scholarly journals The Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Brain and Cognitive Function

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jip Gudden ◽  
Alejandro Arias Vasquez ◽  
Mirjam Bloemendaal
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intermittent Fasting ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Positive Effects

The importance of diet and the gut-brain axis for brain health and cognitive function is increasingly acknowledged. Dietary interventions are tested for their potential to prevent and/or treat brain disorders. Intermittent fasting (IF), the abstinence or strong limitation of calories for 12 to 48 hours, alternated with periods of regular food intake, has shown promising results on neurobiological health in animal models. In this review article, we discuss the potential benefits of IF on cognitive function and the possible effects on the prevention and progress of brain-related disorders in animals and humans. We do so by summarizing the effects of IF which - through metabolic, cellular and circadian mechanisms - lead to anatomical and functional changes in the brain. Our review shows that there is no clear evidence of a positive short-term effect of IF on cognition in healthy subjects. Clinical studies show benefits of IF for epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis on disease symptoms and progress. Findings from animal studies show mechanisms by which Parkinson’s disease, ischaemic stroke, autism spectrum disorder and mood- and anxiety disorders could benefit from IF. Future research should disentangle whether positive effects of IF hold true regardless of age or the presence of obesity. Also, variations in fasting patterns, total caloric intake and intake of specific nutrients may be relevant components of IF success. Longitudinal studies and Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) will provide a window into the long-term effects of IF on the development and progress of brain-related diseases.

scholarly journals The Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Brain and Cognitive Function

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3166
Author(s):  
Jip Gudden ◽  
Alejandro Arias Vasquez ◽  
Mirjam Bloemendaal
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intermittent Fasting ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Positive Effects

The importance of diet and the gut-brain axis for brain health and cognitive function is increasingly acknowledged. Dietary interventions are tested for their potential to prevent and/or treat brain disorders. Intermittent fasting (IF), the abstinence or strong limitation of calories for 12 to 48 h, alternated with periods of regular food intake, has shown promising results on neurobiological health in animal models. In this review article, we discuss the potential benefits of IF on cognitive function and the possible effects on the prevention and progress of brain-related disorders in animals and humans. We do so by summarizing the effects of IF which through metabolic, cellular, and circadian mechanisms lead to anatomical and functional changes in the brain. Our review shows that there is no clear evidence of a positive short-term effect of IF on cognition in healthy subjects. Clinical studies show benefits of IF for epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis on disease symptoms and progress. Findings from animal studies show mechanisms by which Parkinson’s disease, ischemic stroke, autism spectrum disorder, and mood and anxiety disorders could benefit from IF. Future research should disentangle whether positive effects of IF hold true regardless of age or the presence of obesity. Moreover, variations in fasting patterns, total caloric intake, and intake of specific nutrients may be relevant components of IF success. Longitudinal studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) will provide a window into the long-term effects of IF on the development and progress of brain-related diseases.

scholarly journals Behavioral interventions to benefit cognition (Intervenciones cognitivas para beneficiar la cognición)

Retos ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 197-202
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Etnier ◽  
Chia-Hao Shih ◽  
Aaron Piepmeier
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related

With the growing population of older adults, the identification of treatment strategies to prevent or ameliorate age-related cognitive decline has been an important topic in recent years. After reviewing cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimentally designed studies, as well as evidence from narrative and meta-analytic reviews, the authors concluded that behavioral approaches such as physical activity, cognitive training, and dietary interventions show promising results. In addition, given the likelihood that multiple underlying mechanisms support cognitive function, research is currently focusing on how to combine lifestyle factors into multi-component interventions to generate greater and more meaningful effects. Though evidence for these enhanced benefits exists from animal studies, few multi-component studies have been performed with humans. However, the findings from these studies are promising and a continued pursuit of multi-component behavioral interventions to benefit cognitive performance is warranted. Given the world’s aging population and accompanying age-related health issues such as cognitive decline and dementia, future research should focus on understanding the biological mechanisms responsible for these effects in order to allow for the development of behavioral lifestyle prescriptions to benefit cognitive performance.Keywords. aging, cognitive function, exercise intervention, oxidative stress, cognitive engagement.Resumen. Con la creciente población de adultos mayores, la identificación de las estrategias de tratamiento para prevenir o mejorar el deterioro cognitivo relacionado con la edad ha sido un tema importante en los últimos años. Después de revisar estudios con diseños transversales, longitudinales y experimentales, así como la evidencia de revisiones de literatura narrativa y meta-analítica, los autores concluyen que los enfoques conductuales como la actividad física, el entrenamiento cognitivo y las intervenciones dietéticas muestran resultados prometedores. Además, dada la probabilidad de que múltiples mecanismos subyacentes apoyan la función cognitiva, las investigaciones se enfocan actualmente en la manera de cómo combinar factores del estilo de vida en las intervenciones con múltiples componentes para generar efectos mayores y más significativos. Aunque existe evidencia de estos beneficios a partir de estudios en animales, se han realizado pocos estudios de componentes múltiples en humanos. Sin embargo, los resultados de estos estudios son prometedores y se garantiza un seguimiento continuo de las intervenciones conductuales de componentes múltiples para beneficiar el rendimiento cognitivo. Teniendo en cuenta el envejecimiento de la población mundial y los problemas de salud relacionados con la edad que la acompañan, tales como el deterioro cognitivo y la demencia, la investigación futura debería centrarse en la comprensión de los mecanismos biológicos responsables de estos efectos con el fin de permitir el desarrollo de las prescripciones de comportamiento de estilo de vida para beneficiar el rendimiento cognitivo.Palabras claves. envejecimiento, funcionamiento cognitivo, intervención con ejercicio, estrés oxidativo, participación cognitiva.

Dance for People with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 919-933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Ruiz-Muelle ◽  
María Mar López-Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Dance Therapy ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Future Research

Background: In recent years, several reviews have addressed the effectiveness of dance therapy in dementia, healthy older adults, or the elderly in general. However, reviews regarding the effect of this therapy exclusively on patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease have not been found. Objective: The purpose of this study is to review the available literature describing clinical trials which explore the effects of dancing on psychological and physical outcomes, functionality, cognitive function, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, this review aims to assess the quality of studies that perform dance therapy interventions in these patients. Methods: This study is a systematic review of randomized and non-randomized clinical trials regarding the effect of intervention including a dancing activity in people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Results: In total, the evidence for this review rests on 12 studies with a total of 349 participants. The findings of this mini-review confirm the positive effect of dance therapy on physical and cognitive function, functionality, psychological outcomes, and quality of life in people with Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: Most of the studies implementing dance as part of the therapeutic treatment has shown to improve or slow the worsening in the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Future research focused on these patients should use a more exhaustive methodology and make a more detailed description of these kind of interventions.

Importance of Activity Engagement and Neighborhood to Cognitive Function Among Older Chinese Americans

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 226-235
Author(s):  
Fengyan Tang ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Iris Chi ◽  
Mengting Li ◽  
Xin Qi Dong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Chinese Americans ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Neighborhood Cohesion ◽  
Positive Effects

This study investigates the differential associations of activity engagement and perceived neighborhood characteristics (i.e., cohesion, disorder, sense of community) with cognitive measures. Using data of 2,713 Chinese older adults in Chicago, who completed two interviews between 2011 and 2015, we identified three activity domains: reading, social, and games. In general, engagement in more reading and social activities was associated with better baseline cognitive function, but the positive effects tapered off over time in some cases. Neighborhood cohesion had both direct and indirect effects on cognitive function. Engagement in social activities mediated the neighborhood cohesion effects, that is, living in a cohesive neighborhood promoted social activities and consequently benefited cognitive function. Findings speak to the importance of activity engagement and neighborhood cohesion for cognition among the U.S. Chinese older adults. Future research is needed to investigate the longitudinal relationships of activity engagement and environmental factors with cognitive change.

Citrus peel derived’ Poly-Methoxylated Flavones (PMF)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Mahdi Vajdi ◽  
Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Accumulation ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
In Vitro Studies ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Citrus Peel ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Methoxylated Flavones

Abstract. The prevalence of obesity has increased substantially over the last several decades and several environmental factors have accelerated this trend. Poly-methoxy flavones (PMFs) exist abundantly in the peels of citrus, and their biological activities have been broadly examined in recent years. Several studies have examined the effects of PMFs on obesity and its-related diseases. This systematic review conducted to focus on the effect of PMFs on obesity and its related conditions management. The PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were searched for relevant studies published before November 2020. Out of 1,615 records screened, 16 studies met the study criteria. The range of dosage of PMFs was varied from 10 to 200 mg/kg (5–26 weeks) and 1–100 μmol (2h–8 days) across selected animal and in vitro studies, respectively. The literature reviewed shows that PMFs modulate several biological processes associated with obesity such as lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammation, energy balance, and oxidative stress by different mechanisms. All of the animal studies showed significant positive effects of PMFs on obesity by reducing body weight (e.g. reduced weight gain by 21.04%), insulin resistance, energy expenditure, inhibiting lipogenesis and reduced blood lipids (e.g. reduced total cholesterol by 23.10%, TG by 44.35% and LDL by 34.41%). The results of the reviewed in vitro studies have revealed that treatment with PMFs significantly inhibits lipid accumulation in adipocytes (e.g. reduced lipid accumulation by 55–60%) and 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation as well by decreasing the expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα and also reduces the number and size of fat cells and reduced TG content in adipocytes by 45.67% and 23.10% and 16.08% for nobiletin, tangeretin and hesperetin, respectively. Although current evidence supports the use of PMFs as a complementary treatment in obesity, future research is needed to validate this promising treatment modality.

Biological effects after prenatal irradiation (embryo and fetus)

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 1-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Valentin
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Prenatal Development ◽  
In Utero ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Mammalian Embryo ◽  
Experimental Systems

In its 1990 recommendations, the ICRP considered the radiation risks after exposure during prenatal development. This report is a critical review of new experimental animal data on biological effects and evaluations of human studies after prenatal radiation published since the 1990 recommendations. Thus, the report discusses the effects after radiation exposure during pre-implantation, organogenesis, and fetogenesis. The aetiology of long-term effects on brain development is discussed, as well as evidence from studies in man on the effects of in-utero radiation exposure on neurological and mental processes. Animal studies of carcinogenic risk from in-utero radiation and the epidemiology of childhood cancer are discussed, and the carcinogenic risk to man from in-utero radiation is assessed. Open questions and needs for future research are elaborated. The report reiterates that the mammalian embryo and fetus are highly radiosensitive. The nature and sensitivity of induced biological effects depend upon dose and developmental stage at irradiation. The various effects, as studied in experimental systems and in man, are discussed in detail. It is concluded that the findings in the report strengthen and supplement the 1990 recommendations of the ICRP.

Mindfulness and Fear Extinction: A Brief Review of Its Current Neuropsychological Literature and Possible Implications for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 121 (5) ◽  
pp. 792-814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Auretta S. Kummar
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Fear Extinction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Current State

Research in the neuroscience of mindfulness has grown rapidly in recent years. This includes empirical investigations into structural and functional changes in several brain regions—particularly, the hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex, and the amygdala—in association with the practice of mindfulness. Of interest to the current paper is that such brain regions are also implicated in empirical research focusing on fear extinction. While fear extinction has, therefore, been suggested as one of the possible mechanisms to underlie the positive effects of mindfulness, the conceptual links and research implications have lacked specific focus and detailed discussion in the literature. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, two-fold. First, this paper briefly reviews the extant literature on the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying mindfulness—particularly that, which has been found to be similarly implied in fear extinction—and hence, suggests future research directions based on its current state in the literature. Second, this paper explores the implications of this for fear-based psychopathologies, specifically for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Discussion from this paper suggests the idea of fear extinction as an underlying mechanism of mindfulness to be one that is still preliminary, yet promising; in turn, elucidating the need for further methodologically rigorous study to specifically determine fear extinction as a result of mindfulness, as well as to incorporate neuroimaging techniques in supporting the existing literature that have found preliminary support of mindfulness for PTSD.

scholarly journals Comparison and Preference: Manual Signing, Picture Exchange, and Speech-Generating Devices as Communication Modes for Children with Developmental Disabilities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Larah van der Meer
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Choice Making ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Picture Exchange

<p>Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities (DD), who do not speak or have very limited spoken language, are often candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Three common modes of AAC are manual signing (MS), picture exchange (PE), and speech-generating devices (SGDs). Studies suggest that children with ASD and other DD might demonstrate comparable proficiency in learning to use each of these communication systems. Because there may not be one single mode of AAC that appears to be most readily taught to, and learnt by, these children, decisions regarding which AAC mode to implement might need to be based upon an assessment of the individual's preferences for using different AAC systems.  Giving students the opportunity to self-select their most preferred AAC mode could also be viewed as one way of promoting self-determination in AAC intervention and this in turn might significantly influence progress in learning to communicate and maintenance of newly acquired AAC skills. The three empirical intervention studies that are presented in the present thesis each made use of systematic instructional procedures, based upon the principles of applied behaviour analysis (ABA), to teach children with ASD and other DD to request (mand) preferred items using MS, PE, and SGD. A key aspect of the studies was the assessment of each child's preference for using one of the three AAC modes via a structured choice-making protocol. This choice-making protocol was designed to determine whether children made greater progress, showed increased communication ability, and continued to use AAC during follow-up sessions when their preferences for different AAC options were assessed and incorporated into the intervention process.  Utilising single-case research methodology (combined multiple-baseline and alternating-treatments designs), a total of 12 participants (9 boys, 3 girls, aged 4 to 13 years) received interventions that were designed to compare acquisition, maintenance, and preference for MS, PE, and SGD. Overall, the results of the three studies demonstrated that seven of the 12 (58%) participants learnt to use, and reached criterion, for use of each AAC option. Five participants did not reach criterion for MS. Two participants did not reach criterion for PE and one of these participants did not reach criterion for SGD. Eight of the 12 (67%) participants appeared to show a preference for using the SGD. Preference for using PE was demonstrated by three out of eight (38%) participants (PE was only assessed in Studies 2 and 3). Finally, one out of the 12 (8%) participants appeared to show a preference for using MS.  These data suggest greater proficiency and better maintenance when children used their preferred communication option. These findings highlight some potentially positive effects of enabling some degree of self-determination with respect to aspects of the use of AAC systems in communication intervention. Given the encouraging intervention outcomes for the present series of three studies, future research and practice should continue to seek ways of increasing opportunities for self-determination in AAC and related interventions for individuals with ASD/DD.</p>

scholarly journals Robot-Mediated Interventions to Enhance Communication and Social Abilities of Children and Youth with Disabilities: a Review of the Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiyeon Park ◽  
Ye Eun Baek ◽  
Bo Lyeong Lim ◽  
Heeseon Ko
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Humanoid Robots ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Youth With Disabilities ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Social Abilities

Objectives: The current paper presents a review of the literature discussing the trends in research that conducted robot-mediated interventions to enhance communication and social abilities of children and youth with disabilities. Method: Thirty-two dissertation or research articles published after 2000 were selected and divided into thematic categories for analysis, including participants, setting, research method, characteristics of robot-mediated interventions, roles of robots, and the results of studies. Results: First, the research most frequently focused on children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Second, most of the research was conducted in educational settings. Third, most research used quantitative research design, in particular a single-subject research design method was the most common. Fourth, in most of the research humanoid robots assisted the intervention, acting as an interaction partner of participants and as an instrumental medium to prompt the participants to demonstrate desirable behavior. Finally, most studies reported positive effects of robot-mediated intervention in the communication and social abilities of children and youth with disabilities. Conclusion: The paper provides the outcomes and limitations of robot-mediated interventions for children and youth with disabilities and the implications for future research.

scholarly journals Health effects with consumption of the flax lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside

2009 ◽  
Vol 103 (7) ◽  
pp. 929-938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Adolphe ◽  
Susan J. Whiting ◽  
Bernhard H. J. Juurlink ◽  
Lilian U. Thorpe ◽  
Jane Alcorn
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome

Flaxseed is the richest source of the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). After ingestion, SDG is converted to secoisolariciresinol, which is further metabolised to the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone. A growing body of evidence suggests that SDG metabolites may provide health benefits due to their weak oestrogenic or anti-oestrogenic effects, antioxidant activity, ability to induce phase 2 proteins and/or inhibit the activity of certain enzymes, or by mechanisms yet unidentified. Human and animal studies identify the benefits of SDG consumption. SDG metabolites may protect against CVD and the metabolic syndrome by reducing lipid and glucose concentrations, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation. Flax lignans may also reduce cancer risk by preventing pre-cancerous cellular changes and by reducing angiogenesis and metastasis. Thus, dietary SDG has the potential to decrease the incidence of several chronic diseases that result in significant morbidity and mortality in industrialised countries. The available literature, though, makes it difficult to clearly identify SDG health effects because of the wide variability in study methods. However, the current evidence suggests that a dose of at least 500 mg SDG/d for approximately 8 weeks is needed to observe positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors in human patients. Flaxseed and its lignan extracts appear to be safe for most adult populations, though animal studies suggest that pregnant women should limit their exposure. The present review discusses the potential health benefits of SDG in humans, with supporting evidence from animal studies, and offers suggestions for future research.

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