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Cascade process mediated by left hippocampus and left superior frontal gyrus affects relationship between aging and cognitive dysfunction. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:75. [PMID: 34876001 PMCID: PMC8650545 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive function declines with age and has been shown to be associated with atrophy in some brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex. However, the details of the relationship between aging and cognitive dysfunction are not well understood. METHODS Across a wide range of ages (24- to 85-years-old), this research measured the gray matter volume of structural magnetic resonance imaging data in 39 participants, while some brain regions were set as mediator variables to assess the cascade process between aging and cognitive dysfunction in a path analysis. RESULTS Path analysis showed that age affected the left hippocampus, thereby directly affecting the left superior frontal gyrus. Furthermore, the gyrus directly affected higher order flexibility and maintenance abilities calculated as in the Wisconsin card sorting test, and the two abilities affected the assessment of general cognitive function. CONCLUSION Our finding suggests that a cascade process mediated by the left hippocampus and left superior frontal gyrus is involved in the relationship between aging and cognitive dysfunction.
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2
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Slow electroencephalographic oscillations and behavioral measures as predictors of high executive processing in early postmenopausal females: A discriminant analysis approach. Brain Cogn 2020; 145:105613. [PMID: 32911233 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2020.105613] [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: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Decline in cognitive function is frequent in early postmenopause. There are postmenopausal females who show high performance while others display low performance in executive function, modulated by the prefrontal cortex. These differences have led to confusing and inconclusive results, which have not been explained entirely by the decline in estrogens, which affect the prefrontal cortex functions. An analysis of brain function and the application of a discriminant analysis can help to clarify the deficits in executive function shown by some postmenopausal females. The objective was to examine electroencephalographic recording during the performance of an executive function test in early postmenopausal females, ten with a high level of performance and ten with a low level of performance. Absolute power of delta, theta, alpha1, alpha2, beta1 and beta2 and the numbers of completed categories, trials, perseverative errors and overall errors were submitted to stepwise discriminant analysis to identify predictor variables. Four predictors emerged as significant of group membership based on cognitive performance, with the high-performance group characterized by more completed categories, more delta power, less theta power and more alpha1 power. These findings suggest that postmenopausal females classified in the high-performance group displayed appropriate temporary activation in slow oscillations during executive processing.
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3
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Auditory event-related potentials in individuals with subjective and mild cognitive impairment. Behav Brain Res 2020; 391:112700. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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4
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Bielas J, Michalczyk Ł. Beta Neurofeedback Training Improves Attentional Control in the Elderly. Psychol Rep 2020; 124:54-69. [PMID: 31937181 DOI: 10.1177/0033294119900348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
One of the well-documented behavioral changes that occur with advancing age is a decline in executive functioning, for example, attentional control. Age-related executive deficits are said to be associated with a deterioration of the frontal lobes. Neurofeedback is a training method which aims at acquiring self-control over certain brain activity patterns. It is considered as an effective approach to help improve attentional and self-management capabilities. However, studies evaluating the efficacy of neurofeedback training to boost executive functioning in an elderly population are still relatively rare and controversial. The aim of our study was to contribute to the assessment of the efficacy of neurofeedback as a method for enhancing executive functioning in the elderly. We provided a group of seniors with beta up-training (12-22 Hz), consisting of 20 sessions (30 minutes each), on the Cz site and tested its possible beneficiary influence on attentional control assessed by means of the Stroop and Simon tasks. The analysis of the subjects' mean reaction times during consecutive tasks in the test and the retest, after implementation of neurofeedback training, showed a significant improvement. In contrast, the difference in reaction times between the test and the retest in the control group who had not been submitted to neurofeedback training was not significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Bielas
- Institute of Psychology, Jesuit University Ignatianum in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Michalczyk
- Institute of Psychology, Jesuit University Ignatianum in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
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Miranda AR, Franchetto Sierra J, Martínez Roulet A, Rivadero L, Serra SV, Soria EA. Age, education and gender effects on Wisconsin card sorting test: standardization, reliability and validity in healthy Argentinian adults. AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2019; 27:807-825. [PMID: 31744387 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2019.1693491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is a widely used neuropsychological assessment of executive functioning. The aim of this study was to provide norm values and analyze the psychometric properties of WCST in healthy Argentinian adults aged from 18 to 89 years old (N = 235). Descriptive statistics are reported as means, standard deviations and percentiles, with the effects of age, education and gender being investigated by ANOVA, and with the effect sizes being calculated. The psychometrics were studied using the WCST structure, reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity, and WCST norms adjusted for age and educational level are proposed. This instrument is a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of executive functions. However, as the age- and educational-related effects were demonstrated, these characteristics need to be considered before interpreting WCST scores. Regarding gender, no differences were found. Our results expand the geographical and sociocultural applicability of WCST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín R Miranda
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Fonoaudiología. Córdoba, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , Cordoba, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, INICSA , Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juliana Franchetto Sierra
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Fonoaudiología. Córdoba, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Amparo Martínez Roulet
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Fonoaudiología. Córdoba, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Luisina Rivadero
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Fonoaudiología. Córdoba, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Silvana V Serra
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Escuela de Fonoaudiología. Córdoba, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba , Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Elio A Soria
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, INICSA , Córdoba, Argentina.,Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Cátedra de Biología Celular, Histología y Embriología, Instituto de Biología Celular , Cordoba, Argentina
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6
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Nixon SJ, Lewis B. Clarifying the neurobehavioral sequelae of moderate drinking lifestyles and acute alcohol effects with aging. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2019; 148:39-78. [PMID: 31733667 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological estimates indicate not only an increase in the proportion of older adults, but also an increase in those who continue moderate alcohol consumption. Substantial literatures have attempted to characterize health benefits/risks of moderate drinking lifestyles. Not uncommonly, reports address outcomes in a single outcome, such as cardiovascular function or cognitive decline, rather than providing a broader overview of systems. In this narrative review, retaining focus on neurobiological considerations, we summarize key findings regarding moderate drinking and three health domains, cardiovascular health, Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cognition. Interestingly, few investigators have studied bouts of low/moderate doses of alcohol consumption, a pattern consistent with moderate drinking lifestyles. Here, we address both moderate drinking as a lifestyle and as an acute event. Review of health-related correlates illustrates continuing inconsistencies. Although substantive reductions in risk for cardiovascular and T2D events are reported, robust conclusions remain elusive. Similarly, whereas moderate drinking is often associated with enhanced cognition and lower dementia risk, few benefits are noted in rates of decline or alterations in brain structure. The effect of sex/gender varies across health domains and by consumption levels. For example, women appear to differentially benefit from alcohol use in terms of T2D, but experience greater risk when considering aspects of cardiovascular function. Finally, we observe that socially relevant alcohol doses do not consistently impair performance in older adults. Rather, older drinkers demonstrate divergent, but not necessarily detrimental, patterns in neural activation and some behavioral measures relative to younger drinkers. Taken together, the epidemiological and laboratory studies reinforce the need for greater attention to key individual differences and for the conduct of systematic studies sensitive to age-related shifts in neurobiological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jo Nixon
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, Gainesville, FL, United States; University of Florida Center for Addiction Research & Education, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Ben Lewis
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, Gainesville, FL, United States; University of Florida Center for Addiction Research & Education, Gainesville, FL, United States
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CogBeacon: A Multi-Modal Dataset and Data-Collection Platform for Modeling Cognitive Fatigue. TECHNOLOGIES 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/technologies7020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we present CogBeacon, a multi-modal dataset designed to target the effects of cognitive fatigue in human performance. The dataset consists of 76 sessions collected from 19 male and female users performing different versions of a cognitive task inspired by the principles of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), a popular cognitive test in experimental and clinical psychology designed to assess cognitive flexibility, reasoning, and specific aspects of cognitive functioning. During each session, we record and fully annotate user EEG functionality, facial keypoints, real-time self-reports on cognitive fatigue, as well as detailed information of the performance metrics achieved during the cognitive task (success rate, response time, number of errors, etc.). Along with the dataset we provide free access to the CogBeacon data-collection software to provide a standardized mechanism to the community for collecting and annotating physiological and behavioral data for cognitive fatigue analysis. Our goal is to provide other researchers with the tools to expand or modify the functionalities of the CogBeacon data-collection framework in a hardware-independent way. As a proof of concept we show some preliminary machine learning-based experiments on cognitive fatigue detection using the EEG information and the subjective user reports as ground truth. Our experiments highlight the meaningfulness of the current dataset, and encourage our efforts towards expanding the CogBeacon platform. To our knowledge, this is the first multi-modal dataset specifically designed to assess cognitive fatigue and the only free software available to allow experiment reproducibility for multi-modal cognitive fatigue analysis.
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Hunt BAE, Wong SM, Vandewouw MM, Brookes MJ, Dunkley BT, Taylor MJ. Spatial and spectral trajectories in typical neurodevelopment from childhood to middle age. Netw Neurosci 2019; 3:497-520. [PMID: 30984904 PMCID: PMC6444935 DOI: 10.1162/netn_a_00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Detailed characterization of typical human neurodevelopment is key if we are to understand the nature of mental and neurological pathology. While research on the cellular processes of neurodevelopment has made great advances, in vivo human imaging is crucial to understand our uniquely human capabilities, as well as the pathologies that affect them. Using magnetoencephalography data in the largest normative sample currently available (324 participants aged 6-45 years), we assess the developmental trajectory of resting-state oscillatory power and functional connectivity from childhood to middle age. The maturational course of power, indicative of local processing, was found to both increase and decrease in a spectrally dependent fashion. Using the strength of phase-synchrony between parcellated regions, we found significant linear and nonlinear (quadratic and logarithmic) trajectories to be characterized in a spatially heterogeneous frequency-specific manner, such as a superior frontal region with linear and nonlinear trajectories in theta and gamma band respectively. Assessment of global efficiency revealed similar significant nonlinear trajectories across all frequency bands. Our results link with the development of human cognitive abilities; they also highlight the complexity of neurodevelopment and provide quantitative parameters for replication and a robust footing from which clinical research may map pathological deviations from these typical trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A. E. Hunt
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Simeon M. Wong
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marlee M. Vandewouw
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Matthew J. Brookes
- The Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin T. Dunkley
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Margot J. Taylor
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Du B, Cao B, He W, Li F. Different Electrophysiological Responses to Informative Value of Feedback Between Children and Adults. Front Psychol 2018; 9:346. [PMID: 29666592 PMCID: PMC5891721 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to learn from feedback is important for children's adaptive behavior and school learning. Feedback has two main components, informative value and valence. How to disentangle these two components and what is the developmental neural correlates of using the informative value of feedback is still an open question. In this study, 23 children (7-10 years old) and 19 adults (19-22 years old) were asked to perform a rule induction task, in which they were required to find a rule, based on the informative value of feedback. Behavioral results indicated that the likelihood of correct searching behavior under negative feedback was low for children. Event-related potentials showed that (1) the effect of valence was processed in a wide time window, particularly in the N2 component; (2) the encoding process of the informative value of negative feedback began later for children than for adults; (3) a clear P300 was observed for adults; for children, however, P300 was absent in the frontal region; and (4) children processed the informative value of feedback chiefly in the left sites during the P300 time window, whereas adults did not show this laterality. These results suggested that children were less sensitive to the informative value of negative feedback possibly because of the immature brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Du
- Research Center of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Bihua Cao
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Weiqi He
- Research Center of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Fuhong Li
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
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10
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Boissoneault J, Frazier I, Lewis B, Nixon SJ. Effects of Age and Acute Moderate Alcohol Administration on Electrophysiological Correlates of Working Memory Maintenance. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:1874-83. [PMID: 27419803 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest older adults may be differentially susceptible to the acute neurobehavioral effects of moderate alcohol intake. To our knowledge, no studies have addressed acute moderate alcohol effects on the electrophysiological correlates of working memory in younger and older social drinkers. This study characterized alcohol-related effects on frontal theta (FTP) and posterior alpha power (PAP) associated with maintenance of visual information during a working memory task. METHODS Older (55 to 70 years of age; n = 51, 29 women) and younger (25 to 35 years of age; n = 70, 39 women) community-dwelling moderate drinkers were recruited for this study. Participants were given either placebo or an active dose targeting breath alcohol concentrations (BrACs) of 0.04 or 0.065 g/dl. Following absorption, participants completed a visual working memory task assessing cue recognition following a 9-s delay. FTP and PAP were determined via Fourier transformation and subjected to 2 (age group) × 3 (dose) × 2 (repeated: working memory task condition) mixed models analysis. RESULTS In addition to expected age-related reductions in PAP, a significant age group × dose interaction was detected for PAP such that 0.04 g/dl dose level was associated with greater PAP in younger adults but lower PAP in their older counterparts. PAP was lower in older versus younger adults at both active doses. Further mixed models revealed a significant negative association between PAP and working memory efficiency for older adults. No effects of age, dose, or their interaction were noted for FTP. CONCLUSIONS Results bolster the small but growing body of evidence that older adults exhibit differential sensitivity to the neurobehavioral effects of moderate alcohol use. Given the theoretical role of PAP in attentional and working memory function, these findings shed light on the attentional mechanisms underlying effects of acute moderate alcohol on working memory efficiency in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Boissoneault
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ian Frazier
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ben Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sara Jo Nixon
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Reis J, Portugal AM, Fernandes L, Afonso N, Pereira M, Sousa N, Dias NS. An Alpha and Theta Intensive and Short Neurofeedback Protocol for Healthy Aging Working-Memory Training. Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:157. [PMID: 27458369 PMCID: PMC4936375 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study tested the effects of an intensive and short alpha and theta neurofeedback (NF) protocol in working memory (WM) performance in a healthy elder population and explored the effects of a multimodal approach, by supplementing NF with cognitive tasks. Participants were allocated to four groups: NF (N = 9); neurofeedback supplemented with cognitive training (NFCT) (N = 8); cognitive training (CT) (N = 7) and sham neurofeedback (Sham-NF) (N = 6). The intervention consisted in 30-min sessions for 8 days. The NF group presented post intervention increases of alpha and theta relative power as well as performance in the matrix rotation task. In addition, a successful up training of frontal theta showed positive correlation with an improvement of post-training alpha and a better performance in the matrix rotation task. The results presented herein suggest that an intensive and short NF protocol enables elders to learn alpha and theta self-modulation and already presents moderate improvements in cognition and basal EEG. Also, CT group showed moderate performance gains on the cognitive tasks used during the training sessions but no clear improvements on neurophysiology and behavioral measurements were observed. This study represents a first attempt to study the effects of an intensive and short NF protocol in WM performance of elders. The evidence presented here suggests that an intensive and short NF intervention could be a valid alternative for introduction of older populations to NF methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Reis
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of MinhoBraga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate LaboratoryGuimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana Maria Portugal
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of MinhoBraga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate LaboratoryGuimarães, Portugal
| | - Luís Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of MinhoBraga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate LaboratoryGuimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Afonso
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of MinhoBraga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate LaboratoryGuimarães, Portugal
| | - Mariana Pereira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of MinhoBraga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate LaboratoryGuimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of MinhoBraga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate LaboratoryGuimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBraga, Portugal
| | - Nuno S. Dias
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of MinhoBraga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate LaboratoryGuimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBraga, Portugal
- Digital Games Research Center, Polytechnic Institute of Cavado and AveBarcelos, Portugal
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