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Posner MI. Orienting of attention and spatial cognition. Cogn Process 2024:10.1007/s10339-024-01216-x. [PMID: 39123061 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-024-01216-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Humans orient to their sensory world through foveation of target location or through covert shifts of attention. Orienting provides primacy to the selected location and in humans improves the precision of discrimination. Covert orienting appears to arise separately from the mechanisms involved in saccadic eye movements. Covert orienting can serve to prioritize processing the target even increasing its subjective intensity and its acuity. However, this network does not appear to be involved in the operations related to binding and segmentation. Cells exist in the early visual cortex that are activated by both color and form features without attention, however, color and form appear to remain independent even when oriented to the target that is required to be reported. An understanding of the pathways that connect attention networks to memory networks may allow us to understand more complex aspects of spatial cognition and enhance orienting and thus improve spatial cognition.
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Sibilia J, Berna F, Bloch JG, Scherlinger M. Mind-body practices in chronic inflammatory arthritis. Joint Bone Spine 2024; 91:105645. [PMID: 37769800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2023.105645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Mind-body practices are complementary approaches recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). While these practices are very diverse, they all focus on the interaction between mind and body. These include mindful meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, sophrology, hypnosis and various relaxation techniques. There is growing interest in incorporating these strategies in the management of chronic rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this review is to describe the main mind-body practices and analyze the existing evidence in chronic rheumatic diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis, the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program, yoga, Tai Chi and relaxation may improve patient-reported outcomes, but the benefit on inflammation and structural progression is unclear. In spondyloarthritis, very few studies are available but similar evidence exist. Further evaluations of these practices in chronic rheumatic diseases are needed since their risk/benefit ratio appears excellent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Sibilia
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; UMR INSERM 1109, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Fabrice Berna
- Service de Psychiatrie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Gérard Bloch
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marc Scherlinger
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; UMR INSERM 1109, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Chmiel J, Malinowska A, Rybakowski F, Leszek J. The Effectiveness of Mindfulness in the Treatment of Methamphetamine Addiction Symptoms: Does Neuroplasticity Play a Role? Brain Sci 2024; 14:320. [PMID: 38671972 PMCID: PMC11047954 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methamphetamine is a highly stimulating psychoactive drug that causes life-threatening addictions and affects millions of people around the world. Its effects on the brain are complex and include disturbances in the neurotransmitter systems and neurotoxicity. There are several known treatment methods, but their effectiveness is moderate. It must be emphasised that no drugs have been approved for treatment. For this reason, there is an urgent need to develop new, effective, and safe treatments for methamphetamine. One of the potential treatments is mindfulness meditation. In recent years, this technique has been researched extensively in the context of many neurological and psychiatric disorders. METHODS This review explores the use of mindfulness in the treatment of methamphetamine addiction. Searches were conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Research Gate, and Cochrane databases. RESULTS Ten studies were identified that used mindfulness-based interventions in the treatment of methamphetamine addiction. The results show that mindfulness is an effective form of reducing hunger, risk of relapses, stress indicators, depression, and aggression, alone or in combination with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Mindfulness also improved the cognitive function in addicts. The included studies used only behavioural measures. The potential mechanisms of mindfulness in addiction were explained, and it was proposed that it can induce neuroplasticity, alleviating the symptoms of addiction. CONCLUSIONS Evidence from the studies suggest that mindfulness may be an effective treatment option for methamphetamine addiction, used alone or in combination with tDCS. However, further high-quality research is required to establish the role of this treatment option in this field. The use of neuroimaging and neurophysiological measures is fundamental to understand the mechanisms of mindfulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Chmiel
- Institute of Neurofeedback and tDCS Poland, 70-393 Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Filip Rybakowski
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jerzy Leszek
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, 54-235 Wrocław, Poland
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Samson JA, Newkirk TR, Teicher MH. Practitioner Review: Neurobiological consequences of childhood maltreatment - clinical and therapeutic implications for practitioners. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:369-380. [PMID: 37609790 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment is one of the most important preventable risk factors for a wide variety of psychiatric disorders. Further, when psychiatric disorders emerge in maltreated individuals they typically do so at younger ages, with greater severity, more psychiatric comorbid conditions, and poorer response to established treatments, resulting in a more pernicious course with an increased risk for suicide. Practitioners treating children, adolescents, and young adults with psychiatric disorders will likely encounter the highest prevalence of clients with early-onset maltreatment-associated psychiatric disorders. These may be some of their most challenging cases. METHOD In this report, we explore key validated alterations in brain structure, function, and connectivity associated with exposure to childhood maltreatment as potential mechanisms behind their patients' clinical presentations. RESULTS We then summarize key behavioral presentations likely associated with neurobiological alterations and propose a toolkit of established trauma and skills-based strategies that may help diminish symptoms and foster recovery. We also discuss how some of these alterations may serve as latent vulnerability factors for the possible development of future psychopathology. CONCLUSIONS Research on the neurobiological consequences of childhood adversity provides a vastly enriched biopsychosocial understanding of the developmental origins of health and pathology that will hopefully lead to fundamental advances in clinical psychology and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A Samson
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Thatcher R Newkirk
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Martin H Teicher
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
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Togo E. Time Series Data Analysis of Mindfulness Breathing Method Using Electroencephalogram. SAGE Open Nurs 2024; 10:23779608231226073. [PMID: 38268948 PMCID: PMC10807306 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231226073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Workers and students are often stressed and distressed by a variety of factors, including work and study. However, support for individual psychological stress is not yet well established. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mindfulness breathing on the mental load of college students using an electroencephalogram (EEG). Methods Twenty participants were randomly allocated into treatment or control groups, with 10 participants in each group. Mindfulness breathing was applied to participants in the treatment group, while those in the control group received no treatment. The regression equation was evaluated from the EEG, and time series analysis was performed based on autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation. Results In the After condition after mindfulness breathing exercises in the Mi group, the alpha wave content of the regression equation at eye closure after task performance showed an upward trend, and the autocorrelation coefficient showed repeated upward and downward fluctuations. Conclusion It was suggested that alpha wave content may increase over time with mindfulness breathing exercises. The EEG after mindfulness breathing exercises was shown not to be constant and to have non-linear characteristics. This suggested that the effects of mindfulness breathing exercises could be evaluated using time series data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiichi Togo
- Faculty of Nursing/Department of Nursing, Hyogo University, Kakogawa City, Japan
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Turer OU, Ozcan M, Alkaya B, Demirbilek F, Alpay N, Daglioglu G, Seydaoglu G, Haytac MC. The effect of mindfulness meditation on dental anxiety during implant surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21686. [PMID: 38066232 PMCID: PMC10709419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dental implant surgery is almost always associated with patient anxiety. Anxiety during dental surgical procedures triggers an increase in sympathetic activity. Mindfulness meditation (MM) is often associated with high levels of relaxation in the form of increased parasympathetic tone and decreased sympathetic activity. However, the effect of MM on dental anxiety is not clear. The current study aimed to show the effects of a MM as a sedative technique during dental implant surgery by examining the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), bispectral index (BIS), cortisol levels (CL), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR) and saturation (SpO2) parameters. HR, SBP, DBP, SpO2, BIS score and CLs were compared at the baseline, immediately before-, during-, and immediately after surgery between the test and control groups. We found that the MM resulted in significant decrease in BIS together with positive effects on hemodynamic parameters (decrease of HR, SBP, DBP and increase of SpO2), psychological findings (improvement on STAI-S scores) and biochemical outcomes (decreased CL). In conclusion, the results demonstrate that MM appeared to be a reliable strategy for managing stress during dental implant operation with benefits in psychological, physiological and biochemical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Ucak Turer
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Ozcan
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Bahar Alkaya
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Furkan Demirbilek
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Nilgun Alpay
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Dentistry, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Gulcin Daglioglu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Gulsah Seydaoglu
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - M Cenk Haytac
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
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Burke T, Holleran L, Mothersill D, Lyons J, O'Rourke N, Gleeson C, Cannon DM, McKernan DP, Morris DW, Kelly JP, Hallahan B, McDonald C, Donohoe G. Bilateral anterior corona radiata microstructure organisation relates to impaired social cognition in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2023; 262:87-94. [PMID: 37931564 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Corona Radiata (CR) is a large white matter tract in the brain comprising of the anterior CR (aCR), superior CR (sCR), and posterior CR (pCR), which have associations with cognition, self-regulation, and, in schizophrenia, positive symptom severity. This study tested the hypothesis that the microstructural organisation of the aCR, as measured by Fractional Anisotropy (FA) using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), would relate to poorer social cognitive outcomes and higher positive symptom severity for people with schizophrenia, when compared to healthy participants. We further hypothesised that increased positive symptoms would relate to poorer social cognitive outcomes. METHODS Data were derived from n = 178 healthy participants (41 % females; 36.11 ± 12.36 years) and 58 people with schizophrenia (30 % females; 42.4 ± 11.1 years). The Positive and Negative Symptom Severity Scale measured clinical symptom severity. Social Cognition was measured using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) Total Score, as well as the Positive, Neutral, and Negative stimuli valence. The ENIGMA-DTI protocol tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used. RESULTS There was a significant difference in FA for the CR, in individuals with schizophrenia compared to healthy participants. On stratification, both the aCR and pCR were significantly different between groups, with patients showing reduced white matter tract microstructural organisation. Significant negative correlations were observed between positive symptomatology and reduced microstructural organisation of the aCR. Performance for RMET negative valence items was significantly correlated bilaterally with the aCR, but not the sCR or pCR, and no relationship to positive symptoms was observed. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight specific and significant microstructural white-matter differences for people with schizophrenia, which relates to positive clinical symptomology and poorer performance on social cognition stimuli. While reduced FA is associated with higher positive symptomatology in schizophrenia, this study shows the specific associated with anterior frontal white matter tracts and reduced social cognitive performance. The aCR may have a specific role to play in frontal-disconnection syndromes, psychosis, and social cognitive profile within schizophrenia, though further research requires more sensitive, specific, and detailed consideration of social cognition outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Burke
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Center for Neuroimaging Cognition and Genomics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Laurena Holleran
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Center for Neuroimaging Cognition and Genomics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - David Mothersill
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Center for Neuroimaging Cognition and Genomics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Psychology Department, School of Business, National College of, Ireland
| | - James Lyons
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Center for Neuroimaging Cognition and Genomics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Nathan O'Rourke
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Center for Neuroimaging Cognition and Genomics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Christina Gleeson
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Center for Neuroimaging Cognition and Genomics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Dara M Cannon
- Center for Neuroimaging Cognition and Genomics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Clinical Neuroimaging Laboratory, Galway Neuroscience Centre, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Declan P McKernan
- Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
| | - Derek W Morris
- Center for Neuroimaging Cognition and Genomics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - John P Kelly
- Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
| | - Brian Hallahan
- Center for Neuroimaging Cognition and Genomics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Science Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Colm McDonald
- Center for Neuroimaging Cognition and Genomics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Science Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Gary Donohoe
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Center for Neuroimaging Cognition and Genomics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
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Fincham GW, Kartar A, Uthaug MV, Anderson B, Hall L, Nagai Y, Critchley H, Colasanti A. High ventilation breathwork practices: An overview of their effects, mechanisms, and considerations for clinical applications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 155:105453. [PMID: 37923236 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
High Ventilation Breathwork (HVB) refers to practices employing specific volitional manipulation of breathing, with a long history of use to relieve various forms of psychological distress. This paper seeks to offer a consolidative insight into potential clinical application of HVB as a treatment of psychiatric disorders. We thus review the characteristic phenomenological and neurophysiological effects of these practices to inform their mechanism of therapeutic action, safety profiles and future clinical applications. Clinical observations and data from neurophysiological studies indicate that HVB is associated with extraordinary changes in subjective experience, as well as with profound effects on central and autonomic nervous systems functions through modulation of neurometabolic parameters and interoceptive sensory systems. This growing evidence base may guide how the phenomenological effects of HVB can be understood, and potentially harnessed in the context of such volitional perturbation of psychophysiological state. Reports of putative beneficial effects for trauma-related, affective, and somatic disorders invite further research to obtain detailed mechanistic knowledge, and rigorous clinical testing of these potential therapeutic uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy W Fincham
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sussex, UK; University of Sussex, School of Psychology, Brighton, UK.
| | - Amy Kartar
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sussex, UK
| | - Malin V Uthaug
- The Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, UK; Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Brittany Anderson
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Lottie Hall
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sussex, UK
| | - Yoko Nagai
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sussex, UK
| | - Hugo Critchley
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sussex, UK
| | - Alessandro Colasanti
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sussex, UK; Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
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Pommy J, Smart CM, Bryant AM, Wang Y. Three potential neurovascular pathways driving the benefits of mindfulness meditation for older adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1207012. [PMID: 37455940 PMCID: PMC10340530 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1207012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation has been shown to be beneficial for a range of different health conditions, impacts brain function and structure relatively quickly, and has shown promise with aging samples. Functional magnetic resonance imaging metrics provide insight into neurovascular health which plays a key role in both normal and pathological aging processes. Experimental mindfulness meditation studies that included functional magnetic resonance metrics as an outcome measure may point to potential neurovascular mechanisms of action relevant for aging adults that have not yet been previously examined. We first review the resting-state magnetic resonance studies conducted in exclusively older adult age samples. Findings from older adult-only samples are then used to frame the findings of task magnetic resonance imaging studies conducted in both clinical and healthy adult samples. Based on the resting-state studies in older adults and the task magnetic resonance studies in adult samples, we propose three potential mechanisms by which mindfulness meditation may offer a neurovascular therapeutic benefit for older adults: (1) a direct neurovascular mechanism via increased resting-state cerebral blood flow; (2) an indirect anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism via increased functional connectivity within the default mode network, and (3) a top-down control mechanism that likely reflects both a direct and an indirect neurovascular pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pommy
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuropsychology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Colette M. Smart
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Andrew M. Bryant
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuropsychology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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10
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Bang M, Kim B, Lee KS, Choi TK, Lee SH. Long-term benefits of mindfulness on white matter tracts underlying the cortical midline structures in panic disorder: A 2-year longitudinal study. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 77:355-364. [PMID: 36917206 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to examine the long-term benefits of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on white matter plasticity in the cortical midline structures (CMS) for a period of 2 years in patients with panic disorder and the relationships between white matter changes in the CMS and severity of state and trait symptoms. METHODS Seventy-one participants were enrolled and underwent diffusion tensor imaging at baseline and after 2 years (26 who received MBCT as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy [MBCT+PT], 20 treated with pharmacotherapy alone [PT-alone], and 25 healthy controls [HCs]). The severity of symptoms and fractional anisotropy (FA) in white matter regions underlying the CMS were assessed at baseline and 2-year follow-up. RESULTS The MBCT+PT group showed better outcomes after 2 years than the PT-alone group. The groups showed different FA changes: the MBCT+PT group showed decreased FA in the left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC); the PT-alone group showed increased FA in the bilateral dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and precuneus. Decreased white matter FA in the ACC, PCC, and precuneus was associated with improvements in the severity of state and trait symptoms in patients with panic disorder. CONCLUSION Alleviation of excessive white matter connectivity in the CMS after MBCT leads to improvements in clinical symptoms and trait vulnerability in patients with panic disorder. Our study provides new evidence for the long-term benefits of MBCT on white matter plasticity and its clinical applicability as a robust treatment for panic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Bang
- Department of Psychiatry, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Borah Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Soo Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Tai Kiu Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyuk Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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Sullivan M, Huberty J, Chung Y, Stecher C. Mindfulness Meditation App Abandonment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:1-18. [PMID: 37362188 PMCID: PMC10158687 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02125-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Mindfulness meditation apps are used by millions of adults in the USA to improve mental health. However, many new app subscribers quickly abandon their use. The purpose of this study was to determine the behavioral, demographic, and socioeconomic factors associated with the abandonment of meditation apps during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method A survey was distributed to subscribers of a popular meditation app, Calm, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 that assessed meditation app behavior and meditation habit strength, as well as demographic and socioeconomic information. App usage data were also collected from the start of each participant's subscription until May 2021. A total of 3275 respondents were included in the analyses. Participants were divided into three cohorts according to their subscription start date: (1) long-term subscribers (> 1 year before pandemic start), (2) pre-pandemic subscribers (< 4 months before pandemic start), and (3) pandemic subscribers (joined during the pandemic). Results Meditating after an existing routine was associated with a lower risk of app abandonment for pre-pandemic subscribers (hazard ratio = 0.607, 95% CI: 0.422, 0.874; p = 0.007) and for pandemic subscribers (hazard ratio = 0.434, 95% CI: 0.285, 0.66; p < 0.001). Additionally, meditating "whenever I can" was associated with lower risk of abandonment among pandemic subscribers (hazard ratio = 0.437, 95% CI: 0.271, 0.706; p < 0.001), and no behavioral factors were significant predictors of app abandonment among the long-term subscribers. Conclusions These results show that combining meditation with an existing daily routine was a commonly utilized strategy for promoting persistent meditation app use during the COVID-19 pandemic for many subscribers. This finding supports existing evidence that pairing new behaviors with an existing routine is an effective method for establishing new health habits. Preregistration This study is not pre-registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah Sullivan
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, 425 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA
| | | | - Yunro Chung
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, 425 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA
| | - Chad Stecher
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, 425 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA
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12
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Xie Y, Cai K, Dai J, Wei G. Enhanced Integrity of White Matter Microstructure in Mind-Body Practitioners: A Whole-Brain Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040691. [PMID: 37190656 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is an increasingly popular multimodal mind-body practice with potential cognitive benefits, yet the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects, particularly in relation to brain white matter (WM) microstructure, remain largely unknown. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and the attention network test (ANT) to compare 22 TCC practitioners and 18 healthy controls. We found extensive differences in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) between the two groups. Specifically, TCC practitioners had significantly different diffusion metrics in the corticospinal tract (CST), fornix (FX)/stria terminalis (ST), and cerebral peduncle (CP). We also observed a significant correlation between increased FA values in the right CP and ANT performance in TCC practitioners. Our findings suggest that optimized regional WM microstructure may contribute to the complex information processing associated with TCC practice, providing insights for preventing cognitive decline and treating neurological disorders with cognitive impairment in clinical rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingrong Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kelong Cai
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Jingang Dai
- Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, National Chinese Medicine Experts Inheritance Office of Song Jun, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Gaoxia Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Evans-Chase M, Solomon P, Peralta B, Kornmann R, Fenkel C. Treating Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults Using Remote Intensive Outpatient Programs: Quality Improvement Assessment. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e44756. [PMID: 37040155 PMCID: PMC10131586 DOI: 10.2196/44756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth and young adults face barriers to mental health care, including a shortage of programs that accept youth and a lack of developmentally sensitive programming among those that do. This shortage, along with the associated geographically limited options, has contributed to the health disparities experienced by youth in general and by those with higher acuity mental health needs in particular. Although intensive outpatient programs can be an effective option for youth with more complex mental health needs, place-based intensive outpatient programming locations are still limited to clients who have the ability to travel to the clinical setting several days per week. OBJECTIVE The objective of the analysis reported here was to assess changes in depression between intake and discharge among youth and young adults diagnosed with depression attending remote intensive outpatient programming treatment. Analysis of outcomes and the application of findings to programmatic decisions are regular parts of ongoing quality improvement efforts of the program whose results are reported here. METHODS Outcomes data are collected for all clients at intake and discharge. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) adapted for adolescents is used to measure depression, with changes between intake and discharge regularly assessed for quality improvement purposes using repeated measures t tests. Changes in clinical symptoms are assessed using McNamar chi-square analyses. One-way ANOVA is used to test for differences among age, gender, and sexual orientation groups. For this analysis, 1062 cases were selected using criteria that included a diagnosis of depression and a minimum of 18 hours of treatment over a minimum of 2 weeks of care. RESULTS Clients ranged in age from 11 to 25 years, with an average of 16 years. Almost one-quarter (23%) identified as nongender binary and 60% identified as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) community. Significant decreases (mean difference -6.06) were seen in depression between intake and discharge (t967=-24.68; P<.001), with the symptoms of a significant number of clients (P<.001) crossing below the clinical cutoff for major depressive disorder between intake and discharge (388/732, 53%). No significant differences were found across subgroups defined by age (F2,958=0.47; P=.63), gender identity (F7,886=1.20; P=.30), or sexual orientation (F7,872=0.47; P=.86). CONCLUSIONS Findings support the use of remote intensive outpatient programming to treat depression among youth and young adults, suggesting that it may be a modality that is an effective alternative to place-based mental health treatment. Additionally, findings suggest that the remote intensive outpatient program model may be an effective treatment approach for youth from marginalized groups defined by gender and sexual orientation. This is important given that youth from these groups tend to have poorer outcomes and greater barriers to treatment compared to cisgender, heterosexual youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Evans-Chase
- School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Phyllis Solomon
- School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Rachel Kornmann
- Department of Behavioral Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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14
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Guidotti R, D'Andrea A, Basti A, Raffone A, Pizzella V, Marzetti L. Long-Term and Meditation-Specific Modulations of Brain Connectivity Revealed Through Multivariate Pattern Analysis. Brain Topogr 2023; 36:409-418. [PMID: 36977909 PMCID: PMC10164028 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-00950-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies have provided evidence that extensive meditation practice modifies the functional and structural properties of the human brain, such as large-scale brain region interplay. However, it remains unclear how different meditation styles are involved in the modulation of these large-scale brain networks. Here, using machine learning and fMRI functional connectivity, we investigated how focused attention and open monitoring meditation styles impact large-scale brain networks. Specifically, we trained a classifier to predict the meditation style in two groups of subjects: expert Theravada Buddhist monks and novice meditators. We showed that the classifier was able to discriminate the meditation style only in the expert group. Additionally, by inspecting the trained classifier, we observed that the Anterior Salience and the Default Mode networks were relevant for the classification, in line with their theorized involvement in emotion and self-related regulation in meditation. Interestingly, results also highlighted the role of specific couplings between areas crucial for regulating attention and self-awareness as well as areas related to processing and integrating somatosensory information. Finally, we observed a larger involvement of left inter-hemispheric connections in the classification. In conclusion, our work supports the evidence that extensive meditation practice modulates large-scale brain networks, and that the different meditation styles differentially affect connections that subserve style-specific functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Guidotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti- Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66013, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antea D'Andrea
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti- Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66013, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessio Basti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti- Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66013, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonino Raffone
- Department of Psychology, "La Sapienza" University Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Pizzella
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti- Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66013, Chieti, Italy.
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, 66013, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Laura Marzetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti- Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66013, Chieti, Italy
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, 66013, Chieti, Italy
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15
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Pellegrino M, Ben-Soussan TD, Paoletti P. A Scoping Review on Movement, Neurobiology and Functional Deficits in Dyslexia: Suggestions for a Three-Fold Integrated Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3315. [PMID: 36834011 PMCID: PMC9966639 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia is a common complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Many theories and models tried to explain its symptomatology and find ways to improve poor reading abilities. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize current findings and several approaches and theories, focusing on the interconnectedness between motion, emotion and cognition and their connection to dyslexia. Consequently, we present first a brief overview of the main theories and models regarding dyslexia and its proposed neural correlates, with a particular focus on cerebellar regions and their involvement in this disorder. After examining different types of intervention programs and remedial training, we highlight the effects of a specific structured sensorimotor intervention named Quadrato Motor Training (QMT). QMT utilizes several cognitive and motor functions known to be relevant in developmental dyslexia. We introduce its potential beneficial effects on reading skills, including working memory, coordination and attention. We sum its effects ranging from behavioral to functional, structural and neuroplastic, especially in relation to dyslexia. We report several recent studies that employed this training technique with dyslexic participants, discussing the specific features that distinguish it from other training within the specific framework of the Sphere Model of Consciousness. Finally, we advocate for a new perspective on developmental dyslexia integrating motion, emotion and cognition to fully encompass this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Pellegrino
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Patrizio Paoletti Foundation for Development and Communication, 06081 Assisi, Italy
| | - Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Patrizio Paoletti Foundation for Development and Communication, 06081 Assisi, Italy
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16
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The effect of mindfulness-based intervention on neurobehavioural functioning and its association with white-matter microstructural changes in preterm young adolescents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2010. [PMID: 36737638 PMCID: PMC9898533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29205-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Very preterm (VPT) young adolescents are at high risk of executive, behavioural and socio-emotional difficulties. Previous research has shown significant evidence of the benefits of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on these abilities. This study aims to assess the association between the effects of MBI on neurobehavioral functioning and changes in white-matter microstructure in VPT young adolescents who completed an 8-week MBI program. Neurobehavioural assessments (i.e., neuropsychological testing, parents- and self-reported questionnaires) and multi-shell diffusion MRI were performed before and after MBI in 32 VPT young adolescents. Combined diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) measures were extracted on well-defined white matter tracts (TractSeg). A multivariate data-driven approach (partial least squares correlation) was used to explore associations between MBI-related changes on neurobehavioural measures and microstructural changes. The results showed an enhancement of global executive functioning using parent-reported questionnaire after MBI that was associated with a general pattern of increase in fractional anisotropy (FA) and decrease in axonal dispersion (ODI) in white-matter tracts involved in executive processes. Young VPT adolescents with lower gestational age at birth showed the greatest gain in white-matter microstructural changes after MBI.
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17
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Fowers R, Berardi V, Huberty J, Stecher C. Using mobile meditation app data to predict future app engagement: an observational study. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 29:2057-2065. [PMID: 36164826 PMCID: PMC9667187 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Meditation with mobile apps has been shown to improve mental and physical health. However, regular, long-term meditation app use is needed to maintain these health benefits, and many people have a difficult time maintaining engagement with meditation apps over time. Our goal was to determine the length of the timeframe over which usage data must be collected before future app abandonment can be predicted accurately in order to better target additional behavioral support to those who are most likely to stop using the app. METHODS Data were collected from a randomly drawn sample of 2600 new subscribers to a 1-year membership of the mobile app Calm, who started using the app between July and November of 2018. App usage data contained the duration and start time of all meditation sessions with the app over 365 days. We used these data to construct the following predictive model features: total daily sessions, total daily duration, and a measure of temporal similarity between consecutive days based on the dynamic time warping (DTW) distance measure. We then fit random forest models using increasingly longer periods of data after users subscribed to Calm to predict whether they performed any meditation sessions over 2-week intervals in the future. Model fit was assessed using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC), and an exponential growth model was used to determine the minimal amount of data needed to reach an accurate prediction (95% of max AUC) of future engagement. RESULTS After first subscribing to Calm, 83.1% of the sample used the Calm app on at least 1 more day. However, by day 350 after subscribing, 58.0% of users abandoned their use of the app. For the persistent users, the average number of daily sessions was 0.33 (SD = 0.02), the average daily duration of meditating was 3.93 minutes (SD = 0.25), and the average DTW distance to the previous day was 1.50 (SD = 0.17). The exponential growth models revealed that an average of 64 days of observations after subscribing to Calm are needed to reach an accurate prediction of future app engagement. DISCUSSION Our results are consistent with existing estimates of the time required to develop a new habit. Additionally, this research demonstrates how to use app usage data to quickly and accurately predict the likelihood of users' future app abandonment. This research allows future researchers to better target just-in-time interventions towards users at risk of abandonment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rylan Fowers
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Vincent Berardi
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Huberty
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Chad Stecher
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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18
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Corpus Callosum Microstructural Tract Integrity Relates to Longer Emotion Recognition Reaction Time in People with Schizophrenia. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091208. [PMID: 36138944 PMCID: PMC9496923 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Schizophrenia is a complex functionally debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder, with associated social cognitive impairment. Corpus Callosum (CC) white matter tracts deficits are reported for people with schizophrenia; however, few studies focus on interhemispheric processing relative to social cognition tasks. This study aimed to determine if a relationship between the CC and social cognition exists. Method: In this cross-section study, a sample of n = 178 typical controls and n = 58 people with schizophrenia completed measures of mentalising (Reading the Mind in the Eyes), emotion recognition outcome and reaction time (Emotion Recognition Test), and clinical symptoms (Positive and Negative Symptom Scale), alongside diffusion-based tract imaging. The CC and its subregions, i.e., the genu, body, and splenium were the regions of interest (ROI). Results: Reduced white matter tract integrity was observed in the CC for patients when compared to controls. Patients performed slower, and less accurately on emotion recognition tasks, which significantly and negatively correlated to the structural integrity of the CC genu. Tract integrity further significantly and negatively related to clinical symptomatology. Conclusions: People with schizophrenia have altered white matter integrity in the genu of the CC, compared to controls, which relates to cognitive deficits associated with recognising emotional stimuli accurately and quickly, and severity of clinical symptoms.
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19
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Xie S, Gong C, Lu J, Li H, Wu D, Chi X, Chang C. Enhancing Chinese preschoolers' executive function via mindfulness training: An fNIRS study. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:961797. [PMID: 36090651 PMCID: PMC9452775 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.961797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness training has been found to enable cognitive and emotional awareness and diminish emotional distraction and cognitive rigidity. However, the existing intervention studies have largely focused on school children, adolescents, and adults, leaving young children unexplored. This study examined the influence of mindfulness training on young children using the one-group pretest-posttest design. Altogether 31 Chinese preschoolers (M age = 67.03 months, SD = 4.25) enrolled in a 5-week, twice-per-week mindfulness training. Their cognitive shifting, inhibitory control, and working memory were examined using a battery of executive function tasks. And their brain activations in the region of interest during the tasks were measured using fNIRS before and after the intervention. Results showed that their cognitive shifting and working memory tasks performance significantly improved, and their activation in the DLPFC significantly changed. Implications for this study were also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Xie
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chaohui Gong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiahao Lu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Li
- Shanghai Institute of Early Childhood Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dandan Wu
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xinli Chi
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunqi Chang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
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20
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Motion, Relation, and Passion in Brain Physiological and Cognitive Aging. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091122. [PMID: 36138858 PMCID: PMC9496869 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current paper was to present important factors for keeping the basic structures of a person’s brain function, i.e., the grey and white matter, intact. Several lines of evidence have shown that motion, relation, and passion are central factors for preserving the neural system in the grey and white matter during ageing. An active lifestyle has shown to contribute to the development of the central nervous system and to contrast brain ageing. Interpersonal relationships, and interactions, have shown to contribute to complex biological factors that benefit the cognitive resilience to decline. Furthermore, the current scientific literature suggests that passion, strong interest, could be the driving factor motivating individuals to learn new things, thus influencing the development and maintenance of the neural functional network over time. The present theoretical perspective paper aims to convey several key messages: (1) brain development is critically affected by lifestyle; (2) physical training allows one to develop and maintain brain structures during ageing, and may be one of the keys for good quality of life as an older person; (3) diverse stimuli are a key factor in maintaining brain structures; (4) motion, relation, and passion are key elements for contrasting the loss of the grey and white matter of the brain.
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21
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Ali AH, Zidan AS. Detection of Antibodies in Patients with COVID-19 by Rapid Chromatographic Immunoassay. TURKISH JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.4274/tji.galenos.2022.26349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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22
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Effects of the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction (MB-BP) program on depression and neural structural connectivity. J Affect Disord 2022; 311:31-39. [PMID: 35594968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension-related illnesses are a leading cause of disability and death in the United States, where hypertension prevalence in adults is 46%, with only half of those afflicted having it under control. Due to the significant challenges in long-term efficacy and adverse effects associated with pharmacological interventions, there is an eminent need for complimentary approaches for treating hypertension. Although initial studies of the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction program (MB-BP) indicate that this novel 8-week intervention is effective at inducing lasting decreases in blood pressure, the neural correlates are unknown. METHODS The objectives of this study were to identify structural neural correlates of MB-BP using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) and assess potential correlations with key clinical outcomes. RESULTS In a subset of participants (14 MB-BP, 22 controls) from a larger stage IIa randomized controlled trial, MB-BP participants exhibited increased interoception and decreased depressive symptoms compared to controls. Analyses of DTI data revealed significant group differences in multiple white matter neural tracts associated with the limbic system and/or blood pressure. Specific changes in neural structural connectivity were significantly associated with measures of interoception and depression. LIMITATIONS Limitations include small sample size (leading to insufficient power in the analysis of blood pressure) and the study duration (3 months). The main MRI limitation is suboptimal resolution in areas of extensive neural tract crossings. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that MB-BP induces alterations in brain structural connectivity which could mediate beneficial changes in depression and interoceptive awareness in individuals with hypertension.
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23
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Gliske K, Berry KA, Ballard J, Evans-Chase M, Solomon PL, Fenkel C. Does Insurance Type Matter on the Computer Too? Comparing Outcomes for Youth with Public v Private Health Insurance Attending a Telehealth Intensive Outpatient Program: A Quality Improvement Analysis (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e41721. [DOI: 10.2196/41721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Bremer B, Wu Q, Mora Álvarez MG, Hölzel BK, Wilhelm M, Hell E, Tavacioglu EE, Torske A, Koch K. Mindfulness meditation increases default mode, salience, and central executive network connectivity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13219. [PMID: 35918449 PMCID: PMC9346127 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has begun to identify the neural mechanisms underlying the beneficial impact of mindfulness meditation training (MMT) on health and cognition. However, little is known about the effects of MMT on the global interplay of large-scale networks (LSNs) in the brain. In the present study, healthy, meditation-naïve adults (N = 46) underwent resting state fMRI prior to and upon completing 31 days of MMT or an active control intervention. Independent component analysis, sliding time window, and seed-based correlation analyses were performed to assess training-related changes in functional connectivity (FC) within and between networks with relevance to mindfulness meditation. Across sliding time window analyses and seed-based correlation analyses, we found increased FC between nodes of the default mode network (DMN) and nodes of the salience network (SN) in participants of the MMT. Seed-based correlation analyses revealed further connectivity increases between the SN and key regions of the central executive network (CEN). These results indicate, that, among multiple LSNs, one month of mindfulness meditation effectively increases interconnectivity between networks of the triple network model (DMN, SN, CEN), hereby introducing a potential mechanistic concept underlying the beneficial impact of MMT. Clinical trial registration: This study is listed as a clinical trial on the ISRCTN registry with trial ID ISRCTN95197731 (date of first registration: 15/02/2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Benno Bremer
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany. .,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Medical Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - María Guadalupe Mora Álvarez
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Britta Karen Hölzel
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Wilhelm
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elena Hell
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ebru Ecem Tavacioglu
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Alyssa Torske
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kathrin Koch
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center (TUM-NIC), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
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Seki E, Komori T, Arai N. Distribution of amyloid-β precursor protein-immunoreactive axons differs according to the severity of cerebral ischemia in autopsy brains. Neuropathology 2022; 42:269-273. [PMID: 35534990 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) immunohistochemistry has been used to detect axonal injury in forensic neuropathology. However, axonal injury caused by cerebral ischemia has not been investigated by APP immunohistochemistry in detail. In particular, it is unknown if there is a correlation between the prognosis of cerebral ischemia and the distribution of axonal injury detected by APP immunohistochemistry. To address this issue, we compared the distribution of APP-immunoreactive axons in autopsy brains including lesions of acute phase of cerebral infarction in the territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) or internal carotid artery (ICA) with the degree of severity. The presence or absence of a midline shift was used as an indicator of the severity of cerebral ischemia. We identified a difference in the distribution of APP-immunoreactive axons between cases with and without a midline shift. In both the groups, APP-immunoreactive axons were detected at the margin of the ischemic lesions; however, only in cases with a midline shift, intense APP-immunoreactive axons were also found in areas other than the MCA and ICA territories, including the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres ipsilateral and contralateral to the ischemic lesions. This distribution was different from that of acute global cerebral ischemia cases reported previously. Our results indicate that the distribution of APP-immunoreactive axons differs according to the severity and type of cerebral ischemia, suggesting that the distribution of APP-immunoreactive axons is associated with the prognosis of cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Seki
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Komori
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Arai
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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26
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Effortless training of attention and self-control: mechanisms and applications. Trends Cogn Sci 2022; 26:567-577. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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27
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Posner MI, Weible AP, Voelker P, Rothbart MK, Niell CM. Decision Making as a Learned Skill in Mice and Humans. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:834701. [PMID: 35360159 PMCID: PMC8963179 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.834701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention is a necessary component in many forms of human and animal learning. Numerous studies have described how attention and memory interact when confronted with a choice point during skill learning. In both animal and human studies, pathways have been found that connect the executive and orienting networks of attention to the hippocampus. The anterior cingulate cortex, part of the executive attention network, is linked to the hippocampus via the nucleus reuniens of the thalamus. The parietal cortex, part of the orienting attention network, accesses the hippocampus via the entorhinal cortex. These studies have led to specific predictions concerning the functional role of each pathway in connecting the cortex to the hippocampus. Here, we review some of the predictions arising from these studies. We then discuss potential methods for manipulating the two pathways and assessing the directionality of their functional connection using viral expression techniques in mice. New studies may allow testing of a behavioral model specifying how the two pathways work together during skill learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael I. Posner
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael I. Posner,
| | - Aldis P. Weible
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Pascale Voelker
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Mary K. Rothbart
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Cristopher M. Niell
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
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28
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Dasanayaka NN, Sirisena ND, Samaranayake N. Impact of Meditation-Based Lifestyle Practices on Mindfulness, Wellbeing, and Plasma Telomerase Levels: A Case-Control Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:846085. [PMID: 35310206 PMCID: PMC8931770 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.846085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Meditation involves psychophysical training which can result in a range of benefits including creating a calm mind and increasing self-awareness, relaxation, and tranquility. Increasing evidence, mostly based on short-term focused interventions, suggests that meditation-based activities may also have favorable effects on physical wellbeing including cellular aging. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate if continued practice of meditation benefited quality of life, state of mindfulness, and plasma telomerase level in healthy adults. 30 long-term and skilled meditators were recruited from meditation centers in different parts of the island following a two-tier screening process of 70 eligible participants and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy non-meditators were recruited from the community. Mindfulness level and the quality of life were measured using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and Quality of Life Questionnaire, respectively, while the levels of plasma telomerase enzyme were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Skilled meditators had a better mindfulness level (p < 0.001) and quality of life (QOL; p < 0.001) than those in the comparison group. Similarly, higher plasma telomerase levels were observed in skilled meditators compared to non-meditators (p = 0.002). Trait mindfulness level and plasma telomerase level showed a significant relationship with the duration of meditation practice (p = 0.046 and p = 0.011, respectively). Regression analysis indicated that trait mindfulness level (p < 0.001) significantly predicts the plasma telomerase level. The findings of this comparative study add to the evidence on sustained benefits of meditation on wellbeing and healthy aging and supports incorporating meditation-based activities into lifestyle practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirodhi Namika Dasanayaka
- Research Promotion and Facilitation Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- *Correspondence: Nirodhi Namika Dasanayaka,
| | - Nirmala Dushyanthi Sirisena
- Department of Anatomy, Genetics and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Nilakshi Samaranayake
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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29
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Mirifar A, Keil A, Ehrlenspiel F. Neurofeedback and neural self-regulation: a new perspective based on allostasis. Rev Neurosci 2022; 33:607-629. [PMID: 35122709 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0133] [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: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The field of neurofeedback training (NFT) has seen growing interest and an expansion of scope, resulting in a steadily increasing number of publications addressing different aspects of NFT. This development has been accompanied by a debate about the underlying mechanisms and expected outcomes. Recent developments in the understanding of psychophysiological regulation have cast doubt on the validity of control systems theory, the principal framework traditionally used to characterize NFT. The present article reviews the theoretical and empirical aspects of NFT and proposes a predictive framework based on the concept of allostasis. Specifically, we conceptualize NFT as an adaptation to changing contingencies. In an allostasis four-stage model, NFT involves (a) perceiving relations between demands and set-points, (b) learning to apply collected patterns (experience) to predict future output, (c) determining efficient set-points, and (d) adapting brain activity to the desired ("set") state. This model also identifies boundaries for what changes can be expected from a neurofeedback intervention and outlines a time frame for such changes to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Mirifar
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Chair of Sport Psychology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Bavaria, Germany.,Institute of Sports Science, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Keil
- Center for the Study of Emotion & Attention, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Felix Ehrlenspiel
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Chair of Sport Psychology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
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30
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Stecher C, Sullivan M, Huberty J. Using Personalized Anchors to Establish Routine Meditation Practice With a Mobile App: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e32794. [PMID: 34941558 PMCID: PMC8734923 DOI: 10.2196/32794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical and mental health benefits can be attained from persistent, long-term performance of mindfulness meditation with a mobile meditation app, but in general, few mobile health app users persistently engage at a level necessary to attain the corresponding health benefits. Anchoring or pairing meditation with a mobile app to an existing daily routine can establish an unconsciously initiated meditation routine that may improve meditation persistence. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the use of either personalized anchors or fixed anchors for establishing a persistent meditation app routine with the mobile app, Calm. METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled trial and randomly assigned participants to one of 3 study groups: (1) a personalized anchor (PA) group, (2) fixed anchor (FA) group, or (3) control group that did not use the anchoring strategy. All participants received app-delivered reminder messages to meditate for at least 10 minutes a day using the Calm app for an 8-week intervention period, and app usage data continued to be collected for an additional 8-week follow-up period to measure meditation persistence. Baseline, week 8, and week 16 surveys were administered to assess demographics, socioeconomic status, and changes in self-reported habit strength. RESULTS A total of 101 participants across the 3 study groups were included in the final analysis: (1) PA (n=56), (2) FA (n=49), and (3) control group (n=62). Participants were predominantly White (83/101, 82.2%), female (77/101, 76.2%), and college educated (ie, bachelor's or graduate degree; 82/101, 81.2%). The FA group had a significantly higher average odds of daily meditation during the intervention (1.14 odds ratio [OR]; 95% CI 1.02-1.33; P=.04), and all participants experienced a linear decline in their odds of daily meditation during the 8-week intervention (0.96 OR; 95% CI 0.95-0.96; P<.001). Importantly, the FA group showed a significantly smaller decline in the linear trend of their odds of daily meditation during the 8-week follow-up (their daily trend increased by 1.04 OR from their trend during the intervention; 95% CI 1.01-1.06; P=.03). Additionally, those who more frequently adhered to their anchoring strategy during the intervention typically used anchors that occurred in the morning and showed a significantly smaller decline in their odds of daily meditation during the 8-week follow-up period (1.13 OR; 95% CI 1.02-1.35; P=.007). CONCLUSIONS The FA group had more persistent meditation with the app, but participants in the FA or PA groups who more frequently adhered to their anchoring strategy during the intervention had the most persistent meditation routines, and almost all of these high anchorers used morning anchors. These findings suggest that the anchoring strategy can create persistent meditation routines with a mobile app. However, future studies should combine anchoring with additional intervention tools (eg, incentives) to help more participants successfully establish an anchored meditation routine. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04378530; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04378530.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Stecher
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Mariah Sullivan
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Jennifer Huberty
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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31
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Bai Y, Zhang L, Liu C, Cui X, Li D, Yin H. Association of white matter volume with sleep quality: a voxel-based morphometry study. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 16:1163-1175. [PMID: 34846693 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have focused on the gray matter volume associated with sleep quality, little is known about the relationship between white matter volume and sleep quality. Brain white structure is a crucial component in the structural neuroanatomy. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the association between white matter volume and sleep quality. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and voxel-based morphometry among 352 college students. Results showed that the global PSQI score was negatively associated with the white matter volume, including in the right middle occipital gyrus, the left superior temporal gyrus, the right the precentral gyrus, the left supramarginal gyrus, the left middle frontal gyrus, the left precunes, and the right superior frontal gyrus. Results also indicated that the white matter volume in specific regions negatively associated with the factor of PSQI. These specific brain regions may be replicated in brain areas related to sleep quality. In summary, we suggested that exploring brain white structure are related to sleep could help to expound the mechanisms by which sleep quality are associated with brain function, behavior and cognition, as well as potentially the networks and systems responsible for variations in sleep themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youling Bai
- School of Education Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.,Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Education Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.,Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Chengwei Liu
- Department of Psychology, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, 411201, China
| | - Xiaobing Cui
- School of Education Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.,Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Dan Li
- School of Education Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China. .,Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
| | - Huazhan Yin
- School of Education Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China. .,Cognition and Human Behavior Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
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32
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Gu Y, Zhu Y, Brown KW. Mindfulness and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Neuropsychological Perspective. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:796-801. [PMID: 34292276 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Understanding the underlying mechanisms of mindfulness has been a hot topic in recent years, not only in clinical fields but also in neuroscience. Most neuroimaging findings demonstrate that critical brain regions involved in mindfulness are responsible for cognitive functions and mental states. However, the brain is a complex system operating via multiple circuits and networks, rather than isolated brain regions solely responsible for specific functions. Mindfulness-based treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have emerged as promising adjunctive or alternative intervention approaches. We focus on four key brain circuits associated with mindfulness practices and effects on symptoms of ADHD and its cognitive dysfunction, including executive attention circuit, sustained attention circuit, impulsivity circuit, and hyperactivity circuit. We also expand our discussion to identify three key brain networks associated with mindfulness practices, including central executive network, default mode network, and salience network. We conclude by suggesting that more research efforts need to be devoted into identifying putative neuropsychological mechanisms of mindfulness on how it alleviates ADHD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Gu
- Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou
| | | | - Kirk Warren Brown
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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33
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Gyori NG, Clark CA, Alexander DC, Kaden E. On the potential for mapping apparent neural soma density via a clinically viable diffusion MRI protocol. Neuroimage 2021; 239:118303. [PMID: 34174390 PMCID: PMC8363942 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
B-tensor encoding enables estimation of spherical cellular structures in the brain. Spherical compartments may provide markers for apparent neural soma density. Model parameters can be estimated in a fast and robust way using deep learning. Practical acquisition times are achievable on widely available clinical scanners.
Diffusion MRI is a valuable tool for probing tissue microstructure in the brain noninvasively. Today, model-based techniques are widely available and used for white matter characterisation where their development is relatively mature. Conversely, tissue modelling in grey matter is more challenging, and no generally accepted models exist. With advances in measurement technology and modelling efforts, a clinically viable technique that reveals salient features of grey matter microstructure, such as the density of quasi-spherical cell bodies and quasi-cylindrical cell projections, is an exciting prospect. As a step towards capturing the microscopic architecture of grey matter in clinically feasible settings, this work uses a biophysical model that is designed to disentangle the diffusion signatures of spherical and cylindrical structures in the presence of orientation heterogeneity, and takes advantage of B-tensor encoding measurements, which provide additional sensitivity compared to standard single diffusion encoding sequences. For the fast and robust estimation of microstructural parameters, we leverage recent advances in machine learning and replace conventional fitting techniques with an artificial neural network that fits complex biophysical models within seconds. Our results demonstrate apparent markers of spherical and cylindrical geometries in healthy human subjects, and in particular an increased volume fraction of spherical compartments in grey matter compared to white matter. We evaluate the extent to which spherical and cylindrical geometries may be interpreted as correlates of neural soma and neural projections, respectively, and quantify parameter estimation errors in the presence of various departures from the modelling assumptions. While further work is necessary to translate the ideas presented in this work to the clinic, we suggest that biomarkers focussing on quasi-spherical cellular geometries may be valuable for the enhanced assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi G Gyori
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Christopher A Clark
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel C Alexander
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Kaden
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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34
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Liu G, Gao Y, Liu Y, Guo Y, Yan Z, Ou Z, Zhong L, Xie C, Zeng J, Zhang W, Peng K, Lv Q. Machine Learning for Predicting Individual Severity of Blepharospasm Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:670475. [PMID: 34054417 PMCID: PMC8155629 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.670475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) evidence suggests that white matter abnormalities evaluated by local diffusion homogeneity (LDH) or fractional anisotropy (FA) occur in patients with blepharospasm (BSP), both of which are significantly correlated with disease severity. However, whether the individual severity of BSP can be identified using these DTI metrics remains unknown. We aimed to investigate whether a combination of machine learning techniques and LDH or FA can accurately identify the individual severity of BSP. Forty-one patients with BSP were assessed using the Jankovic Rating Scale and DTI. The patients were assigned to non-functionally and functionally limited groups according to their Jankovic Rating Scale scores. A machine learning scheme consisting of beam search and support vector machines was designed to identify non-functionally versus functionally limited outcomes, with the input features being LDH or FA in 68 white matter regions. The proposed machine learning scheme with LDH or FA yielded an overall accuracy of 88.67 versus 85.19% in identifying non-functionally limited versus functionally limited outcomes. The scheme also identified a sensitivity of 91.40 versus 85.87% in correctly identifying functionally limited outcomes, a specificity of 83.33 versus 83.67% in accurately identifying non-functionally limited outcomes, and an area under the curve of 93.7 versus 91.3%. These findings suggest that a combination of LDH or FA measurements and a sophisticated machine learning scheme can accurately and reliably identify the individual disease severity in patients with BSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Gao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Information, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaomin Guo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhicong Yan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zilin Ou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linchang Zhong
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanmiao Xie
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsheng Zeng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weixi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangqiang Peng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingwen Lv
- Department of Information, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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35
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McInerney K, Cross A. A Phenomenological Study: Exploring the Meaning of Spirituality in Long-term Recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT QUARTERLY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2021.1895016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ainslea Cross
- School of Psychology, University of Derby, Derby, UK
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36
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Hudak J, Hanley AW, Marchand WR, Nakamura Y, Yabko B, Garland EL. Endogenous theta stimulation during meditation predicts reduced opioid dosing following treatment with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:836-843. [PMID: 32919401 PMCID: PMC8026958 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Veterans experience chronic pain at greater rates than the rest of society and are more likely to receive long-term opioid therapy (LTOT), which, at high doses, is theorized to induce maladaptive neuroplastic changes that attenuate self-regulatory capacity and exacerbate opioid dose escalation. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to modulate frontal midline theta (FMT) and alpha oscillations that are linked with marked alterations in self-referential processing. These adaptive neural oscillatory changes may promote reduced opioid use and remediate the neural dysfunction occasioned by LTOT. In this study, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to assess the effects of a mindfulness-based, cognitive training intervention for opioid misuse, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), on alpha and theta power and FMT coherence during meditation. We then examined whether these neural effects were associated with reduced opioid dosing and changes in self-referential processing. Before and after 8 weeks of MORE or a supportive psychotherapy control, veterans receiving LTOT (N = 62) practiced mindfulness meditation while EEG was recorded. Participants treated with MORE demonstrated significantly increased alpha and theta power (with larger theta power effect sizes) as well as increased FMT coherence relative to those in the control condition-neural changes that were associated with altered self-referential processing. Crucially, MORE significantly reduced opioid dose over time, and this dose reduction was partially statistically mediated by changes in frontal theta power. Study results suggest that mindfulness meditation practice may produce endogenous theta stimulation in the prefrontal cortex, thereby enhancing inhibitory control over opioid dose escalation behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Hudak
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention
Development, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Adam W. Hanley
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention
Development, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - William R. Marchand
- grid.280807.50000 0000 9555 3716Veterans Health Care Administration VISN 19 Whole Health Flagship site
located at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT 84148 USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 USA
| | - Yoshio Nakamura
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention
Development, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Pain Research
Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 USA
| | - Brandon Yabko
- grid.280807.50000 0000 9555 3716Veterans Health Care Administration VISN 19 Whole Health Flagship site
located at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT 84148 USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 USA
| | - Eric L. Garland
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention
Development, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,grid.280807.50000 0000 9555 3716Veterans Health Care Administration VISN 19 Whole Health Flagship site
located at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT 84148 USA
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37
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Polaski AM, Phelps AL, Smith TJ, Helm ER, Morone NE, Szucs KA, Kostek MC, Kolber BJ. Integrated Meditation and Exercise Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot of a Combined Nonpharmacological Intervention Focused on Reducing Disability and Pain in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2021; 22:444-458. [PMID: 33621332 PMCID: PMC7901850 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This pilot trial examined the effects of a combined intervention of mindfulness meditation followed by aerobic walking exercise compared with a control condition in chronic low back pain patients. We hypothesized that meditation before exercise would reduce disability, pain, and anxiety by increasing mindfulness prior to physical activity compared with an audiobook control group. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-eight adults completed either meditation and exercise treatment (MedExT) (n=18) or an audiobook control condition (n=20). SETTING Duquesne University Exercise Physiology Laboratory. DESIGN A pilot, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. METHODS Over a 4-week period, participants in the MedExT group performed 12-17 minutes of guided meditation followed by 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking exercise 5 days per week. Measures of disability, pain, mindfulness, and anxiety were taken at baseline and postintervention. Pain perception measurements were taken daily. RESULTS Compared with the control group, we observed larger improvements in disability in the MedExT intervention, although the changes were modest and not statistically significant (mean between-group difference, -1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.1 to 0.6). For secondary outcome measures, MedExT increased mindfulness (within-group) from pre-intervention to postintervention (P=0.0141). Additionally, mean ratings of low back pain intensity and unpleasantness significantly improved with time for the MedExT group compared with that of the control group, respectively (intensity P=0.0008; unpleasantness P=0.0022). CONCLUSION . Overall, 4 weeks of MedExT produced suggestive between-group trends for disability, significant between-group differences for measures of pain, and significant within-group increases in mindfulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Polaski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Chronic Pain Research Consortium, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy L Phelps
- Chronic Pain Research Consortium, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas J Smith
- Counseling and Wellbeing Center, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eric R Helm
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Natalia E Morone
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kimberly A Szucs
- Chronic Pain Research Consortium, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew C Kostek
- Chronic Pain Research Consortium, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Benedict J Kolber
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Chronic Pain Research Consortium, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
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38
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Huber RS, McGlade EC, Legarreta M, Subramaniam P, Renshaw PF, Yurgelun-Todd DA. Cingulate white matter volume and associated cognitive and behavioral impulsivity in Veterans with a history of suicide behavior. J Affect Disord 2021; 281:117-124. [PMID: 33316716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.11.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for military personnel and Veterans. Neuroimaging studies have revealed abnormalities in white matter tracts and brain connectivity in suicide behavior (SB); however, reports of alterations in white matter volume and its association with related behaviors are limited. The current study examined the relationship between cingulate white matter volume (WMV), impulsivity, and SB in Veterans. METHODS Fifty-two Veterans, ages 18 to 65, underwent magnetic resonance imaging on a 3T Siemens Verio scanner. Morphometric analysis of brain images was performed to evaluate differences in WMV in cingulate regions of interest. Participants completed the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to assess lifetime suicide behavior and the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) and the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) to assess impulsivity. RESULTS Twenty-nine Veterans had a history of suicidal ideation (SI) and 23 had a history of suicide attempts (SA). Controlling for age, sex, handedness and total white matter volume, reduced WMV was observed in the left rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) in Veterans with SA relative to Veterans with SI, p = .008. Additionally, non-planning on the BIS was negatively correlated with left rACC WMV for Veterans with a history of SA, p = .04. Other subregions of the ACC WMV were negatively correlated with planning and attention impulsivity (BIS) and omission and commission errors (CPT) for attempters. CONCLUSIONS Reduction in rACC WMV in Veterans with SA was negatively correlated with nonplanning measures. These findings are consistent with ACC involvement in inhibitory processes and build on evidence that SB is associated with neurobiological abnormalities and suggest that white matter changes may be related to actual attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah S Huber
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Erin C McGlade
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Veterans Affairs VISN 19 Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Margaret Legarreta
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Sheridan Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Sheridan, WY, USA
| | - Punitha Subramaniam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Perry F Renshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Veterans Affairs VISN 19 Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Deborah A Yurgelun-Todd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Veterans Affairs VISN 19 Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Aytur SA, Ray KL, Meier SK, Campbell J, Gendron B, Waller N, Robin DA. Neural Mechanisms of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Network-Based fMRI Approach. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:587018. [PMID: 33613207 PMCID: PMC7892587 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.587018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain (CP), which causes more disability than any other medical condition in the United States at a cost of $560-$635 billion per year (Institute of Medicine, 2011). Opioid analgesics are frequently used to treat CP. However, long term use of opioids can cause brain changes such as opioid-induced hyperalgesia that, over time, increase pain sensation. Also, opioids fail to treat complex psychological factors that worsen pain-related disability, including beliefs about and emotional responses to pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be efficacious for CP. However, CBT generally does not focus on important factors needed for long-term functional improvement, including attainment of personal goals and the psychological flexibility to choose responses to pain. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been recognized as an effective, non-pharmacologic treatment for a variety of CP conditions (Gutierrez et al., 2004). However, little is known about the neurologic mechanisms underlying ACT. We conducted an ACT intervention in women (n = 9) with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected pre- and post-ACT, and changes in functional connectivity (FC) were measured using Network-Based Statistics (NBS). Behavioral outcomes were measured using validated assessments such as the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the NIH Toolbox Neuro-QoLTM (Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders) scales. Results suggest that, following the 4-week ACT intervention, participants exhibited reductions in brain activation within and between key networks including self-reflection (default mode, DMN), emotion (salience, SN), and cognitive control (frontal parietal, FPN). These changes in connectivity strength were correlated with changes in behavioral outcomes including decreased depression and pain interference, and increased participation in social roles. This study is one of the first to demonstrate that improved function across the DMN, SN, and FPN may drive the positive outcomes associated with ACT. This study contributes to the emerging evidence supporting the use of neurophysiological indices to characterize treatment effects of alternative and complementary mind-body therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semra A. Aytur
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Kimberly L. Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Sarah K. Meier
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Jenna Campbell
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Barry Gendron
- Wentworth Health Partners Seacoast Physiatry, Somersworth, NH, United States
| | - Noah Waller
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Donald A. Robin
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
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40
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Linares PL, Ratti SG, Alvarez EO. Cognitive performance in high school students after short treatment of zazen meditation technic. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.26599/jnr.2021.9040013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Zazen is one of several meditation technics that pretends to reach calmness, reducing interference, and controlling awareness practiced by many people in the world. Zazen practitioners claim that a natural sense of wellbeing, spontaneous joy and self-fulfilling is achieved with its practice. Neuroscientific evidence shows that important modifications in the neuronal electric activity with compromise of several brain structures has been observed, especially those that are involved in modulation of attention. Our laboratory was interested to study the possible behavioural effects of a short time zazen practice to a group of secondary students of public or private high schools, with no previous training in any meditation technics. Two groups, 15-17 years old coursing the 4th or 5th year of their secondary study, one receiving zazen training (n = 31), and the other one recreation activities (n = 45) were selected. All subjects were tested with the Tower of London, Tower of Hanoi, Wisconsin Card Sorting and Stroop test to evaluate the cognitive abilities, at the beginning of the experiment (t0) and at the end of the experiment (t1, about 3 months later). Results showed that in the Tower of London and Tower of Hanoi, zazen group displayed significant less movements to solve the task, compared to Control. No differences were found between both groups in solving the Wisconsin Card Sorting test, but in the Stroop test zazen group was superior to Control in making significant less mistakes during solving the task. Results are compatible with a positive effect of zazen training in behavioural abilities of attention and planning strategies in secondary students.
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41
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Eleftheriou ME, Thomas E. Examining the Potential Synergistic Effects Between Mindfulness Training and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:707057. [PMID: 34456763 PMCID: PMC8386240 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.707057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions and psychedelic-assisted therapy have been experimentally utilised in recent years as alternative treatments for various psychopathologies with moderate to great success. Both have also demonstrated significant post-acute and long-term decreases in clinical symptoms and enhancements in well-being in healthy participants. These two therapeutic interventions share various postulated salutogenic mechanisms, such as the ability to alter present-moment awareness and anti-depressive action, via corresponding neuromodulatory effects. Recent preliminary evidence has also demonstrated that psychedelic administration can enhance mindfulness capacities which has already been demonstrated robustly as a result of mindfulness-based interventions. These shared mechanisms between mindfulness-based interventions and psychedelic therapy have led to scientists theorising, and recently demonstrating, synergistic effects when both are used in combination, in the form of potentiated therapeutic benefit. These synergistic results hold great promise but require replication in bigger sample groups and better controlled methodologies, to fully delineate the effect of set and setting, before they can be extended onto clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eleni Eleftheriou
- Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Thomas
- Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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42
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Tang Y, Wang M, Zheng T, Xiao Y, Wang S, Han F, Chen G. Structural and functional brain abnormalities in postherpetic neuralgia: A systematic review of neuroimaging studies. Brain Res 2020; 1752:147219. [PMID: 33358730 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, an increasing number of neuroimaging studies utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have explored the differential effects of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) on brain structure and function. We systematically reviewed and integrated the findings from relevant neuroimaging studies in PHN patients. A total of 15 studies with 16 datasets were ultimately included in the present study, which were categorized by the different neuroimaging modalities. The results revealed that PHN was closely associated with structural/microstructural and functional abnormalities of the brain mainly located in the 'pain matrix', including the thalamus, insula, parahippocampus, amygdala, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, precentral gyrus and inferior parietal lobe, as well as other regions, such as the precuneus, lentiform nucleus and brainstem. Furthermore, a disruption of multiple networks, including the default-mode network, salience network and limbic system, may contribute to the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying PHN. The findings indicate that the cerebral abnormalities of PHN were not restricted to the pain matrix but extended to other regions, profoundly affecting the regulation and moderation of pain processing in PHN. Future prospective and longitudinal neuroimaging studies with larger samples will elucidate the progressive trajectory of neural changes in the pathophysiological process of PHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Maohua Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Song Wang
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fugang Han
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangxiang Chen
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.
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43
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Feng L, Romero-Garcia R, Suckling J, Tan J, Larbi A, Cheah I, Wong G, Tsakok M, Lanskey B, Lim D, Li J, Yang J, Goh B, Teck TGC, Ho A, Wang X, Yu JT, Zhang C, Tan C, Chua M, Li J, Totman JJ, Wong C, Loh M, Foo R, Tan CH, Goh LG, Mahendran R, Kennedy BK, Kua EH. Effects of choral singing versus health education on cognitive decline and aging: a randomized controlled trial. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:24798-24816. [PMID: 33346748 PMCID: PMC7803497 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine choral singing’s effect on cognitive decline in aging. Older Singaporeans who were at high risk of future dementia were recruited: 47 were assigned to choral singing intervention (CSI) and 46 were assigned to health education program (HEP). Participants attended weekly one-hour choral singing or weekly one-hour health education for two years. Change in cognitive function was measured by a composite cognitive test score (CCTS) derived from raw scores of neuropsychological tests; biomarkers included brain magnetic resonance imaging, oxidative damage and immunosenescence. The average age of the participants were 70 years and 73/93 (78.5%) were female. The change of CCTS from baseline to 24 months was 0.05 among participants in the CSI group and -0.1 among participants in the HEP group. The between-group difference (0.15, p=0.042) became smaller (0.12, p=0.09) after adjusting for baseline CCTS. No between-group differences on biomarkers were observed. Our data support the role of choral singing in improving cognitive health in aging. The beneficial effect is at least comparable than that of health education in preventing cognitive decline in a community of elderly people. Biological mechanisms underlying the observed efficacy should be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Feng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - John Suckling
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Jasmine Tan
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK
| | - Anis Larbi
- Biology of Aging Laboratory, Singapore Immunology Network, Singapore
| | - Irwin Cheah
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Glenn Wong
- Biology of Aging Laboratory, Singapore Immunology Network, Singapore
| | | | - Bernard Lanskey
- Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Darius Lim
- Darius Lim, Voices of Singapore Choral Society, Singapore
| | - Jialiang Li
- Department of Statistics and Applied Probability, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joanna Yang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Goh
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Allan Ho
- NTUC Health Co-operative Limited, Singapore
| | - Xiu Wang
- Beijing Chui Yang Liu Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Can Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Crystal Tan
- Biology of Aging Laboratory, Singapore Immunology Network, Singapore
| | - Michelle Chua
- Biology of Aging Laboratory, Singapore Immunology Network, Singapore
| | - Junhua Li
- School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex, UK
| | - John J Totman
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caroline Wong
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marie Loh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Roger Foo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health Systems, Singapore.,Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chay Hoon Tan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lee Gan Goh
- Division of Family Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rathi Mahendran
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Development Department, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Brian K Kennedy
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ee-Heok Kua
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Delorme A, Grandchamp R, Curot J, Barragan-Jason G, Denuelle M, Sol JC, Valton L. Effect of meditation on intracerebral EEG in a patient with temporal lobe epilepsy: A case report. Explore (NY) 2020; 17:197-202. [PMID: 33262082 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Meditation has been deemed a miracle cure for a wide range of neurological disorders. However, it is unclear whether meditation practice would be beneficial for patients suffering from epilepsy. Here we report on the comparison of the effects of focused-attention meditation and a control task on electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in a patient undergoing stereoencephalographic (SEEG) investigation for drug-resistant epilepsy. The patient routinely practiced focused-attention meditation and reported that she found it beneficial. During the SEEG investigation, intracerebral EEG data were recorded during meditation as well as during mind-wandering task. The EEG data were analyzed for type of electrical activity (labeled) by two expert epileptologists. We found that the proportion of EEG segments containing activity classified as interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs; abnormal electrical activity that occurs between seizures) increased significantly during meditation practice. Although the finding was surprising, this increase in IEDs may not correlate with an increase in seizure frequency, and the patient might still benefit from practicing meditation. The finding does, however, warrant further studies on the influence of meditation on epileptic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Delorme
- CERCO - Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition UMR 5549 - CNRS - UPS - Pavillon Baudot, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Place du Dr Baylac, 31059 Toulouse, France; Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Institute for Neural Computation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA, United States; Institute of Noetic Science, Petaluma, CA, USA.
| | - R Grandchamp
- CERCO - Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition UMR 5549 - CNRS - UPS - Pavillon Baudot, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Place du Dr Baylac, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - J Curot
- CERCO - Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition UMR 5549 - CNRS - UPS - Pavillon Baudot, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Place du Dr Baylac, 31059 Toulouse, France.
| | - G Barragan-Jason
- CERCO - Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition UMR 5549 - CNRS - UPS - Pavillon Baudot, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Place du Dr Baylac, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - M Denuelle
- Service des Explorations Neurophysiologiques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Pierre paul Riquet - Purpan, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France.
| | - J C Sol
- Service des Explorations Neurophysiologiques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Pierre paul Riquet - Purpan, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France; TONIC - Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Pavillon Baudot, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Place du Dr Baylac, 31059 Toulouse, France.
| | - L Valton
- CERCO - Centre de Recherche Cerveau et Cognition UMR 5549 - CNRS - UPS - Pavillon Baudot, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Place du Dr Baylac, 31059 Toulouse, France; Service des Explorations Neurophysiologiques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Pierre paul Riquet - Purpan, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France.
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Brief Mindfulness Meditation Induces Gray Matter Changes in a Brain Hub. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:8830005. [PMID: 33299395 PMCID: PMC7704181 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8830005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that the practice of long-term (months to years) mindfulness meditation induces structural plasticity in gray matter. However, it remains unknown whether short-term (<30 days) mindfulness meditation in novices could induce similar structural changes. Our previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified white matter changes surrounding the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) within 2 to 4 weeks, following 5-10 h of mindfulness training. Furthermore, these changes were correlated with emotional states in healthy adults. The PCC is a key hub in the functional anatomy implicated in meditation and other perspectival processes. In this longitudinal study using a randomized design, we therefore examined the effect of a 10 h of mindfulness training, the Integrative Body-Mind Training (IBMT) on gray matter volume of the PCC compared to an active control-relaxation training (RT). We found that brief IBMT increased ventral PCC volume and that baseline temperamental trait-an index of individual differences was associated with a reduction in training-induced gray matter increases. Our findings indicate that brief mindfulness meditation induces gray matter plasticity, suggesting that structural changes in ventral PCC-a key hub associated with self-awareness, emotion, cognition, and aging-may have important implications for protecting against mood-related disorders and aging-related cognitive declines.
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46
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Voelker P, Parker AN, Luu P, Davey C, Rothbart MK, Posner MI. Increasing the amplitude of intrinsic theta in the human brain. AIMS Neurosci 2020; 7:418-437. [PMID: 33263079 PMCID: PMC7701373 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In a mouse study we found increased myelination of pathways surrounding the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) following stimulation near the theta rhythm (4-8 Hz), and evidence that this change in connectivity reduced behavioral anxiety. We cannot use the optogenetic methods with humans that were used in our mouse studies. This paper examines whether it is possible to enhance intrinsic theta amplitudes in humans using less invasive methods. The first experiment compares electrical, auditory and biofeedback as methods for increasing intrinsic theta rhythm amplitudes in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC). These methods are used alone or in conjunction with a task designed to activate the same area. The results favor using electrical stimulation in conjunction with a task targeting this region. Stimulating the ACC increases intrinsic theta more in this area than in a control area distant from the site of stimulation, suggesting some degree of localization of the stimulation. In Experiment 2, we employed electrical stimulation with the electrodes common to each person, or with electrodes selected from an individual head model. We targeted the ACC or Motor Cortex (PMC). At baseline, intrinsic theta is higher in the ACC than the PMC. In both areas, theta can be increased in amplitude by electrical stimulation plus task. In the PMC, theta levels during stimulation plus task are not significantly higher than during task alone. There is no significant difference between generic and individual electrodes. We discuss steps needed to determine whether we can use the electrical stimulation + task to improve the connectivity of white matter in different brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Voelker
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene OR, USA
| | - Ashley N Parker
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene OR, USA
| | - Phan Luu
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene OR, USA
- BelCo Eugene OR, USA
| | | | - Mary K Rothbart
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene OR, USA
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Ben-Soussan TD, Marson F, Piervincenzi C, Glicksohn J, De Fano A, Amenduni F, Quattrocchi CC, Carducci F. Correlates of Silence: Enhanced Microstructural Changes in the Uncinate Fasciculus. Front Psychol 2020; 11:543773. [PMID: 33132952 PMCID: PMC7578698 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.543773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Silence is an important aspect of various meditation practices, but little work has focused specifically on the underlying neurophysiology of silence-related meditative practice, and on how it relates to the self-reported experiences of practitioners. To expand current knowledge regarding the neurophenomenology of silence in meditation, we directly investigated first-person reports of silence-related experiences during the practice of Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) and their association with changes in fractional anisotropy (FA). Participants recorded their cognitive, emotional, and physical experiences upon beginning QMT and again after 6 weeks of QMT practice. These reports were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. Findings showed that change between the two time points in self-reported silence-related experiences was negatively correlated with change in attentional effort, and positively correlated with changes in the left uncinate fasciculus. These results expand current knowledge regarding the neuroanatomical correlates of silence-related experiences during meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Patrizio Paoletti Foundation, Assisi, Italy
| | - Fabio Marson
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Patrizio Paoletti Foundation, Assisi, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Neuroimaging Laboratory, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Piervincenzi
- Human Neuroscience Department, Neuroimaging Laboratory, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Joseph Glicksohn
- Department of Criminology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.,The Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Antonio De Fano
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Patrizio Paoletti Foundation, Assisi, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Science, Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics (BIND) Center, University of Chieti-Pescara G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Carlo C Quattrocchi
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università "Campus Bio-Medico di Roma," Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Carducci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Neuroimaging Laboratory, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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48
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Lenhart L, Steiger R, Waibel M, Mangesius S, Grams AE, Singewald N, Gizewski ER. Cortical reorganization processes in meditation naïve participants induced by 7 weeks focused attention meditation training. Behav Brain Res 2020; 395:112828. [PMID: 32745662 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on the evidence that meditation is associated with numerous beneficial effects on well-being and reduced stress-related symptoms, mindfulness-based techniques were increasingly implemented into psychotherapeutic programs. However, different meditation styles and the cross-sectional nature of most previous analyses resulted in a great variety of morphometric findings. The present study aims to elucidate cortical reorganization processes and altered axonal integrity caused by short-term meditation training, and benefits from solely using focused attention meditation (FAM). METHODS 3 T MRI, including T1-MPRAGE and diffusion-weighted sequences, was performed in 27 healthy, meditation naïve participants (age: 43 ± 12.4 years) pre and post FAM meditation training (duration: 7.3 ± 0.4 weeks). Voxel-based morphometry was applied to assess brain changes in gray and white matter. Questionnaires were filled out by the individuals at both time-points to evaluate quality of life and self-awareness deficits. RESULTS The major findings comprised (i) gray matter increases in the insula, the caudate nucleus and frontal cortices, (ii) decreases in extended parietotemporal regions, the right medial prefrontal cortex and the parahippocampal gyrus, as well as (iii) fractional anisotropy increases of the right hippocampus, the basal ganglia and adjacent regions. Regression analysis revealed an association of specific alterations with reduced levels of state anxiety. CONCLUSIONS FAM training induced a broad range of dynamic brain alterations even within few weeks of training. Interestingly, this cohort revealed more, and partially different patterns of structural gray matter change compared to prior studies. The broad impact on neuronal organization processes may reflect more general outcomes related to health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Lenhart
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Ruth Steiger
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Stephanie Mangesius
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Astrid E Grams
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nicolas Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and CMBI, Leopold Franzens University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elke R Gizewski
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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49
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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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50
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Shanok NA, Reive C, Mize KD, Jones NA. Mindfulness Meditation Intervention Alters Neurophysiological Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Preadolescents. J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Mindfulness meditation interventions (MMIs) are formal training programs which utilize mindfulness techniques to improve attentional control and reduce stress and anxiety. Past investigations have shown that mindfulness-based interventions are effective in improving symptoms of anxiety and depression in both adolescents and adults, making this a promising natural approach to treating mood disorders. The current study sought to examine the neurophysiological effects of a 10-week MMI, in a relatively unexplored age-range (7–10 years). The non-clinical participants demonstrated increases in interhemispheric alpha coherence, as well as increased theta, alpha, and beta power particularly in frontal and central areas; reflecting a lower neurological risk for anxiety development. However, two common measures linked to anxiety, frontal and posterior alpha asymmetry remained largely unchanged following the training period. Still, these preliminary results exemplify the potentially positive effects of mindfulness meditation on preadolescents; this time on neurophysiological functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel A. Shanok
- Developmental Neuroscience Lab, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Carol Reive
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Krystal D. Mize
- Developmental Neuroscience Lab, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Nancy Aaron Jones
- Developmental Neuroscience Lab, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
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