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Maydych V, Pöschel H, Kübler S, Schubert T. The impact of food stimuli and fasting on cognitive control in task switching. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:921-935. [PMID: 37855942 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01884-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Previous research demonstrated motivation-control interactions in task switching. However, motivational effects on switch costs have been mostly examined using monetary rewards. Here, we investigated whether stimulus material linked to food and fasting affect control processes in task switching. We predicted that switching to the task comprising food stimuli would be facilitated, which should result in lower switch costs for this task, and that these effects would be stronger with higher motivational salience of the food stimuli, i.e. in hungry individuals and/or individuals with restrictive eating. Participants switched between categorising food items as sweet or savoury and digits as odd or even in two task-switching paradigms: an alternating runs and a voluntary task switching. Hunger was induced by 14 h fasting in the experimental compared to the control group. Results showed lower switch costs for the motivational-affective food task in both task-switching paradigms and in both groups. Switch costs for the neutral digit task were significantly higher in the fasting group compared to the control group in alternating runs task switching only. Individual differences in restrictive eating were related negatively but not significantly to the size of the switch costs. All in all, the results demonstrate an impact of motivational-affective stimuli on cognitive control in task switching and suggest a potential modulatory role of motivational states, though the findings need to be replicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Maydych
- Institute for Psychology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Emil-Abderhalden-Str. 26-27, 06108, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Hanna Pöschel
- Institute for Psychology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Emil-Abderhalden-Str. 26-27, 06108, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sebastian Kübler
- Institute for Psychology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Emil-Abderhalden-Str. 26-27, 06108, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Schubert
- Institute for Psychology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Emil-Abderhalden-Str. 26-27, 06108, Halle (Saale), Germany
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2
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Gillespie KM, White MJ, Kemps E, Moore H, Dymond A, Bartlett SE. The Impact of Free and Added Sugars on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 16:75. [PMID: 38201905 PMCID: PMC10780393 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A relationship between excessive sugar consumption and cognitive function has been described in animal models, but the specific effects of sugars in humans remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the current knowledge, research characteristics, and quality of evidence of studies investigating the impacts of free and added sugars on human cognition in healthy participants. The review identified 77 studies (65 experimental trials, n = 3831; 9 cross-sectional studies, n = 11,456; and 3 cohort studies, n = 2059). All cohort studies and eight of the nine cross-sectional studies found significant positive correlations between added sugar consumption and risk of cognitive impairment. Four studies identified reduced risk of cognitive impairment associated with natural fructose-containing foods. The majority of randomised control trials assessed short-term glucose facilitation effects on cognitive outcomes. The results from these studies suggest the need for a tightly regulated blood glucose level, dependent on individualised physiological factors, for optimal cognitive function. A meta-analysis of a subset of studies that assessed the impact of glucose on recall found improvements in immediate free recall compared to controls (p = 0.002). The findings highlight the potentially detrimental effect of excessive, long-term, or prenatal added sugar consumption on cognitive function. Further research is needed to examine the specific effects of free and added sugars on cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri M. Gillespie
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia;
| | - Melanie J. White
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia;
| | - Eva Kemps
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Halim Moore
- Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), Université Clermont Auvergne, 63170 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
| | - Alexander Dymond
- Mental Health and Specialist Services, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia;
| | - Selena E. Bartlett
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia;
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3
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Gillespie KM, Kemps E, White MJ, Bartlett SE. The Impact of Free Sugar on Human Health-A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:889. [PMID: 36839247 PMCID: PMC9966020 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of nutrition in human health has been understood for over a century. However, debate is ongoing regarding the role of added and free sugars in physiological and neurological health. In this narrative review, we have addressed several key issues around this debate and the major health conditions previously associated with sugar. We aim to determine the current evidence regarding the role of free sugars in human health, specifically obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cognition, and mood. We also present some predominant theories on mechanisms of action. The findings suggest a negative effect of excessive added sugar consumption on human health and wellbeing. Specific class and source of carbohydrate appears to greatly influence the impact of these macronutrients on health. Further research into individual effects of carbohydrate forms in diverse populations is needed to understand the complex relationship between sugar and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri M. Gillespie
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Eva Kemps
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Melanie J. White
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Selena E. Bartlett
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
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4
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Niu CC, Bao WJ, Jiang HX, Yu J. The Effect of Nighttime Snacking on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Evidence from Observational and Experimental Studies. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224900. [PMID: 36432586 PMCID: PMC9692411 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence shows that supplementary snacking could provide older adults with nutrients that cannot be obtained through three meals a day. However, whether and how supplementary snacking, especially nighttime snacking, affects older adults' cognitive function remain unclear. The present study examined the effect of nighttime snacking on cognitive function for older adults. In study 1, we investigated the association between nighttime snacking and cognitive function based on data from 2618 community-dwelling older adults from the China health and nutrition survey (CHNS). In study 2, we conducted an experiment (n = 50) to explore how nighttime acute energy intake influences older adults' performance on cognitive tasks (immediate recall, short-term delayed recall, and long-term delayed recall). Both the observational and experimental studies suggested that nighttime snacking facilitated older adults' cognitive abilities, such as memory and mathematical ability, as indicated by subjective measures (study 1) and objective measures (studies 1 and 2). Moreover, this beneficial effect was moderated by cognitive load. These findings bridge the gap in the literature on the relationships between older adults' nighttime snacking and cognitive function, providing insight into how to improve older adults' dietary behaviors and cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Cheng Niu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Wei-Jie Bao
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Hai-Xin Jiang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Correspondence:
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5
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Cognitive glucose sensitivity-proposing a link between cognitive performance and reliance on external glucose uptake. Nutr Diabetes 2022; 12:10. [PMID: 35288532 PMCID: PMC8921321 DOI: 10.1038/s41387-022-00191-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing evidence on the effects of glucose supplementation on cognitive performance appears inconclusive. Metabolic switching offers an approach to explain such incoherent findings based on differences in cognitive functioning after fasting. We propose a new construct, cognitive glucose sensitivity (CGS), which quantifies individual performance gain due to glucose supplementation. We tested the hypothesis that the effects of glucose ingestion depend on CGS, cognitive task domain, and sex. In addition, the relationship between CGS and body mass index (BMI) was examined. Seventy-one participants (48 female) were tested in two conditions each (deprivation baseline vs. glucose supplementation), performing tasks from different cognitive domains (memory and executive functioning). We found significant evidence for a correlation of deprivation baseline performance and CGS across domains (Corsi-Block-Tapping Task: r = -0.57, p < 0.001; Go-No-Go Task: r = 0.39, p = 0.001; word list recall: r = -0.50, p < 0.001). Moreover, individual CGS differed significantly between tasks (p = 0.018). Only in men, BMI was significantly related to CGS in a word recall paradigm (r = 0.49, p = 0.017). Our findings support the notion that the effects of glucose depend on CGS, task domain, and sex. The effort to reduce performance impairment (short-term) might sacrifice independence from external glucose (long term), possibly via declining blood glucose regulation. Therefore, CGS could be regarded as a candidate to enhance our understanding of the etiology of unhealthy eating.
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6
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Benau EM, Makara A, Orloff NC, Benner E, Serpell L, Timko CA. How Does Fasting Affect Cognition? An Updated Systematic Review (2013-2020). Curr Nutr Rep 2021; 10:376-390. [PMID: 34595721 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-021-00370-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review was to provide an update on the literature examining how voluntary, temporary abstention from eating impacts cognitive function. RECENT FINDINGS We evaluated peer-reviewed articles published between August 2013 and January 2021 that assessed adults, included a measure of cognitive functioning with neutral stimuli, and compared individuals in a fasted state to individuals in a fed state (either within- or between-subject designs). Nineteen articles (21 studies) met inclusion criteria. Sample sizes, fasting methods, and tasks varied across studies. Review of studies indicated that fasting was associated with deficits in cognitive functioning; few studies indicated a benefit in cognitive functioning following a single voluntary fast. The heterogeneity and rarity of available studies limits the conclusions that can be drawn. Several crucial psychosocial and sociodemographic moderators remain unexplored. Recommendations for future work are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Makara
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Eleanor Benner
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - C Alix Timko
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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7
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García CR, Piernas C, Martínez-Rodríguez A, Hernández-Morante JJ. Effect of glucose and sucrose on cognition in healthy humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies. Nutr Rev 2021; 79:171-187. [PMID: 32585003 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Evidence suggests that plasma glucose levels may influence cognitive performance, but this has not been systematically reviewed and quantified. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review was to investigate the potential effects of glucose and sucrose, compared with placebo, on cognition in healthy humans. DATA SOURCES The electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched up to December 2019. Reference lists of selected articles were checked manually. STUDY SELECTION Randomized controlled trials or crossover trials that compared glucose or sucrose with placebo for effects on cognition were eligible. DATA EXTRACTION Potentially eligible articles were selected independently by 2 authors. Risk of bias was assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were obtained from random-effects meta-analyses for a subsample of studies that reported the same outcomes. RESULTS Thirty-seven trials were identified, of which 35 investigated the effect of glucose consumption compared with placebo on cognition. Two studies found no effect of glucose on cognition, while the others found mixed results. Only 3 of the 37 studies investigated the effects of sucrose intake, reporting mixed results. Meta-analyses revealed a significantly positive effect of glucose compared with control, but only when a verbal performance test (immediate word recall) was used in parallel-design studies (SMD = 0.61; 95%CI, 0.20-1.02; I2 = 0%). Twenty-four studies were classified as having high risk of bias for the selection procedure. CONCLUSIONS A limited body of evidence shows a beneficial effect of glucose in individuals performing immediate verbal tasks. High-quality trials with standardized cognitive measurements are needed to better establish the effect of glucose or sucrose on cognition. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number CRD42019122939.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Piernas
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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8
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Bassaganya-Riera J, Berry EM, Blaak EE, Burlingame B, le Coutre J, van Eden W, El-Sohemy A, German JB, Knorr D, Lacroix C, Muscaritoli M, Nieman DC, Rychlik M, Scholey A, Serafini M. Goals in Nutrition Science 2020-2025. Front Nutr 2021; 7:606378. [PMID: 33665201 PMCID: PMC7923694 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.606378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Five years ago, with the editorial board of Frontiers in Nutrition, we took a leap of faith to outline the Goals for Nutrition Science - the way we see it (1). Now, in 2020, we can put ourselves to the test and take a look back. Without a doubt we got it right with several of the key directions. To name a few, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Food and Nutrition are part of the global public agenda, and the SDGs contribute to the structuring of international science and research. Nutritional Science has become a critical element in strengthening work on the SDGs, and the development of appropriate methodologies is built on the groundwork of acquiring and analyzing big datasets. Investigation of the Human Microbiome is providing novel insight on the interrelationship between nutrition, the immune system and disease. Finally, with an advanced definition of the gut-brain-axis we are getting a glimpse into the potential for Nutrition and Brain Health. Various milestones have been achieved, and any look into the future will have to consider the lessons learned from Covid-19 and the sobering awareness about the frailty of our food systems in ensuring global food security. With a view into the coming 5 years from 2020 to 2025, the editorial board has taken a slightly different approach as compared to the previous Goals article. A mind map has been created to outline the key topics in nutrition science. Not surprisingly, when looking ahead, the majority of scientific investigation required will be in the areas of health and sustainability. Johannes le Coutre, Field Chief Editor, Frontiers in Nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Bassaganya-Riera
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory (NIMML) Institute, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Elliot M Berry
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ellen E Blaak
- Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Johannes le Coutre
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Willem van Eden
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ahmed El-Sohemy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Bruce German
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Dietrich Knorr
- Institute of Food Technology and Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christophe Lacroix
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Muscaritoli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - David C Nieman
- Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Michael Rychlik
- Technical University of Munich, Analytical Food Chemistry, Freising, Germany
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mauro Serafini
- Functional Food and Metabolic Stress Prevention Laboratory, Faculty of Biosciences and Technologies for Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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9
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Mens Sana in Corpore Sano: Does the Glycemic Index Have a Role to Play? Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12102989. [PMID: 33003562 PMCID: PMC7599769 DOI: 10.3390/nu12102989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although diet interventions are mostly related to metabolic disorders, nowadays they are used in a wide variety of pathologies. From diabetes and obesity to cardiovascular diseases, to cancer or neurological disorders and stroke, nutritional recommendations are applied to almost all diseases. Among such disorders, metabolic disturbances and brain function and/or diseases have recently been shown to be linked. Indeed, numerous neurological functions are often associated with perturbations of whole-body energy homeostasis. In this regard, specific diets are used in various neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, stroke, or seizure recovery. In addition, Alzheimer’s disease and Autism Spectrum Disorders are also considered to be putatively improved by diet interventions. Glycemic index diets are a novel developed indicator expected to anticipate the changes in blood glucose induced by specific foods and how they can affect various physiological functions. Several results have provided indications of the efficiency of low-glycemic index diets in weight management and insulin sensitivity, but also cognitive function, epilepsy treatment, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, studies involving the glycemic index can provide new insights into the relationship between energy homeostasis regulation and brain function or related disorders. Therefore, in this review, we will summarize the main evidence on glycemic index involvement in brain mechanisms of energy homeostasis regulation.
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10
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Gardner RS, Newman LA, Mohler EG, Tunur T, Gold PE, Korol DL. Aging is not equal across memory systems. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 172:107232. [PMID: 32315762 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present experiments compared the effects of aging on learning several hippocampus- and striatum-sensitive tasks in young (3-4 month) and old (24-28 month) male Fischer-344 rats. Across three sets of tasks, aging was accompanied not only by deficits on hippocampal tasks but also by maintained or even enhanced abilities on striatal tasks. On two novel object recognition tasks, rats showed impaired performance on a hippocampal object location task but enhanced performance on a striatal object replacement task. On a dual solution task, young rats predominately used hippocampal solutions and old rats used striatal solutions. In addition, on two maze tasks optimally solved using either hippocampus-sensitive place or striatum-sensitive response strategies, relative to young rats, old rats had impaired learning on the place version but equivalent learning on the response version. Because glucose treatments can reverse deficits in learning and memory across many tasks and contexts, levels of available glucose in the brain may have particular importance in cognitive aging observed across tasks and memory systems. During place learning, training-related rises in extracellular glucose levels were attenuated in the hippocampus of old rats compared to young rats. In contrast, glucose levels in the striatum increased comparably in young and old rats trained on either the place or response task. These extracellular brain glucose responses to training paralleled the impairment in hippocampus-sensitive learning and the sparing of striatum-sensitive learning seen as rats age, suggesting a link between age-related changes in learning and metabolic substrate availability in these brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Gardner
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States.
| | - L A Newman
- Department of Psychological Science, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, United States
| | - E G Mohler
- Research and Development, AbbVie, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
| | - T Tunur
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA 92096, United States
| | - P E Gold
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
| | - D L Korol
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States.
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11
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Peters R, White D, Cleeland C, Scholey A. Fuel for Thought? A Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Studies into Glucose Enhancement of Cognitive Performance. Neuropsychol Rev 2020; 30:234-250. [PMID: 32162177 PMCID: PMC7305087 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-020-09431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A transient improvement in cognitive performance can be observed following the ingestion of a glucose drink, a phenomenon known as the ‘glucose facilitation effect’. The effect has been studied thoroughly in the last three decades, but its neural underpinnings remain a matter of speculation. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the current evidence from studies applying neuroimaging or neurophysiological methods to investigate the glucose enhancement effect. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria of using neuroimaging in conjunction with cognitive outcomes. Six studies employed electroencephalography (EEG), four used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and one employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). All but one study reported modulation of neurophysiology or neuroimaging markers following glucose, while only five studies reported significant changes in cognitive outcomes. The evidence suggests that glucose administration enhances neurocognitive markers of episodic memory and attentional processes underpinned by medial temporal and frontal activation, sometimes in the absence of measurable behavioural effects. Further exploration of glucose facilitation using neuroimaging measures with increased sample sizes is warranted to replicate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccarda Peters
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - David White
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Carlee Cleeland
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia.
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12
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Zhang Z, Zhang C, Yao J, Gao F, Gong T, Jiang S, Chen W, Zhou J, Wang G. Amide proton transfer-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of human brain aging at 3 Tesla. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2020; 10:727-742. [PMID: 32269932 DOI: 10.21037/qims.2020.02.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) imaging has been revealed to hold great potential in the diagnosis of several brain diseases. The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the feasibility and value of APTw magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in characterizing normal brain aging. Methods A total of 106 healthy subjects were recruited and scanned at 3.0 Tesla, with APTw and conventional magnetization transfer (MT) sequences. Quantitative image analyses were performed in 12 regions of interest (ROIs) for each subject. The APTw or MT ratio (MTR) signal differences among five age groups (young, mature, middle-aged, young-old, and middle-old) were assessed using the one-way analysis of variance, with the Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons. The relationship between APTw and MTR signals and the age dependencies of APTw and MTR signals were assessed using the Pearson correlation and non-linear regression. Results There were no significant differences between the APTw or MTR values for males and females in any of the 12 ROIs analyzed. Among the five age groups, there were significant differences in the three white matter regions in the temporal, occipital, and frontal lobes. Overall, the mean APTw values in the older group were higher than those in the younger group. Positive correlations were observed in relation to age in most brain regions, including four with significant positive correlations (r=0.2065-0.4182) and five with increasing trends. As a comparison, the mean MTR values did not appear to be significantly different among the five age groups. In addition, the mean APTw and MTR values revealed significant positive correlations in 10 ROIs (r=0.2214-0.7269) and a significant negative correlation in one ROI (entorhinal cortex, r=-0.2141). Conclusions Our early results show that the APTw signal can be used as a promising and complementary imaging biomarker with which normal brain aging can be evaluated at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewen Zhang
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China.,Division of MR Research, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA
| | - Caiqing Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jian Yao
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Tao Gong
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Shanshan Jiang
- Division of MR Research, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA
| | - Weibo Chen
- Philips Healthcare, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Jinyuan Zhou
- Division of MR Research, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA
| | - Guangbin Wang
- Department of MR, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China
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13
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Peters R, White DJ, Cornwell BR, Scholey A. Functional Connectivity of the Anterior and Posterior Hippocampus: Differential Effects of Glucose in Younger and Older Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:8. [PMID: 32082138 PMCID: PMC7004964 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus features structurally and functionally distinct anterior and posterior segments. Relatively few studies have examined how these change during aging or in response to pharmacological interventions. Alterations in hippocampal connectivity and changes in glucose regulation have each been associated with cognitive decline in aging. A distinct line of research suggests that administration of glucose can lead to a transient improvement in hippocampus-dependent memory. Here, we probe age, glucose and human cognition with a special emphasis on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the hippocampus along its longitudinal axis to the rest of the brain. Using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design 32 healthy adults (16 young and 16 older) ingested a drink containing 25 g glucose or placebo across two counter balanced sessions. They then underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and cognitive testing. There was a clear dissociation in the effects of glucose by age. Magnitude change in rsFC from posterior hippocampus (pHPC) to medial frontal cortex (mPFC) was correlated with individual glucose regulation and gains in performance on a spatial navigation task. Our results demonstrate that glucose administration can attenuate cognitive performance deficits in older adults with impaired glucose regulation and suggest that increases in pHPC-mPFC rsFC are beneficial for navigation task performance in older participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccarda Peters
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David J. White
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brian R. Cornwell
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Noma Y, Komatsu M, Miya K, Shima K. Cognitive dysfunction during hypoglycemia in an elderly subject without diabetes. Diabetol Int 2019; 11:150-154. [PMID: 32206485 DOI: 10.1007/s13340-019-00419-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine whether an elderly subject without diabetes experiences hypoglycemia during his daily life or after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and investigate whether hypoglycemic episodes affect cognitive function. The 85-year-old healthy subject, who is a sports enthusiast, showed lower than normal (< 80 mg/dl) blood glucose levels on two occasions over 6 days in the early morning. The subject also experienced hypoglycemic episodes and blood glucose levels of 65 and 74 mg/dl, respectively, during the 6-h OGTT given after a 13-h fast. Cognitive function, as assessed using a numeracy test and a driving simulator test, deteriorated during the hypoglycemic episodes but recovered 0.5 h after ingestion of a confectionary product (two pieces of Dorayaki containing 247 kcal and 51.5 g of carbohydrate each). Cognitive dysfunction caused by mild hypoglycemia can be involved in a part of traffic accidents in elderly drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Noma
- Department of Diabetes Care Medicine, Kawashima Hospital, 1-39, Kitasako, Tokushima, 770-8548 Japan
| | - Machiko Komatsu
- Department of Diabetes Care Medicine, Kawashima Hospital, 1-39, Kitasako, Tokushima, 770-8548 Japan
| | - Keiko Miya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kawashima Hospital, 1-39, Kitasako, Tokushima, 770-8548 Japan
| | - Kenji Shima
- Department of Diabetes Care Medicine, Kawashima Hospital, 1-39, Kitasako, Tokushima, 770-8548 Japan
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15
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Scholey AB, Benson S, Sela-Venter S, Mackus M, Moss MC. Oxygen Administration and Acute Human Cognitive Enhancement: Higher Cognitive Demand Leads to a More Rapid Decay of Transient Hyperoxia. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-019-00145-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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16
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Neurochemical changes in the aging brain: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:306-319. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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17
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Bernard BN, Louise LC, Louise D. The Effects of Carbohydrates, in Isolation and Combined with Caffeine, on Cognitive Performance and Mood-Current Evidence and Future Directions. Nutrients 2018; 10:E192. [PMID: 29425182 PMCID: PMC5852768 DOI: 10.3390/nu10020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This review examines the effects of carbohydrates, delivered individually and in combination with caffeine, on a range of cognitive domains and subjective mood. There is evidence for beneficial effects of glucose at a dose of 25 g on episodic memory, but exploration of dose effects has not been systematic and the effects on other cognitive domains is not known. Factors contributing to the differential sensitivity to glucose facilitation include age, task difficulty/demand, task domain, and glucoregulatory control. There is modest evidence to suggest modulating glycemic response may impact cognitive function. The evidence presented in this review identifies dose ranges of glucose and caffeine which improve cognition, but fails to find convincing consistent synergistic effects of combining caffeine and glucose. Whilst combining glucose and caffeine has been shown to facilitate cognitive performance and mood compared to placebo or glucose alone, the relative contribution of caffeine and glucose to the observed effects is difficult to ascertain, due to the paucity of studies that have appropriately compared the effects of these ingredients combined and in isolation. This review identifies a number of methodological challenges which need to be considered in the design of future hypothesis driven research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyle Neil Bernard
- Leeds Nutrition and Behaviour Group, School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Lawton Clare Louise
- Leeds Nutrition and Behaviour Group, School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Dye Louise
- Leeds Nutrition and Behaviour Group, School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
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18
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Sibille KT, Bartsch F, Reddy D, Fillingim RB, Keil A. Increasing Neuroplasticity to Bolster Chronic Pain Treatment: A Role for Intermittent Fasting and Glucose Administration? THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2016; 17:275-81. [PMID: 26848123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Neuroplastic changes in brain structure and function are not only a consequence of chronic pain but are involved in the maintenance of pain symptoms. Thus, promotion of adaptive, treatment-responsive neuroplasticity represents a promising clinical target. Emerging evidence about the human brain's response to an array of behavioral and environmental interventions may assist in identifying targets to facilitate increased neurobiological receptivity, promoting healthy neuroplastic changes. Specifically, strategies to maximize neuroplastic responsiveness to chronic pain treatment could enhance treatment gains by optimization of learning and positive central nervous system adaptation. Periods of heightened plasticity have been traditionally identified with the early years of development. More recent research, however, has identified a wide spectrum of methods that can be used to "reopen" and enhance plasticity and learning in adults. In addition to transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, behavioral and pharmacological interventions have been investigated. Intermittent fasting and glucose administration are two propitious strategies, that are noninvasive, inexpensive to administer, implementable in numerous settings, and might be applicable across differing chronic pain treatments. Key findings and neurophysiological mechanisms are summarized, and evidence for the potential clinical contributions of these two strategies toward ameliorating chronic pain is presented. PERSPECTIVE Neuroplastic changes are a defining feature of chronic pain and a complicating factor in treatment. Noninvasive strategies to optimize the brain's response to treatment interventions might improve learning and memory, increase the positive adaptability of the central nervous system, and enhance treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly T Sibille
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
| | - Felix Bartsch
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Divya Reddy
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Roger B Fillingim
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Andreas Keil
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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