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Montejo Carrasco P, Montenegro-Peña M, Prada Crespo D, Rodríguez Rojo I, Barabash Bustelo A, Montejo Rubio B, Marcos Dolado A, Maestú Unturbe F, Delgado Losada ML. APOE genotype, hippocampal volume, and cognitive reserve predict improvement by cognitive training in older adults without dementia: a randomized controlled trial. Cogn Process 2024:10.1007/s10339-024-01202-3. [PMID: 38896211 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-024-01202-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive training (CT) programs aim to improve cognitive performance and impede its decline. Thus, defining the characteristics of individuals who can benefit from these interventions is essential. Our objectives were to assess if the cognitive reserve (CR), APOE genotype (e4 carriers/non-carriers) and/or hippocampal volume might predict the effectiveness of a CT program. Participants were older adults without dementia (n = 226), randomized into parallel experimental and control groups. The assessment consisted of a neuropsychological protocol and additional data regarding total intracranial, gray matter, left/right hippocampus volume; APOE genotype; and Cognitive Reserve (CR). The intervention involved multifactorial CT (30 sessions, 90 min each), with an evaluation pre- and post-training (at six months); the control group simply following the center's routine activities. The primary outcome measures were the change in cognitive performance and the predictors of change. The results show that APOE-e4 non-carriers (79.1%) with a larger left hippocampal volume achieved better gains in semantic verbal fluency (R2 = .19). Subjects with a larger CR and a greater gray matter volume better improved their processing speed (R2 = .18). Age was correlated with the improvement in executive functions, such that older age predicts less improvement (R2 = .07). Subjects with a larger left hippocampal volume achieved more significant gains in general cognitive performance (R2 = .087). In conclusion, besides the program itself, the effectiveness of CT depends on age, biological factors like genotype and brain volume, and CR. Thus, to achieve better results through a CT, it is essential to consider the different characteristics of the participants, including genetic factors.Trial registration: Trial retrospectively registered on January 29th, 2020-(ClinicalTrials.gov -NCT04245579).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Montejo Carrasco
- Centre for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Madrid Salud, Madrid City Council, Montesa 22 Building B, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Montenegro-Peña
- Centre for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Madrid Salud, Madrid City Council, Montesa 22 Building B, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - David Prada Crespo
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, European University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Rodríguez Rojo
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Alcalá University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Barabash Bustelo
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, San Carlos Clinic Hospital, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinic Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alberto Marcos Dolado
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Clinic Hospital, Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinic Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Maestú Unturbe
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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Lee Y, Kim S, Cho YK, Kong C, Chang JW, Jun SB. Amygdala electrical stimulation for operant conditioning in rat navigation. Biomed Eng Lett 2024; 14:291-306. [PMID: 38374898 PMCID: PMC10874353 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-023-00336-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
There have been several attempts to navigate the locomotion of animals by neuromodulation. The most common method is animal training with electrical brain stimulation for directional cues and rewards; the basic principle is to activate dopamine-mediated neural reward pathways such as the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) when the animal correctly follows the external commands. In this study, the amygdala, which is the brain region responsible for fear modulation, was targeted for punishment training. The brain regions of MFB, amygdala, and barrel cortex were electrically stimulated for reward, punishment, and directional cues, respectively. Electrical stimulation was applied to the amygdala of rats when they failed to follow directional commands. First, two different amygdala regions, i.e., basolateral amygdala (BLA) and central amygdala (CeA), were stimulated and compared in terms of behavior responses, success and correction rates for training, and gene expression for learning and memory. Then, the training was performed in three groups: group R (MFB stimulation for reward), group P (BLA stimulation for punishment), and group RP (both MFB and BLA stimulation for reward and punishment). In group P, after the training, RNA sequencing was conducted to detect gene expression and demonstrate the effect of punishment learning. Group P showed higher success rates than group R, and group RP exhibited the most effective locomotion control among the three groups. Gene expression results imply that BLA stimulation can be more effective as a punishment in the learning process than CeA stimulation. We developed a new method to navigate rat locomotion behaviors by applying amygdala stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjin Lee
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760 Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program in Smart Factory, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760 Republic of Korea
| | - Soonyoung Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005 USA
| | - Yoon Kyung Cho
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760 Republic of Korea
| | - Chanho Kong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science and Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Beom Jun
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760 Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program in Smart Factory, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760 Republic of Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760 Republic of Korea
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Hol HR, Flak MM, Chang L, Løhaugen GCC, Bjuland KJ, Rimol LM, Engvig A, Skranes J, Ernst T, Madsen BO, Hernes SS. Cortical Thickness Changes After Computerized Working Memory Training in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:796110. [PMID: 35444526 PMCID: PMC9014119 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.796110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adaptive computerized working memory (WM) training has shown favorable effects on cerebral cortical thickness as compared to non-adaptive training in healthy individuals. However, knowledge of WM training-related morphological changes in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is limited. Objective The primary objective of this double-blind randomized study was to investigate differences in longitudinal cortical thickness trajectories after adaptive and non-adaptive WM training in patients with MCI. We also investigated the genotype effects on cortical thickness trajectories after WM training combining these two training groups using longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis in Freesurfer. Method Magnetic resonance imaging acquisition at 1.5 T were performed at baseline, and after four- and 16-weeks post training. A total of 81 individuals with MCI accepted invitations to undergo 25 training sessions over 5 weeks. Longitudinal Linear Mixed effect models investigated the effect of adaptive vs. non-adaptive WM training. The LME model was fitted for each location (vertex). On all statistical analyzes, a threshold was applied to yield an expected false discovery rate (FDR) of 5%. A secondary LME model investigated the effects of LMX1A and APOE-ε4 on cortical thickness trajectories after WM training. Results A total of 62 participants/patients completed the 25 training sessions. Structural MRI showed no group difference between the two training regimes in our MCI patients, contrary to previous reports in cognitively healthy adults. No significant structural cortical changes were found after training, regardless of training type, across all participants. However, LMX1A-AA carriers displayed increased cortical thickness trajectories or lack of decrease in two regions post-training compared to those with LMX1A-GG/GA. No training or training type effects were found in relation to the APOE-ε4 gene variants. Conclusion The MCI patients in our study, did not have improved cortical thickness after WM training with either adaptive or non-adaptive training. These results were derived from a heterogeneous population of MCI participants. The lack of changes in the cortical thickness trajectory after WM training may also suggest the lack of atrophy during this follow-up period. Our promising results of increased cortical thickness trajectory, suggesting greater neuroplasticity, in those with LMX1A-AA genotype need to be validated in future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haakon R. Hol
- Department of Radiology, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
- Department of Radiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Haakon R. Hol,
| | | | - Linda Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Knut Jørgen Bjuland
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lars M. Rimol
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Andreas Engvig
- Department of Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon Skranes
- Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thomas Ernst
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Bengt-Ove Madsen
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
| | - Susanne S. Hernes
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
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Sauce B, Wiedenhoeft J, Judd N, Klingberg T. Change by challenge: A common genetic basis behind childhood cognitive development and cognitive training. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2021; 6:16. [PMID: 34078902 PMCID: PMC8172838 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-021-00096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The interplay of genetic and environmental factors behind cognitive development has preoccupied multiple fields of science and sparked heated debates over the decades. Here we tested the hypothesis that developmental genes rely heavily on cognitive challenges-as opposed to natural maturation. Starting with a polygenic score (cogPGS) that previously explained variation in cognitive performance in adults, we estimated its effect in 344 children and adolescents (mean age of 12 years old, ranging from 6 to 25) who showed changes in working memory (WM) in two distinct samples: (1) a developmental sample showing significant WM gains after 2 years of typical, age-related development, and (2) a training sample showing significant, experimentally-induced WM gains after 25 days of an intense WM training. We found that the same genetic factor, cogPGS, significantly explained the amount of WM gain in both samples. And there was no interaction of cogPGS with sample, suggesting that those genetic factors are neutral to whether the WM gains came from development or training. These results represent evidence that cognitive challenges are a central piece in the gene-environment interplay during cognitive development. We believe our study sheds new light on previous findings of interindividual differences in education (rich-get-richer and compensation effects), brain plasticity in children, and the heritability increase of intelligence across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sauce
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Wiedenhoeft
- Core Facility Medical Biometry and Statistical Bioinformatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicholas Judd
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torkel Klingberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Hernes SS, Flak MM, Løhaugen GCC, Skranes J, Hol HR, Madsen BO, Knapskog AB, Engvig A, Pripp A, Ulstein I, Lona T, Zhang X, Chang L. Working Memory Training in Amnestic and Non-amnestic Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Preliminary Findings From Genotype Variants on Training Effects. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:624253. [PMID: 33658917 PMCID: PMC7917210 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.624253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory training (WMT) effects may be modulated by mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes, and variations in APOE-epsilon (APOE-ε) and LMX1A genotypes. Sixty-one individuals (41 men/20 women, mean age 66 years) diagnosed with MCI (31 amnestic/30 non-amnestic) and genotyped for APOE-ε and LMX1A completed 4 weeks/20-25 sessions of WMT. Cognitive functions were assessed before, 4 weeks and 16 weeks after WMT. Except for Processing Speed, the non-amnestic MCI group (naMCI) outperformed the amnestic MCI (aMCI) group in all cognitive domains across all time-points. At 4 weeks, working memory function improved in both groups (p < 0.0001), but at 16 weeks the effects only remained in the naMCI group. Better performance was found after training for the naMCI patients with LMX1A-AA genotype and for the APOE-ε4 carriers. Only the naMCI-APOE-ε4 group showed improved Executive Function at 16 weeks. WMT improved working memory and some non-trained cognitive functions in individuals with MCI. The naMCI group had greater training gain than aMCI group, especially in those with LMX1A-AA genotype and among APOE-ε4-carriers. Further research with larger sample sizes for the subgroups and longer follow-up evaluations is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne S Hernes
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marianne M Flak
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Arendal, Norway
| | - Gro C C Løhaugen
- Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Arendal, Norway
| | - Jon Skranes
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Arendal, Norway
| | - Haakon R Hol
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Radiology, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Arendal, Norway
| | - Bengt-Ove Madsen
- Department of Geriatric and Internal Medicine, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
| | - Anne-Brita Knapskog
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Memory Clinic, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas Engvig
- Department of Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Are Pripp
- Oslo Centre of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Research Support Services, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingun Ulstein
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Memory Clinic, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine Lona
- Department of Psychiatry, Age Psychiatry, The Hospital of Telemark, Skien, Norway
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Linda Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
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6
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Stavroulaki V, Giakoumaki SG, Sidiropoulou K. Working memory training effects across the lifespan: Evidence from human and experimental animal studies. Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 194:111415. [PMID: 33338498 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Working memory refers to a cognitive function that provides temporary storage and manipulation of the information necessary for complex cognitive tasks. Due to its central role in general cognition, several studies have investigated the possibility that training on working memory tasks could improve not only working memory function but also increase other cognitive abilities or modulate other behaviors. This possibility is still highly controversial, with prior studies providing contradictory findings. The lack of systematic approaches and methodological shortcomings complicates this debate even more. This review highlights the impact of working memory training at different ages on humans. Finally, it demonstrates several findings about the neural substrate of training in both humans and experimental animals, including non-human primates and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stella G Giakoumaki
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, Gallos University Campus, University of Crete, Rethymno, 74100, Crete, Greece; University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, The Social and Educational Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno, 74100, Crete, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Sidiropoulou
- Dept of Biology, University of Crete, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Greece.
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Ophey A, Roheger M, Folkerts AK, Skoetz N, Kalbe E. A Systematic Review on Predictors of Working Memory Training Responsiveness in Healthy Older Adults: Methodological Challenges and Future Directions. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:575804. [PMID: 33173503 PMCID: PMC7591761 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.575804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Research on predictors of working memory training responsiveness, which could help tailor cognitive interventions individually, is a timely topic in healthy aging. However, the findings are highly heterogeneous, reporting partly conflicting results following a broad spectrum of methodological approaches to answer the question “who benefits most” from working memory training. Objective: The present systematic review aimed to systematically investigate prognostic factors and models for working memory training responsiveness in healthy older adults. Method: Four online databases were searched up to October 2019 (MEDLINE Ovid, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and PsycINFO). The inclusion criteria for full texts were publication in a peer-reviewed journal in English/German, inclusion of healthy older individuals aged ≥55 years without any neurological and/or psychiatric diseases including cognitive impairment, and the investigation of prognostic factors and/or models for training responsiveness after targeted working memory training in terms of direct training effects, near-transfer effects to verbal and visuospatial working memory as well as far-transfer effects to other cognitive domains and behavioral variables. The study design was not limited to randomized controlled trials. Results: A total of 16 studies including n = 675 healthy older individuals with a mean age of 63.0–86.8 years were included in this review. Within these studies, five prognostic model approaches and 18 factor finding approaches were reported. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies checklist, indicating that important information, especially regarding the domains study attrition, study confounding, and statistical analysis and reporting, was lacking throughout many of the investigated studies. Age, education, intelligence, and baseline performance in working memory or other cognitive domains were frequently investigated predictors across studies. Conclusions: Given the methodological shortcomings of the included studies, no clear conclusions can be drawn, and emerging patterns of prognostic effects will have to survive sound methodological replication in future attempts to promote precision medicine approaches in the context of working memory training. Methodological considerations are discussed, and our findings are embedded to the cognitive aging literature, considering, for example, the cognitive reserve framework and the compensation vs. magnification account. The need for personalized cognitive prevention and intervention methods to counteract cognitive decline in the aging population is high and the potential enormous. Registration: PROSPERO, ID CRD42019142750.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Ophey
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mandy Roheger
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Folkerts
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicole Skoetz
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Kalbe
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Neuropsychology & Gender Studies, Center for Neuropsychological Diagnostics and Intervention (CeNDI), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Wang C. A Review of the Effects of Abacus Training on Cognitive Functions and Neural Systems in Humans. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:913. [PMID: 32982681 PMCID: PMC7492585 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abacus, which represents numbers via a visuospatial format, is a traditional device to facilitate arithmetic operations. Skilled abacus users, who have acquired the ability of abacus-based mental calculation (AMC), can perform fast and accurate calculations by manipulating an imaginary abacus in mind. Due to this extraordinary calculation ability in AMC users, there is an expanding literature investigating the effects of AMC training on cognition and brain systems. This review study aims to provide an updated overview of important findings in this fast-growing research field. Here, findings from previous behavioral and neuroimaging studies about AMC experts as well as children and adults receiving AMC training are reviewed and discussed. Taken together, our review of the existing literature suggests that AMC training has the potential to enhance various cognitive skills including mathematics, working memory and numerical magnitude processing. Besides, the training can result in functional and anatomical neural changes that are largely located within the frontal-parietal and occipital-temporal brain regions. Some of the neural changes can explain the training-induced cognitive enhancements. Still, caution is needed when extend the conclusions to a more general situation. Implications for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjie Wang
- Institute of Brain Science and Department of Psychology, School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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Hammar Å, Semkovska M, Borgen IMH, Myklebost S, Ronold EH, Sveen T, Ueland T, Porter R, Johnson SL. A pilot study of cognitive remediation in remitted major depressive disorder patients. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2020; 29:172-182. [DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2020.1726919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Åsa Hammar
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria Semkovska
- Health Research Institute and Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ida M. H. Borgen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sunniva Myklebost
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eivind H Ronold
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thea Sveen
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Torill Ueland
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- NORMENT, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Richard Porter
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sheri L. Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Zhao W, Huang L, Li Y, Zhang Q, Chen X, Fu W, Du B, Deng X, Ji F, Xiang YT, Wang C, Li X, Dong Q, Chen C, Jaeggi SM, Li J. Evidence for the contribution of COMT gene Val158/108Met polymorphism (rs4680) to working memory training-related prefrontal plasticity. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01523. [PMID: 31917897 PMCID: PMC7010579 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic factors have been suggested to affect the efficacy of working memory training. However, few studies have attempted to identify the relevant genes. METHODS In this study, we first performed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to identify brain regions that were specifically affected by working memory training. Sixty undergraduate students were randomly assigned to either the adaptive training group (N = 30) or the active control group (N = 30). Both groups were trained for 20 sessions during 4 weeks and received fMRI scans before and after the training. Afterward, we combined the data from the 30 participants in the RCT study who received adaptive training with data from 71 additional participants who also received the same adaptive training but were not part of the RCT study (total N = 101) to test the contribution of the COMT Val158/108Met polymorphism to the interindividual difference in the training effect within the identified brain regions. RESULTS In the RCT study, we found that the adaptive training significantly decreased brain activation in the left prefrontal cortex (TFCE-FWE corrected p = .030). In the genetic study, we found that compared with the Val allele homozygotes, the Met allele carriers' brain activation decreased more after the training at the left prefrontal cortex (TFCE-FWE corrected p = .025). CONCLUSIONS This study provided evidence for the neural effect of a visual-spatial span training and suggested that genetic factors such as the COMT Val158/108Met polymorphism may have to be considered in future studies of such training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiumei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiongying Chen
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders & Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Center of Schizophrenia, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjin Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Boqi Du
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Ji
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Chuanyue Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders & Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Center of Schizophrenia, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders & Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders Center of Schizophrenia, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuansheng Chen
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Susanne M Jaeggi
- School of Education & Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Stojanoski B, Lyons KM, Pearce AA, Owen AM. Targeted training: Converging evidence against the transferable benefits of online brain training on cognitive function. Neuropsychologia 2018; 117:541-550. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Chang L, Løhaugen GC, Andres T, Jiang CS, Douet V, Tanizaki N, Walker C, Castillo D, Lim A, Skranes J, Otoshi C, Miller EN, Ernst TM. Adaptive working memory training improved brain function in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients. Ann Neurol 2016; 81:17-34. [PMID: 27761943 PMCID: PMC5299494 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an adaptive working memory (WM) training (WMT) program, the corresponding neural correlates, and LMX1A‐rs4657412 polymorphism on the adaptive WMT, in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) participants compared to seronegative (SN) controls. Methods A total of 201 of 206 qualified participants completed baseline assessments before randomization to 25 sessions of adaptive WMT or nonadaptive WMT. A total of 74 of 76 (34 HIV, 42 SN) completed adaptive WMT and all 40 completed nonadaptive WMT (20 HIV, 20 SN) and were assessed after 1 month, and 55 adaptive WMT participants were also assessed after 6 months. Nontrained near‐transfer WM tests (Digit‐Span, Spatial‐Span), self‐reported executive functioning, and functional magnetic resonance images during 1‐back and 2‐back tasks were performed at baseline and each follow‐up visit, and LMX1A‐rs4657412 was genotyped in all participants. Results Although HIV participants had slightly lower cognitive performance and start index than SN at baseline, both groups improved on improvement index (>30%; false discovery rate [FDR] corrected p < 0.0008) and nontrained WM tests after adaptive WMT (FDR corrected, p ≤ 0.001), but not after nonadaptive WMT (training by training type corrected, p = 0.01 to p = 0.05) 1 month later. HIV participants (especially LMX1A‐G carriers) also had poorer self‐reported executive functioning than SN, but both groups reported improvements after adaptive WMT (Global: training FDR corrected, p = 0.004), and only HIV participants improved after nonadaptive WMT. HIV participants also had greater frontal activation than SN at baseline, but brain activation decreased in both groups at 1 and 6 months after adaptive WMT (FDR corrected, p < 0.0001), with normalization of brain activation in HIV participants, especially the LMX1A‐AA carriers (LMX1A genotype by HIV status, cluster‐corrected‐p < 0.0001). Interpretation Adaptive WMT, but not nonadaptive WMT, improved WM performance in both SN and HIV participants, and the accompanied decreased or normalized brain activation suggest improved neural efficiency, especially in HIV‐LMX1A‐AA carriers who might have greater dopaminergic reserve. These findings suggest that adaptive WMT may be an effective adjunctive therapy for WM deficits in HIV participants. ANN NEUROL 2017;81:17–34
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Chang
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI.,The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI
| | - Gro C Løhaugen
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI.,Department of Child Neurology and Rehabilitation (HABU-A), Sørlandet Sykehus HF, HABU, Arendal, Norway, and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, MTFS, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tamara Andres
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Caroline S Jiang
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Vanessa Douet
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Naomi Tanizaki
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Christina Walker
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Deborrah Castillo
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Ahnate Lim
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Jon Skranes
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI.,Department of Child Neurology and Rehabilitation (HABU-A), Sørlandet Sykehus HF, HABU, Arendal, Norway, and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, MTFS, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Chad Otoshi
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Eric N Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Thomas M Ernst
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
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13
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14
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Chang L, Løhaugen GC, Douet V, Miller EN, Skranes J, Ernst T. Neural correlates of working memory training in HIV patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2016; 17:62. [PMID: 26833223 PMCID: PMC4736265 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1160-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Potent combined antiretroviral therapy decreased the incidence and severity of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND); however, no specific effective pharmacotherapy exists for HAND. Patients with HIV commonly have deficits in working memory and attention, which may negatively impact many other cognitive domains, leading to HAND. Since HAND may lead to loss of independence in activities of daily living and negative emotional well-being, and incur a high economic burden, effective treatments for HAND are urgently needed. This study aims to determine whether adaptive working memory training might improve cognitive functions and neural network efficiency and possibly decrease neuroinflammation. This study also aims to assess whether subjects with the LMX1A-rs4657412 TT(AA) genotype show greater training effects from working memory training than TC(AG) or CC(GG)-carriers. Methods/Design 60 HIV-infected and 60 seronegative control participants will be randomized to a double-blind active-controlled study, using adaptive versus non-adaptive Cogmed Working Memory Training® (CWMT), 20–25 sessions over 5–8 weeks. Each subject will be assessed with near- and far-transfer cognitive tasks, self-reported mood and executive function questionnaires, and blood-oxygenation level-dependent functional MRI during working memory (n-back) and visual attention (ball tracking) tasks, at baseline, 1-month, and 6-months after CWMT. Furthermore, genotyping for LMX1A-rs4657412 will be performed to identify whether subjects with the TT(AA)-genotype show greater gain or neural efficiency after CWMT than those with other genotypes. Lastly, cerebrospinal fluid will be obtained before and after CWMT to explore changes in levels of inflammatory proteins (cytokines and chemokines) and monoamines. Discussion Improving working memory in HIV patients, using CWMT, might slow the progression or delay the onset of HAND. Observation of decreased brain activation or normalized neural networks, using fMRI, after CWMT would lead to a better understanding of how neural networks are modulated by CWMT. Moreover, validating the greater training gain in subjects with the LMX1A-TT(AA) genotype could lead to a personalized approach for future working memory training studies. Demonstrating and understanding the neural correlates of the efficacy of CWMT in HIV patients could lead to a safe adjunctive therapy for HAND, and possibly other brain disorders. Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT02602418.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chang
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The Queen's Medical Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1356 Lusitana Street, 7th Floor UH Tower, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - G C Løhaugen
- Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - V Douet
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The Queen's Medical Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1356 Lusitana Street, 7th Floor UH Tower, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - E N Miller
- UCLA Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - J Skranes
- Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - T Ernst
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The Queen's Medical Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1356 Lusitana Street, 7th Floor UH Tower, Honolulu, HI, USA.
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Rolstad S, Pålsson E, Ekman CJ, Eriksson E, Sellgren C, Landén M. Polymorphisms of dopamine pathway genes NRG1 and LMX1A are associated with cognitive performance in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2015; 17:859-68. [PMID: 26534905 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES LIM homeobox transcription factor 1, alpha (LMX1A) and neuregulin 1 (NRG1) are susceptibility genes for schizophrenia that have been implicated in the dopaminergic pathway and have been associated with altered cognitive functioning. We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LMX1A and NRG1 would be associated with cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder. METHODS In total, four SNPs were directly genotyped. Regression models with five aggregated cognitive domains and intelligence quotient (IQ) score were run using risk variants of LMX1A (rs11809911, rs4657412, rs6668493) and NRG1 (rs35753505) as predictors. Models were performed in a clinical sample of patients with bipolar disorder (n = 114) and healthy controls (n = 104). RESULTS The risk variants of the rs11809911 SNP in LMX1A were negatively associated with IQ score and memory/learning, whereas the risk variants of rs35753505 in NRG1 were positively associated with IQ score (adjusted R(2) = 0.17, Q = 0.006) and memory/learning (adjusted R(2) = 0.24, Q = 0.001). The risk variants of the rs35753505 SNP in NRG1 were positively associated with language (adjusted R(2) = 0.11, Q = 0.006), visuospatial functions (adjusted R(2) = 0.23, Q = 0.001), and attention/speed (adjusted R(2) = 0.25, Q = 0.001). Results could not be replicated in controls. CONCLUSIONS The risk variants of the rs35753505 SNP were associated with increased performance in several cognitive domains and IQ, whereas the risk variants of the rs11809911 SNP in LMX1A was associated with reduced IQ and memory/learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindre Rolstad
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Pålsson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl Johan Ekman
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elias Eriksson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl Sellgren
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Landén
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Córdova-Palomera A, Fatjó-Vilas M, Kebir O, Gastó C, Krebs MO, Fañanás L. Polymorphic variation in the epigenetic gene DNMT3B modulates the environmental impact on cognitive ability: a twin study. Eur Psychiatry 2015; 30:303-8. [PMID: 25530201 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2014.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though cognitive abilities in adulthood are largely influenced by individual genetic background, they have also been shown to be importantly influenced by environmental factors. Some of these influences are mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Accordingly, polymorphic variants in the epigenetic gene DNMT3B have been linked to neurocognitive performance. Since monozygotic (MZ) twins may show larger or smaller intrapair phenotypic differences depending on whether their genetic background is more or less sensitive to environmental factors, a twin design was implemented to determine if particular polymorphisms in the DNMT3B gene may be linked to a better (worse) response to enriched (deprived) environmental factors. METHODS Applying the variability gene methodology in a sample of 54 healthy MZ twin pairs (108 individuals) with no lifetime history of psychopathology, two DNMT3B polymorphisms were analyzed in relation to their intrapair differences for either intellectual quotient (IQ) or working memory performance. RESULTS MZ twin pairs with the CC genotype for rs406193 SNP showed statistically significant larger intrapair differences in IQ than CT pairs. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that DNMT3B polymorphisms may explain variability in the IQ response to either enriched or impoverished environmental conditions. Accordingly, the applied methodology is shown as a potentially valuable tool for determining genetic markers of cognitive plasticity. Further research is needed to confirm this specific result and to expand on other putative genetic markers of environmental sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Córdova-Palomera
- Unitat d'Antropologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia and Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, avenue Diagonal, 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Fatjó-Vilas
- Unitat d'Antropologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia and Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, avenue Diagonal, 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - O Kebir
- Inserm, UMR 894, laboratoire de physiopathologie des maladies psychiatriques, centre de psychiatrie et neurosciences, université Paris-Descartes, PRES Paris Sorbonne Cité, 75014 Paris, France; Service hospitalo-universitaire, faculté de médecine Paris-Descartes, hôpital Sainte-Anne, 75014 Paris, France; GDR3557-institut de psychiatrie, 75014 Paris, France
| | - C Gastó
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Psiquiatría, Instituto Clínico de Neurociencias (ICN), Hospital Clínico, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M O Krebs
- Inserm, UMR 894, laboratoire de physiopathologie des maladies psychiatriques, centre de psychiatrie et neurosciences, université Paris-Descartes, PRES Paris Sorbonne Cité, 75014 Paris, France; Service hospitalo-universitaire, faculté de médecine Paris-Descartes, hôpital Sainte-Anne, 75014 Paris, France; GDR3557-institut de psychiatrie, 75014 Paris, France
| | - L Fañanás
- Unitat d'Antropologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia and Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, avenue Diagonal, 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Deveau J, Jaeggi SM, Zordan V, Phung C, Seitz AR. How to build better memory training games. Front Syst Neurosci 2015; 8:243. [PMID: 25620916 PMCID: PMC4288240 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Can we create engaging training programs that improve working memory (WM) skills? While there are numerous procedures that attempt to do so, there is a great deal of controversy regarding their efficacy. Nonetheless, recent meta-analytic evidence shows consistent improvements across studies on lab-based tasks generalizing beyond the specific training effects (Au et al., 2014; Karbach and Verhaeghen, 2014), however, there is little research into how WM training aids participants in their daily life. Here we propose that incorporating design principles from the fields of Perceptual Learning (PL) and Computer Science might augment the efficacy of WM training, and ultimately lead to greater learning and transfer. In particular, the field of PL has identified numerous mechanisms (including attention, reinforcement, multisensory facilitation and multi-stimulus training) that promote brain plasticity. Also, computer science has made great progress in the scientific approach to game design that can be used to create engaging environments for learning. We suggest that approaches integrating knowledge across these fields may lead to a more effective WM interventions and better reflect real world conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Deveau
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Susanne M Jaeggi
- School of Education, University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA, USA ; Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Victor Zordan
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Calvin Phung
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Aaron R Seitz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside Riverside, CA, USA
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Klingberg T. Childhood cognitive development as a skill. Trends Cogn Sci 2014; 18:573-9. [PMID: 25042686 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Theories view childhood development as being either driven by structural maturation of the brain or being driven by skill-learning. It is hypothesized here that working memory (WM) development during childhood is partly driven by training effects in the environment, and that similar neural mechanisms underlie training-induced plasticity and childhood development. In particular, the functional connectivity of a fronto-parietal network is suggested to be associated with WM capacity. The striatum, dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) activity, and corticostriatal white-matter tracts, on the other hand, seem to be more important for plasticity and change of WM capacity during both training and development. In this view, the development of WM capacity during childhood partly involves the same mechanisms as skill-learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torkel Klingberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Retzius Väg 8, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
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19
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Synergistic associations of catechol-O-methyltransferase and brain-derived neurotrophic factor with executive function in aging are selective and modified by apolipoprotein E. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 36:249-56. [PMID: 25107496 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have shown promising but inconsistent linkages with executive function (EF) in normal aging. We tested (1) independent contributions of COMT and BDNF risk; (2) potential magnification by risk-related interactions or additive effects with age; and (3) effect modification through stratification by apolipoprotein E (APOE) (risk: ε4+). Multiple linear regression models were applied with nondemented older adults (N = 634; range: 53-95 years) for an EF latent variable. No independent effects of BDNF or COMT on EF were observed. Additive (but not interactive) effects of COMT, BDNF, and age showed that older adults with a high-risk allelic combination performed differentially worse. Of 2 tested models of synergistic effects, the additive approach selectively supported a magnification hypothesis, which was qualified by the presence or the absence of APOE ε4.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies have examined the effects of training of cognitive and other tasks on brain structure, using magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS Studies combining cognitive and other tasks training with longitudinal imaging designs were reviewed, with a view to identify paradigms potentially applicable to treatment of cognitive impairment. RESULTS We identified 36 studies, employing training as variable as juggling, working memory, meditation, learning abstract information, and aerobic exercise. There were training-related structural changes, increases in gray matter volume, decreases, increases and decreases in different regions, or no change at all. There was increased integrity in white matter following training, but other patterns of results were also reported. CONCLUSIONS Questions still to be answered are: Are changes due to use-dependent effects or are they specific to learning? What are the underlying neural correlates of learning, the temporal dynamics of changes, the relations between structure and function, and the upper limits of improvement? How can gains be maintained? The question whether neuroplasticity will contribute to the treatment of dementia will need to be posed again at that stage.
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Flak MM, Hernes SS, Skranes J, Løhaugen GCC. The Memory Aid study: protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of computer-based working memory training in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Trials 2014; 15:156. [PMID: 24886034 PMCID: PMC4016674 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by memory problems that are more severe than the normal cognitive changes due to aging, but less severe than dementia. Reduced working memory (WM) is regarded as one of the core symptoms of an MCI condition. Recent studies have indicated that WM can be improved through computer-based training. The objective of this study is to evaluate if WM training is effective in improving cognitive function in elderly patients with MCI, and if cognitive training induces structural changes in the white and gray matter of the brain, as assessed by structural MRI. METHODS/DESIGNS The proposed study is a blinded, randomized, controlled trail that will include 90 elderly patients diagnosed with MCI at a hospital-based memory clinic. The participants will be randomized to either a training program or a placebo version of the program. The intervention is computerized WM training performed for 45 minutes of 25 sessions over 5 weeks. The placebo version is identical in duration but is non-adaptive in the difficulty level of the tasks. Neuropsychological assessment and structural MRI will be performed before and 1 month after training, and at a 5-month folllow-up. DISCUSSION If computer-based training results in positive changes to memory functions in patients with MCI this may represent a new, cost-effective treatment for MCI. Secondly, evaluation of any training-induced structural changes to gray or white matter will improve the current understanding of the mechanisms behind effective cognitive interventions in patients with MCI. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01991405. November 18, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne M Flak
- Department of Medicine, Geriatric Unity, The Memory Clinic, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
| | - Susanne S Hernes
- Department of Medicine, Geriatric Unity, The Memory Clinic, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
| | - Jon Skranes
- Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children’s and Women’s Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gro CC Løhaugen
- Department of Pediatrics, Sørlandet Hospital, Arendal, Norway
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children’s and Women’s Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype affects age-related changes in plasticity in working memory: a pilot study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:414351. [PMID: 24772423 PMCID: PMC3977538 DOI: 10.1155/2014/414351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. Recent work suggests that a genetic variation associated with increased dopamine metabolism in the prefrontal cortex (catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met; COMT) amplifies age-related changes in working memory performance. Research on younger adults indicates that the influence of dopamine-related genetic polymorphisms on working memory performance increases when testing the cognitive limits through training. To date, this has not been studied in older adults. Method. Here we investigate the effect of COMT genotype on plasticity in working memory in a sample of 14 younger (aged 24–30 years) and 25 older (aged 60–75 years) healthy adults. Participants underwent adaptive training in the n-back working memory task over 12 sessions under increasing difficulty conditions. Results. Both younger and older adults exhibited sizeable behavioral plasticity through training (P < .001), which was larger in younger as compared to older adults (P < .001). Age-related differences were qualified by an interaction with COMT genotype (P < .001), and this interaction was due to decreased behavioral plasticity in older adults carrying the Val/Val genotype, while there was no effect of genotype in younger adults. Discussion. Our findings indicate that age-related changes in plasticity in working memory are critically affected by genetic variation in prefrontal dopamine metabolism.
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Working Memory Training and Transfer: Theoretical and Practical Considerations. SPRINGER PROCEEDINGS IN MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-07755-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Söderqvist S, Matsson H, Peyrard-Janvid M, Kere J, Klingberg T. Polymorphisms in the Dopamine Receptor 2 Gene Region Influence Improvements during Working Memory Training in Children and Adolescents. J Cogn Neurosci 2014; 26:54-62. [DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Studying the effects of cognitive training can lead to finding better treatments, but it can also be a tool for investigating factors important for brain plasticity and acquisition of cognitive skills. In this study, we investigated how single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ratings of intrinsic motivation were associated to interindividual differences in improvement during working memory training. The study included 256 children aged 7–19 years who were genotyped for 13 SNPs within or near eight candidate genes previously implicated in learning: COMT, SLC6A3 (DAT1), DRD4, DRD2, PPP1R1B (DARPP32), MAOA, LMX1A, and BDNF. Ratings on the intrinsic motivation inventory were also available for 156 of these children. All participants performed at least 20 sessions of working memory training, and performance during the training was logged and used as the outcome variable. We found that two SNPs, rs1800497 and rs2283265, located near and within the dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2) gene, respectively, were significantly associated with improvements during training (p < .003 and p < .0004, respectively). Scores from a questionnaire regarding intrinsic motivation did not correlate with training outcome. However, we observed both the main effect of genotype at those two loci as well as the interaction between genotypes and ratings of intrinsic motivation (perceived competence). Both SNPs have previously been shown to affect DRD2 receptor density primarily in the BG. Our results suggest that genetic variation is accounting for some interindividual differences in how children acquire cognitive skills and that part of this effect is also seen on intrinsic motivation. Moreover, they suggest that dopamine D2 transmission in the BG is a key factor for cognitive plasticity.
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von Bastian CC, Oberauer K. Effects and mechanisms of working memory training: a review. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2013; 78:803-20. [PMID: 24213250 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-013-0524-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Can cognitive abilities such as reasoning be improved through working memory training? This question is still highly controversial, with prior studies providing contradictory findings. The lack of theory-driven, systematic approaches and (occasionally serious) methodological shortcomings complicates this debate even more. This review suggests two general mechanisms mediating transfer effects that are (or are not) observed after working memory training: enhanced working memory capacity, enabling people to hold more items in working memory than before training, or enhanced efficiency using the working memory capacity available (e.g., using chunking strategies to remember more items correctly). We then highlight multiple factors that could influence these mechanisms of transfer and thus the success of training interventions. These factors include (1) the nature of the training regime (i.e., intensity, duration, and adaptivity of the training tasks) and, with it, the magnitude of improvements during training, and (2) individual differences in age, cognitive abilities, biological factors, and motivational and personality factors. Finally, we summarize the findings revealed by existing training studies for each of these factors, and thereby present a roadmap for accumulating further empirical evidence regarding the efficacy of working memory training in a systematic way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia C von Bastian
- Department of Psychology, University Research Priority Program "Dynamics of Healthy Aging", University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14/22, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland,
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Dopamine and training-related working-memory improvement. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:2209-19. [PMID: 23333266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Converging evidence indicates that the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) is implicated in working-memory (WM) functioning and that WM is trainable. We review recent work suggesting that DA is critically involved in the ability to benefit from WM interventions. Functional MRI studies reveal increased striatal BOLD activity following certain forms of WM interventions, such as updating training. Increased striatal BOLD activity has also been linked to transfer of learning to non-trained WM tasks, suggesting a neural signature of transfer. The striatal BOLD signal is partly determined by DA activity. Consistent with this assertion, PET research demonstrates increased striatal DA release during updating of information in WM after training. Genetic studies indicate larger increases in WM performance post training for those who carry advantageous alleles of DA-relevant genes. These patterns of results corroborate the role of DA in WM improvement. Future research avenues include: (a) neuromodulatory correlates of transfer; (b) the potential of WM training to enhance DA release in older adults; (c) comparisons among different WM processes (i.e., updating, switching, inhibition) regarding regional patterns of training-related DA release; and (d) gene-gene interactions in relation to training-related WM gains.
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Novelty Interventions to Enhance Broad Cognitive Abilities and Prevent Dementia. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2013; 207:403-34. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63327-9.00017-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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28
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Wass S, Scerif G, Johnson M. Training attentional control and working memory – Is younger, better? DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Current evidence does not support the claims made for CogMed working memory training. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN MEMORY AND COGNITION 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmac.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Buitenweg JIV, Murre JMJ, Ridderinkhof KR. Brain training in progress: a review of trainability in healthy seniors. Front Hum Neurosci 2012; 6:183. [PMID: 22737115 PMCID: PMC3380254 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The cognitive deterioration associated with aging is accompanied by structural alterations and loss of functionality of the frontostriatal dopamine system. The question arises how such deleterious cognitive effects could be countered. Brain training, currently highly popular among young and old alike, promises that users will improve on certain neurocognitive skills, and this has indeed been confirmed in a number of studies. Based on these results, it seems reasonable to expect beneficial effects of brain training in the elderly as well. A selective review of the existing literature suggests, however, that the results are neither robust nor consistent, and that transfer and sustained effects thus far appear limited. Based on this review, we argue for a series of elements that hold potential for progress in successful types of brain training: (1) including flexibility and novelty as features of the training, (2) focusing on a number of promising, yet largely unexplored domains, such as decision-making and memory strategy training, and (3) tailoring the training adaptively to the level and progress of the individual. We also emphasize the need for covariance-based MRI methods in linking structural and functional changes in the aging brain to individual differences in neurocognitive efficiency and trainability in order to further uncover the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaap M. J. Murre
- Department of Psychology, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - K. Richard Ridderinkhof
- Department of Psychology, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Cognitive Science Center Amsterdam, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
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Brehmer Y, Westerberg H, Bäckman L. Working-memory training in younger and older adults: training gains, transfer, and maintenance. Front Hum Neurosci 2012; 6:63. [PMID: 22470330 PMCID: PMC3313479 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory (WM), a key determinant of many higher-order cognitive functions, declines in old age. Current research attempts to develop process-specific WM training procedures, which may lead to general cognitive improvement. Adaptivity of the training as well as the comparison of training gains to performance changes of an active control group are key factors in evaluating the effectiveness of a specific training program. In the present study, 55 younger adults (20–30 years of age) and 45 older adults (60–70 years of age) received 5 weeks of computerized training on various spatial and verbal WM tasks. Half of the sample received adaptive training (i.e., individually adjusted task difficulty), whereas the other half-worked on the same task material but on a low task difficulty level (active controls). Performance was assessed using criterion, near-transfer, and far-transfer tasks before training, after 5 weeks of intervention, as well as after a 3-month follow-up interval. Results indicate that (a) adaptive training generally led to larger training gains than low-level practice, (b) training and transfer gains were somewhat greater for younger than for older adults in some tasks, but comparable across age groups in other tasks, (c) far-transfer was observed to a test on sustained attention and for a self-rating scale on cognitive functioning in daily life for both young and old, and (d) training gains and transfer effects were maintained across the 3-month follow-up interval across age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Brehmer
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden
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Neuronal effects following working memory training. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2011; 2 Suppl 1:S167-79. [PMID: 22682905 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Revised: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence that training working memory (WM) leads to beneficial effects in tasks that were not trained, but the mechanisms underlying this transfer remain elusive. Brain imaging can be a valuable method to gain insights into such mechanisms. Here, we discuss the impact of cognitive training on neural correlates with an emphasis on studies that implemented a WM intervention. We focus on changes in activation patterns, changes in resting state connectivity, changes in brain structure, and changes in the dopaminergic system. Our analysis of the existing literature reveals that there is currently no clear pattern of results that would single out a specific neural mechanism underlying training and transfer. We conclude that although brain imaging has provided us with information about the mechanisms of WM training, more research is needed to understand its neural impact.
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