scholarly journals IntelligenceGym — is an effective tool to improve cognitive functions in the elderly

2021 ◽  
pp. 60-64
Author(s):  
N. V. Trushkova ◽  
G. Zelano
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Medical Certification ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cognitive Deficiency ◽  
Improved Performance

Aim. The aim of our study was to verify the effectiveness of the innovative IntelligenceGym training in improving cognitive abilities in the elderly.Material and methods. We developed an original training method that requires interaction between motor and cognitive functions. In our study 123 women and 89 men, aged 68–76 were examined. The inclusion criteria were Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores of 23 to 25 at inclusion, autonomy in walking, medical certification to participate in light physical activity. We have proposed to the participants to attend IntelligenceGym training one hour twice a week for 24 weeks. Cognitive performance was assessed before and after intervention included MMSE, Forward and Backward Digit Span Test, Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning test (RAVLT), TMT-A, TMT-B. Moreover, motor performance was tested by using the Time Up and Go (TUG) test.Results.The cognitive assessment after IntelligenceGym training showed statistically significant improvement in all the scores tested (t-test performed). The results showed that participants of the IntelligenceGym training had particularly improved performance in Digit Span, MMSE and TMT-B tests and also improvements in motor TUG test.Conclusion. These findings indicate that the IntelligenceGym training is an efficient tool to improve cognitive performance in older adults with borderline or mild cognitive deficiency.

scholarly journals The association of reported cognitive symptoms and objective cognitive performance in patients with prolonged post-concussion symptoms

Neurology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (23 Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S20.1-S20
Author(s):  
Douglas R. Polster ◽  
Alma Martinez ◽  
Collin Blout ◽  
Christopher Giza ◽  
Talin Babikian
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Cognitive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Complaints ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
Affective Symptoms

ObjectiveWithin a sample of patients with prolonged post-concussion symptoms, the current study evaluated the etiology of patients reported cognitive symptoms.BackgroundApproximately 20% of individuals who sustain a concussion will go on to have prolonged post-concussion symptoms. There has been little research examining how patients' perceived symptoms relate to objective markers, especially in regard to perceived cognitive symptoms (e.g., difficulty concentrating). It is important to understand what contributes to patients' reported complaints in order inform prognosis as well as identify areas for intervention. We hypothesize that patients reported cognitive complaints are better accounted for by other concussion symptoms (e.g., somatic, affective, sleep) than by difficulties in their underlying cognitive abilities.MethodsThirty-seven patients between the ages of 12–23 were retrospectively included in the study based on the following: reported post-concussion symptoms, evaluated between 1 month and 1 year post-injury. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to test if objective cognitive performance, as measured by a verbal learning/memory task (RAVLT Total) and an attention/working memory task (WAIS-IV Digit Span Total), significantly predicted reported cognitive symptoms above and beyond somatic, sleep, and affective symptoms.ResultsResults of the regression analyses indicated somatic, sleep, and affective symptoms significantly explained 50.3% of the variance in reported cognitive symptoms. Objective cognitive performance did not significantly predict reported cognitive symptoms above and beyond the 3 other symptom factors (R2 Change = 0.04, F [2,31] = 1.45, p = 0.25). Additionally, objective cognitive performance was not a significant predictor of reported cognitive symptoms, explaining only 2.4% of the variance.ConclusionsResults suggest cognitive difficulties are unlikely related to underlying neurocognitive pathology, but instead are related to functional challenges in the face of other symptoms (e.g., headache). Treatment of patients with cognitive complaints should focus on their entire symptom set, likely leading to a reduction in cognitive complaints.

scholarly journals Cognitive reserve in elderly: neuropsychological aspects and the education role in the latest findings

2015 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 136
Author(s):  
João Gabriel Magalhães Dias ◽  
Pablo Rodrigo Andrade da Silva ◽  
Tânia Corrêa de Toledo Ferraz Alvez
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cortical Atrophy ◽  
Print Exposure ◽  
Cognitive Markers

The elderly population is growing worldwide, and therefore cognitive decline and dementia is a major problem for healthcare system. However, many elders do not develop dementia or significant cognitive impairment even though present brain lesions, such as cortical atrophy and/or lesions, leading to the concept of Cognitive Reserve (CR). The main objective of this review is to establish the recent findings of CR in elderly cognition and explore some of the cognitive markers related to CR. In order to accomplish that we carried out a search for papers published either in English or Portuguese language in the last 5 years in the Medline database using as keywords cognitive reserve, elderly and aging/ageing. We filtered 14 studies that specifically approached the neuropsychological aspects (e.g, memory, attention, orientation, executive function) and reviewed them in detail. Based on these papers regarding old-aged individuals, education appears to have several implications on CR by strengthening cognitive abilities, however does not appear to impact on cognitive decline. Besides, we realized that cognitive performance is one of the form to measure CR, even though the methods cannot be standardized, which may be the cause of some varied conclusions. Regarding CR, education was the most prevalent measure, and CR seems to have a beneficial effect on executive function and episodic memory and it seems to act by both neural reserve and neural compensation. Print exposure appears as a potential variable positively related to cognitive performance and CR.

scholarly journals Temporal Sequence of Hearing Impairment and Cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 574-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole M Armstrong ◽  
Yang An ◽  
Luigi Ferrucci ◽  
Jennifer A Deal ◽  
Frank R Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Temporal Sequence ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
California Verbal Learning Test ◽  
Baltimore Longitudinal Study ◽  
Learning Test

Abstract Background Hearing impairment (HI) could be a risk factor for cognitive decline, but cognition could plausibly also affect psychoacoustic assessment of hearing with audiometry. We examined the temporal sequence of hearing and cognitive function among nondemented, community-dwelling older adults. Methods Hearing and cognition were assessed between 2012 and 2015 and 2 years thereafter in 313 nondemented participants aged ≥60 years in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Poorer hearing was defined by pure-tone average of 0.5–4 kHz tones in the better-hearing ear. Cognitive measures with either visual or auditory inputs were Trail-making Test Part B; Digit Symbol Substitution Test; California Verbal Learning Test immediate recall, short delay, and long delay; Digit Span Forward/Backward; Benton Visual Retention Test; and Mini-Mental State Examination. We used linear regression models for cross-sectional associations at each timepoint and autoregressive, cross-lagged models to evaluate whether baseline hearing impairment (Time 1) predicted cognitive performance 2 years after baseline (Time 2) and vice versa. Results Cross-sectionally, there were no associations between poorer hearing and cognitive performance. Longitudinally, poorer hearing was associated with declines in California Verbal Learning Test immediate (β = −0.073, SE = 0.032, p = .024), short-delayed (β = −0.134, SE = 0.043, p = .002), long-delayed (β = −0.080, SE = 0.032, p = .012) recall, and Digit Span Forward (β = −0.074, SE = 0.029, p = .011).) from Time 1 to Time 2. Cognitive performance at Time 1 did not predict change in hearing status at Time 2. Conclusions Audiometric hearing impairment predicted short-term cognitive declines in both California Verbal Learning Test and auditory stimuli for attention.

scholarly journals Genetic Architecture of Working Memory Cognitive Function of Twins

2020 ◽  
pp. 129-135
Author(s):  
. Annu ◽  
Bimla Dhanda
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Genetic Architecture ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Monozygotic Twins ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Heritability Estimate ◽  
Heritability Estimates

The twin research has provided a deep understanding of the influence of genetic and the environment on cognitive functions. The contribution of genetic material accounted for 50-65% in the variations of working memory cognitive functions of twins. To conduct twin study 100 pairs of twins from two districts, namely: Bhiwani (N = 90) and Hisar (N = 110) of Haryana State, were taken. The working memory cognitive functions of twins were measured using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children- Revised (WISC-R). Heritability estimate was used to examine the genes that contributed to shaping the cognitive functions of twins. The result of heritability estimates revealed that the heritability estimates of working memory cognitive functions namely: digit span (62%), maze (58%) and arithmetic (58%) in Bhiwani district and Hisar district, were 57%, 51% and 54% for digit span, maze, and arithmetic respectively. The findings elucidated that the working memory cognitive functions were more influenced by genetic architecture than the environmental factors. The monozygotic twins were more correlated in their general cognitive abilities than the dizygotic twins.

scholarly journals Association of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism with cognitive abilities variability of elderly people

2018 ◽  
pp. 20-26
Author(s):  
А.В. Марусин ◽  
О.А. Макеева ◽  
К.В. Вагайцева ◽  
А.В. Бочарова ◽  
М.Г. Сваровская ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Natural Aging ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Protein Isoforms ◽  
Apolipoprotein E Gene ◽  
Median Test ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Brain

Physiological changes in the brain with natural aging and the development of dementia have a common genetic basis, which makes it important to search for genetic variants that delineate the natural decline in cognitive abilities with age and dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Objective: the search for the relationship between two polymorphic variants (rs429358 and rs7412) APOE gene and their protein isoforms (apoE) with the variability of cognitive functions in the elderly, determined by Montreal Cognitive Assessmnet (MoCA) total score. The study was performed on a group of 695 elderly people (177 men and 518 women) tested by a battery of MoCA tests. Genotyping was carried out by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes. The analysis of genotypic variability associations with the nominal trait was performed by the Kruskel-Wallis and the median test nonparametric methods.It was shown that the rs429358*C allele carriers and protein isoforms e4/e4+e2/e4+e3/e4 carriers in comparison with the e3/e3 homozygous have the greatest risk of decreased cognitive abilities in old age (OR (95% CI) was 1.51 (1.09 - 2.10), c = 6.66, p = 0.01 and OR = 1.64, 95% CI (1.11 - 2.44), c = 6.76, p = 0.009, respectively). Probably, the revealed associations indicate to the presence of common genes and mechanisms for dementia and intellect with normal variability of cognitive functions inheritance.

The relationship between premorbid adjustment and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S78-S79
Author(s):  
P. Stefanatou ◽  
C.S. Karatosidi ◽  
E. Kattoulas ◽  
N. Stefanis ◽  
N. Smyrnis
Keyword(s):  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Prognostic Indicators ◽  
Intellectual Quotient ◽  
Premorbid Adjustment ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Relationship

IntroductionPremorbid adjustment (PA) is one of the main prognostic indicators of schizophrenia. Both social and cognitive deficits observed during the premorbid period hold a predictive value for the onset of schizophrenia.ObjectivesTo investigate how cognitive functions are related to aspects of PA.AimsTo examine the relationship of each PA domain (academic and social) at each of the three developmental stages (childhood, early adolescence and late adolescence), as well as their course with the cognitive functions in schizophrenia patients.MethodsPA, intellectual quotient (IQ), verbal learning, memory, processing speed, executive functions and verbal fluency were assessed using PAS, WAIS, RAVLT, TMT, WCST and COWAT measures respectively in a sample of 85 clinically stabilized male schizophrenia inpatients.ResultsNegative correlations emerged between academic PA during adolescence and both verbal IQ and processing speed, while positive correlations were found with working memory. Negative correlations emerged between deterioration in academic PA during adolescence and both processing speed and immediate auditory verbal recall, while correlations with verbal learning were positive. There was no relationship between cognitive functions and either social PA or its deterioration.ConclusionOur findings revealed significant associations between both academic PA and its course with cognitive functions in schizophrenia patients. In summary, deficits in several fields of cognitive functions seem to follow a different path long before and after the onset of the disease, but further investigation is necessary.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Agomelatine vs fluoxetine: Efficacy and improvement of cognitive functions in patients with MDD

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S405-S405
Author(s):  
E. Aydın ◽  
M. Güleç ◽  
E. Oral ◽  
A.G. Daloğlu
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Word Association ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Neurocognitive Functions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionIn major depressive disorder (MDD) neurocognitive functions are impaired. In addition to melatonergic properties of agomelatine, via 5-HT2C antagonism it increases extracellular noradrenaline and dopamine in frontal cortex and may improve the neurocognitive functions of patients with MDD.Aims and objectivesTo investigate the extent of neurocognitive improvement and efficacy of agomelatine and fluoxetine in patients with MDD.Material and methodAgomelatine 25 mg/day (n: 24) and fluoxetine 20 mg/day (n: 24) were administered to drug-naive unipolar, non-psychotic, non-suicidal MDD patients according to DSM-IV. Evaluations were performed just before the treatment and at the sixth week of treatment via administering Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), Digit Span Test (DST), Trail Making Test (TMT-A/B), Stroop Test and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.ResultsBoth agomelatine and fluoxetine was found to be efficacious for the treatment of MDD (P < 0.05 for both). Further there was no difference between the antidepressant efficacy of two drugs. Both of the drugs improved measured neurocognitive functions (P < 0.05), except scores of DST (P > 0.05) and only fluoxetine improved significantly scores of COWAT (P < 0.05). Only in terms of TMT-B there was significant difference between groups and agomelatine was superior to fluoxetine (P < 0.05).ConclusionAgomelatine and fluoxetine were efficacious in treatment of MDD. Furthermore both of the drugs improved cognitive functions in patients with MDD. Superiority of agomelatine in improvement of executive functioning (TMT-B) is important and therefore it could be an appropriate choice for MDD patients who have pronounced executive disturbances.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Acute Exercise Improves Prefrontal Cortex but not Hippocampal Function in Healthy Adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 791-801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia C. Basso ◽  
Andrea Shang ◽  
Meredith Elman ◽  
Ryan Karmouta ◽  
Wendy A. Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Medial Temporal Lobe ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled

AbstractThe effects of acute aerobic exercise on cognitive functions in humans have been the subject of much investigation; however, these studies are limited by several factors, including a lack of randomized controlled designs, focus on only a single cognitive function, and testing during or shortly after exercise. Using a randomized controlled design, the present study asked how a single bout of aerobic exercise affects a range of frontal- and medial temporal lobe-dependent cognitive functions and how long these effects last. We randomly assigned 85 subjects to either a vigorous intensity acute aerobic exercise group or a video watching control group. All subjects completed a battery of cognitive tasks both before and 30, 60, 90, or 120 min after the intervention. This battery included the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised, the Modified Benton Visual Retention Test, the Stroop Color and Word Test, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Digit Span Test, the Trail Making Test, and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test. Based on these measures, composite scores were formed to independently assess prefrontal cortex- and hippocampal-dependent cognition. A three-way mixed Analysis of Variance was used to determine whether differences existed between groups in the change in cognitive function from pre- to post-intervention testing. Acute exercise improved prefrontal cortex- but not hippocampal-dependent functioning, with no differences found between delay groups. Vigorous acute aerobic exercise has beneficial effects on prefrontal cortex-dependent cognition and these effects can last for up to 2 hr after exercise. (JINS, 2015, 21, 791–801)

scholarly journals The Effects of Maximal Intensity Exercise on Cognitive Performance in Children

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy David Samuel ◽  
Ofir Zavdy ◽  
Miriam Levav ◽  
Ronen Reuveny ◽  
Uriel Katz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
Post Exercise ◽  
Maximal Intensity ◽  
Memory And Attention ◽  
Repeated Measures Design

AbstractHigh intensity physical exercise has previously been found to lead to a decline in cognitive performance of adults. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of maximal intensity exercise on cognitive performance of children. Using a repeated-measures design, 20 children and adolescents aged 8-17 years completed a battery of tests measuring memory and attention. Forward and Backward Digit Span tests, the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) were performed at baseline, immediately after, and one hour after a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test. Forward and Backward Digit Span scores significantly improved post-recovery compared with baseline measurements. There was a significant decrease in RAVLT scores post-exercise, which returned to baseline values after recovery. The DSST test scores were mildly elevated from post-exercise to after recovery. Maximal intensity exercise in children and adolescents may result in both beneficial and detrimental cognitive effects, including transient impairment in verbal learning. Cognitive functions applying short term memory improve following a recovery period. Parents, educators and coaches should consider these changes in memory and attention following high-intensity exercise activities in children.

Cognitive Impairment in Major Depressive Disorder and Severe Depressive Episode with Psychotic Symptoms

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S143-S144
Author(s):  
S. Fedorová ◽  
M. Blažková ◽  
P. Humpolíček ◽  
R. Barteček
Keyword(s):  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Depressive Episode ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Depressive Episodes

IntroductionCognitive impairment in patients with depressive disorder is a subject of intensive research.ObjectivesThis study deals with the cognitive impairment in patients with severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms and patients with major depressive disorder during the acute state of illness.AimsThe aim was to define domains and the level of cognitive impairment in both groups of patients.The next aim was to compare profiles of cognitive impairment in both groups of patients.The last aim was to find out a relationship between cognitive performance and severity of depressive episode during the acute state of illness.MethodsWe have used neuropsychological test battery (Auditory–Verbal Learning Test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Logical Memory, Digit span test, Trail making test, Verbal Fluency Test, Block Design and Benton Visual Retention Test) for the evaluation of the cognitive functions in patients with severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms (n = 5) and patients with major depressive disorder (n = 8).ResultsWe found cognitive impairment in all examined domains in both groups of patients.More profound cognitive impairment was found in patients with severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms, particularly in visual memory, visuo-constructive abilities, speed of cognitive processing and executive functions. We found no correlation between cognitive performance and severity of depressive episodes.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a strong correlation between psychotic symptoms in depression and cognitive performance.

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