Cognitive Training through mHealth for Individuals with Substance Use Disorder

SummaryBackground: Heroin addiction has a negative impact on cognitive functions, and even recovering addicts suffer from cognitive impairment. Recent approaches to cognitive intervention have been taking advantage of what new technologies have to offer.Objectives: We report a study testing the efficacy of a serious games approach using tablets to stimulate and rehabilitate cognitive functions in recovering addicts.Methods: A small-scale cognitive training program with serious games was run with a sample of 14 male heroin addicts undergoing a rehabilitation program.Results: We found consistent improvements in cognitive functioning between baseline and follow-up assessments for frontal lobe functions, verbal memory and sustained attention, as well as in some aspects of cognitive flexibility, decision-making and in depression levels. More than two thirds of patients in cognitive training had positive outcomes related to indicators of verbal memory cognitive flexibility, which contrasts to patients not in training, in which only one patient improved between baseline and follow-up.Conclusions: The results are promising but still require randomized control trials to determine the efficiency of this approach to cognitive rehabilitation programs for the cognitive recovery of heroin addicts.

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Neurological soft signs and cognition in the late course of chronic schizophrenia: a longitudinal study

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience ◽

10.1007/s00406-020-01138-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Christina J. Herold ◽

Céline Z. Duval ◽

Johannes Schröder

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Flexibility ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Verbal Fluency ◽

Brain Aging ◽

Executive Dysfunction ◽

Chronic Schizophrenia ◽

First Episode ◽

Neurological Soft Signs ◽

Psychopathological Symptoms

Abstract Neurological soft signs (NSS) are minor (‘soft’) neurological abnormalities in sensory and motor performances, which are frequently reported in patients with schizophrenia at any stage of their illness. It has been demonstrated that NSS vary in the clinical course of the disorder: longitudinally NSS decrease in parallel with remission of psychopathological symptoms, an effect which mainly applies to patients with a remitting course. These findings are primarily based on patients with a first episode of the disorder, while the course of NSS in patients with chronic schizophrenia and persisting symptoms is rather unknown. Therefore, we investigated NSS twice in 21 patients with chronic schizophrenia (initial mean duration of illness: 23 ± 11 years) with a mean follow-up interval of 7 years. NSS were evaluated by the Heidelberg Scale, established instruments were used to rate neuropsychological performance and psychopathological symptoms. NSS showed significant increases on the subscales “motor coordination” and “integrative functions”, while positive and negative symptoms, including apathy, showed only minor, non-significant changes. Verbal memory, verbal fluency, and cognitive flexibility along with severity of global cognitive deficits demonstrated a significant deterioration. Regression analyses identified executive dysfunction (cognitive flexibility and verbal fluency) at baseline as significant predictors of NSS increase at follow-up. Our findings indicate that NSS deteriorate in the long-term course of chronic schizophrenia. This effect may be accounted for by a decrease of executive functions and logical memory, which can be attributed to premature brain aging.

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Efficacy of a cognitive intervention program in patients with mild cognitive impairment

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610213000045 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 25 (5) ◽

pp. 825-831 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Galeno J. Rojas ◽

Veronica Villar ◽

Monica Iturry ◽

Paula Harris ◽

Cecilia M. Serrano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Cognitive Strategies ◽

Cognitive Intervention ◽

Control Group ◽

Functional Measures ◽

One Year

ABSTRACTBackground: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional state between normal aging and dementia. Identifying this condition would allow early interventions that may reduce the rate of progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD). We examined the efficacy of a six-month cognitive intervention program (CIP) in patients with MCI and to assess patients’ condition at one-year follow-up.Methods: Forty-six MCI participants assessed with neuropsychological, neurological, neuropsychiatry, and functional procedures were included in this study and followed up during a year. The sample was randomized into two subgroups: 24 participants (the “trained group”) underwent the CIP during six months while 22 (control group) received no treatment. Sixteen participants dropped out of the study. The intervention focused on teaching cognitive strategies, cognitive training, and use of external aids, in sessions of two hours, twice per week for six months. Cognitive and functional measures were used as primary outcome and all were followed up at one year.Results: The intervention effect (mean change from baseline) was significant (p < 0.05) on the Mini-Mental State Examination (1.74), the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (0.14), the Boston Naming Test (2.92), block design (−13.66), matrix reasoning (−3.07), and semantic fluency (−3.071) tasks. Four patients (one trained and three controls) progressed to dementia after one year of follow-up.Conclusions: These results suggest that persons with MCI can improve their performance on cognitive and functional measures when provided with early cognitive training and it could persist in a long-term follow-up.

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The Effect of Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation on Cognitive Training Outcome in Healthy Aging

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.625359 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Michela Brambilla ◽

Lars Dinkelbach ◽

Annelien Bigler ◽

Joseph Williams ◽

Nahid Zokaei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Random Noise ◽

Logical Reasoning ◽

Performance Change ◽

Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation

Background and Objective: Aging is associated with a decline in attentional and executive abilities, which are linked to physiological, structural, and functional brain changes. A variety of novel non-invasive brain stimulation methods have been probed in terms of their neuroenhancement efficacy in the last decade; one that holds significant promise is transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) that delivers an alternate current at random amplitude and frequency. The aim of this study was to investigate whether repeated sessions of tRNS applied as an add-on to cognitive training (CT) may induce long-term near and far transfer cognitive improvements.Methods: In this sham-controlled, randomized, double-blinded study forty-two older adults (age range 60–86 years) were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups that received 20 min of 0.705 mA tRNS (N = 14), 1 mA tRNS (N = 14), or sham tRNS (N = 19) combined with 30 min of CT of executive functions (cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, working memory). tRNS was applied bilaterally over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortices for five sessions. The primary outcome (non-verbal logical reasoning) and other cognitive functions (attention, memory, executive functions) were assessed before and after the intervention and at a 1-month follow-up.Results: Non-verbal logical reasoning, inhibitory control and reaction time improved significantly over time, but stimulation did not differentially affect this improvement. These changes occurred during CT, while no further improvement was observed during follow-up. Performance change in logical reasoning was significantly correlated with age in the group receiving 1 mA tRNS, indicating that older participants profited more from tRNS than younger participants. Performance change in non-verbal working memory was significantly correlated with age in the group receiving sham tRNS, indicating that in contrast to active tRNS, older participants in the sham group declined more than younger participants.Interpretation: CT induced cognitive improvements in all treatment groups, but tRNS did not modulate most of these cognitive improvements. However, the effect of tRNS depended on age in some cognitive functions. We discuss possible explanations leading to this result that can help to improve the design of future neuroenhancement studies in older populations.

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Neurocognition in individuals at high familial risk of mood disorders with or without subsequent onset of depression

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291715001324 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 45 (15) ◽

pp. 3317-3327 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

M. Papmeyer ◽

J. E. Sussmann ◽

J. Hall ◽

J. McKirdy ◽

A. Peel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Mood Disorders ◽

Cognitive Flexibility ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Familial Risk ◽

Set Shifting ◽

Neurocognitive Performance ◽

Performance Deficits ◽

Time Points

BackgroundNeurocognitive performance deficits have been observed in mood disorder patients and their unaffected relatives and may therefore qualify as endophenotypes. However, the precise time course of neurocognitive deficits has not been studied so that it is unknown whether neurocognitive abnormalities reflect the early effects of familial vulnerability to mood disorders or if they emerge at illness onset.MethodA neuropsychological test battery was administered at baseline and after a 2-year follow-up interval in 111 initially unaffected young adults at high familial risk of mood disorders and 93 healthy controls (HC). During the follow-up period, 20 high-risk subjects developed major depressive disorder (HR-MDD), with the remainder remaining well (HR-well). Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate differences and longitudinal changes in the domains of attentional processing, working memory, verbal learning and memory, and cognitive flexibility.ResultsReduced long delay verbal memory and extradimensional set-shifting performance across both time points were found in the HR-well group relative to controls. The HR-MDD group displayed decreased extradimensional set-shifting abilities across both time points as compared with the HC group only. There were no significant performance differences between the two high-risk groups.ConclusionsReduced verbal memory and cognitive flexibility are familial trait markers for vulnerability to mood disorders in individuals with a close family history of bipolar disorder. Both neurocognitive performance deficits appear to be relatively stable over a 2-year time period and do not appear to be linked to the onset of MDD. These findings support their use as stable quantitative endophenotypes for mood disorders.

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The Effectiveness and Applicability of Compensatory Cognitive Training for Japanese Patients with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study

Advances in Psychiatry ◽

10.1155/2015/314804 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Sadao Otsuka ◽

Mie Matsui ◽

Takatoshi Hoshino ◽

Kayoko Miura ◽

Yuko Higuchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Training ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Cognitive Remediation ◽

Japanese Patients ◽

Treatment As Usual ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Level Of Satisfaction ◽

Design Analyses

Although cognitive remediation or training for schizophrenia has been developed, few studies on the subject have focused on Japanese patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness and applicability of compensatory cognitive training (CCT) in Japanese patients with schizophrenia. Twenty-six participants diagnosed with schizophrenia were assigned to either the CCT plus treatment as usual group (n=13) or the treatment as usual alone group (n=13). CCT is a 12-session, manualized, group-based training that coaches compensatory strategies in four cognitive domains (prospective memory, attention, verbal memory, and executive functions). Cognitive, functional, and clinical symptom measures were implemented at baseline, after treatment, and at 3-month follow-up. Mixed design analyses of variance with group and time for each measure demonstrated that effects of CCT on verbal memory, processing speed, and social functioning at postintervention were significant, and the effects on processing speed were maintained at follow-up. Our study suggests that CCT has beneficial effects on cognitive performance, improving functional outcomes in Japanese patients with schizophrenia. Additionally, the high degrees of attendance rates and level of satisfaction rated by the CCT participants ensure the applicability of this methodology to this population.

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The feasibility of a combined model of online interventions for adults with cancer-related cognitive impairment

British Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/0308022620950993 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 030802262095099

Author(s):

Talia Maeir ◽

Mor Nahum ◽

Chen Makranz ◽

Afik Hoba ◽

Tamar Peretz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Treatment Intervention ◽

Occupational Performance ◽

Combined Model

Introduction The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a telehealth intervention combining computerised cognitive training and occupation-based treatment among adult cancer survivors experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment. Method This was a single-arm study including six cancer survivors with cancer-related cognitive impairment. Participants completed the computerised retraining and functional treatment intervention consisting of 10 hours of computerised cognitive training (BrainHQ) and approximately 10 1:1 remote sessions with an occupational therapist using an occupation-based approach. Feasibility was measured in terms of recruitment, adherence, acceptability and potential effectiveness. Assessments were administered at baseline, post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up and included measures of occupational performance, objective cognitive functions, quality of life and mood questionnaires. Results From the nine participants enrolled in the study, six completed 8–13 weeks of computerised retraining and functional treatment intervention and reported high satisfaction levels. Positive and significant improvements were found in occupational performance, useful field of view and social quality of life (all P < 0.05). The positive gains were maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusion A combined model of computerised cognitive training and occupation-based treatment delivered remotely to adults with cancer-related cognitive impairment was found feasible and may improve occupational performance, cognitive functions and quality of life.

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Cognitive training interventions for dementia and mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease - A cochrane review summary with commentary

Neurorehabilitation ◽

10.3233/nre-218001 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-3

Author(s):

Tobias Loetscher

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Cognitive Impairments ◽

Cochrane Review ◽

Cognitive Domains ◽

Training Interventions

BACKGROUND: The majority of people living with Parkinson’s disease will develop impairments in cognition. These impairments are associated with a reduced quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The Cochrane Review aimed to investigate whether cognitive training improves cognition in people with Parkinson’s disease and mild cognitive impairments or dementia. METHODS: A Cochrane Review by Orgeta et al. was summarized with comments. RESULTS: The review included seven studies with a total of 225 participants. There was no evidence for improvements in global cognition when cognitive training was compared to control conditions. Observed improvements in attention and verbal memory measures after cognitive training could not be confirmed in a subsequent sensitivity analysis. There was no evidence for benefits in other cognitive domains or quality of life measures. The certainty of the evidence was low for all comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of cognitive training for people with Parkinson’s disease and cognitive impairments remains inconclusive. There is a pressing need for adequately powered trials with higher methodological quality.

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Effects of multi-domain cognitive training on working memory retrieval in older adults: behavioral and ERP evidence from a Chinese community study

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-79784-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiangfei Hong ◽

You Chen ◽

Jijun Wang ◽

Yuan Shen ◽

Qingwei Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Training Program ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Local Community ◽

Training Group ◽

Event Related Potential ◽

Control Group ◽

Baseline Session

AbstractWorking memory (WM) is a fundamental cognitive function that typically declines with age. Previous studies have shown that targeted WM training has the potential to improve WM performance in older adults. In the present study, we investigated whether a multi-domain cognitive training program that was not designed to specifically target WM could improve the behavioral performance and affect the neural activity during WM retrieval in healthy older adults. We assigned healthy older participants (70–78 years old) from a local community into a training group who completed a 3-month multi-domain cognitive training and a control group who only attended health education lectures during the same period. Behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded from participants while performing an untrained delayed match or non-match to category task and a control task at a pre-training baseline session and a post-training follow-up session. Behaviorally, we found that participants in the training group showed a trend toward greater WM performance gains than participants in the control group. Event-related potential (ERP) results suggest that the task-related modulation of P3 during WM retrieval was significantly enhanced at the follow-up session compared with the baseline session, and importantly, this enhancement of P3 modulation was only significant in the training group. Furthermore, no training-related effects were observed for the P2 or N2 component during WM retrieval. These results suggest that the multi-domain cognitive training program that was not designed to specifically target WM is a promising approach to improve WM performance in older adults, and that training-related gains in performance are likely mediated by an enhanced modulation of P3 which might reflect the process of WM updating.

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