The Effects of Environment on Memory and Reasoning Skills: Comparing Natural and Artificial Environments

The attention restoration theory suggests that directed attention is subject to fatigue, and the presence of nature and natural environments allows recovery from that fatigue, consequently improving cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the mental processes of memory and reasoning were enhanced when exercised concurrently in a natural environment outdoors vs. an artificial environment such as an indoor classroom or lecture hall. Three hundred and eighty degree-seeking students at Texas State University were tested using modified forms of the Sentence Repetition Test and the California Verbal Learning Test to test verbal memory and a modified form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV Matrix Reasoning Test to evaluate nonverbal reasoning/fluid intelligence. Half of the subjects (190) were tested in their classroom at the regularly scheduled class time or one located in the same building at a predetermined date and time. Half of the subjects (190) were tested in an outdoor garden classroom at a predetermined date and time. No significant difference was found to exist between in either the memory or reasoning scores of the two groups. However, comparisons of subjects in the same demographic categories produced one significant difference. Students classified as seniors (P = 0.035) who were tested in the natural environment performed significantly better on the Sentence Repetition Test compared with those tested in the artificial environment. Research generally supports the premise that exposure to nature or natural environments can have beneficial effects on physical and mental health and also improve cognitive function. Further studies should possibly include more than one meeting time and additional testing time for participants to sit and observe in the natural vs. artificial environment before testing.

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Neuropsychological and Syntactic Deficits in HIV Seropositive Males

The Open Neurology Journal ◽

10.2174/1874205x01913010107 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 107-118

Author(s):

Maria Kambanaros ◽

Lambros Messinis ◽

Mina Psichogiou ◽

Lydia Leonidou ◽

Charalambos A. Gogos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Care ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Language Deficits ◽

Sentence Repetition ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Neurocognitive Measures ◽

Hiv Seropositive ◽

Repetition Task

Objective: Given the underlying frontal-basal ganglia circuit neuropathogenesis of HIV-infected individuals, it is surprising that little is reported about potential language deficits as part of their higher cognitive dysfunctional profile. This study aims to elucidate whether HIV-positive individuals have linguistic impairments that may originate from or be intensified by deficits in cognitive functions. The research questions address (i) quantitative differences in sentence repetition abilities involving complex syntactic phenomena between adults with HIV and non-HIV healthy controls (ii) correlations of sentence repetition scores with neurocognitive measures and (iii) correlation of sentence repetition performance with duration and severity of HIV. Methods: A battery of neuropsychological tests were administered to 40 HIV - seropositive males and 40 demographically matched healthy controls to assess verbal learning/episodic memory, psychomotor speed, executive functions and visuospatial abilities. Language abilities were evaluated using a repetition task that screened specific complex syntactic operations at the sentence-level. Results: A significant difference was noted between the two groups regarding correct repetition of the sentence repetition task with the control group outperforming the HIV-seropositive group. For the HIV group, significant correlations were found for correct sentence repetition with years of education, duration of illness, Mini-Mental State Examination, semantic and phonemic fluency, symbol digit modality test scores, and the Trail Making Test (parts A and B). Conclusion: Speech-language pathologists and neuropsychologists should screen for language deficits associated with the different clinical syndromes in HIV patients as part of their routine clinical care.

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Meta-analysis of cognitive function in Chinese first-episode schizophrenia: MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) profile of impairment

General Psychiatry ◽

10.1136/gpsych-2018-100043 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. e100043 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Huijuan Zhang ◽

Yao Wang ◽

Yuliang Hu ◽

Yikang Zhu ◽

Tianhong Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Effect Size ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

First Episode ◽

Neurocognitive Deficits ◽

Cognitive Domains ◽

Significant Difference ◽

First Episode Schizophrenia

BackgroundCompromised neurocognition is a core feature of schizophrenia. With increasing studies researching cognitive function of Chinese patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) using MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), it is not clear about the level and pattern of cognitive impairment among this population.AimTo provide a meta-analysis systematically analysing studies of neurocognitive function using MCCB in Chinese patients with FES.MethodsAn independent literature search of both Chinese and English databases up to 13 March 2019 was conducted by two reviewers. Standardised mean difference (SMD) was calculated using the random effects model to evaluate the effect size.Results56 studies (FES=3167, healthy controls (HC)=3017) were included and analysed. No study was rated as ‘high quality’ according to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. Compared with HCs, Chinese patients with FES showed impairment with large effect size in overall cognition (SMD=−1.60, 95% CI −1.82 to −1.38, I2=67%) and all seven cognitive domains, with the SMD ranging from −0.87 to −1.41. In nine MCCB subtests, patients with FES showed significant difference in Symbol Coding (SMD=−1.90), Trail Making Test (TMT) (SMD=−1.36), Continuous Performance Test-Identical Pairs (SMD=−1.33), Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (SMD=−1.24), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (SMD=−1.18), Mazes (SMD=−1.16), Category Fluency (SMD=−1.01), Spatial Span (SMD=−0.69) and Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (SMD=−0.38).ConclusionsOur meta-analysis demonstrates that Chinese patients with FES show neurocognitive deficits across all seven MCCB cognitive domains and all nine subtests, particularly in two neurocognitive domains: speed of processing and attention/vigilance, with the least impairment shown in social cognition. Symbol Coding and TMT may be the most sensitive tests to detect cognitive deficit in Chinese patients with FES.

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Efficacy and Safety of Sesame Oil Cake Extract on Memory Function Improvement: A 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13082606 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 2606

Author(s):

Su-Jin Jung ◽

Eun-Soo Jung ◽

Ki-Chan Ha ◽

Hyang-Im Baek ◽

Yu-Kyung Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Placebo Group ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Memory Impairment ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Amyloid Β ◽

Sesame Oil ◽

Significant Difference ◽

With Memory

The goal of treatment for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is to reduce the existing clinical symptoms, delay the progression of cognitive impairment and prevent the progression to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). At present, there is no effective drug therapy for AD treatment. However, early intake of dietary supplements may be effective in alleviating and delaying the MCI. This study aims to evaluate the effects of sesame oil cake extract (SOCE) supplementation on cognitive function in aged 60 years or older adults with memory impairment. A total of 70 subjects received either SOCE (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35) for 12 weeks based on random 1:1 assignment to these two groups. Cognitive function was evaluated by a computerized neurocognitive function test (CNT), and changes in the concentrations of plasma amyloid β (Aβ) proteins and urine 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine) were investigated before and after the experiment. Verbal learning test index items of the CNT improved markedly in the SOCE group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, plasma amyloid-β (1–40) and amyloid-β (1–42) levels in the SOCE group decreased significantly compared to that in the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in urine 8-OHdG between the two groups (p > 0.05). Collectively, intake of SOCE for 12 weeks appears to have a beneficial effect on the verbal memory abilities and plasma β-amyloid levels of older adults with memory impairment.

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Neurocognitive Effects of Cocoa and Red-Berries Consumption in Healthy Adults

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu14010001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Joaquín García-Cordero ◽

Alicia Pino ◽

Constanza Cuevas ◽

Verónica Puertas-Martín ◽

Ricardo San Román ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Verbal Learning ◽

Growth Factor Receptor ◽

Population Group ◽

The Elderly ◽

Tower Of London ◽

Double Blind ◽

Adult Intelligence Scale ◽

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale ◽

Age Related ◽

Significant Difference

In recent decades, the elderly population has increased at higher rates than any other population group, resulting in an increase in age-related diseases such as neurodegenerative and cognitive impairment. To address this global health problem, it is necessary to search for new dietary strategies that can prevent the main neurocognitive problems associated with the ageing process. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of cocoa flavanols and red berry anthocyanins on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor receptor (NGF-R) and to stablish the possible improvement in cognitive performance by using a battery of neurocognitive tests that included the Verbal Learning Test Spain-Complutense, the Spatial Recall Test 10/36 BRB-N, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III and IV, the STROOP Task and the Tower of London Test. A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study was performed in 60 healthy volunteers between 50 and 75 years old who consumed a cocoa powder, a red berries mixture or a combination of both for 12 weeks. After the intervention, we observed a reduction in the time needed to start (p = 0.031) and finish (p = 0.018) the neurocognitive test known as the Tower of London in all groups, but the decrease in time to finish the task was more pronounced in the intervention with the combination of cocoa-red berries group. We failed to show any significant difference in BDNF and NGF-R sera levels. However we found a negative correlation between BDNF and the number of movements required to finish the TOL in women (p = 0.044). In conclusion, our study showed an improvement in executive function, without any change in neurotrofin levels, for all intervention arms.

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Neuroimaging Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia and Predictive Diagnosis of Melatonin Therapy

Journal of Medical Imaging and Health Informatics ◽

10.1166/jmihi.2021.3435 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 179-185

Author(s):

Qingjun Tang ◽

Lina Zhang ◽

Bing Zhao ◽

Xin Wang ◽

Juan Chen

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Chronic Schizophrenia ◽

Control Group ◽

Semantic Fluency ◽

Predictive Diagnosis ◽

Symptom Scale ◽

Adult Intelligence Scale ◽

Significant Difference

Objective: To investigate the improvement of melatonin in cognitive function and safety of schizophrenia patients with tardive dyskinesia (TD). At the same time, the neuroimaging characteristics of patients with chronic schizophrenia were analyzed. Methods: 76 patients with chronic schizophrenia accompanied by TD were randomly divided into treatment group 39 cases and control group 37 cases. The treatment group was given melatonin 9 mg/d, while the control group was only treated with the original drug. The course of treatment is 12 weeks. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), Repeated Neuropsychological State Test (RBANS), Vocabulary Fluency Scale (VFT), and Symptom Scale (TESS) The curative effect and adverse reactions were evaluated before treatment and 12 weeks. Results: In the treatment group, WAIS was significantly higher than the control group in terms of semantic fluency and VFT in all indicators of operation, speech and total scale (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); the differences in WMS indicators between the two groups were all different. No statistical significance (P > 0.05). The TESS score in the treatment group was significantly lower than before treatment (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Melatonin can improve the cognitive function of patients with chronic schizophrenia with TD, and it is safer.

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Does cognition-specific computer training have better clinical outcomes than non-specific computer training? A single-blind, randomized controlled trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215517719951 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 213-222 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ji-Hyuk Park ◽

Jin-Hyuck Park

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Short Form ◽

Digit Span ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Bodily Pain ◽

Computer Training ◽

Cognitive Domain ◽

Adult Intelligence Scale ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Complex Figure

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between non-specific computer training (NCT) and cognition-specific computer training (CCT). Design: Randomized controlled experimental study. Setting: Local community welfare center. Subjects: A total of 78 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were randomly assigned to the NCT ( n = 39) or CCT group ( n = 39). Intervention: The NCT group underwent NCT using Nintendo Wii for improving functional performance, while the CCT group underwent CCT using CoTras for improving function of the cognitive domain specifically. Subjects in both groups received 30-minute intervention three times a week for 10 weeks. Main measures: To identify effects on cognitive function, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) digit span subtests, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Trail Making Test–Part B (TMT-B), Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, and Modified Taylor Complex Figure (MTCF) were used. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the Short-Form 36-item questionnaire. Results: After 10 weeks, the WAIS subtests (digit span forward: 0.48 ± 0.08 vs. 0.12 ± 0.04; digit span backward: 0.46 ± 0.09 vs. 0.11 ± 0.04) and HRQoL (vitality: 9.05 ± 1.17 vs. 2.69 ± 1.67; role-emotional: 8.31 ± 1.20 vs. 4.15 ± 0.71; mental health: 11.62 ± 1.63 vs. 6.95 ± 1.75; bodily pain: 4.21 ± 2.17 vs. 0.10 ± 0.38) were significantly higher in the NCT group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: NCT was superior to CCT for improving cognitive function and HRQoL of elderly adults with MCI.

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Effect of Levetiracetam on Cognitive Function and Clonic Seizure Frequency in Children with Epilepsy

Current Molecular Medicine ◽

10.2174/1566524019666190729113321 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (9) ◽

pp. 699-703

Author(s):

Shihao Zhou ◽

Qiong Zhan ◽

Xiaomei Wu

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Clonic Seizure ◽

Conventional Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Random Number Table ◽

Clonic Seizures ◽

The Difference ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Executive Ability

Background: This study aimed to explore the clinical effect of levetiracetam in the treatment of children with epilepsy. Methods: 136 children with epilepsy were selected from January 2017 to December 2017. According to the random number table method, they were divided into the experimental group and the conventional group, with 68 cases in each group. The conventional group was treated with valproate, while the experimental group was treated with levetiracetam. The effective rate, the cognitive function and the frequency of clonic seizures in the two groups were compared. Results: There was no significant difference in the total effective rate between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in attention, executive ability, abstract and orientation scores between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, the focus of attention (106.54±6.56), executive ability (105.76±6.77), abstract and directional score (106.65±6.57) were significantly higher than that of the conventional group. The difference in the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, the frequency of myoclonic seizures (9.22±0.95) and the frequency of tonic-clonic seizures (11.68±1.36) were found to be significantly lower than those of the conventional group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Levetiracetam is effective in the treatment of children with epilepsy. It can effectively improve the cognitive function of the patients, reduce the frequency of myoclonic seizures and tonic-clonic seizures, and has a high promotion value.

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Physiotherapy versus Consecutive Physiotherapy and Cognitive Treatment in People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Randomized Cross-Over Study

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11080687 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 687

Author(s):

Valentina Varalta ◽

Paola Poiese ◽

Serena Recchia ◽

Barbara Montagnana ◽

Cristina Fonte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Cognitive Rehabilitation ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Functional Mobility ◽

Cognitive Treatment ◽

Rehabilitation Programs ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by motor and cognitive dysfunctions that can usually be treated by physiotherapy or cognitive training, respectively. The effects of consecutive physiotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation programs on PD deficits are less investigated. Objective: We investigated the effects of 3 months of physiotherapy (physiotherapy treatment group) or consecutive physiotherapy and cognitive (physiotherapy and cognitive treatment group) rehabilitation programs on cognitive, motor, and psychological aspects in 20 PD patients. Methods: The two groups switched programs and continued rehabilitation for another 3 months. The outcomes were score improvement on cognitive (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Frontal Assessment Battery, Trail Making Test, Verbal Phonemic Fluency, Digit Span, and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning), motor (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale-III, Berg Balance Scale, Two-Minute Walking Test, and Time Up and Go), and psychological (Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) scales. Results: Between-group comparison revealed a significant difference in functional mobility between the two rehabilitation programs. Improvements in walking abilities were noted after both interventions, but only the patients treated with consecutive training showed better performance on functional mobility and memory tasks. Conclusion: Our findings support the hypothesis that consecutive physiotherapy plus cognitive rehabilitation may have a greater benefit than physiotherapy alone in patients with PD.

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In-Situ Synthesis of TiO2@GO Nanosheets for Polymers Degradation in a Natural Environment

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13132158 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (13) ◽

pp. 2158

Author(s):

Yueqin Shi ◽

Zhanyang Yu ◽

Zhengjun Li ◽

Xiaodong Zhao ◽

Yongjun Yuan

Keyword(s):

Natural Environment ◽

New Technologies ◽

Separation Efficiency ◽

Basic Mechanism ◽

Chemical Degradation ◽

Natural Environments ◽

Additional Energy ◽

Photogenerated Electrons ◽

Main Components

Plastic photodegradation naturally takes 300–500 years, and their chemical degradation typically needs additional energy or causes secondary pollution. The main components of global plastic are polymers. Hence, new technologies are urgently required for the effective decomposition of the polymers in natural environments, which lays the foundation for this study on future plastic degradation. This study synthesizes the in-situ growth of TiO2 at graphene oxide (GO) matrix to form the TiO2@GO photocatalyst, and studies its application in conjugated polymers’ photodegradation. The photodegradation process could be probed by UV-vis absorption originating from the conjugated backbone of polymers. We have found that the complete decomposition of various polymers in a natural environment by employing the photocatalyst TiO2@GO within 12 days. It is obvious that the TiO2@GO shows a higher photocatalyst activity than the TiO2, due to the higher crystallinity morphology and smaller size of TiO2, and the faster transmission of photogenerated electrons from TiO2 to GO. The stronger fluorescence (FL) intensity of TiO2@GO compared to TiO2 at the terephthalic acid aqueous solution indicates that more hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are produced for TiO2@GO. This further confirms that the GO could effectively decrease the generation of recombination centers, enhance the separation efficiency of photoinduced electrons and holes, and increase the photocatalytic activity of TiO2@GO. This work establishes the underlying basic mechanism of polymers photodegradation, which might open new avenues for simultaneously addressing the white pollution crisis in a natural environment.

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A Retrospective Exploratory Analysis on Cardiovascular Risk and Cognitive Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11040502 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 502

Author(s):

Antonio Reia ◽

Martina Petruzzo ◽

Fabrizia Falco ◽

Teresa Costabile ◽

Matteo Conenna ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Risk Score ◽

Framingham Risk Score ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Macrovascular Disease ◽

Cardiovascular Comorbidities ◽

Cholesterol Levels ◽

Framingham Risk ◽

Input Variables

Background. Cardiovascular comorbidities have been associated with cognitive decline in the general population. Objectives. To evaluate the associations between cardiovascular risk and neuropsychological performances in MS. Methods. This is a retrospective study, including 69 MS patients. For all patients, we calculated the Framingham risk score, which provides the 10-year probability of developing macrovascular disease, using age, sex, diabetes, smoking, systolic blood pressure, and cholesterol levels as input variables. Cognitive function was examined with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS), including the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II), and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R). Results. Each point increase of the Framingham risk score corresponded to 0.21 lower CVLT-II score. Looking at Framingham risk score components, male sex and higher total cholesterol levels corresponded to lower CVLT scores (Coeff = −8.54; 95%CI = −15.51, −1.57; and Coeff = −0.11; 95%CI = −0.20, −0.02, respectively). No associations were found between cardiovascular risk and SDMT or BVMT-R. Conclusions. In our exploratory analyses, cardiovascular risk was associated with verbal learning dysfunction in MS. Lifestyle and pharmacological interventions on cardiovascular risk factors should be considered carefully in the management of MS, given the possible effects on cognitive function.

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