Background: Evidence suggests that computerized cognitive training (CCT) can improve cognitive function in older adults, particularly executive functions. However, the underlying mechanisms by which CCT may improve executive functions are not well established.
Objective: To determine: 1) inter-network functional connectivity correlates of changes in executive functions; and 2) the effect of CCT on these functional connectivity correlates.
Methods: This secondary analysis included a subset of 124 adults aged 65-85 years enrolled in an 8-week randomized controlled trial of CCT. Participants were randomized to either: 1) group-based CCT 3x/week for 1 hour plus 3x/week home-based training; 2) group-based CCT preceded by brisk walking (Ex+CCT) 3x/week for 1 hour plus 3x/week home-based training; or 3) group-based balanced and toned (BAT) classes 3x/week for 1 hour (control). At baseline and trial completion, 65 of the 124 participants completed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological tests of executive functions, specifically the Stroop Colour-Word Test and Flanker Test.
Results: Improved performance on the Stroop Colour-Word Test and Flanker Test were associated with decreased correlation between the default mode network (DMN) and the fronto-parietal network (FPN) (p < 0.05). Compared with BAT, CCT alone significantly decreased correlation between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and both the left and right medial temporal gyrus (-0.143, 95%CI [-0.256,-0.030], p = 0.014, and -0.123, 95%CI [-0.242,-0.004], p = 0.043, respectively).
Conclusion: Decreased correlation between DMN and FPN, indicating less connection between these networks, may be an underlying mechanism by which CCT improves executive functions. Future studies are needed to replicate this finding.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/JAD-200844 | DOI Listing |
N Z Med J
January 2025
Executive Dean, Bond Business School, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia; Harkness Senior Fellow, Commonwealth Fund of New York.
This article makes the case for taking a model-based management approach, specifically using the Viable System Model (VSM), to embed learning and adaptation into the New Zealand health system so it can function as a learning health system. We draw on a case study of a specialist clinical service where the VSM was used to guide semi-structured interviews and workshops with clinicians and managers and to guide analysis of the findings. The VSM analysis revealed a lack of clarity of organisational functioning, and of the systems, processes and integrated IT infrastructure necessary to support the fundamental requirements of a learning health system.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWorld J Pediatr
January 2025
Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.
Background: We performed an umbrella review to synthesize evidence on the effects of physical activity (PA) interventions on indicators of physical and psychological health among children and adolescents, including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), depressive symptoms, and cognitive function.
Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception through 31 July 2023. We included meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials exploring the effects of PA interventions on BMI, BP, depressive symptoms, or cognitive function in healthy or general children and adolescents.
Psychopharmacology (Berl)
January 2025
Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Rationale: Psilocybin shows promise for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, insight into its acute effects on cognition is lacking. Given the significant role of executive functions in daily life and treatment efficacy, it is crucial to evaluate how psilocybin influences these cognitive domains.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHum Brain Mapp
February 2025
Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Cognitive impairment is considered to be one of the key features of Parkinson's disease (PD), ultimately resulting in PD-related dementia in approximately 80% of patients over the course of the disease. Several distinct cognitive syndromes of PD have been suggested, driven by different neurotransmitter deficiencies and thus requiring different treatment regimes. In this study, we aimed to identify characteristic brain covariance patterns that reveal how cholinergic denervation is related to PD and to cognitive impairment, focusing on four domains, including attention, executive functioning, memory, and visuospatial cognition.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Neurol
January 2025
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China.
Objective: This study aims to observe the effect of enrichment rehabilitation (ER) on cognitive function in post-stroke patients and to clarify its underlying mechanism.
Methods: Forty patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups: conventional medical rehabilitation (CM group) and ER intervention (ER group). All patients underwent assessments of overall cognitive function, attention function, and executive function within 24 h before the start of training and within 24 h after the 8 weeks of training.
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