain through a bidirectional communication system, called the brain-gut-microbiota (BGM) axis, and dysregulation of this communication is pivotal in aging-related cognitive impairment. Microbiota-targeted dietary interventions and the intake of probiotics/prebiotics can increase the abundance of beneficial species, boost host immunity, and prevent gut-related diseases. This review summarizes the age-related changes in the human gut microbiota based on recent research developments. Understanding these changes will likely facilitate the design of novel therapeutic strategies to achieve healthy aging.

scholarly journals Successful brain aging: plasticity, environmental enrichment, and lifestyle

2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-52 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Aging Brain ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Brain

Aging is a physiological process that can develop without the appearance of concurrent diseases. However, very frequently, older people suffer from memory loss and an accelerated cognitive decline. Studies of the neurobiology of aging are beginning to decipher the mechanisms underlying not only the physiology of aging of the brain but also the mechanisms that make people more vulnerable to cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases. Today we know that the aging brain retains a considerable functional plasticity, and that this plasticity is positively promoted by genes activated by different lifestyle factors. In this article some of these lifestyle factors and their mechanisms of action are reviewed, including environmental enrichment and the importance of food intake and some nutrients. Aerobic physical exercise and reduction of chronic stress are also briefly reviewed. It is proposed that lifestyle factors are powerful instruments to promote healthy and successful aging of the brain and delay the appearance of age-related cognitive deficits in elderly people.

Morphological Changes in the Brain of Acutely Ill and Weight-Recovered Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jochen Seitz ◽  
Katharina Bühren ◽  
Georg G. von Polier ◽  
Nicole Heussen ◽  
Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Clinical Prognosis ◽  
Qualitative Review ◽  
Brain Changes ◽  
The Brain

Objective: Acute anorexia nervosa (AN) leads to reduced gray (GM) and white matter (WM) volume in the brain, which however improves again upon restoration of weight. Yet little is known about the extent and clinical correlates of these brain changes, nor do we know much about the time-course and completeness of their recovery. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis and a qualitative review of all magnetic resonance imaging studies involving volume analyses of the brain in both acute and recovered AN. Results: We identified structural neuroimaging studies with a total of 214 acute AN patients and 177 weight-recovered AN patients. In acute AN, GM was reduced by 5.6% and WM by 3.8% compared to healthy controls (HC). Short-term weight recovery 2–5 months after admission resulted in restitution of about half of the GM aberrations and almost full WM recovery. After 2–8 years of remission GM and WM were nearly normalized, and differences to HC (GM: –1.0%, WM: –0.7%) were no longer significant, although small residual changes could not be ruled out. In the qualitative review some studies found GM volume loss to be associated with cognitive deficits and clinical prognosis. Conclusions: GM and WM were strongly reduced in acute AN. The completeness of brain volume rehabilitation remained equivocal.

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