Predictors of Improvement after Cognitive Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Insights from the Cognitive Training and Neuroplasticity in Mild Cognitive Impairment Trial.

Objective: Cognitive training may benefit older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but the prognostic factors are not well-established.

Methods: This study analyzed data from a 78-week trial with 107 participants with MCI, comparing computerized cognitive training (CCT) and computerized crossword puzzle training (CPT). Outcomes were changes in cognitive and functional measures from baseline.

Effects of lithium on serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Alzheimer's patients with agitation.

Background: There is ample evidence in animal models that lithium increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) with supporting evidence in human studies. Little is known, however, about the effects of lithium on BDNF in Alzheimer's Dementia (AD). In one study of patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment, serum BDNF increased after treatment with lithium.