NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (CB): validation of executive function measures in adults

Assessment of cognitive-motor functions in adults with perceived neuropsychological problems using NIH toolbox after remote biofield energy treatment as non-pharmacological intervention: A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial

Non-pharmacological interventions include physical activity, biofield energy therapy, reiki, Tai chi, and therapeutic touch. However, no reports analyzed the effectiveness of biofield therapy on cognition and motor function performance in adult subjects. The study aimed to investigate the impact of remote biofield energy healing therapy on cognition and motor functioning in adults with self-perceived neuropsychological impairments. This was a randomized double-blind clinical trial that involved 114 participants with self-perceived neuropsychological impairments. The participants were divided into three groups (control, sham control, and biofield intervention). Cognitive and motor function scores were assessed using the NIH Toolbox at baseline (day 0), day 90, and day 180. The biofield treatment group showed significant improvements in language function (p < 0.0001), working memory (p < 0.0001), and episodic memory (p < 0.0001) scores. Other cognitive functions also improved, although not statistically significant. The biofield intervention group also demonstrated significant enhancements (p < 0.05 to p < 0.0001) in locomotion, standing balance, dexterity, grip strength, and muscle endurance. No adverse effects were reported. The results suggest that remote biofield energy therapy is a safe, noninvasive intervention that improves cognitive and motor functions in adults. Further research is needed to understand its clinical benefits.

Base rates of healthy community-dwelling adults meeting criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome and levels of chronic traumatic encephalopathy certainty

Objective: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) recently revised criteria for Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES) (Katz et al.), aiming to improve the specificity of former TES criteria (Montenigro et al.) and adding methods to gauge certainty of underlying Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This study examined base rates of Montenigro et al. and Katz et al. TES criteria in healthy community-dwelling adults. Method: Participants consisted of healthy adults (n = 835; M = 48.1 ± 18.2 years-old, range = 18-85; 37.1% male; 64.1% White) without known history of neurotrauma or psychiatric or neurological conditions. The former and current TES criteria were operationalized using the NIH Toolbox Cognition, Motor, and Emotion batteries and PROMIS-29. Results: Per Katz et al. criteria, 36.9% had symptoms Suggestive of CTE (i.e. either cognitive impairment or neurobehavioral dysregulation), 4.1% had Possible CTE (i.e. requiring cognitive impairment and two additional criteria), and 0.8% had Probable CTE (i.e. requiring cognitive impairment and three additional criteria). The requirement of cognitive impairment for Possible CTE certainty decreased the base rate of Possible CTE tenfold from Montenigro et al. criteria (40.1%). Conclusion: The Katz et al. criteria were met less frequently by healthy adults than the Montenigro et al. criteria. Requiring cognitive impairment and more supportive TES features when gauging CTE certainty may reduce false-positive diagnoses. This finding supports the role of neuropsychologists in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients in TES research studies. To assess specificity, future research should examine base rates of Katz et al. criteria in other psychiatric and neurological conditions.

Intraindividual variability in post-stroke cognition and its relationship with activities of daily living and social functioning: an ecological momentary assessment approach

INTRODUCTION

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a methodological approach to studying intraindividual variation over time. This study aimed to use EMA to determine the variability of cognition in individuals with chronic stroke, identify the latent classes of cognitive variability, and examine any differences in daily activities, social functioning, and neuropsychological performance between these latent classes.

METHODS

Participants (N = 202) with mild-to-moderate stroke and over 3-month post-stroke completed a study protocol, including smartphone-based EMA and two lab visits. Participants responded to five EMA surveys daily for 14 days to assess cognition. They completed patient-reported measures and neuropsychological assessments during lab visits. Using latent class analysis, we derived four indicators to quantify cognitive variability and identified latent classes among participants. We used ANOVA and Chi-square to test differences between these latent classes in daily activities, social functioning, and neuropsychological performance.

RESULTS

The latent class analysis converged on a three-class model. The moderate and high variability classes demonstrated significantly greater problems in daily activities and social functioning than the low class. They had significantly higher proportions of participants with problems in daily activities and social functioning than the low class. Neuropsychological performance was not statistically different between the three classes, although a trend approaching statistically significant difference was observed in working memory and executive function domains.

DISCUSSION

EMA could capture intraindividual cognitive variability in stroke survivors. It offers a new approach to understanding the impact and mechanism of post-stroke cognitive problems in daily life and identifying individuals benefiting from self-regulation interventions.

Implementation of an online spacing flanker task and evaluation of its test-retest reliability using measures of inhibitory control and the distribution of spatial attention

The flanker task (Eriksen & Eriksen, Perception & Psychophysics, 16(1), 143-149, 1974) has been highly influential and widely used in studies of visual attention. Its simplicity has made it popular to include it in experimental software packages and online platforms. The spacing flanker task (SFT), in which the distance between the target and flankers varies, is useful for studying the distribution of attention across space as well as inhibitory control. Use of the SFT requires that the viewing environment (e.g., stimulus size and viewing distance) be controlled, which is a challenge for online delivery. We implement and evaluate an online version of the SFT that includes two calibration pretests to provide the necessary control. Test-retest and split-half reliability of the online version was compared with a laboratory version on measures of inhibitory control and measures of the distribution of attention across space. Analyses show that the online SFT is comparable to laboratory testing on all measures. Results also identify two measures with good test-retest reliability that hold promise for studying performance in the SFT: the mean flanker effect (ICC = 0.745) and RTs on incongruent trials across distances (ICC = 0.65-0.71).

Fostering Prosociality in Refugee Children: An Intervention With Rohingya Children

Prosocial behavior is a distinguishing characteristic of human nature. Although prosocial behaviors emerge early in development, contextual factors play an important role in how these behaviors are manifested over development. A large body of research focuses on the trajectory of prosocial development across diverse cultures and investigating contexts that foster it. Against this backdrop of developmental research endeavoring to understand and enhance the cooperative side of humanity, is the catastrophic impact of profoundly negative forces on social-emotional development for children forced to flee from violent conflict. Close to half a million Rohingya children, whose families were forced to flee genocide in Myanmar, now live in the largest refugee camp in the world. To examine the resilience of human prosociality in the face of extreme adversity, we documented initial levels of prosociality in Rohingya refugee children living in a mega-camp (Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh) and the extent to which those levels were improved following a multifaceted intervention designed to foster prosociality. The research was a partnership between Rohingya community members with lived experience, humanitarian practitioners, and developmental researchers. A sample of 152 Rohingya children (5-12 years) participated in pre- and postintervention assessments of prosocial behaviors and related cognitive-affective processes. The 10-day collaboration-based intervention was implemented between November 2021 and January 2022 by Rohingya researchers. Birthplace was used as a proxy measure of trauma level. Children born in Myanmar (N = 88) directly experienced relatively higher levels of trauma (genocide, forced migration) than children who were born in the camp after their families fled from Myanmar (N = 64). Children were individually tested pre- and postintervention with a task battery, including a helping (Origami) and two sharing tasks (Dictator Game [DG], Forced Choice sharing) measuring prosocial behavior. Assessments of related cognitive-affective processes included measures of empathic responding and emotion perspective-taking in story tasks (Imagine, Judgment) and executive function (EF) skills (Younger: Hearts & Flowers; Older: Dimensional Change Card Sorting). Small group intervention sessions conducted over 10 days targeted these prosocial behaviors and cognitive-affective processes and were based on collaborative activities, emotion perspective taking and EF skills training with the same partner throughout the intervention phase. We used latent change modeling to examine initial levels (preintervention) and intervention-related changes in these measures from pre- to postintervention. Prosocial responding was found across all measures (preintervention) and improvements (pre- to postintervention change) were apparent across most measures. Age and birthplace variables were significant predictors of initial levels and intervention-related change. Initial levels: Regarding age, older children (9-12 years) showed higher levels than younger children (5-8 years) of sharing in the Forced Choice task but lower levels in the DG. Older children also showed higher levels of empathic responding when asked to report how they would feel and respond to another person's misfortune in the Imagine task. Regarding birthplace, prior to the intervention camp-born children showed higher levels than Myanmar-born children of helping in the Origami task and reported more behavioral responses indicating how they would respond to misfortune in the Imagine task. In contrast, Myanmar-born children had higher levels of sharing in the DG and consistently chose equality over inequality in the Forced Choice sharing task, even when their partner would receive more, indicating a pattern of generosity in these children. Myanmar-born children had lower levels than camp-born children on EF measures. Intervention-related change: Regarding age, older but not younger children were more likely to increase choices for equality over inequality on the Forced Choice sharing task following the intervention. Regarding birthplace and helping, camp-born children increased behaviors that helped their partner make origami shapes themselves ("how-to" helping), whereas Myanmar-born children increased behavior that took over folding for their partner ("do-for" helping). For sharing tasks, Myanmar-born but not camp-born children increased sharing in the DG and showed an increased pattern of generosity in Forced Choice sharing task. In the Imagine story task, children born in Myanmar were more likely than those born in camp to increase empathic responding (i.e., imagining how they would feel). Children born in Myanmar showed less improvement on EF measures than children born in the camp. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that in a context of extreme adversity, Rohingya children exhibited prosociality and benefitted from a multifaceted intervention. Our research adds credence to the view that human prosociality is a fundamental characteristic of humanity that not only survives but can be enhanced in even the most adverse of childhood environments. Our multifaceted intervention, which was implemented within a collaborative social context and targeted prosocial behaviors and related cognitive-affective processes, was designed to be easily implemented within existing psychosocial support programs in refugee contexts. As the numbers of children affected by violent conflict and forced migration rise alarmingly worldwide, there is a critical need to expand research partnerships that aim to improve developmental outcomes for these millions of children.

Test-Retest Reliability and Reliable Change on the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery

OBJECTIVE

Researchers and practitioners can detect cognitive improvement or decline within a single examinee by applying a reliable change methodology. This study examined reliable change through test-retest data from the English-language National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) normative sample.

METHOD

Participants included adults (n = 138; age: M ± SD = 54.8 ± 20.0, range: 18-85; 51.4% men; 68.1% White) who completed test-retest assessments about a week apart on five fluid cognition tests, providing raw scores, age-adjusted standard scores (SS), and demographic-adjusted T-scores (T).

RESULTS

The Fluid Cognition Composite (SS: ICC = 0.87; T-score: ICC = 0.84) and the five fluid cognition tests had good test-retest reliability (SS: ICC range = 0.66-0.85; T-score: ICC range = 0.64-0.86). The lower and upper bounds of 70%, 80%, and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated around change scores, which serve as cutoffs for determining reliable change. Using T-scores, 90% CI, and adjustment for practice effects, 32.3% declined on one or more tests, 9.7% declined on two or more tests, 36.6% improved on one or more tests, and 5.4% improved on two or more tests.

CONCLUSIONS

It was common for participants to show reliable change on at least one test score, but not two or more test scores. Per an 80% CI, test-retest difference scores beyond these cutoffs would indicate reliable change: Dimensional Change Card Sort (SS ≥ 14/T ≥ 10), Flanker (SS ≥ 12/T ≥ 8), List Sorting (SS ≥ 14/T ≥ 10), Picture Sequence Memory (SS ≥ 19/T ≥ 13), Pattern Comparison (SS ≥ 11/T ≥ 8), and Fluid Cognition Composite (SS ≥ 10/T ≥ 7). The reliable change cutoffs could be applied in research or practice to detect within-person change in fluid cognition at the individual level.

Development and Validation of a Vocabulary Measure in the Mobile Toolbox

OBJECTIVE

We describe the development of a new computer adaptive vocabulary test, Mobile Toolbox (MTB) Word Meaning, and validity evidence from 3 studies.

METHOD

Word Meaning was designed to be a multiple-choice synonym test optimized for self-administration on a personal smartphone. The items were first calibrated online in a sample of 7,525 participants to create the computer-adaptive test algorithm for the Word Meaning measure within the MTB app. In Study 1, 92 participants self-administered Word Meaning on study-provided smartphones in the lab and were administered external measures by trained examiners. In Study 2, 1,021 participants completed the external measures in the lab and Word Meaning was self-administered remotely on their personal smartphones. In Study 3, 141 participants self-administered Word Meaning remotely twice with a 2-week delay on personal iPhones.

RESULTS

The final bank included 1363 items. Internal consistency was adequate to good across samples (ρxx = 0.78 to 0.81, p < .001). Test-retest reliability was good (ICC = 0.65, p < .001), and the mean theta score was not significantly different upon the second administration. Correlations were moderate to large with measures of similar constructs (ρ = 0.67-0.75, p < .001) and non-significant with measures of dissimilar constructs. Scores demonstrated small to moderate correlations with age (ρ = 0.35 to 0.45, p < .001) and education (ρ = 0.26, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The MTB Word Meaning measure demonstrated evidence of reliability and validity in three samples. Further validation studies in clinical samples are necessary.

Assessment of executive functions using a 3D-video game in children and adolescents with ADHD

Objective

Executive functions are important factors that affect the well-being of children with ADHD. Therefore, inclusion of a convenient assessment of executive dysfunction in diagnosis and treatment of ADHD patients is warranted. However, executive dysfunction assessment presently relies on lab-based neuropsychological tests and symptom rating scales. The present study examined the potential of a 3-D action puzzle video game to reflect ecologically valid executive functioning in pediatric ADHD patients.

Methods

Participant gameplay metrics were compared to both their Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and Conners 3 Parent Form's executive functioning subscale scores. Participants consisted of 33 ADHD and non-ADHD patients aged 8-21.

Results

Metrics from gameplay were associated with distinct CANTAB test scores, and a composite score from gameplay was significantly correlated with executive dysfunction from Conners 3.

Conclusion

For children with ADHD, cognitive domains related to executive function and overall real-life executive functioning appear to both be measurable via video games. It may be possible to develop individualized behavioral therapy based on the quantitative data obtained from the video game used in this study.

Balancing exploration and exploitation? The impact of cost and inhibitory control on information gathering in early childhood

The information-seeking behaviour of adults focuses on optimizing the gathering and utilizing information to minimize search costs. In contrast, children tend to engage in information search during decision-making with less consideration for costs. This difference in behaviour is believed to be linked to the development of executive functions. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between executive function and cost-related information-gathering behaviour. We assessed 56 children aged 4-6 years, involving three tasks: an information-gathering task, an inhibitory control and a working memory task. In the information-gathering task, children participated in both non-cost and cost conditions, where they were given the opportunity to freely gather information or incur a cost to acquire information. The findings revealed that children with higher inhibitory control tended to gather less information when a cost was involved. This highlights the important role of inhibitory control in shaping information-seeking behaviour in early childhood.

A Novel Battery to Assess "Cool" and "Hot" Executive Functions: Sensitivity to Age Differences in Middle Childhood

The main goal of the current work was to assess the age sensitivity of a novel battery of cool and hot Executive Function (EF) tasks developed for the middle childhood period: the Executive Brain Battery (EBB). To this end, we carried out a first study in which the EBB was administered to six age groups ranging from 6 to 11. Additionally, in a second study, we compared children at the end of middle childhood (age 11 years) and adult performance in the EBB. Results showed that tasks included in the EBB were suitable for all age groups, with more age-related changes being found in cool than hot EF tasks. Moreover, at the end of middle childhood, children reach an adult-like performance in most of these cool and hot tasks. The present findings extend previous research suggesting that cool and hot EFs exhibit different patterns of age-related growth in middle childhood. Additionally, the EEB could become a useful tool for research on EFs during middle childhood that could be adapted for a wide range of populations.

Measuring Multidimensional Aspects of Health in the Oldest Old Using the NIH Toolbox: Results From the ARMADA Study

OBJECTIVE

The percentage of older adults living into their 80s and beyond is expanding rapidly. Characterization of typical cognitive performance in this population is complicated by a dearth of normative data for the oldest old. Additionally, little attention has been paid to other aspects of health, such as motor, sensory, and emotional functioning, that may interact with cognitive changes to predict quality of life and well-being. The current study used the NIH Toolbox (NIHTB) to determine age group differences between persons aged 65-84 and 85+ with normal cognition.

METHOD

Participants were recruited in two age bands (i.e., 65-84 and 85+). All participants completed the NIHTB Cognition, Motor, Sensation, and Emotion modules. Independent-samples t-tests determined age group differences with post-hoc adjustments using Bonferroni corrections. All subtest and composite scores were then regressed on age and other demographic covariates.

RESULTS

The 65-84 group obtained significantly higher scores than the 85+ group across all cognitive measures except oral reading, all motor measures except gait speed, and all sensation measures except pain interference. Age remained a significant predictor after controlling for covariates. Age was not significantly associated with differences in emotion scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support the use of the NIHTB in persons over 85 with normal cognition. As expected, fluid reasoning abilities and certain motor and sensory functions decreased with age in the oldest old. Inclusion of motor and sensation batteries is warranted when studying trajectories of aging in the oldest old to allow for multidimensional characterization of health.

Mobile toolbox (MTB) remote measures of executive function and processing speed: development and validation

OBJECTIVE

The ability to remotely monitor cognitive skills is increasing with the ubiquity of smartphones. The Mobile Toolbox (MTB) is a new measurement system that includes measures assessing Executive Functioning (EF) and Processing Speed (PS): Arrow Matching, Shape-Color Sorting, and Number-Symbol Match. The purpose of this study was to assess their psychometric properties.

METHOD

MTB measures were developed for smartphone administration based on constructs measured in the NIH Toolbox® (NIHTB). Psychometric properties of the resulting measures were evaluated in three studies with participants ages 18 to 90. In Study 1 (N = 92), participants completed MTB measures in the lab and were administered both equivalent NIH TB measures and other external measures of similar cognitive constructs. In Study 2 (N = 1,021), participants completed the equivalent NIHTB measures in the lab and then took the MTB measures on their own, remotely. In Study 3 (N = 168), participants completed MTB measures twice remotely, two weeks apart.

RESULTS

All three measures exhibited very high internal consistency and strong test-retest reliability, as well as moderately high correlations with comparable NIHTB tests and moderate correlations with external measures of similar constructs. Phone operating system (iOS vs. Android) had a significant impact on performance for Arrow Matching and Shape-Color Sorting, but no impact on either validity or reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support the reliability and convergent validity of MTB EF and PS measures for use across the adult lifespan in remote, self-administered designs.

A Comparison of Three Executive Function Batteries in a Preschool-Aged Sample

There is great interest in the development of executive function (EF) in the preschool period. Accordingly, multiple performance-based measures of EF have been developed for this age group, yet little is known about how they compare to one another. This study used a large and diverse sample of 3-to-5-year-old children (N = 846), who completed subtests of the National Institutes of Health's Toolbox Cognition Battery (NTCB), the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV), and the EF Touch battery. Scores across the three batteries were compared and associations with age, income, and race/ethnicity were examined. Results revealed that (1) the three tasks were moderately correlated (r = 0.44-0.51, all p < 0.001), but children had higher mean accuracy scores on EF Touch than on the NTCB or the WPPSI-IV. (2) Mean accuracy scores on all batteries were linearly associated with child age (all F > 32.68, all p < 0.0001). (3) Comparisons by income and race/ethnicity showed lower accuracy for low-income children on the WPPSI-IV and lower accuracy for White children on the NTCB. Across all batteries, there was consistently lower accuracy for Hispanic children. In conclusion, the three batteries we examined performed similarly across several metrics. EF Touch may be more appropriate for younger children, while the NTCB performed well with older children.

Perceived Negative Effects of Tic Management Strategies in Adults With Tic Disorders

Behavior therapy is a well-established and empirically supported treatment for tic disorders (TDs). However, concerns have been expressed about the negative effects of behavioral interventions, such as tic worsening, tic substitution, and excessive effort. This study explored perceived negative effects of tic management strategies in adults with TDs and predictors of these experiences. Participants (N = 72) completed semi-structured interviews 11 years after receiving behavior therapy or supportive therapy in a randomized clinical trial. We examined responses to interview questions about managing tics and predictors of reported negative effects. Most participants did not experience tic worsening (84%) or tic substitution (75%) from tic management strategies. The majority felt they could manage tics while participating in their environment (87%) and did not report life interference from tic management (77%). About half (45%) felt less present when managing tics. Treatment non-responders in the original trial were more likely to report negative effects of tic management strategies. No differences in reported negative consequences were found between those who received behavior therapy versus supportive therapy, suggesting that behavior therapy specifically does not lead to such adverse effects. These findings could reduce misconceptions about behavior therapy for TDs and enhance its acceptability and utilization.

Cognitive deficits and enhancements in youth from adverse conditions: An integrative assessment using Drift Diffusion Modeling in the ABCD study

Childhood adversity can lead to cognitive deficits or enhancements, depending on many factors. Though progress has been made, two challenges prevent us from integrating and better understanding these patterns. First, studies commonly use and interpret raw performance differences, such as response times, which conflate different stages of cognitive processing. Second, most studies either isolate or aggregate abilities, obscuring the degree to which individual differences reflect task-general (shared) or task-specific (unique) processes. We addressed these challenges using Drift Diffusion Modeling (DDM) and structural equation modeling (SEM). Leveraging a large, representative sample of 9-10 year-olds from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, we examined how two forms of adversity-material deprivation and household threat-were associated with performance on tasks measuring processing speed, inhibition, attention shifting, and mental rotation. Using DDM, we decomposed performance on each task into three distinct stages of processing: speed of information uptake, response caution, and stimulus encoding/response execution. Using SEM, we isolated task-general and task-specific variances in each processing stage and estimated their associations with the two forms of adversity. Youth with more exposure to household threat (but not material deprivation) showed slower task-general processing speed, but showed intact task-specific abilities. In addition, youth with more exposure to household threat tended to respond more cautiously in general. These findings suggest that traditional assessments might overestimate the extent to which childhood adversity reduces specific abilities. By combining DDM and SEM approaches, we can develop a more nuanced understanding of how adversity affects different aspects of youth's cognitive performance. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT: To understand how childhood adversity shapes cognitive abilities, the field needs analytical approaches that can jointly document and explain patterns of lowered and enhanced performance. Using Drift Diffusion Modeling and Structural Equation Modeling, we analyzed associations between adversity and processing speed, inhibition, attention shifting, and mental rotation. Household threat, but not material deprivation, was mostly associated with slower task-general processing speed and more response caution. In contrast, task-specific abilities were largely intact. Researchers might overestimate the impact of childhood adversity on specific abilities and underestimate the impact on general processing speed and response caution using traditional measures.

Effect of Sleep Restriction on Adolescent Cognition by Adiposity: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Importance

Pediatric obesity is associated with impaired cognitive function; however, the mechanisms underlying this association demand assessment. Sleep may be a relevant moderator, as poor sleep predicts both increased adiposity and impaired cognitive function.

Objective

To determine the effects of adiposity and sleep on adolescent cognitive function.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This single-blind randomized crossover trial was conducted from September 2020 to October 2022. Parents or caregivers provided demographic information for adolescent participants. Body mass index percentile and bioelectrical impedance analysis assessed adiposity. Adolescents completed 2 actigraphy-confirmed sleep conditions, adequate and restricted, followed by in-person cognitive assessment. No additional follow-up was provided. Data collection for this population-based study took place in a behavioral medicine clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. A total of 323 participants were assessed for eligibility (ages 14-19 years and healthy). Of the 244 eligible adolescents, 157 declined participation. Eighty-seven were randomized and 26 dropped out postenrollment. The final sample included 61 adolescents, 31 with healthy weight and 30 with overweight or obesity. Data were analyzed from April to October 2023.

Interventions

Following a 2-day washout period of adequate sleep, adolescents completed 2 sleep conditions: adequate (mean [SD] duration, 8 hours, 54 minutes [58.0 minutes]) and restricted (mean [SD] duration, 4 hours, 12 minutes [50.7 minutes]).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The National Institutes of Health Cognitive Toolbox assessed global and fluid cognition, cognitive flexibility, working and episodic memory, attention, and processing speed. The Stroop Task assessed inhibition.

Results

The final sample included 61 adolescents (mean [SD] age, 16.3 [1.6] years; 35 [57.4%] female). Restricted sleep predicted poorer global cognition scores (restricted mean [SD], 98.0 [2.8]; adequate mean [SD], 103.2 [2.9]), fluid cognition scores (restricted mean [SD], 94.5 [3.2]; adequate mean [SD], 102.0 [3.6]), and cognitive flexibility scores (restricted mean [SD], 84.8 [3.0]; adequate mean [SD], 92.8 [3.0]) for adolescents with overweight or obesity. No differences emerged for adolescents with healthy weight. Adolescents with overweight or obesity also had poorer attention scores (mean [SD], 80.0 [2.3]) compared to adolescents with healthy weight (mean [SD], 88.4 [SD, 2.3]) following restricted sleep. No differences emerged following adequate sleep. Findings were similar for total body fat percentage (TBF%); however, for adolescents with TBF% above 42, restricted sleep also predicted poorer processing speed, and the association between sleep and attention did not vary based on TBF%.

Conclusions and Relevance

Adolescents with overweight or obesity may be more vulnerable to negative cognitive effects following sleep restriction. Improved sleep hygiene and duration in this group may positively impact their cognitive health.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04346433.

Lower Childhood Socioeconomic Status Is Associated with Greater Neural Responses to Ambient Auditory Changes in Adulthood

Humans' early life experience varies by socioeconomic status (SES), raising the question of how this difference is reflected in the adult brain. An important aspect of brain function is the ability to detect salient ambient changes while focusing on a task. Here, we ask whether subjective social status during childhood is reflected by the way young adults' brain detecting changes in irrelevant information. In two studies (total n = 58), we examine electrical brain responses in the frontocentral region to a series of auditory tones, consisting of standard stimuli (80%) and deviant stimuli (20%) interspersed randomly, while participants were engaged in various visual tasks. Both studies showed stronger automatic change detection indexed by MMN in lower SES individuals, regardless of the unattended sound's feature, attended emotional content, or study type. Moreover, we observed a larger MMN in lower-SES participants, although they did not show differences in brain and behavior responses to the attended task. Lower-SES people also did not involuntarily orient more attention to sound changes (i.e., deviant stimuli), as indexed by the P3a. The study indicates that individuals with lower subjective social status may have an increased ability to automatically detect changes in their environment, which may suggest their adaptation to their childhood environments.

Interpreting reliable change on the Spanish-language NIH toolbox cognition battery

This study applied a reliable change methodology to the test-retest data from the Spanish-language NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) normative sample. Participants included Spanish-speaking adults (n = 48; 54.2% women, 100% Latinx) evaluated twice within one to two weeks on the Spanish-language NIHTB-CB, consisting of two crystallized and five fluid cognitive tests. Test-retest means, standard deviations, and intraclass correlations were used to calculate upper and lower bounds of 70, 80, and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) around change scores, with these bounds used as cutoffs for inferring reliable change. Cutoffs were calculated for raw scores, age-adjusted standard scores (SS; M = 100, SD = 15), and demographic-adjusted T-scores (T; M = 50, SD = 10), adjusting for age, gender, and education. Test-retest change scores on the Spanish-language NIHTB-CB exceeding the following cutoffs indicate reliable change based on an 80% CI (i.e., values exceeding these cutoffs indicate greater decline or greater improvement than 90% of the sample): Dimensional Change Card Sort (SS ≥ 15/T ≥ 11), Flanker (SS ≥ 13/T ≥ 10), List Sorting (SS ≥ 13/T ≥ 9), Picture Sequence Memory (SS ≥ 14/T ≥ 9), Pattern Comparison (SS ≥ 14/T ≥ 10), Picture Vocabulary (SS ≥ 8/T ≥ 6), Oral Reading (SS ≥ 7/T ≥ 5), Fluid Cognition Composite (SS ≥ 12/T ≥ 9), Crystallized Cognition Composite (SS ≥ 6/T ≥ 5), and Total Cognition Composite (SS ≥ 8/T ≥ 7). These cutoffs are one of few resources to interpret cognitive change at retest among Spanish-speaking patients and participants.

Improved intraindividual variability in cognitive performance following cognitive and exercise training in older adults

OBJECTIVE

Increased intraindividual variability (IIV) of cognitive performance is a marker of cognitive decline in older adults. Whether computerized cognitive training (CCT) and aerobic exercise counteracts cognitive decline by reducing IIV is unknown. We investigated the effects of CCT with or without aerobic exercise on IIV in older adults.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of an 8-week randomized controlled trial. Older adults (aged 65-85 years) were randomized to CCT alone (n = 41), CCT with aerobic exercise (n = 41), or an active control group (n = 42). The CCT group trained using the Fit Brains® platform 3×/week for 1 hr (plus 3×/week of home-based training). The CCT with aerobic exercise group received 15 min of walking plus 45 min of Fit Brains® 3×/week (plus 3×/week of home-based training). The control group received sham exercise and cognitive training (3×/week for 1 hr). We computed reaction time IIV from the Dimensional Change Card Sort Test, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (Flanker), and Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test (PACPS).

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, IIV reduced in a processing speed task (PACPS) following CCT alone (mean difference [95% confidence interval]: -0.144 [-0.255 to -0.034], p < 0.01) and CCT with aerobic exercise (-0.113 [-0.225 to -0.001], p < 0.05). Attention (Flanker congruent) IIV was reduced only after CCT with aerobic exercise (-0.130 [-0.242 to -0.017], p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A CCT program promoted cognitive health via reductions in IIV of cognitive performance and combining it with aerobic exercise may result in broader benefits.

Utility of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery in middle to older aged adults with longstanding type 1 diabetes: The DCCT/EDIC study

Objective: Adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face an increased risk for cognitive decline and dementia. Diabetes-related and vascular risk factors have been linked to cognitive decline using detailed neuropsychological testing; however, it is unclear if cognitive screening batteries can detect cognitive changes associated with aging in T1D. Method: 1,049 participants with T1D (median age 59 years; range 43-74) from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), and the follow-up Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study, completed the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-C) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Neuropsychological assessments, depression, glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c), severe hypoglycemia, T1D complications, and vascular risk factors were assessed repeatedly over 32 years to determine associations with current NIHTB-C performance. Available cognitive data was clinically adjudicated to determine cognitive impairment status. Results: NIHTB-C scores had moderate associations (r = 0.36-0.53) with concurrently administered neuropsychological tests. In multivariate models, prior severe hypoglycemic episodes, depression symptoms, nephropathy, lower BMI, and higher HbA1c and LDL cholesterol were associated with poorer NIHTB-C Fluid Cognition Composite scores. The NIHTB-C adequately detected adjudicated cognitive impairment (Area Under the Curve = 0.86; optimal cut score ≤90). The MoCA performed similarly (Area Under the Curve = 0.83; optimal cut score ≤25). Conclusions: The NIHTB-C is sensitive to the cognitive effects of diabetes-related and vascular risk factors, correlated with neuropsychological testing, and accurately detects adjudicated cognitive impairment. These data support its use as a screening test in middle to older aged adults with T1D to determine if referral for detailed neuropsychological assessment is needed.

Heart rate and breathing effects on attention and memory (HeartBEAM): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial in older adults

BACKGROUND

In healthy people, the "fight-or-flight" sympathetic system is counterbalanced by the "rest-and-digest" parasympathetic system. As we grow older, the parasympathetic system declines as the sympathetic system becomes hyperactive. In our prior heart rate variability biofeedback and emotion regulation (HRV-ER) clinical trial, we found that increasing parasympathetic activity through daily practice of slow-paced breathing significantly decreased plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) in healthy younger and older adults. In healthy adults, higher plasma Aβ is associated with greater risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our primary goal of this trial is to reproduce and extend our initial findings regarding effects of slow-paced breathing on Aβ. Our secondary objectives are to examine the effects of daily slow-paced breathing on brain structure and the rate of learning.

METHODS

Adults aged 50-70 have been randomized to practice one of two breathing protocols twice daily for 9 weeks: (1) "slow-paced breathing condition" involving daily cognitive training followed by slow-paced breathing designed to maximize heart rate oscillations or (2) "random-paced breathing condition" involving daily cognitive training followed by random-paced breathing to avoid increasing heart rate oscillations. The primary outcomes are plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels and plasma Aβ42/40 ratio. The secondary outcomes are brain perivascular space volume, hippocampal volume, and learning rates measured by cognitive training performance. Other pre-registered outcomes include plasma pTau-181/tTau ratio and urine Aβ42. Recruitment began in January 2023. Interventions are ongoing and will be completed by the end of 2023.

DISCUSSION

Our HRV-ER trial was groundbreaking in demonstrating that a behavioral intervention can reduce plasma Aβ levels relative to a randomized control group. We aim to reproduce these findings while testing effects on brain clearance pathways and cognition.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05602220. Registered on January 12, 2023.

Association of pesticide exposure with neurobehavioral outcomes among avocado farmworkers in Mexico

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To date, few studies have focused on the health effects of pesticide exposure among avocado farmworkers. We examined the association of exposure to insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides with cognitive and mental health outcomes among these avocado workers from Michoacan, Mexico.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 105 avocado farmworkers between May and August 2021. We collected data on self-reported pesticide use during the 12 months prior to the baseline survey and estimated annual exposure-intensity scores (EIS) using a semi-quantitative exposure algorithm. We calculated specific gravity adjusted average concentrations of 12 insecticide, fungicide, or herbicide metabolites measured in urine samples collected during two study visits (8-10 weeks apart). We assessed participants' cognitive function and psychological distress using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery and the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18), respectively. We examined individual associations of EIS and urinary pesticide metabolites with neurobehavioral outcomes using generalized linear regression models. We also implemented Bayesian Weighted Quantile Sum (BWQS) regression to evaluate the association between a pesticide metabolite mixture and neurobehavioral outcomes.

RESULTS

In individual models, after adjusting for multiple comparisons, higher concentrations of hydroxy-tebuconazole (OH-TEB, metabolite of fungicide tebuconazole) were associated with higher anxiety (IRR per two-fold increase in concentrations = 1.26, 95% CI:1.08, 1.48) and Global Severity Index (GSI) (IRR = 1.89, 95% CI:1.36, 2.75) scores, whereas higher concentrations of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy, metabolite of chlorpyrifos) were associated with lower GSI scores (IRR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.85). In BWQS analyses, we found evidence of a mixture association of urinary pesticide metabolites with higher anxiety (IRR = 1.72, 95% CrI: 1.12, 2.55), depression (IRR = 4.60, 95% CrI: 2.19, 9.43), and GSI (IRR = 1.99, 95% CrI: 1.39, 2.79) scores. OH-TEB and hydroxy-thiabendazole (metabolite of fungicide thiabendazole) combined contributed 54%, 40%, and 54% to the mixture effect in the anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and overall psychological distress models, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that exposure to tebuconazole and thiabendazole, fungicides whose effects have been rarely studied in humans, may be associated with increased psychological distress among avocado farmworkers. We also observed that exposure to chlorpyrifos may be associated with decreased psychological distress.

Sulcal variability in anterior lateral prefrontal cortex contributes to variability in reasoning performance among young adults

Identifying structure-function correspondences is a major goal among biologists, cognitive neuroscientists, and brain mappers. Recent studies have identified relationships between performance on cognitive tasks and the presence or absence of small, shallow indentations, or sulci, of the human brain. Building on the previous finding that the presence of the ventral para-intermediate frontal sulcus (pimfs-v) in the left anterior lateral prefrontal cortex (aLPFC) was related to reasoning task performance in children and adolescents, we tested whether this relationship extended to a different sample, age group, and reasoning task. As predicted, the presence of this aLPFC sulcus was also associated with higher reasoning scores in young adults (ages 22-36). These findings have not only direct developmental, but also evolutionary relevance-as recent work shows that the pimfs-v is exceedingly rare in chimpanzees. Thus, the pimfs-v is a key developmental, cognitive, and evolutionarily relevant feature that should be considered in future studies examining how the complex relationships among multiscale anatomical and functional features of the brain give rise to abstract thought.

Inactivity May Identify Older Intensive Care Unit Survivors at Risk for Post-Intensive Care Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Older adults (≥age 65) admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) are profoundly inactive during hospitalization. Older ICU survivors often experience life-changing symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction, physical impairment, and/or psychological distress, which are components of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).

OBJECTIVES

To explore trends between inactivity and symptoms of PICS in older ICU survivors.

METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis of pooled data obtained from 2 primary, prospective, cross-sectional studies of older ICU survivors. After ICU discharge, 49 English- and Spanish-speaking participants who were functionally independent before admission and who had received mechanical ventilation while in the ICU were enrolled. Actigraphy was used to measure post-ICU hourly activity counts (12:00 AM to 11:59 PM). Selected instruments from the National Institutes of Health Toolbox and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System were used to assess symptoms of PICS: cognitive dysfunction, physical impairment, and psychological distress.

RESULTS

Graphs illustrated trends between inactivity and greater symptom severity of PICS: participants who were less active tended to score worse than one standard deviation of the mean on each outcome. Greater daytime activity was concurrently observed with higher performances on cognitive and physical assessments and better scores on psychological measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-ICU inactivity may identify older ICU survivors who may be at risk for PICS and may guide future research interventions to mitigate symptom burden.

Associations between baseline cognitive status and motor outcomes after treadmill training in people with Parkinson's disease: a pilot study

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of baseline cognition on gait outcomes after a treadmill training program for people with Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS

This pilot clinical trial involved people with PD who were classified as having no cognitive impairment (PD-NCI) or mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI). Baseline executive function and memory were assessed. The intervention was a 10-week gait training program (twice-weekly treadmill sessions), with structured speed and distance progression and verbal cues for gait quality. Response to intervention was assessed by gait speed measured after week 2 (short-term) and week 10 (long-term).

RESULTS

Participants (n = 19; 12 PD-NCI, 7 PD-MCI) had a mean (standard deviation) age of 66.5 (6.3) years, disease duration of 8.8 (6.3) years, and MDS-UPDRS III score of 21.3 (10.7). Gait speed increased at short-term and long-term assessments. The response did not differ between PD-NCI and PD-MCI groups; however, better baseline memory performance and milder PD motor severity were independently associated with greater improvements in gait speed in unadjusted and adjusted models.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that memory impairments and more severe motor involvement can influence the response to gait rehabilitation in PD and highlight the need for treatments optimized for people with greater cognitive and motor impairment.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONCognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD) could impact motor learning and gait rehabilitation, yet little is known about the effects of cognitive impairments on the response to rehabilitation in people with PD.This study demonstrates that the response to gait rehabilitation did not differ between people with PD who had no cognitive impairment and those with mild cognitive impairment.Across all participants, better baseline memory was associated with greater improvements in gait speed.Rehabilitation professionals should be mindful of PD severity, as those with more substantial memory and motor impairments may require additional dosing or support to maximize gait training benefits.

Performance Validity Testing on the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery: Base Rates of Failed Embedded Validity Indicators in the Adult Normative Sample

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine the base rates of failing proposed embedded validity indicators (EVIs) for the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) in the normative sample.

METHOD

Participants included adults in the NIHTB-CB normative sample with data to calculate age-adjusted standard scores (n = 855; ages: M(SD) = 46.9(17.3), range: 18-85; 65.0% women; education: M(SD) = 14.1(2.5) years) or demographically adjusted T-scores (n = 803; ages: M(SD) = 47.3(17.3), range: 18-85; 65.3% women; education: M(SD) = 14.2(2.5) years) for all tests. The NIHTB-CB includes two tests of crystallized cognition and five tests of fluid cognition. Individual norm-referenced test performances were categorized as falling above or below liberal and conservative cutoffs based on proposed univariate EVIs. The number of univariate EVI failures was summed to compute multivariable EVIs. EVI failure rates above 10% were considered high false-positive rates, indicating specificity < .90. Using chi-square analyses, the frequencies of EVI failures were compared based on gender, race/ethnicity, education, and crystallized composite.

RESULTS

The multivariable EVIs had predominantly low false-positive rates in the normative sample. EVI failure rates were most common among participants with low crystallized composites. Using age-adjusted standard scores, EVI failure rates varied by education, race/ethnicity, and estimated premorbid intelligence. These differences were mostly eliminated when using demographically adjusted T-scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Multivariable EVIs requiring ≥ 4 failures using liberal cutoffs or ≥ 3 failures using conservative cutoffs had acceptable false-positive rates (i.e., < 10%) using both age-adjusted standard scores and demographically adjusted T-scores. These multivariable EVIs could be applied to large data sets with NIHTB-CB data to screen for potentially invalid test performances.

Associations between physical exercise type, fluid intelligence, executive function, and processing speed in the oldest-old (85 +)

BACKGROUND

While much is known about the effects of physical exercise in adult humans, literature on the oldest-old (≥ 85 years old) is sparse. The present study explored the relationship between self-reported engagement in physical exercise and cognition in the oldest-old.

METHODS

The sample included 184 cognitively healthy participants (98 females, MoCA mean score = 24.81) aged 85 to 99 years old (mean = 88.49 years). Participants completed the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire and a cognitive battery including NIH-TB, Coding, Symbol Search, Letter Fluency, and Stroop task. Three groups of participants - sedentary (n = 58; MoCA mean score = 24; 36 females; mean age = 89.03), cardio (n = 60; MoCA mean score = 25.08; 29 females; mean age = 88.62), and cardio + strength training (n = 66; MoCA mean score = 25.28; 33 females; mean age = 87.91) - were derived from responses on CHAMPS.

RESULTS

Analyses controlled for years of education, NIH-TB Crystallized Composite, and metabolic equivalent of tasks. The cardio + strength training group had the highest cognitive performances overall and scored significantly better on Coding (p < 0.001) and Symbol Search (p < 0.05) compared to the sedentary group. The cardio + strength training group scored significantly better on Symbol Search, Letter Fluency, and Stroop Color-Word compared to the cardio group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest self-reported exercise in the oldest-old is linked to better performance on cognitive measures of processing speed and executive functioning, and that there may be a synergistic effect of combining aerobic and resistance training on cognition.

PsycAssist: A Web-Based Artificial Intelligence System Designed for Adaptive Neuropsychological Assessment and Training

Assessing executive functions in individuals with disorders or clinical conditions can be challenging, as they may lack the abilities needed for conventional test formats. The use of more personalized test versions, such as adaptive assessments, might be helpful in evaluating individuals with specific needs. This paper introduces PsycAssist, a web-based artificial intelligence system designed for neuropsychological adaptive assessment and training. PsycAssist is a highly flexible and scalable system based on procedural knowledge space theory and may be used potentially with many types of tests. We present the architecture and adaptive assessment engine of PsycAssist and the two currently available tests: Adap-ToL, an adaptive version of the Tower of London-like test to assess planning skills, and MatriKS, a Raven-like test to evaluate fluid intelligence. Finally, we describe the results of an investigation of the usability of Adap-ToL and MatriKS: the evaluators perceived these tools as appropriate and well-suited for their intended purposes, and the test-takers perceived the assessment as a positive experience. To sum up, PsycAssist represents an innovative and promising tool to tailor evaluation and training to the specific characteristics of the individual, useful for clinical practice.

Associations Between Inactivity and Cognitive Function in Older Intensive Care Unit Survivors

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION

Critically ill older adults are profoundly inactive while in the intensive care unit (ICU), and this inactivity persists after discharge from the ICU. Older ICU survivors who were mechanically ventilated are at high risk for post-ICU cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVES/AIMS

The present study examined the relationship between the ratio of daytime to nighttime activity and executive function in older ICU survivors.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of pooled data from 2 primary studies of older adults who were functionally independent prior to hospitalization, mechanically ventilated while in ICU, and within 24 to 48 hours post-ICU discharge. Actigraphy recorded daytime activity (mean activity counts per minute, 6 am to 9:59 pm) and nighttime activity (mean activity counts per minute, 10 pm to 5:59 am). A daytime-to-nighttime activity ratio was calculated by dividing daytime activity by nighttime activity. The NIH Toolbox Dimensional Change Card Sort Test assessed cognitive flexibility (DCCST: fully corrected T score). Multivariate regression examined the association between the daytime-to-nighttime activity ratio and DCCST scores, adjusting for 2 covariates (age in years and NIH Toolbox Grip Strength fully corrected T score).

RESULTS

The mean daytime-to-nighttime activity ratio was 2.10 ± 1.17 (interquartile range, 1.42). Ratios for 6 participants (13.6%) were less than 1, revealing higher activity during nighttime hours rather than daytime hours. Higher daytime-to-nighttime ratios were associated with better DCCST scores (β = .364, P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of daytime activity versus nighttime activity was considerably low, indicating severe alterations in the rest/activity cycle. Higher daytime-to-nighttime activity ratios were associated with better executive function scores, suggesting that assessment of daytime activity could identify at-risk older ICU survivors during the early post-ICU transition period. Promotion of daytime activity and nighttime sleep may accelerate recovery and improve cognitive function.

Evidence for a Compensatory Relationship between Left- and Right-Lateralized Brain Networks

The two hemispheres of the human brain are functionally asymmetric. At the network level, the language network exhibits left-hemisphere lateralization. While this asymmetry is widely replicated, the extent to which other functional networks demonstrate lateralization remains a subject of Investigation. Additionally, it is unknown how the lateralization of one functional network may affect the lateralization of other networks within individuals. We quantified lateralization for each of 17 networks by computing the relative surface area on the left and right cerebral hemispheres. After examining the ecological, convergent, and external validity and test-retest reliability of this surface area-based measure of lateralization, we addressed two hypotheses across multiple datasets (Human Connectome Project = 553, Human Connectome Project-Development = 343, Natural Scenes Dataset = 8). First, we hypothesized that networks associated with language, visuospatial attention, and executive control would show the greatest lateralization. Second, we hypothesized that relationships between lateralized networks would follow a dependent relationship such that greater left-lateralization of a network would be associated with greater right-lateralization of a different network within individuals, and that this pattern would be systematic across individuals. A language network was among the three networks identified as being significantly left-lateralized, and attention and executive control networks were among the five networks identified as being significantly right-lateralized. Next, correlation matrices, an exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analyses were used to test the second hypothesis and examine the organization of lateralized networks. We found general support for a dependent relationship between highly left- and right-lateralized networks, meaning that across subjects, greater left lateralization of a given network (such as a language network) was linked to greater right lateralization of another network (such as a ventral attention/salience network) and vice versa. These results further our understanding of brain organization at the macro-scale network level in individuals, carrying specific relevance for neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by disruptions in lateralization such as autism and schizophrenia.

Adaptive yoga versus low-impact exercise for adults with chronic acquired brain injury: a pilot randomized control trial protocol

Background

Each year, millions of Americans sustain acquired brain injuries (ABI) which result in functional impairments, such as poor balance and autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Although significant time and energy are dedicated to reducing functional impairment in acute phase of ABI, many individuals with chronic ABI have residual impairments that increase fall risk, decrease quality of life, and increase mortality. In previous work, we have found that yoga can improve balance in adults with chronic (i.e., ≥6 months post-injury) ABI. Moreover, yoga has been shown to improve ANS and brain function in healthy adults. Thus, adults with chronic ABI may show similar outcomes. This protocol details the methods used to examine the effects of a group yoga program, as compared to a group low-impact exercise, on primary and secondary outcomes in adults with chronic ABI.

Methods

This study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial comparing group yoga to group low-impact exercise. Participants must be ≥18 years old with chronic ABI and moderate balance impairments. Group yoga and group exercise sessions occur twice a week for 1 h for 8 weeks. Sessions are led by trained adaptive exercise specialists. Primary outcomes are balance and ANS function. Secondary outcomes are brain function and structure, cognition, quality of life, and qualitative experiences. Data analysis for primary and most secondary outcomes will be completed with mixed effect statistical methods to evaluate the within-subject factor of time (i.e., pre vs. post intervention), the between-subject factor of group (yoga vs. low-impact exercise), and interaction effects. Deductive and inductive techniques will be used to analyze qualitative data.

Discussion

Due to its accessibility and holistic nature, yoga has significant potential for improving balance and ANS function, along with other capacities, in adults with chronic ABI. Because there are also known benefits of exercise and group interaction, this study compares yoga to a similar, group exercise intervention to explore if yoga has a unique benefit for adults with chronic ABI.Clinical trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05793827. Registered on March 31, 2023.

Evoked mid-frontal activity predicts cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Cognitive dysfunction is a major feature of Parkinson's disease (PD), but the pathophysiology remains unknown. One potential mechanism is abnormal low-frequency cortical rhythms which engage cognitive functions and are deficient in PD. We tested the hypothesis that mid-frontal delta/theta rhythms predict cognitive dysfunction in PD.

METHOD

We recruited 100 patients with PD and 49 demographically similar control participants who completed a series of cognitive control tasks, including the Simon, oddball and interval-timing tasks. We focused on cue-evoked delta (1-4 Hz) and theta (4-7 Hz) rhythms from a single mid-frontal EEG electrode (cranial vertex (Cz)) in patients with PD who were either cognitively normal, with mild-cognitive impairments (Parkinson's disease with mild-cognitive impairment) or had dementia (Parkinson's disease dementia).

RESULTS

We found that PD-related cognitive dysfunction was associated with increased response latencies and decreased mid-frontal delta power across all tasks. Within patients with PD, the first principal component of evoked electroencephalography features from a single electrode (Cz) strongly correlated with clinical metrics such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (r=0.34) and with National Institutes of Health Toolbox Executive Function score (r=0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that cue-evoked mid-frontal delta/theta rhythms directly relate to cognition in PD. Our results provide insight into the nature of low-frequency frontal rhythms and suggest that PD-related cognitive dysfunction results from decreased delta/theta activity. These findings could facilitate the development of new biomarkers and targeted therapies for cognitive symptoms of PD.

Cognitive function, self-management, and outcomes among liver transplant recipients: LivCog, a multicenter, prospective study

Liver transplantation is a life-saving option for decompensated cirrhosis. Liver transplant recipients require advanced self-management skills, intact cognitive skills, and care partner support to improve long-term outcomes. Gaps remain in understanding post-liver transplant cognitive and health trajectories, and patient factors such as self-management skills, care partner support, and sleep. Our aims are to (1) assess pre-liver transplant to post-liver transplant cognitive trajectories and identify risk factors for persistent cognitive impairment; (2) evaluate associations between cognitive function and self-management skills, health behaviors, functional health status, and post-transplant outcomes; and (3) investigate potential mediators and moderators of associations between cognitive function and post-liver transplant outcomes. LivCog is a longitudinal, prospective observational study that will enroll 450 adult liver transplant recipients and their caregivers/care partners. The duration of the study is 5 years with 24 additional months of patient follow-up. Data will be collected from participants at 1, 3, 12, and 24 months post-transplant. Limited pre-liver transplant data will also be collected from waitlisted candidates. Data collection methods include interviews, surveys, cognitive assessments, and actigraphy/sleep diary measures. Patient measurements include sociodemographic characteristics, pretransplant health status, cognitive function, physical function, perioperative measures, medical history, transplant history, self-management skills, patient-reported outcomes, health behaviors, and clinical outcomes. Caregiver measures assess sociodemographic variables, health literacy, health care navigation skills, self-efficacy, care partner preparedness, nature and intensity of care, care partner burden, and community participation. By elucidating various health trajectories from pre-liver transplant to 2 years post-liver transplant, LivCog will be able to better characterize recipients at higher risk of cognitive impairment and compromised self-management. Findings will inform interventions targeting health behaviors, self-management, and caregiver supports to optimize outcomes.

The Relationship Between Cortical Thickness and Executive Function Measures in Children With and Without ADHD

OBJECTIVE

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity; however, other executive function dysregulation is common, including inhibition and working memory. This study aims to identify CT differences based on executive function performance in individuals with and without ADHD.

METHODS

Data for this study was acquired from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) database (61 ADHD, and 61 age and sex matched controls). General linear models were used to assess relationships between measures, CT, and diagnosis.

RESULTS

We found a significant relation between CT and working memory scores in the right precentral area. Additionally, we found significant interactions between CT, diagnosis, and measure outcome in the Flanker assessment (in the left fusiform area) and the attention score of the CBCL (in the right precentral region).

CONCLUSION

This suggests that there may be different relationships that exist between CT and executive function in children with ADHD.

A Novel Computerized Cognitive Test for the Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Its Association with Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease Prone Brain Regions

During the prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), neurodegenerative changes can be identified by measuring volumetric loss in AD-prone brain regions on MRI. Cognitive assessments that are sensitive enough to measure the early brain-behavior manifestations of AD and that correlate with biomarkers of neurodegeneration are needed to identify and monitor individuals at risk for dementia. Weak sensitivity to early cognitive change has been a major limitation of traditional cognitive assessments. In this study, we focused on expanding our previous work by determining whether a digitized cognitive stress test, the Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales for Semantic Interference and Learning, Brief Computerized Version (LASSI-BC) could differentiate between Cognitively Unimpaired (CU) and amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) groups. A second focus was to correlate LASSI-BC performance to volumetric reductions in AD-prone brain regions. Data was gathered from 111 older adults who were comprehensively evaluated and administered the LASSI-BC. Eighty-seven of these participants (51 CU; 36 aMCI) underwent MR imaging. The volumes of 12 AD-prone brain regions were related to LASSI-BC and other memory tests correcting for False Discovery Rate (FDR). Results indicated that, even after adjusting for initial learning ability, the failure to recover from proactive semantic interference (frPSI) on the LASSI-BC differentiated between CU and aMCI groups. An optimal combination of frPSI and initial learning strength on the LASSI-BC yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.876 (76.1% sensitivity, 82.7% specificity). Further, frPSI on the LASSI-BC was associated with volumetric reductions in the hippocampus, amygdala, inferior temporal lobes, precuneus, and posterior cingulate.

Contrasting speed and accuracy approaches to measure executive functions in three low-and middle-income countries

Executive functions (EF) can be measured by tests assessing accuracy, reaction times and by computing scores which combine these two components. Interpretation issues can arise from the use of different scoring methods across studies. Given that EF measures and their scoring methods are predominantly developed and validated in high income countries, little is known about the generalisability of such methods cross- culturally. The current paper compares two different established scoring approaches for measures of inhibition and cognitive flexibility: difference scores (which utilise reaction time only) and computed scores (combining accuracy and reaction time). We utilised data collected in adulthood from three low- and middle-income birth cohorts (Guatemala, Philippines, South Africa). Non-normal distributions were observed for both scoring methods in all three samples; however, this was more pronounced for the difference score method. Differing distribution patterns were observed across the three cohorts, which was especially evident in the Guatemala cohort, highlighting potential issues with using these methods across diverse populations. The data suggest that the computed scores may be a reliable measure of EF. However, the different ways of scoring and interpreting EF instruments need to be considered carefully for each population before use.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviours among military veterans: protocol for a prospective, observational, neuroimaging study

INTRODUCTION

This study's overarching goal is to examine the relationship between brain circuits and suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs) in a transdiagnostic sample of US military veterans. Because STBs have been linked with maladaptive decision-making and disorders linked to impulsivity, this investigation focuses on valence and inhibitory control circuits.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In this prospective, observational study, we will collect functional MRI (fMRI), cognitive and clinical data from 136 veterans (target sample size) recruited from the Providence VA Health System (PVAHS): 68 with STBs and 68 matched controls. Behavioural data will be collected using standardised measures of STBs, psychiatric symptoms, cognition, functioning and medical history. Neuroimaging data will include structural, task and resting fMRI. We will conduct follow-up interviews and assessments at 6, 12 and 24 months post-enrolment. Primary analyses will compare data from veterans with and without STBs and will also evaluate whether activation and connectivity within circuits of valence and inhibition covary with historical and prospective patterns of suicidal ideation and behaviour.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The PVAHS Institutional Review Board approved this study (2018-051). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at local, regional, national and international conferences.Nauder Namaky, Ph.D.* nauder_namaky@brown.edu.

Immediate and short-term effects of single-task and motor-cognitive dual-task on executive function

OBJECTIVES

Executive function plays an important role in our daily life and can be affected by both single task (acute aerobic exercise or cognitive training) and dual-task (acute motor-cognitive training) interventions. Here we explored the immediate and short-term effect on executive function to texted whether dual-task interventions are more effective at promoting executive function.

METHODS

Forty-six young men were recruited (mean age: 20.65 years) and assigned randomly to aerobic exercise (n = 15), cognitive training (n = 15), or dual-task (n = 16) groups. Executive functions were assessed before, immediately after, and 30 min after intervention using Go/No-go, 2-back, and More-Odd-Shifting tests.

RESULTS

Working memory function improved after all three interventions (significant Time effect, F(2,86) = 7.05, p = 0.001). Performance on the 2-back test was significantly better immediately after dual-task intervention (p = 0.038) and the response time was shorter (p = 0.023). Performance on the More-Odd-Shifting test improved over time (significant Time effect, F(2,86) = 30.698, p = 0.01), both immediately after the dual-task intervention (p = 0.015), and 30 min later (p = 0.001). Shifting-test performance was also better immediately after (p = 0.005) and 30 min after (p < 0.001) aerobic exercise.

CONCLUSION

Executive function was enhanced by single-task (acute aerobic exercise or cognitive training) and dual-task interventions. The effect continued for 30 min after both the single-task aerobic exercise and the dual-task intervention. For short-term intervention, the dual-task was not more effective than either of the single tasks.

Psychometric properties of inhibitory control measures among youth with Down syndrome

BACKGROUND

Inhibitory control measures have been commonly used when assessing individuals with Down syndrome. However, minimal attention has been devoted to evaluating the appropriateness of specific assessments for use in this population, potentially leading to erroneous conclusions. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of measures of inhibitory control among youth with Down syndrome. We sought to examine the feasibility, presence of floor or practice effects, test-retest reliability, convergent validity and correlations with broader developmental domains of a set of inhibitory control tasks.

METHODS

A sample of 97 youth with Down syndrome aged 6 to 17 years old participated in verbal and visuospatial tasks of inhibitory control including the Cat/dog Stroop, Neuropsychological Assessment Second Edition (NEPSY-II) Statue, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox Cognition Battery (TCB) Flanker, Leiter-3 Attention Sustained, and the Test of Attentional Performance for Children (KiTAP) Go/No-go and Distractibility subtests. Youth also completed standardised assessments of cognition and language, and caregivers completed rating scales. Psychometric properties on the tasks of inhibitory control were evaluated against a priori criteria.

RESULTS

Apart from demonstrating negligible practice effects, adequate psychometric properties were not observed for any inhibitory control measure within the current sample's age range. One task with low working memory demands (NEPSY-II Statue) generally had better psychometric properties than the other tasks assessed. Subgroups of participants with an IQ greater than 30 and age more than 8 years were shown to be more likely to be able to complete the inhibition tasks.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest better feasibility for analogue tasks rather than computerised assessments of inhibitory control. Given the weak psychometrics of several common measures, future studies are required to evaluate other inhibitory control measures, specifically those with reduced working memory demands for youth with Down syndrome. Recommendations for use of the inhibitory control tasks among youth with Down syndrome are provided.

Can the Clobber game become a classroom-based tool for screening students' executive functions?

The use of games for cognitive screening is not new and involves employing simple tasks as well as virtual reality. In this work, we introduce the use of the combinatorial game Clobber, created by the mathematicians Albert, Grossman, Nowakowski and Wolfe in 2001 in a classroom-based experiment and analyzed how it can assess cognitive functions. Specifically, this study tries to address how the use of the Clobber game can target executive functions (EFs) and why it may be a valuable game to assess EFs. Executive functions have an extremely complex nature and combine abilities which involve planning, decision-making, productive action, and self-regulation, among others. We performed a cross-sectional study with a sample of 111 participants aged 9-30 from three educational levels in which Clobber was applied in four different configurations varying in complexity. The findings identify two variables that can guide future experiments with Clobber: the game configuration and the time spent solving the game.

Comparison of Various Metrics of Repetitive Head Impact Exposure And Their Associations With Neurocognition in Collegiate-Aged Athletes

OBJECTIVE

Characterize the levels of various metrics of repetitive head impacts (RHI) in contact (CS) and non-contact (NCS) sport athletes and determine the extent to which they are associated with fluid cognition.

METHODS

Collegiate-aged athletes (n = 176) completed semi-structured interviews about participation in contact sport. RHI was operationalized based on current sport (CS/NCS), the cumulative number of years of participation, age at first exposure (AFE), and based on recently proposed traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) categories. The NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery assessed fluid cognition. General linear models compared RHI metrics between CS and NCS athletes and tested associations of RHI measures with fluid cognition.

RESULTS

CS athletes had more years of RHI exposure, higher rates of "extensive" exposure based on TES criteria, and were more likely to have AFE before age 12 relative to NCS (ps < .001). A subset of NCS athletes, however, reported prior RHI at levels categorized as being "extensive" based on TES criteria (5%), while a larger minority had AFE before 12 (34%). No adverse associations of RHI and fluid cognition were observed (ps > .05). Across all RHI metrics, more or earlier RHI was associated with better episodic memory (ps ≤ .05). Secondary analyses showed this effect was driven by women.

CONCLUSIONS

Current results find no evidence that RHI in collegiate-aged athletes is associated with worse neurocognition. Although there was extensive overlap among RHI measures, results demonstrate that categorizing athletes based on their current sport undercounts the lifetime RHI exposure in many NCS athletes.

The Effects of Virtual Zumba ® on Functional Outcomes in Adults with Developmental Disabilities

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have examined the comprehensive impact of adaptive exercise interventions across multiple functional domains (i.e., physical and cognitive health) in adults with developmental disabilities (DD).

METHODS

The present study examined the effects of a 10-wk (2 sessions per week, 1 h per session) adapted Zumba ® intervention on the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, body composition, and executive function in 44 adults with DD age 20.8-69.2 yr. In addition to examining overall differences between control and intervention conditions, the effects of different Zumba ® tempos (normal/low) were examined. A crossover design with a 3-month wash-out period was used such that participants in the intervention also served as controls. The participants were quasi-randomized into one of two Zumba ® conditions: low-tempo Zumba ® (0.75 normal speed; n = 23) and normal-tempo Zumba ® ( n = 21).

RESULTS

A significant condition-time interaction was observed for the 6MWT and TUG; participants in the low and normal-tempo Zumba ® conditions significantly increased the distance walked for the 6MWT and reduced the total time for the TUG. No improvement was observed during the control condition for these measures. There were no significant condition-time interactions for the other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings have implications on the efficacy and implementation of virtual Zumba ® programs to increase abilities related to independent performance of activities of daily living in adults with disabilities.

Graph-matching distance between individuals' functional connectomes varies with relatedness, age, and cognitive score

Functional connectomes (FCs), represented by networks or graphs that summarize coactivation patterns between pairs of brain regions, have been related at a population level to age, sex, cognitive/behavioral scores, life experience, genetics, and disease/disorders. However, quantifying FC differences between individuals also provides a rich source of information with which to map to differences in those individuals' biology, experience, genetics or behavior. In this study, graph matching is used to create a novel inter-individual FC metric, called swap distance, that quantifies the distance between pairs of individuals' partial FCs, with a smaller swap distance indicating the individuals have more similar FC. We apply graph matching to align FCs between individuals from the the Human Connectome ProjectN = 997 and find that swap distance (i) increases with increasing familial distance, (ii) increases with subjects' ages, (iii) is smaller for pairs of females compared to pairs of males, and (iv) is larger for females with lower cognitive scores compared to females with larger cognitive scores. Regions that contributed most to individuals' swap distances were in higher-order networks, that is, default-mode and fronto-parietal, that underlie executive function and memory. These higher-order networks' regions also had swap frequencies that varied monotonically with familial relatedness of the individuals in question. We posit that the proposed graph matching technique provides a novel way to study inter-subject differences in FC and enables quantification of how FC may vary with age, relatedness, sex, and behavior.

Can we measure individual differences in cognitive measures reliably via smartphones? A comparison of the flanker effect across device types and samples

Research deployed via the internet and administered via smartphones could have access to more diverse samples than lab-based research. Diverse samples could have relatively high variation in their traits and so yield relatively reliable measurements of individual differences in these traits. Several cognitive tasks that originated from the experimental research tradition have been reported to yield relatively low reliabilities (Hedge et al., 2018) in samples with restricted variance (students). This issue could potentially be addressed by smartphone-mediated administration in diverse samples. We formulate several criteria to determine whether a cognitive task is suitable for individual differences research on commodity smartphones: no very brief or precise stimulus timing, relative response times (RTs), a maximum of two response options, and a small number of graphical stimuli. The flanker task meets these criteria. We compared the reliability of individual differences in the flanker effect across samples and devices in a preregistered study. We found no evidence that a more diverse sample yields higher reliabilities. We also found no evidence that commodity smartphones yield lower reliabilities than commodity laptops. Hence, diverse samples might not improve reliability above student samples, but smartphones may well measure individual differences with cognitive tasks reliably. Exploratively, we examined different reliability coefficients, split-half reliabilities, and the development of reliability estimates as a function of task length.

Neurocognitive effects of subanesthetic serial ketamine infusions in treatment resistant depression

INTRODUCTION

Ketamine treatment prompts a rapid antidepressant response in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We performed an exploratory investigation of how ketamine treatment in TRD affects different cognitive domains and relates to antidepressant response.

METHODS

Patients with TRD (N = 66; 30 M/35F; age = 39.5 ± 11.1 years) received four ketamine infusions (0.5 mg/kg). Neurocognitive function and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline, 24 h after the first and fourth ketamine infusion, and 5 weeks following end of treatment. Mixed effect models tested for changes in seven neurocognitive domains and antidepressant response, with post-hoc pairwise comparisons between timepoints, including follow-up. Relationships between change in neurocognitive function and antidepressant response over the course of treatment were tested with Pearson's correlation and mediation analyses. Associations between baseline neurocognitive performance and antidepressant response were tested with Pearson's correlation.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in inhibition, working memory, processing speed, and overall fluid cognition were observed after the first and fourth ketamine infusion. Improvements in processing speed and overall fluid cognition persisted through follow-up. Significant improvements in depressive symptoms reverted towards baseline at follow-up. Baseline working memory and change in inhibition were moderately correlated with antidepressant response, however, improvements in neurocognitive performance were statistically independent from antidepressant response.

CONCLUSION

Antidepressant ketamine leads to improved neurocognitive function, which persist for at least 5 weeks. Neurocognitive improvements observed appear independent of antidepressant response, suggesting ketamine may target overlapping but distinct functional brain systems. Limitations Research investigating repeated serial ketamine treatments is important to determine cognitive safety. This study is a naturalistic design and does not include placebo.

Validity and reliability of the NIH Toolbox® Standing Balance Test As compared to the Biodex Balance System SD

BACKGROUND/ PURPOSE

The NIH Toolbox® was developed to assess functions among motor, sensory, emotional, and cognitive domains. The motor domain of the NIH Toolbox® includes an assessment for standing balance. Studies have validated early versions of the balance assessment for ages 3 through 85; however, no studies have examined the reliability and validity in its current version (using iPod Touch) against established balance measurements such as the Biodex SD modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (m-CTSIB).

SUBJECTS

Ninety-three community dwelling older adults (38 males 55 females) ≥60 years old (SD 74 ± 6).

METHODS

One-day assessment using the NIH Toolbox® and the Biodex SD m-CTSIB. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC_3,1) were used to measure the test-retest reliability, and Pearson's product correlation examined criterion validity.

RESULTS

The overall composite of the Biodex SD m-CTSIB and NIH Toolbox® showed moderate test-retest reliability (ICC_3,1 = 0.71, MDC = 1.21) (ICC_3,1 = 0.84, MDC = 0.65,) respectively. The NIH Toolbox® Theta Score and Biodex overall Sway Index (SI) shows acceptable reliability criterion validity (r = 0.52) indicating moderate overlap in constructs.

CONCLUSIONS

The NIH Toolbox®balance assessment demonstrates acceptable criterion validity compared to the Biodex SD m-CTSIB. The NIH Toolbox® is a valid, reliable, and accessible device; therefore, the NIH Toolbox® should be considered for use in clinical evaluations.

Pitfalls of self-reported measures of self-control: Surprising insights from extreme debtors

OBJECTIVE

We took a rare opportunity to examine whether extreme debtors have inflated assessment of their self-control capacity, potentially rendering self-reported measures ineffective as prediction tools for debt risks.

METHOD

The self-control profiles of extreme debtors (n = 1442), whose credit card debt amounted to more than 12 months of their income, were compared with samples of the general population (n = 505) and students from an elite university (n = 1011) on a self-reported measure, a behavioral intention measure, and an executive function measure.

RESULTS

Extreme debtors reported the highest self-control on the self-reported measure but scored the lowest on the behavioral intention measure and executive function. This pattern was robust across different subsections of demographics and diverse reasons of indebtedness.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that self-reported measures may be more susceptible to psychological distortions than behavioral measures, a pitfall that past research has overlooked. Furthermore, we reveal a double whammy faced by extreme debtors: they have a low capacity to regulate their behavior but hold an illusory perception of high capacity, which may expose them to further debt accumulation. The insights from our study underscore the utility of examining extreme segments of the population for advancing psychological knowledge.

Uneven terrain versus dual-task walking: differential challenges imposed on walking behavior in older adults are predicted by cognitive and sensorimotor function

Aging is associated with declines in walking function. To understand these mobility declines, many studies have obtained measurements while participants walk on flat surfaces in laboratory settings during concurrent cognitive task performance (dual-tasking). This may not adequately capture the real-world challenges of walking at home and around the community. Here, we hypothesized that uneven terrains in the walking path impose differential changes to walking speed compared to dual-task walking. We also hypothesized that changes in walking speed resulting from uneven terrains will be better predicted by sensorimotor function than cognitive function. Sixty-three community-dwelling older adults (65-93 yrs old) performed overground walking under varying walking conditions. Older adults were classified into two mobility function groups based on scores of the Short Physical Performance Battery. They performed uneven terrain walking across four surface conditions (Flat, Low, Medium, and High unevenness) and performed single and verbal dual-task walking on flat ground. Participants also underwent a battery of cognitive (cognitive flexibility, working memory, inhibition) and sensorimotor testing (grip strength, 2-pt discrimination, pressure pain threshold). Our results showed that walking speed decreased during both dual-task walking and across uneven terrain walking conditions compared to walking on flat terrain. Participants with lower mobility function had even greater decreases in uneven terrain walking speeds. The change in uneven terrain speed was associated with attention and inhibitory function. Changes in both dual-task and uneven terrain walking speeds were associated with 2-point tactile discrimination. This study further documents associations between mobility, executive functions, and somatosensation, highlights the differential costs to walking imposed by uneven terrains, and identifies that older adults with lower mobility function are more likely to experience these changes to walking function.

Gut-Brain Axis Perspective on Negative Symptoms and Their Neighbors in Early Adolescence: Can We Move Care Upstream?

The current study investigated symptom network patterns in adolescents from a gut-brain-axis (GBA) biopsychosocial perspective. Our secondary analysis of data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study assessed symptom relationships using network analysis to provide information about multivariate structural dependencies among 41 signs and symptoms. Cross-sectional EBICglasso symptom networks were evaluated to assess patterns associated with anhedonia and depressed mood. Significant differences were identified between symptom neighbors of anhedonia compared with depressed mood based on stratification by age. The GBA perspective revealed several symptom neighbors that could expand clinical assessment, diagnosing criteria, education, and interventions for adolescents at risk for, or with, anhedonia or depressed mood. Results speak to the unique impact of symptoms on health that are not interchangeable with other symptoms and do not have equal effects. Mental health nurses should consider a holistic and proactive precision health approach to improving health and well-being through evidence-based assessment of symptom associations. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Effects of a Randomised Trial of 5-Week Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention on Cognitive Function: Possible Benefits for Inhibitory Control

Previous research suggests that higher heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with better cognitive function. However, since most previous findings on the relationship between HRV and cognitive function were correlational in nature, it is unclear whether individual differences in HRV play a causal role in cognitive performance. To investigate whether there are causal relationships, we used a simple breathing manipulation that increases HRV through a 5-week HRV biofeedback intervention and examined whether this manipulation improves cognitive performance in younger and older adults (N = 165). The 5-week HRV biofeedback intervention did not significantly improve inhibitory control, working memory and processing speed across age groups. However, improvement in the Flanker score (a measure of inhibition) was associated with the amplitude of heart rate oscillations during practice sessions in the younger and older intervention groups. Our results suggest that daily practice to increase heart rate oscillations may improve inhibitory control, but future studies using longer intervention periods are warranted to replicate the present finding.