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Wang X, Pang Q, Hu J, Luo B, Lu Y, Sun X, Meng S, Jiang Q. Cognitive decline in Sprague-Dawley rats induced by neuroplasticity changes after occlusal support loss. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14750. [PMID: 38898731 PMCID: PMC11187409 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14750] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tooth loss is closely related to cognitive impairment, especially affecting cognitive functions involving hippocampus. The most well-known function of the hippocampus is learning and memory, and the mechanism behind is neuroplasticity, which strongly depends on the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). While research has delved into the possible mechanisms behind the loss of teeth leading to cognitive dysfunction, there are few studies on the plasticity of sensory neural pathway after tooth loss, and the changes in related indicators of synaptic plasticity still need to be further explored. METHODS In this study, the bilateral maxillary molars were extracted in Sprague-Dawley rats of two age ranges (young and middle age) to establish occlusal support loss model; then, the spatial cognition was tested by Morris Water Maze (MWM). Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western Blotting (WB) were used to detect BDNF, AKT, and functional proteins (viz., PSD95 and NMDAR) of hippocampal synapses. Golgi staining was used to observe changes in ascending nerve pathway. IF was used to confirm the location of BDNF and AKT expressed in hippocampus. RESULTS MWM showed that the spatial cognitive level of rats dropped after occlusal support loss. qPCR, WB, and IF suggested that the BDNF/AKT pathway was down-regulated in the hippocampus. Golgi staining showed the neurons of ascending sensory pathway decreased in numbers. CONCLUSION Occlusal support loss caused plastic changes in ascending nerve pathway and induced cognitive impairment in rats by down-regulating BDNF and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- School of StomatologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Qian Pang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Beijing Stomatological HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jiangqi Hu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Beijing Stomatological HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Prosthodontics, Beijing Stomatological HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yunping Lu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Beijing Stomatological HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xu Sun
- School of StomatologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shixiang Meng
- School of StomatologyCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Qingsong Jiang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Beijing Stomatological HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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2
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Rodas JA, Asimakopoulou AA, Greene CM. Can we enhance working memory? Bias and effectiveness in cognitive training studies. Psychon Bull Rev 2024:10.3758/s13423-024-02466-8. [PMID: 38366265 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-024-02466-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Meta-analyses have found that working memory (WM) can be improved with cognitive training; however, some authors have suggested that these improvements are mostly driven by biases in the measurement of WM, especially the use of similar tasks for assessment and training. In the present meta-analysis, we investigated whether WM, fluid intelligence, executive functions, and short-term memory can be improved by cognitive training and evaluated the impact of possible sources of bias. We performed a risk of bias assessment of the included studies and took special care in controlling for practice effects. Data from 52 independent comparisons were analyzed, including cognitive training aimed at different cognitive functions. Our results show small improvements in WM after training (SMD = 0.18). Much larger effects were observed when the analysis was restricted to assessment tasks similar to those used for training (SMD = 1.15). Fluid intelligence was not found to improve as a result of training, and improvements in WM were not related to changes in fluid intelligence. Our analyses did however indicate that cognitive training can improve specific executive functions. Contrary to expectations, a set of meta-regressions indicated that characteristics of the training programme, such as dosage and type of training, do not have an impact on the effectiveness of training. The risk of bias assessment revealed some concerns in the randomization process and possible selective reporting among studies. Overall, our results identified various potential sources of bias, with the most significant being the choice of assessment tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Rodas
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Ecuador.
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | | | - Ciara M Greene
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Aye N, Lehmann N, Kaufmann J, Heinze HJ, Düzel E, Taubert M, Ziegler G. Test-retest reliability of multi-parametric maps (MPM) of brain microstructure. Neuroimage 2022; 256:119249. [PMID: 35487455 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiparameter mapping (MPM) is a quantitative MRI protocol that is promising for studying microstructural brain changes in vivo with high specificity. Reliability values are an important prior knowledge for efficient study design and facilitating replicable findings in development, aging and neuroplasticity research. To explore longitudinal reliability of MPM we acquired the protocol in 31 healthy young subjects twice over a rescan interval of 4 weeks. We assessed the within-subject coefficient of variation (WCV), the between-subject coefficient of variation (BCV), and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Using these metrics, we investigated the reliability of (semi-) quantitative magnetization transfer saturation (MTsat), proton density (PD), transversal relaxation (R2*) and longitudinal relaxation (R1). To increase relevance for explorative studies in development and training-induced plasticity, we assess reliability both on local voxel- as well as ROI-level. Finally, we disentangle contributions and interplay of within- and between-subject variability to ICC and assess the optimal degree of spatial smoothing applied to the data. We reveal evidence that voxelwise ICC reliability of MPMs is moderate to good with median values in cortex (subcortical GM): MT: 0.789 (0.447) PD: 0.553 (0.264) R1: 0.555 (0.369) R2*: 0.624 (0.477). The Gaussian smoothing kernel of 2 to 4 mm FWHM resulted in optimal reproducibility. We discuss these findings in the context of longitudinal intervention studies and the application to research designs in neuroimaging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Aye
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute III, Department of Sport Science, Otto von Guericke University, Zschokkestraße 32, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Nico Lehmann
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute III, Department of Sport Science, Otto von Guericke University, Zschokkestraße 32, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany; Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstraße 1a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörn Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Jochen Heinze
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Brenneckestraße 6, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Emrah Düzel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, Alexandra House, 17-19 Queen Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 3AZ United Kingdom
| | - Marco Taubert
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute III, Department of Sport Science, Otto von Guericke University, Zschokkestraße 32, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gabriel Ziegler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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4
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Serotonergic modulation of effective connectivity in an associative relearning network during task and rest. Neuroimage 2022; 249:118887. [PMID: 34999203 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.118887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An essential core function of one's cognitive flexibility is the use of acquired knowledge and skills to adapt to ongoing environmental changes. Animal models have highlighted the influence serotonin has on neuroplasticity. These effects have been predominantly demonstrated during emotional relearning which is theorized as a possible model for depression. However, translation of these mechanisms is in its infancy. To this end, we assessed changes in effective connectivity at rest and during associative learning as a proxy of neuroplastic changes in healthy volunteers. 76 participants underwent 6 weeks of emotional or non-emotional (re)learning (face-matching or Chinese character-German noun matching). During relearning participants either self-administered 10 mg/day of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram or placebo in a double-blind design. Associative learning tasks, resting-state and structural images were recorded before and after both learning phases (day 1, 21 and 42). Escitalopram intake modulated relearning changes in a network encompassing the right insula, anterior cingulate cortex and right angular gyrus. Here, the process of relearning during SSRI intake showed a greater decrease in effective connectivity from the right insula to both the anterior cingulate cortex and right angular gyrus, with increases in the opposite direction when compared to placebo. In contrast, intrinsic connections and those at resting-state were only marginally affected by escitalopram. Further investigation of gray matter volume changes in these functionally active regions revealed no significant SSRI-induced structural changes. These findings indicate that the right insula plays a central role in the process of relearning and SSRIs further potentiate this effect. In sum, we demonstrated that SSRIs amplify learning-induced effective connections rather than affecting the intrinsic task connectivity or that of resting-state.
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5
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Escitalopram modulates learning content-specific neuroplasticity of functional brain networks. Neuroimage 2021; 247:118829. [PMID: 34923134 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning-induced neuroplastic changes, further modulated by content and setting, are mirrored in brain functional connectivity (FC). In animal models, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to facilitate neuroplasticity. This is especially prominent during emotional relearning, such as fear extinction, which may translate to clinical improvements in patients. To investigate a comparable modulation of neuroplasticity in humans, 99 healthy subjects underwent three weeks of emotional (matching faces) or non-emotional learning (matching Chinese characters to unrelated German nouns). Shuffled pairings of the original content were subsequently relearned for the same time. During relearning, subjects received either a daily dose of the SSRI escitalopram or placebo. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed before and after the (re-)learning phases. FC changes in a network comprising Broca's area, the medial prefrontal cortex, the right inferior temporal and left lingual gyrus were modulated by escitalopram intake. More specifically, it increased the bidirectional connectivity between medial prefrontal cortex and lingual gyrus for non-emotional and the connectivity from medial prefrontal cortex to Broca's area for emotional relearning. The context dependence of these effects together with behavioral correlations supports the assumption that SSRIs in clinical practice improve neuroplasticity rather than psychiatric symptoms per se. Beyond expanding the complexities of learning, these findings emphasize the influence of external factors on human neuroplasticity.
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6
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Guglietti B, Hobbs D, Collins-Praino LE. Optimizing Cognitive Training for the Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: Current Limitations and Future Directions. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:709484. [PMID: 34720988 PMCID: PMC8549481 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.709484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction, primarily involving impairments in executive function, visuospatial function and memory, is one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Currently, the only pharmacological treatments available for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in PD provide variable benefit, making the search for potential non-pharmacological therapies to improve cognitive function of significant interest. One such therapeutic strategy may be cognitive training (CT), which involves the repetition of standardized tasks with the aim of improving specific aspects of cognition. Several studies have examined the effects of CT in individuals with PD and have shown benefits in a variety of cognitive domains, but the widespread use of CT in these individuals may be limited by motor impairments and other concerns in study design. Here, we discuss the current state of the literature on the use of CT for PD and propose recommendations for future implementation. We also explore the potential use of more recent integrative, adaptive and assistive technologies, such as virtual reality, which may optimize the delivery of CT in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Guglietti
- Cognition, Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David Hobbs
- Medical Device Research Institute, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Tonsley, SA, Australia.,Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lyndsey E Collins-Praino
- Cognition, Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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7
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Lehmann N, Aye N, Kaufmann J, Heinze HJ, Düzel E, Ziegler G, Taubert M. Longitudinal Reproducibility of Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) Derived Metrics in the White Matter. Neuroscience 2021; 457:165-185. [PMID: 33465411 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is undergoing constant evolution with the ambitious goal of developing in-vivo histology of the brain. A recent methodological advancement is Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI), a histologically validated multi-compartment model to yield microstructural features of brain tissue such as geometric complexity and neurite packing density, which are especially useful in imaging the white matter. Since NODDI is increasingly popular in clinical research and fields such as developmental neuroscience and neuroplasticity, it is of vast importance to characterize its reproducibility (or reliability). We acquired multi-shell DWI data in 29 healthy young subjects twice over a rescan interval of 4 weeks to assess the within-subject coefficient of variation (CVWS), between-subject coefficient of variation (CVBS) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Using these metrics, we compared regional and voxel-by-voxel reproducibility of the most common image analysis approaches (tract-based spatial statistics [TBSS], voxel-based analysis with different extents of smoothing ["VBM-style"], ROI-based analysis). We observed high test-retest reproducibility for the orientation dispersion index (ODI) and slightly worse results for the neurite density index (NDI). Our findings also suggest that the choice of analysis approach might have significant consequences for the results of a study. Collectively, the voxel-based approach with Gaussian smoothing kernels of ≥4 mm FWHM and ROI-averaging yielded the highest reproducibility across NDI and ODI maps (CVWS mostly ≤3%, ICC mostly ≥0.8), respectively, whilst smaller kernels and TBSS performed consistently worse. Furthermore, we demonstrate that image quality (signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]) is an important determinant of NODDI metric reproducibility. We discuss the implications of these results for longitudinal and cross-sectional research designs commonly employed in the neuroimaging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Lehmann
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute III, Department of Sport Science, Otto von Guericke University, Zschokkestraße 32, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany; Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstraße 1a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Norman Aye
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute III, Department of Sport Science, Otto von Guericke University, Zschokkestraße 32, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Jochen Heinze
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Germany German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Brenneckestraße 6, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Emrah Düzel
- Germany German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, Alexandra House, 17-19 Queen Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Gabriel Ziegler
- Germany German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marco Taubert
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute III, Department of Sport Science, Otto von Guericke University, Zschokkestraße 32, 39104 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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8
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Banaszkiewicz A, Matuszewski J, Bola Ł, Szczepanik M, Kossowski B, Rutkowski P, Szwed M, Emmorey K, Jednoróg K, Marchewka A. Multimodal imaging of brain reorganization in hearing late learners of sign language. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 42:384-397. [PMID: 33098616 PMCID: PMC7776004 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural plasticity underlying language learning is a process rather than a single event. However, the dynamics of training-induced brain reorganization have rarely been examined, especially using a multimodal magnetic resonance imaging approach, which allows us to study the relationship between functional and structural changes. We focus on sign language acquisition in hearing adults who underwent an 8-month long course and five neuroimaging sessions. We assessed what neural changes occurred as participants learned a new language in a different modality-as reflected by task-based activity, connectivity changes, and co-occurring structural alterations. Major changes in the activity pattern appeared after just 3 months of learning, as indicated by increases in activation within the modality-independent perisylvian language network, together with increased activation in modality-dependent parieto-occipital, visuospatial and motion-sensitive regions. Despite further learning, no alterations in activation were detected during the following months. However, enhanced coupling between left-lateralized occipital and inferior frontal regions was observed as the proficiency increased. Furthermore, an increase in gray matter volume was detected in the left inferior frontal gyrus which peaked at the end of learning. Overall, these results showed complexity and temporal distinctiveness of various aspects of brain reorganization associated with learning of new language in different sensory modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Banaszkiewicz
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Matuszewski
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Bola
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.,Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michał Szczepanik
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kossowski
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Rutkowski
- Section for Sign Linguistics, Faculty of Polish Studies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Szwed
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karen Emmorey
- Laboratory for Language and Cognitive Neuroscience, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Katarzyna Jednoróg
- Laboratory of Language Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Artur Marchewka
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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9
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Rosenblau G, O'Connell G, Heekeren HR, Dziobek I. Neurobiological mechanisms of social cognition treatment in high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder. Psychol Med 2020; 50:2374-2384. [PMID: 31551097 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719002472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The promise of precision medicine for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) hinges on developing neuroscience-informed individualized interventions. Taking an important step in this direction, we investigated neuroplasticity in response to an ecologically-valid, computer-based social-cognitive training (SCOTT). METHODS In an active control group design, 48 adults with ASD were randomly assigned to a 3-month SCOTT or non-social computer training. Participants completed behavioral tasks, a functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging session before and after the training period. RESULTS The SCOTT group showed social-cognitive improvements on close and distant generalization tasks. The improvements scaled with reductions in functional activity and increases in cortical thickness in prefrontal regions. CONCLUSION In sum, we provide evidence for the sensitivity of neuroscientific methods to reflect training-induced social-cognitive improvements in adults with ASD. These results encourage the use of neuroimaging data to describe and quantify treatment-related changes more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Rosenblau
- Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin14195, Germany
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin14195, Germany
- Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, The George Washington University and Children's National Health System, 2115 G St NW, Washington, DC20052, USA
| | - Garret O'Connell
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Institute of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hauke R Heekeren
- Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin14195, Germany
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin14195, Germany
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabel Dziobek
- Cluster of Excellence 'Languages of Emotion', Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin14195, Germany
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin14195, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Institute of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099, Berlin, Germany
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10
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Casella C, Bourbon-Teles J, Bells S, Coulthard E, Parker GD, Rosser A, Jones DK, Metzler-Baddeley C. Drumming Motor Sequence Training Induces Apparent Myelin Remodelling in Huntington's Disease: A Longitudinal Diffusion MRI and Quantitative Magnetization Transfer Study. J Huntingtons Dis 2020; 9:303-320. [PMID: 32894249 PMCID: PMC7836062 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-200424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background: Impaired myelination may contribute to Huntington’s disease (HD) pathogenesis. Objective: This study assessed differences in white matter (WM) microstructure between HD patients and controls, and tested whether drumming training stimulates WM remodelling in HD. Furthermore, it examined whether training-induced microstructural changes are related to improvements in motor and cognitive function. Methods: Participants undertook two months of drumming exercises. Working memory and executive function were assessed before and post-training. Changes in WM microstructure were investigated with diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI)-based metrics, the restricted diffusion signal fraction (Fr) from the composite hindered and restricted model of diffusion (CHARMED) and the macromolecular proton fraction (MPF) from quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) imaging. WM pathways linking putamen and supplementary motor areas (SMA-Putamen), and three segments of the corpus callosum (CCI, CCII, CCIII) were studied using deterministic tractography. Baseline MPF differences between patients and controls were assessed with tract-based spatial statistics. Results: MPF was reduced in the mid-section of the CC in HD subjects at baseline, while a significantly greater change in MPF was detected in HD patients relative to controls in the CCII, CCIII, and the right SMA-putamen post-training. Further, although patients improved their drumming and executive function performance, such improvements did not correlate with microstructural changes. Increased MPF suggests training-induced myelin changes in HD. Conclusion: Though only preliminary and based on a small sample size, these results suggest that tailored behavioural stimulation may lead to neural benefits in early HD, that could be exploited for delaying disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Casella
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jose Bourbon-Teles
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sonya Bells
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Neurosciences and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Greg D Parker
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anne Rosser
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, UK.,Department of Neurology and Psychological Medicine, Hayden Ellis Building, Cardiff, UK
| | - Derek K Jones
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, UK.,Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claudia Metzler-Baddeley
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, UK
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11
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Soccer heading and concussion are not associated with reduced brain volume or cortical thickness. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235609. [PMID: 32776940 PMCID: PMC7416951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and, since it is a contact sport, players are at risk for head injury, including concussion. Here, we proposed to investigate the association of heading and concussion with macroscopic brain structure among adult amateur soccer players. For this study, 375 amateur soccer players (median age 23 years) completed HeadCount-12m to estimate heading over the 12 months prior to MRI and lifetime concussion. T1-weighted 3D magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MP-RAGE) MRI was performed at 3 Tesla. Parcellation was performed using Freesurfer to extract regional gray and white matter volumes as well as regional cortical thickness and total intracranial volume. Regional cortical brain volumes were normalized by total intracranial volume. We categorized heading into quartiles and concussion as 0, 1 or 2 or more. Generalized linear regressions were used to test the association of heading or concussion with each brain morphometry metric, including age and sex, as covariates. Neither heading nor concussion were associated with reduced brain volume or cortical thickness. We observed that greater heading was associated with greater gray matter volume in the left inferior parietal area, which may reflect effects related to training.
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12
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Oschwald J, Guye S, Liem F. Brain structure and cognitive ability in healthy aging: a review on longitudinal correlated change. Rev Neurosci 2019; 31:1-57. [PMID: 31194693 PMCID: PMC8572130 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2018-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Little is still known about the neuroanatomical substrates related to changes in specific cognitive abilities in the course of healthy aging, and the existing evidence is predominantly based on cross-sectional studies. However, to understand the intricate dynamics between developmental changes in brain structure and changes in cognitive ability, longitudinal studies are needed. In the present article, we review the current longitudinal evidence on correlated changes between magnetic resonance imaging-derived measures of brain structure (e.g. gray matter/white matter volume, cortical thickness), and laboratory-based measures of fluid cognitive ability (e.g. intelligence, memory, processing speed) in healthy older adults. To theoretically embed the discussion, we refer to the revised Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition. We found 31 eligible articles, with sample sizes ranging from n = 25 to n = 731 (median n = 104), and participant age ranging from 19 to 103. Several of these studies report positive correlated changes for specific regions and specific cognitive abilities (e.g. between structures of the medial temporal lobe and episodic memory). However, the number of studies presenting converging evidence is small, and the large methodological variability between studies precludes general conclusions. Methodological and theoretical limitations are discussed. Clearly, more empirical evidence is needed to advance the field. Therefore, we provide guidance for future researchers by presenting ideas to stimulate theory and methods for development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Oschwald
- University Research Priority Program ‘Dynamics of Healthy Aging’, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Guye
- University Research Priority Program ‘Dynamics of Healthy Aging’, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franziskus Liem
- University Research Priority Program ‘Dynamics of Healthy Aging’, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland
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Baker-Ericzén MJ, Brookman-Frazee L, Brodkin ES. Accelerating research on treatment and services for transition age youth and adults on the autism spectrum. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 22:2-5. [PMID: 29369717 DOI: 10.1177/1362361317738646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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14
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Pallavicini F, Ferrari A, Mantovani F. Video Games for Well-Being: A Systematic Review on the Application of Computer Games for Cognitive and Emotional Training in the Adult Population. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2127. [PMID: 30464753 PMCID: PMC6234876 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although several excellent reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the effect of video game trainings as tools to enhance well-being, most of them specifically focused on the effects of digital games on brain plasticity or cognitive decline in children and seniors. On the contrary, only one meta-analysis results to be focused on the adult population, and it is restricted to examining the effects of training with a particular genre of games (action video games) on cognitive skills of healthy adults. Objectives: This systematic review was aimed to identify research evidences about the impact on cognitive [i.e., processing and reaction times (RTs), memory, task-switching/multitasking, and mental spatial rotation] and emotional skills of video games training in the healthy adult population. Methods: A multi-component analysis of variables related to the study, the video games, and the outcomes of the training was made on the basis of important previous works. Databases used in the search were PsycINFO, Web of Science (Web of Knowledge), PubMed, and Scopus. The search string was: [(“Video Games” OR “Computer Games” OR “Interactive Gaming”)] AND [(“Cognition”) OR (“Cognitive”) OR (“Emotion”) OR (“Emotion Regulation”)] AND [“Training”]. Results: Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and were further classified into the different analysis' variables. The majority of the retrieved studies used commercial video games, and action games in particular, which resulted to be the most commonly used, closely followed by puzzle games. Effect sizes for training with video games on cognitive skills in general ranged from 0.06 to 3.43: from 0.141 to 3.43 for processing and RTs, 0.06 to 1.82 for memory, 0.54 to 1.91 for task switching/multitasking, and 0.3 to 3.2 for mental spatial rotation; regarding video games for the training of emotional skills, effect sizes ranged from 0.201 to 3.01. Conclusion: Overall, findings give evidences of benefits of video games training on cognitive and emotional skills in relation to the healthy adult population, especially on young adults. Efficacy has been demonstrated not only for non-commercial video games or commercial brain-training programs, but for commercial video games as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pallavicini
- Riccardo Massa Department of Human Sciences for Education, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Ambra Ferrari
- Riccardo Massa Department of Human Sciences for Education, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Mantovani
- Riccardo Massa Department of Human Sciences for Education, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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15
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Rizkalla MN. Cognitive training in the elderly: a randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of a self-administered cognitive training program. Aging Ment Health 2018; 22:1384-1394. [PMID: 26644269 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2015.1118679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of a self-administered cognitive training program for improving cognition in normal elderly persons. METHOD A multisite, randomized control, double-blind trial was conducted with 28 experimental participants (Mage = 70.7 ± 8.89) and 28 active controls (Mage = 74.4 ± 9.39). Treatment conditions: experimental intervention (EI) consisted of three modules: (1) executive functioning, (2) memory, and (3) emotion training. Active control (AC) consisted of word searches, reading short stories, and answering multiple-choice questions. Treatments were self-administered one hour/five days a week for four weeks. Pre-and post-training neuropsychological outcome measures were utilized as determinants of program success. RESULTS Compared to the AC group, the EI group displayed significant gains on targeted executive (p = .002) and memory (p < .001) composites, but not the emotion (p = .105) composite. Training-induced benefits were also observed for the EI group on untrained items within global cognition (BCRS, p = .002) and functional abilities (DAD, p < .001; FRS, p = .042). The percentage of participants who showed reliable performance improvements was greater for the EI than AC on executive (55.5% vs. 12.5%), memory (55% vs. 19.5%) and functional (41% vs. 7.5%) ability. Participant recruitment and compliance rates were enhanced by the involvement of a physician. CONCLUSION Results support the efficacy of self-directed cognitive training in reliably improving cognitive and functional abilities in normal older adults. While physicians are critical in enhancing the delivery of regimented treatment, the present study illustrates the potential for self-directed prophylactic training in deterring the development of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille N Rizkalla
- a Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine , Midwestern University , Downers Grove , IL , USA
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16
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Kristensen TD, Mandl RC, Jepsen JR, Rostrup E, Glenthøj LB, Nordentoft M, Glenthøj BY, Ebdrup BH. Non-pharmacological modulation of cerebral white matter organization: A systematic review of non-psychiatric and psychiatric studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 88:84-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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17
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Kovach CR, Evans CR, Sattell L, Rosenau K, Gopalakrishnan S. Feasibility and Pilot Testing of a Mindfulness Intervention for Frail Older Adults and Individuals With Dementia. Res Gerontol Nurs 2018; 11:137-150. [DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20180223-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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18
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19
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Wall J, Xie H, Wang X. An Exploration Into Short-Interval Maintenance of Adult Hemispheric Cortical Thickness at an Individual Brain Level. J Exp Neurosci 2017; 11:1179069517733453. [PMID: 28989284 PMCID: PMC5624352 DOI: 10.1177/1179069517733453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult cerebral cortical structure is thought to be statically maintained over short intervals. This view is based on group average findings but has never been studied at the individual level. This issue was examined with an unconventional longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging design which measured hemispheric mean cortical thickness of an adult man repeatedly at week intervals over 6 months. These measures were compared with measurement error estimates to test the current prediction that thickness measures would be statically maintained within measurement error variation. The results did not support this prediction. Thickness underwent incremental and decremental fluctuations which ranged up to 0.12 mm and 5.83% over week and multiweek intervals and which differed from measurement error variation. These exploratory analyses suggest a working hypothesis that short-interval cortical structural maintenance in an individual can involve fluctuations in thickness. If confirmed, this hypothesis has potential implications for cortical maintenance mechanisms and precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Wall
- William R. Bauer Human Brain MRI Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Hong Xie
- William R. Bauer Human Brain MRI Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- William R. Bauer Human Brain MRI Laboratory, Departments of Psychiatry, Radiology, and Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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Mewton L, Hodge A, Gates N, Visontay R, Teesson M. The Brain Games study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial of computerised cognitive training for preventing mental illness in adolescents with high-risk personality styles. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017721. [PMID: 28951415 PMCID: PMC5623502 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A broad range of mental disorders are now understood as aberrations of normal adolescent brain development. In both adolescents and adults, executive dysfunction has been implicated across a range of mental illnesses, and enhancing executive functioning may prove to be a useful prevention strategy for adolescents at risk for a range of psychopathology. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study will consist of a double-blind, randomised controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up period. Participants will consist of 200 people aged 16-24 years who are at risk for a range of mental disorders based on personality risk factors, but have not experienced a lifetime mental illness as determined by a structured diagnostic interview. Participants will be randomly allocated to either an intervention group who complete an online cognitive training programme specifically targeting executive functioning ability or a control group who complete an online cognitive training programme that has limited executive functioning training potential. Superiority of the executive functioning training programme compared with the control training programme will be assessed at baseline, post-training and at 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-up. All assessments will be conducted online. The primary outcome of the study will be general psychopathology as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes will include executive functioning ability, day-to-day functioning and alcohol consumption. All analyses will be undertaken using mixed-model repeated measures analysis of variance with planned contrasts. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been obtained from the University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee (HC15094). Results of the trial immediately post-treatment and at 12 months follow-up will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12616000127404; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Mewton
- Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia
| | - Antoinette Hodge
- Child Development Unit, The Children’s Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Nicola Gates
- Centre for Healthy Brain Aging (CHeBA), Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia
| | - Rachel Visontay
- Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia
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21
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Brouwer RM, Panizzon MS, Glahn DC, Hibar DP, Hua X, Jahanshad N, Abramovic L, de Zubicaray GI, Franz CE, Hansell NK, Hickie IB, Koenis MMG, Martin NG, Mather KA, McMahon KL, Schnack HG, Strike LT, Swagerman SC, Thalamuthu A, Wen W, Gilmore JH, Gogtay N, Kahn RS, Sachdev PS, Wright MJ, Boomsma DI, Kremen WS, Thompson PM, Hulshoff Pol HE. Genetic influences on individual differences in longitudinal changes in global and subcortical brain volumes: Results of the ENIGMA plasticity working group. Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:4444-4458. [PMID: 28580697 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural brain changes that occur during development and ageing are related to mental health and general cognitive functioning. Individuals differ in the extent to which their brain volumes change over time, but whether these differences can be attributed to differences in their genotypes has not been widely studied. Here we estimate heritability (h2 ) of changes in global and subcortical brain volumes in five longitudinal twin cohorts from across the world and in different stages of the lifespan (N = 861). Heritability estimates of brain changes were significant and ranged from 16% (caudate) to 42% (cerebellar gray matter) for all global and most subcortical volumes (with the exception of thalamus and pallidum). Heritability estimates of change rates were generally higher in adults than in children suggesting an increasing influence of genetic factors explaining individual differences in brain structural changes with age. In children, environmental influences in part explained individual differences in developmental changes in brain structure. Multivariate genetic modeling showed that genetic influences of change rates and baseline volume significantly overlapped for many structures. The genetic influences explaining individual differences in the change rate for cerebellum, cerebellar gray matter and lateral ventricles were independent of the genetic influences explaining differences in their baseline volumes. These results imply the existence of genetic variants that are specific for brain plasticity, rather than brain volume itself. Identifying these genes may increase our understanding of brain development and ageing and possibly have implications for diseases that are characterized by deviant developmental trajectories of brain structure. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4444-4458, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Brouwer
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew S Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - David C Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Derrek P Hibar
- Imaging Genetics Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Marina del Rey, California
| | - Xue Hua
- Imaging Genetics Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Marina del Rey, California
| | - Neda Jahanshad
- Imaging Genetics Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Marina del Rey, California
| | - Lucija Abramovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Greig I de Zubicaray
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
| | - Carol E Franz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Narelle K Hansell
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian B Hickie
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marinka M G Koenis
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Karen A Mather
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katie L McMahon
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Hugo G Schnack
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lachlan T Strike
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Suzanne C Swagerman
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anbupalam Thalamuthu
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wei Wen
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - John H Gilmore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nitin Gogtay
- National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - René S Kahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Perminder S Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Margaret J Wright
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - William S Kremen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Marina del Rey, California
| | - Hilleke E Hulshoff Pol
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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22
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Kurth F, Cherbuin N, Luders E. Promising Links between Meditation and Reduced (Brain) Aging: An Attempt to Bridge Some Gaps between the Alleged Fountain of Youth and the Youth of the Field. Front Psychol 2017; 8:860. [PMID: 28611710 PMCID: PMC5447722 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, an increasing number of studies has reported a positive impact of meditation on cerebral aging. However, the underlying mechanisms for these seemingly brain-protecting effects are not well-understood. This may be due to the fact, at least partly, that systematic empirical meditation research has emerged only recently as a field of scientific scrutiny. Thus, on the one hand, critical questions remain largely unanswered; and on the other hand, outcomes of existing research require better integration to build a more comprehensive and holistic picture. In this article, we first review theories and mechanisms pertaining to normal (brain) aging, specifically focusing on telomeres, inflammation, stress regulation, and macroscopic brain anatomy. Then, we summarize existing research integrating the developing evidence suggesting that meditation exerts positive effects on (brain) aging, while carefully discussing possible mechanisms through which these effects may be mediated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Kurth
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA School of MedicineLos Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nicolas Cherbuin
- Centre for Research on Ageing Health and Wellbeing, Australian National UniversityCanberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Eileen Luders
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA School of MedicineLos Angeles, CA, United States.,Centre for Research on Ageing Health and Wellbeing, Australian National UniversityCanberra, ACT, Australia
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23
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Hotta J, Zhou G, Harno H, Forss N, Hari R. Complex regional pain syndrome: The matter of white matter? Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00647. [PMID: 28523214 PMCID: PMC5434177 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many central pathophysiological aspects of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are still unknown. Although brain-imaging studies are increasingly supporting the contribution of the central nervous system to the generation and maintenance of the CRPS pain, the brain's white-matter alterations are seldom investigated. METHODS In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging to explore white-matter changes in twelve CRPS-type-1 female patients suffering from chronic right upper-limb pain compared with twelve healthy control subjects. RESULTS Tract-based spatial-statistics analysis revealed significantly higher mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity in the CRPS patients, suggesting that the structural connectivity is altered in CRPS. All these measures were altered in the genu, body, and splenium of corpus callosum, as well as in the left anterior and posterior and the right superior parts of the corona radiata. Axial diffusivity was significantly correlated with clinical motor symptoms at whole-brain level, supporting the physiological significance of the observed white-matter abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our findings further corroborate the involvement of the central nervous system in CRPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaakko Hotta
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering Aalto University Espoo Finland.,Aalto NeuroImaging Aalto University Espoo Finland.,Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology University of Helsinki and Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Guangyu Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering Aalto University Espoo Finland.,Department of Neurology Northwestern University Chicago IL USA
| | - Hanna Harno
- Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology University of Helsinki and Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland.,Pain Clinic Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Nina Forss
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering Aalto University Espoo Finland.,Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology University of Helsinki and Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Riitta Hari
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering Aalto University Espoo Finland.,Department of Art Aalto University Helsinki Finland
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24
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Han K, Davis RA, Chapman SB, Krawczyk DC. Strategy-based reasoning training modulates cortical thickness and resting-state functional connectivity in adults with chronic traumatic brain injury. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00687. [PMID: 28523229 PMCID: PMC5434192 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prior studies have demonstrated training-induced changes in the healthy adult brain. Yet, it remains unclear how the injured brain responds to cognitive training months-to-years after injury. METHODS Sixty individuals with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) were randomized into either strategy-based (N = 31) or knowledge-based (N = 29) training for 8 weeks. We measured cortical thickness and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) before training, immediately posttraining, and 3 months posttraining. RESULTS Relative to the knowledge-based training group, the cortical thickness of the strategy-based training group showed diverse temporal patterns of changes over multiple brain regions (pvertex < .05, pcluster < .05): (1) increases followed by decreases, (2) monotonic increases, and (3) monotonic decreases. However, network-based statistics (NBS) analysis of rsFC among these regions revealed that the strategy-based training group induced only monotonic increases in connectivity, relative to the knowledge-based training group (|Z| > 1.96, pNBS < 0.05). Complementing the rsFC results, the strategy-based training group yielded monotonic improvement in scores for the trail-making test (p < .05). Analyses of brain-behavior relationships revealed that improvement in trail-making scores were associated with training-induced changes in cortical thickness (pvertex < .05, pcluster < .05) and rsFC (pvertex < .05, pcluster < .005) within the strategy-based training group. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that training-induced brain plasticity continues through chronic phases of TBI and that brain connectivity and cortical thickness may serve as markers of plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kihwan Han
- Center for BrainHealthSchool of Behavioral and Brain SciencesThe University of Texas at DallasDallasTXUSA
| | - Rebecca A. Davis
- Center for BrainHealthSchool of Behavioral and Brain SciencesThe University of Texas at DallasDallasTXUSA
| | - Sandra B. Chapman
- Center for BrainHealthSchool of Behavioral and Brain SciencesThe University of Texas at DallasDallasTXUSA
| | - Daniel C. Krawczyk
- Center for BrainHealthSchool of Behavioral and Brain SciencesThe University of Texas at DallasDallasTXUSA
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
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25
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Metzler-Baddeley C, Foley S, de Santis S, Charron C, Hampshire A, Caeyenberghs K, Jones DK. Dynamics of White Matter Plasticity Underlying Working Memory Training: Multimodal Evidence from Diffusion MRI and Relaxometry. J Cogn Neurosci 2017; 29:1509-1520. [PMID: 28358656 PMCID: PMC5881889 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_01127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive working memory (WM) training may lead to cognitive benefits that are associated with white matter plasticity in parietofrontal networks, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We investigated white matter microstructural changes after adaptive WM training relative to a nonadaptive comparison group. Microstructural changes were studied in the superior longitudinal fasciculus, the main parietofrontal connection, and the cingulum bundle as a comparison pathway. MRI-based metrics were the myelin water fraction and longitudinal relaxation rate R1 from multicomponent relaxometry (captured with the mcDESPOT approach) as proxy metrics of myelin, the restricted volume fraction from the composite hindered and restricted model of diffusion as an estimate of axon morphology, and fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity from diffusion tensor imaging. PCA was used for dimensionality reduction. Adaptive training was associated with benefits in a “WM capacity” component and increases in a microstructural component (increases in R1, restricted volume fraction, fractional anisotropy, and reduced radial diffusivity) that predominantly loaded on changes in the right dorsolateral superior longitudinal fasciculus and the left parahippocampal cingulum. In contrast, nonadaptive comparison activities were associated with the opposite pattern of reductions in WM capacity and microstructure. No group differences were observed for the myelin water fraction metric suggesting that R1 was a more sensitive “myelin” index. These results demonstrate task complexity and location-specific white matter microstructural changes that are consistent with tissue alterations underlying myelination in response to training.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonya Foley
- Cardiff University, Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC)
| | | | - Cyril Charron
- Cardiff University, Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC)
| | | | | | - Derek K Jones
- Cardiff University, Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC).,Australian Catholic University
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26
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Sreenivasan K, Zhuang X, Banks SJ, Mishra V, Yang Z, Deshpande G, Cordes D. Olfactory Network Differences in Master Sommeliers: Connectivity Analysis Using Granger Causality and Graph Theoretical Approach. Brain Connect 2017; 7:123-136. [PMID: 28125912 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2016.0458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies investigating the differences in olfactory processing and judgments between trained sommeliers and controls have shown increased activations in brain regions involving higher level cognitive processes in sommeliers. However, there is little information about the influence of expertise on causal connectivity and topological properties of the connectivity networks between these regions. Therefore, the current study focuses on addressing these questions in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study of olfactory perception in Master Sommeliers. fMRI data were acquired from Master Sommeliers and control participants during different olfactory and nonolfactory tasks. Mean time series were extracted from 90 different regions of interest (ROIs; based on Automated Anatomical Labeling atlas). The underlying neuronal variables were extracted using blind hemodynamic deconvolution and then input into a dynamic multivariate autoregressive model to obtain connectivity between every pair of ROIs as a function of time. These connectivity values were then statistically compared to obtain paths that were significantly different between the two groups. The obtained connectivity matrices were further studied using graph theoretical methods. In sommeliers, significantly greater connectivity was observed in connections involving the precuneus, caudate, putamen, and several frontal and temporal regions. The controls showed increased connectivity from the left hippocampus to the frontal regions. Furthermore, the sommeliers exhibited significantly higher small-world topology than the controls. These findings are significant, given that learning about neuroplasticity in adulthood in these regions may then have added clinical importance in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's where early neurodegeneration is isolated to regions important in smell.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaowei Zhuang
- 1 Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Sarah J Banks
- 1 Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Virendra Mishra
- 1 Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Zhengshi Yang
- 1 Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Gopikrishna Deshpande
- 2 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, AU MRI Research Center, Auburn University , Auburn, Alabama
- 3 Department of Psychology, Auburn University , Auburn, Alabama
- 4 Alabama Advanced Imaging Consortium, Auburn University and University of Alabama Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Dietmar Cordes
- 1 Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, Nevada
- 5 Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
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What can gait tell us about dementia? Review of epidemiological and neuropsychological evidence. Gait Posture 2017; 53:215-223. [PMID: 28222369 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment and gait disorders in people over the age of 65 represent major public health issues because of their high frequency, their link to poor outcomes and high costs. Research has demonstrated that these two geriatric syndromes are closely related. METHODS AND RESULTS We aim to review the evidence supporting the relationship between gait and cognitive impairment, particularly focusing on epidemiological and neuropsychological studies in patients with Mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease and Vascular dementia. The review demonstrates that gait and cognition are closely related, but our knowledge of their interrelationship is limited. Emerging evidence shows that gait analysis has the potential to contribute to diagnosis and prognosis of cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS An integrated approach for evaluating these major geriatric syndromes, based on their close relationship, will not only increase our understanding of cognitive-motor interactions, but most importantly may be used to aid early diagnosis, prognosis and the development of new interventions.
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Walton CC, Naismith SL, Lampit A, Mowszowski L, Lewis SJG. Cognitive Training in Parkinson’s Disease. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2016; 31:207-216. [DOI: 10.1177/1545968316680489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney C. Walton
- Parkinson’s Disease Research Clinic, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, School of Psychology; Brain and Mind Centre & The Charles Perkins Centre,University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Regenerative Neuroscience Group, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon L. Naismith
- Parkinson’s Disease Research Clinic, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, School of Psychology; Brain and Mind Centre & The Charles Perkins Centre,University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amit Lampit
- Regenerative Neuroscience Group, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Loren Mowszowski
- Parkinson’s Disease Research Clinic, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, School of Psychology; Brain and Mind Centre & The Charles Perkins Centre,University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon J. G. Lewis
- Parkinson’s Disease Research Clinic, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, School of Psychology; Brain and Mind Centre & The Charles Perkins Centre,University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Cao X, Yao Y, Li T, Cheng Y, Feng W, Shen Y, Li Q, Jiang L, Wu W, Wang J, Sheng J, Feng J, Li C. The Impact of Cognitive Training on Cerebral White Matter in Community-Dwelling Elderly: One-Year Prospective Longitudinal Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33212. [PMID: 27628682 PMCID: PMC5024122 DOI: 10.1038/srep33212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been shown that cognitive training (CogTr) is effective and recuperative for older adults, and can be used to fight against cognitive decline. In this study, we investigated whether behavioural gains from CogTr would extend to white matter (WM) microstructure, and whether training-induced changes in WM integrity would be associated with improvements in cognitive function, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). 48 healthy community elderly were either assigned to multi-domain or single-domain CogTr groups to receive 24 sessions over 12 weeks, or to a control group. DTI was performed at both baseline and 12-month follow-up. Positive effects of multi-domain CogTr on long-term changes in DTI indices were found in posterior parietal WM. Participants in the multi-domain group showed a trend of long-term decrease in axial diffusivity (AD) without significant change in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD) or radial diffusivity (RD), while those in the control group displayed a significant FA decrease, and an increase in MD and RD. In addition, significant relationships between an improvement in processing speed and changes in RD, MD and AD were found in the multi-domain group. These findings support the hypothesis that plasticity of WM can be modified by CogTr, even in late adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Cao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ye Yao
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intellegence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.,Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Ting Li
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai, 200335, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Yuan Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Lijuan Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Wenyuan Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Jijun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jianhua Sheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jianfeng Feng
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intellegence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.,Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.,Shanghai Center for Mathematical Sciences, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chunbo Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.,Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.,Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
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30
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Tardif CL, Gauthier CJ, Steele CJ, Bazin PL, Schäfer A, Schaefer A, Turner R, Villringer A. Advanced MRI techniques to improve our understanding of experience-induced neuroplasticity. Neuroimage 2016; 131:55-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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31
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Metzler-Baddeley C, Caeyenberghs K, Foley S, Jones DK. Longitudinal data on cortical thickness before and after working memory training. Data Brief 2016; 7:1143-7. [PMID: 27115029 PMCID: PMC4833123 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2016.03.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The data and supplementary information provided in this article relate to our research article “Task complexity and location specific changes of cortical thickness in executive and salience networks after working memory training” (Metzler-Baddeley et al., 2016) [1]. We provide cortical thickness and subcortical volume data derived from parieto-frontal cortical regions and the basal ganglia with the FreeSurfer longitudinal analyses stream (http://surfer.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu [2]) before and after Cogmed working memory training (Cogmed and Cogmed Working Memory Training, 2012) [3]. This article also provides supplementary information to the research article, i.e., within-group comparisons between baseline and outcome cortical thickness and subcortical volume measures, between-group tests of performance changes in cognitive benchmark tests (www.cambridgebrainsciences.com [4]), correlation analyses between performance changes in benchmark tests and training-related structural changes, correlation analyses between the time spent training and structural changes, a scatterplot of the relationship between cortical thickness measures derived from the occipital lobe as control region and the chronological order of the MRI sessions to assess potential scanner drift effects and a post-hoc vertex-wise whole brain analysis with FreeSurfer Qdec (https://surfer.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/fswiki/Qdec [5]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Metzler-Baddeley
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, and Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Karen Caeyenberghs
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sonya Foley
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, and Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Derek K Jones
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, and Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
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32
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Metzler-Baddeley C, Caeyenberghs K, Foley S, Jones DK. Task complexity and location specific changes of cortical thickness in executive and salience networks after working memory training. Neuroimage 2016; 130:48-62. [PMID: 26806288 PMCID: PMC4819728 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel activities and experiences shape the brain's structure and organisation and, hence, our behaviour. However, evidence from structural plasticity studies remains mixed and the neural correlates of learning and practice are still poorly understood. We conducted a robustly designed study into grey matter plasticity following 2 months of working memory training. We generated a priori hypotheses regarding the location of plastic effects across three cognitive control networks (executive, anterior salience and basal ganglia networks), and compared the effects of adaptive training (n=20) with a well-matched active control group (n=20) which differed in training complexity and included extensive cognitive assessment before and after the training. Adaptive training relative to control activities resulted in a complex pattern of subtle and localised structural changes: Training was associated with increases in cortical thickness in right-lateralised executive regions, notably the right caudal middle frontal cortex, as well as increases in the volume of the left pallidum. In addition the training group showed reductions of thickness in the right insula, which were correlated with training-induced improvements in backward digit span performance. Unexpectedly, control activities were associated with reductions in thickness in the right pars triangularis. These results suggest that the direction of activity-induced plastic changes depend on the level of training complexity as well as brain location. These observations are consistent with the view that the brain responds dynamically to environmental demands by focusing resources on task relevant networks and eliminating irrelevant processing for the purpose of energy reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Metzler-Baddeley
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, and Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK.
| | - Karen Caeyenberghs
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sonya Foley
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, and Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Derek K Jones
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, and Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
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33
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Lampit A, Hallock H, Suo C, Naismith SL, Valenzuela M. Cognitive training-induced short-term functional and long-term structural plastic change is related to gains in global cognition in healthy older adults: a pilot study. Front Aging Neurosci 2015; 7:14. [PMID: 25805989 PMCID: PMC4353252 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2015.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Computerized cognitive training (CCT) is a safe and inexpensive intervention to enhance cognitive performance in the elderly. However, the neural underpinning of CCT-induced effects and the timecourse by which such neural changes occur are unknown. Here, we report on results from a pilot study of healthy older adults who underwent three 1-h weekly sessions of either multidomain CCT program (n = 7) or an active control intervention (n = 5) over 12 weeks. Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and cognitive assessments were performed at baseline and after 9 and 36 h of training. Voxel-based structural analysis revealed a significant Group × Time interaction in the right post-central gyrus indicating increased gray matter density in the CCT group compared to active control at both follow-ups. Across the entire sample, there were significant positive correlations between changes in the post-central gyrus and change in global cognition after 36 h of training. A post-hoc vertex-based analysis found a significant between-group difference in rate of thickness change between baseline and post-training in the left fusiform gyrus, as well as a large cluster in the right parietal lobe covering the supramarginal and post-central gyri. Resting-state functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate and the superior frontal gyrus, and between the right hippocampus and the superior temporal gyrus significantly differed between the two groups after 9 h of training and correlated with cognitive change post-training. No significant interactions were found for any of the spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging data. Though preliminary, our results suggest that functional change may precede structural and cognitive change, and that about one-half of the structural change occurs within the first 9 h of training. Future studies are required to determine the role of these brain changes in the mechanisms underlying CCT-induced cognitive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Lampit
- Regenerative Neuroscience Group, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Harry Hallock
- Regenerative Neuroscience Group, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chao Suo
- Regenerative Neuroscience Group, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Monash Clinical and Imaging Neuroscience, School of Psychological Science, Monash University Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sharon L Naismith
- Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Valenzuela
- Regenerative Neuroscience Group, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Krick CM, Grapp M, Daneshvar-Talebi J, Reith W, Plinkert PK, Bolay HV. Cortical reorganization in recent-onset tinnitus patients by the Heidelberg Model of Music Therapy. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:49. [PMID: 25745385 PMCID: PMC4333796 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathophysiology and treatment of tinnitus still are fields of intensive research. The neuroscientifically motivated Heidelberg Model of Music Therapy, previously developed by the German Center for Music Therapy Research, Heidelberg, Germany, was applied to explore its effects on individual distress and on brain structures. This therapy is a compact and fast application of nine consecutive 50-min sessions of individualized therapy implemented over 1 week. Clinical improvement and long-term effects over several years have previously been published. However, the underlying neural basis of the therapy's success has not yet been explored. In the current study, the therapy was applied to acute tinnitus patients (TG) and healthy active controls (AC). Non-treated patients were also included as passive controls (PTC). As predicted, the therapeutic intervention led to a significant decrease of tinnitus-related distress in TG compared to PTC. Before and after the study week, high-resolution MRT scans were obtained for each subject. Assessment by repeated measures design for several groups (Two-Way ANOVA) revealed structural gray matter (GM) increase in TG compared to PTC, comprising clusters in precuneus, medial superior frontal areas, and in the auditory cortex. This pattern was further applied as mask for general GM changes as induced by the therapy week. The therapy-like procedure in AC also elicited similar GM increases in precuneus and frontal regions. Comparison between structural effects in TG vs. AC was calculated within the mask for general GM changes to obtain specific effects in tinnitus patients, yielding GM increase in right Heschl's gyrus, right Rolandic operculum, and medial superior frontal regions. In line with recent findings on the crucial role of the auditory cortex in maintaining tinnitus-related distress, a causative relation between the therapy-related GM alterations in auditory areas and the long-lasting therapy effects can be assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph M Krick
- Department for Neuroradiology, Saarland University Hospital Homburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Grapp
- German Center for Music Therapy Research (Victor Dulger Institute) DZM Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Reith
- Department for Neuroradiology, Saarland University Hospital Homburg, Germany
| | - Peter K Plinkert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital for Ear, Nose, and Throat, University of Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans Volker Bolay
- Music Therapy Tinnitus Outpatient Department, German Center for Music Therapy Research (Victor Dulger Institute) DZM Heidelberg, Germany
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Mills KL, Tamnes CK. Methods and considerations for longitudinal structural brain imaging analysis across development. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2014; 9:172-90. [PMID: 24879112 PMCID: PMC6989768 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
There have now been several longitudinal studies of structural brain development. We discuss current methods and analysis techniques in longitudinal MRI. We relate MRI measures to possible underlying physiological mechanisms. We encourage more open discussion amongst researchers regarding best practices.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has allowed the unprecedented capability to measure the human brain in vivo. This technique has paved the way for longitudinal studies exploring brain changes across the entire life span. Results from these studies have given us a glimpse into the remarkably extended and multifaceted development of our brain, converging with evidence from anatomical and histological studies. Ever-evolving techniques and analytical methods provide new avenues to explore and questions to consider, requiring researchers to balance excitement with caution. This review addresses what MRI studies of structural brain development in children and adolescents typically measure and how. We focus on measurements of brain morphometry (e.g., volume, cortical thickness, surface area, folding patterns), as well as measurements derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). By integrating finding from multiple longitudinal investigations, we give an update on current knowledge of structural brain development and how it relates to other aspects of biological development and possible underlying physiological mechanisms. Further, we review and discuss current strategies in image processing, analysis techniques and modeling of brain development. We hope this review will aid current and future longitudinal investigations of brain development, as well as evoke a discussion amongst researchers regarding best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Mills
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK; Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Christian K Tamnes
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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36
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Topiwala A, Patel S, Ebmeier KP. Health benefits of encore careers for baby boomers. Maturitas 2014; 78:8-10. [PMID: 24636242 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Baby boomers now represent an aging population group at risk of the diseases of older age. Their relatively high education, amongst other attributes, means that they can make a significant contribution to the work force beyond the statutory retirement age. On an individual level, potential health benefits may motivate them to pursue encore careers. We review some of the evidence supporting such a trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Topiwala
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Shivani Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Klaus P Ebmeier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK.
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