scholarly journals The Effect of Smartphone-Based Cognitive Training on the Functional/Cognitive Markers of Schizophrenia: A One-Year Randomized Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3681
Author(s):  
Marek Krzystanek ◽  
Krzysztof Krysta ◽  
Mariusz Borkowski ◽  
Katarzyna Skałacka ◽  
Jacek Przybyło ◽  
...  

Background: Cognitive impairment is associated with long-term disability that results in the deterioration of both the social and professional status of individuals with schizophrenia. The impact of antipsychotic therapy on cognitive function is insufficient. Cognitive training is therefore proposed as a tool for cognitive rehabilitation in schizophrenia. In this study we investigated the effect of self-administered cognitive training using a smartphone-based application on the cognitive function of paranoid schizophrenia patients focusing on response time, correct answer rate, incorrect answer rate, and fatigability to check, if these functions can be functional markers of successful cognitive-smartphone rehabilitation. Methods: 1-year multicenter, open-label randomized study was conducted on 290 patients in a state of symptomatic remission. 191 patients were equipped with the full version of the application and conducted cognitive training twice a week. Reference group (n = 99) was provided with a version of the application having only limited functionality, testing the cognitive performance of patients every 6 months. Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed in both the rate of correct answers (by 4.8%, p = 0.0001), and cognitive fatigability (by 2.9%, p = 0.0001) in the study group, along with a slight improvement in the rate of incorrect answers (by 0.9%, p = 0.15). In contrast, the reference group, who performed cognitive training every 6 months, demonstrated no significant changes in any cognitive activities. Conclusions: Cognitive trainings facilitated by a smartphone-based application, performed regularly for a longer period of time are feasible and may have the potential to improve the cognitive functioning of individuals with schizophrenia. Correct answers and cognitive fatigability have potential to be functional markers of successful smartphone-based psychiatric rehabilitations in schizophrenia patients.

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982199474
Author(s):  
Maggie Xing ◽  
Dorina Kallogjeri ◽  
Jay F. Piccirillo

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive training in improving tinnitus bother and to identify predictors of patient response. Study Design Prospective open-label randomized controlled trial. Setting Online. Methods Participants were adults with subjective idiopathic nonpulsatile tinnitus causing significant tinnitus-related distress. The intervention group trained by using auditory-intensive exercises for 20 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 8 weeks. The active control group trained on the same schedule with non–auditory intensive games. Surveys were completed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results A total of 64 participants completed the study. The median age was 63 years (range, 25-69) in the intervention group and 61 years (34-68) in the control group. Mixed model analysis revealed that within-subject change in Tinnitus Functional Index in the intervention group was not different than the control group, with marginal mean differences (95% CI): 0.24 (–11.20 to 10.7) and 2.17 (–8.50 to 12.83) at 8 weeks and 2.33 (–8.6 to 13.3) and 3.36 (–7.91 to 14.6) at 12 weeks, respectively. When the 2 study groups were compared, the control group had higher Tinnitus Functional Index scores than the intervention group by 10.5 points at baseline (95% CI, –0.92 to 29.89), 8.1 at 8 weeks (95% CI, –3.27 to 19.42), and 9.4 at 12 weeks (95% CI, –2.45 to 21.34). Conclusion Auditory-intensive cognitive training was not associated with changes in self-reported tinnitus bother. Given the potential for neuroplasticity to affect tinnitus, we believe that future studies on cognitive training for tinnitus remain relevant.


2007 ◽  
Vol 107 (4) ◽  
pp. 577-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph P. Mathew ◽  
G Burkhard Mackensen ◽  
Barbara Phillips-Bute ◽  
Mark Stafford-Smith ◽  
Mihai V. Podgoreanu ◽  
...  

Background Strategies for neuroprotection including hypothermia and hemodilution have been routinely practiced since the inception of cardiopulmonary bypass. Yet postoperative neurocognitive deficits that diminish the quality of life of cardiac surgery patients are frequent. Because there is uncertainty regarding the impact of hemodilution on perioperative organ function, the authors hypothesized that extreme hemodilution during cardiac surgery would increase the frequency and severity of postoperative neurocognitive deficits. Methods Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery were randomly assigned to either moderate hemodilution (hematocrit on cardiopulmonary bypass >or=27%) or profound hemodilution (hematocrit on cardiopulmonary bypass of 15-18%). Cognitive function was measured preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. The effect of hemodilution on postoperative cognition was tested using multivariable modeling accounting for age, years of education, and baseline levels of cognition. Results After randomization of 108 patients, the trial was terminated by the Data Safety and Monitoring Board due to the significant occurrence of adverse events, which primarily involved pulmonary complications in the moderate hemodilution group. Multivariable analysis revealed an interaction between hemodilution and age wherein older patients in the profound hemodilution group experienced greater neurocognitive decline (P = 0.03). Conclusions In this prospective, randomized study of hemodilution during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in adults, the authors report an early termination of the study because of an increase in adverse events. They also observed greater neurocognitive impairment among older patients receiving extreme hemodilution.


Author(s):  
Benedetto Caroleo ◽  
Lidia Colangelo ◽  
Maria Donato ◽  
Marco Balestrieri ◽  
Mauro Soda ◽  
...  

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a global problem, and it is related to both hepatic and extra-hepatic manifestations (e.g., xerophthalmia). New direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), IFN-free treatments, are commonly used to manage HCV infection. However, the impact of new DAAs on dry eyes (xerophthalmia) is lacking. In this study, we evaluated its incidence in HCV patients and the effect of DAAs on this manifestation. Methods: We performed an observational open-label non-randomized study in HCV patients from 01 April 2018 to 01 June 2020. Results : Patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation, Schirmer's test, and Break-up time test. Enrolled patients were divided in two groups: Group 1: HCV patients with xerophthalmia: 24 patients (16 male and 8 female), HCV-RNA 2,685,813 ± 1,145,698; Group 2: HCV patients without xerophthalmia: 35 patients (19 male and 16 female), HCV-RNA 2,614,757 ± 2,820,433. The follow-ups (3 and 6 months after the enrollment) documented an improvement in both eyes’ manifestations and HCV-infection (HCV-RNA undetected). Conclusion: In conclusion, in this study, we reported that xerophthalmia could appear in HCV patients, and DAAs treatment reduces this manifestation without the development of adverse drug reactions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 1473-1482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nahid Zokaei ◽  
Christopher MacKellar ◽  
Giedrė Čepukaitytė ◽  
Eva Zita Patai ◽  
Anna Christina Nobre

Development of measures to preserve cognitive function or even reverse cognitive decline in the ever-growing elderly population is the focus of many research and commercial efforts. One such measure gaining in popularity is the development of computer-based interventions that “exercise” cognitive functions. Computer-based cognitive training has the potential to be specific and flexible, accommodates feedback, and is highly accessible. As in most budding fields, there are still considerable inconsistencies across methodologies and results, as well as a lack of consensus on a comprehensive assessment protocol. We propose that the success of training-based therapeutics will rely on targeting specific cognitive functions, informed by comprehensive and sensitive batteries that can provide a “fingerprint” of an individual's abilities. Instead of expecting a panacea from training regimens, focused and personalized training interventions that accommodate individual differences should be developed to redress specific patterns of deficits in cognitive rehabilitation, both in healthy aging and in disease.


2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Parellada ◽  
F. Kouniakis ◽  
A. Siurkute ◽  
A. Schreiner ◽  
L. Don

Objective:This post-authorization safety survey evaluated the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) in routine clinical practice.Methods:In this 6-month, multicenter, European, naturalistic survey, patients were included if, during routine clinical practice, long-term antipsychotic therapy with RLAI was deemed necessary by the treating physician. Efficacy measures (at baseline and after 1, 3, 6 months) included Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Safety was evaluated by recording treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) at every visit.Results:RLAI was initiated in 5,134 predominantly male (58.6%) patients (aged 14-94 years) with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia (69.8%). RLAI initial doses were 25 mg every-two-weeks in 37.0%, or 50 mg in 44.4% of patients. at endpoint, RLAI dosages were 50 mg in 49.3% of patients, 25 mg in 27.0%, and 37.5 mg in 22.1%. Six-month treatment with RLAI was completed by 4,314 patients (84.0%). RLAI was discontinued due to loss to follow-up (n=346;6.7%), insufficient response (n=116;2.3%), and AEs (n=106;2.1%). CGI-S significantly improved from baseline to endpoint (p< 0.001). Patient functioning in the GAF scale also significantly improved from baseline to endpoint (45.4±16.0 versus 62.4±17.7, respectively, p< 0.001). TEAEs were recorded by 20% of patients. AEs occurring in ≥5% of patients were akathisia, extrapyramidal disorders, depression, psychotic disorder, anxiety, and weight gain. Serious AEs were reported by 384 (8%) patients.Conclusions:This large prospective survey confirms the good safety, tolerability, and efficacy of RLAI as reported in previous controlled clinical trials when used in routine clinical practice.


2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 800-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Galetto ◽  
Katiuscia Sacco

Background. Cognitive deficits are among the most disabling consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI), leading to long-term outcomes and interfering with the individual’s recovery. One of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of cognitive disturbance in everyday life is cognitive rehabilitation, which is based on the principles of brain neuroplasticity and restoration. Although there are many studies in the literature focusing on the effectiveness of cognitive interventions in reducing cognitive deficits following TBI, only a few of them focus on neural modifications induced by cognitive treatment. The use of neuroimaging or neurophysiological measures to evaluate brain changes induced by cognitive rehabilitation may have relevant clinical implications, since they could add individualized elements to cognitive assessment. Nevertheless, there are no review studies in the literature investigating neuroplastic changes induced by cognitive training in TBI individuals. Objective. Due to lack of data, the goal of this article is to review what is currently known on the cerebral modifications following rehabilitation programs in chronic TBI. Methods. Studies investigating both the functional and structural neural modifications induced by cognitive training in TBI subjects were identified from the results of database searches. Forty-five published articles were initially selected. Of these, 34 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Results. Eleven studies were found that focused solely on the functional and neurophysiological changes induced by cognitive rehabilitation. Conclusions. Outcomes showed that cerebral activation may be significantly modified by cognitive rehabilitation, in spite of the severity of the injury.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 408
Author(s):  
Ana-Maria Cotae ◽  
Mirela Ţigliş ◽  
Cristian Cobilinschi ◽  
Alexandru Emil Băetu ◽  
Diana Maria Iacob ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Patients with traumatic injuries have often been excluded from studies that have attempted to pinpoint modifiable factors to predict the transient disturbance of the cognitive function in the postoperative settings. Anesthetists must be aware of the high risk of developing postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in patients undergoing emergency surgery. Monitoring the depth of anesthesia in order to tailor anesthetic delivery may reduce this risk. The primary aim of this study was to improve the prevention strategies for the immediate POCD by assessing anesthetic depth and nociception during emergency surgery. Material and Methods: Of 107 trauma ASA physical status II–IV patients aged over 18 years undergoing emergency noncardiac surgery, 95 patients were included in a prospective randomized study. Exclusion criteria were neurotrauma, chronic use of psychoactive substances or alcohol, impaired preoperative cognitive function, pre-existing psychopathological symptoms, or expected surgery time less than 2 h. Entropy and Surgical Pleth Index (SPI) values were constantly recorded for one group during anesthesia. POCD was assessed 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after surgery using the Neelon and Champagne (NEECHAM) Confusion Scale. Results: Although in the intervention group, fewer patients experienced POCD episodes in comparison to the control group, the results were not statistically significant (p < 0.08). The study showed a statistically significant inverse correlation between fentanyl and the NEECHAM Confusion Scale at 24 h (r = −0.32, p = 0.0005) and 48 h (r = −0.46, p = 0.0002), sevoflurane and the NEECHAM Confusion Scale at 24 h (r = −0.38, p = 0.0014) and 48 h (r = −0.52, p = 0.0002), and noradrenaline and POCD events in the first 48 h (r = −0.46, p = 0.0013 for the first 24 h, respectively, and r = −0.46, p = 0.0002 for the next 24 h). Conclusions: Entropy and SPI monitoring during anesthesia may play an important role in diminishing the risk of developing immediate POCD after emergency surgery.


2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 87-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Chevalier ◽  
Christian Tielemans ◽  
Frederic Debelle ◽  
Dominique Vandervelde ◽  
Christine Fumeron ◽  
...  

Dialysis biofeedback in hemodiafiltration with online regeneration of ultrafiltrate (HFR) could help to improve arterial hypertension. We evaluated the impact of isonatric HFR (HFR-iso) on hypertension control compared to conventional HFR. Forty-seven hemodialysis patients were included and randomized (ratio 2/1) HFR-iso versus HFR during 24 dialysis sessions. In the HFR-iso group (32 patients, 768 dialysis sessions), the predialytic systolic blood pressure (BP) decreased from S1 to S24 of 9 ± 20 mm Hg and increased of 5 ± 24 mm Hg in the HFR group (15 patients, 360 dialysis sessions), variation that differed between the 2 groups (ΔS1-S24, p = 0.035; interaction group*time, p = 0.012). The diastolic BP (HFR-iso -3 ± 14 mm Hg vs. HFR 5 ± 13 mm Hg; p = 0.088), the DDD of antihypertensive treatment and the dry weight did not vary significantly during the study. Number of sessions complicated by symptomatic hypotension was similar in the 2 groups. HFR-iso improved BP control without increasing dialysis hypotension episodes. Short Summary: In this multicenter, open-label, controlled, randomized study, we evaluated the impact of dialysis biofeedback in HFR on arterial hypertension compared to conventional HFR. We observed that HFR-iso improved arterial BP control without increasing dialysis hypotension episodes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 205521732110402
Author(s):  
Kathleen C Munger ◽  
Amy Pacos Martinez ◽  
Megan H Hyland

Background Cognitive impairment in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) negatively impacts daily function and quality of life (QoL). Prior studies of cognitive rehabilitation in pwMS have shown limited benefit but many focused on cognitive function scores rather than QoL measures. Studies using QoL metrics primarily evaluated group cognitive rehabilitation, which may be less appropriate due to variable cognitive profiles in pwMS. This study assesses the impact of an individualized cognitive rehabilitation approach on QoL in MS. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of NeuroQoL assessments done by pwMS (n = 12, mean age 47.9 ± 4.0 years, 75% female, 100% White, 75% RRMS) before and after participation in an individualized compensatory cognitive program. We used a comparison group of pwMS who were candidates for the program but did not participate (n = 9, mean age 48.9 ± 4.4 years, 88.9% female, 100% White, 66.7% RRMS) Results PwMS who participated in the rehabilitation program saw improvements in Sleep Disturbance (50.5 from 55.5, p = 0.005), Fatigue (52.5 from 57.0, p = 0.024), Anxiety (49.8 from 55.4, p = 0.011), and Cognitive Function (39.3 from 36.7, p = 0.049). Conclusions Individualized compensatory cognitive rehabilitation appears effective for improving QoL measures in pwMS with cognitive complaints, supporting the need for further randomized controlled prospective analysis of this intervention.


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